Super Model

I can honestly say, I had no hand in the posing of these photos.
They're ALL James.

I just sat down and snapped the pictures.He's cute. But this kid swings like a door.

And is by far the most stubborn person I know.

It's genetic, I'm stubborn and bull-headed as well. But he beats me every time.

It's definitely typical 3 year old stuff. He absolutely does not want to do anything we ask him to.

Reverse psychology works on some occasions, and is actually a lot of fun.

Other times, he's just plain crabby, won't talk, just whines, screams, kicks...

...yep, good times.

I've tried the Love and Logic approach. Not getting upset, putting him in his room for time out, with the door shut usually. But he will scream for HOURS. At some point we need to move on with our lives.

I didn't mention the back talk!

He mimics while we're talking, or will yell our words back at us.

Uh-huh. I've reverted to soap in the mouth. He's not a fan of that.

He's gotten in trouble at daycare/preschool for talking back and not listening.

And recently gave his Grandma a hard time when visiting for the weekend.

So, I've tried time out, Love and Logic (works great on miles), even spanked him under more extreme circumstances (not a favorite).

Any advice??? I'm open for opinions!

I have noticed a little difference since I've been making time to give him a couple hours of 1-on-1 time each week. We've had some wonderful days!

This kid can be tough, but he's also pretty awesome. I respect his stubbornness, to a degree. It's important to have an opinion and strong feelings, but really?! Why is it a surprise EVERY morning that you have to get dressed?!?

Where've ya been??

So much has happened since February.

My camera had broken and it was going to cost more than its' worth to fix. And prior to that our laptop had hit the dust, so I was using my work laptop to continue blogging when I had time at home. My job at the time was sucking the life out of me. Seriously. I was working almost 50 hours/week, and it was stressful work. I was loosing weight (not the right way), having a ton of stomach pain, sleeping whenever I could and not eating. Ended up with ulcers. We decided my job was not worth the stress and strain on my health. I interviewed and was offered a position at the clinic in town with the OB/GYN. I had to take a huge pay cut, but my health and sanity were well worth it. I was so excited to get back to OB! Lovely clinic hours, plus I have Monday mornings and Friday afternoons off, very nice. Of course I then had no computer at home.

Our other stressor at the time was selling our house back in Blue Earth. We had been trying to sell it for almost 2 years, and were living and paying rent in another town. Things had a wonderful way of working out, because within 2 weeks of my new job we got an offer on our house! And have sold it!! WAHOO!!

So since then, I've been enjoying my family, friends, health, and my new job.

Time certainly doesn't stand still.

Miles turned 5 in August. We decided to wait 1 more year until kindergarten. But he's already started reading Bob Books, and loves math. He thought he was pretty hot stuff when he realized 1 plus any number equals the next number. He is a very sweet and helpful boy. And getting tall!

James turned 3 in March, and I'm telling you, age 2 has nothing on 3! This kid has inherited his mother's stubbornness on top of it. Don't get me wrong, he is VERY charming. Quite a ladies man. Really, he was hitting on teenage girls at the pool this summer. But we have had quite the battles lately. More on that at another time. I'm sure I'll be asking for advice.

Ben and I have had some wonderful weekends away. I am blessed to have a husband that likes to shop. We've been working on the yard and house. And he is very supportive in my newest endeavor, to be announced in a month. So excited. I am REALLY bad at keeping secrets, so if I can manage not to spill the beans early I think there will be a lot of amazed people.

WHOA! I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you!

I got a new camera!! A beautiful Canon Rebel T1i, with a Tamron lens. I'm still learning about it, and need to learn more on editing. But it is really, well, it makes me tear up with happiness.

I'm Baaack!

Wow!

It's been a while! But I'm back!

I have tons of photos, lots of news and a new little adventure! So stay tuned!

For today I'll keep it short and sweet.

I'll be updating the blog in the coming week.

SO EXCITED!!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and my year of no purse buying is coming to a close.

It's been a sick, sick, obsession, but I've proven this past year I can abstain! That means I'm not a TRUE addict right??

I have to admit I've had a ton of purse envy this past year. Even tortured myself by attending a purse party. Yep, almost cried. Seriously. It was pathetic. But in 2 weeks it's all over!

So I've just been peeking around on etsy.

These cuties from Christy Studio were whispering to me.

And I'm pretty sure this one from Art on Crafts is smiling at me!

You see it...

right???

I'd be a little scared if I were my husband!

*sigh

Well, my camera is broken.

I turned it on last weekend, and my lens came out then stuck.

Now is makes a sickly sound.

Oh yea, there's also a little death rattle when I tip is back a forth.

No one has admitted to dropping it or treating it badly, so it sits on my dresser.

I'll be saving for a new one, but for now I can still post cute little lovelies I find!

These wooden toys and teethers from little alouette are ADORABLE!

What I'd tell ya??

Wood Hedge

Little eerie isn't it?

Village People

We're hosting tryouts for a new Village People Band.

Snow!

We are in the middle of a blizzard. More snow!! It has been so unbelievably cold here in MN, -25 air temperature last Saturday, the boys have been stuck in the house until tonight.

Miles got to work shoveling off the deck!

And James ate some bird seed. (he also attempted to climb a massive pile of snow a few times.

After hanging out in the house for 3 days, we've all managed to catch a cold. Miles just has a stuffy nose at night (I swear that kids immune system has super powers!), James has his ever persistent runny nose and cough, while Ben and I have sore throats and stuffy noses. Tis' the season I guess. Great day to be home sick though!

A Whole Lotta Christmas Fun!

Miles set up this little tree in his room. He did a lot of other rearranging to prepare for Santa as well! AND he decorated his tree...

...all by himself! Very proud!

James and Grandma Mary. His baby, which he has named "Grandpa Paul baby," and Miles' guitar, which James has taken over.

Miles got these great blocks. He loves them, builds garages for his police trucks!

We got an amazing amount of snow over Christmas! The heavy wet stuff. So James and I made a snowman!

Unfortunately the snow was a little too wet and he fell over. So he became a little shorter!

Miles made some reindeer food in preschool, so he sprinkled it out back so they would know to stop here!

Milk and cookies for Santa.

A carrot for the reindeer (there was food outside so one would do).

And some truffles for Mrs. Claus!!!

After Santa arrived!

I informed the boys Santa wouldn't come until they were REALLY asleep. Miles decided he didn't want a bath, he just wanted to go to sleep!

The next morning he forgot all about Santa.

He came into our room to snuggle with his mama until I said, "Merry Christmas Miles." Then snuggling was over and he went down to see his presents. All was quiet until he got to the bottom of the stairs and peaked in the living room.

"WOW!"

And back up the stairs he ran to wake his brother!

I think James was a little disappointed Santa ate all the cookies!

Oh and I here's a picture of the quilt I made my mom!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!!

Cookies!

Did a little baking yesterday!

Sugar cookies with yummy (and easy) lemon cream cheese icing!

The boys have been admiring painted fingernails in ads on TV, so mine were painted red with sparkles! James then requested his to be painted.

These peanut butter cup goodies were super easy to make! And quick! And tasty!

And Ritz peanut butter cookies! Messy to make, but worth it!!

I LOVE baking! So Saturday was a great day.

Stay tuned...
James has been taking pictures today. It's pretty cute watching him bend down, lean over, and get close for his shots! Some are pretty funny!