2008 was kind of a hard year for me emotionally. My baby learned how to feed himself, how to walk, how to talk and is becoming every increasingly more independent. He had a huge milestone birthday of turning ONE, which was exciting, but kind of sad at the same time. I know that I probably will never have another baby and I'm good with that, but knowing Taylor is doing all the firsts for the last time is a little bittersweet. I am proud that I'm raising him to be an independent little man, but I'm always glad when he still needs me to cuddle him. :)
My big girl turned FOUR! It doesn't even seem possible that four years have passed since I became a mom. It has gone in a whirlwind. And Taylor's got nothin' on Kami in the independence department! And stubborn! Yowza!! But she is also funny and brilliant and incredibly imaginative, so I wouldn't change a thing about her. She has learned how to draw people this year, to recognize a few letters of the alphabet and recognize numbers 1-9. And she has become an even better big sister than before. She is Taylor's mini-mama. :)
Tim and I celebrated 9 years together as a married couple and on 12-28 was the 10th anniversary of our engagement. Also, we both turned 30!
Kami and Taylor got to meet their great-grandmother and great-uncle and aunt in a trip to Oklahoma in April. That was a highlight in all our lives. Kami still talks about going to see them and getting to ride my uncle's horse, Daisy. :) My uncle also gave her one of his cowboy hats and that meant more than any other gift he could have given her. I hoping to take them back in the spring so we can visit with them again.
We welcomed some new friends to our group, Jack and Lyla were born into this crazy world in 2008 and I have very much enjoyed them! Jack is starting to really develop into his own person and it is so fun to watch! Both of my kids love him and we are all excited to get to play with him lots more in the spring semester. Lyla is a beautiful, smiley little thing and I hope she continues to blossom more each time I see her.
2008 was also a year of tragedy. Some very dear friends lost their baby in July. My heart still aches for them. In November, my cousin was killed in a drunk driving accident and her death still affects my daily life. I struggle to deal with the sadness of loss.
My friends and I began a new Bible study this year and it has been one of the highlights of the year for me. I have gotten into God's Word more deeply than I would have on my own and the study has given me new insights into passages I have read many times. The group has also given me the kind of close friends I need and have needed for a long time. We don't always agree on everything, but I know we can talk about anything and still be friends. It's also good to have a group of friends who I can call on if I need them and to know they will be there.
Speaking of friends, in August I got to go to Dallas to meet some of my internet friends! It was wonderful getting to hug their necks in real life!! We have "known" each other since before Kami was born and communicate almost daily, but there's something about seeing each other in person that solidifies a friendship.
And 2008 has also been the year of Facebook! Woot! I have been able to reconnect with so many people!! It is amazing, really. So many relatives, high school and college classmates and people from AIM are on FB! I love seeing pictures of people's lives and just getting to know them again.
So 2008 was a good year, but also very emotional and I look forward to 2009. More on that in the coming days. ;) Happy New Year everyone!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
A very merry Christmas, indeed!
Christmas was a very good day this year. No stress, just the right amount of gifts and being with family. We did our big meal at dinner time so I had all day to get ready and it was fabulous. No rushing, no running around.
Kami and Taylor woke up about 7 a.m. (their normal time) and Kami yelled, "I DID make it onto Santa's List!!" She was so excited. :D She waited very patiently while Taylor had his banana. He can't function properly without his banana...it's kinda like his caffeine, I guess. ;) So then Kami opened her presents from Santa and Taylor wanted all of her presents, especially the Dora figure, but wasn't interested in opening his gifts at all. He just doesn't care about presents. Maybe it's his age or maybe his personality, or maybe a mixture of both. Kami loves to open presents so she opened his, too, and then he played with the toys. :D Funny boy!
After opening Santa gifts, I made pancakes and the kids played with their toys and Tim fell asleep on the couch. :D After breakfast, we just kinda hung out and lazed around the house. Taylor went down for a nap and I went to take a very long, hot bath. It was great!! Then it was time for Kami's "rest time." (I don't know why I even call it a rest time anymore, she never rests. I think I'll change the name to quiet play time in your bed, which is way more realistic!) Soon after, Taylor woke up, got a snack and Mimi and Poppi (Tim's mom and dad) showed up!
I started making preparations for dinner and then we opened family presents. Mimi and Poppi got us some wonderful things that we are all looking forward to playing with and using!! After we opened presents I took my time in the kitchen getting all the food ready while the kids played with their grandparents. I made garlic cheddar biscuits, roasted asparagus with browned butter balsamic sauce, heated up some ham, and Tim made the mashed potatoes. It was all on the table at 5:30 p.m. and the kids ate it up and so did everyone else! We had Snickerdoodle cake for dessert. :)
The kids were both asleep by 8:30 p.m., which is great for as much activity they had during the day. We stayed up and talked to Tim's parents for a couple of hours and then when they went to bed we started watching Leatherheads. I fell asleep during it, so hopefully we'll finish it tonight.
Today we went to Wal-Mart at 7:45 a.m. or so and it wasn't busy at all. We got a cart full of stuff for 50% off and now my gift stash is replenished, for girl presents anyway and I'm set for wrapping paper and other assorted things. Since we received quite a few gift cards for Christmas, this trip didn't cost us anything! How cool is that?
After we came back, I made a fairly large brunch of hashbrown casserole, eggs (Tim made the sunny-side up variety for his dad and him), bacon and fruit. Then it was time for Mimi and Poppi to head back home. The kids were very sad for them to go, but as soon as they left, Tim took Kami on a Daddy Date, so that took some of the sting out of it for her. They went to see Madegascar 2. Taylor had to take a nap, but he soooo needed one!
For dinner tonight I made hamburgers and french fries. Standing over the fries made me think back to my mom making me french fries when I was a little girl and it made me smile. My kids gobbled up the fries so I think they were a big hit! Those will definitely go into the regular rotation around here, now.
And now that I've written a novel, it's time to get my kids in bed. I hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas Day as I did! Hugs and love!
Kami and Taylor woke up about 7 a.m. (their normal time) and Kami yelled, "I DID make it onto Santa's List!!" She was so excited. :D She waited very patiently while Taylor had his banana. He can't function properly without his banana...it's kinda like his caffeine, I guess. ;) So then Kami opened her presents from Santa and Taylor wanted all of her presents, especially the Dora figure, but wasn't interested in opening his gifts at all. He just doesn't care about presents. Maybe it's his age or maybe his personality, or maybe a mixture of both. Kami loves to open presents so she opened his, too, and then he played with the toys. :D Funny boy!
After opening Santa gifts, I made pancakes and the kids played with their toys and Tim fell asleep on the couch. :D After breakfast, we just kinda hung out and lazed around the house. Taylor went down for a nap and I went to take a very long, hot bath. It was great!! Then it was time for Kami's "rest time." (I don't know why I even call it a rest time anymore, she never rests. I think I'll change the name to quiet play time in your bed, which is way more realistic!) Soon after, Taylor woke up, got a snack and Mimi and Poppi (Tim's mom and dad) showed up!
I started making preparations for dinner and then we opened family presents. Mimi and Poppi got us some wonderful things that we are all looking forward to playing with and using!! After we opened presents I took my time in the kitchen getting all the food ready while the kids played with their grandparents. I made garlic cheddar biscuits, roasted asparagus with browned butter balsamic sauce, heated up some ham, and Tim made the mashed potatoes. It was all on the table at 5:30 p.m. and the kids ate it up and so did everyone else! We had Snickerdoodle cake for dessert. :)
The kids were both asleep by 8:30 p.m., which is great for as much activity they had during the day. We stayed up and talked to Tim's parents for a couple of hours and then when they went to bed we started watching Leatherheads. I fell asleep during it, so hopefully we'll finish it tonight.
Today we went to Wal-Mart at 7:45 a.m. or so and it wasn't busy at all. We got a cart full of stuff for 50% off and now my gift stash is replenished, for girl presents anyway and I'm set for wrapping paper and other assorted things. Since we received quite a few gift cards for Christmas, this trip didn't cost us anything! How cool is that?
After we came back, I made a fairly large brunch of hashbrown casserole, eggs (Tim made the sunny-side up variety for his dad and him), bacon and fruit. Then it was time for Mimi and Poppi to head back home. The kids were very sad for them to go, but as soon as they left, Tim took Kami on a Daddy Date, so that took some of the sting out of it for her. They went to see Madegascar 2. Taylor had to take a nap, but he soooo needed one!
For dinner tonight I made hamburgers and french fries. Standing over the fries made me think back to my mom making me french fries when I was a little girl and it made me smile. My kids gobbled up the fries so I think they were a big hit! Those will definitely go into the regular rotation around here, now.
And now that I've written a novel, it's time to get my kids in bed. I hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas Day as I did! Hugs and love!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
And it begins
I have started planning for our Jan '10 Disney World trip! Yes, I know it is still 13 months away, but I just couldn't help myself! I started an Excel sheet to compare hotels and I will probably start a sheet on restaurants soon. Yes, I know I'm a big dork. :P But to in all seriousness, I feel like if we are going to spend $1,000's on a trip, it deserves some major planning. We went in 2007 and Kami loved it even though she was really sick, so I hope it will be even better this time around. She still remembers stuff about the trip and she was just a little over 2 years old! It made an impact! :D And I should have a better time this trip since I won't be 7 months pregnant. LOL! I'm off to sign up for Tour Guide Mike!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
He's such a boy! :)
My son just put on my sandals I keep by the garage door and told me he was leaving. "Bye!" he said, and made kissy noises. Then he says, "Going to Best Buy!"
BWAHAHAHAHA!!
BWAHAHAHAHA!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Our first, but probably not the last, trip to the ER for Taylor
Taylor decided to go pew diving, as I like to call it, last night at worship services. He was attempting to get down, I guess, but sort of jumped from his knees and it happened so fast neither Tim nor I could put our arms out fast enough to catch him. He busted both of his lips and their is a small spot right above his eyebrow that didn't show up until today. We took him to the ER b/c we needed to make sure there was no serious damage to that brain of his and fortunately he was perfect, according to the CT. All the doctors and nurses and the rest of the staff were great with him. We were really blessed that all that happened was a couple of fat lips! It could have been so much worse! And we are so lucky to have access to medical care unlike so many people in the world.
Taylor was up running and playing last night and today like nothing has happened. Typical, right? :D
Taylor was up running and playing last night and today like nothing has happened. Typical, right? :D
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Having trouble getting into the whole Christmas thing
Christmas is a weird time of year for me. On one hand, it's great to think of others and spend time with family, but on the other hand, I just have trouble with the concept of Christmas. The whole history of Christmas really bothers me....a lot. No where in the Bible does it say Jesus was born in December, let alone December 25th. (Please correct me if I'm wrong on that). I used to think that a day that made everyone think about Jesus couldn't be wrong, but I have changed my stance on that. It's a fine line to walk when we start adding things to the Bible. No where is it said that the New Testament Christians celebrated Jesus' birth. However, we are commanded to celebrate his death and resurrection every week. It's hard being in the minority that doesn't celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas.
And then there is the whole commercialism aspect. When I was growing up we had very little money so when I got presents at Christmas I was very, very grateful. It's hard to teach that to my kids when they are given everything they want and more, especially since I have the means to do so. We don't necessarily to overboard on buying them presents, but we aren't the only ones giving them presents, so it's hard to say, "Oh don't get them anything" or "Don't spend over this much money" or "Homemade gifts are always appreciated." I will never forget the first Christmas I spent at Tim's house. It was horrifying to me how many gifts we all got. I wanted to be sick at the money that was being wasted. In my family we did one or two gifts per person. In Tim's family it was a contest to see who would get the biggest pile. And it only got worse when we had Kami. It seems that last year was a little better, though. Everyone got nice things, but there was the excess that seemed to dominate in years past. Or maybe I've become used to it and that is a very scary thought!
All that being said. We did decorate our Christmas tree tonight. It's fun for the kids and I do like pulling all the ornaments out one by one and remembering the story behind each one. I'll do a post soon all about our tree. It should really be a scrapbook page, but I don't know when I'll get around to doing that. So I'll at least post the journaling and probably the pictures here soon.
And then there is the whole commercialism aspect. When I was growing up we had very little money so when I got presents at Christmas I was very, very grateful. It's hard to teach that to my kids when they are given everything they want and more, especially since I have the means to do so. We don't necessarily to overboard on buying them presents, but we aren't the only ones giving them presents, so it's hard to say, "Oh don't get them anything" or "Don't spend over this much money" or "Homemade gifts are always appreciated." I will never forget the first Christmas I spent at Tim's house. It was horrifying to me how many gifts we all got. I wanted to be sick at the money that was being wasted. In my family we did one or two gifts per person. In Tim's family it was a contest to see who would get the biggest pile. And it only got worse when we had Kami. It seems that last year was a little better, though. Everyone got nice things, but there was the excess that seemed to dominate in years past. Or maybe I've become used to it and that is a very scary thought!
All that being said. We did decorate our Christmas tree tonight. It's fun for the kids and I do like pulling all the ornaments out one by one and remembering the story behind each one. I'll do a post soon all about our tree. It should really be a scrapbook page, but I don't know when I'll get around to doing that. So I'll at least post the journaling and probably the pictures here soon.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Time to think
While I was in the car driving to OK for my cousin's funeral, I had a lot of time to think. Actually, I spent a lot of time trying not to think b/c I would keep thinking about how tragic Ashley's death had been and what I was going to face when I got to OK or what I had faced while I was driving home.
But it the in between times, I thought about how fragile our lives on earth are. I thought about how I would feel if it were my kids who we were putting into the ground. Have I loved them enough in the short time I have had them? Have I taken them for granted?
I thought about how sad it is that the last time I saw most of my family was at my great aunt's funeral. I have isolated myself in Lubbock too long. I vowed to make more trips to OK even if it is a horrible car ride b/c my kids scream and cry the whole way. I want them to know my family...their family.
I thought about how death changes people who are left behind. When I saw my cousin, Ashley's dad, in April, he all but ignored me. This time, he hugged me many times and told me that he loved me every time I saw him. I never knew he loved me, honestly. I know that I have always loved him, but in that "he's my dad's brother's son so I have to love him" kinda way. I'm guessing it's the same way for him and his brother, though his brother may not even have that strong of feelings for me. We were never close and it makes me sad now that I'm older. I am going to try to stay in touch with him b/c I think we would get along as friends and not just tolerate each other as family. When I talked to my mom today she said that he was sad he didn't get to see me at lunch today since I left early this morning to come home. It was nice that he missed me. Maybe it means we can be friends.
Mostly though, I'm just sad. I have the overwhelming urge to cry all the time. I have been fighting the tears all day and now that it is night time, I don't know how much longer I can hold them back. I thought I had cried myself out, but apparently I was wrong. I'm not really sure I miss Ashley anymore than I did before, because I hadn't seen her in so long, but I am sad that I know she isn't in our world anymore. I'm sad that she won't get to experience motherhood. I'm sad that my family has an empty spot in it now. I'm sad for Kelly and Carol and Harmon. No one should have to bury their child or grandchild. I'm sad that Kassidi won't have a big sister. I'm sad that I had to say good-bye to my cousin before I got to know her as an adult and as a friend. The last couple of days have been a fog and I don't know when that fog will lift.
But it the in between times, I thought about how fragile our lives on earth are. I thought about how I would feel if it were my kids who we were putting into the ground. Have I loved them enough in the short time I have had them? Have I taken them for granted?
I thought about how sad it is that the last time I saw most of my family was at my great aunt's funeral. I have isolated myself in Lubbock too long. I vowed to make more trips to OK even if it is a horrible car ride b/c my kids scream and cry the whole way. I want them to know my family...their family.
I thought about how death changes people who are left behind. When I saw my cousin, Ashley's dad, in April, he all but ignored me. This time, he hugged me many times and told me that he loved me every time I saw him. I never knew he loved me, honestly. I know that I have always loved him, but in that "he's my dad's brother's son so I have to love him" kinda way. I'm guessing it's the same way for him and his brother, though his brother may not even have that strong of feelings for me. We were never close and it makes me sad now that I'm older. I am going to try to stay in touch with him b/c I think we would get along as friends and not just tolerate each other as family. When I talked to my mom today she said that he was sad he didn't get to see me at lunch today since I left early this morning to come home. It was nice that he missed me. Maybe it means we can be friends.
Mostly though, I'm just sad. I have the overwhelming urge to cry all the time. I have been fighting the tears all day and now that it is night time, I don't know how much longer I can hold them back. I thought I had cried myself out, but apparently I was wrong. I'm not really sure I miss Ashley anymore than I did before, because I hadn't seen her in so long, but I am sad that I know she isn't in our world anymore. I'm sad that she won't get to experience motherhood. I'm sad that my family has an empty spot in it now. I'm sad for Kelly and Carol and Harmon. No one should have to bury their child or grandchild. I'm sad that Kassidi won't have a big sister. I'm sad that I had to say good-bye to my cousin before I got to know her as an adult and as a friend. The last couple of days have been a fog and I don't know when that fog will lift.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Tragedy
Please keep my family in your prayers. My 21-year old cousin, Ashley, was killed in a car accident yesterday. I don't know anymore details than that at this point. We are all still in shock. She was pregnant and her dad was planning to go up to Missouri to pick her up and move her back home to Oklahoma today, so it makes her death even more tragic to me.
I haven't seen Ashley in several years, but I will always think of her as my baby cousin. I was looking forward to getting in touch with her again now that she was going to be a mom b/c we would finally have something in common besides just being family.
My heart is too full to write more now.
I haven't seen Ashley in several years, but I will always think of her as my baby cousin. I was looking forward to getting in touch with her again now that she was going to be a mom b/c we would finally have something in common besides just being family.
My heart is too full to write more now.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sickness and other stuff
Ok, before I get to talking about the sickness, can I just say, GO RED RAIDERS!!!! They did awesome last week and I hope we can hold on and beat those OSU Cowboys tonight! RAIDER....POWER!! Thanks for taking this picture, Christi!
Sooooo, this has got to be the worst fall we have had as a family as far as sickness goes. I can not keep my family well! Taylor finally started feeling better and Kami started feeling better and then Tuesday morning at about 4 a.m. Kami started throwing up. At 6 a.m. I started throwing up and at 8 a.m. Taylor threw up. ARGH!! Fortunately for Taylor that was about all it was for him, but now he has a cold. Seriously. When is this kid going to get a break?! And poor Kami, she threw up every 30 min for 5 hours. She was feeling better on Wednesday but still wouldn't eat so when she woke up on Thursday she had reflux, ate too fast, and threw up again so I couldn't really send her to school. She cried and cried and cried b/c she missed her friends and her teachers. I threw up for 10 hours plus had other fun stuff to deal with in the bathroom. YAY! Or not so much. I was so out of it. Today is the first day I have felt really good and was so looking forward to going to the Tech game tonight. BUT....
Tim is laying in bed sick. *sigh* I could go without him I guess, but I really, really don't want to. He's hoping he just has what Taylor had and gets over it very quickly. I guess we will know soon.
I also have to say that I have the best mom in the whole world. She dropped everything for us and came as soon as I called her even though she lives 4 hours away and has a life of her own. It was a life saver having her here! I love you, Mama!!!
Last night we had Bible study and it was amazing, as always. I am always so comforted and uplifted by studying God's Word with my friends. We have been studying I Corinthians and while I'm sure I have read I Corinthians more than once, I can honestly say I have never done a study of it and have missed out on so many important lessons. Some of what we talked about last night was about how we have a responsibility to be a good influence, but also to help keep others from sinning by our actions. Also, in chapter 9, Paul talks about supporting those who preach the gospel and it sparked a very interesting discussion about gratitude and how to teach our children gratitude in our society. It has made me rethink my Christmas lists, that's for sure! There are much better ways that our money can be put to use for God than by buying our kids more presents than they can ever enjoy. Another thing that we touched on was in chapter 10 when Paul talks about how God won't allow us to be tempted more than we can bear and that He will always offer a way out of temptation. It made me realize that I don't always look for my escape hatch when I'm being tempted. Sometimes I like to wallow in the temptation and ask why I'm being punished and why I'm not getting my way. Sounds like a bratty kid to me!! So I'm going to try to do better at looking for my way out instead of complaining so much about the temptation.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful week! And WRECK 'EM TECH!!
Sooooo, this has got to be the worst fall we have had as a family as far as sickness goes. I can not keep my family well! Taylor finally started feeling better and Kami started feeling better and then Tuesday morning at about 4 a.m. Kami started throwing up. At 6 a.m. I started throwing up and at 8 a.m. Taylor threw up. ARGH!! Fortunately for Taylor that was about all it was for him, but now he has a cold. Seriously. When is this kid going to get a break?! And poor Kami, she threw up every 30 min for 5 hours. She was feeling better on Wednesday but still wouldn't eat so when she woke up on Thursday she had reflux, ate too fast, and threw up again so I couldn't really send her to school. She cried and cried and cried b/c she missed her friends and her teachers. I threw up for 10 hours plus had other fun stuff to deal with in the bathroom. YAY! Or not so much. I was so out of it. Today is the first day I have felt really good and was so looking forward to going to the Tech game tonight. BUT....
Tim is laying in bed sick. *sigh* I could go without him I guess, but I really, really don't want to. He's hoping he just has what Taylor had and gets over it very quickly. I guess we will know soon.
I also have to say that I have the best mom in the whole world. She dropped everything for us and came as soon as I called her even though she lives 4 hours away and has a life of her own. It was a life saver having her here! I love you, Mama!!!
Last night we had Bible study and it was amazing, as always. I am always so comforted and uplifted by studying God's Word with my friends. We have been studying I Corinthians and while I'm sure I have read I Corinthians more than once, I can honestly say I have never done a study of it and have missed out on so many important lessons. Some of what we talked about last night was about how we have a responsibility to be a good influence, but also to help keep others from sinning by our actions. Also, in chapter 9, Paul talks about supporting those who preach the gospel and it sparked a very interesting discussion about gratitude and how to teach our children gratitude in our society. It has made me rethink my Christmas lists, that's for sure! There are much better ways that our money can be put to use for God than by buying our kids more presents than they can ever enjoy. Another thing that we touched on was in chapter 10 when Paul talks about how God won't allow us to be tempted more than we can bear and that He will always offer a way out of temptation. It made me realize that I don't always look for my escape hatch when I'm being tempted. Sometimes I like to wallow in the temptation and ask why I'm being punished and why I'm not getting my way. Sounds like a bratty kid to me!! So I'm going to try to do better at looking for my way out instead of complaining so much about the temptation.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful week! And WRECK 'EM TECH!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I'm exhausted!
I have taken my kids to the doctor 5 times in two weeks and Tim took one to the dr. on Sunday. I don't want to even think about all the hours I have spent in dr's offices this week plus all the time I have spent dispensing medication. Sheesh! But, Taylor is finally well. According to his 18-month check-up he is skinny and has a big head, so basically he's a little bobblehead. ;) But he's a cute bobblehead!!! Kami went to the ENT today b/c she has another ear infection, but he says to wait before we do tubes again, which is what I was hoping he would say. She hasn't complained of pain except for one night even though her ear drum was buldging! Usually she is very sensitive to pain, but maybe she is used to it in her ear. *shrug* So she and Taylor are both on prescriptions, but thankfully they both take medicine fairly easily.
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow evening. Usually I dread Halloween night, but I think we will have lots of fun tomorrow. We are going to a pumpking carving/decorating party and then to TOT with some friends. Kami loves having an excuse to wear a costume out of the house. :) Have a safe and fun Halloween!!
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow evening. Usually I dread Halloween night, but I think we will have lots of fun tomorrow. We are going to a pumpking carving/decorating party and then to TOT with some friends. Kami loves having an excuse to wear a costume out of the house. :) Have a safe and fun Halloween!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Some pictures
He's a garden gnome. :)
She's a fairy. :)
A few pictures from the Lubbock Christian School Fall Festival (not sure why all the pics aren't the same size):
The big 3-0!
So I'm 30. :) To be honest, I'm not hung up on age at all so it's not a big deal to me, but I do think beginning a new decade is a good time for reflection.
God has truly blessed me with so many things. First of all, I met Tim over 11 years ago. I was so lucky to have found the person I wanted to spend my life with (and who wanted to spend his life with me!) when I was so young. Sure we've had some growing pains, but we have grown through our 20's together and we are stronger for it. I am 30 and I have two kids. WOW! In this day and age that is pretty rare. If things had gone the way *I* had planned them, I would have had them 5 years earlier, but God (and Tim) knew better. :) My parents are another blessing that I can't imagine my life without. My mom and I talk on the phone everyday, sometimes 3 or 4 times if I'm working on something I need her help with. I can't wait until they actually move down here! They love my kids so much and my kids love them beyond words. It is such a wonderful thing to get to see them interact. I love it!
Another blessing are my friends. My church family is amazing and I can't imagine worshipping anywhere else than at Kings Ridge. Lara, I know you are reading this b/c you follow my blog ;) so I'll call you out. I probably never would have gotten to know you and come to love you and your family if it weren't for Kings Ridge. The community we have there with our young families group is incredible and I wouldn't trade it! Also, reconnecting with my friends from college in the last few months has been wonderful. I am so happy when someone updates a blog (Jamie, did you start yours yet?????) b/c I get a little peek into their lives and it makes me smile. Christi, girl, you inspire me day after day and I can't wait to get my hands on that book of yours!
Having all the material things in my life is just icing. To be in our second home and be able to have two cars that are paid off and be able to buy all the things we need and most of what we want are incredible blessings! I even have a little business that seems to be growing more than I ever expected. I started out making bows for Kami and now I sell bows and clips and streamers all over Lubbock. Pretty crazy! (I might as well post my gallery in case anyone is interested, hahahahha: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=18ojw89a.3w6vqlne&x=0&y=-itvcjh&localeid=en_US .
Anyway, as you can see, I'm a blessed woman! I have no idea what the next 30 years will bring but if I have will be as lucky as I was in this 30, I'll be golden.
God has truly blessed me with so many things. First of all, I met Tim over 11 years ago. I was so lucky to have found the person I wanted to spend my life with (and who wanted to spend his life with me!) when I was so young. Sure we've had some growing pains, but we have grown through our 20's together and we are stronger for it. I am 30 and I have two kids. WOW! In this day and age that is pretty rare. If things had gone the way *I* had planned them, I would have had them 5 years earlier, but God (and Tim) knew better. :) My parents are another blessing that I can't imagine my life without. My mom and I talk on the phone everyday, sometimes 3 or 4 times if I'm working on something I need her help with. I can't wait until they actually move down here! They love my kids so much and my kids love them beyond words. It is such a wonderful thing to get to see them interact. I love it!
Another blessing are my friends. My church family is amazing and I can't imagine worshipping anywhere else than at Kings Ridge. Lara, I know you are reading this b/c you follow my blog ;) so I'll call you out. I probably never would have gotten to know you and come to love you and your family if it weren't for Kings Ridge. The community we have there with our young families group is incredible and I wouldn't trade it! Also, reconnecting with my friends from college in the last few months has been wonderful. I am so happy when someone updates a blog (Jamie, did you start yours yet?????) b/c I get a little peek into their lives and it makes me smile. Christi, girl, you inspire me day after day and I can't wait to get my hands on that book of yours!
Having all the material things in my life is just icing. To be in our second home and be able to have two cars that are paid off and be able to buy all the things we need and most of what we want are incredible blessings! I even have a little business that seems to be growing more than I ever expected. I started out making bows for Kami and now I sell bows and clips and streamers all over Lubbock. Pretty crazy! (I might as well post my gallery in case anyone is interested, hahahahha: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=18ojw89a.3w6vqlne&x=0&y=-itvcjh&localeid=en_US .
Anyway, as you can see, I'm a blessed woman! I have no idea what the next 30 years will bring but if I have will be as lucky as I was in this 30, I'll be golden.
Monday, October 20, 2008
4-yr old check-up
For anyone who hasn't had to do the 4-year check-up yet, let me tell you, it's exhausting! They do a whole lotta stuff at that appointment, the worst of which is that Kami got FIVE shots. She was so not a happy camper, but she did ok. She got to choose a prize out of the prize box and she got a Dora sticker and we went to Rosa's for dinner and Sheridan's for dessert. I hope she feels ok tomorrow, but if not, I told her she could stay home from school. One of her little friends from pre-school was completely miserable the day after her shots and couldn't even get out of bed b/c her leg was so sore. Poor little muffin!
While we were at the doctor's office, she was kind enough to take a look at Taylor for us and his ears look great, his throat is fine and his molars aren't coming in. He is finishing cutting his canines, though so she suspects that is why he has been running fever since Saturday evening.
Speaking of Saturday, I did that craft fair in Wolforth and it went really well! The next one will be at Monterey church of Christ on November 15. I would love for you to come by even if it's just to say, "Hi!"
Well I need to get my kids ready for bed so I hope y'all have a great week!!
While we were at the doctor's office, she was kind enough to take a look at Taylor for us and his ears look great, his throat is fine and his molars aren't coming in. He is finishing cutting his canines, though so she suspects that is why he has been running fever since Saturday evening.
Speaking of Saturday, I did that craft fair in Wolforth and it went really well! The next one will be at Monterey church of Christ on November 15. I would love for you to come by even if it's just to say, "Hi!"
Well I need to get my kids ready for bed so I hope y'all have a great week!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
My faith is weak
Do you have one thing that really tests your faith in God?
For me it is the death of babies. I don't understand it. As a mother, I can't even processes it. My friends lost their baby girl in June and I almost turned my back on God. These two people are some of the most generous, kind, wonderful people I have ever known and she had to go through almost her entire pregnancy knowing she was going to lose her baby girl. They got to have her for 3 weeks, which is 3 weeks longer than they thought they would, but still. 3 weeks??? I found out today that another friend who lives in the DC area had her boy/girl twins very prematurely and her baby boy didn't make it. Her baby girl is hanging on, but is not out of the woods yet. How can this happen???
I understand that God gives us free will and that bad things can happen as a consequence. But babies?? What free will did they exercise? NONE! Yes, I know they are up in heaven now and will never have to suffer, but what of us left behind? What free will did those parents exercise to warrent the loss of a baby? I just don't understand. I know life isn't always roses and poetry and that sometimes it is very ugly. I know that as a Christian I am almost guaranteed hardships, according to Peter. But babies are pure and innocent and represent the best of this world. WHY DO THEY DIE?! WHY, GOD?!
Please pray for the parents of these precious babies. If I'm struggling with this I can't even begin to imagine the struggle they face and will face daily. I know it sounds a little ironic that I am angry at God but still ask for prayers and have said them myself. It isn't that I don't believe in Him or don't trust Him. I do. I just need some guidance and understanding. It's like when you get mad at your parents. I still love my parents and know that they will always do their best to take care of me and mine, but I still get angry with them. So I guess that's where I am in my relationship with God right now. I thought I had reconciled myself with this question after this summer, but apparently not. Please pray that I don't sin in my anger.
For me it is the death of babies. I don't understand it. As a mother, I can't even processes it. My friends lost their baby girl in June and I almost turned my back on God. These two people are some of the most generous, kind, wonderful people I have ever known and she had to go through almost her entire pregnancy knowing she was going to lose her baby girl. They got to have her for 3 weeks, which is 3 weeks longer than they thought they would, but still. 3 weeks??? I found out today that another friend who lives in the DC area had her boy/girl twins very prematurely and her baby boy didn't make it. Her baby girl is hanging on, but is not out of the woods yet. How can this happen???
I understand that God gives us free will and that bad things can happen as a consequence. But babies?? What free will did they exercise? NONE! Yes, I know they are up in heaven now and will never have to suffer, but what of us left behind? What free will did those parents exercise to warrent the loss of a baby? I just don't understand. I know life isn't always roses and poetry and that sometimes it is very ugly. I know that as a Christian I am almost guaranteed hardships, according to Peter. But babies are pure and innocent and represent the best of this world. WHY DO THEY DIE?! WHY, GOD?!
Please pray for the parents of these precious babies. If I'm struggling with this I can't even begin to imagine the struggle they face and will face daily. I know it sounds a little ironic that I am angry at God but still ask for prayers and have said them myself. It isn't that I don't believe in Him or don't trust Him. I do. I just need some guidance and understanding. It's like when you get mad at your parents. I still love my parents and know that they will always do their best to take care of me and mine, but I still get angry with them. So I guess that's where I am in my relationship with God right now. I thought I had reconciled myself with this question after this summer, but apparently not. Please pray that I don't sin in my anger.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm so far behind, I think I'm first!
My mom used to have a coffee mug with that saying on it and that's about how I feel these days. :D It's all good, though.
So let's see, when last I left this wonderful blog, I was in the middle of getting ready for Kami's party and for Race for the Cure. As you can see from the slideshow, I did indeed run it. ;) I thought about coping out right before the race, but decided to go ahead and stick it out. I'm really glad I did and I only had to walk for a few minutes toward the latter half of the 5K. I finished in 46 min. which is well off the 30 min that was my goal, but so much happened in August and September that I didn't make training a priority. I have set a goal to push both the kids for the 5K next year, so that should be interesting. They weigh a total of about 55 lbs right now so I might be pushing 65 lbs plus the stroller next year! That should be a workout!
Anyway, Kami's party was a success. She had 4 friends come over and if you are on Facebook, you have probably already seen the pics. If not, this should let you see the pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6734&l=ed5d9&id=1353737597
This weekend, I'll be at the Wolforth craft show. Not sure what the real name of it is, but it's in Wolforth and it's this Saturday. :D To throw a wrench in things, Tim is leaving on Friday morning to head down to College Station for the game on Saturday. But my sweet friend, Dena, volunteered to take my kids for the day. She's the greatest and my kids love her so I know they will have a blast. Hopefully they will be nice for her, too!
My kids are screaming at each other and since Kami bit Taylor this morning when she got angry with him, I better go referee. I'll come back another time. ;)
So let's see, when last I left this wonderful blog, I was in the middle of getting ready for Kami's party and for Race for the Cure. As you can see from the slideshow, I did indeed run it. ;) I thought about coping out right before the race, but decided to go ahead and stick it out. I'm really glad I did and I only had to walk for a few minutes toward the latter half of the 5K. I finished in 46 min. which is well off the 30 min that was my goal, but so much happened in August and September that I didn't make training a priority. I have set a goal to push both the kids for the 5K next year, so that should be interesting. They weigh a total of about 55 lbs right now so I might be pushing 65 lbs plus the stroller next year! That should be a workout!
Anyway, Kami's party was a success. She had 4 friends come over and if you are on Facebook, you have probably already seen the pics. If not, this should let you see the pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6734&l=ed5d9&id=1353737597
This weekend, I'll be at the Wolforth craft show. Not sure what the real name of it is, but it's in Wolforth and it's this Saturday. :D To throw a wrench in things, Tim is leaving on Friday morning to head down to College Station for the game on Saturday. But my sweet friend, Dena, volunteered to take my kids for the day. She's the greatest and my kids love her so I know they will have a blast. Hopefully they will be nice for her, too!
My kids are screaming at each other and since Kami bit Taylor this morning when she got angry with him, I better go referee. I'll come back another time. ;)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Crazy busy!
Right now I am so stinkin' busy I can barely thing straight. I just wanted to let y'all know I'm not avoiding blogging, I just don't have time to do it right now. It might be a couple of weeks, but I will be back. I have some funny pictures of my kids sleeping in various places and pictures of Kami's first day of ballet, so when I come back I'll post those. :) Have a great rest of the week!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Can a get a little cheese with that whine?
HOLY SMOKES!! My kids have been whiney, whiney, whiney all day long! I'm about ready to pull my hair out! Tim needs to come home soon so no one gets hurt. (ok, just so you know, I'm being dramatic. I would never hurt my kids on purpose even on the worst days.) I have been busy all day long and I'm tired and they seem to be tired and that just isn't a good mix. I want to crawl in my bed and go to sleep for an hour or so and then I think I would feel better. I just yelled at them both and made Taylor cry. Not my finest mothering moment. *sigh* I still have so much to get done today and I just don't feel like it. I need chocolate.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Kami's project
Why do parents feel the need to do their children's homework for them? Especially when they are 3?? We got this assignment to do over the weekend for Kami's school about families. I let Kami do the project since it was HER class and HER school. When I got to school this morning I saw a mom with COMPUTER GENERATED graphics and pictures! WHAT??? Then I get into Kami's classroom and I'm putting her lunch and backpack in her little locker and I see another project that a mom had obviously done and it was one of Kami's teachers!! What is wrong with letting our children be creative and doing their own work? What kind of pattern are you setting if you will already do your children's work in preschool? I guess I'm irritated b/c I am trying to raise my children to be independent adults and there are tiny steps along the way, such as doing work on their own, that I believe will lead to that goal. I could probably go on and on and on, but I'll stop now.
Anyway....
I went to Hobby Lobby after I dropped Kami off and I could spend hours and hours there just wandering around. *sigh* I picked up some huge vase thing and some greenery to go in my China hutch. It was all 50% off. I LOVE 50% off. :D And I ran into Jamie while I was there! It was good to see you, girl! Hope you got all your running around done!
Anyway....
I went to Hobby Lobby after I dropped Kami off and I could spend hours and hours there just wandering around. *sigh* I picked up some huge vase thing and some greenery to go in my China hutch. It was all 50% off. I LOVE 50% off. :D And I ran into Jamie while I was there! It was good to see you, girl! Hope you got all your running around done!
Monday, September 22, 2008
More colds :(
Kami woke up yesterday morning with what I thought was allergies. No such luck; she has another cold!! Poor kid. And this morning Taylor woke up with it. So they are both a little fussy and really snotty, especially Taylor. Kami doesn't like the feeling of snot, so she keeps up with her own, but Taylor can sneeze down to his chin and it doesn't bother him. Not sure if it is his age or his gender. ;)
Now I have to go clean house and do laundry. I am trying to get all the fall/winter clothes washed so that when we get a surprise cold front I'll be ready. And I like looking at all the clothes I bought over the last few months and at the end of the season last year. :) I'm a sucker for kid's clothes. I was kind of glad no one could see the piles of clothes I bought for each child, especially Kami. It was pretty eye-opening to see it all laid out on the floor and has definitely made me not want to buy anything else for awhile! Oh, well except if it is for next year and is on sale. :-P
Now I have to go clean house and do laundry. I am trying to get all the fall/winter clothes washed so that when we get a surprise cold front I'll be ready. And I like looking at all the clothes I bought over the last few months and at the end of the season last year. :) I'm a sucker for kid's clothes. I was kind of glad no one could see the piles of clothes I bought for each child, especially Kami. It was pretty eye-opening to see it all laid out on the floor and has definitely made me not want to buy anything else for awhile! Oh, well except if it is for next year and is on sale. :-P
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Report on Taylor's tubes
Taylor had his tubes put in this morning at about 8:30. He is doing great!! He is already acting as if nothing happened. It's totally crazy! The nurse said he did perfectly and never even whimpered when he woke up. In recovery he harldy cried at all even though he had to be in pain. Kami went nuts and it took her a full day to recover. Taylor was back to normal in 30 min. Just confirms what I already knew about my kids. ;)
Thank you, God, for such a successful surgery and recovery!
Thank you, God, for such a successful surgery and recovery!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I love my kids. :)
My kids are my true joy in this crazy life. I have really been enjoying them lately even more than I normally do. Kami is so passionate about everything. She has been that way since she was born and I think it will continue for her whole life. She is either happy, happy, happy or NOT happy at all. It used to frustrate me b/c I thought it was my fault that she was so unhappy sometimes. But now I know it is just part of who she is and I need to help her find a way to better express her anger than throwing fits and screaming and crying. Because she is so passionate, she is such a loving girl. She randomly gives me hugs and tells me that she loves me all the time. It makes my heart swell with love and pride to hear her tell Taylor that she loves him and that she will take care of him forever. So sweet! And she does take good care of him! Yesterday he really wanted to get his shoes and socks off after we came home from the grocery store but wasn't having much success. I was going to help him after I got the groceries put away, but when I peeked into the living room to check on him, Kami was sitting on the floor with him taking off his shoes and socks. It was sooooo adorable! She does stuff like that for him all the time. Oh, and she has started trying to teach him that is wrong to do things. The last week or so I will hear her say something like, "Do you want me to spit (or hit) you?" "No," says Taylor, which is his response to most things these days. "Then don't spit at me!" She says it in a very patient voice and is pretty nice about it and it just makes me smile to hear it. :) Kami is very into princesses and other pretend play. I think she always has a running dialog in her head and sometimes I get to hear some of it when she is playing house or something with her Little People. She loves baby dolls and we have a plethera of them, but I'm considering getting her a couple more b/c she really does play with all of them. They are all nekkie right now b/c she is going through the stage where they all have to be that way. She does dress them up every now and again, but mostly they are bare bottomed. ;) She loves to dance, especially if she has a Prince. That used to be me, Daddy or Granny, but now it is usually Taylor and he loves it! She took gymnastics at the community center for the spring and summer sessions but has now decided she wants to be a "weenut" (ballerina) so she is taking ballet starting at the end of the month. I can't wait to see her learn some cute little moves! She really enjoyed gymnastics but I told her she had to choose which she wanted to take b/c I didn't want to overschedule her. I think she will really enjoy it, even if it's just b/c she gets to wear tights and ballet shoes. :)
Taylor is my busy, busy, busy boy. He has been moving from inception I'm pretty sure. I had to have 2 NSTs (non-stress tests) done every week for my last trimester with him and I would be strapped to that machine FOREVER b/c he would move all over the place and they couldn't get good readings. I was supposed to be there for 30 min. or so and I would almost always end up being hooked up for a good hour. Crazy kid! After he was born, he only moved more since he had some freedom. ;) He started rolling over at 4 months, crawling at 8 months and walking at 12 months. He's 16 months now and he is running all over the place. It is amazing how much babies change and grow in that first 2 years! Kami didn't do all those physical things until several months later, so I wasn't really prepared for Taylor to be so active, I guess. Anyway, since he was so physically ahead of her I thought he would be slower in speech and other things like that. Um, not so much. He has a ton of word and is starting to make sentences. It is just amazing!! He loves to be outside (both of them do, actually) and he loves to swing. He is very into cars and dogs and all other animals, too. He loves his Mama, Daddy, Sister, Granny and Papa. He loves to laugh and be chased around. He also enjoys his "naks" or snacks. He hates sleep and having his hair washed and the blender, but other than that I can't think of anything he really doesn't like. He has started saying, "Awww, man!" because I say it all the time, I guess. I didn't realize how much until he started saying it. :) I used to say, "Crap!" a lot, but when Kami started saying it I realized that I had to stop that and quickly!!! Anyway, it's really funny to hear this tiny little voice from the other room say, "Awww, man."
Did I mention I love my kids? :-D
Taylor is my busy, busy, busy boy. He has been moving from inception I'm pretty sure. I had to have 2 NSTs (non-stress tests) done every week for my last trimester with him and I would be strapped to that machine FOREVER b/c he would move all over the place and they couldn't get good readings. I was supposed to be there for 30 min. or so and I would almost always end up being hooked up for a good hour. Crazy kid! After he was born, he only moved more since he had some freedom. ;) He started rolling over at 4 months, crawling at 8 months and walking at 12 months. He's 16 months now and he is running all over the place. It is amazing how much babies change and grow in that first 2 years! Kami didn't do all those physical things until several months later, so I wasn't really prepared for Taylor to be so active, I guess. Anyway, since he was so physically ahead of her I thought he would be slower in speech and other things like that. Um, not so much. He has a ton of word and is starting to make sentences. It is just amazing!! He loves to be outside (both of them do, actually) and he loves to swing. He is very into cars and dogs and all other animals, too. He loves his Mama, Daddy, Sister, Granny and Papa. He loves to laugh and be chased around. He also enjoys his "naks" or snacks. He hates sleep and having his hair washed and the blender, but other than that I can't think of anything he really doesn't like. He has started saying, "Awww, man!" because I say it all the time, I guess. I didn't realize how much until he started saying it. :) I used to say, "Crap!" a lot, but when Kami started saying it I realized that I had to stop that and quickly!!! Anyway, it's really funny to hear this tiny little voice from the other room say, "Awww, man."
Did I mention I love my kids? :-D
Monday, September 15, 2008
Craft Fair Report
Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day! We had a great spot under a big tree so we were shaded from the sun so in the afternoon it was quite pleasant in our little booth. Financially I did pretty well, too. I did two shows last year and I made more at this one show than I did at both of those combined, so I call that a success! I am considering doing another one in Sept. at Maxey Park, but I need to get more info on that one. I am for sure going to be doing the one at Monterey Church of Christ in Nov (the 15th, I think??), so come by and see me. :)
In other news, I have unfortunately gained 6 lbs this last month. YUCK! I do not feel good and my pants are tight so I am going back to writing everything down that goes into my mouth and drinking more water. I know that I can lose it again, it is just frustrating to know I let hard work that I have already put in go to waste. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be able to report that I lost it all and then some. ;)
Have a great week!
In other news, I have unfortunately gained 6 lbs this last month. YUCK! I do not feel good and my pants are tight so I am going back to writing everything down that goes into my mouth and drinking more water. I know that I can lose it again, it is just frustrating to know I let hard work that I have already put in go to waste. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be able to report that I lost it all and then some. ;)
Have a great week!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Politics and the rain
Why is it that the arguments made against Sarah Palin's nomination are things like, "She doesn't represent women well. She is an insult to women, etc." Maybe she is an insult to liberal women, but it doesn't mean she is an insult to me. What I know of her, I like her. I like that she is conservative and has an opinion about things. I don't agree with her on everything, but then again, I don't agree with my own husband or my parents on every issue, either. I'm not asking anyone to repond really, I just needed to vent. I'm tired of being referred to as an idiot b/c I am a conservative woman who backs Sarah Palin!
Ok, on to other things. I need the rain to stop by Saturday. Please pray that it does. For one thing, we were in Dallas for the first TTU game of the season and I am really wanting to go to the game and not sit in the rain. But that's not the real reason I need the rain to end. The Garden and Arts Festival is on Saturday and my friend, Alisha, and I have a booth there. We have spent a lot of time getting ready for this and I know the other vendors will have done that as well. If it is raining as hard as it is now, NO ONE is going to be out there to shop. Or if they are, I might not want to sell my bows to those crazy people! ;) So pray that the rain lets up by Saturday!
Ok, on to other things. I need the rain to stop by Saturday. Please pray that it does. For one thing, we were in Dallas for the first TTU game of the season and I am really wanting to go to the game and not sit in the rain. But that's not the real reason I need the rain to end. The Garden and Arts Festival is on Saturday and my friend, Alisha, and I have a booth there. We have spent a lot of time getting ready for this and I know the other vendors will have done that as well. If it is raining as hard as it is now, NO ONE is going to be out there to shop. Or if they are, I might not want to sell my bows to those crazy people! ;) So pray that the rain lets up by Saturday!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Bible study
Last night we had our second Bible study on the book of I Corinthians. It was amazing!! I love getting together with my friends and discussing God's Word. The fact that the Bible was written so long ago and still applies to the struggles I face daily is proof that God has had a plan for us and for ME from the beginning of time. I won't profess to know or understand all of what I read in the Bible. Far from it actually, but I feel that if I'm willing, God opens up new things for me to discover each time I study. Because I grew up going to church, I have a lot of general knowledge, but I never have taken the time to do in depth study of His Word besides during my AIM time. I Corithians (and Hebrews) talks about being ready for the spiritual meat instead of staying on the milk. I think I have been taking the milk road for way too long and it's time to get my teeth into the meat.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Kami's Open House and first day of school
Kami goes to Sonshine PreSchool over at Broadway Church of Christ and she LOVES it! This is her third year and she is such the big girl now. Here are a few pictures of her from Open House last week and her first day on Tuesday. :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Dallas Trip
Right before we were supposed to go to Dallas Taylor shared his lovely cold with his sister and with me. I was pretty tired of being covered in snot by then end of the cold!!! Taylor's nose is still runny and Kami still has a bit of a cough, but other than that we are pretty much well. Taylor is feeling much better because he is back to terrorizing his sister. LOL!
The drive down to Dallas was OK until we hit Ft. Worth. OH.MY.GOODNESS. It was insane!!!! It was raining cats and dogs and people were driving like idiots and we passed 3 or 4 major wrecks. It took us TWO HOURS to get from Ft. Worth to Plano. The kids both woke up about half way during that mess and Taylor pretty much cried from the time he woke up until we got out at the hotel. Or actually until we got out at the wrong hotel b/c I got confused about which Marriott we were staying at. So we loaded the kids back up, Taylor screaming and kicking, of course, and drove around getting lost until we found our way to the correct Marriott. We stayed in the Legacy Town Center and it was very nice there, like a little village. We walked to a few restaurants and down to the pond with a waterfall, the kids loved that, and it was just very nice.
Meeting up with my friends was awesome! I like them even more after meeting them in person which is always a good thing! :D I got some great pictures! I may post some of just my family another day. I'm too lazy to go upload them right now. ;) Anyway, we went to a couple of malls and to Ikea and had lots of fun just being together. Plus I got to shop at a Hanna Andersson store!! Whoo hoo! I got a few things for Kami off the sale rack and a hat for Taylor. Then I shopped at Janie and Jack and got Kami a sweet, sweet dress with a cardigan that is just, well...sweet. :) It is really precious and was almost worth the trip to Dallas. OK, so not really, but it is a really cute dress and cardi! Then I hit Baby Gap and got Taylor a couple of shirts and a baseball cap. He loves his hats!
The trip home was not so good. It was llllooooonnnnnggggg and the kids were not so cooperative. They were tired and hadn't eaten well the entire trip and were just out of sorts. So I sat in the back between the two car seats for way too many hours and tried to ply them with food, drinks and activities. We made it to Abilene without too many incidents, but from there home it was pure torture for everyone. Tim was having a hard time staying awake and focused and I was ready to chop my ears off from listening to all the whining and crying coming from my kids. As soon as we pulled into the drive way Kami started yelling for joy! She was soooo happy to be home and she ran to her room and did a little dance and it was hysterical! She really missed our house. :) Taylor was still a fussy boy until Tim picked up Chloe (our crazy jack russell/mutt) from Petsmart. He loves that crazy dog and they chased each other around the house for at least 15 or 20 minutes. He laughed and laughed and laughed!
So that was our adventure. Oh, I forgot to mention just one tiny thing. Taylor was on antibiotics for his ear infection and then getting the cold on top of that have made his diapers disgusting. Plus we weren't at home were I could feed him a BRATY (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and yogurt) diet so we went through over half a pack of diapers in 4 days!! Good thing I brought the whole pack and two bricks of wipes! His poor bum has a horrible, horrible rash on it. It is healing but taking soooo long since I keep having to change his diapers. Just for reference (cuz I know you want to know all of this!) he poops at least 5 times a day, sometimes 8 times. Well when he is sick, it goes up from there! Every time I turn around he's telling me he is poopy. I never thought I would be relieved to only have to change 5 poopy diapers a day!!! LOLOL!
And on that lovely note, I'll wish you a happy hump day!
The drive down to Dallas was OK until we hit Ft. Worth. OH.MY.GOODNESS. It was insane!!!! It was raining cats and dogs and people were driving like idiots and we passed 3 or 4 major wrecks. It took us TWO HOURS to get from Ft. Worth to Plano. The kids both woke up about half way during that mess and Taylor pretty much cried from the time he woke up until we got out at the hotel. Or actually until we got out at the wrong hotel b/c I got confused about which Marriott we were staying at. So we loaded the kids back up, Taylor screaming and kicking, of course, and drove around getting lost until we found our way to the correct Marriott. We stayed in the Legacy Town Center and it was very nice there, like a little village. We walked to a few restaurants and down to the pond with a waterfall, the kids loved that, and it was just very nice.
Meeting up with my friends was awesome! I like them even more after meeting them in person which is always a good thing! :D I got some great pictures! I may post some of just my family another day. I'm too lazy to go upload them right now. ;) Anyway, we went to a couple of malls and to Ikea and had lots of fun just being together. Plus I got to shop at a Hanna Andersson store!! Whoo hoo! I got a few things for Kami off the sale rack and a hat for Taylor. Then I shopped at Janie and Jack and got Kami a sweet, sweet dress with a cardigan that is just, well...sweet. :) It is really precious and was almost worth the trip to Dallas. OK, so not really, but it is a really cute dress and cardi! Then I hit Baby Gap and got Taylor a couple of shirts and a baseball cap. He loves his hats!
The trip home was not so good. It was llllooooonnnnnggggg and the kids were not so cooperative. They were tired and hadn't eaten well the entire trip and were just out of sorts. So I sat in the back between the two car seats for way too many hours and tried to ply them with food, drinks and activities. We made it to Abilene without too many incidents, but from there home it was pure torture for everyone. Tim was having a hard time staying awake and focused and I was ready to chop my ears off from listening to all the whining and crying coming from my kids. As soon as we pulled into the drive way Kami started yelling for joy! She was soooo happy to be home and she ran to her room and did a little dance and it was hysterical! She really missed our house. :) Taylor was still a fussy boy until Tim picked up Chloe (our crazy jack russell/mutt) from Petsmart. He loves that crazy dog and they chased each other around the house for at least 15 or 20 minutes. He laughed and laughed and laughed!
So that was our adventure. Oh, I forgot to mention just one tiny thing. Taylor was on antibiotics for his ear infection and then getting the cold on top of that have made his diapers disgusting. Plus we weren't at home were I could feed him a BRATY (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and yogurt) diet so we went through over half a pack of diapers in 4 days!! Good thing I brought the whole pack and two bricks of wipes! His poor bum has a horrible, horrible rash on it. It is healing but taking soooo long since I keep having to change his diapers. Just for reference (cuz I know you want to know all of this!) he poops at least 5 times a day, sometimes 8 times. Well when he is sick, it goes up from there! Every time I turn around he's telling me he is poopy. I never thought I would be relieved to only have to change 5 poopy diapers a day!!! LOLOL!
And on that lovely note, I'll wish you a happy hump day!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
No sleep = a very cranky mama!!!
How on earth did I survive my kids being newborns? I was up for a few hours with Taylor last night and I STRUGGLED today. I mean I am barely functioning. Lots of t.v. for the kids and lots of caffiene for the mama! Thank goodness for my wonderful husband who came home and took over. He's the bestest!
Poor Taylor picked up a cold somewhere (probably at the dr.'s office) and so on top of having a nasty ear infection he now has a nasty cold. He is sneezing (you know the kind where the baby sneezes and the snot hangs down to their chin? yeah, it's not pretty) and his eyes are watering and he just looks pitiful.
I tried to start packing today for our trip to Dallas this weekend. Fortunately Tim took Thursday off and we aren't leaving until Friday so I can get some stuff done then, too. I folded an enormous basket of clothes and barely made a dent in my laundry pile. At least it's clean!! I have to pack in secret b/c Kami knows what suitcases/travel bags are for. "Are we going on a trip? On an airplane? Awww! In the car?! I don't want to go in the car. I want to go on the airplane. Can I watch a movie in the car? What movie can I watch? Is Taylor going to watch the movie? When are we going to leave? What day is Friday? Is today Friday? What day is today? How many days until Friday? Is Granny going with us? Is it Friday yet? Who are we going to stay with? Will there be other kids there? Is it Friday yet? Are you going to ride in the back with us? Is it far away where we are going? Is it Friday yet?" etc, etc, etc. So I'm going to try to keep it a secret until Thursday evening. I have to prepare her a little and give her some time to ask her questions, but I just don't want to deal with three days of questions that will be repeated over and over again. :)
Poor Taylor picked up a cold somewhere (probably at the dr.'s office) and so on top of having a nasty ear infection he now has a nasty cold. He is sneezing (you know the kind where the baby sneezes and the snot hangs down to their chin? yeah, it's not pretty) and his eyes are watering and he just looks pitiful.
I tried to start packing today for our trip to Dallas this weekend. Fortunately Tim took Thursday off and we aren't leaving until Friday so I can get some stuff done then, too. I folded an enormous basket of clothes and barely made a dent in my laundry pile. At least it's clean!! I have to pack in secret b/c Kami knows what suitcases/travel bags are for. "Are we going on a trip? On an airplane? Awww! In the car?! I don't want to go in the car. I want to go on the airplane. Can I watch a movie in the car? What movie can I watch? Is Taylor going to watch the movie? When are we going to leave? What day is Friday? Is today Friday? What day is today? How many days until Friday? Is Granny going with us? Is it Friday yet? Who are we going to stay with? Will there be other kids there? Is it Friday yet? Are you going to ride in the back with us? Is it far away where we are going? Is it Friday yet?" etc, etc, etc. So I'm going to try to keep it a secret until Thursday evening. I have to prepare her a little and give her some time to ask her questions, but I just don't want to deal with three days of questions that will be repeated over and over again. :)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tube date and meal planning
Taylor now has an appointment for Thursday, Sept 18th to get his tubes put in. Thankfully my mom is going to be here to take Kami to school and all that day. I'm glad Tim and I don't have to choose who would stay with Taylor and who would go with Kami. Taylor is going to want me but I don't think I will be able to handle him if he goes crazy like Kami did after she woke up from the surgery. She went absolutely bananas, but doesn't remember any of it. I guess that is common, or at least not uncommon. So I kind of expect the same with Taylor.
Anyway, now I'm sitting here trying to plan my meals for the week so that we will have enough food that I won't have to go shopping again right after we get back from Dallas. If you have any easy meals you want to send my way, feel free!!! I know hotdogs aren't that great in the nutrition area, but when they are $.89 and then the buns are another $.89 and both my kids will eat, they make a great meal. ;) Oh, if you need any Cokes, they are 4 for $9 at Market Street right now! Hard to beat that deal! Yes, Cokes and hotdogs....the staples of a healthy household. *eyeroll*
My kids are fighting over the bouncy zebra so I guess I better go mediate. The joys of parenthood, right??
Anyway, now I'm sitting here trying to plan my meals for the week so that we will have enough food that I won't have to go shopping again right after we get back from Dallas. If you have any easy meals you want to send my way, feel free!!! I know hotdogs aren't that great in the nutrition area, but when they are $.89 and then the buns are another $.89 and both my kids will eat, they make a great meal. ;) Oh, if you need any Cokes, they are 4 for $9 at Market Street right now! Hard to beat that deal! Yes, Cokes and hotdogs....the staples of a healthy household. *eyeroll*
My kids are fighting over the bouncy zebra so I guess I better go mediate. The joys of parenthood, right??
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tubes
Taylor was screaming in pain most of Wednesday night unless one of us held him and then started running fever and was cranky Thursday morning. Then Thursday evening he was happy and went to bed fine, but seeing as how I have been down this road before, I went ahead and called to make him a doctor's appointment. He was fussy all this morning and super clingy and running fever. So we went to the doctor and guess what??? He has ANOTHER ear infection. *sigh* Poor kid. This makes his 5th one since January and we have already had a consult with the ENT so I am awaiting a call back to schedule his surgery for tubes. It will kind of be a relief except for the cotton in his ears for bath. Hmm that might get interesting. Anyway, Kami had a raging ear infection last summer (um, yes, when we had a newborn--lovely, right?) and it lasted through 3 rounds of antibiotics. Tim finally took her to the ER on a Tuesday morning because she was in constant pain and she had tubes put in on Thursday morning. By Friday she was a new kid so it was totally worth getting them done. She went a little crazy after the surgery, but that's a whole different post. ;)
So I am sad that my baby is in pain yet again, but I'm glad he will finally get some relief with the tubes. Please say a prayer that the shot he got today works wonders for him and that we can get him an appointment soonfor the tubes!!
So I am sad that my baby is in pain yet again, but I'm glad he will finally get some relief with the tubes. Please say a prayer that the shot he got today works wonders for him and that we can get him an appointment soonfor the tubes!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Nothing much
I got most of the laundry done and I actually folded all that is washed and dried. A big accomplishment, I promise you!
My mom is coming today to help get my house ready for my aunt to come. This will be my aunt's first visit to our house so I'm hoping not to scare her off! She loves me no matter what, but I'm sure she would prefer a clean house. ;) So after they are here for a couple of days, they are going to go down to my aunt's house in San Antonio and meet up with another aunt and uncle and my cousins. I wish I could go, but there just isn't really anyway we could make it this time for various reasons. It makes me a little sad because my cousin who had her baby girl on the same day I had Taylor will be there and I would love to get to meet little Autumn! But I guess that will have to wait for another time. We will get to go down to SA for Thanksgiving so that will be fun.
Labor Day weekend we are going to Dallas! I can't wait b/c I'm going to meet a group of friends and their families there!! I'm sure I will be posting more about that soon.
My mom is coming today to help get my house ready for my aunt to come. This will be my aunt's first visit to our house so I'm hoping not to scare her off! She loves me no matter what, but I'm sure she would prefer a clean house. ;) So after they are here for a couple of days, they are going to go down to my aunt's house in San Antonio and meet up with another aunt and uncle and my cousins. I wish I could go, but there just isn't really anyway we could make it this time for various reasons. It makes me a little sad because my cousin who had her baby girl on the same day I had Taylor will be there and I would love to get to meet little Autumn! But I guess that will have to wait for another time. We will get to go down to SA for Thanksgiving so that will be fun.
Labor Day weekend we are going to Dallas! I can't wait b/c I'm going to meet a group of friends and their families there!! I'm sure I will be posting more about that soon.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Laundry Day
Today is laundry day. How is that two small children create so much laundry??? I don't mind actually mind putting the laundry in the washer and then putting in the dryer, but the folding and putting away just irritate me for some reason. I'll be the first to admit I am a horrible housekeeper (Tim will second that, I'm sure!) and so our laundry sits in baskets, clean, but unfolded and not in drawers where it belongs. The FlyLady would be horrified. ;) Well, I think I hear the dryer buzzer so I'm off to change the loads. Have a happy Monday!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Bible study downer
I'm irritated that no one showed up for Bible study tonight. Yeah, I get that everyone had good excuses, I guess, but it doesn't stop me from being peeved that I was the only one who wanted to be there. I don't know why this is bothering me so much. I should be over it by now; yet, 2 1/2 hours later, here I sit, still aggrevated. I don't know if it just doesn't mean as much to other people or if they don't need the fellowship as much as I do or what. We haven't gotten together in over a month and one by one everyone bailed on me. I guess maybe my feelings are hurt and I need to get out my big girl panties and get over it. I don't know that I'm still motivated to keep hosting and "teaching" this study if only one or two people (or none!) are interested. Maybe I'll feel differently tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Running
Last July I started the C25K program and went from never ever running to being able to complete a 5K in about 40 min, I think. I sort of dropped the ball and quit running b/c I didn't have a goal to work towards over the latter part of last year and the beginning of this year. Then I decided to pick it back up and while my endurance was fine, my muscles weren't ready to go from nothing to 20 min. runs. So I ended up pulling my calf muscle in my right leg. I was out 8 weeks and then just couldn't get motivated to run again. The past couple of weeks, I finally got off my hind end and am back on the treadmill (best Christmas present ever!!). I'm hoping to do the Race for the Cure on Oct. 4th in under 30 min. That is probably a bit ambitious, but I need a goal besides just to finish the race. I'll be hitting some of my friends up for donations for this wonderful cause, so be ready! ;) Last year I was embarrassed about asking people for money, but after being at the race and seeing what the event was all about, I'm not embarrassed in the least. The pictures of the pink balloons from last year still make me tear up. If anyone wants to run with me, let me know! I would love to have some company!!
Last night I did day 2 of week 3 of C25K and my heiney is sore! It used to be that my calves would be sore, but those are pretty rock solid now, so I guess the soreness is moving up. ;) If my butt gets as in shape as my calves have gotten then it is all worth the pain. I started off really fast last night, well, fast for me, anyway, and just couldn't maintain the pace. It irked me a little so I either need to start at a slower pace or just push through. I think I will try to push through next time b/c to get under 30 min. I need to pick up the pace.
It is kind of odd for me to be posting about running. It still makes me smirk a little when I think back 14 months when I completely balked at the idea of running. "What??? ME? Running? I think not." I have never been an athletic person. I'm short and a little (ok a lot) thick around the middle and oh, so very accident prone. Running was for those people who were already in great shape, not for the flabolicious me. But, thanks to some friends who convinced me that they had started out just like me, I started the running program. And what do you know? It worked! I still don't completely love the process of running, but I like how I feel afterwards. I like that I feel strong and that I have accomplished something. It's an ego boost of my own creation and I love that.
Now I'm off to start getting prepared for pictures! Cross your fingers that my kids are in a good mood. I really can't wait to see the finished product b/c all of the pictures that I have seen that Denae has taken are just awesome.
Last night I did day 2 of week 3 of C25K and my heiney is sore! It used to be that my calves would be sore, but those are pretty rock solid now, so I guess the soreness is moving up. ;) If my butt gets as in shape as my calves have gotten then it is all worth the pain. I started off really fast last night, well, fast for me, anyway, and just couldn't maintain the pace. It irked me a little so I either need to start at a slower pace or just push through. I think I will try to push through next time b/c to get under 30 min. I need to pick up the pace.
It is kind of odd for me to be posting about running. It still makes me smirk a little when I think back 14 months when I completely balked at the idea of running. "What??? ME? Running? I think not." I have never been an athletic person. I'm short and a little (ok a lot) thick around the middle and oh, so very accident prone. Running was for those people who were already in great shape, not for the flabolicious me. But, thanks to some friends who convinced me that they had started out just like me, I started the running program. And what do you know? It worked! I still don't completely love the process of running, but I like how I feel afterwards. I like that I feel strong and that I have accomplished something. It's an ego boost of my own creation and I love that.
Now I'm off to start getting prepared for pictures! Cross your fingers that my kids are in a good mood. I really can't wait to see the finished product b/c all of the pictures that I have seen that Denae has taken are just awesome.
Monday, August 11, 2008
USA! USA! USA!
I had to post again and say how much I am loving the Olympics. Right now I am watching the amazing Phelps as he goes for yet another final. I am constantly amazed by the abilities God has blessed him with. And last night when I watched the women's gymnastics, I wanted to cry for them, give them all big hugs and cheer them on. Now the men are competing in gymnastics and are rockin' it out. Oh, and let's not forget the beach volleyball. They are amazing, too!
GO USA!!!!
GO USA!!!!
My first blog post
I'm jumping on the blog bandwagon. Not really sure why, but it seems to be the thing to do. Actually I need a place to post my random thoughts and feelings so here seems as good a place as any.
Tomorrow we're having family pictures taken and I'm really nervous! I have no idea why b/c the photographer (Hi, Denae!!) is a good friend from college and I don't anticipate a stressful experience or anything. I have all our clothes picked out and I didn't even have to buy anything new. (Aren't you proud, Tim??) I guess I've just never liked the way I look in pictures. Low self-esteem has been a constant battle in my life but I am getting better. I like the way I look for the most part. Sure I have a few more pounds to lose and need to tone up some more, but I am a different person than I was this time last year and if I never lose another pound, I'll still be OK with that. Anyway, just writing/typing this out has relaxed me a little. Hopefully the kids will cooperate tomorrow. If not we'll have pictures of the way life normally is around here, LOL!
So that's it for my first post. Wasn't that riveting???
Tomorrow we're having family pictures taken and I'm really nervous! I have no idea why b/c the photographer (Hi, Denae!!) is a good friend from college and I don't anticipate a stressful experience or anything. I have all our clothes picked out and I didn't even have to buy anything new. (Aren't you proud, Tim??) I guess I've just never liked the way I look in pictures. Low self-esteem has been a constant battle in my life but I am getting better. I like the way I look for the most part. Sure I have a few more pounds to lose and need to tone up some more, but I am a different person than I was this time last year and if I never lose another pound, I'll still be OK with that. Anyway, just writing/typing this out has relaxed me a little. Hopefully the kids will cooperate tomorrow. If not we'll have pictures of the way life normally is around here, LOL!
So that's it for my first post. Wasn't that riveting???
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