Boys & Birds and Time

I was gone for four days this last week, which to most people doesn't seem like a lot of time. To me though, it seemed like months had gone by. When I got home everything had grown; the grass had grown, the garden had grown, the chickens had grown and you boys had grown. Not just in size, but in vocabulary, humor and mannerisms. I didn't realize having children would put me in a time warp where everything happens faster.
We also have new additions to the family. There are birds building a nest in the birdhouse Uncle Imad built. There will be new babies in the Spring.

Happy Mother's Day

I know, I know, it's June 12th and Mother's Day was weeks ago, but the best gifts I get don't happen on holidays. This evening, Beanie took it upon himself to pick a beautiful dandelion and present it to me with a sweet 'Happy Muuuuuther's Day, Momma'.

Mud Magnets

So, I had heard of this phenomenon where little boys are mysteriously pulled toward mud. There is no cure; I guess it's not quite a disease.

My Mom had spoke of my brother having this awful infliction. Now Beanie has it. After weeks of torrential rain and lake-like puddles, the sun has finally dried up most of the backyard. But tonight I watched in amazement as Beanie ran through the grass only to be magnetically forced to change course and run through the 6 inch by 12 inch patch of mud. Once he had done it, the magnetic force got stronger and he had to push his foot down deep. Then the curse really took hold and Beanie couldn't help but stomp repeatedly with both feet.

I wasn't too worried about it; I thought as he got older, he would get stronger and be able to fight the force, but I talked with my brother later in the evening and when I asked him what he was up to, he replied, "..just working in the mud."

Toddler Time

You boys have this amazing sense of time. A day is longer than month and a month is longer than a year.

Bub, you start kindergarten in 3 months but you've told everyone that will listen that you're going to school in one year, which is not tomorrow, but the next one.

You also believe that 'two 5 minutes' is too long to give Momma a break from all the WHY questions.

Amazing Little Brains

Dear Bub and Beanie,

For the third night in a row, I've read "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back" to you. I'm amazed at your love for stories and words and how smart you are. We have officially reached the WHY stage. I can see where some people might find it frustrating, but all I can think about is how with every 'why', you are learning something.

On our walk after dinner, I showed you road signs to help you remember the name of our street. You talked me into going to the park and checking out the new playground equipment. I think I'm as excited as you for the grand opening.