Cowboy, Bull Rider or mere human

JM reminds me daily that the bull riders wore cowboy hats - he wants to make sure I know how manly he is. He gallops around saying "I'm a cowboy, yes I am. I'm a cowboy, yes I am."

A few funny JM stories . . . Last week, he informed me that I am not human. He said "Mom, me & dad are humans - what are you?" I replied "I'm a human too." To which he responded, "NO, I'm a human you are a lady!" I tried to explain that all those words refer to humans, but to NO avail. I am not human!! In case anyone was worried about me - we now have proof!

Yesterday, I caught him reading a Landscaping Supply magazine in the bathroom, I'm sure you can figure out why else he was in there. Anyway, I said, "What are you doing buddy?" To which, he looked at me with sheepish eyes, shrugged his shoulders and said "readin' a magazine." I was trying so hard not to laugh as I said "Why?" Again with such innocence, "Daddy does (pronounced w/ a long U sound) it" And that was that, they sure do watch and copy EVERYTHING!!!

He's our little ham!!

Here he watches the P.B.R. with great intensity!

Cowgirl

Here are a few shots of Isabelle sporting her new PINK cowgirl hat - she LOVES it!!! She really got into everything about the PBR & American Royal (see the posts below). On a side note, our little cowgirl has her first loose tooth - it is moving, so she is afraid to eat anything . . . It really isn't too loose, but boy is she pumped - she is the last one of her friends to lose a tooth and she was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen!

TOO CUTE!!! I LOVE THESE KIDS!!

This picture is at the PBR watching the riders!

P.B.R.

What a night full of amazing sights. The kids were amazed at what they saw and so were we - we only witnessed a few minor injuries - so no traumatic sights for the kids. We are thankful for that. A friend of ours rides bulls in the PBR so we wanted to see him & we thought the kids would love it. You definitely have to have a passion for this to be able to do it and he does. We had an excellent time and the kids did LOVE it!! JM has been walking around saying he's a bull rider! Isabelle is more into the guys on horses who would get the bulls if they wanted go back into the pin.

The beginning of the night starts with introduction of the riders with the USA blazing in the arena, followed by a prayer and the Star Spangled Banner

This is our friend getting ready to ride - we are thankful he wears a helmet, not all do!

The American Royal

Last Saturday, we had tickets to attend the P.B.R. - Professional Bull Riding - at Kemper, but for a month the American Royal has been going on there as well. So we took the kids down early and were able to see many neat things . . . a momma pig who had 1 week old piglets - about 12 of them, a petting zoo w/ exotic animals, the purina show - with great dogs, and of course the cattle show. Isabelle was really intrigued by the judging, thinking they all look the same, so how does the judge pick???? We had a great time, but the enjoyed the P.B.R. much more. . . .

Here the kids are petting one of the sweet dogs in the round pin.

At this show were 19 yr olds showing cattle, the judge was making her final decision!

Babysitting Olivia

Isabelle had her first babysitting experience last Saturday. She & I got to babysit Olivia all morning - and we had fun. She said that it is much more fun babysitting a baby than someone her age. When it was time for her nap we swaddled her & put her in the crib - Isabelle said she was glad for a break. But then, Olivia started crying so Isabelle wanted to check on her. I heard Isabelle talking and laughing, so I went to check on them - Isabelle said "mom, I don't think she wants to go to sleep she is just smiling at me & laughing too. Let's play with her some more." We played for 10 more minutes & swaddled again & Isabelle suggested we rock her and sing to her. Isabelle did all the singing as I still have laryngitis (6 weeks and counting) - she sang mostly traditional hymns, but added a few of her own made up renditions! It was adorable -

and little Miss O went right to sleep!!
Thanks for letting us babysit Uncle Brad & Aunt Holly - we had LOTS of fun!!

Sewing Fun

Today I created a project for my mom - she bought some fabric on clearance after Christmas last year and asked me if I'd make a bag for her like one I have by this Christmas. I decide today was the day!! It turned out so cute - I might just keep it for myself!! - Just kidding mom. It will be ready for pick up when you get home. I'm on a role though - now I want to find more scraps and make more bags. . . it is so fun & therapeutic.

JM's Preschool

JM used his hand for the branches & decorated it very carefully.
Here he is showing me pictures of himself doing activities in his class.
There were lots of snacks at the event - his favorite place to be!!

JM started preschool this fall & his school had a back to school night this week. He was so proud to show us his class room, his teacher & his 4 friends. There are only 5 kids in his class. It is awesome!! He goes 2 days a week, but thinks he should go everyday just like his sissy & he thinks he needs to take his lunch each time he goes. He wants to be like big sis!