Friday December 18th, 2020

 I cannot stop laughing. The boys have their neighbor friend, Elijah, over and I can hear them talking. Elijah asked the boys if they have ever had a girlfriend. Both boys shouted "no way!" (good boys). Elijah responded, "I'm just worried because I've been single my whole life". Umm... this kid is 9...

Wednesday December 2nd, 2020

 Poor little Camden blessed with having such an awkward and embarrassing Mom. Kellan could care less how I am. The boys had one of the neighborhood kids over and they were playing. I took advantage of this and was in my office getting some work done. All the boys ran in the office and started playing in there. At first I was a little annoyed, but then realized how awesome it is my kids (and the neighborhood dude) wanted to be around me. Well, my office, my haven, my rules - right? I happened to have 2 bras sprawled out on the desk. After any Zoom call, those come right off. I didn't think anything of it until Camden inched closer to the desk, and surreptitiously hid the bras behind the desk. I silently laughed and felt bad because I knew he was wondering if his friend saw my undergarments. After the friend left, Camden came running into my room screaming "MOM?! WHY?!" Then we laughed and laughed. I am apologizing now for all the embarrassment I will cause in his teenage years...

I was telling the boys about the Ice Bucket Challenge that was really popular for ALS a few years ago. I was explaining that it was a way to raise money to find a cure for what Grammy had. Camden got so excited and officially named the Ice Bucket Challenge - "The Grammy Cure"...

Wednesday November 25th, 2020

 If I was ever in the running for Mother of the Year, this definitely knocked me out of contention. Camden forgot something at school, and was really mad at himself. He put his hands on his head and almost called himself stupid. He stopped short because I will not let them say that word. I was trying to calm him down and said everyone makes mistakes. No big deal, and you'll learn from this. He wasn't quite over it and I thought, wow! This is a great teaching moment! I said, "Camden, next time you feel upset with yourself, you should say something like, geeze, I sure wish I hadn't done that and it won't happen again." I turned to leave the room extremely proud of my mothering. I should have sensed the grins on my little Tilley boys behind me. Camden said, "Mom? Should I do this?" He put his hands on his head and said, "Geeze, I'm so  --- and before he could actually get the rest out, I gave him a HUGE thumbs up and said "Yes!" As I was praising him, he finished his sentence which ended with, "I'm so dumb"... Both boys fell to the ground with laughter, and I realized, once again, I had failed miserably. Now, this is a running joke with us. Several times a day they'll throw their hands to their head and say, "Mom! I'm so dumb!" (while grinning), and they say this until I give them a huge smile, thumbs up and a big YES! sigh...

I told Kellan to be careful. He replied, "I don't want to be careful. That's not what I'm known for."...

The boys have made up what they call their flower girl dance. Don't ask me how or where this originated, but it's mostly used when I'm trying to discipline them...

We were at the store, and of course Kellan asked for candy. He has been doing so well at school I caved in and let him pick some candy out. Camden looked at me incredulously and said, "Can I get something? I'm a person too!"...

So I don't know whether to be proud the boys are really growing in the Catholic faith, or question how they're growing in the Catholic faith. It never fails. On the way home from school, which takes about 20-25 minutes, one of the boys has to go potty desperately. So, the other one, to be brotherly, sings a song to make it worse. The song of choice most recently has been "Make me a channel of your PEE!"...

Tuesday November 24th, 2020

 I love my sweet innocent boys. I'm working (of course) and they are out in the living room playing football. I can hear they put Frozen 2 on in the background, and are singing along to the songs in funny voices <3

We were getting ready to leave for school and I asked the boys if they were ready to go. Kellan yelled, "Nooooooooo! I don't want to go on a trip in my favorite rocket ship and be called little Kellan-stein)...

Little Cow fell asleep on the couch. I seriously cannot carry them anymore! They're humongous! :) I was walking his sleepy little butt to bed and I asked him if he had to go potty. He hazily nodded so I led him into the bathroom. He immediately laid down on the bathroom rug. Took me about an hour to get him back on his feet...

Kellan ran to show me something on his iPad. He excitedly exclaimed, "Mom! Do you remember this game from your childhood? It's O-Bert!" He was so excited and proud, I didn't have the heart to tell him it was Q-Bert...

So Kellan has a fascination with the name Bob. He's asked me on quite a few occasions why I did not name him Bob. He is leaning toward changing his legal name to Bob Jr. as soon as he's old enough (sigh). Anyway, we were at Mass, and of course I am sobbing. Kellan nudged me and pointed to the song sheet. Sure enough the writer of the song was named Bob. Only that kid could get me to go from sobbing to hysterically laughing in a place where hysterically laughing is usually frowned upon...

Camden won the Fruit of the Spirit award for self-control. I was there and so proud. Kellan jumped up immediately and cheered when Camden's name was announced. I love that he's Camden's biggest fan!

Camden just told me he has the song, 'All the Single Ladies', in his head...What?...

Back in March when the pandemic started, we were 100% out of toilet paper and I couldn't find any anywhere. I kept telling the boys they were only allowed to go #2 at school, but then I remembered they were on remote learning. 
Me: Boys, I'm sorry but we're out of toilet paper
Camden: What do I do?!
Kellan: Use a leaf! 

I told the boys they were eating me out of house and home. Camden replied, "you know we're just trying to live, Mom, right?"...sigh...

Monday November 16th, 2020

 I made the boys Grammy's tacos last night. As they took their first bites I anxiously awaited their praise at how good they were. They were silent. I spoke up and asked them what they thought. I could see their faces trying to be polite, but honest. They said, "well, they're not Grammy's tacos, but we can call them Mom's tacos."...

At Mass yesterday, little Kellan tugged on my arm. He whispered through his mask with his big blue eyes, "Is this the punching our heart part?"...

The boys were arguing about some fact or other. Camden insisted he was right, and Kellan finally agreed. Camden yelled, "burn! Science burn!" and was so proud of himself correcting little evil science genius...

I didn't realize you could change your nick name with Siri. The boys have been doing this on my phone for years. Today, Siri calls me, "I like big butts and I cannot lie"...

I put 'hug Momma' on the boys' chore chart. Each morning they robotically come hug me just to check it off the list. Hey - I'll take what I can get...

I asked the boys to clean up the dining room. Kellan came running in at full speed to tell me it was all clean. Then he paused and said, "well, Camden did it all, but at least I'm not making excuses!"...

Quote from 11 year old Camden allergy boy - "My sinuses just don't work like they used to"...

We went to Walmart for a few things. I promise we were not in the store that long. When we were done and in the parking lot, Camden dramatically spread his arms wide and said, "I haven't seen the sunshine in years!"...

Thursday November 5th, 2020

 Camden said he was hungry. It was only about 4pm and I was still working, so I asked him to wait just a sec and I'd cook dinner. 5 minutes later, I came out of the office and saw him with a bowl of water with spaghetti noodles sticking out of it. Poor guy was so hungry he tried to cook spaghetti by himself!

I love being a boy Mom. God totally knew what he was doing! The boys were in the shower and in rare form. When they were done, they ran into my office with their little clean bare butts and sang (while slapping their clean little bare butts), "We slap our butts, We slap our butts!"...

I came around the corner and said "Hey Kellan?" He got up sighed, and said "Yeah Mom, I know the drill." Sheesh! I was just going to say I loved him...

A while back when Camden started a new flag football team, he was beyond excited. I knew where the park was that they played, but didn't know the name of it. He couldn't stand it and decided it was called 'Chicken Noodle Park."...

The boys had the best Halloween. It was so great to be in our new neighborhood. Everyone was so friendly and safely passed out candy. Their pillow cases were full of candy pretty quickly. When we got back home, they got out their camping chairs and sat in the driveway handing out candy to the last of the trick or treaters. I got my chair to sit out there with them. They both looked at me, and I could tell they wanted to be big boys and sit out there by themselves. I hid me sadness that they're growing up, took my chair and went inside, and spied on them from the kitchen window...

Speaking of butts, the boys were taking a bath. I was folding laundry and could hear them having fun and playing so well together. I came around the corner just in time to hear Camden yell, "No Kellan! We don't want our butts to be itchy!" Kellan was trying to pour soap into the tub and last time they got a little rash on their butts and Camden was trying to prevent this. Hilarious to hear this from my sensible monkey...

Kellan calls outlets 'ocelets'...

Wednesday October 7th, 2020

On the way to school today, the boys were telling me what they're going to name their children.

Camden: Phoenix Big Hamburger Bun Tilley

Kellan: Bob Junior Tilley

I was having an honest heart to heart conversation about talking through feelings with a professional doctor. He was having nothing to do with it. Kellan piped up and said, "what about talking to Martha McSally?" There is definitely an election coming up...

The boys and I were talking about college and what part of the bill they'll pay for, and what I'll pay for. Kellan immediately said he'll pay for the electric bill so he can use his iPad...

Tuesday September 22nd, 2020

 I'm finishing up some work and listening to the boys video chat with their friends. It is so cute and they are having so much fun. I wonder what it's like to have friends?...

The boys were talking about the creation of Earth and people, etc. Little evil genius science boy started the topic. I asked them what the names of the people God first created were. It was silent for a minute and I started freaking out that this money on Catholic education had not been put to good use. Then Camden piped up loudly, "I know! Adam and Alexa!" While my mouth hung open in astonishment those little Tilley boys sure giggled...

I was finishing up one thing then was going to start dinner. Kellan came in and informed me he had an 'exotic' face on because he was really hungry. Sigh...

I truly thought the boys loved when I told them stories about my life growing up. We were driving and it was actually quiet in the car for a moment. Then Kellan said, "Mom? Can you please tell us another story about your lame childhood?"...

The boys love Country music and when we're listening to a song, they'll ask me if it's appropriate to ask the teacher to play the song in class. All the songs are really good with good messages, but I'll be darned if there's not one song out there that doesn't mention beer. I got sad because we were listening to a song and I started thinking that before I know it, the boys will be grown up and on their own. Camden said right away, "I'll always come visit you, Mom!" And Kellan said, "I'll come visit and drink a beer with Oscar"... Sigh...

Monday September 21st, 2020

 Little Kellan had his First Communion and Confirmation yesterday. I am so proud of him and pray every day he continues to develop a relationship with God. 

Kellan had a practice host before his First Communion. It was not consecrated and they did that when I was making my Sacrament too. It must be so kids don't make a weird face walking back to their seats. That sure didn't stop Kellan from making a face (not disrespectful) after he received the Blessed Host. Since I'm the Mom I am, I chuckled. After Mass he said the Host tastes like cheese...

That night, I told the boys to go brush their teeth. Sweet Holy Little Cow came up to me with his blue eyes to try to get out of it. He said, 'but I just had the Eucharist, and that's like brushing your teeth with Jesus!"... 

Another rotisserie chicken update. Kellan came up to me as if he had made the biggest decision of his life. No one asked him to make this decision, but he did. He solemnly said, "Mom? If I had to choose between candy and rotisserie chicken for the rest of my life, I'd choose rotisserie chicken."...

On Saturday, after  being out and about all day, I realized it was 5:46pm and Kellan had his shorts on backwards the whole day...

Kellan was laughing that his eye brows are so light blonde, you wouldn't even be able to tell if he didn't have eyebrows. I said, but eyebrows help protect our eyes from particles getting in them. He chimed in, "and also to show when you're mad!"...

Back during remote school, I'm trying to work, and the boys were goofing around. I asked them if they would be doing this at school. Camden immediately sat up straight and said "no way!". Kellan shrugged and said "eh". Hence some of the negative Class Dojo points he receives now and then. He's got so many positive points, I don't mind him being his little stinker self now and again. 

Tuesday September 8th, 2020

 Today we went back to school in person. So crazy that it's been 6 months since we've been able to do that. The boys did fantastic and I am so proud of them!

Camden came running full force down the hallway. It was close to bedtime and something must have scared him. I pleaded with him, "Camden! There is nothing in this house that can hurt you!" Kellan chimed in, "yea - not even short shorts"...

I could hear the boys having a little conversation in the living room;
Camden: Kellan - if you could be anything in the world, what would it be?
Kellan: (didn't quite hear at first). School. (maybe because the first day of in person school was the next day?) Then said 'tornado!'...

Kellan wasn't feeling well and I asked Camden to help me out and get him a Popsicle for his throat. Camden did so without giving me a hard time, so I thanked him. Camden winked at me and said, "he's our little stinker"...

Kellan just discovered there is a Hershey, Pennsylvania. Guess where he plans on living?...

I was walking towards the kitchen. Little Camden peered around his computer and smiled, "Shhh Honey! I'm on a call!"...

Fifth graders get to wear P.E. uniforms. Camden's finally arrived the other day and he couldn't be more proud to wear it. He was chatting with some school friends over the computer after class with it on, and couldn't stand it that no one commented how cool he was... 

My boys have a great vocabulary. They say scrumptious when something looks good. And not just food...

I asked Camden to clean the bathroom. I went in to check on him, and he was wiping down the mirror with his booty...sigh...

Wednesday September 2nd, 2020

 I was feeling a little down and couldn't sleep last night. I said a little prayer and just wanted a sign things were going to be ok. I went in to check on the boys snuggled safely in their beds. As I bent down to kiss little Kellan, he turned and got the biggest smile on his face. He must have been having a great dream - probably about tornadoes :) I think, as Grammy always said, "life's going to be ok". 

Kellan calls the washer and dryer 'laundry machines'. I like it!

We've been doing the Walmart pick up quite a bit lately, and it's been great. The other morning we got up and headed straight there for the pick up. Camden was mortified because Kellan was in a t-shirt and skivvies - nothing else. I was just glad he had a smile on his face. He's a happy little guy without a care in the world...

Speaking of that, I was putting the boys to bed the other night. Camden fell asleep as soon as his little head-geared head hit the pillow. Kellan was bouncing all over the place. I was exhausted so trying to calm this little cow down. He grinned from ear to ear and announced. "I just can't stop being happy!" 

Before we got Oscar and Mavey I was talking to the boys about adopting a cat. Kellan got really excited and asked if we could adopt a panda! 

Camden loves his bacon. For a kid that doesn't like chicken (especially when forced to eat it), it surprises me how much he loves other meats. We'll have it once in a while, and he calls it ba-caw-kin. Now, that's what I write it as on my shopping list as well... 

Kellan wrote our mailman a thank you note for continuing to deliver the mail during the pandemic. This was back in April. My heart was bursting and I was so proud. Especially because I'm an 85 year old woman that loves to get mail. As I was praising Kellan, Camden pulled me aside, rolled his eyes and informed me Kellan's teacher made him write this note. Here I was thinking he came up with this on his own...sigh...

Kellan was talking so I answered him. He said, "Mom! I was talking to Camden!" I sheepishly said, 'oh'. Ever my protector, Camden jumped in and cheerily said, "don't worry Mom! You can be in our next conversation!"

Wednesday August 12th, 2020

 We created a worry box to write down our worries and anxieties. Once the notes go in the worry box, the boys and I know they are with God and we don't have to stress about them anymore. Camden was very thoughtful in writing his down and understood that it wouldn't be easy to "Let Go and Let God", but it's a start and he's learning. I told the boys they didn't need to tell me what they wrote, and I wouldn't read what's in the box because I know God will take care of it. Kellan couldn't stand it, and whispered to me what he wrote "I want a retainer"...

We were talking about new school lunch boxes and that reminded me. Camden was talking about how his backpack is still perfect and usable from a couple grades ago. Kellan was proud that his 3rd grade backpack had a huge hole in it! During the last school year, Kellan had put his lunchbag on the counter as he is supposed to. What he didn't realize was I had a candle burning on that part of the counter. He left the lid up, and the candle burned a small hole right through the lunchbag. I was in the kitchen the whole time, but didn't realize what was going on until I smelled burnt lunchbag. Thank God that didn't cause a fire! Kellan felt just awful but we do laugh about it now. 

It was really windy one afternoon when I was picking the boys up from school. Kellan came out grinning from ear to ear and fascinated with the weather. He's so tiny it looked like the wind was pushing him. He thought so too because he yelled, "Look Mom! I'm Mary Kellan! You know, like Mary Poppins!"...

I have a lot of things I'd never in a million years thought I'd have to say out loud. One of them is "don't put your Tic Tac in your butter!). 

Kellan grabbed my phone and asked Siri what time he should take a 'scrub a dub in the tub'...

Kellan calls audio books 'rodeo' books... 

Tuesday August 11th, 2020

 Camden got 3 braces and his head gear today. He looks absolutely adorable, but the poor guy is worried about how he looks. Kellan has been so supportive. He only has to wear the headgear at night and around the house. He'll get used to it in no time!

My little evil genius, Kellan, was telling me the weather in Celsius this morning...

When I get to talk to the boys on the phone when they're away, the first thing Kellan asks me is if Torrey is alive...

Kellan knowingly said your facial expression is your facial logo. I think that's brilliant! 

Kellan asked me if he could see my ring. I suspiciously asked why. He replied, "so I don't have to spend any money on my future wife". I sure hope his future wife isn't reading this!

The boys were all snug in bed and I was relaxing on the couch. Out sneaks a little Kellan. Before I could even open my mouth, he got settled on the couch and said, "don't worry Mom. You can still watch Francer (Frasier)'...

At the doctor's a while back, Kellan told the doctor he felt like he was going to throw up earlier that day, so he stayed in the bathroom for about 21 minutes. Nothing like giving your doctor the exact details...

Wednesday August 5th, 2020

The boys' current favorite song is High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco.

The boys just FaceTimed me while they went number 2... I love being a boy Mom!

If I didn't know better, I'd think Kellan was pregnant. This kid gets cravings for food, and will not stop until I supply him with exactly what he's requesting. This has gone from several times of rotisserie chicken to eggs to who knows what. And don't get me started on that time in Safeway when Kellan said the word rotisserie so many times I thought Camden's head was going to explode!..

Friday July 31st, 2020

We were cracking up about a song. I was trying to tell the boys this song came out when  - and Kellan interrupted - "when you were a little Carrie?" The song was Wannabe by The Spice Girls in case anyone was wondering...

I just can't. So back in the last few days of being at school in March, I picked the boys up, and the teacher mentioned nonchalantly that Kellan 'licked a bug.' Ok, #1, why was this mentioned nonchalantly, and #2., honestly what do I do about this with Kellan? I can't work a full time job and keep him from licking bugs... Come to find out 4 months later, there's more to the story. The boys and I were talking and the bug licking came up. Kellan said, "Yea, Anasophia said she'd give me 5 bucks if I licked a bug." I took in this newly given information on a subject I had well given up on. After a few minutes of silence, I realized Anaspohia's Mom is the teacher that told me about the bug licking. Things are starting to come together on why it was mentioned nonchalantly now. Ok, feeling better - got that part cleared up. As I was about to remind Kellan that we don't lick bugs, (never thought I'd need to add that as a reminder, but, you know), Kellan said he was so mad. Mad wasn't an emotion I was expecting in this situation, but going with the flow here in Tilley Land. Kellan was so mad because Anaspohia didn't give him the 5 bucks, but one penny instead. If there is any good lesson learned here, I hope Kellan learned it...

Camden said, "Mom, one thing I like about you..." And honestly it came out as if there was ONLY one thing in the world he liked about me. He stopped mid sentence when he realized how this came out. I'll give him credit because he did gauge my reaction before he busted out laughing. We spent hours laughing at that one...

I was e-signing some documents on the house. I was clicking through and signing like crazy. Camden came in, sat on my lap, grabbed my hand to prevent me from any further signing, and proceeded to read the entire legal disclaimer before he would let me hit submit. Man I could have used that for a few things I've signed in my life!

Camden was cracking up in the kitchen. I finally decided I should check on what that was all about. His little monkey face asked me to open the freezer. I didn't see any way out of this, so I opened the freezer, and lo and behold - there's my bra. I looked down at my brown eyed giggling boy. He exclaimed - "now it's a brrrrrrra!"...

We were eating dinner back when we could eat in restaurants, and Kellan started eating my food. I immediately stopped eating so he could get as much as he wanted. He was so enjoying my meal! I mean this kid made the food look good enough to be in a commercial. I asked him if he liked it, and he said, "Oh yes! Mom! Can you please get the recipe?!" I looked at him, looked at the food and wasn't sure how to respond. The 'recipe' he was asking for was a salad with cheese and croutons....

Thursday July 23rd, 2020

Poor little Kellan threw up the other night. As I was comforting him, Mr. Camden James jumped into action. He went and started a bath for Kellan and got new jammies out. Kellan had gotten sick in my bed, so after I put everything in the wash, Camden laid out blankets on my bed without me even knowing. I didn't even realize this until everything had calmed down and Kellan was clean and in his new jammies. What an absolutely fantastic kid I have!

I checked on Kellan all night and he was just fine. When he woke up in the morning he said he felt a little sick and had the most pathetic expression. I grabbed him and held him and he said, "but I sure do like all the attention when I'm sick!"...

Camden asked for a piece of candy and said, "I think that's what the kids are calling it nowadays"...

Kellan said the worst sound in the world is the peeling of a banana. I always thought that was pretty quiet?...

A few years back I was too depressed to take our Christmas tree down after Christmas. It stayed up for quite a while. Finally, I got up the energy to take it down. This was around March, mind you. The boys begged and begged me to keep it up. This made me feel so much less guilty! They loved the tree and we kept it up all year! Forward to November. We had ordered a pizza, and when it came to the door, the pizza guy said, "Oh awesome! You already have your Christmas tree up!" The boys and I looked at each other - looked at the pizza guy - then burst into laughter. Poor pizza guy had no idea what was going on.

We were pulling into school (awhile back when things were normal - sigh). and it was really really close to 8am when school starts. As I sat in the left turn lane waiting to turn in, a TON of cars were turning right into the school. I thought my little worrier, Camden, was going to freak out that we would be late. Instead he tsk tsked, and said, "look at all these last minute shoppers."...

Wednesday July 8th, 2020

I heard the boys get up this morning and there were whispered giggles coming from the living room. I was just about to go check on this when they came bursting into my room. They stopped me before I got out of the bedroom, and Camden said, "hit it DJ!" Kellan made a record scratching motion, and MMMBop came blasting on. Best.wakeup.ever. Another reason why I keep 'em.

Poor boys. It is really tough to remind them that even though I'm home, I'm working a full time and very stressful job. It's too hot for them to play outside, so I feel for them. This morning I woke up to this on my computer screen. Inset heart breaking here.

Tuesday July 7th, 2020

Watching The Baby Sitters Club series on Netflix with my boys. My life has blissfully come full circle.

Kellan just asked me, "can we please watch TV, with all due respect?"...

Kellan was doing his project to prepare for First Communion. This project was showing we are all Christ's body and individually parts of it. Kellan asked if he was the bladder...

Kellan came out of the bedroom in just skivvies. I said, "Kellan! Go get some clothes on!" Big brother Camden rolled his eyes and said, "I offered him clothes, Mom, but he wants to be like this"...

Here I go trying to teach the boys lessons again. I asked Camden to go above and beyond. He climbed up on the kitchen counter...sigh...

When the boys sit down to eat, I always ask them to say grace. The cute little guys will sometimes hold hands on their own. This just makes my heart burst. Until one day I asked them to say grace and they giggled and asked if they should hold hands awkwardly...

Camden was joking around with me and Kellan piped up, "don't be mad at Mom. She's being an innocent cute girl." And this is why I keep them.

Kellan had a kit and made a bouncy ball planet all by himself. I was so proud of him and asked him how he felt. He replied, "Man! I feel like a woman."...

I made carrot cheesecake muffins and I told Camden I would tell him what's in the muffin once he ate it. Camden couldn't stand this, of course, and kept begging me to tell him the 'minerals'. I think he meant ingredients...

Monday July 6th, 2020

The boys are playing out in the living room while I'm stuck working. Camden suddenly yelled - "Ow! My right boob!" I then heard two Tilley boys erupt into giggles...

The boys and I were playing cards. I asked why the cards were sticky. Kellan went into a 30 minute explanation on why the cards should be sticky...

The boys came up with 'pit stop' showers. They take turns under the water as they shower and try to go as fast as possible. I listened to them speed and giggle.  They were a little chagrined when I made them march back in and take a real shower...

Kellan: Don't worry, Camden. If Mom has the coronavirus, we'll survive. Mom maybe not.

The boys are always begging for me to tell stories of my childhood when we're in the car. I was trying to tell the boys a story with a life lesson I learned. (Should've known how this would turn out). I started this great story saying how I worked at a nice little restaurant in Grand Blanc. Camden asked if it was Hooters. (100% no idea how he knows what Hooters is).

Little Kellan came running out of the shower. He was dancing around with the towel - as soaked as can be. He was in rare form and asked, "What did people dry off with before towels? Hair dryers?" Then pranced along his merry butt naked way...

We were saying our prayers and Camden, of course, always has to start the prayers. I watched him as he said the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. We usually each say a prayer. I opened my mouth to say how proud I was of him, and his big brown eyelashed eyes said, "Sorry I said all the prayers, Mom. I'm just a worshipper of God!"...

Saturday July 4th, 2020

I was trying to surprise the boys the other day and take them to a drive in movie. I was gathering a big blanket and some pillows so the boys started guessing what the surprise was. Immediately, sigh, they guessed Drive In and took all the fun out of it for me. I said, "well maybe we don't really need these items and I'm setting them out to throw you off the scent." Kellan looked at me with the most confused expression I'v ever seen and said, "You're trying to throw us off cement?!"...

Camden came in the kitchen and asked what I was cooking. I told him couscous. He looked totally confused and asked, "Goose Boobs?!" Kellan came running around the corner and said, "you're making what what?""...

I think two little guys are excited to move. They boxed up their entire room and closet all by themselves. I am so proud of them!

I fell asleep on the couch the other night. In the middle of the night a sleepy little cow came out and laid with me on the couch. I got in some snuggles then whispered, "come on Kellan, let's get back to bed." He sleepily started to move and said he had to go potty. I told him ok. I grabbed my pillow and looked over at Kellan who was whipping his bee dee bee dee out of his pants in the middle of our living room! I yelled, "Oh my gosh Kellan, no!" He looked at me still half asleep and just put his bee dee bee dee back. That was a near miss!

Friday June 26th, 2020

So working from home full time with the boys on summer break has been - ummm challenging. I know I've said this before, and they are amazing thoughtful boys, but they are 9 and 10, and I have a very demanding job. I gave them a heads up that I was getting on a call just now. I wanted to make sure they at least were warned not to come in yelling full blast for a few minutes. Little Kellan's voice from the living room called out - "Good Luck Mom! Hope you don't get fired!" Well that was the ego boost I needed for this call...

So not that Camden has many enemies, but he does call it "arch nemeny"...

Camden was pooping (go figure) and Kellan kept yelling - "Fire in the hole!" This is 100% absolutely why I keep them...

So I may be providing too much of a Catholic upbringing for the boys. Back when we were allowed out in public, Kellan wanted to ask the cashier something. He was like, "I'm going to ask that guy. What are they called, Altar Servers?" Ummmm.... cashiers...

On the way to school a few months ago when we were allowed out in public, I said, "make sure to put that in there neatly and zip up your backpack." Camden replied, "I always do, Mom," and Kellan said, "I assume she's talking to me."...

To myself I muttered, "Dude! I need to learn how to iron!" Camden's monkey ears perked up and he said, "Gridiron?"...

The most annoying sound in the world, according to my Cow, is the peeling of a banana. That, my friend, is coming from a sweet innocent person that doesn't suffer from anxiety, or the true disorder of noise issues. Even if he did though, we would help him through it and not just reprimand him for an issue. Poor Camden does have this issue, and I will never let anyone treat him badly for something out of his control.

Wednesday June 17th, 2020

The boys and I had the best car ride home last night. We all took a turn picking a song to listen to. Torrey was with us, and picked, "How Much is that Doggie in the Window." I have never heard the boys laugh so hard!

On our way up to look at the new house, we got McDonalds for the ride. I had to brake suddenly on the 17 and heard some things in the back seat slide around. After making sure the boys were ok, I asked them what fell back there. Camden sadly replied, "my fries that are french."...

We drove up to Jerome the other weekend. On the way there we noticed there was some smoke and I realized a brush fire had started along the highway. I braced myself, as my little Camden worries so much. I didn't want him to have anxiety on the trip and the fire seemed to have just started, so we would be out of the way safely. As we were passing we could see smoke in the distance. We saw fire trucks heading that way. Little anxiety boy started being a reporter on the emerging fire. He was cracking up and announcing we had a 'brosh' fire up ahead that had a lot of 'smock'. We were all cracking up. I'm so glad my Camden handled that without getting worked up.

I have the worlds best boys. They are so close and kind and thoughtful with each other. (When they're not fighting sigh). I was working in the office and the boys were playing in the living room. The TV was on in the background. I noticed the show they were watching kept pausing or something. I went out there to see what was going on. Sweet little Kellan had the remote and was fast forwarding. I asked him what he was doing, and he replied, "Camden finds this part a little scary, so I just fast forward through it." My heart burst. He did this on his own, without a second thought.

I was in the kitchen cooking, and asked Camden if he wanted some of the tomato I was cutting up. He grabbed it happily. A few minutes later I noticed he still had it in his hand. I asked him what he was doing and why he hadn't eaten it yet. He gave me his sly little grin and said "I'm carrying it around until the time's right!"...

Speaking of my sweet little boys, I sighed pretty hard the other night. Kellan grabbed my hand and said, "It's ok, Mom. I know life is hard."

Camden is very protective of me. It is so sweet, but I have to remind him to have fun being a little boy and let me take care of me. It is such a great quality of his, but I want him to be a fun loving happy little guy only and not worry about me. I had asked Kellan to do something several times, and let's just say, it was not getting done. Finally Camden yelled at Kellan to do what I had asked. I hugged Camden and said "thank you, but please let me be the parent." Camden grinned and said, "Ok! I'm the sheriff then!"...

I was letting the boys know that I talk to God all the time. Camden said, "I don't see you making the sign of the cross a lot." I explained to him that I speak to God with my heart, and God is always listening even if you don't start a prayer with the sign of the cross. He pondered this for a moment while I patted myself on the back for my excellent mothering skills. He then threw his hands up in the air, looked towards the sky and exclaimed, "what other secrets is this world keeping from me?!"...

Monday June 15th, 2020

Praise God! The offer we put on the house was accepted! I am so excited for my boys and I to get moving and settled into our new home! We are Blessed beyond belief!

Kellan sneezed and looked up incredulously. He said, I sneezed, and didn't say the 'choo' part. This took him several minutes to come to terms with...

Kellan was coughing (I promise he's not sick, this was a few days later with no coughing or sneezing in between). Anyway, Kellan was coughing and Camden asked what he got in his throat. Kellan said laughs...

The boys and I were talking about their school uniforms. I was telling them how lucky they are that the uniforms are comfortable. Camden piped up and said "we wear golf shirts, and not everyone at our school even knows how to play golf!"...

Kellan grabbed my phone and started videotaping himself. This went on for several minutes, so I finally said, "Kellan! Quit videotaping yourself!" He replied, "but I'm so beautiful!"...

Kellan really wanted to play Twister. Camden wasn't interested in playing. Kellan tried to entice Camden by telling Camden to "get his twisting pants on"...

Working full time from home with the boys on summer vacation has definitely been a challenge. They are amazing, thoughtful, respectful boys, but they don't quite get the fact that I need to work and can't play with them all day. Kellan was in my office and accidentally (at first) knocked the cords off my desk about 15 times. I finally looked at him and asked him what he could possibly be thinking about that would make him do that. He innocently replied, "I was thinking about Jesus". Oh that kid!

The other week we were able to go to St. Gabriel in drive through fashion to receive communion. I sobbed, of course. Camden and I both received communion. The Eucharistic Minister looked in the car window at Kellan and gave him the biggest smile. As we were driving away I asked Kellan if he knew that lady. He said, "yea she's a nurse at the school so we know each other." I let that one go without asking how many times he goes to the nurse with his crazy concoctions.

As we speak, I told the boys they have to separate and play in separate rooms. Currently they are at the bedroom door each sitting on one side of the door jamb. They worked the system on me...

Sunday June 14th, 2020

Just put an offer on a house seconds ago! Any prayers would be appreciated. Our family is so excited and ready for this new chapter in our lives!

Wednesday June 10th, 2020

The boys wrote, directed and starred in their own play. It's called "Crack the Code". I know I'm biased. but it is really really good! I am so proud of them!

Tuesday May 5th, 2020

Who can get the CVS pharmacist to say '"bye Camden and Kellan! Thanks for coming in" over the loudspeaker? The Tilley boys. That's who...

Monday May 4th, 2020

Camden's currently in a video conference call with his classmates. Now they're just being social and the school part is done. Little 3rd grader Kellan jumped right in and is a part of the 4th grade conversation. What a cool little 3rd grader!

Our beagle Torrey had the runs. Camden is reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Therefore, Torrey had 'diarrhea of a wimpy kid"...

The boys were on the verge of a fight. I was on my way to intervene when Camden told Kellan "learn to live with me". I backed away slowly and let them work on that one...

We went to Dunkin Donuts one Saturday back when they let us leave our houses. Kellan had his nose pressed up to the glass and asked the worker "May I please have the sparkly donut?" I think he meant the sprinkled one, but he got his point across.

I think I've wrote this one before. Kellan asked me who Sir Mix a Lot is. I said a rapper. He replied, "Like the wrapper of a lollipop?"...

The boys know I don't let them say the word hate. Instead, they can say dislike. What I realized is they say "just like", instead of dislike. For example, "I just like doing the dishes, Mom". hahaha!

Wednesday April 29th, 2020

2018

Camden is in 3rd grade at this time. I always park the car and walk both boys into school in the morning. Camden is growing up too fast and wanted me to pull up and let them out of the car in the drop off line He groaned, "Mom! Why aren't you dropping me off through the drive-thru!"...

Camden and I love that he's left handed. He takes it a little too literally though. Kellan was being a little imp, and Camden yelled, "Aha! I caught you right handed! See if you would have caught me it would be - I caught you LEFT handed". I think he means 'red' handed, but imma let this one slide...

I'm so Blessed to be able to send the boys to Catholic school Where do I draw the line at their ability to point out when God's at work though? I lost my glasses, and Kellan knowingly said, "That's God teaching you a lesson"...

The boys were peacefully in their beds and I finally sat down to regroup. A few minutes later, a not so quiet cow, tip toed out. He gauged my mood to see if I would be mad that he snuck out, or would allow this. I was too exhausted to decide. He took that as an I'll allow it and crawled into my lap to snuggle. I was just enjoying this precious moment with my son and getting ready to put his butt back in bed. He turned to me aghast and said, "Mom! We can't watch The Golden Girls! I don't like the language they use!" I doubt he'll ever say that again with how fast this little kid was put back to bed. :)

I gave the boys a night apart. I can't remember which one went to stay with Grammy and which one had to suffer at home with me. I thought they may need a little break. I love that they have each other and are so close - and I think little breaks will help keep it that way. We were just settling in for a Mom and Son night when FaceTime started ringing. It was brother calling brother. I let them talk and have their fun then realized - a break from each other was the whole point of this! Guess they didn't need a break! Best brothers ever!

We all sat down to relax on the couch. I turned on the TV and hit launch for Direct TV. Kellan, being the evil genius science boy he is, looked at me wide-eyed and asked if I just launched a missile...

Sigh... Kellan just asked me to microwave his ice cream... Sigh...

Friday April 24th, 2020

2018

In Mass I had to 'Mom Whisper' to Kellan to stop giving me facts on the sinking of the Titanic and just pray...

The boys were bored and trying to come up with something to do. I told them to use their imaginations. Kellan replied sadly, "My imagination is a blank room with no toys"...

At dinner, Camden arranged his fries and ate them in order...

Kellan was complaining about his legs hurting. I told him it was most likely growing pains. I was kind of trying to get him excited and forget the pain because that meant he was growing. He gave me an unimpressed look, hopped on the scale and said, "See? 36.4. It's not a growing pain, I weighed that yesterday"...

We were at Chili's, and Kellan yelled out, "I know this song!" Then busted out Rihanna, Please Don't Stop the Music...

Randomly Kellan said, "Arbys. We have the meats!"...

We were going through the Starbucks drive thru a little ways away from out house. Camden mused, "I think all Starbucks are the same". Kellan immediately rebutted, "Not the ones in China"...

I love my snuggly stinky little guys more than they'll ever know. I went to check on them in the middle of the night. Camden was snoring peacefully. Kellan was sideways in his bed. I tried to gently turn him so his head was on the pillow. He grabbed my arms while still sound asleep, and just held on. There was no way I was letting go...

I was telling, what I thought, was a hilarious story. I got a little hurt when the boys didn't absolutely crack up. My Camden is so protective of me and tried to come up with an explanation to make me feel better. He said, "sorry Mom! I was keeping the laugh in my brain!"...

Camden is SO the older brother. He reminds me so much of me as a kid. I often wonder how Kellan feels. He is so easygoing without a care in the world. After one of Camden's 'big-brotherness' events, I asked Kellan what he likes best about being the younger brother. Without a beat he replied, "getting everything second"...

The boys pronounce Tycoon ans Toucan. I will never ever correct them as I find this hilariously cute.

Uh.... Kellan just asked me how to spell T.V...

Wednesday April 22nd, 2020

Now we're in 2018! Yay! :)

Kellan was being a little stinker. As I was disciplining him, he kept giggling. I was getting pretty upset. He finally pleaded with me, "Mom! I'm not laughing! My brain just makes me laugh!" Well, I can't argue with that...

I love Kellan's imagination (and obsession with the Titanic). He told me earnestly that Oscar took the Titanic to Jerusalem and then chased rats...

Camden was being his good-natured little monkey self. He and I were having the best conversation and mother/son bonding time. He was cheerfully trying to explain his mood. He couldn't think of a good word so he said, "I told you I was adjective."...

We just finished saying our prayers in the car on the way to school (back when we could like leave the house and stuff), and Kellan cheerfully exclaimed, "now what should we do?"

I totally forgot about this. Good thing for notes on the iPhone. So Kellan went through a short phase where he would take his clothes off in the middle of the night. I didn't think too much about this because it truly wasn't hurting anyone, and he'd grow out of it. When I heard the boys in the morning and went to check on them, Kellan was complaining about being cold. I didn't know exactly how to put it tactfully that he wouldn't be so cold if he uh kept some clothes on. Luckily, there's a big brother Camden to jump in on this. He pretended playing a guitar and singsonged "Kellan wouldn't be so coooo-ooold if he didn't take his cloooo-ooothes off in the middle of the niiii-ght!"... Kellan looked skeptical during this presentation, but the clothes slowly but surely started staying on during the night.

I was snuggling with my cow and marveling at how darn cute he is. I asked him where he got his cuteness. He seriously thought about this and said, "I'm like Grammy. We have pearl skin"...

Kellan wishes he gave up school for lent...sigh...

Wednesday April 15th, 2020

Dude! How long was 2017?

Camden drew me for Secret Santa. Camden is the most thoughtful and caring boy I have ever known. He did get me football toys that he would enjoy for Christmas though. He wants to be sure I know he can be a little stinker too!

Little evil genius Kellan was standing still and I could tell the gears in his brain were working hard. I immediately asked him what he was up to. He replied with a devilish grin, "Ruling the world"...

The boys and I walked to the mail box so I could send out a letter. They fought over (go figure) who got to put the letter in the mail slot. Big brother Camden won. As he meticulously and carefully slid the letter in the slot, he stuck his little mouth in and whispered, "I hope that saves you money on car insurance". I was stunned, but now the boys have to whisper a message every time I mail something. And I'm an 85 year old woman obsessed with mail, so this happens quite frequently...

I told the boys no more TV for the day. As they couldn't seem to come up with anything else in the world to do, Kellan piped up, "Camden! We can watch TV in my head!"...

Camden's so proud to be a lefty. (That was my goal growing up and it has not happened). I was teaching him righty tighty lefty loosey when using a screwdriver. He thought about it, realized he wanted lefty loosey, so he switched from his right to left hand...

Kellan was being crazy at Grammy's (go figure), and Camden the old soul he is, looked at Grammy signed and said, "that's your grandson"...

There was a fun little thing going around to ask your kids some questions about yourself. Here are Kellan Hix's answers. Please note: this was like pulling teeth to get him to sit still and focus long enough to answer...

Age: 6 1/2
What is something I say a lot?: Thank you?
What makes me happy?: Me!
What makes me sad?: When I'm not listening. What makes me burp, Mom? The gas.
How tall am I?: 58 inches
How old am I?: 39 1/2
What is my favorite thing to do?: Play with us!
What is my favorite food?: Poop!
If I could go anywhere, where would it be?: Bouncy house
Do you think you could live without me?: No
How do I annoy you?: Nothing I'm serious!
What is my favorite show?: Family Guy
What's your wish for 2018?: I wish I had another dog

Then, Kellan decided to take the quiz again, but answered for Oscar our cat...

Age 6 months
What is something I say a lot?: Bad words
What makes me happy?: Me pooping in your face but I didn't mean it
What makes me sad?: When I scratch you and it hurts. I'm in my playful mood right now
How tall am I?: You're 58 thousand inches
How old am I?: 55
What is my favorite thing to do?: Sit on the couch
What is my favorite food?: Nothing
If I could go anywhere, where would it be?: It would be at home Mrs. Tooley
Do you think you could live without me?: Uh yes
How do I annoy you?: I just bite you
What is my favorite show?: My booty
What's your wish for 2018?: To have no one in this house except me

Oscar's favorite song is Sorry not Sorry (and he thinks the singer's name is Dummy Avocado)

I may or may not say the same things frequently. As we were getting ready to walk out the door for school, Camden said sweetly. "I love you sweetheart! Get your backpack on!"...

Tuesday April 14th, 2020

 A LOT happened in 2017

The boys were arguing, yelling and tattling on each other and I had had enough. I was explaining how blessed they are to have each other - but that wasn't getting me anywhere. I finally told them, "don't look at or talk to each other at school, and I'm letting Grammy know you are not allowed to be near each other when she picks you up." Kellan starts sobbing and Camden is whimpering. I looked in the rear view mirror, and Kellan grabbed Camden's hand and whispered through tears, "I miss you already, brother!"...

I was texting Cameron Garrity's step Mom, and thought one of the replies didn't quite sound like her. I realized it was Cameron texting - apparently to Camden. I handed Camden the phone and let them text back and forth for a while. At least someone in our family has friends...

We had some people over for a gathering (3 years before all this social distancing), and Kellan drew a crowd. He proceeded to tell them that Oscar has a driver's license and bites the steering wheel...

I would always write the boys little notes for their lunches. (God forbid I do that now - they're too cool for that nonsense). I got a little big in my britches and said to my boys, "You guys should write me notes for my lunches!". They both looked extremely uninterested, and Kellan said, "Yea, if anyone's going to do that, it'll be Camden."...

Monday March 30th, 2020

2017

Little Cow had a bad dream and came in to sleep with me. I snuggled this sweet little guy and within seconds he was sound asleep. To my chagrin, he was sound asleep with his elbow jammed into my thyroid and his big head suffocating me.

09/09/2017 - Came home with Oscar. And as he reminds us every day, he's now dead :(

The boys decided Torrey is a Philadelphia "Beagles" fan and Oscar is a Cleveland Browns fan because he's orange.

Little meteorologist Kellan. "Can we watch the news? I want to keep up on the hurricane."

Kellan told me he didn't like the mint toothpaste when he was young. (Keep in mind he's 6 years old while saying this).

Kellan is begging me to have a Mom & Cow night. This is when he ships Camden off to Grammy's - which Camden and Grammy don't mind in the slightest. Here is the list Kellan wants to discuss (basically everything that would freak his brother out).
Death
Strangers
Hurricanes
Volcanoes

I was kissy attacking Kellan, (because Camden won't let me). I said, "I made this cute little Cow Butt." Kellan matter of factly replied, "No, I'm made from Grammy because I have blue eyes, blonde hair and pale skin"...

Poor Kellan had an ear infection. As I was tucking him in, we were talking about how the antibiotics are helping his body fight his ear infection. He looked stunned, but sleepy, and said, "Is there going to be a battle in my ear tonight?!" I said yes, and he fell asleep with the biggest smile on his little pig pen face.

I was peacefully getting ready in my bathroom in my bra and underwear. Kellan came flying in to tell me something, then stopped dead in his tracks. I looked at him through the mirror, and asked "what". He just half grinned. I asked "what?" again. He rolled his eyes and said, "Mooooom! You have a hole right where your tailbone and gluteus meet." I looked and him and couldn't even form a question. He saw that he was speaking too intelligently for me, rolled his eyes, giggled again and said, "there's a hole in your underwear right by your buttcrack!"

Camden said, "I thinks my eyes can hear because when I plug my ears I can still hear a little."...

The boys love going to Texas Road House with Grammy. Kellan is in awe that he is allowed to throw peanut shells on the ground. Right up little pig pen's alley! The boys were talking about their adventures at the restaurant, and Kellan asked, "Is there an Arizona Road House in Texas?"...

The boys and I were at Walmart (which is stressful enough). Camden was walking behind me and got a major case of the hiccups. It drives me nuts when Walmart is crowded and people stop in the middle of the aisles - not caring about anyone else trying to get through the store. It was a particularly stressful trip, and the very frequent hiccup noises behind me were starting to get on my nerves. I finally turned around and asked Camden to hold his breath to try to get rid of the hiccups. About 5 minutes later I heard a small little voice behind me ask if he could stop holding his breath now. Poor  little purple Camden! I felt horrible. We all laugh heartily at this story now. The exaggerations grow each time we talk about it.

Speaking of toots, (I'm sure we were at one point), Kellan was talking and his voice got a little raspy. Camden asked why his voice sounded like that. Kellan thought, and said "it sounds like that for 11 seconds after I toot"...

Camden was going through our DVDs to gather some to donate. He picked up the SpongeBob Movie and said, "we can donate this one. We're a little too old for it". I replied "Hey! That's mine!"...

Saturday March 28th, 2020

It is so hard to believe I've lived the past year without my Mom - my best friend. I am so Blessed with supportive friends who have and continue to help me through this. Please pray for my boys as they, of course, are still struggling through this and missing Grammy.

Still in 2017

Our smoke alarm battery was beeping. Kellan was in the middle of a very detailed story and was getting upset over the beeping. He paused, took a calming breath and nicely asked the smoke alarm to quit interrupting him...

We got to bring up the gifts at our wonderful St. Gabriel Parish Mass. (If you are brave, please refer to 1st time Kellan ever brought up the gifts and had a run in with an usher's butt...sigh...).
When we were leaving Mass, Kellan still couldn't get over his excitement. He said, "Mom! I brought up the Jesus food and you brought up the ketchup!"...

Camden asked me why I always wear flip flops in the house. I told him I'm like Grammy - I don't want to walk around barefoot. He pondered and said, "Well she does like Barefoot Wine."...

The boys were talking about Mitzie and Muffie. Camden was bragging about how much Mitzie loved him and he was her favorite. (Luckily she's not here to verify that one). Kellan immediately called that he was Muffie's favorite. This theory started 3 years ago and is still going strong.

Kellan came barreling towards me when I picked them up from their first day of school. When he finally caught his breath he exclaimed, "Mom! There's a Kellan in kindergarten! But don't worry, he has different hair and eyes than I do." I seriously think this kid thought I would get my son confused with Kindergarten Kellan. Good thing they look different and are in different grades!

It was stormy and there was lightning. (a little side here for my Mom to laugh - It was a dark and stormy night). Ok, back to the story. The boys were fascinated with the lightning. Camden was a bit scared, but little future meteorologist Kellan, was in awe. He tooted (go figure), and at the same time an enormous lightening bolt flew through the sky. He looked at me wide eyed and asked if his toot caused that.

Speaking of toots! Camden tooted on my hand and then proceeded to tell me I had to go take a bath in tomato juice...I love my gassy guys!

Camden: My thumb hurts!
Me: What happened?
Camden: I got a cut on it
Me: How'd that happen?
Camden: Ah nature...

A word for word text from Grammy:
I just found out Kellan has a girlfriend name Cee Cee. They sit next to each other in class. Someone asked how his girlfriend was. Kellan said she's not my girlfriend anymore. My ears perked up. I asked Kellan what happened. Camden said they don't sit next to each other anymore because they were talking too much. I said, did you break up with her or did she break up with you. (Because this is very important :)) He said he broke up with her. Well... Now I have to get all the dirty details of course. After what seemed like an hour, he finally told me, GRAMMY! I told her we were BROKEN APART. I said Oh my gosh Kellan! Did you hurt her feelings?! What did she say?! He said she said Okie Dokie!

Friday March 27th, 2020

Does anyone else not know what day of the week it is because we're home and not at the office?

Still hanging out in 2017...

The boys heard that if someone yawns it's contagious and others will yawn too. ( I used to use this trick in college to see if hot guys were looking at me. They never were....they never were...). So we're all, of course, now yawning. We took a little break from this and little evil genius, Kellan, did a big exaggerated yawn, we all yawned again, and Kellan dubbed himself "The Yawnmaker"...

Kellan came running in the door shouting, "Mom! Mom! We got a password, so now we can go to Mexico!" I truly believe he meant 'passport', but who am I to question?

The boys are very respectful, thoughtful, truly good boys. But they are little boys, and I do have to remind them to continue to be these things. I was a little *ahem* frustrated that they were acting a tad ungrateful. I reminded them that not everyone has the basic things to live like we do. We are so Blessed. Camden looked at me with his black eyes and eyelashes I am jealous of and said, "I'm sorry Mom. I appreciate what 'I' do. I sputtered, and went about my day...

Camden is always using Grammy's computer printer. We were at Grammy's house and I was talking about how I needed to get a copy of my key made. Little Mister Helper Camden, grabbed the key and went to the printer to make a copy. Sweet guy could not understand why that wouldn't work...

Little Kellan was absolutely engrossed in the book 'The Day the Crayons Came Home.' I was doing the never ending laundry, and each time I walked by my little comfy cozy couch Kellan, I said "hi sweet guy!" No reply. I think I realized this on the 56th pass through. I stopped, got little blue eyes' attention, and said "um... HI KELLAN!"... He nonchalantly replied, "That's just how God made me, Mom. I'm not a 'hi' person". Well, at least he had an explanation?

Thursday March 26th, 2020

Still in 2017 (bear with me).

The boys have a football video game (go figure). Camden got an interception, and the entire game paused as if to celebrate this moment. Kellan, not to be outdone, got an interception on his next turn. The game didn't pause, and Kellan was puzzled. He asked, "why didn't it pause when I got an interception?" Then, without waiting for a response he replied to his own question, "It's probably because you're older than me Camden."

Camden asked Kellan to play with him. Kellan didn't want to. Instead of saying the - what I would assume most people would say in this situation - No, Kellan said, "I would play with you, but I'm 'it-qualified'". I think he meant 'unqualified', but even I don't know what's in that cute head of his.

Camden had a sneezing fit and said "it must be because I had soup on Friday." What?!

I was talking with the boys about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Kellan very seriously said, "I could be Santa, but I already chose NASCAR driver"...

Camden was on the pot (what else is new) and suddenly got this incredulous look on his face. I asked him what was going on. He was in awe, and told me. I will spare you (most) of the details, but Camden got his first poop toilet water splash back on his little butt.

Kellan from the backseat - "Mom? Are you driving us nuts?" Oh sweet little Cow, we're already there...

I was telling the boys about one of my friends. She has an unusual name, and the boys couldn't get over that and just listen to the story. Finally, exasperated, Kellan demanded, "but Mom! What's her front name?!"...

I made pasta for the boys and was very proud of myself. Little food connoisseur, Kellan, took one look and scoffed. "Grammy makes better bowtie pasta than this. Hers has Parmesan cheese and soil"

Back to poop, sorry. Camden averred, "all people poop once an hour." I was stunned and replied, "only you, son. Only you."

Boy Kellan sure loves his cake. He usually gets the first piece of cake at every party - whether it's his birthday or not. We were at the pool next to a birthday party. Now mind you, we did not know the people at this party nor were we invited. Kellan shows up next to me with a piece of cake. My mouth dropped, but before I could say anything, Kellan shrugged and said, "I think I have a cake tooth!"..

Wednesday March 25th, 2020

2017

I asked Kellan to make sure he eats all his lunch. He looked at me with his big blue eyes and said, "I'm eating good, Mom! I already have food in my teeth!"...

In the car, both boys wanted me to quiz them.
Kellan: Mom! You say the state, and I'll say the capital!
Camden: Mom! You say the state and I'll say the football team!

The boys went outside to play. As Camden was closing the front door he said, "Bye sweet family! I love you!"

Kellan was sitting at the dining room table and Camden walked by, paused and bowed, saying "Amen my fellow friend"...

At Kindergarten promotion, Kellan flagged me down to get a picture with Evagrace. I'm not ready for this...

We were watching the Diamondbacks back when Paul Goldschmidt played for them. Camden asked "isn't Goldschmidt the pitcher"? Kellan replied, "no, he's the batter"...

I was showing Camden and Kellan some of the pictures I've posted on Facebook and the comments from our friends. Kellan looked incredulous and asked, these people don't know us? I told him, yes, they've never met you in person, but they know who you are and can see what you're up to. He thought a minute then replied, "you mean they've only met us in flat picture?...

Camden was a grouchy little hippo while we waited for lunch. He had his head down on the placemat. I asked Camden *nicely* to sit up and put his head up. Kellan chimed in, "Yea! It's a placemat, not a Facemat!"...

Camden and Kellan are so close, but definitely have different personalities. Camden wouldn't be caught dead with any part of his school uniform out of place. Kellan, on the other hand, could not care less. When we were almost to summer vacation, Camden announced, "I'm going to make Kellan tuck his shirt in all summer for practice. I'm a good big brother, but that's going to be a lot of work!"...

Tuesday March 24th, 2020

2017

I was checking on the boys during the night. I kissed my sweet stinky Cow and went to check on my Camden. This kid growled and snapped his teeth at me in his sleep. I don't know what to make of this, so I left it alone...

Kellan was a little sad looking. I asked him what was wrong, and he replied, "My head has a headache"...

Camden kept nonchalantly throwing different sports things at me. A football (of course). tennis ball, soccer ball - then asking if it hurt...

I was trying to get the boogies out of Kellan's nose (as Grammy said, this Blog is viewer discretion advised), he was not having any of it. He pulled away and said, "that's my nose! Leave it alone Mom!"

Kellan is learning all about countries. This kid knows more countries than I've ever heard of - which may not be saying much. He is especially interested in 'Trinidad and Tomato' at the moment...

Camden had just started his first flag football league. He was beyond proud of himself. He was bragging to me about how many football players he knows. "You know Mom - like Coach Jeff". I thought maybe he was going to name current NFL players, but Coach Jeff works...

Keep in mind Kellan was 6 at this time. When someone asked him how old he is, he would say 6. He is a little old to hold up his fingers to show his age, but somehow they always pop up as well. Once when someone asked him how old he was he answered, then looked at me pale white. As I freaked out and asked him what's wrong, he replied "Mom! What happens when I'm older than my fingers?!"...

Camden was playing a basketball video game. He was doing pretty good, and needed extra compliments. He bragged, "Mom! I'm the only kid playing this basketball game! I looked at all the other names and they're not kid names".

Camden was insistent on telling me a secret, but wanted to make sure Kellan couldn't hear. Camden asked, "Can you hear me Kellan?". Kellan replied, "No!". Good enough for us!

6 year old Kellan said he wants to watch his iPad because, that's just how God made him!

Camden got a Fat Head football player poster from Grammy, and didn't want to hang it on his wall. I asked him why, and he replied, "because fat head means you're making fun of people". I told my sweet Camden that that was a brand name, and we're not making fun of anyone! Kellan piped up in the background and said, "then why do you call me that?"...

Monday March 23rd, 2020

Today is hard. This is my first birthday without making my Mom say Happy Birthday to me every 5 seconds.

2017
My boys may have got my obsession with hitting every state in the U.S. We have magnets of the United States, that we color in when we get to a new state. Kellan came up, looked at his magnet, and said, "Mom! I took a plane to Rhode Island on a field trip, so go ahead and fill in that state".....

The boys were spelling letters on each other's backs and guessing what letter was written. As Camden was writing letters on Kellan's back, Kellan guessed 'half circle' and 'money sign'. Sigh! Then Kellan proceeded to draw all numbers on Camden's back. Mr. follow all the rules didn't like that very much...

In getting ready for Kellan's birthday party (back in 2017), I told him he is going to greet everyone that comes to the party and said thank you. He whined and said "that's too many people! I guess I could get a microphone and just say it once!:.... Sigh....

I was in the kitchen and little monkey came running in. He walked to the drawer, pulled out the adult scissors, used them, and in a sing songy voice said "You're overprotectiiiive"...

Another 'this is why I keep them'. Kellan looked at me and said, "Mom, you look like you're beautiful and you like like you're cute".

Mr. always follows the rules Camden said, "Mom, we can have salami now, but not when we were in your tummy"... I think he meant salmon...

Kellan was writing his valentine's to his class. I peeked and saw, "I love you Bruce Broeker, you're cute Bruce"...

Camden (2nd grade) read the First Station of the Cross!

When I pick the boys up from school, I always try to pry on how their day was. It's like pulling teeth. Today, Kellan got in the car and said, "I tooted at school but did not smile". I laughed quietly and didn't pry anymore that day...

Little Kellan was sneezing and coughing. (Keep in mind this was 3 years before COVID-19). I asked him if he was getting a cold. He said, "No. I'm under the blanket"... Sigh...

We were all set up to play Life. I waited for the dreaded argument on who would go first. Camden piped up with, "I'll go first because I'm the role model". I turned to Kellan to see his reaction and he shrugged and agreed.

Sunday March 22nd, 2020

Yay! It's been a while since I've been able to post, computer stolen :(
Here is a backlog of cute Monkey and Cow items I've been saving up!

We are Blessed to be together during the COVID-19 epidemic. I'm asking the boys to journal every day. If they indicate in the writings they are scared at all, we stop and talk about it. We haven't had toilet paper in over 2 weeks - I'm not going to stop posting TMI now - but we do have Kleenex, each other, and are Blessed beyond belief.

2017
Kellan said we should write a thank you note to China because they make all his toys. He gets his thank you card issuing bug from me and Great Grandma Gall! *Beam*

Kellan, nonchalantly, mentioned "Mom, it's a good thing you've never been to Maine - they have a lot of lobsters!" (He's also playing to my obsession with hitting every state in the U.S.).

Little Kellan was my helper around the house. He was doing so good (and keep in mind he was 7 at this time). Then his productivity began to slow, and he asked if he could get fired. He wanted to watch T.V....

Keeping with this theme, when they boys have been super good, I have a habit of saying they have been little angels today! Kellan piped up and said, "Mom, I don't want to be an angel, I want to have fun!"...

Mister Cow was sitting on the couch enjoying his Doritos. I, of course, was talking to him, hopeful he was listening. After I *ahem* asked him nicely if he was listening, he looked at me with his big cow eyes and said, "sorry Mom! I didn't hear you because I was munching!"...

The boys couldn't believe they live at college. They got upset and said they don't want to do that! (That's fine with me, I'll home-school college my baby boys! :)) Puttin' my MSU education to work! But before I got too excited, Camden said he's going to Minnesota State and Kellan's going to "Penn-a State". Guess I'm buying two homes in two states!

Little did I realize Camden had an alarm set for 4:51am So much for a sleepy teenager. Oh and that got stopped really quickly!

Because I'm a gourmet chef, the boys and I eat out frequently. (Watch this be used against me...).  Camden insists we play tic-tac-toe. Many know my Camden is not a kisser. Camden marveled "when we play tic-tac-toe we're hugs and kisses, and I'm always a kiss!" I will take it little Cam Jams!

It was getting close to Kellan's 8th birthday. Camden said he hoped Kellan turns one on his birthday. Kellan got ridiculously mad and said, "I don't want to have the water turned into blood and splashed on me again!" I think he was referring to his Baptism, which was obviously not a pleasant memory...

On a Saturday, I was working, but told the boys I would play with them in the afternoon. Little smart Camden came in my office around 9am and asked if it was P.M. yet...