Kids say the darndest things...

Why is it that Bryan and I find it so hilarious that Evan says "pimp" instead of "shrimp?" (a fact we discovered when eating at Joe's Crab Shack last night) Is it that we're still just big, overgrown 13-year olds?

That's probably it.

Less talky, more photo...

Okay...so I had this great idea for an awesome post about all the things Evan did today that either made me laugh or amazed me. Like how he said, "Hi, Daddy!" when he saw a train. Or how he ripped the toothpick I was chewing on out from between my teeth and yelled, "NO MOUTH, MOMMY!" But then when I counted them up, it made for a REALLY long post...which would probably have only interested me. And maybe my mom. And probably my sister...if she had time to read it.

So here are some pics, instead. I think that's what keeps the crowds coming back, anyhoo... :)

Chef Evan...

Evan's to that age where he really wants to help. With everything. Even if it's not really helping. At all.

I try to let him when I can because I know that it makes him feel good and teaches him life skills that will ultimately benefit him (and me...if he ends up doing chores that I don't have to...)

Here he is cooking. He's actually mixing the marinade for the chicken we're grilling later. Those of you who eat at my house...don't worry. Evan is always closely supervised when cooking. He almost NEVER puts anything extra in there.

Evan tends to get attached to his creations, unfortunately. The marinade pictured here was especially difficult for him. When I forced him to relinquish the bowl (so I could put the chicken in...I draw the line at letting the toddler handle raw meat), he just came unglued. He kept crying, "help Mama...help Mama!"

I'm willing to bet that he may not ALWAYS be this eager to help make dinner. But then again, maybe he will.

Have I ever mentioned...

Have I ever mentioned that my boy loves shoes?

My kid's smarter than your kid...

...because he reads the dictionary for pleasure!!! Tell me THAT'S not the mark of a genius!

What? What do you mean it's upside down?

You're just jealous.

Today actually was Evan's parent-teacher conference at the Montessori. It went well...and it appears that he's definitely on track and where he should be socially and developmentally. A couple of quotes from his Family Conference Report Form (my comments to you are in parentheses):

• "Evan separates easily {in the morning at drop off} and transitions into the day smoothly." (thank goodness... he's not the whiny, crying kid anymore...)
  
• "He's aware of our schedule and routine." (translation: my OCD nature and use of a schedule at home has paid off)
• "Evan is very independent." (Evan HAS to be independent. Mommy is lazy and wants him to do things himself)
• "He chooses work from all areas of the classroom." (another thank goodness...variety IS the spice of life. No wonder he gets bored at home. We've had the same freakin' toys for months!)

Yay, Evan!

Shirt on...shirt off...

Okay. So I'm amazed by simple things. I can't help but love the ads for the Ped-Egg...even though it grosses me out a little. I still think sliced bread is the best thing since...well...sliced bread. And I'm quite certain that my family cannot live without the Zorb-eeze superabsorbent towels (are you sensing an "As Seen on TV" trend, here? I already own the "Perfect Pushup," for cryin' out loud...)

Currently I'm amazed by my sweet boy and his capacity to suddenly "do" things. Simple things...like get dressed, wash his hands, carry his bike outside. All these things are unremarkable when Bryan and I do them. Yet somehow...when carried out by my sweet baby boy, they are incredible!

I just need to teach him that you can't put clothes on OVER the clothes you are already wearing. In due time...

Product endorsement...

Do you think Evan is too young to start doing product endorsements? He's almost two...and it would be nice if he'd start helping out a little financially around here instead of just sponging off his dad and me.

I'm thinking that either Toyota or some sort of "green" product will be the most logical and natural fit. Since we got the Prius, Evan has to stop at the little nameplate on the side before he gets in and say, "hybid, hybid." For those of you who don't speak Evanese...that means "hybrid...hybrid."

He has to do it. Every time. Before he can get into the car.

Shouldn't we be able to capitalize on his obsession/environmental sensitivity?

Maybe not. I don't want us to end up like that nice Spears family from Louisiana (Britney, y'all) when fame goes horribly awry. I guess I'll just start with trying to get him to do the laundry.