Boney Apple Teet

This morning in the car, the boys clinked their granola bars together and John said "boney apple teet". I didn't bother to tell him it's "bon appetit". I got a good laugh out of that one!

First Report Cards

This week the boys got their first ever report cards for their first trimester of Montessori at St. Patrick School. They both had all positive marks and their teacher had the following comments (she really nailed their personalities to a tee):

Ethan:

"Ethan is a pleasure to have in class. He loves a project, and takes real pleasure in his work. Ethan loves all the children in the class and is especially drawn to the older boys. He loves being the center of the boy action and is learning who to play with without being rough. He is making good friends and learning the routine of school. Ethan's fine motor skills are progressing and we will continue to push him in this area hoping to see him writing his name better in the next trimester. Ethan is a bright light in our classroom."

John:

"John is a quiet sweet boy who is progressing well in class. He is working well in the area of the curriculum. His writing is improving rapidly as he works hard in this area to develop his fine motor skills utilizing practical life exercises and writing activities. John is a keen observer of the classroom routine and this allows him to grasp new lessons quickly. He is starting to make more friends as he cautiously branches out of his comfort zone. We will continue to challenge him in language and match as the year progresses. John is a great addition to our class."

So proud of our boys. Way to go John and Ethan!

Pride

I write a lot about how proud I am of my two beautiful boys and my wonderful husband and then I usually go on to beat myself up on the inside about how worried I am that I'm not doing a good enough job as a wife, mother, friend, co-worker, etc. Some of this is just part of my nature and something I will have to fight my entire life, but I also have some control over how I feel about myself.

Today, at this moment, I feel proud. Of myself. Proud that I've supported my husband emotionally to the best of my ability through a long period of unemployment due to the economic recession. Proud that we have a loving marriage that has lasted 9 years and going strong. Proud that we together are raising amazing, kind, sweet, polite children. They are wonderful because WE are doing a good job...I'm proud that I'm a good mother. I'm proud of the woman I've become. I'm proud of how hard I work to provide for my family. I'm proud that I am able, through my career, to hopefully help people through very difficult times.

My hope for this next year is that I can continue to be proud of myself. I will, in my moments of self-doubt and worry, look back at this post, and remind myself of how I feel in this moment, today. I deserve it.

Christmas Tree Hunt - 2010

This year we decided to get 2 Christmas trees. We have room for a large tree in our entry way and since we're having a Holiday party this year, we decided to get our regular tree (around 7 feet tall) and a large 11-12 foot giant. Our day started off well....getting the kids bundled up and ready. We stopped by Jason's mom's house ("Nana") and followed her to the tree farm. Long story short, we found two amazing trees and had a really great time (we even managed to get some good pictures throughout the day).

All bundled up and ready to go...

Mommy and the boys at the tree farm in front of a huge Cedar tree...

Daddy and his boys...this is one of my new favorite pictures...

Our family in front of our 12 foot Christmas tree (prior to cutting it down and trying to get it loaded):

Mommy, Nana and the boys...

Mommy and Ethan having a snuggle in the tree farm...

A great day was had by all and we found both of our trees...2 beautiful Noble Firs. Will post more pictures once we get them all decorated. I love my family!

Thankful

This past week was Thanksgiving and I've been reflecting lately on just how much I have to be thankful for. For me (I don't know how it is for anyone else....or if anyone reads my blog at all), but I am the worrying type....I worry about things that happen, don't happen, might happen and probably won't happen. Unfortunately, I tend to focus more on the negative and let it drag me down instead of focusing on all of the wonderful blessings I have received, all the wonderful people in my life and just how much I have to be THANKFUL for. The goal I've set for myself is simple....worry less, live more. Live happier. Live without worrying about what bad things might (but probably won't) go wrong. Know that when things do go wrong (as they will at times) that it always gets better...usually very quickly. Know that, in the end, my wonderful family and friends are all that truly matter in life.

Happy Halloween!!!

John & Ethan,

We CANNOT believe this year was your FIFTH (be still my heart) Halloween! This year was really the first year you decided (on your own, with no prompting from Mommy and Daddy) what you wanted to "be".

John, my sweet boy...you decided to be Thomas the Train. You are currently on the verge of obsessed with Thomas the Train...you love all things Thomas (videos, toys, books...we even have a Thomas alarm clock. My little man...you looked simply adorable.

Ethan, my little lovey...you decided to be Batman this year. We still aren't sure where this decision came from unless someone at school also likes Batman (we don't recall you ever seeing the Batman movie or really anything Batman, but you must have picked it up somewhere). You were the cutest crime-fighter I've ever laid eyes on.

2 little piggies...Halloween 2006 (you were only 5 months old):

2007 you were Pooh and Tiger (and NOT happy about it):

2008 you were the cutest dalmations there ever were:

2009....John was "The Cat in the Hat" and Ethan was "Kung Fu Panda"...cute, cute, cute.

2010...Batman and Thomas the Train.

Can't wait to see what you'll choose next year.

Love,

Momma

Need for Help

I, thanks to my cousin Michal, follow a blog called Momastery....the woman that writes this blog, Glennon, is simply amazing. She wrote an article last week about bullying that grabbed my heart and squeezed. Her PROFOUND call for love and acceptance (not just tolerance) of others was inspiring and such a good example for everyone, in this Mommy's humble opinion. Her love for her son is unending and unconditional and that's the kind of Mom I am too. Her blog post entitled "A Mountain I'm Willing to Die On" is just about the best thing I've ever read in my life....EVER. This world would be a much kinder and more loving place if there were more people like this woman and I vow to strive every day to make sure to teach my kids lessons of love, acceptance, celebration of our differences...the best way to "teach" this, as Glennon writes, is to live it...be the example. Our children are our mimics....be the example.

Following is a link to her blog...

http://momastery.blogspot.com

This morning, when I checked her blog, I was brought to tears about a guest post about a friend who's 22 month old baby daughter, Evy, has an aggressive form of brain cancer called AT/RT. I cannot imagine what this family must be going through. They are complete strangers to me, but will be included in my prayers and if there is any way I can help, I'm going to. They have set up a donation link to make monetary donations and they also have contact information if you would like to donate something for a "silent auction" fundraiser they are having this month. To donate or read more about Evy and her family, following is a link to their facebook page...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111857755534457

I am so inspired by Glennon and her passion for her family, her friends, God and every human being. We should all be doing our part, like Glennon, to make this world a more loving and accepting place.

XOXO,
Shelley

Canning Grape Jelly

I grew up with a Mom that loved to can. She canned everything from pickles to pears to peaches and lots of other things. I love continuing this sort of dying form of cooking. I love canning dill pickles in the fall and this Fall, we decided to make homemade grape jelly from the grapes that Nana and the boys picked from the cabin. All in all, we've canned about 40 jars or more of grape jelly. I love that we can control the sugar and can make jelly we can use for years to come with no preservatives. Jason and the boys were a big help...here are some pictures from our day of canning.

Cooking down and mashing the grapes...

The boys helped with the mashing (while making funny faces)...

John working on mashing the grapes...

So proud of himself...

The approx. 3 gallons of juice we made to start the jelly-making process...

About 1/2 of our final product...

We all had a great time and it was a fun activity for the whole family. We'll be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the next 5 years :).

Gotta Keep 'Em Separated...

So, after sharing a womb and then a room (haha...I made a funny), the boys are finally ready to have their own bedrooms. The boys are ready to have their own space, but we also need to separate them so they will sleep better at night and go to sleep FASTER. These past few months have been tough...every night bedtime is a struggle where they either cry and meltdown because they "don't wanna go to bed" or they make it into a playtime session of playing with their toys, jumping on the bed, etc (you get the picture).

The past few nights Ethan has slept in the guest bedroom and the boys have gone to sleep so much faster and easier. They also don't seem to have separation anxiety with each other, so it's been pretty easy. This weekend we're focusing on starting to turn the guest bedroom into Ethan's room. He has requested a "monkey" theme so that outta be interesting for this not very creative Momma. We'll do our best, though, to make his room special. We decided to keep the queen bed in his new room and get some new "kid" sheets for his now bigger bed and leave the extra twin bed in John's room (Mickey Mouse themed) for Ethan to sleep in when when we have guests that stay over night (which isn't very often anyway).

Trying to muster up some creative juices to turn a boring guest bedroom into a Monkey wonderland for Ethan. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Self-Doubt

As is probably true of a lot of working wives and moms, I am sometimes so frustrated by the "mommy guilt"...the constant feeling of being stretched so thin, doing so many things, that I'm not doing good enough at anything. I have a constant feeling of guilt...that I'm a working Mom with a stressful job...I hope and pray that I don't bring home the stressors of my career to my family, but I know that I do.

My guilt has subsided somewhat now that the boys are in all-day school and I know I am VERY lucky that I have the ability to take our boys to school every day at 8:30, work only while they are in school (with only a few exceptions), and be there to pick them up every day when they get out of school at 3:00. I know not all moms are that lucky. I also, however, am sooooooo incredibly jealous of moms that have the ability to stay home with their kids. Due to financial constraints and the fluctuations with the economy and construction industry (which majorly impact Jason's job opportunities) I just have never had the option of staying home.

I just want to be the best wife and mother possible but always feel like I need to do better. Why do we (as women) put so much stress and guilt on ourselves? I know that nobody is harder on me than myself.

I just hope and pray that we're doing the best by our children and can make quality time for our marriage at the same time...it's hard to do. I thank god for the blessings in my life...I have a husband who adores me and who is the love of my life (but who also can make me crazy at times :)) and the two best sons in the whole wide world. Have to force myself to focus on that in my times of self doubt.

1st Month of School

As I've posted before, the boys started all-day Montessori school in September. Overall, it's gone very, very well. They love their teacher (Mrs. Renggli) and teacher's aide (Mrs. Joyce) and have been learning so many new things. They are learnings about personal space, writing their letters, taking turns, sharing, show and tell with different letters of the alphabet each week, doing lots of art projects, some age-appropriate general teachings about God and Faith, etc.

We had one minor issue this week of the boys "coloring on other childrens' papers". They, along with another boy, were put in the "think about it chair" for a time out. We talked about it at home and they apologized to their teachers and classmates. Ethan also had a minor incident when another boy was "mean to him"....he pinched his arm. Ethan was put in the "think about it chair" (same day as the coloring incident). We made him color the boy a special picture and we helped him write an "I'm sorry" note to him....hopefully by addressing these issues right away and making them follow-through with apologies, it will nip it in the bud.

Other than the minor behavior issues, their teachers tell us they are bright, kind, loving children that are attentive, anxious to learn and are well-mannered. We are looking forward to parent/teacher conferences on October 21st to hear more about each of their strengths. Below are photos of the boys' first ASB cards....too cute! Love Saint Patricks School!

A Good "Mommy" Laugh

A friend of mine on facebook posted the comment below explaining how she potty trained her son. I thought it was so funny, I had to post it to my blog...kids are so funny sometimes!

"I used Hershey Kisses to bribe Spencer (referring to potty training) although I hear you're not supposed to do that. He negotiated with me... 3 for #2 (poop), 2 for a #1 (pee), and 1 for farting".

I about died laughing. Kids say the darndest things!

Mother of Twins - A Poem

There's two to wash, there's two to dry.
There's two who argue, there's two who cry.
One's in the mud having a ball,
The other one's holding a crayon...another marked wall.
Some days seem endless, my patience grows thin.
Why was I chosen to be the mother of twins?

The answer comes clear at the end of each day,
as I tuck them into bed and to myself I say...
There's two to kiss, there's two to hug,
And best of all, there's two to love!

Montessori School

Our boys started Montessori school at St. Patrick's School in Tacoma on September 7th. Their school is wonderful....their teachers, Mrs. Renggli and Mrs. Joyce are just wonderful and they've loved school from day 1. Even though they love their school, it has been an adjustment to all-day school (8:30 - 3:00 every day, Monday through Friday)....there have been a few tears shed in the morning, but overall, it's been a pretty smooth adjustment.

Ethan is very social and is the first to comfort another child when he/she is upset, gets hurt, etc. He pays attention well and follows instructions, is kind and patient. He had his first time of being the "leader" on Wednesday...it was his day to bring snack for the whole class, be the line-leader and have a special day.

John is excelling in all things academic. They are being introduced to computers and John is learning quickly and craving more challenging projects. The teachers are developing more challenging projects for him because they said he appears to be bored at times with the pace of the rest of the class...our little smarty-pants. John's day to be leader is Monday, so he's very excited for his turn.

We can't believe we're already at the point where are boys are in all-day school....our babies are growing up so fast. They are growing up into such sweet boys!

Movin', Movin', Movin'

Well....to make a long story short, we're moving. We're moving into a beautiful home (much larger...from about 1400 square feel to 2400 square feet) on Tapps Island. It's a beautiful, safe, kid-friendly community. We were renting our house in Puyallup and have decided to make this move...and we hope to be in this house for a very long time. It has a lovely fenced backyard (great for BBQ'ing, housewarming parties :), kids playing and our dog). We are excited and a little sad all at the same time. This new house will be a great new beginning for us (Jason's also starting a new job this week and the kids are starting full-time Montessori school starting next week).

I included a picture of the front of the house below. Our house is not on the lake, but it's accross the street, has a great view of the lake and of Mount Rainier. Once we get settled, we'd love to have our friends and family over to see our new home and celebrate with us. We'll be moving in officially on October 1, so there will be a lot of work to be done between now and then.

We've had a wonderful summer! Jason and I are both working on exercising more and eating more healthy. In about the past 5 months, Jason's lost 93 pounds (those of you who haven't seen him in a while won't even believe how wonderful he looks) and I've lost 23...it's a start. Trying to be better examples for our children so maybe, just maybe, they won't struggle with their weight like we have our whole lives. We've also been working on staying active...we go swimming at the YMCA at least 4 times per week, go for walks, take the kids to the park, etc.

Big things are happening for the Drury family. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers that this move goes smoothly, that Jason's new job works out well and that the kids thrive in their new school. As for me, I'm happy when my family's happy and I'm excited about this next chapter in our lives!

XOXO,

The Drurys

Mickey Mouse Rooms

Last week I was home with the boys after their Tonsillectomies and Adnoidectomies. Overall, they've done really well. This surgery, however, is no joke. It's general anesthesia, a lot of pain and a minimum full 10 days of recovery before they're back to eating more solid foods. As far as handling the pain, our boys, true to form, have been complete opposites. John has been lovey, clingy...generally attached to us at the hip. Ethan has just been mad....he's made many "mean doctor", "stupid medicine" type statements, which he gets in trouble for (not using nice words), but apparently the consequences have been worth the outbursts of anger.

We have had a lot of family fun though staying at home spending time together. We've read TONS of books, worked on our numbers and letters flashcards and watched lots of movies (doctor's orders were to keep them "down" and mostly indoors for the first week after the surgery).

We also decided this week to redecorate the boys' room in a Mickey Mouse theme. They LOVE Mickey Mouse...they watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse every morning, had a Mickey themed birthday party, etc. For their birthday, our very good family friends Chaney and Logan Klespitz and Jim and Vicki Morgan, brought them back all kinds of wonderful things from their recent trip to Disneyland including Mickey figurines, picture frames, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. We have used these items to decorate their new room along with the blankets I made them (Mickey tie blankets) and the wall hangings below that I painted myself.

They love their new room...I think they're like their Momma and enjoy a change of scenery once in a while.

We are all getting very excited for the start of Montessori school on August 31. They will be going 5 days per week from 8:30 until 3:00...they'll even get to wear adorable school uniforms.

We're trying to fit in a little visit to the ocean before school starts....maybe a weekend trip to Ocean Shores....trying to work out the details.

Hope everyone's having a great summer!

I just want you to know...

How much we are enjoying you (our boys) at this age. Your personalities are really distinct and you are both so smart, kind and empathetic. We have no doubt that you will grow up to be wonderful men...just like the men that came before you (your daddy, grandpas, uncles).

John - This week you, one again, showed your independent and curious side by deciding to brush your teeth by yourself. However, you used mommy's raspberry shaving cream as toothpaste. Once we realized what you did, you exclaimed it was "yummy" and your teeth were "fresh....so fresh", which cracked us up. For probably the 5th time in your life (at least), I called poison control to make sure there wasn't anything in the shaving cream that would harm you...after giggling, the poison control operator told us that an upset tummy is about the worst thing that can possibly happen. You constantly make us laugh and amaze us with your curiosity and independence. You are my heart.

Ethan - This week one of your most amazing gifts, your empathy, really shined. Daddy has been recovering from surgery and you have just been amazingly gentle, sweet and helpful in taking care of daddy. You also have really helped to care for our dog, Duke, after his neutering...you've given him lots of gentle loves and even covered him up with your favorite blankie when he slept. When I watch you care for your family, it makes me so incredibly proud to be raising such a genuinely caring, kind child. You are my heart.

In other events, this week you both had to see the Ear, Nose & Throat specialist because both of your tonsils are unusually large (a genetic curse you inherited from Aunt Holly :)). After giving you both a look, the doctor recommended strongly removing both of your tonsils and adnoids, to which, I, your mother, immediately felt a cold sweat, panic-type feeling come over me (2 kids post-surgery to care for at the same time = worried mommy). Your surgery is scheduled for August 4th...Ethan first, John second. Your recovery time will be 7 to 10 days, so it was important for us to get it scheduled prior to the end of August (you are starting all-day Montessori school at the end of August). We will be stocking up the freezer and fridge with lots of ice cream, popsicles, yogurt, jello and juice....that part of it you probably won't mind at all :).

Here you are the "really cool" chair at the doctor's office:

Summer Pics

Summer 2010

Wow...it's been a long time since I've updated our blog. We've had a busy summer so far.

Firstly, the John and Ethan celebrated their 4th birthday at the end of May with a Mickey Mouse themed party. We had soooooo much fun, complete with lots of friends, family and, of course, a jump-jump castle :) (our new birthday tradition). The boys continue to amaze us every day with how smart, sweet and wonderful they are.

John:

At age 4, John weighs 38.5 pounds and is 41.75 inches tall. He remains (and I hope will forever be) a total momma's boy. He is cuddly, super smart, and a big helper...he loves to help us with any task including dishes, cooking, folding laundry, vacuuming, making beds, etc. He is a complete joy. He is also hot-tempered and, VERY talkative and, lately, pretty opinionated about a variety of topics. He frequently is in time-out for backtalking. Daddy and I think he will grow up to be an architect or an engineer because he loves to figure out how things work, do puzzles, read and build lego towers (attributes of engineers or architects??). Recently, at his dental appointment, we learned he still has no cavities. We are so proud of our boy!

Ethan

At age 4, Ethan weighs 39 pounds and is 42 inches tall. He is a little more of a daddy's boy, but comes to mommy when he's hurt or needs a little extra reassurance. He is adventurous and loves to get dirty...playing in the dirt and searching for "wormies" is one of his favorite activites. Ethan is a real go-getter...he gets very excited about doing special activities (even if it's just a new sprinkler in the backyard). Ethan was a born lover...he gives lots of hugs and kisses. He is so sweet with our dog, Duke. Ethan is also very smart and especially loves learnings his numbers. Ethan is a good leader and I can totally see him growing up and working with people as a leader...maybe a teacher? He is very empathetic and is the first to comfort anyone who gets hurt or is sad. Recently, at his dental appointment, he had 2 cavities....no fun. We are so proud of this boy!

Jason started and completed a truck driving school and now has his CDL with all the associated endorsements and is excited to get back to work after quite a long layoff. He has, however, been able to spend a lot of quality time with the kids over the summer, so that has been nice for their "boy bonding". He is looking forward to getting back to work soon.

Work has been keeping me busy....not much new there, except we moved offices (1 door down) and I absolutely LOVE my new office space. I have a lot more natural light and a larger office...both good things.

So far this summer, we've done trips to the zoo, Northwest Trek, lots of swimming and sprinkler days, airplane ride & visit to Aunty Holly & Cooper in Spokane, berry picking and making jam, visit and ride on the REAL Thomas the Train, BBQ'ing and lots of get togethers with friends and family, including a couple of trips to the cabin in Leavenworth.

BIG NEWS....the boys will start all-day Montessori school at St. Patrick's school (only about a mile from my office) starting at the end of August. They will go 5 days per week, all day. They are soooooo excited, as their best friend, Logan, goes to that school and they feel like very big boys. I'm sure there will lots of proud mommy tears on the first day of school. We feel that this will be great for their development and will really help to prepare them for Kindergarden next year.

We feel blessed to have the support of such a wonderful family and good friends. Most of all, we are blessed to have each other.

Summer pics to follow :)

Mother's Day 2010

A look back...

I cannot believe this is my fourth Mother's Day. I am so lucky to be the Mom of such sweet, caring, gentle, kind, smart, sneaky, loving boys. I am proud of you every day and will always be proud to be your mom. You are growing so fast and are becoming "big boys"...sometimes I wish I could keep you babies because, in some ways, these past four years have gone by in an instant.

I feel like the most blessed Mommy in the world!

Easter Eggstravaganza 2010

This year the boys were VERY into coloring easter eggs. We colored a total of 2 dozen eggs over the course of 2 days. They were so proud of themselves and loved the "magic" of the eggs turning color. More Easter pictures to follow.

Saturday Naptime

After a day of playing, doing puzzles, reading books and hanging out in the backyard, we decided it was time for a nap (despite the boys' protests). After 5 minutes, I went in to check on them and found them sound asleep cuddled up together.

Goofy Goofs

The boys (as per usual) have been saying some funny things lately. They both like to boss each other around too (especially John). Here is some of our/their chats lately:

Getting ready in the morning:
Mommy: "Ethan, come and put your shoes on"
Ethan: "I don't want to"
John: "Ethan, go put your shoes on. One...two....ok....you're going to you're room"

During Superbowl:
Announcer on TV: something like "Tackle by #45"
John: "Mommy, why do they tickle each other"
Mommy: "Not tickle, honey, tackle"
John: "Oh"

In the car:
John: "Stupid, stupid, stupid"
Mommy: "John, we don't say that word"
Ethan: "John...say you're sorry"
John: "SORRY!!!!" (yelled)
Ethan: "Say you're sorry nice...like this 'mommy, i'm sorry' (very sweetly)"
John: "mommy, i'm sorry (nicely)
Ethan: "ok then"

Yesterday:
Ethan: "Daddy, can I have a yummy gummy?"
Daddy: "A what?"
Ethan: "Yuuuuummmmyyyy gummmmmmmeeeeee"
Daddy: "huh?"
Ethan: goes to pantry and points out what has is usually referred to as a fruit snack "see, a yummy gummy"
Daddy: "sure."

Relaxed

This weekend was pretty relaxed. We went to the YMCA, worked out, got the kids signed up for their classes (swimming, preschool gymnastics and toddler sports), etc. We spent a lot of time in our jammies, which is always fun.

John "helping" in the kitchen...

Ethan relaxing in his jammies...