Quiet Time Dilemma

I need advice!!

The past couple weeks I've been having my kids go to their rooms for "quiet time." This means that for a half hour they go up in their room, close the door, and play with toys quietly in their rooms.

Here is the problem: Chase spends almost the whole half hour either crying or coming out of her room to use the bathroom. Ryder is a perfect angel. He could probably spend a full hour in his room playing by himself.

So, my question is: what should Chase be doing? I've given her special toys, different toys each time, etc. But, I don't think she knows how to play by herself! How can you even teach this? Your suggestions are appreciated!

Verbal Gems

I had to post this for posterity/grandparents!

I know I just posted about Ryder, but this kid is really cracking me up!

Top 3 awesome things he's said this week:

1) Me: Ryder are you going to get married someday?

R: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! What did I tell you? What did I tell you?! I'm not getting married! :)

2) Chase was dancing around the kitchen and Ryder observed and said, "Great dancing Chase, bravo! Bravo!" (Where does he learn this?)

3) Our family was in the kitchen doing different activities: coloring, baking, drawing, playing with toys, and Ryder stops coloring to make some awesome remarks. :)

Ryder: We live in a dirty house.

Rocky: Who makes it a dirty house?

Ryder: The kids.

At least the kid is honest! haha

My Little Hero!

Lately I have really enjoyed Ryder. I know that sounds like an awful/odd statement, but I have enjoyed watching him learn new things, mature, and say some funny things. :) He really is a sweetheart, but I think back to the terrible twos, (and, let's face it, the not-so-pleasant threes) and it amazes me how much he has progressed.


















Ryder has such a funny sense of humor. Today he was talking about what would happen if he didn't have a mommy or daddy [some positives and some negatives :) ] But, he said, "If I didn't have a mommy, then who would wipe my bum?" Lol!


















When we went to pick Ryder up from preschool today, he showed me this cute sticker he had earned for being good. He then proceeded to put in on Chase's shirt because he had missed her so much! (15 minutes later they were fighting, but that's a different post!) He really is a sweet brother to Chase, and I'm excited to see how the receive our new baby GIRL!! :) They've already started to kiss my belly and say "Nice baby," as they pat it. haha



















Ryder really was my hero today because when I was buckling them in the car after preschool I accidently locked the keys in the car with both of them buckled in. So, I had to have Ryder get out of his booster seat, climb into the front seat (child safety locks), and unlock the door. He did it!! It only took about 5 minutes, which saved me time and cash! Thank you Ryder buddy! :)

P.S. No, this is not a recent picture of us (I will post a new one in 6-12 months time).