Photo Wall Answers

Thanks for you compliments on my photo wall.  A couple of you asked what the photos are printed on.  I ordered the photos on matboard so that they would stand up in my little shelf.  And, yes, I made those ledges myself.  (Well, my brother *may* have helped some too.)  The small photos are 5X7 and the large ones are 16X20.  Over time I plan on adding/subtracting/changing the photos.  What ever suits my fancy.  That's one of the things I like most about this is I can change it all around it won't be expensive or leave holes in the wall!

Thanks, too, for sharing with me what your favorite part of your home is.

Photo Wall

Over the course of the last 3 years I've done a few things to our home to give it a much needed "face lift".  Our house was built in 1979 and in many ways it still looks like 1979.  But we're working on that a little at a time.  Most of the rooms have been painted now.  Amazing how much of a difference that makes.  The project that I'm most proud of, though, is my photo wall in the kitchen eating area.  Sometimes I just sit and look at these photos and take a little trip down memory lane.  This area makes me smile like no other.

1.  July 2007 - J was 15 months old and we had just moved back to TX.  I took him out to a local park one  day for fresh air and a photo shoot.  He started walking for the first time as we were out there.  Talk about being feeling lucky!  He was all dressed up in a cute little outfit, I had my camera in hand, and we were at a great place for taking pictures.  I was so proud of my little boy.

2.  April 2010 - J's "official" 4 year old photo.

3.  July 2010 - summer fun.  J was 4 yrs 3 mo and Lia was one month shy of 2 years.

4.  October 2008 - Lia's first church convention.  J was 2 1/2 yrs, L was 3 weeks.  Texarkana, TX

5.  March 2010 - J 4 yrs, L 18 mo

6.  May 2007 - J 1 yr.  David had just moved to TX but J and I were still in FL trying to sell our house there.  This was taken one Sunday evening when we went for a walk on the beach with my In-Laws.  I wanted to send some pictures to David to make him smile.  I'm not sure if that was the result, though, or if it just made him home-sick.

7.  May 2009 - L 8 mo.  Lia in her "Heelarious" shoes.  Yes, at 8 months I had a pair of zebra striped stilettos for her! ;)  The girl loves shoes.  I'm not sure where she gets that from.  Of course at 8 months she was really more interested in eating them than wearing them.

8.  September 2010 - L's "official" 2 yr photo.

9.  March 2010 - L 18 mo.  I feel myself relaxing when I look at this photo.  I don't see her spunk and personality here, I just see beauty and perfection.

10.  June 2009 - L 9 mo.  A friend of mine came out with me to do Lia's 9 mo shoot.  At the end of our session we just sat down to relax and yack a bit.  Teresa happen to have my camera in her hand at this point and shot this as Lia was relaxing on me.  This is another photo that I physically feel peace washing over me as I look at it.

11.  2009 - J 3 yrs - Taken one day at Teresa's house.  It was a beautiful day out and J was running around in true little boy fashion.  This just makes me happy.

Now you've all had a little stroll down my memory lane too.  Thanks!

What's your favorite spot in your house?

WHAT??

You mean to tell me this is the last day of 2010??

I feel kind of how Lia looks in this photo.  Shocked that this year is over.  There have been days when I've felt as out of control of my life/feelings as her hair.  I've had a cut that has left a scab on my heart, just as there is a small scab on her forehead.  I've had sleepless nights that have left bags under my eyes.  But...look at the overall picture - what I see is a beautiful little girl beneath the minor temporary imperfections.  She's happy and she brings so much joy to so many people.  She's quick with a smile and loves to laugh. I'm getting closer and closer to being that girl too.  Back to the "old" Kristen.  2011is going to be a great year!!

Dancing Partner

Grief has been my dancing partner these last few days and I'd really like for him to go away.  I'm ready for a new partner and a new song.

Life's A Dance

...and when you're dancing with Daddy, you know it's all going to be OK

There is deeper meaning to this post than just what you see in the pictures.  I am thankful for what this represents to me.

Shoot Me!: 28 Thanksgiving version

"Chocca-Chocca" Choo Choo

With all the cute holiday decorating ideas floating around I decided it would be great fun for the kids and I to build a gingerbread train.  Off I went to the store to get the goodies to put one together.  I had such visions in my head of exactly how this was going to go. Weeeeeeell...it didn't exactly work out how I'd planned, but we did have fun.  The project did take about 3 days to complete.  But this is me we're talking about.  I do not have a "crafty" bone in my body.  I want to, I try to, but it just doesn't work for me.  I have my Mom to thank for that.  She doesn't either.  You're born with it or not...and we were not. 

I present to you our "Candy Chocca-Chocca" that took us 3 days to put together.   This should have been a quick, few minute project.  Oh well...it was cute and we had a great time.  (*the kids had a great time...I just about went nuts trying to keep the crazy thing "glued" together  *I MAY have a few more gray hairs)

sweet little boy fingers...he tried so hard to put all the little candies on there just perfect

he's a perfectionist by nature, a place for everything and everything in it's place

he is NOT like his mother in that respect

sweet chubby baby girl fingers...she was just happy to be playing in candy

she is NOT a perfectionist, there is usually a trail left in her wake

she IS like her mother in that respect

finished "chocca-chocca"

kind of Dr. Seuss'ish

This just made me smile every time I looked at it. 

That crooked smoke stack - it's kind of like our lives.  It may not be perfect, but it does serve a purpose and hopefully it's pleasant to look at.

Thanksgiving

This year David's parents and grandparents visited us from Florida for Thanksgiving.  We had a great time with them.  Of course there was the standard over abundance of scrumptious food...but that was only a small part of what we enjoyed.  What we really loved:

 plenty of kisses to go around...can't get too many of those

 lots of time playing...nothing like Grandpa to make a girl feel like she's the only one in his world

 quiet time reading books...sweet time spent with Mimi

Jorge & Gilma T.

Abuelo y Abuela

Magdeline & David S.

Mimi & Grandpa

I'm Gonna Miss This...

I haven't posted as much over the last few weeks as I've been just enjoying these moments that are fleeting before my eyes.  Time waits for no man, my children included, and I have been in awe of them more than ever lately.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't just gaze in wonder at these two little children I get to call mine.  Sure, sometimes I get weary, sometimes I want to pull my hair out, sometimes I want to scream at the top of my lungs because I feel overwhelmed by the commotion caused by these two; but one day I'll want to do these things because of the lack of commotion.  So...I busted out the camera this past week (surprise, surprise) and just took a few shots of the everyday happenings that make my world go round.  A few things I'm going to miss:

A shared "Super Hero" cape

Because they're each each other's super hero.  He can't live without her and she worships the ground he walks on.  (Which pretty much sums up my feelings for both of them.)  And they're both my Super Hero's!

Personal Concerts 

I'm privileged to have impromptu concerts put on for me.  It's almost always a duet.  It's beautiful music if I do say so!  

Couch Time

These two love to play on the couch.  They hide under their blanket "tent", make each other laugh, tell stories, and show off new tricks to Mom.

Play puzzle/ magnet books

They can sit for a long time working together with these books.  He tells her where to put the magnets and she does.  Those chubby fingers - oh my!  And the Towmater band aid, necessary due to a fall.  And really, there's something magic about band aids that can heal just about anything.

Sweet Dreams

I feel so privileged to get to call these two little angels mine.  I am one lucky Mom.

Halloween 2010

We had two little monkeys running around this year (which is pretty much business as usual) at Halloween.  I enjoyed watching the kids dressed alike as I know my time for being able to do this is limited - soon enough they will have stronger opinions as to what they would like to dress up like.  For now they're just happy with whatever Mom picks out (for the most part) so I'm taking full advantage of that!  I love my two adorable little chocolate eyed monkeys!

We headed out to a local fall festival.  A couple of Jacobs soccer buddies were there also so we got to hang out with them for a bit.  All the kids had a great time.

Lia gets to play a ball toss game to win some candy - SCORE!



checking out her loot

The city had one of their fire trucks there for the kids (and Dads) ;) to explore.

Mr. Jacob thought he was some kind of cool getting to get inside it.

OK kids - time to head home

Jacob adjusts his "belt and sword" from Deek the Clown

Lia gets a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

(His usual position is wrapped around her little finger!)

All in all we had a great time!

Shoot Me!: 27

Another great meme brought to us by Carin at Forever In Blue Jeans. Every Thursday post a picture of you with a child, spouse, friend or even by yourself. If you are thinking this challenge is too hard, then this is exactly the challenge you need. Do you have thousands of pictures and you are in none of them? How is that good to your children or loved ones? It’s time you got in the picture, you’ll be glad you did!

I think this photo is a bit self-explanatory! ;)  More from our Trick or Treating adventures...sometime. 

The Three Year Old

UPDATE - somehow I missed a bit of the introduction - and was horrified when I saw it up on here...I do apoligize!  I've removed it now and this should be "safe" for anyone.  I was so busy laughing at the real content, I didn't even pick up on the introduction.  Guess I'll be a little more careful next time I post something from someone else!

I found this post on Motherhood Uncensored's blog.  I find it absolutely hilarious!  I've lived through just about every one of these situations so I can totally relate - and I figure some of you can too!  Yes, yes, I love my kids as much as the next person, wouldn't want to live withouth them, yada, yada, yada...but sometimes, you just have these days!

Congrats on Your 3-Year-Old!

Included:
3-year-old child

Not included but strongly recommended:
Tequila IV
Ear plugs
Punching bag

Here are some things moms have said after receiving this product:
I'd rather have electro-shock therapy!
Since receiving my 3-year-old, I chose to run with the bulls just to get a little rest and relaxation!
Having a 3-year-old is less fulfilling than cleaning out a day's worth of runny poo diapers!
It gave me PTSD!
I've never felt so stupid in my life!

Here are 10 handy tips to get you started on parenting your 3-year-old:
1. They like nothing.
1a. Well, sometimes they like stuff, but it's only on every 4th Thursday that falls in an odd summer month when the weather is partly cloudly.
1b. Or if it's covered in chocolate.
1c. Maybe.
1d. Depends.

2. If they do happen to like something, they will never like it again.
2a. Maybe.
2b. Depends.


3. Everything can be argued.
3a. Especially when you're in public, with your hands full of groceries and other children, and tons of other people around. (Reference #4)
3b. Or when you've just gotten all the other children to sleep.
3c. But never with your spouse or babysitter.

4. They have impeccable timing. 4a. Like when you're a good 10 minutes away from a potty and they decide that they must poop.
4b. NOW.

5. They have no filter
5a. Like when you're in a dressing room trying on bras.
5b. Or when you're in a public restroom with your pants around your ankles.

6. Everything is negotiable.
6a. On their terms.
6b. Even bodily functions.

7. Hearing may be selective.
7a. Repeating yourself will only cause them to hear less.
7b. Speaking loudly at them will only make you look more crazy.
7c. Yelling at them will make them cower like a wounded animal thus sending you into a guilt-stricken state in which you will give them exactly what they wanted in the first place and then some how apologize.
7d. See #8.

8. They always win.

9. If someone else has it, they will want it.
9a. But only at their house, not at your own.
9b. But only at the store, not when you buy it.
9c. But if you don't get it, then they will throw a tantrum the size of Mount Vesuvius. (See #4)

10. They will respond to everything with "No!"
10a. Even if it's not a question.
10b. Even if they actually do want it.
10c. You're supposed to know the difference.
10d. Idiot.

Again - these are NOT my words - I got this from Motherhood Uncensored.  She *may have raised a three year old or two!!

My Girl

Lia's "official" 2 year photo.  She doesn't cooperate with me as much as she used to when it comes time to do a photo shoot.  I am "just" Mom.  She absolutely REFUSES to look at the camera now.  Not that I want "cheesy" photos or even posed ones.  Actually, I would prefer NOT to have those, BUT, you'd think I could get a little cooperation!!  Nope, not gonna happen.  I did manage to get this one where she was actually looking at me.  The little stinker knows what she's doing!  Oh well, I'll take what I can get.  And I think this is pretty cute.  She's still my "Sweet & Spicy".  I can't imagine life without her.

Lights

This is the second little conversation I've had with Jacob lately that I'm posting here.  I don't want to forget these sweet little insights as to what thoughts are going through my baby boy's head.  These days of innocence are going by far to fast.

A conversation from out of the blue yesterday as we were driving.
Jacob: "Mom, do we have lights inside our bodies?"
Me:  "no"
Jacob:  "Well, how does God see inside us when he lives in our hearts?"
Me:  "ummmm"
Jacob:  "I love you Mom"
Me:  *swoon

Later Jacob informed me "Mom, sometimes I can feel God in me".   I know his 4 year old self doesn't really understand the workings of God (neither does my 34 year old self sometimes!) but I'm glad he's starting to think about God.

Shoot Me!: 26 First Soccer Game

Another great meme brought to us by Carin at Forever In Blue Jeans. Every Thursday post a picture of you with a child, spouse, friend or even by yourself. If you are thinking this challenge is too hard, then this is exactly the challenge you need. Do you have thousands of pictures and you are in none of them? How is that good to your children or loved ones? It’s time you got in the picture, you’ll be glad you did!

A few Saturdays ago Jacob had his first 2 soccer games.  He got put on a team that is all 3 year olds (some of them just barely) and he's 4 1/2.  That's quite an age difference and I can definitely tell in the way they play.  Not that Jacob is some kind of superstar, but he IS the only one that actually stays on the field and plays the game.  Seriously, the ONLY one on his team that actually plays.  Our team is lucky if they have 3 of the 6 kids to walk onto the field at the beginning of the games just to watch the coin toss.  By 15 seconds into the game a couple of kids have walked off and Jacob is the only one left to "play" against the other teams.  I think instead of being the Tadpoles, the team should change their name to "Team Jacob".  He h as handled it quite well.  I am very proud of him.  By the time this past Saturday came, and it was his third game to play pretty much on his own, though, he was getting a bit frustrated.  Two other kids play intermittently if their parents are standing on the sidelines making them go back onto the field.  But you can imagine what kind of playing they do...none.  The other parents do try to get their kids out there, the coach does try to get everyone out there, but it's just not working.  Next year Jacob will be able to move up to the 5 and 6 year old team and hopefully he'll get put on a team where the kids will at least stay on the field!   We do like our coach and what he's trying to do, it's just a young group of boys Jacob happen to have gotten put with this time.  Needless to say he's learning some life lessons!  Tears of frustration were flowing by the time his last game was over and this Mommas heart was hurting, but it wasn't anything Chick-fil-a couldn't help!  We are so proud of our little man for going out there and trying anyway - he may not be big, but he sure is playing big!