My Life with Boys

The stuff of legends . . .

It seems a certain middle child of ours was very concerned last night. He quizzed his daddy over and over if Santa brought presents for naughty children. Daddy said no. But what about children who are a little naughty and a little good? I think Griffin's recent naughty deeds were starting to catch up with him. Thankfully, Santa saw the good and was able to overlook the naughty . . . for this year anyway!

I was surprised to see a few presents under the tree with my name on them. I was especially interested to see that my gifts were in boxes from a certain photographic supplier. Wow. I was getting photographic gear for Christmas. Of course, after I opened my gifts Ian fessed up. He admitted that recently while cleaning his woodshop he came across an unopened box and discovered that it was stuff that I'd ordered myself in July of 2006 and promptly forgot about. Sure, why not wrap it up and put it under the tree!

Ian assures me that if he were to order himself a new engine package for the Bertram he would not shove it in the basement and forget about it!

Merry  Christmas! And may 2008 be a Joyful, Happy, Healthy year for all!

 

Elves and Reindeer and Gymnasts, OHMY!

It's been a busy week! Both boys had their gymnastics ribbon ceremonies. They also had their Christmas shows at their schools. Griffin was an elf in his class program. You can see he was really enthused. Berkeley was one of about 50 kindergarten reindeer in his program. There is really nothing better than 50 kids singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer off key and all at different speeds to get you in the Holiday spirit!

Bedtime at the Uptons.

Every night we snuggle with Berkeley and Griffin at bedtime. They share a room, so there is a  nightly argument about who gets snuggled with first. Bedtime is a lively event. But, last night, it was certainly more interesting than usual.

Mommy: Ok boys, time for bed. Griffin, do you want to put a shirt on? It's cold.

Griffin: No.

The Little Voice in Mommy's Head: Ok. It is only like -15 celcius, but whatever.

Berkeley: Mommy, have you ever seen a tiger.

M: Yes, at the zoo. Now, lay down and be quiet.

B: No, in real life, where do tigers live?

M: Africa? India? Lots of places, but not in Whitby.

B: Do they just walk around?

Little Voice: I'm too tired for this. Just go to sleep already.

M: Yes, they just walk around.

B: You mean like where people actually live or in the rainforest behind the fence?

G: Mommy, mommy, mommy. Have you ever seen a dragon carrying Christmas presents in his mouth.

M: Nope.

G: Are dragons real?

B: Yeah? Mommy, are dragons real?

LV: You are going to see a dragon in the morning if you don't go to sleep right now!

M: Do you think dragons are real?

G: No, we are asking you? Are dragons real, say yes or no!

M: I've never seen a dragon.

G: I love penguins. Penguins live in the water, right Berkeley?

B: (with a very disgusted tone) Uuuugh. How many times do I have to tell you that penguins live in ingloos!

M: Boys. It is time to close our eyes and stop talking.

LV: (with a very disgusted tone). How many times do I have to tell you to go to sleep. Right  now!

B: Mommy, the reason you've never seen a dragon is because they hide near castles. Have you ever seen a castle?

M: Yes, I've seen a castle.

G: I gave a penguin a hug once.

B: Did you seen a prince and princess too?

M: Yes. Now, go to sleep.

B: Was the princess wearing a dress?

LV: Ok. I really should stop talking now but I am dying to know where this is going to lead.

M: Yes, the princess was wearing a dress.

B: I knew it! Princesses always wear dresses.

M: Do you think mommy is a princess when she wears a dress?

B: Uh, no. You are just a mommy!

LV: That does it NO more talking.

M: I mean it. Roll over and go to sleep!

Wow. That little voice in my head got a workout last night!

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells . . .

. . . Robin laid an egg. The Batmobile lost a wheel and Joker got away!

I can't resist singing this in my head today. We got our first snowfall (at least that will stay around) last night. The boys had a great time playing outside and I made chocolate chip cookies to enjoy when they came in. Parker got his first taste of a homemade chocolate chip cookie today! What a day. He liked it. He kept signing MORE! MORE! MORE!

**I haven't taught this version of Jingle Bells to the boys yet. Something tells me they already know it and just haven't let it slip.