Love/Hate the Holidays

Ok, hate may be too strong a word, but I do have a see saw relationship with the holidays this year. One day I am up all giddy with excitement and anticipation and the next day I crash and burn with busyness. I was pretty bummed about it yesterday. Gabe and I both have had a hard time with it not "feeling" like Christmas. Could be that it is still 80 degrees outside or the fact that we have been so busy that we can't stop to enjoy all the lovelies that the holidays bring. It is now days before Christmas and we have only done two of the advent candles. We started our homemade Christmas ornaments last weekend and they still sit in the garage unfinished. We were supposed to make hot cocoa tonight and go see all the Christmas lights, but that got moved back because we are TOO BUSY!!!! Ugh! The word "busy" seems to haunt our family. No matter what we clear from schedules, there is never enough time to just live and enjoy those around us. VENT VENT VENT Phew, now that I got that out of my system... let me share what I would rather be doing. I would rather be making Christmas cookies with the kids and Gabe, sipping on hot cocoa. I would rather be snuggled up with Gabe watching a beautiful fire in the fireplace. I would rather be taking walks and bike rides as a family. I would rather have a relaxed, uneventful evening(no meetings, obligations, or "projects") I would rather just slow down long enough to spend that extra time at the neighbors getting to know them. I would rather be so completely focused on the Lord that the busyness wouldn't get to me. Hmmm.... Maybe that's my problem. Maybe, just maybe, my focus has shifted to things that don't deserve my full attention. My Lord and Savior does however deserve my undistracted and focused attention. Let me get my priorities back in order here. First God. Second Gabe. Third Isaac and Julia. Notice that house projects and errands are NOT at the top of the list. May your Christmas holiday ,and frankly everyday, be focused on worshiping God and living to serve, honor, and glorify Him!

It's a "No Go" on the House

Just a quick update.....

The people that were interested in our house decided against it and chose a newer one. Can't blame them. Older homes come with their own unique problems! It will sell when the time is right. God's timing is perfect.

Confessions

I assumed since it was the week before Christmas that our house would not be shown again until after the holidays. Well, I was wrong. I got another early morning call and yet again was in a panic to get the house in order. It was worse this time because just this past weekend we took off all the cabinet doors in our kitchen and bathrooms to be refinished. All our "junk" is out and exposed. In the midst of the chaos this morning, I have a few confessions to make. I confess that I pushed baskets of laundry into closets and hid dirty dishes under a towel in the garage (dishwasher was full - no time to unload and load again) Pathetic I know! I confess that I raked mounds of leaves, that seem to always find their way to our front doorstep, out into the street. I confess that I then felt bad (or rather worried that the neighbors were watching from their windows and hoping our house sells soon) and I scooped up the mounds of leaves into the trash can. Should have just done that first, don't you think?! I confess that my poor little girl toddled around the house in nothing but a diaper most of the morning with a tangled mess of hair on her head. I confess that I bribed Isaac with a treat to clean up his room in a hurry. I confess that I took my children to Chick-Fil-A and camped out most of the morning. They had the run of the place! Was it all worth it? Well, we will see! The people that came to see the house were the same ones that saw it last week. Apparently they are interested. I will keep you posted!!

"Whose idea was this anyway?!"

....screams Julia as I attempt to get a cute Christmas dress picture! This was at the end of our little photo shoot and Julia was NOT going to take one more picture. SHE WAS FINISHED!!! However, just a few minutes prior to this explosion of emotion I was able to get a few somewhat good (at least the kids are looking at the camera) pictures.

I have had the intention (dangerous word this time of year) of taking the kids to a park to take their pictures in their Christmas outfits. I just didn't have the time or energy (or money for that matter) to take them to a photo studio. Well, it remained an intention. As we left church yesterday I realized that I had better get a few shots of them before the outfits came off or got smothered with lunch. No time for a pretty park, our backyard would have to do. Taking pictures of children that are active, energetic, and in no mood for Mom's last minute photo shoot was terribly difficult. I have always aspired to be a photographer (please don't use these pictures as examples of my best). Photography is extremely appealing to me. I think I have an eye for what would make a good picture. I love capturing the emotion in people's expressions. Photography should tell a story. One day (Ha - there's that intention word again!!) I will take a photography class and really know what I am doing. Then I can show off some truly good pictures. One day!

***Take note of the increasing craziness in the pictures of me with both Isaac and Julia!!

Next Time

Next time we will not live for five in years in a house with UGLY, straight from the 70's vinyl flooring in the entry when all it took was 30 minutes to fix with peel and stick tiles. Next time we will not look at UGLY, scratched cabinets when it only took some sandpaper and a bit of stain to make it look brand new. Next time we will not wait for five years to refinish a bathtub, paint the exterior, or fix up the front garden. Next time we will know better..... lesson learned!!

Ok, so our house has been on the market for a little over a week and we had our first showing the other day. In fact I got the call about 30 minutes before I was due at MOPS. Both kids were still in PJs and unfed, the house was beyond cluttered, and I was in the middle of making food to take to my meeting. I literally went through the house in a flurry (insert Tasmanian devil here) and had it sparkling clean in about 20 minutes. By the time I got to my meeting (15 minutes late), I was sweaty, exhausted, and hauling two dazed kids with one hand while teetering the food in the other hand. It was all worth it though, the people loved the house and said it showed very well. No offers yet - so all you crazy kids that know you want a great 3 bed, 2 bath in the top ranked city of Schertz, you still have a chance to get a darling of a house :)

It's About Time

Yeah... for my oldest sister,Karen, whom finally (after some strong urging from me) has started her very own blog!!! Check it out
Hope she enjoys it as much as I do. It is such a fun way to keep in touch with those that are far away!!

Say What?!

Those of you that read Gabe's blog(which is basically everyone that reads mine!) might recall a post he recently wrote about Isaac's advent activities. Well, Isaac and I were reading the one for today and it said.....

Straighten up your room without telling mommy what you're doing. Once you're finished, bring mommy in & show her your terrific surprise.

Isaac responds with, "What? That doesn't sound like any fun! I don't think I want to do that one."

Hey, wait a minute... he will write a sweet and loving letter to Papa but not help his Mommy around the house?! Can't blame him. I think I would rather be writing a letter than cleaning house too. I will give him a little credit. He did help put up laundry the other day. And cleaning his room? Well, he does that everyday anyway!!!

Everybody say Awwwwww.....

Isn't she adorable?! (talking about the baby, NOT ME!!!) We went to Houston this weekend to meet our new niece, Sarabeth. She is such a beautiful baby and very happy and content. Rarely heard her cry! I admit, I was a Sarabeth hog. I never wanted to put her down. Gabe had to fight for the chance to hold his niece. Isaac and Julia enjoyed their new cousin as well. Julia played "mommy" all weekend with a baby doll. She rocked, fed, and held that baby doll just like we did for Sarabeth. Isaac was such a "boy" about it. He didn't ooh and ahh much. He would rather be wrestling on the floor. Anyhoo, Matt and April are doing great. Gabe and I commented to each other once that they seem so natural, like they have always had Sarabeth. They were meant to be parents for sure!

It's Official

Our house is on the market officially as of today!!! As excited as I am to finally move on with this process, I am a little bit sad. I know a house is just a house, but this is our first home. Many, many, many memories were made here. This is the house that Gabe and I moved into as newlyweds, where we brought our newborn babies home to, and where we have chased each other endlessly around the "circle" which is our kitchen, living room, and dining room. Those that know me, know that I am "Miss Sentimental" so this most likely does not come as a surprise to you. I will probably shed a few tears the day we walk away from this house. With that said, I am looking forward to moving into a bigger home and creating many more wonderful memories there.

After My Own Heart

Isaac and I were cuddling on my bed this morning and he said it would be nice if someone would take our picture. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he said.... "We could put it on the blog!!" Ahhh, a little "blog addict" is budding. He can't help it, nerdiness is in his genes!!!

Ma Would Be Proud

Ma (my mother-in-law) would be proud to see her oldest granddaughter sitting pretty at the piano she too sat as a little girl. This piano is an heirloom from Betty and I feel extremely blessed to have and cherish something that holds so many special memories for Betty. From the bits of story I have heard, Pappaw (Betty's Dad) saved up money to buy her this piano. Money that I believe was pretty scarce in the first place. Betty plays beautifully and will sit at this piano most every time she comes to visit. Being that I have absolutely no musical skill or ability, I hope my children get her's and Gabe's. So thank you Betty, for allowing us to watch over your piano and add to it many more wonderful memories.

Family Traditions

Gabe and I absolutely LOVE this time of year. We have a few family traditions to enjoy this season to the fullest. Usually the weekend before Thanksgiving we put up our Christmas tree, complete with Christmas music in the background and hot chocolate(no matter how warm it happens to be outside) Of course to have hot chocolate, you have to have hot chocolate mix. No packaged mix is good enough for us - we make our own!!! Isaac and Julia were great little helpers this year making the hot chocolate mix.
They also had a blast decorating the tree. Isaac laid under the tree and hung most of the balls from the bottom. Not too eye appealing, but hey it is Isaac's special touch. Julia even hung a few with just a little help from us. My favorite tradition is making our own ornaments. Every year the kids get their own and then we make one for our family. Isaac has had a bear, train, and dump truck and you guessed it Julia's was a bunny last year. We haven't quite decided what this years will be - I will share pictures when we get them finished. I am so thankful to share this time with my little family. I do and always will cherish the memories. Gabe got stuck in the corner

Thanksgiving in Coleman

Happy Late Thanksgiving to everyone!! We spent our holiday with my side of the family in Coleman. We had a marvelous time. (well, except for that vicious Phase 10 game ;) -- just kidding, no grudges here!!!) Everyone was there except my niece Meagan and nephew Savoy. We missed you guys!!

Isaac and Julia took full advantage of the sun on Wednesday. Julia spent most of her time feeding the goats and appropriately (for her anyway) mooing at them. By the end of the trip we finally got her to say "meh" instead of "moo" or "neigh". Isaac had his fill of climbing trees. It was so wonderful to me to see my boy climbing and enjoying the same exact trees that I did as a child. My parents live 10 or so miles out of town. So when I was a child, I had to find ways to entertain myself. The group of trees next to my parents house became my playground. I would stay out there until the sun went down. There is a clearing in the trees that is perfect for watching the sunset while sitting on the tire swing. Sweet memories.

From Thanksgiving day on it was pretty chilly outside. We just missed the snow too. It snowed 4 inches just north of where we were. Then it snowed at my parents house the day after we left. Not fair! Snow is such a rare occurrence in Texas that I wanted the kids to see and experience it. Oh well! We stayed inside warm and snugly playing games, doing puzzles, and of course eating our fill of Thanksgiving treats.

Oh yeah, and it was my sister, Karen's birthday. On Turkey Day!! Happy Birthday Karen!! We surprised her with lots of birthday treats. The kids and I made her turkey cupcakes, Jared got up at 6 am and made her brownies, and Melinda brought a pumpkin pie and ice cream. We jokingly said that we should put a candle in each. Didn't do that but her very loving and considerate son, Jared put candles in her brownies. A 6 and a 0. No, Karen is not 60. Long way from that. She didn't like the joke too much :) !!

Here are the pictures from our trip to Coleman:

Stop It!!

I told my family about this video skit with Bob Newhart. Instead of emailing it, thought I would just post the link here. Enjoy the laugh!!

Stop it!

Where's Julia?

Peek-A-

Boo!!!

Super Julia to the Rescue!!!

Enough Said!!

Check it out

Go check out Gabe's new header.

HILARIOUS! That's my ultra creative husband for you! Love it!

What level of Education is required to read this blog?

Cash Advance Loans

Sorry to all those readers with mediocre minds - must be a genius to delight in the musings of my high level vocabulary. WHAT?! Those that know me are probably laughing hysterically right now, especially my husband. Saw this on a blog and was curious. Went to the site and tried it. What do you know... I am a genius!! Ha - I would like to know how that was determined. Little do they know my mind is usually in mush mode from dealing with two munchkins under the age of 4. I went back and tried my blog address again just to see what would happen, and there it was yet again in big bold letters: GENIUS!! Whatever!

My Little Sweet Pea

I have spent quite a lot of time blogging Isaac's latest and greatest accomplishments. Time for the spotlight to shift a little bit to my little sweet pea, Julia. She has some new achievements that are brag worthy. Here are a few of Julia's latest and greatest:

*As you can see, she still loves hats!!
*She is putting two or three words together like "tae tu Mama" - thank you Mama or "no Ieas" - no Isaac (you can tell they don't always get along!!!). A few nights ago I was putting Julia to bed and she said to me "I you Mommy" - I love you Mommy!!! Melted my heart. What a sweetie!!
*She is very spontaneous with her hugs and kisses, loves to be held and read to, and can't go anywhere without her entourage of Baby (the one and only pink bunny blanket), Ellie (stuffed elephant), and at least one blanket. She can barely see over the stack of lovies!!
*She has also been paying pretty close attention to Isaac and I during "school". She now points at letters and sings "ABAB....." Maybe she will be reading by the time she is 3 as well :)
*She has taken over Isaac's trains. She can spend quite some time lining up her "choo tains"as she calls them.
*She has started to get the concept of praying. She sometimes holds our hands, rarely closes her eyes, but at the end she is sure to say "Amen"! Pretty cute!
*She hates to see Isaac in trouble and often consoles him with a hug and a kiss.
*She loves to find a quiet spot and look at books.
*She has a blast playing peek-a-boo and chase.
*She climbs on EVERYTHING!!
*She turns around and around in circles doing her version of "Ring Around the Rosy"

That is just a small sampling of all the wonderful things Julia is learning, saying, and doing. Hard to sum her up!

Isaac Read his 1st Book!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?! My boy, at 3 years and 10 months, just read his first book!! Yahoo!!! I am so proud of him. Yesterday I was writing simple three letter words on our dry erase board and he was sounding them out. So today I thought I would break out the BOB Books and try Book One. He needed very little help and was able to read this simple book mostly by himself. WOW!! Isaac is very proud of himself, as are his parents!! I do believe home school is working!!! Well earned results for all our hard work this semester!! YIPEE!! Ok, I will stop gushing on and on! Have I mentioned how proud of Isaac I am?!! Enough, enough - I just can't help myself!! He he!

Hiking at Pedernales Falls

(We were all standing on one rock - from top left to right- Drew, Luke, Clinton, Me, Isaac, Jenny, Sara, & Julia)

We went with the FUSION group (college/early career/young adult - whatever you want to call it) to Pedernales Falls on Saturday for a day of hiking. It was a fun and beautiful day. However, I have to say the hikes were not quite "kid proofed". We had Julia in the backpack carrier, so she was taken care of. The person carrying her, not so much. It got heavy after awhile, especially when I was carrying her while walking through the deep sand near the river. Every time I took a step, I sunk deeper. What a leg work out!!! Isaac was on foot most of the day. During the first part of the hike, the brush and grass were waist deep on me, so it was head high for Isaac. He didn't like that too much. We finally made it down to the river and let the kids play in the water a bit. Isaac could have stood there all day throwing rocks and sticks into the river. Julia wasn't too sure about the water at first but warmed up to it. She too enjoyed the rock throwing. However, she wanted and tried to pick up all the big rocks. She could barely get them a few inches in front of her, rarely all the way to the water. Glad one didn't drop on her toes!! As we started hiking out of the area we were in, the trail basically ended, it was all overgrown and full of burs. Needless to say we turned around and headed back the way we came. During this time Julia decided to take a little nap. She had the best seat all day. Have I told you before... that girl can sleep ANYWHERE!!
After a nice little picnic, we went to the falls. Again, Isaac could have stayed there all day! He absolutely loved climbing over the rocks and putting his hands in the fast moving water (with Mama holding on very tight, of course) At one point, Gabe mentioned that I should be a little less protective and just let Isaac explore on his own. Gabe and I are a good blend. He helps me loosen up a bit and I make sure our children don't die! (love you Babe!) I can't tell you how many times my heart lurched as Isaac ran up to the edge of a drop off because he wanted to throw a rock over the edge. We were walking all over wet slippery rocks, with holes, cracks and drop offs to the river. With one wrong step, you could be swept into the very fast moving river. Scary for a mother of a very active and energetic 3 year old boy!
At the end of the day, we were exhausted to say the least. We fed and bathed the kids as fast as possible and they were in bed at 7:15 without another peep from either of them. I can't speak for any of the others, but my body was aching from head to toe the next morning. It was a good kind of ache though. The kind where you know you got good exercise doing something you really enjoyed! (that, or I am just getting old!!)

Here are the rest of the pictures from Saturday......

REACH Expo

Our fall REACH home school co-op ended last Friday. That evening they held an expo. A time for all the kids to showcase something they have learned this semester. Isaac and his classmates memorized Matthew 7:12 and recited it for everyone. They also sang two songs. Isaac is not one to bask in the attention of a roomful of adults. He is terribly shy and intimidated by situations like this. So I was unsure how he would handle it. I was afraid he would not even go up front with his group. But he did and I was SO proud of him! When up there, he promptly crossed his arms over his chest and put on a pretty serious pouty face. All the other mothers are oohing and awing as their children belt out the lyrics to "Where is Thumbkin?" Not this Mama.... I was overjoyed and brimming with pride just to see my sweet son have the courage to stand in front of a crowd. Never mind the verse and song. It was quite an accomplishment for Isaac. At one point of the performance, I went to stand near him. Isaac needed a little moral support. Julia eventually toddled her way up to the front as well. She had no fear. She started copying the other kids with the hand movements and claps. As far as I am concerned, my kiddos were the stars of the show. They always will be to me!!

What is it going to take?

Isaac and I just had a serious "discussion" at the time out chair. This is how our conversation went...

Me: "Isaac what is it going to take for you to learn to obey without throwing a fit?'

Isaac: (with very serious face) "Ten years"

At least I know what my future holds!!! I had to bite my lip hard trying not to crack a smile and had to turn my head to stifle a giggle.

Pictorial Proof

If you read the comments from my last blog, you would have seen that my sister Karen mentioned some pictorial proof of my oldest child doing some bathroom exploring of his own. Well here is the proof.....

Pretty cute huh?! Isaac was about 9 months old here!

Where Oh Where is Julia?

If you have young children, then you know the eerie quiet of a toddler gone missing. Toddlers are never quiet and if they are then you've got trouble. Yesterday Isaac and I were doing calender when Julia wandered off. Didn't think much of it at first until about 10 minutes later when she was still gone and VERY QUIET. Isaac and I started looking for her. After searching most of the house, we finally found her in my bathroom soaked from top to bottom in toilet water. Yep, you read that right. Julia had been having a grand ol'time. She had also shredded the toilet paper - not unrolled, but shredded. There was potty water all over the floor and when we came in Julia was in the process of using the bath rug to clean up the mess she had made. Oh my!! Needless to say, Little Miss Julia had an impromptu bath this morning. Gotta love parenting!!!

**Sorry no pics. Would have been funny - but who has time to grab the camera with a potty water dripping little girl in their hands?! Ugh!

WANTED:

One Grammy in a pink shirt. She is known to be "dangerous" and is possibly carrying a pocket knife that does not belong to her. Use caution when approaching...she also carries at most times and is highly skilled in the use of the dreaded umbrella. Beware of false identification. She has been known to attempt entering military bases with a questionable ID.

Ok, ok ... what is this all about? I have had fun giving my Mother a hard time about our "difficulties" getting onto Randolph Air Force Base on Saturday for the Air Show. After loading two kids, fold out chairs, stroller, bag, etc. into the beloved mini van we headed to RAFB. As we were standing in line to get on base we were informed that all adults need government issued picture IDs. Duh!! I don't know why I didn't think to bring one with me. After all we managed to pack and take along, my purse was the last thing I wanted to worry about. Mother did the same thing. So we sent my Dad and Gabe in with the kids and all our stuff after they gave us their pocket knives (oh yeah - no weapons on base either, Duh again). Mom and I headed back through the maze of cars and people, to my house, and returned to stand in a long line of people waiting to get checked in. Finally it was our turn. Mom gives them her ID and there is a problem. The scanner kept beeping every time they scanned her ID. The man looked up and simply said, "Do you have a credit card to verify for identification?" What?! That would mean going all the way back to the house AGAIN!!! We started giggling - making the best out of a bad situation. Secret Agent Grammy was busted!!! Ha - I could just imagine ten soldiers surrounding her and giving her the pat down. Hilarious!! My ID was fine but they didn't trust the contents of my backpack(water bottles and crackers are a high threat I guess). The rule was if it wasn't a "diaper bag" then we couldn't take it in. UGH! So I head off to take the backpack all the way back to the van as I call back to Mom, "what am I going to do with Julia's diapers?" "Oh, diapers you say? - Ok you can take it in" Phew! Then came the "wand". Guess whose pocket set off the wand? Yep - Secret Agent Grammy with her spy gear (AKA: cell phone) FINALLY we were cleared to enter the military base. What a fiasco!

The day was beautiful (could have asked for a few more clouds - got a little sizzley later in the day) All my Mom wanted all day was her umbrella for shade and that was in her purse, the one she didn't bring. Yes, the one with all her identification in it. Should have just brought the purse Mom!! We (well let me say the boys) explored all the planes and helicopters and we even had a picnic under the wing of a fighter plane. My Dad was loving every minute of the Air Show. This kind of thing is right down his ally. Gabe was just as enthralled. Isaac was as well for parts, but cared more about the jumping castles and ice cream. Can't blame him - he is only 3!

The weekend was a lot of fun with my parents or as they are called by Isaac and Julia, Grammy and Granddaddy. Julia calls my Dad, "Daddy". So cute! She was Granddaddy's little girl this weekend and fussed when she was away from him. I love that my parents are free to come visit now that my Dad has retired. What a blessing!

Here are the rest of the pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!!

Pumpkins and Spice and all things Nice

I am a woman that enjoys conveniences. I am all for the packaged meals and cakes from a box. I rarely, if ever, make anything completely from scratch. So imagine the look on my face when my sweet three year old little boy requests making a pumpkin pie from real pumpkins. You mean.... no pumpkin in a can?! Nope, not for Isaac. Though I often detest cooking and baking, I couldn't turn down this fun and interesting experience with my son. He has become quite the little helper in the kitchen. He has this little table he sits on so he can reach whatever we are making at the moment. It is actually an old microwave stand. I am not sure how much longer it is going to stand up under his growing weight. Anyway, back to the story at hand.

So we buy some pumpkins and find a recipe (Online - none of my cook books even had a pumpkin pie recipe. Now I know why.Who in their right mind would spend an hour hacking away at a pumpkin anyway?!) Isaac was excited to get his hands on the gooey mess inside, but that only lasted about 5 minutes. Then I was left to finish the hard part of the job all alone. Do you even know how tough it is to cut the rhine away from the pumpkin meat? Not pretty! I even have an injury to prove it!Once the pumpkin was cooked it was all down hill from there. Isaac rejoined the cooking charade and the end result was fabulous. Pretty proud of our homemade pumpkin pie (okay, so we cheated and used pre-made pie crusts - shhhh, don't tell)!! All in all, I would not recommend pumpkin pies from scratch - GO BUY THE CAN!! However, I would recommend making the most out of every minute of quality time with your children. I thoroughly enjoyed Isaac's enthusiasm and the sparkle in his eye as we spent time together doing something he wanted to do.
Oh and by the way, did you know pumpkin splatter can cement to most, if not all objects. Sigh

#20 - Just Because!!!!!

Ha - there I did it-- 20 posts for the month of October!!! Really just poking fun at myself and Gabe. Two truly in love nerds that use blogs for banter! Being married to Gabe has given me the freedom to release my inner nerd. I could just blame it all on Gabe for using his influential nerd skills to sway me to the "other side" Truth is, I have always been a nerd. God knew what he was doing when he put us together!