Day 50 - 2/19/13 - Poor Peanut

The stomach bug hit Patrick.  He had a fever, slept a ton, and wouldn't eat a bite.  Although it was so hard to see him sick, both Will and I enjoyed the extra snuggles we got from him.

Karen

Day 29 - 1/29/13 - Twin Day

It was Catholic Schools Week at the Catholic School I provide Title I services for.  Lindsay attends their 3 year program on the days I work there.  Monday's spirit day was Twin Day.  So, Lindsay and I were twins. Normally, there is a lot of whining and complaining when we get up in the morning and get ready but this morning she got up and dress all by herself.  She was very excited to wear a Hello Kitty shirt with Mommy and to not have to wear her uniform!  I cheated a little with this picture because it was taken on my phone but I think it's pretty cute!

Karen

Day 21 - 1/21/13 - Day Off?

I thought days off were supposed to be relaxing or a day to get things accomplished.  Ha!  Well, I guess I did get caught up on this.  Our day off today consisted of dentist appointments for both kids, a fun 2 hours at Chuck E. Cheese's, making cookies and crafting with the kids.  I have a million other things I need and want to get done, but I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day off.  These two cuties light up my life!!

Karen

Day 20 - 1/20/13 - Dishonest Mom of the Year Award

Do you want to know how I get my kids to pose and smile for the camera?  I bribe, I say potty words, and yes, I sometimes lie.  I got a new lens for my camera that I was excited to try out on the kids.  Neither wanted their picture taken.  So, what did I say?  I told them it was a special lens that makes really pretty faces look ugly.  They smiled really nice and I got some great shots!  Then when they asked to see the pictures and if it worked I said, "No but I did take some pretty pictures so I guess I'll keep it."  Yup, totally losing the Mother of the Year Award.  The things moms do for a good shot.

Karen

  

Day 8 - 1/8/13 - Tablet Time

We got a tablet for Christmas.  I immediately loaded a ton of kids apps on it.  Let's be real, it's mostly for them.  The first couple days there was a lot of arguing and whining over the tablet, so we decided to institute Tablet Time.  Every day they have to earn minutes of tablet time by doing things the first time we ask them to or just by being caught doing something good.  On school days, we have tied it into their behavior charts at school.  Then after dinner and before bath they get their Tablet Time.  We set their timer for the minutes they've earned and let them play.  Best thing we've ever done!!  The kids are clearing their plates after meals without being asked and as soon as I mention the tablet the mood changes.  Here's a picture of my Peanut during his Tablet Time last night.  (Yes, I know that he is 5 and has on 2-3 Toddler socks on but he loves them and some battles aren't worth fighting!)

 

 

And since Patrick is very much like his father and doesn't really like getting his picture taken, I either get an angry face or a super cheesy smile face.  The times when I get a good genuine smile are few and far between.  Well, I camped out while he was playing the tablet.  When he looked up excitedly to tell me he figured a game out, I snapped this gem.  Mustard stain in the corner of his mouth and all, but I'll take it.  I love my sweet boy with all my heart!