Pocatello's "Field Of Heros" is a Memorial Day tradition where a soccer field is turned into a beautiful tribute to our fallen soldiers. I got a little chocked up when I explained to Tatem that all the crosses represent someone in heaven who had to courage to protect our freedoms. Here is a local news clip of the Field Of Heros where Ian and Tatem just happened to be in the cameras view.
What this princess really needs is
I had to double check, because I know I've been pretty bad at this blogging thing lately, and saw that my 2010 Valentines post was only 12 posts ago. So I guess "lately" is all relative.
And, if I remember correctly, this is the 3rd Valentines Day in a row Ian and I have been apart. So I feel the need to give a shout out to my sweetheart (or as my Grandmother would call him "mating partner"! See, lots of things are relative!)
We love you and miss you Ian! See you soon!
...then you know it's time to check on the kids!
The other day I could faintly hear Tatem and Hannah in the other room speaking very kindly to one another, which was a relief to hear since Tatem is kind of...strike that...replace it with TOTALLY... a bossy little stinker who feels it necessary to constantly declare that everything is "MINE!" even when it's not! So I was pleasantly surprised (and even smiled that ugly "proud-momsmile" when you think to yourself that things are going so well) when I heard:
T: ok, your turn {giggle giggle}
H: oh thanks! {more giggles} Ok, your turn Tatem!
T: ok! ...ok, your turn Hannah! {Giggle Giggle}
H: {Giggle Giggle}
T: Whoo Hoo! {giggle giggle}
But all that came to an abrupt end when I heard Lindsay yell a big, "GIRLS!!! NO THANK YOU! GROSS!! STOP!!"
Lindsay found the two of them happily using their manners whilst taking turns playing with the scrub brush and plunger in the toilet. Wet toilet paper everywhere! Toilet water on the seat and floor...and of course, all over the girls.
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! What am I, A ROOKIE?!?
Which takes me to this morning. Seriously too quiet. Sunday mornings are supposed to be filled with chaos, noise, fighting, crying, and anything else of the like (from kids of all ages). But it was quiet (Red Flag). All I could hear was the bathroom sink water running (Red Flag, duh!).
I turned the corner to find the two of them happy as clams up on the bathroom counter brushing their teeth...and their toes...and their knees.
I know, I know. Most of you are going to be surprised, but, I'm back in Indiana hanging with my sister Lindsay, and her girls! Shocker, I know! We are having a blast, as usual. We've been busy playing playing playing. We've also been busy neglecting the children while Lindsay teaches me how to sew. Lindsay is attempting to teach me this "new" way of sewing...how to sew sans cuss words. I'll be honest - It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. This is one of my first dresses. I still need to sew a cute ruffle thingy on the bottom, but either way, I love the way it turned out. It was made with love...and a lot of biblical curse words. 
I'm sure you've noticed Tatems neon green flip flops. Yes, so does everyone else. People tell me like I'm not aware that they are a million sizes too big. Oh really, that's weird, I'm her mother and I didn't even notice. And what's that? They are on the wrong feet? I KNOW!!! You try telling this very independent and rouge two year old that she can't wear them, and then deal with the repercussions. It's just best to leave her be. Believe me, I KNOW!
They say if you want to accomplish something you have to set a goal. So I set one for Tatem. I gave her two weeks from her 2nd birthday to enjoy her beloved binkie and then it had to go. It was time to become a BIG GIRL!
"Santa smells like beef and cheese"
