Friends

I put Lia in her swing this morning so I could get a few things done while she was happy...this is how I left her...


It wasn't long until I heard a little boy voice in the living room saying "here you go "E-ah Nay"...turn around like me" followed by various and sundry noises/ grunts. I decided to check out the situation and this is what I found...

(notice the doll in Lia's lap and her swing has been turned so she faces the same direction as Jacob)

I think they're going to be good friends...I can just visualize them plotting and scheming all kids of fun together.

"E-ah Nay" is Jacob speak for "Lia Renee".
A tid bit you didn't know you didn't know...when Brad and I were little he couldn't say my name (Kristen Renee) so he called me "Tisty Nay". Now of course I think it's cute my daughter is "E-ah Nay".

Christmas 2008

I'm to tired to be putting up any witty posts...click on images to see them larger...g'night.

It's Official!!! (I think)

...drum roll please...Jacob is potty trained! I know, I know, you were all at the edge of your seats wondering what the glorious announcement is. I'm so excited I'm doing the "My Son it Potty Trained" dance - which is a lot like the "Pee Pee" dance, but way, WAY cooler. ;) He just woke up one morning about a week ago and decided that was the day he wasn't going to need diapers any more and that was that. Not even at night or during nap times!! This is all so very exciting to me - you just have no idea. However, this new found "talent" doesn't come without a few issues.

A) How to get him to realize he doesn’t have to take EVERYTHING from his waist down off to use the potty. Yep, that includes the socks too. One day we'll have to face the dreaded public bathroom and I'm not about to let him strip in there. So we have to work on the staying dressed to go potty thing.

B) How to get his clothes back on him once he's done. You see, he thinks it's fun to run around the house all "loosy goosy". ;) It takes quite a bit of convincing that running around half "neekid" is not a good idea.

C) How to not have melt downs once he does decide he's willing to get his clothes on. He's a bit of a perfectionist and if his undies/ pants/ socks/ shoes don't go on EXACTLY right the first time he tries then his entire world falls apart. And he wouldn't dream of letting Mom help...nooooooo he is rather independent now.

Thank you, thank you, thank you very much for reading this...I know you were all super interested in this particular subject. I aim to please. ;)

Bringing Joy to a Little Boy...

One of our neighbors just brought his "work truck" home for the first time last Friday. He promptly sent his daughters over to our house to get Jacob so he could see a real life "Biiiiig Kuck". What delight this brought him! I don't guess I need to tell you Jacob did NOT want to come back home later...I think he would have stayed in the cab of that truck "driving" all night long. But it was super cold so Mom thought an "all nighter" in the truck wouldn't be such a great idea. Jacob protested mightily. ;) He LOVES all manner of vehicles...as long as it has tires he's in love. Now, balls and sports stuff he really has no great interest in, but if it "runs like a Deere man her (his) eyes light up"....name that tune and singer. ;) {So sorry...that kept going over and over in my head - and yes, I like that kind of music.}

Just Wondering...

I experienced an interesting "conversation" with Jacob yesterday. The thing is, though, it was definitely a one sided conversation. You see, I don't think I'm that much of a back seat driver (David may not agree) but my 2 1/2 year old son seems to have either picked up some back seat driving skills from somewhere, or he's "advanced". I came to a stop sign yesterday and he said "whoa Mamma, whoa" - then when he couldn't see any more cars coming I heard "go Mamma, go" from the back seat. Apparently I wasn't going fast enough to suit him. Then we came to a particular area where we always make a turn and I heard "turn here, turn here" coming from that same little voice. After we had completed our shopping and were heading home, a line of cars in front of me suddenly stopped, therefore, I was forced to come to a screeching halt all while praying the car behind me would stop before ramming my precious cargo and I. Much to my chagrin I heard a little parrot in the back seat repeating what I usually say, exactly HOW I say it...the words weren't bad, but the inflection wasn't very nice. So...is my son learning from example, or is he advanced and understands the "rules of the road" already? ;) I'll choose to believe it's the latter.

One more thing...would I look this cool in a pair of red sunglasses?

A Secret to Share

I received several inquires as to how I added my "signature" on the bottom of my posts...it's really a classified top secret but since y'all are my "best friends" I'll share it with you. Just don't tell anyone OK?? ;)

I'd love to tell you that I'm really really computer savvy and figured it out on my own, but the truth is...I followed THESE directions.

Fun Weekend

This past weekend was spent in a quaint little town south of Ft. Worth as they were having their annual "Candlelight Tour of Homes". There is much history in the little town and many of the homes there were built in the 1800’s. It was fascinating to see some of these homes and the workmanship that was put into them. The real reason we went, however, …(getting up the courage to say this out loud)…Brad and Lesha are moving there! Whaaa!!! (Can’t talk about that anymore for the time being as I don’t want to drown my keyboard.) This little town is the county seat so of course the beautiful courthouse is in the middle of the town square with many great little shops all around the square. Us ladies spent a LOT of time shopping…the men went to check out the old train station, old jail, old tractors, took the kids to the park, etc. Back to the houses…the reason Brad is moving there is to build homes that will be replicated after those built in the 1800’s. It will be fun to watch – he has always had an interest in old homes so this is a great opportunity for him. They will be moving in mid January. Until then I’m going to pretend I don’t know it’s happening so I can live in a “happy bubble”. ;)

Our weekend started off Friday night with a Birthday party for Brad at the hotel...Trace and Trevin thought the icing on the cake was great!


After the party there was snuggle time for Momma and her two babies...


Sat. at the retro hamburger joint...Brad got in some "girl time".


Santa happen to show up...Trace & Trevin weren't to impressed!


Movin' right on along to the ice cream parlor...Lia was a bit relaxed! You can tell it was a man holding her...we ladies would have had her all snuggled up. But she was happy so I was happy.


Three little monkeys - Caden & Colby S. and Jacob.


Papa and Jacob take a little break at one of the houses...there's only so much walking little legs can do.


You think the boys may have been "over it" by then? ;) T & T especially look like they have had their fill and are ready to move on.
Thank you very much.


Sunday lunch was at a place called Babes...was quite entertaining - and VERY good. All the men sat at one table and left us ladies with all the kids...humph.
Marcus S. (Brad's B-I-L); Brad; Ron M. (Brad's F-I-L)


Look at those two little cuties...not to worry...no Lia's were harmed in the making of this photo.


Lia met Santa on Sunday...don't guess this experience will be very memorable to her. ;)


If any of you have a motorcycle...here's an idea for you. ;)

How Can It Be...

...that my girl is 3 months old? I mean...September 7th was only a few days ago right??

How did she go from this:


to this:


in a matter of a few days...whaaa!!

Thanksgiving 08

David and I were "orphans" for Thanksgiving so we went to my Aunt and Uncle's place in rural Central Texas. Mom went to be with her Mother and sisters in Georgia, Daddy had to work, and Brad and his family went to West Texas. I can guarantee that while Mom's digs were a little more "posh" than ours and Brad was surrounded by probably a few hundred more people than we were, we had the best food! And that's what Thanksgiving is all about..right?? ;)

yeah, yeah, yeah, the traditional turkey...but is was from HERE so it was scruptious


My sentiments exactly!!


yeah baby...that's what I'm talking about..the BEST steaks anyone has ever put in their mouth!!


Kevin and Audra made a great roll buttering team


my two babies..."queeze"


Linda and Lena watching as the rest of us play a game of "farkle"


Jacob telling Great Grandma C. all about it...he's not into the game


all the kids piled up by the couch...they all thought Lia was pretty cool


the baby, however, was no match for the new trucks from Aunt Brenda
Wyatt & Jacob have important business to take care of now


movin' on to a post-dinner combine drive


that was fun...see my cheesy grin


Lia appreciates a good story from Audra...that smile of hers makes my heart melt

My Girl

Just thought I'd share a picture of the face I get to kiss and love on every day!


(photo courtesy of Sarah K.)


Which brings me to another topic...
who "birthed" her tail? Mom
who is her sole source of food? Mom
who changes 90% of her diapers? Mom
who holds her all the time during the day? Mom
who is with her 24/7? Mom
who does she absolutely light up for as soon as she sees him? Dad

What happened here??? I mean, I knew there was this special father/daughter thing, but I didn't know it happened so soon! That's OK I guess - as long as Daddy stays the most important man in her life until she's at least 35!! ;)

He's in the doghouse...

...Jacob, that is. And having a blast. My initial instinct is to say "eww...yuck, that's so icky" - but I remember doing the same thing when I was young. We had a dog named Greggor whom we adored. Every winter Daddy would get several bails of hay to make him a dog house. Brad and I used to LOVE to get in it and play with Greggor for hours at a time. There is a picture of us in it at my parents somewhere...I'll have to find it. The days of innocence! Now on to the next generation playing in the doghouse...



"I am sooo out of here!"

Bang!

After getting all sappy Sunday I figured this would be a good time to post something I find absolutely hilarious. Hope you do too! It's about a husband who gets "revenge" on his wife...with Blackcats (fire crackers). What is it with Blackcats anyway??? My brother used to love to scare the heebie jeebies out of me with them. I think it has something to do with that "Y" chromosome...it seems like all "boys" (not matter what age) looove them. When we were growning up Mom and Dad would let us pick out a FEW things from the fireworks stands at New Years and 4th of July...I always got a box of pretty little sparklers and Brad always got as many packages of Blackcats Daddy would allow. (There we go with the Y chromosome again - it was Daddy who took us, not Mom.) ;) I'm getting off the path here...back to the video, I've watched this a million times and laugh like it was the first.

NOTE: There is one offencive word in here - it's after the husband gets his revenge and the wife is a bit frustrated with him. I didn't hear it until I watched it 10 times but I'm just warning you in case there are little ears around. Just turn the sound down and you won't hear it.

My Sentiments

So…I’ve been feeling a bit sentimental lately. I’m thankful for this “blog world”. I’m not sure what I did (well, wrote) to deserve all of you who actually read my blog, but I’m thankful for you. I certainly don’t feel like I write as eloquently as some of you or live as exciting of a life of some of you, but this is the life I live so it’s what I journal about. I’m happy where I am and never cease to be amazed at those of you who care enough to read what I write and even leave comments. (And to those who don’t comment, thanks for telling me in person that you “check in” on us every now and then – I appreciate that too.) I feel like I’ve gained so many new friends and “old” friendships have been rekindled. Those of you who are bloggers, thanks for your blog too. Through each one of your blogs we get a little glimpse into your life – the ups, the downs, and the “all arounds”. We enter into each other’s joys and pains. We laugh and cry with each other. While I was contemplating what I would write in this particular post, there were specific blogs that came to mind I thought I might mention…but I’ve decided that’s not a good idea as I would hate to leave anyone out and my list got quite lengthy!! So I’ll just generalize…some of your blogs I love to read because you make me laugh on a regular basis, some of your blogs are more serious and make me think deeper about life and the preciousness of it, some of your blogs are quite educational, some of you have young kids at home that I’m loving to watch grow up and read about their antics, some of you I’ve know personally all my life and some of you I’ve never met in “real” life, but I feel I know you just the same. I’m saying all of this to say (yes, that is a direct quote from my Dad)THANK YOU – and keep on blogging!

(And yes, I know there is a serious run-on sentence in there!!)

Papa's Hand

I love this photo...Lia was upset so Papa reached out to her. I used to be his only "baby girl", but now I think I share that title. That's OK though, I don't mind.

Something gross to make you laugh (I hope)

DO NOT READ THIS JUST BEFORE YOU EAT

Jeanifer, aka Patty, was my best friend in college...she's now the mother of a charming little fella - as you can tell by reading THIS.

(Love ya Patty - just doing my best to let others swoon over the talents of you son!)

A New Love

So...the LAST thing we need is another mouth to feed...BUT...how do you say "no" to this??







One day this puppy just showed up at our garage door. He acted scared to death of us initially, but he soon got over that. Could it have something to do with the food and water he all of a sudden was getting?? We live directly across the street from a church and think someone may have dropped him off there in hopes that some suckers (like us - OK, OK, OK, ME) would take him in.

You can't tell by the pictures but he's about 2 inches tall and 6 feet long. That may be just a wee bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea. He looks like a cross between a black lab and a weenie dog. Things that make you go hummm..;)

"But he's such a good dog Daddy. Can we keep him please please please?? I promise to feed and water him every day. And Murphy (our other dog) needs a playmate. And Jacob just LOVES him...and he loves Jacob too. And his name is Gonzo by the way. And. And. And. I love you." (bats eyes)

Do you think David ever had a chance of finding another home for him?? ;)

Murder Mystery Dinner

Halloween night found us at a murder mystery dinner. It was supposed to be a serious occasion, but we were all so confused as to what we were SUPPOSED to be doing that all we could do was laugh at each other. Sorry Kristen A. - next time we promise to do better. ;) But we all had a great time which was the main point anyway - of course there were a couple of "Super Sleuth's" who figured out who was committing the murders (yes, David was one of them...no, I was not).

(Note the yellow buttons that are on Popeye's shirt...that's the first time I've EVER "sewn" anything...oh, I've tried, but it hasn't worked out so well. And yep, David showed me how do do the first one. To say that I'm not "sewing inclinded" is an understatement. But now that I've done 3 buttons I think I'm going to ask Santa for a sewing machine. ;) Think I could be making dresses like the ones for the "Queen's Coronation" that I blogged about a couple of weeks ago by spring??)

Now for the good stuff...pictures of the characters.

Popeye & Swee'Pea


oh my..."woman", "man", "2 girls - Tracy & Casey" Brad, Lesha, T&T


the vampire and woman are trying to get information out of the priest (who was the murderer BTY)


Popeye and "man" discuss facts as Eugene (Popeye & Olive Oil's dog) and "Casey" play on the stairs.


Kristen A. - a ghost


oh no...it's a dead fairy (Dorlene A.)


Popeye and his Mother-In-Law discuss clues...those two are TROUBLE when they get together!!


King Aurthur and Popeye (do you get the idea Popeye may have been one of my favorite characters there??)


woot woot....(singing) "Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharped dressed man/ woman/ what is it????" (end of singing)


awe...there we are...Popeye, Olive Oil, and Swee'Pea...Eugene the dog was to busy playing to be bothered with a family picture


Greek person ??? (Andy A.) looks reeeeeally pleased to be sitting by that um...beautiful?? lady


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Shelly A. and her favorite little character of the evening...she taught him some moves....


...as seen here. Yep, he's pretty cool!