I Couldn't Help It...

...I had to take a picture!

This is what I found when these two were supposed to be sleeping.....

I'd put them to bed over an hour ago. I was pretty sure they weren't asleep but I thought they were both in bed. It was very quiet in there. Aaron came home and asked if I knew they weren't asleep, did I want him to do anything? I said no, figuring they were in their beds just not asleep. I figured going in there would just stir them up, especially if they were in bed. A few minutes later he asked if I knew they weren't IN their beds?! Great. So I go in and they are playing in the closet (where all of Anna's dress up things are kept). And this is what they looked like!!! I tried SO HARD not to laugh. I knew this was one of those times when I really should be stern and laughing (let alone flipping on the light and taking pictures! hahahaha) would just undo everything but I could not help it! It was just too funny!! This picture doesn't do Jacob's face justice. He had eye shadow, glitter, lip gloss...all over his cheeks. This whole unconfined sleeping thing is a big adjustment for him at home since there are so many toys and things for him to get up and play with!! And now that Anna has a buddy, she's easily influenced to do things she's never done before (like get out of bed to play!). So on we go! Daddy is settling them back down now. Oh kids do the darnedest things!! :)

It's Fall!

Fall is here and our yard is (was) covered in leaves!! In the corner I raked up a great big pile and Anna and Jake had a great time playing in it!

Ever the gentleman...ladies first! :)

Bombs away!!!

God created leaves for more than just hanging on trees :)

Today, in November, it was probably 80 degrees! It was perfect weather for raking leaves (oh joy!). So there's an even BIGGER pile of leaves now! Anna would stomp and count to 10 (yeah, okay) then...

...dive in!

Our neighbor was out cleaning up his yard too. Except he just used his mower and bagged it! That looked a whole lot easier (and faster!!) than my way! Here's our nice little row left after he was done:)

Here's Jacob's big boy bed and the new pillowcase I made him. He LOVES IT! Of course...it's got wheels! :) When he got home, I took him and showed him his "new" bed and the pillow. He jumped right in there and laid down! :) He's finally quiet in there now...it only took a little over an hour. No, I'm not calling you a liar Dad! But seriously, how do you guys do it?! You just have the magic touch when it comes to your grandkids, right? ;) Well, thank you Papa & Binga for keeping him a whole week! I know he had so much fun, especially being Binga's little shadow! I think Anna will not be letting him out of her sight for a while now...and certainly won't allow him any more week-long visits without her! :)

Here's what the kids & Papa played after supper :)

New Technique?

Evidently Papa & Binga have learned a new potty training technique...

What a MAN!!! ;)

Papa & Jacob made it home this evening!! Anna was SO EXCITED to see her brother! And he was equally excited. Then he came inside and just ran around with glee!
They're in bed and Jacob is testing his boundaries in his "big boy" bed (I took the front rail off his crib and lowered the mattress). I think it's also tempting for him to get up when Anna is right there (one time he was IN her bed with her!) and there are toys and books to play with as well! I've been in there at least 6 times. I'm not sure I believe Papa & Binga when they said two times the first night and that was it!! We'll see how the night goes :) I think once he goes to sleep he'll stay there. But he is awfully excited to see his sister again...

Missions to India

My mother-in-law headed out this morning with a team for a missions trip to India. Please keep them in your prayers--for health, safety, and opportunity to share the Gospel. Ruth will be doing some lessons with children. They will be gone for 10 days. Thanks!!

Really?

It's official...my parents are crazy (or saints....whichever you prefer). Not only did they switch Jacob to a toddler bed, they decided to start potty training (neither of which I asked them to do, but I'll certainly not complain about them doing either!!!)! Mom said today was the first day with no diapers, but he's gone on the toilet several times in the last 2 days. Including #2!!! She hasn't changed a dirty diaper since I left. Lots of wetting, though. She figures he'll do it backwards (why not...he's done everything else in his own time/way!)...poopy will be done before potty!

Uhhh, Binga? These pants feel kinda funny...don't you think you should put one of these diapers on me???

Okay then...I'll just put it on myself!

Jacob's Turn

It's finally Jacob's turn for a stay at Papa & Binga's house!! We left him and Anna is NOT HAPPY about it! She cried off and on for 30 minutes after we left. I'm completely serious. You woulda thought we told her we were leaving him forever!! She's been a bit better, but still mopes around quite a bit. We had Makenna here today, so that helped. Hopefully we'll have Jake over sometime too...gotta keep the poor girl distracted! She asks over and over "Is Jacob coming home today?" Of course, it also doesn't help that Daddy is gone this week, too. But she's getting lots of Mommy time:) It has been nice to focus on her and rock her as long as she wants every night! :) We even had a pizza picnic on the living room floor tonight!

Jacob is having a blast! Mom said if he's outside for 3 seconds, he's in the sandbox! I told her be glad there's no water in theirs...THAT'S a mess! ;)

I've been telling you for 2 years...this boy is serious about his eating!

Papa & Binga are just plain crazy. I guess they didn't get enough of the toddlerhood transitions, so they repeat them with all their grandkids!!! :) They say he did great the first night in the "big boy bed"--only tried to get out twice and after one swat, he never tried again and slept all night! I'm sure Mommy & Daddy won't have such luck! ;)

No, he's not talking to Mama...he's talking to Anna! I think Jacob might miss her as much as she misses him. I love their bond.
Alright, now that I've got my work (and blog!) caught up, I better head off to bed!

Fun Visit

Binga has one of Anna's favorite movies...

Mary Poppins!!

The kids thought it was great to get a "movie night" with popcorn! :) And they were obviously enthralled with it!

So was Papa! :)

What a gorgeous sunset! I had to stop and capture it. I dream there's a house at the end of this dirt road...and I live there! ;) God has created the most beautiful, indescribable colors for us to enjoy!