Always something going on ...

Well, Corey's shed project is finally close to completion. Hopefully by next weekend we'll have a finished product. Yay! That will be just in time for him to start his new hobby ... restoring an old Jeep that we have acquired. But, that story is for a different day. Back to the shed. The boys want to help daddy on the shed so bad they can hardly stand it. However, oftentimes it is just too dangerous or troublesome for them to be anywhere in the vicinity. But, the other day Corey gave Riley a "job" -- hammering nails into a board. Riley thought this was the best thing in the world. He actually did a really great job once he got the nail started and pounded the thing all the way down without even smashing a finger. Thank goodness! Below is a pic of him concentrating on his workmanship while Gage supervises = )


Riley's fishing pole is also still one of his passions. He soooo wants to take it to the lake and catch a real fish. Someday soon we'll take him to do this. In the meantime, he is happy to practice his casting and reeling skills in the yard (he is no longer allowed to do this in the house, though, as he has actually gotten quite good and can fling that baby a good 20 yards!) Below is a pic of one his practice sessions ... check out that form!



Who has red hair? Gage does! Just look at the carrot top glow in the light of the sunset. Love it! You'll also notice the brown dribbles, streaks, and glops all over his shirt. These are from one of Gage's favorite new hobbies -- helping mommy cook. This boys loves food! On this particular evening he helped make veggie burgers and brownies. Guess which one was our sugar baby's favorite? = )~

Speaking of our sugar baby, he also loves Cherry StarKisses from Dairy Queen. Lucky for him one of our neighbors works there and brought some over that were a little deformed due to freezer issues. Gage was a gracious - and happily stained - recipient!

Another one of Gage's new interests is trying on mommy's accessories: shoes, necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses -- you name it, he wants to try it. Corey is obviously not a fan of this, but I'm not worried. Besides, he looks just so darn cute!

We had a great visit with our friends Shawn and Kari this weekend. It is always so good to see them! Their little boy, Patrick, is getting so big. He'll be one in a little over a week. How time flies! He is such a good boy and so mellow compared to the chaos that we're used to. He also really seemed to take to Corey giving him big smiles. Check out this cute picture. Could they be any more adorable?

Riley and Gage also got their haircut this weekend. I decided to go a little shorter this time since we are in the middle of summer. I think Riley's turned out pretty good. He can really pull off the short hair, but it somehow makes him look so much older to me. Not sure I'm ready for that!

Here's Gage's new cropped 'do. It's okay, but I don't think I'll go this short on him again. His long red moptop is just too precious and fitting for his silly personality.

Well, that's about all for now. Looking forward to the weekend as we are having a "Cousin's Weekend" back in our old stomping grounds. I am so excited to see all my Soukup Girl's and enjoy all that Czech Fest has to offer. Watch out Wilson, here we come = )

Common Phrases ...

There are several phrases that are spoken in our home more than a few times each day by Riley and Gage. Here are a couple that continually seem to tickle our funnybones:

Phrase 1 - "I want both!"

My parenting books advise me to give my toddlers choices to help them feel empowered and avoid some of the typical frustration/no control tantrums. Luckily my boys aren't much for throwing tantrums, but the situation does occasionally arise. So, I try to employ this choice tactic on a daily basis to help us all out. It worked well with Riley, but little Gager has outsmarted me. Here's a typical back and forth ...

Me: Gage, would you like choice A (insert any food or toy here) or would you like choice B (insert any other food or toy here)?

Gage: I want both.

Me: No, honey, you get to choose only one. The one you like best. Which would you like?

Gage: I want BOTH.

Me: Gage, you're a big boy and you get to choose your favorite. Do you choose "A" or "B"?

Gage: I want BOTH!!!!

Seriously, my books said nothing about this. Some help!

Phrase 2: "We'll probably have to get that!"

In the evenings after all of our activities, part of our nightly wind down routine is watching Noggin or one of the Nickelodeon channels. These stations are fantastic for parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers. They have exceptional educational programs that teach manners, problem solving, teamwork, shapes, colors, and the like. However, they slip in these wonderful little commercials sometimes between programs for such products as Bendaroos, the Rocket Fishing Pole, Paperoni's, and Bump-It's. Each time one of these brilliant little commercial/infomercial segments appears you are sure to hear the following conversation:

Riley: Cool! We'll probably have to get that!

Me: Hmmmm, probably not.

Riley: Probably, we will. Just look mom. We NEED that.

Me: Maybe, but probably not. (Yes, this is my own fault for leaving that tiny possibility of hope.)

Riley. Yes, we'll probably get that. It'll be soooo fun! (The boy is nothing if not hopeful!)

So, with going over these same conversations and situations each day, one would think that we would get tired of it. But, we don't. Sometimes we maybe get a bit exasperated, but then we just sit back and enjoy the routine. Because, after all, we're getting to interact with two of the greatest people on this earth and watch their little minds work. It's amazing really. They're 2 and 3. Just one short year ago this type of back and forth didn't even seem possible. Riley and Gage are both growing and learning so fast it sometimes takes me by surprise. Even with the repetition, new elements are always being added. Even with all of the complaining I sometimes do, it is still the highlight of my day, every day, to come home to this. I thank God for my sweet little family = )

Most Excellent Weekend!

We travelled back to Mac to commemorate our nation's Independence Day with family and friends. Thankfully, Mother Nature played along and the weather was fabulous for outdoor festivities! We couldn't have asked for a better weekend = )

Mmmmm ... watermelon. Check out the juice streaks running down his tummy!

Chillin' like a villain with his "watermountain!"

This is the first year the boys have gotten to really see fireworks and participate. In years past, they have always been in bed before the big stuff starts and I've been too chicken to let them near even the little stuff. But, this year I decided to brave and venture into sparkler territory. They both LOVED them of course! We only had a dozen little ones as I wasn't sure how they'd react to them. I'll know better next year! At least we had plenty of little poppers to tide them over = )

Riley with a sparkler --

-- or a "sparkly" as Gage called them = )

Later in the afternoon, we headed to Corey's cousin's home to see family from far and wide and enjoy a good ol' fish fry. Delicious! On our way, we stopped by Corey's parent's farm for a visit. The boys love it out there as there is just some much to see and do.

Gage showing his patriotism out by the round top.

The boys taking a spin around the farm in the golf cart. Riley is an excellent driver!

A beautiful Kansas sky. It's like God smiling down on us = )

The fish fry was a blast. It is always great to see the Huber bunch. There's never a lack of conversation or entertainment when this group gets together! Riley and Gage were a little shy at first, but once they got some of the good grub into their bellies, their normal/crazy sides came on out to play. Here's a few of their shenanigans ...

Riley sitting in one of the Bullpup (McPherson mascot) emblems. He and Gage thought they were Blue's Clues paw prints = )

Playing with some of the parachute remnants from the rockets.

Gage LOVES cupcake frosting and red punch. That's our sugarbaby!

After these festivities we headed back to my folk's place and lit our nightime fireworks with the boys. It was so fun to see the joy in their little faces and have them "help" us light some of the goodies. I think they are hooked!

The little monkeys in a tree in mom and dad's front yard. Aren't they cute?

Another highlight of the weekend was getting to spend a little time with our good friends Fran, Trace, Tahse and their families. We haven't seen them for several years as they now live in Arizona, so it's always a treat to get together. They're the type of friends that even when you haven't hung out in years, when you get together it's like you've never been apart. It's a wonderful thing to have friends like that!

The old rowdy girls who aren't quite so rowdy anymore -- but don't test us!

The old rowdy boys, who are, well, not as rowdy as they used to be,

but they can still be pretty wild if they put their minds to it! = )~

Unfortunately, even with 3 days, there just wasn't enough time to spend with everyone we wanted to, but we are thankful for the time we got to spend with many of our family and friends. We hope you all enjoyed your weekends as well!

Good Times ...

We attended another wedding this weekend. This time for our dear friends Jamie and Brandon. It was kind of strange seeing it. I often describe Jamie as "one of our neighbor girls," as we have watched her grow over the last several years from a young pre-teen to now a lovely young woman. I guess I'll need to come up with a new description for her now as that one will obviously no longer do. Anyhow, we are so happy for them and so appreciative that they included us in their celebration. However, they might be a little sorry as Riley and Gage could not contain themselves. The big crowd and the music and the sweet, red punch had them so riled up they were even crazier than normal. But, on the bright side, when we finally made it home, they slept the best they have in quite a while = )

Speaking of the boys, they continue to entertain and amaze us everyday with the new things that they say and do. They are also, slowly, but surely, becoming best of friends (when they're not tattling on or fighting with the other, that is!) Several times Riley has interpreted things for me that Gage is saying. For example, the other night at bedtime I swore Gage was asking for one of his racecars and I kept telling him no, racecars do not go nigh-night with us. He was getting quite frustrated when Riley said to me, "Mommy, Gager wants the Jaguar to 'nuggle with." Ahhh, how sweet! He knew exactly what he wanted and explained it so nicely. He has also taken to showing Gage (and Corey and I for that matter) how to go about completing daily tasks, then finishing each display by saying, "... and that's how you do it!" What a good big brother! And Gage, oh Gage. He is getting to be such a comedian. He loves to come up and tickle us, or tell us a joke that only he gets, then he just laughs and laughs. If his laughing doesn't cause us to laugh, he makes sure to tell us that it was funny ... kind of a reminder, I guess, to offer up our obligatory chuckles = )

Well, we've got a big weekend planned seeing friends and family over the 4th. We are sooo looking forward to it! Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!! Here's a few pics and a video of the boys playing together. Fun in the sand pit and one of their favorite toys ... our laundry basket. Boys!

Portraits in Mud

I must be crazy. Seriously. Why else would I let my boys get this ridiculously filthy? Oh well, they have so much fun doing it, it is worth it. The clean up, on the hand, is another story!

Anyhow, here's one pic of Riley (that's all I have that's fit for public viewing, he was a man in motion so many photos are blurry or include appendages that should not be shown on the internet!) -- and several of Gage hamming it up for the camera. Boys!

Where've You Been?

Well, we've been here, there, everywhere, and nowhere. Just busy, busy, busy. But, the overall theme of the last couple of weeks has been Corey working on his shed. He has wanted to build this thing for years and it is finally coming to fruition. But, it is slow going. He is building it primarily by himself -- but has had some wonderful help along the way from family and friends. One thing is for sure, this shed will be more sturdily constructed than many homes. It is huge and will even have it's own loft area. Corey is nothing if not thorough and precise. Sometimes to a fault = )~ Seriously, the man measures, re-measures, levels, re-levels, aligns, re-aligns ... well, you get the point. To him, this is not just a shed but a measure of his craftsmanship. And this craftsman takes pride in a job well done. Here are a few pictures of the masterpiece's progression ....

The beginning ...

Framing walls ...

The roof is done ...

Eaves completed and most of siding hung ...

This is the back view of our house. Corey designed the shed to mirror this area. It is the same height and the roofs have the same pitch. Did I mention he kind of goes overboard sometimes? Oh well, it will be a darn nice shed when it's done = )

What have I been doing during the course of this construction? A lot. But, mostly keeping the kiddos occupied and out of dad's way while still trying to maintain the house and keep everyone fed and in clean clothes. Sounds easy enough, right? If only it were so. My boys are lean, mean eating machines with a penchant for getting as grubby as possible whenever the chance presents itself. Good times. Here are a couple of pics of one of our evenings ....

Riley with his pants hiked up Urkel-style preparing for water gun battle.

Gager enjoying one of his favorite summertime treats.

Me ... either getting ambushed by water gun fire -- or losing my marbles. Probably both!

Our only major issue right now is with little Gage. With the extreme heat and humidity that we are experiencing right now, he has been breaking out in hives any time he gets hot. It's weird, he can play all day in the heat as long as he stays wet via sprinklers, water guns, pools, etc. But, if he doesn't have water to cool him down, he immediately breaks out in nasty huge hives all over. We're going to the doc on Thursday to discuss this some more. Hopefully it's nothing to worry about, but as a mom, it's what I do. I'll keep you posted.

Below is a little video of how to let two very energetic boys blow off some steam when it's just too darn hot to play outside ... WARNING - this may not be for the faint of heart! = )

Celebrate Good Times ... Come On! Let's Celebrate ...

Saturday was our 11 year wedding anniversary. Wow. I can't believe it's been that long, yet at the same time, I can hardly believe it's only been 11 years. We've been together so long now and through so much, it's almost as if we've just always been by each other's sides. It's a great feeling! Anyhow, we commemorated our anniversary by celebrating the marriage of some our dear friends, Zach and Dinah. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding on a bridge that spanned the Smokey Hill River. A really lovely setting. Afterwards, we enjoyed a booty-shaking good time at the reception. Gosh, I think Corey and I danced for almost 3 hours straight. It was so fun! We don't go out dancing much anymore, so that was quite a treat for us as we both enjoy dancing.


While we enjoyed our outing, the boys got spoiled getting to stay with Grandma and Papa Soukup and Great Grandma Galyardt. Riley and Gage are still reliving their fun telling and re-telling their adventures (although, each time they change a little bit and sometimes tigers and dinosaurs enter the story that weren't there before = D) The favorite still seems to be the walk to Dairy Queen and describing the excavating equipment they got to see, in motion, on their way. Heavy equipment and ice cream -- the perfect combo for my boys!


The next day we got to enjoy a little fun in the sun with Corey's parents. We met them at Marion Lake and spent a little time on the water. The boys were thrilled! They had a really good time, but were very sad to leave. Hopefully, next time we can stay much longer!

Riley driving the boat with Papa Huber. "Driving" was definitely his favorite thing to do.

Gage "fishing" with Grandma Huber. He kept yelling down into the water, "Fishies come here!"

Here's the boys giving themselves a spa treatment. They mud baths are good for the skin, right?

Yuck!

Very pleased with himself.

Each of the boys had to take an "outside" bath before they could come inside for a real bath. They were just too filthy!

Well, today is my 35th birthday. Yikes! I'm officially over the halfway point of my thirties. I just hope the 2nd half is as good as the first has been. It's brought me two wonderful little boys and more than love than I could have ever asked for. I'm blessed = )