Too Pooped For Words

Creative Games

Coleman is my little creative genius. At least that's what I like to think. I can't do a lot of active things with the boys at this point (belly.. too... big), and it's getting too hot to go outdoors. So Coleman has been creating some new games. His latest is called Basketball Tricks. This one is perfect for me because I can play it while sitting on a bean bag or in the computer desk chair. He even retrieves the ball for me after each shot. The rules are simple: Coleman comes up with a trick to do with the basketball goal and I have to try to make a basket while he's doing the trick. Once I master a trick, I move up to the next level. The tricks get harder! Some of the "tricks" he does with the goal are spinning it around, leaning it forward and backward or from side to side, or turning it backwards so I have to shoot over the back of the goal. Then there are other tricks where he waves his hands over the basket, lifts and lowers a broom under the basket, or sticks his head in and out of the basket while I try to shoot. The trick here is that he tries to knock the ball out of the basket, so even if I make the shot, he can still knock the ball back out. Some of the tricks that he comes up with make me laugh so hard I can hardly shoot!

The broom trick
If I make the shot, he tries to knock it back out with the broom.

Here you can see he succeeded in knocking the ball out.

Trying to knock my shot out with his head (we have to use our softest ball for this trick).

"Mommy, you shoot and try not to let me catch it in the basket!"

Spence watches all this and even takes a few shots himself. Pretty soon it will be him coming up with creative games! These boys keep me entertained for sure!

Mother's Day Tea

Several of the older classes at Coleman's school invited their moms to a tea party this morning to celebrate Mother's Day. I had a great time eating breakfast with Coleman and talking to some of the other moms. It's also fun to see Coleman interacting with his friends. But the best part was letting him eat lots of sugary treats and then leaving him with his teachers!

At the Mother's Day Tea Party
See that Hershey's Kiss? The promise of getting it is the only reason Coleman is smiling!

Coleman and two of his friends

I Want To Be Just Like Mommy When I Grow Up

And here's a funny conversation I had with Spence while putting him to bed. We were sitting in the rocker reading stories and my stomach kept growling.

Spence: Mommy, you tooted!
Mommy: No. My tummy is growling.
Spence: Oh. (thinks for a minute) The baby is growling?
Mommy: No! Just my tummy!

I'd love to get inside a two year old's head and figure out all his thoughts on the baby. First, he thought he could see it if he looked hard enough through my belly button. Now he thinks he can hear it growling! I told him our baby doesn't growl because it's a nice baby.

Coleman has asked how the baby will get out. I just told him I'll go to the hospital and the doctor will take it out. "But how?" he asked. "She just knows how to get it out," I replied.

How to Fight the Minjas

Coleman and Spence fighting the Minjas (Coleman's word for ninjas)

More moves to mutilate minjas

After the minjas were defeated, Mommy made them pose for a sweet picture

I feel bad when I go several days without posting anything, but most days I'm too exhausted to formulate a rational thought, much less write something anyone would be remotely interested in reading. So lately I've been trying to grab the camera and take a few shots of the boys doing something silly. I've figured out that posting a picture of the boys can give you a glimpse into our lives without me having to put forth much effort. When I say that out loud I sound really lazy! OK, so that's a little embarrassing. I'll go ahead and tell you about our weekend so I don't come across as a total loser.

Friday I took the boys to a birthday party at one of those bounce house places. I was honestly a little freaked out thinking about taking them to a place where swine flu germs could be lurking on every surface, but I stuffed a large bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse and went. The place was in a small community outside of Sugar Land (Jumpin' Jacks in Needville for any of you locals) so I felt better than if this was one of those giant places in Houston where tons of other potentially ill kiddos might be. The boys had a really good time.

Saturday all the guys went to Home Depot to buy supplies to start building a shed. I am all too excited about this project because upon completion of aforementioned shed, I will be able to do something I haven't done in ages - park my car in the garage! With the electric car project and other ongoing house projects there hasn't been any room in there. I have not been given a completion date on this project, but I feel pretty sure that someone will hear about it if I have to lug a baby, two little boys, all their junk, grocery bags, and other paraphernalia from the driveway through the 110 degree heat to the front door when I could be parking in a garage. I'm just sayin'.

Saturday night we got a babysitter and went out to dinner with our friends Scott and Jennifer. We went to Buca di Beppo, somewhere Brian and I had never been before. It's an Italian place that serves family style, so the four of us ordered 2 entrees and split them. We also ordered salad and two appetizers. We had a two hour dinner, then took a romantic stroll around Target. It was so nice to have adult conversation and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Sunday Brian took my place for nursery duty just in case anyone brought their sick kids to church. I found a pew in the very back so I didn't have to feel self conscience about sitting while everyone else was standing then sitting and standing then sitting the whole service. There I go with the laziness again. But sometimes I get so winded that I can't sing if I have to keep standing up. I'm pretty sure God understands. By the way, our pastor has been preaching a wonderful series on Heaven. I've had to change some of my old ways of thinking, and it's been great! If you are interested in listening to any of these sermons, click here. The first sermon in the series was on March 22.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! And if you haven't added your guess to my baby pool, click here!

Boys Being Boys

My Two Cuties

Just chillin'... until Daddy gets home. Then these bean bags are stacked up and little boys are thrown 6 feet across the room, landing on them. Next, they hang on to the bean bags for dear life while Daddy grabs their feet and spins them round and round. Brian said he never had bean bags as a child, and those are the things he would have wanted to do with them! I just assume all this is normal and smile.

Here's the Scoop

What do you use when a regular spoon just won't cut it? You got it. Measuring cups.

A Day of Organizing

I'm back! I've been bouncing back and forth between complete exhaustion and being in a cleaning/organizing mood. Brian went out of town for a few days and for some reason I thought I could stay home with the boys by myself, 24 hours a day, from Sunday to Wednesday. By the time he got home Wednesday evening I was almost comatose.

Today I was definitely in an organizing mood, which was wonderful! Now the boys only have summer clothes that actually fit them at this moment in their closets and drawers. All outgrown clothes are boxed up and ready to be handed down as needed! Last week I found all the summer boy and neutral newborn clothing and sorted it out, so it's ready to be washed. Coleman, Spence, and I all have organized closets! I even documented my closet cleaning with before and after pictures.

Last night Brian ordered the boys' bunk bed. It should be arriving in a few weeks, so we thought we'd better prepare Spence for his new bed by taking the front off his crib. He has yet to try to climb out of his crib, so I've been hesitant to convert his crib into the toddler bed. He did great at nap time though! Hopefully tonight will go well also.

How brave am I to let you look into my closet? This is so embarrassing.

But now it looks like this! Still not perfect, but better. And yes, that's a Doc Hudson sticker on my closet door.

During Spence's closet cleaning, we found these Croc boots that Grandma and Grandpa gave us for Christmas one year. He looked like a go-go dancer and had a blast!

Last night we took the boys to a carnival at a local elementary school. Coleman had a great time on several of the moonwalks.

a little over 31 weeks
And yes, it could be up to 9 more weeks before this baby arrives. Do you think I'll make it that long? I promise you that is not a basketball under my shirt. Um, or a watermelon.

The Truth Comes Out

Everybody knows Coleman wants a sister. I just haven't been able to figure out why Coleman wants a sister. One of the ladies that was in Coleman's class during extended session today at church told me she discovered his motives. Apparently Coleman feels that if he has a sister, she will not want to play with his toys, so he won't have to share! I guess it's enough to have to share with Spence!

I faced a new discipline challenge today: how to dish out a punishment in the car. Spence was singing. Coleman wanted him to stop. Spence ignored him and kept singing. Coleman threw a happy meal toy at Spence, hitting him. What to do? At home Coleman would have gone to time out or been sent to his room. In the car, options are limited. Since we were going straight up to get ready for bed once we got home, I decided his punishment was to have one less book read to him at bedtime. This seems minor, but it's a pretty big deal to him. Spence came up with the rest of Coleman's punishment. Instead of Coleman having to listen to Spence softly sing a song, he got to listen to wailing cries for the rest of the car ride.

Just In Case...

I finally fell in love with a little girl outfit. Now if we have Allie, she won't have to come home in a blue, spit-up stained onesie covered in cars! I won't let that happen to Cooper either, though. He's got his "little brother" onesie, so now I just need to find an adorable little pair of pants to match. I've never brought a newborn home from the hospital in hot weather. Do they still need caps and blankets? I don't have a clue! I think little baby caps are too cute though, and we'll probably have the air conditioner cranked up, so I'll get some!

If you haven't already placed your guess in my baby pool, click here.

"E"ntertainment Tonight!

The letter of the day is E!

Exotic footwear
Yesterday was Silly Feet Day at school

Exterminating Ants
All it takes is a hairdryer attachment and a loud growl!

Entourage
I heard Grandpa refer to Coleman's animals as his entourage and loved it!

Exploring

Exposed!

The Guessing Game

*updated at bottom*

Back in March I wrote a post called Baby No Name where I asked for boy name suggestions. I really liked some of the names that were suggested, but unfortunately Brian did not. He's so hard to please! Well, after months of browsing books, wandering on websites, asking for advice, and bugging Brian, we FINALLY have a girl name and a boy name for our child! I'm actually kind of sad that we won't get to use one of them. Also, now that I'm 30 weeks, I've set up an online baby pool. Go to http://www.expectnet.com/game.php to enter your guess of the baby's gender, weight, length, and birthday. You don't have to set up an account. Under "Invited Guests" enter the game name BabyPik. That will take you to our game, then click on "Enter a guess." After the baby is born and the points are all tallied, the winner will receive a special gift from the baby! Oh, I bet you're wondering what names we've chosen. Here they are:

Allie Vaughan

or

Cooper Bradley

Added information:
I thought that maybe I would give you a few facts about Coleman and Spence that could help you make a more educated guess. Coleman was born 2 weeks early, weighed 7 lb 7 oz, and was 19 3/4 inches long. Spence was born 1 week early, weighed 7 lb 5 oz, and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!

Happy Easter from the Piks!

Instead of too many of my words today, I've chosen to use some from Isaac Watts.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

All praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life for me, for you, for us all! Have a blessed Easter!

No Wrong Way to Pray

Tonight at dinner, Brian asked Coleman if he wanted to say the prayer. Coleman will pray sometimes, but not always. Tonight he said yes, so we all bowed our heads and clasped our hands. Coleman began, "Start... your... engines," then went into the sweetest prayer. I think we all had to bow our heads a little lower and bite our lips not to laugh at him. He didn't comment about it after the prayer, so we all just went ahead and ate. He is too funny!

Another Terrorizing Egg Hunt Followed by Fun

Will Mommy never learn? Coleman is not a fan of Easter egg hunts. Yesterday I drug him to another one, and once again there were tears and screaming. It must be shear torture for him! Luckily, the day had other fun in store. Grandpa and Grandma arrived in the afternoon and we all met up at the Houston Museum of Natural History, otherwise known as the Dinosaur Museum. The boys were so excited to see Grandpa and Grandma and to explore the museum with them!

The boys posed with The Zula Patrol

Coleman as he first walked in and saw the dinosaurs

Enjoying the museum

Outside the museum

Family picture

We're having so much fun with Grandpa and Grandma! I hope all of you are having a wonderful Easter weekend as well.

Little Gardeners

Sunday afternoon, bad memories from the Easter Egg Hunt were laid aside and the boys helped Daddy plant Azaleas (the kind that bloom all year!). The front bed is looking so much better. Brian got all the weeds out, pulled back some of the ground cover that had taken over, and put mulch down. When it's all done I'll have to post a picture!

Using his own shovel to fill in the hole

Finding worms in the dirt

What Kid Hates Egg Hunts?

Saturday was our church's Easter Egg Hunt. We of course thought the boys would have a blast, and Spence did. Coleman on the other hand had some issues. He got completely freaked out when they went to the gym to play some egg races, then couldn't recover in time for the actual egg hunt. We think it had to do with the number of kids lined up to do egg races, or the fact that he wasn't sure of the directions, or that he was scared of some of the bigger kids. Whatever the source of the problem was, out of 50 children there, he was the only kid crying at the Easter egg hunt!

The boys coloring Easter bunnies. This was not distressing to Coleman.

Here's where the trouble started. As the other kids were racing down court trying to keep their eggs in their big spoons, Coleman was screaming on the sideline, "I WANT TO GO HOME!!!"

Spence took off to find his eggs in the 2 year old and under egg hunt.

He had a good time!

Finally, a picture without tears!

I feel a little bad that I don't sound too sympathetic. We didn't force him to do anything he didn't want to do. And he eventually found about 5 eggs. I guess next year we'll give him the option of staying home, or find out what games will be played and make sure he can practice ahead of time!

Cooking and Peas (or Peace)

Yes, I still cook. Sometimes. We've just had several things going on where I either couldn't get motivated to cook, or post a menu, or even get to the grocery store! Well, I've been to the grocery store twice this week, so no excuses! Here's our menu:

Thursday: left over chicken enchiladas
Friday: Catalina Taco Salad
Saturday: eat out
Sunday: pancakes and bacon
Monday: Pork chops, baked potatoes
Tuesday: Philly wraps, potatoes
Wednesday: Spaghetti, salad, bread
Thursday: Mexican chicken, rice

So glad I found the pork chop recipe on your blog Jennifer. They sound yummy! I did not get my chops from HEB though, so I'm afraid it won't be a $5 dinner.

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I just heard Coleman singing "I've Got Peace Like a River." He said he learned it at school. He sounds so sweet! His version is a little different:

I've got peas like the river. I've got peas like the river. I've got peas like the river in my soul.

How sweet!

Chugging Along

Several months back Brian ordered some additions for the boys' toy train set. We were kind of hoping to put together a board in the playroom that could be lowered from the ceiling whenever they wanted to play with it. But because they got so many other presents for Christmas and also due to a lack of time, we decided to wait on that project. Now I'm glad we did because if we have a girl, we're going to make the playroom her nursery. So procrastination is not always a bad thing! Anyway, yesterday the boys wanted to build a train track and they seemed really into it. Usually it's torn up within the first few minutes, but they were having such a good time. I decided to get the extra box of tracks Brian had ordered and set it up. We were able to cover almost the entire floor in the study! It stayed together from 4 o'clock until Brian got home! I was shocked. And then I was in pain. Apparently getting down on the floor, playing, and crawling around causes some stress on what I am only assuming is the sciatic nerve. It's better today, but I don't think I'm going to be able to keep picking up Spence. His cries of, "Carry you Mommy!" will have to go unanswered, and that breaks my heart. He's so sweet. Oh how his world is about to be rocked...

Here are some pictures of our awesome train set-up!

Even the baby got in on the action!