No longer a nice, relaxing task…

So my husband wonders why I don't make dinner more often…Before kids,  I could prepare dinner in a quiet environment and I didn’t have to fight over pots and pans.  It was nice, relaxing.  However, times have changed.

 

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The Snowmen

For Kayla’s Christmas party at First Baptist MDO, Jessica and I got together and made eleven snowmen cupcakes.  The cupcakes were a SUCCESS!!! The kids loved them and even the parents oohed and aahed at them. Thanks Jessica for you help.

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Christmas Programs

This week was filled with the kids Christmas programs at school.  Tuesday evening was Kayla’s and Thursday morning was Christian’s.

On Tuesday after school, the kids and I headed to get Kayla a Christmas dress for her recital. While looking through the dresses, Kayla finds a pink dress that she “has to wear tonight.”  What a struggle.  I wanted her to wear a traditional looking Christmas dress.  She had different plans.  So, we left the store with two dresses.  A red one and a pink one.  Thank goodness for Daddy’s.  He made the final decision and I didn’t have to be the bad guy. She looked beautiful in her red velvet dress. 

We dropped Christian off at the neighbors and headed to hear Kayla sing.  She did a great job.  I will say that I got really irritated while at the recital.  Kayla's class was one of the last classes to perform.  The recital was only an hour at the most. After each class performed, parents were giving the opportunity to take photos of the kids on stage.  So cute!!! What irritated me, was that many parents decided to take their kids after they finished singing and LEAVE!!! What? Come on people, RUDE!!! Well, I got over it, but still.

So, Thursday was Christian’s little Christmas program.  The little guys got to were their pajamas to school.  No singing by these little guys but they sure did ring the bells loudly.  It was so cute. 

If I can figure out how to post videos I will post a clip or two of the kids singing.

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A dash to see Santa…

Last Saturday, the kids and I bundled up in our coats and mittens and headed to downtown Georgetown to see the Annual Christmas Parade.  As I was packing the kids up, I thought “this is crazy.” It was 36 degrees outside.  burr…. Well, we got to the parade and with enough time to grab some much needed hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie.   The kids really enjoyed the parade.  Christian ran around, eating his cookie and stealing the hearts of the people near by.  Kayla sat waiving as each of the ca, float, and other attraction past by (waiting patiently to see Santa).  Kayla had talked ALL morning about Santa Clause.  She wanted to tell him about the pony that she wanted for Christmas.  Before the parade, I told her we would go see Santa after the parade. Well, the last float went by and it was Jolly Old Saint Nick.  Kayla was so excited.  As he past by, I tried to round up the kids.  “Let’s go Kayla.  Come on, lets go see Santa Clause.”  I turned around for a second to get Christian up on the sidewalk and Kayla was GONE!!! My heart stopped.  I started yelling for her.  She was just there.  Those two 0r three minutes of yelling and panicking seemed like a lifetime.  As I am yelling and looking for her, I see in a distance a police man escorting my little girl to me.  I was so thankful to see her (but at the same time I wanted to hide, how could I have let this happen).  The police man informed me that he saw her take off down the street.  He said that “she took a mad dash to the float yelling for Santa.”  I didn’t know what to to do...cry, yell and scare her, or laugh. Well, after that fiasco and after explaining to Kayla how and why she cant do that, the kids and I rushed (all together) to see Santa.  Kayla got to tell Santa about the pony that she wants for Christmas (hopefully I got the right one!).

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What was I thinking…

When the kids started school in September, I volunteered to take part in several school wide events.  I really had no idea what these events would entail.  First was the teacher appreciation lunch.  No big deal, I made a cake.  Next was the Thanksgiving parties for three classes.  24 turkey cupcakes. This task was a little more time consuming.  But, the Christmas Cookie Bake Off, oh my!  I stayed up into the wee hours of the night making 7 dozen cookies…separated into 42 bags.  I sometimes ask myself, why do I volunteer for these activities.  But in all honesty, I do enjoy doing these things.  But 7 dozen cookies (well actually 8 dozen since my kids and myself ate a few) ...WOW! 

At 18 months Christian is…

Is starting to answer questions with a simple “yes or no” or shaking his head.

Loves to be chased around the house by either the dogs or Kayla.

Has started asking "what's that?" but usually just says "that?"

Is starting to say phrases like "down Bo" or "Mommy up/down"

Loves to cuddle especially when he is tired and loves to give kisses.  My heart melts every time!!

Loves to dance to "The wheels on the bus…”

Loves to eat.  I have to make sure and close the pantry door.  Otherwise, our little ones finds his way to the chips or crackers.

Can point to his body parts and say some of them or at least he tries.

Loves reading books.  favorite book is Good Night Moon.  We have to read that one EVERY night before bedtime.

Really enjoys going to school and is learning so much.  He has already started recognizing colors and shapes (orange, yellow, blue, triangle, star and circle)

He's changing so much on a daily basis and I can't believe the time has flown by so fast! He'll be 2 years old before we know it!

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Walking with Dinosaurs

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This past weekend was a weekend full of LOTS of activities. One of these events included Walking with Dinosaurs. And wow was it FUN! I had my hesitations about taking Kayla to see the show. Everyone said it would be loud (and Kayla hates loud noises, unless she is making the sound). Well, I am so glad that we all went. Jonah, Kayla, Jon, Josh, Monda and myself loaded in the car and the entire way to the arena, the kids roared like dinosaurs. So cute. They were so excited. The kids sat on their daddy's laps while holding their ears. However, their eyes were glued to the show and mouths opened in amazement. Once the show was over I asked Kayla what dinosaur was her favorite...."All of them! Can we go back!"

Tears to my eyes...

Monday was Kayla's Thanksgiving party at what she calls gymnastics school (Mother's Day Out at Kidsport). The kids were not at the gym when I walked in so I had time to look at the placemat and all the crafts that each child made for the Thanksgiving feast. At each place setting there was a small pumpkin pie that the kids made in cooking class, a stuffed paper bag turkey, and a placemat with their handprints and a list of a few things that they were thankful for. Kayla's placemat had five items that she was thanksful for...toys, Mommy, Daddy, and (here are the tear gerkers)Mommy making my fairy costume and God. Tears immediatly came to my eyes when I read the last two items. I really didn't think that Kayla noticed the costume that I made her. I sat down to make her costume more out of selfish reasons. Knowing that I made it for her was something that made me feel good. Wow, I am so touched that she realized and appreciated the effort that I put into it. And the last item, God. I dont even know how to put my feelings into words on this last item. I just am so touched. I must be doing something right.

Here are a couple of photos from the past week...

Kayla having fun at the First Annual Boo Run.

Christian saying cheeze.

Kayla and her buddy "Lukey" (as she calls him) at the park.
Another cheezy smile.
My little ones before heading to church.

Wine, good conversation and cream cheese icing

One of my friends creates the most amazing cakes and cupcakes. I have always been impressed with her creativity when it comes to icing those yummy looking cakes. Well, several weeks ago, she came up to me with a great idea. I would take her family photos and she would teach me to use the icing tips. (I think I came out ahead on this exchange). So, last night we got together and spent the evening icing a cake and cupcakes. What fun. Wine, good conversation, and cream cheese icing (yum). I never imagined that icing a cake would be therapeutic. But, it really took my mind off of everything around me....Thanks Jessica for teaching me a new hobby. Hopefully one day I will be able to create a cake that looks as amazing as yours.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

The kids had a great Halloween. The entire week was actually filled with Halloween parties and carnivals. However, Halloween night was the highlight of the week. The kids looked great in their costumes. Kayla was a beautiful fairy princess and Christian was the fierce dragon. Both kids were ready to go as soon as we got outside. There was no stopping either one of them. Kayla made sure that we hit every single house while Christian stole the hearts of everyone. He was adorable. He would sign thank you to the people and wave bye-bye as Kayla tried to drag him to the next house. I thought the the big kids rushing in to get candy would scare the kids, but no! Both held their weight and kept up with the big kids. After staying out for two hours, the kids came inside and raided their baskets. After a couple of pieces, I finally put a stop to the candy frenzy. Now what am I going to do with 100+ Twizzlers, a million Dum-Dums, and who knows how many pieces of chocolate.

Pumpkin Carving Not Really a Toddler Activity....

This was the first year that we carved a family Schneider pumpkin. I will have to confess this is one of my least favorite parenting toddler activities. I am not the Grinch of Halloween it is just that pumpkin carving is not particularly a developmentally appropriate toddler activity. Yet it seems we are missing something if we don’t do it. Think about it-what exactly does the toddler do? First Kayla had to wait until Daddy cut off the top. The next part Kayla was excited about...but really I have yet to meet a toddler who likes the feel of pumpkin innards. One or two touches and then it was off to find a spoon. Kayla made one or two scoops with the spoon and then she was done. Daddy finished cleaning the innards out as I cleaned Kayla's hands. We tried to reengage Kayla with the face planning but again-sharp knife is not toddler appropriate. Once the pumpkin was carved, we placed a candle inside of it and that was it. The excitement was over and it is now Halloween night and the candle is still sitting in the pumpkin and has not been lite. After carving the "BIG" pumpkin, I let Kayla paint and glue feathers on a small pumpkin. She "so" enjoyed this activity (and it was easier to clean up). Maybe this should be a lesson learned. However, I know better. Next year we will again go pick out the perfect BIG pumpkin and set out to have the kids watch while Mommy and Daddy carve it.

A Nice Family Visit

In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.

Yesterday the kids and I had a great visit with family. We spent the day in Hico, Tx visiting Kayla and Christian's grandmother, great-grandmother, cousins and aunt. The kids had a blast. Kayla and Jonah played all afternoon and into the evening (not one fight or melt down). They ran through the house, played with the treats from their grandmother, visited the local pumpkin patch and decorated small pumpkins with feathers and glitter. Christian tried keeping up with the older kids. Chasing them and playing keep away. He also spent his time playing ball with his grandmother, giving kisses and hugs to everyone, and even looking out for his little cousin, Meredith. We had a good day.

I love watching the cousins play together. Growing up, I had a cousin that I was really close to. Spending time with her and the family is some of my fondest memories. I hope to create some of those memorable memories for Kayla and Christian. Family is so important. Taking the time to visit and share memories together makes the family stronger and the times together even better.

First Field Trip

Today, Kayla went on her first school field trip. Kayla woke up this morning ready to go. There was no time to eat breakfast, "Let's go Mommy!" She and her classmates (11 other children) loaded up in the van (school bus) and they all ventured to the Pumpkin Patch. The caravan of mother's followed the van to the Pumpkin Patch. There the kids listened to Halloween stories, colored pumpkin pictures, picked out pumpkins and enjoyed the fall weather. Kayla had a great time (and Christian even enjoyed himself). After school Kayla came home with stories about the day. I cant even imagine....12 toddlers! 12 car seats! A van! The teachers are very brave. I am glad Kayla had a good time and is home safe.

A Wonderful Week of Photos

The kids had a fun filled week of school, acting crazy, playing at the jump houses, and making Christmas ornaments. Here are just a few pictures from the past week.

Kayla making clay Christmas ornaments at her friend Andrew's house.

Christian acting crazy.
Christian eating his favorite food...Goldfish (or as he says "Fishhhh")

Kayla playing in the jump house.

Christian and his buddy playing at Georgetown Jump.
Kayla's face pained like Tolee (character on Ni Hoa, Kai-Lan)

16 months old and growing

16 months!!!

Our little guy is growing so fast. He is accomplishing something new everyday. This month he...

*is saying giraffe, lion, done, bath, out (for outside), snack, night night, nap and get down.

*LOVES watermelon (ate a quarter of a watermelon by himself the other day).

*knows his body parts (eyes, ears, hair, knees, mouth, hands, feet, chin and nose).

*knows certain shapes like star and circle.

*loves to cuddle and give kisses.

*enjoys playing with Kayla. He follows and copies everything she does.

*is enjoying school and learning so many new things (like how to sign thank you).

*hates cheese (very strange since Kayla and I love cheese).

*likes making silly faces.

*is so helpful. He likes to hep clean up and put things in their correct place.

Girls Afternoon Out

Today Kayla and I spent the afternoon together. I had our babysitter come over and watch Christian for a couple of hours while the two of us went to the nail salon to get a little pampering and much needed time together. We had a great time.

Before heading out, I asked Kayla what color she was going to have her nails painted. "Pink!" However, once we got there she could not decide on hot pink or bright orange. So, she picked both. Pink for the finger nails and orange on the toe nails. Before sitting in the massage chairs, Kayla went up to several of the ladies getting pedicures and started asking questions. "What are you doing?" "What are those (the toe wedges)?" "Why are your feet in the water?" Once we got into the big massage chairs, I turned on the vibration for her. She was not a fan. Myself, I was in total bliss. Kayla sat there watching the nail technician's every move, asking questions and enjoying herself. Once Kayla's nails were painted, the lady asked Kayla if she wanted flowers on her thumbs. Kayla's eyes lit up with excitement. "Glitter Mommy. WOW!" So cute. The ladies in the shop were so impressed with Kayla. She sat there calmly, blowing on her nails (and if you know my child that is a miracle) waiting for me to finish up my pedicure. And can you guess what color Kayla picked out for my toe nails...yes pink. Thankfully not hot pink, but still a shade of pink. Once we were done, we both enjoyed a sucker while we walked down to the grocery store. Unfortunately, Kayla's nails did not dry completely and we had to go back after stopping at the grocery store. The ladies at the shop were so nice and fixed her nails. A blessing because I thought we were going to have a melt down if they were not able to fix her flowers.

As I put my little princess to bed, she gave me a big hug and said, "Mommy, I had a great time this afternoon. I really like my nails. Thank you. I love you so much." I guess this is going to be a monthly ritual, girls pampering afternoon together.

FRidAys FaVOriTe FiVE

Rain...what is this?

Christian's newest silly face.

Christian loves to paint and draw. Not so much on the paper as on himself.

Best friends acting silly.

Kayla and her new hair style.

First day tears of sadness and joy

Last week was Kayla and Christian's first day of school. What a morning! I was not prepared for the running around trying to get two kids dressed, two lunches made, breakfast made and getting myself dressed. I figured an hour would be enough time. WRONG!! Try two hours. Once we finally got to school, the realization that my babies were no longer babies hit me. Thank goodness we were running late, I had no time to stop and tear up. First stop was to drop Christian off. Kayla helped me take Christian to his class. She introduced Christian to his new teacher. "Christian, you are going to like Ms. Theresa. She is really nice. She was my teacher too." Then Kayla showed Christian some toys and came over to me and said, "Mommy I will be here to take care of Christian if he gets upset." Melt my heart. No crying, no time (even though I so wanted to). We gave Christian a big kiss and snuck out. He didn't even notice we left. He was more interested in a toy lawn mower. Now it was Kayla's turn to go to her class. As soon as we got to her new class, she was gone. No kiss, no hug, no bye. What happened to my little girl that hung on to my leg the first time I dropped her off? What happened to my little girl that cried and asked me to not leave?
After dropping the two off, I headed to my car and the tears began to flow. However, after a few minutes of sulking the realization hit me. I realized that I had five hours of FREE time. No more tears of sadness, only tears of joy. WooHoo!! Off for some much needed Mommy time!! Shopping alone, sitting at home watching TV (and not Noggin), and being able to clean with no distractions (yes cleaning...sad but I really enjoyed not having to clean everything twice).
This year is going to be nice. Tuesdays and Thursdays no kids, no Noggin, grocery store alone, and then the wonderful and heart felt excited smiles and kisses when I pick up my little ones.

Am I in trouble or what...

While giving the kids a bath last night, I realized that I am in trouble...
Christian kept standing up in the bath tub. I kept telling him to sit down. He would sit down and a couple seconds later he would stand up again. Finally after many warnings, I gave him a tap on the behind. He sat down and pouted a few seconds. Guess what happened next...Yes, he stood up and gave me a really big smile. "Christian you are going to get another spanking if you do not sit down and stay seated." He gave a big smile and proceeded to give himself a spanking. Agh!!! It was hard not to smile. Really what am I going to do with him. He is not even a year and a half and already given me grief.

15 months and growing

Christian is growing so FAST. Everyday he does something new that amazes me.

Christian's FAVORITES...
Food...Mandarin Oranges (dislikes Mac-n-cheese)
Comfort Item...Blanket from his Great Grandmother Memaw
Toy...Animals and Dinosaurs and Kayla's Pink Princes Chair
Past Time...Drawing (ask to draw at least 5 times a day)

Christian's NEWEST WORDS...
Ball, Draw, Fish, Down, Done, and even Giraffe

Christian's HATES...
Not getting his way

Christian's PERSONALITY...
Loves to laugh, play, and cuddle. Only when he is tired or hunger does he make a fuss.

Shower Time

I was about to take a shower and look what I found waiting for me...

Egh, what is that smell?

We just got back from visiting my parents at their new beach house in Corpus Christi. The trip down there was a horrible drive. The last hour was nothing but screaming from a very grumpy little boy. Once we got there, the trip was great. Wednesday evening, Kayla got to fish with her grandaddy. Watching her sit on my dad's lap waiting for a fish to bite reminded me of the wonderful memories I have fishing with him. That night the kids went down fairly easy. Kayla insisted on sleeping on the top bunk. So, I laid in bed most of the night worried that she would try to get out on her own. Surprisingly, she did not make a sound all night. The next morning, Kayla woke up at 7am (and if you know my child that is really early for her). First thing out of her mouth, "I am ready to go to the beach!" By 8:30, we were playing in the sand. She had a blast. Kayla jumped the waves, tried to build a sand castle, enjoyed a mud bath, and loved digging for Coquina clams. Christian enjoyed himself also. He loved playing in the sand and helping Kayla find clams. He learned real quick not to try and eat the sand. After several hours in the sun, we headed to the Texas Aquarium and then out to fish some more. While fishing Kayla caught a very unusual snapper. My dad reaction, "Wow!" Kayla's reaction, "Holy Cow!" Too cute. The kids were EXHAUSTED that night. They both fell asleep fast and slept all night (two nights in a row...what a blessing when you are traveling). The next morning we were off to the beach again. This time we did not get there at 8:30am instead 10am. We stayed a couple of hours, cleaned up and then headed back to Georgetown. The kids slept most of the way home. It was a VERY nice and quiet trip home. It has taken several days to recoup and get back to our normal daily routine. We all had a wonderful time. Wonderful memories were made. It was great watching the kids experience the beach and see my parents. I look forward to going back soon.


**During the trip, it never failed as soon as we got in the car and headed over the bridge to Padre Isle, Kayla asked "Egh, what is that smell?" The first couple of times, I explained to her that it was the seaweed from the ocean. Even though she knew,she still asked EVERY time.

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