Cold, lazy days.

As much as I like to go, go, go in the spring, summer and fall, as soon as winter arrives I become a house hermit. Really, I don't want to do anything except stay at home in my warm house and snuggle with my loves.

I guess it is kind of my way of hibernating. For the last week or two, the boys and I have not done much at all except go to the gym in the mornings, head to the store to buy the necessaries and run a few errands.

I'd made plans for a mama night out with one of my besties last night, but the weather was cold and rainy and windy - so we postponed. There was only one thing to do - a lazy day at home with lots of blankets and pillows.

After I put Evan down for his nap, I gathered a bunch of blankets and pillows and filled the living room floor. I turned on Boomerang and let Lane watch an episode of the Snorks while we cuddled together.

I was loving it. After a while, Lane wanted to head upstairs for his nap. We went up to my bed, cuddled in together and he fell asleep with his hand around my neck.

Since it was so cold - my usually naked child broke down and put on a pair of sweatpants.

After a short nap, I surprised Lane with a "cool" afternoon project - decorating gingerbread men. (Cool is his new word. Wow, that's cool, he will tell me about 50 times a day.)

First things first - taste testing.

Then he set out decorating his Lane gingerbread man.

Papa got home a few minutes in to decorating and right about the same time the Giggie baby woke up and started stalking the table.


Lane decided I could decorate the mama and papa gingerbread people. This is my version of me.

This is my version of papa. Lane added the finishing touches - two different color eyes.


Then Lane decided Evan could decorate his own gingerbread man. This made Evan so happy he threw his man down and broke off his leg.

Lane decided he would take over from there and try to fix the leg and show Evan how it was done.


Then Evan decided he would rather eat his man than decorate it so Lane did the majority of decorating. I finished off the baby gingerbread man by adding some eyes and a smile.


The finished product. Our gingerbread family.

We left the happy family of four out on the counter over night so the icing could set.

Then, this morning Lane woke up, gave some snuggles, and went right down to check on his men.

Papa got up with the boys and let me hang in bed for a few extra minutes. When I got downstairs, I went right to the couch to kiss my Giggle baby good morning.

Then, I asked Lane, "Lane, would you like ham and eggs for breakfast?"

"No," he replied. "I eating gingerbread cookies."



And this is what our family looked like at 7:45 this morning after Lane finished with them.

I let them hang out today but have a feeling they will find their way to the trash tomorrow.

Three.

This dear boy of mine turned three years old yesterday. Three. I find it hard to believe.

Last night, as we snuggled in bed with our boy, papa and I reminded him - as we do every day - of just how much we love him. How he changed our life. How he's made us better in every way.

There's just so much to say about our boy.

He's a goofy little guy - who struggles daily with his relationship with his brother. He loves him. This we know. He just doesn't know how to share with him. I often find myself working as a referee when it comes to toys and sharing and Lane.

While we never have any problems with other children, Lane just doesn't want to share his toys with Evan.

Sharing love and attention - that doesn't seem to be so bad. He's adjusted to having a sibling quite nicely. In fact, any time Evan isn't around, it doesn't take Lane too long to ask, "Hey, where's Evan."

It makes my heart melt each time.

Oh, he knows how to make my heart melt. He gives kisses at just the right time. He reminds me he loves me just when I need to hear it. He kisses my boo boos and always tells me how pretty I am.


We sailed through the twos - only feeling a bit of the so-called Terrible Twos in this house. Sure, we endured some hitting and temper tantrums. However, when you consider a new year ushered in a new family member last year, all went well.

I've learned that a cranky Lane is usually a tired Lane, so when the lower lip starts to pout out and the tone starts to get sassy, I usually just pack everything up and get my boy somewhere to sleep.

He's a stubborn guy, but he comes by that honestly. I don't think age has anything to do with that character trait. He insists on having things done the way we always do them. He doesn't handle change in routine well. And when he makes up his mind that he's going to do something - or not going to do something - well, you can take his word that it will - or will not - get done.

At three years old, we have been potty trained for at least six months. We sail through each day in big boy underwear, and rarely do I need to remind him to use the potty. I feel comfortable leaving him at school all morning long or at the childcare room in the gym - knowing an accident is very unlikely.

All of this pertains to pee pee in the potty. Because we are still working on the other half. Lane made up his mind that he will not put his poo in the potty about seven months ago - and here we are. He kindly asks for a diaper when he needs to go. If a diaper is not available, he will kindly wait until one is. We don't have messy accidents, and James and I gave up fighting with him about six months, when he told us he will stop using a diaper on December 4.

I'll let you know how that goes.

He's got a little bit of his mama and a whole lot of his papa when it comes to personality. When it comes to looks, we just can't decide who he favors more - James or my dad. It is so easy to see both of them in him.

Like his papa, he can be the center of attention in a crowd - if he wants to be. However, he prefers to spend most of his time watching and taking it all in. He likes to scout out a situation first. He keeps to himself for a while - preferring to acquaint himself with his surroundings. Once he is comfortable, he will open up. Usually, he ends up enjoying himself in most situations.

He's always loved the outdoors - and that hasn't changed. When I find he might be grumpy, or just in need of a little change of scenery, I'll take him outside. Some fresh air and nature seem to make him happy. He doesn't need a swing set or toys, he's quite happy with some leaves, rocks, sticks or dirt - and can keep himself entertained for quite a while.

One thing he gets from his mama and papa is his love of snuggling. While he doesn't give out much affection toward others, he showers his two favorite people with so much. We end each night snuggling close to each other. He can't fall asleep without his papa cuddling him. Each afternoon, I put Evan down for a nap and then Lane and I head upstairs for a little snuggle time. He always falls asleep with his arm wrapped around my neck. When papa comes home from work, the two kiss and hug until his little heart is content. I hope he never grows out of this stage.

I wouldn't call him a people person. He's not fond of strangers talking to him or touching him. He won't open up and talk to just any one. He likes his personal space - and will openly tell people to step away if he feels the need. However, once he decides you are his friend, you can be sure he will love you with all his heart.

We constantly talk about his best friends. Andrea, of course, will always be number one, even as we introduce more little people in to his world. He's made his very first friend on his own - a little boy from school - and Lane loves to talk about this boy and imagine they are playing together.

He's got a few other little friends he sees each week, and he knows when to ask for which friends and where he might see them.

He's smart as a whip. He's been able to recognize the letters of the alphabet for almost a year now. He can count to 20. He picks up lyrics to songs in just a few listenings. He remembers everything - the names of restaurants and stores. Where we went last week, and the week before and the week before. The name of each and every one of his 50 something Monster Jams.

And he doesn't forget a thing. If I tell him we can paint tomorrow while Evan is napping or that we will get ice cream if he is a good boy - you better believe we will be painting and getting ice cream. If I offer him a marshmallow as a snack, he will remind me that George roasts marshmallows in his book. When Evan wears his monster truck shirt, he will tell me that the little boy at Chick-fil-A had that shirt when him, and Evan and Memother were there. He remembers the baby giraffe at the zoo is named Lily. All black Jeeps are like his Mamaw's Jeep and all 18 wheelers are like his Pop's.


He's got such an imagination. This might be one of my favorite aspects of three. The way he plays. We imagine there are lions and alligators at the park. Bears chase us around the house. Sometimes, when all of his monster trucks are lined up in the living room, we are at Dixie Speedway getting ready for a show. Other times, we are in a creepy, haunted house running away from a bad guy. He cooks me dinner multiple times a day and insists I enjoy a root beer with each meal.

He's always busy. He doesn't require a lot. We don't have many fancy toys. We don't watch much TV. We play with his cars. We visit with our friends at all of our favorite places. We work on projects - painting, drawing, cooking, creating with blocks.

We talk a lot. We talk about what we did the day before. What we will do that day. Where we can go. He asks a lot of questions, which James and I are always happy to answer. He yearns to learn. We try our hardest to quench his desire for knowledge.

We've work our hardest over the last three years to give him any and everything he could need to make him happy.

I can honestly say I could continue to work my hardest for eternity, and I could never repay him for all the wonderful things he's given me.

I love you, Lane Thomas. Happy third birthday.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving.

So much to be thankful for on this day - and every day.

Most of all, I'm thankful for my sweet, little family
and all the love, laughter, smiles, snuggles, cries, and craziness that comes with my three boys.

In the Garden.

We've found a new place to go when our backyard is too small, all our usual go-to-places don't seem exciting enough, and we are all up for a little trip in to the city for an afternoon.

I didn't think the Botanical Gardens would have much to offer for a toddler and a babe, but I was wrong. It might just be the perfect place to take my outdoor loving boys. There's plenty of space to run. Lots of nature to be discovered. A playground made just for little hands and feet. Most of all, so much beauty for mama to take in.






We met up with our bestie on a perfect Fall day and let the kids play for hours. What's different about the Gardens than the Zoo? Well, for one, you can actually play (and eat some of) the items on display.

Andrea and Lane were quite proud of the purple pansies they picked.



All three of the kids enjoyed playing with the giant leaves we found lying around.


Before we left, Lane had one thing on his mind. Giant bullfrogs. Well, once he saw his bestfriend and all that room to play, bullfrogs became second best. (Good thing, too. Bullfrogs must hibernate in the Fall. We didn't see a single frog in a pond.)








We did find a sweet little edible garden area where the kids could climb on farm animals and go in and out of a barn door. Big hit.


Even better - the children's garden: complete with a slide, tunnels for running and cool instruments for drumming.


However, the winner for the day had to be the train on display for the holidays. When Lane saw the train, his eyes grew three times their normal size and he became mesmerized.

My boy stood in one spot and stared in amazement at the little city - complete with ice skaters, a little general store, bridges, multiple trains and so much more.

I couldn't pull him away. I made a promise that after we ate our lunch and completed our tour of the grounds, we could return.


He held me to that promise. On our way out, we watched the trains again.



When little brother grew bored with the tracks, he found a puddle to play in and some other guests to smile at and flirt with. He's easily entertained.




Saying good bye to the Gardens wasn't easy. That's why we asked Papa for a season pass. Now, the boys and I can go whenever we want. And we can get some guests in with us!

Any time any one wants to take a trip in to the city, let us know. We would love to have you take advantage of the pass we purchased - and enjoy an afternoon with us.

Seasonal Leaf Toss.

We ditched all our usual Monday activities - morning at the gym, grocery shopping, and laundry.

(the laundry. don't get me started on the laundry, which of course is the problem. i just can't seem to get started on the massive laundry piles taking over my room.)

And met Paola and Andrea at the park. I figured it was a great day to go to the park. The weather just right. The need to play outside after a day spent inside on Sunday.

We pretty much had the place to ourselves - except for a few families who found their way in, played on the swings a bit, then found their way out.

We took advantage of the opportunity for close to two hours and let the kids play and eat a lunch of Old McDonald's.



When our attention turned away from the slides and on to a game of toss, I distracted Lane, who was not having a turn with the ball, by encouraging him to take a roll down a little hill into a nice big pile of leaves.

Of course, as any good old leaf pile will do, Andrea's attention quickly turned away from the ball and on to Lane's new activity.

Then, a good old leaf fight ensued.


We threw leaves at each other. Buried each other in under them. Ran in them. Kicked them.









And laughed. A lot.


Those big, brown crunchy leaves provided so much fun for our kiddos.

I have to admit - for me and Paola too.


We got in on the throwing and laughing as well.

Soon, we were exhausted. Covered in leaf dirt and ready to head home.

Then, I couldn't help but ask Paola what we're going to do once these babes of ours head off to school.



Be bored, she answered. Very bored.

I think that's the truth.

Name of this post provided by Siri. She's like the new girl in our group who has all the coolest, newest things. We go to her for all the answers. When we asked her if we were having a leaf fight or playing in a leaves pile, she answered in such an eloquent way. What we were partaking in, she said, was a seasonal leaf toss. I like it.

35.

I turned 35 on Saturday. I had an awesome party - at a playground with a Rapunzel cake and balloons.

Just kidding.

I did go to a party at a playground and there was a Rapunzel cake. The party wasn't for me. It was for Lane's best friend Andrea. I was more than happy to share my day with her though.

In return, she shared her cake with me and Paola let me blow out one candle - almost - 35 times.

Each year, my dad calls on my birthday and asks if I feel my age. Never, ever have I felt as old as I really am. Except for this year. It has hit. I feel 35.

That isn't really bad. And, I don't have too much to say about being 35.

I've got everything I could really want.

So, in honor of my big turn in to mid-life, I thought I would share with all of you 35 things about myself.

(Feel free to exit this blog now.)

1. For those of you who read, but don't know me "in real life" my name is Lana - the first a is a long a. So, it is pronounced like Donna but with an L.

2. One of my very best friends is named Lanna. The first a is a short a. So, it is pronounced like Anna but with an L.

3. I have been to all of the states in the United States of America - except for Alaska and Hawaii. Most states, I visited before the ripe old age of 5. And traveled there by vehicle.

4. My dad is a truck driver, which explains how I've been to all of those places.

5. I have also been to France (twice), England (once), Mexico (twice), The Dominican Republic (twice).

6. If I could live any where it would be Paris. My favorite city hands down.

7. Since Paris isn't really an option any more, I just daydream about living in one of the old cottage houses off the Marietta Square.

8. I am pretty much blind. Contacts during the day. Glasses at night.

9. I've never had any kind of surgery, or stitches, or a broken bone.

10. In fact, the only time I have ever been to - or even in - a hospital was when I gave birth to my boys.

11. My favorite food is my mom's homemade lasagna. So good.

12. I can't eat it any more because it hurts my belly too bad.

13. I have a gluten intolerance. (That's why I can't eat lasagna. The noodles are made of wheat, and I haven't found a gluten free noodle that fits the bill.)

14. My grandmother was my best friend. Next week, it will be nine years since she passed away. I still think of her every day.

15. I have lived in 4 apartments, 1 loft, 1 townhouse and 1 house.

16. Two of the apartments were in houses that were more than 100 years old. The loft was in an old school building that was more than 100 years old.

17. I am not scared of ghosts.

18. My mom once told me ghosts won't hurt you - only other humans can hurt you. Think about it. It is true.

19. I love to exercise - and go to the gym between 4 or 5 times on a good week.

20. I hate to run.

21. If I could have any job I wanted, I would work as an editor at Country Living Magazine.

22. I love gummy and sugar candies - gummy bears, Runts, jelly beans, sour patch kids, gummy peaches.

23. I can't sleep unless the closet door in my bedroom is closed.

24. I never had braces but do have fillings in more than half my teeth.

25. I secretly love my freckles.

26. I was this close to becoming a high school English teacher.

27. My first job was at a furniture store. I was 15.

28. My first job after college was at an antique auction house. You might have seen it on TV.

29. I didn't get my driver's license until a few months before my 17th birthday.

30. My first car was made before I was even born - a 1972 VW Bug.

31. I was once in a commercial for one of those quick cash places. (One of my old roommates worked at the local TV station, called me while I was taking a nap, said she needed help ASAP and I went down there not knowing what I was getting in to. I hadn't brushed my hair or even refreshed my make up.)

32. The book Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison changed made a huge impression on my life. I have read it at least five times.

33. I've never been camping.

34. My favorite nail polish color is Dragon by Chanel.

35. I have not one single regret. If it were not for each decision I have made in my life - the good and the bad and the really, really bad - I wouldn't be where I am now.

And I love my life right now.

I was rushing.

Rushing to feed the boys breakfast. Rushing to get myself and the boys dressed. Rushing to get out the door so I could have some time to clear my head at the gym.

In my rush, I took a few seconds to sneak into the bathroom. Alone.

Until Evan realized he couldn't see my face and started to whine and crawl his way into my secret hiding spot.

A few seconds later, Lane, who now had his pants, shoes and socks removed from his body, joined us.

As Evan pulled at my legs and tried to stick his little baby hands into the toilet - the same one I was trying to use - Lane enthusiastically told me about something very important: pumpkins.

Lane insisted I answer all his questions - even though I had no clue what he was talking about - and then decided to wash his hands. And his shirt. And my bathroom counters.

Frustrated, I pleaded with my children to just let me have a few moments alone to use the bathroom.


Finally, we headed out the door. I dropped the boys in the childcare room at the gym. Snuck into my class a few minutes late and found my place in the back of the room.

A few songs passed. My head cleared. I felt better.


At a break, the woman behind me tapped my arm.

"Oh, I remember when my boys used to do that to me," she said with a smile.

"Great," I thought to myself. "I've left the house with a George sticker on my bottom again." I made a quick swipe of my back side to feel for stickers.

Confused, she touched my arm, and replied, "The tattoos. My boys went through that phase. I would be covered in them."

Oh yes, the tattoos. The Monster Jam tattoos Lane insisted he put on my upper arm, which was now bare in my workout shirt.

"I had forgotten all about that," she continued. "Such a sweet time. I miss those times when my boys were little."

And then the music started again.


I'd gone to the gym to have some time alone.

I'd come to clear my head.

I'd been reminded.

This time with my boys is fleeting.

There will come a cool Fall morning when I'll wake up with nothing but time. My boys will have grown up and moved on with families of their own. I'll have nothing but my house to keep me company.

I'll have nothing but the silence I sometimes long so much for at this time in my life.

And a longing for little boy hands to pull at my legs and toddler conversations about something so important. Like pumpkins.

Babies don't keep.

Thankfully, every once in a while, I'm reminded why I've decided to keep mine so close to me.