Ah, Darius...

How could you not love that face?

Darius is like the little peacekeeper of the family -- well, when he's not causing trouble, anyway ;o). He has no problem being the perpetual sidekick in Taye's constant role playing games, he is quick to help out, he dotes on Mya, he let's Taye win. He likes to tell me, "Mama, it's good to be here" and has taken to barking out "Mama, I love ya!" He had the waitress at Friendly's laughing one time when she overheard him say, "Mama, I love you, but can we have ice cream now?" Well, when you put it that way...

He loves to make people laugh, and his giggle is infectious. We've been telling a lot of really funny jokes around here lately. Knock-knock jokes in particular. After hearing the "Orange you glad I didn't say banana" one a few times, Darius made up his own:

Knock-knock.

Who's there?

Guitar.

Guitar, who?

Guitar you glad I didn't say vacuum?

Some may say he was just using random objects from around the room, but I choose to believe he meant for it to work that well. He is pretty darn smart, after all.

Last week the kids were going to Nana's for a few hours. As we were getting ready, I joked with Darius and told him he had to stay home.

Me: "Nana said you can't come, she changed her mind."

Darius: "No she didn't, she still has the same mind!"

(What he doesn't know is that she actually lost it a long, long time ago...it's all Uncle Bunny's fault, I had nothing to do with it!)

Lately I've noticed that almost all his "babyness" is gone, he is definitely a big kid. But no matter how big he gets, he is still totally squishable. He still likes to snuggle, and that's fine by me. Speaking of squishable, I could still sit and watch this video of him all day long:

I can't be the only one. He is yummy.

The Perfect Storm

Yesterday, I experienced the Perfect Storm. I was out running errands alone...my route brought me past the Salvation Army...I was reminded that Darius desperately needs pants (plus, I'm addicted, fine!)...and as I was walking in, I saw a sign advertising a one-day only, everything in the store (except furniture) 50% off sale.

I can't even describe the excitement. I went through the kids clothing racks with an eye towards the summer stuff (and pants for Darius). I left with 10 pairs of pants (6 of them jeans), 13 shirts, 2 pairs of shoes, an iron, and 2 small Easter items...for $20.37. I don't know how people can shop anywhere else.

My favorite find of the day? These:

I don't even care that she already has sneakers in this size. They were $1, and look at them! So cute.

Recent Favorites

Fashion Show

Every time I see fabric listed on Freecycle, I ask for it, even though I don't really sew. Because I like fabric, and someday I may sew, and I have people who will sew for me. The vast majority of the fabric gets passed along, but there is usually at least one piece that I love and want to keep. Last week, there was a flurry of pattern searching and buying, and sewing awesomeness done by Tia. We got everything this weekend, and Mya modeled for the camera.

Probably a year ago, I got a huge piece of fabric, which we have affectionately called "the ugly fabric" from the beginning. It's so hideous that it's awesome, I loved it. I instantly knew I needed it to be made into something for Mya. I then decided -- you may want to sit down -- that what it should be is a dress for Mya. I gave it to Tia, and we worked on finding the perfect pattern. I wish this picture wasn't blurry because it came out so cute.


I also had a second 'ugly fabric' though not as wonderfully ugly as the first. I found a pattern for a tunic online that I loved, and asked Tia to make 2 of them. This one has the ugly fabric #2 as the trim (and I think it's my favorite):

This other tunic is made from 2 purples that I got together, and quite honestly, the trim on this is a pretty ugly fabric as well. I love the color of the main shirt:

Last, but not least, is this awesome kimono coat. It has super soft fleece on the outside, and is lined with my favorite ugly fabric. I love the way it wraps, I love the hood, I love it. Now we just need it to be a bit warmer so she can wear it!

And then, as you can see, the fashion show was over!

Thanks Tia!!!!!!

New Bed!

We've been wanting to get the boys bunk beds since we moved in here. Their room was really congested, and we wanted the space. We finally headed up to the Mill Store in NH this weekend to get one. We got there just in time, as they were all sold out except for the floor model. We waited while they took it apart, and took it home. The kids were so excited, and spent the rest of the day playing on it, only pausing for dinner.

Here is Taye, holding up the ceiling:


and Darius, holding up Taye:

Daddy whipped up a cool fort:

Three little monkeys:

I love this picture. Luis had them yelling "New Bed!" for the camera, instead of "cheese!" and it was, apparently, very funny.

16 Already?

Coming Along

Taye's skating classes are almost over. There is one left, but he told us he doesn't want to go skating, ever, and doesn't want to play hockey any more either. So, we'll see this Sunday, but he may be done. He seems to have fun while he is there, and has learned quite a bit, despite the teacher's best efforts. We have not been impressed with them, at all. Taye was adamant that he wanted a teacher to teach him, and not one of us. So, this class served that purpose, and he has now basically taught himself to skate, but if not for that, this would have been a huge waste of money.

No more wall clinging:

Keeping his balance:

all the way to the other side (and a nice, big grin).