"Mom! We look like twins!"

No, really? They shout and I always get a chuckle.

The past week, they've been announcing it when they wear the same clothes. Actually, the same PJs. It's this cool new game to wear matching PJs. It only took them a few years to figure how fun that could be I guess :)

I've never pushed or even suggested matching clothes. In fact, I won't even buy them identical clothes (always coordinating - same shirt, different color).

PJs on the other hand...there are only some many choices out there. Since comfort certainly outweighs looks when it comes to good pjs, I buy 2 if I find good ones.

Oh...I guess there is another exception to my 'no matching' rule. Coats, shoes and backpacks must be identical. I just don't have the patience on the way out the door for the brawls over one vs. another. In fact, though they had matching coats this winter one was labeled 'Alex' and one 'Tanner' for school purposes. They were fighting over which named coat they got to wear, so we wrote boldly 'Wooden' over the first names to make that fights go away.

Anyhow...yes fellas...you look like twins when - and only when - you wear your matching pjs :)

Bedtime Piano

We just found clip-on lights for the boys beds...and Alex is happy as can be playing his little piano book in bed. He plays away (having memorized nearly the whole book of songs) while Tanner reads out loud next to him. Not exactly quiet up there...but calming for each in their own way.

The Potty Dance

No, I'm not referring to the traditional shuffle and leg crossing you expect from a kindergartener. I'm talking about MY potty dance...which is performed while waiting outside the mens restroom...waiting for 2 little 5 years olds to emerge from their duties. MY nervous shuffle knowing that the curious little dudes are in there all alone - because they refuse to go in "womans" because they are "mens".

I can hear them...I can imagine the trouble they are getting into...but I can't control it! Perhaps it's God testing me...I can't control all aspects of my life...I know...they are my daily reminder!!!

Tonight at the library a 50 year old professionally dressed gentleman stepped out briskly, steps ahead of the little dudes. Alex says 'I'm following this man!' and starts chasing after him. I quickly grab his hood (thank God for hoods!) and keep him back. So I begin to wonder and groan...why so fascinated with this man? (Which prompts me to find a book about strangers...we'll see if the Berenstein Bears can get through on that front). I have this terrible suspicion that they probably peeked at him under the stall door and chased him away from his private time.

Why oh why? Why boys? Why curious boys? Why fearless and social boys? Why 2 of them? Help me Lord...or help all those looking for some peace in quiet in a public restroom when the Wooden boys stop in for a visit.

And on a sweeter note...

Alex is upstairs sitting on the kitchen floor with his guitar in hand (neck to the right) strumming away and belting out 'Sweet Caroline' by Neil Diamond. Perhaps Neil can retire soon and his young protege can keep his tunes alive :)

Throw Down Time!

When I find the movie or CD or video game or TV show that has corrupted my sweet little kid I'm going to destroy it! Tanner's new response to adult direction is a forlorn 'Whatever'. He's compliant - but he's throwing a 'Whatever' at me and he's only 5!!! Time to wipe that word from the vocabularly!

"Isn't He Talkative!"

Every time I hear it I beam. Words you thought you'd never hear.

Most recently it was the hair stylist cutting Tanner's hair last night. They covered names, ages, city/state where you live, a recap of the days field trip to the Planetarium, the fact that Mommy "wants me to stay little forever, but I just can't stop growing!', on and on and on. The whole salon was laughing (especially about Mommy's wish) and mesmerized by the conversation (still working on that inside voice).

Every where we go (i.e. Home Depot, D&W, restaurant, gym) he looks for the persons name tag, than proceeds with 'Hi Dave, I'm Tanner. Did you know...'. People in this world are kind to kids, no matter how mean we can be to each other as adults. I don't think he's ever been snubbed. There is usually a bit of shock by being called by name, and then complete engagement in conversation. I think it's safe to say that stranger anxiety is a non-issue.

I thought I better start talking to him about strangers...and did. So then he announces to the nurse at the doctors office (of course calling her by name after reading a name tag). "You are stranger and you are an adult and that means you could hurt me. Do you know any kids I can talk too? Kids aren't strangers." And then the nurse smiles/chuckles, the cast removal goes on hiatus (tools set down...she's just captivated by the chatty kid).

And to think they never thought he would talk...the power of early intervention (and HUNDREDS of hours of therapy).

Wanted: Full-Time Referee

Immediate opening for an experienced, assertive referee. Requires basic knowledge of the rules of play including sharing, "using your words", turn-taking, and "using your inside voice". Must be able to lift 50 lbs for the occasional removal of child from incoming tackle. Careful discernment needed to know what play and yelling is all in good fun...what tackles and chases are actually wanted...versus those that are tormenting the other (there tends to be a fine line). Finger whistle is helpful and an ability to deal with the players with a firm voice as needed. Ideal candidate will also have the ability to pour on the sympathy & cuddles, and to rationalize with the irrational child. Wages negotiable as your skills are priceless and most sought after as the current referee is exhausted after the long holiday weekend.