I've been learning some basic signs from Angie Ward (she's awesome at signing) and teaching them to my Sicily. She's our #4 child and our #1 at signing. I never did it with my older ones, I didn't think it was necessary. But I love it. Sicily loves being able to communicate with us. She does try to say the words as she signs them. So we'll get to the talking eventually. For now enjoy the videos, they were all so stinking cute I couldn't narrow it down to just 1.
About 2 seconds later the folded in half pose was not so comfy anymore, so she just sprawled out right then and there.
I've modified this song over the years for each of my kids. Apparently Aspen has been paying attention and sings it all the time, even when we're not bathing. And due to the fact that I could sing Tenor if I wanted to, I think that's why she's singing in such a low voice. Kids crack me up with the things they do sometimes.
I've come to the conclusion that I am a sugar addict. After every meal I crave sugar. Not Chocolate, like most women, but cookies, cake, pie you know...the good stuff. I've been desperately trying to curb this addiction but find when I deny myself I literally get headaches and nausea. It's kind of freaky really. So if anyone out there knows of a solution to my issue, HELP! I am limiting myself immensely, but I want to not crave it anymore. Just be able to go with out and it's no big deal. So any advice would be wonderful.
She was good to go until she saw the blood on the tissues. I think that's when the pain sank in. Not too many tears, but some good hugs and kind words of consolation were MUCH needed. Plus an ice cold wash cloth really does the trick on the sore gums.
And now we have another toothless grin in the house. Aspen is 6 yrs 3 months old and has FINALLY lost her 1st tooth. As you can see, she is very proud. Marched around the house the whole rest of the evening, "I can't believe I lost my tooth. I just can't believe it." :)
My sweet little Sicily is getting better and better at her crawling and exploring. We've nick named her Curious George for good reason. It is absolutely amazing what kids can get into when you're not looking. And of course, once she emptied this cabinet she left it and just went on to the next thing to make a mess of.
We've almost got her convinced to let us tie a string to it and slam the door. London was always too scared.
Early one morning, I was followed by Naked Baby. She was not mean, she was not stinky, just cute and naked. Beware of very noisy Batman in the background. You must acknowledge his drawings or he will not go away. But Naked Baby also must say, "Hello," to find her ultimate joy.
Jared's latest art Medium. I don't really know how he does it. Mine always turn into little blobs.
You know your hubby fixes things a lot when your 15 month old GIRL helps wherever she can. I really have no idea what he had been using the screwdriver for, but Sicily is fixing her cell phone, under Dads supervision of course.
The whole family in their very natural state. London-Silly, Aspen-Psycho, Phoenix-not wanting to be in a family picture, Sicily-just sweet.
This is in the down town museum district in Houston. It's a statue of Sam Houston, who is the founder of Houston city, I believe. I didn't actually read the entire plaque.
Another natural state picture of my kids. We specifically told Aspen to NOT play in the water. See how good she is NOT playing in the water. Yeah, she listened for about 2 minutes. Oddly enough that was how long it took her to walk over to the water fountain. :) I got more wet than she did in the end anyhow. London scooped up a big handful and threw it at me. Little turd. :)
Sure am glad Caterpillars never actually get this big.
Little bowls of nectar were conveniently placed all over for the Butterfly's to gather, and us to observe. The little orange ones were SO friendly. All the kids got to hold one that so kindly walked from hand to hand. They really tickle when they walk on you.
The blue ones weren't everywhere like the other colors. The iridescence was beautiful.
Aunt Marlene had a piggy back rider for more than 10 minutes. He liked the bright blue I guess.
These are called Paperwhites. They were my favorite. When they flew past they looked like tissue paper in the wind, so delicate.
Sicily tried to hard to get this one in my hand. She LOVED the butterflies. 
Honeycombs are good for more than just making Honey.
Aspen was not about to touch that Katydid. They were kind of soft and cold, she was content to just look.
LOVE Spaghetti. She gets so excited when you hand her one of those 2 ft long noodles. And man can she slurp! But every now and again the bowl just ends up on her head. I had to pull a "Little Mermaid" and use the fork to get it out. If you grab it it just mashes into her hair, then there's no hope.
Every kids favorite, OREO'S! Ever notice how you can give a child a "dum dum" and their entire body ends up sticky? Same goes for Oreos, Popsicles, Ice cream ... etc. I love pictures like this, Pure Pleasure on her face. The only look that can come from an Oreo really.
We've finally been blessed to live in a neighborhood with about a million children. They literally move in packs, roaming from house to house. Today it was my turn. 4 on the Trampoline and 3 on the Swing Set. I've got it set up so I can watch them while I'm cooking, and keep the window open so I know when someones crying or just "play screaming." I grew up in this kind of neighborhood and I'm so grateful that my kids get to have it too. I just hope it's for a good while, you never know with Jared's job, but we like it here so hopefully we can stay for some time.
We found her in the other room completely zonked. Apparently 3 year olds can make it till 10 but 6 year olds can not. She was none too happy when London blew his horn in her ear. :)
K, I know I'm a loon. That's really a water bottle. It was getting late and I was getting tired.
Kids seem to flock to our house because of our zoo of animals. Flame, our Corn Snake, is over 4 ft long now. We bought him Thanksgiving 2006, he was the size of a pencil then. We feed him 2 frozen mice a week and play with him whenever. It amazes me how many people are afraid of snakes. We love our Flame, and the kids love the bragging rights.
We get loads of these in our back yard everyday. They feast on the bird feeder, and when that's empty they eat the rabbits food. Plus we have a built in bird bath; Charlie, the dogs, water.
