Henson Happenings

Random Thoughts

2012-02-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

1. I , well we, have been struggling with Jack and his behavior for awhile now. Its been hard. I have cried ALOT, prayed ALOT, read a little and we have really worked with him too. I am so thankful for his wonderful teacher who raised boys. She has been so encouraging and FINALLY we have had a HUGE breakthrough. Jack has gotten treasure box for 3 weeks straight. He has been working really hard at sharing with Henry and minding so well. I am so thankful our hard work is paying off.

2. We stayed in our pjs all day today! We made pizza, played kitchen, watched movies, and I actually managed to get 10 shirts done! No shower until 6pm was well worth it!

3. I am totally procrastinating at getting the consignment sale stuff together, getting our tax stuff together, and getting everything together for Jack' valentines party on Monday.

4. I am beyond excited that Pop is coming Thursday to help me with the boys all day! Like giddy day before Christmas excited!

5. Its birthday month for Aunt Emmy and Gigi and Geepers are coming to celebrate this weekend. That means yummy food and good presents for Em.

6. I asked for new tennis shoes for Heart Day. Pathetic right? I am starting to like the lets wear workout clothes all day kind of thing!

7. I NEVER watch TV, as in NEVER could so totally live without cable, but I am really intrigued by the new show Smash

8. I AM going to China! Its my new mission! I want to go so bad!! Last night while J and I were lying in bed I could have discussed my fascination with it for hours, he not so much!

Over It

2012-02-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Finally...after 1 week since the sickness started, 5 days of all 4 of us spending way to much quality time cooped up at home sick, we are finally somewhat back to normal. If I could just stop hacking and Henry's nose would stop running we would be GRAND!!

We tried to entertain each other and the boys the best we could in between cleaning up throw up, wiping noses, and trying to sleep! But such is life with little ones!

Cooking for the super bowl party with Aunt Em and Uncle Pookie!

Modeling new "beach shirts" (as Jack calls them) from our sweet Tootlebugs customer!

My baby boy looks so big sitting by himself for a haircut!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Any guesses as to who this looks just like???

2012-01-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well it was a Tuesday!

We had to run some errands early this morning and that was a challenge. I had to wake H up, dress him, grab milk and run out the door. I sort of forgot breakfast...Thank goodness for Chick-fil-a! The boys fought over the chicken minis and I resisted the urge to eat them!

Jack is still battling an awful cough, but thankfully after a small bit of rudeness from me to the Walgreens pharmacy, we finally made it home by lunch time with cough syrup and nap time!

Jack has not slept the last two nights and I finally gave up last night and went and got in his bed and left him to crawl all over J instead of me! He so wants to go to school tomorrow and keeps saying "but I feel better" then 5 minutes later when he wants something he'll say "But mommy, I am sick" (wonder who he gets that from?)

Both boys napped today thanks to Em's pink tommy and and some cough syrup! Jack will watch videos on Em's ipod until he gets so sleepy and then he will put the ipod outside the door to his room its the funniest thing!

That is a rare treat and I got lots of work done! YEA!!! Em and I also hit a HUGE milestone and goal we had for this year today. Tootlebugs has 3,000 fans on Facebook.

Best Laid Plans

2012-01-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

We had our weekend all planned out, even down to amount of shirts I was going to have completed. Well, guess what??? Instead I woke up Saturday with a migraine and now Jack as an awful bug. As in 104 temps and throwing up bug! YUCK!!! I can say that now that he can talk and tell you what's wrong and that he is about to get sick makes life much easier!

I did get half of my 30 shirts done since Jack and Henry got to have a playdate and lunch with Pop and Nana on Saturday and now I am hoping to finish up some tonight when J gets home! Its the end of the month and Jack can not go to school today, so we will see how it goes!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

Kid's night at our favorite restaurant...Chick-fil-a!

Sleepy Head

2012-01-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

Henry was playing trains while I was working yesterday. Jack was at school, so it was much quieter than normal, but when it got really quiet I looked down from my chair and saw this. I just had to step away and get a quick picture!

I so love that boy!

Weekend

2012-01-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

I really debated about posting this picture, but since its so blurry I figured it would be okay. Both boys LOVE LOVE LOVE playing with glow sticks in the bath tub. Thank you Aunt Em for the idea and the glow sticks. Jack made J buy him two more packs tonight at Target.

Saturday it rained hard, but luckily cleared up just in time for Charlie's 1st birthday party. It was a perfectly themed monkey party. I got to make his cute outfit and the kids had lots of fun! H loved these sensory balls...I think the Easter bunny needs to find some!

J and I had date night Saturday night and our favorite Ms. Anna came to play. Henry who cries the ENTIRE time in the church nursery was like okay Anna's here...BYE! Jack had someone to eat pizza, watch movies, and snuggle with him and she even did baths and had both boys sound asleep when we got home! We went to the movies and to dinner. It was so nice to enjoy a dinner without having to scarf down my food or either not even eat my food! HA!

Sunday the boys slept in so we stayed in our pjs and skipped church. We managed to get dressed for a quick trip to the grocery and the best part was it was finally a weekend with an entire day and no where we had to be! LOVE!

Our Day

2012-01-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Today we were up before 7am watching Octonauts, playing on mommy's phone, and being boys!

Jack went to school and complained that he did not get to stay for aftercare since his best friend Slade did! HA! He told me Alynn cried and he colored a snowman. He also reminded me not to put cheese on his sandwich again!

We ate our favorite marble baby bites and shared them with our sweet friends.

We skipped naps and played with Emily Kathryn instead. Mrs. Carrie got a good taste of what little boys are like!

I actually passed on the Chick-fil-a dinner the boys ate and opted to wait on J and eat salads instead! And yes the new grilled nuggets are yummy!

Were you bored?

2012-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

You know since we have not been around? HA!

Not to worry it is definitely not due to lack of things to talk about, but mostly to lack to time! I mean I never dreamed how my world would change when Henry started walking! Oh my it came way to fast! The child is into EVERYTHING! And the stairs are the worst! I know I could solve that issue with a gate (and we have one at the top) but we leave the bottom open on propose. Jack learned to navigate the stairs really early and it has made life so much easier on us. We have stairs and they are not going anywhere anytime soon, so Henry needs to learn too! He has mastered the climb, now we just have to tackle the coming back down!

J got his feel for it this weekend, and you know he sure has been really sweet to me and VERY helpful at night lately :) Emily and I went to market for Tootlebugs over the weekend and while it is work (okay mostly fun with alot of walking) it was a nice break for me. They managed, but he was not ready for Henry being all over the place..and my house was even pretty clean when I got home!

Henry is also having MAJOR separation anxiety from me. Like so bad that he is totally fine at home with J if he can not see me, but if he sees me or even hears my voice it is over! He cried the entire time he was in the nursery on Sunday. Those poor ladies hate to see us coming. I make J take him in because I can not stand it! Of course Jack loves Sunday school and would go everyday, so I know it will pass with Henry too!

Both boys are officially enrolled in MDO for the fall. I am really excited. I will get to work 12 whole hours a week...ALONE!! Its been hard to work since Henry has gotten so mobile and I end up working at night or weekends and missing out on other things, so I have slowed down some until he goes to school in the fall. Jack LOVES MDO and I think Henry will too.

Jack is a motor mouth. I guess I did not realize that he has started talking so much, but he never stops and repeats anything and everything he hears. He is so into the incredibles and the muppets right now. He makes us act out the movie with him. He loves angry birds on the phone, the game Aunt Shan got him for Christmas and his stuffed one that J surprised him with tonight. He talks about Disney all the time and we have all of our reservations for character dinners made, we have mapped the halfway point of our drive..I just need to finish the boys outfits (okay start the boys outfits) and continue the countdown. One of the teachers at Jack's school is a travel agent for Disney and she did the best job helping us plan since we have no clue what we are doing! Only 47 days to go!!!

Rain Rain Go Away

2012-01-11T05:16:00.000-08:00

IT has been so rainy and yuck here the last few days and I am ready to see it go! Its hard to get out and do things with two littles and a rain storm!

Henry and I did do some running around Monday while Jack was at school and then apparently there was some BIG football game on Monday night! HA! Henry went to bed, Jack stayed up and played dress up and watched football with J and I took advantage of the quiet time and got lots and lots of monogramming done!

Obviously you can tell we are not bama fans or tiger (well, LSU tigers anyway) fans, but he still rooted for Bama, after all one of my children will probably go to school there! Yesterday we opted to stay home minus two errands that did not involve getting out of the car and stayed in pjs! J had a late work meeting/dinner so we did the FREE kids night at of course Chick-fil-a and played choo-choos until J got home!

Random Lately

2012-01-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

We had a busy, but fun weekend! Saturday my sweet friend Randall, who was my roommate in college had her baby shower! We have been waiting a praying for a very long time for a sweet baby for them and guess what??? Baby Carter surprised them early last night! He is almost 4 weeks early, but doing great! So glad we had the baby shower in time and now he has lots and lots of cute stuff! HA!

It was so much fun to visit with old high school friends who are very dear to me. We laughed and the two hours flew by! I can not wait to see them again and love on baby Carter! It was a quick trip and J got to babysit. And sidenote, I was glad because he had not gotten to babysit for a whole day since Henry is on the move! Now he knows why I fall into bed at midnight so tired! HA!

Sunday was rainy and yuck, but it was 70 degrees. Not weather for celebrating our last Christmas with my dad's family, but we had fun. The boys got WAYYY to many new toys and Jack got another gun which is the loudest thing I have ever heard! I called my dad last night and told him if he woke up this morning to a gun blast it would be Jack, the gun, and his suitcase on the front porch.

We had too much yummy food and played a quick game of dirty santa (nobody wanted to steal) I complained of how jealous I am of their new sunroom that would be the perfect play room and even better is its the perfect location for a playroom too! I guess I will add that to my new house wishlist!

Jack has all of a sudden decided he is ready for Disney World. Did not care a thing about it on Christmas and now its all he talks about. We I picked him up from school yesterday he said...Where are we going mom? To Disney World? And try explaining to a 3 year old that he still has to wait 55 days to go to Disney World! Its a pointless argument!

1 Year check up

2012-01-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

This morning we rushed to get ready, had a minor melt down by the 3 year old that resulted in a cut on the finger, some kisses to fix the finger and a promise to get more Cars 2 band-aids! And all of that was just in a effort to get everyone dressed and out the door so I could get Jack to school on time, stop by my friend/seamstresses house, and get Henry to the doctor for his 1 year check up all within an hour! We made it on time and sweet boy was so good. He managed to not cry during the finger prick, cry for the 1st time ever while getting shots, and drive me crazy wanting to get down! He kept saying down, down, down, down. Naked baby plus dirty doc's office floor...means NO down, down, down!

He weighed 25lbs (75%) and was 30 inches (50%) long. And considering that he weighed over 17lbs at his 2 month appointment, I would say that walking has really slowed my chunky monkey down!

It's hard to believe that I have a healthy happy 13 month that is all over the place! He is my laid back baby, but boy is he quickly becoming just as strong willed as Jack!

Dress up Day

2012-01-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today was the 1st stay at home in our pjs day we have had in FOREVER...like over a year forever! It was so wonderful! I did not even shower until the boys were in bed tonight, but I got lots done! Its been hard to get back in the swing of work. We even made it to the PO before they closed (pjs and all) and I bribed Jack to hurry quick with a trip to TCBY for Strawberry and Kiwi sorbet and it was so yummy!!!

We did take time to play lots of dress up! Jack is obsessed with dressing up and since Santa brought a dress up box with spiderman, caption america, and iron man we have been dressing up lots!

He thought the hot pink hat made him look like a cowboy! HA! Not the bathing beauty that I thought he did!

Coffee and Head Stands

2012-01-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

This what two silly boys are up to today at our house!

We're BACK!!!

2012-01-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

I know you just could hardly stand it right? HA! We took a much needed and fun relaxing time off. I got to enjoy just being a mom again full time for 2 whole weeks! We played hard, shopped a lot, spent time in TN with family, ate WAYYY to much food, but LOVED everyday of it!

Today is back to normal and back to work for me and J. I am a tad nervous, as I work on a new plan to balance a full time job and two little boys. One who has outgrown his nap and the other who is on the move now and down to one nap! Time will tell and it will all work out!

We did so much while we were gone I am not sure I even know where to start. I really want to work hard this year on blogging each afternoon/night about that day. This is my scrapbook and I want to remember every day like it was. Life is not always peachy and roses, and those days make us who we are too! We have a wonderful life and much to b thankful for and I don't want to forget that either! But now that I have said it out loud maybe I will stick to it!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Christmas. Jack and Henry both LOVED Christmas and everything about it. And we were most excited about the trip to Disney World coming very soon! However both boys were much more into the toys and as much as Jack had been telling everyone all he wanted was a boom boom gun, and a cat piano from Target for Henry. (and thanks to Gigi and Geepers for providing the beloved cat piano that "santa" was not going to provide! HA!) we are not a bit surprised!

This year was Christmas with J's family, and since J's sister just had a baby and we stay home on Christmas Day we spent Friday night with Aunt Em and Uncle Pookie before they left town on Saturday, a little time with J's parents on Christmas Eve, Pop and Nana came over for a yummy lunch J cooked on Christmas Day, and we had planned for dessert at some friends on Christmas night until Jack decided to nap right through dinner until 11pm and then stay up until 3am! But that's a another story for another day! HA!

We spent New Year's weekend in TN visiting with J's grandparents, aunts and uncles, and of course we got lots of play time at the Aunt Shan's since we stayed there! THey also won the top gift award with Jack. He is OBSESSED with his angry birds game. I think so much that they might have topped Santa!

J's grandparents always go over and above for Christmas and my new camera bag and earrings just might make me giddy!! But my most favorite gift this year were the picture frames that J's dad made me. I LOVE them. And for me the saddest thing about Christmas is that Jack wore the last longall or jon-jon that he will ever wear! Sad I know!!! He was ready even though I was not, but it was time. Growing up too fast!

I think that sums it up and I am shocked if you are still reading! Happy Tuesday!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T04:30:00.000-08:00

We wish you and your family a VERY Merry Christmas! We hope that you will stop to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas. That it is not about the elves, or how many gifts you buy that really matter, but that God sent his only Son to us so that we might have a life more abundant and everlasting.

Santa Video and gingerbread house fun

2011-12-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

Last night we took Jack over to his best little buddy Reed's house. We had a quick yummy dinner, let the boy's swap gifts and attempt to decorate gingerbread houses. Sara Ann and I ended up doing the majority of the decorating, of course it looks like the 3 year olds did it! HA!

Jack kept sneaking the candy off the house, so our backside has a few holes in places now!

I did this little video for Jack and he LOVED it. He was in shock that Santa knew sooo much about him! HA!

Life Lately

2011-12-22T04:30:00.000-08:00

Lazy afternoon of TV and race cars!

A VERY independent 3 year old thought it would be fun to sneak those oh so messy white powdered donuts for a VERY messy snack!

A little after church grocery run! ( Is it bad that I despise these buggys and secretly wish that they would just disappear from Publix forever?)

The quiet easy child has suddenly become the into everything mischievous child!

And he thinks it is VERY funny!

This boy has learned to LOVE helping his daddy cook!

Lately J has been cooking like this....AND yes you can be jealous! Its AMAZING that I don't have to cook and that we get to eat this kinds of yumminess!

These two are ALWAYS up to something!

Santa and more Santa

2011-12-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

I remembered VERY last minute that Santa visits our neighborhood the Saturday before Christmas on the Fire truck! He comes early and you have to be quick or you will miss him and the candy :) (that is all Jack really cares about)

As soon as I heard the sirens I grabbed the camera and coats and we headed out, some of us still cozy in our pjs!

We decided that instead of exchanging gifts with our friends the Oatridge's this year that we would take the boys to the Science center for the Polar Express party. We all have WAY to much and letting the boys spend time together seemed more like Christmas anyway.

That saw Santa, again, ice fished, ate cookies and drank hot chocolate, and got to watch the Polar Express on the imax screen. It was our 1 millionth time to see the movie that Jack can act out, but it was our 1st time to see an imax and it did not disappoint. All 4 boys watched the entire movie and were worn out when we left past bedtime!

School Partying

2011-12-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

Friday was Jack's Christmas party at school. They had lunch from Zaxby's and Red Velvet Cupcakes, did a book swap with his classmates, gave mommy and daddy sweet canvases with handprint Christmas trees, and got lots of extra playtime!

Henry thought he was so big with all the older kids and it was fun to get to see what all they had been up too at school!

More Partying

2011-12-19T14:44:00.001-08:00

Henry's party was tons of fun and we got to share it will all of our favorite people! I had LOTS of help from my sweet friend Jenny who can decorate and paint like no one I have ever ever seen! And Sara Ann who can bake and decorate cookies better than Martha Stewart. She did the cutest monogrammed and santa cookies and of course J who made ALL of the other cookies we had. Henry loved every minute of it and all the attention!

These boys are T-R-O-U-B-L-E and best little buddies!

Emily Kathryn showing off her party swag!

This picture cracks me up. I do not think there are two people on earth who like their sweets as much as Jack and my Gran!

Milk and Cookies Party-The Decorations!

2011-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

A little Charlie Brown

2011-12-15T04:30:00.001-08:00

My great aunt got Jack the Charlie Brown Christmas book that talks and interacts last year for Christmas. And the child has since been obsessed with Charlie Brown. Here is his version of Hark the Harold!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T07:55:00.001-08:00

This is what the photos looks like when you are in a hurry for church!

HO...ho...HO

2011-12-09T10:23:00.001-08:00

Sweet Babies

2011-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

We are excited that we have another sweet boy to love on! J's sister and brother-in-law had their second sweet boy yesterday.... Harrison Rolly Howard. We weighed 7lbs 12oz and they are both doing great!

I can not wait to get my hands on him! I do love some sweet baby snuggles!

AND

We got another sweet baby yesterday too!

My best friend since childhood had sweet Emma Claire surprise them a few weeks early!

She has the cutest cheeks and of course I can not wait to hold her too!

We are excited for both families! God has blessed them richly!

Just a singing....

2011-12-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

As promised video of Jack's Christmas program at school!

Elf

2011-12-06T19:27:00.001-08:00

We decided to try Elf on the Shelf this year with Jack. I had heard lots of good things about it and that about 3 years old was the perfect age to try it. And while I agree that he "gets it" I have to be honest and say that I don't love it! Jack thinks the book is cute and he laughs when the Elf visits, but its full of expectations. He expects a "treat" from Koko everyday and I am expected to make sure he does something EVERY SINGLE DAY! That is a lot for an entire month! It seems like the Elf is everywhere and everyone is busy trying to have the best Elf ideas. And why? Who are we all trying to impress?

I don't know why but this year I have felt very convicted about Christmas. I want my boys to know the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, of course I want them to have fun, and yes we will have Santa time, and do lots of fun things, and exchange gifts, but I want to make sure that they realize that Jesus is the greatest gift we will EVER EVER be given!

Okay, did not really mean to go into all of that. So I am thinking next year our Elf will visit, but maybe not for an entire month! So, when I have time and remember...here is what Koko is up to at our house!

Twinkle Twinkle

2011-12-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

This morning was Jack's Christmas program and brunch at school and I can honestly say that until you are the parent with the sweet child in the program...you just don't get it!

It was the cutest thing and they did great with their little song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".

I even have video too! But maybe we should save that for tomorrow!

O-N-E

2011-12-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

Henry,

Its hard to believe that an entire year has passed since God picked me to be your mommy! He could not have picked a more perfect little boy to had to our lives! You are the most amazing little person to me. I love your sweet laugh, and how you are always happy. You love to eat and will try anything once!

You giggle when Jack terrorizes you and when your daddy comes home for work at night. I think my leg or my hip is your favorite place and although it is currently driving me crazy, especially since you can walk on your on now,(as of 11.30.11) I love that you love me so much!

You are the easiest baby and as long as you are fed and can see your mommy you are one happy camper!

I can not wait to see what God has in store for your life. You are going to do great things my sweet love and I hope I am there through it all!!

Happy, Happy Birthday my baby boy!

Jackisms

2011-12-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

Last night J and I were laying in bed and I was telling him about the day. (We stayed with Pop while Nana went out of town for a funeral) Needless to say, my dad, who can not even walk well was my easiest one of the three! HA!

Jack does some of the funniest things and says things that I want to not ever forget.

The way he belts Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and the Veggie Tales theme song

He was very intently watching the physical therapist working with my dad yesterday and last night when we were going upstairs for baths and bedtime he said "I think I am a little shaky, but I am going to get better. Its just really hurting right here (rubbing his upper leg)"

He knows that Nana lets him have whatever he wants to snack on at their house, so he kept on and kept on asking for fruit snacks. My dad let him have 2 and after that I said no more fruit snacks today. Well he wanted more, so while I was helping my dad he got an open 100 cal pack of chips ahoy off the table, dumped the cookies out, filled the pack up with fruit snacks he took out of the pantry and said yummy these cookies are good.

I asked him to put his shoes on and he said " No thank you, I am fine, just fine thanks"

IF you ask him what Santa is bringing him for Christmas he says " A boom boom gun and Henry wants a piano.

He got in trouble at school on Monday, so Koko (our elf) left him a frowny face note. After he saw it he said "Mom, I am sorry. I will try to be better at school, but I might hit."

At the Chick-fil-a drive through I asked him what he would like to drink to which he replied "I think I need Coke Zero." To which I replied um, no you can have apple juice! HA!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Part 1

2011-11-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

In case you can not tell from the pictures we had an awesome Thanksgiving trip to Opryland hotel. I think I took about 800 pictures, so here are a few of my favs to start!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Even though most of our days are crazy, chaotic, and go alot like this picture.

I am thankful for them. I am thankful that when I finally get to lay down in my bed next to the my best friend and best daddy I know, I can smile and thank God for the perfectly wonderful life we have been so blessed with.

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to Yours!

Its Almost Time...

2011-11-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

For a little Elf named Coco to visit our house!

Jack is getting really excited and we have been reading about the Elf nightly. Jack is determined that the Elf is going to tell Santa to bring him a boom boom gun and a piano for Henry!

WAR EAGLE...HEY!

2011-11-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

I think Jack is going to LOVE football as much as his daddy!

He might even be an Auburn Tiger! He said all day I am going to play football! Of course then as we were walking out of the stadium after the game he yelled Roll Tide! I know my cheeks turned red and I was thinking oh my I am going to get Uncle Pookie! HA!

The day could not have been more perfect! Our Jessica twirled during half time since it was homecoming and the celebration of 65 years of majorettes.

Uncle Greg was great entertainment for Jack AND after Greg got Jack popcorn and cotton candy, Jack was sold that was his buddy for the entire game!

WE had to have a football and made lots of new friends to play with.

Aunt Em said home with Henry and we got some special time with Jack. I had never had the chance to realize what its like not having to carry diaper bags and bottles and a baby around all day! It was a really nice break!

Jack LOVES LOVES LOVES our sweet friends The Bices and Carter took him to see the National Championship trophy and played lots of football!

Peanut Festival

2011-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took a little trip to visit Gigi, Geepers, and Gran ( or grandma as Jack calls her) And for the record Gran (my Grandmother) would have DIED, I mean DIED if we had EVER EVER called her grandma. That was just a name that sounded WAY to old. And of course when Jack calls her that she just laughs like its the cutest thing ever! HA! He also calls his other great-grandparents (one of who is a grandfather) Grandma too!

Anyway, the peanut festival is a big deal if you live in lower Alabama and J had never been and we thought Jack was at the perfect age this year. We had a blast! Aunt Em and Uncle Pookie were there and my cousin Jessica and her husband. We got to see all of Uncle Pookie's family too! We ate way to much greasy fair food, played games with Jack, and watched the pig races. (Jack's favorite part)

It was cold, very cold! Henry was the cutest wrapped up little baby I have ever seen! Aunt Em was smartest who thought that we should take pjs in the diaper bag. It worked perfectly and both boys were sound asleep before we got back to the hotel.

My Aunt Kathy and Uncle Glen were in town from NC. We had not seen them since Jack was 1. We enjoyed visiting with them and Jack loved the dump trucks and rice she brought him. She ALWAYS thinks of the most creative things to entertain little ones.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-15T19:30:00.001-08:00

My Sweet Buddies

2011-11-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

Everyday is an adventure around here. And yesterday was no exception! J started reading the Strong Willed Child last night (does that tell you anything about our day?) and thankfully he reads fast and is half way through and we have discussed, and even when its seems like we have no idea what we are doing apparently we are doing most things right! YEA!!

Our boys personalities are so different, but are they not equally as cute???

Dear Henry: Month Eleven

2011-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Oh My Henry,

How time has passed too quickly. I can not believe I am planning your 1st birthday, waiting on you to take more steps, and at the same time wishing you were still that sweet tiny baby in my arms!

Your laughter is the best medicine in our house these days! You laugh more than anybody I have ever known, you love when your brother tickles you and plays with you. You love to watch baby Einstein videos on my phone, and you think its really funny to try to crawl up the stairs when no one is watching!

You smile is so contagious especially with all those cute teeth showing! I still love to squeeze those chunky legs and I think you might be slowing down!

You are still a big boy wearing 12-18 mos clothes, you have had your 1st haircut, started drinking whole milk, and are still nursing about 2-3 times a day. You love to eat and I think you would just eat anything we gave you! You wave bye-bye to anyone and love to flirt too!

You are the sweetest little Christmas present we have ever received and we love you more than life!

Learning

2011-11-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

J and I had a really good talk Sunday night, that doesn't happen often with 2 littles all over the place, we are usually doing good to get 5 words in to each other all day until they are sleeping soundly! It made me remember lots of things and why we have made the decisions we have.

I went away from the talk feeling wonderful and promising myself to make some changes. So, I am learning the word NO! That is a hard one for me. I want to work because God has blessed me beyond measure with a thriving business and a gift for it to share with others, but He has also blessed me with three of the most precious "boys" to share my time with as well. I am lucky, lucky that I get the best of both worlds. I stay home and I work from home. Its not always easy, but I must remember that I can not always monogram or sell something in a day's notice. My boys MUST come 1st. They need me now and they might not one day!

I am learning to value my friendships more and learning to let go of some too. I have some AMAZING friends that are like family and we have also been blessed with AMAZING families. You don't get to chose your family, but I am trying to always remember that they are the ones who will be there. They have to be :)

So, I am working on my list. My list of what is important and what is not. I like perfection and that is not always a good thing. Its okay that Jack's brithday thank you notes were 6 (okay 8 ) weeks late because I was playing with him at the science center and did not make it a priority, or that I did not monogram today because I decided to clean house or work on birthday party stuff. And playing on pinterest 30 minutes at night to clear my head is really not going to set me back that much. And who cares if I don't shower every morning before 8am or that I have on sweat pants when J gets home at 6pm.

I am thankful for so many things in my life and J and I have been so richly blessed. I want to soak it all in!

Friday Phone Dump!

2011-11-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

Jack says...I the King!

A little story time

Just another day with a 3 year old!

Proof that my house does get messy!

Halloween

2011-11-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

This Halloween was so much fun!! J had to miss out because it was the end of the month at work and busy, and that was something that just could not be avoided so I decided last minute to head to Pulaski. I knew Jack would love trick or treating with the bigger kids and then I wouldn't have to worry about trying to keep up with the boys at dark alone!

It was amazing the difference one year makes! Jack LOVED trick or treating, kept his costume on the whole night, ate WAYYY to many of Mrs. Jana's brownies, said please and thank you and trick or treat without having to be told, and got lots of yummy candy!

We saw some of our favorite friends and lots of J's former school teachers and friends who all had a funny story to share about his childhood.

Henry was happy as a crab to just sit in the stroller and wearing his costume. He was not a fan of the scream masks or anyone getting in his face.

The weather was perfect, the streets were blocked off, and it made me miss that small town life. We are still wearing our costumes around the house and talking about what we will be next year!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the boys to the pumpkin patch in the town where Pop and Nana live this past weekend! It looked to be more entertaining than the ones around us and it was a good excuse for us to spend some time with them since my dad is having major surgery in just a couple of weeks and he will be out of pocket and having withdrawals from two cute boys! HA!

The boys (okay mostly Jack) had a blast. Henry was VERY fond of the hay and probably would have just played there all day!

It was a beautiful day out and after a trip to Sonic happy hour we had a quiet ride back home.

Happy Halloween and Birthday!

2011-10-30T22:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween from the Tootlebugs!!!

AND

Happy Birthday to our nephew/cousin Hampton!
We hope you have a Happy Happy Birthday!!

Firetruck Fun

2011-10-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

The firetruck visited the children at Jack's school on Monday, and of course he LOVED it. Mrs. Teresa is always so good about documenting everything for us. Some of the little girls did not like it at all, but thankfully Jack is not a bit scared of anything AND he loves characters!

Have I mentioned that even though he is 130% boy he is loving school and all of his new friends! He told me yesterday, mommy "Slade is my best friend." So cute!

Its amazing all the things he says and does now. He amazes me daily!

Little Chunky Legs

2011-10-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

These are the cutest legs you have ever seen, right?

Plans with Kids

2011-10-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend has not gone like we anticipated, we were bummed, but that's life with two small boys! It was our nephew's birthday party and we planned to leave late Friday night since J was working late get a hotel and spend the day Saturday before coming home to do the dreaded storage building clean out on Sunday. UGH!!!

Well I guess the cold snap made us all sick. Both boys had it coming out from all ends (sorry if that is too much info) add in runny noses and coughing AND a mommy that felt like I was dying and going to lose both lungs. AND the worst part, I can not take ANYTHING! There is not 1 sinus or cough medicine I have found that a nursing mom can take, fun right?

So we spent Saturday in our pjs, took really long naps, and went to bed early! Hopefully this week we will be feeling better and the weather changing is done so we can be done with this mess!

Today we decided to try getting out for a little while, but decided it was best to let J get the storage cleaned out this morning, (by the way if you need any BRAND NEW twin box springs..let me know!) and skip the church nursery so we did not make anyone else sick. Jack wanted Taziki's for lunch and then we all came home for naps!

Jack kept saying but Hamp's birthday, Hamp's birthday and I promised we would mail his presents 1st thing Monday and we would see them very soon since we are going to have another sweet boy joining us in December! J's parents will have 4 boys...1 every year since Jack was born in 2008, won't that be fun in about 3 more years???

PJ Feet

2011-10-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Its picture probably says nothing to you, but to me it says it all!

This is the desk that is beside the dragon (that is what J and Jack call my embroidery machine) It holds my sewing machine, computer, printer, and really everything Tootlebugs related! Now you see why its hard to get anything done, but I would not trade it for anything!!

I want to remember when I look back at this what is was like to have little feet in their footie pjs all under my feet!

Happy Friday

2011-10-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hope your Friday is as Happy as this picture makes my heart!

Fun with our Favs

2011-10-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

You know how you have those friends, the ones that are like family and every time you talk to them or see them its like the best vacation even if its only for the day! Well that is how we feel about The Downs. I started keeping Sydney when she was 1 and now...she is 9. I know I am old. I have been lucky enough to watch their babies grow up and now they get to watch mine.

We were ecstatic that they came into town and spent Sunday and Monday with us. It also worked out that J had a slow day Monday and got to hang out too! Jack LOVES LOVES them and calls them Colby-Sydney-Caden all one word!

Tea Party Anyone?

2011-10-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a rainy cooler day, I needed to get caught up on some work, so we stayed home in our comfy clothes and worked and played. Jack was eating lunch and watching OSO when he said I want to have a tea party. I promised after nap we would tea party!

He was VERY excited about the tea party I set up with mini snickers and sweet tea! I was a tad concerned about my rough and tough all boy wanting a tea party, until he decided to eat off my plate, drink out of the tea pitcher, and lick his plate...He is still all boy, just a tea partying boy!

Big Boy

2011-10-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Henry is growing up on us WAY to fast!

We had a big weekend that included a 1st haircut. He was so good, as expected. He did not cry or really whine except for one time when he did not want to hold his head down. Of course Jack threw a fit in the floor over a little trim which he has had 50 million times, go figure!

AND we got his 1st pair of shoes! He look so cute in his little keds with his chubby legs hanging out.He is cruising EVERYWHERE and I am not sure I am ready for him to be walking yet!

I really need time to stop and stand still.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Henry: Month Ten

2011-10-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Sweet Boy,

This is the month where everything changed. The one that I knew was coming, but not sure I really wanted it to come so fast! The one that you can not wait for with the 1st, but wish for it to now come so fast the 2nd time around! You are EVERYWHERE and into EVERYTHING! In two short weeks you went from sitting up well and going from tummy to sitting, to crawling, pulling up on any and everything, especially my embroidery machine, of course when I try to work! I thought I did not get much done already, but boy now I can't get anything done!

You weigh almost 23lbs and have 4 teeth that make me laugh when you smile. You are eating solid foods now almost completely and still nurse about 4-5 times a day. I actually can not believe we are going to be those people, the mommy and baby that make it a whole year on strictly being breastfeed. I have to say it will be quite the accomplishment for both of us!

You are saying mama, dadda, and clap and wave bye-bye. You love to be into and do anything your brother is doing. He loves to tell you good morning and kiss you good night and wake you up from your nap despite my best efforts sometimes.

You are the BIGGEST mommy's boy and that is totally okay with me most days! I think if I could just tie you to my hip you would stay there 24 hours a day and best more content than you already are!

We love you Henbug more than anything, and can not believe in 8 short weeks we will be celebrating your 1st birthday. I really need time to stand still and give me just a few more sweet moments with my baby! LOVE YOU more than anything!

Mommy

Why we are Happy Today...

2011-09-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

1. It's Friday
2. Our sweet friends are welcoming a sweet baby girl today!
3. Almost October and time to put pumpkins and mums out
4. Chicken Salad from our favorite place

AND...

5. GIGI's COMING

AND

6. Is this not the cutest little thing you have EVER seen??

Pop, Nanny, and Fishies!

2011-09-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

Pop and Nana (or nanny as Jack says) kept the boys over the weekend. It was really nice to have a break and get two nights out with J and a day at the spa and shopping AND a whole weekend without working!

They were brave and took them to the aquarium in the ATL and kept them for 2 nights! Jack of course had more fun than being home and let us know it and Henry, well other than being a total mommy's boy he had fun too!

We are lucky to have such good babysitters!!!

29 Again!

2011-09-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

I decided that I am going to stay 29 forever!! (Only kidding) but my 20's have been so wonderful, so I really hated to leave them behind! I married the greatest man in my 20's, gave birth to TWO beautifully healthy baby boys, bought my 1st and 2nd houses, survived putting J through law school all while working 3 jobs and still being poor and thinking that $20 was an expensive night out! HA! and so much more. So I guess 30's you have a lot to live up too!!

We had a great birthday weekend complete with a day at the spa, a copy of my blog the 1st year bound, a FAB new bag, a fun surprise-ish party with great friends, and being called my sister's mother...HELLO 30!!

What can I say, I am one lucky girl!!!

With lots of wonderful friends and family too!

Cooking Dinner

2011-09-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

We have a a busy few days and we did lots and lots of Birthday partying and I have lots of pictures to put up! J gave me one of the sweetest gifts for my birthday and he had the 1st year of my blog bound. After watching Jack spend about 45 minutes looking at it it made me what to blog more. Not for anyone else, but us so that I have all these wonderful memories to look at and remember my boys, they grow up WAY to fast!

I LOVE birthdays. My mom and dad always made then extra special for us growing up and I have trid to do the same for Jack and will for H too. So after we put the boys to bed Wednesday night J and I got Jack's gifts all ready for him to see when he woke up Thursday morning. We had his favorite doughnuts for breakfast and had a fun dinner Thursday night with Aunt Em and Uncle Pookie complete with cookie cake! YUMMM!!!!

Jack is so obsessed with cooking dinner because J does and he always plays kitchen at school and at the science center, so we thought it would be the perfect gift and something both boys would eventually enjoy. (the shopping cart was a freebie from Pampers points!)

How 3 years have flown by!

2011-09-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

Three years ago you turned my world upside down and made my heart happier than it has ever been! I can not believe how quickly 3 years have passed! You are one fiery strong willed little boy who loves life more than anyone I have ever seen.

This year you have learned to talk more than I ever thought possible! And boy are you smart and witty just like your daddy! HA! You love movies, sweets, Dr. Pepper, and chick-fil-a. We play dinosaurs, trains, cook dinner, and race cars daily. You LOVE to put things in a line and everything has its place, unless of course you are trying to see how big of a mess you can make of the playroom just to aggravate me!

You LOVE to sing and dance and you are currently obsessed with the Price Tag song, and always think I should be able to make it magically appear on the radio as soon as we get into the car. You love school, Aunt Emmy's pink ipod, talking on the phone, and your daddy more than anything. You and Daddy have to read Gobble, Gobble, Crash every night before bed and you read your lines on Que every time. Barney, the very hungry caterpillar, 4 snuggles, and your special blanket get to sleep with you every night!

You are a good big brother and love Henry, sometimes too much!

I love how full of life you are and how you make every minute of every day exciting!

You are my brown eyed love and I would not trade a single thing for the last 3 years!

LOVE YOU TOOTLEBUG!!!!

School Partying

2011-09-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today was Jack's special day at school and they celebrated his birthday since he does not go on Thursdays to school! He opted for his special snack to be chicken minis and apple juice instead of cupcakes or cookies, totally fine with me since all I had to do was call it in, pick it up, and delivered it to school before morning snack!

He got to be line leader, bring a special book from home to read, wear the birthday crown, and get the special Happy Birthday song this morning in front of everyone!

I think he had a great day, AND I can not wait to give him his presents tomorrow morning, sing to him, and have a lunch date with his best buddy!

Camera Phone Unload

2011-09-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Of course now that football is in full swing, we spend lots of time in front of the TV on the weekends. The good news for me is that usually means J cooks some yummy food and I get to work for a solid day, and lately I have needed it.

This weekend was not much different, but we did get to have dinner Saturday night with Aunt Shan, Colby, Sydney and Caden, and that made my weekend! I got a cute new attachment for my Happy Everything platter that I love and we all got to spend some fun time together!

Can you tell Henry likes limes???

And, this my friends is an almost 3 year old who dressed himself AND proof that we do own more than just smocked clothing! I did let him go to Hobby Lobby and the post office with Aunt Emmy and I dressed like this! This kid LOVES some hats!

Pirate Party Post 2

2011-09-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

There were WAY to many pictures to post them all at once and for those of you who asked about the signs...our wonderful Anna made them! Anna helps me with monogramming, babysits the boys, and can do anything! WE LOVE HER!!!

The boys (and 2 girls) spent most of their time playing in the bouncy house and the rest of the time eating or knocking each other with the big blow up blowing pins!

As Promised: Pirate Party Post 1

2011-09-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Jack had a great 3rd birthday party! We decided on a pirate theme a few months ago and debated on what to do for awhile, and after talking to my sweet friend Beth during a play date one day we decided we would tag team it, since Jack and Elliott are only 3 weeks apart and being that they are welcoming a new baby girl right around Elliott's birthday she needed to plan it early and quickly! We decided easy was the way to go with a bunch of wild boys and we rented the church gym, set up a bouncy house, games, pizza and cake, and let them go. They all had a blast and Jack even finished the evening in true boy form with a big black eye! I mean what else is a plastic bat for besides a cute pirate ship pinata??

Here is a start at the pictures with more tomorrow.

Just a Peek

2011-09-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

We survived last week, had a sucessful pirate party for an almost 3 year old, scored some good deals at the consignment sale making it worth two nights of staying out late and not having time to even eat all day!

Henry decided over night to really start crawling. He was army crawling, but oh no we are full out crawl now. I guess we will be mounting new baby gates this weekend! I am really hoping he learns to do the stairs as quickly as Jack did. It makes life MUCH easier!

I have video of H crawling, TONS of party pics, and more video of H laughing to show you when I have some time. And for Gigi and Gran to tide you over until I post the other pics....

School Days

2011-09-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Jack started back to school on Wednesday! He was SO excited and could not wait to go back! I thought I was so more than ready for him to go back and then when he got out of the car in carpool he put his little hand up and said Bye Mommy.

It got me! I called J, had a good cry and then got busy until it was time to go get him! Henry got a good nap in a quiet house and Jack was more than excited when he came home and told me he got treasure chest!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend was a yucky one around here, apparently there was a tropical storm in the Gulf Coast that hit us too. (If its not on Disney Channel I don't know about it)

I had planned to work all weekend because I was getting busier than I wanted to be and stressed. J was awesome and learned to do some things to help me out and we got to stay in our pjs, play with sweet boys,

and just enjoy each other without an agenda for 3 whole days!

IT was WONDERFUL...hope your weekend was too!

Dear Henry: Month 9

2011-09-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

Dear Henry,

I am a little late writing this post, but it worked out perfectly for me to do it today because you had some BIG accomplishments! You crawled and you sat up from lying on your belly! You sort of have been army crawling and doing these push up things for the last couple of weeks, but today when you saw that toy your brother had and you wanted it...you went for it!

It honestly does not seem possible at all that you are crawling much less already 9 months old! Jack will clap and cheer for you when you do something new. Its so cute and sweet, and yet when you cry he quickly says You alright Henry! HA!

You are still just as content as can be, but now that one little top tooth is trying to poke through, we have our moments, and you can throw a good little "fit" when I walk into the room. If I am around, you want me! (Its okay...It sort of melts my heart!)

We take you to the doctor later this week, so I am not sure what you weigh or long long you are! You eat between 4-5 jars of baby food a day and nurse about 4 times. We have made it this long without a bottle, so I am guessing we will just go the whole 12 months, unless you bite me to much! You are wearing mostly 12 months clothing and size 4 diapers! (if your brother does not go to the potty soon, you will both be in the same size) You nap 1 time a day, sometimes 2 times and wake up so early lately...5:30am!

Your big blue eyes and contagious smile make my days happy and your sweet content nature makes me want to hold you and kiss your chubby legs all day! I LOVE your cheeks and that laugh is better than any other sound! You are mine sweet boy and I thank God everyday for the 9 months He has given me with you!

Love you more than you know....

Mommy

It's FOOTBALL Time!!!

2011-09-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

In case you did not know...we are Southern and that means a MAJOR love for SEC football!! It all started last night and this weekend means lots of TV watching, yummy food eating, fun!!

GO VOLS and WAR EAGLE!!!

Happy Football Friday!!

Meet the Teacher

2011-09-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today was meet the teachers at Jack's school, and of course Jack was so excited when he realized Ms. Heather was going to be one of his teachers again this year. She is cute, young, and blonde! HA!! I LOVE his new teacher Ms. Teresa and was so impressed with her and what all she has planned for their class this year!

We took treats for the teachers...it never hurts to do a little sucking up! HA! And EVERYBODY goes crazy over my Gran's rice krispies. (And, no I can not give you the recipe...she has sworn me to never tell!)

We met some new friends and Jack said YAY!! when I told him we were going to school this morning! We stopped for a doughnut and to show daddy our new backpack for school before we headed home to eat lunch, have naps, and even a little play time with two of our favorite girls!

Its also the start of birthday month around our house today!!!

Jack on the Zipline

2011-08-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Pop got Jack a membership to the Children's science center in town and HE LOVES IT!! Asks to go almost everyday! He even got brave last time we were there, of course with a little help from Reed and Sara Ann.

Baby Its Cold Inside

2011-08-25T07:54:00.001-07:00

I really have no explanation for this! I think I was getting stuff ready for the consignment sale at church and Jack got these hats out! (the child LOVES a hat!) I have NO clue why Henry is dressed and Jack is in PJS...and yes it is still 100 degrees around here!!

Blog Lag

2011-08-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

I really just have not had much to say lately. I work ALL THE TIME! We play some, Jack is still as wild as ever, and Henry as easy and happy as ever. He has learned a new trick and can balance himself on his hands and feet....for some reason he missed the memo on trying to get on your hands and knees and skipped right to the feet! HA! Its really really funny and when he does it he can not seem to figure out how to get back down! HA! He has also taken to pulling up on the train table! He is so proud when he does it and then Jack usually knocks him down!

We are on the countdown and school starts back in 2 weeks YEA!!!! Jack and I need a little time apart! I think I might be that mom that has to carry the spanking spoon around in the diaper bag. He got so excited at Wal-Mart recently when he realized they have spanking spoons too! Some days its the only thing that works!

Don't ask about the visor..that's an Aunt Emmy thing!

We are also on the countdown to 30...4 weeks from today. OH MY!!! 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess What???

2011-08-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

It might have been a fluke, but we are celebrating anyway!!!!

Guess who used the potty yesterday????

He picked a hot wheels out of the potty treasure box AND got to have a little Dr. Pepper. (We have decided that taking something away and using it only for reward is the route we are going to have to take)

We are Here!

2011-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...I think is the longest I have ever gone without blogging and I better start trying to catch up! We have been busy, busy, busy. Thankfully Tootlebugs has been crazy, J was home from work for 10 days with us..10 DAYS!!! That is a LONG TIME when you are used to only spending your evenings with someone! HA! We had fun and did lots. So here is the recap. WARNING ITS LONG!!!

Last weekend we headed to the beach. Jack had been begging to go and our sweet friends and my bestest friend for over 20 years lives in Orange Beach. They were headed to visit family in south FL, so we crashed their house! It worked out perfectly. We had a baby bed for Henry and lots of toys. They have an AMAZING pool in their neighborhood and we took full advantage of it.

Jack got to go to the beach, J got to eat Pink Pony, I got to shop and we got to spend lots of time playing with the boy's cousin Hampton. Plus Aunt Tanner and Uncle Bo were willing to take on the trip to the beach with me and the boys while J was fishing with his dad.

Jack screamed I am so excited about 20 times and immediately wanted his shirt off to play on the beach. Henry just took it all in and played quietly with a shovel for about 2 hours. The weather was perfect and all 3 boys were great. I think they would have stayed all night if Hampton had not buried his face right down in the sand when he got sleepy! HA!

We had an adventure on the way home that turned into a new alternator and a 4 HOUR stay at the Wal-Mart in Greenville AL. I cried, but only when I realized it could be much worse. After all we have a nice car, the money to fix said nice car, and the Blessings from God that made everything fall perfectly in place so that we could even get our car fixed that night and get back on the road. We looked at every toy Wal-Mart carries, ate dinner at Subway in Wal-Mart, bought snacks, baby food, and pjs in Wal-Mart complete with a super hero mask and we were back on the road by 10pm!

We took full advantage of J being off for a week and slept in, let him cook, did some shopping, dinner and a movie sans kids, worked, went to the science center with Pop AND even get to go back anytime for a whole year now that Pop got Jack a membership for his up coming birthday! (which I refuse to really talk about because I might or might not be a tad bit in denial that I will be 30 and that my baby will be 3!)

WHEW!! I think you are mostly caught up, and now you know why I never have time to answer the phone or emails!

Hopefully I will be back to more reg scheduled blogging!

Happy Monday!!

Dear Henry: Month Eight

2011-08-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Henry,

You have changed SO much in the last month! You are eating 2 meals a day of baby food. Still not a big fan of the veggies, but you LOVE fruit. Your brother also thought he needed baby food for a couple of weeks when you started really eating it, thank goodness that passed!

You have 2 teeth on the bottom and when you grin and those two little teeth stick up it is the cutest thing I have seen! And thanks to Sara Ann we even had a bib to mark the occasion! I was searching every store high and low for the teething tablets we used with Jack and guess what? They had been pulled off the market. Good thing I decided to read up on it before I found some to give you!

You are sitting up like a pro these days and have mastered the shopping cart and high chair to perfection!

We have moved you to a big car seat recently and you seem to like that you can see better and interact with Jack more.

Jack is loving that you can sit up and play with him. Every morning he runs upstairs and gets all your toys so you can play. You are so easy going that you just take everything in stride even when he starts to get rough!

You are talking more and more and have almost caught up to Jack in diaper size! We are in size 4 diapers and 12 month clothing. You don't go to the doctor this month, but will next month and I can not wait to see how much you weigh. I think you have slowed down alot, but thankfully not enough to take away those chunky monkey legs and the rolls on your arms that I could just eat up all day long!

Love those big blue eyes and that deep laugh you let out! We would not trade you for all the riches in the world! I am lucky to be your mom sweet Henbug!!

A Girl?

2011-08-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of those things that Jack will probably kill me for one day, but I have to share!

This morning my mom was here and I was trying to get some work done for Tootlebugs while she was here to help. Anyway I needed a picture for a project that required a birthday shirt and a child wearing it, well I had just finished one that happened to be Jack's size, but it was for a girl. I did not need a face in the picture, so I did not mention anything about it being a girl shirt, the color, I just put it on him and said if you smile pretty for me I will give you some Dr. Pepper.

As soon as I put it on he smiled for a second and then he looked down and said Mom, I am a girl! It was so funny, just hoping I did not scar him for life!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T05:16:00.001-07:00

Never a Dull Moment

2011-07-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

My Jack......

he is full of life and such a happy child! He loves to sing and dance and be the life of the party. He is stubborn and strong willed like me and laid back and looks just like his daddy. He's quirky and loves his Gigi, Pop and Aunt Emmy almost as much as Henry, but I think Henry takes the cake for now! He loves that baby and loves to aggravate that baby! HA! He loves pizza and Chick-fil-a Elliott, Reed, and Emily Kathryn are his favorite friends and at school Abigail and Jay are pretty special too! He LOVES school and is always so proud of whatever they did that day. Dr.Pepper can fix any problem and so can a good movie (this week its Wall-E)

He says mommy 900 times a day and sometimes it drives me just a tad crazy. He has learned how to buckle himself in his car seat (on most days) and thinks that if we leave the house for any reason we must always stop at Chick-fil-a and daddy's office. He amazes me everyday with how much he knows and the things he says. He's all boy even in a smocked jon-jon with all those bruises and bumps to prove it.

He thinks being outside is the greatest place on earth and told us this weekend that he is going to ask Santa to go to Disney World (good thing Santa was already planning) He wants to go anywhere and everywhere all the time.

His favorite play date involves Pop and the Bass Pro-Shop and of course Chick-fil-a!

He hates milk and loves orange juice. He loves sweets of any kind, fruit and peanut butter and jelly sandwich with honey! he could live off pickles and Dr. pepper I am sure!

He hasn't made me feel as helpless as he did last night since his quick stay in the NICU when he was born. We try our best to protect him, but we can not always do that! He decided last night to touch John's grill while it was hot! His little hand is red and blistered and he screamed and cried for about 2 hours! (this child never cries over boo-boos...EVER!) He wouldn't let us look at it and bounced around on the floor, on the bed, in my arms, in J's arms all night. We tried a cold rag, the bathtub, a cold Dr. Pepper can, movies, candy, anything we could think of to take his mind off of it! He just wanted to go to bed! I put him bed and laid with him for awhile, he would try to get comfortable, but begin screaming every 5 mins. He finally said you go mommy and shut door. So I did. It broke my heart that he was in pain, so I sat outside his bedroom door until he got very quiet. I quietly peeked in and finally he was out! YEA!!! I checked his hand before I went to bed and prayed he would sleep all night!

He is better this morning, but still does not want to use that hand much. Its better to just leave it uncovered and alone, so we have done that. Its not as bad this morning and the blisters don't look as big. Dr. Pepper and some waffles helped and he opted to skip school!

He's full of life and there is NEVER a dull moment with that kid!

Boys and Anna

2011-07-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

I have someone helping me with Tootlebugs now and with the boys! WE LOVE HER!!! Anna has been coming for about 3 weeks now and I always look forward to having her here each week. She graduates from UAB in May and we are so hoping she decides to get her masters so we can keep her around! I have been able to do more "fun" things with the boys and stay caught up on Tootlebugs...which never happens!

She was here yesterday and played with the boys while I was sewing. (she can sew too!) She even snapped all these cute pictures while they were playing...you see why I love her??

Bath Time!

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now that Henry is sitting up well it is so much easier to give them a bath together and I hate baby bath tubs...hate them! And as you can see Henry is not scared of the water at all, of course when you have someone dumping cup fulls right on top of your head...you really can't be!

And since H is sitting up Jack loves to play with him more, so they lay in the floor for hours playing and Jack always thinks H needs a blanket over him! Its really funny and I am so glad he loves him despite the occasional love taps he gets sent to time out for!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Moment

2011-07-18T14:19:00.001-07:00

This does not EVER EVER EVER happen around here, but I caught it! A moment of sweetness from the 2 year old!

Bee Movie

2011-07-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen Bee Movie you might not get this, but Jack is very obsessed with it right now and he has to act out the movie as a Pollen Jack complete with my big sunglasses. Its the funniest thing ever! Enjoy!

Our day

2011-07-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Jack had school today and I was glad to be able to get some things done, except I forgot that running errands was not going to be as easy since we moved Henry out of his infant car seat over the weekend. He is over the weight limit and it was time, but WOW those things are convenient.

Jack was in it until he was 16 mos old, so it is totally different with a baby who has just learned to sit up and trying to hold him and your keys and your purse just to run in somewhere for 5 seconds...not to mention he was trying to get his nap out this morning too! Thankfully he is a go with the flow baby! We made it everywhere we needed to go and got home in time to check work emails, eat lunch and run back out to pick Jack up. (And this picture is proof that they are not ALWAYS dressed alike! HA! Of course it was only because Henry pooped on the matching outfit!)

Krispy Kreme opened close by about 1 week ago and we pass it going to and from school. Jack pointed it out several times and asked what that was and if we could get a doughnut. Not really a fan of doughnuts and especially not KK I put him off for awhile, but he was in such a happy little mood when I picked him up and he was so good yesterday I decided we would stop. He had to have a hat and wanted a chocolate cruller! All the way home he wore that hat upside down and he scarfed that doughnut down! I guess I should have thought about the sugar high right before nap...because that did not happen today! Oh well, we spent some time together watching TV while H napped and got some work done just in time for J to get home and cook a yummy dinner for us!

Guess What???

2011-07-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

This little boy is sitting up!!

4th Weekend

2011-07-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful holiday weekend, like as in one of those where you just don't want to come back to reality. It also helps that Aunt Shan's house is like Disneyland and there is plenty to do and lots of space to play! Jack has asked me every morning, can we go home? After I tell him we are home he says no, home to Colby and Sydney! So, I am thinking next time we have one of those two year old days, I might just take him home! HA!

We shopped, ate WAY to much, slept, played tennis okay I did NOT play tennis, J did, but I am thinking it is totally something I could take up considering the little skirt outfits are really cute!

We headed home late Monday night and made it back just in time to see the fireworks over our city as we drove in. It was quiet and both boys were sleeping...a perfect end to a great weekend! And for the record I would totally be lying if I said this picture does not make me want 5 kids! I mean are they not cute???

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Henry: Month Seven

2011-07-05T19:48:00.001-07:00

Dear Henry,

I was just telling your daddy tonight while we were dressing you for bed that you need to stop growing. 7 months has passed to quickly for me and I am enjoying my time each day with you too much! You are getting such a little personality and love life so much! You are really the easiest and happiest baby I have ever been around. This weekend everyone kept commenting on how good you are and that you never cry...and it is very rare that you cry or even whine! You are beginning to love baby food and we even had to share with your brother for about a week. You eat baby food two times a day, and I think we will be moving to 3 times very soon! You can almost sit up alone for more than two seconds. And you can roll across a room in a second flat. You are about 22lbs and moving to a bigger car seat this weekend! Its time for the bouncy seat, swing, and all your "baby" toys to go to storage. That makes me so sad and I am not sure I am ready for that yet! We love you so much and its amazing to me that God blessed us with a baby that brings so much to our lives.

I Love you sweet boy!

Mommy

Happy 4th!!!!

2011-07-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

We hope you are enjoying your day and weekend as much as we are!

Thankful for this great country that we live in!!

God Bless America!

Sweet Henbug

2011-07-01T06:53:00.001-07:00

Don't worry those are pjs not an outfit! What else do you buy a six month old in Vegas!

No day around here is complete without some brotherly pestering!

Aunt Emmy love!

Shopping is not complete with out mommy's bracelet to compliment my outfit!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

Jack Lately

2011-06-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

This post is mostly for me. If I don't start writing this stuff down, I am going to so forget it all and one day I want to laugh!

I mean I had no idea what to expect from a 2 year old little boy, but its something! He is so funny, independent and about as stubborn as they come. He will look right at you and grin this sweet I am so innocent grin and then knock his brother right in the head! He loves to dance and sing and when he learns a new song that is the only song we can sing for about 3 weeks until he discovers a new one. He loves movies and is the same way about them. Right now we watch Bee Movie about 3 times a day.

He loves school and his best little buddies Reed and Elliott. He has a new friend Emily Kathryn and she is adorable! Of course yesterday he hit her and then cried for her all afternoon. I told him she is really cute, so he better be sweet! HA! You can visit her mom's blog here. She can sew amazingly!

He loves to do karate chops on anything and everything and we must have a golf club, baseball and glove, or fishing pole to correspond to the one that is currently on the TV. He is all boy and wants to be sweaty and play outside. He is starting to loathe jon-jons and will ask for pants when I am trying to dress him! I always say, but its so cute, its so cute just wear it and Sunday night when I was dressing him for our movie date he looked right at me and said (in the most sarcastic tone) But is soooo cute!

He has a love to hate relationship with Henry. He wants him around where he can see him and does not like for anyone he does not know well to touch or hold Henry, yet he can just bop him on the head anytime he wants! He has become obsessed with Henry's baby food and wants to sit in the high chair with a bib and eat his own jar, so I let him. I decided to pick my battles with this one and just let him have it. He needs the fruits and veggies anyway!

He loves pizza, chick-fil-a, and Dr. Pepper. He wants to eat salsa with a spoon and thinks when you eat dinner at the big table with the grownups you must use a grownup knife and fork. All drinks must be in a straw cup and sour candy is a treat he loves.

He loves to wear his "scrubs" that his Grandi made him to bed and he sleeps with a stuffed Barney, a stuffed Very Hungry caterpillar over his face, 2 baby blankets, and 4 snuggles. He does not like naps and will entertain himself for hours in his room instead of napping. He loves for J to read to him and they must lay down and each hold a book.

He loves to talk on the phone and we have to call Aunt Emmy daily. He hates dogs right now and I mean HATES dogs. We have gotten used to spending lots of time in the time out corner, and when I send him there he will ask where is the spanking spoon! HA!

He loves to take a bath or shower and would probably take 10 a day if we would let him. He loves to cross his arms and bow out his chest when he is mad at you and he completes it with an eye roll and huff! (wonder where he gets that! HA! )

He is a complete mess and every day is an adventure nothing like the day before. I love him more than anything and just sit and laugh about the things he does that I would have never imagined! He is smarter than me and someday I will let him know that, but for now I will pretend to be smarter than him and take each day as it comes. Oh BOYS, and I would not have it any other way!

Its Been Awhile!

2011-06-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

I know, I know and yes I am still going to blog! Its been a crazy summer around here with lots and lots going on. We are enjoying ourselves and my three guys are keeping me busy! I have tons of pictures and lots to share, so its a long one! And no I am not trying to make you think Jack is a terrible kid, I just want to remember all the little things, because one day I will laugh!

We had a great Father's Day. Church, lunch, and then while J golfed Em and I took the boys to see Pop.
Our sweet friends were in town over the weekend. We were glad to spend some time with them and glad that they were not home when the fires hit Gulf Shores State Park so close to their house! Jack loved the extra boys to play with and it was fun to catch up over dinner!
3 moms took 6 boys to play at the huge Adventure place Friday and eat Chick-fil-a. It was wild fun, but boy was I worn out afterwards.

This is still the sweetest baby EVER!! Okay, Jack was a good baby too, but he is making up for it in his 2's!

We took Jack to his 1st movie (Cars 2) last night. It was a slight disaster! The movie was odd and really had nothing to do with the 1st one. It was pouring down rain, like as in J had to dump the water out of his shoes! and we only lasted 1 hour before Jack said I just want to go home! HA!

Too Big

2011-06-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

My baby can not be this big...He just can not be!!

Funk

2011-06-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have been in a funk the last couple of days. I think all the preparation to go on vacation, then getting ready for Henry's baptism, plus taking Tootlebugs orders again, and having both boys at home all day, and J being covered up at work and working late has just done me in! I am tired and I am sitting here right now trying to talk myself into just taking nap with Jack and Henry this afternoon. I probably should and it would probably make me feel better, but then I think of everything I need to be doing, so I am thinking a Dr. Pepper will have to do for today!

Jack is loving being back at school and he was so proud of his coloring sheet yesterday and could not wait to show it to his daddy. He also learned an adorable song about a bumble bee and he was singing away last night...hand motions and all. Of course I had not heard that song before and he is still hard to understand sometimes, so after he sang it for Gigi we called Aunt Beth...we knew that 20 something years of kindergarten teaching would help us out and it did! She sang it for me and now I can sing it with Jack. I have got to try to get it on video...its priceless!

Henry's Baptism

2011-06-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

We baptized Henry Sunday morning and it was a great day! All of our sweet families were were with us and Henry was perfect, as usual and Jack even acted like such a little man. He shook the preacher's hand and everything! Both boys got to wear the same outfit for their baptisms, but Henry was in it at 6 mos and Jack at 1 year! Its funny how different they are in so many ways! We had lunch and yummy cake at our house afterwords. The cousins got to run around and play and that made for a much easier lunch than trying to eat out with 3 little ones!

John's sisters family and my Aunt Beth, and cousin Jessica had never gotten to meet Henry, so that added to the fun and excitement!

Warning...LOTS OF PICTURES! Enjoy!

Lots and Lots

2011-06-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today was crazy and that is about the best way I can describe the last few days. We had Henry's baptism this weekend (more on that tomorrow) and got to spend some time with family, today Jack started back to summer MDO and he was so excited to go back. (I had forgotten how much you can get done with only baby) And of course it helps that he is so good!

And finally, we met with the realtor tonight and it looks like we might be giving this selling the house thing one last attempt. We really want a yard and I need a room for my work, so it just seems like now is the best time for us. Whew!! See I told you alot!! Hopefully I will get to work tomorrow while Jack is at school and maybe even make it to the grocery store!!

Happy Birthday Gigi!

2011-06-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a great birthday today!

Glad we got to share cake with you this weekend and you got to have Jack sing to you!!

Love you MOM!!