Horses

Samantha looked at a new horse farm today with all of us. She said she thought she would really like to take lessons there, so I think we have found the place. Samantha fell in love with a black Percheron, and I fell in love with the grey Percheron. Don't know their names yet. Thank you, Aunt Patty, for helping me figure out the right breed. They were very large, very sweet horses. Sam is fearless. We met all the horses in the barn. Fresh sawdust on the floor for the horses, each stall very clean, no flies or strong odor, and very friendly horses. They loved to get pets and told how handsome they were. Joshua was having fun too. Ellen owns the horses and seems like a great person, very encouraging trainer and loves her students and horses. This is not the place to become the next National Velvet, but it seems like a wonderful place to grow into being a good rider. Just a beautiful stable. And I so want that big horse to come home with me. Please?

Dead Bug

Our house is marked on our front door. Samantha and Joshua painted the front door with the glass paint, and noticed there was a dead bug on the other side. So Samantha draws many arrows, a big circle around the bug, and a big sign saying dead bug here! So, if anyone is looking for our house and can't find it, just look for the dead bug signs.

I will clean it off in a while, but it makes me laugh.

Artistic Endeavors

Today's artistic endeavor involved bright purple Boysenberry jam, naked tushies and creative minds. It ended with a full body bath for both of them. I have finally realized that they are not emulating Farrah Fawcett and her chocolate painting. She was copying the behavior of a seven year old, or younger. Joshua and Samantha giggled hysterically while I looked on disapprovingly (makes 'em giggle harder, don't you know) then we all trooped up to the third floor for a bubble bath. They only left a light trail of jam behind them. Joshua has been deathly afraid of baths for about 6 months now. I dunk him now and then, but only when it is absolutely necessary. Samantha got him into the tub today by fishing with the tiny fishing pole. He wanted it so badly, he eventually went into the tub on his own. Doesn't sound like a big deal, I know, but it was really nice to see him wet *and* happy.

Words

Sometimes, hearing ordinary things come out of a two year old is just funny.

Mom: "Joshua, do you want to go to Gibbs Gym?"

Joshua: "I'd be happy to." [said in a bright, cheery, oh so polite voice.]

Maybe it is just a mom's thing.

Rain, Rain, Not!

It is almost 60 degrees and sunny this morning. Joshua wanted to go out with the dogs, so he put on his rainboots, Samantha's raincoat and his umbrella. He is on the back patio singing, "Rain, Rain, go away!" I can't find my camera, of course. I am impressed with how much of the clothing and boots he put on by himself. Sam is brushing her own hair.

Painting Mural

I was desperate for something to do with the children. I did not want to straighten up the house. I did not want to clean. I took them to the basement, got out the green paint and told them to paint the wall. Sam uses the brush for a while, then giggles enormously, puts down the paint brush and grabs a gooey handful of paint. Joshua follows suit, of course. It actually looks very pretty. We used three shades of green, and I splatted a plastic bag on top when we were done. Looks just like grass. I painted the sky blue and tomorrow we can add the sun, clouds, flowers and trees. I couldn't care less what it looks like. Pretty much anything will look better than the horrible greyish splotched wall that was there before. I wanted something cheery. And actually I think it will look very beautiful when we are done.

Joshua wanted to go upstairs, so I rinsed him off in the utility sink in the basement. This child acts like the world is ending when I use water to wash him off. Maybe he thinks he is so sweet he will melt? I suppose it is possible, although the way he torments Samantha takes him off the outre sugar list. I think Joshua likes being beautiful and handsome and that is why he likes to wear pretty clothes. He likes hearing he is beautiful. I know I do, why wouldn't a little boy too? Whatever. I'll get him a dress, he can play in the mud with it and be all the little boy that he is.