Crazy Cousins

I was so thrilled that Hayden got to come over and play while his mom and dad were moving into their new house (beautiful doesn't even begin to describe this house, by the way - we are so proud for Melissa and Walter!). We had our first sleepover at our apartment in matching pajamas supplied by Aunt Melissa. It was all so exciting that I couldn't get them still for many pictures, but I tried, dog gone it!

Davis checking out his Budda belly.

Precious nephew tired of silly aunt with camera!

Transfixed by morning cartoons.

Playing together. And, yes, they shared. Most of the time...

Hide and Seek

Yesterday, Davis was in, let's say, a less than happy mood. And, for some reason, the only thing that would make him happy was holding my watch. Normally, I would never let him hold my watch. Kevin bought my watch at Disney World before we could probably afford it and it's very special to me. It is such a cool watch - I have had it for 5 years now (I don't have many things for that long) and it doesn't have any scratches on the crystal. Anyway, it consoled Davis, so I thought that I would watch him until he dropped it and steal it back. Nope. My attention deficit took over and I was on to bigger and better things. Then, as I was getting ready to leave for lunch, I realized what I had done. I was still missing it this morning when I was picking up the den. I happened to look down and see something shiny...in the fireplace. I guess I should be thankful that it wasn't in the trash.

Birthdays, Shoes, and Potato Soup

I haven't blogged in a week or so! I thought I would try and catch you up on what has been going on with the Fleming Boys!

First, and most importantly, Papa Frank and Papa Tony both celebrated birthdays this week. They are both so handsome and Kevin and I are so lucky to have such wonderful Dads (it's never too early to start the "buttering up" process for Christmas!). We are so thankful for them both.

Even more exciting news for Papa Frank - he has a new hip! He's pretty sore and it's challenging to get around right now, but he's a great patient because he knows how much better he will feel really soon!

Papa Tony is also our hero because Drew can tie his own shoes. Now, you may wonder, why is Papa Tony our hero and not Drew? Because Papa Tony was Drew's expert teacher (he's had years of experience tying shoes!). The picture is of Drew (and Davis) in their new Converse All-Stars, which was Drew's reward for learning to tie his shoes. They just happened to have Davis' size, too! Precious, right?!

The last thing I wanted to share was a Potato Soup recipe given to me by Ali White. Ali is mom to Sadie Anne, the cutie in the picture that I just had to share - Sadie Anne is actually in Davis' crib! Ali is also mom to Carleigh who is pictured with Drew in the Fiddlin' Pig post. Anyway, we had the potato soup for dinner on Friday and I will definitely make it again. Really simple and really easy! I think it came from Paula Deen's magazine.

Potato Soup

1 package (30 oz.) shredded/frozen hash browns

3 (14 oz) cans of chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup chopped onion
Pepper to taste (about 1/4 tsp.)

1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese

Combine all ingredients except cream cheese in the crock pot and cook for 5 hours on low. At the end of cooking time, add the room temperature cream cheese and stir (I also used my whisk) until melted. We added bacon, cheese and sour cream as toppings for our soup. Hope you enjoy!

Gettin' Piggy With It!

Kevin, Drew and I had a great time last night with lots of friends at the Fiddlin' Pig! The big kids got to come with the grown ups and the little ones stayed at home with Sarah. Thanks to Ali for the pictures - I forgot my camera...again. This is a picture of Drew with his friends Avery Arrowood and Carleigh White.

Drew was a dancing machine! He tried his best to learn to clog with Jamie and George Cowart! He also loved watching the band - he looked like a groupie hanging out at the stage.

This is Avery and Drew square dancing with Neil and Carleigh. I think Neil's quote was something like, "The things we do for our children...".

My Funny Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day to my three favorite boys! I tell them everyday how much they are loved, but I wanted to let everyone know today how much my boys mean to me.

I'll start with Kevin (because I've loved him the longest!). My sweet husband is such a wonderful example to my boys of what a true gentleman is. My children will grow up watching their Dad treat their Mom with respect and love. What a gift - although I really like my new bracelet, too!!

Drew is my 40 year old in a 7 year old's body. I love Drew because he is so kind and funny. He loves trying new things and is so brave. He jumped right into a new school this year and made friends in about 2 minutes. Other moms tell me that he is the classroom casanova (like father, like son!) and that their daughters tell them how sweet Drew is. I love watching Drew grow and learn new things. He's growing so tall. Kevin is excited that he meets all the height requirements for rides at Disney World now, but I'm a little sad that one day very soon he will pass me! Drew predicts that he will be taller than me by the third grade, but I'm hoping it will be more like the 5th grade.

Davis is my little sneak. I love that silly boy! He is so full of energy (good grief, I'm so tired!) and fun. I love to hear him looking for me in the apartment - "Mommeeeeee" - and call for Drew - "Deweeeeeee". He is loving learning new words and he wants to be just like Drew. Davis loves cartoons and climbing on things right now. My favorite times are when he brings me a book and we sit and cuddle and read the same book over and over. I love Davis kisses so much ("ooooh- wah") and the way he says goodbye to every customer in restaurants as we leave.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our friends and family! We love you all!

For The Love Of Paci

We've been concerned lately about Davis' love of his paci. The love seems to grow stronger everyday, making our plan to take the paci away at some point harder and harder.

I don't know why we worry. I'm sure everything will be fine. No struggle at all. Not a problem. I'm sure he'll adjust just fine.

The Morning After

We had a great time watching the Super Bowl with Nana and Papa and the Whites last night! It was a really exciting game and the right team won!

But, it was a long night, and Davis apparently had an apple juice hangover this morning. He just has to learn how to drink responsibly and to know when to stay when. At least he wasn't driving.