Hunters Don't Kill People

My parents gave Ethan a bunch of Halloween costumes for Christmas. They make great dress-up clothes! You never know who you will find in the Halverson house each day! A couple days ago, Ethan was dressed as a hunter. He said, "I'm a hunter, so I'm gonna kill Seth." (Seth is one of my day care kids. He was dressed as a spy at that moment.)
I said, "Hunters don't kill people."
Ethan asked, "Not even bad people?"
"No. Hunters only kill animals."
"Okay. I'll wait until he's holding a puppy, then I'll shoot him."
Whoa. Very disturbing, Ethan.

Goof-Nugget!

The other day, Ethan said to me with a smile, "I like it when Evelyn calls me goof-nugget."

For those of you who don't already know, Ethan seems to have a little crush on Evelyn, a girl in his preschool class. I've watched them play together at school, and they are so sweet! This picture was taken right before their Chistmas program. Just by the look on Ethan's face, you can tell that he likes her!

Coal!

We explained "the Santa concept" a little bit more to Ethan this year. I still really want to avoid turning Christmas into a "greedy present holiday," but Santa used to visit me when I was a kid, and I turned out ok, right? Anyway, we thought we could possibly use Santa as a way to help Ethan behave, so we talked about how Santa only brings toys to good little kids and the naughty ones get coal. After having some trouble listening one day, Ethan asked me, "Is Santa gonna bring me coal?"
I responded, "I don't know. What do you think?"
He said, "Well maybe like toy coal for my grill set."
Ha! I love it! It's like he's saying, "I know I can be naughty at times. I might as well imbrace it and find a good use for the coal!"

Sneaky Ele!

Yesterday morning when Ethan woke up, he slowly poked his head out of his bedroom door, looked around, then quietly walked over to where I was sitting in the living room. He held Ele in his hand as he whispered to me, "Is Dad at work?"

I told him, "Yes."

He hopped into the chair with me, and with relief in his voice, said, "Good cuz I don't want him to see Ele. If Dad sees Ele he'll throw her away. Only you and Livi can see Ele."

It's funny, but true! Josh was getting tired of the 5-10 minute hunts for Ele every night before bed, so he told Ethan that Ele had to stay in his bed. Josh warned Ethan that if he sees Ele anywhere but his room, then he will throw her away. I, on the other hand, would never throw away such an important member of the family!This picture was taken a few weeks ago on our deer drive. It must have been right before Josh made the Ele stays in your bed rule, because somehow she was able to join us for the trip. She probably had no idea that it would be one of her last outings!

Evil Dragons and Monsters!

Ethan was sent to his room yesterday for picking on Olivia. I gave him a few minutes to cool off before going in to talk to him. I told him he had to be nice to his sister, and he responded, "Well, I'm an evil dragon so I have to be evil."
He loves to pretend, and he's been using it to his advantage to get out of trouble lately. Unfortunately for him, it doesn't work on me. I told him that even when he's pretending he still has to be nice to everyone, or at the very least make sure that the other person agrees to go along with your pretending. Of course, being the little argumentative boy that he is, he said, "Well, if there's a real evil monster, then I have to be evil to it."
Trying my best to still make a lesson out of our absurd conversation I explained to him that if he was nice to the monster, then maybe the monster would be nice to him. He seemed satisfied by that answer. We hugged, promised to be nicer, and went to apologize to Livi. As we were walking out of his room, he said, "If the monster likes my clothes, then I'll be nice to him."
What?! I thought we were finished with our be nice to everyone conversation. Apparently, if you are a monster, there are requirements that must take place before Ethan will be nice to you. And by this point, I really didn't feel like defending these make believe evil monsters anymore, so I just said, "ok!"

Welcome Home, Dad

Josh just got back from his hunting trip a few days ago, and Ethan was telling him about all the things we did while he was gone. Ethan was talking about sleeping in bed with me and a few other special little things that we do while Josh is gone. Josh said, "Does Mom let you do lots of things when Dad's not here?"
Ethan said, "Yeah, why do you come here anyway?"
Way to make him feel welcome, Ethan!

Horseyboys!

Ethan was riding his rocking horse the other day and pretending to be a cowboy. While playing he asked me, "If cowboys ride horses do horseyboys ride cows?"

Sweet Heart!

Right before putting the kids to bed on Thursday night, I realized that our movies were due at the video rental place in town. Since Josh was out, I loaded the kids in the car in their pajamas for a quick drive before bed. On our way back, Ethan was telling me all the things he had learned in school that day. He told me that they were learning about Christmas. I was really impressed with all that he actually knew. Then he asked me where Jesus is now. I told him that Jesus is in our hearts if we want him to be. He replied, "I can't see my heart cuz I have my jammies on."

Why an Elbow is an Elbow!

Some of my favorite talks with Ethan happen at bedtime. I just love snuggling in bed with him and hearing all about how he sees the world! The other night before bed he told me that he knew why an elbow was called an elbow. This is why....

"L"

"Bow"

Stripper!

The other day, Ethan was running laps in the house shouting, "I'm a stripper! Strip! Strip!"
Wondering what on earth he could be doing, I asked, "What does strip mean?"
He said, "Fire!" and continued running around the house.
Oh, okay, I guess that's better than what I orginally thought!

Bad Word

While I was at confirmation a few weeks ago, Josh was cooking supper for the kids and touched something hot. He shouted, "Sh**!"
Ethan just happened to be within earshot, and said, "Oooo....Dad.....I think that's a bad word. I like the sound of it, but I think it's a bad word."

One Task at a Time!

Ethan was going potty the other morning while I was getting Olivia ready for church in the hallway. Ethan was talking to me about dinosaurs. He told me that he wanted a Velociraptor party for his next birthday and an Allosaurus party after that. Then I heard him say, "I'm gonna be 3 then 4 then 5 then....I can't count how much I'm gonna be after that cuz I'm tuckin' in my wiener."
Typical male, can't multi-task!

Sugar!

After we finished trick-or-treating on Sunday, we let the kids have 2 pieces of candy each. When Ethan was done with his 2 pieces, he asked for another one. I explained to him that he already had his 2 pieces, but that he could try 2 pieces tomorrow. He responded, "I'll just have one tomorrow cuz I've had enough sugar already." How responsible!

My Little Boy!

Bedtime is one of my favorite times with Ethan. After we get his jammies on, take his medicine, brush his teeth, and read books, then we cuddle together for a few minutes in his bed. I get to hear about his favorite and least favorite parts of the day and anything else we feel like talking about. The other night he was being so cute and sweet, so I said to him, "Don't ever grow up! Just be my little boy forever."
Reassuringly he said to me, "I'll still always be your little boy. I'll just be a different number."
Awww! I love him!

Ethan's Dress Code

The other day when my mom came over to visit, Ethan asked her, "Grandma, are all your exciting shirts dirty?"

Attitude!

Ethan has developed quite the little attitude lately. I'm not too fond of it, and I'm really trying to put an end to it......quickly! After already having a talk with him earlier in the day for being rude to his friends, he was at it again. I reminded him, "Remember Ethan, we're having NO attitude today!"
He looked up at me with his big blue innocent eyes, and said, "Not even good attitude?"

My Little Ladies Man!

At snack the other day, I overheard Ethan telling one of the day care kids about a girl at school. He said, "Have you met Evelyn? She goes to my school. She's a nice girl. She's really cute!"
I later asked him if Evelyn was his girlfriend. (Update: Julia is not his girlfriend anymore. She still wants to be, but Ethan said no.) He responded, "No, but she's gonna be."

Daily Growth

The other day Ethan asked Josh, "Dad, are you done growing for the day?"

A Little Somthin' to Make Mommy Feel Good!

While eating lunch the other day, Ethan said, "Mom, you're better than Dad."
I was quite surprised by that comment, since Ethan has always been a Daddy's boy. I said, "Really!? Wow, that's cool! Do you mean I'm a better cooker?" (It seemed to make more sense that he was maybe just referring to my cooking, since we were eating lunch at the time.)
He responded, "You're just better. That's what I wanted to talk to you about."

Girlfriends

I was in the other room yesterday while I overheard this conversation between Ethan and our 4-year-old day care kid, Julia......
Ethan: How many girlfriends can I have, one or two?
Julia: Two
Ethan: Okay. Do you want to be my second girlfriend?
Julia: No. I want to be your first girlfriend. Maddie can be your second girlfriend.
Ethan: Suit yourself.

This is the first time Ethan has asked another girl to be his girlfriend. Little two-year-old Maddie has been coming to my day care since she was a baby, and we've always called her girlfriend Maddie so we wouldn't confuse her with cousin Maddi. Ethan and Julia played very well together yesterday, and I guess Ethan just felt compelled to ask her out! I'm impressed that he asked Julia's permission about the 2 girlfriends thing. Although, I wonder how Maddie is going to feel when she finds out!

Old Enough to Know Better?

A couple days ago, Ethan and Olivia were having trouble listening and obeying the rules. My friend's little boy was visiting that day, and he was being wonderful! I made a big deal about how good little Tyler was being, hoping that maybe Ethan and Olivia would try to be good so they could receive the same positive attention. My praises didn't go unnoticed. Immediately Ethan shouted, "I'm being good!"
I responded, "No, right now you are not being good."
Throwing his hands up, he said, "Come on! I'm just 3!"
This little guy is already way too good at talking himself out of trouble!

Sunrise Sunset

While on our way to school the other morning, Ethan said, "I see the sunset!"
I told him, "In the morning, we call it the sunrise."
He responded, "I have a swing set, and in the morning it's still called a swing set."
The wheels are always turning in that little head, aren't they!

What's Your Grandpa?

One of my day care kids was about to be picked up for the day by his grandpa. We were all talking about grandpas when Ethan asked, "What's your grandpa, Seth?"
Seth gave him a confused look, not really knowing what Ethan was asking him. Ethan explained a little more by saying, "My grandpa's a Pioneer guy."
Seth's grandpa is retired, but he explained to Ethan where his grandpa used to work. This whole time I was thinking, wow, I can't believe Ethan knew where his Grandpa Larry works. I wonder if he knows where any of his other grandparents work? So I asked, "What's your Grandpa Jeff?"
Ethan thought a second and said, "A farmer." (right again!)
"What's your Grandma Joni?"
"A horse rider." (well, pretty close, she works at a western store and likes to ride horses in her free time)
"What's your Grandma Cindy?"
"A super hero!"
"Why is she a super hero?"
"Cuz she brings books, and that's what girl super heros do. They bring books!"
"Oh ok, so she's a super hero."
"Well, actually she's a wizard."
"Why is she a wizard?"
"Cuz I like wizard shorts." (one of his favorite pairs of basketball shorts)
I'm not really sure what to make of Ethan's thoughts on my mom's occupation. I'm wondering if maybe he didn't know what she did, so he just started being goofy. For those of you who don't know, my mom sells lia sophia jewelry and runs an in-home day care. (So in a way, she sort of is a super hero and a wizard!) Just out of curiousity, I asked Ethan, "What's Dad?"
He responded, "A worker."
"Yeah, but what does he do at work."
"Just works."
"Ok. What's Mommy?"
"A player." (By the way, I'm very proud of that answer! There is no better way I would rather be spending my time right now!)
"What are you?"
"A dinosaur."
"Oh, really?! What's Livi?"
"A princess!"
"Well, you're right about that!"

Comfy Shorts!

We woke up early on Monday morning to go to Walmart and buy Ethan's school supplies. We planned on running a few errands after that, including a trip to the library. While I was getting Olivia some breakfast, I told Ethan to get dressed. He came out in a big white t-shirt and gray cotton shorts. Since there are usually lots of other families in the children's section of our library, I wanted him to wear something a little nicer. I told him, "Ethan, I think you need to find something else to wear."
He responded, "But Mom, these are my comfy shorts. Are those your comfy shorts?"
I looked down at my outfit. I was wearing a black motocross t-shirt and blue cotton shorts. Ok......point taken! Needless to say, neither one of us changed!

Broken Book!

Lately, after I finish reading a book to Ethan, he "reads" it to me. I know he doesn't know how to read yet, but you would be amazed at how much he can memorize after only hearing it a few times! The other night, we were reading the classic, "Brown Bear Brown Bear." When it was his turn to read it, he stopped on the page with the blue horse and just sat quietly looking at it for awhile. Then he said, "Mom, the horse is looking down."
I said, "Yep, it is," keeping my answer short, thinking he was just stalling bedtime.
"But Mom, the horse is looking down!"
"Yep, that's right."
"Well, maybe we'll have to get a new book then."
"What?.......Why?.......Oooohhh! You are so smart, buddy!" For those of you who are unfamiliar with the book, it says, "I see a blue horse looking at me." And well, in the picture the horse isn't looking at us, so I guess we need a new book! Man, my little guy doesn't miss anything, does he?!

He's Gonna Shoot!

The other day, Ethan ran up to me with one of his pretend guns and shouted, "Hands up!"
I put my hands up, and then he shot me anyway! I lowered my hands and said, "Hey! I put my hands up. You can't shoot me if I put my hands up!"
He thought about it for a second, pointed the gun at me again and said, "Hands down!"
I bet you've never heard a robber shout that before!

Another Elefriend Story!

After nap, Ethan always cuddles with me in the rocking chair for a bit while he finishes waking up. I cherish those few minutes of snuggle time and hope that he NEVER outgrows it! The other day, as we were finishing up "cuddle time," Ethan hopped off my lap, and started walking towards some toys. He stopped, turned around, handed me Elefriend,and said, "Mom, can you take care of Ele for me.......cuz you are her grandma, you know?

What are Mushrooms Made Out Of?

While the kids were eating their afternoon snack the other day, I took the opportunity to put together a pan of potatoes for supper. Ethan finished his snack just as I was throwing a couple cans of mushrooms into the potatoes. Since Ethan LOVES mushrooms, he had to come over and swipe a few from me! As he was eating them, he said, "Did you know that mushrooms are made out of pineapple?"
Well, Ethan has been known to come up with some pretty tall tales, so I just chuckled, and said, "I don't think so."
Acting I little offended that I didn't believe him, he said, "No, Mom! They are! Look!" And he pointed to the label on the mushroom can.
That's when the light bulb turned on over my head! I ran to the pantry and pulled out a can of pineapples! Same brand! How'd he get so smart?!

Turtle Power!

Ethan and I were goofing around while getting ready for bed the other night. He was squirming around on the bed, and I threw a pillow on him. I expected him to throw it back and maybe start a friendly pillow fight. Instead, he looked up at me with a satisfied grin and stated, "I'm a turtle in a half shell!" What a crack-up!

Here he is, proudly wearing his half shell!

The Elefriend Search!

Our nap time routine is pretty much always the same......potty, books, hug, kiss, say I love you, close the door, then hear Ethan holler, "You forgot Ele!" And not wanting to have to start the tucking in process all over again, I go looking for that silly blanket/elephant myself. This is how our conversation went a few days ago during the elefriend search....
I asked, "Where is she?" (He's usually pretty good at telling us exactly where he left it.)
He responded, "In the living room."
"Where in the living room?"
"Behind the waterfall."
"Where!?!"
"Behind the waterfall across from the dance."
"We don't have those things in our living room."
"Just pretend, Mom!"
Surprisingly, I went straight to Ele. (Behind the couch.) I guess I have a little imagination left in me still!

Growing Into It!

Josh recently ordered everyone in the family some new motocross t-shirts. Unfortunately, the site he ordered them from didn't have anything left in Ethan's size. Josh bought him a size 4-6 knowing that he would eventually grow into it, and in the meantime, he could wear it as pajamas. They came in the mail yesterday. Ethan was so excited! He wore his shirt around the house for the rest of the day. He also admired the t-shirts Josh had ordered for himself. Josh didn't get in until late yesterday, because he mowed the yard after work. He came inside just as Ethan was going to bed. He asked Ethan if he liked his new shirt. This was Ethan's response, "Yeah! But it's too big for me. It's just a jammie shirt, or I can just grow into it. When I grow up, you can give me your shirts, and when you grow down, I will give you my shirts. Then when you grow up again, I will give you your shirts back."
This actually isn't the first time that Ethan has talked about growing up and down. He talks a lot about when he used to be big or how he will be little like Livi again some day. I don't know where he comes up with this stuff!

"Morning" Dove

While getting out of the car on Sunday morning after church, Ethan heard the trade mark Ooo Wah Ooo of a mourning dove. He asked Josh about the noise.
Josh told him that it was a mourning dove.
"Oh," Ethan replied, "What does a night dove say?"

What Did You Say?

As we were sitting down to eat supper the other night, Ethan rudely shouted, "Where's my f***in' milk?!"
Josh and I stared at each other, both wondering the same thing, what did he just say?
Then a light bulb clicked on for Josh as he stood up and said, "Fork. And. Milk!"
Ooooohhhh! Much better! I would have much rather heard, Dad, can you please bring me a fork and some milk? But I guess anything is better than what we first thought he said!

How High?

While pushing Ethan on the swing that other day, he created his very own measuring system to let me know how high he wanted to be pushed.
Here it is from lowest to highest:
As high as an eel jumps out of the water
As high as a bass fish jumps out of the water
As high as a bluegill jumps out of the water
As high as a dolphin jumps out of the water
As high as a dragon flies

Why a Sister?!

Ethan loves his little sister.....sometimes a little too much! He likes to get right in her face and make goofy noises. I don't know why he does it all the time, because it's obvious that Olivia hates it. She always whines and pushes him away. Then I always have to say, "Ethan stay out of your sister's space. She doesn't like that."
One time after such an event, Ethan said, "Why does someone have to have a sister? Did I ask for a sister?"
A little surprised by that comment and wondering what he would say next, I responded, "Did you?"
He said, "No! I asked for a brother! You didn't give me a brother! You just gave me a sister! Why?!"
I think I said something like, "Well, I can't make that choice. God gave you a sister, and we love her, don't we."

Drunk Daddy

Ethan showed me one of his toy teacups and asked, "Hey Mom, is this wine?"
Josh and I don't drink wine, so wondering where he even heard of it, I said, "Wine? What's wine?"
Matter of factly he stated, "It's what you drink when you get drunk."
What!? How does he even know what drunk is? Staying calm, I asked, "Who do you know that drinks wine?"
"Dad."
"I don't think Dad drinks wine."
"Yes he does."
"When?"
"When he gets drunk?"
Josh claims he's innocent!

Self-Esteem Push!

Our swingset in the backyard has become the summer hot spot! I enjoy playing with the kids on it everyday, but there is a certain phrase that is getting really old, really fast.......push me! Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy pushing the kids on the swings. It's just the whiny way they say it sort of makes my ears ring a little. So I told them that every time they needed a push, all they had to say was you're SO pretty! Hey, might as well get a little self-esteem boost while I'm at it, right!?
Ethan decided he wanted to change it up. (maybe he doesn't think I'm pretty?) He started saying, "You're SO cool!" everytime he needed a push.
Wondering why he changed it and a little impressed that he thinks I'm cool, I said, "I'm cool? Thanks!"
He responded, "Yeah, you're cool like Daddy and me. You have super powers now!"

Ethan's Prayer

While we were playing outside yesterday afternoon, I saw Ethan and Maddie standing against the shed with their hands folded and their heads down. Ethan was leading them in prayer, "Thank you for watching over me at night and thank you for angels that watch over me at night and I wish I wish with all my heart to fly with dragons in the land of heart. Amen."
(For those of you who don't watch PBS kids, he ended his prayer with a quote from Dragon Tales. Except in Dragon Tales, they say, in the land a part, not in the land of heart. We've only watched the show a few times. I actually thought it was, the land of heart. But Josh, the Dragon Tales expert, informed us that we were saying it wrong.)

The Greatest Compliment!

I had a very fun day with the kids! We went to story time this morning at church. Then we met up with some friends in Ames, ate lunch at Jimmy John's, walked around the mall, played at their kiddyland, and visited a park near the mall until it started raining. This is how Ethan and I's conversation went on the way home:
"Mom, can we go to Dylan's house next?"
"No, Honey. He's not home."
"Well, where is he?"
"He's at day care."
"Well where's his mom and dad?"
"At work."
"Then who took him to day care?"
"His Mommy took him. Then she had to go to work."
"Then who's watching him?"
"The day care lady."
"Oh, I see."
"Do you wish you could go to day care?"
"No, I want you to stay with me and protect me and keep me from getting into trouble and help me not to crash into things when I walk around with my eyes closed."
Such a simple conversation, but so sweet! It feels so good to be wanted and needed. I LOVE MY JOB!

Creative Hair Styling

Shortly after Ethan woke up yesterday morning, he looked in the mirror at his bed head and said, "Look at my duck tail. I did it in my bed last night."
I was impressed with his creative, and somewhat accurate, way of describing his hair at that very moment!

Judging a Bear by Its Cover!

Ethan and I were playing with his stuffed animals a couple of days ago. He had a little bear in each hand. He held up one and said, "This one's more cuter." Then he handed me the other bear, and said, "You can take care of him."
Oh, so I get the ugly one?!

Our Muscular Family!

I've been working out a little these past couple of weeks, and yesterday afternoon I showed Josh my new arm muscles. He then flexed his. I think he was trying to show off, but honestly, I thought mine were better! (hehe!) I turned to Ethan, and asked, "Hey Ethan, who's muscles are bigger....Mom's or Dad's?"
Then Ethan flexed his own arms, and said, "Mine!"

Ethan's Calming Time!

When I was pregnant with Olivia, Ethan and I got into a routine of watching a little TV right after he woke up in the morning and right after he woke up from his afternoon nap . This was mainly because I was so tired during my pregnancy that I needed those few minutes to get myself going again. Well, our TV time has continued to this day, because Ethan LOVES routine. We actually tried to get rid of our TV time awhile back, and there was a huge meltdown. Well, the other morning, as part of our normal routine, Ethan and I were cuddled in the rocking chair, watching the theme song to Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles, and he said, "Ahhh! This song really calms me down!"

Who's Crazier?

I get cold really easily, so when I put a sweatshirt on yesterday while everyone else was in shorts and a t-shirt, Josh said, "Ethan and Olivia, your mom is crazy!"
Ethan responded, "Yeah, more than I am!"

More Potty Humor!

One of Grandpa Jeff's toilet seats has a crack in it. After Ethan finished using it last weekend, he said to me, "Mom the seat is gonna hatch."

Batman - 3 Year Old Style

While playing Batman with Ethan last weekend, he said to me, "We're on a permission!"
(That must be a mission in which you must ask your mom before going.)

It Doesn't Make "Scents!"

In the car, on our way to Grandpa Jeff's house this weekend, we passed an area that smelled like pig poop. Ethan took a big breath through his nose and announced, "Mmmmm! Smells like someone's grillin'!"
A bit shocked, Josh asked, "Is this what it smells like when Dad grills?"
Still acting as if he was enjoying the smell, Ethan said, "Yeah!"

Anatomy Lesson

Yesterday morning Ethan asked me, "Mom, why does my wiener have a hole?"
Just matter of factly, I said, "So the pee can come out."
He responded, "Oh and my butt hole is for poop."
Still trying to keep our anatomy lesson as serious as possible, I said, "Yep, that's right."
He thought for a second before asking, "So then what's my belly button for?"
I didn't say anything, wondering what he maybe thought it was for.
He started squishing it and pretending to make it talk and said, "This is what it's for."
I said, "Sure!"

Ethan's Prayer!

We have a few table prayers that we say before meals, but we usually just speak from our heart the other times. Ethan said a little prayer last night while we were celebrating the anniversary of Olivia's baptism. It was just so sweet. I tried to remember as much as I could.....
I do all that I need and I help Olivia and for giving me the sun and the rain and the appleseed and for giving me and for giving me and Olivia. Amen!

Counting! (Ethan Style!)

Last night at supper Ethan said to Josh, "Dad I'm gonna have three bites cuz I'm three. I'm three, Dad. Did you know that?"
Josh responded, "Yes, I know you're three. How old am I?"
"Ummm....1?"
"Higher!"
"5?"
"Higher!"
"7?"
"Higher!"
"J?"
I couldn't help it. I just burst out laughing! So for those of you who didn't know....J is higher than 7!

A Science Lesson from a Preschooler!

The hotel pool was a big hit on our vacation! The first time we went swimming, there were lots of other people in the pool already. But the next day, there wasn't anyone in the pool when we got there. Ethan asked Josh, "Dad, how come that water changed to ice?" (The water was smooth, no waves.) Then later he told me, "To change the ice to water again, you just jump in!" He's going to be in for a big disappointment when he tries that this winter at the pond!

It's the Way You Say It!

One day last week after Josh arrived home from work, he was standing in the kitchen with me trying to tell me about his day. Of course, Ethan kept interrupting with stories of his own. Between sentences, Josh shrugged him off with a sarcastic, I don't really care tone, "That's great, Ethan."
I gave Josh the, "Josh!" with the disapproving tone and glare.
Ethan gave me a confused look, and said, "What, Mom? He said that's great?"
Here I was trying to protect Ethan from Josh's sarcastic tone, but I should have known that, like all other men, he wouldn't understand that sometimes it's not what you say, it's the way you say it! (Right, Grandpa Larry!)

Ethan's Dream!

After Josh told me about his dream, Ethan decided to tell us about his dream. After he rambled on for a few minutes, Josh said, "You really need to be recording this!" This is just one minute of his story. It went on for quite a while afterwards! What an imagination!

Canopy?

The other night, I was showing Josh a few different outdoor play yards in a magazine. I said, "And this one has a canopy."
Ethan jumped up and shouted, "Can of pee?!" He was just dumbfounded that a child's play yard would come with a "can of pee." I was laughing so hard, I couldn't even explain it to him!

Coke What?

Josh drinks coke on a regular basis, and sometimes calls it Coca Cola Classic. The other night at supper Ethan asked, "Dad are you drinking coke full of classic?"

I Blame Bob the Builder!

When we were on our walk on Saturday, (walks have become part of our daily routine now that it's nicer outside) we passed a construction site with lots of big trucks and machinery. I pointed them out to Ethan, knowing he would LOVE them!
Unimpressed, he said, "Yeah, but they're not doing anything."
I went on to explain that they probably had the day off since it's Saturday.
He thought for a moment before saying, "But what are they doing?"
I said, "Well, maybe they are going for a walk with their friends, just like us."
Now more confused than before, Ethan said, "Trucks can walk?!"
Oh! He was talking about the trucks; I was talking about the workers! I should have known that a three-year-old who watches Bob the Builder would think that the trucks needed a day off to have fun too!

Just Say Words!

Ethan will sometimes say phrases that have nothing to do with what we are talking about and sometimes they just don't make any sense at all! When he does this, Josh and I tell him, "Ethan, sometimes do you just say words?" Yesterday afternoon was one of those "just saying words" moments.
Josh brought a gun upstairs to clean it, and Ethan said, "No shooting in the house, Dad."
I agree with that rule, but I've never said that before. Ethan has lots of nerf guns that he shoots in the house all the time. Wondering what made him say that, I said, "Who taught you that?"
He responded, "Just forget about it."
What?! Does he even know what that means? I didn't think he did, so I said, "Forget about what?"
Then he said, "You and Livi making cute and me and Dad making awesome."
Awww! Cute! But very random! Ethan, sometimes do you just say words?

The Difference Between a Toot and a Fart!

I know, I know, you gotta love the topics that come up in the Halverson household! Ethan told me Monday afternoon that, "A toot is a little one, and a fart is big."

How Did God Get Here?

A lot of our books lately have talked about God always being with us and how we can always come to Him in prayer. Ethan is still a little confused about where God actually is since he can't see Him. On Monday, I caught him singing a made up song about God being in our house. I was quite impressed, so I said, "That's a great song, Ethan! God is in our house!"
Then Ethan asked me, "Yeah, did he ride a donkey here?"
Hmmmm? Well....ok......kind of......when he came down to Earth as Jesus he rode a donkey.....and now His Spirit is with us.......does His Spirit ride a donkey?......well? Can anyone else answer that one?

More Wiener Talk!

Josh has found a great way to get Ethan to eat healthy foods. I'm not proud to admit this, but........he tells him that good foods will help make his wiener grow big. So at supper tonight, Josh was telling Ethan to eat his carrots so he can get a big wiener. Most nights it works like a charm, but tonight was different. Ethan sat there for a moment, just thinking before he said, "We should go to the wiener store and get me a big wiener." Really!? The wiener store, huh! If a store like that really does exist, I'm sure it's not appropriate for a 3 year old! By the way, he did finish his carrots, so I guess we won't have to go to the wiener store after all!

He Knows!

I was setting the table last night for supper as Josh was finishing up the grilling outside. I looked over to see Ethan sitting in his chair at the table poking at the buns. I told him to stop and gave him a different task to hopefully hold his attention while I finished getting everything ready for supper. I looked over a minute later to see him poking at the buns again. This time I wasn't as calm as I shouted, "Ethan!"
He looked up at me with his sweet, innocent face and said, "Mom, I'm three. I don't know what I do!"

How a Baby is Born

Well, I'm finally caught up with all the Ethan Expressions of the past. Now it's time to post current ones! This morning Ethan was asking me about a friend of ours who's pregnant. He asked, "Will her tummy get really big, and then the baby will just POP OUT?!"
Not really wanting to get into "all that" yet, I asked, "Well, how did you come out of Mommy's tummy?"
He responded, "You just lifted up your shirt, and I flew out! Then you caught me and put me on the floor so I could walk."
Oh, if only it were that simple!

March 29, 2010

Josh was out with some work friends and I was getting supper ready for the kids. Ethan asked for a left over hamburger, oranges, and pickles. I tossed a handful of shredded cheddar on Olivia's high chair to keep her busy while I got everything ready. Before I put the cheese away, I put a handful on Ethan's plate, because I knew he liked it too. But when I handed him his plate, he said, "Hey! I didn't ask for any cheese!" He's going through that "I'm in charge" stage.
I tried to remain calm as I said, "Okay, you don't have to eat it if you don't want it. I put it there because I thought you liked cheese."
After he thought things through a bit, he realized that he did in fact like cheese and he would like to eat it. He felt bad for whining at me, so he said, "Sorry, Mom, I didn't mean to get all up in your junk."
I, of course, didn't believe what I had just heard and asked him to repeat himself. Yep, that's what he said alright! I'm still trying to figure out where he learned that one!

March 29, 2010

I still can't figure out what made him think of this, but as I was fixing my hair the other morning, Ethan came up to me and said, "Mommy, do you remember when I was in your tummy and made it really big?........I should do that again sometime."

March 27, 2010

As I was getting Ethan buckled into the carseat, he looked at me, and totally out of the blue said, "Mommy, my wiener is big for my age!"

This picture was taken earlier that same day!

March 14, 2010

Only a few blocks from our house, there are two big, wooden cardinals hanging on a fence post. Ethan always gets really excited when we pass them, and he points them out to us every time! And as we drove past them on our way to get our professional pictures taken, he pointed them out yet again. "Look! Cardinals! They're my favorite bird!"
I then responded, "Bluejays are my favorite because they're pretty and mean, just like Mommy....right, Ethan." I was obviously fishing for a compliment at this point about how super nice I am!
Instead he smiled and said, "No, Mom......you're not pretty!"

March 11, 2010

Ethan and one of the day care kids were playing nicely in our little Fisher-Price house when Olivia decided she wanted to get in on the action. The other day care kid didn't want Olivia spoiling their fun, so he said, "Get out of here, Livi! Go away! You can't play with us!" Then he started to push her out of the house.
Before I even had the chance to go over and intervene, Ethan stood between the little boy and Olivia and said, "That's my sister! You can't talk naughty to her!" What a great big brother! I hope he's always there to protect her!

March 2, 2010

Tattling has become a big issue in our house lately. I'm happy that the kids would rather use their words than their fists, but I still think that some things just don't need to be said. I can only take so much, "Mommy, Kaylen touched me!" So I've been trying to teach the kids the difference between tattling and letting me know about a true emergency.
While I was feeding Olivia, Ethan came up to me and said, "Mommy!" in his tattling, whiny voice. Before I could even let him finish, I said, "Ethan, are you going to tattle?"
His voice got really serious and not at all whiny as he said, "Mom, someone hit my girlfriend, and that's an emergency!"

February 28, 2010

After Josh gave Ethan a compliment, Ethan said, "Awww! Thanks, Dad! That hurts my feelings good!"

November 18, 2009

We have a little girl, Kamrynn, that comes to my day care twice a week who is hearing impaired. She can hear okay with hearing aides, but she also knows a little sign language. Ethan has really enjoyed learning how to sign with her. One day while having our afternoon snack, Ethan asked her, "How do you burp in sign language?"

This picture was taken about 2 weeks before Ethan's question. Kamrynn is the little girl in the top right.

November 16, 2009

Ethan had just been diagnosed with RSV, so Josh and I were trying to keep the kids apart as much as possible in hopes that Olivia wouldn't get it too. Josh and Ethan were downstairs playing in the family room while Olivia and I hung out upstairs. When the boys came up for their snack, Ethan was wearing Josh's dirtbike helmet, goggles, and gloves. He told me he was pretending to be Chad Reed. (For those of you who don't know, Chad Reed is a famous dirtbike rider!) I hadn't seen my little man for most of the day, so I asked him to come over and give me a hug. Very seriously he responded, "I'm sorry, Mommy. I can't hug you cuz I'm Chad Reed and dirtbike riders don't hug people."

Around 2.5 Years Old

I'm unsure of the exact dates of these next few comments, because I failed to write them down after he said them. I know that they were all said around the time when he was 2.5 years old.

I caught Ethan posing in the full length mirror and saying, "I got this body on Nutri-System!"

After singing a few Christian songs with the kids, one of the day care kids asked me where Jesus lives. I told him that he lives in our hearts. Ethan responded, "No, He doesn't!" Understanding that his literal thinking mind might find it creepy to have a person living in his heart, I asked Ethan where he thought Jesus lived. He said, "On an Iowa Public Television program.

Ethan felt a bug bite on the back of his neck and told me, "I think I have a nipple back here, Mom. I'm gonna bute it. Bute! Bute!" (For those of you who don't know, a "nipple bute" is when you gently pinch a nipple and say, "Bute.")

At a friend's birthday party, someone told Ethan that they liked his big blue eyes, he responded, "You can't have them!"

March 6, 2009

While flushing his poop down the potty, Ethan waved at it and said, "Bye poop! See ya Monday!" Hmmm? Does he think he'll see the same poop in three days, or does he think he'll go until Monday without pooping again?

January 2, 2009

We were really working on the whole potty training thing, and Ethan was getting treats every time he stayed dry and went in the potty. One time after he finished his business he asked for two treats! I said, "Two treats! Who do you think you are?!" Without skipping a beat he responded, "I'm Monsterman!"
This picture was taken a day before his self-proclamation.

November 4, 2008

On election day, Josh and I strapped Ethan in his car seat, and told him we were going bye-bye to vote. Ethan seemed oddly excited about the whole thing. I assumed it was just because he wanted to get out of the house. Ethan read a book on my lap while I voted, and then we waited a couple minutes by the front door while Josh finished up. As we were waiting by the door, Ethan was really checking everything out. He saw an open staircase and balcony that a few people had walked down. He pointed to it, and said, "Stairs, Mommy, try it, boat?" That's when it finally clicked for me! Ethan was excited to "go vote," because he thought we were going to "go boat!" I couldn't help but laugh as I tried to explain it to him.
This was taken just moments before we went to go boat.....I mean vote!

June 3, 2008

One afternoon Ethan was getting really antsy and wanted to go outside. I was watching a few different babies at the time, and I didn't really want to take them out. I knew their parents would pick them up soon, so I told Ethan he could play outside once his friends went home. He turned to the babies and said, "Bye-bye!"
This picture was taken 3 days later. He LOVED playing in the backyard, and he still does to this day!

May 11, 2008

We had just settled into a booth at Cheddar's after spending an exciting afternoon with Josh's family. Ethan took a BIG drink of water from his sippy cup, and Josh asked him, "How's your water, Ethan?" Ethan responded, "Wet!" And that was the first of our little man's witty comments!
Here's a picture of him at the science center, just hours before the comment!