What wonderful weather...

Yesterday we took advantage of the weather, busted out the play clothes, side walk chalk, and ride on toys.

John was in his element again - drawing things that were a 'secret surprise - so don't look' in the driveway.

He gladly showed me his scrap o' chalk after he was finished drawing my likeness. He was proud of the fact that he was drawing again, and that he had the ability to destroy inanimant objects with such little effort.

For those who don't know, my son was quite the artist. His paintings line our stairwell and grace some walls upstairs. He used to sit and paint and color for hours.

He now has some books that he has written too. Along the line of 'If you give a Pig a Pancake' book - he has written a book called, 'If you give a snake a piece of cake.' It is very cute, and I am making sure I save it for the future. Hey it may be my retirement!!!

But ever since John started school he never really wants to sit and draw anymore. I do think that it has to do with the fact he has to sit still for so long at school. When he gets home, his imagination is about to explode with Star Wars battles that have been raging in there all day long....thus, his drawing goes to the way side.

Andrew loved the day too. He quickly picked up the chalk and did what his brother did...monkey see, monkey do. That should be his motto these days. But what was most exciting is that he took off. I brought out his riding toy to give him

the chance to strut his stuff...and he did.

He walked the neighbor hood like he owned

the place. Chattering about the going's on

in his world. He told me about many things,

most of which included the words 'Da-da'

'Hot' 'Dog-Dog' 'oof oof' and an over the shoulder

wave bye bye.

I don't know when he grew up so fast. He has grown leaps and bounds lately. His personality has just blossomed into such a unique person. He has traits of both me and my husband. I can totally see him becoming more like my husband. He pushes the envelope on many issues - mostly just getting into the lazy susan or the cabinet under the sink - and does his very best not to get caught. He finds humor in the smallest thing - totally me - and is happy to go to bed - again me! I joke that he will be the kid that makes me go gray - and while it is his personality or the simple fact I am older this time around - he makes me sooooo tired. I never ever thought I would be repeating the phrase numerous times a day 'Stop licking.....' you can end that sentence any way you want. It can end with 'Stop licking the dishwasher' Or 'Stop licking the couch' Or 'Stop licking your brother' Or 'Stop licking the dog' (I WISH I was making that up).

Having my boys so far apart, almost 6 years apart, I thought I was going to avoid some of the things that other parents go through. I did not have two babies in diapers at one time. I did not have two kids in daycare at the same time. I was able to devote time to John - and get through all of his firsts. His first birthday, his first day of Kindergarten, first field trip....lots of firsts....before his baby brother came along.

But like many mom's, I find myself repeating key pharses my baby WISHES he could say....so on behalf of Andrew - I shall repeat them here.

While in the car, John thinks he needs to touch Andrew. He will do his best to get both hands on him - and hold his hand, love on him, blah blah blah....

Andrew - does not see this as an acceptable form expression of affection. So Andrew starts yelling...and I translate

'Stop touching your brother!'

John - in classic true kid form - will respond, 'But I am NOT touching him - I am only touching his car seat.'

Some of the classic Mom-isms I have spouted just in the past hour...

'Leave him alone.'

'GO- Go far away from him and let him be.' (The ironic thing - when I tell John to go play somewhere else - Andrew then calls for him non-stop.) Which is currently happening right now....

So today, back to yucky weather...storms, wind, hail, and possible tornados...yup, spring is right around the corner. I am glad we got out and enjoyed it while we could....It always makes us smile....