Sooo Good Looking!

I was taking a few pictures of the boys to hang in our hallway and I just couldn't get over how good looking they are. I know I am their mom and all, but still, how could you not think they are sooo cute! Kelly and I often wonder how we could ever have produced such handsome boys. We only hope our new baby girl is as lucky (and I am sure she will be, at least in our eyes!).

Making Meatballs

Jacob has requested spaghetti and meatballs for the dinner following his baptism in two weeks. I am always looking for things to do in advance to make my life less stressful, so I decided that this would be the perfect job for Jacob. He was more than willing to help! He put on his chef's hat (one of Kelly's Guatemala relics) and got right to work.

I don't think he realized just how gross mashing the meat and other ingredients would be.

He only complained when his nose began to itch. Thank goodness Kelly was there to help!

Jacob worked hard, and, with a little help from mom and dad, he made over 70 meatballs. We sure hope there are enough!

Bedtime Book Bash

We absolutely love Ryan's teacher, Miss Griebel. She is so kind and truly cares for her students. When I help in Ryan's class each week I am absolutely amazed by her. She has helped us so much with Ryan and he thinks she is the best!

Ryan's school held a "Bedtime Book Bash" for all of the kindergarteners at his school. We learned a lot of new techniques to help Ryan's comprehension and we especially had a great time reading books together!

Valentine's Day

For Family Night we made Valentine's for the boys to take to school on Thursday. When I say we I really just mean Jacob, Kelly and I. This is what Ryan did while we were hard at work:

Jacob has done so well on his "Brain Diet" (no white flour, sugar, rice, etc.) and decided to create "Brain Diet" Valentine's. This is what we came up with:

Although by the time we finished making chocolate covered pretzels we were covered in chocolate and jsut had to sample our tasty treats.

IT'S A GIRL!

The one thing that makes all of the pain and discomfort of being pregnant worth it is getting GIRL clothes! Judy and Cammi just sent us the cutest package filled with pink and purple clothes. I tried to get the boys excited about the package, but Jacob just said it was "BORING!" and walked away. Kelly said they were cute without really looking, but Ryan did "oohh and aahh" over the clothes with me. Shopping for a girl is so much more fun than shopping for boys (and much more expensive too!)

Thanks to Judy and Cammi for making my day!

Destination Imagination

I know, I know! Kelly can't figure out why I always volunteer to be in charge of things I don't want to do to begin with. You mothers know. Its the guilt! And, I love Jacob for all of his energy and spunk, but I wouldn't wish it on too many other people!

So, Our latest family project is Destination Imagination. It really is a great after school activity. The challenge is:

Is there really a Loch Ness Monster? Is it possible to stop a shark attack by punching the shark in the nose? If Rapunzel really "let down her hair" could someone actually climb up her hair into a tower? Myths, folk tales and urban legends exist in many nations around the world. How do we know whether they're truth or fiction? By using the Scientific Method! Create a theatrical performance with an original story about a myth set in a nation (and using a landmark from that nation) other than the team's own. Present the results of your investigation as part of your story.

Jacob and his team (of second and third graders) have chosen to investigate whether talking to plants actually makes them grow better. Thay have chosen France as their Nation and the Eiffel Tower as their landmark. How does this all go together? Good Question! The great thing is that parents are there to support but cannot actually help with the presentation, props, etc. Did I mention they have to re-create their landmark out of recyclable materials? Now you can see what a challenge this really is.

We will keep you posted on how things progress (and hopefully they do!).