Random

My last post was about the furnace being on, and last night we had to turn the a/c on!  Yes, it's gorgeous outside.  The kids' rooms were a little hot, so we had to cool it down a bit.  We've been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather by spending time outdoors - Mel can't stay inside when it's this nice outside.  She has gotten to spend several evenings over the last week playing with Grace, with Aya added in for good measure every once in a while.  Tonight, she and Grace ran to each other through the back yards, (with Mel yelling "I'm coming, Gracie!!") - when they reached each other, she & Grace had a whole conversation that I could tell you nothing about.  Very cute.  On the way to Aya's in the wagon last week, they talked all the way there and back.  Already swapping stories about clothes and boys?  :)

Mel & Jeff went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday.  This is Mel's third straight year to go to this one - at Clarian North.  Highlights included seeing a pony, hugging scarecrows, getting a fireman's hat, meeting Boomer (from the Pacers), and getting a free pumpkin.  Meanwhile, I was in Frankfort judging my second annual Clinton County Jr. Miss program.  Once again, I feel very happy with our selection, and think Clinton County will rock the state competition!

Sunday was spent around the house; outside, of course - as well as running errands and getting things done.  Mel and I went to Sunday School (a feat after my staying out with my friends until past 2am on Saturday night...) and enjoyed a no-nap-for-Mel day.  She's still hit or miss about sleeping through the night.  She did very well for a few nights, and then last night I slept on her floor from 1:30am on.  She was able to report to Daddy this morning "I don't get a sticker today."  We have been trying to incentvize her to sleep by using Dora stickers....

Joey is miserable during dinner time.  He wants to eat (but gags on his cereal, forcing Mel to yell "HE DOESN'T LIKE IT!!").  So we've ramped up his cereal eating by adding some fruits in.  With Melanie, I was crazy following the rules about doing veggies first.  Amazing how things change.  Tonight he was a total champ with his banana/cereal combo.  His teacher today was telling me that he always just laughs at the kids in the class who are crying.  Much like he does to Mel at home - I love it!

Mel's new favorite phrase is "Oh, Man!"  As in, "Mel, what did you get all over the floor?"  "Oh, Man!"  Or when our neighbor Paula's birthday was yesterday, and when Mel asked about Tom's birthday, I told her it wasn't until June.  "Oh, Man!"  Jeff took her to get french fries on Saturday, but it was still technically breakfast time at McDonald's "Oh, Man!"  She has been working on her letters - tonight I wrote various names on the sidewalk in chalk (my interpretation when Melanie says "Draw Melanie" - I write her name.  Because I can't draw).  She knew a lot of the letters of the names I wrote!  Slowly but surely.....

We are trying to decide what to be for Halloween.  Thanks to Molly & Melanie, Joey has about 6 costumes to choose from.  Melanie is allowed to choose for both her and him, and her choices change daily.  Stay tuned!