Potty Training?

Graham does not like being little, at all.  In fact he thinks he's much bigger than he really is.  I think this is why he gets into so much trouble. He loves getting food out of the pantry, doesn't like naps, and will pretty much do anything himself if I don't get to it fast enough.  His latest attempt at being big is going poop on the potty.  Twice this week when Caroline and Devin have needed to use the bathroom Graham has decided to give it a try and he's actually done stuff! He seems to know what he's doing too, he doesn't just sit there he really tries.  Now I'm not saying he's going to be potty trained anytime soon because lets face it he can't even say his name let alone communicate his need to relieve himself.  But for now I'll indulge his desire to go potty like the big kids and just maybe I'll have a few less poppy diapers to change!

Good Grief!

These children are crazy.  I need to write down some things they have done so I can remember how nuts they are!
Graham-mischivious doesn't even begin to describe this boy.  Recently he has locked Devin in their closet, broke some ornaments, ripped through two different cereal boxes (it looks like animals went after them), and some how found more paint to get on the carpet.  He's a busy boy.
Caroline- she is going to have ulcers if she keeps stressing out this much about school.  Today she told me she doesn't really like school so after some talking she finally told me why.  She's afraid to get answers wrong.  Seriously? Kindergarten shouldn't be this stressful.  And I've been to her class its not bad she just wants to be the best at EVERYTHING and never be wrong.
Devin-thank goodness I have one child that isn't crazy right now.  He is so good and sweet and easy going.   He loves preschool, sleeping, and pretending to be a superhero.  I love it.  I"m sure in about a month or two he'll be acting crazy and the other two will be good but right now he's SO GOOD!

Sad tale

Sleep has not been easy to come by in this house lately.  Devin has a stomach bug and up at 5 almost every morning this week to go to the bathroom and has woken up Graham, and me in the process.  They also have colds and have been up a few times at night.  Last night Graham was having trouble going back to sleep so Shawn being the great husband that he is decided he would go calm Graham down so I could try and sleep.  Instead of going back to sleep Graham freaked out and then spent the next 5 minutes screaming "mama".  I heard his door open but didn't see him come into my room and his screams kept getting fainter and fainter.  So I went downstairs and found Graham bawling wandering around downstairs looking for me.  It was the saddest thing I have ever seen, well half seen because I didn't have glasses or contacts on.  My poor, sick, baby boy.

Family

My family is THE BEST.  All but one of my siblings have already come to visit me since we've moved here, some twice. I"ll give my little sister a break since she's about to have a baby.  Shawn's parents and my parents have visited a few times as well and since we can't go anywhere for Christmas Shawn's ENTIRE family is coming to spend time with us. My friends are always telling me how lucky I am because we have family visit all the time and I have to agree.  Basically my family rocks.  My oldest sister and her beautiful girls and Brandon came to visit for Thanksgiving and here are the highlights.  We're not that creative and do the same things with all our visitors so most people who have visited will probably recognize these places.

Our favorite breakfast place, the Pancake Pantry.  Oh so good and even though Bethy and Brandon didn't get the sweet potato pancakes I was nice and let them share half of one.  I know I'm generous.  They did seem to enjoy the dishes they got though.

We also played at the park.

We also headed over to the Adventure Science Center.   The girls loved climbing all the way to the top of the jungle gym and riding down the colon slide!

We broke out the Christmas decorations and of course danced to Mariah Carey while doing it.  Loved it!

We watched Cars 2 about 10 times, ok maybe only 3 but it is now Devin's favorite so thanks for bringing it!  Oh and we played with cousins ALL day long.  My kids were in heaven and so was I because my kids were happy.

Proof that my awesome sister was here in front of our newly decorated tree.

And lastly we checked out the Christmas lights at the Opry Hotel.  The kids held hands almost the entire time, adorable!

Shawn occasionally graced us with his presence and Graham was happy to have his daddy around.  Shawn and I loved hanging out with Bethy and Brandon watching movies, talking, and laughing a lot.  We miss them and can't wait to see them again!

Birthday Boy

Its the birthday season around our house these days.  Devin is next up in our birthday rotation and I think he had a great day.  I'm pretty sure if you asked him what his favorite thing was about his birthday he'd say it was having his cousins to celebrate with.  The second best thing was his chocolate cake.  I think we've turned our children into chocoholics.  We love our sweet Devin and even though its cliche to say this I really can't believe he's already 4.  Time goes by way too fast.  We love you Devin, happy birthday!

Blowing out his candle.

Having a blast with his rocket launcher.  Thank you Grandma/pa Funk!

Having fun with his train set. Thanks mom and dad!

Here he is doing his happy birthday dance. What a handsome little boy!

Gobble, Gobble

Yummy.  I love Thanksgiving. I love making food all day and watching movies and then eating at least 2x more than I probably should.  This year was extra great because in addition to the amazing food the Peterson's came to visit and we are having a blast with them.  Caroline and Mabel are spending every waking second together and having slumber parties every night.  Caroline will be talking about this for months.  The only thing that could have made today better would be having Poodle here.  Oh and Shawn but I've known for a while that Shawn would be on call and we barely made a dent in the food so we have plenty to share with him tomorrow.

Caroline helping make the cranberry salad.

And of course Devin had to  have his turn.

The Funk and Peterson cousins together.  Graham's face is awesome.

And its not Thanksgiving in out house without a post dinner viewing of Elf.  Let the holiday season begin!

The pie lineup for this year.  Chocolate, frozen limeade, apple, banana cream (made by Bethy and it was SOOOO good) and pumpkin banana mousse tart.  YUM! Stretchy pants here I come!