Tax Time

We do our own taxes and found a site several years ago that we really like. It's free and the program is very secure and easy to use. It's called FreeTax USA.

The Chef Is In

Thank goodness for second hand stores! It was filthy as a little piggy but it washed up like new. And who doesn't cook in their skivvies?

Le Artist

He loves to draw. Absolutely loves it.

What does he draw? According to Skylar: "A b's and moon"

Maybe a "funnyface, diamond or a fub-bob (spongebob)"

Mostly just the most adorable scribbles ever.

Jello vs. Green Beans

Skylar: Well, it feels weird. Kinda nice, but weird.

Mom: Come on, try a bite.
Skylar: NO! NO NO NO!
Skylar: AAAAAHHHH!
Mom: OK, calm down.
Skylar (through tears): Bean! Green Bean!
And behold, calm as a summer morning.

Now what kid refuses Jello and then asks for green beans?
And you know I totally made him eat a piece of Jello.

Lunar Obsession

My little guy has developed a fascination with the moon. Favorite word, favorite thing to draw and favorite thing to read about and most important thing to find at night. I don't mean just a passing thing either. This obsession has been going strong for 3 weeks now and we talk about the moon at least 2 to 3 times per hour. If it's cloudy at night he gets very upset.

I think it's time to document a few other cutenesses that frequent our house because of him.
Other special words:
Jeezee (Jesus)
Neen! (we haven't figured that one out yet)
mope (it means nope)
Don't (while looking in the mirror)
Hwo!!! (when talking on the phone)
beentee (the Binky)
Pumboe (SpongeBob)
Tee-koe (tickle)
Buboe (bubbles)
papa and ham-ma (grandpa and grandma)
Bean! Rock! Mama! Daddy! Hammer. Sink. Sudsy.
Toon! (cartoons)

A Giving of Thanks

On a more personal note than usual - I would like to share a condensed note of thankfulness for the past year.

Above all my thanks goes out to a patient and loving Heavenly Father. This has been rough year for us financially - but you know what - I'm glad. I have learned SO much from being 'poor'.

I think it took being financially stretched thin to understand how rich I actually am. I have always been worried about monies and accumulations - not in an arrogant way, in a security way. Having things has long been a way for me to feel ok about life. Not being able to have things I've wanted and even needed has given me a beautiful perspective of just how much God looks out for us. I have also gained a greater understanding of just how wealthy we truly are. We live in an apartment with carpet and heat and running water when 60% of the world does not have some of these options. We always have food and clean water on our table for every meal. My baby has more clothes than he can wear and we all have shoes to wear on our feet. We have 2 vehicles when less than 9% of the world even own a car. Somehow (tithing) we manage to pay all our bills each month. Somehow we have drawn closer together as a couple through the struggles. We have family members close by who are always there for us.

The struggles of life are not easy. But things get so much lighter when gratitude is in our hearts.

Thanks

Thanks everyone for the great input and advice. I think more than anything it was nice to read that so many of you have experienced the same thing. We have tried donning our swimsuits and playing in the tub with him. This has helped considerably. Water on his head is still a guaranteed freak out. I'm going to try the monkey washcloth suggestion as soon as I find something like that.

Any Advice?

Up to this point in life Skylar has been comfortable in the bath tub and with having his hair washed. For about 2 weeks now he screams like I'm killing him when we do the typical routine of laying down with his head on a rag and washing up. It's getting worse despite trying to teach him self calming exercises. You know, like deep breathing and eye contact and what not. He is starting to cry at the mention of the words bath and tub. He also cries when I wash his hair if he is sitting up. I've tried to understand what is causing his fear but he isn't able to communicate much other than he doesn't like water in his ears. I am looking for any advice that you mom's can spare. Thanks.

Finally Explained

This came in an email the other day. I laughed and then heartily agreed that it was the perfect explanation as to how pants that low actually stay on. Rollin' with the homiez.