Brothers say it best

Henry and Max were picking on each other at the breakfast table this morning:

Henry: I hate Max!
Mommy: No you don't.
Henry: Yes, I do!
Mommy: You love him. You snuggled with him for 9 months in my tummy!
Max: I thought it was 6 months.
Mommy: No Max, you're pregnant for 9 months. You guys snuggled for 9 months!

Alex: Yeah, NAKED!

That little boy delivers some of the best lines!

Early morning quote

When I wake the boys up in the mornings to get ready for school they typically jump right up, cheerful and ready for another great day! This morning Max walked slowly to the bathroom, shoulders slumped, rubbing his eyes and just not in a good mood.

Max: Daddy, I didn't sleep all night long!

Henry: EARWAX!

Me: What?

Henry: Don't you know Daddy, if you don't sleep all night you get earwax!

Hmm, first time I heard that one.

Grumpy "Old" Men

Sometimes when I listen to the verbal exchanges of Henry and Max I can't help myself but smile. They remind me of "Grumpy Old Men". They love to gripe about each other, but are still best friends and deeply care about the other person. 

This morning I woke up Henry and Max as usual, asked them to pick out their shirts to wear to school and sent them to the bathroom. Henry went in first. 

When Maxi walked in, Henry had used some toilet paper and unrolled some of it, so it was still hanging all the way to the ground. Maxi always gets mad, because he feels that he has to roll it all the way back up. OCD like his Dady, I know. Anyways, this is the conversation that ensued.

Max: Why do you always have to do that, Henry?

Henry: Cause I can't reach all the way!

Max: Why don't you just stand up?

Henry: Cause I don't like to.

Max: You could just stand up a little!

Henry: But I don't want to.

Max: You live in Henryland!

Henry: Cause I'm in charge!

Max: No you're not!

Henry: Yes I am!

Max: No you're not!

.......

Four birthdays in December

December has turned a big celebration the last few years. Herb turned the big 4.0 this year and since he does not like to make a big deal out of his birthday, we decided to skip town. We went on a Carnival cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. We went to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. We loved it, the water and scenery was beautiful. It is always a treat to go with Herb and not worry about a thing. There was no cooking or cleaning and no children. Thanks again, Aunt Maryann for taking a week to watch our kids for a second time.

We came home and Alex's birthday was the next day. He wanted a yellow cake because he loves Bumblebee, the transformer (a girl during Halloween painted an actual bee on his cheek!). He turned 3 and if you ask him, he insists that he is still 2. He is trying to stop time I guess, but definitely do not call him a baby. He will punch first, then tell you he is a "little boy".

We came home from a trip to Disney World on Henry and Max's birthday. We previously told them they were getting bikes and they would get to pick them out. We had not gone bike shopping, but the boys wanted presents. I went to the stash in our closet and picked out two puzzles (they were glow in the dark!). I could tell from Henry, Max and Herb's faces that that was not the best choice. Herb had disgust on his face and went to get them different presents. They were excited about their Optimus Prime (another transformer) and a Superman toy. We told them earlier that we would celebrate their birthday the next day because of the drive. The next morning, Henry runs into my room and says,"Mommy, I'm ready for my present". How does this happen? He was not happy when I explained he had to wait for his bike. This is after the fact that both boys have told me they do not want bikes. I, of course, think I know best and so they are getting bikes. I know they will love them!

I had the bright idea to let them decorate their own cakes this year. Anyone who knows my sons, will be able to tell who decorated which cake. The cakes are a testament to their personalities. Max said his was Santa Claus and Henry said his is a spy lab. He knew exactly were he wanted each jelly bean, marshmallow, sour gummy worm, M&M, and sugar sprinkle. I loved it so much, I'm thinking of making this a tradition.

Soccer

First Practice & First Game

Henry and Max went to their first practice Friday evening. Elizabeth came by work to pick me up and we went to a completely overwhelming, highly confusing, unorganized and intimidating (for the boys) practice. There were so many kids there, Max got lost twice in the crowd and cried bitterly. We are probably partly to blame for that, as we left them both alone with all the other kids. The coaches had told the parents to stay behind the lines, but most of them simply ignored that request. As you can see there were easily 300+ people on the field with at least half of them adults.

They had their first game on Saturday and that went much, much better. Although most of the kids didn't have much of an idea what to do (yet), they all kept chasing the ball pretty good. The opposing team was mostly LDS kids, with Tanner Mayfield (the son of our former bishop in Jonesboro) kicking the ball and scoring like an old pro. He of course has three older siblings that are all active soccer players who must have shown him a trick or two!

Anyways, it seemed all the kids had fun and Henry and Max are still excited to play soccer this year!

Missionaries in the making

Before you know it they'll be off teaching the Gospel in some part of the World. According to Grandpa and Aunt Maryann probably in China. The Chinese are going to have one heck of a time saying "Elder Roggermeier"!

I blame Mike Wazowski!

I keep hearing the downstairs toilet seat getting closed over and over again. After about the fourth time I decide to investigate. As I walk around the corner Max notices me and quickly decides to leave the scene. He runs into the sun room and hides behind the couch, his usual hang out spot when he's in trouble!

As i step into the bathroom my bare feet are greeted by a slightly wet bathroom rug and I notice what looks like water splattered all over the toilet seat. I take a good hard look and dare I say "whiff"? Yup, just water.

"Max, get back in here!"
......
"Maxi!"
......
"Max get back here right now!.... Eins, zwei..." (They know I mean business when I start counting in German and he comes running.)

"Max, why is the rug and toilet seat wet?"
"I dunno!"
"Max.... Tell me what happened!"
......
"Max, you better tell me, right now! Eins, zwei, und..." (He knows I mean business!)
"Henry did it!"
"How did he do it?"
"He stuck his feet int he toilet!"
I let him go.

"Henry, get in here right now!"
He jumps, knowing he's in trouble!
"Henry! Right now!"
......
"Eins, zwei und dr...." (Yes, all my kids can count to three in German.)

Here he comes.

"Henry, how did the rug and the seat get wet?"
"I dunno."
"You better tell me!"
......
"Henry? You gotta tell me me right now! Eins, zwei..." (I really don't know how much it will help them later in life to know how to count to only three in German. I guess it's a good start, right?)
"I'm trying to remember, Daddy!"
......
(This oughta be fun.)
......
"Right now Henry!"
"It was Alex!"
......
"Are you telling me the truth, Henry? You better not be lying and blaming Baby Alex for this!"
......
"Henry? Tell me the truth, just tell me truth ok?"
With a sheepish look and a smile: "I stuck my feet in the toilet!"
"Why?"
"Cause Mike did!"
......
"Who is Mike?"
"Mike, Daddy, from Monsters, Inc!"
......
????
"Well, thank you for telling me the truth, Henry. Next time don't blame your baby brother and don't do it again, ok?"
"OK!"

I always knew that little one eyed monster wouldn't make a good role model! At least Henry had clean feet (and thank Heavens the good sense to flush first!).......

Easter Eggs and Aliens

The boys had an Easter egg hunt last Thursday with their playgroup. They absolutely loved it because each plastic egg had a piece of candy in it.

On Saturday some of my family got together at Uncle Ben and Aunt Diane's house for another Easter egg hunt. The kids were supposed to collect as many eggs and the one with the most would be declared the Easter Egg Winner. We noticed Henry was picking up eggs, opening them and throwing them back on the ground. When Herb asked him why he didn't put them in his basket, he said "But they are all broken!" He was quite disappointed that the eggs had no candy inside, instead Aunt Diane had a decorated candy bag for each child. Once he realized he was still going to get candy, his eyes lit up and he had a big smile!

Today being a little cold, I thought it would be fun to have an Easter Egg hunt in the house. Once again Henry was severely disappointed. Using his "angry eyes", he asked me just why there was no candy in his eggs! Needless to say, when I suggested one more hunt, he declined...

He did ask me later how the Easter Bunny was able to bring his Buzz Lightyear cell phone to him for Easter. I guess the Easter Bunny bringing Candy just makes a lot more sense to him than a plastic cell phone.

After the egg hunt Max asked me to play a game with him. I told him that I needed to start cleaning the bathrooms today and he would have to wait. He asked why, I explained that we had chores or something to do each day this week and tomorrow we would have guests over for lunch. He asked who was coming over for lunch. I told him I didn't exactly know but that one of the ladies was from Germany like his Daddy and Tante Sabine.

Max turned to his brother and said, "Henry, did you know Daddy is actually from Germany, he's not from this world?"

Henry said, "I know that, DUHH!!"

Maybe I should stop telling them Herb is not a citizen but that he really is an "alien"!

Thrashers vs Avalanche

My UPS rep came through for me once again and handed me 4 tickets for last nights hockey game. I only expected 2 and had invited my sales manager to come, but when UPS came by to drop them off he handed me 4 with a big grin on his face, who was I to say No? Especially after he told me that they were for a full service suite with food and sodas?

I called Elizabeth to tell they boys the would get to go to the game with us. They were so excited! When I came home I realized why. They thought that John and I were going to play "Hottey" and they were going to sit by themselves watching us!

Anyways, after a quick shower and dinner, we left to get John. After one quick stop back at home (forgot the tickets!!) we were on our way. The boys played air guitar (Henry) and air drums (Max) and just couldn't stop talking about "Hottey".

Once we made it to the suite, the boys wanted their snacks: Oatmeal Squares with chocolate chips from home, Sprite, Popcorn and Chips. I think the food and soda was even more exciting than watching the game. We still yelled, screamed, clapped our hands, cheered and had lots of fun. I honestly do not remember seeing them this hyper and energetic for 2-3 hours straight!

I just realized with Henry holding their cups they look like some little drunkards.
Rest assured, all they had was Sprite, Water and just may be a little sugar rush!

On the way home they continued until we dropped of John, playing Rock music again, joking around, singing Christmas songs, telling riddles and jokes, just plain crazy. As we got closer to our house they ran out of energy and when we finally pulled into the driveway they just wanted to go to bed.

I asked them what their funnest part was.

Henry, cheerfully: "The escalator." (I let him get on and off by himself)

Max, with his sad puppy eyes: "Noffing, tause I didn't det to play hottey."

The Thrashers could have used those little boys' energy: Avalanche scored big and won 5:2.

Henry and Max turned 4 years!

Henry and Max celebrated their 4th birthday today. Aunt Ruth and Aunt Maryann came over and along with Tante Sabine we all went to Chucky Cheese's. The boys had been asking us to take them their for months. They didn't know that that's were we were going to take them today birthday, though and they were quite surprised when we pulled into the parking lot!

We ordered some pizza, sodas and bought a bunch of tokens. They couldn't wait to play the games and arcades. Even Alex wanted to get into the action. After almost 2 hours it was finally time to get out of there.

When we were back at the house Elizabeth brought out their special birthday cake. She had spent last night making a "Cars" inspired cake, along with Buzz and Woody cars. Henry and Max were quite impressed. After a piece of cake for everybody it was time to open their presents. They both finally received some of their Planet Hero toys (the ones Henry had found in the attic), Henry also got a car from Sophie, a Mickey plate from Aunt Maryann and some toys for the tub from Tante Sabine. Max got a new Harmonica from Sophie, also a Mickey plate and a new Baby Buff from Sabine. He had begged us for a baby brother for his doggy Buff for months now. He was quite happy that he finally got one.

Just a few minutes later Uncle Joseph called to tell us that Brandon was sending the boys his best wishes in typical 21st century style via their blog! Thanks Brandon!

PS: Alex also received a present, a little book about puppies.

Leaves

The boys and I went for a walk on Saturday, then we cleaned up the leaves in the front yard and they had some "Fall Fun".

Sunday Evening

Max built a Gyrocopter Airplane.Henry let of steam by running around like crazy.

Alex was getting sick.

We will be official dog owners today!

Well, when we came home yesterday from Alabama, we found a message on the asnwering machine. We have been chosen as the new family for "Sassy", a greyhound/collie mix. We'll have to talk about the name, cause I just don't like it at all!

We found her through the Newnan Humane Society and Ms. Connie, the dog's foster mom will bring her to our house tonight. Sassy and Ms. Connie had come by Saturday morning, to introduce us to her as well as inspect our home to make sure it fits the dog's needs. We liked that Sassy is easy going, laid back and just very low key.

Elizabeth and I are excited, but also a little apprehensive. Neither of us ever owned a dog. Sophie and Max are excited as well, Henry not so much and Alex loves all animals anyways.

Here is a link to her page on Petfinder.

herb

home with the boys

This is my first, official blog entry.!

So, Sophie is at her second day at school and I am alone with the boys. I took them to the park early, and there were quite a few men there with their grandchildren and children. Henry, I guess he misses his dad, insisted on talking to all the men. Not just a hello, but a full conversation of all the things he wanted to say....

"I like Lightening McQueen; my mommy's name is Mommy, but my Papi calls her Elizabeth; your little girl's name is Mia, I know a big girl named is Mia....."

Max wanted to swing in the handicapped swing, then he joined the conversations with Henry.

Alex just wanted to climb on everything that was not age appropriate so I had to follow him, I really miss Sophie today! She loves to take care of Alex at the park unless, of course, she is conversing with the adults or making new friends.

A lazy Saturday Morning

Having fun with the kids, reading books and playing while Elizabeth is runnig errands getting supplies to work in the yard. When she's back I'll have join her working in the yard. We hope to reseed our frontlawn and really need that promised rain tonight.

Alex loves playing "Jessie" (Toystory II)

Max playing with his new puppy "Buff" that Debbie (our neighbour) gave him.

Henry loves to read books, just like his big sister.

Cousins visiting

Dalin and Mia came over to our house while Diane went to the Dr. The kids had a lot of fun.

Golf Cart ride to the Park

Since Ben and Diane live a lot closer now, Elizabeth and her usually visit at least once a week. This time they hauled all the kids to the All Children's Playground on the golf cart.

Our kids love that playground. It is completely fenced off and we let them run around and play to their heart's content. The ground is made out of recycled rubber, so no worries about scraped knees or elbows should they fall.

Alex and cousin Dallin riding off to space

Henry, Max and cousin Mia

Happy Birthday Henry and Max!

They turned 3 today! Sophie and I woke them up and as you can see Henry wasn't quite up to open Birthday presents this early in the day. Max on the other hand got right to it. Once Henry realized what it was all about he did give us a smile, though.

Happy Halloween!

This was the boys first "real" Halloween. Last year I just pushed them around the neighborhood in the stroller, while Sophie went from house to house.

This year of course we went trick or treating in our new neighborhood in Peachtree City. The boys went as farmers and Sophie as a fairy. She wanted to go as one of the fairies from the Winx Club (a cartoon show on TV), but since she didn't get to buy the real outfit, she declared that she is just a "regular" fairy.

We first walked from house to house just on our street. The kids had so much fun and all the neighbors were super nice. Max walked with me and Henry with Sophie. She is such a great big sister!

After we finished our street, we got into the golf cart and went down the next street over. I stayed in the cart with the boys, while Sophie went up to each house. The boys each had a sucker, while we watched Sophie and they were really good about letting each other lick their sucker!

Elizabeth stayed at the house. Since we had part of our walkway torn out and a new one poured, nobody could walk up to the house. Elizabeth got a folding chair out and camped in the driveway. We had quite a few kids come by, but nowhere near as many as we thought. Mostly it was just the kids in the immediate neighborhood.

We all enjoyed it very much and are so glad we moved here!

PS: On Saturday we had gone to church for "trunk or treat" night. We shared chilli with everybody and then went from car to car in the parking lot. The boys had their Lederhosen from Oma on. Unfortunately I didn't take any digital photos fo them, so you'll have to come by to look at the real ones sometime!