Mommy Life and Me

Potty Training

2011-09-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

Can be such a pain.

Ten Years

2011-09-03T04:18:00.002-05:00

Look what "we" have become...

It hasn't always been pretty,
but it sure has been worth it.

Happy Anniversary Honey!

I'm great!

2011-08-29T11:18:00.003-05:00

At back to school night, I sat at Brinley's desk
eager to hear all about kindergarten policy & procedures
...and was greeted with this:

I am great.
It is written :)

First Day of School - 2011

2011-08-19T13:15:00.009-05:00

Back to school?

What?
But I'm posting these pictures from the 'Summer 2011' album!

Anytime the high is 106 degrees, it's summer.
No matter what the season, we're heading back to school.

It's official...

I have a kindergartener and a 1st grader!

Finally, for the 1st time, going to the SAME school!
And...another 1st...both going ALL day!

Bo, caught up in the excitement, running after the bus to catch a ride...

Someone should tell him he's stuck here with me.

Off they go...

Happy First Day, Ben & Brin!
XOXO

The Great American Road Trip -Random Pics

2011-08-09T13:37:00.020-05:00

The first night (in Nebraska) we had a cool suite with bunk beds for the kids

It also had a television

Brinley's new interest - brushing her own hair!

Relaxing in the car with beebee.

They practically lived in the blankets once we got to the condo in Big Sky.

My monkey

The rest are scenery...most picniked.

Moose tracks - Ben & I got up early to watch, but we never saw them....just Elk.

The Church in Big Sky

The playground in Big Sky.
Seriously, even the playground is beautiful.

Fishing at the kid pond.

There was a fair & arts festival.
Really neat stuff but I went alone.

Near Casper, Wyoming

Another in Wyoming, taken while going down the highway.

Casper, Wyoming

" The Great American Road Trip 2011"The end.

The Great American Road Trip - Battle of Little Bighorn

2011-08-09T10:30:00.013-05:00

The stop to visit the Little Bighorn Battle site was an impromptu decision.
But it proved to leave a lasting impression.

First, I didn't realize it was a National Cemetery.
Most of these people died in the "Indian Wars", including General Custer (upper left),
but there are a few from WWI, WWII, and Korea.

All around there are billboards for "Custer's Battlefield", "Fort Custer" and "Custer's Last Stand" and I found out that Little Bighorn Battlefield had only recently, in 1991 been renamed from in an effort to include both sides of the story.

Yes, this was the site of General Custer's Last Stand against the Native Americans.

The plaque reads:

A Clash of Cultures
"Sitting Bull - You are fools to make yourselves slaves to a piece of fat bacon, some hard tack , and a little sugar and coffee"
He was the spiritual leader of the Lakota, shunned the reservation way of life
in favor of their traditional nomadic hunting ways.

"President Ulysses S. Grant - to Christianize and civilize the Indian
and to train him in the arts of peace"
He issued an ultimatum that all Indian who were not on the reservations by January 31st, 1876 would be brought by force.

This tomb on Last Stand Hill, placed in 1881, marks the burial spot of Gen. Custer and his 7th Calvary Regiment, although his remains were later moved to West Pointe Cemetery.
They were outnumbered by about 2,000 of Lakota-Northern Cheyenne & Arapaho Indians.

The markers in the fenced area show where each man, including Custer, fell.

And, there are markers all over the hillside, 249 total, a haunting reminder of where each of the soldiers fell,
making this the most unique battlefield in the U.S.

Only recently have a handful of red granite markers been placed on the field.
They read
"A Cheyenne Warrior fell here on June 25, 1876
while defending the Cheyenne way of life".

I learned that most Native Americans were respecting the Peace Treaty of 1868 and staying in their designated area. But in 1874 gold was discovered in the Black Hills and their land was being overrun, causing them to leave and resume raids on the new settlements & travelers infringing on their domain.

Thus, military force began.
As you know, the Indians eventually lost the battle for their way of life.
If you want to learn more about our ancestry now you can travel to a reservation or a museum.

So, I gotta wonder:
Was the West won...or was it really lost?

The Great American Road Trip -Triathlon

2011-08-09T10:30:00.001-05:00

Daddy finds time for a triathlon wherever he goes!
Our last morning in Montana was spent cheering him on.

The Great American Road Trip - Horseback Riding

2011-08-08T19:49:00.014-05:00

Here we are, ready to ride.

Cowboys shop at Gap, too.

Now for that view...

I know it looks like a back drop. It's not.
Yes, I will be framing this.

Petting a (once) wild mustang.
This was especially cool because the kids had been watching the movie "Spirit"
about a wild mustang on the trip up.

She's up.
And the smile is on...

Ben isn't too sure about this saddle thing..
Brin is still smiling.

Looking back, still smiling.

Bo chillin'.
I'm pretty sure he's okay simply because he doesn't have to walk.

Happy Trails

She's in heaven.
I seriously think she would have stayed on Peanut for hours.

My resolution:
Get her on a horse more often.
I mean, we do live in Oklahoma after all.
She shouldn't have to go to Montana to ride, although the view is a heckuvalot nicer.

The Great American Road Trip - Museum of the Rockies

2011-08-08T15:37:00.014-05:00

The Museum of the Rockies at MSU
Curator of Paleontology - World Renowned Jack Horner
He has named discovered & named several dinosaurs and was a technical advisor for the Jurassic Park movies.

The kids standing in front of "Big Mike" one of the most complete T. Rex fossils ever found.

Mammoth Skull

I gotta admit, although we came here for the dinosaurs (all found in Montana, btw) the exhibit lacked the pizazz needed to keep the kids interested. Ben & Brinley mostly played with the dinosaur toys & dinosaurs puzzles while Ben enjoyed the planetarium show.
I thought we had completely wasted our money until I spotted this:

Tinsley house, 1889
Living History Museum

Built in Gallatin Valley and relocated here on 10 acres. It is a real, working, historic gem.
Upstairs in the bedroom (once the boys' room) Ben learned how to weave.

And he was having so much fun, he was reluctant to let Brinley try
but finally decided to let her have a turn.
The ladies told him how men used to do most the weaving and were thought to be the best. I overheard him telling a friend about it the other day!

I almost couldn't get them out of here!

Some cotton drying out back.
The ladies had just spun it and dyed it with "ink" from the flowers out front!

In fact, there was food in the "ice box" and the oven was still warm from the food they grew, then prepared earlier that day...the old fashioned way.

Ben discovered the working water pump.

And so did Brin..
but there was 1 rule: don't waste the water!

So they went to work, watering the gardens.

They went back several times to fill up & water.
Bryce and I decided they might have actually made it back in the old days.

Bo found a swing.
He's not into physical labor.

This is my favorite picture...

Mrs. Tinsley's pink "washing machine".

Living History Museum - 5 thumbs up.

The Great American Road Trip -Yellowstone

2011-08-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

We spent only 1 day at Yellowstone and chose to explore the lower loop of the park.
Ben did a little rock climbing during our first stop at Firehole Canyon.

shh, daddy had to help him down.

Waterfalls, rivers, forest...seriously, the beauty is everywhere!

Yellowstone, in case you didn't know, has the highest concentration of
active geysers in the entire world!
So, there's more than just Old Faithful here and we made a few stops...

These are called the Fountain Paint Pots because of their color.

Amazingly clear...

some more active than others...

This one is a mud pot or mud volcano.
But we call it "gooey geyser" from an episode of Dora :)

Sulfuric Pools of fun!
Ben instructing Brinley what would happen if she stepped off the walkways.

Here she is!

We take a seat and wait...

for the show.

We spot more buffalo...
And besides our Yellowstone Wildlife animal cookies, this was about all the wildlife we saw :(

Unexpected breathtaking Yellowstone Lake

Upper Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Bo has had about all the fun he can take so he finds a log.

We're pretty tuckered too so we head back to Big Sky,
with vision of geysers dancing in our head.

The Great American Road Trip - Ousel Falls

2011-08-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

So, here we are...Big Sky, Montana!

The actual destination part of the road trip.

This is from our condo balcony.
Heaven.
...or pretty close.

We had to explore and went on a hike to Ousel Falls.

No worries-
we had a bear spray carrying, hatchet wielding doctor to protect us!

MY main concern was keeping Bowen (or any other little people)
from tumbling off the trail...

River photo-op!

Ben took this.
He's actually a better photographer than Bryce.
(sorry, Bryce)

Taking a break.

The Falls!

Did you spot Bryce?

Someone needed a ride on the hike back.
He actually fell asleep!

no comment.

My favorite picture of the day.
Ben giving Brin a piggy back ride because she was tired.
Even surrounded with beauty, this is what it's about.

And no, we never saw a bear.

The Great American Road Trip -Mt. Rushmore/Black Hills

2011-08-04T09:26:00.001-05:00

Our next stop:

(btw -don't ever stay here)

But this is what we were there for....
the Awe Inspiring Mt. Rushmore

If it's not on your bucket list, go ahead and pencil it in.
Well, unless you just want to be un-American ;)

Where's Bo?

He wanted to be in Mommy's picture.

Our next adventure was panning for gold.
Ben was begging and we were in the City of Gold, right?

shake it, shake it...

We didn't strike it rich.

Leaving the next day we took the scenic route through Black Hills National Forest.
Going through a tunnel we had one more look back at Rushmore...

We crossed paths with a herd of buffalo (American bison)

We saw a couple head butting each other and another was so close I could have stuck my arm out the window to pet it. Not that I would dare.
Does he look like he wants to be petted?

Their deep bellows were scaring Ben. He was afraid they were going to charge the car.
Next time you see Bowen, ask him what a buffalo sounds like.
He's pretty accurate.

The Great American Road Trip -Carhenge

2011-08-03T14:10:00.011-05:00

Yes, I gave our vacation a title.
Although, as my husband said, traveling with 3 kids is not a vacation so
"road trip" is more accurate.
I love road trips.

What's in Nebraska?
Corn, cows and carhenge.
Carhenge being the most exciting of the three.

So we made it our first touristy stop.

We got to stretch our legs
and I got to pretend I was a photographer for a little while :)

Thanks so much to my boys who sat on this hot bench for mommy...
just because I loved the colors.
XOXO

Unlike some other family members who retreated to the car...but I won't name names.

HP7

2011-08-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

The release of the very last Harry Potter movie happen to coincided with my little HP fan, Ben's 7th birthday this year.
Once again, we attended Bright Nights at The Museum of Science but this time we let
Luna Lovegood go with us!

She left before the movie and didn't sleep in the museum, but she was happy just to be there and make her wand, and troll boogers :)

The next week was party time!
We ate Slytherin sliders, and drank polyjuice potion then played quidditch, and had a scavenger hunt!

I think he had fun ;)

Happy 7th Birthday!

2011-07-22T06:38:00.004-05:00

Ben,
This is it. My favorite smile. The one that puts my heart at ease.
It's so relaxed...quietly confident. As if you know how much you are loved.
Impossible.

Seven years ago today you changed our lives. Took them over really, but that's okay because watching you go from our little "boogie" to our big boy "bub" has been something else.

You still don't do sleep overs because there's no place you would rather be than with us. And I don't care if that ever changes :)
You are always seeking an adventure and will climb anything but won't step foot on a roller coaster.
Your favorite color is yellow.
You love legos, gogos, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones & Star Wars but Daddy is your hero.

You once told me you want to build homes when you grow up so you can build Bowen & Brinley houses right next door to you and build Mommy & Daddy one on the other side.
You want to marry "a cute girl."

My witty, brave, mischievous little boy, I don't know what you will grow up to do or achieve but I do know how awesome it will be to watch you every step of the way.

Happy Birthday!!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Four weeks...really?

2011-07-13T13:23:00.006-05:00

This was taken when we enjoyed a private tour of Braum's Dairy last month.
Love me some Braum's. Did you know Mr & Mrs. Braum still live on the farm? And their low fat milk has so much more protein & good stuff than other brands?
Anyway, I digress....

Between, working, packing, moving & unpacking....I did not pick up my camera for 4 weeks!!
Shame on me.

But yesterday when I knew I had to capture these little faces!

So happy for a break from the heat.

So happy to see some wet stuff.

Meet our new family members...

2011-06-14T08:37:00.005-05:00

Maverick
Yes, named for the 2011 World Champion Dallas Mavericks!

So of course he's a great fish :)

And..
Rainbow

Who stays like this most of the time and who's water is dirty immediately after changing it.
Not sure how much longer Rainbow will be with us...
because I'll be returning her to Petsmart soon, of course.
Did you know you could do that?

Sprinkle in a little fun

2011-06-03T12:53:00.008-05:00

Two wheelin'

2011-05-31T20:52:00.006-05:00

Brinley decided to get a jump start on her summer goal and lose those training wheels!

She is able to ride on her own for a little bit...

But is still very apprehensive...

or maybe just blinded by that hair in her face?

And she only wants Daddy to help...

"Thanks Daddy...Mommy lets me fall."

Jumping for Joy!

2011-05-27T21:52:00.005-05:00

The kind of joy only the last day of school can bring.

Truth be told, it took Brinley a little bit to muster the joy. She loves school and will miss her teacher terribly.

Ben, not so much.

Looking forward to spending my summer days with these little faces.

Whatever floats your boat...

2011-05-26T15:04:00.004-05:00

My taste tester

2011-05-23T14:49:00.003-05:00

Bowen, Icing Dept.

Date with the Mavs

2011-05-22T08:27:00.002-05:00

And this guy :)

Jr. Dolphin Revue

2011-05-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

"Start spreading the news...we're leaving today.

We're gonna be a part of it....First Grade, First Grade!"

Muddin'

2011-05-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

Just wait until he's 16.

Touch-a-truck

2011-05-17T08:59:00.005-05:00

It can be a little loud at first....

Until you are the one climbing up in the big truck, honking the horn!

And exploring every gadget.

Climbing on every truck there.

Chick Fil-A Campout

2011-05-15T15:12:00.007-05:00

What do you do at a Chick Fil-A Campout?
Have F-U-N!

But first, we have to get into character...
hello, little fox.

hello, missster sssnake.

They both eat chicken, right?

Bo even got in on the fun before heading home with daddy.
Nice to meet you, Batman.

The evening consisted of bouncing, hammering...

...coloring, playing basketball, throwing chickens, catching parachuting cows.

All ending with us snuggling up in blankets (mostly for warmth) in the parking lot watching Toy Story 3, having hot chocolate, cupcakes & popcorn...at which point we called it quits and went home.
Because staying all night wasn't going to work out with daddy's work schedule. And well, the low was about 40 degrees.
We'll catch the camp out next time, promise ;-)

Mother's Day delights

2011-05-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

Ben's class made a cookbook and each child chose their favorite dish and supplied the "recipe". He even included that you need to "let it cool" because I'm notorious for serving food hot.

I love his quote "I love my mom because I just love her from the bottom of my heart!"
Aww, love that boy!

Little fyi - I have made him hamburger helper 2 times in his life.

Brinley's class hosted a Mother's Day Tea.
She greeted me, curtsied, presented me with a flower, hat and card.
Then served me tea & snacks followed by a couple of songs.
Sweetest Tea Party ever!

Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.

~Lin Yutang

Favorite Foto Friday

2011-05-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

New window

2011-05-03T08:21:00.004-05:00

Once I had a little white tooth,
it wiggled to and fro.
So I gave it to the tooth fairy
in exchange for a window.

Bittersweet Goodbye

2011-05-02T15:12:00.004-05:00

Today we said goodbye to the crib.
It has been bounced on, climbed on, and slept in by all 3 of my babies.
It has been both loathed & loved.
It will be passed on to a new baby.

My babies aren't babies anymore.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

2011-05-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

To get to Nece & Pawpaw's house!

"Regard it just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral"
~Frank Loyd Wright

The kids getting their chicken skills on - herding[clap-clap], catching & putting them to sleep.

You may recognize this chick...

from just a few weeks ago!

What did the hen say when she saw the scrambled eggs?
My children are all mixed up!

Favorite foto Friday - Easter edition

2011-04-29T11:26:00.012-05:00

oh wait...not that one.

definitely not...keep your hands to yourself!

The camera's up here...hello.

Now kids are disappearing.

Hey, I said hands to yourself!

Okay, that's it.

Zoom, crop...my favorite photo of the boys.

My fave of Bo.
My fave of Brin.

My fave of Ben.

My favorite crazy family!

Legoland Discovery Center

2011-04-28T14:12:00.010-05:00

"It is a faintly spiritual activity that everybody connects with " ~James May , lego fan.

I was so excited when I saw Legoland was coming to Texas and immediately picked a weekend for us to go. The kids were counting the days, watching "The Adventures of Clutch Powers" and planning away.

We arrived Friday (Good Friday) right about noon. A holiday, yes, but I knew most schools were in session to make up snow days. All smiles when we arrived at Grapevine Mills Mall...
Oh, how foolishly optimistic I was!

There was a wait...luckily there were Legos a-plenty!

Kids had enough time to build things like this...

Legos are awesome but even they don't make up for a three hour wait!
The natives were restless (um, okay they aren't really natives since they were born in California) but I was not giving up and finally they let us in.

And I got to see Lego Mini Dallas (my favorite part), so cute!

Ya know he had to try it out - tough guy face and all!

Anything made of Legos that you can climb in/on is pretty cool in my book.

Honestly by the time we made it inside the excitement had left the building.
It was smaller than I expected, the kids on the playground (similar to McDonald's) were way too big and the pink Princess room was a huge disappointment. We rode one ride (there are 2 total) and skipped the 4-D movie since there was NO way we were waiting in line again and spent most of our time picking out Legos in the gift shop.

Not a total dud since I had coupons for free kids tickets but my advice:
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Go during the week, during the school year - no where near a holiday!

Or just wait until they go out of style ;-)

The gift of Easter

2011-04-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

He is risen!

Easter is my favorite holiday. I realize I'm in the minority because Christmas get so much attention... Don't get me wrong, I love baby Jesus as much as anyone! He is a gift and everyone thought He was sent to rule the world...like sit high on a throne in an Earthly palace and rule as king.
Now we know His plan - to walk among us and spread God's word.
To save our souls.

Jesus, who lived a perfect life, hung on that cross for me. That is the ultimate gift.
"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loves us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved "
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)

And all we have to do is accept this gift...
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it"
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

What an awesome gift!
And I thank my Lord every day for knowing I could not make it to Heaven on my own.

Rejoice in His perfect love, His gift.

Happy Easter!

Love is in the air

2011-04-19T20:12:00.001-05:00

Ben hopped in the car today and proudly announced that he has a girlfriend!
It took him days to work up the courage to ask her, but she said yes and he drew a picture so we could remember this day.

Gaga for go-go's

2011-04-16T15:50:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday I strolled into Walgreen's in search of sunscreen.
As I paid, the cashier said "You can take one of these..they're free" and pointed to a bowl filled with little packages. "What are they?" I asked but she didn't know.

Not one to pass up a freebie, I grabbed one and only one then headed back to the soccer field.

I freaked out when Ben opened it because I was afraid it was candy, or some supplement/stimulant and took it away to inspect.

It was this little blue guy.

And little did I know what I started....

These are Go-Go's Crazybones...go-go's for short.
They don't do anything but my kids love them.
They are quiet, easy to store, and make great bargaining tools.
They have invaded.

Un-pluggits Art & Play Studio

2011-04-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

It has it all..so long as it doesn't need to be plugged in!

Slides..

Pirate Ships...

Painting...

Even for the little artists :)

Wolf Boy

2011-04-13T14:20:00.002-05:00

"I just now realized that I am half werewolf, half boy"
~Ben, this morning

At the races

2011-04-11T14:34:00.015-05:00

Relaxing...

I know, not your usual family outing.

But, it was something different :)
Bo loved watching the horses "go real fast"!

But we were actually there for this...

Ostrich & Camel races.

And now that I've seen it, I'm pretty sure it's inhumane...
at least Ostrich racing, not so much camels or horses.

Mostly they just wanted to play and soak up the day...
and discover little friends that weren't so fast.

Happy Birthday Brinny-Girl !

2011-04-01T08:47:00.006-05:00

Brinley~
Just the other day you told me "My eyes are beautiful...know how I know?"
I said "well, they are but how do you know?"
You said "because you told me so it must be true".

I love that trust! Luckily, you also trust in the Lord because Mommy won't have the answers forever. You are an awesome little girl inside & out and we love watching you grow even if it is bittersweet.

You are full of joy. So bubbly, giggly and a little pouty....everything a girl should be!
Your brothers are lucky to have you. You are always nurturing Bowen, holding his hand on the playground and cheering on Ben, no matter if he's playing soccer or at home playing Wii.

You just learned to make your bed, like a big girl should. But don't usually stay in it all night because you love, love to cuddle with us.

Your favorite colors are pink & purple and anything that sparkles.
You love to bake, paint, and get crafty.

Your favorite toys are animals - plastic, stuffed or real. You pretend to be a puppy, kitty, lamb, bunny and horse, complete with "horse language" and "horse dancing".
Did I mention you are hilarious?
And you want to be a veterinarian with you grow up.

You are Daddy's girl and Mommy's sidekick.
We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful daughter.

Happy Birthday big girl!
We love you,
Mommy & Daddy

Dear Tooth Fairy...

2011-03-22T08:19:00.001-05:00

The sweet note I was greeted with last night:

Translation:

Dear Tooth Fairy ,
I want to give some of my candy to Brinley and me.
I want Brinley to have a wiggly tooth tomorrow.
I want to have Mario toys.

Ben David Lokey

Spring Break

2011-03-20T14:23:00.000-05:00

Can I just say...I have the best job.
And this is why: I get to spend all of Spring Break with my kids and still get paid.
Going to the OKC Zoo with friends to see our elephants' BIG return...

Getting to spend some time picnicking back home with family...

And flying kites.

Happy Spring!

2011-03-15T21:22:00.001-05:00

Sunshine, Spring Break & Tulips.

There's no hugging in soccer!

2011-03-13T08:03:00.009-05:00

Or at least there's not supposed to be...
but hey, the only 2 girls on the team have to stick together.

It was the first game so it took the coach awhile to figure out he would have to split them up.
But Brinley eventually got around to business
and stopped these boys from scoring.

Bo had a good morning...

only running onto the field a handful of times
and otherwise acting like a big boy.

Ben's team has moved up to the 8 & under division, despite being mostly 6 year olds.
I was shocked to see their "new" playing field - enormous!

And they have goalies this year, which Ben is psyched about...
because he likes to stop a score.

But he still like to get out and battle for the ball too!

So proud of them!
Hello, Spring Soccer. We're the Lokeys.

Crazy has a name..

2011-03-03T08:28:00.009-06:00

And it's C-i-N-d-i

I may be losing it, ya'll.

I actually got everyone dressed, hair combed & all, then rushed up to the school (to get a good parking spot, of course) for Brinley's Open House only to be greeted with a completely empty parking lot because I was a day early!

As many of you know I've been lucky enough to start my own childcare business from home. It's really a blessing to be with my own kiddos and also do my part to support the family.

It just so happens that this is the first week of soccer (with practice @5:30 two nights a week) and it's my first week with a full house of kids (attending 3 different schools) and then there's that darn Open House thrown in to push me over the edge, lol!

I'm so afraid of dropping a ball, whether it be the mom ball, housekeeper ball, wife ball, taxi ball or childcare provider ball...that I'm wound up tight this week.

This is not me - I am not used to a strict daily schedule. I do not make out menus weeks in advance.

But I am learning and hopefully I will find my groove.

Luckily, I have the best family!!

My dear husband has granted me a reprieve from dinner this week, because honestly I don't know how I would have time to make it anyway and be at the soccer field by 5:30. I could seriously get used to that.

My children have been awesome! Opening their homes, rooms, toys & mealtimes to virtual strangers. I am truly proud of them.

I heard a wonderful analogy this week that was something like this:

Life is like the tango. You are dancing along but you have to pay close attention to the music and be ready to pivot & head in a new direction when needed.

This is me, crazy mom, pivoting.

Favorite Foto Friday

2011-02-25T07:53:00.004-06:00

It's a tie!
There's this little jewel of evidence -
I was taking sweet little kitty lovin' Brin's pic (trying out my new flash, yay) when Ben runs by and pushes her!
Not smart. Gotta save it for memory's sake, though.

And then there's Bo...

2 years, 24 lbs, 34.5 inches of silliness.

Happy Birthday Bo!

2011-02-18T06:34:00.000-06:00

Oh, my little boy, how I have loved watching you grow! Every single day of the past 2 years you have brought me joy in ways only you could. You are my fair child...serious and quiet but with that mischievous Lokey twinkle in your eyes.

You still love peek-a-boo games and flip out if anyone messes with mommy. Your can often be heard saying "oh, fall" and love reading "Where's my Sweetie Pie?", "Gossie", and "The Eye Book". You will do anything for a sucker.

You are such a boy - obsessed with all things football and "motorcysells" (motorcycles). You love your boots, "shooting" things and showing us how strong you are, lifting anything to prove it.

You know Elmo, Curious George, Harry Potter, Super Mario, and Barbie thanks to your big sister & brother who you imitate every chance you get.
When Ben is Luke, Brinley is Leia and you are "baby Han Solo". When Ben is Harry, Brinley is Hermione and you are "baby Ron" ready to "oo-fy" anyone who crosses your path.
You are my three musketeers.

You are the quintessential "baby" of the family - adored by us all!
Bowen, we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful completion to our family.
You are precious. You are loved.

Happy Birthday, my son!
Love,
Mommy

Marriage takes three

2011-02-17T13:00:00.003-06:00

As a Christian, I know God should be the center of our lives, our families.
And at the center of our family, our marriages.

As a human, I'm a little more hard headed and tend to figure things out on my own.
It took me awhile to realize that even if your spouse is Mr/Mrs. Right and you love them with your entire heart... marriage does, indeed, take three.

Anyway, I stumbled upon this poem and thought it was worth sharing:

I once thought marriage took
just two to make a go.
But now I am convinced
it takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails
where Christ is asked to enter.
As lovers come together
with Jesus at the center.

But marriage rarely thrives
and homes are incomplete
till He is welcome there
to help avert defeat.

In homes where Christ is first,
it's obvious to see
those unions really work,
for marriage still takes three.

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Old Ben

2011-02-16T13:29:00.003-06:00

You are looking at a ripe 100 year... I mean day old kindergartner!

And apparently they don't smile and they hold their bellies alot ;-)

With all the snow, he thought this day would never come.
Congratulations, Ben!

Snowcation, the sequel

2011-02-10T11:57:00.009-06:00

Another several inches of snow this week & a couple more days at home.
And this time Daddy got to spend a day at home with us!

Bowen can tolerate the cold for about 5 minutes...

otherwise I think he would have loved sledding.

Yes, I realize my "snow" pictures are mostly Ben...

But he has had the most fun!

Which is good to know so we won't plan a ski vacation for a couple more years.

Brinley was feeling better and got to join us.
that's a smile behind all that hair :)

Bryce tried his hand at snow surfing

A snowcation wouldn't be complete without a project.
This is Ben's box for his class "friendship" party...that would be Valentine's party to the rest of us.

ILU = I love you
He's too cool to spell it out, I guess.

Treats & Sneaks

2011-02-05T17:59:00.004-06:00

Brinley & I were treated to a little girl time at the mall today - Bryce's idea!
First we hit the nail salon, then the candy store before having lunch.

She came home with a new pup (surprise) and zebra striped fingers & toes.

Then we returned to find this...

Bryce sneaked in Bo's first haircut while we were gone!!
If I didn't know better, I would say our treat was actually a scheme to get us out of the house.
Daddy wins.

Favorite foto Friday

2011-02-04T16:49:00.003-06:00

This was the first day of the blizzard...

when snow was still magical.

Blizzard - Day 3

2011-02-03T23:16:00.000-06:00

The snow isn't going anywhere...and neither are we.
Ben is the only one wanting to go out today. He is itching to conquer these snowdrifts!

Haha, king of the mountain...

aaagh!

Mom, get one of this!

Indoor activities included making silhouettes.
So, just in case I wasn't already insane, I thought it would be fun to make my cabin-fever riddled children hold perfectly still while I traced them.

Turns out not to be the best activity, but I was persistent and they are pretty neat.
I will try to post them after I get them mounted.

Blizzard - Day 2

2011-02-02T22:23:00.002-06:00

We are still here!
And so is the snow.
Just because snow pictures start to all look the same...

And because I happened to have the ingredients in the pantry...

Pumpkin pie -
It's not just for Thanksgiving anymore.

2011 Blizzard

2011-02-01T22:54:00.009-06:00

It was our first blizzard.

Blizzards are cold.
Bo didn't care for it.

Back yard snowdrift.
I didn't measure it but it's taller than my kids...

and that's impressive enough for me.

And since you can only play about 15 minutes in a blizzard, we got a little crafty...

150 popsicle sticks $1, Dollar Tree
Bought yesterday...
'cause I'm smart like that.

Bringing Up Girls

2011-01-31T21:08:00.003-06:00

January is ending, and I can check another thing off my to-do list... reading Bringing Up Girls, by Dr. James Dobson. The thing about reading Dobson's books is that it leads you to read another, and another...darn him!

Again, I thoroughly enjoyed it and he managed to "put the fear of God" in me about those teenage years -which is a big focus of the book, but I'm doing my homework now. I think alot of parents assume that by high school their children are well, no longer "children" but he has sufficient evidence how much they still need us. I have to admit, I'm re-thinking returning to work (as assumed I would when the kids were older). It sounds like the teen years are alot like the toddler years, lol.

Of course his assessment of how very important fathers are to girls is no surprise. Having grown up with a predominantly absent father myself, I can attest to how that relationship defines a girl...and later a woman. I am so thankful my daughter has a father (and grandfather) who adore her. For the rest of us, we have our Heavenly Father.

I especially enjoyed the chapter "Why she is who she is" which explains the female brain. Did you know that in females mutual facial gazing will increase by over 400% in the first 3 months of life, whereas this response will not increase at all in boys during this time? Girls are just natural communicators. I guess this explains why I pick my daughter up from school and she starts to tell me all about her day before we even reach the car...then I pick up my son, ask him about his day and he replies "I played".

Although I will probably never send my daughter to finishing school, I agree manners are important. The conversation game was a neat exercise. Our culture would have us believe that "good girls" are scared & shy instead of modern ladies confident in their faith. A personal pet peeve of mine are shirts, wall hangings or anything else bragging qualities like "Diva", "Spoiled" or anything else meant to dumb down our girls...are these really traits to be proud of? Not in my house.

And I loved the charm bracelet story, in which a girl was presented with a bracelet dangling with tiny jewels and instructed that she could date anyone she wanted BUT there was a catch: she had to give the corresponding charm (pink quartz, ruby, sapphire, diamond) to the first boy who held her hand, her first kiss, her first boyfriend, etc. Her response? "These are insanely expensive! I can't just give them away!" Perfect symbolism.

Thumbs up, Dr. Dobson!

The best advice I can pass onto Brinley on dating...
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her"
~ Max Lucado

Favorite foto Friday

2011-01-28T10:02:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T17:50:00.004-06:00

Adventurers

2011-01-17T09:17:00.004-06:00

"We're not climbers....we're adventurers!"
~ Ben

The 60 degree Saturday called for an impromptu family photo,
even if our appearance didn't :)

Raising a girl

2011-01-14T08:26:00.005-06:00

This list of proverbs was compiled/written by Harry Harrison and included in Dr. Dobson's book "Bringing up Girls". It takes up a whole chapter of the book, and is aimed toward Dads - of course I was all teary by the end.

But for the sake of time, I'm just sharing my personal favorites:

Relish the moments when she toddles up and for no reason at all throws her arms around your neck. Resist the urge to buy her the world.
Let her see, by the way you treat your wife, the way a man is supposed to treat a women.
Make her a Valentine's Day card - every year.
Never, ever, make fun of her.
Encourage her to be kind... even to the girl nobody likes.
Don't tolerate her temper tantrums. Not now. Not when she's 15. Your home will be more peaceful for this.
Take long walks with her. If you listen, she'll eventually tell you everything that's on her mind.
Teach her that if she acts stupid to attract boys, she'll attract stupid boys.
Drag her to church...every week. She may not share your enthusiasm but after 18 years, the message will have sunk in.
Remember you're her definition of a man. If you drink, smoke, take drugs, chances are the men in her life will too.
Society is teaching her its values 24/7. You need to be more determined to teach her yours.
Remember if her home life is crazy, the rest of her life will be too.
Don't miss a recital, concert, play or any other performance of hers. Not now. Not until she graduates.
Tell her she is the daughter you always dreamed about.

Children are like snowflakes...

2011-01-10T21:10:00.005-06:00

no two...

or three...

are the same!

Bringing Up Boys

2011-01-07T08:09:00.002-06:00

Another one of my goals was to read more and although I love fiction, it just seems more justifiable if I read something that would enrich my life.
The first time I heard of "Bringing Up Boys" was from my old (and favorite) boss, years before I had children. My goal was to read it over our Christmas break, but it took me a little longer and I finished it last night. Tears in my eyes, of course.

I really enjoyed it. It seemed a little "preachy" sometimes but probably because I am so guilty. Most of the advice was common sense, Christian parenting 101.

Some things I had already come to a conclusion on, like school. I honestly don't believe I can home school my children without doing a disservice to them academically. I am not a teacher.
But, after having my children attend both public school & Christian school, I just decided I would prefer (when we can fund it) they be educated at a private Christian school. My son is in kindergarten so it didn't take me long to see the difference. Having my children celebrate at their "Winter" parties, without even mentioning Christ's birth just seemed detrimental to their little souls! We cannot compartmentalize our faith and leave it at the schoolhouse doors.

One of the most eye-opening views of Dr. Dobson was his on the Feminist Movement. As a female (raised by a single mother) it's hard to see woman's liberation as a negative thing. It just is. But the correlation of divorce rates (and therefore, disintegration of the American family) does shed a different light on it. I'm thankful that I (and my daughter!) have a choice to stay home, or pursue a career...or both. Unfortunately, the hardcore feminist got it wrong. Our society needs men. Our boys need fathers - plain & simple. A unisex world was not God's design.

Anyway, stepping down off my soapbox...I definitely recommend the book. It shed a little bit of light on what to expect as my children grow. How to keep our family tight and how monumentally important that is.
Sometimes when you feel life is out of control, as Dr. Dobson says it's time to "get back to the basics" - faith & family. Thanks for the reminder.

Now, onto "Bringing up Girls".

Welcome to the Weasley's

2011-01-05T14:26:00.000-06:00

This is what I spent a good chunk of my day building...
"The Burrow" aka the Weasley's happy home.
It's part of Ben's Harry Potter Lego ensemble.

Ben enjoys helping for about 10 minutes....then he takes the characters & splits!

Why would I do this?
Because, after play quidditch all day, Lego Harry needs a place to sleep!

Tedious, yes.
Those are little frying pans hanging on the wall!
The windows open, the chairs swivel, there's bread in the oven, socks in his locker & a quidditch poster on his wall.
And did you see the "Daily Prophet" on the table? adorable.

I'm not letting the kids touch it.

Fierce

2011-01-04T06:23:00.000-06:00

"Mommy, with my hair spiked and my teeth missing..I look fierce!"
~ Ben

New Year, New Look

2011-01-03T07:29:00.002-06:00

One of my goals for 2011 was to update my blog.
I mean, c'mon, the old Bowen character was an infant swaddled in a blanket! So after a couple of hours I ended up with this look and even learned to design my own "signature" but it may still need some work. Let me know what you think!

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Ringing in the New Year

2011-01-01T19:59:00.002-06:00

Hello 2011

We're expecting great things from you!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T06:36:00.000-06:00

Santa

2010-12-17T08:07:00.000-06:00

We made a trip to Bass Pro Shop...
Hold your breathe!
Well, did we trick you?
Does he look like he's swimming in a big fish tank?
That's the effect he was going for when he MADE me take his picture.

Bowen, on the other hand found a boat to float in...

There were crafts...

" You'll put your eye out!"

This is the real reason we were there:

Everyone's looking, no tears...we'll call it a success.

Rudolph

2010-12-16T11:01:00.004-06:00

You know Dasher and Dancer,
and Prancer and Vixen...
Comet and Cupid and Donder and Blitzen.

But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2010-12-15T06:30:00.001-06:00

Tree is up and decorated!
Bowen thought he was getting lots of little toys...
(note to self: buy more boring ornaments)

Ben said "I made this (gingerbread boy)? Man, it's horrible"
Oh, what a difference 2 years makes!
But I still think it's wonderful.

Gingerbread house survived.
Stockings are hung.
Cards are sent.
Presents are hidden.
Clark is watching.

And we are counting...

All I want for Christmas...

2010-12-14T07:38:00.003-06:00

Star Student

2010-12-13T16:08:00.001-06:00

I'm a little behind but happy to report we had a Star Student in our house last week!
She has been looking forward to her turn all year.
Of course, she only made it to school 2 days due to strep....but I'm sure she shined.

Parade of Lights

2010-12-04T09:58:00.004-06:00

A parade at night - fun to watch, hard to photograph.
But I tried anyway.

I wanted to catch the glow of the lights, which means I couldn't use the "auto" setting on my fancy little camera, but things that glow and move are particularly frustrating to catch.

So I gave in and decided pictures like these are actually pretty neat!

Santa was there!
It was a beautiful night...

And it wasn't windy, which in Oklahoma is a Christmas miracle.

He's Ba-ack!

2010-11-29T07:00:00.001-06:00

Oklahoma History Center

2010-11-28T10:04:00.011-06:00

In my quest to keep the kids from getting bored (aka - making me crazy) we found yet another freebie, the relatively new OK History Center.oh, I wish.

What we found most interesting was some fun stuff not in most museums...
like Oklahoma's contribution to Rock n' Roll.

Ben, apparently has an inner rocker I never knew about!

Did YOU know these 90's bands were all from Oklahoma?

I'm sure many of you already knew Sonic started in OK.
It was only given a little display and deserves more, in my opinion :)

And who knew the creator of Dick Tracy was an Oklahoman?

It turns out there were several players, back in the comic heyday, that were from Oklahoma!

My little Supers!

And this "Iron Lung" is just for Pawpaw....

2 thumbs up for the OK History Center.

Bricktown tree lighting

2010-11-27T09:21:00.000-06:00

My favorite zoo day, free day!

2010-11-26T08:44:00.001-06:00

The OKC zoo is always free the day before Thanksgiving (I'm sure I've blogged about this before) and since Bryce is working the entire holiday, it was a great way to get out & run around.

We even had snow!
Okay, not really...just some picnik fun to kick off the season :)

But we did have an unusual experience at the Lion exhibit - they growled at us! Whoa, just reinforced my healthy fear of large cats.

Bowen's favorite was the Galapagos Tortoises.
I think he would have stood here all day.

Brinley's favorite - the flamingos "because they're pi-ink".

Ben's favorites were the wolves & the bears.

The first time we ever actually seen the bears walking around!

The Great Cheeto Meltdown, 2010

We had happier times too.
And I had a collage<here> to prove it...
but accidentally deleted it.

We're thankful...
for free zoo days, for cheetos, for each other.

A Bright Night with Harry Potter

2010-11-23T13:04:00.000-06:00

As if the Oklahoma Museum of Science weren't neat enough, they have a series called "Bright Nights" where they open up the museum for an all-night experience. Last Friday it was Harry Potter night in honor of the opening of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1". I knew it was something Ben would love and luckily Nece & Bryson were able to join us, making the trip from Texas!

When we arrived at the museum, they spotted the death eaters right away. Ben go the biggest kick out of chasing them, shouting "Expecto Patronum"!

They opened with a show of spells & potions, closing with a big explosion of ping pong balls & golden snitches, which the boys eagerly tracked down.

The boys made pouches for their snitches and new wands, then played a game of quidditch!

And battled a dragon...

made a polyjuice potion...

and then we took the "night bus" to the theater for the movie!

Finally, bedtime around 3am.
These are some tired boys!

Gifts

2010-11-08T22:34:00.000-06:00

We dedicated Bowen on Sunday.
Meaning we stood before our church and prayed with our Elders that he has a life rich with the gifts that only a life in Christ can give him.
It was awesome!

One of our keepsakes is this blanket....

From afar it may look like an ordinary little boy's blanket but...

Up close, it is so much more.

It is handmade, personalized and filled with scripture!

What a treasure, just like Bowen.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I ask of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."
1 Samuel 1:27-28

soccer closer

2010-11-08T15:04:00.006-06:00

We had our last soccer game this week and finished with presentation of the medals, so Fall 2010 is officially over.
We feared the worst but it was a fun season!

First of all, Brinley stuck it out all season and stopped 3 goals last Saturday!

Ben did awesome adjusting to a whole new team & coach!

We ended the season with 6 wins, 1 loss and 1 tied game. Nece & Pawpaw were here for both the loss and the tie, which were the only 2 games Ben did not score in...

Um, they don't get to come to any more games.
Joking.
Well, mostly ;-)

Trick or Treating!

2010-11-02T23:35:00.009-05:00

I couldn't titled this Halloween because we didn't even trick or treat on Halloween this year!
Our "official" day, chosen by the city, was Saturday...so we went then but earlier we visited Story book Forest, which has become a fun tradition.

I know this isn't the greatest picture of me but whatever, just keeping it real...haha.

Somebody goes nuts over candy...

My
Harry & Hermione

I'm pretty sure I have the only 4 yr old girl who wasn't wearing anything pink or remotely girly but that's okay with me :)

My little scarecrow, his first real trick or treating experience.
I think he only got about 4 pieces of candy - just enough to snack on while riding the wagon.

Sadly, this is the only picture I have of just the 3 of them...

Which I am thankful for because this is how Bo ended up running the streets!

It gets more fun every year!

Have a Spooky halloween

2010-10-31T20:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome Witten!

2010-10-30T23:47:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting my tiny new nephew, Witten Luke!
Congrats Lindy & Will

"I sing for joy at the works of Your hands"
Psalm 93:4

Mission October

2010-10-27T06:10:00.003-05:00

Come over to my house and you will quickly find out who we support...Dallas Stars blanket, Cowboys jersey hanging in the closet, along side a Texas Rangers cap. We even watch the Mavs (post season) and we're not big basketball fans.
It doesn't matter who they are playing, we always want our hometown teams to win!!!

Lucky us, we always have someone to cheer for...this fall it happens to be the Texas Rangers (don't get me started on the Cowboys!)
I won't claim to have watched them all season, because c'mon, I don't have enough time to donate to 6 months of baseball....and I haven't been to a game since Pudge was playing.

These guys have one of the worst reps in the league.
They have made only 3 postseason appearances prior to this year and have lost to the Yankees every time. Did I mention how A-Rod's record breaking contract help to bankrupt them?
It was delicious to see them win the pennant by striking out him out.

Texas Rangers, American League Champions
Woohoo!

Now they are off the face the shoe polish beard in the World Series!
The WORLD SERIES. At Arlington Stadium. Surreal.

Tune in tonight if you want to watch some baseball history.

wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T06:48:00.000-05:00

Put me in the zoo

2010-10-18T21:28:00.000-05:00

We had a busy, but wonderful weekend!
Nece & Pawpaw came to visit and watch the soccer game...which did not go well. Our team finally met a well-organized, well-coached team and we lost 2-0. It was the first game Ben has not scored in all season :(

But we put that behind us quickly as we met the Radiology Dept. at the zoo for lunch.
Then some time on the playground....

That's Mister Adventure to you.

This is one of Brinley's best friends!

And her brother is one of Ben's...

But after all that playing who has the energy to see the animals??
Not this crew.
We saw a rhino & a lion and then went home to rest, where I fell asleep on the garage floor. Which sounds crazy but Brin was asleep in the car so I sat out there with her...and well, I guess I was a bit more tired than I thought.

Always the sign of a good time.

My little Johnny Appleseed

2010-10-15T15:02:00.006-05:00

The kids got to dress up today at school - preferably a storybook character.
Ben knew immediately he wanted to be Johnny Appleseed!

They have been doing a unit on apples and this story really stuck with him.
He had the most unique costume in a sea of princesses & super heros.

Brinley's school had Hat Day!
I know, it's way after Labor Day, but this is her favorite!

Lindy & Will

2010-10-12T14:16:00.002-05:00

Lokey Lowdown

2010-10-07T14:02:00.003-05:00

I've been reminded of how "simple" my posts have been lately - plain, lacking the info & spark I used to post. I think I'll blame that on facebook but I will try to be better.
After all, I will turn this into a book someday.

Here's the Lokey Lowdown:

Daddy - works, works & works out. He was only able to compete in 2 triathlons this season, granted one was a half Ironman, but still work has kept him busy.
And it will until next year when things lighten up. We are SOoOo looking forward to that!

Ben - He can tie his own shoes and READ! (how many Nick Jr. watching moms thought I was going to write "and count by twos" ? It's okay, I almost did.) He does math, still has tears at school drop off some days but hasn't wet the bed in months! And you should see him dribble a soccer ball. He wears his back pack over 1 shoulder because that's cool and was even requesting a chore chart so he could earn extra money! He will be driving in ten years...ten.

Brin - She informs me "I've found a boyfriend" WHAT?!? So I ask her why she likes this boy (whom she can't remember the name of) and she says "He has good hair". Well, I guess it wasn't cool enough because she has a new beau, who we'll call Z, and I saw her sitting beside him in the pick up line...has a mohawk! I see more of me in her all the time...we are the pokey Lokeys. Yet, she is better. Like, when she sings her Bible school hymns loud & proud...she's the little me I wish I was.

Bowen - He has recently hit the terrible...um, terrific twos. Just like his brother, right about 18 months the fits commence. I can't be out of his sight! Luckily the hair pulling has stopped and even the hitting is getting better (knock, knock) but this child doesn't eat hardly a thing! I've seen such a picky child. He's getting a real sense of humor and has a hilarious laugh. He loves football and being outside...just don't tell him it's time to go in.

Me - I'm in the process of getting my home childcare license! I'm still loving Thirty One and am dabbling with photography on a whim (I will post some recent pictures) but most days I just struggle to get it all done. That doesn't usually happen- I have kids in 2 different schools, constantly stress over dinner, have hay bails on my porch just screaming for a scarecrow to be put on them, the book of Isaiah open waiting to be read and have a load in the dryer to fold...but it's good to have goals, right?

A little pumpkin is on the way...

2010-10-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was my sister's baby shower ~ my nephew arrives next month!!!
Let me just tell you how weird it is that there will be a new baby on my side of the family...and for once, it's NOT mine!

We are so excited...yes, partially just so I can laugh at my sister when she gets all grossed out, LOL...but mostly because Lindy & Will will be great parents.
Can't wait to meet you, Little Witten!

Twilight in Edmond?

2010-10-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

when You thought I wasn't looking...

2010-09-30T22:02:00.002-05:00

I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled responsibility, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking...I looked at you and wanted to say "Thanks for all the little things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T20:08:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T06:20:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my (new!) favorite things...

2010-09-19T22:22:00.004-05:00

I promise my list won't be mostly food this time..but we are gonna start out with it.
We are loving these small guac packs because I hate wasting, but brown guac is not appealing so these are the perfect size!
fun fact: I never ate guacamole until I was pregnant with Bowen and out of the blue craved it!

My pink leopard rose ring...and no, I'm not a hand model.
Hard to believe, huh? LOL

Like I don't have a million white tee's but this is my favorite one lately:
Mossimo, available at Target. Got mine on sale for $5.

Ooh, my newest arrival...
I'm super excited to use my Retro Metro Bag (no, this is not a shameless Thirty One plug!) ~ it's big enough for my stuff plus my Bible, a sippy & a couple of diapers AND all the other dozens of random things I get stuck toting!

Plus, how cute is that big pink C on this kinda rugged bag?
Found on pages 18-19 in your Fall catalog, available in 2 other patterns.
Now THAT was my shameless plug :)

Kicking off a new soccer season!

2010-09-15T10:00:00.005-05:00

Ben was all set to play with a new soccer league this fall but in a strange turn of events, Ben & Brinley ended up on the same team, old league...long story short: don't have a late summer baby, age cut offs are a pain!

Anyway, it looks like it's gonna work out. Ben is one of only 2 boys on the team and doesn't seem to mind. Brinley thinks she's one of the big girls...of course she's the smallest on the field.
This is the fastest I've ever seen her run...

Yes, I've been picniking again..so fun!

Lots of girl power ~ we won our first game!

And, most importantly, they love being on the same team!

Grab your ladle

2010-09-10T14:50:00.004-05:00

I admit, I'm pushing it just a little but I'm declaring Soup Season!

I made my first batch of Tortilla Soup this week, a winter staple in our house...and I want to go on record right now saying ALL SOUP SHOULD BE WARM. I see these "cold soups" advertised and well, it just goes against nature. Call them something else, not soup.
Soup is warm.

In celebration of Soup Season, I want to share "my" recipe (actually given to me by my MIL)
Don't worry it's simple!
I'm the Queen of Quick & Easy...um, in the kitchen anyway ;-)

Tortilla Soup:
Boil your chicken - any kind. I use breasts because they are...tada, quick & easy.
Remove chicken to cool & pick/shred.
Add Pace picante to your chicken stock - amount depends on how strong you want it. My hubby likes it strong so for 2-3 breasts I use a large jar.
Also add a healthy portion of cilantro, then boil/simmer about 20 minutes.

Strain your soup to get all the "chunks" out.
So, at this point taste it...too strong? Add water.
Or Chicken Broth. Water is cheaper.

Add chicken to soup and warm.

Grab your ladle and pour soup into a bowl filled with Tortilla mission strips and shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.
Your chips will get soggy. Your cheese will melt...mmmm.

Can be topped with Avocados, but we prefer to just eat guacamole dip with ours.
Also, you can heat & butter flour tortillas for dipping in your soup!

Enjoy!

*Note to self: buy a ladle this year.

Old College Tri

2010-09-08T21:38:00.000-05:00

There was no rest for Bryce last weekend...he gave it the "old college try" and this time he placed! Yay, 2nd in his age group!!!

And my favorite moment ~ the sprint to the finish.
He just amazes me!

I'm sure I "wow" him with my photo journalism...right, Bryce?

To Bryce

2010-09-03T00:25:00.009-05:00

Several months ago while driving I heard a song "I keep on loving you" and broke down and cried, right there in the car. Yeah, one of those things you would make fun of me for...but it struck a nerve because after all we've been through since we were teenagers, it really just comes back to one thing: I keep loving you.
After 9 years, I still do.
Happy Anniversary!