Like father, like son

There's been a lot of acoustic guitar playing going on in our house lately.  A certain Mr. is not only trying to justify a recent purchase (ahem.), he is also involved in church worship and recently has discovered a few new artists on youtube to emulate.  Oh yeah, there was also that Phil Keaggy concert we went to awhile back...

I guess it's no surprise that I walked into the living room a few days ago to find this:

and then a few days after that, this:

all together now, awwww...

PS: yes, I know, we need a new kids' guitar.  Anyone want to donate to the cause?  Guitar must be able to withstand extreme pick work and repeated bashing into doorways.

Benjie and Boo visit (some of) the animals

 *note: all narration provided by the 2yo, several weeks after the fact.*

Benny is feeding the chickens mom! He is dumping some food, it is weally messy and he is in trouble.  Gan' Boo gave him more food. Come here, Chickie, 'mere! Do NOT run away.

 They like it mom! I fwow more.

 He needs a coat, Mom.  Chickens say, "ba ba bawk bawk!"

 I chased them and gave them more food...

 ...but they went inside to lay an egg.  Benny is looking for one egg.

 The sheeps like their food, Mom.

 Benny will give them more food.

 So soft, Mom! Gan' Boo says "move over, Sheep!"

 Sheeps say "BAAAAAA BAAAAAAA!!!!" and I can pet them.

 Right there, sheep.  You need to eat your dinner!

 Benny is petting the so soft sheep.  Boo says "time to go." I like the sheep bewwy much. The blue one likes me.

the end.

decorating the tree

The breakable ornaments are staying in the tote this year, for two reasons.  One: I have 3 boys and 4 cats and one dog (and one husband and one me).  Two: our tree this year is much more "Charlie Brown" than"Clark Griswold."  I love it.

how to manage a year's worth of kids' magazines

 My mother-in-law gifted the boys with a year's subscription to Highlights High Five magazine last year.  We love it! 

This is definitely a magazine worth keeping around so that all 3 boys get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of it.  Just this week I stumbled upon the perfect solution: hole punch each magazine and store them in a binder. 

#3 seems to approve :)

too big for my britches

 so... I got dolled up Thanksgiving weekend to have dinner with my inlaws.  "new" skinny jeans, "new" cowgirl boots...and I don't remember the rest of the outfit because I was that happy about the first two items.  well.  Before we even started eating I ripped the seat of my pants open!  Either I needed bigger pants (ahem.) or this was a classic case of the most comfy pants are probably also threadbare. 

 Now, some people have moms that baked cookies with them in grade school, and now they make great cookies.  Those of you who know me know I tend to put weird things like applesauce in my cookies, so that tells you how much training I've had in *that* department ;-p  However, my mom didn't leave me totally lacking in the skills department.  After years of watching her repair work jeans for my brothers and dad, I like to think that when the need arises I can mend a rip almost as well as she can.  And, Mom, if you are thinking of this as a challenge, I have a pile of boy jeans in the mending basket just waiting for your competitive fingers.)

I'd show you the inside, but apparently Max is enjoying the morning sun.