Hudson's Prayer

. . . Thank you for this Christmas.
Please bless Jesus to have a good Birthday. . .

Santa Babies

Could it really be only 12 days until Christmas?

Maybe I'll shoot for New Year's cards.

Yo Neighbors

I think we all have our disappointments with L & T for one reason or another. I didn't realize when we moved in that the granite countertops were not sealed. Some water damage happened early on. I then went to Home Depot and bought a sealer that has helped somewhat. Last week I received a flyer for granite cleaning, sealing and caulking all for $25 which includes the kitchen and all bathrooms. It seemed almost too good to be true, but since I had seen similar professional services for $85 - 90, I decided to give it a try. They came tonight and were meticulous, especially in repairing the caulk. Mine was in bad shape in the kitchen. They even recaulked the kitchen sink. YAY!

Anyhoo, just thought I'd pass on this recommendation. Can't beat that price. Oh, they did say it was a holiday promotional. Regular price $45

Leave a comment if you'd like their contact info.

Trimming the Tree

We went to pick out a Christmas tree on Saturday night. The temps were frigid and unbearable. Darin never likes to pick the first thing we see so we always end up going to more than one location. When we got to the second tree lot we were all freezing and I was trying to hurry the process. Darin spotted one he liked, I quickly agreed. Then on to the kids' approval.

Dad: Hudson, do you like this tree?
Hudson: Does Mom like it?
Mom: Yes, I like it.
Hudson: Then I would certainly get it.

Holden: Take me to the car!

Christmas Cookbook 2009

Pancakes

Who makes it?
Dad makes them really big. I like them big. Mom makes them tiny but I like them too.

What is in it?
I don't know.

How do you make it?
If you come to my house my dad can show you how to make them. He mixes it in a bowl until it's soft. The pan has to be plugged in. Dad pours it on and I go play.

How do you eat them?
When I come back he puts butter and syrup. It is so good!

Tonight was Holden's school holiday party. As a small gift, they made Christmas Cookbooks with the children's food favorites. I find it ironic that both Hudson (last year) and Holden chose things that Dad makes. The truth is that I provide the meals 90% of the time. Darin says it's because he's more fun in the kitchen. Could be.

Personality Differences - Encore

Tonight we were reading one of the Franklin series books, Franklin's Neighborhood. Franklin the turtle is given the assignment to draw a picture of what he likes best about his neighborhood. I queried my children, "What do you like best about your neighborhood?"

Holden: " Nothing"
Hudson: "Target"

P.S. I am proud to say that I am winning the Influence Wars. Dad shops at Wal-Mart. Mom shops at Target.

May The Force Be With Us

Hudson is interested in Stars Wars at the moment. This evening he was assigning characters to various family members for some imaginary play.

I'm not sure which character he assigned to Holden, but it was one of the "bad guys." Holden protested, but Hudson defended his choice:

Holden, you say "bad fish" so you are on the Dark Side.

Personality Differences - Continued

Today I asked the kids what they are grateful for.

Holden: "Nothing"
Hudson: "Everything"

Personality Differences

Tonight we were reading a book about Santa Claus and the Naughty and Nice Lists. Hudson looked over at me and with doubt in his eyes he asked, "Am I on the Nice List?" I reassured him that he is a good boy and would definitely be found on the Nice List.
I looked over towards Holden. He raised his eyebrows and boasted with confidence, "I'm on the Nice List." Of course I didn't voice my doubts.

Morning People? Not so much

The Bunker parents are notoriously nocturnal. We're just programmed that way. This morning Holden woke up before the sun. When Mom told him to go back to bed he complained, "But I'm so un-tired."

We'll train these kids yet.

Report Card

Today was Parent-Teacher Conference for Hudson. Six centers were set up for him to demonstrate his skills. When he finished, I waited to speak with his teacher. I overheard Miss Johnson explaining other student's strengths and weaknesses, pointing out for parents what concerns there might be and how they could work on them at home with their child. When it was our turn, I asked how Hudson was doing. Miss Johnson said, "Hudson is AWESOME!"
She went on to say "I never have any trouble with Hudson. He's perfect during table time. Perfect during carpet time. When I'm feeling a little frustrated with the class, Hudson makes me feel better."
Hudson smiled and gave Miss Johnson a high five.

I'd like to say that I had something to do with his high level of Kindergarten success, but truly this kid just came that way - he's smart, he's chill, he's attentive. Hudson is awesome.

A Weekend Away

I was surprised to realize that I hadn't been to Delta since the fourth of July. My boys were begging to go play with cousins and see the new puppies (Kael's Puggy and Chase's Tug). Grandpa offered a dip in the hot tub, but it ended up being too cold to be outside. We enjoyed the abundance of good food. Mom made peanut butter bars and Russ made homemade French fries. It was also my first time seeing the new building that is nearing completion. We look forward to lots of fun parties there. We love you, Grandma & Grandpa M.

Making A List, Checking it Twice

Hudson and Holden got a hold of the multitude of Christmas toy catalogs that have been showing up in the newspaper. Typical, they want everything! I told them they better narrow it down a little and let them circle five items each. When I reviewed their picks every item was some train/race track or large fortress/kingdom that would take up too much space.

I don't want to procrastinate all my shopping again this year. Anyone have some good ideas for my boys?

Some Commentary on the Videos

The following video clips are a little outdated, but I thought I'd share anyway. The first is of Hudson and some friends during Mindi's End of Summer Water Balloon Bash. It makes me laugh that when I say "It's a video" Hudson instantly starts to perform. I love that about him. He loves to listen to music (currently Kids Bop 8) and likes to boogie. The end of the video captures Holden looking through the gate for the trash I told him NOT to throw down there.

In the second video, there's something about this Peanut Butter Monster that reminds me of the younger brother in A Christmas Story. In the movie, the kid is a finicky eater. To get him to eat his food his mother encourages him to act like a little piggy. Hudson and Holden wanted to rewatch this endlessly and laughed every time.

Halloween

This year I haven't been as excited about Halloween as usual. I think the fact that Hudson and Holden chose (demanded) Batman costumes kind of took all the creativity and fun out of it for me. I prefer the unusual, the unique, something with a little homemade touch. Maybe that's why I haven't bothered to take any "professional" pictures of the boys in costume. Now that there is plenty of candy to bargain with, I plan to withhold until I get some cooperation in the studio. For now, here are a few from the point-n-shoot at their school Halloween parties.

And I just stole this one from Iliana (thanks!) Lola, Hudson and Tyler

I'm quite the virtual thief tonight. Just stole this one from Mindi's blog.

Brainwashing? Oh yeah!

You know those parents out there that don't believe in brainwashing? Well, we all have different methods. In order to produce kind, sensitive little gentlemen I do plenty of "brainwashing." This includes a Repeat After Me methodology, as seen here.

I bought Holden a Bug Juice even though he was napping and might not have remembered anyway. When he woke up and began to enjoy said juice I prompted:
Thank you for being so thoughtful, Mom. (Holden repeats)
Thank you for thinking of me. (Holden miswords)
He says: Thank you for thinking for me. (Mom laughs)

Bad Dreams

Last night Hudson dreamt that a wolf ate him.

This morning he asked me,

Hudson: Do you know why I came in your room last night?
Mom: Why?
Hudson: Because I wanted the dream to go away. Now I have another dream - a Batman dream.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

The other day Holden cried, "I don't love you anymore, Mom."
This because I put him in time-out.

Today he told me he loves me because of the blue eyeshadow I was wearing.

Fickle boy.

Friends

Today was Tyler's B-day party in the park. Hudson thought the races were awesome. He especially liked winning two medals. When Hudson got his hair cut last week he said, "I look like Tyler."

Good Question

While chastising my kids for being naughty, Hudson asked,

H1: Mom, what did you do naughty when you were a little kid?
Mom: What makes you think I was naughty?
H1: Because that's what kids do!
Mom: Very perceptive.

Monkey Business

Yes, I've got some monkeys on my hands so it's a good thing we bought a Zoo Membership. Now they can hang out with their own kind.

On our last trip to the zoo, Hudson said the penguins were his favorite and everything else was boring. Oh, no, the kid has learned about "boring." Did this happen at school?

I think the zebras are my favorite.

Skills

Tonight when Carrie told Holden not to do something this argument ensued:

H2: I'll spank your butt.
Carrie: I'll spank your butt harder.
Carrie: I'll put you in Ray's crib in Time Out.
H2: I can escape.
Carrie: I'll tie you down with rope.
H2: I'll break your rope.
Carrie: Holden, where do you get all this attitude?
H2: Skills. Those are my skills.

Holden is the freakin Napoleon Dynamite of attitude.

Songwriter?

Hudson was singing a song I've never heard and didn't particularly care for (something about being sassy). I asked him where he heard it. He told me he made it up. He points to his head, "Yep, workin' the brain."