This week...

Nathan played with vintage toys.

Jacob enjoyed a visit from his "weird" friend Ramadan.

The egg for crock pot stuffing froze in the hotel fridge.

Scott and Jacob did a pre-Thanksgiving meal workout.

Jacob took a bath WHILE watching cartoons.  Best day ever.

Melly stayed true to herself.  I am jealous of her nap schedule.

There has been a lot of noise in my house this past week.  A lot of whining, disciplining, tantrums, fits, demanding, meltdowns, lack of planning, bad attitudes, yelling, and chaos.  (I won't tell you who is doing what).   With no prior experience raising two boys it seems as though I am struggling at how to teach a very opinionated, well negotiating almost 5 year old how to live in harmony with a busy, wants everything my older brother has, will scream if I don't get my way 18 month old.  I am lacking patience but thankfully not grace.  God knows I need it.

I think it is safe to say winter is officially here.  If I have to bring the spring jacket up from the basement again I am positive that we have ourselves a serious case of global warming and all of my tip money will be sent to environmental organizations.  Jacob is looking forward to shoveling so hopefully soon we will have some white stuff to go along with the cold.

The Christmas season is officially upon us.  Jacob is practicing Silver Bells for his church program and I have started thinking about shopping and decorating as well as the fact that I am so thankful that I gave birth to my boys in a comfy hospital room surrounded by soft, warm blankets, a warm bath and plenty of food in lieu of a smelly stable filled with poop and scratchy hay.

I am going to get ready for work now.  Er, my break.  Peace and love from the Sinclair house.

Rest in peace, Ernie

10/24/99 - 11/14/12

We love you Ernie bug.  Thanks for a good long run and we'll see you in heaven!

Heavenly Movement

Bedtime conversation between Scott and Jacob:
J:  Dad, will we have to go to the bathroom in Heaven?
S:  Hmmmm, I'm not sure but I don't think so.
J:  But if I DO have to go, where is the bathroom?
S:  I really don't know bud.  I'm pretty sure you won't have to worry about it.
J:  (with just a hint of exasperation) Well, if I have to go I'll just ask God.

It's okay, I'm okay!

Nathan tries really hard to do everything his big brother does.  A trip to the ER and a matching scar are no exception.  Last night Nathan's favorite bath splashing activities proved to be a bit much as he launched himself into the drain plate.  This gash is about half the size and a little bit higher and we were fortunate the doc was able to use the super glue method again.  I am beginning to realize this isn't the last of our heart palpitations as we raise these two boys.  God bless us all.

Lydia:  "Ugh.  Milk again.  I am so sick of milk.  When you gonna hook me up with something like pizza?"
Nathan:  "I'm so bored.  I just want my crib.  What in the world is Jacob doing now."
Jacob:  "Hmm.  If I tie its tail onto the hitch of one of my trucks I can use lamb to pull it out of the mud."

Skating is great

Saturday morning skating lessons.  He's doing great and having a ball!

Mission: Accomplished

Where they grow their vegetables and herbs that they use in their dishes.  Another great thing they do is use compostable cups.  We threw one in our compost...we'll see how well it does. 

I think I'm gonna like it here.

Open year round.  We sat in the hot tub both nights. 

Relaxed and glowing due to numerous exfoliating spa bath rituals. 

We did it!  Two days of pure relaxation at Sundara Resort and Spa.  You might remember a few weeks back when we had a failed attempt at our "stay cation".  I am thankfully reporting we succeeded in two days of sitting in our fluffy white robes and enjoying all that this amazing place has to offer.  I highly recommend it.

Picture catch up