i think we need a haircut

I was planning to put off Joseph's haircut a while longer. But it somehow went from cute and tame to ragamuffin status in the last week. Take this, for example. After nap on Monday:

I mean, I love those curls on the top, but it's a bit out-of-control.

As you can see my model obliged to pose for pictures. We have this thing called cheesy smile. All I have to do is say the words. It starts with a head tilt back and a squinty face:

...then eyes shut tight while continuing the cheese:

It makes me laugh. But alas, my photo fun can't go on forever and my subject got tired of participating.

Or maybe he knew I was having fun with his hairdo. Either way I got one more sweet little Josey smile before I scooped him up.

We're going to get it cut today. We're going to get it cut today. (Sung to the tune of Zacchaeus' "For I'm going to your house today...")

from the weekend

Sunday we went to a birthday party for one of Hannah's little friends, Jones. The weather has been insanely warm, and it is the second year in a row this January birthday boy had an outdoor celebration. Hannah jumped on the trampoline til she was red in the face, and then jumped some more. Joseph was itty bitty last year and in-arms the whole time. This year we could not separate him from the green Jeep, except when we fed him cake. {He most certainly has his daddy's sweet tooth.}

Sweet baby Pierce and her mommy.

James and Wilson, superheros...and two of Hannah's classmates.

Jones and Hannah, chatting over Spiderman cake.

Once Joseph discovered Mr. Trey giving rides on the ATV, he settled in and didn't want to get off. I love the look he's giving me. Mom, get the camera outta here. I'm hanging with the big kids.

41

Happy birthday to the King of Evergreen...and the most loving husband, amazing daddy, and best friend I could ask for. What an exciting and full year it's been! I love you forever.

out of the mouths of babes

Just wanted to pop in and share a couple things Hannah has said lately. As you probably know, I write it all down - from her very first words and phrases to the funny or peculiar things that come out of her mouth. Her vocabulary is dramatically expanding and each day she surprises me with new words or sayings (usually something one of the bigger people living here say...). It is a good thing that we don't cuss in this house, and that we watch what we say in front of the kids (stupid and shut-up are bad words!).

She's very opinionated and if I've picked out something for her to wear that she doesn't like, she will pitch. a. fit. She also tells me, without reserve, when I'm wearing something she doesn't like. I came to help her on the potty once and she asked me, in a disgusted tone, what shirt I was wearing, told me she didn't like it and to take it off. {I do not oblige. I'm just as stubborn as she is. It was a flannel shirt, by the way.} She asks me every day (yes, every day), "Momma, why you don't have 'scara on?" or "I'm so disappointed you don't have on 'scara." or "Mom, I'm soooo glad you have on 'scara!!!" Look, kid, I'm a stay-at-home mom. Putting mascara on is not a daily occurrence. Of course, the teachers at the preschool think this is hilarious, as she usually is disappointed in me when I pick her up.

Anyway, I've rambled. While there is no possible way to keep track of all the good stuff she says nowadays, I did jot down these conversations from the past week:

{One night after baths, we were at the sink. I had put Joseph in his pajamas and was putting lotion on Hannah. Joseph shut himself in the toilet/tub room. I started to hear that distinct sound of the toilet paper unraveling...and then tear....tear.....tear. I went in to remove him from the room and clean up the mess.}

H: (from her stool) Momma...we need another baby.
me: What?
H: We need another baby.
me: We need another baby?
H: Uh huh.
me: Why?
H: (matter-of-factly) 'Cause Josey is not good.......'cause Josey needs to go in the trashcan.

and this one from Tuesday...

{When H woke up from her nap, I heard her talking to herself, as she often does. I came in the room...}

me: Whatcha talkin' about?
H: I'm just talkin' about all the kinds of days that I like.
me: What kind of days do you like?
H: Thanksgiving.......Halloween...Christmas... All those days are over. And I just want to celebrate them again... (long pause).....They're my favorite. And they're over... And I want them to come back.

The thought-process of a three-year-old is fascinating. It's not always the words she says, often it's just the way she says them or the appropriateness to the situation. I love her innocence, her language, her personality. The age of three has been by far the most challenging, but it has also been the most fun.

the end of christmas

Last weekend, Meme came to town for several days - to play and to do some babysitting. It was fun, though Meme had laryngitis and could not talk the entire time. It was fun watching her trying to get the kids' attention by clapping real loud. We thank you Meme. Our wallet thanks you, Meme...

Gran Gran and Poppy came to see us last Sunday. Gran Gran made her Italian feast and it was delicious. We had a fun time. Thank you GG and Poppy for visiting! We are glad you came. Hannah is especially glad about her new Fancy Nancy books.

 Last night was Twelfth Night and the babies put out their shoes.

Hannah helped Daddy put the straw inside for the camels to have a snack. The Wise Men might just stop by on their way to find Baby Jesus.

This morning, this is what they found when they went outside to retrieve their shoes:

They were completely surprised. {We said nothing about them getting anything in return. As far as Hannah knew, she was just leaving food for the camels. And she was happy about that!}

Hannah was most excited to find "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" gummies. {I'm not sure what Jake and those pirates are all about as we don't watch the show, but Hannah begged for the snacks in Wal-Mart recently. The Wise Men must've remembered... Anyway, I turned on "Diz-a-ney" Jr. this morning and there Jake was, right there on our TV. Very exciting!}

Joseph was way more concerned that his shoe was safely in his possession. Last night he didn't know what was going on...his squeaky shoe just got left outside in the cold.

{The note says: Dear Hannah and Joseph, Thank you for the straw. Our camels sure were hungry when we came through Sandersville! You are kind to think of us. We are excited to find Baby Jesus! - The Wise Men}

We celebrated Epiphany in church this morning, and when we got home...

 ...I finally got that family picture I'd forgotten to do over Christmas.

On the time out bench. And check out this photo-bomb from Mollie:

And now Christmas is over. The decorations are put away as of an hour ago, and the house is coming back to order. Preschool started back last week, and for that I am thankful. Joseph is now going 5 mornings/week. That's 3 hours every day for me...yippee!