trampoline time....

These are just some recent videos of the kids on the trampoline. Trevor is trying to flip, and in one video they are "calling" the imaginary monster on the other side of the fence. (They have watched Taylor call to the sandhill cranes back there too many times.)

tidbit about growing...

Tonight, Jewel got out of bed, took off her pull-up, used the potty, and put on panties! Last night, she woke up after a little accident, and took herself to the bathroom to finish. All by herself!! She is shocking me daily here lately. She has even begun to master the Toddler version of Reader Rabbit. But, she prefers to watch Trevor play his internet games. And don't get me started on all the things Trevor can do on the computer. Trevor is getting really fun too. I have video to post of him trying to do flips on the trampoline. (Yes, it scares me sometimes.) He is still captain curious and because we are studying so many cool things with Taylor, he is getting to see and ask about really neat stuff. For instance, we got a new book that shows the organs of a dinosaur and he was comparing it to what he knows about his own body! Amazing and so much fun. I am working on his game board and rules, and I hope to make some time everyday for his game after my classes and his daycare. I hope it works out that way, I am really facing an overflowing plate soon. Here's to diving right in!

summertime...

well, if i don't do it now, i expect that it won't be done. i will make myself sit here and talk about the vacation that recently ended. it really feels like it is ongoing because we are still doing the same thing most nights as we did through the vacation and because trent gets off a little earlier than most of the year right now. things have been stressed slightly with the recent changes and events (some of you know what I mean). however, because we are both now dealing with the issues at hand with all of our energy and focus, things are going pretty smoothly. because of the intense focus on painting, the changes, and healing we had a pretty pleasurable vacation. nothing stimulates good feelings like accomplishment. the house looks amazing, i will try to get some better pictures soon. we worked in a pretty steady routine; trent rolled, i edged, we painted low at night and around the top when the kids were awake, and every three days or so we would take the night off. there is a heck of a lot of painting to do in the place! we also had to watch the kids, so sometimes we took turns painting during the day. after taylor got home from summer camp we had to pull off some school. (i realize that i mentioned some of this in previous posts, sorry.) so, we did some electricity studies, that were pretty fun. i also asked taylor to draw a game board for the game for this year. this isn't the final board, luckily, b/c before he was even finished, trevor colored on it. it has some fantastic additions and great ideas, so next year looks to be fun. overall, the vacation was productive enough but, with a nice balance of "slow and easy" living. being at home has its benefits. so, while it wasn't a trip to the beach, it seems to have had a good effect on things. the painting also allowed us an excuse to do some of the other projects while the rooms were pulled apart and messed up. oh yes, we also potty trained the jellybean! she is getting really good at making it to the toilet. And, she counted two things several times just today. i was so surprised. she held up two lego hats and said, "two hats, mom, wook, two hats, two hats, two hats..." later she did the same thing with two shoes and the two baskets we use for produce. so smart! she is also becoming little miss independent, luckily trevor is getting better about "minding" a little bit. at least, sometimes. he can still attempt to get his way pretty convincingly though. we still have painting left, couple closets, and ours' and taylor's bedrooms, but we should get it finished up in the next two weeks. we are going to be so busy soon, that we are trying to allow time to enjoy our only chance for relaxation for the coming year. speaking of relaxation, i am going to bed.