Bloggin' Buddies

I met Annette last year.

She found me via this wonderful medium we call bloggyworld, and when we compared notes I decided she was my long-lost identical twin. Not really, but the similarities between us are unreal. Except they're real. Really.

Ok, my point.

She came to visit! (They live alittle over an hour away.)

This was the second time we've met face-to-face and I hope there are many more occasions. She and her two children, Meghan and Evan (6 mos. younger than Natalia, and 2 mos. older than Adam) joined us for the morning.

The weather was perfect, the kids got along well, we only had a few toddler incidents...but that's normal, and she and I actually got to start and finish most of our conversations! :-)

Not only is Annette a sweet individual, but her family life, faith, and outlook on life makes her a kindred spirit.






Evan and Adam took alternating naps, otherwise we would have had all 4 in our little photo session. Alas, no picture of Annette and I. No other adult was present to hand off the camera.

Thank you for coming Whipples! Hope to see you again soon!

4 Goin' On 30

I truly feel like I'm talking to an adult sometimes! Until she turns on the babytalk and reminds me she doesn't want to grow up. That's life with a 4 year old--a rollercoaster ride.

Here are two of her latest:


We've been making arrangements to buy/haul a new mattress/boxspring. After Pete talked to my dad the other night asking to borrow his pickup truck, Natalia was handed the phone for a few minutes. You can now understand why I call her my "event coordinator-in-training".

Natalia: "Grandpa, I was just calling to see if your big truck is ah-bale-able. We need to get a new bed. Can I come tomorrow?


This past week we had some special friends visit. After they left to go home though, we discovered a special blanket and stuffed animal had been left behind. I called my friend's cell and home and left messages, and then Natalia and I went outside to enjoy the sunny afternoon. As she was riding her bike, she of course was pretending to do the very thing I had just done. Stick (aka phone) in hand, she began leaving a voicemail message as she was riding along on the sidewalk. I cracked up and commended her for her roadway safety when I heard her say, "Excuse me a minute, I need to pull over."

It's Been 17 Years...

...since I've changed a tire. Driver's Ed class, my sophomore year. Eons ago.

Thank the Lord for cell phones, spares, a sunny day, and animal crackers!

This morning the kids and I were shopping for a birthday gift and a few other things at Target and as we load everything/one back into the car to head home, I back out of the space and immediately hear the flapping. Lovely.

I look around for the necessary tools and call my husband. He walks me through what goes where and after I FINALLY connect the dots to where the jack thingy fits everything goes smoothly. I also am thanking God that I just purchased a big box of animal crackers and instruct Natalia to chow down and share with her brother who is desperate for some grub and Z's...a lethal combination.

Three people stop in the parking lot to ask if I needed help. I thank them, assure them that my hubby is on the phone and that, really, I NEED to do this. I could use the refresher.

The spare tire is tightened, the all-wheel drive fuse dismantled, and we drive the 20 minute homestretch under 50mph with blinkers on Route 30. I am patting myself on the back with my grubby hands.

Whew!

Now where is that FAST ORANGE grease removal soap?

New Horizons

We've got a 15 month old explorer, mountain climber, and 100 meter dasher on the loose in our house. Life will never be the same.

I think our house is super baby proof...but he's determined to squash that notion.

Anyone know where I can buy a tiny crash helmet?!

The Kiddos

Well, that's one way to read I guess...

There were giggles all around until Mommy pulled out the camera. Big sister to the rescue with some kisses.

And, here is the little man sporting his newly buzzed head and what we call his "I'm a little stinker!" expression.

Kiddie Quips

Natalia (while having the hiccups):
"Mom, I think that flu shot gave me the hic-a-bumps."


Natalia: "Mom, when I watch that video...I get a bad feeling."
Me: "Which one? The BOB THE BUILDER one from the library?
Natalia: "Yeah."
Me: "What kind of feeling?"
Natalia: "Well, I get kind of bored, cause I keep watching it over and over..."


And, because we've made some progress but still have a ways to go with being potty trained (sigh) this is it in a nutshell:
Natalia: "Mom, I don't want to grow up."

Movin' And Shakin'

Not sure what or who inspired this! His parents have no dancing ability whatsoever!