Some People are just not Photogenic

I know this because I have two children that are complete opposite ends of the spectrum. It has nothing to do with their looks because they are both two of the cutest boys I know but pictures just agree with one waaaaaay more than the other.

I noticed this when I was going through all the pictures on my computer trying to find a good picture of each of the boys. With Nathan I had a million to choose from and had a hard time picking the best. Marcus on the other hand, I found myself saying "well I could use this one if I can't find anything else."

Exhibit A:


This was no accident. This is the face he makes when I try to take his picture. He is trying really really hard no to blink. Very attractive.

Exhibit B:


Bless his little heart. Maybe I should tell him I would actually prefer a picture of him blinking.

Exhibit C:


Nevermind, I don't know what I prefer.

Nathan on the other hand, tries to look ridiculous and somehow it still works.


Pillow on his head.


He can even make weird look cute.


First thing in the morning.

Doesn't matter, the camera loves him no matter what.


I am hoping the bug eye thing is just a phase otherwise we will have a very interesting photo album to show all of his future girlfriends, and I'm sure when he gets older he is going to love these pictures.

Potty Training

A work in progress.

A video update if you will

School is almost out for the summer and the boys are counting the days down. I am not sure if I am ready for school to be out yet. Sometimes I think them being apart for the school day is the only thing that keeps them from strangling each other and me from going nuts. I have a plan though, I always have a plan. I shall distract them with activities, baking projects, chores, and of course the swimming pool that has been hogging up the garage for the past seven months. It will be fun.... right??

So Jason had his end of the year concert this past weekend. I can't even tell you how proud I am of him. He has really come along way with the clarinet playing.


Jason and his band teacher. Oh I just want to pinch his cheeks!!


The auditorium was way to dark to take pictures or video so I videotaped James who clapped and danced for every song the band played. It came out real dark but you can hear the band and kind of see James hopping and dancing and clapping. He was way into it.

Then just today, Nathan showed me a trick he can do with a pillow. I swear every time I see him do it I get the chills because it creeps me out. He's my creeepy, double jointed, goofy boy.



That's all I have to share today. Mike has finally been working earlier hours so I am finally able to sit down with my family and enjoy dinner together every night. Something we have been looking forward to for a long time.

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Teeth

With four kids, three of which are at or past the teeth losing stage, I have had quite a few run ins with the tooth fairy. Just two nights ago, Marcus lost his second front tooth after hours of wiggling it while secreting massive amounts of drool in front of the bathroom mirror.



Around tooth losing time I get bombarded with fairy questions. "Is the tooth fairy a girl?", "How does she get in our house?", "Why doesn't she like shark tooth necklaces?", and my personal favorite "What does she do with all those teeth?"

That last one always stumps me. What DOES she do with all those teeth?? She has to have a pretty extensive collection by now and by my calculations she has doled out over $100 on my kids' teeth alone! Maybe next time I see her I will get a chance to ask. That tooth fairy is darn sneaky!

How I know it's a 2 year old's naptime.

James, are you tired?


AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

(I check my ears for blood)


Hands turn to fists and tears start to flow.


More screaming ensues but is done in his normal sleeping position. As you can see the dog is pretty used to this now.


Enough with the pictures lady, put him to bed.

I'm So Lucky

To have snatched this man off the "single" market exactly three years ago today.

Happy Anniversary Love.

Derby Day

Today was derby day, which for us was a perfect reason to have a party. There's nothing better than a good horse race to bring a family together. No but really, it was fun to have a theme party and gave me an excuse to wear a dress which I haven't done since my wedding which will be three years ago on Tuesday.


Mike's aunt and uncle (Tom and Mena) flew out to AZ because our parties are so awesome and they didn't want to miss it. Mena was a talented florist and turned my Mums into fancy works of art.


Tom and Mike dressed the part with their derby hats. Tom decided to go with the green shirt to try to channel the power of the money gods to come his way.



We spent the afternoon eating lots and lots of food, betting on the horses and playing washers.


Pros at work.


Washer watchers.


Me and my date in my fancy dress. Mike is so sweet he even dressed to coordinate with me.


Someone felt left out in the hat department.


One of the my favorite parts of the party (besides the food) was the hat contest. I had bought lots of cheap sunhats and craft supplies and we all decorated our hats!


Nothing like hot glue guns and glitter to liven up a party. There were two categories for the contest, prettiest and most outrageous.


Today I realized I need more craft projects in my life. There is something soothing about the smell of the glue as you attach your fake rhinestones and hot pink boa on straw hats that makes me want more.


They were a lot of fun and even the boys had a great time with it.


Kaci's was so pretty I would actually wear it in public.


I probably wouldn't wear Jason's hat in public. Except maybe to Walmart because you can wear anything there. He was going for the outrageous category (and won).


Mena was pretty in pink.


Outrageous in a nutshell.


Judging was tough, there was a fierce battle in the pretty category and we actually had a tie. Everyone revoted and my little cousin Daniel's hat came out victorious. Go Daniel!


All the action wore little Jack out so he took a power nap on his grampa.


RACE TIME!


Can you tell my husband is a big fan of horse racing? He was jumping, screaming, and fist pumping at the tv to move his horses along.


So close! We picked the right winner but needed the ten horse to come in second. He came in third. Darn horse.

It was a great time and every time we have a party likes this it just reminds me how important it is to make time for family. It is what keeps us content and happy.


I am already brainstorming for next year's derby party! So save the date!