The Van Fam

Goodbye Blogger. Hello Tumblr.

2010-05-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well, my little adventure here in blogger-land has been a sweet one. Just like a teenage romance - all hot and bothered in the beginning but by the time summer rolls around, it gets harder to maintain and just fizzles. It's sad but true. Ahh...but don't cry for me Argentina. The Van Fam is moving on to ~~bigger and better~~ quicker and simpler. And fear not, I promise to update this one as often as I do my Facebook. Pretty soon, you'll know what I am eating, watching, and wearing. At least for the school year.

So hop on over, follow me there, and why your at, go ahead and start your own. You know ya wanna? All the cool kids are doing.

http://thevanfam.tumblr.com/

Word.

Happy 5th Birthday JD!

2010-01-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

(I apologize for the spelling and grammatical errors...I am tired and have no time to proof.)

Five years ago today my life changed drastically. I am sure it's a day I will remember in detail until the day I die. It started very early (VERY early - I am so not a morning person) and pretty cold. It was A LOT colder than it is today (global warming), I do know that. It was around 5:30 when we left our house. I will never forget that last picture I took before we headed out the door...I wish I could b/c it's horrendous but special all the same.

I can remember checking in and being soooo incredibly nervous. There aren't words to describe your first time. I can remember being nervous when it was time to have MacKenzie but there's no comparison to that first time. To the unknown. It's scary y'all, that's all I can say. It takes forever to actually get in the bed, get hooked up to a monitor, and then get the process going. Of course, after two rounds of PTL I was a pro at the intro-process. I was induced at 7:30 a.m. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more. It took FOREVER to get to 4cm thanks to the excess scar tissue from my cerclage. The waiting was made worse due to the room temperature. Yes, I got the room with the broken a/c. They did try to fix it. Let me tell you, few things are more awkward than laying in a hospital bed, feeling like a whale with a pee bag hooked up to you, while three strange men attempt to fix the a/c. Nice. My doc eventually came to check on me and had a FIT about the heat and demanded they move me if they wanted her to deliver this baby. They were thrilled. So thrilled that when one of the nurses rolled me into another room she was a little rough and my pee bag got caught on the door jam and jerked pretty dang hard. I screamed! I remember getting my water broken, which is the most awkward feeling EVER. I had to pee so bad when they broke my water and I was so uncomfortable because I refused to pee during the process. Wierd. It's one of those things I wish a man could somewhat understand because it's such an abnormal feeling. Then came the epidural which I am just not a fan of. I had it with both kids but I don't think I would have it a third time. I may or may not be a slight hypochondriac so being given a list of symptons (some being very severe) and told to immediately noify the anasthesiologist if you feel one is NEVER a good idea. I think I felt 3 of the 10 right off the bat. Anyways, epidural done and the wait continues. It was a hard wait because my mama couldn't be there. Susan (my MIL) and my Nana were there but my mom had to stay home because she was sick as a dog. Luckily, as time drew nearer and the nurses changed and saw how upset I was. They told her to come up but she would need to wear a mask. Somewhere close to 7 or 8cm I spiked a fever and was put on oxygen. The process was taking so long that at 8 cm I could feel just about everything. It was horrible. I begged for more anasthesia but Mr. Popular was in the middle of a c-section! Seriously?! My doc came to check on me and I was at 9 cm. She wanted to start but I refused to push until I got more drugs. Possibly my worse decsion ever. I got a second dose and it WIPED ME OUT. All I remember from there was trying to stay awake and trying to push somewhere other than my face. The whole pushing process took an hour or two. I can't remember. I do remember closing my eyes and drifting into a dream in between contractions and Jimmy flippin' out. At some point my doctor mentioned something about a vaccuum and that's all I needed to hear. The real pushes came and that boy was out - 7:58 p.m. I do remember a few other things. I remember specifically wanting no one in there but Jimmy until the time came and then I wanted my mommy (and boy am I glad she stayed, I got the best birthing pictures ever). I remember puking in a trash can and then eating Olive Garden (the evening nurses were MUCH better than the mean morning nurses)! I remember friends coming and going and there were A LOT. I remember being told by Nicole, my best friend - bless her heart - that she saw my placenta as they wheeled it away. Nice. I remember my brother being very freaked out by the oxygen mask and the pain and the throwing up. I remember a lot of small things. But the one thing I remember most...the one thing that made every second worth it...the one thing I will NEVER EVER forget was holding my sweet JD for the first time. There are no words to describe that feeling. It's one of those moments that I can NOT wait for my sweet friends to experience. It's beyong amazing and one of the few moments that is life altering in the most incredible way!

5 years ago my sweet, precious boy came into our lives.

And sweet boy, you have been blessing our lives ever since. You are such an amazing little boy and have such a unique personality. You are the sweetest thing ever. I bet I hear, "Mom, I love you!" twenty times a day. You are affectionate beyond words. You are smart and always asking questions. You are ALL boy and keep us on our toes. You have a beautiful soul. You are a joy to watch grow up. You are very compassionate and tender-hearted. You love meeting new people and aren't the least bit shy. You seem to be the apple of your teacher's eyes. You live every day like it's the best day ever. You are so loved by many. You have a VERY special place in your PawPaw's heart. You are a FUN big brother and both love to aggrivate and love to love-on your sister. You are just pure JOY. I am so blessed to have you in my world. 5 years ago today you forever changed our lives and daddy and I still haven't gotten use to it. I love you sweet boy.

1 Week

3 Months

6 Months

1st 4th of July

9 Months

1st Birthday

Easter at age 1

2nd Birthday

2-1/2

2-1/2 and me preggo

Age 3

Easter when you were 3

3-1/2

4th Birthday

Easter at 4

1st Year of TBall

4-1/2

Christmas 2009 - 4

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Enjoying your chocolate chip waffles this morning

The ONLY thing you asked for this year - a kickstand (since you mastered the bike with no training wheels last week!)

Having cake with the family tonight at CiCi's Pizza

Present Time!

TROUBLE!

I can not believe 5 years have passed since I first held you in my arms. It feels like only seconds. I can't wait to watch you grow over the next 5, but can we slow down a little please? I llok so forward to watching you celebrate your birthday this weekend with your bestest friends! Happy Birthday My Love!

Happy Thanksgiving - Better Late Than Never!

2009-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly Stroll-la-moni! That is JD's version of holy moly. Where did holy moly even come from? Can y'all believe it's December 1st? I know I can't but I am sure glad it is. I la-huv this time of year. And the fact that it's actually cold in Houston (REALLY cold right now) makes it that much sweeter. I am not sure what makes this year so much more exciting or maybe I am this excited every year and just forget, but I am all about the Christmas spirit this year. I am sure it has something to do with the kids and how JD totally gets it this year and even though MacKenzie doesn't, she is so filled with the awe of it all. I can't quit smiling and talking about Christmas because I am so happy it's here. Jimmy thinks I am a total dork but I know he's enjoying it as well. He can't fool me!

But before I get carried away with the Christmas talk, I want to recap our wonderful Thanksgiving.

Not from Thanksgiving but one of my faves from this fall...

Another one not from Thanksgiving but the Priss at her Pumpkin Patch at school...that smile never gets old.

Oh, and one from the pumpkin patch up the road with my sweet Nana and precious babies.

So this Thanksgiving was my FIRST time to ever play hostess. I busted my tail getting the house all ready for the big day! Which for some would be pure stress but I'm all kinds of OCD-preassure-lovin' wierd and I think I actually enjoyed it. LOL. Anyways, alls got done and Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL! Seriously. I didn't take very many pictures but here are a few...

My DELICIOUS turkey. I think it might be the best I've ever had in my entire life.

My plate of food.

roll, turkey, southern-style creamed corn, sweet potatoes, southern green beans, cranberry salad, broccoli salad, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, and dressing with gravy. YUMO!

We had a wonderful day and it was spent with family that I love so much. It left me feeling so completely blessed and thankful that not only do I have such wonderful parents (and even though Tim is technically my step-dad, he's such an amazing father to me and grandfather to my babies) but I have been truly blessed to marry into such an amazing family. I know how uncommon it is to have one BIG GIANT family that loves to all be together. I LOVE so much that we don't have to split holidays up with our family here. I love that we can all get together and it's perfect. I am TRULY blessed and just so incredibly greatful for all God has given us.

And how do you end a PERFECT Thanksgiving you ask? Black Friday! Do you know that this was my first REAL black friday experience ever? Sure, I've done the shopping during the day on Friday but I have never been one of those crazy people that stay up all night to shop. This year, Jimmy and I did it together and it was so incredibly exhausting but FUN at the same time. We went to the outlet mall at midnight and then hit Walmart at 2:00 where we shopped until 5:00 when we could finally checkout. We weren't out of there until 6:30 - the sun was a-risin'. Oh, but we had a good time together. I think it's something we'll do every year from here on out with ONE exception. We will have someone keep the kids for the first half of the next day. Staying up for 24 hours straight and then parenting is NOT fun. But we did get some killer deals and a new flat screen for our bedroom!!!

We spent the rest of Friday takin it easy. We did go get our tree but didn't decorate it or anything. Saturday morning we got up and headed to Saratoga to do Thanksgiving with Tim's family. It was so much fun and as usual, the kids had a blast in the country. Bless JD's heart. He's truly a country boy stuck in the suburbs!! Here are a few pictures...

JD playing in the country

Mac WILL NOT be left out

My sweet boy

The boys shooting skeet

JD and his blackcats

Kenz not liking them so much

The girls enjoying the bonfire

He picks up sticks the entire time - he's my workin' man!

Shan and Mac

Well. That's all I got for now. I am gonna try really hard to post some pictures of the new house in the next few days.

For now...hop on over to my wonderful mommy's blog. She'll get you all in the Christmas mood!
http://thegannonfamily.blogspot.com/

2009-11-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Holy Hiatus blog world, did you miss me? I haven't posted since May 27th, seriously? Do you feel neglected? Ignored? Abandoned? Ohh...ouch, sorry. I have been a bad blogger and because a lot (A LOT) has gone on in the last 5-1/2 months, I'll spare you the boring (they actually aren't boring in the least, I just am trying to watch Grey's Anatomy at the same time) details. I will however give you a brief timeline...since May 27th...

I went to the Big OB for a week. And came home.
We went camping for the Watermelon Thump Festival and seriously sprained my ankle. BAD.
The fam and I went to Pascagoula, MS for the 4th of July. And came home.
We went back to OB, MS for another week and a half. And came home.
We threw the bestie an AMAZING big hat bridal shower.
I celebrated my 26th birthday.
JD started his last year of preschool and Kenz started Mother's Day Out for the first time.
We went to another shower for the bride.
Jimmy and I celebrated our 5th anniversary in the Cayman Islands for a week. A-MAZE-ING!
We threw a KICK-BUTT bachelorette party for the bride.
We went to another (I am not complaing b/c I'd go to a million for Laura) shower with the bride.
My Nana and PawPaw came in town to watch...
...my best friend get married at the most GORGEOUS wedding (hands down).
We celebrated MacKenzie's 2nd birthday (say it ain't so!).
We had a fun Halloween - JD was a fireman and Kenz a little Dutch girl.
We MOVED. YIKES, I know. We moved again in less than 2 years.
NASCAR race.
We found out my PawPaw, whom means the world to me, has colon cancer.

Sooo...that's the last 5 months in a nutshell.

Now to elaborate on a bit of the above.

JD and Kenzie on their first day of school...

Grand Cayman was amazing. I have never enjoyed a week so much in life (runner up would be Frontier Camp with Young Life junio year). I have never seen water so blue or enjoyed myself so much. I fell that much more in love with my man and just enjoyed life so much that week. I wish it could have lasted longer and we are DYING to go back. It's an amazing place and so under-rated. A few pictures...

our condo

the view from the back of our condo

laying out

headed out to sting ray city

playing with the sting rays

holding the sting rays

kissing a sting ray

HELL - the post office is in "hell"

dinner at the lighthouse - DELISH!

storm blowing in

pier at rum point - a 5-6 ft. barracuda lives under it - we were about 10 feet from it swimming

gorgeous water

turtle farm

blow holes

Mel - our favorite bartender

Here are a few pictures from Miss Priss's 2nd Birthday - this needs to be a post on it's own just because there is so much to share about her...

my sweet babies

momma and kenz

my girl

Let's see...oh yes, the move. We are a little bit crazy and just CAN NOT pass up a bargain. All I have to say is, it should be a crime to love your house this much. I am IN LOVE. I couldn't be happier and I am sooooo glad we are here. We moved up 1000 sqft, move down to a one-story, and gained a game room (lost the media room), study, and a pool (and deck, koi pond, sprinkler system, water softener system, and 3-car garage). I promise to post pictures very soon. We have one room left to unpack! Whoohoo!!!

And now PawPaw. We knew something was up with him when they were in for Laura's wedding. Once he got home he had some blood work done where he learned he was 2 PINTS LOW on blood. So at that point they knew he was bleeding somewhere internally. We got the call Friday that after some scans they found a cancerous tumor on his colon. Monday he went into surgery to have the tumor removed. They took 9" of his colon to biopsy. It turned out that the tumor grew a hernia and the hernia started bleeding, which was a total blessing in disguise. We did find out today that they did indeed get out the entire tumor but that there is a micro-size amount (2 out of 10 is how they described it) of cancer in a few of his lympnodes so he will need some mild chemo. Without chemo they gave him a 65% survival rate, so obviously that option is out. The GOOD news is the cancer is only in his colon and the lympnodes there, so it hasn't spread. We also know that it will be very mild cancer and the surgeon wouldn't even talk survival rate with chemo b/c it should have no problem killing those cancer cells. Another blessing is PawPaw's health. Overall he's a very healthy man so he should be able to weather this farely well. It's just heartbreaking knowing he will have to go through the chemo at all. We love Nana and PawPaw so much and being 10 hours away makes times like these that much more difficult. My mom has been there since Monday (she flew straight from the NASCAR race to Memphis) but came home tonight. He should leave the hospital Sunday and we'll hopefully know more shortly on the course of action. We appreciate all the prayers up to this point and beg you to keep praying.

That's all I got for now. I have to go to bed!!! I will post again, sooner than later!!! I think this new house has added a whole new level of zen to my life! LOL. Praying it lasts...

Mudcake Originals

2009-05-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hey!!! Greetings from the mama who never stops! LOL! What would life be like if it was boring?!

I post with some EXCITING news!!!! It's all up and OFFICIAL! WHOOHOO!!!!

Please visit, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE repost (I will do a contest soon) and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pass along!!!

www.mudcakeoriginals.com is up and official! whoohoo!!!

I AM SOOOOOO excited! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!

SO GO NOW!!! CHECK, check, check it out!

MUDCAKE ORIGINALS

Place an order between now June 20, 2009 and save 15% using GRANDOPEN15%!!!

Update on Layla Grace

2009-05-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

I AM EXHAUSTED...so this update is coming from the one I posted on our playgroup message boards. there are spelling and grammatical errors but that's all i got for now...

i am home and so emotionally and physically drained i can barely think straight so i hope this post makes sense. after 4 hours of sleep last night and one meal today i am ready to crawl into bed. if i am feeling this drained i can't even imagine what shanna and ryan are feeling inside.

kelly and i went to the hospital today to vist. we got there around 3:15 and left at 7:00. i have never been to the oncology floor of a hospital and never at a children's hospital. i think a special prayer needs to be said for those docs/RN's tonight. they are truly incredible people. it's a hard walk down those halls.

now on to sweet layla...

i would be lying if i said seeing her eased my mind at all. when we got there layla looked very worn out. she was still coming out of a sedation from an earlier scan and was very out of it. it was extremely obvious that she's in severe pain. she counldn't sit still bc of the constant pain in her back, stomach, legs, etc. the doc described her bones and feeling like they are full of arthritis and are very painful. because of this she won't eat either. she hasn't eaten in two weeks. up until this evening a piece of toast and a few slices of banana have been a lot. she literally cried and pushed everything away as they begged her to just take a bite.

more blood was drawn and we bit back tears as layla cried and screamed not wanting to be touched. needless to say, kelly, shanna, and i went walking at this point. after talking to the pedi some more, they decided to try some morphine. y'all i can't even begin to explain the change layla made within 5 minutes of having that morphine. 180 doesn't begin to describe. she went from lethargic and miserable to smile, laughing, singing, making animal sounds, and EATING. she ate an entire helping of mashed potatos and drank a fully sippy cup of juice. this is HUGE. HUUUUGGGGEEEEE!!! for a couple of hours layla was the happiest she has been in 2 weeks. it was a much needed site and thankfully kelly and i were able to talk about it all on the way home as oppose to crying. we did okay while we were there, shanna only had to tell us once to stop the crying. it was hard.

now on to the more crucial update. the extensive ct scan today revealed that the tumor is not what they had first hoped. it was originally though to be above her kidney on her left side. well, that is only the start of it. it wraps all the way arouond the front of her stomach, around her aorta, and around another vessel/ventricle. it's really big and really aggressive. this was devestating news to ryan and shanna. originally they assumed surgery would be done to remove the tumor, but now because of the size and how wrapped around her heart it is, they will have to biopsy it (along with her bone) to determine the type of tumor. from there they will hopefully go straight to chemo. our prayer is the chemo will kill the tumor and in turn, the bones will heal themselves. the bones could be one of two things...side effects of all the hormones/toxins released by the tumor or bone cancer. we are praying that killing/shrinking the tumor will take care of the bones as well. if the tumor does not go away completely, as long as they can shrink it enough to do surgery safely, that is fine too. they are still going to do a brain scan soon to rule out any brain tumors but right now, the cancerous tumor in her stomach is the number one concern. the tumor is very aggressive and they are monitoring it closely, taking measurements daily for any changes. the doc said this tumor could have been there for a year or could have grown in the last 2 weeks when the symtpons started. we are just praying the chemo can kick it's butt!!!

immediate prayers requests...

- layla to remain pain-free or for her pain to be tolerable
- that she continues to EAT!! they won't want to start chemo until she is fattened back up.
- that monday's biopsy goes smoothly and that we get good results...treatable tumor, no change in size, etc.
- that Ryan and Shanna get some rests are able to take care of themselves.
- JENNA and CLAIRE. Jenna is VERY upset, she was crying at school today. She is 8 and worried sick about everything.

PRAY! PRAY!! PRAY!! PRAY!! PRAY!!

Prayers for Layla Grace

2009-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post and although I wish I was posting some funny story right now, that is not the case. Instead I am coming to you with a heavy heart. I come begging for prayers as a dear friend, someone I have blogged about before, the genius behind Baby Wears Prada, is sitting in a hospital room with her 17-month old daughter, Layla Grace.

After what was suppose to be a trip to TCH for what was thought to be GI issues, Shanna and Ryan have learned some devestating news. Their precious baby is not dealing with some constipation as previously thought. Instead a parents worst fear has been confirmed and althought the exact diagnosis is unknown, the words cancer...lukemia...brain tumor/neuroblastoma...and spread throughout have been tossed around.

My heart is breaking for both of them. Shanna and I were preggo together. We found out we were expecting around the same time and then learned we were due only a month apart. We share the same gyno so we got to do bloodwork together and countdown the days of miserableness together. We talk daily and IM for hours about everything from husbands and kids to our business hopes and dreams. She has brought more organziation to my clothing line than I could have thought possible. Our kids go to the same preschool and we catch up in the parking lots on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes we venture to Hobby Lobby and the mall with our youngest or enjoy free Grand Slams at Dennys. We have gotten to be pretty good friends in the last 8 months and Shanna has become someone I thoroughly enjoy being around and talking too. We have a lot more in common than I would have ever guessed a year ago. We have become friends. And because of this...with all the fun we share, I now to share her heartache. I hate feeling helpless and right now I feel utterly helpless. So, all I can do right this minute is ask for prayers and kind thoughts as Ryan and Shanna get settled into a room on the cancer floor of TCH.

Layla Grace has two beautiful big sisters that love her to pieces. Jenna is a GORGEOUS 8 year old that loves her sisters so much and is such a huge help. She in undoubtably worried sick over Layla. Claire is 2 (1 year and 1 month older than Layla) and although she probably doesn't understand what's going on, she is definitely missing her mommy, daddy, and "Yay-ya".

So please pray for the sweet family. Pray for wisdom on the doctor's part and strength for the parents. Pray for peace and comfort for sweet Layla. Pray for this family to be wrapped in a blanket of peace and love as they endure the battle ahead.

Layla and Claire shopping a few weeks back.

Layla in Daddy's arms at TCH today.

If you want to stay updated or would like to offer the Marsh family some prayers or words of encouragement you can follow them on www.twitter.com/laylagrace or txt "follow laylagrace" to 40404 for txt mssg updates.

And check back as I will post updates as well.

"Who Let the Dogs Out?"

2009-04-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

I should so be in bed but really, I knew you all could use a little Van-Fam Drama. I think these things really only happen to me...

First though I will share something I was really comfortable sharing until we were past it. The week before last we dealth with something not-so-nice. Something that will make you itch as soon as I tell you about it. Something that I hope to never deal with again but know it's very possible. Something such as - lice. Yuck. It was awful. I have never washed so much in my life. But, here we are almost 2 weeks later and no more lice, but I didn't check tonight so I might need to retract that statement.

And while I'm sharing...I will continue with the stuff I swear, only happens to us...

This morning I woke up to Kenz hollerin' "MAMA" in her crib. I listened for a few and could still hear JD breathing (he's a heavy breather) in his room and could tell he was still sleeping. I laid there a while longer and before long JD was stirring and then all of a sudden I hear him say, "Oh, she's calling me, I got to go." And with that he jumped up and ran to his sister's room. I guess he was hearing "Bubba" instead of "Mama". Regardless it was precious. And that was the highlight of my day. I should have stayed in bed b/c it was all downhill...

I was walking down the stairs carrying Kenz when I missed the 5th step from the bottom and fell. I landed right on my butt and sorta bounced the rest of the way down. My entire bottom half was so sore it was almost numb. I set Kenz down who whined a second but was fine and crawled my way to the couch. I laid there for 15 praying nothing way broken. Eventually I got up and walked it out. I have a nice purple bruise across my right cheek now. I tried to take a bath tonight but really needed one of those donuts they give you after pushing out a baby.

We (any by we I maan Kenzie) had a meltdown during our probiotic granola and yogurt this morning...and then she turned the granola mixture over on her head. That was fun to get out.

Then...my best friend Ashley came over to perform a school experiment on JD. After her pyscho-analysis on my son and after giving him the greenlight fir 1st grade (he's 4) we headed outside while the kiddos played. We were out there for only a few when the real drama started...

Backup 6 months...
...New neighbors move in. Great. They have 2 german shepherd mixed dogs, 1 mama pitbull, and 7 pitbull puppies. Not so great. The dogs attack the fence everytime our dogs are out and over the course of the last 6 months have come in our backyard 10+ times. I bet they have repaired our fence a dozen times (at least). It's ridiculous and needless to say, Jimmy is so over it. I have been fearful things were gonna get ugly...did I mention they are pits?

Well, they were finally down to one mama pit (who's mostly an inside dog), 1 german shep mut, and 4 pits that are not-so-puppyish anymore. So...the kids and I and Ash were all outside today. The kids in the fort and Ash and I on the ground talking. Next thing I know, these 3 pits and german mut coming charging into my backyard. THANK JESUS the kids were in the fort. The dogs have never been overly aggressive so I wasn't too panicked but they did have me cornered onto the stairs and were barking like crazy. Thank GOD Ashley was there b/c she was able to get the hose and spray them to get them to back off some. They would not scare off though...they def. were not scared of us but we finally got them back enough that I could get JD down and in the house and then Kenz (who was scared and crying) down and inside. Ash immediately called Jimmy and was probably more mad than I was. I usually don't tell him when the dogs get out b/c I know eventually he's going to go over there. Or shoot them. He comes home and the calls begin. We called the police dept first and they give us the number to Harris County Animal Control. We call AC and they are at lunch. We wait until 1:00, all the while these dogs in our backyard getting more aggressive by the minute. It was to the point that if any of us walked towards the backdoor they went crazy. There was one that was significantly bigger and more aggressive than the others. He was actually attacking the backdoor. I can't tell you how my hair stood up when Kenz walked over towards the door and that pit went crazy. All his barking and snapping was at the exact level of her face. It was at this point I realized the severity of the issue. So...1:00 rolls around and Jimmy call AC back. After explaning the situation the lady said she would get someone out....
Jimmy: "When?"
AC Lady: "Sometime. Maybe tomorrow, I can't give you an exact time."
Jimmy: "Maybe I need to re-explain the situation. We can't even walk out of our backdoor...what happens if they are back in their yard tomorrow?"
AC Lady: "Well, then there won't be much for us to do..."

This is about the time Jimmy lost it...

AC Lady: "And sir. Pitbulls are a family-friendly breed unless provoked..."
Jimmy: "#@!*&%^#!$*$(^!@*%$#@!(&%$ Don't preach to me and do your job!"

CLICK!

At this point in an attempt to calm Jimmy down and secure our rights as a HO, I called my mom to talk to our lawyer friend Bill. He explained the rights and in short said as long as we file a police rept we would be fine..."

We called the police back and spoke to an anti-pitbull lady who dispatched someone ASAP. A PO showed up a few minutes later. As soon as she went to open the backdoor they came running back through the hole in the fence (the fence issue is never-ending b/c they are constantly breaking th pickets). She went to walk out and they started going crazy. She did what she could to get ahold of the HO's and after no luck called AC herself. They sent someone out and it got worse in worse. In a matter of minutes the bigger pit was getting more and more aggressive. As soon as the AC worker saw the situation he immeditaley said they were going to be removed and if any got aggressive they would be putdown on the spot. He was able to cath all of them but it did take some time. He went after the aggressive one first and he took the longest. By the time he had him restrained he was foaming at the mouth and FREAKING out. Jimmy said it looked like one of those alligators on Animal Planet the way it was spinning. The homeowner's son came home during this mess and had no prob. Apparently they are the mother's dogs and he is sick of dealing with this crap as much as we are. They did advise him that they would have 3 days to get them back after paying the fines and showing proof of registration, rabies vac, etc. All except the aggressive one. He was "red-flagged" meaning he would be put down ASAP. It was really scary there for a bit, especially seeing how more and more out-of-control the big pit was getting. The AC and PO could not get over it...it was pretty bad.

And then...we had a nice quiet afternoon. Jimmy got home and took JD to golf and Kenz and I went to JoAnns and Barnes and Noble.

I did get home to an interesting story. Apparently JD was playing with Jimmy's phone we he said, "Oh!" Never a good sign. "She's talking to me..." Jimmy grabbed the phone and sure enough...JD had dialed 9-1-1. Jimmy said "Hello" and heard, "9-1-1, what's your emergency?" After explaining the situation all was well...

Of course...it was the perfect ending to a odd day. LOL. The positive in all this? Sleeping tonight without listening to dogs fight/bark! Amen to that! And praying they don't return!!!!

Off to bed....

Two New Additions to the Van-Fam

2009-04-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

We have two new people living in our house these days...we call them Won-chi and Won-chu. They are brothers. Ok, so they aren't really people. Or non-people for than matter. They are our new favorite words...err...JD's new favorite words. Ok, they are our new favorite words that JD uses.

"Won-chi paint a picture?"

"Won-chi roll the window down for some fresh air?"

"Won-chu come watch a movie and snuggle with me?"

"Won-chu make me chicken nuggets for dinner?"

"Won-chu come enjoy us?" Oh, and this is another new phrase. He asks us to come "enjoy" him. I think this comes from me saying things like "I enjoy watching you and your sister play" or "I enjoy seeing you share with Kenz."

Yes...won-chi and won-chu, we love them. JD doesn't think it's very funny though. All though he is clearly saying "won-chi/won-chu" he is hearing "why don't I and why don't you" so when we repeat it the way it really sounds he gets all upset and stomps his little feat. It's sooo funny, won-chu think?

So, besides the grammar lessons and rain watching...seriously, the rain has been insane, it's been sewing-central here. I did take a break this evening as it seems I am about a week ahead of schedule. What-what? And...I need a new blade on my rotary cutter so I am gonna wait until I make a run by JoAnns tomorrow.

For now...I am gonna answer a few emails and head to bed. Looking forward to church tomorrow morning...and praying for some sunshine.

Ohh...one more thing. Miss Priss has a new favorite commerical. She is a dancing machine so she is quite partial to those with good beats or animals. She really likes animals as well. So of course her new fave is the one with the hamsters/gerbels in the car dancing. She LA-HUVS it! This evening she was laying on Jimmy's chest before bed and as soon as it came on she hopped off the couch and stood up just so she could dance. And laugh. Dance and laugh. I MUST get this on video!

Quick Update!

2009-04-17T21:38:00.001-07:00

Ahh...what a week. Who knew creating your own clothing line could be so much...work? Ha. It was a very productive week but exhausting all the same. Good news is, we are getting somewhere. The site is up minus the products and a lot of information. I have the clothing line fully designed on paper and most of the fabric either ordered or purchased already. AND...a few pieces of the playdate line completed. Yea! Now only 8-1/2 more outfits to go. Haha. But really, not too bad. The MUDCAKE ORIGINALS photo session is scheduled for the week of May 11th! And as soon as those are edited and added to the site we will be in business. Yea! Of course, I have decided to put a hold on orders right now in order to finish this process. I have a couple more orders to finish this weekend and then it's SUMMER LINE all the way. I am so excited to get this all done!

That's all I got time for, for now. I am headed to bed. I am BEAT!!!

MUDCAKE ORIGINALS - Coming Soon!

2009-04-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Whoo-hoo. A little sneak peak everyone...

www.mudcakeoriginals.com
it's not really up and running yet as I have not added any content. i hope to get all added by end of April/early May. i am not doing a HUGE summer line since it's so late already, but there will be a few things available this summer and then a much BIGGER FALL LINE with some fun new things!!!

Also, there of course has to be a blog to go along with the site...so check that out too and please bookmark!

And rest assured, once the site is up and fully functioning, I will send out a huge MASS email informing you all!

Thanks so much for your thougths and prayers...I am so excited to see where the future leads...

Spring is in the Air

2009-04-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and I am so happy. I am so ready for some warm weather, some sun, and some fun days at the lake.

Today we headed to the bluebonnets before our FIRST lake-trip this year. Whoohoo! I have wanted to do this the last 3 years and each year something stops us. This year I refused to let that happen. I reminded Jimmy so many times that we were going to the bluebonnets today that he was really getting anoyed with me. Ha. So...we got up, Jimmy and Nick got the boat all clean and vacuumed out and we headed towards the bonnets. We stopped a little past Chappel Hill and took pictures in one of the prettiest fields ever.

1 of the 2 decent ones of both kids...

and yes...we had to pick one.

I love Texas for this reason right here!!!

After our bluebonnet stop we headed to Somerville. It wasn't really the best day for the lake but we have been DESPERATE to get out there! The water was cold and it was cloudy and only about 74 degrees. A little too cool but still so much fun!

Kenz having a blast on the boat.

SOOOO coooollllldddddd!

We are going to be in trouble this year. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the water. She wanted to get in so bad.

She is so silly!

A COMPLETE daddy's girl

Once we got home we had a mini-photo session. My website is almost done and I need a temporary, but good, picture for the home page. So...I tortured MacKenzie a little while as I attempted to get a photo of her in a Mudcake Original. Not sure if I got anything I love for the site...but did get some cute ones of my girl!

And now, my kids are in bed and the hubs and I are watching a movie. I will post after Easter!

TBall Fun

2009-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Whoohoo. What a whirlwind the last couple of weeks have been. Heck, the last weekend alone WORE ME OUT. Friday night we enjoyed some fun time at the AGC Cookoff. This is an event my mom's company has been involved with for years and for the first time we had such a big great group there. We had a blast!

Saturday was a BIG FIRST. We woke up nice and early and by nice and early I mean not-so-nice but VERY EARLY. Like, 5:45 early. I forgot there was a 5:45 A-M. Yikes!!! What could pull this mama out of bed at such an awful hour??? Oh....10 little 4 & 5 year olds for a wonderful day of TBALL. Whoohoo. Saturday was JD's Baseball parade, 1st TBall game, and and Baseball Carnival. If you Houstonians remember, Saturday's weather was less than perfect. Like, several 10's of degrees less that perfect. We all FROZE. It was MISERABLE!!!!!!! BUT, my sweet thing was super precious in his tiny little TBall outfit out there on that big field. So...I finally have some pictures, and really...they say it all. Oh, and then there's that video.

Me and my sweet girl before the start of the parade. And yes, she is wearing a Mudcake Original.

She loves the wind and gets super excited!!

I *love* this pic! I think it's hilarious that his last name is really bigger than his shirt!

My little Yankee

Right Fielder

First time at bat...

Sunday we had a wonderful time at church. I tired to take a few pictures of the Priss before leaving but instead I got a meltdown and some non-smiles. She's a mess and I love her to pieces.

I DO NOT want to take a picture!!!

This is as close as it gets to a smile...

We spent the rest of Sunday visiting with my family, a birthday party for a sweet friend of JD's, and a wonderful benefit at the golf course for a friend of Jimmys. It was a lot of fun and a HUGE turnout for a sweet family.

As for the rest of the week...I am going to try and get my house in ORDER so that I can get to sewing! I have some major things to get done!!! So I can get a website done! So much to do...sooo little time.

That's all I got for now!

His Language

2009-03-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hands down, one of the best things about listening to your kids learn how to talk is the way they mis-pronounce words. Though in time they need to be corrected, there are just some things that sound cuter mis-pronounced. These are words I know we will miss down the road. Words that when corrected are a reminder at just how much they are growing. Words that will be missed years from now...some I have blonged about previously, others I have not...

JD calls his swingset in the backyard his "Fork"

Instead of saying he is going to cut something, he says, "I am going to shark it!"

He's always called the phone a "phung"

Hopscotch is pronounced "hotchcock"

He refers to the closet in his room as his "clothes pantry"

He says he's going to "base the ball" instead of hit the ball.

Just this evening I gave Kenz a sip out of JD's straw and after I handed it back to him he wiped the straw clean (he WILL NOT drink after anyone) and said, "Oh. I have to get off all of Kenzie's 'dreams'."

We laugh because JD speaks with this funny accent at times. Not really...it's just the way he pronounces certain words. He doesn't say "need" with a N, he says "yeed" with a Y.

I have always called JD my "Snuggle Bug" but sometimes he gets confused and says "chicken hug" instead.

It's just so dang cute. All of it. I wish I could bottle it all up and save it for later. What really makes me laugh is how he things Ming-Ming from the Wonder Pets talks so funny.

Oh, and while I am talking about JD...Just letting you all know...if you happen to see my kid and while seeing him you happen to notice how disguntingly long his toenails are, before judging me let me assure you that I have attempted NUMEROUS times since his birthday to cut them but he starts screaming and getting all upset about it. Why you ask??? He is trying to grow them out. You know, like a squirrel (or a bear depending on his mood). So he can climb a tree. Why else?

Byson's Blog

2009-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Those who have read my blog for a while now will remember me talking about my sweet friend Devona's little boy Byson. Well, she has finally started a blog for him and I'd love to pass on the link. He's such a special little miracle and has captured all the hearts of the staff that helps care for him along with all his friends and family. Please keep the prayers for that little man coming, we are still in need of a miracle.

http://bysons-story.blogspot.com/

America's Next Top Model - 2 Hour Premiere!

2009-03-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

I am going to do something new. And probably something utterly ridiculous because I am a FB (flaky blogger). I just can't seem to find enough time to blog regularly. I want to. But...there's sewing...and tv...and my husband...and these midgets running around calling me "Mom". Time is not something I have a lot of right now. That being said, I am going to start something new every Wednesday night for my 10 followers...

I am going do a semi-live recap of ANTM - America's Next Top Model. I say semi-live b/c I probably won't start until 8:30ish...I don't do commericals.

ANTM - SEASON 12 - EPISODE ONE

Ahhh...Vegas!!! How can I miss it so much already (Vegas blog still coming...waiting on pictures from KOURTNIE!!)??!! I love that place. It's the city that never sleeps. Lucky top model wannabes!!!

Bless these girls and their walking!! Have they not ever walked through their living room practicing the "just in case I am ever stopped in the mall by an agency walk?" Seriously! You KNOW you are going to have to walk a runway! Practice! Better yet, get a coach! Ugh...

Does Jay's hair get grayer every season? What gives??

Ok. I love Tyra. She's beautiful and has done so much more than model. That being said...she gets wierder and wierder every season!!! It's getting a little silly. Just say what needs to be said, do we need a dramatic production every single time??? NO! You are...dare I say it...embarrassing yourself!! Ahh! FIERCE!

Now we get to meet the future ANTM contestants...

Sandra, 19 from Rockville, MD
I am so glad I don't live in London or walking the London runways. I would not be able to pull that off! Ohhh. And now she's crying. Really?! Why do girl's cry on this show because Tyra compliments them or looks their direction. What did you think was going to happen! Ohh, smokin' body! (jealous)
---wouldn't miss her

London, 18 from Arlington, TX
I love her! Seriously love her. NOT loving the headband OR the outfit, but totally love her. Maybe it's the "street preaching" or the Texas accent or just the fact that we'd totally be friends (but I would ask her to remove the band from her forehead!). Super cute, hope to see some more of her!
---keeper

Jessica, 18 from Caguas, Puerto Rico
Never called ugly ever? In your whole life? Me neither! Just kidding (I need to add a "I am a wee bit sarcastic and it might get the best of me" disclamier to the top). But really, you have never made anyone mad enough that they were like, "Oh yeah...well, your ugly!" Lucky. I just totally thought of something else I hope my heavenly body posesses, a puerta rican accent...and a good voice. Like Jorge on AI!
---keeper (just so i can hear her talk)

Tahila, 18 from Phoenix, AZ
Ok, tears...falling down my face. Seriously. I had to pause and rewind several times just to finish this. Wow. It's so scary how quickly accidents like that happen. I KNOW. JD burned his hand on my flat iron when he was 13 months old. It was awful. What an amazing and beautiful girl. I *really* hope we see her again! Sooo brave...
---keeper

Monnique, 21 from Telluride, CO
Wow. Hmm...she would totally wear me out. I don't know that we'd be able to stay friends the entire competition. She would drive me INSANE. I'd end up getting mad and saying something like, "oh yeah...well, your ugly!" Totally kidding. But really? Smile a little!
---Umm. No.

Natalie, 19 from Palos Verdes, CA
Well, she's a cute little thing. Yowza...where did those come from?! Don't act like y'all were surprised to see her huge TaTa's in that bathing suit. Not really partial either way here.
---Don't really care.

Aminat, 21 from Uninon, NJ
Hello, GIANT. Wow...she's so tall. I love that she loves her height, she totally owns it. Not so sure about the "my heart is beating in my throat" comment. Could have done without that. She's pretty. I love how she talks. I love it in a mocking way, but love it all the same.
---keeper

We have another cryer. I am sooooo not one to talk. I cry a lot. Ohh, and it's not getting any better. This is when I really wish I could see everything that happens, not just wha the producers thought was worth keeping! Poor thing...I can send myself into a panic attack. I am not even lying. I think I live a day away from prozax. Your laughing, ask Jimmy. And her she is...

Kathryn, 18 from Farmland, IN
A pen collection? Seriously? Tyra's face is priceless! Oh, Giselle, say Giselle!!! You are from a small town...right...and you have never seen a mall? A tv? A Victoria Secret catalogue?! Your done! Well, she does know her designers, a little. UGLY baathing suit!
---not feeling it.

Alex, 20 from Tampa, FL
WOW. I could have a hayday here. But I am going to try and be nice because I do not want to be "cussed out!". Try not to cuss on national television for starters. Gurl, ain't yo mama watchin'? Nevermind. Ohh...loved her spin on the word "peep". You gotta peep out people's personalities! Right...ohh, pet peeve alert! "Ya know what I'm sayin'?" I will NOT be able to watch her all season if she says that! And that pose? Hmm. I think that was more like putting your hands behind your head waiting for the cuffs. Lord, help her.
---Keeper (seriously...she will make that house veery interesting!"

Isabella, 19 from Barboursville, Va
Epilepsy totally freaks me out. I saw a guy at the airport the other day start seizing and it was so scary. She's so cute and bubbly though. Good for her to fight through what's got to be a tough disease.
---Either way

Nijah, 18 from Rancho Cucamongo, Ca
Prom Queen! Whoohoo! That's all I got.
---Nah

Fo, 19 from Albuquerque, NM
She's sooo cute. I *love* the freckles too!! Blaxican - I love it. Could have done without the dog poop story.
---Keeper

Angelea, 22 from Buffalo, NY
Oh, bless her heart. I have a total confession. I wrote her off from the minute I saw her. And, she just broke my heart. Again with the seizures. Oh, I can not even imagine. She is from the HOOD. But, she got me with the story. Her hair is did and the nails have GOT TO GO!! Don't you watch MTV, dark short nails are trendy! She looks sooo much better minus the my little pony wig. Oh, the nails, what a horror!
---Honestly, I don't know. My heart breaks for her, keep her!

Celia, 25 from Cynthiana, KY
What do we have here? A twirler! ME TOO, about the prettiest thing. Seriously...I am the happiest and feel the prettiest I ever have in my life. Isn't that wierd...at 25, married with two kids I am in my prime? LOL. Nevermind, back to Celia. She's a doll. I love her. We'd toally be friends. And she works at Bergdorf. yeah, we'd be friends!
---KEEPER!

Kortnie, 24 from Houston, TX
I always love the plus-size models the best! But really, is she even plus size? Oh wow, my mom will be so jealous!! Junior!!!!
---Keeper

Allison, 20 from New Orleans, LA
Wow. I thought she just looked odd with those eyes, not we know she really is. Of all the things to admit on NT (national television) you choose to announce your obsession with blood. Hmmm. She reminds me of a deer. And that pout when she walks?!
---No thanks.

Teyona, 20 from Woodstown, NJ
A country girl, a tomboy from the country. Who's the bomb. And she's fine. Hmm...she looks like a model but the attitude...no thank you.
---don't care either way

And our 34 are...
Sandra
London - YEA!
Fo - YEA, wait...what did she just say? You can't believe that as a human being, you made it. As opposed to what...
Jessica
Kortnie - yea!
Tahlia - YEA!
Teyona
Kathryn
Nijah
Natalie
Isabella
Angelea - try and be a little more grateful
Celia - YEA!

Bummer, no Alex.

Again, so jealous. I love Vegas!

Sandra and Angelea are already going at it. Seriously?! Ohh, she said no class! Claws are out!!! I love how Sandra smiles the entire time she is talking smack. Haha! GROW UP! And now she's crying. Ugh...and again, the nails...killing me!

AHH. Did you see the plus for cycle 13?? They are only taking models under 5'7". Seriously?! I am toally applying. Kidding...but really, this should be interesting!

13 Finalists...oh, how Vegas of you!

Aminat - yea! I loved that clap! I am waiting for her to start patting her weave...err...fro with those long fingers!

Natalie - who? that's bad when you have to go reread your previous comments for a reminder!

Fo - Fo sho! Yeah, I'll totally be saying that the entire season! Wow, she is short!

Allison - Creepy!

Tahila - I hope she makes it really far!!

Celia - the girl I would totally be besties with! Yea!

Nijah - ehhh...

London - yea! now take that headwrap off! Oh, she thanked Jesus! I love it!

Teyona - ehhh...

Kortnie - yea! H-town baby!! And she did the running man! Love it!

Isabella - she's cute!

Jessica - yea, I get to listen to her talk some more! They should totally pronounce her name Yessica!

and the last name i am going to call is...

Sandra - knew it!!

Who's the blonde! Later ghetto-fab, should have been nicer!

Y'all...this is killer. That was only the first hour! Yikes.

Yea!!! NYC! I love that place too! LUCKY...

PART TWO:

I totally love London's personality. Sandra is annoying me terribly. She's rude. 80's stories up in the Empire State Building...yikes! My ears would hate me!

AHH! Nigel Barker! I have a serious crush on him! And the keys...

Nice digs! Hello Upper East Siders...

Ok, so I hope the first to go is Sandra! AND I love that Celia totally stole her bed! Ahhh...hahaha!!! Hello couch Sandra!!! And Celia is so nice. Don't give in!!

I love that London just gave up her bed. She's so sweet.

Tahlia is amazing! What a brave girl.

Fashion show already!!! Oh, they are just watching. Take noted ladies!!! Wait, they are going to be in it! Seriously??!! Poor Allison...she might fall and get a nose bleed afterall...

Oh, poor Tahlia. She wants to put herself out there. I can get over how brave she is!!

And it's time to walk...walk it out...

Oh Miss Jay, you are too much.

Aminat - I totally love her. I think it's because she reminds me of Dani from a few cycles ago.

London - totally let her head lead. yikes!

Seyona - so pretty!

Isabella - sooo scary with the strobes.

Kortnie - did ok.

Jessica - looked gorgeous

Fo - pretty!

Tahila - awful outfit! Bless her.

Nijah - blah! she is sooo slow!

Allison - those eyes are crazy. and that walk. bless her

Sandra - OMGoondess. She did HORRIBLE. And she doesn't even know it.

Natalie - so cute.

Celia - I don't think she looked very good. But we are still BFF's.

Sandra is so awful. I can't believe she is making no attempt to make friends. I so wish she would not have made it! I'd like to see her gone!

Oh, photoshoot time! Yea! In Central park??!! Sooo jealous. I LOVE it!!! I'd spend my afternoons there, reading in the sun...ahhh...

WHAT IS JAY WEARING??

Theme - Childhood Games

Fo - Ring Around the Rosies
Ahh, she teaches preschool! I love it!! She rocked her shoot!

London - Tug of War
We'll see, I am excited to see her pic!

Tahila - Tag
Hmmm...she is not doing very well. And bad answers as well. Don't try so hard!!! Poor girl.

Nagtalie - Leap Frog
I love her outfit! She's so me!

Sandra - Hide and Seek
BORING!!!! Blah! See ya!

Kortnie - Monkey Bars
She looks so silly, hope she did better than what we saw!

Aminat - London Bridge
uh-oh, hope she got a good one!

Nijah - Musical Chairs
She was so cute!!

Allison - Double Dutch
She looks scared to death but I think she rocked it!!! I miss me some double-dutching!

Teyona - Hopscotch
This is JD's favorite game. That's all I got.

Celia - Hula Hoop
She's GOOD!

Isabella - Dodgeball
I hated this game! She's struggling. Bless her!

Jessica - jacks
Love the accent!! She rocked it!!! I like her!!

Back at the house. Who's gonna be rude again. Sandra maybe. Let's see...oh goodness. She NEVER messes up when she models?! Really?? Haha.

PANEL! Whoohoo! My favorite part...Tyra's speal. You'll have it memorized by the end of the season!!!

Judges - no guest this time.

First up, Sandra! Ahhh hahah!!! I can't wait to here!!! They totally call her out on the flop of a runway walk!! Miss Jay is totally unimpressed! Her photo? No bueno. Which she is just confused by! Haha!

Next, Celia. She is a fashion genius. I totally need her as my BF. She killed it! They loved her! Yea.

Fo is next. Nigel loves her. I love him. It was a cute photo but not modely enough and didn't capture the concept. Oh, and height is an issue!! LONG and LEAN Fo!

Aminat is up and earrings are gone! Watch the wierd legs! Work on the face!!!

Speaking of London Bridges. London's outfit is hideous!! She totally needs to get with Celia!!! EXCELLENT picture! She looks awesome there!

Jessica had gorgeous angles but not enough!

Next, Teyona. Nigel liked it. Miss Jay had an issue with the head. I am unimpressed!

Isabella, poor thing. Awful picture and no one gets it. She needs some work.

Nijah is up and cute picture and great sweetness. They loved it!!!

Kortnie is next and it's cute. I like it! They thought it was to parade-like!

Allison pulled it off. It's the "deer in the headlight" look!!

Tahlia is up and she didn't do great. Poor thing. She is trying so hard. They did bring uo the fashion show and her being covered up. She was so honest about it. Bless her. I think it earned major points but Tyra broke it down for her!!

Natalie's now sporting the headband? What gives?? Blah shot, can't tell potential!!

Deliberation time...will there be drama in the holding tank?

Judges say...

Sandra - lost in the woods and Nigel thinks she is one of the prettiest. NOT her personality!

Ceila - Miss Jay is being nit-picky, which means it's great!

Fo - No neck, is she modelesque? Super cute Nigel says.

Aminat - brillant on the runway. Is she one note?

London - poor proportions.

Jessica - relies on pretty and that's her problem!

Tiyana - windtunnel face...wind in the face no bueno.

Isabella - she looks like a little person. She rocked the runway! Not getting noticed!

Nijah - blah.

Kortnie - not translating in pictures!

Allison - she killed it and Miss Jay is impressed!

And the results...Best to worst photos...

Allison, Fo, Tiyana, London, Celia, Nijah, Kortnie, Natalie, Aminat, Tahlia, Jessica

Two left standing...

Sandra and Isabella

Ha, Tyra tells Sandra she was dissappointing. And then she stays. Blah! Poor Isabella is going home. I am mad. I like her and she is so much sweeter than mean Sandra!

Oh well. Until next week. I am DONE! Holy cow...this took a while!

Haha!!

ANTM!

My Ham

2009-03-03T19:22:00.001-08:00

So. I feel like I do a lot of posting on my boy. Maybe that's because he is so funny! And older so he happens to say A LOT of funny things, hourly. He's also so happy, all the time, just happy. And sweet. If I was to describe him in 3 words I'd say SWEET, BUSY, and SILLY. Seriously...he's so dang sweet. He constantly talks about how much he loves everyone. All that being said...

I *heart* that sweet little thing sleeping quietly upstairs right now. She was someone I wished for well before she ever made her appearance. I wanted a little girl so bad. I LOVED having a boy first! I wanted an older brother to watch over his younger sister that I also wanted so badly! I was beyond ecstatic when the doctor told me "it" was a "she". I am not ashamed to say that I needed to know what we were having in order to prepare myself not to be dissappointed with another boy. NOT because two boys aren't fun. It would be amazing to be a mom of boys, I know this b/c I LOVE that little man upstairs so much and I know how SPECIAL a mother and son's love is. I would be dissappointed because I wanted to raise a girl as well. I'm a girl, a very girly-girl. I love to shop. I love to wear makeup. I love having my nails painted. I like to be center-of-attention. I tend to be overly dramatic on most occasions. I enjoy watching sports but spend as much time critiquing their outfits and look as I do actually paying attention to what's happening. I am still a cheerleader at heart and check my old gym's cheer site occasionally. I am a girly-girly-girl! So...my sweet daughter was dreamt of long before she was ever a reality!

So, this post is being dedicated to her and all the sweetness (ok, drama) she brings to our lives. Y'all we are smitten by her. Now, we are also completely worn out by her too. She is just a handful! BUT, as much as she drives me insane (daily) and as happy as I am to put her in bed at night, I would not change a single thing about her. I can not imagine her being anything else. I don't think our lives would be nearly as entertaining. Where her brother keeps us LAUGHING constantly with his words, she does the same with her smiles, her attitude, her dancing, and her FITS! She is something else...

Words can't even begin to explain how much she already enjoys the spotlight. If we are watching tv or talking about something and start laughing, she immediately assumes we are laughing at her. She starts to laugh, a very fake laugh I might add, and this continues back and forth until we are all in stitches. She's also quite the dancer. it's hilarious b/c she can be in the middle of something (eating, playing, drinking from her sippy, ANYTHING) and the minute music starts playing whether on the computer or during a commercial, she starts to dance. She doesn't miss a beat. It's like an automatic response for her. Because of this, she really likes The City on MTV, ya know, because of all the music they play. She also assumes it's all about her. All the time. There is really no happy medium, no compromise whatsoever when she wants something. It's either give in or prepare to listen to a complete meltdown. I'm not exaggerating when I say on an average day, we have experienced 3 or 4 full facedown on the ground, screaming and crying, kicking of legs meltdown by noon. Really. Daily. BUT, when we are not having a meltdown, she's the happiest thing in the world. Again, there is no in between there either. She is either ALL smiles or a meltdown. Oh, she is too much!!!

She also has most of the men in her life completely wrapped around her finger. It's so funny to see that. I assumed that would be a given with her daddy, but it kind of surprises me to see it with her PawPaw and PaTim, especially her PaTim. He's the guy that doesn't really care of babies, 2+ absolutely, younger than that...not so much. That being said, Miss Kenz has him wrapped tighter and tighter around her finger everytime they see each other. It's so funny!

So...to wrap this post up...here are some pictures from today. Really, from a few minutes today. She is something else...

Playing with Bubba's paintbrushes. I'd like to think she's pretending they are make-up brushes.

She's getting so good with the camera...all smiles when it's out! FINALLY!

SOOOO SILLY!

Jimmy got her up from her nap and she was dressless...

She LOVES her daddy!

Her favorite place!

It's a daily fight keeping her off the table!

Can you tell she is a complete ham?

2009-02-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

I am about to call it a night but thought I'd hop on for a minute and say adios! Hubby and I head out tomorrow afternoon for Vegas! I am so ready. I need a weekend away with my MAN for sure!! I can't lie and say the whole 4-days-kidless thing sounds pretty dang good too. I will miss those little ones like crazy, but mama and daddy are needing a break for sure. I just feel like it's been one of those months and I can tell I have been yelling more than normal. So, I look so forward to coming home relaxed and with some more patience.

JD is so excited about spending the whole weekend at KK's house. Every morning this past week he has woken up and asked me "How many more days until I get to sleep at KK's house?" SUPER EXCITED!!! He loves that lday so much!!!

A few more funny JD stories...I do not make these up...they happen daily around here!

This morning we were sitting on the couch watching MM Clubhouse when I noticed JD blowing on his hand? He had a scratch but when I asked him what was wrong he said, "My screwdriver bit me!"

Yesterday we were up at our office and he was sitting in one of our co-workers laps coloring. He was telling her about seeing the movie Wall-E with PawPaw (last summer) and Kim was asking who PawPaw was. JD's reply, "Well...PawPaw, he goes with Nana. And he has a big muscle on her arm and he makes it jump!" It cracks me up what information they choose to remember and share.

This morning we made french toast for bfast and I served him some blueberries with the toast. He proceeded to pick out a couple that I had mushed a little and said, "I don't want those. They are still bleeding!"

That kid cracks me up!!!

Kenz is also equally as excited about going to KK's. She told me so. It's probably the nonstop attention and food. She cracks me up!

Speaking of food...

We tried out this new (not that new) little cajun place last night. Mama's Cajun Kitchen and it was WONDERFUL!!! Jimmy and I both love crawfish and all things New Orlean's-style but it's hard to find anything comparable except Pappadeaux and we just don't live close enough anymore. This place looked like it might be one of those really good mom-and-pop kind of places and it was!!! We had DELCIOUS crawfish! They were still pretty small b/c it's early but the seasoning was FAB!! Don't even try to tell me about Willies...theirs pale in comparison to Pappadeaux and MCK! Their gumbo was also delicious! It was cajun without being too "in your face cajun!" YUM!!!!

Ok. Enough talk about our dinner last night. I am getting hungry! I am going to head to dinner instead!! I am hoping tomorrow afternoon will be hear as quickly as possible! We take off at 7:25 tomorrow evening. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit nervous! All these stories about plane crashes have gotten me a bit anxious. If you think of us tomorrow evening...say a prayer for our pilot!

PEACE!

2009-02-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

Morning Y'all!

So, I was hoping to repost with adorable pictures in response to my last post. But sadly, no. This mama just ain't ontop of her game like she used to me. BUT, pictures will be coming in the near future, I promise!

So, this passt week/weekend we enjoyed one of those "first." I think it's one of those milestones sooo many of us imagine when we first give birth to our little boy's. It's that moment that as much as you don't want to rush time, you look forward to!! It is....T-Ball!!! JD started T-Ball this past week. He's only had practices and won't start with actual games until the week after Spring Break, but y'all, we couldn't be more excited. I don't know who's more excited, Daddy and I or JD. He's in what they call "Instructional T-Ball." And boy, are they right, there are a lot of instructions going on. JD is once of the younger ones on the team (they start at age 4 and since he just turned 4 last month...) but at times you can't even tell. And at other times, you can. They are so dang cute though.

So far, catchinging a grounder, throwing the ball and running the bases have been the main focus. By the end of last practice JD was doing much better on the grounder process. He throws the ball pretty well when he SLOWS down. He gets a little over-excited and forgets to go through the whole process, especially the "step." And well, running the bases...that one is proving to be a little difficult as well. Again, he get's a "little excited" and just takes off. He knows where FIRST his, but when you are that dang excited you will run anywhere!!! It's so dang cute. The first practice he took off running for what we had hoped was first and kept going, and going, and going. It was hi-lar-ious!!! He was on such a mission and it took the coach running to catch him to get him to turn around. He's one of those (like his daddy) that gets in the zone and there is no distracting them. It was defintely one of those moments we will be embarrassing him with in front of a girl one day.

The girl is also enjoying the practices. Of course, she wears me out as I am chasing her around the whole time. The good news is, JD is on the Yankees and MacKenzie will have plenty of adorable outfits to cheer her brother on in!! Yea!

Kenzie is such a crazy child. Goodness me. I have said it a million times before and it only proves truer and trues with each passing day. She is an absolute source of entertainment for her father and me. I swear, I love her so intensely one minute and then the next...while still loving her, I want to scream. There are not words to describe this child.

As I type, she is sitting in a kitchen chair next to me (pulled away from the table so that she does not climb up and stand on it) with her shirt off (because she decided to paint herself in syrup after eating french toast) sucking every drop of juice out of an apple slice. She eats all day. Seriously.

Here are some pictures of that crazy child...

A day of this...

Ends like this

Feeding Time!

In Need of a Backscratcher!

2009-02-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

So, it's true. Something I never thought would happen again has. Something I assumed I was never going to experience after our bout with colic again. I figured that those LOOONNGG, AWFUL, STRESSFUL months of colic would have kept this from happening ever again. But NO. No, here I am again...

Nope, I am not pregnant. But ohmyword, I have the itch. I have Baby Fever like never before. It's driving me crazy. Seriously crazy. So, I would like to ask all you to please stop posting the adorable pictures of y'alls precious newborns (Amanda) and stop sharing all the great news about your due dates and what you are having and what names you have picked out (Monica, Ree, Kate) because seriously y'all, you are not helping me out here!!!

Oh, I am kidding. Not about the itch, but do keep sharing. Amanda, that sweet girl might be the cutest thing I have ever laid eyes. She is BEAUTIFUL seriously. And yes, please keep telling me all about how sweet they are and how their baby smell is just the greatest thing since fresh sliced banana nut bread. Oh, and do keep telling me all about those sleepless nights and those HUGE, sore, Pam-style engorged breatisis. Because really, I need this itch to be scratched and by scratched I mean go away, and by go away I mean that I have come to the realization that being outnumbered as a parent is not something we want, rather than being 'with baby'. Unless that is what God wants for my family. And IF that is what He wants, please let a bolt of lighting strike my husband (in a good way) and make him want that too. Geese. It's bad. So bad that I have considered really begging Jimmy for a third. I have also already calculated out the birthdate if I were to get pregnant, say...now, and I don't like the outcome. I really don't want another baby born between the months of October and January. No...between Kenzie's birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and JD's birthday we are a teeny tiny bit busy and a teeny tiny bit spent (and yes spent in the literal since, as in we done spent all our money). So...that is what I am using to convinence myself that three is not for me. That and my over-the-top dramatic, demanding, exhausting little darling of a girl that I love so much. All that being said, I was skimming through the January issue of Parents and came across an article in the back about your parenting style and it is directly related to your astrological sign. Now, I don't typically buy into any of this and never really even read them, unless to scoff at how far off they are. BUT...I was sitting there with nothing better todo (ok, I was on the pot) and read it. It said yada, yada, yada and then there was a final random note. I read others as well just to see if they were all the same and no. Some were about your work life or your social life or your kid's life or your kid's social life. Mine?!! Well, mine was about me and my "significant other" and how we will have a good year and enjoy an "intimate vacation away together" (Caymans perhaps for our 5th anniversary?). Oh, and it also said something about "adding an addition to the family." WHAT?! Yeah, I got a little excited.

So. That's where I am at these days. Jimmy only knows a little of this. I have shared that I do indeed have baby fever an that I am fully aware of how CRAZY that is. He laughed and told me I have lost my mind. When I say laughed, I mean a crazy nervous laughter. So, I try not to scare him too much. I really would rather him not move out of the bedroom. BUT, I can share here. Afterall, it is my blog!

I am signing off now. I have a busy day tomorrow and really need to get some sleep. We are all crazy like that here on a Friday night.

I will be blogging later this weekend. We had a special couple of days with JD and after I get pictures, I will blog about it. Oooo....I got you on the edge of your seats now, eh?!

The Cowboy and The Horse

2009-02-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

JD has a wee-bit of an imagination. It's really funny because he is a constant source of entertainment for his daddy and I. I have an imagination as well, which would be why staying home alone when Jimmy is out of town is not such a good idea. When JD starts to tell a story, we never know what's going to come out. Or whether it's true or not for that matter. Tonight was quite the same...

While in the bathtub he started in on a good one...
----"Mom, I am going to tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a boy, a cowboy named JD. He had a horse, and a gun, and a sword."
"Oh, yeah? And what was his horses name?"
"Radical."
"Radical?"
"No. Rad-i-cal!"
"Oh, Rad-i-cal! And what did the cowboy and the horse do?"
"They played hide-n-seek and duck, duck goose!"
"Where did the horse hide?"
"Behind the fence"
"And the coowboy named JD?"
"Under his covers in his bed"
"Did the horse find him?"
"Yeah. Rad-i-cal looked everywhere. Then he looked in my room but didn't see me. Then there was another door that went to the bathroom and he looked there. Then there was another door that went to the clothes pantry, and he looked there. But then he looked in the covers and found the cowboy."
"What happened next?"
"Mom, you need to bathe me now!"

And that was the end. Gotta love it! I defintely like how he refers to his closet as the "clothes pantry!"

Happy Belated Birthdays!

2009-02-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Birthday!!!

Tis true! My boy is an official 4 year old. Seriously?! How did this happen?! Goodness me...time is flying by. The saddest part? Right now JD really wants to grow up. So much so that at times when I tell him to wait he starts crying because, "Mama, but I really want to be big like Daddy and Uncle Matt right now!" Which is funny, that he cried about that. Haha.

He's all growed up and reminds me of this daily, whether he verablly tells me or shows me through his actions. He's getting so independent. But luckily, he still my little boy. He's a snuggler and loves to hug and be held. I enjoy this tremendously because MacKenzie is not into the cuddling. She's been nicknamed the "10 Seconds" because that's all you get. She'll hold her hands up or try to climb in your lap...for 10 seconds...and then she's done. Haha!

JD had a construction birthday party. It was a blast. We narrowed down our guest list this year to just the kiddos his age that he really knows. I asked what friends he wanted to invite and we invited those he really knows. I unfortunately did not take many pictures and I forgot to get those that my Nana took off her camera. So, instead I am stealing those my mom took and reposting here...

The table with the yummy cupcakes and dumptruck full of dirt (oreo cookies)

The Birthday Boy at the "painting station"

In his cute VANDAGRIFF CONSTRUCTION shirt

Pinata Time!

His friends waiting for their turn at the pinata

Sister in her MUDCAKE ORIGINALS Construction Outfit

I'd also like to wish a Happy Birthday to our wonderful Pa Tim!!! And a special Happy Birth-Day to the beautiful Annabeth Ellen Jones!!!! We are so happy you are here and I can not wait to meet you!! I am so excited about the fun times your mama has ahead of her. Girls are just something else!! That Big Brother of yours better watch out, you are going to be getting into all of his toys in NO TIME!!!! Love ya'll!!!

ETSY SHOP OPEN!

2009-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

So, I have been up to this sewing thing for a little while. I have mostly just been selling via word-of-mouth and through emails! BUT, I finally got an etsy shop up and going. There isn't much on there and it's less than fancy, but hopefully I will be able to do something about all that soon. I am trying to post new outfits daily, okay...weekly, so keep checking back! I am working on getting some VDay outfits up ASAP!! If you or anyone you know is interested, please forward along my site!!!

Oh, and yes...I would love to do some boy outfits, but let's get real, there isn't much!!! I can do lounge sets and I am working on making some shirts. I have this really cute idea but haven't had time to actually make it yet! I am going to list some lounge sets soon though! Oh, and as soon as I place an order for more "minky" I will be listing some baby blankets as well! So...keep in mind!

Please visit and pass along, THANKS!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5400993

Whoo Hoo!!! Off to sew....

Holiday Update

2009-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Life is good and a teeny tiny bit busy. Just a little though, and I am not complaining.

Things have going really well though. We made it through the holidays. I had a really hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I blame stress. But once I finally did, it was wonderful. The kiddos had a wonderful time. This was the first Christmas that JD really got the whole Christmas thing. He LOVED it! He loved every minute of it!!! A few of the memories I will take with me...

The day of his Christmas party at school we were running late. i was telling him how we needed to hurry or we would be late for his party (they were doing a "Happy Birthday Jesus" themed party"). JD being the practical one looked at me and said, "Mom, we can not be late, I have to get to the party before Jesus." I blinked and asked him to repeat. "Mom, I can't be late, I need to get to the party before Jesus gets there. You know, for His birthday party." Right...so I explain..."JD, where does Jesus live?" He answers matter-of-factly, "In heaven and in my heart." Yes...so, I explain that He will not be at the party because He is in heaven. After thinking about this for a little minute he replies, "Ok, but can I eat His cupcake then?" LOL. he apparently has his priorities straight!

This year as in year's past, the school sent home cute crafts and keepsakes that the kids made in school. One of the ridiculous cute items was a homemade angel and for the face of the angel was a picture of JD (I am assuming the other parents received pictures of their own kids but I am not sure). I put it out so we could admire it during the holidays. A few days before we took down the decor (which really is the part I despise the most) JD pointed at it and nonchalantly says, "Oh mom, there's that picture of me when I used to be an angel." Haha.

MacKenzie also had a really good time. She only took a handful of ornaments off the tree. She had fun opening presents and really did open her fair share. Of course, she looked ridiculously cute in all her Christmas outfits.

Her are a few great pictures from our holidays...

JD making Christmas ornaments...

Christmas Morning...

MacKenzie on her new horse.

JD and his new tool bench and new tools that he is OBSESSED with!

And maybe one of the coolest gifts ever - JD's new F150 truck from FuFu and Sammy.

MacKenzie in her adorable petti! I *love* these!

This brother sure loves his sister!

And his rock band!

We also has a great New Years. Mom and Pa Tim took the kiddos to the country for a few days. JD is a COUNTRY BOY. So much so that Jimmy and I some times wonder where he came from. Don't get me wrong, I love the country! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE spending time in the middle of nowhere. I love campfires and horses and fireflies and fishing and all that fun stuff. And Jimmy does too, as long as there is a tv with ESPN near by. But JD LOVES IT. He loves picking up sticks and digging in the dirt and riding four wheelers and picking up more sticks. He LOVES the country!!!! So, they spent a couple nights at my brother Dustin's house and had a blast. Jimmy and I spent New Year's at a wedding. We had a wonderful time with good friends!

Me and Two of my favorite girls!

Me and my FAVORITE Man

The Girls

That's all I got for now. I have a few shows to watch and a head that hurts. I hope to post tomorrow. I want to show off the newest MUDCAKE ORIGINALS (that's my line of clothes in case you didn't know)!!

New Year's was FUN as well.

Christmas Survey

2008-12-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Because I am feeling like an overachiever and all...a Christmas Survey if you will.

1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? - FRESH! I love getting a fresh tree and I am really glad I married someone that loves fresh trees as well. That could have been a real problem. Not a deal breaker but a serious problem every 11 months.

2. Favorite Ornament - Goodness. I LOVE all my ornaments. There are only a couple on my tree that aren't special. One of my favorite traditions is my Nana giving us ornaments every year. Those are so special and I love getting them out every year. I also love the homemade ones I have gotten the last couple of years with JD's picture from school.

3. Favorite Christmas Song - I LOVE Christmas songs. I have a couple - "Walking in a Winter Wonderland", The Christmas Song, and Let it Snow!!

4. Favorite Tradition - See number 2. I look so forward to those ornaments every year. We have gotten them for as long as I can remember and I had so much fun telling JD about them this year. I also love picking out the tree. And driving through Prestonwood to look at lights. I also like our new tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve and them being our PJ's for Christmas morning, This year they will all be matching Christmas PJ's - I love Jimmy for doing this with us! Last night JD and I made those home-made Cinnamon, Nutmeg, ground clove, and ginger ornaments you bake for an hour. He has SOOOO much fun making them and then painting them. We made a gingerbread girl and boy that were JD and MacKenize and he thought that was the coolest thing ever. I can see that being something we do for years to come.

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received - When I was younger it was definetly my keyboard. I remember being so excited about it. In recent years...anything that was a SURPRISE since I usually pick out my own gift.

6. Favorite Christmas Meal - The usualy, ham (I prefer honeybaked ham over turkey), greasy bacon-filled green beans, dressing, giblet gravy and mashed potatos, sweet potato casserole, and dessert!

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie - Hmmm....I don't have one.

8. Favorite Place to be - The BIG OB! Nana and PawPaw's house hands down with all the family. There is no place on earth like Christmas at Nana's. It's seriously like a Winter Wonderland. She has a Christmas Tree in every room (all 4 bedrooms, all 4 bathrooms, the laundry room and pantry, the formal living, dining, sunroom, kitchen, and sitting room) - it's insane!!! I hope her mansion in heaven is the exact same way at Christmas.

9. Favorite Memory - Goodness, there are so many. I can remember being little and so excited after opening presents on Christmas morning and all I wanted to do outside and see what my best friend Ashley across the street got and ride our new bikes or rollerblades together. I remember the year she got her Red Jeep and how cool it was!! Another neat memory was the Christmas we spent in Hawaii. I went with Jimmy and his family to Hawaii for 2 weeks over Christmas while his sister and brother-in-law lived there. It was crazy being able to go to the beach after opening gifts!

10. Favorite Christmas Movie - I love them all! Home Alone was probably one of the funniest! I am really wanting to see Four Christmas's this year though!!

There you go...Merry Christmas!

lazy update

2008-12-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

I have been called out on my lack of blogging. I have no new excuse so I won't even try. I will tell you that I am laying on the couch with a headache so spelling, grammar, and capslock for that matter are out the window! awesome.

i am just going to do a quick post but i PROMISE to post on monday in participation with Boo Mama's Tour of Christmas Homes!

For now, a recap...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was spent in good ole Mississippi. We switch off our holidays so this year we went to Nana's house for Turkey Day and will spend Christmas here. As always, the trip passed to quickly. The kids had a blast, they are just crazy about their Nana and PawPaw.

And again, because i am too tired and my head hurts too bad, i will be now sending you to my mother's blog if you'd like to see pictures. there are some cute ones.
http://thegannonfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/thanksgiving.html

if that doesn't satisfy your van-fam photo update, you can also check out another post by my dear mother. it's on the pure goofiness of our family. she ain't lyin'. poor jimmy...i think somedays he seriously wonders what he got himself into but at least he knows that i get it honestly. and...his family ain't all that sane either. seriously.
http://thegannonfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/tgif.html

that's all i got for now in pictures. it's friday night. i am so glad it's the weekend. i have a lot of sewing to get done. this whole sewing thing has really taken off. seriously. (has anyone notice how much i use that word? it's probably the most used word in my vocab - seriously.) right now i have 4 PJ sets and 2 pillowcase dresses to complete for a friend, 6 PJ sets for an etsy order, plus a shirt dress, a pj set, 2 appliqued T's and a skirt/shirt set all for Christmas gifts, and then a FUN girly outfit and 4 PJ sets for my family for Christmas. Oh, and in case y'all haven't heard, there are only 12 more days until christmas. awesome.

tomorrow we have a borthday party for one of JD's friends, which reminds me, i need to finish her birthday gift as well. my mom came over the other night and asked if the kids could spend saturday night with them. ummm....twist my arm please. i of course could never deny grandparents there right to see their grandchildren, so we will be kidless tomorrow evening. we have some dinner Christmas party to attend at the club and then we'll probably go out with the crew. i am in need of some country music and dancing. but i can hear the guys groan already, so it will probably be darts. again.

i'm done for the night but do check back monday for the Christmas Tour of Homes! it's sure to be fun! even though i am less than impresses with my Christmas decor this year. oh well...maybe i'll get some new stuff after Christmas when it's all 70%off.

PEACE!

These Two

2008-11-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

I hate that I am not blogging so I am going to try and squeeze that in real quick. I mean, it's already 12:13 am, what's another few minutes?!

Things are good. Busy. Busy. Busy. But good. My babies are growing like crazy. Here are a few updates on those two...

JD is a mess. He is starting to talk back. Or sass me. It's driving me crazy. He has a response to every single thing I say. Usually if I can just get him to say, "Yes Mam" then it ends the convo, but that's proving to be trickier than it was a week ago. I possibly said, "YES MAM????!!!!" twenty times today alone. Really.

Last week we got loaded up and pulled out of the driveway for school only to discover that my tire preassure was low. So I called Jimmy b/c I don't have any clue what that means. After performing some of my own diagnostic test (checking the tires for nails) I drove to the gas station and attempted to put air in my tire. I like to pretend I know how to use those type of things, but I don't. I am pretty sure I had a few people laughing in the parking lot. I was so concerned with overfilling the tire that I gave up. I called Jimmy and was probably pretty rude b/c I was so aggrivated about my tires, even more aggrivated about the possibility of JD missing school, and mostly aggrivated that Jimmy was in Spring and unable to fix the situation immediately, which is how I like most problems solved. Anywho, I got back in the car and informed JD that we might have to miss school because mommy's tire was messed up. To which he responded, "Mama, we are not arguing about this. I am going to school!" Hmm...wonder where he's heard that before?!?

He is also completely in love with his sister. That being said, he pesters her to no end. He has to touch her. She doesn't like to be touched. He has to talk to her right in the face. She doesn't like that either. He has to poke her with sticks. She's not a fan. He has to crawl around the house after her and everytime she turns around to look at him he gets within inches of her face. She has this thing with personal space. He has to talk to her all the time. She's rather he just left her alone. He has to take every toy she's playing with. She squeals, LOUDLY, everytime. He has to sit in her new pink chair. She doesn't really like to share that. He has to spit water on her in the bathtub. She only thought that was funny the first time - 4 months ago. He has to hug her constantly (which is sweet I know). She's good after the first one each day. He has to put his arm around her in the shopping cart and squeeze. She doesn't like to be held onto and again squeals. Loudly. He just loves her so. And she loves him. But really, give a sister some space. The first person she looks for every morning is her brother. And if he's still asleep, she pokes him in the face until he wakes.

JD has also learned to write his name. I was so excited the first time he did it without being shown first. He is soooo smart. I mean, it is only 2 letters, but it's a start?! Actually, last night he wrote "Jimmy." I didn't even realize he knew his real name was Jimmy. TGF Mrs. Clayton. JD tells me how much he loves Mrs. Clayton (his teacher) daily.

One last thing about my boy. Can y'all believe he will ve 4 in 2 months?! Holy cow!!!

Shana - Squash Casserole, plus I have 7 Thanksgiving wooden hangy things that mom's can paintkris h - cranberry chutney stuff (and probably cupcakes too.......................)Kris O - mashed potatoesSarah - rollsJessica - Pumpkin PieJennifer - cups, plates, napkins, soda for mamas and box drinks for the kiddosAmy-Greenbeans (I know big surprise)

MacKenzie is more than a handful. She's a WILD CHILD. Seriously. She has no fear. Saturday she climbed up the ladder to the fort in the yard. The ladder consists of 5 steps and the 5th step is about 5-1/2' off the ground. She climbed all the way to the 5th step. She's crazy.

We have to bungy-cord her to the high chair. That doesn't look odd I promise. She climbs out of her high chair, over the tray, and onto the kitchen table. She then looks at me like, "What?!"

She can say "Mama, Bye, Dada, Dog, and Bubba." Oh, and she can scream/squeal/whine/yell - I don't even know what to call it. It's not pretty.

She is so dang cute. I could just stare at her all day. She is a pure joy. A mess. But a joy. She's not our "easy one" by any means, but I couldn't imagine her any other way.

Well. I better go to bed. I have to get up in 7 hours for preschool. And Jimmy wants to do a breakfast before he leave for work. FUN?!

MUDCAKE ORIGINALS are here!

2008-11-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

Check, check, check it out!!!

www.amudcakesoiree.com
--->Click on the MUDCAKE ORIGINALS button on the right side of the screen! Hello custom clothes! Whoo hoo!!

Do share wontcha? I might just have to do a giveaway sometime soon?!

A Mudcake Soiree

2008-11-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Y'all are just dying to see my Halloween Part 2 post, but photobucket hates me. So, it will have to wait.

I did want to share a site that I haven't promoted much but simply because I am try to not completely overwhelm myself. Anyways. It's a site dedicated to my party planning and eventually will also feature the custom children's clothes I am doing. All in do time. For now, check it out...tell me what you think!

A Mudcake Soiree

Halloween Catch Up - Part 1

2008-11-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ok. So let's play a little catch-up. First things first...

Pre-Halloween Fun...

The week before we had our annual company picinic. It was at Bear Creek park this year, and as always the kids had a blast. Here's the little lady right in the middle of everything...

Cousin Alexis and Kenzie

And then Nana and PawPaw came in town and it was all about spending time with them before MacKenzie's birthday! As usual we spent every minute soaking up their visit.

Here's the pig...err....girl...eating spaghetti and then getting cleaned up.

Here are a few of her and Nana laying together. How precious is this? She's holding one of the baby dolls she got for her birthday. It's sooo crazy having a girl second becuase they are soooo different. Amanda - I can not wait for you to experience all this!! I just love how she loves her babies already!

Kisses

We carved a pumpkin. JD wasn't sure about it all but finally helped daddy clean it out. Kenzie doesn't miss a beat!!!

Nana and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch over by us. This is our third year to go. It was a lot of fun and some great photo ops. If my kids liked getting their pictures taken...

Seriously??! Get this thing off my head!

My Sweet and Silly Boy

Part 2...tomorrow...

No Bama '08 - I know. I'm lame.

2008-11-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

It's time. All of the debates...speculation...ads...SNL skits...punch lines on late night tv...all for this. Election Day. It's funny. A part of me is soooo glad it's almost over. Another part worries about the state of our country and what tomorrow will be like.

I voted today. Along with a million others. It was such an odd feeling. This is the second presidential election I have been able to vote in (my sister's first). It was so different than the first. It was so less monumental last time. It was neat that both times I have gone with my husband. There's strength in walking in there together. MacKenzie also went with us. There was no line whatsoever. The people at the poles were so dang nice. They asked me to bring MacKenzie into the gym where the voting was taking place because it was such a monumental event. How neat is that. I, of course, didn't because she's loud. And she was hungry. Lethal combo I tell you.

Voting is such an odd experience. That walk from the sign-in table to the polls is long. And quiet. It reminded me of being a little girl in the school auditorium. It was like the honor roll ceremony where you have to stand up and walk all the way to the stage in front of the entire kindergarten class. Praying silently that you don't fall only to hear your FATHER yell from the parent area, "Whoo-ooo, Stephanie loves Ross!" Y'all, I am not lying. That is completely awful. Can y'all even imagine how embarrassed I was??!! Embarrassed that now Ross knew I did indeed love him. Embarrassed that the rest of the kindergarten class knew I loved him. Embarrassed that my dad was so lame he felt the need to announce that to the whole class. Embarrassed at his level of maturity. Just embarrassed. Y'all, it was wrong on all levels. Can you tell I am still dealing with this? I got so upset thinking about it earlier I had to call my mom. She pulled Dr. Deal With Your Emotions and told me to write a letter to him. I didn't. I am blogging instead.

So...back to the monumental election. It's here. My stomach is kinda in knots. The entire Houston-area must have ordered pizza tonight because it was a 2-1/2 hour wait. Jimmy picked it up. So...we are now eating our pizza, watching the tv, and praying. My sis is here though. It makes it a little more exciting. She's funny. And young. I love her.

Palin-McCain '08!!!

It's Official - She's a Year Old!

2008-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Y'all...how did this happen? How did my sweet little baby turn into a big girl? She's one years old and I can not believe it. I knew it was going to happen but now that she's officially 1 and the
party has passed I am in disbelief. She's all big and stuff.

Her birthday was one for the books. Seriously, it was awesome if I do say so myself. I was so happy with how everything turned out!!! Here are some pictures from that special day...

The decorations and beautiful cake...

Favors!

The Princess in her new princess chair from KK and Pa Tim

Momma puting on her birthday hat

She didn't really like it...

...at all

MacKenzie wanting her FuFu

My Princess

Nicky and MacKenzie

Cake Time!!

YUM!!

NOT THE HAIR!!

This is soooo good!!!

Nana and Kenzie-Girl

Clean up time!

Nana kissing Kenzie

KK and Kenzie

Princess Gets to Open her Presents!

Crunch Time

2008-10-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

Dang...what's with the lack in blogging?! Maybe it's all the party planning...or sewing...or both?! Yowza! I have been busy.

Last weekend I got to leave town. I went to the beautiful ATX with some of the mom's in my playgroup. They are some seriously great ladies and it was a much needed trip. I left Friday evening and returned home Sunday afternoon. It was fun y'all. We relaxed, shopped, soaked up some rays, ate, drank, and danced! It was a serious good time. I have been completely blessed to meet some wonderful ladies through this playgroup and I had so much fun relaxing and being women, not moms, together!!

I returned home Sunday and picked MacKenzie up from my moms. Jimmy went to the Texans game and the kids went to the parentals. My mom took MacKenzie for a few hours and JD went with FuFu and Aylie's family to the Renissance festival. He had a great time from what I can tell. He got a wooden sword and his face painted. Would you like to guess what he chose for his face? A butterfly. Daddy was really thrilled to see this. The professional face painter did try to make it as manly as possible - it was more of a moth than a butterfly. Awesome.

We are now in crunch time. We have a very busy week this week! Tomorrow Jimmy and I have a counseling appt with my mom (insert need of prayers here). Wednesday night we are eating at Jimmy's sisters house. Thursday JD has school, then he's going bowling with daddy for a bit, and then Nana and PawPaw will be in town. Friday I am hosting a home birthday playdate for MacKenzie. Friday night we will enjoy Nana and PawPaw being in town. Saturday we have our company picnic. Sunday is the BIG day - MacKenzie's 1st birthday party. Somewhere during this time I have 3 outfits to finish, food to buy, and breaths to take. Sounds fun I know.

On a very good note - I had a housekeeper come today. She rocked. I can't wait to see her again in 2 weeks!!

Peace...mama needs some sleep!

Bible Reading and Sweet Praying

2008-10-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

So, I thought I'd share a few segments from our story and prayer time tonight...

I started reading JD the Bible tonight. He got a rhyme Bible for his first birthday and it's been in the top of his closet for some time. It has paper-pages and JD went through a big page-tearing phase. So...it was up there for safe keeping. Anyways. Tonight was the night. JD had a bookfair at his school a couple weeks ago and I was looking for a good kids Bible there. I couldn't find one so we just went with the rhyme Bible.

I was so surprised, pleasantly surprised to read it while he thoroughly enjoyed it. He loved it and was so upset when we stopped for the night. I am constantly surprised with how much he is really learning and picking up on. The Bible itself has the catchy rhymes and pretty good children terms, while still staying very consistent with the Word. Anyways, he was glued to it and was really following everything. I would stop every once in a while to ask him questions and he knew all the answers.

We were making our way through Genisis and had gotten to the story on Noah. I knew he would love it because it was about a boat. And animals. He did indeed. I was explaining the whole "people being bad and brothers making their sisters cry (y'all, it really did say that)" and how it made God sad. To which he replied...

"Mama, I am kinda like God."
"Oh, yeah?"
He said, "Yes. Because I said, 'Don't eat that fruit people!"

Oh my...what do you even say to that? I laughed and then hugged him because he's getting it. Afterall, he was create after His own image.

We finished the reading of the Bible and started our prayers. I did my usual praying while he repeated or agreed. When I finished I asked if he wanted to say anything to God? He said "Yes, I want to tell him happy birthday. I want to get a microphone so I can sing God happy birthday." Ok, sounds good to me.

Pure preciousness.

I can't believe a year has almost passed!

2008-10-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am totally slacking in my blogging. Goodness....

So what's new? Well, in 2-1/2 weeks my baby girl will be 1. I just can't get over it. The beginning months were so hard with her. Then between months 5 and 8, things got a lot better. She became a lot easier. We really started to like one another. Then 10 months hit. And I really fell in love. I mean, I loved her before. I really did. But 10 months hit, and oh my word. I think we really fell in love with one another. She always loved me and preferred me over anyone else. But I think it was a new found love. She no longer loved me in hopes I would heal that hurting belly or whatever pain colic causes. She no longer loved me because I had milk. She no longer loved me because I carried her so I didn't have to hear her yell. She loved me for other reasons now. She loved me because I was her mommy. And because she was my daughter I loved her. And I do. I don't know how many times a day I look at her and ourselves in the mirror and pinch myself because I can not believe she's mine. I am not sure if I went throught this whole realization with JD. I think because with him, it was complete "love at first sight." It was from day one that I loved that sweet boy. He was IT for me from birth. MacKenzie was IT from 10 months all. Oh my, I am just smitten with her. She smiles and my heart melts. We are pretty much CRAZY about eachother. I am so blessed and so eternally grateful for both of my sweet babies sleeping soundly upstairs. Thank you sweet Jesus.

Ok, enough mush. Seriously. Did I bore y'all yet?!

I have also been a sewing machine. I can't stop. It's like a bad habit, except not so bad. Actually really good. I have made a few things here in the last week...

An outfit I made for Little Miss Reagan!

Is she not the cutest thing??

You should see MacKenzie and Reagan and JD and Ayden together. They are so cute. Seriously cute.

I just made this one for another friend's daughter, Claire.

And Miss MacKenzie's little Halloween outfit. CUTE!

So, yes. It's a serious addiction. I have 4 more outfits to finish next week and then I am working on a new design for a friend's daughter.

Fun stuff.

While we are sharing pictures. I have a few to share of my girl. I would share some of JD but he doesn't really like to take pictures. At all. MacKenzie doesn't really either but she doesn't have much of a say so yet!

I love this one of daddy holding his baby girl's feet

Love Me Some Bling

2008-10-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have blogged about my girl over at Baby Wears Prada before but if you still haven't checked her out - SHAME ON YOU! I forgive you though - now's the time!!! She's having an awesome giveaway right now - a JuJuBe Diaper Bag and a Sweet Dreams Tee!!! I *heart* these tee's. They are precious. I want one for myself!! Go check it out...leave a comment...and enter to win! GO NOW!!

Busy

2008-10-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Again...I am slacking on my blogging. This is partly why. Oh my word, Monica has outdone herself on this photo shoot. Seriously precious. I am sure it's a combo of the photo skills and the precious little thing being photographed. Then again, I am a little biased.

Anyways, I am a teensy-weensy bit busy at the moment. We are about to head out the door. JD has class at The Little Gym and I need to stop by JoAnne's. I am all out of elastic thread and I have some sewing to do. PLUS, I hear a few fall prints calling my name - girl needs some fall clothes. She has none. Not one to wear...poor naked baby. HAH!

Hope all had a great weekend. We did but I am really tired from it.

LATER!

Home from the river

2008-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

The lack of blogging has been due to the increase in sewing, traveling, and unpacking.

We enjoyed our last (tear) camping trip of the summer. We spent the past weekend in Frio Country. We stayed at our most favortie cabins (actually we tried out the new Riverbelle house and LOVED it) on the Frio and had the BEST trip ever. It's so nice now that the boys are getting bigger and MacKenzie is a little older. The boys played their hearts out and had so much fun. MacKenzie was in the middle of all of it and was sooo wonderful. She loves to be outside so she was in heaven the entire trip. She also LOVES the water and floated that river like you have never seen. It was sooo precious...

We stay at the Frio River Cabins and y'all, it's seriously the greatest place ever. The owners, Don and Lisa Yaklin are wonderful people. They are so sweet to our family and not only let us come and stay in their wonderful little cabins but they open up their home and land to the kids. They let them hunt for chicken eggs, play with the dogs, and feed the horses. JD and Nicky think it's the best thing ever. These city boys love hunting their chicken eggs. Of course if you ask JD, he'll tell you that the last eggs (from our May) trip hatched and we had 2 baby ducks. Odd...chicken eggs having baby ducks. Nicky will tell you that he's not going to cook them because he wants a baby chicken. Luckily, neither remember in the morning and had no problem chowing down on their breakfast tacos!!!

Here are some pictures from the trip. I hope to post some more in a few days when I get our water camera developed. Those are going to be great! For now, enjoy...

MacKenzie tasting her cousin's popsicle

MacKenzie enjoying her first smore. Poor JD didn't enjoy one of these until he was way past a year. Second child...

WHAT?!

Nicky and JD wearing their matching PJ's I made

The girls and their matching PJ's

Happy girl. I don't know if she was clapping or blowing kisses, but she's happy!

Cousins

Sleepy Boys.

Uncle Nick getting in some serious bow practice.

Nicky loves his Kenzie-Girl.

JD and Chief.

Best Buds!

JD and Nicky with the eggs they found.

The view from our cabins huge front porch. Seriously...

I think she's mad I won't let her eat the small rocks.

Handsome boy actually smiling.

Pretty girl sitting in the water.

Our cabin.

We are glad to be home and back to the norm. We went to the zoo yesterday and had a blast. I will post about that tomorrow. I have some more cute pictures.

Off to catch up on shows and work on the girl's party. Yes. She will be 1 years old in less than a month. How is that possible...

Tube Time

2008-09-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is the week I wait all summer for. The week when fall begins and life returns to normal. The week when the kids are in bed ON TIME every night! The week all good things return...yes, I am referring to the week that the real fall lineup begins! So, please do not call me between the hours of 7 and 10, I will be watching tv.

My week looks like this...warning you now, hubs and I are TV JUNKIES!!!

MONDAY
8:00 - Prison Break - I actually do not watch this one, but we DVR because it's Jimmy's favorite!

8:30 - Samantha Who? - This really doesn't start until 10/13 but I am so excited that I can't skip it! It's hil-ar-ious!
9:00 - CSI:Miami - Is Horatio dead? Is he, is he??!! I hope not...but maybe!
9:00 - The Hills - I can't help it, I love it. It's DVR'd because Hubby could careless, but really, who doesn't love a little drama on their Monday?!

TUESDAY
7:00 - 90210 - I can vividly remember watching this with my mom growing up and although I don't think it's near as good (and missing the eye candy), I still enjoy it. It's cute but makes me feel old!
7:00 - HOUSE - I love me some Hugh Laurie. House and I would be good friends. We share the same humor, with the exception of our views on GOD. I hope if I am ever sick someone as good (and strangely good-looking) will be my doc.

8:00 - The Mentalist - I plan on watching it. What's one more show?

8:00 - Fringe - Joshua Jackson had me in Dawson's Creek!

WEDNESDAY

7:00 - America's Next Top Model - I could have done without the tranny, but love me some fashion and make-up! Tyra is a bit nutty, which is a little annoying after a full hour, but still good!

7:30 - Gary Unmarried - I am a sucker for s 30-minute comedy. It's a good break from the weekly dramas.

8:00 - Private Practice - I can't wait until this starts back. It's a light-watch, not as heavy as Grey's. Plus, if I had to become the look-alike of an actress on tv, it would so be Kate Walsh.

9:00 - Lipstick Jungle - I am just dying for this to start back up!!! I love this show, 3 women rocking it! What more could you ask for?

9:oo - CSI:NY - Love this team and ready for some more!

9:00 - Dirty Sexy Money - uh oh, my DVR only allows 2 shows, what are we going to do??? Dang it!

THURSDAY - Only the BEST night of TV!

7:00 - Ugly Betty - YEA!!! Last season ended with both boys popping the question?? What's Betty to do! I vote for the sandwich guy!

7:00 - My Name is Earl - Who doesn't like a little trash now and then? Funny trash that is!

8:00 - Grey's Anatomy - YEAAAA!!! I can not wait! I am in need of some Derrick & Merideth! Some Izzy! Some McSteamy!!! Seriously excited here!!! And a 2-hour premiere??!!!

SUNDAY

8:00 - Desperate Housewives - The way last year ended was insane! I don't even know what to expect with this one!

9:00 - Brothers and Sisters - Another one of my faves! I can't wait!!! America's favorite and most dysfunctional family!!!

So, I know...it's bad. Seroiusly. We apparently have a problem. No, really, Jimmy and I don't sleep. This is our time together. We watch all the same shows. It's fun. I so can not wait to crawl up on the couch with my man and watch some tube!!!

Some times you have to play a little...

2008-09-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

This evening we were sitting around being entertained by the kids. This isn't very different from every other night. They are quite funny, these two.

JD kept making this awful sound with his throat - you know the one, the "hocking a loogie" sound. It was pretty gross. I kept asking JD if he had something in his throat and he kept saying no. Finally I asked if he had a booger in his throat (thinking he would make the connection between his runny nose - dern allergies - and throat) to which he replied, "No, I do not have a booger in my throat. Well, I had put one booger in my throat. It tasted like yucky salt." Awesome.

Then he played hotchcock. Really, it's not as bad as it sounds...

click the picture above to play - i had to upload differently b/c the file size was too big to post through blogger. it's a few minutes long but so cute! watch until the end. let me know if you can't view it this way...

So, after a night of booger-tasting and hotchcock, the kids are in bed and I am headed that way!

Good night...

A Little Sass!

2008-09-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

Seriously...I just was told that CFISD is closed Monday as well. Jesus, please help me - if school is not open come Tuesday you are gonna have a very frusterated mama. I need a break from my sweet JD. A break in a bad way.

I am not sure what happened to him today. I am thinking maybe someone snuck in and spiked his capri sun with caffeine. Seriously?! He bounced off the wall. So much so that I fell asleep on the chair in the living room and was dreaming away and even in my dream I could hear Jimmy fussing at him to "CALM DOWN!" I bet between Jimmy and I we repeat this phrase 25 times a day. I have no idea where he gets this energy from. Jimmy is as unenergetic as they come. Me maybe? I mean, it's true that I can't sit still very long and I hate having weekends with nothing to do. I do tend to overschedule myself and spend most days playing catch up. But I am not hyper. No, not at all. Hmmm, he must have inherited that from an aunt or uncle or something.

On to other things...equally as exciting but less stressful. I just finshed two more outfits. One was a gift for a sweet friend's daughter. Miss Reagan Mac turned a year old this week and her precious princess party was today. I made her an outfit similar to this one but in a precious purple, electric blue, and lime green print. I wish I would have gotten pictures but I didn't have any time! I will post some once Jessica sends me some to show off! It was cute and that precious thing will look FAB in it!!!

This is the other one I just finished. It is near and dear to my heart. Mostly because it's all things sassy - pink and zebra...who doesn't heart some pink and zebra!? It's a sassy little number for a sassy little number!!

And no, I didn't "make" the jeans - just embellished them!

Miss Kenz is getting sooo big! Tear...

I *love* this picture!

A little personalization!

She's got the most precious lips!!!

SOOOOO BIG!

And of course, a blog entry wouldn't be complete without a picture of mama and her wild man!!! I sure love this little guy...

Silence, or the possibility of it, is Golden.

2008-09-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

Do you hear that? Do you hear the silence coming from my home? Do you hear the sound of my laptop keys? Probably not, but that's not what matters. What matters is I can hear my laptop keys. And it's not really silent, no, Hubs is watching Prison Break and the tv is still on in the playroom, even though JD has been asleep for hours now. BUT, there are no fighting kids. No, screaming babies. No, dishes clanging or alarms chirping because the door is opening for the hundreth time. Tis true...it's our small fam of four again. The in-laws have all returned home. AND before it sounds like I am glad to have them gone, I must say that it was a blast having them here. Well, as much fun as post-hurricane clean-up can be. Really though, I am so blessed to have married into a family that is as awesome as Jimmy's. He's got a great sister and brother-in-law with kiddos that I love as my own. Aylie and I really have a great time together and I have so enjoyed the company the last few days. Nick is a hoot and keeps us laughing. Nicky and Alexis are constant entertainment for both JD and MacKenzie. Jimmy's mom is also great and it was so nice having her help in the kitchen and around the house.

All that being said. It's quiet here. Somewhat clean. And just us. Yea. Life is returning to normal and we are all settling down.

Miss MacKenzie and I are both sick, which is NOT fun at all. I feel like crap-ola and can not breathe. Kenz has green crust around her nose and a tooth FINALLY coming in (a top one nonetheless). I am hoping the tooth and crust are related.

Anyways, just felt the need to blog and share that things are good and the family is all back home. My parents are still without power but they are living in their camper (in the driveway) so doing fine.

Hope all is well and that those without electricity and/or water are managing okay!!!

IKE IKE Baby!

2008-09-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Checking in post IKE...

We are alive! What a hurricane. WOW! I am sure you all have been just worried sick wondering if the Little Van Fam made it through the storm. Worry no more, we are all doing well. Going slightly stir crazy, but good. Our home made it through with no damage (AMEN) and we only went without electricity for about 10 hours. We were some of the lucky ones for sure!!! Of course this means that we are now housing our family without power. We currently have 6 adults, 4 children (6 and under), and 4 dogs under one roof. It's very peaceful. Ha. But really, we are so thankful to all be safe and sound and COOL that we don't mind one bit. It's been nothing but laughts the last 2 days - I really do have the greatest in-laws ever!

My mom and Tim are doing fine but have no power still. They have a lot of debris to clean up but no real damage. They picked up their camping trailer this morning and are going to be staying in that in the driveway until their power is back on.

My mother-in-law is still without power. Her house made it but there was a lot of trees/limbs down and debris everywhere.

My sister-in-law's house for the most part is fine. They just recently moved into a new home in Fairfield. They have a fence down and one of the vents on the outside of the home was blown away from the home which caused a leak in the roof. They woke up at 4am on the couch in the living room during the storm to "drip, drip, drip." The ceiling in there kitchen was leaking! So, that's a little bit of a mess.

All in all, we are doing well and very happy that IKE has passed. I will say it was such a scary ordeal Friday night/Saturday morning. The wind was crazy and so loud. I can't even imagine what it must have sounded like closer to the coast.

Which brings me to another rant. It's my blog, I can rant if I want to. I can not get over these people who attempted to "ride out the storm." Here's my 2-sense. I think it should be a State Hurricane Safety Law that if you are the primary care-provider of a child, a person with special needs, or an elderly person then you are required to evacuate. If you choose to stay, then you will be removed by force OR fined a hefty amount for endangering a child, special needs, etc. Seriously!! We ticket those who choose not to put their child in a carseat or arrent parents that leave children in cars. How is putting a child in harms way by not evacuating any different? Even if you manage to survive the storm, your poor child is now traumatized for life. What we experienced here on Friday was scary as can be, and I am a grown woman and we were a good ways away from the coast. I can't even begin to imagine how scary it would have been to be right there in the middle of it, and to a child!! The thought alone is devestating!! So...there, I am done! That's what I think about the idiots to braved the storm WITH THEIR KIDS!!!

How did everyone else do?

Prayers to those without power, food, water, a home to return to, and worse. I pray God's grace over you!!

Sew Excited!

2008-09-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Four years of marriage and two kids is making this mama pretty domesticated. I cook (here and there) and clean (all the time) and have recently taken up sewing. Yes, I said sewing. I am sure you all that know me well may be a little surprised. In all honesty, I am pretty suprised myself. My last experience with sewing was in 7th grade at Truitt Jr. High in Home Ec. It was great. I can remember almost missing my bus because I sewed the t-shirt I was wearing into the boxers I was attempting to make and pulled the entire sewing machine over on me when I stood up to clean my station. It wasn't embarassing at all.

Needless to say, I was a little hesitant to get started again...

While in Mississippi this summer, I had my Nana refresh me on the basics. Shannon brought her sewing machine along and she taught me how to thread my needle, fill my bobbin, and do all those other things one needs to know in order to sew. It was a great, learning experience and I truly had the best teacher because my Nana can doing anything! She's one of those women...

So, I brought all that good knowledge home and got to work. Since coming home I have made 2 more pairs of pajama pants for JD, a matching shirt (ok, Target supplied the shirt) with "JD" on the front, a "1" shirt for a friend's birthday boy, and a personalized PJ set for a friend of mine's daughter. All those are fairly simple things to make. Last week I started on something a little more...exciting! I made MacKenzie her first boutique-worthy ensemble!!! I am so excited and totally impressed with myself that I have to show it off, of course!!!

The back - corset tie - so cute over a collared shirt in the fall

It helps when your model is this cute...

close up of the top - 4 different patters

The craziest thing about all of this sewing business is the money saved!! These exact same outfits can be found here for about $150 more than I what I spent to make it. INSANE!!! And so much more fun when you can say, "Oh that...yeah, I made it!" LOL!!! It's such a fun and stress-relieving hobby!!

I just picked up some new fabric with some fun new designs for my next outfit. Oh, and I am working on a zebra and hot pink number that is going to be stellar! Don't worry...I'll show those off once completed!!

WHY??!!

2008-09-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

We have entered the stage of "WHY?" I have heard and read about it, but never really experienced it until now. If JD says "why" once, he says it a hundred times in one day. It really isn't just "why" but every type of question you can imagine. Some of the recent questions I have had to answer...

Q: As we are walking to school, "Why is this a street?"
A: It was made so we can walk on it.
Q: "Why do we walk on it?"
A: To get to where we are going.
Q: "Where are we going?"
A: To school.
Q: "Why are we going to school?"
A: So you can learn new stuff and be smart.
Q: "Why do I need to be smart?"
A: So you can get good grades and get into a good school and get a good job.
Q: "Why do I need a good job?"
A: So you can take of yourself.
Q: "Why do I need to take care of myself?"
A: So mommy doesn't have to.
Q: "Who takes care of you?"
Seriously...it never ends.

We are also getting very theological in our old age. Here's a daily convesation we have...
Q: "Who made us?"
A: God made us.
Q: "Why?"
A: Because he loves people and wanted to make us to love.
Q: "Who made the sun?"
A: God
Q: "Who made the trees?"
A: "God"
Q: "Who made the dogs?"
A: God
Q: "Who made KK?"
A: God
Q: "Who made the cars?"
A: God...errr...man, he taught man how to make the cars.
Q: "Who made God?"
A: Nobody, God was always here.
Q: "Why?"
A: Because He was.
Q: "Why?"
GOD, give me answers!! Please!!

It's like this all day everyday. Which, is amazing because it really does show how he's growing and developing, but tiresome all the same.

He's also been gifted with quite the imagination. He gets this from me. Jimmy never played well on his own and according to his mom, has never been super imaginative. I on the other hand...could play all day by myself. I loved playing with friends, but even then, we didn't need much more than a sprinkler or a chalkboard. We could have fun all day making up stories and putting on concerts.

JD is the same way. Give him a tub of tinker toys and he'll entertain himself for hours. He "names" all his creations as well. And they are soo funny. In the last week alone he's made the following...a kaboomer for daddy's truck...a fireball shooter for daddy's truck...a poker...and the list goes on. I have no idea where he comes up with these things. Jimmy and I just laugh.

He truly is someone special and is growing taller (and smarter) by the day.

Resale Shop

2008-09-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time. I am cleaning out the girl's closet! It's really insane the amount of clothes she has, but I think that is life with a girl. She's grown out of so much and still has so many cute things to grow into!!

I am going to donate a lot (or give away) of her play clothes, but I will be re-selling all of her boutique and custom clothes. If anyone is intersted in looking at any of the items, please comment or email me at stephvandagriff@gmail.com. I will probably list on ebay soon, but would be willing to sell outright as well. Some of the brands I am re-selling are: Indygo Artwear, My Vintage Baby, Baby LuLu, Baby Nay, Dainty Designs, JoJo Designs, Baby Gap, Gymboree, etc. Most of the 0-3 month and some 0-6 month clothes are winter things and the 6+ clothes are summer items (incluidng some bathing suits). If you are anyone you know is interested, please forward this information to them. I also have a brand new, still in the bag, Ju-Ju-Be Packabe diaper bag to sell!!!

So, comment me or email me if you are interested and I can send pictures, answer questions, etc!!!

Preschool and MOPs

2008-09-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

It's official, JD is a preschooler. I wish I had pictures to highlight this post, but I am a bad mom and didn't take any. I am kicking myself now. He's been in MDO for the last 2 years so I didn't really think the first day of school was a big deal, but now I wish I would have taken a few. Afterall, it was the first day of preschool, not just MDO. Regardless, he did great as is sooo glad to be back. He loves his new teacher, as do I. Mrs. Clayton, or "Clayton" as JD calls her when referring to her, he calls her Ms. Clayton when he's talking to her, is just fantastic! She's loves the kids so much already and is just great.

I also enjoy my few (5-1/2 to be exact) hours as a mother of 1. I forgot how EASY it is. Haha. They are a few great hours with my girl. I also can get so much done.

I also started MOPs (Mother's of Preschooler's) last week and LOVED it. If you are a mom of a young one I so recommend getting involved in a MOPs program. I am doing it with a friend and Friday's first meeting was sooo great. We meet the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. The 1st Friday we do a craft and the 3rd there is a guest speaker. Last week we made candle beads. They were so cute and a great idea! Our theme this month is "gift shop" so we made candles (or the beads) you would find in a gift shop. Next meeting our guest speaker will talk about the 3 gifts every mother should give their children. I am looking so forward to it. It's a wonderful break from the everyday and they offer childcare with with some WONDERFUL ladies (The preschoolers are taught using the Veggie Tail curriculum). It's 3 hours of fellowship with mama's who "understand" you.

Here's 2 pictures of my cute candle! It looks great in my bedroom.

I also start my new Bible study tomorrow evening. I am doing Beth's LIT Bible Study and I am soooo excited. Tuesday evening can not come soon enough!

Well, I better run. JD has The Little Gyn in a bit and we need to eat breakfast and get dressed!!

I'm a big girl now!

2008-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

I am a hunting-widow this weekend. Jimmy is off with the boys shootin' some birds. Fun stuff. I have to give myself a HUGE pat on my back for something! Last night was the first night I have EVER spent the night by myself since Jimmy and I married 4 years ago. Isn't that crazy?!

I have always been somewhat of a...freak?! I have an imagination that seriously gets the best of me. My friends, family, and Bible study girls can attest to this. It's ridiculous, but as soon as it gets dark it's like something takes over my mind and I begin to obsess about every little sound, thought, etc. Don't worry, I am praying about it. It has gotten A LOT better. A WHOLE LOT BETTER. There was a point of time in our marriage when I wouldn't stay home at all at night. This meant every Thursday while he bowled, I went to my mom's. I can't count how many times I called Jimmy or someone else to come over b/c I thought there was someone in the house. I seriously think I was somehow traumatized as a child. What's really strange is my mom was the same way when she was younger and all her adult life until a couple of years ago. I think it's an insecurity with men and the need to feel protected. Anyways, that is a whole different post in itself. But in the last year this has gotten a lot better and improved even more when we moved. Which is odd b/c our old neighborhood was very OLD and was filled with a lot of OLD people. It didn't really scream BREAK IN to bandits (yes, I call them bandits). So, not sure why the change in addresses also changed my insecurity. I think it has to do with the lights. It's much brighter on our street now and our backyard isn't near as dark.

So, last night I spent the night alone in my house. Alone with the kids. Of course I let JD sleep in the bed with me. It all went really well. I only checked the locks on all the doors 5 times. WHICH, bit me in the boo-tay this morning.

JD came downstairs before I did because I was up nursing Kenzie still. When the princess and I finally made it downstairs JD was standing at the backdoor (outside) crying because he was locked out. We have one of those crazy handles that when locked you can still open from the inside but not from the outside. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!! When I let him in I saw what he had been doing! He'd taken the entire carton of eggs outside and threw them all over the patio. Nice. And BEFORE my coffee! Seriously?! So after fussing and putting his butt in time out (before 8:00 a.m. - awesome) I made him go outside and clean them all up. I went outside to instruct. BAD IDEA!! The door handle was still locked!!!! NOOOOOOO! Kenzie was still inside, NOOOOO!!

We ran (literally) across the street to use our neighbors phone. I am dressed in short (SHORT) shorts and a tank (no bra). JD has his monkey PJ pants on and no shirt. I haven't even brushed my teeth and still had ZERO coffee to at least mask the smell. Luckily, we have incredible neighbors and this is not the first time. Which is even more embarassing now that I think about it. We call FuFu, who was going to be headed this way shortly anyways. Meanwhile, I sat on the backstep trying to entertain Kenz through a door so that she wouldn't crawl away and get into anything.

Needless to say, my Saturday morning started off greeaaat. We are inside now. MacKenzie is sleeping and JD is at the beach for the day with FuFu. I am waiting on the a/c guys to come out and finally fix our upstairs a/c which was delayed due to another lock issue. Our attic has locks on them b/c they are accessible from our 3rd floor media room. JD got a hold of the keys and well, lost them. So the actual repair was delayed over Labor day weekend. Anyways...shortly I will send Kenz off to KK's house. JD is staying at FuFu's. And mommy is going out with her girlfriends! Counting down the minutes....

Oh and in case you were curious. When I asked JD why he threw all of the eggs on the back patio he said, "Because the dogs were hungry. They need to eat too." Duh...

Happy Weekend!!!

4 Years...

2008-09-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Four years ago at this exact time (4:30) I was standing in a dressing room, surrounded by my closest friends and family, crying a little and laughing a lot. I was watching my mom take pictures and watching my friends giddy with excitement. I was on the receiving end of something old (a hankerchief that was made for me when I was a baby), something new (my jewelry and dress), something borrowed (my sister-in-law's ring that was given to her by Jim, my FIL), and something blue (why, my garter of course). I was trying soooo hard not to cry so my makeup wouldn't smear. I was laughing at Ashley who was frantically trying to get her dress sewn where it ripped while being put on. I was watching my Nana do the sewing. I was praying that I would not fall. I was watching Lindsey and fussing at her to pull it together!! I was watching my precious neice and thinking she was the most beautiful flower girl I'd ever seen. I was at the starting block of my new life.

Four years ago I married my best friend.

Four years ago I made a promise to one man, my man, to love, honor, and obey.

Four years ago I became one of the first of my friends to marry (besides you Riss).

Four years ago I was pinching myself, not believing it was real.

Four years ago I became Mrs. Stephanie Vandagriff.

Today, I am still pinching myself - still unable to believe that this is my life, in awe of it all.

I don't know that I would say it was love at first sight. Maybe, "Oh my goodness...he's sooo hot!" (I was in highschool) at first sight! But not love. Love followed shortly after. Jimmy and I dated 4 years prior to getting married, that means we have been together a little over 8. Holy Moly. It's no secret that we have had our moments, especially years 1-2.5. A lot of moments to be more exact. We have had some of the absolute best times. And some of the worst. I have cried and loved more than I knew possible in the last 8 years.

I love Jimmy more than I can put into words. He is my best friend. My soulmate. My handsome husband. An incredible father. An incredible son and brother. A wonderful person.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with someone so wonderful. Thank you for letting me marry my best friend. I want so badly to grow old and wrinkly with that man. I want to sit on the porch overlooking the lake or river one day and just be.

Happy Anniversary My Favorite! I love you!

Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Vandagriff

Praying Throught the Storm

2008-08-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

My heart is so heavy for those who have once again left behind their homes in New Orleans in hopes to return soon and have something still standing. I can't even begin to imagine how they must feel and I feel like I am on the verge of tears everytime I hear the name Gustav. It's funny how something like a storm can take on such a personality. A week ago it was just something out in the water but now, in what seems like overnight, it's become some mean, raging bully, ready to destroy anything in it's path.

We all visited New Orleans a couple of weekends ago. I'd never been before. I was so surprised by it all. I was expecting something ugly. Something dirty. It's up there with Las Vegas as a notorious "Sin City" to me and I can honestly say I walked away with a comepletely different feeling about that place. I have never in my life visited a place so welcoming. I think every person we met was smiling and called you "Honey" or "My Baby" in the words of Miss Patty Cakes, the incredible chef at La Pavilion where we stayed. It was truly a remarkable place with such charisma!!! I'd loved every second of it and just to stay a couple of hours later, Jimmy and I passed on our hour & 15 minute plane ride and drove 6 hours home with a friend. I really did *heart* that place.

We have spent the last couple of weeks since returning home talking about another trip. We were thinking of going in mid-September. Jimmy and I had such a sweet time while we were there and wanted so badly to go back. I doubt we will. There's no telling what or if there will be a New Orleans at the end of the week. Again, my heart breaks for those people. They were so great. Everyone from the bell hop at our hotel to the cab drivers and dealers (at the casion that is). I can't imagine the hurt and fear they must be experiencing.

Lord, I pray you wrap your arms around all of those who have left their homes again. I pray that everyone has evacuated and those that have not will be kept safe. Lord, I pray such peace over their spirits tonight. I pray that every single baby, toddler, child, adolescent is out of there. I pray that you just comfort every single one of them. Lord, only You are capable of such greatness and only You know what is to come. Lord, I pray that as a city we can again take in and house those that are homeless now and maybe permanently. Lord, in all that is to come, I pray that those lost will find You and those uncertain will know that You are near.

I will be glued to my tv and to CNN for the next 48 hours. Let's lift those in Gustav's path up.

Worth the wait...

2008-08-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!! Yes, I realize my birthday was 2 weeks ago, but I just now received my birthday present from Jimmy and I am so excited! So tonight, I am blogging from the comfort of my bed! Yea! I got a new laptop for my b-day and I am so excited. I say new, but what I really mean is my first. We've had a desktop since, well forever, so I am so excited about the mobility of this here thing. I also love that Jimmy and I can both be on the computer at the same time, which is huge! We fight nightly over the computer and I usually loose because he has important things, like school, to do....whatev! HAHA, anyways...no more of that. I can be on whenever, wherever!!! So cool...

So far we have had a pretty neat weekend. Hot, but neat. This past week our a/c went out upstairs. Which is not the end of the world because we spend majority of our day downstairs, it's just sleeping that is a bit uncomfortable and really hard on MacKenzie's naps. So anyways, last night we went over to Jimmy's moms to sleep. WHICH, was very convenient because we were also in need of a sitter. I attended my first book-launch and it was so much fun. BUT, it deserves it's very own post so I am going to wait for pictures and then post on it.

Today we went to Koi for some sushi and it was sooo good. Afterwards, Jimmy and I took the kids to my mom's to swim. My mom and family are out of town for the holiday weekend so we took advantage of the pool while they were gone. The pool and the a/c.

Tomorrow we have church and then we are working around here. We have a laundry list of things to do and need to get going on it. FUN...not really. One of the items on the list is babyproofing. Namely, putting locks on the cabinets. This is MacKenzie's new favorite thing - getting into the cabinets. So it's that time...I just can't wait!

Well...I need to get sleep. Will post more great things later!

10 Months Old

2008-08-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Dear My Sweet MacKenzie,

Happy 10 months! You are sleeping right now and I am trying to catch up on the computer. We have played so much this afternoon. Your new favorite game is chase. You love for me to put you down on the ground and then you take off crawling. You are so fast. As soon as you hear mommy come after you, you start cracking up. You have the silliest laugh I have ever heard. It's not a very pretty laugh, it's grunty, but all the more precious.

You have also learned to clap. It's so cute and you get so amazed at yourself. Now you clap anytime you hear anyone else clapping. Last night I was watching my DVR'd The View and as soon as the audience started clapping, you went crazy. You clapped right along with them for Mrs. McCain - I think we have a mini-Republican already, your PawPaw will be so proud!

Still no first steps, but you are cruising everywhere. You favorite thing to do is push your brother's chairs around. JD has these little preschool chairs that are in the playroom at his little table and you stand in front of them and push them all through the house. You are such a big girl. You pull up on anything and everything. If we leave the fridge open to long, you try to climb right in. Which brings me to...

...You eating. I seriously can't explain how much you eat. I have thought about blogging this several times, but my readers wouldn't believe me. When we go out to eat with friends they can not believe it. I am not kidding when I say you eat more than your 3-1/2 year old brother - EVERY MEAL. Because I do not have enough memory on my camera to capture your entire meal, here's a list of some of the things you have eaten at meals in the last week...

- At my birthday dinner you ate an entie kid's meal. Ok, almost an entire kids meal. I orded you a chicken fajita soft taco from the kid's meal and you ate EVEY piece of chicken, every bit of te rice, and half your beans. This was after eating about 2 TBS full of guacamole and some queso.
- At Lupe Tortillas for lunch the other day you ate an entire bowl of the beans they set out and then a whole guacamole salad and all of your brothers rice.
- We went to dinner with KK, Pa Tim, and Aunt Shannie last week and you ate a bowl of rice mixed with miso soup, an entire children's tempura veggies, and sushi roll (cooked), 2 egg rolls, and 3-4 grahamn crackers. Seriously?!

I could go on and on. Every meal it's the same way. You love to eat, you're like a bottomless pit. I am gonna have Dr. P. check you for a tape-worm. Oh, and on top of all this you love to nurse!!!

It's funny, because you are becoming Miss Personality as well. It's the oddest thing seeing your own personality traits carried out in your kids. I have never really expriened this with JD. I guess he is a lot like his father. You on the other hand, are your mommy's daughter. I hate to admit it, but you even share a lot of my not-so-impressive traits...

...You lack patience my dear child. Just like your mama. Bless your father. I use to think that the reason Jimmy is so patient was because I am not. We were eachother's balance. I now know it's because later on down the road he was going to have 2 girl's with no patience and well, God, knew he needed all he could get! When you want something, yu want it NOW! There's no waiting with you!!! And when you don't get that something...

...You sure know how to throw a fit. Now, I'd like to think I don't throw as many fits now as I use to, I mean, I do have to behave like an adult. At least in public. But I have no doubt that your KK will say I was the QUEEN OF FITS a few years back!! Daddy will probably agree as well.

...You pretty much like to be center-of-attention. I have no idea who you inherited this from?! If you don't have all eyes on you, you let us know! You have a yell like I have never heard. I once was told that after you hear a certain decibal you'll never hear it again. Well, that was a lie. I hear it. Daily. And it's ear-piercing.

...You like to talk. Right now you can say Mama, Dada, and Bye-Bye but that doesn' stop you. You talk to anyone that will listen. You also make the funniest sounds.

...You are now fake-coughing. It's funny. Not a trait of mine, but very funny. Yesterday we were at Chick-Fil-A after JD's sports class at The Little Gym and a little boy behind us kept coughing. Every time he coughed, you coughed. It sounds so fake and requires a lot of effort but you like attention, so I guess it's worth it. You are too cute!

I am seriously in love with you my sweet girl. You melt my heart daily. Even when you are wearing me out. I am not sure I have ever experienced such a feeling of being completely worn out and frusterated with someone, yet loving them so intensely. It's so strange.

You are growing my darling and in 2 short months will be one. If I could freeze time I would because I LOVE 10 months. You are my precious thing and your daddy and brother think you are IT!! As JD told me this morning, "Mama, I love Kenzie. And the dogs. "

Here's a cute picture of you swinging at the park yesterday. You love to swing, which is something else we have in common. I've always loved to swing, be it normal swing, a porch swing, or a hammock. I love it. Your brother has NEVER enjoyed swinging.

Had to add...

You just woke up and I went in your room to get you out of your crib. As soon as I picked you up, you leaned forward and kissed me (you have also started kissing - those precious open-mouthed baby kisses). Err...at least I think it was a kiss. I did just eat Cheetos so there's a good chance you were looking for some left-overs.

Baby Wears Prada - A Serious New FAVE!

2008-08-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I finally get to blog about this!!! Seriously, all my haute mama's out there, this one is for you!!! A friend of mine just launched an incredibly addicting and oh-so-fabulous new website!!! It's dedicated to all things fashion-related for your baby! What haute mama doesn't love haute stuff for their baby??!!

So, PLEASE check it out - you'll be so glad you did!! She's got awesome giveaways every week - right now is a gorgeous Juicy Couture Diaper Bag!!!! So bookmark the site and check back often!!! Oh, and make sure you sign-up for the newsletter for a chance to win the juicy couture diaper bag AND if you blog about it you get 5 extra entries! Holla!

And for whatever reason...blogger doesn't like me right now and it wouldn't let me link the logo to the site. BOOO! So, here's the website and below is the fab-u-lou-so logo!!

www.babywearsprada.com

One last thing...make sure you register and hop on the message boards. You can VISIT me on the "Unwind @ the After Party" (go figure!) section where I am a moderator!!!

Mississippi...Finally!

2008-08-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned once or 5 times before, Mississippi was wonderful. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather spend 2 weeks, except maybe Hawaii. No really, this is why it's so hard for us to go on "vacation" because I hate giving up a couple weeks of time for a beach and water when I could be spending it with my Nana and PawPaw. They are just two of the worlds most special people. I pray that one day I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren that love me the way I (we) love Nana and PawPaw and I can only hope to be half as wonderful to them as they are to us. We are truly blessed...

As usual, we have wonderful memories from MS this summer. JD loves his Nana and PawPaw fiercly and had the best time. He did not want to leave at all!! Everytime I told him we would be leaving soon, he'd say, "No, not yet!"

While in MS we witnessed several new things...some sad, some funny...

A horse had to be put to sleep the first day we were there. He had stepped on a nail and gotten tetnus. I never saw the horse while he was suffering because I am entirely to tender-hearted to witness a thing like that but I was told it was awful! From the tetnus he had lock-jaw and was literally thirsting to death. My Nana, being the good ole southern gal that she is, thought she'd just pry that horses mouth open and give him some water. It didn't work, but she did have to rush into town for her own tenus shot. Yes mam! Eventually the vet came out and put the horse down. It was so sad. BUT, the next day the county came out to bury the horse (I swear, just in telling this story the southern twang that enters my voice every trip up there is coming back) and JD was so excited because he got to watch a "digger" dig the biggest whole ever. JD is 3 and therefore doesn't quite comprehend death, so instead he kept telling us, "That digger, he's looking for buried treasure!" He does understand pirates you see...

If watching a real-live digger in action wasn't enough, JD also got to drive, did you hear that, DRIVE a fire truck! It was the highlight of his trip...errr...year! Uncle Bubba is Captain of the fire dept and on SUnday after his regular shift he brought over the fire truck from the volunteer station for JD play in and DRIVE!! He was a little excited to say the least...

Uncle Bubba and JD...

There she is...

JD loves his Uncle Bubba!!

It's time to ride...

Pulling the horn...

Scoot over Fireman Sam, here comes Fireman JD

JD in Uncle Bubba's Helmet

We also spent a lot of time on 4-wheelers. JD loves riding on them, but you have to watch him because he tends to fall asleep!! One afternoon we rode for 2 hours all through the trails and in the woods, he had a blast and kept telling me, "Mom, this was a good idea!"

JD and Uncle Bubba riding...

Mama with JD

As if the horse incident wasn't enough, we had another death while there. This time - 2 kittens. My allergies were out of control one afternoon while we were there and I took a nap alongside Kenzie. JD was playing with PawPaw in the living room when PawPaw got up to use the bathroom. Well, in the 5 minutes PawPaw was gone, JD decided to sneak outside. While out there he gave 2 of the newborn (4 week old) kittens a bath. Seriously...I can't make this stuff up. So a few hours later we all were off to ride again and noticed the cooler with the lid off. In the botton peacefully resting were 2 drowned kittens and at the top were 2 fighting for their lives. JD had filled the cooler, poured enough DAWN soup in to wash dishes for a month and started scrubbing away. The 2 that were still "swimming" were so covered in soap that eveyr time they breathed bubbles came out of their sweet little noses. It was AWFUL. When I tried to explain to JD that we can't put the kittys in the water because they do not like to swim he said, "But Mama, I told them to swim. I said, 'SWIM KITTY!'" Really, what can you say to that?!

Here are the sweet kittens before...

But it wasn't all fun in games! No Mam!

JD was forced to help bake...he knows everytime he goes to Nana's he gets to bake a cake. One day before we left to head up there we were talking to Nana on the phone and her told her, "Nana, when I come to your house we're gonna make a cake. We are gonna use eggs, and powder (flour), and milk, and stir it up!"

Here they are making a Mississippi Mudcake, which used to be my favorite to make!

I also learned to sew. Yea!! I wish I had pictures to prove it but we were just too busy to stop and pose! However, I did make JD a pair of lounge pants and MacKenzie a pinafore. I just picked up some more material yesterday for a few things...

Here's JD watching Nana make his Cars lounge pants!

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and can not wait to see them in October. They will be down for Miss MacKenzie's First Birthday!! We will go back to Mississippi for Thanksgiving this year!

Here are a few more random ones from our trip...

Miss Sassy Pants...

One night when we (Me, Shan, Jessica, and Jimmy) went out!

My beautiful sister and I

Nana and her girl

But really, Miss Kenz is a PawPaw's girl! She just loved him!!!

Aunt Shannie and the kids...we are sure gonna miss her next week when she's off at school! =(

Summer Pictures!

2008-08-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

I am behind on my posts from Mississippi and and New Orleans, but those are coming. We had too much fun in Mississippi not to share, so I promise to have that up by the end of the week. I am sure you all are just on the edge of your seats! LOL!

And because it's my birthday, YES, my 25th birthday to be exact, I am behind on time. Birthday girl has to look FAB or aqt least the kids do prior to dinner! So, instead of posting about all our travels, I am going to share our professional pictures from the other day! Remember, those fun ones I blogged about...

And you wonder why mama calls her Miss Sassy Pants...

Buds!

Kenz and her tounge...there will be a day that this is not so cute!

My handsome and getting way too big (tear) little man...

Ladies, look out!

Kenz would not cooperate!

Outfit change and sooo over pictures!

Silly boy!

Miss Sassy Pants, "Am I in trouble?" look

And my little surfer dude...we did this one just for his room!

That's it for now...I have to wrangle my crew into cute outfits now...as if there is anything else?!

Checking IN...Checking OUT

2008-08-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick check-in and check-out!!

We had a wonderful trip to Mississippi. It was 2 weeks of pure wonderfulness. I love that place and absolutely love everyone there! I have so much to share and pictures that I will do this upon returning from my next vacation. I am serious...

Jimmy and I jet-off (that sounds so much cooler than fly) to New Orleans tomorrow!! We are only going for a night because he misses the kids too much (he didn't see them for 1-1/2 weeks while we stayed in MS) to be away longer than that! I know we are going to have a blast and have a big gfroup going - Jimmy, Me, Aylie & Nick (Jimmy's sis and husband), a friend of our's Lynn, Susan & Sammy (Jimmy's mom and BF) and then Aunt Alice & Andrew, plus my mom, Pa Tim, Dustin and his GF and Eric & Allison will also be there! It was so unplanned but it all turned up we were going to be Nawleans the same weekend. Us for me and A's birthday and Alice, mom & crew for the Texans-Saints game! So although I have no desire to pack a suitcase (ever again) I am excited about our quick trip!!! Oh and in case you are wondering, the wonderful Aunt Shannie & Aunt Ninny will be with the babies!

I will post pictures from M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i and New Orleans when I get back!!

Ta Ta!

2008-07-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well...we are still in the car...driving. It's around this time that as a family we start to dislike one another. We have been on the road for 8 hours and 40 minutes. We are trying a new way because our neighbors said it was faster than the way we have been driving. Well, they were wrong. We can typically makebthis drive in about 9 hours if we stop minimal times and drive fast...er...the speed limit. Right now it's looking like we will arrive around midnight.

In case you were wondering, I am posting via iPhone. So please disregard all grammatical errors. I am working with a small keyboard and an even smaller screen.

Let's see...what to post about so that you don't fall asleep...how about the recent musings of a certain 3-year old.

Some of the silly things he's said recently...

- Ever since our 4th of July trip to Pascagoula he's been obsessed with all things crab-related. We brought some abandoned (MOM Read - ABANDONED) crab "houses" home and they are now accessories in his new surfer room. Well, JD doesn't quite understand that it's pronounced craB. No, he calls them craps. You can imagine how hard it is to keep a straight face when he talks about them..."Mom, there's no more crap in this shell!" "Mom, this is for crapping! See, I made a crap-trap?!" "Mom, I like when I got to go crapping at Uncle Bobby's house!" "Mom, is there crap in there? (pointing to a bayou while driving)" Ahh yes...good times! Boy likes him some crap...err...crabs.

- Not funny but a precious story. JD loves his little sister. I mean, he is just crazy about her. The other day I was in the laundry room getting clothes out of the dryer (I fold them as I take them out so it usually takes a good few) when MacKenzie crawled in there. A few seconds later she fell after attempting to pull herself up on the laundry basket. Of course she started crying and JD came running. He was carrying on in the sweetest voice while rubbing her head, "Oh no, did my Kenzie girl hurt her head? It's okay baby girl. Your okay." And then he left. Well I thought that was too sweet but then he came back with a unopened CapriSun from the fridge and knelt down beside her and placed the cold pack on her face. It was precious and so thoughtful!! I love watching these two...they are crazy about one another.

- Yesterday he informed me that birds do not have weinkers. I am not sure how he knows this but he was pretty sure of it.

- Last weekend we had a friend's birthday party to attend and my brain wasn't working quite right and I got a little (a lot) turned around on the way to the party. We had been on the road for about 20 minutes and I had realized I was going the wrong way. I made a u-turn and about that time JD piped up from the backseat, "Eventually, we will get to Jake's party!" It was at that moment I saw his daddy in him. LOL.

Well, that's all I got for now. I am gonna sign off and maybe nod off for a bit.

A Quick Hello

2008-07-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

I really need to get in bed, seeing how I have a million and one things to do tomorrow before we leave for Mississippi. Yes my blog friends, another road trip for The Van Fam. I am VERY happy to report that this trip will be a relaxing one because we have no agenda. Just soaking up every minute we get to spend with Nana, PawPaw, Uncle Chirs, Aunt Julie, Uncle Bubba, AUnt Tina, and Co. I can't wait. This is all JD has talked about since Monday. He has a serious thing for his Nana and PawPaw. It's funny because he knows they live in Mississippi but so does Uncle Bobby and Aunt Alice, which is where we went for the 4th. I know...it's all too confusing. So now he asks, "Are we going to the Nana and PawPaw Mississippi or the Mississippi with Uncle Bobby and the boat?" LOL!!

I also have a 9-monther on my hands. MacKenzie turned 9 months on Sunday. How is this so? How is it possible that in 3 months we will be celebrating a First Birthday. My heart aches knowing how fast time is flying. I want to hold these babies in my arms forever. I just love them both and can't stand the thought of them growing up.

We did the torteous Professional pictures today. Seriously...it was awful. I was so stressed out when we got done. I have never used so much bribing in my life. I was so desperate for a smile out of JD that I even resorted to, "If you don't smile we will not go to Nana and PawPaw's house!" He smiled. Thank goodness b/c I'd hate to have to follow through with that one. I don't have the pictures to show off right now b/c I don't have time to scan them to my computer, but y'all, it was worth the trouble. There are some that are absolutely precious! I will share as soon as we return home.

I will blog soon from the land of Mississippi!

NIGHT!

Summer Travel Giveaway

2008-07-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

I am posting about a bloggy giveaway and you don't want to miss this one!!

Obviously...this bloggy giveaway would be perfect for me, seeing how we will be embarking on our 5th summer trip on Wednesday, 3rd with the kids in the car on a 5+ hour-long car ride! Fun stuff, really. So go check out this hilarious blog and comment for a chance to win!!!

GOOO!

My Little Mermaid

2008-07-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Randomly in our house we have photo sessions. It's what you do as a mom. I was going through clothes in MacKenzie's closet and making sure all of the clothes she could currently wear are in her armoire. The rest hang patiently in her cloest for their turn. She has a few. Well, I came across a custom outfit I had purchased from a friend. A group of girl's and I have a wonderful friend that enjoys (and can afford) buying custom-made clothes for her daughter. She's got a mild addiction. And we support her and her habit, especially because we also reap the benefits. Well, one of the precious ones I purchased from her many, many months back finally fits. I have been waiting for the right occasion - it's defintely a "party outfit". And I am so excited because we have the perfect party to wear it too next month. A sweet friend's little one is turning 1 - not only is it special because of that but it's my first birthday to plan!! It's the first actual event for A Mudcake Soirée.

So, excited I am indeed. It's beach-ball themed and Kenz has the perfect getup! So...back to the picture party we had today...a few of my sweet model.

I realize some of you think we are a bit over the top (Nana) and I must add, you haven't seen anything yet! =)

Some might say she appears embarrassed...I know that she's really trying to eat her hand.

I love how she's looking over her shoulder...

Seriously...I'm in love.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. We get to celebrate two birthday's tomorrow - Jake Wood's 4th birthday and Lezlie Johnson's 5th birthday! Don't worry...MacKenzie has cute outfits for that as well!!! Sunday we are heading to the lake. We haven't take the boat out in almost 2 months and we are just dying to get out on the water!!!

Pure Sweetness....

2008-07-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

I have to share some MacKenzie cuteness...seriously! I was trying to video her snorting because that's what she does, she snorts. Instead I got this...oh, but do ignore the extremely annyoing talking, huffing, whistling, and awful laugh at the end. I have no idea who that is...

How precious is that? That's her newest trick and she waves bye-bye to everything. I had her in my lap after I uploaded this video and she even thought she was cute. And she waved bye-bye to herself waving bye-bye.

Other MacKenzie news...still no teeth. Which is fine because my hooters are quite happy not being nibbled (the first time I typed this and went back to re-read I defintely typed nippled on - LOL) on. Jimmy is worried that when MacKenzie finally does have teeth we won't be able to afford her. Well not her and myself. She eats all day. All day that she's awake. Seriously...her faves right now are corn on the cob, fresh steamed peas and carrots and graham crackers. Y'all think I am kidding.

She can also climb the stairs. I swear I am not making this stuff up. My hands are full. I always thought JD was going to be my wild one, afterall, he's the boy and, well, very wild. He has no fear. Or so I thought...WRONG! MacKenzie is my wild child. She climbs the stairs...

She can climb straight out of her bumbo seat with no problem.

And...brace yourself...she has climbed out of her crib already. Yes, at 8 months my daughter has mastered climbing (falling) out of her crib. She was and is still okay - Praise You Jesus - but it was a bit scary. I wish I could say that the crib was on the high setting but I'd be lying. When standing in her crib the top rail hits chest level - see previous posts for proof. I don't know how she did it, but she did. She now has nothing in her crib - no bumper at all b/c I am scared she'll figure out how to stack things up to get out. I wouldn't put it past her. So now she either wakes up with her face smashed against the wood or gets her thighs stuck in between the bars. She's a mess!!!

Besides being my little adventurists, she's a pure joy. She is the sweetest thing these days and I can not begin to tell you how much I love that sweet thing. Never in a million years did I think I could come close to loving another child like I love JD, but I was wrong. I love her just as much and in such a different way. It's amazing how God created a woman's heart to be able to love all her children equally and yet so differently. What a blessed species we are!!

And on to my little man...he's getting so big!!! I mean, he's still skin and bones. Tan skin and bones, but he's getting so much taller. He's put on 2lbs since March and grown 1-1/2 inches since then!

He literally never stops talking and feels the need to repeat the same sentence six times until you acknowledge that "Yes, your shirt is red and no, we do not throw our balls into the fan." He's a pure mess.

He's also a sick mess right now. He has strep throat - poor baby. I took him to the doctor yesterday morning b/c of a fever. He ran a week long fever in December and another week long one in April. I called in yesterday morning and they wanted me to bring him in for some blood work since I thought we were starting the fever thing again. They did a strep test first and POSITIVE! I felt so silly for not seeing the blisters on his throat before. He's not acted sick at all except when the fever spiked so how was I to know?! Anyways...we are on amoxycillian and resting!!

More exciting news...my dear sister is at her freshman orientation as we speak. I am so excited for her. She's actually at the Huntsville State Park with my mom and Tim. They just purchased a GORGEOUS 5th-wheel camper last week and they are breaking that bad boy in! Shan leaves tomorrow morning for a full day on campus and has to stay the night in the dorms tomorrow. She's a teeny tiny bit nervous to say the least!! Praying for her wouldn't be absurd!

So that about sums up the last few days. I will leave you with a few cute pictures...

The all-to-often nose scrunch...

JD doing a little rock climbing....

I like big bows and I cannot lie, you other sisters can't deny...

There's a good chance she'll break a few hearts....

Girl Done Gone Ghetto

2008-07-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

The eagle has landed. That's my new phrase of choice. But maybe it should be the goose has landed, as in Mother Goose, as in I am back home.

Sunday evening I returned home to a mostly-clean (mad props to dad) house!! I spent 3 glorious days in Hot Sprins, AK with my some of my favorite ladies - my Nana, my mom, and my sister. Y'all, it was a serious good time, seriously. We spent endless hours laughing and being silly. At one point we were laughing so hard that I seriously thought I was going to have to recessitate my mom!

My sister is ghetto-fabulous. Seriously...she's as white as the come. A beautiful blue-eyed, freckle-faced, sweet thang, but the girl's got some ghetto in her. She can seriously talk in the best ghetton-fab voice you've ever heard. So at any given moment this weekend you'd find yourself talking to Shaquita! I love her, seriously. My Nana on the other hand is not very ghetto. No, she's more of a southern-belle, minus the big hat. She's country, so a lot of times she didn't know what Shaquita was even saying. It didn't matter. Actually, by the end of the trip we had Nana singing "Dance, too much booty in the pants!" Seriously. Does your Nana do that?! That me and my sister's theme song. It's usually followed by some awesome, booty bumping move. Really, it's great. You can't make this stuff up.

Our trip was made even more exciting by the fact that we got to ride in my new ride. I got a new black Ford Expedition last week, whoo-hoo, and it was just perfect for our girl's trip!

I wish I had pictures to share but I forgot my camera. Luckily my mom and sis brought theirs, check out my mom's blog (hopefully up soon) for some photos!!

FINALLY...our 4th of July Recap

2008-07-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

As usual, life has been at warp speed the last week. All this unpacking and packing can sure keep a mama busy!!

I am including mostly pictures below! There are the pictures of our wonderful 4th along with some updates on our kids. Kenzie girl is blowing our minds daily!!

Before leaving for Pascagoula, MS...

Daddy and the kids on the slip-n-slide!

Our smiley girl...she's such a joy!

JD playing on the dock...

My Sweet Girl in her wagon

SHE LOVES TO EAT!!! IT NEVER ENDS!!!

Aunt Alice and JD on the jet skis

Kenzie in her wagon

Can you imagine waking up to this view every morning?

I could do some serious quiet time!

The back of Uncle Bobby and Aunt Alice's house

My 4th of July Babies!

Kenzi asleep on the boat

Kenzie chilling on the beach

Eating her chicken bones!!

JD and the fish...ewww!

So...as you can see, we had a wonderful time. Uncle Bobby and Aunt Alice have a beautiful house and we enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't want to come home and back to my cooking. We had fresh fish and fresh crab almost every meal! It was sooo good!!!

I will update more tomorrow on the kiddos but I must get in bed!!

Later!

Taa Daaa!!

2008-07-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

Seriously...how cute is my new blog??!! I am in love with it!!! Thank you Jennifer, you did an amazing job! It's sooo fun and perfectly describes my life right now!! I couldn't be more blessed by my toad playing and tutu wearing kiddos! Thanks again!

We are off to the pool for some sun and swim!

Creative Outlet

2008-07-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

I am well aware that this will be my third post in less than 24 hours. Just pat me on the bag and call me an over achiever. I am waiting up for Jimmy. He had to bowl tonight to make up from missing last week and I am starting to think he went by the bar on the way home and is now currently at Jack in the Box. I have been car-searching because I think it may be that time.

Anyways...I have to share a passion of mine and something I'd desperately like to pursue professionally, on-the-side. And by on-the-side, I mean while I am not fully emerged in stay-at-home-momness. Actually it's two things and both revolve around children. Gasp - I know. You'd think I'd like the little things.

1st - Party Planning! I have shared this with several people in the past but y'all, I love to plan children's birthday parties. Seriously. It's so bad that I have MacKenzie's first birthday pretty much planned and it's 3+ months away. I also have her second, fourth, and 6th or 7th! JD's birthday is also somewhat planned out for next year and also already working on 2 different parties some time between ages 7 & 9. How crazy is that?!

I just love planning unique parties that are just as much fun for the kiddos as the parents. I am not a Disney theme kind-of-gal. At all. I've spoken about this before. I'm all for a "Bob the Builder" or a "Thomas the Train" party, minus the Bob and the Thomas. Anyways...I'd so love to go into the business of planning children's birthday parties. I'd seriously love it. It's something I think about constantly. I do feel like I have some great resources: cakes - check! invitations - check! goody bag supplies - check! I have sat down at my computer several different times to create a blog in regards to party planning and then come up short. I have no idea how to even get started in something like this. I just know I love it!!

2nd - decorating kids rooms! Again, another passion of mine. I absolutely love redoing my kids rooms. This all started with MacKenzie's room that is suited for a princess. I had such a good time putting it together and still walk in their smiling because of how much fun I had while doing it. It's the epitome of shabby chic and one she can really grow with!

I am almost done with JD's room! I *love* it and so does he! It's quite possible that it will be my favorite when I get done, but that's only because it's so boyish without being too much! It's all surf-themed and bright and fun. It really has come together better than I ever imagined! I am just waiting on a few more decals and a shelf. This weekend Jimmy and I are going to Home Depot to figure out how to bring our curtain idea to life. It's going to be a "tiki hut" but we are still in search of the right materials. I will post pictures when I am finished!

Oh, and one other thing about the kid's room. I am pretty dang thrifty as well. I don't like matchy-matchy, but I of course want it to all flow together. I have used etsy to my best ability and had so many custom made things for such great prices!!

So...this is where I am right now. So desperately wanting to follow one of my passions and not sure hot to get off the ground! Any advice? Hopefully only time will tell...

Presenting...Iggy the Iguana

2008-07-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am marking this as a Fave but it has way more importance than that. True, it will soon be a "favorite" among 9 year olds every where, but not only is it a fave, but she's one of my faves!!

A great friend of mine from high school is in the works of having her first children's chapter book published - Iggy the Iguana. It's due out late August. Melissa is an amazing person and friend and such an inspiration!! I am so excited for her and can not wait to see what the future holds.

So, please, please, please visit the new Iggy website at http://www.iggytheiguana.com/ and get to know all the wonderful characters!!!

And if you have or know any 3rd - 5th graders, pick the book up for them!! They will love it and I will love you for supporting my dear friend! Also, please forward this information on to any teacher friends or librarians that would be interested in her book tour!!

Visit the website below for more details or email Melissa (also below) for more information regarding the book tour and pre-orders!!! The book is only $9.99 ($10.81 after tax)!!

http://www.iggytheiguana.com/
melissa@longtalepublishing.com

Oh, and check back in a week or so because I am going to also host a Iggy the Iguana giveaway as well!! You don't want to miss out!!!

And the winner is....

2008-07-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

SO it took me an extra day or 2 to get this posted, but with all of the out of town traveling it's hard to get some things accomplished. I am home for a week and a day until I leave again. I know...it's crazy, but I wouldn't know life any other way! At least not in the summer...

I used the Random Name Picker to pick the winner. And the winner is....

Meghan over at Simple Chaos! Congrats!!

Meghan, I will send you an email letting you know you won and all that good stuff!!

Even if you aren't a winner...check our this wonderful etsy store at Kristin's Cosmetics. I know you'll find some great stuff! Just last night I soaked in some Mayan Gold bath fizz! It was divine!!!

And check back soon for some pictures from our vacation....

Another Travel...

2008-07-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Blogging from the wonderful state of Mississippi! We are in Pascagoula visiting Jimmy's Aunt and uncle for the 4th! We are having a blast already!

We got in late, very late, last night. We were happy to get out of the house early and we well on our way out of town by 1:00. We were cruising with no problems until Vidor. The lovely town of Vidor I might add. It was there that a 12-15 car pile up kept us in the same spot for 3-1/2 hours. It was a lot of fun. Did I mention we add a certain 3 year old and a certain 8 month old with us? We did. It was fun. Actually, I have to brag on the both of them because they were so good for being trapped in a truck!

Anyways, we finally got here last night around 12:30. It was soo good to see everyone; Aunt Alice, Uncle Bobby, Andrew, Sammy, and Susan.

We've had a pretty relaxed day and enjoyed every minute of it. Bobby and Alice live on the water so we've spent a lot of time outside. JD swam all day!! I have to run but will end with this cute photo...

The boy likes his pajama bottoms!

2008-06-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Quick weekend recap...

Friday night we went out and celebrated Shannon's 18th birthday. Yes, you heard me correct...she's 18. I can hardly believe it myself. It was so much fun. It was the first time ever that I have gotten to go to a bar with my sister and it was a night to remember. We danced all night long. We were at a country and western bar so there was a lot of two-steppin' but we were able to shake what our mama gave us a little! Shan has mad skillz for a white girl! Seriously!

JD had a blast as well. Friday night his "girlfriend" Paige babysat. She's a dear family friend and JD is CRAZY about her! He ran downstairs Saturday morning hollering, "Paige...Paige...Paige where are you?!" We didn't leave until MacKenzie was in bed so she knew nothing of mama being gone. I guess her radar was off!

Saturday night Jimmy and I had a wedding to attend. Two nights in a row we went out, we are crazy like that. The kids went to FuFu and Sammy's house. And again, were in heaven. JD got to ride all over the neighborhood on the Rhino, which made his day! Jimmy and I had a blast at the wedding and sooo enjoyed catching up with good friends. It's always wonderful to get together with friends from high school, some from longer ago than that. It's a bittersweet reminder of how ridiculous it is we let so much time go by between visits.

Today we spent time together as a family. I literally spent all day soaking up every single minute with my precious kiddos. MacKenzie was in the best mood ever (literally, ever) and I drank it in!! JD and I snuggled on the chair every minute Kenzie napped (which wasn't long for some odd reason. I think she was just too happy to sleep). We kept calling each other "Snuggle Bugs". I literally loved every second of it and wish it would have lasted longer!! MacKenzie hit another milestone today (she really is the over-achiever in the family), she waved bye-bye for the first time. I had thought a couple of days ago that maybe she was but figured it was just a coincidence. And then this evening we were playing on the bed and I started waving and saying bye bye, and sure enough, she started waving right back at me with a huge ear-to-ear grin. It was priceless.

I really have to go to sleep b/c we have a very busy week before leaving town on Wednesday, but I have to share an absolutely hilarious story!!

Jimmy got JD down around 9:00 tonight and were hanging out, just spending some time together when Jimmy thought he heard JD. We didn't immediately jump up but after another 5 minutes or so we heard him again and Jimmy went to check. The next thing I hear is Jimmy cracking up laughing and they walk in together.

First let me explain that JD went to bed in a t-shirt and underwear. No pajama bottoms, just his "turtle" shirt and his Mickey Mouse undies. This is what he walked in (at 9:45 p.m.) wearing...

...his turtle shirt and what appears to be his firetruck pajama pants with his blue & yellow striped shorts over them...

...Jimmy removed the blue and yellow shorts and under those were a pair of green Mickey Mouse shorts...

...down Mickey Mouse, hello surfboards...

...yes, those are white shorts with surfboards all over them...

...and under those were the firetruck pajamas.

So Jimmy takes off the firetruck pajamas and....

...wait, there's more...now we see the lighting McQueen shorts with his dinosaur pants under those...

...down Lighting McQueen and off with the dinosaur pants...

...finally, some underwear!

So in all, the child had on 1 pair of underwear, 2 pairs of pajama pants, and 4 pairs of shorts! Y'all...to save we laughed is putting it mildly. Jimmy could barely get the pants down we were laughing so hard and I was snapping pictures left and right!! It was hi-lar-ious! The perfect ending to a wonderful day!!

Kristin's Cosmetics Giveaway!!

2008-06-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

I've raved before about this wonderful seller on etsy and now I can even give a product away. How cool is that! It's some serious great stuff and I want every single one of you to check her store out now!! Gooo!! I just ordered some more and I have my bath water ready. Not really...it would get cold. But you better believe I'll be soaking as soon as it arrives!

So now for the giveaway...

Kristin Cosmetics is going to give one lucky winner a FREE lotion in a custom scent (you choose) and a FREE scented lip balm! How awesome is that! AND - if you'd like to look around and order more, say...some Sweet Dreams bath bombs, she will give you FREE shipping on your entire order! How cool is that!

I know you all are just dying to know how to win!! So LEAVE A COMMENT telling me your favorite way to unwind! Be it a long soak in the tub or crawling up with your kids and watching Max and Ruby. Just tell me. I will pick one lucky reader MONDAY, JULY 7TH and Kristin will hook you up!! I'd do it sooner but we'll be out of town for a few days around the 4th! So, comment and check back in Monday July 7th!! Send your friends as well!!

Good luck!

8 Months and Some Extra...

2008-06-26T22:29:00.001-07:00

Happy 8 Month Birthday Sweet Girl! Wow...8 months...I can't believe it. When you are 8 months you get to do really cool things like...

I walked in to get her up from her afternoon nap and that is what I saw!! She's standing in her crib! What?! We aren't suppose to be doing that yet!! I am not ready!

She was all smiles until Max jumped up to see her.

MacKenzie isn't really crazy about dogs (or cats)! Which isn't great because we have dogs. Two of them and they were here first. She's okay with them when she wants to see them, but if they even look her way when she's not ready, goodness she gets upset. She blinks her little eyes when they walk by her. It's kind of funny.

Girl loves her some biter biscuits!

After bath time we played in our robe...

Who needs toys when you have a bottle of Infant Tylenol??

What a big girl!

She says, "Oh...I do love me something pink and shiny!"

This is how we spend our free time...she loves to stand!

Sometimes she tries to let go

Mama's baby girl...

On a completely different topic...

I am still trying to get everything washed from being out of town. It's seriously a load of fun. Haha. Sorry, it's 12:31 in the am, I should be in bed. So aside from unpacking and washing, we are in the midst of redecorating JD's room. When we first moved in the room was fire engine red and royal blue. It made me want to hurl. It was Thomas the Train themed, which is fine for some. I however, am not a theme-kind-of-gal. Well, I am, but not commercial themed, hences the cowboy birthday party last year. Disney doesn't need anymore of my money than what I spend on toys and pj's! So we are redoing it - surfer themed!!! And it's totally tubular. You like how I slipped some surf slang in there? We are about half-way done and JD loves it. Last night my mom came over to help me hang the border and the entire time JD kept saying, "Oh mama...this is perfect!" or "I love my new room! I love my new surfboard room!" It's seriously cute! I promise to post photos once it's complete. Just like I posted pictures of the new house. In time...

So, I know you have all been on the edge of your computer chairs waiting for the bloggy giveaway. I thought I'd have this up earlier, but no...it's the clothes people!! So, TOMORROW will be the day! I promise...

Home and Happy!

2008-06-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

We are home! Anyone who's traveled to Vegas knows how good it is to be home. To normalcy. To quietness. To real dinners. To normal bedtimes. To my bed. And most of all - TO OUR BABIES.

Traveling after having kids is so different. On one hand it's so much better because you *really* enjoy the vacation and the break from the daily demands of being parents. On the other - coming home is great because you get to see the faces of those sweet little ones you have missed so dearly.

I was so happy to see both of my babies. JD didn't really seem to be happy to see us because that meant he couldn't spend the night at Pa Tim and KK's house and more importantly, couldn't sleep in their bed! MacKenzie was so happy to see us (me). She was all smiles yesterday!!

We reached another sweet milestone today. I just knew MacKenzie was going to start crawling over the weekend while at my mom's, but no. She crawled today!!! She took 4 very good 'steps' on her knees. Yea!!! I knew it would be a matter of days. And I know it will also be any day that she's pulling up by herself. Every time I pick her up our of her crib she's in the upright position trying to pull up. I so worry she's gonna hit her chin!

Back to Vegas...we had a blast! It was the best time ever and such a good get away for Jimmy and I. I so love that man and not that I needed Vegas or a vacation for that matter to remind me, it's just so great to reconnect away from the kiddos.

I wish we could say that we saw a lot of shows or that we are coming back millionaires, but sadly no. However, we made a million new memories with some good friends and laughed more than I have laughed in a while. It was a much needed trip and a great break from the some of the things we are facing as a family right now!

Here are some pictures...it's our weekend in photos!

Kourtnie and I at the airport at 7:00 in the morning!!

Jimmy and I the first night

Kourtnie, Me, and Shannon at Shadow Bar

Jimmy and Nolan - he's small!! all 7 foot of him!

Our group - Me, Jimmy, Nolan, Shannon, Kourtnie, & Kevin

My man and I

Oh, and check back in a day or two. I have an awesome giveaway from one of the etsy boutiques I purchase from regularly! You don't want to miss it!!!

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-06-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pop on really quick and say hello and goodbye. ''Don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello..." Jimmy and I leave tomorrow, early tomorrow, like out of the house by 4:45 according to the drill sargent! Yikes! Which means I should be in bed, but I had to add a few songs, dates, and hopefully a movie to my iPhone. We'll see...it's making me so mad at the moment that I might toss it out the window!

Anyways...we are off to Las Vegas. Again. I am more excited than ever because I am finally not pregnant! Oh, and there is the whole break thing. That will be nice. Of course, I already have a lump in my throat because I am going to miss my babies so much. Namely MacKenzie. Don't get me wrong, I will miss JD too but I know he will be just fine without us. He'll be with his KK and PaTim and he's soo excited. MacKenzie on the other hand is such a mama's girl and really usually just wants me all the time. Plus, she'll be on formula for a few days which she is not use to, nor does she like. I feel like I am abandoning her. *tear* *sniff sniff* So as excited as I am at the moment, I am also gonna miss both of them like crazy.

Anyways...off to bed. I probably won't check in until Monday unless I iPhone a blog, which is annoying so don't count on it.

LATER!

A Little Q&A

2008-06-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to put off life's more important things...cleaning (Bible study tomorrow), making a grocery list (again, Bible study here tomorrow), getting my son out of the bathtub (he just finished playing in the mud), and laundry (leaving town Thursday), I thought I'd do a Q&A that I found on Erin's blog.

Favorite Person in the World?
Okay, seriously...how can a mother choose? It's a 3-way tie...my Man, my Boy, and my Girl.

And then of course their is my mother...and sister...goodness, I have a lot of FAVES!

Favorite food? Mexican food and sushi. I really could eat both daily.

Quirks about you? Uhhh...where do I begin? My bed has to be made. I dislike dishes in the sink (you wouldn't know this by looking at it right now, but really, I do hate it). I like to be busy, I don't really know how to sit still. I randomly enjoy dancing to no music.

Any regrets in life? The correct answer would be some profound statement on I am who I am because of the mistakes I made. But seriously, yes. They are the small things. There were things I said and things I did that hurt my mom growing up, I'd take those back. I regret not spending more time with some people in my life.

Favorite Blog recently? Good question. I always love me some Big Mama! She makes me laugh daily and I love her Caroline stories!

Worst job you’ve ever had? Hmm. I am so embarrassed to admit this. Hooters. BUT, it was only for 3 weeks. Literally, I worked there for 3 weeks and then just couldn't force myself to go another day. It was my poor college days and I needed a job, preferably one that didn't involve an office or a desk. So, it was Hooters. Jimmy told me he was embarrassed by me working there and if I didn't quit he'd break up with me. It was a pretty rough time in our relationship as well, so I quit. And burned my outfit, not really but should have.

What job would you pay NOT to have? Just about anything on Dirty Jobs. Anything involving poop.

Favorite Bible verse right now? Great question. There are several on my heart right now...
"The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua1:9

Got any confessions? I pick at my cuticles. Oh, and I have a hard time spending less that $50 at target.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Funny you should ask. I have my "Vegas Fund" for our trip this week and I have been looking forward to shopping. I don't gamble. I'd much rather have something to show for my money. So probably, clothes...a new BIG purse, and some ridiculous new sunglasses. Or jewelry.

Favorite thing about your house? It's newer than our old house. Not brand new, just circa 2003, not 1978. So, no bugs inside which I love! I also love the paint, floors, kitchen. Everything. I really do love this house. We also have awesome neighbors!

One thing you are bad at? Saving money. Or more, not shopping for the kids, especially MacKenzie.

One thing you’re good at? Shopping...can I say shopping? LOL. I am good at seeing things from other's perspective. Many times I am the one my friends come to for advice for this reason. Oh, and I think I am a good party planner. I love to throw parties. I am already planning my daughter's first birthday and it is 4-1/2 months away.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? The things we are going through with my brother. We'd be on the other side praising Him. Just like yesterday's sermon, we'd be like Moses and the Israelites - standing on the other side of the Red Sea singing our praise song to our Heavenly Father after watching our very own Egyptian army being defeated. I know we will get there. I know He is fighting for us.

Who would you like to meet someday? I have no idea. I know this is a question that is asked often in surveys but I don't know. I'd love to meet my MeMaw that I never met.

Who is your real life hero? Goodness, right now? Moses and his faithfulness. Real life...my mom, for all she's going through. Angie Smith for all she's going through. Ann Marie for what she's gone through with her sweet Coy.

When are you most relaxed? At my Nana's house or at the river.

What stresses you out? My house being a mess. Packing to go out of town.

Why do you blog? To distress. To talk about my family. To connect with others. To write.

Now copy and repost. Surely there is something you too can put off...

A New Look...

2008-06-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am working on a new look for my blog. I am about to submit all of requests for the new design. I am excited to say the least. I will also be saying goodbye to the title I have had for the last couple of years. "The Van Fam" will still be in the sub-title, but I will have a whole new BLOG TITLE. You will have to wait to see what it is, but it captivates the best of both my worlds!!! Plus, the pictures I am working on are too cute.

Anyways...just FYI - keep an eye out for it! I can't wait!

As for other stuff...

I think JD is turning into a fish. He has always loved the water, but has always been pretty cautious. He's not one to jump in or leave the steps for that matter - until now. This summer for the first time he finally tried the floaties. We've been trying to get him to wear them for 2 summers now and he's have none of it. Well, Monday we went over to my mom's to swim with Shannon and before I ran by Target to pick up a few things. I thought I'd give the floaties one more shot - and I am so glad I did. JD had a bawl with them and has literally swam the length of the pool a hundred times since.

We've done a lot of swimming this week alone and went back to my mom's today to swim. I ran a few errands while Kenzie slept and KK and JD swam. Those two are buds and he has a blast. He passed out early this evening. I love this swimming and then sleeping thing!!

We have no set plans for tomorrow. We might head out to the lake or just hang at my mom's. I told Jimmy he could decide. Seriously...how nice am I? Regardless, we'll be together as a family and what could beat that. Oh...and just in case you were wondering...5 more days until Jimmy and I leave for Vegas. Whoo hoo! I want to do nothing but lay by the pool and possibly shop a little. Just a little though.

I am gonna grab a pre-midnight snack, read a little, and then go to bed. I am looking forward to church in the morning and want to well rested for praying and worshipping!

Quick HFD!

2008-06-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

I don't have long because I am about to head out the door to meet a few girlfriends. Happy Father's Day to me. I kid. He gets to go the the 'Stros game tomorrow and see the Yankees in the flesh, so whatever.

I am a couple days behind on my Father's Day posting. It's my kids fault. JD wants to swim and MacKenzie needs updivided attention. It' ok, worth every minute!

I will highlight to of the reasons I love my sweet husband tonight.

One, he's as handsome as he was the day I met him. I know this is a superficial reason, but seriously, he's eye candy and it's the most wonderful things to be attracted to your man. I will never forget the first time I met Jimmy. It was at Sonic. It was only a week or so before school started back, I was going to be a Sophomore. Jimmy was coming back to our school after going to another school in our district for a year. He was there with some friends he knew and was at the time, seeing a best friend of mine. I remember thinking that he was the most gorgeous person I'd ever laid eyes on.

I continued to admire him from afar that year. We never really talked or hung out. I thought he was so out of my league. He was really cool and had that real arrogant attitude, or so I thought. I was the blonde cheerleader, who was more than a little talkative, and usually pretty goofy. We just seemed worlds apart.

The summer before I started my junior year I was dating a friend of Jimmy's. By this point all of the older guys Jimmy hung out with had left and he was hanging out with the people in his class. Just days before school was back in session I was on the phone with Dane, who I was dating. He put my on hold forever and Jimmy got on to chat while Dane was doing whatever. We talked, and talked, and talked. I think my pits were doing some serious sweating I was so excited. We started school and had a class together. We became friends and I was smitten. He had a crazy girfriend who wasn't thrilled. Jimmy had a big New Years party that year and I went b/c by this time, we were part of the same group of friends. I left my jacket over there and it was the perfect oppurtunity to call him. And then he called me. Every night after that. Before long we were dating, and many drama-filled months later, we were serious. That was 8 years ago. Crazy...

And I still think he is as sexy as he was in the Sonic parking lot 9 years ago. I love it. I love the fact that he's the most gorgeous person I will see all day and that he's mine. I am blessed to have my very own Ken doll.

I also love how much of a family person Jimmy is. He loves spending time with us and with his and my whole family. We taken soooo many family vacations. At least 5 a year, usually more. We take trips with just my parents and sister and brothers. We take trips with his family. We take trips with extended family. We stay weeks with my Nana and PawPaw in Mississippi. Seriosuly, he may love my Nana more than me. They are pretty crazy about one another. As close as Nana and I have always been, she pretty much waits hand and foot on Jimmy. It is so funny. I thknk he cares about that woman as much as he cares about anyone else. He is truly something special. Family has always been a huge deal to me. I LOVE being with mine and I am blessed to have a man that loves being with mine as well as is, and a man that my family is crazy about!

I love you my sexy, family man!!!

She Done Growed Up

2008-06-11T16:14:00.001-07:00

***originally start 6/7 but just now posting b/c I was waiting on pictures***

Last week was a bittersweet week for us as a family. We reached one of those BIG milestones. My sweet sister Shannie graduated from high school. The fact that she graduated isn't that huge because she's very smart and has always done well in school. We weren't actually surprised to see her walk the stage, just more surprised it's already that time. She's officially a high school graduate and will soon be a Freshman at Sam Houston State University.

Her graduation was as fun as a graduation can be. At a school with a graduating class of 930+, one can expect it to be very long. I'm not sure if the teachers took a breath in between names because they were reading them off rather fast. We had a good sized group there - Mom, Tim, Me, Eric, Allison (Eric's wonderful gf), Dustin, Nana, PawPaw, Uncle Chris, Aunt Julie, Uncle Bubba, Aunt Tina, and Chelsea (one of our cousins). We were a little loud and a lot silly. We spotted Shannon early on and spent most of the time trying to make her laugh. By the V's we were all so antsy that we randomly cheered for students. We were that group. Shannon was cracking up and we were having a blast. I am so blessed to be a part of a family that really does have fun wherever we go.

It's picture time

Our wonderful Nana

With Mama who can never get it together for pictures (I love you mommy!)

Mom, Shan, & PaTim

This is what 930+ kids looks like...

Saturday was Shannon's graduation party. It was Luau-Themed and a lot of fun. It was HOT so I spent majority of the time in the pool with the kids. Shannon looked precious and all grown up.

Me and my Kenzie-Girl

Daddy & Kenz

Missing Brother - He's too busy swimming

Pig & Rice

Yes...I said pig! We are authentic. That's what we do!

Cakes & Diplomas

The Grad Girl

Cakes by Patty Cakes

I am so blessed to have that sweet girl as my sister. She's one of a kind. I have never met anyone in my life like her and I am so grateful that God gave her to our family. She has the most sensitive soul. I think she spends life on the verge of tears because she can cry at the drop of a dime. We watched PS...I Love You the other night together and oh my...I think Shannon cried for 95% of the movie. I am not exaggerating.

She's also so unique. She's never been one to follow the crowd. This is something I admire so much in her. Although I have always thought of myself as more of a leader than a follower, I still do care a lot about what other's think. To this day I have a really hard time going out of the house (especially with kids in tow) with no makeup on. It's one of those things that just doesn't bother Shannon. She's never really cared what other's think. We are night and day for sure. Which is why it would never cross my mind to borrow her clothes. We have 2 completely different styles. LOL. Bless her heart. I do pray college does a thing or two for her fashion sense. Haha!

She's an incredible Aunt as well. JD loves his Aunt Shannie so much. He literally thinks she's "it". She's just wonderful with him and the biggest help in the world. I am so blessed that she's so willing to help and enjoys doing stuff with us. I am not sure how I would have made it through the colic with Mackenzie without Shannon. Regardless of what was going on with My Handful, she was always helping with JD. What a precious thing she has been to my sweet little family. She will be missed daily!

I can't wait for her to go off to school. Wait. I can, it's going to be hard not having her around the corner and not seeing her every other day like I have for the last few years, but it will be great. I have no doubt she will do amazing in school. Shan has always been more mature that most her age. She's always had her priorities more in line than so many and has always had a good head on her shoulders. I think she's going to just blossom being away. For the first time in her life I think she will spend more time focusing on herself than others. So much has always been asked of her (being the middle child I think will do that to you - which is why I only want 2) over the course of the last 4 years. She so deserves to not worry about anyone else. Of course, I know Shannon, and I know good and well she'll find someone to worry about.

Jesus, thank you for blessing my life and my family with such an amazing person. She's one of the most precious people in my life. I love her more than she will ever know. I am so grateful to have an amazing relationship with her. I want nothing more than to be best friends with that Sweet Thang until we are old and wrinkly!!

Shan - I love you so and I am so thankful to be able to call you my sister. I admire you soo much. Thank you for soo many years of laughing and crying, fighting and tattling. You were a pain in my rear and I wouldn't trade a minute of it. I have had the best talks with you and I can think of no one else I'd rather get stranded on a deserted island with. I think about these things, and you were up there. Especially since you are pretty tough so I know you could wrangle an alligator for dinner and fight off any cannibals. Plus you make me laugh, and if I am gonna be stuck dying on an island at least I'll be laughing. You are crazy. Thank you for being such a blast to be best friends and sisters with. I could have gotten stuck with a stick in the mud, or a crazy person, but no - I got you! You have more gifts than you realize. I have no doubt that the possibilities are endless for you. Keep being yourself! Have a blast next year but please come home some. I will miss you like crazy. JD will miss you like crazy. And Kenzie will need someone to complain to when her mama is being less than "cool".

Her are some of my most favorite photos of Shannon and I over the years...

She was so little bitty...

We were seriously cool...

Talk about some Easter dresses...

I pretty much knew I was cool here...

She was always the tomboy...please note the 136 bracelets she always wore...

Ahhh...hahaha!!! I have nothing to say.

Shan was a Brace Face

Us girls...

Best Buds...

Sisters

Breathe In...Breathe Out

2008-06-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

My Father's Day blog will be later...when I can think straight!

I have said, "I'm about to loose my mind!" 30 times already this morning. It's 9:31 a.m. Hmm...I hope this isn't any indicator of how my day is going to go. JD is pushing my buttons this morning. He won't leave Max alone. He keeps opening and closing the blinds on the backdoor. He's running in and out. He's being loud. He's driving me crazy! Just a few minutes ago he came walking out of the bathroom after going poop. He didn't have his underwear on. This happens 25 times a day. I told him "Get back in that bathroom and put your underwear on!" He said, "But I have my underwear on" and turned around. It was not underwear...he had the toilet paper he had just used to wipe his booty stuck between his little cheeks and thought it was hilarious. I did not. Boys are gross.

MacKenzie was cracking us up last night. She kept making this funny face where she would just open and close her mouth repeatedly. I have never seen her do it before. After watching this for some time it dawned on me that she was trying to talk. Or at least I think she was because every few minutes she'd get the sound to come out as well. It was too cute...here's a video:

Click Here

I have to get dressed for a playdate now. I might run in, drop these kids off, and run out. Think they will notice?

Summer Giveaway = Blog Makeover!

2008-06-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

YEA! A summer give away and a GREAT one!!

Jenny at PinkArmChairDesigns is an oh-so-talented blog designer. Just look at her stuff, and so-my-style. I love me some shabby-chicness!! She is doing a great summer giveaway where she's going to redo someone's blog for free. AWESOME! Mine so needs some help, how about yours??

Head over to Jenny at PinkArmChairDesigns for more information...

And tell her I sent you! Because then we BOTH could win a FREE web-design.

GOOOOOO!!!!

I still Love My Husband...Despite...

2008-06-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to say that I did get Jimmy's Father's Day gift ordered. Now let's hope it comes in on time. He told me that I better not spend very much since we are going to Vegas next week. Funny...rarely do the words "You better not spend to much" come out of my mouth when referring to a gift. Only when Jimmy goes to Golf Galaxy...or Academy...or Vegas, except that he starts his Vegas Fund like 6 months before we leave so that he doesn't. He's good like that.

So...in honor of Father's Day another post about my Jimmy. But first...

NOT a reason why I love my husband...

...His hair cutting skills!!

Exhibit A:

it gets better...

and in case that angle wasn't good enough...

A little background info...Sunday night we were discussing how JD needed a haircut. He needs a haircut once a month and after month 2 we take him. We are over achievers, this family. Normally we argue over whos gonna take him. I think Jimmy should because a) it would be a great bonding experience and b) regardless of how great his hair looks after I take him, Jimmy always says it's too short. (Please see exhibit A - that my friends - is too short). At this point JD decides he'd like some input on his hair. Because, you know, it's his. He informs us that he would like his haircut like Uncle Bubba. Uncle Bubba is bald. As in...shaves his head with a Bic. Umm...No. But after much debating yesterday, we do decide to buzz it. Which solves the problem of who's taking him because we can do that ourselves. I so should have known better (again, please refer to Exhibit A). Long story short....Jimmy gets started. His resoning behind JD's bald spots are the scissors. I am not sure what part of buzzing JD's head made him think I am going to get out the scissors, but nevertheless, he did. He cut it shorter that the No. 3 guard, resulting in what strangely looks like ring-worm on my precious sons head. Awesome. So, today when daddy gets home from work he's taking him to TGF to get it faded on the sides. I will post if it gets better!

On a positive note...it's really cute from the front.

And on to better things.

WHY I DO LOVE MY HUSBAND....

He's an incredible father. He loves these two kiddos more than I can ever begin to describe. I know to many this is a given. A father loves their children. But after growing up the way I did and with a father like I did, you realize that not all 'love' is the same. There's nothing like our Heavenly Father's love. It's a love so unconditional; earthly fathers pale in comparison. That being said, Jimmy does a dang well job.

JD races to the front door the minute Jimmy walks in the door. He begs Jimmy to take him with him whenever Jimmy leaves. JD thinks his daddy hung the moon and stars. He loves him with all his might and I love them both even more because of this.

They are two peas in a pod. JD will do things throughout the day and I think, 'Oh my word...if that wasn't Jimmy junior I don't know what is.' Carbon copies those two. I love watching Jimmy love JD. There are so many things that Jimmy is just itching to do with his boy. I know he can not wait for the day that they play in their first golf tournament together. Or the day that JD outdrives his daddy (good luck with this one JD). Or the day that they hang their scorecards on the fridge to display JD's winning score. I know he can't wait to go to his first t-ball game. And to watch him score his first run. I know Jimmy can't wait to see the look on JD's face the first time he hits a homerun. He loves that boy so much.

He loves his little girl too. He knows that she's already got him wrapped around his finger. With every ounce of that precious 17lb (I estimate) body, she's a mama's girl. And she can wear her daddy out like no one else. But the minute she smiles that tooth-less grin and scrunches her nose at him, he's weak in the knees. She loves her daddy. She knows his name. She doesn't say it yet, but I can ask "Where's Daddy?" and she knows right where to look. He really does love her so much. I have a feeling those guns will be out and will be cleaned before too long.

I am blessed. I am blessed beyond measure to have a man who loves his children so much. Thank you sweet Jesus for blessing me with him. For giving me a man that isn't afraid to show his kids how much he loves them. I'd endure every heart-break with my own father again just to marry a man that is so different.

Thank you for Your unconditional love Father. Thank you for loving me so much that You sent Your only Son to die on a rugged cross so that I may live. Thank you for only letting me get so far before pulling me back to You. Thank you for loving me so much and teaching me how to love. It's because of Your great love that I can make it through any storm.

Jimmy with his babies...

Happy Father's Day Week!

2008-06-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

You have 6 days to get on the ball. I have 6 days to get on the ball. I am pretty sure I know what I am getting my sweet husband, but need to make sure I can find them!

In honor of Father's Day and copying the idea from Kristin at We Are That Family I am going to try and do a daily post about my husband and the things I love most about him. You should do the same or comment me on what you love most about your husband each day!!! Oh, and take a minute to check out Kristin's blog today. One lucky reader/commenter will received a husband cookbook in time for Father's Day.

One of my favorite things about Jimmy is that he lets me be myself. I am a total dork. Really, I am. My sister tells me this daily. I don't realize I am being dorky, probably because it comes so naturally to me. If you were a fly on the wall at my house you would see this at any given time during the day...

- me dancing shamelessly through my house to music, or no music. I happen to think for a white girl, I have a little rhythm. Thank you Texas Cheer for teaching me how to shake what my mama gave me! That being said. I much rather prefer dancing like I don't. I have a thing with dancing poorly. Back when I spent Thursday-Saturday evenings shakin' it in the Rice Village area this was my favorite way to un-attract guys. Some girls just tell a guy she ain't "feelin' it"...me - I bust out the Carlton from Fresh Prince. That's what I do.

- me talking in the strangest voices to my kids or the dogs or myself. Some mom's talk in the "baby talk" voice. Not me. I use any character voice I can think of. If I wasn't a mom in Houston, I'd be a waitress-until-I-get-my-big-break in LA.

- me SINGING. I love to sing. Really, I love to sing as much as I love to dance. I've often thought that if I weren't a mom, I'd move to LA and attempt to become a music video dancer/lip syncer. Ahhh...my many dreams. Did I mention, I can't sing. At all. I am pretty much the worst singer ever. If my husband blogged (he doesn't) and did a list about 'The 10 Most Annoying Things My Wife Does' (he wouldn't), 'sing' would be at the TOP of that list. He hates it. Really hates it.

- me making faces. I play this game with anyone that will play with me, usually just JD, where the object is to make the funniest face you can think of. I also do this on car trips with Jimmy. Usually I do the face making and Jimmy does the eye-rolling and laughing. He does laugh though, so I WIN! I love to come up with new faces. I do it constantly. I have a new one at the moment (it's a face I saw someone make on 'So You Think You Can Dance' and I love it. Jimmy told me that if ever I want to "turn him off" I should make that face. I love you too.

So...back to the point of this post. There was one. I love my husband for allowing me to do all the above and still loving me for it. I know he may roll his eyes and tell me I am so incredibly weird, but at the same time I know he loves me for it. I think it just amazes him that I really don't care if I am embarrassing or not. And I am not. At least to myself.

I love you my sweet hubby. God created you for me and I am so thankful to Him for it. You are more than I could have ever dreamed of...

Summer Bible Study

2008-06-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

It's funny how God directs you to the site you need to be at when you need to be there. I've been behind on my blogging and blog-reading because of the circus at our house (and mom's for the last week). We didn't literally have lions and tigers, but more like a ton of family. This was all because of my sweet sister's graduation! That is a coming post I promise. So, I am getting caught up and was reading the last 2 weeks of LPM's posts. And I was sooo excited to come across this one!!! I can't think of anything I need more that some serious fellowship and accountability the next few months.

SO...blog readers. Is anyone interested? Melissa - I really wish we could do this together but I know you can't come in town every other week and I am pretty sure Jimmy would object to me driving to Dallas on a Tuesday evening. Unless I take the kids. Which would be more like babysitting than Bible Study! Anyways...anyone up for a Summer Bible Study? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller....PLEASE let me know if so!!! I'd LOVE to do this with some woman!!

Summer Fun Has Begun!

2008-06-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

In our house we know when summer has begun not by the heat, or ending of school, but by the annual posting of the Nina Loca Summer Fun List!!! And I can officially say - IT'S SUMMER!!!

It's up and BETTER THAN EVER!!! For those of you NEW to Houston or those that don't live here but might be visiting - you MUST check it out!! It's an awesome list put together by moms for moms (and dads) of the happenings in H-Town! She has everything from restaurants where kids eat free to summer camps and mom's day outs!

Here's the site - www.ninaloca.com

Oh, and those that would like to do some summer advertising - you can place an ad on the site as well! Just contact Shanna Marsh at shanna@ninaloca.com for more information! Shanna (and her husband Ryan who redesigned the website) are the newest addition to Nina Loca.

So check it our...and THANKS Christina for your hardwork!!

Soaking and Praying

2008-06-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of our newish home is the master bathroom. Actually, when it comes to master baths it's really nothing too extraordinary, but it has an amazing tub. Actually, it could have a completely un-amazing tub and I'd still just be happy to have a tub. That I don't have to share with JD and MacKenzie. Our old house only had one bathtub, and it was in the kid's bathroom. We only had a stand-up shower in ours. In general it wasn't that big of a deal, but on nights when other mom's were relaxing in their garden tubs with candles and wine I was crawling into my kiddos cramped bathtub with crayon-markings on the walls and a duck head staring at me from the faucet. Nothing says kick back and relax like a rubber ducky making you feel all naked and stuff. So when the time came to look for a new house, a bathtub in my very own was a MUST and even a PLUS if it was bigger than the standard bath in all circa 1980 homes.

So, tonight I enjoyed a wonderful soak in my big girl tub. It's been a LONG week and as a family we are going though some pretty trying times right now. The enemy is trying so hard to bring us down and I was dealt another blow tonight. That being said - I needed a soak. A soak with lavender and vanilla candles and some smell good in my bath. Jimmy is out bowling tonight so as soon as I got the kids down, I started the water. I *love* lighting brand new candles. It's one of those silly things that brings me joy. I've had candles circling my tub for months and tonight was the first night I lit them. If you are ever looking for good relaxing bath or bedroom candles might I recommend this and these! And if you are needing a Rep to buy them from, let me know. I have a friend in the neighborhood who sells them. All of their candles are WONDERFUL and I burn nothing else. I also was looking really forward to using some new bath products that I purchased from the wonderful world of Etsy. Seriously Disney...it's all about etsy these days! I *love* buying bath stuff now that I have a real bathtub worthy of good smelling things that come in containers not featuring the characters from Cars. So, because I refuse to buy anything in a traditional store these days, I went to my favorite website on earth. Etsy (in cased you missed it the first 5 times I mentioned it). And a few days later I received a whole shipment of good stuff.

So. Back to my running water and candles. I decided on a bath bomb tonight because the scent name was Sweet Dreams and Mama needed her some sweet dreams! Oh, and sweet it was. Oh my word...it was heavenly smelling. Seriously. I think if I have a say so in how heaven smells, I want it to smell just like that bath bomb did. I've already gotten back on the Kristin's Cosmetics site and requested more bath bombs in this scent and some lotion and bath wash in it as well!!! It was so relaxing and even had little lavender blossoms in it. These floated right along side of me as I washed and PRAYED my troubles away. Of course, they also stuck to me once I got out of the bath but SO worth it. Just please let me know tomorrow if you see a lavender blossom (somewhat resembles a bug) in my hair.

I am feeling better and my heart isn't quite as heavy. But do take my advice and get you some lavender and chamomile candles, some relaxing bath stuff, and just soak~

What the heck...not technically a FAVE post, but totally deserves a FAVE tag!

Van-Fam Fave #3

2008-05-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated in a week and that's because for once I have been having way too much fun. We were at the river all weekend and it took several days to pack and now several to unpack.

The few posts I am able to do over the next 2 or 3 weeks will be short and sweet. It's gonna be crazy getting ready for all of our fam coming in town for my sweet sister's graduation. A coming post and probably not a short one. More like long and sappy. Yea. So...housework to do because no matter how long I leave it, it just won't do itself. Dern. So anyways.

Crazy 2 weeks = short posts. Starting with this one.

Van-Fam Fave #3

And this is totally in keeping with We ARE THAT Family's ode to it....

ETSY. I am completely and totally obsessed with it. My day is not complete without a quick browse on Etsy. BY quick I mean an hour. I love all things etsy. It's a God-send to anyone that loves unique-ness! So my Etsy Faves...

Features???? Alchemy!!! Holy cow, it's awesome. You can place a custom want ad for anything you want and then people bid on it. I placed one a few weeks back for a Pre-made First Year Scrapbook for MacKenzie and within 6 hours had 15 bids. I chose my bidder and she got to work. I got it in last Friday and it's AWESOME. I am just in love with and have so enjoyed working on the picture portion!! I spend my days trying to figure out something else I need created!

SELLERS??? These are some of my favorite ones (most are for girly items but a few are not) - check them out and tell them I sent you!
Cozy Moments - AWESOME bath products!
The Portland Beanie Company - I have the adult ones and Kenzie had some newborn ones as well! Too cute...I plan on getting JD one in the fall!
Jewelry and Baby Bling - Responsible for Kenzie's early jewelry obsession
Bow Baby Bow - For all you mommie's with baby girls. This is the BEST place for the adorable crochet headbands!!! You can get a lot of 8 for less that $15!
Polymer - Vinyl wall quotes!! We have 7 in our house!! I seriously *heart* these!
Bella Button Designs - The Chicest "mom" jewelry!!! I can't wait to get mine!!
Adorable Me Boutique - Who needs you Princess Linens?? Not me!
Super Scrappers - Wonderfully unique cards and scrapbooks!

I could go on for days but I know you are sick of checking out all these great things and even more sick of spending money!! SO enjoy and catch you next time for Van-Fam Faves!

Loving These...

2008-05-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a few pictures of my cuties...

My Sweet Girl and her many faces...

My Handsome Little Man

And My Princess

My Blessings...

JD with his Mother's Day gift to me!

MacKenzie on Mother's Day Morning

Mama and her baby girl

Daddy and his baby girl

Sweet thing...

After making cupcakes with my little man

Having fun!

A Happy Mother's Day Indeed

2008-05-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

As a teenager the last thing I wanted to do was have kids. I'd grown up with too younger (much younger) siblings and didn't think I wanted to be around younger kids ever again. I've always been a rather selfish person. I have no problem admitting this now because it's an issue I have given to God and though I still struggle with my earthly selfishness, I know it's an area of my self that God works on everyday! I can still remember my Nana telling me shortly after having JD how amazed her and PawPaw were with the person/mom I'd become. I believe she said, "You were always such a selfish thing that we are just so amazed and proud of you now." Gee, thanks. I can honestly say that I have my kids to thank for my self-lessnish now, which in turn is such a gift from God. So on this Mother's Day I am so thankful for them, because they have made me into such a different person.

There are certain feelings that you only experience as a mother. These feelings are such benefits to motherhood. It's like my Sephora Card, it's a FREE service and you reap incredible benefits. Motherhood is by no means Free. It's rather expensive both financially and emotionally, but you the rewards are so worth it.

Some of the feelings I never new until being a mommy...

- the guiltiness I feel for being away from my babies too long

- the guiltiness after losing my temper

- the guiltiness I feel for not bonding with MacKenzie until she was 4 months

- the guiltiness I feel every time I "wish" for a break

- the overwhelming joy that breastfeeding brings (I wish I wouldn't have given up so quick with JD and nursed instead of pumped)

- the overwhelming joy that JD's squinty-eyed, toothy grin brings

- the overwhelming joy that MacKenzie's toothless grin brings

- the overwhelming joy I feel every time I hear JD say "I love you"

- the overwhelming joy I feel every time I am the only one that MacKenzie will stop crying for

- the overwhelming joy my children's laughter brings

- the protective feeling only a mother knows, there are times when I have to walk out of the room when Jimmy is fussing at JD so that I don't jump to his defense

- the obsession with wanting to protect them both every second of the day

- the fear that something will happen to them

- the fear that something will happen to me and I won't be able to see them grow up

- the fear in failing as a parent

- the sadness in knowing that one day they will break my heart

- the sadness remembering the days when I broke my own mother's heart

- the sadness in knowing they will get their heart's broken

- the broken heartedness I feel for those mommies out there with sick babies

- the gratitude I feel that God blessed me by making me a mother

- the gratitude I feel that I am not not only a mother but THEIR mother

- the gratitude that my own mother and grandmother raised me to be such a loving individual

- the gratitude that I was brought up loving Jesus so that I can in turn teach my children to love Him

- the gratitude that He sent His son to die on a rugged cross to save us so that we may spend eternal life in heaven

How blessed I am and how grateful I am to be able to love these babies of mine every day. I have some precious pictures coming but I have to wait to upload them because I had to order a new part for my camera!!

I'll end by saying that this past Sunday was the best Mother's Day yet. I spent all day with my precious family and just enjoyed these three blessings I get to be with daily. We had a wonderful breakfast with my in-laws and then a potluck dinner with our whole street. JD and I topped off this marvelous day by baking cupcakes together. It was a day to remember for sure...

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies!

Mother's Day Giveaway!!

2008-05-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting some great Mother's Day contests with awesome giveaways! Go check it out...

An Ode to our Formal Playroom

2008-05-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

In tears after just reading a precious post (old post actually) by Virtue Alert in regards to flashbacking to "formal playroom" days. We have a formal playroom as well. This is the room that should be the formal living room but because of small children is a formal playroom instead. It's been my least favorite room of all since moving in because it's not decorated with anything other than blocks, a car rug, a minature table, cars and trucks, and a football toy box. That is until now. Until realizing that it's the ONE room that I will be able to sit in 16 years from now and still hear the screams of joy and the innocent laughter bouncing off the wall. It's the room that I will always remember being a bit of a mess but always the most fun. It's a room I know will change with age, but will affectionately always be known as the "formal playroom." Thanks Vickie. I needed to remember this. Especially today.

It's been one of those days all day long. I am not sure if it started with the gray skies outside or waking up knowing I was gonna spend all day cleaning. We are dealing with some family issues with my brother (welcome any and all prayers on this matter) and we all seem to be a second from tears right now. Shannon graduates 13 days from today. This is a future blog but I can't bring myself to do it yet. Anyways...long story short, it's been one of those days and I needed to read a sweet reminder that these days are numbered and that before I know it, it's gonna be my youngest graduating!

Again, thanks Vickie and if you get a chance, check out her post here... http://virtuealert.blogspot.com/2008/05/flashback-friday-formal-playrooms.html