Blast from the Past

I was going through some old picture files recently and came across this video. I’m pretty sure I never posted it before. I feel like I tried to post it, but the uploader wouldn’t work and I gave up. WELL, HERE IT IS!!

It’s not recent at all. This was taken in August of 2008, just after the kids turned 2, but it’s just so darn cute! They literally used to do this nearly every day! Not so much anymore. Part of growing up, I suppose. Alas.

Oh, well. Enjoy!

Things We Love #2

Laurie Berkner!!!

I know, I know, she’s not for everyone.  I have some very good friends who don’t like her a bit, although their son does!

At OUR house, however, we are BIG FANS!

If you don’t know who Laurie Berkner is, let me enlighten you!  She is the head of the Laurie Berkner Band, a group that appears regularly for music numbers on NickJr (formerly Noggin), especially on the show Jack’s Big Music Show.

Her songs are often silly (“Pig On Her Head”) and mostly fast-paced (“My Energy”), but they also have really nice lessons (“I’m Not Perfect”).  I love that her songs encourage my kids (okay, me too!) to get up and dance!  A few months ago, a one-hour show dedicated to Laurie and her music aired on NickJr.  I recorded it and the kids and I watch it often! 

Here’s a clip of the kids watching and dancing!  (It’s a little long…you don’t have to watch it all!)

Check out the Laurie Berkner Band!  She’s sure to have you dancing too!

Note: I have not been paid by Laurie or anyone associated with her for this endorsement!  I just really think she’s great!

Run Around Like Crazy and then Beat Up a Tree

Just two of the many things my children have come up with to entertain themselves this summer. Well, running around like crazy is not new, but tree-beating is. Just watch!

Run around like crazy…

…and then beat up a tree!

Disclaimer: No trees were harmed in the production of this video. Although the tree seen above is indeed a real tree, the weapons used against it are only inflatable swim rings and caused no physical damage to the tree. Emotionally, we believe the tree enjoyed the attention. Thank you.

The New Room

We’ve recently added a new room onto our house. We just felt like the kids needed some more space. This is a really special room just for them! We think once you’ve seen ours, you’ll want one for your kids too!

Ha ha! Just kidding, of course! No parents in their right minds want this anywhere near their house! Actually, this is just one of many little houses for kids to play in at The Big Back Yard, a new children’s exhibit at the Memphis Botanical Gardens. We got to go check it all out on a recent trip to Memphis to see Bud and KayKay anf the rest of the fam.

There are more pictures to share. This is just Part 1! Part 2 coming soon!

Talking to Toddlers

Just a few entertaining conversations...

Scene 1: I'm in the kitchen and the kids are playing in the adjoining playroom. Thomas runs halfway across the room, then screeches to a halt, staring at the ceiling.

Thomas: Momma! I think it's missing! (pronounced mEEs-ing)

Me: (Looking towards the ceiling, wondering what he could possibly be staring at or talking about) What's missing, honey?

Thomas: I don't know, but I think it's missing!

I never did figure out what he was talking about!

Scene 2: It's "bedtime." I have just entered the kids' bedroom for the 400th time because they won't stay in their beds or be remotely quiet and go to sleep. I am OVER IT! I have Zachary in my sights this time. He was jumping on the bed, but immediately laid done when I opened the door.

Me: (leaning over his bed, angry voice) Zachary! Do you WANT to be in trouble?!? DO YOU!?!

Zachary: (tilts his head slightly, lays his index finger upon his cheek, turns his eyes toward the ceiling with a look of serious thinking) Hmmmm....

He never did actually answer my question. He just kept tilting his head and saying, "Hmmm..." I finally just had to leave before I burst out laughing and ruined my angry mood.

And this one, caught on tape! This was back in October and I've tried to post it before with no success. Actually, it took me 4 tries to get it to post today! Enjoy!

A Day Away

Last weekend I was able to experience something completely new! More than 24 hours in which I was not responsible for any children! Woo hoo! I left the kids home with Jim and went to Nashville to spend some time with my mom and sister in honor of my sister's birthday. Happy birthday, Aunt Jo Jo!




Jim told the kids I was "going to work" which was something they could understand and worked out well because they didn't freak out when I left the house. Neither of us mentioned that I would be with Kay Kay and Aunt Jo Jo. Then I would have had to bring them all with me! What I actually did was go shopping, stay overnight at the Opryland Hotel, and get to see the Rockettes perform! And I had a great time! But I'll admit that I spent a lot of time smiling at other people's children, got a little teary at the beginning of the Rockettes show thinking about how much the kids, and especially Reagan, would enjoy seeing it in a couple of years, and had a hard time falling asleep without a monitor to listen to.



But I know what you REALLY want to hear about! What was Jim doing while I was gone? After all, this was his first time to keep the kids by himself for more than a few hours, so it was a big deal, and he was naturally a little nervous about keeping the horde entertained for such a long period of time. Nevertheless, in typical Jim fashion, he did a fabulous job! And even found time to document his adventures for your viewing pleasure!




I left the house after breakfast Sat morning and didn't return until after naptime Sunday afternoon, which means Jim undertook two naps, one bedtime, four meals, and hours of playtime with no help or guidance from me. They played. They wrestled. They colored. And then Jim brought out the big guns! He had found a train set for a reasonable price, so he put it together and amused the kids for a good long time! It played music and had a nice big track. It was also remote-controlled with only four buttons, so even the kids each got turns running the train. They LOVED it! In fact, they've begged to play with the train every day since.

Thomas, Jonathan, Zachary, and Reagan

Jonathan plays conductor

Jim even got out his guitar, put on a little concert, and let the kids each strum some notes themselves! So cool! They never get to do anything this exciting when it's just me!

Reagan is so proud of herself!

Thomas makes some professional adjustments to get the sound just right

The Concert Event of the Season!

Yes, the kids had a blast with Daddy! And I think Daddy had a good time too! And not only did he take care of the kids AND take pictures so I didn't miss a minute, but he also cleaned the kitchen, put away the kids' toys, and washed a load of laundry! Watch out folks, he just might be Super-Dad!