On The Road Again

We are heading to Louisiana for some much needed family time. We haven't been to Louisiana for a visit since July. We are so looking forward to this trip. 

Bags are packed. The iPod and DS are charged. The boys and I are ready to hit the road. We've got just one hold up - Jason. Waiting on Jason to get home from work then we'll be on the road again. 

We'll be ringing in the New Year in Louisiana so I'll take this time to wish you and yours a Blessed and Happy New Year! 

Talk to ya in 2012! 

Merry Christmas

Today is my day of relaxation. Today is a work day for Jason. Today is a play with everything new day for the boys.

Yesterday was a wonderful day for our little family. Our day began really, really, really early. 4am early. Yes, 4 in the morning. Cole, who went to bed on Christmas Eve scared that Santa was going to come thru the window into his room, woke up at 3am once again scared that Santa was going to come into his room. Jason and I took turns getting up to comfort Cole and reassure him that Santa nor his elves would be coming into the bedroom. Side note: We recently seen the movie 'Arthur Christmas', and in this super cute movie Santa's elves do come thru windows and are in the child's bedroom. Cole remembered this. Cole went to bed Christmas Eve not wanting Santa to come to his house. What kid doesn't want Santa to come to their house?? My child. Ok, back to the story. Nothing was working to get Cole back to sleep. So after the thirtieth fourth or fifth time of getting out of bed and not getting any sleep, I had decided to put Cole in our bed just so we could all get some sleep. Well, sometime during the crying (Cole, not me) Jase woke up. He gets up to go potty. I instruct him to go right back to bed. As I am dealing with Cole, Jase finishes his business and wanders into the front room and yells "Santa came!" "Wake up, Santa came!" Cole stopped crying and ran to Jase. They run to the Christmas tree. Jason and I rub our eyes, find the camera, and look at the clock. It was 4am.

We opened presents, played with toys and tried to get some sleep. 6am was the last time I looked at the clock. Jason was snug in his recliner with Cole and I was on the couch with Jase. Jason & I were determined to get some sleep. We were successful for the most part. We woke at 10am. Time to start cooking.

4pm came and so did the first of our guests. Members of the crew and their families joined us for Christmas dinner. Ham and prime rib were on the menu along with delicious sides and scrumptious desserts. We filled our bellies and enjoyed each other's company. Good times were had.

Today the boys are not getting out of our pj's. Minimal cleaning will be done - it will be there waiting for me when I am ready to tackle it. I will relax and enjoy the day with my little men.

I leave you with some pictures of Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas!

Writing his letter to Santa. 

Tracking Santa before bed.

Reading the story of Jesus' birth. 

Us in our comfy Christmas pj's.

Opening presents at 4 in the morning. 

November, Where did you go?

Oh my goodness...is it really December? Last time I checked we were trick or treating, eating pounds and pounds of Halloween candy, and talking about our trip to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. Well now here I am and November is just a memory.

The Oklahoma trip was great. Jason & Jase began the trip by getting an 8 point buck! I am not sure who was more excited about this...Jase or Jason...it's a toss up! On Sunday we attended church with mom. Always special going back to Spring Baptist especially when my husband is home to go with us. Thanksgiving day was wonderful. We spent the day at my mom's eating and visiting with family. My little family so enjoyed spending time with my cousins and their kids...it was a great day! Mom and I managed to do a little Black Friday shopping before meeting up with Uncle Dale & Heather at John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa to serve Thanksgiving dinner.

So that sums up our Thanksgiving trip to Oklahoma. Hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I leave you with a photo of Jase and Jason's prize. Enjoy!

Trick or Treat with Super Mario Bros.!

This time of year gets so much more fun as the boys get older. Yes, I know I will not say this as the boys approach 16...as I can remember what I was doing on Halloween around my 16th year. Biscuits. That's all I will say. Anyway, this year Halloween was fun. We weren't in NY bundled up and freezing. We weren't  pulling one child (Cole)  in a wagon or pushing him in a stroller. This year, we were fighting mosquitoes, wearing only one layer of clothing, and both boys were willing and able to hoof it throughout our subdivision and ask for candy. Yes, this year Halloween was fun.

The boys decided early on what they wanted to be for Halloween. Considering they love playing their Wii and they love Super Mario Bros., it was no surprise that they chose to be Mario and Luigi. Check 'em out...

Weren't they just the cutest Mario and Luigi you've ever seen? Can't wait to see what they come up with next year.

Ok, now I've got to grab the hubs so we can eat check and hide store all the candy before the boys get to it. :)

Haunted Ship

The hubs and the crew of his boat put their creative minds together and put on a haunted ship for their families and fellow Coasties. I give them props...some really crafty and creepy stuff they came up with. I did walk thru...with ears plugged and all.

I leave you with a pic of me and my hubs in his creepy little get up. I'm not a fan of the scary stuff but I smiled anyway.

Seasons of Mommyhood

Just when you think you've got one part of your life as a mom down pat - BOOM! - you find you're smack dab in the middle of another part. Or season. Or chapter. Or whatever you want to call it.

At one point in my mommy life I had two kids under two and a half. Two kids in diapers. Two kids with binkies. Two kids crying at the same time. And I was lucky to get two showers a week. Crazy life of a mom with babies. You get it. But this part, thank goodness this part is over I got used to and I managed.

Then BOOM! I am thrown into another chapter of my life - being a mom of a preschooler and a toddler. Yikes! Talk about sleepless nights and pee everywhere and the amounts of ingested crayons. I shutter thinking back to those days. And yet they seems like yesterday. Once again, I managed the chaos and became a professional mom juggling doctor's appointments, school (both me and the preschooler), home life, and finding some time for myself. I got this phase of my life down to a T.

Then BOOM!...again. Here I am with a child in kindergarten. He's in real school. The real deal. And that toddler who ate crayons and potty trained himself? Well, now he's the preschooler...attending the school of mom. Here's how this chapter of my mommy life reads: I'm doing kindergarten homework, going to the library, cheering at soccer games, joining the PTO, volunteering, fretting over sight words and reading levels, and wondering if I'm hurting my preschooler by not having him in preschool.

I'm in the learning phases of this part of my mommy life. I'm sure I'll get it figured out soon. I'll feel like a pro again...one day. I hope.

Mom-of-School-Age-Kid Blues

I have the up-and-go-to-Oklahoma-while-Jason-is-gone blues which makes for the Mom-of-school-age-kid blues. It ain't pretty

It has been 4 months since I've been in my home state with my people. It has been almost 3 months since I've gone anywhere. I am getting a little restless. Forget a little...I am a lot restless. With Jase in "real" school now, kindergarten not preschool, the boys and I can no longer come and go as I please. Nope, I actually have to stay home. I have to stay put. School is important after all, right?

I am so looking forward to one random day when school is out and Jason can have a day off from work so we can make a trip to Louisiana. And I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving break to when we make the drive up I-45 and across the Red River. In the mean time I will try and fight the urge to blow off a day or two of school and endure the wait until I can go home.

6 weeks. 6 weeks is going to take forever.  It's only 6 weeks.

Kid Free Weekend

Over the Summer, while Jason was away, I had the luxury of enjoying some kid free days thanks the grandparents. Since Jason has been home we have not had a weekend to ourselves. Until now. 

When I realized Jase had a Monday off from school, I immediately went into planning mode. What am I going to do with them? Where can we all go? Wonder if Jason can take a day of leave? Then it hit me. Kid free weekend. A conversation with the hubs - who was on board with the idea -  and a phone call to Nana later, the boys were going to Louisiana for the weekend and Jason and I would have some quiet time together. 

Friday after school, with the boys packed, the three of us headed to our half-way meeting point in Louisiana. I  made the drop - like how I refer to the boys as the drop - and headed back to Texas. When I arrived home Jason and I looked at one another and both asked "what do we do now?" 

This is how our kid free weekend played out: 

Visited friends. 

Slept in. Until 7:30 for me. 10 something for Jason. What the heck?? 

Cleaned the house.

Lunch with friends.

Nap.

Run.

Friends house to watch football.

Church.

Lunch with friends.

Shopping with friends. 

Home to watch TV.

The end. 

Sounds like a fabulous weekend, huh? Well I can't complain because I did get to spend time with my husband and have at least one uninterrupted conversation. The next kid free weekend we have will be, well I don't know what it will be but I will sleep in past 7:30. Guaranteed. 

Thanks to Nana and Paw Paw Kipp for giving Jason and I a kid free weekend. :) Much appreciated. 

Lunch Date

Yesterday Jase asked me to have lunch with him at school. I immediately gave him fifty reason why I could not. He then told me I should try one day to have lunch with him. I said I would.

Last night I sat thinking how I wished I could fulfill Jase's request. Again, I ran down the list of why I couldn't. Jason was underway. I didn't have a sitter for Cole. Those were my top two hold backs. Then it occurred to me that I could make the lunch date happen. A couple texts later Cole was going to my bff's so I was set for my lunch date!

I decided I would surprise Jase. I would not tell him I was going to have lunch with him. So when I dropped him at school this morning we said our 'byes like normal. He had no idea. I dropped Cole with Amy a little while later, picked up Sonic, and headed to the school. After checking in with the office, I made my way to the LR. (LR equals lunch room. this is how my friends and i referred to the lunch room back in the day. we were cool. oh, yes we were.) I waited for Jase's class to arrive on the stage amid other parents and grandparents lunching with their child. When Jase's class arrived he was not in line with them. After a quick chat with his teacher, here come Jase and another boy running out of the bathroom. Jase looked at his teacher when she told him to quit running then he looked over at me. Surprise! "Mommmm", he said! "What are you doing?" We joined everyone on the stage to eat our lunch. Jase was a little chatter box - telling me who was who and the do's and don'ts of the cafeteria. When it was time for him to rejoin his class he told me bye then gave me the biggest hug and kiss he has given in a long, long time. I didn't even have to ask. I almost cried like a baby right there on the stage in the LR.

I will never forget today. Ever. The look of surprise on my little man's face. The tight hug he gave. The kiss he have me. The kiss he let me give him...he didn't even wipe it off. The waves of goodbye as I left the cafeteria. I will never forget any of it. I hope he doesn't either. 

When I Get Big

Today, for the first time ever, Jase shared with me his dream for his occupational future.

"Mom, when I get big I want to be a policeman just like PawPaw Joe so I can catch all the bad guys!"

We were in the car when he said this so I adjusted the rear view mirror to see his face - excitement was written all over it. I immediately get a big lump in my throat and my heart filled with pride...and fear. The lump for "oh my goodness, my little boy is growing so fast", the pride for "oh my little boy will make a great police officer" and the fear for, well you know, "oh please Lord, guide my boy's dream and keep him safe." I choke back that lump and tell him that sounds like an awesome job and he'd made a great policeman.

Soon after Jase shares his plan Cole tells us what he's going to be when he "gets big". He's going to be Spiderman so he can catch all the bad guys! I laugh and tell him he's going to be an awesome Spiderman! A little sigh of relief here cause, on most days, Cole is going to be a bull rider. Wait, I don't know, which is less dangerous and will cause me fewer gray hairs?? A criminal catching superhero or a cowboy riding big dangerous bulls??

I do not know what the future holds for my little guys but as of right now it's looking like they are going to be a crime fighting duo.

Look out world!

Labor Day Project

Here is what this little family did on the last day of the holiday weekend...

This is what we started with - empty area of backyard, some lumber, and some dirt. Mission: construct a box garden.

My handy hubs sawed and nailed and hammered everything together. Our boys, along with the neighbor boys, helped to haul the dirt to the backyard. They LOVED mixing the dirt and garden soil together. What is it about boys and dirt?!

They had to make sure the two different kinds of dirt was mixed together just right.

Once the dirt was carefully prepared it was time to do some planting. We chose to plant cucumber, romaine lettuce, winter squash, and carrots. Also, tomato and four different kinds of pepper plants.

The finished product! Mission: Accomplished! This was a fun little family project. I loved watching Jason explain and show the boys what he was doing. The boys aren't so thrilled with the garden now that we are just waiting for something to grow. I hope they are excited when they get to pick their own cucumbers and carrots. I have prayed over our little garden - I pray we get to see the fruits of our enjoyable labor.

September

Wow, where did the summer go? Oh yeah that's right, it was spent moving, unpacking, visiting family and entertaining visiting family. It was a good summer.

Back in April when we left NY I could not wait for the summer to be over because the faster the summer went by the closer I was to my life returning to normal. Well, normal as I know it anyway. So here we are relaxing over the Labor Day weekend and I cannot believe how quickly the summer went by. I have my "normal" life back and I am adjusting to new norms - kindergarten and being a wife to a Coastie who is on a cutter and a thing called duty. I have learned I do have the ability to adjust to the new norms in my life and I'm doing a pretty good job at it. Life couldn't be any better. Thank you to the man upstairs.

With the summer months behind us - the traveling is over and we are officially done with business on the East Coast (until Virginia calls the hubs back anyway) - we are finally settled into our life in Texas. We are looking forward to college football, fall weather (does that exist here??), the holidays with family, and spending time together.

So long summer, welcome September.

Soccer

Last year we played t-ball, this year we play soccer.

It is so much fun to watch kiddos under 6 chase the ball and each other up and down the field. Doing this in the Texas heat makes it so much more fun. Really.

Jase's first game was last week and he did great. I believe him to be the next, umm, David Beckham. I chose David Beckham, well because other than Mia Hamm, he is the only soccer player I am aware of. Cut me some slack here 'cause I had no idea soccer even existed until a couple years ago when I Googled David Beckham. Hehe!

Anyway, soccer really is fun and Jase is having a blast. He is even somewhat good when he's not looking to see if we're watching or trying to catch bugs. I must remind myself he's only 5 and has an attention span of the 5 year old he is.

Enjoy the pics.

Now I'm off to Google the rules of soccer so that I can yell, I mean cheer, at the games and not be afraid of sounding as clueless as I really am.

Kindergarten, Week One: Early to Rise

The first week of kindergarten is over...and we survived. And by we, I do mean Jase and myself.

It wasn't until Friday morning that Jase's excitement was overshadowed by tiredness. My excitement wore off...ummm...about Wednesday morning. Man, is it tough waking up no later than 6:30 every morning. By Thursday morning I was counting down the hours until Saturday morning when I could sleep in. Friday afternoon Jase asks in an almost whiny tone, "do I have school tomorrow?" When I gave him the great news, the whine that was there just seconds ago disappeared and was replaced by happiness and a burst of energy. He perked up so much that it was almost as if that bit of information gave him the will to go on living.

I am glad that Jase's excitement lasted throughout the week. I would not have made it without coffee and prayers. Now if I could just manage to get myself into bed and asleep before 11p.m. - ha!

Here's to the second week of school. Let's hope we get better at becoming early risers. Ha...again!

Kindergarten

Not sure how we got here so fast. Didn't I just blog about this like last year or something?

Most of you know Jase and I have been ready for the first day of kindergarten for quite some time. Well, today it arrived. Jason and I walked our oldest child to his classroom, I snapped a few pictures and embarrassed him a little, and then we left. I left my child to fend for himself. The child that I have spent every day with since the day he was born. I left him in such a big school and it would be 7 hours before I would see him again. Talk about a momma feeling mixed emotions - I was. I wanted to cry, I wanted to do a happy dance. But my oldest little man was more than ready for school. Perhaps he too wanted to do a happy dance that it would be 7 hours before he would see me again?? Haha, I hope not but possible!

I survived the 7 hours of his absence and could not wait to hear about the first day of kindergarten. He had a lot to say about singing songs, coloring, and the teacher laying down the laws (my words, not his). He was very happy with the first day and is looking forward to the next day. Cole and I on the other hand, well let's just say we miss our Bubba but we'll be just fine.

Walking the big halls to his classroom. Doesn't the backpack look as big as he is?

At his desk and ready to learn!

Here's to a wonderful kindergarten year...can't wait for a the learnin' to be done!

A Sink Full of Dirty Dishes

My demise...

Yes, I do have a dishwasher. But that doesn't matter - it's almost always full. It always seems that this is what the kitchen sink looks like. It makes me cringe. It puts me into a mood because it reminds that if I wanted to stay on top of this mess I'd be in the kitchen all day. Here's why...

The boys want a drink - they get a cup. 20 minutes later when they want another drink - they get a new cup. Why? What happened to the other cup? They put it into the sink when they were finished with it. At least I know they've learned one thing I've said over and over again, "when your finished with bowl/spoon/cup put it in the sink. Think it is time to teach them the exception to this rule.

I enjoy staying home and taking care of my family and our home. I think I could enjoy it more if I had someone to wash the dishes. Once a day. That'd be the only job. Ok, so I know I'm dreaming. I'm the one to "get 'er done" but I'm not going to be happy about it.

What's your least favorite household chore?

Check-ups

This mommy finally took the time to find a new pediatrician for the boys. Yay me. I am pretty satisfied with the new doctor (sweet woman) and the staff (nicest ever). We are treated like royalty here where as in SI, NY we were always treated like dirty strangers. Anyway, I love the new doctor.

Cole was up first for his check-up. Little over 2 months past due but hey I got him there. Here are his stats:

Height: 38 1/4 inches

Weight: 31.8 pounds

48th percentile in weight and right at 50th percentile for height. I couldn't be happier that the little monkey finally broke 30 lbs. Did not think we'd ever break through! He received just one vaccination and a clean bill of health. He left mad about the shot but happy with the Spiderman stickers he walked away with.

Jase was up next. He was a little nervous going in - scared he would have to get a shot. But thankfully he is up to date on his vaccines so no shot for Jase. He was relieved. I too was relieved for no shot. I was going to have to hold this kid down. His stats are a little something like this:

Height: 44 1/2 inches

Weight: 43 pounds

Vision: 20/20

Hearing: Perfect

Jase is in the average range for height and weight. He also received a clean bill of health and was deemed ready to start Kindergarten (in 2 weeks!!).

I am so thankful for my healthy, average children. Hard headed, spoiled rotten and all, Jason and I couldn't be more blessed.

Change of Plans

I wrote this on July 8.

Class started on July 14.

I submitted a withdrawal request on July 28.

Today I am doing only what it is that I want to do...be a wife and mommy.

I was terribly excited to start back to school but that excitement soon turned to fear as discovered the real requirements for the class and the rest of the classes for that matter. A job and experience. Could I finish without the two? Yes. Would it take extra work on my part? Yes. After hearing my choices, I went with the decision in my heart and quit. My family is my number one priority. That being said, I wasn't willing to put that aside to do what would have been required of me to finish my Bachelor's degree. That weight that was lifted off my shoulders when I finished my Associate's, it has since been lifted again.

I know I'm not finished with school. I want to finish it. Just not now.

School Days Are Here Again

For this mommy, that is.

I finished and received my Associate's Degree back in January. Oh, what a happy day that was. Now, beginning next week, July 12th, I will once again be an online college student. This time pursuing my Bachelor's Degree.

I pondered and prayed about the decision to "return" to school. I have enjoyed the break and the one less thing to stress over but at the same time I want the feel of accomplishment. So I am going with it. This time around I am hoping for just a little less stress regarding the balancing act of family and school. Jase will be in school from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. five days a week. I am doing a little happy dance right now! And I hope to have Cole in preschool two days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I just reminded myself I have yet to call and set up a tour of the school. Must do this soon. With a couple days a week to myself, why wouldn't school be a little less stressful this time around??

Here's to one thing being crossed off my "40 before 40" list - a Bachelor's Degree. I have yet to publicly share my bucket list, if you will. I have one and it's a good one. Perhaps one day I'll share, one day before I turn, cough cough, 40.

I've got my school supplies and I am ready for school. Here we go.

Time Well Spent

A Crowded Queen Size Bed

Below is the sight I wake up to during the night. After my child, with his stealth like skills, climbs into our bed and after I get a foot in the stomach and/or a fist in the face.

I'd be a liar if I didn't say that this sight makes me a little angry. Especially after I get kicked in the stomach or punched in the face. But at 4am I just can't gather the required energy or alertness to carry this 3 year old, almost 30lb. weighing child back to HIS bed. HIS bed. So I push him closer to his daddy with hopes that he'll punch him in the face, stomach and/or manhood. Haha, not really! I don't 100 percent wish that on the hubs. 99.9 percent maybe! Kidding! But I do push him closer to Jason, I rollover, find my comfy spot and drift off back to dream land.

The sun rises to this sight.

"Good mornin' mommy" and "It's mornin' time mommy" along with this smiling face make the crowded queen size bed and the feet to the stomach tolerable.

One day he will not refer to my bed as his bed. One day he will sleep all night in his bed. And on this day I will wonder what happened and wish for him to be back in my bed. But until that day happens I will continue to be crowded and kicked at 4am and wake up to the best smile ever.

Mom Moments At Wal-Mart

Twas a sad, sad day at my local Wal-Mart.

Notice the size of the boxer briefs? Small. Not 2T, 3T or even 4T. Nope, these are small. Small as in purchased from the boys department.

I had some trouble finding underwear for my oldest son in the baby/toddler department and I had even more trouble steering my cart to the boys department. Really? Has he really totally outgrown the toddler section that I have become so accustom to?

The size small 6-8 package of boxer briefs is my answer.

My "baby" is officially done with the toddler business. Earlier in the year we said goodbye to toddler sized clothes. Then his foot outgrew the toddler sizes. We're in kid sized shoes now. Now the underwear. Dare I ask what's next? Shaving cream and a razor? Oh dear my heart sinks at the thought of buying a cup or whatever else the male species requires for their manly needs. Deep breath, Crissy, deep breath.

I love watching my boys grow from babies to little boys. And while I loved the baby years, I would not go back. But when I find myself in the boys department shopping for clothes when I feel as if though I should be in the toddler section this is when I want to hit rewind. If only for a moment.

Things Kids Say

End of day. Getting Jase out of the shower. He's looking at me in the mirror.

Jase: Someone looks tired.

I'm not really paying attention. Just trying to hurry and get him ready for bed.

Jase: Someone looks tired.

This time I really hear what he's saying. I look at him in the mirror.

Me: Who?

Jase continues to look at me. Only this time smiling and pointing. Pointing at me.

Jase: Had a long day, Mom?

A little offended, I all but push him out of the bathroom. Look at myself in the mirror and sigh. He's right.

Gotta love the kid's honesty, right?

Happy Father's Day

June 19th was not only a special day for me but it was also Father's Day. It was a happy day in our house - we were happy to have Daddy home for his special day.

The boys love their daddy. I don't think I can put into words how much they love him. Their little faces light up when he walks into the room. They adore their daddy. I adore their daddy too.

I leave you with a couple pictures of just one of the many, many reasons Jason is such a good daddy.

Fishing = quality father/son time.

Happy Father's Day, Jason. We love you more.

The Big 3-0!

I did it. Said farewell to my twenties and hello to my thirties. This morning I woke up (Thank God!) a 30 year old, wait scratch that, a 30 year young (that's better) lady.

The hubs surprised me with a birthday party that he had planned while away. He was in cahoots with my bff, Amy. He couldn't have done it without her great party planning skills! I was totally shocked as we returned from the airport, opened the garage door and I see things have been moved around. I think the words I spoke were something like "What the he**??" Much to my surprise Amy and Eddie and our neighbors from down on the Coastal Bend jumped out and wished me a Happy Birthday. It was awesome! All except for the number 30 all over the place - I did not need that reminder!! Kidding. Totally kidding. I loved it!!!

This morning no tears were shed, nothing was thrown, and surprisingly I didn't grow a hump or a wort or a gray hair or anything that would or could give away my new age. I think I really thought I'd wake up with an ailment or age spots when I turned 30. Only partly kidding here!

It's official...I am 30!

Woo-hoo!

So Long Twenties

Today is the very last day of my twenties. Sigh.

I feel like I should have a last meal or something. Do one last crazy thing that a 30 year old wife and mother of two kids should not do. Wear something that I will not be able to get away with tomorrow. Get a tattoo of something to remind of being young and carefree.

Not likely I will do any of the above. Nope, no tattoos. This day will be just like any other day spent with my husband and the little men. It will be a good day. Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow will take care of itself.

Sno-Cones, Trains and Outlaws, Oh My!

So yesterday I complained about how I was getting bored. Well, the boys and I hit a new location filled with rides, games, and sno-cones after I made that post. We went to Kemah Boardwalk.

We had lunch at a nice little pizza place, took a little train ride, and the boys had sno-cones. Not the awesome sno-cones I drive 20 minutes one-way for but the boys still enjoyed.

Ready for the train ride!

Little did I know that this train ride was going to scare the crap out of me. I wanted to cover my ears as we rode thru a tunnel as "outlaws" were having a shoot out. Those outlaws looked like scary monsters in the dark as they were poking in and out of windows and gun shots were going off all around us. OMG, I wanted my mom for more than a split second. But I was quickly reminded that I had to be the brave mommy as I seen the boys with worried faces and covered ears. Don't think I'll be taking that train ride again.

Although it felt as if it were 200 degrees outside while we walked around, we did have a great afternoon. We can't wait to come back here to see the firework show and ride the Ferris wheel!

More great times to be had!

Thursday Thirteen

13 things that we have done thus far this week:

1. Drove 20 minutes ONE WAY for a sno-cone.

2. Stayed outside all day. They swam. I got my tan on.

3. Opened car door going down interstate.

4. Almost had heart attack because of the above.

5. Played hours of Wii.

6. Cried.

7. Cleaned.

8. Cooked.

9. Drove 20 minutes ONE WAY for a sno-cone.

10. Sweat to death at a playground.

11. Played games.

12. Put puzzles together.

13. Rode bikes.

Basically we are terribly boring. I am running out of ideas to entertain J & C. While they love riding bikes and playing outside there is really only so much of that I can handle.

Sigh. How many more days until school starts?

Bye, Bye Binkie

We've been part-time binkie users for about a year now. Keeping binkie use to bedtime, car rides, meltdowns, and to keep us happy. Now that I look at that, maybe we weren't so much part-time as we were full time users. I think I was in denial. Ok, anyway read on.

Cole took it upon himself to put his binkie in the garbage yesterday. Sure I and everyone around him has been telling him "big boys don't use binkies" may have had something to do with his decision. But I really think it was his cousin, Colton, telling Cole "cowboys don't use binks" that did the trick. Colton is one of a few cowboys in our family. He rides bulls and ropes. Cole and Jase admire this about Colton. Cole says he is a cowboy and I think he adores Colton. Colton just may have saved Cole from years of orthodontic work and saved Jason a lot of money!

For what ever reason Cole tossed the binkie in the garbage, he did it on his own and I am glad it is gone! Gone forever. I hope.

Three

My baby is now three. Three. When did this happen? Ok, I know when it happened so I won't play the part of a crying mother who is sad because her baby is no longer a baby. Nope, that is not me. So lets start over.

My baby is three! Three! No more bottles, no more diapers - Hooray! Wish I could say the same about the pacifier. Oh well, we'll celebrate the positive and deal with the negative later.

We celebrated with some of our Oklahoma family on a hot, somewhat muggy Sunday. Bounce house, hot dogs, cake and ice cream were enjoyed by all. Cole loved playing with cousins and was happy for those who came to celebrate his third birthday with him. He had a good day.

I am so thankful and have been so blessed to be the mommy of this little guy. Happy Birthday Coley Oley!

Now to Google search for ways to get rid of the pacifier.

Kindergarten

Hip-hip-hooray! Jase is registered for kindergarten! Full day kindergarten! Five days a week kindergarten! Can you tell I am excited??

Jase is excited too which makes my excitement much more easier to express. He is already asking if he can eat lunch at school or if he should take his lunch. He is a little upset that flip flops are not on the schools list of approved attire. I guess in his five year old mind since he lives in Texas he should be able to wear flip flops to school, and all year round for that matter.

I chatted with some ladies in the school office this morning and I feel confident that this school is going to be great for Jase. Everyone I spoke with today and last week at the informational meeting are all so nice and friendly. Reasons why I am so excited for Jase to start kindergarten.

August 18 we will meet Jase's teacher. August 22 the first day of school. I wish you could see the big smile on my face as I typed "the first day of school"!!

Since We've Been Gone

I left you in March and we were preparing for our move to Texas. Well, guess what? We made it to Texas! Yay!

Here is a recap of what our month of April has looked like. Sit back and enjoy.

It took us 4 days to travel from NY to Louisiana.

Stopped off in Nashville to visit our Wisconsin friend Holly.

Spent the night in Memphis with Coastie friends.

Stopped off in Jackson, MS to visit another Wisconsin friend, Katie.

Made it to Louisiana on a Monday afternoon. Ate crawfish :)

Jason and I left for Texas on Tuesday morning.

Filled out application for house on Tuesday afternoon.

Received word we got the house on Wednesday afternoon.

Signed lease and paid deposit and rent on Thursday morning.

Left for Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.

Visited with family in Louisiana Friday and Saturday.

The four of us left for Texas on Sunday.

Movers delivered our stuff on Monday.

Left for Oklahoma on Tuesday.

That brings us to the present. I don't know about you but I got tired all over again just typing that. Now it is time for some much needed rest and relaxation. More later.

14 Days

We have 14 days left in NY. 14! Time flies when we are having fun...and staying busy. I am getting knots in my stomach looking at my "To Do" list and the things that have yet to be crossed off that list.

Pack at least three weeks worth of clothes for four people.

Clean ENTIRE APARTMENT

Find entertaining games for a four day road trip for two boys

May 23, 2011 update -

I sat down to blog and came across this entry that was never finished. I had to laugh. I remember this day and how I was doing things to distract me from what I really needed to be doing. Once I sat down to write this I decided I really should be doing things like cleaning. Needless to say everything that was on my list and then some was accomplished and crossed off. Phew! The hubs and I worked many hours preparing for the move. We were exhausted and more than ready for check-out inspection.

Waffles, Anyone?

I received one of these as a gift this weekend...
I love my friend Dena. She truly is the greatest. I have wanted one of these since our trip to a Rachael Ray taping and I mention how I need a waffle maker almost every time Dena and I talk or are together.

Now no more burnt pancakes for a while. No, we'll be having waffles!

Alone At The Breakfast Table

I do not cook breakfast for my family every single morning. My version of serving breakfast is making sure the coffee pot is programmed and ready to go for the hubs and that I have J & C's fave cereal in stock. Oh, and milk - I make sure we have milk.

Today while having my routine morning telephone conversation with my mom I decided I would cook breakfast. Homemade pancakes, turkey bacon (don't turn up your nose, it really is good), and eggs. The pancakes and bacon for the boys and eggs for the hubs. My boys turn their noses up at eggs. Do not know why. Anyway, I prepared breakfast, set the table, poured the boys their "coffee" (milk - Cole likes to pretend!), and served the boys their food. I was actually excited to sit down and eat my bowl of cereal (Koshi GoLean - love this stuff!) with the boys. Jason was already out the door with his makeshift South Texas breakfast burrito. Just as I sat down they were gone. Plates empty, chairs empty. Just me, my cereal, and cup of coffee. Are you serious?

I had to laugh. That's all I could do really. Because this is what it takes for me to enjoy my breakfast in peace. Why had I not thought of this before?? Being alone at the breakfast table is not all that bad. While I was ready to talk about the day with J & C, they had other plans. Plans to eat their breakfast and be on their way. That's ok with me because being alone at the breakfast table means I get to have my food all to myself. :)

Selfish? Maybe. But in my defense I hardly ever get to eat whatever I'm eating without having to give over half to two ravenous boys.

I must try this again. :)

Read All About It...

This little Coast Guard family is headed back to the great state of Texas!! We are just a little excited, can't you tell?

After what seemed liked twelve years worth of waiting the hubs got the much anticipated email on the night of Sunday, February 13. I do not think I'll ever forget when he walked into the kitchen, yelled at me ever so quietly, and with shock - fear- happiness and every other emotion you can think of in his eyes and written on his face - told me that we got Texas. "We got Texas, we got Texas, WE ARE GOING TO TEXAS!" I get a lump in my throat remembering that moment. I, of course, told him to "Shut up! No we didn't!" I ran as fast as I could to his computer, took a look at the golden orders from the dear, dear detailer, said a little prayer to the man upstairs, and took a sigh of relief. The wait is over.

That part of the wait is over. Now we wait for the actual move. Six weeks. That's all the time we have left in NY - six weeks.

Texas, here we come...again!

FYI

I am slowly catching up - new backdated posts are now available.

Scroll down and check 'em out.

Potty Training 101

Have two kids. Or more if you choose.

Suffer through potty training with the oldest.

Let the youngest learn from his brother.

Sit back and watch the youngest train himself.

:)

Way to go Coley-O! Thank you and Jase for making this time around easy for mom and dad...we owe you!

Five

He's five.

He's ready to turn six.

He wants mommy's kisses a little less often and daddy's high-fives more often.*

He's ready for kindergarten.

He's ready to take on the world.

He's five.

Happy Birthday Bug! We love you more.

*Kisses from mommy may be welcomed a little less often when in public but I am cherishing nights when he wants to cuddle with me. He tells me he'll always want to cuddle with me. I am going to hold him to this.

Accomplishments

I finished my last class tonight. I am officially done with my Associate's degree. Big sigh of relief here.

Now, I get to wait (more waiting) for my final grade then apply for my diploma.

I cannot express how happy I am to have completed this part of my education. There have been many times I wondered why I did not take college more seriously when I was a, well, when I was not married and not a mother of two. But when I found myself thinking about what it would have been like to get an education with minimal responsibilities I was abruptly brought back to reality and reminded that I wouldn't have my life any other way. I am proud that I accomplished this task while taking care of my family. Yes, I am tooting my own horn! I have to say I could not have done this without Jason. He believed in me and gave me a lot of time to myself so that I could focus on school. Thank you babe, you're the best.

On to keeping busy with life in general and enjoying doing so without the dark cloud of school hanging over my head. :)

PBR

The cowboys and bulls came to NYC and we couldn't miss it. The boys were decked out in their Wranglers, boots, chaps, and cowboy hats. You can imagine the looks we got while on the ferry, on the subway, and walking the streets of NYC. Some good and some not so good. Sheesh people, have you not ever seen a cowboy hat??

Cole thought he was going to ride a bull and has been telling stories of how he is going to ride bulls. My heart stops a little each time he tells me "Momma, I going to ride bull." If he's going to "ride bull" I hope and pray he does it well enough to ride at the Garden one day.

So anyway back to the PBR and my cute little cowboys. Once inside Madison Square Garden the boys fit in with the other Wrangler, cowboy hat wearing people. No weird looks here. The boys had fun cheering for the cowboys to hang on and watching the bull fighters to their thing. A good time was had by all.

Thanks Grams and Papa Mike :)

Happy New Year

Welcome 2011!

We are happy to see you. We are looking forward to the exciting things you hold in store for us. Things like milestone birthdays (5 & 30 - eek!), potty training, completing degrees (yay!), and receiving orders (please don't make us wait too long).

Ok, so as you can see we have an exciting year ahead of us. We cannot wait to share our excitement with you and hear or read of your exciting news in the new year.

Many blessings to you all in 2011!