My sister always said it's hard to be the middle child. And I have noticed that most of my posts are about Emma. So I decided to dedicate this post to sweet Kolbe Francis.

Kolbe is a little boy after my own heart. Today he grabbed the peanut butter off of the counter, got a spoon, and started to eat it. As I watched him do this, I looked at him lovingly and a tear was shed- ok not really, but to all of those who know about my love for peanut butter, you understand.

But not only is it the peanut butter- he was given the chocolate gene as well. Or "chock ette" as he calls it. One day I went to the bathroom and when I walked out, Kolbe had gone to the freezer, pulled out the ice cream, climbed up to his high chair and was eating it with his fingers:




I couldn't even get mad at him- I was so impressed by his determination.
Because my son is so awesome, I am going to keep bragging about him.

He is a good little brother. He is Emma's little shadow and copycat.


He really misses her while she is at school.


So while Emma is at school- I love to spend time with my boys.


Kolbe is an excellent storyteller and Joshua is a happy listener.


Yes, so sweet...but don't let this little guy fool you- Kolbe is also 2. He wants to do everything himself and when he can't or if I don't let him, this is what happens:



he is screaming, not sleeping. So dramatic.



Did I mention that he loves chocolate??

He is also a great driver:


He also Loves to play in the dirt.


I mean, what little boy doesn't? Recently he was playing in the yard and had a small American flag that he was waving and then trying to stand in the ground. His Uncle Philip asked, "Kolbe, are you proud to be an American?" And Kolbe looked at him seriously and responded, "I like dirt." there you go.



And then after an exhausting day of playing and eating, he curls up and goes to sleep.


Did I mention how much I love this little boy?!?!

Today Emma brought home her first family portrait. It's quite lovely:

I know it is obvious, but I thought I would share who's who- from left to right, just in case.
First there's me, looking beautiful in orange and apparently I have dyed my hair red. Good choice.
Of course I am holding baby Joshua. Smart girl.
Then there is Emma front and center in the purple, her favorite color.
Next is cute Kolbe, he kind of looks like a small potato.
And finally there is daddy. Not quite sure about what happened to him. But he has nice hair.
Christmas card maybe?

Today, on this beautiful Saturday, I thought it would be great day to start documenting my love story- because I know everyone wants to read it...

Chapter 1: Dumb at First Sight

Once upon a time there was a young maiden who was moving into her beautiful dorm room in Marian Hall.

Next door was another fair maiden who happened to be one of her best friends. This fair maiden went by the name of Ana and she had two young men who were helping carry in all of her boxes.

Suddenly there was a knock at my door and when I opened it there was Ana and these two guys. One was her boyfriend at the time and the other was his best friend, Dan. I was so caught off guard by the handsome appearance of the best friend that I quickly said hi, to be polite, and then shut the door in their faces. Smooth, I know. Great first impression. Because of my rudeness, Dan assumed I was a senior and just had no interest in talking to him. Ouch.

Life went on and I would see Dan around campus and was still very shy around him. And I had every right to be shy- he was Dan Johnson, star of the basketball team:

Towards the end of our sophomore year, I started to get a little more aggressive confidant. Ok, so I became a creeper. I was that girl that would innocently show up wherever he was. I knew when all some of his classes were and I knew if I saw his old white toyota parked in front of Francis Hall that he was close by.
One time I was walking back to my dorm and and I saw him walking towards his car from a distance. I knew that once he got in his car he was going to have to drive by my dorm. So I waited. I walked very slowly and kept turning to see if he was coming. FINALLY I saw his car and I walked to the door, did a little side glance, flung my hair back, pulled out the surprise face and waved, as if I was shocked that he was driving by that very minute. Nice one.

Then there was the time that I cut through the student center to walk to my next class and was happily "surprised" when I saw him there talking to one of his friends. I went over to say hi, but his friend didn't see me and kept talking, so I didn't know what to do. I waited a minute because I didn't want to interrupt. Dan kept glancing over at me and would flash that grin that still turns my heart into melted butter. So I stood there and I knew I had to get to class- because I hated being late, so I awkwardly waved and headed out the door. Sad.

Slowly but surely we became friends. One time we were in the "caf" eating dinner with a group of our friends. I mentioned that I wanted some chocolate ice cream. Dan said he did too so he took orders from the table and then he ventured off downstairs. A few minutes later I saw him walking over carrying the huge container of chocolate ice cream, that he borrowed from the freezer downstairs. That moment I could hear the angels singing in the background and I knew he was the one. He put the huge container at the center of the table and we all started helping ourselves. Dreamy guy who loved chocolate. Check.

I have one more pre-dating story to share. One night Dan called and asked if Ana and I wanted to come over and hang out at his house. Umm, yes please. So a little while later he drove up to the dorm and we walked out and saw him with two of his buddies already in the car. Dan went and opened his trunk and pulled out two life vests that he stored for his random adventures. Always prepared for anything I guess. He handed the two vests to Ana and I and said the seat belts were broken in the back seat and he wanted us to wear these to keep us safe. So thoughtful.

So we were good sports and put them on and got in the car with one of his friends squeezed in the middle. Our first stop was McDonalds to get some food. We went through the drive-thru and because Dan was on the phone with his mom (which I thought was so cute-smart thinking Dan, show the girl how sensitive and sweet you are)) he passed the window and stopped so I could pay, as I was sitting behind him on driver's side. He handed me the money and I just stared at the cashier and felt extremely stupid wearing this huge orange life vest. You can never be too cautious these days. Dreamy guy with great sense of humor. Check. We then went to his house where we played the craziest game of Spoons that I have ever played in my life- which says a lot since Spoons is a McAleer family favorite.

As I end this first chapter, I thought I would share one more quick pic- the first one we ever took together. Such a cute couple:

And you know what they say about cute couples--very cute kids! But that of course is a much later chapter.

Over past few years Dan and I have spent a lot of time learning and teaching Theology of the Body to teenagers. We have really enjoyed this ministry. More than anything, I think it has deepened our marriage, because we are discussing and sharing the love we have for one another and for our children with others. When I was in college, I hated public speaking and was so nervous just to get up in front of my class to given a presentation. Now I can proudly say that I have conquered that fear have given several chastity talks, even one in front of about 300 teenage girls!
Anyway, the point of me sharing this is now I have decided that this program needs to start even earlier. Yes, I am thinking Theology of the Body for Toddlers. Why do I think this? I will give you a few examples.
1. Read my post on Emma and her boyfriends at school. Point taken.
2. Today Emma walked in the room with a baby under her shirt and she told me she was having a baby. Here's how it went down:
"Look Mommy, I am having a baby! And guess what, this baby is going to be born in 10 seconds! 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...11...12. Here she is! Wow and she is already wearing a dress!" (If only it was really that easy)

3. Also today I caught Emma mooning Kolbe. After I got over the shock, I took her into another room and asked her why she did that. She told me that she just wanted to make Kolbe go away. Then we went on to talk about the more sensible and modest ways to accomplish the same thing. We also had another discussion about protecting our modesty- Which is very difficult to do with a 4 year old.
4. Potty training. Kolbe is starting to show interest in going on the potty. How does he show his interest you might ask? Well, I tend to find him wandering around the house naked from the waist down. Like this:

(true freedom)
So there you have it: "Theology of the Body for Toddlers" I will post sign ups soon. Juice boxes and goldfish will be provided. With keynote by Fr. Dan Good, Moral Theologian for the Archdiocese of Mobile. ;)


Have a happy Friday!

"I think I am sick. The breath from my nose is hot."
Good observation.

"Oh that's why we call it the mudroom."
Yes, i know I need to clean this room. Thanks for making me feel like a good homemaker...

"Kolbe just BROKE my heart!!"
A little dramatic, are we?

Finding some old PJs in bottom of the drawer:
"oh!! I haven't worn these in YEARS!!"
Years? Really. Amazing!

Speaking to me:
"Well, then I will fire you!"
Good luck with that one.

To Kolbe:
"You are a silly goose"
His response:
"I not goose. You goose."
Good one Kolbe!

Again to Kolbe:
"No no no, little man!"
???...

"I told my teacher that Sam is dead."
Oh, good, I am sure she wanted to know all about your mommy's old dog that died when you were two.

Hi! Hello! My name is Lauren Crazy Lady "who has her hands full" Johnson.

Welcome to my day:

Last night our air conditioner went out upstairs, so we moved our mattress downstairs and had a family sleepover in our family room...

6:45 am- Dan and I woke up and realized we were already behind because he was supposed to leave the house at 6:45. Love it when that happens!
So we got up, kids still asleep/ slowly waking up.
I ran upstairs to change and make coffee because the guy coming to fix our air conditioner said he would come at 7.
Dan was rushing as well and asked me to iron his pants, which I graciously did, then went to fix our coffee, then he left.
7:05- go to get the kids up. Joshua woke up with a leaky diaper. So I cleaned him up then went and got the other two. Made pancakes. Kolbe moved a stool over and tried to help and then he burned his arm. I felt awful- so did he. Some TLC and 3 band-aids later, he was fine, and I then served breakfast.
7:58- time to get Emma to school, while loading them in the car, the air guy pulls up. Great timing. He gets started outside and I drive up the street to school.
8:02- park and get kids out. We were too late for the drop-off. Emma looked at me with this horrified look and says "why are you still wearing your pajamas?"
I look down because I couldn't remember what I was wearing and it was some black exercise pants and a t-shirt. I answered: "well I can wear this to exercise too..." and then she looked at me funny because clearly I never use these clothes to exercise. Need to fix that.
Kolbe, Joshua and I walked Enma into her building. I spent a few minutes talking to her teachers about how big Joshua is and then we digressed and talked about birth stories for a few minutes. Took the boys home to let the air guy in, then he asked if he could use our restroom- which I was embarrassed about because the bathroom needs to be cleaned...
9:33- $157 later, air conditioner fixed. I needed to go to the store but after writing that check, I decided against it. Joshua fell asleep so I went and got a shower.

I could go on about the rest of my day and what I accomplished or didn't for that matter, but it is not necessary. You know, I hate the question, "So you stay at home? What do you do all day? Do you get bored?" Well to answer that- nope I don't get bored. There is something that always needs to get done. But the most important part of my job is not cleaning the house or cooking dinner. The most important part is being at home with my children, playing dress up and cars with them. It is so easy for me to get distracted and forget that. I love my job, even though I might not always show it. I also know that it is a blessing for me to be able to stay home with our children. I don't ever want to take it for granted. Thank you for reading for reading the secret thoughts of an American mommy.

In other news: I just got pooped on. Have a great night!

"I kissed a boy today"- Emma, age 4

We should have seen this coming when Dan walked her into her classroom one morning and three boys ran over and started to fight over who gets to play with Emma. Emma was holding onto Dan's leg and the teacher came over and told the boys that they will all get to play with Emma. Meanwhile Dan thought, "no they won't because I am taking her home." I am kind of surprised that he didn't take her with him. I am even more surprised that the thought of Emma being fought over didn't drive him to go do something dumb like this guy:

Then the artwork started to come home. Emma's folder would be filled with different drawings and one she had looked like this:

I told her is was so beautiful and she said Stan* drew it for her.
Oh, ok. Then I looked at the next drawing. She told me that she did that one. Oh ok. What is it? I asked. "You guess." Great...well is it a house? "Yes!" Whew...

Emma is very creative and smart, but I am thinking we need to work on some drawing basics...This Stan guy is pretty impressive.

Here is another Stan original that came home yesterday:

Yes, that is Stan and Emma holding hands...Wonderful, isn't it?!...

Last night I was in the kitchen starting dinner, and the kids were sitting on the couch watching mickey mouse. Then from acrss the room, Emma shouted "I kissed a boy today."

Silence. The world stopped for a second. WHAT?!?! What did this little sweet innocent girl say?

I went over to her and turned off the tv, I needed her full attention.

Me: What did you say Emma?
Emma: I kissed Stan today.
ME: WHere, on the cheek? (please be the cheek, please be the cheek)
Em: Yes, on the cheek (giggle giggle)
Me: Why did you kiss him?
Em: Because we were playing mommy and daddy.
Me: What did Stan do after you kissed him?
Em: He wiped it off and said "yuck!" (giggle giggle)
Me: Let's not kiss any more boys, boys don't like to be kissed.
Em: But Daddy likes it when I kiss him.
Me: That's very true. He is the only one.
Em: But we were playing mommy and daddy and you and daddy kiss all of the time!

.....true

Me: JUST DON'T KISS ANY MORE BOYS AT SCHOOL!!

This morning I was dropping her off in her classroom and I met one of the other moms. She said, "Are you Emma's mom?" "Yes." "Well I think Emma is my son Larry's* girlfriend. He talks about her all of the time."
Larry?

Oh dear.

So maybe my daughter is a little flirt. And, I don't blame these little boys for loving Emma. But just wait until they have to deal with her Daddy...

*Note: boys names were changed, I thought I would protect their privacy, unless things become more serious... ;)

With Emma being in school now, I have been extra motivated to get organized myself. For instance, I had so much fun going school supply shopping, I felt like I was 10 again. I started filling our cart with pencils and crayons and markers and erasers and watercolor paint. Then I remembered that the only school supply Emma needed was a book bag. Darn. But I still bought all of those things anyway. So now that I have these supplies I am determined to use them here at home with the kids.

When it comes to crafts, I usually copy ideas that I find online. I like to be creative, but I find that with my "mom brain" I am not often that original.
One day I was playing hopscotch with Emma and I had an idea of using a similar format for teaching my kids to pray the rosary. Being a catechetics major, I am all about trying to find fun and creative ways to teach my children the faith.



So I pulled together a white paper roll, paint, and brushes. I printed off 10 small pictures of Mary, one of the Holy Trinity, and one of God the Father. Then we got to work. We rolled out the banner paper and I outlined one decade of the rosary and then the kids helped me paint in the beads (or circles). We glued the pictures next to each bead to help teach them which prayer comes next. There were moments where I wished I had waited to do this project until they were asleep, but then I reminded myself that the messy marks are what makes it beautiful and then they are proud of what they had done. Once we were finally done painting and I still had some hair left, I set it out to dry. When it was dry I covered it with laminate(this was the most expensive part of the project, but I think it will be worth it in the end).

When Dan got home that night, the kids were so excited to show him what we had done and then we prayed together. The kids held their rosaries and and after each Hail Mary they would move their fingers to the next bead and jump onto the next circle. I keep saying "they" but in reality, Emma does all of this and Kolbe sometimes follows and sometimes just runs or rolls around(the laminate was def. worth it) But that's great. He has fun and he randomly copies the prayers that we say.

So there you have it. A Johnson family craft that will hopefully turn into a fun little tradition. So far so good. ;)