The boys

It's been pretty quiet here these past few days. Which is nice. Mason and Maddox have been very cute together lately, playing nicely and enjoying each other for the most part. We have heard from Mason "I wish Maddox was never around. He destroys everything I make". And I do feel for him; for 6 years he has been able to make whatever he wants and leave it where-ever he wanted. Not so anymore. We've come up with some strategies, but it will just be an adjustment for everyone.

the creature with the eyes is a "bad guy" and the creature below is Mason, the spy.

Mason is helping Maddox learn how to climb up a chair. Mr. Maddox is figuring out how to climb many chairs and how to use bins to climb up to high places. i'm sure we will have some adventures to share soon! Maddox's newest trick is gagging himself with his fork. We just got over him gagging himself with his finger (to the point of throwing up) and now he figured out how to do with his utensils.

planting more seeds for our sunflower garden.

Mason made a Secret Agent Hideout with this box. I need to take pics of the inside. He has it all decked out in spy equipment and secret compartments.

this vest was my Dad's when he was a kid. Mason uses it as a spy disguise. Maddox wanted it on too.

The other morning these two played cars quietly together before breakfast. It was sweet. the picture didn't turn out all that great though.

Mason is showing Maddox hos to use these tools.

For Easter Mason got a mini screwdriver set (I had gotten it from the Homeshow for free!). He put it to work trying to change the battery on his toothbrush. He and Maddox had camoflauge Easter baskets complete with pockets, clips, bungee cords and more!

feeling sad.

So, Mr. Maddox is coming down with another cold. He is still awake, and I am in near panic mode that we will not be getting sleep again for a couple weeks. I am seriously trying not to freak out and cry and go mad. He just started sleeping through the night for the last few nights since his last cold. Oh for consistent sleep. I just want to feel "normal" again.

And then at the same time I am reminded this week how truly blessed I am and how I have SO much to be incredibly grateful for and that God has lavished His love on me.

On Monday I went to a wake of a co-worker, Patti. She was only 50 years old and had brain cancer. She died Friday night. Patti was our scheduler at work and was a very sweet woman. She left behind 3 children and several grandchildren who all adored her. Her husband had died a few years back.

When I called work on Monday to get information about Patti's wake, I was told that another co-worker had died suddenly on Sunday night. His name is Ernie and he was a very inspirational person. He had been paralyzed in an accident many years ago, but was a case/social worker and just an overall amazing person who would make you laugh everyday. He inspired many people and I always looked forward to running into him at work whenever I filled in.

It's wierd, because when I was working I interacted with Patti and Ernie several times during my work day, but now that I haven't been working, I haven't seen them very much, but I still miss them, because I know that next time I do go into work, they won't be there.

Then, today I visited the mother of a little boy (although he isn't so little anymore) who I used to work with. He is dying. It was wonderful to see her and him, and I was able to pray for the mom, which was a God thing. And this boy, he is an angel. You know how you meet people in your life and some of them sort of "shine" or "sparkle"? That is what he did. He has touched so many people in his life and still is. It's amazing to see how God uses people and how God blessed my life with this little guy.

So, overall, this week has been sad, and yet I am reminded of wonderful my life really is. The food allergies, lack of sleep, etc.. are annoying, are an inconvience, but overall, my life is rich and full and wonderful!

So, no pictures or silly stories of the kids...although there are plenty of them! And Maddox is STILL awake upstairs. I think I will go hold him, just because I can.

ONLY IN DULUTH

April 19th, 2008 1:00pm

Silly

Always practicing Safety First around here. They put on their safety goggles before getting to work with their tools.

Great Day

We spent an incredible day at Pattison State Park. The weather was beautiful! And we basically had the park to ourselves. I would write more about it, but I am too tired. I always have these thoughts throughout the day I would like to add to this blog, but I am always too worn-out to remember or take the time to write them out. Maybe someday.

Some yummy toes

Black River

Maddox was SOOO excited to see the raging river! He was jumping and pointing and hollering.

A tight squeeze for Craig and Maddox. Maddox's roof was rubbing against the ceiling. We had to walk along ice 3 inches thick.

Mason cut his burger up with a knife and ate it with a fork. Anything to act like a grown-up!

Cute dirty behind. Can't keep him clean for anything. Maddox and dirt are like magnets.

He was exhausted, but didn't fall asleep during our walk like we thought he would.

Mason showing us his moves on the outdoor exercise equipment

Checking out the tallest waterfall in WI

Enthralled with the waterfall

Big Manitou Falls. The tallest waterfall in WI and Mason's favorite natural wonder

It was impressive

An empty parking lot makes for a quiet visit to a park, but is a little disconcerting when your car and cell phone batteries are dead


Yay for Park Rangers!! Craig walked over to the main building and thankfully the park ranger was there! They don't have set hours yet and often aren't close by. An adventurous end to a beautiful day

Planting Seeds

Yesterday and today Mason, Maddox and I planted seeds. It could have been done in March and it is called "Winter Sowing". A friend (Thank you Kathy!!!) gave me a link to a site that showed us how it was done. All we needed were empty milk jugs, dirt, seeds, and duct tape. We cut the jugs in half, filled with dirt, planted seeds, and taped it shut. Then we put the jugs outside. I thought Maddox would LOVE the dirt, but he wasn't too thrilled to have the mud on his hands and neither was Mason, so a rag was available (I wasn't either to be honest). Gardening gloves also came in handy.

Mason LOVES gardening! The boy can't get enough. He also planted a peach pit, and two cherry seeds and some seeds he collected from flowers in the fall. He is so excited to check them in 2 weeks. I hope this works, he'll be in heaven!!

The weather has been gorgeous! Today we went to the park after a Dr. appt and Mr. Maddox had no trouble getting around. Mason was excited he could still do the Monkey Bars, and could do them faster than last year. We have gotten a lot of raking done, but need to wait for the yard to dry out to do the rest.

Here is Mason organizing the seeds and making decisions

Getting into the dirt

flinging the dirt around

not too bad of a mess

Day 2. planting the seeds

Doesn't he look like a proud little farmer?

also planted a couple vegetables

typical silly Mason

first outdoor snack of the year!! Can't wait for the picnics too start!!

Fun Times

a sour grape picking out a treasure from Nana's treasure box


loves his Auntie

Junal gave him this mini baster to play with, and he thought it was a booger sucker. He kept trying to stick it up his nose

with Nana at her birthday party

He wanted to sit in his booster with a snack and Elmo.

You never know where a lego creation will end up

Mason sharing his new legos with Maddox. He really is a great brother. not that they don't have their moments, but they do enjoy each other.

Mason had saved up birthday and Christmas money and bought some legos.

just hanging in the snow

floating a leaf down a river. This was one of those really nice days in Feb.

getting ready for a walk

Maddox's 1st pancake (gluten, egg, dairy, soy free of course)