Potty Training

I'm pretty sure this is the most frustrating thing I have done in awhile.

Andrew and I have been potty training Jackson since Monday.  It is now Thursday, so it has been three full days.  The update.  Jackson is wearing underwear only.  He's been pretty successfully at going pee pee in the potty and telling us that he needs to go.  On going poop, we aren't making a lot of head way right now.  He's sneaky and keeps going in his underwear.  Andrew and I are doing our best to stay positive.  I realize it will take longer than a few days knowing are stubborn, strong willed child.

On a good note, Jackson is staying dry during his nap and all through the night!

With that said, I'm still wanting to pull my hair out most of the time.  As easy as it would be to keep him in diapers, I know it is time for him to be out of them.  Perseverance and patience are definitely needed, so please pray for us.

Whew! That was Tiring!

You seriously underestimate how tired your parents were on Christmas Day until you actually have kids of your own.  Then, you truly realize how exhausting of a holiday it is!

Christmas in our household was nice, if not exhausting.  We attended Christmas Eve Mass at our parish the evening before.  Everyone looked very nice dressed in our Christmas church clothes.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to take a picture after Mass because the kids were starving and tired.  After a quick meal and bathes, we only put the kids down a little later than normal.  Andrew and I were pretty happy about it.

Until, we were woken up at 6:30am by a toddler who was starving and wanted to play.  And, our Christmas day began.

After coffee and breakfast (because Andrew and I weren't about to function without coffee), we opened presents.  The kids were really good.  Jackson opened all of his presents this year with little assistance.  The unwrapping didn't take too long, but it was long enough where a second pot of coffee was needed by both parents.

The rest of our day was spent playing the kids and their new toys.  I made a nice dinner which Andrew claims would feed an entire battalion!  I like cooking, and I tend to cook for more people than present.  So, we have a lot of leftovers.  At least they're good!  I cooked a Christmas Pasta using Italian sausage, ground pork, ground sirloin, and ground lamb.  It was good!

We ended our day with very tired children who pretty much collapsed in bed.  Andrew and I pretty much did the same thing a little later.  It was a great Christmas day!

This picture captures the chaos of our morning.

It's Christmas Time!

I cannot believe Christmas is on Sunday!  I feel like it has snuck up on me this year.  All my shopping is done and most has been done for at least a month, but that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about the feeling of warmth and family which inevitably wraps itself around me has finally arrived.  I think it is the simple fact I have spent the last week with my own family all being at home without work or school hanging over our heads.  Yes, Andrew still checks his work email and does things, but his head and heart are here at home.  We won't be spending Christmas with any extended family this year, but I have my own family that more than makes up for it.  My children are healthy and growing at a crazy high rate.  I think I have bought more food within the last two weeks than I have in the last month!  I'm very content and happy.  It's nice.

So seeing at it is so close to Christmas time, I thought I would share a couple of photos.  The first is the family picture we used for our Christmas card this year.  It was the very last picture taken.  I'm not sure how Andrew and I got both boys to look and smile at the camera.  It's a miracle!

The second is a picture of our Christmas tree.  I've only had about half a dozen ornaments break this year.  Cullen keeps taking them off.  Jackson then grabs them out of Cullen's hands, brings them to me, and tells me Cullen took it off.  And the tattle telling has already started.  The boys have only managed to try to unwrap one present under the tree.  I was able to stop it before any real damage was done.  Although, they do enjoy stacking the presents like their blocks.

A Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Graduation Pictures

Here are some pictures from Andrew's MBA Graduation. The first one was taken on Friday at the Hooding Ceremony.

The ones below were taken right after Andrew's Commencement on Saturday down in San Marcos.

Andrew and his parents.

This picture somewhat captures the wrangling of the children.

Andrew and I very happy his degree is officially over!

Outing to the Park

Andrew came up with a great idea this morning.  We were going to take the boys to the park for a walk and bring Jackson's tricycle and the Radio Flyer wagon for Cullen.  The park has a nice long trail through the majority of it.  We thought it would be great for take the 1/4 mile loop around which goes by the AAA Baseball Stadium.  So, we packed up the boys, the tricycle and wagon.  Off we went.

In theory, it was a wonderful idea.  However, Jackson did not want to tricycle around the trail.  He tricycled about 100 yards before he turned around and headed back to the playground.  Jackson decided he would rather run around on the playground than bike.


Andrew and I did try to coax him into biking, but he had his mind made up.  Really, what can you do?  Its not like he wanted to go play in the street.  In the end, we all went back to the playground to let the boys play.

Jackson and Cullen had a great time running around the playground, sliding down slides, and swinging.























On the other hand, Andrew and I had packed and planned for a walk.  Which meant us expending energy towing children around.  In general, moving not standing around.  Hence, we did not wear especially heavy clothes (although we did bundle the boys up).  We got a little cold after standing outside about 30 minutes.  We stayed a little longer, then headed home with two worn out children.

In the end, the outing to the park wasn't what we had planned, but it turned out to be fun nonetheless.  Although next time, Andrew and I will be sure wear layers in case plans unexpectedly change.

The pictures are just snapshots I was able to take of the boys.

Doesn't Andrew look a little cold?

I Like This!

This is always one of the sexiest things I get to see.  Andrew vacuuming.  The only thing to trump this would be a picture of him cleaning the bathrooms.  It's the simple things that make me happy!

Andrew Graduated with His MBA!

It has been a long time coming, but it is finally official.  Andrew graduated with his MBA from Texas State University!  He and I are absolutely ecstatic about this!  It has been a two kids and 2 1/2 years in the making, but it is done.

Andrew and I went to the McCoy College of Business's Hooding Ceremony Friday night.  Just the two of us were able to go because Andrew's parents came into town and watched the kids.  The McCoy College of Business did a nice job.  I didn't have one of these when I graduated, so I really wanted Andrew to attend.  I was able to say hello to a couple of professors I knew and a guy I graduated with as well.  After the hooding ceremony, Andrew and I had a nice dinner together.  I cannot express how wonderful it was to be able to go out to dinner with my husband by ourselves.  It so rarely happens that we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

Today, Saturday, was the official graduation ceremony.  Andrew's parents were there and of course, Jackson and Cullen were present.  I do have to say my kids were very good.  I was able to let Jackson run around Sewell Park before the ceremony to run off some extra energy.  The well planned idea of putting Cars 2 on an iPod enabled me to get through most of the ceremony without a fuss.  Cullen was good as well.  Andrew's parents left right after the ceremony.

By the time Andrew, myself, and the kids left, it was lunch time.  We decided to do the smart thing and find a McDonald's with a play place.  I have never been more thankful for an indoor fast food play place in my life!  Jackson and Cullen were able to run around and burn off all the energy they stored while sitting for the graduation ceremony.  After that, we headed home.

It turned out to be a good day for all of us.  I have no pictures to show for it currently because Andrew's dad took all of them.  Its hard to take pictures when constantly having to tote a kid around.  I'm sure pictures will be coming soon!

It was a long 2 1/2 years, and I've never been more thankful to have my husband back!  We both made sacrifices in order for him to complete his MBA.  He gave up family time, and I took the burden of raising the kids.  It was well worth it!  I'm so happy for him!

Congratulations on your MBA Andrew!  I love you!

Coloring on the Wall

It finally happened.  I knew it was inevitable, but you always hold out hope it won't happen.

I had to remove crayon from the wall.

Funny enough, it was not who I expected it to be.  Cullen was the culprit.  I purposely avoid giving Cullen crayons because A) He is 13 months old and B) They always end up in his mouth.

How did he end up with the crayons in order to color on the wall?  Jackson opened the container I had them in and gave them to him.  Yep, Jackson is already falling into the role of instigator, but he at least he came clean when I asked him how Cullen got into the crayons.  He said, "I opened it up for him."  Really, its impossible to get mad when Jackson just tells me what I want to know.

After using my last Mr. Clean sponge, all crayon was off the wall.  No damage done.

Craziness!

It has been slightly crazy around my house lately.  I haven't had time to write because of baking, kids, shopping, and wrapping presents.  Here is a quick taste of my craziness...

1)  There are no Christmas tree ornaments on the bottom two feet of my tree.  This is because of little hands ripping ornaments and then hurdling them across the room like a baseball.  Or pulling them apart until they are so mangled I can't fix them.  Fortunately all broken ornaments have been plastic balls that can easily be replaced.  If they mess with any of my Hallmark ornaments, they might experience Mommy's wrath.

2)  We've been cooped up in the house for a few days too long because of the weather lately.  Its been cold, misty, rainy, or a combination of the previous.  The kids have been running around like banshees.  Jackson has been trying to constantly tackle something, whether it be a piece of furniture, Cullen or me.

3)  I am done all Christmas shopping except for my husband and the boys.  The packages got mailed off today.  I'm quite proud of myself!  Now for coming up with an idea on what to get Andrew.  You think being married to him it would get easier but no.  It just gets harder every year.

4)  Thibie got sick twice last week which meant two trips to the vet.  She keeps eating food she's not supposed to eat.  She has horrible food allergies.  Luckily, I have an awesome vet, and we were in and out.  Now to get Thibie to stop taking the boys' food.  Mea is not innocent in this either.  I swear they are like the caped crusaders when left by themselves.

5)  Cullen has been teething molars (which still haven't broken through).  He's been cranky to say the least.

6)  And to end on a funny note, I was playing with Jackson and chasing him around the house.  I was pulling a  Risky Business and sliding on the wood floor.  After doing this several times, I underestimated how fast I was going.  I slammed into the floor and totally ate it!  No injuries other than a bruised ego, but I couldn't stop laughing at myself to get up off the floor.  Jackson ran to me and asked me if I was all right.  Isn't he sweet?!  After I pried myself up off the floor, we went back at it.

To another crazy week in my household!

What is jamming my printer?

A coaster.  It was put inside the printer.  Not inside the scanner part, but literally inside the printer.

I discovered this after trying to print out coloring pages for the boys.  The error message of jammed cartridge came up.  After I opened up the printer I found out why, said coaster.  I only have one guess who actually did this, a toddler who will not be named since I have no hard evidence.  Yet another fun experience of the game "I can fit (insert item) into (insert odd place)."

They're sharing... kinda

We have been trying to teach Jackson the concept of sharing.  He's 2, so this concept was completely foreign to him up until we started to teach him about it.  Everything used to be (and sometimes still is) mine.

Jackson has actually been doing well with sharing.  At preschool, he is the ideal student who shares, participates, and is the teacher's helper.  I'm still wondering when this kid will make an appearance in my house.

At home, we're still working on sharing his toys and understanding not all toys are his.  As odd as it may seem, Cullen does have his own toys.  Not all things are Jackson's.

Of course, there is one thing he excels at sharing with Cullen, food.  Yes, I know this sounds odd, but it is true.  Jackson always tries to share his food with Cullen if Cullen happens to be eating something else.  He'll bring Cullen whatever he has from his own plate and put it on the high chair tray.  And if I leave a box of crackers or generally anything on the kitchen table, Jackson makes sure Cullen has plenty to eat.  He even picks up whatever Cullen spills and puts it back either on the high chair tray or in Cullen's snack trap.  It is very sweet to watch.

Now don't confuse this with Jackson not eating whatever he was given.  He devours everything.  What happens is he'll give Cullen some of his food, but then insist I give him more.  So yeah, my grocery bill is not going down any time soon.

I'm positive the sharing of food phase will be fleeting.  As I'm writing this, Jackson just finished his snack, then stole the rest of Cullen's snack because he wasn't eating it.  He proclaimed Cullen's snack trap Jackson's, then handed me the empty one.  As I just said, it's fleeting.

Food is a precious commodity in my house.  If you're not eating it, watch out because more than likely a little hand or two will steal it from you!

Gross!

After breakfast yesterday morning, the family was decorating the Christmas tree.  It had been up for a week, so it was probably time to decorate it.  Jackson and Cullen are being oh so helpful by pulling apart ornaments or deciding they are balls and throwing them across the room.

At some point during this process, Jackson walks up to me with his finger held out.  He says, "Mommy, yucky!"  I see this grayish round thing on his finger about the size of a dime.  I thought it was dirt he had found until I picked it up.

It was a booger he had picked!  Gross!

He handed me his booger, then was trying to wiped his finger on my pants.  I stopped him at that point.  Andrew was standing right next to me and started laughing when he realized Jackson had just handed me his booger.

I had to dispose of a booger that was bigger than my son's nose and wash my hands.

And to think, this is only the start of my boys' being completely gross.

The Pictures are Finally Up!

The Final Product

The pictures we took while on vacation in Ireland are finally up!  It was a process, but we have success!

Andrew and I went to Ireland at the end of June.  Two months after we came back, I finally had the photos printed.  A month later, I had all of them framed.  This is now the beginning of September.  After they were all framed, it took another two months to get all the pictures hung.

Jackson being very helpful with his own hammer.

The picture hanging ended up being a process for several reasons.

1)  Andrew didn't have the right size drill bit, so a trip to Home Depot was in order.

2) Andrew had to map out the picture framing arrangement since we did not have a template to go off.  He took the mapping out seriously since he made a blueprint with dimensions and all.


3) Jackson and Cullen were determined to help.  Jackson brought out his plastic hammer and was climbing up the step stool every time Andrew got off.  Cullen also climbed the step stool.  Constantly moving the kids out of the way took a toll after awhile.

4) Andrew was hammering in a nail when a rather large picture frame decided to fall on top of another.  This caused a domino effect on all the other frames already up on the wall.  Luckily, nothing broke.

5) Andrew's measurements somehow got off causing several extra holes to be put in the wall.

In the end, all of the framed photos are now securely hanging on the wall.  I am extremely happy to finally have my dining room table back. Yeah!

My Son's Obsession with Football

Specifically college football.

Jackson in his ready stance

It seems Jackson has become obsessed with sports at an early age, especially football.  This really isn't a surprise to me at all.  All boys seem to fall in love with sports.  I just didn't expect it to happen at the ripe old age of 2.

How am I sure about this?  Jackson learned the word football.  Yes.  Andrew and I were flat out shocked when we finally figured this out a couple of weekends ago.  When searching the guide on our TV for something to watch, he pointed to it and said, "College Football." when it came up on the screen.  At first we thought it was a fluke or he might have heard one of us say something.  It took a few times, but he actually recognizes the word football on the TV guide and on paper.  Jackson saw a game was being played last night on ESPN and got upset when I didn't put it on it.  I was nowhere near selecting the game, but he saw it and wanted to watch football.  Crazy!  I'll only mention the tackling and clothes lining of his brother that he has picked up.

The sports obsession has started and will not end any time soon.  At least he's learned to yell, "Geaux Tigers! Touchdown!" at an early age!

"I drilled a whole in my finger...

... but I'm OK."  These were Andrew's infamous words on Sunday I heard through the wall of Jackson's room.

Back story, Andrew and I invested in the magnetic child safety locks for cabinets.  Cullen has gotten into everything, and we needed to put a stop to it.  The only thing that has worked are the magnetic child cabinet locks. 

Andrew installed them in the kitchen, but Cullen was still getting into the master bathroom cabinets.  We usually keep our bedroom door closed, but if its open, I can guarantee you will find Cullen in our bathroom.  Andrew bought some more locks to put on our cabinets.

He was doing this on Sunday while I was getting the boys dressed.  I'm fighting to get Jackson into clothes.  Yes, it was fighting because he didn't want to get dressed that day at first.  Then, per usual, he changed his mind half way through and was in a hurry to get dressed and keep playing.

So, I'm in Jackson's room and hear Andrew shouting, but I couldn't figure out what he was saying.  After getting Jackson and Cullen to be quiet (because I can't get one dressed without the other one trying to "help"), I hear with perfect clarity what Andrew is saying.

I quickly run into our bathroom and see him putting pressure on his finger.  Andrew assured me it wasn't deep, but apologized for putting a whole in my cabinet unnecessarily.  And being the good wife I am, I started laughing hysterically!  Yep, wife of the year right here!  How crazy has my life gotten where a simple, "I drilled a whole in my finger," doesn't bother me but makes me laugh.  I've done enough klutzy things in my life to warrant someone laughing at me.

Case in point.  While I was at my previous job, I was testing a staple gun to make sure it was working for a special event the next day.  I didn't realize it until it was too late but I was holding the staple gun the wrong way.  I seemed to have missed the BIG RED ARROW pointed toward my hand.  So I shot myself in the palm of my hand with a staple gun in front of my boss.  Yes, my boss was standing right next to me.  I realized what I did, looked at it, pulled the rather large staple out, then ran to get supplies to stop the bleeding.  And to top all that off, I was the safety and risk manager of the building!  I had to file and sign my own accident report.  Not only that, but the safety coordinator I filed the report to called me the next day trying not to laugh!  I am super talented.  And just so you know, it really hurts to get shot with a staple gun.

I hope you had a good laugh at my expense because I couldn't stop laughing at myself while writing this because I know how ridiculous it is!

A Little Reflection

With Jackson being sick, I attended Mass alone Saturday evening.  Andrew and I decided it was best not to infect others with our childrens germs.

It felt a little odd sitting in the normal congregation because we've been sitting in the cry room since Jackson was about 5 months old.  Our church does have a nursery, but it's not open for Saturday Mass when we usually attend.

I'm sitting in the congregation being able to fully participate in Mass.  Now I know that sounds bad, but when you have two kids who demand attention, you can't exactly pay attention the entire time at Mass.  I wish I could, but inevitably, it doesn't happen.  So I'm listening to the readings and trying to follow along with the new changes made that went into effect this weekend, and I realize how nice it is just to be able to follow Mass.

I'm able to listen to the readings and homily.  I can hear the priest without having to strain my ears.  It was a good time of reflection for me to sit alone at Mass and participate.

I know it will take a couple of more years before the kids can sit still and be quiet for an hour.  It always seems out of reach right now, but then I see other families with kids doing it.  I know it will come, and we will be able to rejoin the regular congregation and leave the cry room behind us.  Until then, I will enjoy the very few times I end up going to Mass by myself.  Then come home to the loud chaos that is my family and remember why I love them so much.

Damn Near Lost My Dog

Quite Literally.

Mea is 9 years old and a very sweet cocker spaniel.  Thibie is 5 years old, very sweet also, but not the smartest cocker spaniel.  Andrew and I think of Thibe as our "special" dog.

It was a typical Sunday afternoon when Andrew asks, "Why was Thibie in the front yard?  And where's Mea?"

I automatically replied, "I have no idea. She's out back."  So I go open up the back door to prove my point, and she's not there.  I step out onto our back porch to look around the backyard, because she likes to loiter and enjoy the colder weather, and I find part of our fence fell down.  My first response was "Oh no!" (Actually, I'll admit the words that formed in my head and came out my mouth were quite more vulgar than that, but I'll spare you what I actually said.)

Our backyard backs up to a utility ditch, so it opens at both ends into our neighborhood.

Andrew and I frantically run into the front yard yelling for Mea up and down the block.  We don't see her any where.  Andrew grabs a car to drive around the neighborhood while telling me to post on our neighborhood Yahoo Group.  I post about missing our dog and call Andrew for an update.  He hasn't found her.

Andrew comes back, we pack up the kids, and all four of us hop into the car to look for her.  About a block into our drive, my phone rings.  It is a neighbor who saw my posting and had seen Mea.  We now have an idea of where she went.  Andrew hops out of the car and I go one way while he goes another.

After turning a corner, I see a fur ball running about two blocks ahead of me.  As I get closer, I clearly see this fur ball is Mea.  I pull up the corner and herd her into the car.  I ended up being four houses down from mine.  And Mea gives me a look like yes, I know I'm in trouble.

We return home with Mea fine about 20 minutes after the whole ordeal finally started.  A long 20 minutes.  Whew!

Thank you to my kind neighbor who called me to let me know she had seen Mea!  Thank you God for letting us find her!

As for Mea, her adventure is over.  She is curled up on her dog bed looking very content.  Who would have thought Mea would be the one to not come home and Thibie would.  Crazy!

Being Thankful



A rare moment of the boys almost hugging,
prior to Jackson being sick.

Thanksgiving Day this year turned out to be the four of us staying at home for parade watching, movie watching, playing and dinner.  Jackson came down with a virus on Tuesday and has been out of commission since.  My poor boy has had a fever and just hasn't been up to par.

Even though it is only the four of us, I am thankful to be spending time with my family.  Cullen is causing havoc around the house and torturing his sick brother.  Andrew is getting to spend quality with the boys.  Jackson is resting on the couch, and I have been cooking up a storm and taking care of everyone.  It doesn't seem we have the opportunity to spend together without a million things to do occur very often.  When we do have a break from outside demands, it's nice to relax.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband, two great children, and good health.  We may not live by extended family, but we are close to them.  I have amazing friends for whom I am grateful for.  I am truly happy for all the good things in my life.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ahhhhhhh!

Cullen was super excited about tackling me.  He was at his top walking/running speed when I took this picture.  Just a glimpse into the future.

And if you're wondering, his shirt was in the dryer because of the amount of drool on it.  He doesn't normally walk around shirtless in November.

Where did all my quiet time go?

Now don't get me wrong, I love my kids to death.  They are the best thing that ever happened to me.  With that said, I really miss alone time and a quiet house.

It seems the only time it is actually quiet in my house is during nap time and after the boys go down for the night.

I will fully admit; I savor this time.  It is such an anomaly in my house.

When I was single and after I married Andrew before kids, I never fully took advantage of quiet time and alone time.  I used to seek out noise and company on occasions.  It was no big deal to me because I always had a nice, quiet household or apartment to come home to. Not so much any more.

Now, there is always someone demanding my attention or someone running and screaming through the house.  I have boys wrestling around or a toddler following me around the house.  Yes, my life is not exciting in the traditional sense, but on a day-to-day basis, it gets really hectic.  I am constantly putting out fires between siblings, fixing meals, or trying not to let my house look like a tornado hit it.

As few and far between as it is, I take the time to savor my down time and quiet time.  I stop what I'm doing, sit down, and try to relax a few minutes.  I'm sure once I'm an empty nester, I will miss all the chaos.

As for now, I constantly ask myself the question, "Where did all my quiet time go?"

Then I quickly answer myself, "I decided to have kids.  That's where it went!"

Riding His Tricycle

Jackson finally started riding his tricycle all by himself!  We wanted to teach him over the summer, but it was too ridiculously hot even in the evenings.  So, we ended up waiting until the fall.  Andrew has been teaching him the past few weekends, and it all finally came together.

The first part of the video is more Cullen walking.  The second part is Jackson showing off his mad skizzles!

Different Ways to Wake up my Kid from a Nap

My way of waking Jackson up from a nap: Go into his room, open the blinds, turnoff the music, rub his back until he's awake, and tell him its time to wake up.  After I make sure he's awake, tell him to come get a snack.

Andrew's way of waking him up: Go into his room, jump on his bed, and start tickling him until he's awake.  Followed quickly by Jackson attacking Andrew, starting to wrestle on his bed, then both fall off of said bed, and continue wrestling on the floor.

Although I would probably not wake up Jackson in that manner, it was pretty amusing to watch.  It got even more interesting when Cullen decided to walk in and join the wrestling.

I guess some boys don't ever grow up!  Gotta love 'em!

For the Love of Preschool

Jackson goes to preschool two days a week.  Its a half day of school which suits our schedules great.  It gives me a little break from having both boys all the time and allows me to spend one-on-one time with Cullen.

Jackson loves preschool.  He loves his teacher and has made friends.  All these things are great!  I'm not complaining at all.

What I do find funny, though, is him arguing with me on non-school days because he wants to go to school.  All I hear is, "I go see Miss Paula." or "I go to school."  Followed by my reply, "No, Jackson.  You don't have school today."  After which he actually pouts.  I mean he physically pouts his little lips in disappointment then tries to convince me to it is a school day.  And I try to hide my smile and laugh because its the cutest, most absurd thing to see.  He couldn't look more pathetic if he tried. And he does.

I know trying to explain certain things to a two year old sometimes is like banging your head against a wall.  No matter what you say, he has his own mindset about what is supposed to be going on.  Like attending school.

But even with the struggle on non-school days, I love the fact he loves school.  He enjoys learning and playing.  I only hope the love of learning continues throughout his whole school life.  It would make life so much easier in the future!

The Awesome Uncle Matt

I love my brother, Matt.  He's a great brother, friend and uncle.  I was talking to him on the phone last night for our weekly catch up chats when Andrew reminded me of something.

All weekend Jackson wanted to talk to Uncle Matt.  Quick background for understanding:

1) I don't live in the same city as Matt.

2) My brother's job is not a 9-5 kind of deal.  Crazy and unorthodox hours included.

3) After Matt visited about a month ago, I have heard Jackson say every day, "Uncle Matt is at home in (insert city)."

Andrew reminded me Jackson had wanted to call Uncle Matt all weekend and talk to him.  With my brother's crazy hours, I told Jackson it wasn't possible at the time.

On Sunday morning, Jackson had a complete meltdown about not being able to speak to Uncle Matt after handing me the phone.  This was a full on crying with real tears, a beet red face, and slumping to the floor meltdown.  After calming Jackson down and explaining to him it wasn't possible to call Uncle Matt at 8am in the morning, we resumed our normal routine.

It didn't dawn on me to tell Matt this until Andrew reminded me.  I told Matt about the request and ensueing meltdown on the phone last night.  Being the awesome uncle he is, Matt said Jackson could call him any time and even if he couldn't talk right then, he would call him back.  How awesome is that! 

Matt truly is the Best Uncle Ever!

A Virtual Walking Machine

I'm pretty sure it is official that Cullen is walking full time.  In fact, he's walking quite fast sometimes it could be labeled a slow run.  He's not quite to the point of stepping up steps.  Although, he's figured out how to go down a few stairs at a time without hurting himself.  Positive steps!  Maybe one of these days, I can take the baby gate off the bottom of the stairs.  I'll have to think long and hard before making that decision.

Now I have two boys walking around causing havoc in my house.  It's crazy!

On a side note, here is a quick quote from Jackson today, "It's yummy in my tummy!"  Love it!

Continued Creativity

Why am I still surprised when one of my boys comes up with a new way to use a toy or some other object?

Jackson's new place to put his sit and spin.  Apparently, he decided a higher vantage point would make the sit and spin even cooler than normal.  Unfortunately for him, I had to put an end to the fun when Jackson decided standing up and spinning on top of the ottoman would be even more awesome.

Or finding this when I go to cook dinner.  I pull out my pot to heat up some soup and find half of the refrigerator toy magnets in it.  I'm glad I saw them before I put the pot on the burner.

None of these things should surprise me, but they always do.  I'm glad my kids have an imagination and creativity.  Its nice to know these things don't die out with all of the technology these days.

Continue to be creative kids!  Just don't jeopordize your lives or any of my belongings along the way!

In Honor of Veteran's Day...

In honor of Veteran's Day, I took a few pictures of the boys waving American Flags.  They weren't too amused by the picture taking process. They would rather run around and play, but I did manage to get a couple of good pictures.

Thank you to all our veterans on Veteran's Day!  Active duty, reserves, and retired.  Growing up in a military family has given me a great appreciation for everything you do serving your country.

To my Dad, a US Navy retiree, my Papa, a US Navy retiree, Mr. Morrow, a US Navy retiree, my brother Jeremy, active duty Marine Corp, and everyone else who serves, I'm proud of you!   You are doing a great job, and you are appreciated!

Getting Crayon out of Carpet

If you were ever curious, OxiClean takes crayon right out of carpet without a huge mess.

The reason I know this is Jackson wanted to color this morning.  Jackson colored while Cullen attempted to color.  I decided to print out some Thanksgiving coloring pages for the boys.

The kids' activity table is right next to the computer desk.  When I'm using the computer upstairs, the boys play directly behind me.  I can't see them, but I can hear them.  Hmm... maybe I should rethink the placement of the table.  As I'm printing out coloring pages, I hear a thump.  I look back and see a huge mess!

Jackson colored while Cullen attempted to eat the crayons.  After taking the initial crayon out of Cullen's mouth, I see crayon pieces all of the floor.  Normally, no big deal.  Today, the pieces were smeared into the carpet since the crayons wet.  Viola!  Crayon on the carpet.

As I'm processing this, I hear more munching.  I turn around to find a dog, Thibie, eating crayons!  Seriously!  The dog has more food allergies than you can imagine, and she's eating a crayon!  Not a little one either.  She's got at least half a crayon already down here throat.  Great....

Yes, OxiClean takes crayon right out of carpet.

And I get the lovely task of picking up colored dog poo tomorrow!  What a day.

What Child Safety Lock, Mom?

What do mean I'm not supposed to be in here?

Jackson did not figure out these child safety locks for quite awhile.  Cullen not so much.  He figured out how to open the cabinets before he turned one year old.

This is why I have magnetic child safety locks on express delivery.  I'm tired of saying, "No, Cullen." twenty times a day.

Running Away, Running Away Fast

Why is it Jackson feels this need to run away from me in public?  It's not just me either.  Andrew gets to experience this lovely phenomena as well.

It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing.  If Jackson sees an opportunity to run to get to where he wants to go (even if it is in the complete opposite direction he needs to be going), he takes it and bolts.

I took Jackson and Cullen to the park this morning.  As I'm getting Jackson out of the car, I specifically state, "Do not run off today."  He answers, "OK."  I'm thinking, finally, I'm making progress!  Yes!

After about 20 minutes of running around with another kid, he decides to bolt and run towards the lake.  The lake is about 100 yards from the playground, give or take.  I yell at him to come back when he's about 20 feet from me.  Of course, he looks back laughs and runs faster.  During all of this, Cullen is walking around the benches.

I take off to go get Jackson, since previous experience has taught me, he will not come back on his own.  I catch up to him about half way down to the lake. I get him to change directions and run back up hill toward the playground.  Thankfully, another mom watched Cullen for me at the playground.

Jackson also did it yesterday in Home Depot while I was holding Cullen.  Andrew was talking to a sales associate, so I couldn't get assistance quick enough.  I dashed for about 20 feet before I got everyone to come to a sudden stop.

He ran away after I took him to communion with me at church on Saturday!  I was mortified!  Thankfully, the deacon and usher just smiled at me and shook their heads at him.

Now I ask, why is it no one else seems to have the "runner" kid?  I get funny looks all the time from other parents when he takes off in parks, stores, parking lots, etc.  He runs without a second glance back.  It's not my fault he decides he wants to compete in the 100 yard dash all of the sudden.  Does not one other parent experince this running phenomena?  Am I the lone person whose kid loves to run off?

On a good note, the running keeps me on my toes and in shape!  I'm just hoping Cullen does not pick up this habit.

I Forgot What!

I went outside in the backyard to play with the boys this morning.  After about 10 minutes of Jackson hitting the baseball off the tee, Cullen walked over to the slide.

Cullen crawls up the slide and slides down.  As he slides down and into my waiting arms (he can't stop himself before being flung onto the ground), I notice he has a wet spot on his jeans.  I pick him up to determine what has caused the spot.  After first I though it was morning dew from the slide, but the slide was clear.  I go check to see if his diaper leaked to find he doesn't have a diaper on!

Right before we went outside, I had changed Cullen's diaper and didn't put a new one on him.  I just put his jeans on leaving him to go commando.

I have no idea what I was thinking, but I had to laugh at myself!

It's Jesus, Mommy!

After a very busy day yesterday, I was worn out by late afternoon.  I pretty much let the boys have free rein of the house as long as no one got hurt.

I hear Jackson shouting something in the front room.  I couldn't figure out what he was saying.  Toddler speak is a completely different language.  For example, Jackson told me, "I want a pretzel."  It took me about 2 minutes to figure out it was pretzel he was saying because I was interpreting it as, "I want a pistol."  Yep, glad he was saying pretzel in the end.

So after shouting a few more times, he comes running into the kitchen.  He runs up to me showing me the cross I keep on the foyer table saying, "It's Jesus, Mommy!" with a huge smile on his face.

My heart melted a little in that moment.

Parenting is an Exercise in Patience

"Patience is a virtue" was quoted quite often in my house as I was growing up.  My mother often told me how I needed to be more patient.  I even learned a patience song in kindergarten at my Catholic school starting off with, "Have patience, have patience...."

If you haven't guessed it, I can be an impatient person when it comes to certain things.  I won't deny it.  I've embraced this as a part of personality and relish in it.  It has often come in handy when things have come up, and I didn't have the patience to wait for change so I did it myself.  It comes in handy, now and then.

Why am I bringing this up?

Because my patience is tried every day lately.  My boys grow leaps and bound every day which is great.  However, there are things I wish they would hurry up and learn already.  Or I'm doing my best to be patient in the event they are wreaking havoc in my house.

Examples of what I am talking about:

1) I have both crying and wanting to be held after nap time.  Walking around with 50 lbs of cranky children attached to you can try any one's patience.

2) Pulling Cullen away from the fireplace and rocks he continually tries to put in his mouth.

3) Telling Jackson no for the um-teenth time.

At times like these, I have to take a deep breath and realize I'm no Saint.  I'm imperfect and my impatience is part of that imperfection.  I have gained a lot more patience since becoming a parent.  I am not the end all, be all picture of patience.  Despite this, I keep going and realize it gets better.  For every bad day I have, I have three times as many good days.  So bring it!  I can take it!

For all you Non-Morning People

Ever since we put Jackson into a toddler bed back in July, he has been waking up early.  Early as in around 6:30am.  Now, Andrew and I are not what you would call "happy morning people."  Yes, we can get up early, function, work and complete tasks.  However, do not mistake functioning and performing work as me being happy about it or even finding humor in anything before I've had the chance to truly wake up, eat breakfast and get some coffee into my system.

As a parent of an early riser, I due my parental duty of getting up and taking care of my child who is wide awake and ready for the world at some awful hour in the morning.

Last Saturday, Jackson woke up particularly early, even for him.  After a couple of sleepy attempts of getting him to go back to his own bed, I gave up.  He was hungry (per usual) and requesting substinance.  Into the kitchen we went in search of food.

Later in the morning (around 9am) when I'm getting ready in my bathroom, I hear a partial conversation between Jackson and Andrew.  The snippet I hear is Andrew saying:

"Well, if you're so tired, stop waking up so early!"

Just this piece alone had me laughing out loud, so I went to investigate.

The entire conversation was around Jackson going into his room, getting his blankie, pointing to the CD player and telling Andrew, "I'm tired. Nap time."  Which was followed by Andrew's previous statement.

Jackson did not get his nap time at 9am, but it does put a smile to my face when I remember how much of a non-morning person Andrew is as well.

Fall Fun Festival

Jackson captivated by the jugglers

Every year the Parks and Recreation Department puts on their annual Fall Fun Festival in the park for toddlers the morning of Halloween.  Andrew and I took the boys this morning.

I love going to this festival!  They have games geared toward toddlers, hay rides, and refreshments.  Kids are dressed in all kinds of Halloween costumes.  Jackson was dressed as Maverick from Top Gun.  Awesome idea on my part for a costume!  Even some of the parents are dressed up!  This year the festival had circus performers including jugglers.  Jackson loved the jugglers!  We had to pull him away from them because he would have watched them the entire day.  Both boys received a treat bag filled with trinkets, candy and a book.  This was free to all participants.  How awesome is that?!

I used to work for the Parks and Recreation Dept.  Part of my job included helping to plan, organize and create this event.  I understand how many man hours it takes to pull off such an event.  Far more than any actually realizes.  It is a long, involved, and detail oriented process which takes the collaboration of several people.   Most people attend these events and take for granted all the work and workers it takes to pull this festival together.  So a quick shout out to all the Parks and Recreation employees who organized, planned an executed this great festival!  Thank you for all your hard work!  You are definitely appreciated!

Cullen's 1st Birthday

Cullen's 1st Birthday was yesterday.  It was as first birthday's should be memorable, easy, and low key.  There was no huge celebration or gathering, just Andrew, Jackson, Cullen, and I.

Cullen's birthday wouldn't be special without cake or cupcakes in this case!  I made chocolate cupcakes with cookies and cream butter cream icing from scratch!  I was quite proud of myself.  Cullen loved the icing but was not a fan of the cupcake itself.  Jackson ate half of his cupcake which is great for him.  No icing was smeared everywhere but we got some cute pictures.

Andrew and I started to reminisce about Cullen's pregnancy and birth. Cullen was a wonderful surprise baby. We had always planned on having another child, but Cullen took us a little by surprise. We hadn't planned on having our children so close together. After the initial shock of realizing I was pregnant again, we took everything in stride. He and I knew what to expect this go around. Cullen's birth was another surprise from him. He was a little over two weeks early and born on a Friday night.  As rest of the newborn stage is somewhat a blur from lack of sleep, I will just say Cullen was a totally different baby from Jackson.  The saying "no two kids are alike" definitely rang true in my house.

As I remember all of these things, I embrace what a miracle my two children are. I hope and pray they grow up to be strong, good men like their father.

Boys and Their Love of Food

For the past 4 months, I have been woken up by Jackson walking right up to my bed saying, "Strawberries" or "Banana" or "Waffle" or "Mommy, I'm hungee" or some sentence with these words combined.  Not a good morning Mommy/Daddy or any other form of greeting is issued.  And he always walks to my side of the bed, never Andrew's except on the exceptionally rare occasion.  My morning starts off with my two year asking for some form of food or milk constantly until his request (or order as I've come to realize it really is) is fulfilled.  This is followed by myself or my husband getting out of bed, padding to the kitchen, and getting Jackson something to eat.

The rest of my day has recently evolved into one of my sons asking for food/milk at least once an hour.  Since Cullen isn't talking except for the proverbial one year words, the conversation is pretty one sided on my part.  However with Jackson, the conversation usually goes:

Jackson: I want a fruit bar.
Me: No, Jackson finish your waffle/strawberries/banana.
Jackson: No. Fruit Bar.
Me: No, Jackson.  Finish (insert food)
Jackson: Hmph.... (he almost always finishes said food)

An hour later...

Jackson: I want a yogurt.
Me: Okay go sit down.

An hour later...

Jackson: Lunch time.
Me: No, its not lunch time. You can wait an hour for lunch.
Jackson: No, (insert said food item now asking for)
Me: No, go play.
Jackson: No, I want an apple.
Me: Ok. Let me go clean it off.

Lunch time then follows with a variety of food.  After his nap....

Jackson: Snack time.
Me: What do want for a snack?
Jackson goes into the pantry, peruses the many items before making a decision.  I usually counter whatever decision he makes with something else unless its a healthy item.

Not long after my husband gets home, but before actual dinner time, Jackson is asking for another snack.  This is either flatly denied by me or we allow him something if Andrew and I are snacking.  I'm not that mean to deny him food if I'm eating.  Well... most of the time.

Dinner time is typical.  After dinner, Jackson is generally good about not asking for anything else.  After the massive amount he ate during the day, he should be full! It just amazes me how much these kids eat.  Even Cullen can scarfce some food down when he wants too.

I'm told this love of food will continually get worse as both of my boys get older. I'm sure getting them to continue to eat healthy will also prove to be more challenging.

Its just another thing to love about my boys!  Food will always be the way to their hearts!

Busting out in Song

I love music.  I have my favorite genres just like everyone, but I'll listen to pretty much anything.  This was not always the case.  I grew up in the Northeast US.  I was not exposed to true, good country music until I moved South to Texas in my mid-to-late teens.  Even after moving, I refused to listen to country music for quite some time.  I received more exposure to it when I started going to some country bars and dance halls in college.  I can definitely hold my own with two stepping now!  After some time, I have really learned to enjoy country music.  Its still not my number one genre, but it has certainly made an appearance on my iPod as of late.

I listen to music a lot during the day.  Staying at home with the boys every day, I like to have background noise.  I get a lot of noise from the kids, but I find it soothing to have music playing in the background.  Its better than having the TV on in my personal opinion.  I'll sing lyrics in my house and car when the mood strikes me.  I'll even bust out a few dance moves.  There's nothing wrong with having fun!

Since I listen to significant amount of music, I have become very aware Jackson is now picking up on my love of music.  My first indication of this was when he would bust on song lyrics to songs playing. The correct words, mind you.  Not too mention he loves dancing!  His current favorite is Rascal Flatt's Life is a Highway.  Hence the mention of country music earlier.  He could have this song on repeat for hours, but I usually put a kibosh on it long before.

It's not only me Jackson gets his love of music from.  Andrew sang in choirs galore growing up.  He was in musicals, ensembles, etc.  Plus, Andrew has an absolutely fabulous voice!  I love it when I hear him bust out a song.  Especially if it one of my favorites.

With Andrew and I both appreciating it, I love the fact we, as parents, can pass this on to our children.  Music is a good escape from reality when we need it or can serve as a reminder of events in our past, good and bad.

So if you happen upon one of my children and they start singing along with a song or to their own beat, appreciate it.  Its a simple joy in life to relish in!

They're boys

Being a female, many things boys and men do escape me.  My boys do things, even as a toddler and one year old, I don't quite understand.  I try to make sense of some things but can't.  I ask my husband about some odd behavior; he looks at me shrugs and says, "They're boys."  I am supposed to accept that as a reason and move on?  Hmmm....

Here are just a few examples that have happened recently:

1) Cullen flipping over the laundry basket, climbing on top of it, then proceeding to try to climb over the back of the couch.  Yes people, he is 1.

2)  Jackson instantly thinking he is a football/baseball player because we happen to be watching a game on TV.  This usually encompasses him grabbing a football or baseball and bat, and proceeding to mimic whatever is on the screen.  Tackling, running, throwing, and hitting included.

3) Jackson feeling to the need to climb on top of the furniture and jump from piece to piece with no regard.

4)  The need of my boys to wrestle with each other.  My boys referring to all three men in my life, Andrew, Jackson and Cullen.  And it doesn't matter where they are.

I've come to the conclusion there are a lot of things that go on in my house I will not understand.  I am slowly coming to accept this as fact.  And maybe, just maybe, Andrew might be right.  They're boys.  It is what it is.

Exercising the demons out

With every job comes stress, no matter in what form.  I remember feeling stressed as a student in high school, college, and graduate school.  As a working professional, the stress changes but is still there.  It makes worrying about grades seem simple.

As a parent, the stress yet again changes.  You stress over the growth and development of your children.  The doctor's visits have milestones which your little one should be accomplishing.  You know the milestones are more guidelines because every child develops differently.  Although the argument makes perfect sense, for some reason, we still stress about them.  Once our child meets all the milestones, there's always another set or something else they need to learn as they develop.  It's a never ending cycle.
I will acknowledge my guilt in this.  I unconsciously and consciously worry about my child's development compared to the milestones and other children.  It's silly and does no good.  The only thing I get out of it is additional stress to which I really don't need.

This brings me to the entire point of my rant, stress management.  Every person copes differently with stress.  I use exercise as stress management.  Being a former fitness professional, it's no surprise.  I enjoy working out and working up a sweat (gasp!).  Contrary to popular belief, working up a good sweat makes me feel like I accomplished something positive in my day.

Exercising my demons out, as the saying goes.  Yes, stress is a negative in my life.  I would prefer to live without it.  Unfortunately, I don't live in utopia so that's not going to happen.  Carving out a little time for myself at least three days out of the week de-stresses me.   Taking a little time to myself amongst the chaos of my life is not selfish but self preservation.  A positive!  WooHoo!

With Cullen's one year well check appointment coming up, I'm going to make an effort not to stress about his development.  He's a healthy almost one year old boy who is discovering and learning something new every day.  I can't ask for anything better!

Quarter words

Yesterday, we were all eating lunch.  Jackson looks over at Andrew and says, "These chips are delicious. Mmmm!"  He continues with, "The chips are bea-ooo-tiful. Yes!"  Then proceeds to shove three large potato chips in his mouth.

Now Jackson has two new quarter works (as Andrew and I dubbed them yesterday) beautiful and delicious.

Black Eye

Jackson is in preschool.  This past week was Picture Day.  Two days before picture day, Jackson is playing in another room.  I hear running followed by a thunk, then followed by crying.

Now if you have kids, you know there are several different kinds of crying.  To go into the number of different cries would require a crazy amount of time.  Lets just say as a parent, you know all the different cries your own kids have.

The crying that commences is definitely the hurt cry.  I go running in there with Cullen on my hip to find Jackson on the floor.  After the calming down period, I'm able to discern what and where he is trying to tell me hurts.  I immediately see his eye turning black and blue already.  This all took place within the matter of 30 seconds.  Seeing as I'm an American Red Cross instructor and teach people lifesaving skills, I knew instantly it was going to be bad.  The ice goes on, and the complaining of it being cold starts.  Yep, he's going to be just fine.

When my husband gets home, I show him the eye.  The first thing out of his mouth is, "Oh and picture day is this week."  That's when I realized he would be having a nice black eye for his 2 year old class picture. 

What can I say?  My son loves to make things memorable. :)

The Beginning

This is my new blog.  Welcome!  I'm hoping to capture some of the more memorable moments of my life here.  Those moments might not always be pretty or picture perfect, but that is life.

I'm hoping at least you get a little laugh at some things that happen here.  I look back at a lot of things and realize how ridiculous they are.  Of course not always at the time do I realize this, but looking back definitely.  I have learned to laugh at myself over the years because my family would not have it any other way.

Speaking of my family, I have two wonderful boys.  Jackson who is 2 years old, and Cullen who will be turning 1 year old in one week.  Its crazy how time flies.  My husband, Andrew, is the best man I know.  I won't go all mushy and tell you how crazy I am about him, but let's just say he gets me.  We don't live by any extended family.  Its just the four of us trudging along and making the best of things.

Happy reading and laugh when you can!