QUIRKIE BIRDS

It was a VERY Merry Christmas

2011-12-31T23:04:00.000-06:00

What a FUN Christmas it was! We had family in town for the first time in 5 years at our house, Davis LOVED getting into all of the presents and i cooked a full meal for 9 people! My first ever 18 lb turkey and it was a HIT! (Think Paula Deen seasoning and spices!) I was even told it was the best turkey they had ever had. I'LL TAKE IT! (So turkey, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, corn, Happy Birthday Jesus cake, dressing, and many other things.)

And it was all in good timing b/c Santa brought me all kinds of new cooking things. A new dishwasher, new KitchenAid mixer (which i have wanted since we got married almost 5 years ago!) and new pots and pans!

And we had another HAPPY one in the house with all of this Veggie Tales stuff! Movies, blankets, stuffed animals, figurines, etc.

And we decorated like crazy and i even made a pinterest creation: a burlap wreath! It turned out pretty well.

In all honesty, this was the hardest year of my life in so many different ways. I am somewhat happy it is over and i am ready to see what 2012 holds. I pray for God's continued blessing and provision in my life, which has never changed.

Merry Christmas, HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2012 hold a better-than-you-have-ever-imagined future for you.

I have so many posts i have been waiting to post, but this one trumps them all.

2011-11-30T08:25:00.001-06:00

I am 3 months along & due June 19th.

A Month or more of catch up

2011-11-16T16:26:00.000-06:00

i used to be a decent blogger.

now it is few and far between.

If you forget one event then once the next one comes along and you think "But i forgot to find time to blog about the first event" and then it snowballs and you haven't blogged in a month and your friends send you threatening emails about it.

BUT here is the last month in pictures in review and then we will be back on track. (ish?)

Uncle Jay, aka CoCo, was in town for 2 weeks from the Peace Corp. We loved having him here and Davis DAILY STILL says "Where CoCo go?"
aaaand he put glowing ducks on our heads? Its the little things.

then we enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and scenery at PumpkinFest.

and played in the petting zoo with our friends.

Davis was Larry the Cucumber for Halloween!
the cutest little cucumber i have ever seen...
Dress up at school was so much fun. He would talk all day about this hat and then wouldn't keep it on for more than 3 minutes.

Halloween Party at school!

Batman cant see over his big chest...He's been working out...

cuties!

They ended the day with a Pumpkin Hunt in the school's garden!

Then it started getting cold. Hoodie season is a family favorite.

this picture makes me laugh. This is how he watches movies. arched back, belly all out everywhere, no pants and hands in the air. He gets really into it.

THIS is my model child...

Gabriel and Ashton are his two best friends from school. He talks about then ALL OF THE TIME and his teacher caught them all hugging and took a pic. SO CUTE! Today on the way home from school he said "Mommy, I love school." It made my heart so happy!!!

resisting bed time is a new favorite activity

my little LoveBug.

Cheech & Chong & CoCo

2011-10-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

Uncle CoCo

is now

Walking thru Target, Davis points to this movie and says "that's CoCo!" HA!

Mr Chong

Happy 2nd Birdie!

2011-10-19T08:40:00.002-05:00

We did a 2nd Birdie Par-Tee homemade style and had so much fun! Lots of friends and family joined in as we celebrate our little caddie.
Remember our invites?

The kids took turns going on a golf cart ride in our backyard course. It was a chilly day but perfect for some time to practise chasing the little white ball around. :)

we had PAR-ting gifts for all of the players.

Coloring pages for the birthday boy!

And the menu was my fav:

It was hard to get him inside off his FAVORITE new toy:

But once we got him inside, THIS ONE was not shy about divoting in to his putting green.

How cute are they?:

'twas the night before a birthday...

2011-09-23T09:23:00.002-05:00

'Twas the night before a birthday and i wish i was asleep
Little Davis wasn't stirring, we didnt hear a peep.
The Veggie Tales were quiet, not singing their song,
Mom and Dad were thankful as it plays all day long;

Davis was nestled all snug in his bed,
With blanket and bear snuggled close to his head;
And me in my tshirt, and Matt in his shorts,
Had shuffled the DVR for a dateline mystery of sorts.

When all of a sudden a thought in my head arose,
I sprung from the couch to see where it goes.
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Tore open the pantry and made green cupcakes in a dash.

Balloons on the floor would be a great touch
For when he woke up, he'd giggle so much,
He'll want to touch them and throw them and hug them and play,

But too much too do to stay in his room all day.

Strawberries and pancakes with sprinkles galore,
This is a meal he wont throw on the floor.

Then off we go for a fun day at school,
the balloons will have to wait for his afternoon fuel;

"It's Ben! And Gabe! And Sean! and Ms Bell!
And Dia! Ms Heather! and Ashton and Ciel!
Playing with toys and my buddies is great!
Birthdays at preschool with cupcakes? Cant wait!"

We painted! We played! We had so much fun!

And scarfed down the cupcakes like life won't go on.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Davis and friends were hungry blood hounds..

Such a full day with fun things galore,

This happy kid is two and and we love him for sure.
But I heard him exclaim, as he ran out of sight,
"Happy Birthday to me, and don't make me go nite-nite!!"

Nemo

2011-09-21T08:32:00.001-05:00

Never in my life have a heard a child scream NEMO as loud as i did as when we ventured the Tennessee Aquarium a few weeks ago.

MUCH

FUN.

Loved seeing him light up when he saw all those crazy 'Nemo' characters.

those mama-jamas were ginormous.

This tot thought it was so cool to look UP and see fish swimming over him.

"NEEEEEEEEMMMMMMMOOOOOOOO"

I'm not sure even that did it justice.

OK, How creepy is this picture? it looks like that shark was eyeing my lil dude

a dreamboat i tell ya.

it's baaaaaaaack

2011-09-20T08:35:00.001-05:00

"OH I, i just diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiied in your arms tonight!"

dramatic? yes.

can anyone else hear the theme song now that pumpkin season is back?!?!

Yummm.

First slice of the season.

In other news: we had a chilly day:

My own lil pumpkin.

It is so cute. I say "Davis, are you a punkin?"

He says: "Oh yea. A pow-kin."

school picture day

2011-09-19T08:37:00.002-05:00

I can HONESTLY say that i

do not

think there is ANYTHING cuter than this cheesy little face!

This child loves his school and i could not be any happier that this has been a positive experience in the last month. He LOVES his teachers Ms Bell and Ms Heather. He talks

ALL.

DAY.

LONG.

about his best friends at school: Ben, Gabriel, Ciel, Grant, Ashton.

Among other cuties.

He loves to slide and play outside, paint and color, and his teachers say that he quite literally lights up when it is music time. This child LOVES

to sing and dance.

**I always knew i was destined to have an entertainer.**

And how amazing that we prayed for a joyful child and those are the reports that i hear about his darling little personality? Thank you Lord!!

Ms Bell always says that when other kids are coming or going, Davis is the first to say hi or bye. He wants to comfort those kiddos that are crying and wants to play and giggle with those that are having fun. Precious.

The first thing Ms Bell said to me today when i picked him up was "So, does Davis like cupcakes?"

ummmmm....what does that mean?

Oh wait. I remember.

I want 10 more just like him!

Dog days are over

2011-09-16T08:07:00.008-05:00

Can anyone else hear Florence and the Machine playing in your head? just me?!

love this song, hate this video:

just practice

2011-09-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

got to get good cake eating practice in before my little one turns 2

I think he has it down...

and let me TEASE you with a little preview of what kind of party we are having:

More details to come!

I'm no hooker...

2011-09-13T16:07:00.000-05:00

...i just play one on tv...

Yall,

is it NOT just my luck that i would go to a mystery dinner theater

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

and get chosen to play a STRIPPER?!? Granted, i didn't have to DO anything, but out of the group that i go with, and the HUNDREDS of people that were there, I get to play a STRIPPER in the PLAY.

In front of TONS of strangers.

Of course. NATURALLY they would pick me. (WHAAA?)

Shew.

Just my luck.

but it was a FUN NIGHT!

We survived!

2011-08-19T14:50:00.002-05:00

we survived the first week of preschool. a few tears, a few scratches, a few naps and the first week is over! PTL.

first day

2011-08-15T10:39:00.002-05:00

tears.... lots of them.

I'm not ready for this.

im pretending i am still there

2011-08-01T10:31:00.006-05:00

We are all longing to go back.

I told Matt when we are SUPER rich that i will take the kids and spend our entire summer at our beach house. Yes, we WILL have one.
Is that too much to ask?
Me thinks not.

My punkin and i RIGHT before nap time- hence the "hold up" look on him. Don't let him fool you, he loved the "osheen" and the gobs of seaweed.

another fav or this little tike?

Building sand animals...

there was S-O M-U-C-H SEAWEED while we were there that we spent MOST of our time in the 12,000 sq ft condo pool and played in the sand when we were at the beach. He didn't eat NEARLY as much sand as last summer.

I'm not sure why his tongue is sticking out here but i L-O-V-E it! SOOO CUTE!!!!!

...and that BELLY! his, not mine... Snack was gooooood.

**please excuse the pink wedgie in this pic and keep your eyes focused on the love that is sand. **

I left my dumb camera at home (who does that?!) so all i had was my iphone and a few that my sister-in-law took but i am glad to have these treasures regardless.

But, ahhhh what a fun week of

sleeping in,

beaches,

pools,

walks on the beach,

seafood,

seaweed,

family,

driving,

more pool

and more swim.

I need more of these.
I love 30-A and Seaside, FL.

Dear Lord, where is my inner DIY? Please help me channel it. Amen

2011-07-28T12:38:00.014-05:00

There are WAAAAAY too many things i am obsessed with right now for my house but i just can't figure out where or how to do them. I need to

channel my inner DIY
and just DO THEM.
This is where my self motivation needs to kick in. And the knowledge of HOW to do them. This is where #pinterest comes in and my love of this blessed site! I. need. help. I pin my loves every day.

What i want to DIY and what i am obsessed with right now:

Magnetic Scrabble Board

don't you want this?!!

Sheesh.

It is freaking cool and

i. WILL. make. this. one.

Maybe first project?

Bed tent?!

Not only would i love to do something SUPER swag like this in my boring bedroom but i am trying to figure out how to create a cool tent-like situation for Davis as we transition him to a big boy bed (tear!) and i have settled on the "Camp Out" theme for his room.

Colorful polka-tree with paper lanterns?

So dang cute!

The next kid i have will need to be a girl.

All of my FAVORITE

ideas/wants/loves/inspiration

comes with a girl in mind.

Or MAYBE i just want to dress a girl in a tu-tu?!

Possibly.

And speaking of a girls room, who wouldn't love a birdcage light fixture?

This thing is so swank.

if i could ONLY figure out WHERE i want to put my chalkboard paint, i have so many things that i WANT to do with it.

Check out these fascinations:

and what a cool lamp shade cover idea:

**CONFESSION**

sometimesigetmadthatididn'tthinkofthisstufffirst.

Anyway- DIY it up. That's my new slogan.
What should it be first?

These are the rooms and things i need to work on:

Living Room- art work

Dining Room- art work and wall stuff

Master Bedroom- our room needs a makeover

Guest Bedroom- this room needs a makeover and will end up being a nursery for the next kiddo.

Davis' camp out room- in progress. Need a tent and other camp out ideas.

play room

office area

this makes me wanna take a nap.

Schwimmin

2011-07-25T17:05:00.005-05:00

270029_2244541716775_1345099417_2958041_7924514_n, originally uploaded by JennaLouBU.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'LL! (I DON'T KNOW WHY I AM YELLING AT YOU!)

this kid is LOVING the "wah-dee!" (so stinkin cute to hear him say that.)

He got so independent while on vacay and would jump in, float by himself, want to go under water and basically be a fish. And considering the amount of times a day he said the word "Nemo", i think he is well on his way.

Embrace the Camera- August 4- Bean-mudder

2011-07-04T10:56:00.003-05:00

Up until about 3-4 months ago, we joked with my mom that she was (essentially) the no-name grandmother. She would send me lists of ideas she had for what she was thinking she might want to be called. they were all

dumb (oops!)

in my eyes and she refused to be called "Grandmother" or "Grandma" or "MeMe" or "GiGi" or anything common in the Grandparent naming world.

But for me, growing up, i always had a "Grandmother" and a "Mamaw." I am sad to say that my sweet boy never had the chance to meet Mamaw, but LOVE that Davis, on more than one occasion, has gotten to know MY Grandmother.
A few weeks ago, as my Grandmother was coming thru Nashville to move to Louisville, KY, they stopped for a night at the casa and all night long Davis kept bringing books to Grandmother and would sit next to her and go thru them ALL with her. As tired as she was from an exhausting 7 hour trip up to us, she enjoyed every moment, as did we all, of getting to see our lil munchkin "perform" all of his tricks, nuances and silly nature.

I love this picture.

He cant say "Grandmother" yet but it seems as he is falling in line with what i used to call my grandmother which is "Beanmudder."

Awww.

so, are you ready to embrace the camera?
here's the low down (no doubt):

1. take a picture with you and your kids/spouse/family member/friend/whatever.

2. blog about that picture and include a link to this blog, or grab their button. (also found on their page)

3. link your blog post up on that same SUPA CUTE blog.

4. visit the other embracers...give each other lots of compliments about how much we are ROCKIN' it.

5. have fun!

Motherhood as a Mission Field

2011-07-01T07:52:00.005-05:00

I read this awesome devo last week and have been thinking about it ever since. Read and share your thoughts. And be encouraged.

Motherhood as a Mission Field

June 16, 2011 by: Rachel Jankovic

There is a good old saying, perhaps only said by my Grandfather, that distance adds intrigue. It is certainly true — just think back to anything that has ever been distant from you that is now near. Your driver’s license. Marriage. Children. Things that used to seem so fascinating, but as they draw near become less mystical and more, well, real.

This same principle certainly applies to mission fields too. The closer you get to home, the less intriguing the work of sacrifice seems. As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates. When you talk to other believers, there is not any kind of awe about what you are sacrificing for the gospel. People are not pressing you for needs you might have, how they can pray for you. It does not feel intriguing, or glamorous. Your work is normal, because it is as close to home as you can possibly be. You have actually gone so far as to become home.

Home: The Headwaters of Mission

If you are a Christian woman who loves the Lord, the gospel is important to you. It is easy to become discouraged, thinking that the work you are doing does not matter much. If you were really doing something for Christ you would be out there, somewhere else, doing it. Even if you have a great perspective on your role in the kingdom, it is easy to lose sight of it in the mismatched socks, in the morning sickness, in the dirty dishes. It is easy to confuse intrigue with value, and begin viewing yourself as the least valuable part of the Church.

There are a number of ways in which mothers need to study their own roles, and begin to see them, not as boring and inconsequential, but as home, the headwaters of missions.

At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel. Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Motherhood provides you with an opportunity to lay down the things that you cannot keep on behalf of the people that you cannot lose. They are eternal souls, they are your children, they are your mission field.

Faith Makes the Small Offering Great

If you are like me, then you may be thinking “What did I ever give up for them? A desk job? Time at the gym? Extra spending money? My twenty- year- old figure? Some sleep?” Doesn’t seem like much when you put it next to the work of some of the great missionaries, people who gave their lives for the gospel.

Think about the feeding of the five thousand when the disciples went out and rounded up the food that was available. It wasn’t much. Some loaves. Some fish. Think of some woman pulling her fish out and handing it to one of the disciples. That had to have felt like a small offering. But the important thing about those loaves and those fishes was not how big they were when they were given, it was about whose hands they were given into. In the hands of the Lord, that offering was sufficient. It was more than sufficient. There were leftovers. Given in faith, even a small offering becomes great.

Look at your children in faith, and see how many people will be ministered to by your ministering to them. How many people will your children know in their lives? How many grandchildren are represented in the faces around your table now?

Gain What You Cannot Lose in Them

So, if mothers are strategically situated to impact missions so greatly, why do we see so little coming from it? I think the answer to this is quite simple: sin. Discontent, pettiness, selfishness, resentment. Christians often feel like the right thing to do is to be ashamed about what we have. We hear that quote of Jim Elliot’s and think that we ought to sell our homes and move to some place where they need the gospel.

But I’d like to challenge you to look at it differently. Giving up what you cannot keep does not mean giving up your home, or your job so you can go serve somewhere else. It is giving up yourself. Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose in them.

It is easy to think you have a heart for orphans on the other side of the world, but if you spend your time at home resenting the imposition your children are on you, you do not. You cannot have a heart for the gospel and a fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference there if you cannot be at peace here. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive.

God loves the little offerings. Given in faith, that plate of PB&J’s will feed thousands. Given in faith, those presents on Christmas morning will bring delight to more children than you can count. Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers.

starting to finish

2011-06-27T07:23:00.004-05:00

I don't want to hear it.

I just need to say it. Got it?

I think i have a tendency to start things and not finish them.

Don't judge me. And DON'T say 'Duh!'

Books? I get bored halfway thru.

Workout plans? I lose motivation.

Or would rather sleep....

New projects? depending on what they are, they can seriously drag out forever.

While i don't think that means I am a quitter (i hope?), i KNOW for me that means that i am distracted and lose my motivation and drive to finish.

But i want to do better.

SO, i am starting to finish some things.

UNO: working out.

UGH.(*#$%*&%(*$&\

5 days a week and finishing this STUPID 30-Day Shred that i bought in February and only did two days.

i FREAKING need to finish what i started.

The list continues but i don't want to air out all of my dirty laundry today. And i am just tired from thinking about getting up early to work out all the time.

And i didnt wake up early to work out today. BOOya.

not too shabby

2011-06-24T07:18:00.000-05:00

...for my first time of couponing.

I am trying to figure this thing out and while i have a ways to go- this ain't bad... ;)

Embrace the Camera- June 23

2011-06-23T09:58:00.003-05:00

it's been a while...

but fear not: i still have the cutest family.

I haven't done Embrace the Camera in a while, but here i am...It's hard to get a good picture of us lately b/c D is always reaching for the phone and my big nice super awesome camera has been stolen.

WOMP.

so, are you ready to embrace the camera?

here's the nitty gritty:

1. take a picture with you and your kids/spouse/family member/friend/whatever.

2. blog about that picture and include a link to this blog, or grab this button.

3. link your blog post up on the link tool here.

4. visit the other embracers...give each other lots of compliments about how good we look

5. have fun!

Winter

2011-06-06T07:13:00.001-05:00

it seems appropriate that i am JUST NOW posting these pictures from Christmas. it is ONLY a

**tribillion**
degrees outside and it is only the beginning of JUNE.

But after my wonderful sister in law sent these to me over the weekend, it made me miss the mountains and the fun time we spent there over Christmas.

GREAT family time where playing cousins

turned into kissin' cousins:

fun times with the Cox's:

SO-until that crisp air rolls back around, you can find us here:

doing this:

with a little bit of this action:

and LOTS of this:

Happy Summer y'all!

i told you...

2011-06-03T14:06:00.002-05:00

...that he was the cutest.

...that he was super silly.

...that he loved any sport.

...and that he is ALL BOY.

kids are silly

2011-05-31T07:32:00.005-05:00

new fascination:

eating things off the table or off the ground directly.

will he take what you are giving him in his hand?

yes.

But 'PLEASE MOM', (he speaks so clear for a 20 month old!) 'let me just do my thang...'

No hands.

No fork.

Nothing.

just a new little nuance he is in love with.

Goldfish? he'd rather put the mouth the ground.

chicken? PU-LEASE! So much better off the table directly.

less work?

maybe... YOU be the judge.

kids *are* silly...

buddies

2011-05-23T16:25:00.002-05:00

Even at a young age, i am grateful for good buddies for my little man. These two are so goofy together and intentionally try to make each other laugh. She calls him "Davy" and he calls her "Ick" for Mik... They chase each other, shake their heads at each other, constantly say "No" and cant get enough hugs & kisses from each other. Literally, she pins him in the corner to kiss him...he IS cute, but come on! ;) kidding...

They take toys from each other, bonk heads, and just laugh all the time.

I pray these two stay close forever and always enjoy each others ' company, like we do with her parents. They TRULY are the best friends anyone could ask for.

Darlin' little punkin pies... (there is my southern coming out)

new sports

2011-05-23T10:16:00.006-05:00

my kiddo is so smart, he is coming up with new sports. i present to you:

water golf...

Happy summer!

Separation Anxiety

2011-05-19T09:29:00.003-05:00

...it the new black. (is it? false...)

What is with that? i thought just babies got this but i have had a *serious* case of separation anxiety from my little one lately. This full time working mom thing is hard. You feel *guilty* for working, *guilty* for not doing enough, *guilty* for leaving, *guilty* for having others watch him. You just feel like poop of a mom. though in reality, you aren't. (remind yourself that when you feel like you are losing your nerve...)When you aren't with them, you wish you were and you wonder what you are missing or what other people are teaching them or what THEY get to see and play and experience with them. OH THE TWISTED WEB WE WEAVE...

BLEEEEH...

I keep telling myself that this WILL get easier one day. I love my job. I love what i do. i love the people that i work with, but i feel like even on my kid's worst day, i want to be the one to take care of him. Not someone else. And i don't want to have to take PTO to do it. TRUST me. when you have a sick kid, that is NO PTO day...

This little dude is a treasure. I love every minute with him. I've just been feeling the pinch and pull lately.

my little hambone...

these are a few of my favorite things...

2011-05-01T12:11:00.008-05:00

somebody cue Julie Andrews and the Von Trapp family.

I just realized that i have lived at my new hizzle for rizzle for 6 months and have posted hardly anything about it. So here are a few of the things i am starting to do to make it my own.

Cue the turquoise room with the crazy glass table and centerpiece.

What is that holding the centerpiece of flowers together you ask? bird seed.

l-o-v-e it.

Another fav? yard word with these two:

such a good helper.

favorite place to sit is the garden. It is peaceful huh?

i am diggin my garden:

wall of crosses: typical? Maybe. But i like mine...

i like my mantel, although i think it still needs something:

i like this part of my kitchen:

this picture is also in my kitchen.

old bench in my breakfast room. This might be my favorite room in the whole house:

and the view from said bench:

some of my favorite pictures:

and what current house is complete with out a windowless window on the wall?

antique find:

I am really wanting to do a chalkboard wall, but not sure where yet. And if i get really antsy for a project, i might pull my sewing machine back out and try to make something. That would mean i would have to remember how to sew, but you never know. it could happen.

silly little article

2011-04-29T10:01:00.001-05:00

"Regrets, I have few"

Since I had my first child three months ago I've dealt with an endless string of sleepless nights, the relentless cycle of feeding and pumping and changing and comforting, and the slow realization that my life will never be the same again. Now that I've emerged from the fog of being a new mommy, I have a few things I need to say.
I want to start by apologizing to my vagina. I just... I just didn't know what was going to happen. I thought it would be easy. All my life I'd been told I have "child-birthing hips." That turned out to be a dirty lie. I pushed for three hours, and I put you, dear vagina, through hell. I did my best to protect you, and I apologize. I can only hope that the bad feelings between us can be healed. This relationship has gotten really painful, and it's been weeks now. Please let the healing begin.
I'd also like to say I'm sorry to my husband for all my inappropriate name-calling in the delivery room and the resentment I felt because I had to carry our child for nine months and you didn't.I will have sex with you again someday, don't hold your breath or anything, but we'll get there. I'll wear attractive lingerie again as well. These grandma underpants aren't forever!
And honey... about my boobs. While I appreciate your attempts to touch them, try to understand that they are not for you at this time. These are working breasts, they are under construction at the moment, and we appreciate your patience. It's funny: I can see a mixture of fear and delight in your eyes at the size of them. And trust me, they are something to fear. I never thought a boob could dwarf the size of my baby's head, but it is true. Little Emma's bravery in attacking them day after day is impressive. I must apologize to her as well. I had no idea they would operate in a sprinkler fashion, and I have sprayed her in the face many, many times. But the way she fights through it is quite something.
I apologize to every woman whose baby shower I attended before I became a mom. All those useless stuffed animals and baby booties I bought... well, I'm sure they might have come in handy at some point, but I should have stuck to the registry and gotten things you truly needed.
I apologize once again to my husband, this time for criticizing you about the way you dress our daughter. I know she's my very own personal doll come to life, and I like to play dress-up. But you make such weird choices. Why would you put her in a sweater when it is 85 degrees outside? It's the middle of the day-a night-gown really? It's bedtime, sweetheart, why is she wearing a hat? I recognize this is not America's Next Top Model, but I do ask you to think about what makes sense sometimes. That's all.
I must apologize to every new mom ever bumped into before I had a baby for judging your appearance. I mentally criticized your old sweatpants, your over sized T-shirts, and your haphazard ponytails. I figured you just hadn't taken the time to get ready before you went out or were in dire need of a makeover. Now I understand those precious minutes you savor when the baby goes down for a nap- the desperation to make the most of them. I could shower! I could eat! I could sleep! Check my e-mail! Work-out! Do laundry! Have sex! (Well, maybe not just yet, but...) I could do so much if she would just sleep a little longer. Then, inevitably, there's that sound through the baby monitor. (Stop.Wait.Listen.) Was it for real?... That was just a sneeze, right? ... She's not up,right?... Oh, please, I'm almost done eating, the coffee's finally ready, I thought I could shower. Just five more minutes please. Just... nope. She's up. She's hungry. She's wet. She's something. And once you've got her fed and changed and played with her, you're on the clock to get that errand done before it all unravels again. I get it now: There is absolutely no time for a blowout or blusher, I was a complete jerk, and I am sorry.
I see how people look at me- with that mixture of pity and disgust- in my old nursing tank covered in spit-up and the same maternity shorts I wear every day. I'm like the Elephant Man. I put my daughter in fancy clothes to compensate for the monster pushing her around. I see the stares. I know what you're saying. Well to heck with you, you small-pants wearing Miley Cyrus fan. I just had a baby. I am not always this fat!
I guess I should apologize for my anger but in solidarity with new moms everywhere, I'm not going to.
But I would definitely like to apologize to my former self, I always thought I had a few pounds to lose and could look better. I never knew how great I had it. What I wouldn't give to fit into my old clothes again! I look at them longingly day after day. Hi, jeans. Hello, Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. You were all so good to me. (sniff)
I should have slowed down and enjoyed my freedom more when I had the chance. I used to beat myself up if I slept past eight or stayed out too late. I was a fool. A fool. What did I know? Oh, to do anything at all at a leisurely pace- shop, eat, read a newspaper- and anything without having to wear a monitor. Waiting. Listening. For her.
While I'm sending regrets I should apologize to my pre-baby boobs for not appreciating them enough. They were a great pair of boobs- not to big, just enough decolletage. And now... sigh... who knows what will be left of them once I stop nursing? I'm sorry, former boobs. I truly am.
I'll never be sorry about deciding to become a mother, though. There may be no going back to my old body or my old lifestyle, but having Emma is worth everything I've had to give up and then some. But you already know that.

Mom-ent

2011-04-19T10:30:00.003-05:00

Story: I got up early to go work out! (yay me!)

I forgot my bra and underwear and had to go back home. (WOMP)

Didn’t realize that until I was in the shower at the YMCA AFTER my work out. (BOOOOO.)

Got home changed clothes and Davis was awake (yay!)

I got him up and fixed him breakfast. (fun!)

I said “Davis, mommy has to go to work. I LOVE you!” (aww)

He got up and hugged me, NO KIDDING, for 5 minutes. It made me cry. It was sweet.

Honestly, it was like he knew exactly what I needed. Last week I was having a lot of guilt for feeling like I was gone a lot and was missing so much of the little things of him growing up and the day to day, and this being my busy season at work i am working longer hours, etc. I hate not seeing and teaching the little things to him thru-out the day. Who gets me?

Guilt-o-rama...

I know that is silly and that is probably what most ALL full time working moms deal with, but when I said “Davis, Mommy has to go to work!” He got up (we were just sitting in the kitchen floor eating breakfast), and this sweet lil punkin pie got up, walked over to my lap, hugged me and didn’t let go with his head on my shoulder for 5 minutes. Matt was smiling and I was crying. Like a newborn. I could cry again just thinking about it.

SO sweet.

Veggie Tales

2011-04-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

This kid for real loves Veggie Tales...and dancing...

He is so cute...

i call this my 'ketchup' post

2011-03-22T08:39:00.008-05:00

...b/c i am about to blow ya mind with all of my posts...uh, huh...

Nothing much has happened in the last couple of months MINUS:

me starting a new job,

Davis getting 7 new teeth all at once Lord help us,

doing crazy amounts of yard work,

having lots of snow in January and February,

doing some reorganizing,

me turning 28,

Matt turning 34,

Davis in swim lessons,

me deciding to run another half marathon and then not training for it

(will it happen? stay tuned...i don't even know the answer to that),

buying a new lawn mower,

planning a golf tournament,

me painting a mural-esque thingy on Davis' wall (pictures to come),

losing an amazing babysitter to college (WOMP),

buying a new dresser for our room and a new TV for our bonus room,

working from home more, among other things.

Life is just SLOW these days.

BUT, it is sunshiney and we get to wear short sleeved shirts,

take walks,

throw rocks,

take picnics,

deck time,

go to the zoo

and work our little buns off.

This reminds me of CAMP:

2011-03-08T11:17:00.001-06:00

I love this:

My Child,

You may not know me,

but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,

for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth

and where you would live.

Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented

by those who don't know me.

John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,

but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child

and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.

Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless

as the sand on the seashore.

Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you

with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,

you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you

than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you

in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,

I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,

I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away

every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain

you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you

even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,

not against you.

Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression

of my love for you.

1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved

that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,

you receive me.

1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you

from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party

heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,

and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God

Promises Promises

2011-02-17T08:39:00.003-06:00

i AM going to blog again.

You ALL were WAITING by your computer mad at me...right?!

I have so many things to update on that i

don't

know

where

to start

...maybe i will wait a little longer....

Until my return, I will launch a site called wherethecrapisJenna.com

Don't forget...

2011-01-06T09:12:00.005-06:00

...about this post:

Calling All Moms

If you have EVER been pregnant or SUSPECTED of being pregnant or been told how to parent your children or had terrible things said to you b/c people

verbally threw up

on you, i need to know.

I am working on a FABULOUS project.

But i cant do it without you and your stories.

Click that little link above and let me hear your story.

ASAP. :)

Tell all of your friends.

Tell your friends' friends.

Recruit your followers.

i promise you wont be disappointed.

Or just tell all of your friends' stories.

Grab that lil button to the side.

Grassy.

So much to talk about

2011-01-04T12:54:00.005-06:00

Just when you think the cuteness has stopped, keep watching.

i love this kid.

through the eyes of the iPhone

2010-12-31T11:41:00.009-06:00

that is how most of my Christmas was documented. Although i have lots more pictures of my lil buggy forthcoming, here is a look at the Cox Christmas. It was a FABULOUSO one. But blogger hates me, so none of these are in order:

Christmas Day grilling and in the snow! What a trooper:

Santa really was good to us this year:

Do my friends know me or what?!:

a lil Christmas morning snowfall. That's all:

We decided to start a new tradition along with the ones that we already started. We always enjoy some mimosas, open a present and watch a Christmas movie, but this year, we added a little game action to the mix. Matt always has beginner's luck:

Right after Christmas, we planned a last minute ski trip to Gatlinburg, TN. It was AWESOME. Not the best ski runs i have ever seen, but a beautiful getaway in the mountains no less:

driving thru the mountains:

i was in Narnia for Christmas:

But for real:

our view from our mountain getaway:

nothing like the holiday stress of cooking a full Christmas meal. While i cooked for two days solid, this is the only thing i documented b/c the marshmellows looked perfect. Tasted it too. I made popovers, eggs, bacon and coffee for breakfast. Turkey, Sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, dressing, apple-cranberry pie, Mayberry Salad and tea for lunch. Then i quit cooking for the rest of the year. Below: the perfect marshmellows of sweet potato casserole:

We are still decorating and buying furniture for our upstairs game room/bonus room. Right now we have every single toy that Davis owns along with a desk and a laptop. So cozy. But Buggy loves The Polar Express and so there is nothing like a little snuggle time while checking out this Christmas locomotive:

This is crochet man. This is his FAVORITE thing i would venture to say in the world. Nothing like a little lovie to soothe you to sleep on a road trip:

"I JUST WANT TO PLAY IN THE SNOOOOOOOW"

Gatlinburg, TN: The Town that crowned Dolly:

Santa really loves me. My favorite Christmas gift:

Very cool necklaces that Matt found me for Christmas. They are on scrabble tiles!

Ahhhhhhh, Mayberry Salad. a Lewis/Cox tradition. I cant give you the recipe but i do not lie when i say that it will change your life:

I grew reeeeeeeally tall over Christmas:

This is the Apple-Cranberry Pie i was telling you about. Best. Pie. Ever. Make it and tell me how much you love it. I did use some of the suggestions below the recipe:

This might be my favorite picture ever:

What Christmas is complete without cookies for Santa?

My snoozin' sweetie:

Grill it up baby!

SNOW!

Santa came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Super excited and SUPER skeptical that this would actually happen, but it did!

One more of the sleepiness:

Ahhhhh Christmas Eve:

Helicopter rides? Only $10? sketchy...

Hope you had a GREAT Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all...

2010-12-26T17:09:00.001-06:00

and to AHHHHHH-ll a good night!!!!

Embrace the Camera- December 9, 2010

2010-12-09T11:04:00.004-06:00

I love Thursdays.

This deal-eo rocks. You should do it too.

This is Grandperson edition:

Davis LOVES his Papa, or Grandpa or Pops or whatever he is going to call him.

We get this mixed up b/c all of the "Granddads" in the Cox family become Papa when they enter Grandparenthood.

But Matt wants to be called Papa instead of Dada or Dad or Daddy.

(it is SO cute when you hear Davis go "Papa?" (always a question...) and then Matt says "Yea, Buddy?" Melt my heart into a big pile of goop. He just started this...)

ANYWAY, regardless, Davis LOVES his Grandperson so much.

When we were in Georgia for Thanksgiving he would just walk over to him, want to be held by him, laugh with him, play with him, pet the dog with him, etc. My child,

quite the ham,

would whine and fake cry

if Grandperson held other precious Grandbaby, Lilly.

Oh the drama of holding another child!

But it is so sweet and touched my heart so much to see how well Davis has taken to him and how much he loves him.

So, NOW IT IS YOUR TURN!

here are the official rules:
1. take a picture with you and your kids/spouse/family member/pet/whatever.
2. blog about that picture and include a link to this blog, or grab their button.
3. link your blog post up on mr. linky at the bottom of THIS POST.
4. visit the other embracers...

give each other lots of compliments about how good everyone is lookin'
5. have fun!

Classic

2010-12-06T11:17:00.003-06:00

this face.

this drool.

this focus.

so much is working in this...

canNOT keep his cool

2010-12-03T08:58:00.000-06:00

some people just can't be cool:

You’re watching Lauer Loses It Live on 'Today'. See the Web's top videos on AOL Video

I giggled all the way thru this. Hope you do too!

embrace the camera- December 2, 2010

2010-12-02T09:00:00.005-06:00

So today i break my blogging hiatus with an 'Embrace the Camera'.
cue the applause.

Off center:

"Jenna, where have you been? We have missed you so and have WAITED by the computer to see what one thing you post next!"

"I know, i know. DUH. I appreciate ALL of my fans but sometimes you just don't have Internet in your new house! Have no fear, little people. I am here. And i have Internet."

Lot's has been happening in this house these days. Traveling. Moving. Decorating. Working. Christmas-izing. Thanksgiving-ing. Running in to walls and tables and anything else. Pulling down ornaments and throwing them. Napping. being sickly. etc etc. you know how it goes. But life is good. And super snuggly these days.

shuper-duper chilly on Christmas Tree buying day. It is only right.

And this lil munchkin is so cute i could gnaw on him.

the purpose of embrace the camera is to pull yourself out from behind the camera and into some pictures with your kids/spouses/family members, etc.
one day, we won't be here, and all people will have are the memories we made (which are great)...but i also want to leave lots and lots of pictures for them as well.
and now....it's your turn. Visit this SUPA- DUPA cute blog to get more info and sign up!

here are the official rules:
1. take a picture with you and your kids/spouse/family member/pet/whatever.
2. blog about that picture and include a link to our blog, or grab our button.
3. link your blog post up on mr. linky here.
4. visit the other embracers...give each other lots of compliments about how good we look with our greasy hair and sweatpants on. cause yah, we need a little boost when it's been days since our last shower.
5. have fun!

Just call us the Jefferson's

2010-11-01T10:19:00.008-05:00

finally got a piece. of the pie that is.

All we have been doing is moving over the last couple of weeks and FINALLY we are in.

All i can say is: I. Am. Done.

OVER IT.

But LOVING my new haven.

So just so you know that i am not dead, here are some pictures:

Embrace the Camera- October 14th

2010-10-14T08:25:00.003-05:00

Little Man and i had a blast playing outside on Saturday morning after breakfast. Now that he is walking/running, it brings a whole new element of fun. SOOOO: We did an impromptu now-walking/catching balls session that was

PHEEEE-NOM

(in which i will post some too cute for words pics lata),

but i could not resist taking some pics to commemorate the Autumn maw-nin together.

THANKFUL for photo-fun that allow the non-makeupness/no showered look/shiny forehead/pimple central so much more glam than it really is. You aren't looking at me anyway. He is 10 gazillion times cuter than me.

PROOF:

this one is a fav:

And little did you know but he is trying to eat a crunchy leaf that he is playing with in his hands. YUMMMM...

Good snack.

But this one is MOST fav:

here are the official rules:
1. take photo with you and your child or your spouse and child.
2. blog about it and include the button (found here) to embrace the camera
3.TODAY, the mastermind behind this idea is taking a BREAK but we are still embracing over here!

Let me know in my comment box that you are participating and i will update this blog with your name thru-out the day! WOOHOO
4. visit others and share the love.

i go walkin'

2010-10-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

My goodness goodness, Good-ness.

Such a patootie pants!

cake lova

2010-10-12T08:07:00.001-05:00

the kid loves cake.

...maybe more than dogs...

this is not only a face a mother could love, this is a face that ALL can appreciate.

Do you see a cake coma coming?

Close up:

one word: teef-ises.

And here is the smash-tastic:

sweet, sweet victory...

easy now, killa. too much icing can do this too a kid...

confused. Mom, why were you holding out on me?

is that cake on your nose or are you just happy to see me?

I seriously love this kid. What an adorable, excited, punkin-pied kid i have.

there is joy in eating! duh...

Sing a song about the things you love D:

so sweet for sharing...Mama taught you right!

Fabulous party we had.

So grateful for such sweet friends that party-hardied with us in celebration for surviving the first year of parenthood.

I decided that for the second birthday or we ordering pizza.

NOT kidding...

Sheesh louish i was exhausted after all of that.

Friday Faces

2010-10-08T08:59:00.002-05:00

whoa. Scariness...

that is a classic folks...

wanna participate in Friday Faces? Go here to see what i am doing...

Embrace the Camera- October 7

2010-10-07T10:51:00.004-05:00

today, i feature E(mbrace)T(he)C(amera) - Hubs edition.
Look at these two adorable faces:

right-before-nap-city-football-watch:

nom-nom-nom.

SO CUTE.

So happy to have this gem of a pic.
ok, now it's your turn!
here are the official rules:
1. take photo with you and your child or your spouse and child.

2. blog about it and include the button to embrace the camera (found on this link).

3. link up your post to mr. linky on THIS supa-cute blog.

4. visit others and share THA love.

Nothing Like turning 1!

2010-10-02T12:53:00.004-05:00

Davis Month 11 and 12 381, originally uploaded by jenna_cox.

He had a blast opening all of his presents.

And DUH, who wouldnt?!

I might have been JUST as excited as he was to open presents? What can i say?

It's one of my love languages.

Friday Faces

2010-10-01T08:12:00.001-05:00

Something new i am starting:

'Friday Faces'

Life is too short to take it too seriously and lets face it:

sometimes pictures are bad and when they are bad, they are funny.

and embarrassing? yes.

But who really cares? Life is not about perfection.

When something is funny, i laugh. And so do others.

Is that how that works? Yes...

So here it is. The first installment of Friday Faces:

TRUST ME. i have terrible pictures of myself where i am making the most RE-DIC of faces, but this one just made me laugh so hard.

Wanna participate in Friday Faces?

Let me know if you are participating and we can feature each other's foto-fun!

Embrace the Camera- September 30

2010-09-30T08:59:00.006-05:00

do you have pictures of yourself, with your little people?
many of us are always behind the lens...rather in front of it.
SOMEONE has to take those punkin pie pictures!

some of you feel much more comfy behind the lens, and i get that.
Do you think i want pictures of myself in the 'Saturday Shirt' for the 3rd day in a row? negative.
well, i don't really want those pictures...but my kids do---or, at least they will

one day.
how many of you LOVE looking at pictures of your parents, when they were young{er}?
MOI!
i don't have a lot of pictures with me and my mom from when i was younger.
i am off to change this for my kids. I am on a MISSION.
i want them to have an abundance of pictures...to remind them of these days that we spent together.
embrace the camera.

Isn't he so cute and full of fun? This was him cheering for the dog on the birthday card he just got. The kid LOVES dogs. AAAAND love to cheer for things. So sweet and encouraging my son.

here are the official rules:

1. take photo with you and your child or your spouse and child.

2. blog about it and include the button (found here) to embrace the camera

3. link up your post to mr. linky on this cutie patootie blog. She came up with this maaaaah-velous idea.

4. visit others and share the love.

P.S. What is with the wacky spacing on this blog? DUUUDE. It wouldnt let me do anything different. So i guess, embrace the flaws of blogger too? eh.

do you know what this meeeeeeans?!

2010-09-29T08:03:00.002-05:00

it is cozy hoodie weather and what little boy DOESN'T look

a-freakin-dorable in a hoodie?! Especially mine. PROOF:

This means that i get to decorate my NEW house that we move into in 3 WEEKS (EEEK!) with fall-ish crap. LOVE that.

OR i could be nuts and go ahead and get Christmas stuff out. I am just that wacko. BUT know my thoughts and my heart people: when one moves, who wants to store all Christmas stuff just to move it BACK out in a month?

NOT I.

Whatevs. I will rock it either way.
OK, stay tuned. I really do have birthday updates and pics coming soon. It was awesome.

moved & compelled...

2010-09-28T11:27:00.004-05:00

there are some things we can learn ONLY from the weakest among us.

and then part 2

This is truly one of the most moving and powerful testimonies i have ever seen.

advice

2010-09-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

It is 100% nesissary to have all toys out at once.

and then crawl on them.

And drool everywhere.

AAAAND be completely irresistable in the process.

It's tough really. but, you know...

::advice from Davis::

somethin from nothin, then buy the real deal...

2010-09-27T08:05:00.005-05:00

is there, like, a creative new parent of the year award?
Why am i so proud of this moment?!

So, my boy is a BOY.
He eats grass.
Climbs on things.
Grunts.
Climbs IN things.
Burps and giggles at them.
Opens and closes things for days on ends.
Shuts his fingers in doors and doesnt budge.
Growls.
Farts like his daddy.
He eats sand.
He eats anything.
constantly has brown feet from dirt.
Hits his own belly LITERALLY like Tarzan.
Gives the sweetest slobbery open mouthed kisses to Mama.
Drools and doesnt wipe it up.
And doesnt even care.
Only snuggles with Mama.
Squints at ridiculousness.
And now he pull on his stuff.
lovely.

So, we have to be creative with the space that we have. It is small. Take heart, we are moving ASAP.
BUT for the time being, we have to be mindful.
SO when i was at Target yesterday, i saw a $4.98 collapsable laundry basket.
VOILA!
I will say, it is VERY difficult to get a decent picture of said new toy when your child is quicker than Speedy Gonzalez and your camera on your phone is slow as molasses after the most recent update. Just a side note.

A new toy.
We put it over him and he laughs and trys to get out.
We put his water bottle IN it and he crawls thru it.
We put it BY him and he rolls it around.
All in all: it's a good time.

I mean seriously. He likes to roll around in a laundry basket and an empty ginormous box of diapers. Toys don't have to break the bank people.

BUT, low and behold they sell these things! What a cool cool present from our dear friends Jason and Martina for Davis' birthday. Now he can tunnel all day long.What a blessing! He LOVES it!!

sold at ikea.

What are some of your creative toys or games?

sweetest face in the country

2010-09-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

i love this little booger so much.

Happy Birthday Baby! Now stop growing...

2010-09-23T08:01:00.001-05:00

(stay tuned...i cannot find my 10, 11 and havent taken the 12 mon shot yet...OOPS for automatically scheduling this one before finishing!)

I can't find my 1 month shot but this one is from then:

funniest picture ever

2010-09-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

If THIS isnt the cutest and funniest picture ever, im not sure what is.

Look at Davis:

IN CASE you missed that:

Thats all...

i've become a terrible blogger

2010-09-21T12:13:00.002-05:00

i honestly wish i had so much more time to blog but i am in the midst of my busiest month at work all year long.

Long hours.

Early hours.

BUSY hours.

BOOOORING.

I know, i know, you don't want to hear it!

Work is getting in the way of my life.

OVA it. :)

But lots of big things are happening these days!

1) Davis' first birthday is on THURSDAY!

(Cue Usher "o o oo o o o oo o o o oo oo Oh. My. Gosh.)

And his party is on Saturday.

Let's just say:

Carnival. Corn Dogs. Cake. Cuties. Ckisses.

(Go with it.)

WOO HOO!!!!!!

B) We bought a house and move-in in 3 weeks!

Still haven't started packing. OOPS.

III) It's pumpkin season!!!!

4) Davis took his first steps! My lil punkin pie...so big.

Cinco) ok, thats it. But still...big things

More to come! promise. ;)

i have exciting news!!

2010-09-11T12:28:00.003-05:00

Growing Up

2010-09-09T10:42:00.005-05:00

SO, we are placing an offer TODAY on this:EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.

that's all i have for now. While i do have about 3 blogs in the works, this takes precedence.
prayers appreciated. and NEEDED...

Get to workin peeps!

why does my child look like a 3 year old?

2010-09-02T09:38:00.003-05:00

he isnt even 1 yet and he looks ginormous.

chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool...

if you ever wondered...

2010-08-24T09:07:00.006-05:00

...if Matt and i were dramatic, just take a look at our offspring:

Calling all Lions!

2010-08-16T11:08:00.007-05:00

Does that title make sense? no.

But it is an attempt to say that i need your BEST thoughts and ideas of things i can do for Davis' first birthday party! He is my little lion so that is what i am going with.

I got inspired by this blog who did a FANTASTIC job planning and creating for her son's first birthday party with a WHALE theme. Cute as a button! check her stuff out! (I just found her in a google search)

I did find these adorable cupcake holders from The City Pantry:

Ok: think Lions, Jungle, Safari, growling...whatever! I just need your best thoughts.

GO!

birthday party planning

2010-08-10T11:01:00.005-05:00

i CANNOT believe that this time last year i was sweating like crazy (because it was freaking HOT!) and super white because i didn't want to go outside and I was praying that my little boy would come sooner rather than later because i wanted to meet him and kiss his sweet face. And i still had like a month and a half left. EEK!
We were making plans and arrangements in our small little living space to have a child, all the while not having a CLUE what we were doing. (do i know what i am doing now? uh, no...but still. at least i have experience.)

what started as this:

Is now this:

My sweet boy is getting so big! (and heavy!)

A lady asked me the other day as we were talking about birthday party's for a 1 year old and i was saying "What should i dooooo?" She said "Well, what does he like to do?"

uhhhh, put things in his mouth?

Drool on things?

pull things down?

throw things on the ground?

Squeal?

Poop?

Sounds like a reeeeally fun party. Can't wait to come to that.

HA!

Can this work for everyone's birthday present?

2010-08-05T09:01:00.005-05:00

easiest. present. ever.action shot:

and who WOULDNT want this for their birthday?

Who needs a hug?!

Happy 9th Birthday to my sweet Cuz, Eva Gray! Hope you have the best day and your buddy Davis cant wait to see you in September!

"i own this joint"

2010-07-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

funny joke anyone?

"yea, i got this. I can work a crowd...'Last Comic Crawling' anyone?"

Davis' words...

Doesn't he look like he is telling a joke there? He delivers a MAD punchline. ha!

Let me just say that our first vacation in over a year was a MASSIVE success. Vacations must be mandatory for one's sanity.

Davis' favorite thing about the whole week?

Sand.

Duh. It tastes AWESOME.

P.S. pretty amazing how he fell in love with these sunglasses. i can sense that he felt "COOL."
The sand eating continues. I was pretty sure that once he had one "taste" that he wouldn't do it again, but yet, i could NOT keep his hands out of it. What can i say? Nothing. He likes to eat sand. Up next? Red clay! Yummmmmm...

Serious dude with a 'tude.

(I swore i would never say "tude" and i just failed myself. Next up? "Loose the 'tude' Mister." What is wrong with me?)

Snacks on the beach are awesome...On the menu? Puffs. Goldfish. Fruit. And of course, sand...

That belly is so cute.

One of my favorite memories of the beach with my family when my brother and i were young were chasing the waves and then running away from them when they were coming in. As a parent, i can understand why they would love this: Sun+energy expenditure=Coma Kids.

Let the wave chasing begin.

Amazing vacation.

The Domestic Experiment

2010-07-19T07:39:00.001-05:00

Being the thrifty, snazzy wife & mother than i am, i decided to do a little project. 2 parts; neither of them complete: I have such a pretty, nice, super comfy/cozy, spacious bed. For the life of myself, i cannot figure out how one person can shuffle the sheets so much when they practically stay in one spot for 8 hours, but alas, my husband is the "messiest" sleeper and i am not even a neat freak! Could be that he sleeps diagonal? (Picture me squished to the edge...)Weird? yes.

So i decided to document this. Matt went out of town for a few days back in April (outdated post? yes.) and i didn't make the bed ONE TIME and you can see what happened to my side of the bed.

Practically nothing...I could EASILY fold my side back over, do a little nip and tuck here and there, throw the pillows back on and we are set. Some of you might say "What is the big freaking deal?"

Nothing. Seriously! Nothing...

There is no deal.

Then Matt came home.
Wha? Uh? Seriously?

The dude is all over the map. This isn't even the worst i've seen!

Laundry is another story:I have never hidden the fact that i don't like putting up laundry. I would even venture to say HATE putting it up. I would rather scrub a toilet.

Quick. Easy. Smells good afterwards.

Done & Done.

Laundry takes FOR.EV.ER. (im SUUUUPER busy...false)

You have to:

sort it. Fold what needs to be folded.

Put in a pile what needs to be hung up.

Get out the hangers.

Get them untangled like 100 times.

Put hangers ON the clothes.

Separate husband's stuff.

Separate towels.

separate baby stuff.

separate my stuff.

Trip over shoes in the closet.

This crap continues...

Etc etc.

Did you cringe and curse just reading that? I did. And i think my blood pressure rose. UGH.

SO i went 3 weeks and JUST washed my clothes and baby's clothes. I kept all of Matt's stuff in the laundry basket. Did he notice? no. Did he have clothes to wear? miraculously, yes.

THEN IT HAPPENED.

He did a load of laundry.

HA!! that will teach him.

And what happened?

It sat in a basket for another week:

Then it sat in a chair for another week.

So who learned something here?

Freaking no one.

Sick & Tan

2010-07-13T10:15:00.002-05:00

just call him my little Vicks baby. a cold was bound to happen at some point. I was bound and determined to lock him in his room for the first year of life until he could learn to blow his own nose, but the ONE TIME i let him get out and this is what happens...sheesh. i learned my lesson. "Back in the room kiddo..."

BUT: "Can't no body break-a my style, cant no body hoooooold me down, OH NO! Ive got to keep on moooooovin." tell me you know that song!

for Mama's sake

2010-06-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

so in my most recent iphone update, my phone was trying to "restore" and in the process i lost all, say it again, ALL of my pictures of my cute kid and family. (OK CLASS, what did we learn today? Always carry a REAL camera with you at all times...) This is unfortunate for so many reasons, but MOSTLY b/c there were some OH-SO- CUTE Father's Day pictures of Davis crawling to catch golf balls with Matt that had not been backed up yet, and some sweet Anniversary pictures that were GREAT b/c it was one of the few night outs by ourselves that we get. UGH is an understatement.

So what can you expect? Random weird posts about every small thing...I don't want to lose anymore. :( Or forget...

an embraced "I am not cool"

2010-06-25T08:22:00.005-05:00

I have a pet name problem.

It started out as "Booger" than to "Booger-Schmooger" then to "Schmooger" then some how i ended up at "Doogers." Dont you see the progression?

There is also punkin, punkin pie, punkin pants, punky, bug, Buggy, love bug, and on occasion, Davis. :)

I always made fun of my mom for coming up with weird names for my brother and i, and even more so now with her pet. Oh "if they could see me now." I have entered the point of no return. With calling your child names such as the aforementioned, you have to embrace the fact that "YOU ARE NOT COOL."

Done and done.

I already knew that, but this takes it a step further for me. But i DO NOT care. I call him these names in PUBLIC (poor punkin pants!) and in front of people that i do not know. So, see? Its official. I am not cool, and i am a mom that does not care.

Man that felt good. ;)

Back to school

2010-06-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

OK, i need all of your creative juices for this one. I am in charge of our internal Campaign this year and i need YOUR creativity to help me where mine has stopped. I think i have a FUN FILLED, funny week planned, but i am lacking in some areas. Read what i have going on and let me know if you have any thoughts to add:

2010 United Way Internal Campaign

Monday- Pep Rally (Campaign kick off) 9:00am-9:30am
Office decorated with blue and white streamers, ‘Go Team!’ posters, etc, and breakfast for everyone. Pom poms and shakers given out.
‘Senior Class’ will be recognized and given a sash. (inside joke of all the old fogies here in the office)
The online giving site will be active now.
**Detention Call (can't decide what detention should be?)
Needs:

Tuesday- Class- POP QUIZ 10:00am-11:00am
‘Are you Smarter than a 5th grader’
Boys and Girls Club attending
PRIZE AWARDED
**Detention call
Needs:

Wednesday- Homecoming Parade 3:00pm-4:00pm
Best dressed Contest- come decked out in your school homecoming spirit! Winner awarded
The Queen is crowned (how should this be decided?)
Corsage contest:
10 items you can use:
1. Toilet paper
2. Beans
3. Pasta shells
4. Glitter
5. Glue
6. Cardboard
7. Straws
‘Homecoming Dance’- dance contest
PRIZES AWARDED
**Detention call
Needs:

Thursday- Gym Class 3:00pm-4:00pm
We are playing 5 ‘Minute to Win it’ games for gym class
Junk in the Trunk
Chocolate Unicorn
Bobble Head
Elephant March

PRIZES AWARDED
Detention call
Needs:

Friday- Field Trip
Lunch hosted at our President's House
Silent auction closes at 11am
Report cards handed out at lunch
Jeans Day
Needs:

Detention slips: (people can purchase these for someone else. Just haven’t figured out the ‘punishment’. Probably some form of public mockery.
Needs:

Trinket sales- special event to sell trinkets for the corsage contest
Needs:

Hall Passes: (not even sure of the purpose of these yet)
Needs:

Jeans Days: this is an ongoing ‘special event’ that we have. You can pay $5 to wear jeans on Fridays.
Needs:

School Bake Sale: (We are having an all week silent auction/service auction)
Needs:

Report cards at the end of the week (of campaign results)
Needs:

So that is where i am stuck. Send me your ideas! Do you like it?

here we go!

2010-06-17T14:12:00.005-05:00

and after all that, there is reason to celebrate:

Davis is so much fun these days! Loving this stage.

an important message to pass along

2010-06-09T14:49:00.000-05:00

...it is what has brought us together

2010-06-02T09:41:00.005-05:00

Three years ago today i woke up on the beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico...

...and married the man of my dreams. So grateful for every day with this great man and all of the wonderful memories that we have made and have yet to make. Here's to 3 times 50 more years!

freaking Cherry Dr. Pepper

2010-05-28T11:20:00.000-05:00

So, last summer i was pregnant, right? It was hot. Literally. The temperature outside was stupid. The bottom of my feet would sweat. Ew. I was big. Duh. That is what happens. And i was not tan b/c of the latter. NOT cute.

What was hot was the new Cherry Dr Pepper situation they created. It stinkin' rocks and is sooo fizzy and full of awesomeness. It was like the best thing to summer and to growing a baby. Next to corn-dogs, dreamsicles, watermelon, lunchtime naps and any carb...

Anyhoo, so i love it and now that i am post baby, i limit myself to only one soft drink a week. I mean, YES they are empty calories like i have ever cared before, but they taste so good, and truly there is nothing like a fountain DP on Sundays. (don't ask me why, but it is like a must to post-church activities.) And a Cherry one? HOLY MOSES. Dr Pepper has finally done it. Found the way to my heart... (weird comment? yes...)

You get it? I LOVE it. Like a ridiculous amount. Cherry Dr Pepper freaking ROCKS. God Bless the doctor in Waco, TX that had a horse named Pepper and somehow contrived a tasty beverage out of that combination. (Again, weird? yes...)

That is how i feel about my husband. See what i did right there? I just think he is, like, awesome. How lucky am I that he saw my quirkiness and weirdness like 4 years ago and thought (deep, sexy man voice) "Hey, i would like to see how that quirkiness plays out for, say, the rest of our lives." Cool.

So as our anniversary QUICKLY approaches, (June 2. i said quick!) i am incredibly grateful. Here is where you come in...ready? Get ready to comment your little heart out. How do you tell that to your mate that?

"Thanks for choosing me when i am weird, stubborn, loud, needy, sometimes pimply but too old for that and hormonal, terrible at laundry and don't cook that much (the heart is willing but the flesh is weak!) and always sleepy! You rock! You knew some of that and decided to marry me anyway! Wow. I super-duper love you Matt!"

Seriously...I am one lucky chica.

Plus he is cute and we make adorable babies.

See?

And why wouldnt we? We can rock some snorkel gear...

HELP Me. Get those creative juices going...

Grandmother

2010-05-26T09:30:00.002-05:00

My Grandmother is a NATURAL and i love having her. My brother and i have always been close to her, both in proximity and in relationship with her and for that, i am grateful. NOTHING has changed now that she has her FIRST great-grandchild. Davis LOVES her and had so much fun hanging with her and cuddling with her while we were in TX last week.