Growing up, way to fast!

Clayton is our 6-year-old kindergartner, and he is growing up way to fast!



Here he is tonight with his reading assignment.

~ ~ ~

Big C is truly our "Big C" and he has become quite the little helper. My sister says, "he could raise himself."

Clayton: Mom, I can make my own chocolate milk.
C: Mom, I can make my own ham/mustard sandwich.
C: Mom, I can get the mail.
C: Mom, I can pick out my own clothes for school.
C: Mom, I can tie my own shoes.
C: Mom, I can watch Hudson while you take a shower.
C: Mom, I can reach that game.

See what I mean???? I am proud of the big boy he is becoming; but, I must admit it does sadden me a little.

In the same regards, I ask tons of him too......
Me: C, will you get Gray a diaper?
Me: C, will you get Hudson a glass of chocolate milk?
Me: C, will you make your bed?
Me: C, will you pray for our meal?
Me: C, will you play with Gray for a bit?

I guess I should be glad he is such a big helper. Though sometimes, he is extremely head-strong (he gets that from Will) and could drive us a bit nuts, he has a huge heart and is truly an awesome "big brother!"

It's Tough Being 2! - through the eyes of Hudson

Hudson is our fun-loving, mischievous, sneaky, 2.5-year-old. He brings us so much laughter and excitement! "I wanna be Spiderman!" "I caaaaaay-nt (can't)" "Is Gray sleeping?" "Is Gray awake?" "What's that noise?"

However, he has zero interest in potty training. Zero! He will proudly announce, "I'm poopy!" "I poop in my diaper." "I poop in my pants." "I poop in the floor (more on that in a minute)" You name it.....Hudson says it! I have tried everything - bribing, praising, scolding, shaming, use of Big C and Daddy as examples, going naked, wearing big boy Elmo underwear, setting a timer,.......the list goes on.

Last week during our tons of snow days....I had decided to let Hudson go around the house naked to see if this tactic would work. He did great for 2 days, then on the third day.........

Clayton: Mom, there's some poop on the floor!
Me: What? What do you mean?
Clayton: Hudson has pooped in the floor.
Me: Oh my gosh! Like how much?
Clayton: Ummmmmm. One big piece and lots of little pieces.
Me: Oh my gosh!!! (and I go running upstairs)

Poop is everywhere! I'm talking a huge pile of cow poop and droppings coming across the floor and down the stairs! And there he was, covered in poop from his butt to his feet! Well, needless to say, we're back in Pull-ups!

~ ~ ~

Hudson also hates church! I mean hates! My parents even had to start teaching his Sunday School class, just so he would stay in the room. He just hates being left. Getting ready for church on Sundays sounds a big like this.

Me: Hudson do you want to go to your big boy class at church?
Hudson: No! I go to the service!
Me: No, Hudson. Mommy and Daddy go to their class, Clayton goes to his class, and you have to go to your class.
Hudson: No, I go to the service with Poppy and Grandma. (and that he does)

Until the last two weeks, when he was promoted into a different classroom. He is able to complete a craft, hear a story, and have a snack! His teachers say he's doing great! So far, so good.


Hudson. We love him, but it's rough being 2.

You might be a mom of boys if..............

You might be a mom of boys if.............

... you haven't watched a fairy tale movie, since you were a little girl.

...you can build a mean Lego battleship.

...you have dinosaurs, cars, and toy trucks randomly scattered throughout your house (in your jewelry box, purse, kitchen counter, bathroom sink)

... you communicate through growling.

...you are constantly wiping pee off of the toilet seat before you sit down.

...you prefer bugs and dirt to tea parties.

...you can name 10 superheroes in 1 minute or less (Spiderman, Batman and Robin, Superman, Hulk, Green Lantern, Ironman, Captain America, War Machine, Thor)

... you spend Saturdays on the sidelines.

...you find yourself rearranging your work schedules because of sports practices and ball games.

... you become extremely frustrated with department stores (Gymboree, Dillards, Crazy8) because the girl sections are 3x as big as the boy sections!

...you find yourself at the emergency room more often than you'd like.



(this picture was taken when Gray was about 2 weeks old)

I love my boys!

The Daniels' Boys Top 4 Must-Haves

If you live in the Daniels' home, there are a few things that you must have:

1) Legos



Big C received tons of Legos for his birthday and Christmas this year. Since then, he has fallen in love! And....whatever Big C plays with, Little H thinks he has to play with too. Hudson loves to dump out the Lego box, but these toys sure do hurt when they are met with a bare foot!

2) Costumes/Dress-up



We love to play dress-up at our house. Clayton has collected tons of costumes over the past few years, and now Hudson is beginning a little collection of his own. From Superman, to Batman, Ironman, Firemen, Doctors, Construction Workers, Army men, dinosaurs, and lions. Our boys love to pretend!

3) Action Figures and Transformers



I'm going to blame this small addiction on Will! Will loves action figures (Batman, Superman, Hulk) and loves Superhero cartoons (Justice League, Avengers) So......what Daddy watches, the little boys watch. Clayton loves superheros and Hudson is following in big brother's footsteps. "I want Spiderman!"

4) Games of all kinds!



Thanks to Aunt Shannie and Uncle Mark, who donated their Wii to our family at Christmas, Clayton does loves Mario. But he loves traditional board games, Candy Land, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Checkers. New games that we play too often, include Sponge Bob UNO, Flippin Frogs, Go Fish.

Baby Toy of the week:
5) Sophie the Giraffe



Sophie makes a great chew toy for Graydon! My sister was obsessed with the movie, Three Men and a Baby when she was little, and yes, this is the same giraffe that Tom Selleck buys for the baby at the newspaper stand in that movie. When we came across this toy, it was a must have!



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and..........thanks to my friend, Ashley, and her yummy Japanese white sauce and fried rice recipes (www.thecowanscorner.blogspot.com) , we had a fabulous Kyoto-style dinner!!!!

"Venom" the Snowman

Yesterday, we celebrated Snow Day #10! I love snow days with my boys! Clayton woke up that morning and began asking me to go outside and help him build a snowman. Now, Clayton knows, I love snow days, and I love to watch the snow: but, I hate the cold and I don't really like to play in the snow. My snow playing, includes, running outside in pajamas and boots for a few minutes to snap a few good pictures! So, we waited all morning and afternoon for Will to get home. Will's instructions - "Have the boys dressed and ready for the snow by the time I get home." - I could do that! And, just like that, I had three boys building their first snowman.

Clayton rolling snow for our masterpiece.



Hudson did more running, than building.



We finished our snowman off with button eyes, a carrot nose, sticks for arms, and a scarf. Clayton has named him "Venom" - I guess that's what you get, when you let a 6-year old little boy name the family snowman. Somehow, he just doesn't look like a scary Venom to me, but oh well.......

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Gray sits up on his own at 7.5 months - This was my post for today, until my sister captured this hilarious shot of Gray and Ad this afternoon!



..........and I just couldn't resist to show this off too! I promise we were watching them! Just wait, Gray, until she can defend herself.......

When the Cats are away, Two Little Mice will play!

Last night, Will and I were downstairs, finishing up the night's household chores (laundry and dishes). Big C and Little H had headed upstairs to play together. (Santa brought Hudson a slide for Christmas and the big boys love it!) Will and I heard loud thuds coming from upstairs and through the ceiling. Boom! Thud! Two elephants upstairs jumping, running, and playing! I quickly grabbed for my camera and tiptoed up the stairs to catch the boys in action and to snap evidence of two rowdy boys!

I was able to catch this.........



and this...........



and Hudson jumping on my new recliner!............



Clayton was quick to see the flash, but I did capture this shot, as he was hiding behind the chair!



Oh my! What will I ever do when there are "Three Wild Little Mice!?"

A Chef in the Making

At our house, we love chocolate chip cookies! My mom has made homemade chocolate chip cookies since I can remember. The boys love them, Will loves them, and I love them! I probably should make them more, but I just can never find the time. Yesterday afternoon, I thought a batch sounded pretty yummy. Little H and Baby G were asleep, so Big C wanted to help. He does love to help out in the kitchen. He does pretty well stirring ingredients, but his favorite thing is to "break the eggs!" Yesterday, he attempted to use the mixer, and surprisingly did very well!






What a great big, boy! Clayton is becoming quite the "little helper."



Two boys loving cookies for breakfast!

What Color is this?

Little H is definitely our care-free, fun-loving child. To get him to sit down and do anything is a miracle! So, the other night, when Hudson sat down in the floor with Will, I immediately ran to get my phone. Will had grabbed a book nearby and began quizzing Hudson. "What color is this?" "What color is this?" I knew Huds knew most of his colors, but when he didn't miss a single one, I was so estatic!

Watch this adorable video below:

Friday's Fab 5!

I am trying something new - each week I am going to post 5 fabulous things. I am going to include 4 of my favorite things and 1 fabulous baby trinket or toy. Here to my first list of Friday's Fab 5!



1) My Bible! I made a New Year's commitment (better than a resolution) that I would be in the Word every day. So far, so good! As our children's minister at church (not so gently, reminded moms) - "How can you teach your children something you know nothing about?" Good point and taken to heart. I do want to teach my children in the ways of the Lord, and I am going to be more intentional in recording my prayers and studying my Bible. Plus.....this Bible is super cute and easy to tote around! I love it!



2) My IPhone! I know it's terrible, but I love this phone. I do have the white Otter Box, so the boys can play a few of the games on my phone and toss it around. With this fancy box, the boys can't damage the phone. I am addicted to Words with Friends (scrabble) and facebook. I am trying to also be more intentional about not having my phone glued to me. I am trying to spend more time with the boys, technology free! (another reminder from Cindy, our children's minister)



3) Slugs and Bugs CD - My boys love this CD. Two weeks ago, at Family Worship, the Slugs and Bugs song was introduced and Big C instantly fell in love! We now have this CD playing every time we get in the van. In February, Andrew Peterson (songwriter and artist) will be coming to our church in concert and our family can't wait!


4) Cupcake Caddy - For those of you who know me well, you know, that I love making cupcakes! I love making them for Big C's kindergarten class. It really doesn't matter what kind - mummies, monsters, Frankensteins, christmas trees, whatever. This great cupcake caddy allows me to make 24 perfect cupcakes, in an easy to carry tote for Big C. You bake, decorate, place in the caddy, fasten them in, and carry to school! Perfect!

One of my favorite baby trinkets:

5) The Winkel - I have to give my sister credit, she did tell me about this fabulous toy! One afternoon, shopping in town, I happened upon "the Winkel". Graydon loves it! It's made of plastic and makes a great chew/teething toy. Its bright colors are attractive and it's super cute!



That's it guys! Here's to 5 fabulous, fantastic things on Friday!

Big Boy in a Big Boy Crib!

When Graydon was born, he was such a snuggle bunny. He spent many nights in a bassinet by our bed, and then, when he would wake up in the middle of the night, I would snuggle with him in our bed and he would fall fast asleep. We continued with this for about two months. At two months, we began placing him in his bassinet, occasionally giving him his passy if he would wake, and he began sleeping 8-10 hours a night - how great! This was something new for us! Big C did not sleep through the night until we transitioned him into a twin bed at 18 months. Hudson did not sleep fully through the night until around 11 months. So, the fact that Baby G was sleeping 8-10 hours at 8 weeks was amazing!
Will and I agreed, who would mess with that???? We (mainly me) loves sleep! Well.......forward 5 months and little cousin Adalyn arrives home and needs a bassinet - should we boot Baby G out of his bed and lend our beloved bassinet? I guess so. It did seem about time. Two nights ago, we placed Graydon in his crib. He went to sleep around 10:30, woke up once around 3am and then slept until 8am! Last night, he went to bed around 9:30 and slept til around 7:30! I guess we've officially transitioned our Baby G into his big boy crib! It does seem a little sad - he seems to be growing right before our very eyes! I am trying to make sure that I enjoy these baby days, because soon they will be pictures and memories of days passed. I am truly treasuring our Baby G!

Two Sweet Babies!

I am so thankful for Aunt Shannie. Under - not so great - circumstances, she is home for the next six months. Her husband, Mark, is deployed overseas, serving in the US Air Force. But, while she's here - we're enjoying her and her new baby, Adalyn. Graydon is now 7.5 months and Adalyn just turned 13 weeks old today. I love that Graydon and Adalyn get to spend these few months smiling at each other, chewing on each other, and hanging out together. On a day at home, they can be found like this.....




or this...............


( I think they're even holding hands here!)

And when they think you're super funny - they might even look like this!


Thanks to Aunt Shannie for these awesome pictures today!

I Love Home Projects!

What are we up to now??????????

Last week, Clayton's teacher assigned a January home project! Me (being a kindergarten teacher) love home projects! I wish she would assign one per week! Her instructions were to create a snowman masterpiece using anything you want (styrofoam, paper mache, construction paper, etc.) So...........I began searching the internet for cute ideas. When I came across this picture of a snowman made from a pinecone (of all things), that's what Clayton wanted to do. So...we began.

We spray-painted our pinecone white, gave him a few pipe cleaners for a nose and arms, popsicles sticks for skis, and made him a scarf and ear muffs - he was ready to go!

Our finished project! I have to say - he did turn out pretty cute!

No Cavities!!!

Since today, I have the day off, I try to squeeze in any doctor/dentist visits where I can. Today, Big C and Little H had a dentist checkup. This is probably Clayton's 5th or 6th trip to the dentist, but Hudson has only been twice before. Clayton always does a great job - he gets in his chair, lays back, and lets Mrs. Brooke do what she needs to do (Mrs. Brooke is awesome!!!) Hudson is a little more timid. After a little coaxing, he did lay back in the seat, let the dentist examine his teeth, and he even got to play with the dental tools. Mrs. Brooke let Hudson spray water in Clayton's mouth and suck it back up through the machine!

Clayton again has a perfect visit - no cavities again! Two teeth have been lost and two more are loose! He's right on track!

Hudson has most of his teeth - still teething in the back! But perfect hygiene and perfect teeth!

How Do You Spell That???

On Sunday morning during church, Clayton should probably have been listening during the sermon a little more closely, but instead he decided to keep himself busy by writing and drawing on the many pages of the bulletin. Oh well, after all, he's only 6! I have to say, he's gotten pretty good at inventive spelling - that is where he just writes the sounds he hears in words.
For example:

Grandma: Gramol
Poppy: was right on! - Poppy
Grammy: Gamee
Hudson: Husion
Shannie: Shannonee

Not too bad!

He Shoots! He SCORES!

This season Clayton has started playing Upward Basketball. My dad (Poppy) and husband (Will) co-coach the Cheetahs. The first week was a little rough: he was super wired and unfocused. This week, he has learned how to guard his opponent, dribble the ball better and he even scored the first goal of the game! Clayton is NOT the most aggressive child on the court, so we have resorted to bribing to get Clayton to get in and get the ball. I know it's bad, but I do want him to enjoy the game. I love watching Will, Poppy, and Clayton on the court together. These are moments that I will treasure forever!

Baby G asleep at the end of the game.

Top 10 in 2010 - A Year in "The Dugout"

2010 was full of first for the Daniels' family! I am going to try blogging once again - here is to my first post for 2011.

1) Baby G's Birth - The biggest news in 2010 was the birth of our 3rd son, Graydon. Graydon Wyatt Daniels was born on July 10, 2010. 7 lbs. 13 1/2 oz. He had tons of crazy hair and big blue eyes. He is a pure joy.



2) Birth of 2 new nieces - Not only did we add to our family this year, but so did my sister and Will's brother. On October 20, we welcomed Adalyn Reese (Adalyn Reesie Cup)! On November 4th, we welcomed Kylee Grace!





3) Bigger Home for a Bigger Family - In February of 2010 - we moved into our new home. Baby #3 required more bedrooms and more space! We repainted every wall and made this house a home.

4) Soccer Mom buys mini-van - I said "I never would!" Then in the Summer of 2010 - Will came home with a mini-van! I have to say - I absolutely love it!



5) Big C starts Kindergarten - Clayton loves school - and playing and goofing off with his little buddies (= He has learned to read and has even lost two front bottom teeth!




6) Aunt Shannie and Adalyn move back to BG - Since Uncle Mark has been deployed overseas, Aunt Shannie and new baby Adalyn have moved back home for six months. We are enjoying them and treasuring them until Mark's safe return!




7) Big Birthdays for Big Boys - Clayton turns 6 and Hudson turns 2!






8) Pops gets MARRIED! Pops and Nana got married Spring Break of 2010 - this called for a huge Michigan family celebration in Gatlinburg.




9) SPORTS!!!! - With 3 boys, I am destined to spend lots of time on the sidelines. This year, Clayton was in the full swing of sports - from soccer to baseball and even swim lessons! Little H and Baby G enjoyed the games almost as much as Big C did!







10) Small trips - This year, between buying the house and the arrival of Baby G, we did not have a huge family vacation. But, we were able to go to Gatlinburg for Pops' wedding, Louisville Zoo and Children's Science Center, and Clayton was able to go to Virgina with Grandma and Poppy to visit Aunt Shannie and Uncle Mark.