Because...

...I didn't have 21,000 other things to do tonight!

I would like to thank you, Jacob, for giving me something to do.  You know, I thought I was going to have to sit around eating bon bons.

I love you to the moon and back...I would just prefer that you not dump powder all over your sister, your self, and the carpet.

Love, Mom

21 of 52

To say the last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity is a major understatement!  Not the least of which was a trip to Minnesota.  I'm still climbing out of a mountain of laundry and nursing a cold, but wanted to share these two photos.  This was the kids first time to see snow ever, and my first time to see it (besides a few fluries that don't even stick) in about 15 years. 

This was the first time I'd been on a snowmobile ever.  David was a great driver.  He's had a little more practice than me - but not much!  I decided riding a snowmobile is a lot like riding a jet ski.  And that is something I DO have a lot of experience in!  Jet skiing is a lot more warm though!

We had to borrow all the winter gear from David's cousins - those overalls I'm in - they're from Jamin.  He's 6'4".  Just a wee bit big on me but it worked.

We had a great time in Minnesota - we're so glad we got to see everyone.

Out-takes From Attempt #1

So...I had this wonderful idea today would be THE day to take the kids pictures for the holiday cards I send out each year.  I got these sweaters just for the occasion.  (Actually, Nana got these sweaters for the occasion.) I had all kinds of ideas in my head of what I wanted them to do.  We'll just say things didn't exactly work out how I was hoping they would.

For your viewing pleasure...I present "Out-takes From Attempt #1".

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Lia LOVES to walk.  You see, walking is a very new thing for her.  Yes, yes, she's been walking for one whole week now.  At nearly 15 months it's about time!  But really, couldn't she have stopped for 2 seconds...NO!

OK, no problem.  We'll just sit the two of them together on these nice rocks.  "Kristen, (my friend, yes, she's got a cool name too)you put Lia down by Jacob and I'll start snapping."  As you can see, that didn't turn out to good either.  Lia wanted to walk, thankyouverymuch, and I don't like how their sweaters are all bunched up.

Ok, Ok, Ok, I'll see what I can get with Jacob.  He's been an easy subject to shoot in past, surely he'll cooperate today.  Nope, not gonna happen.

#1. "Jacob, just look natural.  You're very serious right now."

#2.  "But stand up strait!"  What's with this bending down??

#3. You're killing me son, you're killing me!

Ok, let's try this tree.  Trees have worked magic in the past.

#1.  "Jacob, you don't need to pull you pants up to your armpits."

#2.  "Why are you bending down and looking at me like that??"

#3.  ok, fine, I see you are done with this!

Let's move back to your sister.

#1.  ummm, Lia, could you look up at Momma?

#2.  A man ran by at that time...she was WAY more interested in him.

#3.  nice profile there, Lia

One last effort at the kids together.  I think these are self explanitory!

And she's outta there!

Hope you at least got a chuckle out of these.  We'll go for round 2 later this week.

20 of 52

Hope y'all all had a great Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving

Fun In The Sun

Yes, yes, it's still in the 80's (sometimes) in November where we live...and I'm not complaining one bit! A couple of weeks ago I met my friend Beth and her son out at a local park. We all had a great time! I featured photos of Lia and I from that day HERE. Now it's Jacob and Justin's turn.

Meet Justin and Jacob. They're 3 months apart. They're best friends. They could pass as twins. Or not. I'm thinking they give Trace and Trevin a run for their money in the "look alike" department.

After initial hugs, first order of business it to run to the lookout to devise a plan of action. Decision is made - it's off to the teddy bears they go.

After all that running and playing it's time to dip toes in the creek. Boots and socks are taken off, pant legs are rolled up, and Moms have given explecit instructions NOT to get pants wet. There are no extra clothes in the car.

J&J decide to do a little wading. "Not to much Mom, just a little" "OK, but be careful, you don't want to fall. Those rocks on the bottom are slick" One little boy is very careful, watching his every step, the other, not so much

"I made it to the rock! I think I want to go over there to that other rock. I'll be really careful and hold my pants up so they don't get wet at all."

Guess who fell half way to the other rock - yep, the cautious, careful one. Isn't that how it always seems to happen? Mom (Me) about had a heart attack she watched her baby boy fall. Baby boy got up and walked the rest of the way like nothing had happened. Just had a few issues keeping his wet pants up. When you don't have hips, wet pants tend to fall.

And what's a boy to do when he's sitting by a statue that includes a frog? Well, try to open it's mouth even wider, you see. And laugh and giggle, and generally have a grand time making funny noises. 'Cause that's what boys do.

Since we're all wet anyway, don't you think we should splash each other? That would be fun. And while we're at it, let's see if we can splash our Mom's too. That'll get a reaction out of them! What a fun way to end our day at the park.

On a serious note now... This is called "The Children's Park". The park was created to honor the memory of local children who have passed away and in honor of special needs children. The parents of the children and local citizens did the physical work of building this park. The walkways are lined with flat stones that bear a childs name, each in memory of or in honor of someone's son or daughter. There are several statues throughout the park to honor a child, and several sitting areas. I've seen people sitting alone in silence. I've seen couples on the benches holding eachother, crying. I've seen families releasing balloons. And I've seen MANY children playing and laughing.

The Perfect Ending

In my book, this is THE perfect way to end the day - before the whole bedtime rituals of bath, teeth brushing, book reading, snuggling, and kisses. Jacob and I drink our "Special Coffee" together - complete with Mint Chocolate Truffle creamer, you understand. Really it's hot chocolate, but he likes to say it's "Momma and Jacob's special coffee". That's just fine with me. It's our special time together, just us two. Notice the two mugs we're using - we use the same ones every time. He loves his giraffe mug, and I love my photo mug. That was a gift to me after Jacob was born. Who knew 3 1/2 years later I'd be enjoying special bonding time with that new born baby over that mug.

This is the picture that's on my mug. My Dad took this photo as we were getting ready to leave the hospital after Jaco was born. The first picture of Jacob in his little coming home outfit. We were so happy to finally be bringing home that little boy and couldn't wait to show him off to the world. Precious, priceless memories. G'night!

19 of 52

A few weekends ago we went to an awesome fall festival that my cousin Alison hosted. I'll blog about that later this week. This photo was taken down at the bonfire - my favorite son, my favorite TX nephews (vs my favorite GA nephews), and I. I love these little boys - they make my heart happy!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Background:  Nana (my Mom), the kids, and I are just getting back from spending several days in San Antonio.  While there, Jacob enjoyed spending time brushing Nana's board strait hair one night. 

The Scene:  Me in my pajamas, Jacob in his pajamas, both getting ready to go to bed.

Jacob:  "Mom, can I brush your hair like Nana's?"
Me:  "No, Jacob.  That would hurt Momma."
Jacob:  "Mom, why your hair so crinkled?"
Me:  "Because God made it that way."
Jacob:  "But Mom, can you ask God to make your hair not crinkled so I can brush it?"

18 of 52

The kids and I went out to a local park the other day and met a friend of mine there with her son. Jacob and Justin had a blast playing together while Lia and I had a good time playing too! My friend took these photos for me - the lighting's not good, some of them aren't as sharp as I'd like, but I love them. She did a great job of capturing the essence of what was really happening - Mom and Daughter enjoying just being together. Days like this make me so thankful to be a Mom - the BEST occupation in the world!

oh cool...I found Mom's sunglasses...wonder what I can do with them?

I'll try to put them on...

...yep, I'm one cool chick!

hummm...wonder what else to do with them?

...sit on top of Mom's back and eat them...mmmm good stuff

all tuckered out...it's been a good day and this thumb is tasting superb!

all better...the sun's not in my face now...g'nite!

This Little Boy...

made me a Mom. He makes my world go round.

I love you son!

I'm So Excited....

...and I just can't hide it!

* UPDATE - I drink this in hot chocolate, not coffee - I won't touch coffee with a 10 ft pole!

I was bemoaning the fact that the stores are already putting out their Christmas decorations as I was walking through Wal-Mart on Halloween. I mean, come on! I won't go on some tirade about the over commercialization of everything these days - not just one particular holiday - but I will yack on about something I love...THIS!

It is the one redeeming factor of Christmas stuff being put out so early. It's like music to my ears when I see it. (Does that make sense? Music when I see it??) It makes my heart skip a beat, my soul soar. The world stops and I am one with creamer. Or something like that. Ok, ok, that may be just a little dramatization, but not much. I love, Love, LOVE this! It's the half that makes me whole. Or the creamer that makes my backside larger. ;) Whatever it is, my life is a little more complete when it's a part of it. You may have your Ghirardelli or other fine, fancy smancy chocolates. As for me, I'll take just plain 'ole International Delight Chocolate Mint Truffle creamer thankyouverymuch. (Isn't that an oxymoron - "plain" and "chocolate mint truffle"?)

This is where I'd do a giveaway if I could - but I'm afraid creamer wouldn't do to bueno in the mail. So you'll all have to go get your own creamer. Your heart will be happy, everything will be right with your world. But hide the scale. It's the right thing to do. Then come back here and tell me how your life is so much more complete now that this little bit of heaven is a part of it.

17 of 52

Another not so great pic - but the point is I'm in it...right??? We attended a high school volley ball game to support a friend of ours. It is now playoff season for HS volleyball and the game happen to be hosted in the gym of the shool where I graduated. I was glad to go as I hadn't been back to the school since I graduated - my how things have changed!

Scattered Brain Syndrome...

...I'm suffering from Scattered Brain Syndrome (aka SBS) today. And you, dear reader, get to take a little glimpse into it. I've been following MckMama's blog for a long time and my heart feels heavy for her...she celebrated her son's 1st birthday yesterday with him in the PICU. Not how ANY mother would want to celebrate their child's birthday - or any day for that matter. I've also been following the blog for Larisa - her parents are having to visit their "baby" girl in the burn unit of a hospital. I met and got spend a wee bit of time with a young mother a few weeks ago who's daughter was recently diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. All of these situations are very different, and they are all heartbreaking. I've been more consciously aware of how incredibly thankful that for right now, at this moment, I have two healthy and perfect children. I know that can be taken away in the blink of an eye. (I really don't mean for this to be a "downer" of a post...just posting what I'm thinking.)

As I was cleaning in the kitchen today Lia was "helping" me by pulling the dirty dishes out of the dishwasher and putting them on the floor...thankyouverymuch, Lia. I don't know what I would do without her help. ;) Usually it annoys me and I try to move her away from my work area (aka under my feet) and try to get Jacob to help distract her. Today, though, Jacob is at Papa and Nana's house and the song came into my mind "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins. You can see the video here. I remember Jacob doing this same thing when he was her age and now he's outgrown it. Yep, I miss his "help". So - I took a picture this time instead of getting annoyed, let her play, and it only took an extra 5 seconds for me to put the dishes back in the washer. Pretty small price to pay for your child to be happy I think. Now, mind you, she wasn't playing with steak knives or anything!


As I was downloading the pics I took this morning I decided to look at old pics of Jacob from when he was the age Lia is now. I was struck by how much these two look alike! People tell me all the time how much they look alike. I usually smile, say "yeah, they do", and go on about my business. But this time I really took the time to get lost in the pics of Jacob I have. It blows me away - is there a such thing as twins born 2.5 years apart? If so, I think I have a set! It boggles my mind to think about how much my "original baby" has changed since he was Lia's age. He was the age Lia is now when we moved to TX. That boggles my mind too. I thought he was such a big boy then, but I realize now he was just a baby!


Jacob at 13mo - taken about a week after we moved to TX.


Lia at 13mo






On my drive back home from visiting my parents yesterday it was actually quiet in my car (no 3 year old to be constantly answering questions for/ talking to). I had time to THINK! I know, I know, it's quite a concept sometimes. My mind drifted back to "College Round 1". (Yes, there was College Round 2, but it wasn't quite as exciting.) I spent 4 years at a college close to where I grew up. The memories from those days came flooding back. One day I'll do a post about some of my time there. It's where I came out of my shell so to speak. I experienced some wonderful times, and some of the lowest times of my life. I want to get those things written down for my children to read one day. Some of the friends I made then and experiences I went through are a very important part of who I am today. For that I am thankful.

Now I must do what I've been avoiding...finish cleaning up the rest of this house...all the things I need to be DOING are running through my head too! I'll put on my "SuperMom/CleaningLady/Chef/LaundryAttendant Cape" now and get busy.

And just incase you read this post David - I've been working hard all day. No, really, I have!

16 of 52

This was one night at bedtime...nothing sweeter than getting smothered in kisses! And a little playing too, thrown in for good measure!

urgh...

so...I went messin' with my blog settings, messed everything up, had to start over...and here I am. I don't have time to be sittin' here trying to figure everything out again so I'll work on it later. urgh! This blog will be going through a few "tansformations" before I'm happy with it again.

It's 9 AM...

...do you know what your kids are eating?

If their names are Jacob and Lia they're eating pumpkin cookies - unbeknownst to Mom - until it gets to quiet in the kitchen when Lia was supposed to be eating Cheerios.


just minding our own business


"oh, hey Mom. Wanna cookie? They sure are good."


"ok, fine, we'll just finish these off"


humm...mine is gone. Wonder what I should do?



beg big brother...that works every time.
"Hey there brother...wanna share your last cookie with your favorite sister?"


works every time..."hey Mom, put down that camera and could we get a few more cookies please?"