Everyday Moments

playing catch up this weekend and missing my guys...

2012-02-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

We have been busy lately...

This past Sunday at 5am I headed to the airport to catch a flight down to Florida for a work conference. Clay was holding down the fort and decided he would take the boys down to Texas to see family for a bit.

I would have posted some of the fabulous pictures that I took on my trip earlier in the week but unfortunately time did not allow for that. One of these days, when my hubby finally talks me into getting an iphone, I will find posting while in flight and when out of town to be much easier. ;)

I will post a few pictures from my trip soon...thought about it today but opted to work on the boys' albums instead, made and ate some delicious chocolate strawberries, went to the movie theater to see "The Vow" (still can't get over the fact that a movie costs a whopping $10 now...just to get in!!!), listened to some favorite tunes while I went through and threw out a bunch of paper junk, worked out, did laundry...definately took advantage of the full 24 hours I had at home by myself to accomplish some fun things! ...still playing catch up from the holidays and from life in general. :)

Missing these guys..."Can't wait to see you so soon!" :)

hello from the Sunshine State!

2012-02-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Hello from Sunny Florida!

(Flew in a couple of days ago for a work conference...this is about the closest I have actually come to the beach since our schedule has been pretty tight with meetings. Don't you worry though...my toes will hit the sand and water before heading home. :))

our day in Mississippi with family

2012-02-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

In case everyone has not caught on to this yet...the one thing that we do not like about living up North is being so very far away from family. Clay and I are both extremely close to our family and if it were up to us, we would live in the same town as all of them. We would love every crazy little minute of it. :)

We missed not being able to go down to Mississippi for the holidays so we had planned a weekend trip down South for January. Though my original plan did not work out to be able to stay a few days, we were thankful for the funfilled and precious day that we had in Grenada this past weekend. Clay and I got off work on Friday afternoon, and we quickly headed for the airport to catch the last flight down to Memphis.

Saturday went by far too fast, but how much fun it was. We saw 1 grandmother, 2 sets of great-grands, 1 great aunt, 1 cousin, 1 uncle and 1 aunt.

The kids had a blast lounging in their pajamas for a couple of hours Saturday morning, getting into all of Rassie's exciting "new" toys.

I love the familiarity of being at my mom's home.

One of the highlights of of the trip was Uncle Taylor, Clay and Parker's outing...shooting on Saturday morning. This was Parker's first time to shoot. (He shot with Jonesie's gun) When our little man walked in the house from their little adventure holding a bottle of Sprite and proudly chewing gum, I did not have to wonder whether or not the morning went well. He was one proud little man.

My husband and brother both have a thing for guns...do not worry...it only slightly worries me. ;)

...notice the proof that Parker did indeed shoot a gun. (He wouldn't wipe the smudge off his face for hours after they got back! ha!)

The ear protection that daddy bought for Parker and that he brought for himself came in handy on the plane ride back Sunday. We luckily got the very last row of the DC9 and had the privilege of hearing the mighty engines at their greatest. These earsets helped our little angels sleep almost the whole way back. Thank you Lord.

Someone was hungry and thirsty after his nap on the plane, so we had to stop on the way out for a snack. This made the little Mr. Mr. happy. (We are working on weaning him from the bottle, but I have to say, he really looks forward to his "BaBa" in the evenings before bedtime.)

Sunday afternoon..."Minnesota, we are back!"

Parker's 4th Birthday Party - Chuck E Cheese

2012-01-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

When Clay and I started asking Parker where he wanted to have his 4th birthday party, there was no hesitation...."CHUCK E CHEESE!!!!" We gave him several other options, but his little mind was set. ;) Once again, the playland for kids (and adults!) did not disappoint. Seriously, I am not sure who had more fun, the kids or the daddies. I think Parker met his older matches with Mr. Gooch and Mr. Eric. :)

I had assembled party treats for girls and boys for two different ages. For the younger tots, playdough and goldfish. The older boys got a Hot Wheels Car, candy and goldfish. The little girlies got a sparkly princess lipgloss, stickers and candy. So fun!

Clay decided to help Parker in the ticket blaster this year. :) Last year, our little man was a little unsure of this fast, wind-blowing machine. On this day, Parker was excited to be inside the little room with tickets flying all around him. He was quite happy to stand there, smile and watch the flying paper surround his little body. Clay, on the other hand, was on a mission...he was determined to get all the high value tickets that were available within that contraption. After all, a small nerf gun at the rewards center in this place is only worth about 20,000 tickets! ha! I must say, Clay succeeded. Parker stood there happy as all get out, grabbed a few tickets along the way, and dear hubby stepped out with tickets coming out of his pants! ha ha! We left with a LOT of tickets to be put towards future use! :)
Cooper enjoyed his time with the Barney, Bob the Builder, and Chuck E Cheese rides. He also had a blast climbing up and sliding down the little play area for babies and smaller tots. This little Mr. Mr. was all smiles. I really appreciated all the extra helping hands we had with this little fellow while mama was trying to organize everything and take pictures of the event!

Parker enjoyed every minute of the afternoon, and we appreciate all of our precious friends who came to help us celebrate. We are so thankful for each of you.

Until next time, Chuck E!!!

my saturday at home

2012-01-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

Pearhead Baby Handprint/Footprint Ornaments

Saturday...
I painted my fingernails...and toenails.
Parker played with his trucks and dinosaurs
I put away laundry.
I built a fire in the fireplace and wished dear hubby was home to build it for me. (It takes me a little longer) :)
My floors were covered with toys of all shapes and sizes
I tried not to think about work.
Cooper did some serious walking.
We crafted new handprints of the boys.
I laid on the floor and played...hard.
We totally had a pajama day. Loved every minute of it.

And I had to put this picture in here from the other day. I couldn't believe it when I walked over to see both of my boys sitting quietly thumbing through books...at the same time. AT THE SAME TIME. To some who might not be as familiar of the nature of our household, that might seem ordinary. However, I do not remember a time since Cooper was a baby and sleeping a lot during the day, that both boys were quietly entertaining themselves at the same time. Do not fear though. I can assure you that this moment was just that...a moment...that lasted about 21 seconds. Mmmmm...what a blissful 21 seconds.

And then I smiled when both boys were ready to tussle again. Aaahhh, now that's more normal.

P.S. This post was typed on Saturday...and then here we are on Monday night....when I finally have time to load the pictures. ;)

5 years ago today

2012-01-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today, my precious daddy went to be with his Father in Heaven. Finally, his earthly pain was taken away. This man put up an unbelievable fight for longer than he probably should have...but man, I am so thankful he did.

Our family has numerous times joked that while Heaven was having a party for receiving him, we were crying like babies at losing our "gentle giant." (my mama's endearing term for her husband) While we were thrilled that he was no longer suffering, it was hard to say goodbye. Really hard. It still is hard. There is not a day that passes that I do not think of him. I miss him so much and would give anything to have one more day. One more day to see that huge proud smile that he always smiled at my brother and me. One more day to tell him about the last 5 years. One more day for him to excitedly tell me all about Heaven and what we have to look forward to. One more day to show him Minnesota and our "Northern life" up here. :) One more day for him to meet and play with his grandsons, Parker and Cooper...he would love every second of it.

I can list out a hundred things that I would do with him and say to him if I could have that 24 hours. I also, however, think back to how thankful I am for the moments he was here to see (the doctors were suprised he lasted as long as he did.) I am beyond thankful that he was here to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day...to meet the man that I would spend the rest of my life with and to know that this guy would take care of me after he was gone...to see me graduate with a overall plan and goal for my life...too see and know that we would all be ok.

Man, how grateful I am for that time..for those moments...for those memories made that I will cherish forever.

Every day that passes our family gets stronger. Each day we miss him. Each day we celebrate the time that we were gifted with Rickey Jones. Each day, I thank God for helping and allowing him to hold on to life as long as he did. I am blessed to have known him. I am blessed to be able to call him my Daddy.

I love you Daddy.

a "pizza-for-supper" kind of day...

2012-01-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

This little one is fighting a full-blown double ear infection...

Between that and all the other random things going on around here, I quickly determined it was going to be a pizza-for-supper kind of day. No one was complaining here (well, except that little twinge of guilt I felt for Cooper that made me pull out peas, fruit, and other healthier leftovers for his little tummy!) ;)

The one weekend this month that we are playing it low around here...should be fun. Now, I just hope Cooper perks up soon. He is pretty pitiful at the moment.

Around New Year's I found my 2012 planner, so I have been diligently filling out dates and notes in there...and have been having quite the fun with it! The green one was last year's (that I found on sale at Target and LOVED!). This year, the pink was the only one left in the formatting style I wanted, so I grabbed it up quickly and decided I could adjust my liking to the color. (pink has never been a favorite color choice of mine.) I think it is already growing on me.

Ooh, I just love getting organized!!! I am certainly not always on top of things, but I like to think that I would be a walking and living disaster if I was not as organized as I am now. It is totally true. Plus, taking notes, setting goals and organizing gives me this amazing high that usually evokes quite a few silly squeals and jumps from my body...in addition to a few curious looks from my husband. ;)

A few of my general goals (I do not care to post my 2 page detailed listing of goals for 2012 for I know you would either laugh, roll your eyes or both...but you'll get the jist from this):
Laugh and play more. worry less. love wholeheartedly. Capture and document. Read. Learn. Listen. Travel. Cook healthier meals. Exercise consistently. Sleep more. Strive. Run. Dream and Soar...and stay on top of my laundry like I did up until 3 months ago.

And to fulfill one of those right now, I am off to bed. I have a feeling my little "Mr. Mr." will be needing me in the wee hours of the morning.

Our FOUR Year Old!

2012-01-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

To our precious 2008 miracle...

To our sweet angel...

To our little adventurer...

To our little jokester...

who likes to cut up like his daddy...

To our little charmer...

To our enthusiastic-about-life happy little boy...

To our little helper...

To our little Northern Child who loves the cold and the snow...

To our Handsome little man...

To our smart little observer and thinker...

To the best big brother...

Your daddy, Cooper and I love you so very much. We are so proud of you and thankful for every little bit of your spunky and lively self.

Happy 4 Years Old Parker!

Facts about you at 4:

Wearing size 4T/5T in clothes.

Height: 41 in Weight: 39lbs

Shoe size: 11

Food: not picky. will eat anything. loves healthly stuff. Hard to pick favorites...you still love fruit though.

Loves anything outdoors.

Likes any and all sports: talks about baseball, basketball, football, soccer and hockey..a lot.

Enjoys traveling. Always up for an adventure.

You enjoy showers and bathtime.

Bedtime Routine (more often than not): Supper, Bath/shower, quiet time play 6:45-7:30pm (when I'm putting Cooper down you play quietly downstairs or watch television and if daddy is home, you help him build a fire or play with him...after I put Cooper down, you and I will snuggle for a few minutes on the couch, read, put puzzles together, play a boardgame, or play with cars or animals), Brush teeth, potty, bedtime story and prayers, lights out at 8pm (in winter anyway...in the summer, we tend to keep later hours because usually you're playing outside in the evening)

Things you are into right now: Cars, trucks, animals, airplanes, sports balls, puzzles, books, figurines (ie Transformers, Spiderman, Superman, Iron Man, army men, pirates...truly any kind of little man, robot or creature...this is a newer development), anything that moves and is fast (ie Power Wheels Truck, remote control car, etc), tools and things that you can "play" build, puppets, board games, racetracks, dinosaurs, legos...

Movies and tv shows you like: Classic Disney Cartoons, Cars, Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Lion King, Curious George, Cat in the Hat, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Berenstain Bears, 101 Dalmations, Callilou, other Sprout educational shows, Aristocrats, Toy Story, Pinnochio, Looney Tunes, Wacky Race, Smurfs...

Personality: Outgoing, Lively and active, enthusiastic, kind and caring to others, confident :), an observer, a thinker, likes to build things, enjoys solving his own problems/situations, a good sleeper (you do not like extra sleep though...just enough is all you want and then you are bouncing out of that bed ready to go!), a big helper to others (you have always liked to help mama and daddy and others...now you also like to volunteer in Sunday School and other places when you see opportunity), independent, social, very flexible (for a 4 year old), a traveler and adventurer (although after a period of time, you will play really well by yourself in the quiet of our home...but if given the choice, you would rather be out doing something with others), you love your mama but are all about daddy!, a talker, loud (versus quiet..ha!), smart, coordinated (with sports and balancing), an amazing Big Brother (you love being a big brother and tell me all the time you want more babies and a sister..ha!)

I could go on and on about all sorts of fun things about you, but most importantly, know that your daddy and I love you so very much and could not be prouder of you. We cannot wait to watch you grow more each and every day...as our little man. Always be true to yourself. Do not take life too seriously. Trust and love God always. Be a good friend to others. Family always. Strive to learn something new every day. Never stop having fun with life. Laugh and smile every day.

Love, Mama and Daddy

December wrap up

2012-01-06T22:43:00.001-08:00

The boys have had so much fun playing with all of their Christmas toys and gifts over these last several weeks. With us having this unusual year of a lack of snow, it has been great on warmer days to get out and take little rides around the yard in their new truck. Luckily for them, unlike years past, I have not finished putting away Christmas stuff and all of our gifts; I do believe they are thoroughly enjoying that their dear ole' mom is running a bit behind.

The month of December seemed to pass us by in only a few days but with a number of exciting activities and memories made. To ensure that I did not forget to record something, I would sit down for about 5-10 min as many nights as I could and post pictures from the day's events, but without taking the time to record any journaling and such. My thought was that when I had the chance to go back and write down the details I would make the post live.

Well...here we are into January, hubby had a scheduled OSU Fiesta bowl game to cheer for (quite enthusiastically I might add!) and I took that as my cue that I could get some blogging time in. Whew! I think I added 9 or so posts from the month of December....and I kept them at their original start date so that I wouldn't be posted all about Christmas during the entire month of January.
So, if you would like a complete feel for our December, go back to the December 1st post and work your way to January. ha ha! You might want to sit down first...it might make you dizzy. ;)

I'm keeping this short tonight, even though a part of me wants to draft up a post about several of my favorite holiday finds...the house needs me. It is crying out for me to come clean and organize something.

Happy New Year!!! (+6 years and counting!)

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Tonight we celebrated the memories of 2011, rung in 2012, and rejoiced over 6 years that hubby and I have been married. 6 years ago today we walked down the aisle in my hometown church to say "I do." 6 years later we are in Minnesota with 2 kids. Precious memories and wow...how time is flying.

Some friends of ours, Mike and Susie, had us over for a Ring in the New Year's Party. This was the first time since we have been in Minnesota that we have gone out for New Year's with our kiddos. At 4:30pm we loaded up the car with the pack n play, diaper bag, pjs, lovee's and blankets, etc. etc. etc (you get the picture) and headed to Outback for a yummy steak dinner (one of our favs). We thought we would be the first ones there at 5pm but the place was packed with parents who apparantly had the same idea as us...arrive early. Cooper was quite content eating lemons and taking the nice waitress' pens out of her pocket each time she'd come by to see us. The rest of us inhaled our steak, potato, bread and salad. :)

Does anyone know what is in the picture below? Well, I did not when I first saw it but it kinda scared me when Gooch and his buddy walked in with it. Introducing the handmade water balloon blaster...and for tonight...the super duper confetti blaster "guaranteed to turn your house into a huge mess." I backed WAY away from this thing as they were loading it...ha ha!

I will say though that this thing make quite the entertaining time. Within seconds, bright colored paper strips and morsels were everywhere (handcut, I might add, by Mr. Gooch and his buddy themselves. Impressed? I kind of was. And then I wondered how on earth they had hours of time to sit and chop up little bits of paper...and then I realized they did not have kids! ha! That answered that question!)

Thank you Susie and Mike for letting us wreck your beautiful home with confetti. Thank you for helping us celebrate 6 years of marriage. We had a wonderful time and are thankful to have friends like you to ring in the New Year with!

it's ski time!

2011-12-30T22:07:00.000-08:00

"Crested Butte, Colorado here we come!"
This month we were blessed to be able to meet up for some family time in the mountains. (Clay has only been "packing" and getting his ski gear ready since late fall! ha ha! Have I mentioned that dear hubby wants to move us to Colorado...begs me actually, at least once a week!)

The boys did amazingly well considering we left the house for the airport at 3:45am. Neither one of them needed to sleep at all on the 6am flight. ;) Bags loaded down; we were off!

Cooper wanted to help with the carry-on bags when we got to our gate. He felt like such a big boy. Parker was very content to wish everyone a Merry Christmas over the loudspeaker at our terminal (thanks again to the nice and extremely patient gate agent!) and to watch out the floor to ceiling windows at the workers and activity outside.

We had a lay-over in Denver, so while there, we grabbed breakfast at this nice little restaurant. It was just what we needed. We showed up 4 tired and hungry travelers. These entertained us while we waited on our bacon, eggs, fruit, pancakes and biscuits....did I mention how hungry we all were? Mmmm...much better when we have full tummy's.

I personally think that all restaurants need to adapt Wikki Stix to their table-time activity for kids and adults. :) Hubby agrees.

We arrived in Gunnison, Colorado (the second smallest airport I have ever been to) in the early afternoon, pooped, but excited to see family and hit the slopes. Parker patiently waited first in line for the bags.

Here we are!

The 45 minute drive from Gunnison to Crested Butte did not seem like more than 10 minutes with the breathtaking sights we took in along the way. Though Colorado (like Minnesota) has had a record-breaking year with such little amounts of snow, it was just enough to make for great skiing and sights!

When we arrived at the mountain and got our bags to the room, we headed to meet the others for a late lunch. Hello Nana and Poppie! We are here!

Hmmm...what slopes shall we hit first?
Clay: scariest and steepest black on the mountain
Carrie: greens please...I'll advance to the blues later in the week ;)

I cannot say enough great things about the lodge we stayed at for the time we were in Crested Butte. The Nordic Inn is owned by Allen and Judy, who put their heart and soul into each little detail of their family-owned lodge. They are known, and have been known, in the area for years for their personal, old-fashioned hospitality. Planning a trip to the Crested Butte area anytime soon? Give them a call. They would welcome you with a huge grin and open arms...plus, being veterans of the area, they can give you a number of ideas of fun things to do while in the area and a listing of all the local events.

Each morning, we would go to the lobby area where Allen and Judy served a delicious breakfast complete with fruit, danishes, cereal, boiled eggs, (gotta get that protein in for a day of skiing!) juice and other scrumptious items.

This was Parker's first go at ski school; to say he was a little excited would be an understatement. Clay and I both dropped him off each day. On Day 1, we stayed around for a bit to make sure he was all settled in and ok for us to leave. On Day 2, as soon as his little ski's were strapped on, he headed straight for the magic carpet as his instructor called out for him to please wait for the others. Day 3, when Clay and I wished him off and said bye, he did not even turn around on the Magic Carpet he was on...he simply lifted his arm to say bye and off he went. Sniff. My little boy is so independent. Sniff sniff. Parker was so close to the cut off for the 4 year old ski school that they let us go ahead and put him in the older group. The difference between the 3 year old and 4 year old class is that in the 3 year old sessions, they only ski for about 1 1/2 hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the afternoon. In between that, they have what's considered a daycare. The four year olds ski from 9:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. It was the right choice for Parker. He did not want to take his ski's off when we picked him up in the afternoon and couldn't wait to put them on again the next morning.

That a way to make a pizza pie Parker!!! Whoohoo! (Day 1)

I have some great pictures that the photographer took on the slopes of Parker, our whole family, etc. but I do not have them back yet to share.

One of the only pictures Clay and I took together on the trip. ha ha! Like you could tell! I realized the other night after reviewing my photos from skiing that almost all of them are of fully bundled and masked people...

4 generations: Great-grandfather, grandfather, father and sons
December 2011

A view of Crested Butte.

On Day 2 of skiing, I left the group early for a few minutes of r&r before picking up Parker from ski school (my legs were killing me after 1/4 of a run and I was having to stop it seemed like every 30 seconds for a short break...definately not in ski shape!) Anyway, I skied down to the center square area and bought a hot chocolate. I found the perfect seat in an adirondack chair right next to a cozy fire....and I sat. As I lounged in my ski gear sipping my hot cocoa, my mind drifted off to a fairytale place. Wish I had had a pen and paper. Words would have come to life on that blank page. :)
A different view of my surroundings.

Ice sculptures that decorated the center square.

Time went by far too quickly and it was 3 p.m....time to head over to ski school to see the little man. :)

One of the traditions that Crested Butte continues each year, is Santa visiting the village. He starts at the top of the mountain on his sleigh and makes his way down to the bottom of the hill. The snowcat pulls from the front, which makes it even more fun!

After the children have had a chance to see Santa, the Festival of Lights begins. Hundreds of skiiers start at the top of the mountain and work their way down in the dark night holding red lights high above their heads to decorate the sky. It is beautiful! (Personally, I do not know how they do it in the dark because I actually did that run...not by personal preference... ;) and I could barely do it in the daytime with help! ha! Kuddos to the ski dudes who can!)

Clay and his sisters: Ashee, Parker, KK, Clay, Cooper and CiCi
This picture makes me sooo happy!

A couple of snapshots from the trip...not great photo quality but fun memories.

Cooper intently watching Mr. Michael (the soon to be newest official addition to our family!!!) We love you Michael!!! Please do just remember that payback can come in the future; one day you too will have little munchkins all over your house to which we might choose to send something noisy, fast, and wild for them to play with. ha ha! (Parker is LOVING his car!)

A 6am view of our room...all 4 of us sleeping in the same room each night...interesting...and not something I would choose to repeat very often. ;)

2am: Parker gets up to go to bathroom.
2:03am: Cooper wakes up from the noise crying and frustrated because he was woken up.
2:06am: Cooper crying louder...Bah bah, Bah bah, Ma ma Bah Bah (for Bottle! Bottle! Mama Bottle!!!!!)
2:07am: Parker: "Cooper, hush! I'm trying to go to sleep!"
2:10am: Carrie giving Cooper a bottle and changing his diaper
2:26am: Carrie puts Cooper back down in his crib settled
2:31am: Parker gets up and opens curtains at window (he sees the streetlamps outside and the moon reflecting off the white mountains) "Mom! Dad! Look it's daytime! It's time to get ready to ski!"
Carrie: "Parker, it is the middle of the night. Those lights are just from from the moon and outside lamps."
Parker: "No it's not! It's time to get up! It's morning!"
Cooper: Waaaaahhh! waaahhh! mmmmaaaa mmmaaaaa! Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!
Clay: "Parker! Get back in the bed and go to sleep. You are keeping Cooper awake!"
Parker: "Well, I can't sleep like that with him crying so loud."
Carrie: "If you wouldn't wake Cooper up in the first place, he would not be crying."
Cooper: Waaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Around 3:56 am the cycle ceased and we finally got some sleep....only to repeat it the next night.
Who wants to bunk with us next trip?! :)

Most of the pictures I took on this trip were either when we were all dressed up in our ski garb or when we were hanging out in the evenings in Nana and Poppie's suite (and the majority of those pictures were blurry), so I did not have a large selection of pictures to choose from, but here are a few more:

Family on trip:

Nana, Poppie, Ashleigh, KK, CiCi, Granddaddy, Marilyn, Aunt Kathi, Uncle Sam, Alex, Allysa, Clay, Carrie, Parker and Cooper

Total days on trip: 5

Where: Crested Butte, Colorado at the Nordic Inn

Flights to get there and back: 4

Hours of sleep we got while there: minimal

Days of skiing: 3

How much fun we had: More than we could measure

Special Memories: Parker's first chance at ski school (he loved it; his teacher said he was the most enthusiastic in the class! imagine that! ha!)

Me skiing a black this trip...unknowingly. Dear family thought that I would have no problem doing one as long as I did not know I was going down one...they decided to keep that one a secret from me :) ...and I did it. I took it like the tortoise though..slow and steady, steady and slow (and shaking for dear life! ha! The whole way down I was praying that I would not fall and break anything ...my kids need me!!!)

Poppie and Uncle Sam giving me ski lessons. Everyone hanging out in Nana and Poppie's suite in the evenings. The cozy feeling I got each time I walked into the Nordic lobby. Watching Parker ski. The time that Cooper got to spend with Granddaddy, Marilyn, Nana and Aunt Kathi. All of the family getting stuck in New Mexico (except the 4 of us) during the big blizzard and not arriving till the day we did. Hot chocolate on the mountain with Poppie. Seeing how amazing hubby is on the slopes. Being with Ashee, CiCi, and KK. Celebrating CiCi's graduation of Nursing School and Ashee's and Michael's engagement. The fairytale feeling of the town of Crested Butte.

And to wrap it up...

Parker dancing around the Gunnison airport exclaiming, "Ho! Ho! Ho!" and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

The End.
...oh and Merry Christmas! :)

Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

2011-12-29T23:15:00.000-08:00

I love a good gingerbread cookie. :)

For the last several years I have been wanting to find the perfect gingerbread recipe that I could add to my personal cookbook and share with others. My friend Tressa made the cutest, most delicious batch and shared them with her friends several years ago; since that Christmas, I have been determined to find a similar recipe to use and love. (Tressa keeps promising me hers, so I will have to compare the two recipes. I do believe that they are pretty similar.)

This Christmas Season, I picked up one of my favorite publications at Barnes N Noble: Cook's Illustrated. These issues never fail to deliver savory foods to the dinner table for whatever the occasion might be. I was thrilled to try the recommended Gingerbread Cookie Recipe! Not only did it offer instructions for thick and chewy cookies, but it also gave the thin and crisp version for additional preferences.

I was making multiple batches, which caused this start to finish process to last 3 evenings and 1 early Saturday morning...in other words, not something I would be able to take the time to do every holiday season. :) However, I was excited and determined to produce these yummy treats this year. (Although I will admit that by day 4 --the decorating portion of the process--my detailed attention to the beautiful, intricate details of the white icing was non-existent. As a matter of fact, my "extra several dozen" never even saw the pretty fluff. Luckily, this recipe satisfies without the added decor, so please know that if you are like me and your time is running shy and/or your baking interests have, by the end of this time-intensive project, dwindled by the waste-side...your cookies will still be share-worthy. :))

Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
For about twenty 5 inch gingerbread people or thirty 3 inch cookies

3 cups (15 oz) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed (5 1/4 oz) dark brown sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbs ground cinnamon
1 Tbs ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
12 Tbs unslated butter, cut into 12 pieces and softened slightly
3/4 cup molasses
2 Tbs milk

(By food processor)
1. In food processor, process flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together until combined, about 10 seconds. Scatter butter pieces over flour mixture and process until mixture is sandy and resembles very fine meal, about 15 seconds. With machine running, gradually add molasses and milk; process until dough is evenly moistened and forms soft mass, about 10 seconds.
(By stand mixer)
1. Stir Together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Stop mixer and add butter pieces; mix on medium-low speed until mixture is sandy and resembles fine meal, about 1 1/2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and, with mixer running, gradually add molasses and milk; mix until thoroughly combined, about 10 seconds.)

2. Scrape dough onto counter; divide in half. Wirjubg uwtg 1 portion of dough at a time, roll dough to even 1/2 in thickness between 2 large sheets of parchment paper. Leaving dough sandwiched between parchment layers, stack on baking sheet and freeze until firm, 15 to 20 minutes. (Alternatively, refrigerate dough for 2 hours or overnight.)

3. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. Remove 1 dough sheet from freezer; place on counter. Peel off top parchment sheet and gently lay it back in place. Flip dough over; peel off and discard second parchment layer. Cut dough into 5-inch gingerbread people or 3-inch gingerbread cookies, transferring shapes to prepared sheets with wide metal spatula, spacing them 3/4 inch apart; set scraps aside. Repeat with remaining dough until sheets are full. Bake cookies until set in centers and dough barely retains imprint when touched very gently with fingertip, 8 to 11 minutes, rotating sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking. Do not overbake. Cool cookies on sheets for 2 minutes, then remove with wide metal spatula to wire rack; cool to room temperature.

5. Gather scraps; repeat rolling, cutting, and baking in steps 2 and 4. Repeat with remaining dough until all dough is used. Serve.

Thin and Crisp Gingerbread Cookies
For 2 1/2 to 3 Dozen gingerbread people or 4 to 5 dozen cookies

Note: If you wish to thread the cookies to make ornaments, snip wooden skewers to 1/2 in lengths and press them into the cookies just before they go into the oven; remove skewers immediately after baking.

To make ahead: The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Follow recipe for Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies, quartering rather than halving dough, rolling each dough quarter 1/8 in thick, reducing oven temperature to 325 degrees, and baking cookies until slightly darkened and firm in center when pressed with finger, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Decorative Icing
Coats About 2 Dozen 2 inch cookies

Note: Transfer icing to a pastry bag to outline the cookies or make simple motifs, or use a soupspoon to drizzle the icing across the surface of the cookies. To coat the entire cookie, use a small metal spatula to spread the icing over the top surface. If the icing hardens while working with it, mix in a small amount of water.

1-2 Tbs milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Using a small whisk or fork, combine 1 Tbs milk and confectioners' sugar in small bowl and mix until smooth. If mixture is too stuff to work with, mix in additional milk in very tiny increments until proper consistency is reached.
2. Let icing dry to a dull shine, about 20 min, before serving or storing cookies.

our Christmas Cards this year

2011-12-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I was totally late with Christmas cards this year, but I still LOVE our cards and am happy that I finally got them out....(ahem, a few are still left to be given out but I totally have an excuse for those.) ;)
This year, I ordered our family's Christmas cards through Shutterfly. I have used them in the past and been pleased with the results. This year was no different. I am smiling. Thank you Shutterfly!!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Santa came!

2011-12-26T22:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from us to YOU!

Thankful and rejoicing for the birth of our Saviour!

Love,

the Nolens

Reindeer Cookies

2011-12-21T05:02:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, my mama used to make reindeer cookies with me during the Christmas season. This year, I decided I wanted to make them with our boys.

Since our guys are still a little young (and since I had already spent most of my free baking time on holiday breads and gingerbread cookies!) and for the sake of time, I had hubby pick up the pre-sliced Simply Peanut Butter Cookie dough at the grocery store for me. It worked like a charm! At our Cookie Swap, we had quite a few kids in attendance, but Parker at the age of 3 (almost 4), was the oldest one. Going with the pre-sliced cookie dough was the best choice by far. All I had to do was put two slices on the baking tray together and then pinch them together a little for the reindeer head and then the kids placed the little antlers, nose and eyes. Easy for me and for the children. This is such a simple and fun holiday treat for you to do with kids!

Reindeer Cookies
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough (made from scratch or the store bought kind..either way is great!)
Red M&M's
Chocolate chip baking chips
Pretzels

Place dough 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using thumb and forefinger, make a slight indentation one-third of the way down the sides of each slice. Press in pretzels for antlers, chocolate chips for eyes and a red m&m for the nose.
Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until light brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Let your kids have fun with it! (Our little reindeer heads were quite unique...one missing its eyes and one with its antlers upside down...but who cares?! Parker was so proud of his special reindeer cookies and couldn't wait to chow down on them! Each of the kids at the Cookie Swap who participated got to take home their special cookie in a cute little bag...so fun!)

Happy Christmas Baking with your Kiddos!

Our 3rd Annual Cookie Swap - 2011

2011-12-20T22:13:00.000-08:00

The draft for this post was originally started over a week ago...I am finally forgoing the somewhat perfection of a recap and going with it for the simple fact that I have to wake up to get on an airplane in less than 3 1/2 hours, and even spending this much time on it is ridiculous at this point (well, at least that's what dear hubby who just crawled into bed said).
Though I have literally scheduled "down time" in our family's weekly schedule for the past several weeks, things have been picking up speed around here lately...hence the lack of posts. I do have a lot to share and hope that over the next several weeks to catch up. But in the meantime, enjoy this holiday season with friends and family. ;)

This past weekend we hosted our Sunday School class for our 3rd Annual Cookie Swap/potluck. My cookie choice this year: Gingerbread. Super cute and Super Yum....and Super time-intensive. Quite possibly the last time I do these for a cookie swap..we'll see. After 3 evenings and 1 morning of working on these sweet little men for a number of hours, I placed them in their decorative packaging and happily moved on to other notions. I am quite excited to share this delicious recipe with you though. It is being added to my personal cookbook of cookie favorites. :)

In the past, I failed miserably at my gingerbread cookie attempt. The cookies were tasteless and too hard. This year, I did my research and found the perfect recipe for what I was going for. I will share it soon!

Pumpkin Bread and Strawberry Loaf loaded up in a basket to share with our Sunday School friends.

We are never short on food when this group gets together...

(this picture was taken minus 4-5 dishes.)

Several of the kids made their own Reindeer Cookies; such a simple and fun Christmas treat that kids can make themselves! (recipe will be shared soon!)

Cookies galore...We had a variety that included Andes Mint Cookies, Gingerbread, Sugar cookies, Chocolate Covered Ritz with Peanut Butter, Russian Tea Cakes, Peppermint Melt-aways, Fudge, Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Covered Grahams, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Butterscotch...the cookie table is always overflowing!

The girls...

...and the handsome guys

And this was the best attempt of a group shot of (most) of the kids. Cooper was long-gone passed out by this point in the evening. ;)

As tradition goes, I took pictures of each of the couples in front of the tree (I was sad that I did miss getting a few people in the end, but I think 12 of the 14 couples is pretty good considering the chaotic and busy evening.)

I am not going to post each and every one of the couple's shots up here this year, but I am going to post my favorite couple's shot of the evening...Ryan and Lindy. Hilarious. They know how to shake the formal pictures up a bit. Love these guys so much. Lindy is expecting their first baby in March..yeah!..so excited for them!

It seems like more time has passed since our original Cookie Swap in 2009. Here's a look at 2010 (at least it didn't take me a whole 2 months to get this one posted! ha!) Back then, we still felt so new to this area and were fairly new to our Sunday School Class. We were soooo hoping to make some more good friends here in Minnesota. The cool thing is that the original five have made it to the cookie swap each year since that first year. And now, look at how the fellowship has grown!! Clay and I feel so thankful and so blessed to have the amazing friends that we do.

Simple facts about 2011 Cookie Swap:

One thousand one hundred seventy-six cookies

14 couples

8 kids (I think)

12 different types of cookies

7 hours of fun from start to finish

3 nights in the kitchen prior to the party working on my little gingerbread men...and the morning of

1 forgotten dish to return to owner

and a LOT of laughter and good memories made.

Thanks again to each of you for coming out! The cookies and appetizers were absolutely delicious. Looking forward to seeing the cookie choices next year...and in capturing ALL of you next to the Christmas tree for our "couple pictures!" :) Thank you for being such amazing friends and such a blessing to our family. We love each of you.

christmas parties and busy days

2011-12-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

A daycare Christmas Party...

a friend's birthday party...

and just keeping mama busy with our daily antics...

and messes...

Mama says she is a little busy right now with life, but will be back soon. :)

Fao Schwartz Bears from Rassie

2011-12-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

Boys with their FAO Schwartz Bears "Take 32": My mom went to New York for Thanksgiving this year and sent both boys a bear from Fao Schwarz. To make it more special, she sent a picture of herself outside of the store with the live toy soldier model to include in each of the boys' books. With this picture of Rassie in New York, I wanted to include a picture of the boys with their New York teddy bears. It only took 32 attempts to get the one I was looking for.

...although I have to admit that "take 17" without the bears was pretty cute too...and no, my youngest child is not just posing with the ornament in his hand to be cute...he intends to eat it as "take 14, 15 and 16" show.

visiting Santa: Macy's Santaland "A Day in the Life of an Elf"

2011-12-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Minnesota, I have wanted to visit the downtown Macy's at Christmastime to see Santa. After attending the 2011 Macy's Santaland I do not know if we will miss a year going forward. North Pole, here we come!

The night before going to see Santa downtown, Parker wrote out his wish list...he was also kind enough to write out a few things for Cooper too. :)

(quite enthusiastically I might add...)

I was a little nervous when all but one item on his list was completely different than anything he had mentioned ever before. Looks like Santa will be working late in his toy shop this year.

The 2011 theme that Macy chose was "A Day in the Life of an Elf." As soon as one stepped into the magical tale, you learned the story of the young elves and all that happens at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas.

Once we stepped into Santa's Workshop we looked on to see: "Elfin Sleeping Quarters," "The Laun-tree," "Santa Claus Square" and other magical North Pole wonders...

the "Reindeer Stable"

"Elfin Classroom" including Sleigh Routes and Toys 101

"Elfin Dining Hall"

"Santa's Workshop: Once your letter's received, elves know just what to do!"

"North Pole-Stal Station: the daily mail is quite a sight!"

"Reindeer Flight School"

"Christmas Tree Forest: At the Do-Re-Tree Songfest, the music's a wow! After each concert, the trees take a 'bough'"

Parker was running so fast from one enchanted room to the other that we had to keep calling him back to us. Both boys had huge smiles on their faces throughout the exhibits. That was my favorite memory of all.

After seeing the elves at work at the North Pole, we were able to squeeze back into a special room to sit with Santa. Cooper surprised me by not crying when he sat on Santa's lap, but instead acted quite intrigued by the whole experience. (Although by the end of the 5 minute period, his little lips threatened to quiver a bit.)

Parker, on the other hand, was nothing but excited to see Santa this year (unlike years in the past). When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas and handed him a special pin for his shirt, our little boy beamed.

After visiting with Santa, we headed over to the big man's special mailbox where we dropped in a letter with our Christmas requests.

Whenever we visit downtown, Parker likes to take out running through the skyways like he owns the place...brownie points for the 3 year old who was willing to stop and let his mama take a picture of him.

We wrapped up our morning out with a lunch downtown. On the way, Parker stopped to listen to a band playing Christmas music.

Santa, we look forward to your visit so very soon! Thanks for letting us come visit with you today and good luck with your last minute toy making!

busy and tired from Christmas festivities...be back soon!

2011-12-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

Busy with Christmas festivities and too tired to catch up right now...back after the holidays with a wrap-up! Hope you and yours are enjoying every moment of this Christmas season!

Decking the Halls

2011-12-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving we started Decking our Halls with all things Christmas and Winter!

One of the first things we did was put Parker's little Christmas tree up in his room. I was so excited to get a couple of these this year for our boys' rooms! This is a tradition I have been looking forward to passing on for some time now. Every year growing up, my brother and I had one of these in our rooms; my bedroom became enchanted every single night as soon as the lights went off and my little Christmas tree lights came on. (My tree actually didn't have lights, but I had a flashlight that I would turn on for my little magical world to come to life.) I do hope that my boys will let their imagination soar and in the years to come will look back on these little Christmas trees and find that these were another treasured memory that helped to make their Christmases even more special and magical.

Parker took his job of decorating his tree very seriously.
I had opted not to use the hooks this year because of our sweet child who likes to put everything in his mouth. ;)

I thought Parker was hanging the decorations on the branches with the little loop in the ornament, but after taking a closer look (and after seeing a number of ornaments fall to the ground a few minutes after he hung them) I realized that all the ornaments were going on the lights. I roared with laughter; that would explain the very serious expression in all 30 something pictures I took where he is concentrating to get his ornament on just right!

Quick view of one of my kitchen countertops...

Parker rocking in his chair and sipping hot chocolate while Clay and I start putting up the tree.

A little nook in the play area sprinkled with a few new Christmas books and trinkets...

Rassie sent the boys the Fisher Price Nativity Set to help them decorate and get ready for Christmas and they absolutely love it. Hours have already been spent on the floor playing with Baby Jesus, the Wise Men and the Angel. Their favorite part: When Baby Jesus lights up and it plays Away in a Manger"

A favorite Christmas item for kids: Fisher Price Nativity Set

Little basket filled with children's Christmas books...

Of course, our little elf friend who likes to be sneaky and hide in places he is not supposed to be...

and a little winter green for our porch.

...to end with this sweet, precious angel (who was being a little naughty in this picture and taking all my ornaments of the tree!)

There is a reason they call this the most wonderful time of the year! Amidst the chaotic events and days that lead up to Christmas, it is such a perfect time to thank God for the birth of our wonderful Saviour. The warmth, memories and special moments that Christmas brings is one that you remember for a lifetime. I am looking forward to sharing sweet memories and passing on traditions to my little men just as my parents did for me.

Now, it is off to bed for me as I believe the last batch of my gingerbread cookies have cooled and are ready to be stored away for the evening. Tomorrow will be a busy day around here. Decorating 120 Gingerbread Men, a birthday party for the boys to go to, finishing last minute cleaning around the house before our Sunday School Class comes over for our 3rd Annual Cookie Swap, baking 24 loaves of pumpkin bread and strawberry loaf...and well, I'm just going to stop there because that's about all I will fit into one day.

(Still need to order Christmas Cards and start wrapping presents--please tell me I'm not the only one out there!)

Christmas Party with Friends and a Holiday Recipe

2011-12-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

Some friends of ours from Small Group, Ericka and Mike, hosted their 1st Annual Christmas Party this year. Have I mentioned before that Ericka loves to bake...and Mike loves her for that. :) Her beautiful and tasty treats not only please the sweet tooth, but are quite easy on the eye as well. I could not help but take a couple of snapshots of her "cookie table" to share.

...the snowflake cake pops were heaven on earth.

Our Small Group, plus Susie and Mike (the honorees :)):

Along with the scrumptious treats, Ericka whipped up a yummy drink: Drunken Smores. After trying one that evening, I immediately begged her for this tasty recipe. I would highly recommend whipping up one of these next holiday season as you sit by the fire wrapping Christmas presents. It is delicious!
Ericka graciously shared the recipe with me, to which I would like to share with you. Enjoy and just remember to pace yourself... ;)

Drunken Smores
1 part Marshmallow Vodka
2 parts Irish Liqueur (Bailey's or any brand works)
Top with Gingerbread Cookie and you are sitting happy! :)

wrapping up Fall and moving into Winter...

2011-12-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Obviously, we are no longer in Fall and have transitioned into Winter 2011. I'm personally thankful we made it as long as we did prior to the first snowfall. Now, don't get me wrong. I am ready to embrace Winter and all it has to offer; however, admittedly I was quite content to hold on to the nice, cool weather and dry ground for as long as we could. :)

A few things I failed to post last month that were worth mentioning:

Baking breads for our neighbors and then venturing out in the snow to deliver; Parker was so excited to carry the little brown basket and hand the treats out to each person

My littlest Turkey on Thanksgiving Day!

Parker and me baking our traditional Chex Mix.

(We've been in the kitchen a lot lately...tis the season to bake!)

Clay jumped in on the baking fiesta!

Winter is coming!

We had some big happenings this Fall with our sweet Cooper. Not only did he have his first birthday but we also celebrated his Baby Dedication. It was such a special day for us. Thanks to each of our friends who came to support us and, to our family, we missed you each dearly but appreciate you thinking of us on that memorable day.

The Lord has blessed us so very much!

And now, moving on to all things Winter...

Laundry, Life and the Munchkins

2011-12-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

I feel a little behind...

for some reason lately I can't seem to keep up with our laundry, ironing, dusting, vacuuming, dishes, mopping, bathroom, weekly menus, errands, Christmas shopping, thank you's...and a few other things. ;) How is it possible that we even have this much laundry pile up anyway? I literally do a load of laundry every day, at least on most days. For those of you who have teenagers, I'm sure you will tell me it gets worse! ha!

In addition to laundry and life in general, these two little munchkins have been keeping me very busy lately. It's never a dull moment in this house. ;)

I'll be back soon to let you know the progress of our laundry...and other fun sorts.

first snow

2011-11-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

November 19, 2011

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

Clay: "What are you doing Parker?"
Parker: "I'm cutting and cooking my turkey!"

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family! Happy Turkey Day! :)

while my boys are in Texas...

2011-11-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning (in the wee hours) I dropped all three of my boys off at the airport so they could catch a flight to Texas. I watched them until they quickly disappeared in security, got back in the car and completely and totally lost it. I cried so hard that I missed my exit towards home and had to drive an extra 10 miles in the wrong direction because of the little detour.

I had to laugh at myself later because I have no idea where that came from. Since Cooper has been born (over a year ago) I have not been at the house by myself for more than a couple of hours...and even the times where I had an hour to two by myself was a rarity. I think I have gotten so used to having a chaotic household that I don't know quite what to do with myself when I am home alone. Well, at least for the first few hours anyway.... ;)

Clay, Cooper and Parker at the airport in Texas - November 2011

1st trip for Clay to take both boys on a trip by himself

The funny thing is that I am a very independent person; I always have been. Parker comes along and shocker...I'm thrown for a loop. It didn't take too long for me to work that out though. I wouldn't give anything for our precious boys and the "busyness" that they have brought to and continue to bring to our lives.

Fast-forward to Wednesday...I'm good. ;)
Time to start crossing off things from the bucket list.
#1 Enjoy a plate of strawberries

...chocolate covered. :)

No worries about me. I'm good. Boys are having a blast. I'm enjoying a few "date nights" with myself. It's great. ;)

Tonight I went to see "Breaking Dawn" at the movies. Now, exactly 3 weeks ago I would have scoffed at anyone who mentioned this film to me; my sister-in-laws have been trying to convince me to read the books and check out the movies for over a year now. Every time they mentioned it I would shake my head and respond, "A love story about vampires and werewolves? Yeah right." Almost 3 weeks ago, Twilight came on television. Now, I don't watch a lot of television but I decided to give the movie 10 minutes to check it out and see why so many people thought this was a "must-see." Within 7 minutes, I was shooing my husband and 3 year old away from the room. I was glued to the t.v. for the rest of evening and have been only slightly obsessed ever since. Monday evening, I went and checked out the first three videos in the saga and have played them over and over in the background every single night while I've been doing random things around the house after getting home from work. Aaaahhh. Love it. It's like a modern day Romeo and Juliet..sort of.

It just happen to work out that the 4th part of the saga was coming out in the theaters while my boys were out of town. Tonight, I think the guy at the ticket desk at Regal Cinemas thought I was crazy when he handed me my ticket and I looked at him and asked, "Is this for one person?" What happened to the little red single ticket stubs you used to get? Or the little bitty individual ticket stubs that 5 years ago just had the name of the title of the movie you were going to see? Tonight, I got this credit card sized (if not larger) ticket plus some other slip that I was to show to the attendant. Then I sat down right in the middle of the theater with my popcorn and coke and watched the previews for when the screen popped up to "silence your phone"... and then came the message.... "No texting allowed." That's when I realized how old I was getting.

I think it was at that point when my mind went back to my Jr High days. The movie theater experience in my hometown was a little different experience than this. Not in a bad way...just different. I couldn't help but smile as I sat there and had flashbacks of my Saturday evenings at the movie theater. Simple ticket stubs, sticky floors that literally stuck to your shoes, bouncy seats (due to age), theater building right next door to the Pizza Hut and McDonalds...and usually you knew 3/4 of the people in there. There was no pre-entertainment commercials...the lights would dim, the previews would come on and the movie would start. There was typically a 5-10 min silent period where one would enter, take their seats and nothing was playing on the screen...it was at this time all the jr highers and highschoolers would goof off and check the room to see who was there on this particular evening. Who was on a date with who, what group of girls were having a girls night...so fun thinking back on all of that.

Funny thing..about the time all of this was running through my head...when I was reminiscing about my youth, the preview for "Titanic" came on. Who knew it was coming back to theaters? I couldn't help it; I had to laugh because it was this movie that I went to see twice...and both times I was asked to leave because I was crying so hard. True story.

Some things never change. Within 15 minutes of Breaking Dawn starting, I had tissues in my hand and was sniffling...was it from the movie itself or the fact that I was having a girls night all to myself...who knows? Either way, it was fun. Ashee, please don't forget my books at Christmas. I have some reading to catch up on this December. :)

Time to head to bed. I have quite a few more things to cross of my bucket list before Sunday, so I'd better get my beauty sleep tonight. ;) I can't believe I've just stayed up this late...

a zoo trip, some randomness, and leaves of fall...

2011-11-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

This morning after Clay flew out, the boys and I headed to the MN Zoo to enjoy one last trek around the outdoor exhibits before they close up for winter. The weather predicted for today was beautiful, and I was so excited that the weatherman was right on target; it was indeed a gorgeous day. The boys loved seeing all the different species of animals. They contentedly stayed snug under their thick blanket I brought along to drape over their legs and heartily snacked on goldfish as we passed many of the exhibits. Both got out of their seats plenty to romp and play, but I was thankful I brought the double-stroller for the longer strides. Both were happy happy boys, which made for a very happy mama. ;)

In addition to seeing the outdoor exhibits and the indoor shark feeding show, one of the highlights was playing at the Woodland Adventure. It features a variety of climbing structures and a number of nature elements for the children to explore and play in. Parker went multiple times down the giant curvy slide from the lighthouse, over the swinging rope bridge and into the treehouse. On the opposite side of the play area, sits the giant eagle's nest, which just so happened to be Cooper's favorite of the day. I'm not really sure why, but he was totally cracking himself up in that thing...it was way cute.

It was a great morning...and a great afternoon. We got home right at lunchtime, and enjoyed some chicken pasta salad, grapes, broccoli, carrots and almonds. Both guys tucked right into their beds and drifted off to sleep without a cry. Aaaahhh. Success. :)

For some randomness...last week was a very happy day when I discovered my favorite pair of hoop earrings that have been lost for 2 years now. I squealed when I found them in my Vera Bradley eyeglass case...random I know. But I've been so happy and have enjoyed wearing them again so much that I thought I would share.

I have been trying to weed through the mountains of magazines and paper stuff that has been slowly piling up over the last 6-8 weeks around our house. Usually, I stay on top of our mail and things of that nature pretty well (actually, at least half of it if not more, never even makes it in the house before it goes in the recycling bin), but lately that has not been the case. So, I'm on a shredding/burning/recycling spree of mail, magazines and "paper stuff."

...which leads me to my next random tidbit. Tonight, hubby built me my first fire of the winter. Yea! I do LOVE fires in our fireplace and never tire of those (which is good because that is the ONLY thing about winter I do not tire of). He knew I had a good bit to shred...our shredder is officially non-existant as our last one broke...so he built me a gorgeous fire to be able to throw my paper in...and to prop my feet up to. (Truly, I think he's a little tired of me complaining about the cold temps in the house and shivering loudly enough for him to purposefully hear! ha ha!)

The other day after work, the boys and I, along with our neighbors' two girls, played outside for some time before supper. Clay and I were on a mission to rake leaves and the kids, of course, discovered the big, colorful piles that come with that chore. I think we raked one of our piles up 8 or 9 times as they would squeal, run and jump to their little heart's content..laugh...and then do it all over again, until it was time for us to come rake it up into a mountain for more jumps. So fun!

We had four of these big piles in our front yard so it was not long before we recruited help from the youngsters; they were happy to oblige. ;) What do you see that is wrong with the picture below? ha ha! Clay actually was on the phone with his sister and the kids would get upset if we tried to help with their "job," so we let them load up two wheelbarrow fulls all by themselves. As you can see below, they were very much into it and did a terrific job. *Remember, to hold a "leaves party" next year and recruit all the neighborhood kids to help. After the "mountain jumps" and re-rakes of the big piles of leaves, job should be completed in less than an hour. ;)

Even Cooper was quite the delighted little fellow to have a position in the chore with the big kids. He "held up" the wheelbarrow (well, when he wasn't trying to turn it over! ;))

Fun times around here...happy Fall!!!

our 2011 Halloween

2011-11-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

"Carve a Pumpkin"
If you can, buy a pumpkin carving kit - it will make the carving easier and safer. Choose a pumpkin with a fairly even surface. Cut a lid out of the stem end, set it aside, and remove the pulp and seeds with a large kitchen spoon. Scrape out some of the meat of the pumpkin to make the inside clean and smooth. Draw a face on the outside with a magic marker. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut out the design. Choose a short, fat candle to illuminate the pumpkin. Light the candle and anchor it in some soft wax dripped in the bottom of the pumpkin. Put the lid back on the pumpkin (tilt it slightly to leave a space; the flame gets more oxygen and burns brighter this way.) ... Place your jack-o'-lantern in a window or on a porch to light up the night." excerpt from Mom's Almanac

We may not be pros at carving pumpkins (this was technically our first year to do it all by ourselves without help from our parents! ha ha!) but rest assured, we had fun in the kitchen with the boys creating jack o lanterns this Halloween. I laughed and told Clay that in two years we would be doing this in record time with our eyes closed! My thoughts were to keep the designs simple...2 eyes and a mouth with a scraggly tooth. Clay and Parker decided they wanted to try out their carving skills, so they went to town with their design cards and carving utensils.

Fifteen minutes before our Small Group arrived Sunday evening, our kitchen still had pumpkin seeds, pumpkin juice, and pumpkin carving utensils everywhere. In the midst of frantically pulling it all together in the end (kinda like that 1980s movie "Adventures in Babysitting" with Elisabeth Shue when Chris did a 2 minute mad-dash clean-up as the parents were pulling into the driveway), one of my jack-o'-lantern's teeth fell out leaving only a single tooth on the smallest pumpkin of the group. There was no time for glue, so Clay lined the pumpkins out on the front porch, laughed and said, "Carrie, come look!" I ran out to see what the humor was and couldn't help but shake my head and smile...

...I had made a baby Cooper pumpkin! (although Cooper has quite a few more teeth than this friendly fellow!)

Parker was a pirate. Cooper was Peter Pan. Aaahhhh!!! My heart melts all over again seeing them dressed up like the little characters. PRECIOUS little boys....who are getting too big too fast.

Though Cooper did not take part in the actual trick-or-treating part of the evening, he had fun hanging out with his brother before passing out in his daddy's arms precisely at bedtime. Parker loaded up his little McDonald's Happy Meal bucket with treats from all over the neighborhood. He ran from house to house excitedly saying either "hello!"(sometimes he forgot the "trick or treat" part!) or "trick or treat!" and then politely saying thank you to each of the candy-givers. My heart smiled during the whole hour. He came home proudly dumping all of his treats on the floor. Parker then took over a very important job of handing out candy to the last of our trick or treaters. He took his job very seriously and loved it! After reading a Halloween story or two, we then all turned in for the evening. I'm pretty sure I drifted off to sleep dreaming of a certain pirate and peter pan. ;)

Hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween this season!

ridiculously inspired

2011-10-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

I originally saw this video on Liz's blog and her thoughts were mine exactly...ridiculously inspired.
Lately, I've been inspired and excited about every little thing (it seems like more so than usual but maybe not) :)

-Crazy inspired to clean and organize my entire household (basement especially!)
-Excitedly inspired to create healthy, simple and inexpensive meals each weeknight for my family.
-Inspired to read a variety of magazines and books that have been calling my name for some time.
-Every day inspired to smush my little Cooper's face with hugs and kissses and to grab Parker when he's not expecting it and loudly smooch on his little face and give him ginormous bear hugs!
-Determined and inspired to prepare each and every week for our Small Group's Love and Respect session...thereby strengthening my marriage and our family.
-Challenged and inspired to always provide a nurturing and loving home to my precious boys.
-Crazy inspired to capture and document our family's everyday moments.
-Ambitiously inspired to imperfectly perfect all that I do (seamless mornings with the boys from start to finish, leave work feeling as if I've performed at 110%...I would never expect any of these things to always be perfect, but I do love to try!!)
-Ridicuously inspired to travel, create, perform, document, LOVE, laugh, bake, organize, manage, speak, listen, photograph, teach, decorate, read, relax, study, learn and pray. I am daily inspired to be a better Daughter of Christ, wife, mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter, friend, employee, citizen of this blessed country. I am so very grateful for my life and the inspiring individuals and moments that surround me.

If you are not already ridiculously inspired by day to day living, watch this video...maybe it will spark a little muse! :)

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

A good cause, my growing boys, and other randomness...

2011-10-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

The other day I ran across something that I would like to share. Please visit emmettsfight.com and watch the two brief videos. You will become more aware of the tiny batteries around your home and mine. By the end, your heart will ache for little Emmett, who is a living miracle; hopefully, you will also have a desire to spread this information to your friends and family too.

And on a completely different note (and also very trivial compared to the above mentioned) a few randoms in our life over the last several weeks...

We've recently purchased a new vehicle...we can now fit 8 in our vehicle instead of a squishy 5 (plenty of room for future carseats...future being the key word there) ;)

I am addicted to Chai Tea...it's like my Christmas in a cup in the mornings....especially now that the temps have started dropping here. I told Clay the other night when we were laying in the bed that I wanted a milk steamer so I could make my own Chai Tea's lattes in the morning. He wasn't too crazy about that idea but I keep telling him that it would save us a LOT of money in the long run.We'll see if I get one from Santa this year. ;)

Since the end of September, I've shed more than a few tears as I've thought about my precious little boys growing up and getting so big. "Ole Mr. Time, please slow down. I've been having a little trouble keeping up lately."

I think part of my emotions started when Parker recently came home talking about big boy things like the "rad engine" he's going to have one day or when he first got in the car singing tunes from Justin Beiber that he overheard from an older kid at daycare. Then Cooper turned one. After that, there was no stopping the tears from their emotional mama. ;)

October 2011: Typical shot of Clay getting two boys ready and out the door

Between the boys growing up four times as fast as we'd like them to and work and life being slightly crazier busier than usual, we are grabbing onto every simple moment that we have together as a family at home. Some of our most memorable moments have been spent rolling around on the floor wrestling and laughing, going miles around the living room on our knees with airplanes and cars in tow, and squishing up together with boys in our laps as we read stories of pumpkins, apples and Autumn tales.

I am really looking forward to the next several weeks as we have very few organized plans outside the home...and that means more time for baking in the kitchen, playing random made-up games with my boys, more storytimes, more walks in the brisk outdoors and more grilling. It is during these times that my mind is most alive with inspiration and ideas, so I'm sure some additional creative projects will come as a result of all the playtime at home. :) I love this time of the year.

crunching through leaves in the woods of the Arboretum

2011-10-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

So, I mentioned in the last post that we flew back into Minne from Mississippi early Monday morning. I did not want Fall to pass us by before we headed out to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, so immediately after flying in, out to Chaska we went. Clay was home (and as usual, we take full advantage of days that he is home to try and get out and do fun things together as a family) so he picked us up from the airport and after taking care of a few "need-to-do" things first, we drove on to our destination.

It was the perfect, relaxing outing that we needed. The boys crawled, played and laughed in the colorful woods. I took some pictures; Clay enjoyed taking everything in (and I'm half of the smiles on his face were due to his visions of future "guys-only-in-the-woods" trips...he often likes to reminisce over his Eagle Scout and hunting days and plan future trips for he and his boys :)). We walked...a lot. It was great though; had it not started raining and approaching suppertime, we would have stayed longer.

I love how this picture is all blurred out except for precious Cooper...as you can tell, he was quite the happy sort riding on top of his daddy's shoulders!

It was slightly difficult to snap pictures of Parker because he was all over the place...as usual. ;)

Family picture. Yea!

If you haven't crunched in leaves yet this Autumn, I would highly recommend going outside right now and trying it. It might just bring a big smile to your face. Happy Fall Friends! :)

72 hours in Mississippi

2011-10-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, the boys and I headed to the airport to catch a 6am flight to Mississippi. Thankfully, we had plenty planned to keep us busy over the 72 hours that we were down South, so that we didn't feel the lack of sleep from our early departure too badly (although I might have mentioned to my mom a couple of times that I would have given more than a few dollars for a Starbucks or Dunn Brothers to be in town).

While in Mississippi, we were, of course, able to see a lot of our family. I don't know what makes me happier--to see the smiles of my boys as they easily play, share and interact with their great-grandparents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncle, etc. or seeing our families' smiles as they sprawl out happily on the floor ready to start a new game or adventure with the two...maybe it's a little of both. :)

Here are some of my favorites:

...and just to keep it real ;) ...

...we hadn't seen my brother and his wife since the first of January, so when I found out on Thursday that they were going to be flying in as well, I was sooo excited!

This picture is a typical representation of the silly and adorable face that Cooper would make whenever his Aunt Fair was holding him or trying to get his attention.

As usual, there was a special event going on that gave me a fantastic "excuse" to skip to the South on this particular weekend. My dear friend, Ashley, is having Baby #1 (a girl!) so we threw a little shower for her (Terra, Mindy, and Mrs. Felicia...everything looked amazing. Great job!) We were all extra excited for this particular party because instead of the typical blue that we have had for almost every shower, we were able to decorate with pink! Unfortunately, I took so many pictures with Ashley's mom's camera that I hardly got any of my own, but the event was a huge success and so much fun!

Though I don't have pictures of the pink stuff, I do have a picture from my dinner out with some of the girls. I can assure you, we had a fabulous hour and a half catching up and chatting. To an outsider, our conversations, I'm sure, would have seemed comical. One half of the table (probably the 3 married with kids) couldn't seem to quit talking about bottles, new baby products, sleep schedules, toddler tantrums and other everyday things; whereas, the other half of the table (probably the 3 hot single girls who still have a social life and stay up past 10pm ha ha!) chatted it up about their recent international adventures, work, and not-so-serious relationships. Thank you girls for a terrific evening! You never fail to entertain! :) And thank you LaLa, Ashland and Papa for watching the boys for a little bit this weekend so that this mama could have a little girlfriend time! I really appreciate it!!!

And on the eve before our departure...Rassie got Parker in the kitchen for some simple baking and a Halloween craft. It was one of the highlights of the trip for him.

Proof that we did indeed sleep during the weekend...Parker probably better than all of us ;)

...and just like that we were back in Minnesota by 10am Monday morning. A little part of us ready to get back to our little routine but another part of us missing our family like crazy! Thanks to each of you for helping to make our trip so special and fun! We're already looking forward to the next time! :)

"i'm the birthday boy!"

2011-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's My Birthday Today!

I am One Year Old.

A few things you should know about me (or things my mama says she does not want to forget!):

Weight: 23 lbs, 5 oz - 59%

Length: 31 1/2 in - 93%

Hair: Blonde (definitely from the Nolen side)

Eyes: bright Blue

Teeth: 9 (and working on a few more)

Diapers: Size 4

Clothes: 18 mos

Shoes: around 4 - 4 1/2 (my mama says she needs to get my feet measured soon!)

I like to crawl more than I like to walk because I can get there 12 times as fast. I like to practice walking with assistance and have been for a few months now but do prefer to use my hands and knees.

I like to eat. I really enjoy spaghetti and pasta meals with chicken, mixed vegetables, rice, and all fruits.

I am a great sleeper. Now that I no longer have tummy problems I usually sleep through the night without any issues (well, except for when my teeth were coming through which was a process!) Since a baby, I prefer to be placed in my crib so that I can drift off to sleep happily on my own. I go to bed at 7:00pm. Every night after dinner is done and mama picks me up from my chair, I happily wave my arms up and down (to say bye bye to any observers I might have) with a big grin on my face and even sometimes say, "Nigh Nigh." I typically nap every day from 9-11 and 1-3. I sleep with my bunny lovee and a blankee that has a super soft side and a satin side. I sleep best in my crib at home and at Mrs. Leslie's. I do not sleep well in a stroller or on the rode when we travel. When tired enough I will fall asleep in my car seat (that takes a very long time though!) I have always been perfect at falling asleep easily but not always great at being able to stay asleep...my mama says she is very thankful for the full nights of sleep I give her though. She seems much happier when she gets rest. ;)

I am extremely active and like to get into things that my mama and daddy don't really want me to (cabinets, drawers, breakables, bathrooms potty's...you name in...I've tried to crawl to it, in it or on it. Mama says that she never had to put away her "pretty things" until I came along and now the story has changed. (supposedly my brother never got into things that he wasn't supposed to...well, not as much anyway)

I chew on anything and everything I can get my hands on. I like to try everything in my mouth first before I choose to play with it.

I love bathtime so much. It might be one of my favorite times of the day.

I like to play with my big brother and watch all that he and my daddy do.

I can already make car noises when I run them across the track of my choice ("Brrraah. Brrrraah.")

I say "Ma Ma." "Da Da" "Nigh Nigh" "Ba Ba" (for bottle) and am making fun new noises and syllables each and every day.

My mama has always had trouble keeping me in her lap for storytime but I am getting better. As long as I have something to feel or open on the pages of the book, my attention can be held a bit longer.

My mama says that I am her little Mr. Mr. (she's not quite sure why she started that nickname but says it might be because for so long I reminded her of a little old man with my fairly blonde/bald head and cute little toofers)

Most people tell me that I look more like my dad than my mom (my mom says I look JUST like my dad's side of the family..coloring, chin, hair, build)

I have 2 precious dimples on my cheeks that my mama says she could kiss all day long.

I do like to be held some and snuggled but usually will squirm out of your arms to get down on the ground to play. I like to climb stairs (since about 10 or 11 months).

I scream (loudly and shrilly like a girl) when I want to (one can typically hear it a time or two around dinnertime...though my mama has been working on signing with me since I was a wee little one, I prefer to scream when I need something or just because :) She and daddy laughed one night because mama kept trying to get me to sign "all done" after dinner. I had had enough of that mess, threw both hands in the hair, waved them around in the "all done" sign--but just above my head instead--and screamed "Ddaaaahhnnn!!!" Mama and Daddy say it hurts their ears when I scream like that. Parker isn't too fond of it either and says while covering his ears, "No screaming Cooper!" I get a funny look on my face when I yell too..it makes mama laugh. She says she needs to post a video of it one day.

I am definitely a verbal baby. I am also very social.

Since 11 1/2 mos I have been drinking whole milk. Bottles at bedtime and usually before naptime. During meals and snack time I drink from sippy cups.

I cry when daddy leaves.

I am and have always been a very happy and active little baby boy. My mama says my "toofy", cheesy grin gets her every time.

I am Cooper Bennett -- the birthday boy.

It should be another fun year. I plan on keeping mama and daddy very very busy. ;) I'll let you know how that goes.

"Cooper, your Daddy, Parker and I love you so very much. This past year has been such a blessing for us having you as a part of our lives. Thank you for being your spunky little adorable self. You make the sun shine on days when the rain comes. I love you my little mr. mr."

2011-10-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

We saw the sunrise while airborne this morning.

The picture that I was able to snap quickly from the other side of the plane, while in between the two boys who were, at the time, in very much need of their mama's full attention, does not do justice for the bright red and orange tinted sky that we witnessed on our way to Mississippi.

Often times when I fly I think of my daddy. This morning, I imagined him looking down at me smiling through the sunrise. Funny how flying or being 100's or 1000's of feet above ground (like when I went on that ski lift in Whistler in 2007...as you come up to the top, it feels and seems like there's nothing on the other side. It literally makes you feel as if the lift is taking you up into the clouds) makes me feel even closer to him. :)

Looking forward to a fun, jam-packed weekend with friends and family from our hometown. Hoping you have a good one too!

sweet moments of Fall

2011-10-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

"To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I embrace each of the seasons (though winter here in Minnesota takes a little bit more effort! ;)) but if truthful, I have always been partial to fall. Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year. Everything about it makes me happy inside. Apple Orchards, red berries and pine cones, mulled cider, golden colors of orange, red and yellow, pumpkins, cool weather, warm fresh breads baked in the oven for friends, football games...each of the flavors that the season has to bring.

It is especially easy to encourage my children to be attentive to all that nature has to offer us this time of year. A quote from a good book: "When we train a little boy to be attentive, we can encourage him to study a bug just 30 seconds longer...when we train up a little guy to be attentive, we give him the gift of discovering a fascinating, orderly world and making his own unique mark upon it." This quote and fine lesson on "training up a little guy on Attentiveness" obviously is referring to more than just the Autumn season; however, when I read it this morning I immediately thought of this time because of all there is to enjoy (and to take for granted if we move too fast to appreciate it.)

This Fall, take the time to lay in the grass with your kids and see how many different colored leaves you can find on the trees. Take a quilt outside with some good books and magazines for the season and breathe in the crisp air as you dive into an inspirational read. Go for a walk with your children and incorporate in a scaventure hunt, finding acorns, pine cones and all good things that Fall has to offer (you can even bring them home and have the kiddos make an art project out of it). Sit by a bonfire and toast smores. Visit several apple orchards letting your little ones pick the apples. With the apples you pick from the orchards, invite your family in the kitchen with you to make some special "apple treats" like apple pies and apple cider. Decorate your home with signs of the season: colorful leaves, pine cones, red berries, candles with scents of Autumn, pictures of past times enjoying Fall moments, pumkins and warm baked treats for the family to enjoy on the weekends.

...we are lovin' every sweet moment Autumn has to offer us this season. Hope you are too. :)

Applewood Orchard - it's Apple Pickin' Time!

2011-09-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we headed out early Saturday morning for Applewood Orchard. We met friends Jami and Tom and their sweet girls Greta and Hannah. I was so excited to be able to spend the morning outside picking apples with my boys! ...and get some cute pictures. :) And did I get some good pictures? Well, they weren't exactly what I was going for but they make me smile because it's so them. ha ha!

Cooper was all into crawling on the "hay mountain." Parker wanted to jump off the pile of hay. And crawl and jump they did...

I so desperately wanted to get that "perfect and precious" picture of them together sitting in the hay flashing their big adorable grins...as you can see, that did not exactly happen. However, I have to admit, the photos do make me laugh because they are true representation of our day...busy, busy into play and uninterested in posing for pictures. ;)

After about 16 more attempts I decided that was enough of that...time to start pickin' some apples!

(I am aware that my youngest is not wearing shoes...we are working on that. It's actually hard to quickly find little boys shoes! Any suggestions? We always got Parker's from Stride Rite but the nearest Stride Rite is not exactly convenient for us to visit so I've been looking elsewhere...very disappointed with Target's two options for boys. Ideas?)

We were lucky we came home with any apples.

I almost posted our family outtakes, since they were quite the entertainment for us when I scrolled through them on Sunday, but decided the ones of the boys in the hay were enough. :) The one below was the best one. (It's actually pretty good of the boys. I think it's more of the "ahem" baby fat middle on the mama that made me not so very happy about this picture. We're working on that..well, not actively yet, but soon...very soon.) :)

One of the highlights of Applewood Orchard is their scrumptious "Apple Doughnuts." Mmmmm..

So thankful for the time to be able to get outdoors and enjoy the cool, fall weather. It seems to be passing us by quickly. I plan on sitting down tomorrow and making my Fall Bucket list for the remainder of the season. So fun!

Surprise Guests at Small Group...

2011-09-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday night, we host Small Group at our house. As of to date, we are the only couple with kids...though that will soon be changing. ;) I think it would be a fair statement to say that our friends have seen, heard and learned a lot (probably more than they care to know) about life with a 3 1/2 year old and an 11 month old!

Typically, Parker is pretty good about going straight to bed when we tell him night-night and return to our small group, but some Sunday's he would much rather be up with us than laying in his bed trying to fall asleep. After tucking him in and re-tucking him in his bed tonight...almost an hour later when we went to check on "surprise little footstepts upstairs," this is what we found.

Parker and his "friends" were happy to listen in and be a part of the Small Group discussion tonight...hidden and out of sight, of course!

Meet my new friend, Liz.

2011-09-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Meet my new friend.

It was 2007. I was re-discovering my passion for scrapbooking and photography (after a 2 year hiatus). I was given a Creating Keepsakes magazine by a friend. Inside the magazine, was this spread about the most recent Scrapbooker of the Year, Elizabeth Kartchner. CK posted a link to her blog. I had never been to a blog before (didn't really understand what they were.) And then I went to Liz's...I was hooked immediately. I appreciated this girl's passion for life and her amazing creativity inside and outside the home....she was adorable! Additionally, I noticed several similarities between the two of us...one of which was that her father had passed away due to a lifelong battle of diabetes, much like my daddy. I don't know at that time if it was that, the adorable scrapbooking pages that she often posted, or the "mommyhood" moments that frequented her posts that kept me coming back daily. Maybe all of the above plus some.

To this day, her cute little self and precious family are one of my favorite reasons to visit her blog. I have often thought, "If we lived closer we would be such good friends. I would love to meet her one of these days." (in a totally non-weird, non-stalker kind of way) ;)

Fast forward to this past weekend. My boys needed clothes. Mall of America, here we come! And guess who I got to meet and visit with! :) Liz was teaching at Scrapfest at the Mall of America this past weekend. On top of a brief visit on Saturday (that I would have loved to have continued for 2 hours!), I was able to drive her to the airport on Sunday. After dropping her off and bidding her a safe flight...and encouraging her to stop for a little chocolate along the way, :) I left for home smiling because I had a new friend.

Her name is Liz and she is Amazing!

photo credit: collin kartchner

Liz, I am so thankful to have finally met you face to face. You are even cuter and more fun in person (who would have ever thought that to be possible?!). You know, you always have a place to stay up North if you find your way to our little area of the country again. We could eat chocolate, talk about kids stuff, and scrapbooking, and photography, and random things...If we ever plan a trip out y'alls way, I'll be sure to give you a call. Would love to book your talented hubby for a session of family photos and a video. Hmmm...maybe I could start sweet-talking Clay into a weekend trip in the near future...I'll work on that :)

I am so glad God enabled our paths to cross.

Until next time...

(at least we have our blogs...and facebook...and twitter...and email...and snail mail...and the telephone ;))

Take care, girl.

Check out Liz's website at www.elizabethkartchner.com and her Dear Lizzy line at American Crafts. She also has a book out through Creating Keepsakes that is incredible for some quick, crafty inspiration.

what's been going on around our house lately...

2011-09-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Our beloved "Duckie" has sat its last days in the warm, clear waters of the upstairs tub. (An undetected hole slowly promises to take the last bit of air out of our yellow friend.)

We have enjoyed many a nights splishing and splashing, laughing and babbling in our floaty friend.

Picture taken of Cooper in July 2011

Before handing Duckie over to the garbage, the boys are having one last hoorah with their little friend. Over the last 4 days, Duckie has acted as a recliner, a boat, and a storage container for race cars just to name a few.

In other news, this little tike --who does not seem very little anymore-- is as usual, getting into anything and everything his curious hands want to get into. I definitely need more childproof locks for this house.

A few weeks ago, Cooper started walking with his riding toys.
...but mostly, I just wanted to post this picture because of his dimples and the monkey outfit that totally reminds me of his personality. :)

I Spy...something that does not fit in this picture....besides the terrible landscaping

Yep. That would be a bottle in a tree in our front yard. (some of the best afternoons are spent outdoors, with a Tball set, a soccer ball, a bottle, and sidewalk chalk. Usually when the bottle is in the tree that means hard core kickball time... :))

This is what a typical night looks for us around 7:30pm. For fun this summer, I picked up this fabulous game for Parker and all of us to play together around a campfire. Though we did not actually get it out near a bonfire and smores, we have enjoyed many nights before bathtime of the Camp boardgame. I look for it to be one we play together for many years. GREAT gift idea for little boys!

...some fun (and entertaining) storytimes before bedtime

And even a little couponing after the boys go to bed.

The days of summer are gone and we are starting to transition our closets and drawers into fall/winter items. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Fall? (It's what comes after it that I am not so fond of!) The weekend after Labor Day I put out my fall decorations; every day it makes me smile to see the vibrant reds, the muted yellows and the aged orange colors in my house. Pictures of home decor will be posted soon...I say this to remind myself to actually take some pictures :) Have a Happy Day!!!

Six families, eight kids and one terrific evening...

2011-09-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned in the last post about friends flying in from out of town on Labor Day Weekend. A bunch of Lauren and Jonathan's friends decided to come crash the relaxing evening they had planned for their little family of 4 at the hotel in St Louis Park. :) Six families and eight kids later (one family unfortunately didn't make the group picture), we were laughing it up at the Homewood Suites that Friday night.

I pity those walking in the front doors to check in between the hours of 6pm and 10pm that particular evening. While we were sitting out on the back patio eating supper --amongst a variety of other things that one can only understand if you have that many children in one area at suppertime-- and having a good ole' time, we managed to scare off more than a couple of families who were apparently planning on enjoying a nice dinner outdoors as well.

Do you think it was the 3 1/2 year old, the 2 year old, the two 18 mos olds, the 10 month old, the 7 month old, the 4 month old or the 2 week old child that made them change their minds on joining us? Hmmm...that's questionable. I'm not sure what was more intimidating...seeing the men out on the basketball court trying to play like they were in highschool again (did I mention this is a really great hotel for a family atmospere?!) , the 3 1/2 year old and one of the 18 month olds pulling patio chairs up to this pitifully small decorative garden tree so excited to try and climb it, the other 18 month old going around screaming, "Wah wah!!! (aka water) excitedly grabbing any and every water bottle that she could get her sweet little hands on and drowning her precious little sundress with the liquid, the moms sitting at two tables trying to "easily and effortlessly" feed the smallest of the tikes, or do you think it was just the pure madness of it all?

I'm not really sure myself, but whatever the reason, our group of friends had quite the time chatting it up and letting the kids (those that could walk anyway!) roam free for a couple of hours. That's about as relaxing as we have it these days..but we love it that way. :) It was just the dose of "end of a busy work week" medicine that everyone needed. After it got too dark and chilly to remain outdoors, we then ventured inside where the hotel offered quite the large sitting area next to an almost as large television complete with a fireplace...and lots of safe running space for the kiddos.

Truly, we don't know who had the most fun...us or the kids. Doesn't matter. I'd call it a terrific evening either way and would request for a repeat in a heartbeat.

...now, I don't feel as if the couples and families who walked by all the diaper bags, bottles and strollers and shook their heads with disbelief and laughter would feel the same. However, one couldn't argue that they didn't get 3-4 minutes of fast-paced, childlike entertainment for the evening...or the desire to run to the nearest convenient store to stock up on a variety of birth control methods for the weekend. ;) No need to thank us people; this is how we roll!

Fair, Food and Friends '11

2011-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

We didn't realize until we were walking into the gates that we were ALL dressed in green...seriously. Clay thought it was smart. I thought it was cheesy.

1st time on the giant carpet slide...gets an A+ from Parker and me.

I would recommend taking your biggest, widest stroller to the State Fair. It's definitely the way to go. The crowds part when they catch a glance of these things...just be careful going through the barns :)

...always a favorite of Parker's...big trucks and big machinery

Clay has introduced me to Lemon Lime Hawaiian Shaved Icee's. New favorite.

Minnesota State Fair - Take 2
Friends of ours flew in from Chicago during the second weekend of the State Fair so we met up with them on Labor Day Weekend for more fun!!! I prayed that my husband would not get called out to fly that day so that I would not be stuck with the stroller, 2 kids and the bags by myself. Prayer answered.

You don't come to the fair without leaving with a face filled with chocolate! Martha's Cookies are a must-have. "Hmmm, I wonder what I should get into next..that water fountain over there or the chicks in the barn. Why not both?!"

Eleanor, we miss you sweet girl!! Tell your mommy and daddy to come visit us again soon!

How do 3 guys manage to bring back enough food for 8 people without spilling anything?
Answer: see below (sadly, this was not all of the food...for lunch)

= Good times.

How and Why to Document the Not-so-Great Moments of Mommyhood

2011-09-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

After reading my last post, several people asked the question, "How did you capture Parker in the moment without him catching on to the camera and hidden smile?" I know that's a big question among us moms with always-on-the-go children and one that I am still trying to perfect every chance I get. :)

To answer the question frankly: by remembering to grab my camera and not getting caught up in what could have been the fury of the moment. ha! That's the hardest part. And then prayerfully, carefully, thoughtfully...and a little shrewdly.

Not so long ago, and every once in awhile still, I have to watch myself and my temper. To this day, I wonder if I received a thicker dose of that Creek Indian bloodline than my other relatives. Family, what do you think? ;) Anyway, at that moment of walking in to disaster zone and being completely stunned, all I could think about was 1. how to react best to the given situation in order to teach his little heart versus hurting him and 2. grabbing my camera!

So, to keep from laughing and/or blowing up at his little toddler creativity, I set the tone quietly but firmly and left the room. I was actually excited to have this opportunity to teach Parker something and do it in a calm and rational way unlike a few times in the past! I ran downstairs, called Clay and hooted, grabbed my camera and ran back up the stairs to deal with the situation. By that time, Parker was horrified that I had not come back in...he wanted to know what I was going to do. When I opened the door again, he almost seemed relieved that I was back. Poor thing...didn't know what was coming to him. ;)

I quickly and seriously dropped down to the floor and snapped a couple of not perfect pictures (did you see the terrible lighting in those bathroom pictures?!..but I didn't care. I just wanted to capture the moment and to teach him a lesson at the same time. Spending several minutes fiddling with the perfect settings on my camera just wasn't going to cut it.) Parker asked what I was doing. I slowly raised my head, looked him dead in the eyes and told him "If he knew what was good for him, he would be very very quiet right now." hee hee. I'm so bad. It wasn't long after that that he asked if he was going to jail. :)

And as for the close-ups of him, I don't even think he knew until the last picture was taken that I was taking pictures of his expressions. I had him focusing on my face at that point. As I talked and he listened, the camera was out to my side (no flash) snapping a couple of "mug shots." It wasn't until the last one that I got right in front of his face with the camera. Then while still talking, I nonchalantly put the camera aside like it had never even been there and did not pick it up again until everything was said and done...I then went back and took pictures of the towel pile up after he was in the bed.

Sounds easy right? Well, it wasn't. ha ha! If it were that easy, I would take a lot more "mug shot" pictures after catching the little man in action...wouldn't we all! Sometimes, when things are backsliding fast and furiously it is hard to pause to even think about grabbing your camera for a quick snap. More times than not, smoke can be found coming out of my ears when I "discover" another mess or tantrum. One of the things I have found though, that helps me in ridiculous situations such as these, is to grab my camera and document the moment. It doesn't have to be perfect; remember, you can always edit and crop it later. Just get it on camera!

This past year in MOPS during our very first week, the moms all went around and mentioned one thing that helps them "get through" the tough days and moments. My one little tip for the table was to document it. Document the crazy, insane, torturous moments of the days...not just the good ones. Because those times are the ones that will break you down then build you back up to become a better mom for your little ones. Those instances, in addition to the good ones, are the ones that will cause you to look back and laugh when your children are all grown up. Those horrible in-the-day moments are the ones that we will look back on with happy tears and wish we could go back to...maybe not an hour later...but one day.

This one little thing has helped me a TON with the not-so-great moments since I have had kids. I hope you find that it helps you too! (just remember to charge your camera first so that it is ready to go!! :))

...

So, here's to the all the moms with plenty of chances to document "the-not-so-good-moments." May you find a peace and calmness to help and to not hinder the situation, a remembrance to document so that you can laugh later...and a tall glass of wine (and maybe even a little chocolate) as soon as the kids go to bed that evening!

...

True story: One particular afternoon Parker decided to pitch an all out kicking and screaming fit while we were out running errands. Thankfully, this does not happen very often with him, but on this particular day he was done. And I was done with the fit. I happened to have my camera with me and pulled that baby out and started going to town snapping pictures of his fit. Upclose, upside down, vertically...I mean that camera was all over the place. Once he realized what I was doing, he looked up with those tear-filled pitiful eyes like his mom had grown a second nose. "What are you doing, mom?"

I kept snapping...He asked again...a little louder this time..."Mom! What are you doing?!"

"Oh, me? I'm just taking pictures of you pitching a fit so that I can show you how silly you look!" That was the end of that tantrum. So moms, try pulling out your camera a little bit more. You never know when it can come in useful! :)

"It's all good Mom! Just put me in Duckie with those warm bubbly things and I'll be good as new!"

Happy Snapping! (with the camera that is!!)

3 year old mischief..."in the bathroom"

2011-09-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

No, this is not our super slick and shiny clean bathroom floor. This is standing water. Water that my 3 year old decided would be fun to dump outside of the bathtub one recent evening while I was putting Cooper down in his crib.

Lesson learned: Just because the 3 year old behaves most nights during bathtime doesn't mean he can't turn around and flood the bathroom the next night by submerging his clothes and towels in the water and chunking them at the walls and floor. Also, please note for future reference that there are creative ways of getting water outside the bathtub wall without making a lot of splashing noises for mothers' ears to hear. You may think he's contentedly playing with his boats and sponge letters, but in reality please know that he is up to no good.

After walking in to the flooded bathroom to see my son sitting in the floor playing in the standing water and a big grin on his proud little face, I quietly and quite firmly said --with a look to kill I am sure--, "Son, you'd better get back in that bathtub right now and not make a move until I return." With a stern look on my face I left (to hide the laughter and to call my husband...and to make Parker sweat out the absence of my presence) and returned to a wailing 3 yr old who wanted to know what was going to happen to him. As soon as he saw me, Parker wailed,

"Mmmmmommmmmm! --{insert exaggerated short and quick sucked in breaths and gasps}- Am I going to --gasp gasp-- jaaiiilllll?! {insert another extremely loud and pitiful wail}

I literally had to pinch myself from busting out in laughter. With as straight of a face as I could muster, I replied, "Well, I don't know Parker. What do you think? Silence for a second. Boys who do naughty things go to jail. Maybe a night in the slammer would do you some good."

"NOOOooooooooo Mom! I don't --gasp gasp-- want to go to jail!!!!"

To make a very long story (and night) short, it was not long after that I looked around the room and realized how big of a mess it actually was (water all over the bathroom mirror, changing table--I actually had to take EVERYTHING out of each of the dripping wet baskets--toilet, walls...what had he been doing in here?! There truly wasn't an area untouched.)

I looked down at him again and this is what I saw.
Warning: Do not be fooled by the pitiful looking angelic face that is shown below. There was (I'm sure) a mischievious little plan already brewing inside his mind as this picture was being taken.

My heart did go out for him...a little. After a long talk about being naughty and not dumping water outside of the bathtub ever again, the discussion ended with lots of hugs and reassurance that he was not actually going to jail...or getting thrown away. (At one point during our little talk, I explained to him that because he had dumped water on everything in the bathroom, certain things were going to have to be thrown away since they were ruined. Parker misunderstood me and thought I said that I was going to have to throw him away. My heart tore in two when I realized why he was so upset at that point. Poor baby.)
Though he knew he was in deep trouble and had his "bathtime play" privileges taken away for a night or two, he went to bed with a smile on his face. He knew his mama still loved him even though he had been a little troublemaker that night. I love that he knows that.

....

Fact: It actually took all but 4 clean towels in our house to wipe up the mess in the bathroom.
Fact: My bathroom floors finally got cleaned and are shinier than ever...Note: do not thank Parker for that...he is to never find that out!
Fact: No matter how exasperating some evenings get with him and his little self full of constant creative energy, I love him so much I could just burst.

What's been on your bathroom floor lately?

;)

Pizza in a Dish

2011-08-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
2 cups macaroni
1 pkg pepperoni
1 lb ground beef
1 onion finely chopped
1 15 oz can of pizza sauce
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1/2 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp garlic salt
2 cups mozzarella
1 Tbs parmesan

Cook the macaroni. Cut pepperoni in quarters. Cook ground beef and onion and drain. Stir everything together except cheese. Spoon half of mixture into dish; add half cheese. Repeat. Sprinkle with parmesan and rest of pepperoni.

Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 30-40 minutes.

Definitely a family weeknight favorite! All 3 of my boys were all smiles over this hearty dish! Clay's Aunt Kathi shared this recipe with me awhile back and I was excited to finally get to try it tonight. Parker enjoyed getting to dump the pepperoni, seasonings and sauces into the bowl and then mixing it all together.

Give it a try! Your kids will love it!

our Sunday afternoon

2011-08-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

A lesson learned the hard way...(yes, if daddy tells you to stop kicking the seat or he's going to pull the car over so you can walk home and you disobey again, don't be surprised when he pulls the car over and you walk the rest of the way home.)

Roast, potatoes, carrots and peas for Sunday lunch...

Lots of playtime outdoors crawling around in the grass for this little fellow...

A campfire complete with smores...

First daddy and son campout in the backyard...(I couldn't believe Parker actually made it through the whole night outside, but both guys finally passed out at 10:30.)

We are taking advantage of the final days of summer and trying to spend as much time as possible outside!

What are some of the things you and your family like to do on Sunday afternooons and evenings during the summer months?

My hopes for him...

2011-08-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

I hope that you always find joy in the little things...

I hope you never let obstacles get in the way of achieving your dreams...

I hope you will continue to smile within, even in the face of adversity...

I hope you always know how special and loved you are...and that you will love others...

I hope you will always be curious to learn as you are now...

I hope and pray that you always trust in the Lord first and have faith and belief in the things you might not see everyday...

I love you Cooper. You make your daddy and I so very proud.

Suppertime with these two...

2011-08-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Lately, suppertime has been even more exciting than usual.
These two are quite the little characters. ;)

Most nights at some point during supper one of the two will crack the other one up; they then both start giggling and don't stop until food is going into the mouth.

Pictures taken on August 9, 2011.

It's fun. What a pair they will be some day...and what a pair they are now!

Lake George 2011

2011-07-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we retreated with some friends up North to Lake George. The four hour drive was well worth the relaxing stay. Not only did we enjoy some time on the water, but also we were able to visit the infamous Mississippi Headwaters in Itasca (something Clay and I had been wanting to do for awhile).

Our friends, Kathryn and Eric were gracious enough to host us. I was giddy over finally being able to say, "We're driving up North to stay at the cabin with some friends this weekend." --if you're from Minnesota, you totally get that. Everyone up here goes to the cabin on the weekend...if you don't own one, you know someone who does. We felt like the lone rangers over here. Now we can officially say we've experience a Minnesota weekend at the cabin :)

Every Thursday night or early Friday afternoon in the summer, Minnesotan's quickly hop in their cars and hit the pavement headed North to relax next to one of the many thousand of lakes here. I've heard that leaving on a Friday afternoon on certain highways/interstates can cause you to sit in standstill traffic for a couple of hours. Luckily, we left late enough on Friday and took a backway to our destination, so we never hit standstill traffic...congestion, yes, but nothing as bad as what could have been. Very thankful to say the least.

Discovering sand :), water skiing, tubing, grilling out, fishing, riding in the boat, wakeboarding, touring the Headwaters, fellowshipping with friends...it all summed up to a fabulous weekend.

Clay and I feel as if we have the most incredible group of friends all over the world...some known since childhood and others maybe only for a short time. We have got to be the luckiest people alive. Close to home, we surround ourselves a lot with friends from our Small Group and Young Couples Sunday School Class. Tonight, as I sit here thinking about how to describe these special couples, a quote comes to mind:

"A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend, one human soul whom we can trust utterly, who knows the best and worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults.”
Charles Kingsley

...so very thankful for our many friends who love us in spite of our faults.

Mike & Susie

(& Watson & Miley)

Ryan & Lindy

The Newlyweds: Mike & Ericka

(it was Ericka's birthday this weekend so we had a fun time celebrating...yes, they are wearing matching colors and yes, Mike actually used a blowtorch to light her birthday cake candles) :)

Eric and Kathryn

(thank ya'll so much for sharing your family's wonderful cabin with us! I do hope this has started an annual tradition! :))

Saturday morning, we headed over to Itasca to visit the Mississippi Headwaters. I can't tell you how excited I was about this. Parker and I actually crossed the river, Cooper dipped his feet in the edge of the cool water, and Clay stood on the rocks with us to take pictures. :)

...a little hesitant at first but towards the end, I got a big grin out of Cooper once feet went all the way in. (see picture towards end of post)

Sunday, Mr. Sunshine came out and it was glorious! We spent the majority of the day on the water or on the beach...hundreds of pictures were taken to help document the day. Here are a few of my favorites:

Ericka was smiling the whole time she was in the water; I loved it!

Lindy is like a pro as soon as she hits the water...she blew everyone away with her moves.

Cooper on his first boat ride

Parker fishing with Mr. Mike (aka Mr. Gooch)

Parker's 1st time to go tubing (this weekend he also got to drive the boat with his daddy, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Eric; if you don't think that made him proud, I don't know what would!)

Our family - Lake George July 2011

Parker (3 1/2) and Cooper (9mos)

Cooper with feet in Mississippi Headwaters

Thanks to each of you for a great weekend!

Next summer...same time, same place?!

blessed by friends

2011-07-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Since the start of summer, we have been blessed with several opportunities to get together with our friends from church. 2nd Annual Young Couples Cookout at our house in June, Lunch at Chuck E Cheese with Chicago friends, a cookout in July at the Kim's to meet precious Baby Griffin, and a wedding for Mike and Ericka...each time we get together a great time is to be had!

The cool thing about this group is that even as things change and couples move on to different cities, different states, different jobs and even different Sunday School classes we always come back together for more great memories. Thanks to each of you for your friendship; Clay and I feel so blessed to be able to have you as a part of our lives.

This is my friend, Susie. She is awesome! She drives to work everyday in downtown Minne. She earns extra kudos from me on that note alone. :) See this post and the comments for explanation.

Cooper loves Mr. Mike (Mr. Mike belongs to Mrs. Susie above). All is cool when Mr. Mike is around..."especially when Mr. Mike shares his watermelon with me!"

Where do you go out to eat for lunch with friends that you actually want to be able to carry on a 3 1/2 minute discussion with without interruption from a 3 year old, a 1 1/2 year old, an 8 month old and a 4 week old? That would be Chuck E Cheese! If you're lucky, you might can even get in a 7 minute conversation! ;)

(That actually depends on if your 8 1/2 month old plans his poops to come at the same time and not in between the 4 week old's feedings and sleepy cries, the 3 1/2 year olds trips back and forth to the table to get more Chuck E Cheese tokens for games and the 1 1/2 year olds attempt at trying everything in the play area while carrying around a slice of pizza.)

Jonathan and Lauren, we miss you guys! Hope Chicago is good to you this summer; we'll look forward to seeing ya'll in August for State Fair Food! Yea!

Guys from our Sunday School Class

Summer Cookout at our place - June 2011

Our Small Group at Mike and Ericka's wedding

Congratulations Mike and Ericka! We are so happy for ya'll! It was an honor to attend your beautiful wedding and reception; thank you for including us. Here's to a lifetime of happiness with our spouses and with our dear friends and to "letting our conversations always be full of grace."

You two should have no problem adjusting to married life after seeing and hearing all of our veteran tales these last several months (how to respond when both of you are determined to fold towels a certain--and very different--way, why to stay away from railings on a cruise ship...especially when you're on your honeymoon, and so much more...I'm sure the experience has been more than you ever bargained for! ha! jk...but in all seriousness, at least you know you've got all areas covered if you ever need advice on marriage, kids...that is, if you were crazy enough to ask anyone of us for it. ;)

We love ya'll and wish you the best! Remember to cherish the everyday moments...and to document it.

A day of Red, White and Blue.

2011-07-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

Red, white and blue. Flag cake. Family. Fireworks. Stars and stripes. USA. Summer. July. BBQ on deck.

Celebrate. Independence.

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July to our Family and Friends!

Good morning and Good night Minneapolis!

2011-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to a weekend at home with my family...

This week on more than one occasion, work has started in the early morning hours and ended in the o'dark hundred hours. I did enjoy the training and meetings, the networking with so many talented professionals, and the hot meals that I got to eat all by myself! :) But, I missed my boys...tonight when I got home, Cooper started pumping his little arms and legs as soon as he saw me. And get this, I put him down on the floor 20 min later to find little man shooting across the floor on all fours! He is officially a crawler!

*Note to self: Next time we have meetings in the city (downtown Minne) on the same day as a Twins game, take the light rail!!! I literally drove around for almost 2 hours looking for a parking place in the city...had no idea where I was going. Maybe shed a few tears along the way. Have never been so excited to see random-person-that-sits-down-in-the- "basement"-with-me on the other side of the room (last cube on second row) pulling up behind me...
[Insert pat on back statement] "You are smart, talented, capable and have proven to yourself and others that you can drive downtown by yourself like a big girl...now, next time, save yourself the stress and let someone else handle the craziness!!!"

10pm Wednesday...time to head home...radio on (love the music that's playing!), gps not working, lots of traffic (still) and a whole lot'ta one-ways...good thing I really love what I do :)

Good night Minneapolis.

Until the morning...

a visit from Rassie and other random happenings...

2011-06-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Lots has been happening around here lately...

Rassie flew in to see her grandsons 2 weeks ago; the time flew by much too fast...but then it always does when family is near. Though the week was busy with work hours, we still found time for some "real time." The boys and Rassie enjoyed an outing one morning to the zoo and then there was dinner at Rainforest cafe at Mall of America, a special 2 hour shopping trip (just the two of us without the kids), a walk on a nice evening around the neighborhood and playtime at the park. She was so sweet to spoil me with a couple of homecooked meals ready and prepared when I walked in the door late in the day, and I think spent several hours practically every day trying to catch me up on my ironing! She was a great help while she was here; I just wish the week had gone by slower so we could have squeezed in more visiting time.

Thanks for sharing your summer time with us, Mama! I love you!

You know we had to fill our hours after Rassie left with activity or we might be really sad, so a few hours after she flew out, some friends of ours came over for dinner and a playdate. Bella and Parker had such a great time playing with just about every toy that we have! We miss our friends not living close by anymore, so it's special when we can get together to hang out several times a year. The two play so well together; the adults love to visit and to watch them!

Other random things...
Parker is excited to own his very first sleeping bag compliments of his daddy. When Clay brought it home the other week, Parker insisted he was going to sleep in it that afternoon during naptime. I think he's excited about it...what do you think?

Several weeks ago, Clay and I both celebrated our birthdays. On the night of my birthday, I came home to this...Clay and Parker busy in the kitchen creating delicious kabobs...the beautiful thing about it? I didn't have to lift a finger. :) I joked with him (when I saw the numerous dishes in the sink that the meal left for us) that I thought being the birthday girl meant NO work in the kitchen for a whole 24 hours. He laughed. Well, one out of two wasn't bad! Definately not complaining...I'll take whatever I can get!!!

And this little fella has been busy on his knees exploring the possibilities of crawling. He takes one to two little knee crawls and then falls down to his tummy. He then rolls over and over and over to get where he needs to go and when he gets near a couch or table, sits himself up by scooting his little knees up underneath him and plopping over onto his bottom. He's up to 4 teeth now and likes to put anything and everything in his mouth. He keeps his mama busy, and I love him so much! Such a cutie!!

laid-back Friday afternoon

2011-06-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Parker, Cooper and I enjoyed a laid-back Friday afternoon outside and around the home.

Throwing the football, "mowing the grass," playing with toys in the wagon, visiting with neighbors, chasing Tuesday (the neighbor's cat), riding bikes in the driveway, watering my front porch plant...aahhhh, perfect way to start a summer weekend.

Documented: "A Day in the Life - Our Today"

2011-06-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Life: Our Today
June 23, 2011
Story: Carrie, Parker and Cooper from sleep to wake to sleep again
Clay is flying (somewhere)
Weather: Chilly for first time in awhile...about 60 degrees..overcast...rainy
Wearing: a coral dress with white jacket and Ann Taylor
Accessories: oatmeal colored shoes (Love these shoes!) and chunky silver jewelry

4:13am Waahh! Waaahhhh! Cooper is hungry.
4:31-5:45 Laid in bed trying to go to sleep but for some reason Cooper wasn't settled and kept me awake.
5:45 am Gave up on sleep.
Shower, dress, get ready for work...quick check for email rsvps for Sat cookout..respond to a few emails
6:50am Whip up some of "Nanny's cookies" to take to training class
7:30am Cooper wakes up...Change his diaper, dress him for day, hold and giggle with him for a minute before I dance and do a jig in the kitchen for him while I'm finishing up my baking. He was half happy and half threatening to cry...he was getting hungry (typically he's at daycare by 7:15...today was different) Prayed neighbors wouldn't catch me making a fool of myself in kitchen with baking utensils
7:55 Wake Parker up
7:58 Last batch of cookies come out of oven
8:00 Dress Parker, take wet sheets off the bed and throw them downstairs
Load boys and bags in car...singing randomly in a crazy voice, "We're off to see the wizard..." parker laughs and says, "No mom, we're off to see Ms. Leslie!" Forgot dress shoes. Darn. Pull back in driveway. Run inside to grab AT shoes.
8:15 Drop boys off at Daycare
8:26 Park at office, carry in nursing bag, purse, personalized lunch bag and plate of cookies wearing my "crocs"...get in elevator with 6 suits...starting to feel like Suzy Homemaker from South (almost every day I'm in a suit or formal dress...casual day today with sundress and jacket...couldn't help but laugh after getting off elevator...wish there was a picture of this one...)
8:30am Arrive at work...everyone is happy to see cookies
(Cookies are gone before 10am)
Received email that I won a $50 gift card to Best Buy...whooohoo! Husband will be happy..love giveaways!
*Training Phase 2 on Account Business Reviews and Proposal Presentations...head is spinning...lots of info taken in this week
Lunch today: homemade chicken salad sandwich, blueberries and strawberries and carrot sticks
MR: 9:30 and 12:30pm (perfect time to pray for boys and make a couple of quick phone calls)

4:30pm Switch to comfortable rubber houseshoes (aka crocs) Leave work to go get boys
5pm Home
5:05 unload bags from car (put milk in fridge, put Cooper's empty bottles and food containers in sink to be washed, hang Parker's backpack in closet, bring in diaper bag, nursing bag, purse, lunchbag and shoes..check cooper's stats sheet again for times and feedings and such)
5:08 Turn on oven...pop chicken for dinner in oven
5:10 Head over to park with boys...kick the soccer ball with Parker (Cooper loved it...I held him while I kicked the ball..he laughed hard every time I kicked the ball back to Parker...it was chilly out...60 maybe? Headed home about 5:30)...Grab mail from mailbox.
5:34 Cooper in high chair with food waiting for him :) Smart mama I am. Mum Mum to keep him busy. Warm baby food. He doesn't want to wear bib. Takes it off and is now on floor.
5:36 Take chicken out of oven. Green beans go in microwave.
5:37 Cooper screaming. He has finished mum mum and doesn't want to eat baby food.
(Parker playing at front door with outdoor play shovels, buckets, etc.)
5:38 Trying to feed Cooper sweet potatoes and pears. A challenge. He wants to hold the spoons. So far to count...3 spoons on floor. Attempted to put bib on Cooper again. It's on the floor shortly after.

Picture taken of Carrie and Cooper one day earlier in the week...June 22, 2011

Suppertime

5:40 something... chicken cordon blue, green beans and blueberries on the table for Parker.
5:50 cheerios for cooper...still trying to finish up the baby food...1 more spoon on floor.
6:00pm Warmed up leftover carrots and potatoes from fridge for Cooper. He's happy and messy within minutes. (I did get him to also finish the baby food in between.) Last and final attempt with bib. Unsuccessful. Seriously, why bother at this point?
6:05 Parker slowly but surely taking bites and chatting happily.
6:10 I take first bite of lukewarm supper. Parker wants to help Cooper drink water from his sippy. Thank you Parker. Now please sit down.
6:13 Parker: "Can I have more blueberries, mama?" Mama: "Eat a couple more bites of chicken and green beans and you may have some more blueberries."
6:16 Get Parker more blueberries. Cooper needs more food...now. Now a total of 5 spoons on floor.
6:18 Parker randomly wants to sit in my lap to eat...that never happens.
6:19 I guess I'm done with supper. Visit with Parker while I make sure Cooper has easy access to food on tray.
6:22 Unload dishwasher while Parker is finishing up. Put dirty dishes in dishwasher.
6:29 Parker done with supper. Cooper done eating and being happy. Sent Parker to wash hands and play while I take Cooper upstairs for bath.
6:32 Wipe Cooper down and head upstairs for bath in duckie. Cooper doesn't want to stay on changing table..."Get me in my duckie NOW!"
6:34 Cooper happy splashing and moving in duckie bath. Cooper wants to play slip in slide..flip, turn, lay, roll...bathe him quickly and get him out before he lands on head in bottom of tub.
6:36 Parker comes in with soft baseball and soft baseball bat, 3 cars and a batman...puts them all in sink and starts playing with them...no water involved.
6:39pm Cooper on changing table and not happy about leaving bath. Dry him off. Take him to bedroom to put on diaper. Give him toy froggy to play with..he wants the plastic hanger to chew on instead.
6:43 Cooper dressed and ready for bed.
6:44 Milk time for Cooper. He's rubbing eyes.
7pm Night Night Cooper. Fan on. Curtains closed. Lovee and blanket in crib with him. (Clay lowered crib Tuesday night and took bumper pad out)
7:02 Throw in load of laundry. Wipe of high chair in kitchen. Start washing a few dishes that can't go in dishwasher. Put clean sheets on Parker's bed.
7:16 Throw football downstairs with Parker.
7:37 Pick up toys time. (not many to pick up tonight)
7:42 Parker in bathtrub...he wants to play
(I finish cleaning up kitchen as I hear Parker playing upstairs)
7:52 2 minute warning
7:54 quiet upstairs..I go upstairs to see what's going on and to bathe Parker. He has dumped the entire bottle of shampoo into the bathwater. Only one towel needed to soak up water from floor from him swimming like a fish.
Empty water. Bathe Parker. He cries and wails that he can't breathe when I rinse his hair (per usual ritual).
8:02 Out of tub, dried off and brushing teeth.
8:04 Pull up on, putting on pjs.
8:07 Parker heads downstairs to get his car with engine pipes and something else...no idea which ones he's talking about.
8:10 Parker returns happy with his wanted items.
8:12 Socks on feet, in bed with his 2 toys and stuffed animals
8:14 "Bedtime for Frances" rRead by mama
8:27 Prayers & kisses
8:33 Lights out.

This Mama: WHEW!!! I did it! I survived! Pat myself on the back and hit my tasks hard and fast.

Quick motion to wrap up daily tasks...Grab all dirties from bathroom and chunk downstairs. Switch laundry in washer. Fold 2 loads of laundry that are in downstairs LR. Take trash to street for morning pick up. Prepare baby food for tomorrow. Get tomorrow's dinner in head and out to thaw. All dishes washed. Counters wiped down. Clay called. Quick glance out of front window to see gorgeous sunset. Bags for tomorrow out and by door ready to be loaded. Pjs on. Face washed. Contacts out.

9:16 Totally have a million and one things to do but am sitting down to load pics from camera. Veg to blog music and start post.
11:03pm This mama is headed to bed....and praying for a solid night's sleep.

Gradually trying to take pics of our current everyday life...having Clay grab the camera when he's home to snap a few "everyday moments" of me and the boys.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

"If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right." -- Bill Cosby

Happy Father's Day to our Awesome Daddy! (the best bear hugger and playmate in the whole wide world!!)

We love you!

Parker and Cooper

sleep, growing boys and Como Zoo!

2011-06-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

I received the best birthday present ever this week...our little Cooper man slept through the night!!! I knew it could be done again; now, we just have to cross our fingers that it continues. After sleep training for 3 nights, on the 4th night...he slept. from 7pm till 6am. Thank you Lord. (Could we ask for a continuation of this event...please!?!?)

This past weekend, after 2 1/2 hrs of trying to get out the door with the boys, we made it to Como Zoo for a morning with the animals. (Truly, by the time we loaded everything into the car, we felt like we could be gone for 4 days and be totally fine with reserves and all. Heaven forbid, we leave the Doc Hudson car or our Woody doll in the midst of packing everything else.) ;)

It was warm out, and we loved the adventure. The boys enjoyed seeing the giraffes, monkeys, flamingos and other exciting creatures. We had packed a picnic...sandwiches, chips, grapes, goldfish and trail mix, a cheese stick and pistachios. My three year old was literally eating the whole time we were at the park. I wish I had a picture of his face when I told him no at one point to "another snack." He's a growing boy.

Speaking of growing boys, this one continues to amaze his mama and daddy. Not so much into milk (which his parents are not happy about), but very much into Big Boy food that he can hold, lift and put in his mouth himself. This proud mama has finally mastered the early evening meltdowns. Give him a carrot stick to chew on, a Mum Mum, his baby food, plus any and all food that he can eat off of our plates and his contagious smile will not falter....but Lord help the individual who lets him run out of mashed potatoes and watermelon.

On the toddler's end, Parker has been all about the outdoors and playing at the park in the neighborhood whenever he gets a chance. Is he old enough to be climbing on something this large??? Clay was laughing as my palms were seriously sweating when I observed my 3 year old maneuver through ropes and plastic steps 3 times his size.

Looks like we have fun days ahead...I do think I need to go buy more food for our fridge though.

10 years...Then & Now

2011-06-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

This post has been in the works for quite a few weeks now. But with a three year old, an almost 8 month old, a new job and keeping up with the daily do's of being a wife and mommy, it was put on the backburner. Rest assured, it has not been due to a lack of reminiscing over the weekend and my visits with each of you. To my friends and classmates of Kirk Academy's Class of 2001, I thank you for the memories that we shared and the kinships that we made. I hope that each of you can look back as fondly as I can at the years spent at Kirk. To pigtails and braces, Boys II Men and awkward dances, Jaudon's lab to diploma's in hand, we made it through....and I think we turned out pretty darn good :)

Thanks to everyone who came to help make the night successful; we missed those of you who couldn't attend. Classmates came from Colorado, Tennessee, New York, Minnesota ;) and of course nearby parts of Mississippi. Here's to another ten years of great moments, successful days, and many blessings from above.

I hope that reading this post "made you Look. made you Smile. made you Laugh. made you Remember..."

Both kiddos are now up and running...supper is calling my name and I have quite a bit of laundry waiting for me downstairs. The reminiscing will have to end and greet me again another day. Back to today's moment and reality...

With love,
Carrie

P.S. This song, "Here's to the Night" by Eve 6 -- hit play at bottom of pg if you can't hear music -- was playing on the radio in my bedroom as I got dressed on the night of our graduation

Last month, I flew back home for my ten year highschool class reunion. To be able to see some of my best friends and classmates that I haven't seen since graduation was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to the South. You know, everyone has different memories and thoughts about jr high/highschool experiences. My husband graduated with over 900 classmates; I graduated with 50. Growing up in a small town has its challenges (the main one being everyone knowing your business before you know about it :)) but it also has its sweet moments and I wouldn't take anything for my childhood/youth in good ole' Gtown (as it is fondly referred to by graduates). The memories and moments that I experienced at Kirk Academy, be it good, bad and/or ugly have helped to make me the person that I am today. I truly had been looking forward to this event for months (cheesy, I know...but hey, I was not the only one! Lindsey M. (who drove in with her husband from Nashville, TN) --btw, I will be referring to everyone mentioned in this post by first name and maiden initial--admitted that she had been talking about to everyone for months. We may have been a small class, but for the most part, we were pretty closeknit.

This past winter and spring, during all the preparation and planning with the girls (aka Ashley, Natalie, Terra and myself), quite a few afternoons during the boys' naptimes and my "clean-the-house, do-the-laundry, organize-the-pantry" mommy time I would find my mind drifting to those days at Kirk. Throwing in a load of sheets...thinking about Friday night football games. Ironing clothes for the next day (which I can assure you did not happen very often until recently!)...thinking about Mrs. Bain's Honors English class and Mr. Jaudon's Chemistry Contract and the "Bible." Picking up a pizza for Parker and me for supper on the way home from being out and about all day...thinking about a large group of us in Jr High who used to always meet up at Pizza Hut (next to our movie theater) then on to the movie...afterwards, we'd hit McDonalds to play on the playground until our parents picked us up (well, this happened a few goofy nights until we got in trouble by the McDonalds employees who told us we were too big to be on the playground equipment). Oh, and Homecoming weeks were the best.

Carrie, Terra, Ashley, Natalie

Jr. High (9th grade)

Funny enough, the four of us were always the class officers except for our Jr year when the guys in our class thought it would be a great joke to put all guys in the spots (who truly could have cared less about the position) ...well, except for the President spot, which Ashley maintained. Our Senior year, when the idea was considered once again, one of the class sponsers spoke up and reminded them that the officers were the ones in charge of Class reunions and quite a few graduation tasks...the guys didn't think that was so funny. They quickly dismissed the idea.) ;)

Carrie, Ashley, Terra, Natalie

2011

The night before the class events, a few of us girls got together at a local restaurant to grab some appetizers and drinks while we played catch up. What I love about my Grenada Girls is how we can go months without seeing each other, but when we get together there's always laughter, catch-up-on-everyone's latest news and life, walks down memory lane and talks about the future.

Kathryn, Meagan, Terra, Carrie and Ashley

Topics of our conversations may have included (but certainly not limited to)...a 22 and 38 special complete with a proud TN armed license permit holder, a special roommate and an odd situation, potential burglars and husbands who can't hear worth a darn toot, raw shrimp, Kirk memories...and maybe another 2 1/2 hrs worth of random topics that lifelong girlfriends might be caught getting chatty about. I love these girls with all my heart and are so thankful for their friendship.

...the picture below may have included the part of about the raw shrimp...but I could be wrong. Ashley is going to kill me for posting this pic..but it was either this or Kathryn proudly flashing her new license (with her whole wallet and important personal details showing, half the picture would be blacked out for fear that some crazed maniac would look her up and attack her...not sure why I'm worried about her though...she's the one with the guns and the license to use them) :)

Saturday morning we were out at Kirk's playground for our class picnic...
photo below taken by Jan Moody

Class Picnic at Kirk Playground

...and our families

Miss Terra and myself :)

We toured the elementary and highschool buildings...they've changed a little bit in the last 10 years...still brought back plenty of recess, sidepocket, and achievement test memories though :)

Parker and his buddy Case were hard at work and play Saturday morning...

thanks for snagging these pictures of the boys, Mrs. Jan!

Photo below taken by Jan Moody

The precious new additions to Aleesha J's family...are these girls not adorable?!

Cooper tuckered out about midway through the morning.

Saturday night it was dinner and a band at First and Green in Downtown Grenada.

At 5pm the downtown square was quiet...

...not so much at 10pm...leave it to these guys to liven it up a bit...
Who needs a band, dancing, flowers, lights and food?

"Just bring on a tailgate, friends and a cold beer and we're good to go!"
So, the officers have all talked and next time we're saving everyone some money (and Ashley a whole lot of time in planning!!) and having a crawfish boil outside...on someone's tailgate. ;)

Well, at least Chad F and Meg broke it down on the dance floor...these two were precious to watch!

Well, Ashley, Terra, Natalie and I never made it outside to the tailgate party but we had quite the time chatting it up inside with our feet propped by the end of the evening. ha ha!
Thankful for this sweet fellow for flying in overnight just to be with me at this special event.

Funny how much things change over ten years. Back then we worried about what we were going to wear to the movie on Friday night or how we were going to finish Jaudon's contract in time. Now, most of are married with kids and are wondering how to get our little angels to sleep through the night so that we have energy for the next day of work. (Lindsay G, I think we're almost over the constipation thing...sleep training has started so hopefully, we'll be slumbering peacefully around here soon..I'll keep you updated) :)

7 hours later...mommy mode again...on a flight headed back to Minne...more than a little tired.

During the flight attendant's announcements, the hair pulling and the sleepy yawns, I might have drifted back into "KA memory mode" and smiled a few times. Here's to the Class of 2001 and the memories yet to come for each and every one of us!

"Made You Look"

One bright and shining moment,

when life seemed fresh and new,

With courage and determined steps,

we walked these halls anew.

Adventures waited anxiously,

to celebrate our days,

To laugh, to cry, to dance,

to sing, a time of wondering.

These ever-present memories,

captured in pictures of the mind,

Fashion a bridge to look ahead,

and all that’s left behind.

Within the hearts of each of us,

there lies a tie that binds,

Some quiet, gentle whisperings---

we look that one last time.

And looking , reach—and with one touch,

become unsung heroes tried and true,

We follow dreams and leave a past,

for those who surely follow, too.

With Him, our Guide, beside us----

age to age and heart to heart,

Our memories once again enrich,

though we are far apart.

Made you look, made you think,

made you bid farewell,

Made you face a new tomorrow---

embrace, embrace it well.

Written by Terry Jones

for Kirk Academy Class of 2001 Yearbook "Made You Look"

...as simple as overgrown weeds

2011-05-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how something as simple as overgrown weeds can get me sooo excited about summer and warm weather...and simple days outdoors.

Excitement for overgrown dandelions and grass is not normal around our house. I think my husband swears under his breath when conversations among the neighbors are brought up about weed control and maintenance. It's a love/hate relationship minus the love with him. Are you getting the picture?

Over the last several months, our lives have been turned upside down with busier than usual days, very little sleep and new exciting/stressful challenges and opportunities.

So, on Saturday morning when I heard the rain was going to hold off till afternoon here, I grabbed my little family by the hands and practically leapt out the door. "Baby, it's time to pull some weeds!" I said. To say that those words were suggested with a bit of enthusiasm would be an understatement. Dear hubby, armed and ready to tackle some green stragglers, took the idea to heart and went at the task with a vengeance like no other. Though ready to make our yard easier-on-the-eye, I had more underlying reasons to work a little manicure into the side beds...let's GET OUTDOORS!!! It's BEAUTIFUL out and not below freezing...not raining, not hailing, not snowing, not cold...just perfect. And outdoors we went...

Our lives lately:
In addition to extensive traveling to see family...

Interviewing (since the first of the year), getting (April 14) and starting a new job (May 16)...

Scheduling and preparing for family pictures one Saturday morning...(which were a month later than I wanted to, but I am sooo proud of myself for getting)

...Cooper still not sleeping great due to tummy problems, his first ear infection, etc. etc. etc., and Clay flying a fair amount of days out of each week, our calendar has been full and a little overwhelming. Honestly, I've just been trying to keep up with the day-to-day. I have to say, I've done ok with all the changes and added tasks, but unfortunately daily blogging was put to a hault for fear I wouldn't get all my other responsibilities done...well, that and I desperately needed sleep...still need sleep...but we're getting there.

Though most days are fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants, we're still finding time for the simple things.

Dinner at home with friends...

lovin' on my boys...

and even taking time to smell the roses...well, in our case, the beautiful purple, red, and peach flowers that I don't have a name for (clay got me this beautiful potted plant and some new adorable new gardening gloves for Mother's Day!) :)

And I'll end for today with two pictures of these precious boys...the first one taken on the go, but that's pretty much how we've been rollin' lately so it's true to the moment. The picture of Parker is a typical instance when we're all together in the car. He always asks to play his daddy's iphone and usually has a favorite toy in his seat with him...one day cars, one day Woody...and so forth.

Sweet, precious Cooper...getting too big too fast. I'm so thankful for his little bald head; otherwise, I'd be afraid he'd look 6 months older than he truly is at 97 percentile to date.

It's almost Parker's bedtime and we're about to pop some of "Nanny's cookies" in the oven before bedtime for a quick treat before going night night. Then it's movie night with hubby. Yes. I am so thankful for this day. I'll be back soon. Lots more to share. :)

family time in Mississippi

2011-05-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

May 2011

Parker - almost 3 1/2 years

Cooper - 6 1/2 mos

Due to our short time in MS, Rassie hosted a "Great-Grandparents Day" for our family to all be able to come in and see the boys. We loved the visiting time and are so very thankful to everyone driving in to visit with us.

Favorite memories: Parker playing football in the front yard with Shorty, blowing bubbles with Cousin Alyssa, Rassie's Happy Salad, Aunt LaLa and Cousins Collin and Ashland making and flying paper airplanes around the living room, meeting Mrs. Marilyn, visiting with Aunt Kathi, Alex and Alyssa, seeing the 3 great-granddaddy's chatting it up in the living room and getting pictures in the moment of our family together.

We made several attempts to get new pictures with the boys and their great-grandparents, but eventually took it for what it was and gave up on the "formal notion." I have to say though, that after looking at all the pictures we took, these made me smile...it actually shows a true representation of the moment and their personalities.

Parker always finds old treasures of his uncle's at Rassie's house that he likes to help himself to. Thanks for sharing, Uncle Tader. :)

Thanks to each of our family for making time for us over these last several weeks. We are so thankful for each of you and love you very much.

our time in Houston

2011-05-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

For the first time in over 10 years, Clay's parents are living in the good 'ole U.S.A. I do believe a "Welcome Home" is in order! :) Though they have loved the traveling adventures and quite possibly will get to enjoy international moves in the future, Nana and Poppie are excited to be closer to their kiddos and grandchildren. Who can blame them?! We are kind of cute. ;)

When I first met Clay, the Nolen's were setting up residence in Western Australia...hence our "Meet the Parents Trip" (aka the Engagement Trip) in Spring 2005. (I'll have to share a post on that trip sometime in the future.)

Shortly after we married and had Parker, they were transferred to Vietnam...that led us on this little trip in 2008. You can read the rest of our adventures in Ho Chi Minh City here, here, here, here and here.

And there was the most the recent adventure to the Middle East...I have to say, Clay and I were really looking forward to booking this trip...then two weeks before we booked the flights, we found out we were pregnant with our little Cooper and due during the weeks of Clay's vacation. I sooo wouldn't change anything with that, but am a little disappointed we didn't make it to this area of the world. Oh well, another time. :)

Then just a little over a month or so ago, we found out they were moving home. Yea! Therefore, a little trip was put together at the last minute to fly down to Houston to see the boys' grandparents and aunts.

Other than Cooper's little constipation issue that is keeping him up every night :( so that neither one of us are getting much sleep, I would say that the trip was fantastic. (I did take Cooper to the doctor again yesterday though, and hopefully we will get this thing taken care of over the next week. Poor little thing is severely backed up and has started on a more intense program that will help)

The boys' aunts love to spoil them, as do their grandparents, so there are always fun memories from our visits. We enjoyed some down time at the pool, dinners out, visiting time, shopping, Iced Chai Teas (thank you for introducing these to me KK!! now, I have a summer drink! ;)) Ooh, and one of my favorite memories...Girls Night Out with Ash and KK to see "Water for Elephants." I cried, smiled, laughed and cried some more. LOVED the movie...had a hard time with some of the more intense parts but still loved it and would watch it over and over.

Cooper got in a pool for the first time while we were in Texas. He looked so cute in his little bathing suit...poor thing turns red as a tomato though if he's out in daylight for more than a few minutes (completely and totally unlike my first child who we hardly have to coat with sunscreen for a whole day's adventure at the beach). We have also discovered that Cooper is allergic to two different kinds of sunscreen. I should've known better and just tried the Aveeno or another hypoallergenic first. That was silly on my part knowing how sensitive his skin is. Any skincare recommendations from other mommies out there? Aaahhh, seriously how cute does he look in his little sunhat and bathing suit?! I just want to grab him and smooch on his chubby little legs and cheeks!

Amazed at how big this fellow is getting...he was on a serious mission to grab his toys and move them from one area of the pool to another play area. Big decisions and big thoughts. :)

For a split second while out at the pool one day, I closed my eyes and imagined that I was tanning my feet by the sand in Riveria de Maya, Mexico...no responsibilities, no stress, no important thoughts to ponder. Then reality hit when my eldest yelled out, "Mom...Mama...Mom! I need to go pee pee!" as he jumps out of the pool and runs for where he thinks the nearest bathroom is. (Thanks KK for jumping up to help with the immediate situation so I could tan my toes a minute longer.) ;) Well, it was a wonderful dream while it lasted.

Cooper with Nana and Poppie

6 1/2 months old

April 2011

One of the outings Nana had planned for us was to take the boys to the Children's Museum of Houston. I think Nana and I had as much fun watching the boys as they had playing, learning and observing. One of Parker's favorite parts of the museum was the Invention Convention, where one can "step into a workshop of gadgets and gizmos where kids create, concoct and construct contraptions and use their imagination to become inventors!" Parker and Nana used their creativity to play at the Wind Towers (a place where kids can "construct devices using materials like plastic bags, water bottles and Styrofoam cups and use air blowing from fans to make the device hover in mid-air or blow out the top of large tubes.")

Meanwhile, Cooper and I went to the Totspots play area for some learning and playtime. Several of the fun activities babies and small toddler's can do in the Totspots room include looking in mirrors, playing in the ball and pillow pit, and reading a variety of books. Cooper's favorite thing to do was to take all the different shaped toys out of the basket and then put them back in...repeat, repeat, repeat. :) Note to the Children's Museum of Houston...please get a Mother's Room for that fabulous building...I could recommend several perfect spaces!

Cooper and I then joined Nana and Parker in the Invention Convention where Nana got some snuggles with Cooper while Parker and I built cars with Legos.

In the Invention Convention section, Parker also spent a lot of time at the Test Tracks, an area where one can "build, test and rebuild cars out of LEGO® bricks in an effort to create cars that can travel the furthest, fastest, and through an obstacle course of hills, valleys, jumps and winding roads." This was by far his favorite part of the play area. He was quite the busy little boy letting the cars loose and then running back down the steps to retrieve his fast car just so he could run up and do it all over again.

FloWorks was another hit with Parker. A place where kids could get their hands wet and dip into wet and wild boating excursions in the Aquaduct Maze, "feel the rush of water through a simulated Flood Plain," and experience more cool exhibits. Cooper napped most of the time while outside at this zone which gave Nana and I a lot of playtime with Parker.

I had to smile when it was time to go and Cooper and I were waiting on Nana and Parker to come pick us up outside the museum. There was a brilliant wind that felt so nice; I looked down at Cooper to find him quite content with feet up in the air. I kept observing and noticed that each time the wind would blow, Cooper would lift his little feet up in the air as high as he could get them and then lower them when the wind stopped. This happened over and over and over. So sweet. (I am aware that we have his winter car seat cover still on his little chair in 70/80/90 degree weather...the top portion was removed for most of the trip but kept on at other times for sleep purposes.)

So, to make a long story short, our trip in Texas was extended due to issues in the airline reservation system (for our family). Instead of flying back to Minne for 2 1/2 days to unpack and repack for our MS trip, we ended up just staying in Texas and flying straight to MS early the next week.

The problem with this new itinerary was that I had not packed for our stay in MS, to which I needed dressier clothes and shoes than what I brought with me to Texas...well, that and the fact that one out of the two pairs of shoes I packed with me to take to Texas fell apart on my feet Sunday after church (literally...I can't believe I'm admitting this on this blog, but truly I typically wear shoes until they FALL APART while I'm wearing them on my feet. Those of you who are concerned over reading this, will be happy to know that due to caring family members --aka my mom, Nana, and my lovely sisters-in-love-- I have committed to not doing this as much in the future. :) One of the first things I did when I arrived home from our trips on Sunday was to take 4 dated, not-looking-so-good pairs of shoes off my shelf and toss them in the Goodwill pile. It actually felt good :) Anyway, the girls took me shopping while the boys were napping on Sunday afternoon, (while we were in Texas) and I found lots of cute shoes to try on. I also got a few cute dresses at Francesca's. Yea for new clothes for MS!!!

Clay texted me Sunday night...well, actually it was Monday morning, to let me know that we were good to go on traveling. Monday afternoon, (after a week in Texas) we were headed to the airport for a visit with family and friends in MS. Both Cooper and Parker did great...we had quite a bit of extra wait time at the Houston airport since we arrived so much earlier than usual--I wasn't sure with the Osama bin Laden news what airport security would be like. Anyway, we found a nice little area where the boys could watch flights loading and unloading and this entertained them immensely.

During the extent of our travels, Parker was "in charge" of pushing baby Cooper in his travel stroller (Cooper knows the difference when I push him versus his brother and he strongly prefers his brother over me) :) Parker is quite the little helper.

News to note:

Death of Osama bin Laden Sunday, May 2, 2011

Thank you to each of our soldiers and the sacrifices you make each and every day for our country.

P.S. I don't think I've ever mentioned this cute thing that Parker has done since he was like two, but every time he sees an American flag when we're driving down the road he says, "Yea Merica!" and raises his hands in the air. He started doing this on his own...just randomly squealed it out one day which caused everyone in the car to break into laughter and smiles.

Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate, April 29, 2011