Soft Ball and Please

Monday evening held my first and last intramural softball game of the season. Above is a picture of all the wives who came.  We had tons of fun watching, and I think Corbin had fun playing.  It was a beautiful sunny day, albeit a tad too chilly to be comfortable.  The Stormin' Mormons lost to the Sweet Bros (that was truly their team name), so we'll have to wait until next season for another game. 

One of the ladies was very much into yelling and shouting, especially at the other team.  There was a moment when her husband made a bad play and everyone got up in arms.  I then realized that I haven't been part of or near confrontation in a long time, because I did a lot of secret blushing and paid more attention to Theo than he probably needed.  All in all, it blew over and no one's feelings were hurt.  I guess I need to go to more sporting events so I can get used to it, because overall we had fun.


Today during lunch, Theo and I started practicing the baby sign for "please."  This meant that he got whatever he wanted if he said please.  Pretty much all he had for lunch was frosted mini wheats and animal crackers.  We had plenty of veggies before the lesson started, so I didn't feel too bad.  After a while he got frustrated, so we were forced to take a break from the yummy snacks.  Folks, it was rough on us, but we made it through. I hope he catches the vision of please soon, because I dread these lessons will turn into teaching him how to throw tantrums (he's already on his way there, unfortunately).

It's a good thing he's stinkin' cute.  If you haven't already watched Theo's Crazy Eyes, do it now. You won't regret it.

Decor Dream Realized

We had the missionaries over for dinner yesterday, which was a fabulous experience, as always.  Every time they come over, they ask what help we could use.  I finally had something for them.

 I've wanted to hang this shelf for many moons, but it hasn't happened... until now.  Watching Corbin and the Elders hang this shelf reminded me of a three stooges routine, but it worked out.

Obviously, Theo was very busy supervising.  He'd give them a whack with the yard stick every once in a while to keep them in line. 

And Voila! It looks great, and being able to put that lamp there helps our lighting situation a ton. (and Mom, recognize that statuette?)

As a post script, I'd like to tell you about an impromptu family outing we had tonight.  In talking to Shelley and Kellie over Skype, they mentioned several different pastries, which put the idea of donuts into Corbin's mind. So after dinner, we drove to our local grocery store and picked up a delicious duo of donuts. Even though it was chilly outside, the sun happened to be shining through the clouds at that moment.  As we walked out of the P&C, Corbin suggested that we go on a drive through a more rural part of Ithaca that he'd discovered recently. We ate our donuts, drove around, and enjoyed the beautiful town we live in.

But most importantly, we were together.  It's delightful getting to talk without distraction, even for those few minutes.  Theo even talked to himself in the back seat. I sure love my family.

It's getting "warm"

 Leslie and I weeded our planters.  There are actually happy plants in there, and not just weeds like we had previously thought! Hopefully we'll be planting some vegetable plants soon.

We decided to do it because it was "warm."  After our hands had frozen numb, we went inside. It was only then I discovered it was like 35 degrees. I did some dishes to warm up, and only the first few minutes were excruciating.

"I'm eating rocks."

Also, I can't remember if I've posted a picture of the giveaway product.  He asked for a remake of the Rat Pack picture, but with Ninja Turtles.  It was an excellent idea, I think it turned out great.

Theo: Property Destroyer

 Spring is finally here!  There are tiny purple flowers in our yard, we actually got rain instead of snow, and it was warm enough yesterday to wear short sleeves outside!  I even turned the heat off in our house.  That's when you know it's legit.

*******

Theo was in his bed. I knew he had woken up from his nap, but I let him hang out in there until he was done.  But I heard a big crash, and I thought his crib had collapsed or something.  I come in and find this:

I knew his blinds had been loose, and I know he likes to play with them. My solution was to roll the crib away from the wall so he couldn't reach it, but I forgot to tell Corbin that. Hence, the crib against the wall and the blinds off the wall. So I get to somehow put his blinds back up. I would normally do something like this while Theo is sleeping, so he won't get in the way, but I have a feeling that wouldn't work out, in this case.

Yesterday we had another mishap. There is a floor lamp in our living room with a glass part on the top.  Or should I say, it WAS in our living room.  Theo knocked it over, and the glass shattered. I was pretty steamed, because it's relatively nice and new. So I snatched up Theo (who was only  in a diaper at the time. It happens. ) And threw him upstairs with the Gullys while I cleaned up the glass.

I texted Corbin about the mishap, saying, "Theo just broke the glass on our nice living room lamp.  I'm trying to keep an eternal perspective."

And his reply, "I'm sorry!  I'm sure it won't be the worst thing he does.  I don't know if that helps or hurts, but I love you a lot."

I'm glad the text started with he was sorry, and ended with he loved me.  The middle part was not so helpful.

But Corbin will be leaving tomorrow to attend a conference in New Orleans.  We are sure going to miss him!  And I hope Theo doesn't burn down our house in the meantime... or ever.
While Corbin is staying in a fancy hotel, eating gumbo and jambalaya, Theo and I will live it up here, watching chick flicks and eating pizza. I think we'll make it.

One more cute picture for good measure.  When your friend comes over for spaghetti, and things get crazy with the sauce, sometimes you have to party in the bath tub. 
At one point, Ava farted directly into Theo's face.  Neither baby cared, but Leslie laughed so long and hard, she cried.  Theo was actually pretty worried about her.  I'm so glad Leslie is my friend; that moment was classic!

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter weekend!  Saturday had the nicest warmest weather we've seen in probably six months.  There was barely a cloud in the sky, and it got all the way up to 50 degrees! Naturally we took advantage of the day and hunted eggs in our back yard.

 I'm realizing more and more the joy of watching your children have fun, instead of actually doing the fun thing yourself.  I was a tad worried that it would be a chore dragging Theo around the yard, making him put eggs in the basket, yadda yadda.  But I had a fantastic time. Theo got to experience walking on our muddy hills.  You'll notice his pants started off tan, then became brown.  He loved finding the different eggs that Leslie expertly "hid" for the toddlers.

There were eggs with goldfish crackers, yogurt drops, and plenty of chocolates.  Theo only busted a few open during the hunt.  He was really good at throwing them in his basket.  I must say, we did practice for a week or two before Easter.

Theo also found a pile of "chocolates" in the yard, and we were too late in preventing one getting in his mouth. Deer poop will fool you that way.  You might be able to see the poop dribble on his chin. 

Of course we had to hunt eggs with Theo's best friend, Ava.  She was all decked out in her springtime wear, and she was quite a good egg hunter herself.

We also had dinner with the Gullys on Sunday.  They are quality people. For those who I have not whined to yet, they will be moving to Illinois in May.  Devastation is the only word that sums up my feelings on that.

Sunday morning, Corbin woke up sick, so Theo and I went to church sans Daddy.  Corbin was also supposed to direct the choir number during Sacrament meeting, so I filled in as best I could.   We sang "That Easter Morn," and I'm glad I could add my musical testimony to the meeting.

 
During church, we talked about Christ, and how his grace can bless our lives.  I know that when we try to emulate his traits, we become better happier people, and grow closer to God.

He is Risen  by President Eyring is a beautiful testimony of Christ and His resurrection.

I know He lives. This weekend was full of fun, friends, family, and the warmth and hope of our Savior.