If there had been a contest . . . CLEARLY we would have won!

Okay, have you ever seen cuter cowboys than this?

AND I think I deserve some props because the costumes are complete a whole 72 hours prior to Halloween - unlike last year when we were spray painting the tin man's hat at 5:00 p.m. the day of.


However, it is increasingly difficult to take a photo of my two children together without it looking like this! The Christmas picture should be a doozy. We may have to have a Grinch card this year!

How can it be possible?

Now that Charlie has reached the communicating stage, I am having to eat yet another batch of words - not just a small, toddler sized mouthful but an ENTIRE cafeteria style, all-you-can-eat tray! When Jon Thomas was little, it seemed as though all my other Mommy friends literally drugged their kids. When we were out in public, theirs would be nicely riding in the cart, gently playing with a toy, etc. I, of course, would feel the need to comment on this when Jon Thomas's ear piercing squealing/playing/talking would reach a fever pitch. EVERY TIME, they would say, "oh, he/she is not like this at home", and EVERY TIME, I accused them of lying through their teeth. Well, now I have one of those children of my own, and I must concede that he is not the same in public as he is at home.

If you look at these photos , you'll see Charlie's "in public" face. He WILL NOT even look at people he does not know well (well=lives with on a daily basis)! He will not talk in public, he will not smile in public, and he will not make eye contact with other people. He will quietly play with a toy. He rarely strays from my side. Who is this kid?


Let's take a moment and contrast this with his brother, who at the age of 2 1/2 invited a homeless man home with us to jump on our trampoline. Hmmmmm. . .

It totally amazes me every day how I absolutely adore both my children but THEY ARE SO DIFFERENT! How did this shy, reserved, calm child come from me? I honestly do not understand it.