I love to watch him

I love to watch him learn something new. His eyes light up and I see again why Aunt Melanie nicknamed him "Sparkle" when he was just a baby. Two Fridays ago (I think), he asked me to push him in the swing. I hesitated for a moment, thinking of how I was comfortable where I was. But then I thought, "It won't be long before he's doing it all by himself."


Sure enough, the next morning I took the boys out to play, and Mark took off swinging. He is so very proud of himself. I like to watch him look over his shoulder while he propels himself up in the air, kind of like he's surprised he can do it "just like Nathan." Now I get to hear Nathan encouraging him and see both of them flying up so high they think they are about to vanish from view.

Funny Valentines

The kids have a fascination with water hoses. Sometimes it has gotten them into trouble. Yesterday, they found a way to entertain themselves that was both helpful and humorous. The flowers needed watering, so they took care of that.

After he watered this pot, Nathan figured out a way to "recycle" the extra water that dripped down through the deck. I'm telling you, he loves water. And digging, and building, and pretending to be a squirrel...


Mark ended up soaking wet, so he got to change into dry blue jeans, which he informed me he wears on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays (previously limited to weekend wear, per his own dress code standards.)


Then they played "tug of war" with the coil hose. It was very funny to watch their faces once one of them let go of the end.


We're having a sweet Valentine's Day...boys have enjoyed a trip to the library, lunch at Subway, playing with their magnifying glasses, and eating candy and cookies. It's a good day so far.

Here are my valentines being goofy yesterday afternoon.

Grown-ups Don't Need Mamas

Mr. Independent here says he doesn't need any help while he makes his play-doh pizza.


And he says that when he's a grown-up, he won't need a mama anymore.

Oh my. I beg to differ!

Not to make this a sappy post, but the older I get, the more I need my mama, and even my dad's mama.



The boys have been on their "wheels" ever since Christmas. One of their favorite things to do is ride down to the cul-de-sac where they can loop around unhindered.


And this one is picking up speed every day.


We usually lure our friends out to play while we're down there. These two are quite a pair.


Mark was showing off his scooter horn. Boy, could his buddies honk it like nobody's business!