A Visit to East Texas

We had a nice visit to East Texas this weekend.  While there we attended the Memorial Day program at the Veteran's Memorial.  It was a very nice tribute to the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.  A very brave 6th grade girl read a poem about the day two men came to her door to tell her family that her daddy had been killed.  I hope that one day our boys will understand and appreciate the sacrifices that many have made for them.  I am proud to be an American!

 

 

When Daddy's Away...

the boys will play.
Tomorrow makes day NINE that Laine has been out of town for work.  Thankfully he returns tomorrow.  To say that I'm worn out and seriously in need of a break is an understatement!  I have an all new respect for my friends who have husbands that travel a lot.

Here are a few things that have happened while Laine has been away:

• I have locked myself out of the house
• Gone to the mall and couldn't find my wallet so we had to rush home only to find it sitting on the couch
• Gotten the boys in the closet during a tornado scare
• Said a prayer of thanks that I was able to get to Ryan before he swallowed the earplug that Jackson gave him
• Had to use the plunger to un-clog the toilet
• Discovered that Jackson had written on Ryan's head with a dry erase marker

Those are just a few of the highlights.

Here are pictures of poor Ryan's head.  Thankfully it came right off.

I think Ryan is hoping his daddy will come home to help take care of him since mommy can't even keep him clean.

Nine Months & Three Years

Ryan and Jackson both went to the doctor this week.  Looks like Jackson is sticking to being average on weight and height.  Ryan's percentages have decreased but he is still a big boy.  :-)
Ryan - 9 months
21 lbs, 8 oz - 75%
17.5 inches - 75-80%

Jackson - 3 years old
31 lbs - 50 %
37.5 inches - 50-60%

Here are a few recent pics. 

The other day Jackson was in time out (that corner is his spot) and when I walked over to check on him this is what I found.

This is Ryan's newest look.  He loves to turn is head and pose.

Poor poor Ryan.  That kid is constantly getting pushed/squished/hugged too hard/ etc by his big brother.  Somehow he just smiles.

I love finding totally random stuff (like this little man in the fridge) in the strangest places.

Jackson loves playing with his brother these days.  He is great at making him laugh.  It's not always easy though because I have to keep a very watchful eye.  I'm sure Jackson is tired of hearing, "be careful" and "gentle, please" over and over again..  Even when he's not trying to he is just way too rough sometimes.  I have to admit, though, I sure do love to hear them giggle together.

This Is A Little Embarassing

Today when I picked up Jackson this paper was in his folder.  This doesn't really make me sound like a good mom since it's all about junk food.  :-) 

Here are the questions and answers in case you can't read them above:

She is special because   she loves me.

I like it when my mom   gives me the treat in the cereal.  (Not sure where this came from since we don't have treats in our cereal?)

My mom can do many things!  I think she's best at   giving me treats.

My mom has a pretty smile!  I like to make her smile by   Ryan and me make her smile.

My mom is as pretty as a   treats.

My mom is smart!  She even knows   how to make corndogs.

I'd like to tell my mom   thank you for all the candy and suckers.

Does this boy have a one track mind or what?!?!

Two weeks ago they had Texas week at school and Jackson got to ride a pony.  I couldn't resist posting this cute picture of him.

Happy Mother's Day



I love love love being mommy to these two boys!

Meet My New Niece, Ella Rae

My newest niece was born this morning.  Ella was 7 lbs, 4 oz and 19 inches long.  Her middle name is Rae after our Great Aunt Rae.  What a special name for this sweet baby girl.  Proud big sister is Emma.  Alex says that Emma was telling everyone she was the big sister and was going to teach Ella to slide.  So sweet. 

BIG BOY BED!

I am proud to say that Jackson is the owner of a new big boy bed!  We got two twin beds since Ryan and Jackson will share a room eventually.  Right now we have them as bunk beds since it's just Jackson in the room.  We will have to decide what to do when Ryan moves in.  I found the PERFECT bedding (actually, my friend Amanda mentioned it and I loved it) that fit right along with what we had before.  We haven't finished putting the room together but I wanted to share his new beds and bedding.

And the best news of all is that Jackson has been sleeping like a CHAMP!  We have had no real problems with him getting out of bed.  The first night he came into our room and we took him back.  And then a night or two ago we heard him come out and he put one of his cars (one that changes colors when cold) in the freezer and then he went right back to bed.  He's gotten out to get toys/books but always gets back into bed without us having to come in.  His naps have been even longer than before.  I would say the transition has been a success! 

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 Race car sheets

Poor Ryan.  I made a big mistake.  His hair was growing over his ears and was bothering me so I snipped the hair.  Now the hair around his ears fluffs up and looks funny. (Please excuse his orange face.  I think he had sweet potatoes when these pictures were taken.) 

Ryan has been sleeping like a champ too.  He's doing great at night and taking great naps too.  I'd say for at least a week or so now he's been taking two very good naps every day.  He's finally taking longer afternoon naps.  I am so thankful for my great little sleepers.