Conversations.....a few of many

I've had a lot of funny conversations today with the kids and should have been writing them all down.  Here is one from tonight as it is raining.

Graham: Did dad drive his Jeep to work?
Me:  Yes, Good thing he did!
Kamryn: Yeah!  If he would ride his bike, lightning could SMASH him like a pancake!
Graham: Sister.......Lightening will NOT smash you like a pancake.

Kamryn:  gasp!  oh no my socks are outside!  this is gonna be a disaster! (as she is trying to open the sliding door to head out in the storm)
Me:  Sister! Stay in here!  Graham went out and got them a little bit ago, remember?!
Kamryn: oh.

I should title this conversation "Out in Left Field"

Graham:  Mom would it be awkward if we watched Cars again tomorrow?
Me: why would it be awkward?
Graham:  I mean wouldn't it be awkward if we watched Cars before we went to toddler time....it would be awkward.
Me:  You definitely won't be able to watch it before Toddler time but that doesn't make it awkward.
Graham:  well it would just be awkward......Good grief....are you afraid of storms Azzi?

guest writer

For the love of all that's holy!  What's the point in having a blog if I'm not going to be consistant in writing?!?!  Beats the hell out of me but I am going to give this another try.  I am the guest today...might as well be.

As all my posts are, this is going to be an update on our kids, which is the sole purpose for this blog.  So if you don't want to read all the sappy "oh my kids are the best" stories then exit...click the red 'x' in the right hand corner of your screen.

Up first is the most recent story I have, only 3 hours old at this point.....

Anymore, I am not a fan of taking both of the kids to Wal-Mart while I am by myself.  That store is like a war zone.  You walk in there with  1 item on your list and then BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM!  You have a cart full of shit (if you have a toddler who has finally agreed to sit in there because inevitably she craps her pants while we are there and proceeds to announce that to everyone), excuse me, a cart full of all kinds of precious things you were not intending to purchase.  ANYWAYS....we go there today and I told the kids that there was no choice, both were going IN the cart, the instant we got in the store and that if they were good, I'd buy them the DVD "Frozen."  Little did they know, that was one of the main reasons I was going there anyways, to get a new movie for the car ride tomorrow, but whatevs....if it works, great.  We get in the store and of course Kamryn starts to throw a fit and I asked her once more if she wanted the movie?  She said yes, and got her happy pampers in the cart!  Graham was great about getting in without a fight thank goodness.
The kids did great!  No fighting...Kamryn for the first time in ages, didn't load her drawers, Graham didn't ask for everything in sight, it was a success.....and THEN we enter the checkout line.
We made it a family effort to load the checkout table with all our groceries, the cashier starts scanning our stuff and here we go.....Kamryn decides she is going to have a "Come to Jesus meeting" with the cashier.  I will give you one guess and only one, as to who played the role of Jesus...............
Cashier says to me:  "Hello, how are you doing today"
Me: Doing alright, thanks
In the background of all the small talk is Kamryn: (in a sweet voice)  Hi Lady! :).....
Cashier: no answer
Kamryn: (kinda sweet voice) Hey LADY!
Cashier: no answer
As I am saying "hey Kamryn, can you please say hey 'mam'?"
Kamryn: (not sweet but PTL she didn't scream it) Hey Lady, you are not listening to me!..........
Kamryn: (sweet voice) "Hey mam :)"
Cashier: Hi!!!
Kamryn: Um may I have a sticker?
Cashier: I'm sorry we don't have stickers.
Kamryn: You don't have stickers?!
Cashier:  Nope they don't let us give them out anymore. :(
Kamryn: Where's your car?!
Cashier: what?
Kamryn: You have stickers in your car?
Me: she asked where your car is.....Kamryn, that's enough ok they don't have stickers.
Cashier: I'm sorry dear, I can't just go poof and have stickers!
Me:  Ok thanks! Have a good day :)))))))

So if Wal-Mart has stickers from now on, you can probably tell Kamryn thank you....stay-tuned!

Graham just started the Spring Soccer Academy that's put on by McPherson College Soccer.  Here is the conversation I posted to Facebook that first night of soccer:
As we are getting ready for soccer tonight (1st night):
Gabe: ready to practice soccer?
Graham: actually I don't know soccer
Me: listen to your coaches. 
Graham: how many coaches are there?
Us: not sure but just listen
........
Gabe Prescott: are you excited?
Graham: "yes! Now I won't have to go to school!"
Gabe: you still have to go to school bud
Graham: oh.....right......actually when I'm 20 I don't have to go to school
Gabe: hopefully you will be in college by then.
Graham's wheels just kept turning....(yep, first night of pre-k soccer and I'm already a pro...who needs to finish school?! Creative thinker)

So basically, Gabe and I are sorta a big deal.....we are the proud parents of a 2 year old Princess and a 4 year old almost already Professional Soccer player....not everyone turns pro after/before 1 session of soccer ya know!

It's always something with these two.  They are best friends one second and at each other's throats the next.  No that is not a play on words.  When Kamryn gets pissed, she goes for Graham's face.  I'm not proud of that!  We are working on trying to contain and re-route the anger.  Graham is easily annoyed and Kamryn knows exactly what buttons to push to get him there.  He growls and then tackles her.  So when I step back and try to take the positive out of all this, after of course I feel like I am raising a bunch of disrespectful animals, I feel like I won't have to worry too much about self defense issues.  Really though, when I am not around, the kids are very polite and more respectful.  At least that's the most common compliment I receive about them.  They definitely have their "Angel moments."  Just feels like they choose to have those when mom is not around :)))  Never fails...they can be acting like total turds and one if not both of them, will bust out a random, "I love you mama!"  Melts my heart!
Really, I can't get too mad because I will admittingly say, they come by the stubborness....temper...competitiveness, honestly.  Yes, I know, hard to believe that my "Angelic" moments are few and far between also.....Gabe you are not innocent either babe!

Although it feels as though we are headliners for the Barnum Bailey Circus about 90% of the time, I love the family we have....We are rarely bored, that's for certain!  I hope to write more frequently from now on.  Until next time...the journey continues!

Kamryn

My baby girl is almost 2 years old!  I'm in such denial that I still have her birthday invitations sitting here untouched....as though she really isn't having a birthday in less than two weeks!  She is so ornery but loving.  I can be so frustrated with her and then she will come up to me for no reason at all and pat me on the back say "I wuv you mommy!....Hug?!"  Oh my gosh.  It truly melts my heart!  She is a very active little girl with little fear.  Poor girl has little bruises and scratches all over from falling, tripping, not paying attention to wear she is going etc.  I can always count on her to greet me with a smile and a big "Hi Mommy!!"  or "Morning!"  Tonight, we went to Gabe's softball game.  The guys ended up practicing since their opponent didn't show up on time and they hit a couple balls over the fence.  I took the kids and we retrieved the softballs for them.  Kamryn kept asking to hold my hand and usually she doesn't want to...for very long anyway.  It seems so small, but I love holding her soft, little innocent hands....so full of love, curiousity and trust!  I hope and pray everyday that Kamryn and I have a relationship like my mom and I do.  We have so much fun together!

What Kamryn is doing these days....
1.  sayings:  "Stop!"   "Go away!"
2.  Likes to sing Twinkle Little Star
3.  Favorite color:  pink
4.  Favorite snack: pistachios, almonds and /or raisins
5.  Likes to repeat anything you say so that she can try to learn new words.
6.  Loves to run around in the gym.  She tries to dribble the basketball and when she can't keep it going, she kicks the ball and then chases it while saying "Hustle!  Hustle!"

Well, I am getting tired and am going to call it a night.  Most of my posts are generally dominated by Graham stories, but I am going to dedicate tonight's post to Kamryn Louise.  I love you sis!!  May God bless you as the journey continues...

Sorry Graham but I had to post this....

Dear Graham and Kamryn:

I realize if Graham was old enough to read, he would probably get mad at me for recording this but I can't help it.  It's funny now Graham, it really is!

Graham came in from outside to "take care of business" in the bathroom.  I went to check on him and he had just finished.

Me: Buddy, do you need me to help wipe.
G: No, I already did it.
Me: Are you sure.
G: Yep.  Why do my underwear stick to the hole where my poop comes out of?
Me: blank stare......then I couldn't help it but I busted out laughing....
G: he got embarrassed and then said...ugh Who says that?!?!
Me: LOL

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A few days ago, shortly after eating lunch, Graham was sitting in his chair in the kitchen just messin' around.  I got up from the table and went to the other room for a minute and all of sudden Graham yells...
"MOM!!!  I have hair on my knees!!!!  It's so little!!!"

Oh boy....I can only imagine what he will say about 10 years from now!
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As for Kamryn, I am still completely amazed at how rapidly her language has picked up the past month!  My absolute favorite thing she says right now is POPSICLES.  She pronounces them as "Eee-poss-cuh-bowls"
Another funny thing she does...
K: Hi mom!!!
Me: Hey Kamryn!
K: Good!

She assumes you are going to ask her how she is doing lol....

Least favorite things right now....when she doesn't want you to do something or even look at her...
K:  yells with attitude "Stop it!" and then tries to slap at you.

She is our biter.  Poor Graham takes a beating from little sassy pants!

It amazes me that she can very purposefully call my mom.  If I leave my phone on the table or within her reach, she will reach and grab it and say, "I call Nana!"   So many times she has called her when I didn't realize that she really was talking to my mom!  She unlocks my phone, goes to my contact list, and whoala.....dials Nana and has a convo!

Another thing that intrigues her....she LOVES to hang!  She walks around the kitchen and says "I hang!" and grabs on to the oven handle or freezer handle and hangs on them like pull-up bars.  I get so mad at her and she just laughs!  I finally started taking her outside and let her play on my gymnastics rings and pull-up bars out there....she LOVES IT!

Let's see Kamryn Louise...what else do you like to do right now???  We bought a riding mower last month and you love to ride with us.  It has actually been nice.  I didn't plan to use the rider at our house but I can actually get something done knowing you are on my lap and Graham is playing with his outdoor toys.  When it comes time to mow the front, I get the push mower and you and Graham drive your motorized car around the front yard and driveway.  It is cute to watch:)

Kid Convos...

Graham started Tae Kwondo this week!  We are trying it out to see if he likes it before we officially sign him up.  Needless to say, he has told us several times that he absolutely loves it and is having fun!  Last night while he was practicing his form, Gabe was trying to talk to him about what to do next.  Graham stopped to take a break and stood a few feet away from but in front of the fireplace...he stood with his arms folded and was looking at his reflection and Gabe asked, "What are you doing buddy?" and Graham replied, "Looking cool."

Kamryn has completely mastered being able to unlock my phone and call Nana!  I don't have to say a word, she does it herself.  Nana has just come to expect a call from Miss Kamryn Louise on a daily basis.  Not only has she mastered the art of calling, she now likes to open up my camera on my phone and take pictures.  Today while we were in the kids' room, she got my phone camera up and running and was trying to take a picture of Graham "say cheeeeeeesssseee!"  Graham took the phone and looked into my camera and said, "Hey good lookin'!"

I am afraid that all this looking in the mirror and following the Tae Kwondo instructor, is getting to his head!

Kamryn is trying to stretch and test her limits to full capacity!  When she wants something by golly you better be listening because she doesn't give you much time to respond before she is yelling at you.  I got tired of her talking back to me the other day so I put soap in her mouth (happened to me as a kid!) and said, "there Kamryn, what do you think of that?!?  We don't talk back!"  Kamryn looked at me and said, "mmmm it's good!"   SO....there goes that brilliant idea of punishment!  Today she was doing something she was not supposed to be doing and was hiding in the closet.  I told her to get out and she told me "No!" with the biggest smile on her face!  I asked her if she wanted a spankin' and she said "I smakin...I smakin" and patted her own behind!  When I tell her to go to timeout, she smiles, and walks to a corner and puts her nose in the wall....turns around and smiles at me again.  22 months old!!!!  Really....is really possible to start copping an attitude that young?!?!  gimini Christmas!

I'm going to come up with SOMETHING to phase her...I am!  As the journey continues....

Rainy day...

Howdy!
Let me start by saying, this day has not lacked for any dull moments!  I am going to post a few videos to explain what I mean.

Story of the day:
I got home from work and Gabe had fed the kids lunch.  Kamryn was down for a nap and Graham was downstairs playing.  Gabe is on nights this week so he wanted to try and catch a nap before he went to work.  I decided to make myself a big salad for lunch!  I sat my salad down on the table along with my glass of water and all of a sudden "BOOM!!"  Excuse my french, but my ass flew out of the chair and down the stairs so stinkin fast that I am not sure I even touched all the steps!  "Gabe!  OMG I think we are being bombed...or shot at! Holy Shit !!  Did you hear that?!?"  (when Graham is saying holy shit tomorrow, I have no one but myself to blame)
He is lying on the couch, "yeah, I thought you dropped something??"
Me:  "No I didn't drop anything!  I think someone is in our garage or something I don't know!"

So we head upstairs...he opens our door leading out to the garage and we saw that our garage door was still open.  We are both looking around and I decide to walk out of the garage....I looked around the corner..."OMG GABE!!!!...go look, I don't know what it is but all I see is a tail"

Gabe:  He walks out and peeks around the corner and immediately starts walking me back inside "hurry up get back in side!"  All he could see were claws!!

WE ran into the living room and looked out our front window...a HAWK had flew into our window...the middle to South part of the middle window....knocked its happy ass to the North side of our porch!  We watched him manage to get back on his feet...shake his head and wobble back and forth.  If the bird could talk...."what?, I'm good...I'm good....just gonna stand here...check out the scene"  He sat there for 45 minutes!!!!!  Azzi was about to have a cow but Gabe wouldn't let her out there because she would have had her eyeballs clawed out!  This was insane!  We initially thought it was a Prairie Hawk but Gabe now thinks its a Longwinged Hawk or something like that.  Check out the video of Gabe trying to catch this bird with a Rubbermaid container!!....Yes he was gonna trap it in a Rubbermaid and release it in the country.  All I can picture is the bird escaping in the Jeep and there ya have it folks....Gabe and Mr. Hawk having a showdown in the Jeep!  He was honestly nervous which freaked me out even more!  Gabe vs. Hawk
Anyways...Gabe wanted to see if he could fly and the Hawk obviously managed to do so.  That bird sat in that exact same spot from 1-6:15ish.  When I checked at 7:45pm, it was gone.

The kids managed to stay entertained on this rainy afternoon.  They played anything from puzzles to trains to watching a DVD to reading books etc.  Graham developed a new way of "sledding"...check out the Video.

Kamryn continues to perfect her animal noises.  She has the "monkey" down!  It is hilarious!  While she played with her "Noah's Ark" puzzle type game, she started making monkey noises....I asked her to do it again and then I let the camera roll....Kamryn Monkey.

Oh my what a day...the journey will continue tomorrow :)
Peace out!

Growing like weeds....precious weeds of course...

Unfortunately, I let the busy basketball season get in my way of posting updates on the kids.  They are growing up so fast and I know that sounds so cliche' but it is what it is.  Both are so alike yet so different.  They seem to be going through a period where they are very defiant, picky eaters which hasn't always been the case, and are developing their language.  Graham is using big words for a three year old...in my opinion...and doing so in context.  It amazes me the things he remembers from books or movies or conversations we have had.  Kamryn, is trying so hard to talk!  She has made huge improvements and is saying quite abit now.  We understand her better than anyone b/c we are around her more but those are that are around her more and more have told me that they are starting to pick up on what she is saying also.  She has such a sense of humor!  Her expressions are so animated....smile so contagious!  I promise I am not making this up or forcing her to do so, but I really think she likes basketball!  Today, while Graham attended his first swimming lesson, Kamryn and I played with a basketball in the gym.  After we left the gym, she went running past me down the hall of the YMCA saying, "Nice hustle!.....hustle, hustle, hustle, hustle!"  I love it!  She obviously is too little to dribble or shoot yet so anytime she runs towards a ball, I tell her to hustle!  Apparantly, she has been paying attention :)  Kamryn absolutely loves to play outside!!!  No matter what kind of weather we have, she wants to be outside!  She likes to attempt to ride Graham's old tricycle.  For Christmas we bought them a convertible car, motorized car.  Seeing the two of them ride around together is so fun!  Graham is the driver and Kamryn is his passenger.  They have had a lot of fun with it!
Graham is still enjoying preschool and CrossFit Kids!  We held off putting him in soccer this Spring.  Lately, we have had a lot of trouble getting him to listen.  He is very independent with his thinking!  Hopefully, this is a phase....that passes....sooner than later!
Well, I realize this was a brief update but I am tired and ready to call it a day....until next time...the journey continues :)