Her Heart

One of the many things I love about my daughter is her heart for people. A particular example of this softness occurred just today.
While enjoying the chilly evening on our patio, our time outside was interrupted by the flashing lights of a first responder truck. It appears that our elderly neighbor, who was born and raised in the same house in which he still resides, took a fall.
When Maggie learned of his accident, she immediately set to work with her markers and coloring book to create a Get Well picture for Mr. Sullivan. After her masterpiece was finished, she was utterly distraught to learn that he was going to the hospital and that she wouldn't be able to deliver her picture yet this evening. Much consoling was needed to assure her he would be fine and that her picture could be presented at another time. After the tears subsided, she did remember that when Curious George fell and went to the hospital, the doctors helped him get all better. What a sweetie. And during her bedtime prayers, before I could even prompt her, she included a request for Mr. Sullivan.
I thank the Lord for her.

Please

Am I the only mom that cringes when her toddler says, "please?" Let me elaborate.
We try to teach our kids good manners. Try. And sometimes they follow through!
Also, in case you're not familiar with sign language, the sign for "please" is to rub your chest with your hand. Combine a precious 19-month-old boy, chocolate chip muffin in hand (healthy version!), and a desire for more. Screaming won't do the trick, ("What do you say, Bode?") so he takes his grubby little hand and runs it over his shirt, which happens to be soaked from the watermelon he was carrying around earlier. *sigh*
I suppose the obvious solution is to make him wear a bib. Or maybe quit teaching him manners. :)

Ladies' Man

We needed to get out of the house today. It was raining, and we were crabby. So what better place to go than The PlayPlace at McDonald's to run off some steam on a rainy gloomy day?

And that is where I realized Bode's got moves. Or he thinks he does. After getting the snub when trying to hug a little toddler girl around his own age, he set his sights a little higher. Older women. Preschoolers.

While one little girl was just minding her own business perched atop the hood of a play car, Bode strutted over and started talking Bode talk while gesturing animatedly all around with his hands. When that got no response, he upped his game by lifting his shirt and showing her his six-pack-to-be. The poor girl didn't know what to do. I tried to engage him in some other play, but he went back again...and again with another little girl. We may have to teach him the meaning of the word "harassment."

Sisters, Brothers, Parents, and Children

The past couple weeks have been filled with family. My sister, fresh off her first year away at college, came to hang out, do some shopping, visit the circus, and play nanny for a few days. We'll see if she comes back after the beating my children gave her.

The next weekend my mom and sister were back to spend the day with Maggie and Bode while I traveled for work. We capped off that day with a delightful visit to the winery with my brother and sister-in-law while my precious little nephew stayed with our children and a sitter. Maggie informed me the next day that he had been crying. Why? "Because Bode was wiggling his head." (Sorry, Annie!)

We finished our weekend with a visit to my parents' house for  Mother's Day. Not only was I blessed to spend some time with my mom, but the day was made even more special knowing I have the two most wonderful children in my life.

Our backyard is starting to bloom.

This kid is constantly getting bumps, bruises, and bloody noses.

Teacher Appreciation Day = BOGO at Chipotle.

A new game invented by Bode - ring ball.