Christmas through the eyes of a two year old.

Getting ready for Christmas has been an absolute wonder this year. Little One is so excited and really trying to get what this holiday is all about.

Here are a few snippets of conversations that have gone on in the past few weeks.

Last week we were going to a Christmas party. When we told Little One that where we were going he said: "Oh it's Jesus's birthday!" Of course, the only reason we'd go to a party would be a birthday party.

Right after Thanksgiving we were running a quick errand and it was dark. Our neighbor had an angel in his yard and Little One saw it. When he figured out that it was an angel he started singing "Joy to the World". I had never heard him sing the song - and was a little surprised. It's a moment I will forever cherish.

Today he was watching a Christmas DVD and they were singing "Away in the Manger". Little One burst into great big alligator tears. I wasn't sure why. Tonight he asked me to sing the "Baby in the manger song". I sang it and as soon as I sang "no crib for a bed" his little eyes welled up with tears. I think he has figured out that there's a baby and the baby doesn't have a bed. I'm going to have to figure out how to explain that.

And then there is the tree. As we were decorating, Hubs kept handing him ornaments and asked him to go put them on the tree. After he had gone to bed, I found a little cove in the tree that held a pile of all of the ornaments he had been given. Except for one. He came across an ornament that is plastic and looks like a upright bass. He has decided that is his guitar. He is now Murray from the Wiggles. And I had to play my "'papprayno" (piano). Forget the decorating of the Christmas tree. There was music to be played!

He loves nutcrackers. We have two amongst our decorations...and he has taken a real liking to them.

And Santa, well, "Santa is coming!"

Rebates for Huggies Diapers

This web-site offers rebates for products that you buy when you are a care giver. They will give you a dollar rebate for every box of Huggies that you purchase. This includes Pull-ups and Overnites. The only requirement is that you buy at least five boxes and you mail in your original receipts.

It may seem little, but if I had a dollar for every box of diapers I've bought....

Did you know?

That you can buy and sell formula and diaper coupons on E*bay? I just discovered this little bounty today - and I am so excited! So, all you expecting moms, when you get your little goody diaper bag from both Enfamil and Similac when your in the hospital - there are lots of coupons and rebates to be found. Do not toss them, make some money off of them.

Is this news to you? Or, have I just been oblivious to the obvious?

Today

• This morning I woke up with a major case of bed head. Little one said:"What happened to your hair? You blow it up?"

• I have been selling things like crazy on e*bay. I sold two items yesterday and needed to get them to the post office, along with some other packages. I usually save my post office runs for late in the night and use the automated postage machine. But, today I just wanted to get it off my list. So, I trundled everyone to the car (it took about an hour to get us all together) and we were off. One of my problems in a public place is that Little One is a wanderer. He has no fear. So, the post office trip quickly turned into a "stay here" and "can you please be mama's helper?" and a "don't hold onto my arm!" kind of trip. Ugh. I was so frustrated. So was he. Although, I must give him credit, after a talk outside, he did listen and stay close by. We were able to finish mailing the packages and made our way to Target. As I walked out side, someone had parked his monster truck right next to my car - making it impossible to open the doors without touching his vehicle. I didn't know what to do. I had to get my kids in the car. We were on the brink of meltdown. So, I ever so gently opened the door and tried to get Little One in. Yes, my door was touching his precious truck. There was nothing else I could have done. He came storming out of the post office screaming obsenities at me. He told me that he had watched me "ram" his car and that if he was a #%"@ then he would get my insurance. I told him to go ahead - because there had been no harm done. I wasn't scared of damage. I was scared of him. Then he roared his monster truck engine and drove to the other side of the parking lot. He got out to examine his car - all the time yelling at me from across the parking lot. Brother! Thankfully, Little One was oblivious to what was going on. It certainly has given me some stuff to think about. What would I tell Little One if he did get what was going on? How could I set a Christ-like example? Because, I can tell you, that my heart is not at all very "Christ-like" at the moment. Grrr. It still makes me a little agitated. Regardless, it will be a long time before I venture out to the post office with my kids. My e*bay customers will have to wait.

• We went to Target, and I was so determined to make this a quick trip. I made Little One ride in the cart - which I don't normally do. And, I think I am going to stick to my guns about this from here on out. No more running around the store. It's enough to send me over the edge. And our trip today was fast, and painless.

• Target has a playdough kit on sale - and I must tell you that it's the best $6.00 I've spent in a long time. I've avoided play-dough but, it turns out that Little One loves it. It kept him busy all afternoon. He sat at his little table saying "What am I's going to make for ya?" and then I would name something and he'd whip it right up. Sometimes I was out of ideas and I'd tell him to decide. My favorite thing he made was "chocolate tea" for me. Mmmm. Sounds good! I think it's so sweet that he knows they are two of my favorite things and put them together.

• We decided that we are going to drive to CO for Christmas - not fly. With that, I am trying to decide if we should put up a Christmas tree. Little One is so into it this year. And, I don't want to miss anything that he may see through his little 2 year old eyes. I suppose that in itself is worth the work of putting up the tree. I better get crackin!

Another fun giveaway...

My blog friend Bee at Will Blog for Shoes is giving away something that's useful for Little Bundles...
If you have a sweet cuddly baby in your life - or if you are going to have one in the near future - you'll want to check this out.

Need some holiday dough?

Here is a giveaway for a $500.00 gift card to Wal-mart! Be sure to go over and check it out!

For the Record - Food Network has become my new BFF

These are the recipes that I used for my Thanksgiving meal - and all of them turned out oh so yummy...

Turkey
Whipped Sweet Potatoes with bananas and honey
Turkey Gravy
Pumpkin Pie

And today I made this to use up the leftovers - and I think it's one of the best soups I've ever made.

A whole bunch of new!

Here's an update big things have gone on in all of our lives in the past week:

Little One:
He's learned how to pedal! We left him at the YMCA for a few hours last week for parent's night out, and he came home, hopped on his tricycle and said "watch this!" and he just started peddling his little heart out. He rode around and around the main floor for a good 45 minutes. And, it's a been a daily activity since.
The other big thing is that Frosty the snowman has been introduced into our family. We rented it and had to return it today - and I'm pretty sure one of us will be headed out to find the DVD in due time. I can only imagine what his response is going to be when he learns that frosty is gone. It was bad enough when Frosty melted.
And, on that note - have you watched it lately? I found myself laughing and chuckling to myself a lot this past week - all of the children are wearing shorts and mini skirts on the coldest day of the year. Karen is sure her mother won't mind if she goes to the North Pole - as long as she's back by supper. And the police man is told that he has to excuse Frosty because he just became alive. Of course! If only I had a great excuse like that. :)
So, here's a photo of the tricycle Frosty marathon that's been going on around here.



Baby Brother:
He's learned to giggle! And boy, does he have to work hard at it. So many times he has a HUGE smile and he squints his little eyes and no sound comes out. But, just this week he's figured it out, and it's just about the cutest thing I've ever heard. He also LOVES to stare at his fist. Check him out.


Daddy:
Daddy is an official Longhorn! Yes, my sweet Husband has been accepted into Texas University to finish up his undergrad. I am so proud of him. He was at senior status when we left CO - and has been working on his degree for so long! After much perseverance - he's in! Hook em Horns!

Mama:
Made and hosted her first Thanksgiving. I had so much fun. I learned a ton - and can't wait until next year. One of the biggest things I learned was that when you brine a turkey and have an option between an expensive brine bag and a cheap one - opt for the more expensive one. Because there is a chance that the cheaper one may spring a leak in the night and leak brine, and raw turkey juices all over your refrigerator and into the deli and cheese drawer, and the first and second produce drawer - soaking everything that's in the drawers. Uh huh. Ask me how I know.

But, now I have a super clean refrigerator (the bottom half anyway) and all fresh produce. No more limp celery stalks can be found in my fridge!

Despite the craziness of the leaking brine, everything came out beautifully. We had our friends the Blacks over - and so enjoyed their company. It was a lovely day.

I know I promised in my last post to post about our trip. I need to stop promising coming topics in my posts. Because, I never know when I am going to have the opportunity to blog - or if I'm going to be in the mood to blog. So, for the record, I'd like to post about our CO trip, I hope to post about it, but make no promises from here on out... :)

So, I sign off this post with a lovely fall picture my sweet friend Heather (who, by the way, is hosting a very fun giveaway. Stop by and check it out!) took while we were home. I love how she captured my little man. Thank you Friend! For all of you who live in CO Springs and need a photographer - I highly recommend her....

Just imagine a "Happy Thanksgiving!" coming from that little mouth...

Four Months

I can hardly believe that four months has gone by since baby brother's birth. He is the sweetest baby. He is beyond content, yet lets me know if something isn't just right. In the past month he's taken his first airplane ride, met his Nana and Papa and Uncle Rob and Aunt Ally, along with Aunt Emily and cousin Michaela - and a host of other dear people. He is absolutely amazed by his hand. He holds his right hand up and just stares at it. Who needs a mobile? Yet, he does love the bear mobile in his bassinet, and gets so excited when he gets to visit them. He tries to roll over - and has only done so once (I think Big Brother gave a helping hand). And just this week, he figured out how to let that sweet giggle out. My sweet baby boy. I love you.

The Friendly Skies

Remember this post? Well, your advise came in very handy as I traveled last week, alone, with a three month old and a toddler. Gummy bears, the plane comes down, DVD player, sitting in the back of the plane....all very helpful. In my post I had to say that we were traveling over the holidays - (which we are) but in all reality I was traveling the next week to Colorado to surprise my sister for her 30th.

All in all, the trip went really well. I put Little One in a stroller, and Baby Brother in this baby carrier. (BTW - I HIGHLY recommend this baby carrier. It's a little pricey, but so worth it.) And made my way through security. It went something like this: Take our shoes off, take the formula out of the backpack, take the computer out of the backpack, send all of our five buckets through the security scanner, take Little One out of the stroller, help a security officer fold up the stroller, walk through the security deal, put Little One back in the stroller, praise God for the stroller!, put our shoes on, put everything back in the backpack, and let them test the formula for explosives. Thank goodness that I never had to take the baby carrier off in this process!!!

Phew!

I found that all along the way there were people who were more than willing to help. I found another mom in the restroom who watched my toddler and then I watched hers. The thought did cross my mind while I was in the stall that I just left my toddler with a complete stranger in the Denver International Airport - something I thought I would NEVER do. Then there was the mom of two boys who was traveling alone and became my traveling shadow. She carried my backpack, held the baby, and communicated to other travelers my needs. I am so thankful for her and will never forget her! And there were lots of grandma and grandpa types - that immediately identified me, my situation, and our needs. When I couldn't figure out how to get the stroller unlatched I had a flight attendant drag it to the concourse and announce: "Does anyone know how to work this kind of stroller?" and within thirty seconds I had five men standing around the stroller trying to figure it out - while I chased a very excited toddler around. I don't know how or who fixed my stroller, but it was done and I was so thankful!

As for the actual time in the plane, I brought my computer to serve as a DVD player - and it worked great. After the newness of the plane wore off, this new DVD was a big hit. Little One loved it when we hit any kind of turbulence - and would giggle deep belly laughs. I have never been a fan of flying - but I will admit that sitting by a toddler who is having a ball and thinks the whole experience is "SO MUCH FUN MAMA!!" made my stress and fear of flying disappear.

I feel that the story would not be complete without a true tale of how it all ended - the last 30 minutes of the last flight - we had a complete meltdown. Yes, I was the mom with the screaming child on the plane. Each of the flight attendants came by to offer help, to no avail. Little One was very upset that he couldn't draw with the marker that he had dropped and had rolled underneath the next seat. There was no way I could get it. Holding a baby. Tight quarters. Plane landing. Tables needed to be up. Clenched uncapped markers in his hands. Marks from the markers on his face, tears making them smear. "I WANT TO DRAW!! THAT MARKER!" You get the picture.

Let me also add that from now on, I will always have an extra measure of grace and compassion when I am in a plane with an upset child.

Thankfully our meltdown happened at the time when the pressure in your ears start to change, and all of the flight attendants (and probably everyone else in the plane) thought that was our problem. Ha. Our problem was that we were high in the sky when the clock said it was nap time. Our problem was that we hadn't had lunch. Our problem was that my little man had done above and beyond what his Mama asked him to - and he was done.

But, all was well when we found Dada at the airport holding a cardboard sign that read "Family Needed" and a bouquet of flowers. Little One fell asleep the minute his bottom hit his car seat.

I so wish I had pictures to accompany this post. I do have a picture of Little One in the cockpit - which was pretty cool. But, that was the only time I had a moment to think about finding my camera and using it. I wanted to document Little One's first flight with some pictures, but these words will have to do. Maybe when we're flying with Dada next month some pictures can be snapped.

Now we are back home and getting into the routine of things. Little One is very happy to be back. Tomorrow I'll post more about the trip and all the people we got to see.

I'm back....

This pretty much sums up where we've been.

More to come soon! :)

The Pumpkin Patch

As planned, we headed out and were pleasantly surprised! The farm we discovered went way beyond my expectations! And, we were the only family there! Painting pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, goats in trees....
We'll definitely be back in the spring to pick strawberries and blackberries!

Yes, those are goats in that tree...

Boo!

This is the extent of our dressing up this year - Little One wants absolutely nothing to do with it. We chose a Tyrone Backyardigans costume - it lasted maybe three minutes. Both Daddy and Mama picked out different capes so he could go as a super hero (Note to self: when picking out a cape for our sons - make sure it's one that Daddy approves of!) only to get a "No CAAAPE Mama! I fly!" And he started running around the room - obviously telling me that he doesn't need a cape to fly.

We haven't decided what to do this evening - The fact that there isn't going to be any dressing up on his part, and that he is kinda freaked out by the Holloween isle in Target, has left us with this question: What should we do on Friday night??

We've decided to head out to a farm that is about an hour away and participate in their fall activities. Daddy's getting off work early and we'll pack a picnic dinner. And hope to roll in the driveway right about the time all the trick or treating ends. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be the generous giver of candy - but this year, I don't know that we want ghost and goblins coming to our door. It's a little too real for our little two year old.

Hopefully I'll have some fun pictures to post! Until then, I've got to get busy so we make it out the door on our little outing!

Cheers!

Traveling with a toddler

For the holidays we are going to be doing some traveling by air - and I have a couple of questions and would love some input. Any tips? Any ideas on what I bring along to keep Little One busy? How about with an infant? I've never flown with children - and I am not sure what to expect. I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Things that make my job easier

• Zippers on baby sleepers vs snaps
• Baby sacks
  
• A new formula can design. No more digging for the scoop! Finally someone got smart!
  
• Drive through Starbucks
• Drive through anything
• The Automated Postal Machine at the post office. Going to the post office after hours with a toddler is much more easier when he can run around the empty post office than waiting in a crowded line!
• Chick-fil-a. I love the service when I go there, I love that I can take the toy out of Little One's kids meal and trade it in for a free ice-cream, I love that they have bendy straws, and I love that they have placemats that stick to the table. Oh, and I love that I hear Christain music playing in the back ground.
  
• Cozi.com - I LOVE that I can form my grocery list at my laptop and then text it to my phone!
• Blogs. I once read that mommy blogging is similar to the day when women would gather at the well and get their water (a household chore) and catch up. I love the encouragement, tips on how I can do things better, recipes to try, and just the simple revelation that I am not alone in this job of being a mom. Now, I'll be honest and admit that computer time is a constant source of discipline for me - It's so easy to just read that one new post off my bloglines and before I know it, a whole episode of the Wiggles is done and I haven't done what I wanted to, I've been sucked into blog land - and the TV needs to be turned off. It happens way too often.
• On that note, Bloglines is a great resource and it has saved me a ton of time. Although my commenting on blogs has gone down - because it takes a little more time to leave one.
  
• Friends.

So, what about you? What little things in your life make your job easier? And you don't just have to be a mom to answer. I'd love to know.

Look What I Found DaDa!

Was he found while digging through the pile of bagged stuffed animals at Goodwill at 9:00 in the evening? Or was he found while Daddy and Mama were scouring the backyard with a flash light? Nope. While I was getting Little One dressed on Sunday morning I was looking through his closet and I heard "I found Bear!" And where was he?Lots of times when Little One gets up from his nap he likes to stand at this little window in his room and look out at "the bee-u-diful day!" And that's where our little bear hid for three whole days. We are so happy he's been found!

Pics!

Find the Baby toes...

The big not-so-hungry caterpillar

His new home away from home

I'm sure you can imagine how he got here.
(Don't worry, that's an empty can of formula. Empty can of formula = a perfect drum.)

His first chocolate ice cream sandwich

I could just eat him up!

This morning was such a perfect fall morning. Everyone was sleeping - except Baby Brother. I bundled him up and I had my morning coffee outside. He didn't last too long...

LOVES the red frog that hangs from the mobile.

He found his thumb!

Oh Where Oh Where Can Our Little Bear Be?

In Little One's first Easter basket from Nana and Papa, there was a little turquoise (aka turk-o-boise!) bear with satin angel wings and a heart on his tummy that said "Jesus Loves Me" and played the song if you pushed in just the right spot.

This little bear has become part of our family - he's been held and snuggled by two little hands - he's been a great companion in the cab of a Uhaul for three days, in the transition to being big brother, and just everyday life. He's been through the wash so many times that his arm was about to fall off, and the singing of Jesus Loves Me came to a halt long ago. If you were here, I can gaurantee you will hear either me or the Little One say many times a day:
"Where's your bear?"
And the answer is
"Mama go get it for You.."

We've been working on taking responsibility of bear - and that it his job to keep track of him. So a lot of times when he says "Mama go get it for you" I put the ball back in his court and have him go and get it. But, there are times, I know where bear is - and it's just faster and easier for me to go and get him. Because, here's the deal. Little One likes to hide bear. We've been on some pretty wild bear hunts around here. He's been found him in the spoke of the car tire, the fireplace, the third shelf of our pantry, and outside in various places in the backyard. I almost keep tabs on bear like I do my other two children.

Until Wednesday. Wednesday was the day when I was going through the garage, and posting things on Craigs List. I was gathering things for Goodwill - and had two big piles to go. Little One was toddling around the garage for most of the day. Exploring the garage is one of his favortie things to do. I don't recall seeing bear the whole afternoon. We were so busy.

And bear has been missing since. I am so afraid Little One put him in the trash bag that went to Goodwill - because that was what Mama was doing - putting things in the bag. I have looked high and low. This week my most often prayed prayer has been: "Lord, please help us find Bear!" Little One has prayed and asked Jesus to help us find him. Last night was the hardest night. Up through most of the night - because bear was not by his side.

As we were getting ready for bed, he was crying for bear and said with big alligator tears:
"Mama go and get him!"

How I wish I could, Little Son. I spent two hours doing google searches for bears with satin wings. I've found some that are similar, but can't decide if we should try and replace him, or if we should just let it be.

We'll see what happens. I am going to go to Goodwill to see if I might find him there.

So, how about you? Have you ever lost a favorite love and what did you do?

Sleep is a wonderful thing.

I am so happy to report that sweet Baby Brother has slept through the night THREE NIGHTS in a row!

I am a happy Mama.

Other things going on around here...

I purchased a little shopping cart on Craig's List for Little One, thinking it would be a fun toy - and maybe a toy that he could play with on his own. Nope. All day long he would push the cart around the kitchen saying: "Okay Mama, Walk with me. Take my hand." Ah ha! So you do understand me when we're walking the grocery store isle! Those are the exact words that I say to him every time we're at the store. This morning the grocery cart went down the stairs, and he exclaimed: "Oh no! I lost my groceries!"

I love Craig's List, and I love Ebay. Today I posted three things on craig's list - and have already sold two of them. Right now my dining room is filled with stuff I need to sell. I love getting rid of the junk and having cash in the pocket.

I recently joined Facebook - and am totally hooked.

That's it for now. I've got some fun pictures to post - and will do so soon...

Being that I have a toddler and a newborn, there's not a lot of time for any type of devotions. I'll be honest, the days when I have the option of sleep verses getting up to do a quiet time, I opt for the sleep.

This fall I have joined a Bible study for moms. Most of the moms in the group have younger children - it's a group I have really enjoyed.

This is the book we are going through - and let me tell you, it's an amazing little book. Remember I said that I don't have time for devotions. This book is perfect for this season of my life. It walks you through praying 12 weeks of specific characteristics for your children, things like kindness, humility, obedience... and each day there is one Bible verse, and one prayer - where you can insert your child's name. These days, I need a bottle of Word fed to me.

But here's the deal. This book, in all it's simplicity, is really one of the most challenging studies I have done. Each week I find that I need to do some major cleaning out of my own heart in order for my prayers to be effective for my sons. For instance, I'm praying that little One would be kind. Then, I listen to my words in the course of the day - and have caught myself with not a whole lot of kindness in my tone. How can I pray for my sons to be kind - I need to be praying that I will be kind! That's just one small example. Each week there has been this kind of revelation - and He seems to go a little deeper each week. Just focusing on one verse a day has proven to me: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Anyway, I completely recommend this book for busy mamas. How about you? Have you read this book or do you have any that have helped you get through a busy season?

Baby Brother is not setting the best example...

Tonight at dinner I looked at Little One and he was taking sips of milk from his sippee cup and then letting it drool out of his mouth. For one brief instant, I panicked and thought he was throwing up. Then I realized he was just spitting out his milk.
"What are you doing?"
"I burp'n Mama!"
Of course! :)

What a day!

Some days I wonder how in the world I can feel so many emotions. Today was one of those days. I started out by taking the boys to the park. It was a beautiful day - and we had a really nice walk. I even met a new mom - (three week old baby) and she walked all the way home with me because we had so much to talk about. This is a huge deal for me - because I have yet to find a good friend here in TX. It was absolutely a divine appointment. We are going to walk together a few times a week. I am thrilled and so very thankful. My new friend put me in the best mood. I had such a light feeling of optimism all morning.

Last night we were at Target and I picked up some harvest colored sprinkles for decorating sugar cookies. I had planned on making the cookies for my Mom's group that meets tomorrow. Making sugar cookies for the appropriate season is one of my favorite things to do. I have the cutest fall cookie cutters. I couldn't wait. I hadn't done these in the longest time. During nap time, I got busy in the kitchen and made bread, cinnamon rolls, and the dough for my sugar cookies. I even downloaded a new CD on my iPod. My kitchen was a happy place to be.

Then, Little One got up from his nap. I wasn't ready to be done in the kitchen, and he had no interest in "helping" me. So, I turned on a show for him to watch so I could try and get most of the cookies cut out, and then I was going to finish them tonight. Big mistake. I should have just thrown the dough in the fridge. I am so frustrated with myself because I bite off way more than I can chew - especially with a newborn. I somehow forget that I am going to need to stop what ever I am doing and feed the little guy. Why can't I remember that before I start a project? I'm not sure.

Anyway, the show ended, and Little One needed direction, and was toddling about the kitchen...begging for my attention. I just wanted to finish up the cookies. He grabbed my 5 cup pyrex measuring cup off the counter. I told him to put it back and turned my back. The next thing I knew, I was watching the measuring cup slip from his hands and land on the floor. I remember praying that it wouldn't break. Ha. It hit the floor and shattered . Glass covered the counter tops and even scattered into the next room. I had to toss out the bread, cinnamon rolls, and cookies, because there were shards of glass on them. GRRRR. I was so mad. I was upset because he had not obeyed. I was upset because all the time I had spent cooking was now a waste. I was upset because I used that pyrex dish all the time. I was upset because I had nothing to take for snacks tomorrow at the mom's group. And, there was a huge mess to clean up - while managing a scared and defiant toddler and a fussy newborn. (I write in past-tense, but really I'm not over it all yet)

I am not happy to admit the emotional state of our home after this. What happened to that light, optimistic feeling? Gone. I was really upset, Little One kept on the disobedient path, I was nervous about all the glass and keeping Little One out of it, Baby Brother could feel the tention and wouldn't nurse and just screamed. I wanted to scream "Calgon Take Me Away!" Lots of times it is so hard for me to regroup and pull us all together when something like this happens. It seems to snowball and I get more and more frustrated. Thankfully, Hubs was on his way home - he stopped and got us dinner and we all ate in the dining room. After dinner, we went on a walk and then Little One went straight to bed. The kitchen remains a hazard area - which I better go tend to. But first, I think I may have that Calgon moment.

As I reread what I wrote, I've decided that I am going to focus on the good part of my day. Finding a friend is something I have been praying for since I moved here. I've been asking God to open a door of friendship somewhere. And he has! Plus, I have my mom's group tomorrow, which is brimming with friendship possibility. So, there's a disaster in my kitchen. So, I take a grocery store bought coffee cake for snacks. All of that won't matter next week. But a good friend - that has the potential to last forever.


****Now that the mess is mostly cleaned up, I must add that I am so thankful that no one was hurt! I found glass the size of a nickel in the back corners of my counter tops. Glass was flying! Either Little One or I could have really been injured, thank you God for your protection!

Move over Miderman boots...

We have decided to tackle the boxes of stuff we brought from CO and haven't opened yet. Our garage has about 10 plastic storage boxes that we have not touched since the move. We've decided that it's time for most of it to go. So, next week, I'm having a garage sale.

In the course of going through boxes we found a pair of ski boots. They were Hubs ski boots from the 80's. Now how these made it onto the U-Haul in CO Springs, I am not sure. We chuckled about the blue and purple coloring - and how Hubs was most certainly the hottest man on the slope at the time. Then, they were tossed into the garage sale pile. Little One spotted them and insisted trying them on.
It was so hillarious! He stood there for a good 15 minutes - trying to figure out how they could "skate". We did our best to explain that you had to be up high on a snowy mountain in order for them to work. Once he was done with the boots, he ran up and down the driveway - telling us that he was skating down the snowy mountain. Aunt Ally, I think you've got a nephew whose going to love hanging with you in the winter... :)

Two Months!

Two months already? Where does the time go?

Here's a little bit about Baby Brother...

My blog friend Jenny sent the onsie he is wearing - and it cracks us up because if he could talk, that's exactly what he would say! He's my little need structure and routine baby. The rest of us, not so much. I've been asking God to help me become more scheduled and routine for much of my life. I never thought he'd do it through a two month old baby...
He has two favorite spots - he likes to sit in his bouncy chair on the kitchen table and look out the window. He also loves his bassinet - not for sleeping, but for watching the bear mobile.



We love you Baby Brother and the joy you've brought to our family!

Tender Heart

This evening we went out to dinner. As we were sitting there, Little One's eyes got super huge and I could see fear and panic on his face. He then says in a defensive voice, "Baby Brother!" and points. There is a couple walking out of the restaurant with a baby carrier. Bless his little heart - he thought they were leaving with his baby brother. The idea that there is more than one baby and baby carrier in this world is so surprising to him. The other day at Bible study when he saw the three additional baby carriers in the front room he proclaimed: "So many baby brothers!!".

A couple of days ago we were in Target, and he saw a Christmas display. He wanted to go see it - and in order to do that we had to walk through the Halloween isle. We walked by a tall figurine that looked like the grim reaper. Little One stopped in his tracks and said "Mama - Santa scarried me!" And now, he is convinced that the Grim Reaper is Santa, and that he is very scary. Oh dear.

And today, he was on a hug kick. I was chopping up pineapple, Hubs was trying to fix the grill. Little One just started hugging. "Hug Mama! Hug Dada! Hug Baby Brother!" Running back and forth, giving lots of hugs. And they were genuine sweet hugs. While hugging he'd say "oh, so sweet..." Then, he says: "Watch this Mama! I hug tree!" and he ran out the back door, hugged a tree, and came running back in. The tree got lots of good tree huggin lovin tonight...and I had to smile.

I love these moments of sheer innocent sweetness. I have to be careful, because I find that I can steamroll right pass them because of how driven I am to get things done. Everyday I find myself asking God to give me sensitive ears to his little voice. Little One is discovering the world, and I want to take it all in with him. It's these sweet things I want to remember down the road, rather than how clean my house was while he was growing up.

Give me a tender heart, just like my son's Dear Lord...

Where I've been...

I have a toddler that has discovered that doors and drawers open - and OH! there are so many fun treasures behind all of these doors! So, I've had lots of days of this: (yes, that's my kitchen counter he's standing on...)

And this: ("Look Mama! I reachin it!")

But not a whole lot of this:Yes, the Miderman boots are back with a vengeance. I know I said they were too small. They are. That won't stop him! He wore them for two days straight (bed time and all.) When they finally came off, I hid them again. (I'm still not sure how they resurfaced a second time..) I have never smelled such a stinky pair of toddler shoes!

Little One is seriously into taking everything out of drawers and showing it to me and talking about it. I've been picking up mess after toddler mess. I thought we already went through this stage. I guess not. He wants to open the refrigerator door and stand there and describe all of the food he sees. While hubs and I were eating dinner, he was in the pantry, taking every spice bottle off the shelf and bringing it to us. "Watch this Mama!" "This one for you, Dada!" Oh! I have spicey in my shoe!" Was the jest of our dinner conversation.

Today I thought I'd venture out into the real world. I took the boys to the YMCA childcare - and I went and worked out. Afterwords, I ventured to the grocery store. We were not in there 10 minutes and the whole deal went way south. What was I thinking? By the end, he threw the biggest tantrum ever in the grocery store parking lot (more to come on that one), took a nap at 5:00 because of the tantrum, and now is WIDE awake in his room. It's 11:15 p.m. And he is telling his bears and books to go to sleep. I was just sitting in there with him, and was nodding off. My only hope is that this will mean he'll sleep in??? We'll get better at the whole venturing out - but right now it's pretty crazy, and I'm not sure I like it.

Anyway, I've been super busy with my little men. Little One is keeping me way on my toes - in between feedings and diaper changes of Baby. Oh well. Such a sweet season. I know someday I'll look back and miss this craziness with all my heart.

Better go try and get him to find some sweet sleep...

Have a great weekend!

Rebecca