While the children were snuggled all warm in their beds... finally... it is almost midnight. What can I say? They were excited, wired and at my parents house after our night's festivities. We just finally got home and got them to sleep a little while ago! We had a great night at church, then dinner at my great-aunt's house and then to finish the night, we got into our Christmas pjs, read stories and sang carols around the tree at my parents'. If it sounds movie-like, it kind of is. Only there was some silly stories and off key singing thrown in! :)
Now, Ronny is trying to figure out how to put together this drum kit "Santa" a.k.a. CRAZY people, got for Hudson. He put together Avery's little rocking chair this afternoon. I've got the little stuffings for the kid's stockings. This is the first time Ronny and I have done this part. We feel like such grown ups to be at our own house and not my parents! :)
Church was beautiful tonight. Singing around the tree at my parents house tonight may not have sounded as good, but it was just as meaningful. We talked about what songs we like and why. Hudson told us again that "Jesus was born to save the people from being ugly."
My favorite Christmas song and one of my favorite songs at any time of year really, is "Oh Holy Night." (Selah and Martina McBride sing my favorite versions)
So while I'm giddy like a child at the moment for Christmas morning to come, because I'm excited to see my children see their presents and I'm excited to have Christmas dinner with my family and for all those other happy Christmas times... I'm also welling up at my favorite line of my favorite song "Long lay the world in sin and error pining- Till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth." I'm doing a little pining for my Savior this moment, too. No other single line quite raps up my entire faith like that one.
I laid in sin. I laid pining. Till He appeared to my heart and my soul felt it's worth. It's worth entirely in what He did for me.
I hope you know how much you're worth tonight. "And you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Countdown to Christmas
In my wonderful little Waco world we get to celebrate Christmas again and again. That's the beauty of having 4 living, healthy, happy, thriving grandparents. Along with them come aunts, uncles and cousins and getting together every year, without fail, at some point close to Christmas. Now on Friday we planned on going to see Ronny's grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins in Denton but his grandparents are sick right now :( so we have to postpone that one to early January.
Ronny's 4 generation pic from last Christmas.
Ronny's 4 generation pic from last Christmas.Saturday morning was Lindsey family Christmas (my dad's side):
This is also last year's picture because we just forgot to take one this year :(
This is also last year's picture because we just forgot to take one this year :(Sunday morning was Hunnicutt family Christmas (my mom's side):
Christmas eve we will go to church, get together with my Grandma's entire family (her sisters and their families) and then all cozy down at my parents house and wait for Santa. On the 27th, we'll fly out to Atlanta to spend a few days with Ronny's brother's family and his mom. You'll remember my children just had birthdays (and so did my neice and nephew in December!) so talk about S-P-O-I-L-E-D!!
In the meantime, I'm enjoying the cold weather. (My poor dog's water bowl was frozen over this morning!) I'm drinking a countless number of hot beverages. Coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, delicious cider. And I'm pounding the CoffeeMate Peppermint Mocha creamer, too cause it's only available at the holidays! When I think Christmas, I think hot drinks and Christmas PJs!
Hudson has not yet remembered to ask about his school Christmas program. He's still asking to listen to the songs on his CD but that's ok. I apologized profusely to his teachers and still I think I'm the only one who cares so much. :) My mom did tell me about missing one of my sister's programs when she was 4. She's now 21 and mom still clearly remembers it, so I guess this will stick with me a while. But it hurts a little less now :)
Ronny and I tried to get some pictures of the kids in their dressy Christmas clothes.
I took about 70 and 4 or 5 are worth keeping, but that's the beauty of digital pictures, right?! It was fun anyway, to let them run around the huge tree at the Mayborn and enjoy the train exhibit. Hudson can't get enough of it. I am SO excited for him to get his train table from my family Christmas morning!
Mayborn Museum Train Exhibit.My kids are a joy and simply LOVING life at the moment. 
(with cousin Lauren!)
I'm just soaking it all in. I absolutely love Christmas. When I reflect back a few years... Christmas 2003, we had just left home Dec. 1 and were having our first Christmas away. The Bullingtons were gracious and we had a great time but it was hard being away. 2004, we were still in Namibia and had a really fun Christmas, cooking out and swimming, since it was summer! Ronny's mom had come to visit and we had DEAR friends by that time to make for a really happy time. Still, we missed the warm fires and flannel jammies and our whole families. 2005, Hudson was 2 weeks old and I was recovering both emotionally and physically from an emergency c-section and had a tiny newborn. I was deserately in love with Hudson and wanted so badly to not miss a thing since it was our first Christmas home but it's still kind of a blur to me... 2006, Hudson was really, really sick with like 104 fever for several days. He was a trooper but it wasn't the magical Christmas I was hoping for. 2007, Hudson was well but again, I had a newborn and was recovering from another c-section. I did better that time, but was still exhausted.
(with cousin Lauren!)2008- This one will be our best yet! I just know it!!
All credit for the beautiful Christmas card goes to my good friend, Angela, who is a very talented card, invitation and announcement designer! Now, my only complaint about the Christmas card this year-- I sent 135 cards. I have received 26. Come on people!! That makes me look really pathetic! :) Oh yeah, it is better to give than receive.Enjoy your Christmas Countdown. I hope it's your merriest one yet!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Freaky Friday
Remember the old Disney Movie "Freaky Friday"? Not the new one with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsey Lohan, though I admit to liking that one, too. But I loved the original. You know, the mom and daughter trade bodies for a day... I feel like my children have done that.
Suddenly, Avery is being more "Hudson like" and Hudson is being more "Avery like." It's weird. Let me explain.
Hudson was born with a mind of his own, we'll just say. He had his idea of when he would eat, how much he would eat (or not eat) and when he would sleep (or better yet, not sleep). Wonderful, just a bit more high strung :) Avery was born compliant and easy. She ate on a schedule, she slept like a dream, she was happy to entertain herself. Always.
Hudson never would take a bottle, so I just happily nursed him his first year and then he started drinking cow's milk from a cup. Stubborn baby, but once he got the hang of the cup, that was that. Avery, the easy one remember, would switch back and forth between mommy milk and a bottle and never bat an eye. She would also eat food well and liked everything. She would even open her mouth when a spoon approached. This was new to me :)
Fast forward to this week. Perhaps it was the "magic" of recent birthdays that did the switch. My now 1 year old Avery is no longer a perfect little angel baby. Now she is a toddler. Complete with spitting out food and throwing it on the floor. Not eating a single bite before she's giving me the "all finished" sign and throwing her head back to scream if I don't immediately take her from her chair. She folds herself in half, plops down to the ground, covers her face with her hands and cries if she doesn't get what she wants. And the one who didn't seem to "notice" where her milk came from absolutely refuses a sippy cup. I mean, both hands and her feet pushing it away. She then cries and cries and signs "milk" until I give her a bottle. And yes, I give in, because I'm not sure where this kid came from. She watches me pour the cold, cow's milk into her bottle from her cup and then sucks down the bottle. I had no idea she was so attached. And to just plain hurt my feelings, it's been a week since I nursed her and she doesn't seem to miss me at all! :) Don't get me wrong. She is still incredibly sweet and happy. It's just this eating thing, in that, she doesn't!
Hudson, out of seemingly no where, could not possibly be sweeter, happier, smarter, or more obedient. He must be having a growth spurt, too because he is sleeping great, going to sleep in his bed, and eating- ALOT! He has asked to eat even before we usually do because he is hungry. Before this week, I am not kidding, that I could count on one hand the number of times that kid actually said he was hungry. First thing this morning, he wanted Avery's eggs when she was throwing them around instead of eating them. He'd only been awake 10 minutes and I don't dare try to get him to eat until he's been awake an hour! :) He pounded them. Then at 11, he wanted lunch already, so he ate a whole pb&j, half a banana, several strawberries, a bowl of peas and some nilla wafers. That's unheard of in this child, people! But I love it!
At least one is easy while the other offers some more feeding challenges. And I did survive the non- eating Hudson years. We even managed to get back on and stay on the growth chart so as to avoid my much hated words, "failure to thrive." So maybe Avery won't eat well again until she's 3. (My prayers were answered and she weighed 18 pounds at her one year check up, keeping her happily on the charts-7th%- but on!!) And I guess that'll be just fine because I sure wouldn't trade who my son is for all the "normal eating kids" in the world!
All in all, life is so, so, so good. So I don't mean to complain. It's just funny. My kids are definitely related! But do me a favor and please don't leave a comment that says, "they'll eat when they're hungry." I know that. But sometimes baby bodies need nutrients, fat and calories for proper development whether they're hungry or not. Any tips on the big switch to the sippy would be appreciated though. I don't think I have the spine to just go cold turkey on her, nor do I think it's a big enough deal to do that. I just wish she wanted the cup! In a dream world, my kids would gobble down whatever I put in front of them, someone else would have done my meal planning and grocery shopping, and then my family would thank me profusely for the delicious dinner! HA!!
Suddenly, Avery is being more "Hudson like" and Hudson is being more "Avery like." It's weird. Let me explain.
Hudson was born with a mind of his own, we'll just say. He had his idea of when he would eat, how much he would eat (or not eat) and when he would sleep (or better yet, not sleep). Wonderful, just a bit more high strung :) Avery was born compliant and easy. She ate on a schedule, she slept like a dream, she was happy to entertain herself. Always.
Hudson never would take a bottle, so I just happily nursed him his first year and then he started drinking cow's milk from a cup. Stubborn baby, but once he got the hang of the cup, that was that. Avery, the easy one remember, would switch back and forth between mommy milk and a bottle and never bat an eye. She would also eat food well and liked everything. She would even open her mouth when a spoon approached. This was new to me :)
Fast forward to this week. Perhaps it was the "magic" of recent birthdays that did the switch. My now 1 year old Avery is no longer a perfect little angel baby. Now she is a toddler. Complete with spitting out food and throwing it on the floor. Not eating a single bite before she's giving me the "all finished" sign and throwing her head back to scream if I don't immediately take her from her chair. She folds herself in half, plops down to the ground, covers her face with her hands and cries if she doesn't get what she wants. And the one who didn't seem to "notice" where her milk came from absolutely refuses a sippy cup. I mean, both hands and her feet pushing it away. She then cries and cries and signs "milk" until I give her a bottle. And yes, I give in, because I'm not sure where this kid came from. She watches me pour the cold, cow's milk into her bottle from her cup and then sucks down the bottle. I had no idea she was so attached. And to just plain hurt my feelings, it's been a week since I nursed her and she doesn't seem to miss me at all! :) Don't get me wrong. She is still incredibly sweet and happy. It's just this eating thing, in that, she doesn't!
Hudson, out of seemingly no where, could not possibly be sweeter, happier, smarter, or more obedient. He must be having a growth spurt, too because he is sleeping great, going to sleep in his bed, and eating- ALOT! He has asked to eat even before we usually do because he is hungry. Before this week, I am not kidding, that I could count on one hand the number of times that kid actually said he was hungry. First thing this morning, he wanted Avery's eggs when she was throwing them around instead of eating them. He'd only been awake 10 minutes and I don't dare try to get him to eat until he's been awake an hour! :) He pounded them. Then at 11, he wanted lunch already, so he ate a whole pb&j, half a banana, several strawberries, a bowl of peas and some nilla wafers. That's unheard of in this child, people! But I love it!
At least one is easy while the other offers some more feeding challenges. And I did survive the non- eating Hudson years. We even managed to get back on and stay on the growth chart so as to avoid my much hated words, "failure to thrive." So maybe Avery won't eat well again until she's 3. (My prayers were answered and she weighed 18 pounds at her one year check up, keeping her happily on the charts-7th%- but on!!) And I guess that'll be just fine because I sure wouldn't trade who my son is for all the "normal eating kids" in the world!
All in all, life is so, so, so good. So I don't mean to complain. It's just funny. My kids are definitely related! But do me a favor and please don't leave a comment that says, "they'll eat when they're hungry." I know that. But sometimes baby bodies need nutrients, fat and calories for proper development whether they're hungry or not. Any tips on the big switch to the sippy would be appreciated though. I don't think I have the spine to just go cold turkey on her, nor do I think it's a big enough deal to do that. I just wish she wanted the cup! In a dream world, my kids would gobble down whatever I put in front of them, someone else would have done my meal planning and grocery shopping, and then my family would thank me profusely for the delicious dinner! HA!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
We missed it...
Last night I received the award for the worst mother of at least the month... maybe the whole year.
For the last 2 months Hudson has been learning Christmas songs at his Parent's Day Out program. We have a CD of the songs in the car that we listen to every day. His teacher's have worked hard. He's been fitted to a donkey costume. Ronny videoed him last week singing all of his songs in hopes that when the day arrived for the big Christmas Program that Hudson would not feel shy but sing with all the other kids.
The program was last night at 6:30 pm. I remembered it at 10 pm. We just forgot to go. No good excuse. It was on the calendar. Everyone was well and happy and fed and then we enjoyed a nice quiet family night at home, you know, because we didn't have anything to do.
I wrote it down. I had the reminders on the fridge. Then the weekend got weird because Avery got sick and we had all the family over on Sunday for lunch for Hudson's birthday so I was busy preparing that. We didn't go to church Sunday because Avery was sick and I guess I just didn't keep track of what day it was. Or look ahead to the next week to see what was going on until it was too late. Too late. We missed it.
I am devastated. I cried and have been so sick at my stomach. I am so frustrated with myself. So disappointed that we missed such a precious program of cute children at Christmastime. I have let my son down terribly. He doesn't know it yet though. I won't tell him either. My only hope is that it can slip from his mind that he even had a program. There will be a Christmas party at "school" tomorrow. He will have Christmas treats and pizza and have a blast. Maybe he won't think to ask. He is only 3 after all, but he's smart.
His memory is unbelievable-- last night Ronny asked me "who won?" Meaning who won Survivor this season. Before I could answer Hudson said, "Cokie won." We looked at each other puzzled, "who, who won?" Hudson says, "Cokie did. Cokie won at the football game." and Ronny remembers taking Hudson to the Midway Homecoming football game where Cokie won homecoming queen. I'm not even kidding. He's got a memory. I just pray he forgives his very sorry mama.
I don't do this. I remember things. Sure I've forgotten hair appointments and dentist appointments but I just call and say I'm sorry and reschedule. It's not that big of a deal. I can never get this back for him. It was his very first program and he was so excited. VERY few times in my life have I wanted so desperately to do something differently that I wished I could turn back time. This is one of those moments. I can't shake it. I'm so sad. What is wrong with me? Where is my brain?! How could I just forget something so important to my son? Something that his teachers have worked so hard on and we have practiced every day at home? I guess time is just flying by and suddenly it was Dec. 15 before I ever realized it.
I know eventually this won't be back that big of a deal. But right now, it's a huge deal to me.
Mommy is so sorry, my boy.
For the last 2 months Hudson has been learning Christmas songs at his Parent's Day Out program. We have a CD of the songs in the car that we listen to every day. His teacher's have worked hard. He's been fitted to a donkey costume. Ronny videoed him last week singing all of his songs in hopes that when the day arrived for the big Christmas Program that Hudson would not feel shy but sing with all the other kids.
The program was last night at 6:30 pm. I remembered it at 10 pm. We just forgot to go. No good excuse. It was on the calendar. Everyone was well and happy and fed and then we enjoyed a nice quiet family night at home, you know, because we didn't have anything to do.
I wrote it down. I had the reminders on the fridge. Then the weekend got weird because Avery got sick and we had all the family over on Sunday for lunch for Hudson's birthday so I was busy preparing that. We didn't go to church Sunday because Avery was sick and I guess I just didn't keep track of what day it was. Or look ahead to the next week to see what was going on until it was too late. Too late. We missed it.
I am devastated. I cried and have been so sick at my stomach. I am so frustrated with myself. So disappointed that we missed such a precious program of cute children at Christmastime. I have let my son down terribly. He doesn't know it yet though. I won't tell him either. My only hope is that it can slip from his mind that he even had a program. There will be a Christmas party at "school" tomorrow. He will have Christmas treats and pizza and have a blast. Maybe he won't think to ask. He is only 3 after all, but he's smart.
His memory is unbelievable-- last night Ronny asked me "who won?" Meaning who won Survivor this season. Before I could answer Hudson said, "Cokie won." We looked at each other puzzled, "who, who won?" Hudson says, "Cokie did. Cokie won at the football game." and Ronny remembers taking Hudson to the Midway Homecoming football game where Cokie won homecoming queen. I'm not even kidding. He's got a memory. I just pray he forgives his very sorry mama.
I don't do this. I remember things. Sure I've forgotten hair appointments and dentist appointments but I just call and say I'm sorry and reschedule. It's not that big of a deal. I can never get this back for him. It was his very first program and he was so excited. VERY few times in my life have I wanted so desperately to do something differently that I wished I could turn back time. This is one of those moments. I can't shake it. I'm so sad. What is wrong with me? Where is my brain?! How could I just forget something so important to my son? Something that his teachers have worked so hard on and we have practiced every day at home? I guess time is just flying by and suddenly it was Dec. 15 before I ever realized it.
I know eventually this won't be back that big of a deal. But right now, it's a huge deal to me.
Mommy is so sorry, my boy.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
3 Years
Three years ago today:
I'll never forget the crazy range of emotions going through my body at that moment. This was the very first time I saw Hudson's face or held him in my arms. Sudden feelings of inadequacy mixed with an unbelievable love. The kind that instantly says, "Oh my word. I would die without you."
Today my baby is three years old. Three of my very best years. Years of learning. Lots of laughing. Some crying. I wouldn't trade a bit of it for the world.
My Hudson is so brilliant. So funny and clever. Of course I think he is the cutest and smartest in the world. But that's because he is! And because he's mine.
The other day he walked into my parents living room and announced to the room, which was thankfully just my immediate family, and said, "I just had diarrhea. Diarrhea is when your poo poo comes out of your bottom and goes smash into the potty." He is a boy after all and apparently boys are born thinking potty humor is funny. Actually, I don't think he was even trying to be funny. Just stating the facts.
He wants me to lift him up so he can see into Avery's nursery room when we go to pick her up after church. Then he says, "there's our baby, right there. Oh hi, Avery. I missed you!"
He's told us multiple times that God is the strongest. No one is stronger than God. Daddy is strong, too, but not stronger than God. When he is five, he says, he will be as strong as Daddy, but not stronger than God. Then he wants to know, "where is God? I want to see Him." (Me, too, my sweet angel boy.) He also tells us that God sent His son Jesus "to save the people from being ugly!"
How can it be that he is already three? And yet I think of our conversations and think, how is it that you are only three?! He's my best little friend. My companion. He's my teacher in so many ways. He is certainly one I cannot imagine my life without!
Happy Birthday, Hudson boy!
Thank you for making me a mommy.
I'll never forget the crazy range of emotions going through my body at that moment. This was the very first time I saw Hudson's face or held him in my arms. Sudden feelings of inadequacy mixed with an unbelievable love. The kind that instantly says, "Oh my word. I would die without you."Today my baby is three years old. Three of my very best years. Years of learning. Lots of laughing. Some crying. I wouldn't trade a bit of it for the world.
My Hudson is so brilliant. So funny and clever. Of course I think he is the cutest and smartest in the world. But that's because he is! And because he's mine.
The other day he walked into my parents living room and announced to the room, which was thankfully just my immediate family, and said, "I just had diarrhea. Diarrhea is when your poo poo comes out of your bottom and goes smash into the potty." He is a boy after all and apparently boys are born thinking potty humor is funny. Actually, I don't think he was even trying to be funny. Just stating the facts.
He wants me to lift him up so he can see into Avery's nursery room when we go to pick her up after church. Then he says, "there's our baby, right there. Oh hi, Avery. I missed you!"
He's told us multiple times that God is the strongest. No one is stronger than God. Daddy is strong, too, but not stronger than God. When he is five, he says, he will be as strong as Daddy, but not stronger than God. Then he wants to know, "where is God? I want to see Him." (Me, too, my sweet angel boy.) He also tells us that God sent His son Jesus "to save the people from being ugly!"
How can it be that he is already three? And yet I think of our conversations and think, how is it that you are only three?! He's my best little friend. My companion. He's my teacher in so many ways. He is certainly one I cannot imagine my life without!
Happy Birthday, Hudson boy!
Thank you for making me a mommy.
Friday, December 12, 2008
An honest update
1. I am Kylie Higgins and I am a bargain shopper. Phew- feels nice to be in good company. I never knew so many also bought sales and second hand. Here I felt all alone and ashamed. See? Honesty is the best policy :) I actually felt self conscious after my last post. Thinking that you would read and pity me. I thought you all were the ones whose clothes I was buying at Smarty Pants. (over by Target, only for kids, recently expanded!) I feel so happy inside! Let me also clarify that I don't care a bit about what I'm wearing or where it came from. I figure if my kids look good, I look good! :)
2. ALL of my Christmas shopping is done!! Yep, this morning I took Avery with me to HEB while Ronny took Hudson to Wal -Mart. Then we met at the house, took the kids to my grandparents and hit the mall. Then the Marketplace. We divided. We conquered. We are finished!! Now, I need to wrap my gifts and address all of my Christmas cards which will hopefully be finished at the printer (Look at me trying to be fancy, the printer. Shoot, Wal-Mart is where they are being printed!) today or tomorrow.
3. I took and shower yesterday and today and washed my hair both times. I'm turning over a new leaf.
4. I did unload my Target bags and Ronny did all the dishes. I never did clean the toilets. I will before Sunday when the family is over for Hudson's birthday.
5. We believe our garage rat has found a new home. We haven't seen him. He hasn't eaten any of our poison or the treat left on the trap. No new droppings. I still have bad dreams about him and still won't go into my garage and am so thankful that my garage is not attached to my house!
Tonight is parent's night out at church. Ronny and I are going on a real date! Hooray! Ronny got a gift card from a family at church to Outback and we are going to use it. :)
Tomorrow, my dear sweet boy is turning 3 years old! I will feel nostalgic all day and mush all over him.
2. ALL of my Christmas shopping is done!! Yep, this morning I took Avery with me to HEB while Ronny took Hudson to Wal -Mart. Then we met at the house, took the kids to my grandparents and hit the mall. Then the Marketplace. We divided. We conquered. We are finished!! Now, I need to wrap my gifts and address all of my Christmas cards which will hopefully be finished at the printer (Look at me trying to be fancy, the printer. Shoot, Wal-Mart is where they are being printed!) today or tomorrow.
3. I took and shower yesterday and today and washed my hair both times. I'm turning over a new leaf.
4. I did unload my Target bags and Ronny did all the dishes. I never did clean the toilets. I will before Sunday when the family is over for Hudson's birthday.
5. We believe our garage rat has found a new home. We haven't seen him. He hasn't eaten any of our poison or the treat left on the trap. No new droppings. I still have bad dreams about him and still won't go into my garage and am so thankful that my garage is not attached to my house!
Tonight is parent's night out at church. Ronny and I are going on a real date! Hooray! Ronny got a gift card from a family at church to Outback and we are going to use it. :)
Tomorrow, my dear sweet boy is turning 3 years old! I will feel nostalgic all day and mush all over him.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Who, Me?!
I got another award! Yippee!
For this I'd like to thank my friend Amy and also my friend Rachel, who both gave me the Honest Blog award just a few days a part. And coming from two of the most honest and real people I know, I feel pretty good about it! :)
Now, I am to post 10 honest things about myself.
1. I just bought my kids some clothes at Smarty Pants. This was a first for me. I've been a clothing snob (for my kids) for a while now, but it's come to that. I wish we had more money. I wish I could live extremely unwisely and throw money around like it's nothing. I wanted to hide while I was checking out and the rich mama's were dropping off their kids used clothes. That the honest part about this is -I am still a snob inside and wish I didn't buy second hand. However, it is exciting to find great clothes, great brands and super cute, very cheaply! I was impressed by the size of the store and the huge selection. Anyone out there who would sell me their kids clothes so at least I know the bodies they came off of?! :)
2. Truth be told, I am very, very lazy. As I type on my silly blog, there are bags from Target to be unloaded and put away and dishes in my sink and a ring inside my toilet... they'll get done...
3. I really want another baby. Soon.
4. I want the results of working out an hour a day without every leaving my couch. (please see #2)
5. I don't take a shower every single day. Most days. But not every day. I know that it's gross but I am just that lazy. (ahem... #2- and yes, I know my husband will laugh every time he sees that I've written "#2".)
6. I have a phobia of mice and rats. Ronny thinks he saw a rat in our garage one night last week and I couldn't sleep the whole night, nor will I set foot in my garage again for a long, long time. Speaking of, we've learned of a rat living in our youth room at church and now I am afraid to go in there. I don't think it is going to do anything to me, but if I see it, I will die.
7. Sometimes I love my husbands job and sometimes I hate it.
8. I am ALWAYS glad I don't work outside the home. It's totally non-negotiable to me, for so many reasons. (so I guess I'll keep shopping at Smarty Pants :) )
9. I have not purchased a single Christmas present this year. Not one. Yikes. I better get it in gear.
10. I have never been happy with my body at any point in my life. Not at 110 and not at 140. Of course at 140 I was very post partum and at 110 I was very hungry. Still, it's an internal thing, not external. And though I currently weigh more than I ever have in my life (aside from pregnancy and quickly there after), I am happier internally than I've possibly ever been and caring less about the external. (See I love my life, I just hate my body.)
Tada- that's me in all my glory- well sort of.
Honest blog awards now awarded to:
Meg for her honesty in sharing her infertility struggles. Holly for her honesty in sharing her family's current adoption journey. Rose and Dona for how they share their hearts and families. I've got to give it back to Amy and Rachel because, well, they are tell it like it is kind of friends. And Jill B because she is so kind and her baby girl is so funny.
I'm passing on the rules- post 10 honest things about yourself. Post the award picture. Link back to me and link 7 other people that you give the award to. Hey, at least it's a nice blogging topic right?!
For this I'd like to thank my friend Amy and also my friend Rachel, who both gave me the Honest Blog award just a few days a part. And coming from two of the most honest and real people I know, I feel pretty good about it! :)
Now, I am to post 10 honest things about myself.
1. I just bought my kids some clothes at Smarty Pants. This was a first for me. I've been a clothing snob (for my kids) for a while now, but it's come to that. I wish we had more money. I wish I could live extremely unwisely and throw money around like it's nothing. I wanted to hide while I was checking out and the rich mama's were dropping off their kids used clothes. That the honest part about this is -I am still a snob inside and wish I didn't buy second hand. However, it is exciting to find great clothes, great brands and super cute, very cheaply! I was impressed by the size of the store and the huge selection. Anyone out there who would sell me their kids clothes so at least I know the bodies they came off of?! :)
2. Truth be told, I am very, very lazy. As I type on my silly blog, there are bags from Target to be unloaded and put away and dishes in my sink and a ring inside my toilet... they'll get done...
3. I really want another baby. Soon.
4. I want the results of working out an hour a day without every leaving my couch. (please see #2)
5. I don't take a shower every single day. Most days. But not every day. I know that it's gross but I am just that lazy. (ahem... #2- and yes, I know my husband will laugh every time he sees that I've written "#2".)
6. I have a phobia of mice and rats. Ronny thinks he saw a rat in our garage one night last week and I couldn't sleep the whole night, nor will I set foot in my garage again for a long, long time. Speaking of, we've learned of a rat living in our youth room at church and now I am afraid to go in there. I don't think it is going to do anything to me, but if I see it, I will die.
7. Sometimes I love my husbands job and sometimes I hate it.
8. I am ALWAYS glad I don't work outside the home. It's totally non-negotiable to me, for so many reasons. (so I guess I'll keep shopping at Smarty Pants :) )
9. I have not purchased a single Christmas present this year. Not one. Yikes. I better get it in gear.
10. I have never been happy with my body at any point in my life. Not at 110 and not at 140. Of course at 140 I was very post partum and at 110 I was very hungry. Still, it's an internal thing, not external. And though I currently weigh more than I ever have in my life (aside from pregnancy and quickly there after), I am happier internally than I've possibly ever been and caring less about the external. (See I love my life, I just hate my body.)
Tada- that's me in all my glory- well sort of.
Honest blog awards now awarded to:
Meg for her honesty in sharing her infertility struggles. Holly for her honesty in sharing her family's current adoption journey. Rose and Dona for how they share their hearts and families. I've got to give it back to Amy and Rachel because, well, they are tell it like it is kind of friends. And Jill B because she is so kind and her baby girl is so funny.
I'm passing on the rules- post 10 honest things about yourself. Post the award picture. Link back to me and link 7 other people that you give the award to. Hey, at least it's a nice blogging topic right?!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
They Believed God
I've recently completed Beth Moore's study "Believing God." Throughout those 10 weeks, my thoughts would wander and my prayers were for my best, best friend Meg and her battle with infertility. One day in particular, in our video session we learned to tell "that mountain" (the mountain of disbelief) to "move out of our way". Empowered by the word of God and the Sword of the Spirit, together we asked God to move the mountain of infertility. We told that mountain to jump into the sea. We told God that we believed Him for a miracle.
For two years, there have been a lot of prayers. A lot of tears. A lot of questions. A lot of doctors. A lot of patience. And, a lot of belief. I know there are still many out there, who believe God for a baby and it never happens the way they planned it would. I also know that no matter how hard we try, we mortals cannot create life. Fertility treatments sure can help but they alone cannot make a baby. Only the Creator can, well, create life. And today we praise Him that he has!
Sweet Baby Watwood, only a few weeks in there and your heart is beating strong. Your body is starting to grow. Be patient in there and stay until The Creator has finished fashioning you together. We are so excited to hold you and watch you grow up. You were worth the wait. I already love you like you are mine. We claim you, Miracle Baby, as ours!
(see Meg's blog to see the cutest picture of her daughter Sophie, SO ready to be a big sister! And a run down of her crazy exciting day yesterday!)
"[Meg and Shane] believed God and it was credited to them as righteousness."- Genesis 15:6
For two years, there have been a lot of prayers. A lot of tears. A lot of questions. A lot of doctors. A lot of patience. And, a lot of belief. I know there are still many out there, who believe God for a baby and it never happens the way they planned it would. I also know that no matter how hard we try, we mortals cannot create life. Fertility treatments sure can help but they alone cannot make a baby. Only the Creator can, well, create life. And today we praise Him that he has!
Sweet Baby Watwood, only a few weeks in there and your heart is beating strong. Your body is starting to grow. Be patient in there and stay until The Creator has finished fashioning you together. We are so excited to hold you and watch you grow up. You were worth the wait. I already love you like you are mine. We claim you, Miracle Baby, as ours!
(see Meg's blog to see the cutest picture of her daughter Sophie, SO ready to be a big sister! And a run down of her crazy exciting day yesterday!)
"[Meg and Shane] believed God and it was credited to them as righteousness."- Genesis 15:6
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The One with all the Friends
Hudson's biggest birthday request fulfilled- a lion cake!Today was the "friend" birthday party for my kids.
We had a circus themed party complete with carnival type games (i.e. knock the cans, football throw, face painting), circus food (i.e. hotdogs, nachos and popcorn) and a bounce house in the backyard. I got most of my ideas and supplies from my good friend Ashlie who lives in Houston. I've been praying for sunshine all week and we did have beautiful weather! Still, I had to tailor most of her plans from a May birthday party for her little girl which was held outdoors, to a December party (with unpredictable weather) for my kids-- spread all over my house! We cleaned out the guestroom of all furniture and put all the games ball related/sports in there. Our sunroom held the fishing game and face painting, my living room was an art station for decorating treat bags and my kitchen became the concession stand. 
Thankful for the nice weather, the bounce house was a hit outdoors! And we could cook the hotdogs right!
I'm speaking purely for myself here and not any other mother or father who happened to be there, but I had a blast! Hudson was so happy. Avery was right in the middle of everything. The idea was for the kids to "pay" a ticket, play the game and then get a treat. It was slightly organized chaos, but best I could tell, games were played, treats were delivered and kids were happy! We enlisted several youth group students to man the booths and their help was tremendous. 
My parents and my sister, Emily and her boyfriend, Thomas were here to help, too which was great. This was the first time, (I realize Hudson has only had three birthdays, but still,) it the first time that he made the guestlist. So some of my friends got left off because he wasn't especially close to their kids. :( I guess that's how it should be- it is afterall, his party! And still somehow, my party idea for about 10 kids, turned into 20 kids but we managed. It was really, really fun. Hudson acted like such a big boy, running off to play games with his friends. It was great. I never get all the pictures I want. Some things are just too hard to capture. And when you're busy enjoying it, it's hard to remember to stop and take pictures. We have a lot of pictures of Avery from her family party last weekend and we'll have all the family next weekend for Hudson's so I'll hopefully get good pictures then, too. So long as the birthdays are well documented, the moment is captured. Can you tell I'm crazy about birthdays?!
We didn't open the presents during the party. My good friend Amy gave me that brilliant idea. I hope we didn't offend anyone who thought we didn't care enough about the present they brought to even open it in front of them, but it was way less stressful/chaotic on my kids and their mama :) to wait. All of the kids were playing so well that we didn't want to interrupt to make them sit still and watch someone else open presents, which is rather hard at the ripe old age of 3! They had a great time opening and I wrote everything down to send thorough thank you notes! At least my children aren't spoiled. :)Well it was fun but I'm glad it's behind me. NOW, I can get ready for Christmas!!
He's a big three year old stinker boy, but he's my baby! I still just wanna eat him up! Here he's singing a song ending with I love YOU! (yes, you can awwww outloud!)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A Good Change
We've had a good day at my house. Nothing major, just ran some errands and the kids behaved and had a good time! We played outside, both kids napped well and ate a good lunch. That's a successful day in my book.
(Avery was not harmed in the shooting of this picture. Though she appears to be being choked, she laughed the whole time. And yes, there is ketchup on the end of Hudson's nose.)
Here they are riding in the wagon on the drive way. Avery actually got up from her seat and sat in Hudson's lap :) He was elated! They were too cute. Then Hudson pulled Avery around "all by himself" and while this is an activity that must be highly supervised :), it's been fun watching them play together lately.
The other day I watched Avery walk around the room, wave hi to me and stuff her mouth full of goldfish and thought, wow, suddenly I have a toddler. For a split second I thought to myself, "I have two toddlers." Just as quickly it hit me, no, I have a toddler and a pre-schooler. Part of that makes me sad. I still say it's gone way too fast. I've sure loved being home with them each and every day. I never want to miss a thing.
While there is some nostalgia involved (there always will be with me!), I love the place we are. I love the feisty little thing my girl is turning out to be and the way- too -smart boy of mine. I love how they love each other. I love that they are really starting to play together. Avery can hold her own now, she even laughs through the tackles or swings her hand so fast at his face that he can't come too near! And Hudson is learning to share :) It's fun to watch them, see them change and see at least for now, that change is good.
(Avery was not harmed in the shooting of this picture. Though she appears to be being choked, she laughed the whole time. And yes, there is ketchup on the end of Hudson's nose.)Here they are riding in the wagon on the drive way. Avery actually got up from her seat and sat in Hudson's lap :) He was elated! They were too cute. Then Hudson pulled Avery around "all by himself" and while this is an activity that must be highly supervised :), it's been fun watching them play together lately.
The other day I watched Avery walk around the room, wave hi to me and stuff her mouth full of goldfish and thought, wow, suddenly I have a toddler. For a split second I thought to myself, "I have two toddlers." Just as quickly it hit me, no, I have a toddler and a pre-schooler. Part of that makes me sad. I still say it's gone way too fast. I've sure loved being home with them each and every day. I never want to miss a thing.
While there is some nostalgia involved (there always will be with me!), I love the place we are. I love the feisty little thing my girl is turning out to be and the way- too -smart boy of mine. I love how they love each other. I love that they are really starting to play together. Avery can hold her own now, she even laughs through the tackles or swings her hand so fast at his face that he can't come too near! And Hudson is learning to share :) It's fun to watch them, see them change and see at least for now, that change is good.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Our Thanksgiving
I realize I jumped ahead and went to Avery's birthday and skipped our Thanksgiving day but I found her to be more important! Now we can go back. We'll start with the best part... the food. The night before Thanksgiving, we spent with Ronny's family in Dallas so we got a head start on the good stuff :) Last year, we had more than 50 people at my parents house. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws on all sides. This year was pretty low key as my grandparents traveled out of town to aunts and uncles houses and so on. It was only my mom and dad, Ronny's mom, Ronny, me and our kids, both of my sisters and one fiance! Small but wonderful! Now, on to our day.
Yum yum yum, turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, baked potato casserole, rolls, gravy, jello salad, apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate pie. It was a good day.
Ronny fried us a good turkey (you gotta hang your mouth to the side when you say that line.) Here are the guys- Dad, Ronny and Gabe watching her fry.
The weather was beautiful so we were playing outside. Poor Avery got going down hill on the ever- so- slight slant to my parents drive way but it did her in. She busted her little lip and skinned her nose. Poor girl looked like this the rest of the day.
Hudson enjoying a pre-dinner pixie stick :) It was funny to try to teach him how to just shake it into his mouth without touching his tongue to it! He was rather extreme about it and would shake the pixie dust way out onto his shirt, or just try to suck it out! Of course, I don't know that correct pixie stick eating is really a task I want him to accomplish. Come to think of it, I don't even know where he got that pixie stick...
Ronny and his golden turkey. Delish.
Ya know, some wheel-barrow races after dinner. (Emily and Hudson vs. Gabe and Annesa)
We played a little football, then Hudson got Gabe to knock lots of leaves out of the trees with the football and he would stand under the raining leaves. Then he decided climbing the tree would be more fun. My sisters. My kids. A happy moment.
We're actually having a true Fall here in Central Texas. Seems like last year it was hot, hot summer, then suddenly all the trees were bare and it was winter. I'm loving this Fall!!
Yum yum yum, turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, baked potato casserole, rolls, gravy, jello salad, apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate pie. It was a good day.
Ronny fried us a good turkey (you gotta hang your mouth to the side when you say that line.) Here are the guys- Dad, Ronny and Gabe watching her fry.
The weather was beautiful so we were playing outside. Poor Avery got going down hill on the ever- so- slight slant to my parents drive way but it did her in. She busted her little lip and skinned her nose. Poor girl looked like this the rest of the day.
Hudson enjoying a pre-dinner pixie stick :) It was funny to try to teach him how to just shake it into his mouth without touching his tongue to it! He was rather extreme about it and would shake the pixie dust way out onto his shirt, or just try to suck it out! Of course, I don't know that correct pixie stick eating is really a task I want him to accomplish. Come to think of it, I don't even know where he got that pixie stick...
Ronny and his golden turkey. Delish.
Ya know, some wheel-barrow races after dinner. (Emily and Hudson vs. Gabe and Annesa)Hudson thinks "walking on his hands" is just hilarious.
We played a little football, then Hudson got Gabe to knock lots of leaves out of the trees with the football and he would stand under the raining leaves. Then he decided climbing the tree would be more fun. My sisters. My kids. A happy moment.
We're actually having a true Fall here in Central Texas. Seems like last year it was hot, hot summer, then suddenly all the trees were bare and it was winter. I'm loving this Fall!!
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