Swimming Lessons

This was taken on the first day of swimming lessons which was almost 2 weeks ago. The boys have done a great job at their lessons, and we are going to continue with more lessons for the next 2 weeks again. The lessons are 30 minutes, and the boys are getting used to the water. The kids from Building Blocks, their school, are also there at the same time. They love seeing their friends, and I think it helped them to not be afraid. The weather has been so dreary this week, and it's been rather chilly sitting and watching. Luckily the water is heated so they are ready to get in.

Edgers, Trimmers, and Mowers, Oh My!

These are two happy boys. And I am one happy mom. Anyone with two little boys like these would be happy! We have enjoyed lots of time together this summer, and we have had lots of fun. We are most happy because these two boys are peeing in the big potty! Standing up, no less!!

We started off Tuesday morning with big boy underwear and our jammies. (None of us ever want to take jammies off!) Both boys had an accident almost immediately, but I can say they were the only ones!!

Max and Myles both have the "hang of it" (pun intended!). Max shocked us by pooping on the potty Tuesday night. He was in the bathroom while I was folding laundry when he called me. He was sitting on the rim without the seat down! It did not matter.

Myles pooped on the potty last Sunday night at a BBQ at someone else's house. It was a shock, but he got a great candy treat right away. I think that was what helped when we started Tuesday morning.

We filled a glass jar with Mike and Ikes and I told them they would get 2 if they went on the potty! It was not long and they were going like crazy! It's now Sunday, and our success continues. Myles' diaper was dry overnight last night, so we hope it lasts!!

I'm thrilled and relieved. I worried I waited too long to start, but I wanted to be home with them to do all of this. And summer was the best time for all of us.

Max and Myles got to pick out a toy at Wal-mart last night. We told them they had done so well going on the potty that they deserved it. Are you surprised they picked a chainsaw and trimmer? As many of you know, the ones we have are worn out! When we were walking to pay for the toys, Myles said, "I can't wait to show Papa. I hang it in his garage!" It's no surprise. Max and Myles helped Papa mow two yards on Friday. Myles helped Daddy yesterday, and Max was talked into staying inside with Mommy. :)



We are just hoping the excitement for yard work continues so they can do it all themselves some day.

A Long Car Ride

We all survived the long car ride to Gramie and Pops' house last weekend. It was their 50th anniversary, so everyone was there to celebrate. All of my aunt, uncles, cousins and kids were in Northern Iowa to celebrate. It was chilly, but lots of fun. I took these pictures as we were starting out in the car, but I failed to take any other pictures. Luckily Kelly and Doug took lots of pictures, so I hope to post some of our big weekend soon.

Building Blocks Spring Program 2009

The Annual Spring Program with all the kids from Building Blocks was May 7th. As you can see in the pictures, there was a western theme. I didn't think it would be a problem for the boys to wear jeans and a long sleeved shirt since it is held inside. However, the little theatre where we went was warm. The boys ended up getting very hot! These are pictures of the boys and Daddy outside before the program.

These pictures are very blurry, but you can see the two cute McDaniel boys that were second and third in line. They were darling and they did just what they were supposed to do!

We took some pictures in the gym once the program and slideshow were finished. You can see how hot Max and Myles were by looking at their red cheeks and sweaty hair!
Papa Tim and Aunt Monique were able to watch. We were excited they were there!
Here are GJ, Papa and Lala with the boys. It turned out to be a fun night with family! Libby was also in the program, but we did not get any pictures with the Schwabauers. We are already looking forward to next year's program!

My "Rescuers"

These adorable dress up clothes came from our mothers of multiples children's sale. The minute Max and Myles saw them, they were in heaven. (I think they are tired of the pink girlie stuff in the dress-up center at school!)
Here's fireman Myles. I think he likes the axe the best. Papa Denny has one hanging in his garage, and Myles has wanted one of his own for a long time.

This policeman can stop me any time! Max is so sweet with his costume on. He likes flipping the sunshade up to see. Notice he has a wrench in his hand. The third costume we got in the group was for an engineer. It came with a white coat, yellow inspector hard hat, and tools. There were not any "tools" for the policeman, so Max decided he would carry the wrench. Thank goodness there were no toys guns...many of you know they are forbidden in our house!

It's great to have some male dress up clothes. I told the boys I am going to give them to Building Blocks (their school) when we are finished with them. Little boys today need all the positive influences they can get! Maybe Sean needs to send in a tie...

Molly's First Communion

I have waited for this special day. Our niece, Molly, is also our godchild. It's an honor to have her as our godchild, and we are so happy we were chosen. As many know, our faith is very important to Sean and me. Since I have taught second grade and the sacrament of First Holy Eucharist for 11 years, this day is even more special.

Unfortunately, my mothers of multiples children's sale was on this same day. Luckily, I was able to leave early and make it in time for this special event. I swelled with pride when I saw Molly, and she is not even my child. It's just so amazing to think she is actually 8 and experiencing such a wondrous thing.
Here is Libby. She was adorable and so sweet. During the Mass, my sister Kelly asked how she was doing. She responded by saying, "I'm okay, but I am ready to get that party started!" Spoken like a true Bramble/Schwabauer!!
Molly's cake was precious and the inside was "tie dyed". We all loved it!

I'm really looking forward to the day when my own children make their First Communion. I have a feeling it will be here before I know it!

The Football Helmets

Last night Max and Myles found these football helmets. They were Sean's when he was young, and his dad saved them. He gave them to us quite a few years ago, and I remember dreaming about the day I would share them with my little boy. ( I was worried I'd never have a little boy to share them with, and now I am blessed with TWO!)

These little helmets came without the decals on them. Sean put them on the helmets, and at the time, he was a huge Buffalo Bills fan. (I think Jamie Mueller played for them---a Benedictine alum who played football with Sean's cousin.) It's funny because Sean did not use any of the Kansas City Chiefs logos! The unused logos are even in this old cigar box with the helmets.

Max and Myles loved them. We were swelling with Purple Pride when Max picked up the first purple helmet he saw and said, "Look Daddy! It's K-State!" It's great to think he associates purple with K-State, even if it was a Minnesota Vikings helmet!
It's kind of like a dream-come-true. When I used to dream of sharing these with my son, I envisioned them in a bedroom on a shelf. Although the helmets are still in the box, I have hope that they'll be in my sons' bedroom displayed on a shelf some day.