Inside Out Day

Today I came home from work and noticed something awry about Anden's shirt

I quickly asked him, "Honey did you dress yourself today?"
He happilly replied, "No, Daddy did!"
I turned to Jer, "Um why is Anden's shirt on inside out??"
Jer replied, "What are you talking about? No, it's not!"

I kindly pointed out that the words should NOT appear as if you're looking in the mirror. It should be legible!! Also the tags poking out could have also been an easy identifier.

I thought it was ironic that Anden's shirt should say:

Mom's Smarts +
Dad's Looks =
ME

Clearly "Mom's Smarts" weren't around when the kids were dressed.

Than it struck me that Jeremy had taken the kids to the library for storytime earlier that day. I shuddered to think of all the comments the other mother's were whispering amongst themselves. "Aaah, that poor helpless Father. At least he managed to put a shirt on that poor little kid."

Maybe that's why Anden got to sit on the front row.

Games

Sometimes I wonder how my kids aren't seriously hurt by the time I get home from work. Don't get me wrong, Jer does an amazing job with them. It's just that he's a bit "riskier" than I am. I guess that's why they ADORE him?!

Today I came home to find this newly invented game.

Taylee's reaction...

Well at least he impressed his Dad.

New Addition

Everyday is an adventure in our household. Today I came home to find a miniature house strapped to the trailer in front of the driveway. Upon questioning why we were providing housing for 4 ft tall inhabitants, Jer excitedly told me how he managed to score a free shed from some friends that were moving. He asked if I would help him carry it into the backyard. Seeing as I was wearing my finest black stiletto books and dress clothes, I jumped at the chance to help. Right as we walked outside, it began to rain. Of course, that wouldn't stop the Harbecks. So we threw some rain gear on and away we went. We only made it this far before I had to return to the house for more appropriate clothing.

The kids were having a full fledged party by the time I returned.

Taylee begging to stay after I shoo'd them out.

Jeremy told the kids they could stay inside the shed with us as we lifted it up (by pushing up on the roof) and walked it into the backyard. Sounds easy enough, except for 1 and 3 yr olds clearly don't grasp the concept of walking simultaneously with their parents. But even worse than that, I'm sure our neighbors really wondered what we were up to this time when they saw a shed magically floating itself into our backyard.

President's Day

Since most everyone had the day off work (well some are unemployed and have every day off), I stayed home on President's Day also. Lyndsay was still in town. So we all enjoyed another day playing.

The kids had a Valentine's Play Date Party (courtesy of Holly, Will, Lucy!) that we went to in the morning. They had a blast running around the park, making crafts (eating crafts for Taylee), and loading up on Valentines and candy! Lyndsay had even more of a blast since I drug her along too! :-)

After the party, the kids crashed asleep! Lyndsay and I took advantage of the peace and ran off shopping for a bit. When everyone awoke, it was time to head to the park. Anden wanted to conquer his dirt bike again. So we opted to go to the "open field park" (as he calls it). He was a tad nervous getting back in the saddle. I was pleased to see this. He was careful and went much slower. Well at least for the first 5 mins.

Taylee running for her life as Anden approaches

While taking a break, Anden snatched the camera and started taking pictures. He must have been hit with the Valentine Cupid's arrow. Because I think he officially has his first true love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We hope you all had a great Valentine's Day! We were lucky enough to have Lyndsay come visit us for the weekend! And she was lucky enough to get to babysit the kids while we had our Vday date night on Saturday! The kids were lucky enough to get treats from the Valentine Cupid on Sunday.

Anticipation

Envy

Inspection

Excitement

And the adults were lucky enough to get giant cookies the size of our heads. And yes we decorated them and ate the whole thing. Well except for Jer. He slipped into a sugar coma halfway through and had to withdraw from the contest. I made a mental note to never team up with him in a food eating competition.

Self Timer Bakers

We were all geared up to make valentine sugar cookies.
We looked so cute that we needed a picture.
1 adult, 2 kids, 1 bike & self timer
Proved not to be a good mixture.

Next time we'll wait for Dad to get home.

T Ball Game #2

Saturday was another Tball game. Anden was so excited that Lyndsay was here and was coming to watch him. So excited in fact, that he FORGOT how to play, listen to directions, stand in one spot, run the bases, and how to hold or swing a bat. I was so proud of his ability to impress his relatives with his superior athletic skills. So proud in fact, that I ended up carrying him off the field kicking and screaming in the middle of the game. His little legs were stricken with sudden paralysis and he crumpled on first base and wouldn't move...for anyone or anything.

Lyndsay couldn't contain her laughter.

I couldn't contain my embarassment.

Dirt Bike Initiation

The other day Anden decided he wanted to ride his dirt bike. We had 30 mins before I had to leave for softball. So we headed over to the park to let him "practice". Jer and Anden rode the dirt bike there. Me and Taylee came in the car (so that I could leave from there and go to my game). I parked along the curb next to the park. Luckily, no one was at the park. I was the only car in the entire half mile stretch.

Let me remind you this is still only the 3rd time Anden has ridden his dirt bike alone. He was doing awesome! He had mastered turning, braking, rev'ing, etc. As he zoomed by we could hear him laughing and yelling "MOTOCROSS BOY!" We purposely didn't teach him how to shift or that there were other gears that would allow him to go faster. He would floor it (while I'm sure burning out 1st gear) and fly up and down the park. He was getting way too brave. I quickly told Jeremy we needed to have him take a break before he got too crazy. Jeremy shrugged off my mother's intuition and sent him for one more lap.

With absolute excitement, Anden flew to the end of the park, turned around and zoomed back towards us. As he came up to us, his untimely amnesia kicked in and he suddenly forgot how to brake. While staring at us (instead of where he was going), he instead gunned it and yelled "HELP!!!!"......while he zoomed past us, up over the landscaping curb, into the rocks, sideswiping a tree, through a cactus bush, barely missing a fire hydrant, up over the sidewalk and SMACK into the side of MY CAR!!

It happened in a split second, but yet time froze. All I could do was manage to scream "JEREMY!!" Jer dropped Taylee and made it 2 steps before the crash occurred. We then rushed to his aid and could hear him whimpering through his helmet. We gathered him up and pulled him away from the dirt bike. And then the sobbing began. I was sure the sight of his mother at his rescue had sent him into an emotional unravel. I was still in shock and lovingly said, "It's OK honey". He looked at me and proclaimed through his upset tears, "DON'T TAKE ME OFF MY DIRT BIKE!!"

I wasn't so loving when I later noticed the 4 new scrapes on the side of my car. Although the smudged hand prints and face prints, that accompanied the scrapes, did make me chuckle.

T Ball Game #1

Saturday was Anden's first official T-ball game! He was so excited! I don't know if I can even say it was organized chaos. More just chaos.

They painted a little T-ball diamond on one of the soccer fields. (apparently the real little league diamonds are still too big for this age group!) There are several "X" painted to indicate the positions where the kids stand. (pitcher, 1st baseman, short stop, etc) There are no rules or score keeping. One team goes out to the field to stand bored on their X while the other team proceeds to attempt to have every player hit the ball and run to first base. (sounds simple enough, but it's not!!) Each player gets to run one base at a time...accompanied by a parent showing them how. When the last player hits, whomever is still on base runs all the way home. This was a whole new concept for the kids, parents, and apparently coaches too! After a couple of innings, everyone caught on to the idea!

Anden's defensive skills at work. He got the ball and threw it back home!

Anden's first turn at bat. He smacked it all the way out to right field!! Pretty impressive since most kids barely dribbled the ball to the pitcher...or to their own feet! :-)

First time running the bases!

Eventually the defensive boredom overcame Anden. They had rotated positions each inning and this time he was in right field - where no kid could hit that far. So when the last batter stepped up and hit it to our "pitcher"... Anden bolted off his X and proceeded to tackle his own player to the ground to get the ball. Mortified, I ran out there and broke up the wrestling match!! Anden was whining that he got the ball first. As I drug him back to his X, I firmly explained that tackling your own teammate and stealing the ball out of his hand is NOT appropriate T-ball behavior. We'll reserve that for the upcoming football league...or at home "playing" with Taylee.

Anden's last turn up to bat provided a dose of laughter for everyone. I guess it didn't take long to become the comedic relief in this league too.

Anden & ALL of his athletic skills

Happy Runner!

Attempting the Post Game High 5 Line

And to think, we get 7 more weeks of this!! :-)

Morning Muffins

The kids have absolutely loved having Daddy home so much. Jer took this cute pic the other morning of the kids eating muffins for breakfast.

I discovered later that they were actually devouring Rainbow Chip Cupcakes. No wonder they love Daddy Day Care.

T-Ball Time

On Tuesday was Anden's first T-Ball practice. Yep, good ole Anthem allows 3 year olds to play organized T-Ball also! Anden was SO excited! Jer was even more! They packed his REAL aluminum t-ball bat, mitt, cleats and water bottle into his bag. I didn't want to burst their excitement but I highly doubted aluminum bats would be allowed. Hhhm wonder why?!

Warming Up

Stretching

Running the Bases

Partner Toss

And finally...batting practice!! (and surprisingly the metal bat was banned)

If this sport is even half as entertaining as his soccer league, than we're in for a good show!

When Grandma Comes Over

You tired yet?

We'll miss you Grandma while you're in Florida for the next 3 weeks!