The Naughty Box

When I picked up this guy

from preschool on Tuesday, I was told he had a bit of a rough day. Perhaps the terrible twos are setting in? When I got to the car and pulled out his Daily Report, I noticed something...

Did you see it? That's right, his sweet teachers had to create a "naughty" box JUST TO CHECK IT! 

Oh Hayesman! Apparently, he was sitting on people. That's right, SITTING ON people. What first came to mind was "O'Doyle Rules" from Billy Madison. 

Oh no, my son will not be O'Doyle. 

Also notice how next to where it says pretzels, there is a blank after "thanks to". That's because O'Doyle's mom forgot it was her snack week. Double points for Team Dean. 

Please don't kick us out Grace Preschool! We love you. 

Look at these cute class pictures. 

Okay, not the best quality, but you get the gist. 

Here's hoping Hayes has a better day tomorrow!

I mean, look how cute he is! Can you believe this guy sits on people. Argh!

Okay, maybe he is a bit mischievous. 

I don't know where he gets it. 

Mystery. 

Also, everyone has been asking me to post about our trip. I really want to, but I am having trouble with the picture situation. I know that the pictures from Drew's camera are on my computer, but I can't find them. So when I remedy that, I will post!

Amsterdam...for a hot minute

2 things
1. Spell check isn't working
2. Blogger is talking to me in Dutch

Disclaimer complete.

We landed this morning in Amsterdam.

The flight was nice, thanks Pam and Warren! Champagne before take off never hurt anyone.

We were looking at that the new release  movie selection and the flight attendant asked if we had seen Argo. We told her that we have a 4 and a 2 year old so if it doesn't involve a mouse solving a problem or pirates earning dabloons (sp?) we haven't seen it.

I watched Silver Linings Playbook - really good.

And thanks to some Ambien (thanks Marc) I got some great sleep.

When we landed I told Drew that now I only fly first class. He laughed RIGHT IN MY FACE. Outloud. In my face. I guess we aren't on the same page with that.

We are waiting in the lounge for our train to Paris. I really want a Cappuccino but the machine is scary. I just need to put my big girl pants on and make it happen.

Also, anyone want me to bring them a sandwich from a hole in the wall? I can make that happen for you.

Off to Paris.

And no, I never got the coffee.

I really want the coffee on the train experience. Yep! Going with that.

Feb 28

Happy Birthday Dad.

Last year our birthday came so quickly after your death, it really didn't sink in.

For the past 2 weeks I have had an anxious feeling, like I am forgetting something. As I was folding laundry last night it hit me, your birthday present. I felt as though I should be looking for or talking about what to get you for your birthday. Such a strange feeling. I'll never again have to agonize about what to get your for your birthday...only to have you return it.

You know it's true.

Lucy talks about you all the time. Her grandparent (she is into using the formal word, grandparent) who lives in Heaven with God. Not too long ago she asked me if God was finished fixing you and could He send you back. She felt like He should share. I can't blame her.

Hayes is starting to identify you in pictures. We put a picture of you holding him above his changing table. We say hi to you on a regular basis. Last month he was acting like a wild man while having his diaper changed (shocker) and he kicked the picture. He looked at it and said, "Sowee Poppers". Sweet business.

A few weeks ago we went to the Challenge Signing Day dinner, a tradition you started all those years ago. It was amazing to see how far it had come from the homemade signs you made on our printer. 5 scholarships were given away in your name. Even though the recipients had probably never met you, Pat made sure that they knew what the scholarship represented. Per usual, I was proud to be your daughter.

Tonight we will celebrate a good friend at his rehearsal dinner. A party on your birthday. You wouldn't have it any other way.

I miss you every day.

Every day.

Monkeycakes

Hey there, howdy.

So Hayesman has the flu. Poor dude. Yesterday morning we went to the Y for Body Combat (me) and Yoga (Lucy - tick, tock the little yoga clock). I had been there for just about an hour when the whiteboard beckoned.

For those non-Katy Y people, when Child Watch needs you they parade into your class or workout area with a white board saying for example, "Maggie for Hayes". When you see the dreaded white board your first thought is "please not me" and then if you see your name you are hoping the magic word "diaper" appears below it. Which means a quick diaper change and you are back in business.

Alas, there was no "diaper" on my white board, but rather a green shirt girl telling me Hayes had a 102 temp. Super. Off to the pedi we went where he tested positive for the flu. Double super. Lucy, tested negative and is still without fever. Please join me in a moment of prayer that she stays that way. No, for real. Bow your head. Drew and I leave town next Thursday for 10 days. 10 days. But that is a story for another time.

Yesterday and last night were pretty rough. He was so miserable. Lots of diaper changes (I'll spare you the details) and crying. Probably the worst was holding him as he shivered and whimpered. Today, he slept all morning and woke up a new guy. With the help of Tylenol and Motrin, his fever seems to be under control and he has started drinking his water. The only food he has asked for is Monkeycakes. Since they are BRAT friendly I was happy to oblige.

Every time I make them I am so thankful that my (awesome) friend Mandi shared this recipe with me. They are healthy, and delicious. Make them for your kiddo or yourself. The only requirement is that you say, "ooh ooh ah ah" before you take your first bite. Or if you're Hayes before most bites.

Recipe
1 egg
1/3 cup oats
1 banana

All of it in a blender and blend, blend, blend.
Pour directly from the blender onto a hot skillet or griddle.
Cook like pancakes.

You can add blueberries, strawberries or chocolate chips. Although I would stir those in after.

When I make this for my two hooligans I double it. Still works great.

That's all from Lysol central. Over and out!

Valentine's Day

My funny Valentines woke up super early. They were ready to start the day!

Pink and red sprinkle pancakes and chocolate milk to kick things off.

Also known as sugar + sugar = Happy kids

They (luckily) had school on Thursday, so it was time to get ready for the day and parties. Fancy was kind enough to get Lucy a special dress for the big day. Rumor has it that I forgot about that purchase and bought her a smocked heart dress. I may have forgotten about the purchase until it arrived in the mail.

OOPSIES!

Lucy chose the dress from Fancy because in her words, "it is more squishy". I mean, what?

The purpose of the video below is two fold. One to get Hayes saying Lightening McQueen on video and the other to document the sound an elephant makes. 

Both the kids had Valentine's Day parties at school. Hayes class had cupcakes to celebrate his and a classmates birthday. 

We finished the night with heart shaped pizza and Valentine's presents. Last January I got the kids Mickey and Minnie and I put them away. It was the perfect opportunity to give them the dolls. They were so excited! 

Oh and of course, daddy brought Lucy some flowers. Because he is sweet like that. 

Hooray for my funny valentines. 

Happy 2nd Birthday Hayes!

Happy Birthday Hayesman! You are the big 2!

 I am certain I will say this every year but, "how did this happen"? The last year went so quickly.

At 2 you...
 - Get a kick out of yourself
- Want to make sure your sister is hydrated, "Wucy, water...bwing"
- Think Lightening McQueen is the bee's knees. You request Cars everyday.
- Like Thomas the Train, but not his show. I don't blame you. Creepers.
- Screech for joy when daddy gets home
- Have started talking so much. A vocabulary explosion. My current favorites are "Ightning McKeeeeen" and your striking resemblance to Charles Barkey when you say "terrible". Your "otha one" favorite word is "no"
- Are so strong willed.
- Can throw a fit like nobody's business
- Love hugs and cuddles
- Continue to let me dress you primarily in business casual. Bless you.
- Love to run, jump, slide, hop, shimmy, fast feet, squat, roll, but NEVER swing. No sir. No swings.

Hayes, you bring us such joy. You are our best little guy.

February - I am not sure what you are eating. Sorry. 

March 

March - On Peggy's stairs

April

April - 1st year photo session

Cinco de Mayo

May in Port Aransas

4th of July - When you discovered your love of blueberries

August 

September - You snagged your sister's
headband before she woke up. 

October

October at school

December

January at the Y

Your birthday morning. We were waiting for your to wake up!

Frowning at your cupcake. You did
not like the singing. 

Fixing your table!

Dearest Hayes...

If you are expecting a sappy 2 year old birthday boy post come back later in the week.

Dearest Hayes,

You know I love you. You know I do. You are my best little guy, funny Hayes-monster, cutest schmoopy woopy baby boy...

but for the love everything on the planet...

PLEASE SLEEP!

During the nighttime hours...PLEASE SLEEP!

You are so tricky how you go to bed so easily and then BAM. Haha Mom, fooled you. Well you know what...

I PITY THE FOOL!!!

Not that I don't enjoy the added fitness bonus of going up and down the stairs thirty eleven times every night.

Or the mental challenge of trying to remember, after I leave your room, where I am currently sleeping.

Oh where oh where is my pillow?

Is it the guest room so the monitor doesn't keep Drew up all night when he has to wake up at 5?
Or is it the couch so I can have the monitor off but still hear you screaming "mommy" for hours on end.
Or is it the "otha one couch" (as you would say) which is closer to your room, but a little easier on the back.

We affectionally call you Hayes Van Winkle because of your record setting naps. But you my friend, are about to lose that name.

Hmmm, I am not sure that is a good negotiating point.

Try this...I will buy you a puppy. And a fire truck. And Lightening McQueen. Yes, THE Lightening MCQueen.

Oh and Happy birthday week. See you later for a birthday post.

P.S. For the 10 of you wondering, shortening or removing Van Winkle's nap does not seem to help the nighttime woes.

P.S.S. I know this is a pity pot post, but it's my blog. So there. Thbbbbbt.