www.micahandlindsey.com

I am getting some work done on the computer.

The kids are getting some work done on the ground — in the form of a puzzle.

I am mindlessly tuned out as I think about what sort of supplies I need to provide, for the best leprechaun trap known to man.

Scout is mindlessly tuned out and singing a song over and over and over.

You know — that song you tap into whenever you aren’t thinking and just start singing.

Glad to announce that “that song” for Scout goes a little something like this:

“Pants on the ground….pants on the ground…looking like a fool with my pants on the ground.”

Micah —– You should be proud.

That song must have sparked something, because Scout just jumped up and started dancing around because he had to go potty.

I told him to run into the bathroom and go.

I heard the door chime.

I investigated.

I saw my son on top of the planter with his pants “on the ground” as he watered the bushes.

I asked.

He just sang.

Micah —— You should be really proud.

Icka somehow managed to get the paint can of fuzzies (little fuzz balls that Scout and Icka earn when they do something nice, are kind, or say good prayers) opened, and dump them out everywhere.  This is the same can, that I have to use a butter knife to get open.  She’s kind of slick like that.  When Scout saw it, he was so bummed, because once he reaches the 2/3 mark, he gets to go to Chuck E. Cheeses.  The poor little guy has been collecting them since October, and is really close to the prize.  I told him that Icka and I would clean them up, and then I told him that Icka was sorry.  Then from behind me, I hear, “SAHWEE!”  That is the first time I had ever heard it, and it was cute!  Scout and I cracked up, and it lightened the intensity of the situation.  We started to clean it up together, and I realized that a handful of the fuzzies were wet.  Icka was sucking on them and spitting them out.  I tried to gather all of the wet ones before Scout realized, because there would have definitely been a meltdown.  We got the top on, put it up extra high, and that is when I figured out that “wet” fuzzies are much smaller than “dry” ones.  Poor Scout — it might take just a bit longer to fulfill your dream of tokens and tickets.

I signed Scout up for gymnastics.  His first week was impressive (considering he is still 2, and it is a 3-4 year old class),  and the teacher said he was definitely ready to sign up.  Great — so we paid the money.  After a week of bragging about how good he was, Micah came to see him in action during his second class.  There were many factors — the other kid was goofing off, different instructor, Scout is proving to be the class clown — but it was on the disastrous side.  Scout was more interested in making everyone laugh, than doing what he was told.  I could just feel every other parent getting more and more mad, because “that kid” was taking away from their kid.  I guess not being three was rearing it’s head.  (Let’s be honest — it isn’t his age — he was just being naughty.)

Following gymnastics, I was on a mission.  First off, I was not about to pay money for a kid to go and just be stinky for an hour.  Second, I know that Scout is completely capable of being good.  Third, I don’t want him to be a follower of the other goof-offs, and was determined to curb that ASAP!  So the plan was to spend an entire week teaching him how to “follow directions”.

Although we covered the subject countless times in the day-to-day’s of the week,  the big lesson came during family night.  It was entirely geared around following directions, and I used an object lesson to get the point across.  I had Micah tell me step by step directions on how to make a PB & J.  I followed exactly what he said for about half of the time, but then I became stinky — and started goofing off.  I put the peanut butter on the cutting board, made a mess, etc.  Scout died laughing, but then answered all of the questions right.  (Which way is better — following directions or not? / What if someone else did this — would it be okay to do? ETC.)  I was thrilled with how family night went, and could see that Scout was really understanding the concept.

Until…..the rest of the week when I would ask him to follow directions, he would say, “But you didn’t….you put peanut butter all over the cutting board.”  After a dozen times of him telling me that, I started to worry that my plan may backfire.  Hesitantly, I trucked along….I guess time would tell.

Right before he left me to go with his coach, I had one last talk with him.  For the first time during the week, Scout didn’t respond with anything having to do with peanut butter or a cutting board.

I watched him like a hawk.  I even told the coach to feel free to reprimand him as harshly as was needed.  As I watched, I softened.  He was perfect.  He followed directions, and ended up being a leader in the class.  The coaches used him as an example quite a few times.  When all of the kids came out, both coaches told me that there was a huge improvement, and that Scout was “really good at following directions”.  I was so proud.  But the proudest moment came when Scout ran his fastest to me after class and said, “Mommy….Mommy….I followed my directions!”

I took Scout to the farm when he was about a year, and he sat quietly and fed the rabbits for 30 minutes straight.  So about the same time (in years), I decided to let Icka have the farm experience.  WOW what a difference!  This girl was all over the place.  She wanted to pet/pick up/feed the animals.  Neither of them were scared, but Icka was aggressively friendly.  They had a great time, and even got a special perk with Royal being with us.

Feeding the hugest bunny of the bunch.

I finally had to hold the food, because lst time, the kids just dumped it and there was a bunny frenzy.

Checking out the massive turtle.

Icka’s first train ride.  Probably Grey’s too.

The flirting is in progress.

Icka got to drive B’s car the other day around the neighborhood, so she was really into the above jeep.

Scout crawled up and laid next to “Easter” — the huge bunny.

You wouldn’t know from my blog, but we adults have fun too.  Especially when a friend invests in only the coolest van  I have ever laid my eyes on.  The man of the hour was Blake, and thanks to his gut instinct…..he (and I will say “we”) now have this “business on the outside/party on the inside” beauty in our midst:

The party attendees for the girls:

And the wannabe GQ boys:

My husband trying to reinact Teen Wolf:

The girls waiting patiently for the boys to stop rockin’ the car ….. because “if it’s a rockin’….don’t come a knockin’”.  They were testing it for Mikelle and Blake’s romantic date nights.

And finally — The Man Of The Hour.  None of this could have happened without him!

ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!

In honor of all of the whales out there, we attended our local parade and street fair.  It actually exceeded our expectations, and ended up being totally fun.  And we weren’t the only ones who thought so.  About mid way through, we decided to go to Harbor House for some slop — I mean food, and Scout looked at me and said, “This is a really fun day.”  And then about five minutes later, he looked at Micah and said, “Dad…thanks for taking us here.”  I guess that is just the icing on top.

This is at the beginning of the surprising legitimate parade, where we got to wave American flags for the Marines.

Then off to the rides.  (He had to be in his favorite color –  the yellow one.)

And then the rock wall, that he wasn’t excited about until I mentioned Spiderman.

Icka was thrilled to have an unlimited supply of Kettle Corn to keep her happy.

Here are my two giving each other a kiss.  I love how much they adore one another.

And my favorite — here is Scout protecting his sissy.  His dad always tells him to protect me and Navy, and look at what a good job he is doing.  (Minus the choking.)

I have SO Many of Scout’s “firsts” documented, that I feel like I am lacking a few for Navy.  So in an effort to even my two up, here are some Icka firsts…..at the ripe old age of 13 months.

First time drinking out of a drinking fountain.

First boyfriend — look who is playing shy.

First (time in months) she doesn’t rip her “pretty” (AKA bow) out of her hair.

First time she is being forced to wear reading glasses.

I know these aren’t the “standard” firsts, but they will have to do.