Spring is Right around the Corner....

Hooray for 53 degree sunny weather (Benjamin and I were outside all morning digging in the "dooht"), Samoas and Thin Mints (thanks to a Girl Scout who happens to be in my Primary class), and American Idol back in season. Yes, that's right. I admit it, I am a recent addict of American Idol (being able to fast-forward through commercials greatly aids this obsession). I say recent, because Paul and I only started watching this cult show last year, and we were pulling for Jordin pretty early on in the competition. It's still a little early this year to pick favorites, but how could you not love David Archuleta? A little 17-year-old from Murray, Utah with the most amazing voice and zero ego. Paul and I were both stunned with his performance this week, and we immediately wanted to download that performance, though we haven't been able to figure out how yet. I've never even loved the song, "Imagine All the People" by John Lennon. But wow.

The other show which I admit to watching is "So You Think You Can Dance?" (I'm laughing as I write this) The Season is coming up! I guess you could say we really enjoy watching people's talents. We're so cultured. :)

Messy Play

Today was "Messy Play" at the Parents as Teachers Center. So I don't think I've mentioned how much I love this program here yet, but it is seriously the best! I first learned about it from our realtor when we moved here, but later learned that it's offered in every state. It's especially popular here in Missouri. Basically, it's a free program that aids parents of 0-5-year-olds in educating their children before they start school.

I have a Parent-Teacher Educator, Mary Kay, who comes over every couple of months and plays with Benjamin while she answers any and all of my questions, and keeps me on track as far as what to look for in his development. It's also nice because she has really sound advice about cheap/free activities and developmental toys that are appropriate for his specific level and interests. Paul can of course attest to the fact that I'm much happier on the days that Mary Kay comes over. She's awesome. She makes me feel like I'm a rock-star mom, which is much needed praise in an occupation that generally feels thankless. And she thinks Benjamin is an angel, which I couldn't agree with more! :)

So this program also keeps me informed about field trips, toddler classes and playgroups that I can join, and free parenting classes in the evenings, including "Love and Logic," which is not usually offered free. I plan on taking that in the Spring just before Benjamin's 2nd birthday, and the real toddler rage emerges.

Once a year, they have "Messy Play" at the Center where there are tons of acitivities that allow toddlers to make a mess. Generally, Benjamin is a very tidy, clean boy who enjoys washing his hands, shutting doors and putting things back where they belong. But I got him excited to go anyways; he was pulling us out the door this morning. He refused to touch the wet oatmeal or mounds of shaving cream, but we found some other things to keep him entertained. Benjamin had a blast, and we took an obsene amount of pictures for your viewing pleasure!

Benjamin is making his own work of art with glue and glitter and all sorts of fun stuff. This was fun! They had paper plates and markers set out on "Spin Art" machines.

Benjamin liked the slimy frogs, snakes and crocodiles that were hiding in the trough of green "swamp" water.Paul helped Benjamin string some Fruit Loops onto a pipe cleaner. Most of them went directly into his mouth, though.

I loved this room! Benjamin had to take off his shoes and socks and walk through the sensory course. He enjoyed the soft ones, but would have nothing to do with the bubble wrap.

Here he is in scared cat mode. He quickly learned that if he stepped anywhere, there would be scary, loud pops. He wanted to maneuver any way he could AROUND this one.

Here he is climbing through a tunnel. There was a miniature playground with a slide, so we of course had to take advantage of that!

Benjamin loves going to the "Discovery Room" at the Center. It's not usually free, so we don't go often, but he LOVES the kitchen area best of all. He made pizza and cut it with the pizza cutter. Then he set the table with plates and spoons.
The toaster is pretty cool! Here it is, mid-action.
And here, we have Benjamin preparing one if his very favorite dishes, scrambled eggs. We go through more eggs in our house....

He was having a blast. We finally got him to leave, though, by bribing him with bananas, another one of his favorite foods. We never thought we'd have a child that we could bribe with bananas. He was totally compliant and said "Bye!" to all the toys and rooms and ran out to the car. The whole way home, we heard from the back seat, "Nanna! Nanna!" Paul and I just have to laugh. Where did this kid come from?

Another one for the Grandmas

Here's a little video of Benjamin doing the Wheels on the Bus. We tried to get him to do Book of Mormon Stories which is way cuter, but he would have none of it.

Fun Times

Paul made a beautiful Valentine's Day dinner with salad, steaks, scalloped potatoes, grape juice, and mint Milanos and chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert. He gave me a beautiful single long-stemmed red rose and little presents throughout the week. What a sweetheart!

Benjamin got a Valentine present from our elderly neighbors from across the street!

He lit up when he discovered what was inside.

First thing, he needed to make sure his new teddy bear was changed. He wiped him and diapered him.

Then of course, new teddy needed to meet his neighbors and make friends. Bean is giving new teddy a hug.

New teddy gets a ride on Benjamin's push toy.

It was hard to finally convince Benjamin that he needed to go to bed. He was having way too much fun with his new teddy. Once he was down, Paul and I got to lounge and watch a movie together in the basement. As we were going to bed, my stomach, which had been feeling somewhat unsettled all evening, emptied all its contents. All night. About every half-hour. It was miserable. It finally stopped around 6 am, but by then I was exhausted, and Paul needed to go to work (also exhausted). Benjamin couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, but we essentially spent the entire day watching videos while I tried to recuperate and reintroduce foods into my system. I'm much better now. I have no idea what that episode was all about. I can't imagine it was food poisoning since we had the same foods, but who knows. It will certainly be a Valentine's Day I'll always remember!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I've got the two loves of my life. Really, who could ask for anything more?

Pink Playdough

I learned this new trick last week. When coloring home-made playdough, use about a half of a packet of Jello. It takes the edge off the smell and doesn't stain your fingers. We had fun playing with it!

When Paul came home from Argentina on Friday, Benjamin was all smiles. Paul handed him a random blank card (It was in a gift bag) with a painting of a horse on it, and Benjamin immediately took ownership, carrying it all over the house, saying "Neigh!"

He also got a few Valentines from cousins and grandparents this week, and has been excited about those. He understands of course that Valentines are what you give when you love someone.

He especially loves the one with Lightning McQueen from "Cars" on it because it moves when you turn it.

He makes this little face sometimes, though I'm not sure what it means. I think he just does it to be silly.

My New Favorite Toy

I have a new favorite toy. It's SO fun! It's a laminator, and I got it at Aldi (a German grocery store here) for $20! It came with 30 sheets, so it's already paid for itself. I thought it was a pretty sweet find.

I just finished laminating scripture reading charts for my 8/9-year-old primary class. I've challenged them all to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, in honor of President Hinckley, and his challenge that he made to us a few years ago. Since we're studying from the Book of Mormon anyways this year, it works out perfectly. And I've offered all sorts of incentives along the way, so it should be fun.

I'm also getting excited about making quiet activities for church for Benjamin. Oh, and more FHE lessons. The possibilities are endless....I'm such a craft nerd.