Fashionatas
My men trying to help me pick out a new pair of shades!! What can I say?
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
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Summer’s For Tomato Pickin’
I have some strange boys, in the fact that they LOVE tomatoes! Especially cherry tomatoes. They will eat the whole carton in one sitting if I let them.
Last year, my dad planted tomatoes in his garden, and it was a huge hit. Evan would just help himself, while out playing. We would catch him, amongst the plants, pulling off ripe tomatoes (and sometimes not so ripe ones – ewww!). And even started to find, large tomatoes still on the vine with huge bite marks in them!
So again this year, my dad planted tomato plants. This year’s crop has been out of control. I have never seen tomato clusters on the vines like grapes. Fortunately for Evan, it is a tomato lovers paradise!
I love when the boys come in from playing, with red juice and a dribble of seeds down the front of their clothes. I just know now to either put them in white tees that can be bleached or t-shirts that are for tomato eating only – ha!
So if you have a garden, do you let the kiddos raid it?
Every Once In Awhile, He Loses His Senses
You know that I mention often, that Evan does NOT take chances. He thinks through EVERY action, before hand and if he doesn’t feel that those actions would be safe, he WILL NOT do it. Even if his play mates are doing it!! I sometimes get frustrated with him because he won’t try MOST new things. But most of the time, I don’t push him, because I want him to be a leader and not make silly or dangerous decisions later on in life.
Well today, peer pressure won out! His cousin Kaden was jumping into the pool by himself with a floaty around his waste. Yesterday I was content that he jumped in with me catching him. THAT was a HUGE feat for him. And it took a lot to convince him that if that wasn’t safe, I wouldn’t ask him to do it!
Well today, he pushed his fears aside. Threw on his inner tube and just jumped in. And yes, I made a face and almost said something right before he did it. Because it did catch me by surprise. He paused to make sure why I was making “that” face. And I reassured him that he could do it if he wanted. And he did it!! And enjoyed himself:
Just another one of those times, as a parent, that I didn’t want to encourage such fearlessness, but knew that he needed to attempt it! And look at that face!! He HAD A BLAST!! And then I went straight home, took some ibuprofen and signed him up for swimming lessons!
Wordless Wednesday: My Crazy E
If this is any indication of the next 15 years of my life…Lord help me!!
So…What do you want to do tonight?
I should learn NEVER to ask my boys this question, because the answer is ALWAYS the same…
Yep, they are definitely in a putt putt phase. And let me just tell you now that I HATE putt putt!! But I would never let on that I do.
So, to get out of taking them most nights this past week, I bribed them by telling them that we could go Friday night with their cousin Kaden, who is visiting us from Florida. Evan was satisfied with that answer. So Friday night, the whole crew headed out to play.
Fortunately we had one more coupon to use up from Tropicana Juicy Rewards. You can print a coupon, up to 3 times (you have to pay with your points each time). And because of the putt putt obsession lately we have used all together 9 coupons. Three local putt putt courses are available on Tropicana’s Juicy Rewards site. The coupons are usually buy 1 get 1 free. So it usually ends up only costing us one admission around $6.00 for all 4 of us! (I don’t play! I get to use the excuse of running after Carter so Evan doesn’t know how much I loathe putt putt 
and Carter is still free!!)!
The kids had a great time…and a special treat of Superman Ice Cream after the grueling 18 holes of golf !
*I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.
Eating Us Out of House and Home
Oh. My. Word!!
Jeremy and I often joke that the money that was going toward diapers for Evan, is not now going toward savings or something fun. It is going directly into the food budget. Recently I have gotten a glimpse of what it is going to be like once the boys are teenagers and it doesn’t look pretty!
And I thought it was bad a few weeks ago until = enter pool season!!
I pack a ton of snacks or at least what I thought was a ton!! In line at Trader Joe’s the cashier asked me how many kids I have. Funny, I didn’t have my kids with me. I gave her a quizzical look and she replied, “oh I can tell you have kids because of ALL the snacks you are buying. But isn’t it nice to know that you can let them have snacks and not have to worry about what they are eating?”
I laughed and then agreed whole-heartedly!
Well, yesterday was the first day that we went to the pool.
Here is what I brought (for a picnic and snacks for the pool):
- 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- 2 boxes of raisins
- 2 fruit bars
- 2 juice boxes
- a sandwich bag of Trader Joe’s cheese crunchies (cheetos)
- 2 tubes of yogurt
- 2 apple sauce pouches
And that was just for the boys for 2 hours!! They ate ALL of it and NEEDED more!! Holy Cow kids. I am well aware that kids get hungry at the pool but geeze! My word.
So today, I was armed with extra snacks and like a good mother , my kids didn’t go hungry at the pool this time!! Whew – wiping brow. I guess I will be running to Trader Joe’s again this week!
Important Teachings from Dad
You know they’re are some very important things that a Dad teaches his sons. One of which is how to properly dunk an Oreo Cookie! Evan believes that you may NOT eat Oreos unless you have milk to accompany them. And Carter has decided since Evan sits on dad’s lap to enjoy these sweet delights that he should be able too also.
So the challenges of fatherhood: teetering 2 boys on your lap while trying to enjoy your own Oreo, and sharing one glass of milk.
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better
We had a great time at a birthday party this weekend. Evan and Carter’s friend Olivia had us all over to the Y and let me tell you – it was AWESOME. There was a huge play room – think McD’s times 5 and a large mat (padded) room. And unlike someone else’s party – cough cough - there weren’t a bizillion wild children running around. Just our 20 or so kids running crazily into each other! And enough room for us parents to sit back and watch the mayhem.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, Carter is my dare devil. My risk taker. So of course if the “big boys” are doing it, he should be able too also. Of course he wanted to go into the large play area but there were a few spots that he could have hurt himself on, so guess what that means? I got to hang with the kids inside the tunnels – woot! My knees are still sore. I eventually passed on the honor to Jeremy, so he could enjoy himself too !
There was a pretty impressive slide that came from the top of the structure. And of course when Carter saw the “big boys” doing it, he had one thing and only one thing on his mind!
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
The Only Good Thing About 14 Inches of Snow (Wordful Wednesday)
Our area got hit hard with snow the last few days. The first round of snow came while I was at BlissDom and I really thought I was going to be lucky and not have to deal with it. I got home and one of our neighbors had cleared our driveway and sidewalk. It was a beautiful thing. But since I rarely watch the news any more I didn’t realize that another band was coming. We got hit again yesterday. I really hate being a prisoner in my own home with 2 crazy kids who NEED to get out of the house.
Thank God for Daddy! I am not really sure how much snow we ended up getting but our backyard had around 14 inches – but some of that was probably due to wind and snow drifts!
Jeremy couldn’t wait to go build a fort with the boys, here is the path he dug out to get to the tree.
I DID NOT go outside! I was in no mood to get cold and wet. So the rest of the pictures were taken from out our back window with the zoom in all the way! Ha!
This last picture is my favorite, because Carter wasn’t that happy to be out in the middle of the snow – since it did come up to his waist. But he saw me in the window with my camera and yelled “CHEESE”. Yep a tell tale sign that the kid is a blogger’s son !
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
Ummm, Evan, Snow is for Sledding or at least Snow Ball Fights
Evan was so excited last week when it snowed. He couldn’t wait to get out and have snowball fights with “Daddy and Onon (name he calls our next door neighbor Aaron). He wanted to go sledding and make a snow man. Well a few hits in the face with snowballs quickly changed his mind, and he wasn’t too impressed with the whole “playing with snow” thing!
So within minutes he was asking to play golf, baseball and other various “summer” activities! In his mind, we were already outside so why not play for a while! Forgetting about how cold it was, he was running around hitting golf balls (which I will have to wait until the snow thaws to find), playing baseball, swinging and even tried to convince me to let him play in his sand box (that is where I drew the line)!
I guess it’s never to early or cold to get practice in the things he loves most!
Seriously, Dick’s Sporting Goods, I know you may thought I was exaggerating with my love letter, but SERIOUSLY this boy needs a set of golf clubs!
Side note: If you have an active, sports minded little boy, you definitely need to get him one of these baseball tees (It’s a ESPN brand – don’t really remember what the actual name of it is) – it fully automatic!! I just love the fact I don’t have to pitch it! My pitching upsets him just a little bit since I can’t get it right to him. Now I can just hang out in the outfield and wait for the balls to come my way!
A Campin’ We Will Go (A Coleman Gift Card Giveaway)
There are a few things that Jeremy CAN NOT WAIT to do with the boys when they get older. As I stated in yesterday’s post in my love letter to Dick’s Sporting Goods, golf is one of those things. But another one, that yes I can’t wait for either , is taking the boys camping. And no, I will not be joining them on most of the camping trips. HELLO, that is why I birthed him boys, so that I would get a break once in awhile. Now don’t get me wrong, Jeremy and I went camping many times before kids, I don’t mind it. If it is only for one night ! I love hiking and grilling over an open fire but I really enjoy showers that I don’t have to share with large bugs and mattresses that aren’t inflatable or non-existent. Okay! I admit it! I also enjoy air conditioning. Fine, I will stop since this post isn’t about me any way.
It is about the love of family camping trips that Jeremy has. This love began with family camping trips when he was growing up. When the topic of camping comes up, you just see the memories flood in and the family bonding that happened. The stories begin to spill out and the smiles and laughter roll with them. Jeremy has very fond memories of camping as a child and he can’t wait to give the boys the same experiences!!
And when you think of camping, what’s a name you think of first? Coleman! And Thanks to Coleman I have a great giveaway to offer my readers. Coleman is offering one of my readers a chance to win a $25 gift card! So whether you love camping, or you’re more of a tailgating type (like I am, Go Blue!!) or if you just enjoy a day of hiking, Coleman has what you need (and want)!!
Want a chance to win? It’s pretty easy:
- Follow Coleman on Twitter. (This is the mandatory entry!) Then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know that you do.
Additional Entries:
- Head on over to Coleman.com so that you can then Comment HERE, answering the question, “What would you buy at Coleman.com and why?”
- Subscribe to Evan Has Landed via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already a subscriber make sure you leave that too.
- Tweet about this giveaway. Here’s an example: @cortney_plus2 is giving away a $25 Coleman Gift Card. Come check out the details http://bit.ly/76afjG
It’s that simple! Please remember to leave a separate comment for each of the entries. This giveaway ends Wednesday, January 13, 9:00 p.m. (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.
BUT there’s another chance to win an ADDITIONAL $25 Coleman Gift Card. Coleman is doing a
Coleman Campfire 50-Day Giveaway. Click on the link to check the rules on how to get entered to win!!
*Disclosure: I did not receive a product for this post. A gift card was supplied for giveaway on behalf of the company. All opinions are solely my own. Others who may use this product or service may have different opinions. And hey, the boys are going camping no matter what , so why not give Coleman some props!*
When All Else Fails…
What happens when you have two boys under 3, weather that hasn’t been over 20 degrees for weeks and an antsy boy who wants to play soccer? You improvise…in a too-small galley kitchen…and pray that nothing breaks!
ready to play - game faces
Do I need to say how cute he is!
stopped for some break dancing with the ball
take cover
excuse the dirty sock
fancy knee work
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
* I’m giving away a $25 Coleman Gift Card. Come check it out for details! (Giveaway ends Wednesday, January 13)
A Love Letter: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dear Dick’s Sporting Goods,
My love for you grows with every trip to your putting green. And although sometimes the sales clerk seems annoyed that we ask for balls to practice with, the majority of them do happily hand them over so that the boys can hone their skills. To many, this activity may seem a cheap ten minute amusement for the boys, but to those who know the three men in my life, this isn’t just a mindless, cheap activity. This is building years of golfing bonding between them. And yes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, you may not be getting financial reward out of this deal yet…but you will. You will soon be reaping the benefits of this bonding time between father and sons. Already, Evan is asking for a “golf set just like daddy’s” for his birthday, because the plastic “kid” ones just will not do anymore. 
He is ready to hit the links with his old man! Besides what two year old knows the difference between a driver, a putter and an iron. And because Evan has such fond memories of good times at Dick’s Sporting Goods, he is requesting that his new set of clubs comes from Dick’s, because in his mind no other retailer sells clubs. His heart belongs to Dick’s. This is an almost daily conversation between myself and Evan,
“Evan, what would you like to do today?”
“Let’s go to Dick’s and play golf!”
As you can see from the pictures, the boys do choose their clubs wisely, carefully inspecting each and every one, finding the perfect fit, just like their dad! “Mom, this is serious! This is golf!” Obviously, what was I thinking?
And as you can see by Carter’s expression upon leaving the well adored putting green, he, too, has discovered the joys of golfing.
So thank you Dick’s for allowing my boys to “play” on your putting greens. I thank you from the bottom of this worn-out, mother’s heart whose counting down the days that all three boys in this house will be hitting the links together, for long 18 hole outings resulting in long quiet afternoons alone for myself.
SNOW BALL FIGHT!!!!!
Since my boys were sick when we had our first snow of the season, we had an impromptu snow ball fight a few nights ago for the season’s second snow! We were coming home from Target, Jeremy and Evan just couldn’t resist. And of course Carter loved it also!
This is my favorite picture from the fun!
Of course, Evan needed to taste the snow.
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
When Mom’s Away…the Boys Will Play
I ran an errand last night, that lasted no more than 45 minutes. How much damage can happen in that amount of time? Well, the boys flew a rocket ship to the moon and back…
And left Evan’s room, well, let me just say, it wasn’t pretty…
Baby It’s Cold Outside
I have a feeling that I will be taking a photo similar to these and there will be snow on the ground. I just purchased some heavy duty – water proof mittens and gloves for the boys (from Lands’ End). I just have a feeling that since summer heat and fall leaves hasn’t diminished their enthusiasm for the sand box at Grandpa’s, I better be prepared! A mom’s got to do, what a mom’s got to do! The prospect that the boys’ won’t be able to play outside for several months makes me shiver with worry. How are we going to make it through the winter without playgrounds and Grandpa’s Garden. Since he does read my blog religiously…HMMMM maybe I can get him to rig a portable heater in the garden so they can continue to play outside!
I’m Not Above Bribery!
This is the Pee-Pee Bucket and the Poopy Bucket. Yep, I resorted to bribery. Let’s face it, I was getting SICK of changing diapers. I mean, my philosophy had been when my kids are ready, they are ready. Why push it? But when you are changing 2 boys’ diapers, I decided that I would help move Evan along. So I created some motivation. It has taken a couple of weeks to take hold, but Evan had a dry diaper all day today! And he ASKED to go every time, no having to ask him or remind him! {Fingers Crossed} I think it is finally setting in!
Nothing like hearing a delighted scream of “Where’s my poopy bucket?” Yep, another Mother of the Year Moment!
How did you get your kids potty trained? Hopefully I’m not the only one who has resorted to bribery?
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Getting Down and Dirty at Grandma and Grandpa’s
The kids LOVE going to my parents house! We make it a point to go at least every Monday night. One of their very favorite activities is going to the back corner of the yard and playing in the garden.
Because Evan LOVES to get dirty and play “construction”, my dad put in a sand/dirt pile, amongst the flowers and veggies, where Evan can play with his construction vehicles. Even better, while he plays in the dirt, he will go and pick cherry tomatoes right off the vine and snack while he’s out there.
Well, now that Carter is mobile, he now follows Evan out to the garden where he LOVES to play in the sand and dirt. He doesn’t necessarily enjoy the construction vehicles but instead picking up sand and getting it all over him: his choice of garden time.
By the time they are finished (usually we have to pry them out of the garden), they are completely covered in grime! Dirt, thick, in the nail beds. Sand caked on their scalps. Small rocks in their diapers.
I love watching them be boys. What girl would jump at the chance to get filthy?
