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!

Back to School

Tomorrow will officially be the two-week anniversary of the first day of the 2010-11 school year, so it is high time for a Back to School post. The morning officially started when we all went downstairs and examined Alex's schultuete.

... to be continued.

Another first

Max is the first of the boys to loose a tooth, although Henry is running a close second! Luckily Elizabeth was able to pull it out without too much fuss and certainly much, much less than our firstborn, which would sometimes take hours full of crying, screaming and drama!

Breakfast

Yesterday Elizabeth fixed homemade chicken noodle soup. She cooked the chicken herself, made the broth and even went to the trouble of making homemade spaetzle! As most of you mothers probably already know, kids don't always appreciate the trouble you go through to fix a healthy, homemade dinner.
Max had an absolute fit. It was so bad that I had to send him to his room and told him he'd have to eat the soup for breakfast and then for lunch until his bowl was empty. I had to do that with Sophie once when she was that young and by lunch she gobbled up the noodle meal she couldn't stand the night before. To my surprise Max asked for his soup before 9am already and to my even bigger surprise, Alex asked for a bowl, too! Who said chicken noodle soup is not good for your soul?

Ancestors!

Tonight at dinner:

Max: Do I have ancestors?

Me: Yes, you do. There is Anton Roggermeier.

Max: Who is that?

Me: That's my Opa, your great-grandpa.

Max: But it has to be a girl!

Me: ???

Mom: Max, it's ancestors, not aunt-sisters!

Some things only a mother understands!

Tumbly-Bumbly all the way down!

Late last night Elizabeth, Sophie and I were watching House Hunters together. The boys had all been in bed for about an hour or so. We heard one of them coming out of their bedroom. I immediately got up, thinking they would need help going to the bathroom. I step out of our bedroom and hear a noise, turn on the light, just in time to see Max tumbling down the stairs all the way to the bottom!

It scared the dickens out of me! I ran down, Sophie and Elizabeth close behind me. I grabbed Max, held him in my arms while he was crying and ran my hands over his body to see if I felt any bones sticking out. I don't even think he realized he had fallen down the stairs, he was still half asleep! No blood, no immediate big bruises, just tears! What a lucky boy.

We put him back to bed, after giving him some Tylenol, but he got up a few more times, crying about his shoulder. Sophie was very upset, with big crocodile tears she asked if she could tell him good night. This morning she told us she was going to feel really bad if he would have died, since she is so mean to him sometimes. Made us feel kinda good that she loves him so much, even when it seems that the teasing back and forth just never ends.

Long story short, after a visit to the Dr, X-Rays taken and seeing the Orthopedic, we found out he has a broken collar bone. Since he is so little there is not much they can do. We bought a sling for him and were told within a week or two he'd feel much better. For now he enjoys the attention and getting to skip his swimming lessons, but I'm sure he'll quickly realize that a broken bone during the summer is really a big bummer!

Men (Boys) of Steel

Somehow I don't remember having this much fun wearing new pajamas when I was little!

My Max!

Herb has set up a computer for the kids in the sunroom. Alex knows how to turn it on and get onto his websites by himself. I'm amazed at what he can do.

Henry runs home from the bus stop everyday so he can be the first one on the computer. Although Max usually has to wait, he does eventually get a turn.

On Monday, after being on the computer for about 30-45 mins, Max came into the kitchen. He said, "Mom, I need to love you!"

I asked if he needed a hug, he then jumps up in my arms and hugged and kissed me. He said, "Mommy, I was on the computer and I forgot about everything else!"

I said, "Oh, so you got sucked up in the computer?" He said, "Yes, but not literally!"

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.

Miscommunication

This conversation occurred a couple of weeks ago.

Max: "Mom, why is your hair all over the place?"

Me: "That is because I have curly hair, I can't make is straight"

Max: "You could brush it!"

I start with this because for a good part of my life I have had hair issues. Two years ago, I thought I would cover a few grays and went to my hair stylist. I wanted my regular hair color and she suggested to do that but with a hint of red. The sample she showed me looked fine, and I thought maybe Herb would like that. It was all well and good until about 2 months later when my hint of red turned to a bit more red then I bargained for. I went back to my stylist and said I wanted her to cover it with my natural color. She did this and two months later, more reddish orange.

What is the definition of insanity... doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result!!!

So, I went back and had her cover it again! Two months later, I now had an orange color. I have put up with this because I thought it will have to grow out. I'm not sure how many hair cuts I have had, but it was not working. After two years, last night I told her I wanted it out! I thought I was getting a cut I had in the past (pre-boys). I started to get really worried when the straight edge razor and clippers came out. Herb would say, "Why didn't you say something?" I say, "Once they take that first swipe, what can you do?" I came home and my boys were shocked, Herb laughed and I wanted to cry. I know, it is bad! My boys soon realized they needed to console me. Max said, "Mom, you're just perfect the way you are". Henry this morning, after a larger than normal smile and a quiet chuckle said, " Mom, it doesn't look so bad!"

I did shed a few more tears, but I always tell me boys after I cut their hair, it always grows back. Thank goodness I have almost two more months before our next cruise!

First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school for Henry and Max. They are in Pre-K, or as Max likes to say "Play-School". They woke up to discover a German tradition, the Schultüte. It is a decorated cone with school supplies, candy, chocolate, and some little gifts. They loved their new transformers!



While we were eating breakfast Alex woke up and realized he wasn't getting a gift.

Sophie is in the 4th grade this year and loves being the one to show the boys everything. She was the one to decorate the Schultuete for the boys, she loves a good surprise! She is the best at getting them excited about school because she loves it so much. The last two days, she has gotten them up and picked their clothes out as well as brushed their teeth.

We went to school on the golf cart, Alex walked into school like he owned it. He was used to the school from going there 3 times a week for Max's speech last year. Sophie led the way.

After we said our goodbyes, I had to go back to give the boys their mats that I picked up at the school office. While I was writing their names on them, I heard Max start to cry. I turned around and saw Alex with his hands in fists. I thought he hit Max, but then learned Alex bit him! What a way to start the first day of school!

Herb planned for a late lunch at home and we met them at the bus stop when they came home, they loved school. I am excited for them and all that they will be experiencing.


This morning at 7am, it was time to leave for the bus and Henry spilled milk on the table, floor and himself. It was so much that I had to change all of his clothes. Needless to say they missed the bus and Herb brought them to school.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring!!!

Rollercoaster of Love!

It all started with us watching an awesome Line Rider video on YouTube. The boys liked the song so much that they started dancing. Before long they asked me to tape them again and again while dancing to the song and here is the result:

They enjoyed themselves so much, I have a feeling we'll have to make another one before long!

PS: Lil' H.A.M.s stands for Lil' Henry, Alex and Max.

Elizabeth's new name

I came home from work today and Maxi proudly announced: "I made a new name for Mommy!" while handing Elizabeth this picture. Now we just need to figure out what it really means!

GoHitu

Anybody?

That's our Max!

Max: I'm scared of the dork.

Me: DARK.

Max: I'm scared of the DORK.

Me: DAAArk.

Max: I'm scared of the dOOOOrk.

Sophie: Maxi, it's d-AAA-rk.

Max: I'm scared of the night!

Still trying solids after all these years!

This is in response to Jen's post about trying solids with little Noah, who is now 6 months old. Here is Henry eating his veggies last night. He acted so disgusted and whined so much, I just had to take some photos.
His response to me documenting his fight over veggies?

He stuck his foot in my face and told me to take a picture of his big toe instead!

On the other hand, Henry and Max both always do a great job at putting their dirty dishes in the sink after dinner and their leftover milk in the fridge!
So don't give up Jen. You might have lost a battle, but the war will last for many more years to come!

Mommy, will you "help" me?

Max loves to build his own creations from the tinker toys. When he wants one built from a picture on the side of the container, he calls me. They have destroyed the paper that came with it that had the bigger illustrations, so you can imagine this takes some concentration.

As I was building the "thing", Alex kept adding pieces. He saw a hole and had to add a piece, this caused me to have to double check everything. I think it took about 20 minutes, with some "help". I was able to take a picture and then let them play. Alex demolished it in two minutes. I guess the fun part was the construction! They do love their tinker toys, I just wish they wouldn't break off the long pieces because it sure comes in handy to have them the right length.

It's snowing!!

We noticed a little after 3pm it was snowing.!The boys wanted to go outside and catch snowflakes on their tongues. The kids put on their slippers, jackets, and smiles and ran outside. Sophie had a friend over and they were excited about showing the boys the snow.

I was taking some video and I noticed Henry laying on the driveway. I thought, "Oh no, I hope he doesn't try to make a snow angel." Henry sat up and said,"Mommy, I'm not sliding!" I just had to get a picture, so Max decided to join him.

Max had gotten his magnifying glass out to see the snow and then decided to use some dark construction paper, he likes to analyse things.

Alex didn't care about the snow, we were outside and that meant he could play baseball. He usually grabs the T-ball stand, the bucket of balls and the bat, sets everything up and goes for it. He's so fun to watch.

Mommy, you're so pretty!

Sunday, after church, Max called me into the bathroom to help him. He said, "Mommy, you're so pretty." I said, "Oh Maxi, you're so sweet." He said, "I like it when you do that with your face." I thought he was talking about some expression I had.

A few minutes later, Max said, "Mommy you're so pretty, can you do that every morning with your face?" It dawned on me that he wanted me to wear make-up everyday! After sharing this story with our neighbor at the dinner table, Max assured me that I was pretty without make-up too.

I love my Max, he sure knows how to work it, just like his father.

Der Nikolaus war da! (Nikolaus was here!)

St Nikolaus stopped by last night and dropped off some goodies for the kids. It's an old German Tradition (roll over for a link on wikipedia explaining that Nikolaus is actually the base for our modern day Santa Claus! I didn't know that.) for children to put a boot outside their door. The next morning they will find candies, fruit and sometimes a small present. He pretty much looks just like Santa and Henry calls him "Santa's Little Brother". Unfortunately Sophie was already off to school when we took these photos. Max and Henry were quite happy with their presents and candy, but as you can see Alex not so much. Max got a Woody toy, Henry got a Buzz Lightyear and Alex got several small toy cars, but he really wanted a Buzz Lightyear toy, too! I tell you what, that little boy has gotten more of an attitude lately than the rest of them combined! Aunt Maryann christened him "King Alex" on our vacation and for a good reason. If he isn't happy, he will make sure EVERYBODY knows.

Max is happy.Henry is happy.Alex? Not so much. It looks like he's thinking:
"What the heck is this? I'm not a baby anymore!"So "King Alex" throws down his toy cars and walks away mad.

Sunday Evening

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

Alex was getting sick.