Tool Time

Thank God for Lowe's!

On Saturday Ben and I had a showing of our house so we had to leave from 10 - 11 a.m. Ben was at the hospital so it was up to me to find something fun to do with the boys. I mentioned to my friend, Kristen, that I needed something to do and she recommended going to Lowe's for their children's project time. How perfect!

At Lowe's there is a special room where the children go and get to pick out a project to make. Each child got a free apron and goggles and all project materials needed to complete a "quickie" handmade craft. (Did I mention everything was FREE?!) Joel chose a "land sail" (a car with a sail) and Evan chose a periscope (because he likes to play spies!). I couldn't believe how fun it was! Joel was able to complete his project with almost no direction from me; Evan needed a lot more help and kept asking, "Are we done?" He quickly tired of hammering nails and just wanted to play spies.

They were so excited to show Dad their handiwork! When we got home Daddy set up a work station where the boys could practice hammering nails and using screwdrivers; of course Evan had to put on his "work clothes."

Thanks Kristen Merrick for an awesome idea!

Ornery Drew

I am very sad to report that my "baby" turned three this month! I cannot believe it. I've begged him to stay little, but it just doesn't work.

It's not very often that I get a picture of Drew laughing, so I just had to post this one. A friend of mine, Pam, hosted a "combined" b-day party for her five year old, Michael, and for Drew. There were two set of candles on the cake -- one set for Drew to blow out and the other set for Michael. Michael hesitated to blow out his candles so Drew seized the opportunity and proceeded to blow out all of the candles! We told him not to do it, lit the candles again, and once again Drew blew them all out. This is why Drew, my little sinking, ornery child, is laughing. He loved every minute of being a meanie.

4th of July Parade

In 1976, when I was a very young child (cough, cough), my mom planned a neighborhood parade to celebrate America's bicentennial; this year I did the same for my neighborhood. I invited the entire neighborhood and was thrilled to have about 30 children participate. At the end, we all met in the park where Ben was handing out popsicles. I hope we created a memory our children will always fondly remember.

The Art of Coercion

Last Sunday I told Ben that I wanted a bicycle. His response, "We'll get you one eventually."

Me: "I want one today." (I want to be able to ride around the neighborhood with Joel.)

Ben: "I don't know where our budget stands."

Me: "Earlier you mentioned you are going shopping for fireworks this week and you never mentioned 'budget' then."

Ben: "Kids, get in the car, we're getting mom a bike."

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful new Schwinn bicycle! Thanks Ben, I love it! (So if you see me walking funny, that's why -- my butt is killing me!)