Where Is That Cookie?

Summer Dance

2011-08-24T13:38:00.000-05:00

Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet. -Bob Marley (I'm always quoting that cat.)

After shakin' our summer booties at the American Idol concert, and making a mini-vacay out of the trip to OKC:

After hanging out at our neighborhood pool in the 30+ days of over 100 degrees:

When our summer birthday celebrations were complete:

After witnessing lovebirds commit to life long wedded bliss:

After reconnecting with high school friends at our 10 year reunion since the last 10 year reunion:

When the laid back days began fading away...

And our summer haircuts had all grown out:

Once our playing in Dallas with good friends was complete:

After packing up the kids, and moving them to a new house...

Our summer wished us well, kissed us good bye, and pushed us off to the bus stop:

little spotlights

2011-04-27T11:51:00.001-05:00

Here is our Easter picture this year...sitting at church watching Daddy practice his song special for Worship service. It may not be fancy, but that's my point. I often get caught up in the BIG events in my life and I try documenting those. But as I get younger (hey, a girl can dream), I am realizing all of HH and my memories go back mostly to the little moments of our days:

Watching Ian play with legos for HOURS at the dining room table (and sometimes talking Noah into building the more challenging vehicles for him)

Taking a ride on the zoo train

Connor wearing his backpack (and pjs) and hurrying to make the bus

Whew--he made the bus, along with a couple of other cuties!

Cheering on MANY soccer games, including the ones in HH's old man league (of course, HH is one of the few WITHOUT the adult beverage belly and WITH incredible youthful skill and hotness)

Then, of course, there are the REALLY big days like my baby turning 7!

And getting to go miniature golfing with his best buddies

Or celebrating Jer Jer's birthday AND a new chair...talk about monumental moments!!!

But these are the moments that are making up the majority of our happy days:

Classy Abounds

2011-03-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

This is our latest classy addition to our New House Project 2011. Try not to think on the story I heard about the house that did NOT have this accessory.

In other vernal equinox news, my tulips are blooming! Now lest you believe my age to be 94 now that I take pictures of my flowers, I am a proud, young (sort-of) gardener, who has to beg for male people in my house to enjoy the tulip beauty. Since that has been unsuccessful, please inundate me with flowery praise for my ability to place a bulb in the ground and cover it with dirt! I am awesome!

What I truly adore about this picture is that Noah and Colton (Noah's bestie) have no shame that they are 1. Sitting in such close proximity 2. Entrapped in a notoriously female sort of chair 3. Playing with a pink, flowery phone

Are you kidding me??!!???

House Jigging

2011-03-10T14:55:00.000-06:00

We are building a house! Okay, technically, we have hired this really savvy guy to take care of the actual construction process, blah, blah, blah, but WE ARE BUILDING a house!!! I am tingly from head to my elbows to my toes.

The boys and I often take detours to our new house location (which is four miles from our current residence), and we dance (okay, I dance, they pretend to be Incredible Hulk) on our future property.

Yesterday, we went by and the process has begun! As Ian said, "There used to be grass there, and now it is mud. This is SO exciting." I feel it may be similar to pregnancy in that others might not be as riveted by every flutter, stretch and elbow-piercing-the-uterus move that I am, but more interested in the end result. But that won't stop me from posting grass-to-mud shots.

And as is similar with first time parenting, I am seeing the advice givers arrive! My Aunt LindyJo cautiously, tentatively e-mailed some building tips, and then apologetically signed off. My mother-in-law threw caution to the wind and sent several wisdom-filled e-mails. I learned awhile ago the truth of Proverbs 19:20, "Listen to advice, and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." I'm still waiting for the ending part of my wiseness to become truth, but I KNOW that through all my journeys of life, accepting instruction has saved me many o' time.

SO Aunt Linda & Grandmom, keep it coming--I am so much more prepared for details that I would haven't even considered had you not lent your wisdom. Anyone else that has some building experience that you WISH you would have had before you built, bring it on!

And can anyone tell me how a stick with some writing on it can make me do a jig?

2-Year Old Mauls Mom for a View of Himself on Camera

2011-02-28T16:49:00.000-06:00

The real news in this headline is that my baby is TWO years old!! I tried SO incredibly hard to get all my little monkey's tricks on video, but, alas, he is too enamored with the phenomenally handsome two-year old on the digital camera to perform on command. Remember when you had to wait two weeks for film to be developed?

Besides a really good knock knock joke, Connor is a supreme master of faces. You must experience it in person to really appreciate the Jim Carreyness of his expressions

He is also a master charmer with the ladies

And his obsession with footballs, basketballs and balloons is almost as tremendous as his obsession with milk AND cake.

Plus he's a big fan of the gift giving tradition

Since he was our tiny 4 lb peanut,

he has grown into an enormous bundle of joy!

Lessons from a Blizzard

2011-02-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

We have emerged from the 20+ inches of snow in two weeks, with all sorts of lessons learned:

If there is a blizzard, please do not take out your truck:

Snow may be mixed with all sorts of ingredients to create some DEEEEELICIOUS ice cream concoctions:

If you become irritable and begin pounding on the window, you may have cabin fever and need some fresh air:

Or you may just need to watch four wheelers drive by:

Accept that you will mainly be enjoying the indoor air, so go ahead and form a band:

Or cheese for the camera and remain your ridiculously adorable self:

Go ahead on your previously planned ski trip where more lovely snow awaits, along with some delightful friends (plus your son will miss NO days of school since it was cancelled all week anyhow):

And rest in the knowledge that a mere week after you return, you may be able to take a balmy trip to the zoo:

Growing Up is Stinking Me

2011-01-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

Oh how I never understood those moms who whined about their "babies growing up". Come on ladies, suck it up and let nature have at it. But my case is different, because, well, it is happening TO ME.

My little honey bunny (his favorite moniker when I say it super loud at the bus stop), Noah is gaining all this confidence and swagger. And while I adore the blossoming (or is that wrong to say for a boy?), my heart is breaking and grasping for time to slow down. I do not want to make him younger...just freeze the time.

I want to continue to hear him say "We stinked them!" when the other team gets zero points.

Please let him continue his dream of reuniting his band, The Spies, that played at recess at the beginning of the year. He was lead singer, and his other two friends were drums and guitar. The other members dropped the band for more swinging time, and Noah was greatly disappointed and is still holding out hope for putting a band back together.

I never want him to stop speaking to Connor in a pitch that is three octaves higher than Mickey Mouse's.

I want him to keep on jumping to crazy conclusions. I excitedly told him that he might have a snow day and he got all upset, because his teacher told him that if they had a snow day, they would have to go to school in June. Noah's conclusion: One snow day = School for the entire month of June.

But I've realized I have to better hide all my lamenting for his littleness. Last year, the night before his birthday, I said in a chipper voice, "This is the last day you will ever be five...let's make it the best day yet". I talked all day long about how special it was for him to be rounding out the last day of his fives. Then I tucked him in that evening and he started bawling, "I don't want to be six, I want to stay five forever." Of course, all my pretending that I was excited for his getting older just translated to him the truth of my heart.

Man how I adore my honey bunny, no matter his age.

Zesty Whoops

2011-01-10T12:27:00.002-06:00

Ian is incredibly enthusiastic about life in general. Whether it is an airplane ride to Washington State, a trip to the swimming pool or finding an extra chocolate chip in his cookie, the possibility of his imploding from fevered excitement is imminent. So I knew that our planned trip to see Santa would create some tremendous jumps and ecstatic whoops of delight. Yes, I said whoops.

To make it an extra special event, I chose Schlotsky's (we go there so often, I didn't even have to look up the spelling), for our pre-Santa viewing. All day long, Ian chanted about our trip to Schlotsky's and he contemplated what he was to discuss with Santa. All day. All the day long. The day is long and that is how long he whooped it up in anticipation.

I used to not mention to Ian where we were going because of the tendency for the day to feel much, much longer with his oft repeated phrases: "Is it time? What time are we going? Is now the time? What time are we leaving? What time again are we going?" But I have so come to appreciate his zest for life that I feel it cruel not to allow him the pleasure of the anticipation. So I told him. Early in the morning.

Finally, we are all eating in Schlotsky's, and I asked Ian, "Are you SO excited about going to see Santa"? (I really, truly enjoy going with him to his zesty world). And he says to me, "I really like eating here right now."

Yep, the four-year old knows how to eat up the current moment much better than I.

Memory Keeping Mommies

2011-01-04T13:53:00.001-06:00

Here's to you 2011! May your goblet overflow with Orange Fanta (or "Phantom" as some middle children call it), Sprite or Completely-Fatfully-Whole Milk.

As are the leanings of new years, I too feel pulled in the direction of creating some goals. While I won't lament all the reasons I posted five times last year (1 year old), 15 times the previous year (newborn for half the year), and 35 times the year before that (family incomplete without precious little C), I plan on beating my 2008 score in these fine 12 months.

As my new friend (and incredible photographer) quoted at ccmillerphotography.com/blog, "Mothers are the memory keepers" (curse her for the guilt). With that inspiration and my audience of three grandmas, I will entertain myself, and hopefully my boys' future wives (you lucky, lucky women) by my commitment to regular record keeping.

So to recap since my last post, here are a few (hundred) of my fav pics:

Noah's First Day of First Grade

Ian's First Day of 4-Year Old Class

Connor's First Day of 18-24 Month Class

Getting off the bus and SUPER excited that the maternal one has her camera

Two-Wheel Terror

Ian's first season playing soccer

Joke telling pumpkins

Don't let that cuddly monkey fool you...he turns violent after one hour of being captive in costume

Dress like Daddy day

Family Mug Shots (clicked by CC Miller)...

14 eventful years with Hot Husband

Sweet cousin visit in Arkansas

Loving on Gabba Gabba (Grandma Dawn) and Yo Gabba Gabba (Grandpa Gary)

Thanksgiving in Washington State:

Connor's first airplane ride and first visit to Washington State (Ian's first visit too!)

Thanksgiving with the cousins

Visiting Grandpa Danielson and Uncle Donny

My gorgeous relatives...Aunt Linda and Cousin Pam

My special cousin Darrin with HH

Pam and Darrin took us to an incredible sledding spot in the mountains

My bundled up bear

After a perfect Thanksgiving Dinner

Let the Christmas festivities commence

Spending Christmas Eve with Dita & Jer Jer

Leaving treats for the big guy

Santa's treats...

Connor eating post-Christmas lunch at Grandmom's with his cousin Jesstine

Grandmom's goodness

Noah & Ian are smiling due to dangling bribe of post-Santa carousel riding. Connor is curious how he ended up in this predicament.

Bi-Annual Family Photo

2010-08-30T13:25:00.000-05:00

Connor and Ian both needed a family picture for their preschool classes. This was our attempt to get everyone with a pleasant, picture-worthy expression--I placed Elmo behind the tripod, pressed Elmo's hand to get him to dance, pressed the self-timer and ran to my family. Yes, this, my friends, is why we take two family pictures a year.

True Love

2010-05-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

I adore my mom.

Connor, Part 2

2010-04-18T22:20:00.001-05:00

I know some of you believe I've spent an enormous amount of time at this building, but it was actually only my second time at the court house, the first being at the retrieval of a marriage license to HH (Hot Husband). We came here on March 12, 2010 to adopt our third son, Connor (why, I cry even at this beginning paragraph).

If you know our story or have tons of time to review (look back at blog post "Connor" from March 2009), you'll know this was an incredible journey. The people on this path were all on it for the sake of Connor's best future. Connor's initial placement in foster care was due to his birth mom's struggles, but she cares so deeply for him and his future, that she desired a secure home for him. I had the pleasure of meeting his birth father, and Connor will be honored to share his roots with this amazing man.

Connor's birth, paternal Grandma Dawn (shown above before the adoption proceedings) and I originally met at the hospital after Connor's birth, and we formed a bond that made all of this possible. When I explained to Noah that we were adopting Grandma Dawn & Grandpa Gary as grandparents for all three boys, Noah patiently and politely explained, "Mommy, you can't adopt Grandparents, just kids". But now Noah is beginning to understand how someone's else's blood can run through your heart without the silly need for biology.

We had a gorgeous array of family and like-family who shared our joy with us on adoption day.

Judge Harris made it a relaxed and celebratory time (not at all Matlock-like).

When I was preparing Noah for what to expect at the "White House" (the place where Noah told several people we were making the adoption official), I told him Daddy and I would be signing some papers. Noah said, "I want to sign some papers too". So HH created some precious "brother certificates", which the Judge kindly had them sign during the proceedings.

The Judge explained that becoming Connor's official parents was a very important responsibility, but that the most important role was becoming his brothers. When the Judge asked Noah and Ian to give a thumbs-up if they accept this responsibility, our wonderful photographer, Betsy Gregory, captured this precious moment of Ian's consent.

Throughout this process, Seth and I were in awe at the abundance of people who were involved in deciding Connor's future (case workers, attorneys, judges, etc.) and how Connor had no comprehension of how his life was being directed by all those around him. Then my most memorable moment of the proceedings happened. When Judge Harris said, "Connor is officially a Hutchins", we all cheered and clapped, including Connor, right on time. Of course, my sentimentality believes that it wasn't just Connor enjoying an enthusiastic crowd, but feeling that all was now right in his world. My faith knows that God's amazing hand made my family complete that day.

Connor's First Birthday

2010-03-15T22:31:00.001-05:00

My blog is turning into a similar version of the Coal Hill Chronicle (the paper from my mom's hometown of 46). While news of someone's important something is included, it is not necessarily news from the current month.

So, Connor turned one a few weeks ago and it was a JOYOUS occasion. Joyous to see my baby reach a milestone and joyous to see him experience the miracle of cake.

I've been around the block, mom-wise, three times now. When my first baby turned one, I invited 36 people (almost the population of Coal Hill) and sufficiently overwhelmed his poor soul. The second time around, I included around 12 people--enough to stress out about tidying my home, but not enough to sensory overload a 12 monther. The third time, I didn't even invite my baby's daddy. Okay, baby's daddy was technically at a super important shale conference in Pittsburgh (where all significant shaling occurs, obviously), and he celebrated the following weekend at an EVEN SMALLER populated party. But local Grandmas and Grandpas (or Grandfatherly Jer Jer figures) attended the February 23rd official birthday of Connor Hutchins (this important change of his name occurred this last week, but, of course, will not be posted about currently).

And here's an overview of my little charmer's first year:

I missed Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day (Dec. 21st) AGAIN!!!!

2010-01-08T15:41:00.001-06:00

Let's pretend it is SUPER normal in a January blog to include updates from Halloween, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Cat Herders Day (Dec. 15).

And my since-college bff, Christy and I visited Boston of my since-middle-school bff, Cynthia, who is the mostest, bestest tour guide in all the land:

Also, we jumped in leaves:

We had a wonderful November visit from Aunt Barb from Washington and my cousin Rick and his family in Texas:

Here's Rick's youngest daughter, Angelina, who Ian renamed "Julia" for no other reason than he is three and he can:

And a visit from our sweet Jesstine over Thanksgiving:

When we made it to December, we had our annual tree topping pictures:

And my favorite Christmas picture of the boys in front of our church's tree:

Then the boys visited with Santa (Noah informed me that the one at our mall is the real Santa, not a mascot, like some of them are) and you'll be happy to know that Santa is in good health (Noah is also concerned that Santa is going to die soon, since he has a white beard which means you're close to perishing). Connor's first experience was of intrigue of the white beard (the one that means he's old). He enjoyed pulling at the beard and everyone who has had their glasses/earring/hair piece removed by Connor, find tremendous glee in that vision. Ian did a great job of smiling, because every smile you see in the picture involves the bribe of a carousel ride after sitting nicely on Santa's lap:

And our gorgeous city now has ice skating in downtown (only in the winter, as it turns out), which makes me almost feel like we reside in New York:

Then we we prepared for the big man's arrival:

And all were happy that he arrived despite the Oklahoma blizzard conditions and 7" snow drifts:

And we even did snow joy dances:

And some of us turned 8 months old:

Then 9 months:

And, you guessed it, we even made it to ten since my last post:

And here's our sparkling grape juice toast to you for 2010:

Look what comes out of their mouths!

2009-10-05T13:47:00.008-05:00

Noah showing off his first missing tooth. If you could will a tooth to come out, Noah has been attempting that since he was four. He was disappointed by the Tooth Fairy's quarter, until we explained that a gold dollar is four quarters.

My new favorite quote from Noah was when he angrily told me, "Ian kissed me on purpose!", meaning that Ian smacked him on the cheek just to make him mad (probably pretty accurate insight from big brother).

Ian, with his unique attire, checking out Colton's

I also enjoy when we're reading a book and Ian needs to take a potty break and he says, "Will you press pause, please?". It makes me feel like he has too much knowledge on the workings of a DVD player.

Connor's 7-Month Smile

Connor's greatest quote right now is "da da dadadadada da da da", which if you're maternal, you understand is almost the greatest thing he could say next to "ma ma mamamamama". And for those of you who don't already know, we are in the process of adopting Connor. That might sound a bit low-key of an announcement, but I feel as most of you already know this, or you already assumed it from previous posts. But as he is the MOST amazing gift our family will ever receive, I still feel a bit overwhelmed in how to adequately write about it. I will be giving a larger proclamation when everything is final and done with.

I also delight in hearing the insights from school that Noah brings home. An example from this morning:

Noah: There is definitely no kissing at school

Me: Is someone kissing someone in your class?

Noah: Yes, Beula* kissed Cecil* (names changed to protect the affectionate)

Me: Yeah, kissing is best done at home

Noah then gives me a big kiss which makes my heart do a little flip.

Also, Seth and I just celebrated our 13th anniversary, whereas Grandma Dita and Grandma Dawn gave us the gift of time alone by taking our little sweeties all weekend. Seth and I did a little "It's just us!" dance to Miley Cyrus's "Party in the USA" which makes me slightly embarrassed that I know the words to the chorus, but gleeful that Seth does too. In fact, next time you see him please start singing, "I'm noddin' my head like 'Yeah!', Movin' my hips like 'Yeah'" and watch what happens. Wow, I completely adore that man.

Sandy Beginnings

2009-08-13T10:43:00.012-05:00

We recently visited the Amelia Island Plantation Resort (just 30 minutes north of Jacksonville, Florida) which Parents magazine ranked #13 in their article, "The 10 Best Beach Resorts for Families" (so it was in the runner-up category).

Ian preferred the pool over the ocean, as well as this very hip look consisting of "Float-Ts" and "goggews" (Ian's pronunciation)
Noah adored the ocean and was quite obsessed with finding ocean life. Last year, Noah refused to enter Table Rock Lake for fear of sharks. This year, he was incredibly disappointed to find out that sharks don't typically hang out near the sand castles.

Even though Connor would not have enjoyed the beach so much at five-month old, we missed that precious, roll-filled sweetheart and hope he gets to search for sharks with us on the next trip.

It's what I do.

A few days after sand, ocean and smores, Noah began kindergarten. Seth and I teared-up (Seth assures me it was quite dusty in the school halls) as we watched him walk down the hall to his class, and I was able to hold it together until after we dropped him off. I then headed to the "Boo Hoo Breakfast" which I was overqualified to be attending. Fortunately, Noah had no tears and was SO excited to go to school.

Since his first day of school, Noah has been talking about the "graders" which are the 1st-5th grade kids. His specific quote yesterday was that after he completed some projects that he "would be ready to roll on up to 1st grade" whereby he would then officially be a grader.

My prayer was specifically answered when Noah told me he made a friend yesterday and that they had the same color popsicle (my prayer involved a friend, not the color of his snack). He couldn't remember his name, but "it starts with a 'P' and ends with an 'e'", which then Ian confidently piped in, "COLTON?". It turns out that his name is Pierce and that Ian and I need to work harder on phonics.

Later in the week, Ian helped me drop off Noah to his class and I had prepared Ian that he would NOT be staying with Noah. As we told Noah goodbye at his classroom door, Ian turned to me and said, "Bye mom, have a great day, see you later". He was bitterly disappointed that I fulfilled my commitment to bring him home.

Yes, I Blubber

2009-08-01T12:30:00.010-05:00

After Noah was born, watching this commercial was my first realization that my emotions would never be the same as pre-motherhood. You may have thought this a sweet clip or you might have even teared up. But raise your hand if you bawled like I did the first ten times this came on your tube. I'm talking full-on ugly cry. This coming from the girl that did NOT cry during E.T. and wore that as a badge of honor around elementary school. The same teen-ager who was inexplicably mortified walking out of the theatre with her blotchy-faced mom after every semi-sap-filled flick. No longer are the days that I can tease my since-college BFFs, Christy and Adi for their overflowing, overactive tear ducts (I betcha an entire box of kleenex that they would have wept over this clip in their pre-mommy years). I now, too, possess the ability to cry desperately over a child's illness or the viewing of an Arby's ad.

Just peeking at these photos makes me search for my aloe-vera soaked tissue:

Connor's 5-month pic:

Two-part pride: The "put 'im on a cracker and eat 'im face" AND Noah's photography skills:

In this portrait, just the pure shininess of my face makes me weep (also the wedding we were attending of Karen & Kevin, former youth groupers, now full-fledged marrying age, in-love adults):

Sesame Street Nightmares

2009-07-10T14:16:00.016-05:00

Three birthday celebrations, one Father's Day, seven t-ball games, zero days of preschool, one July 4th, one Wichita visit, two houseguest visits, 450 swims in our big metal cow trough, one ladies' weekend, one wedding shower, 59,459 games of Sorry, and one dead computer later, I post.

Ian had a nightmare. Our conversation discussing Ian's vivid dream went something like this:

Concerned Mommy: What happened in your dream?

Scared Ian: Coowkie Monstew came into my bed and twied to fight me.

Appropriately frightened Mommy: Oh, my, what did you do?

Brave Ian: I had to get out my sword and fight him.

Laughing-under-her breath Mommy: Who won?

Proud, but Honest Ian: Well, I did. But the dweam still scawed me.

Sympathizing Noah: Yeah, one time I had a dream that Bert, you know the one that's friends with Ernie, came into my bed and it really scared me, too.

Here's Ian's trademark for-the-camera grin:
Here's our stab at mirroring his winning smile:

Transformingly Awesome

2009-05-28T21:51:00.005-05:00

This clip is solely to make Stephen the proudest uncle in all the land:

This version is a bit nuttier, due to Noah's recent testing out of humor. It turns out that if you are five and add the words "Tinker Bell" to ANYTHING, you become the preschool version of Chris Rock:

Manipulation, Mother's Day, Moshing, & Mighty Firsts & Lasts

2009-05-19T13:39:00.018-05:00

So I manipulate. Now, in this situation, I find it completely justified. Before notifying Seth that there was an obstruction in our gutter (for all of you mortified men, it is at the BEGINNING of the gutter and shouldn't present any real problems for water flow), I made sure that the boys were fully attached to the obstruction. I explained to my young ones that the Mommy & Daddy doves and the developing baby birds are part of our family. And since Seth is a to-the-bone softy for little boys and animals, we have permanent residents.

This has been a week of lasts...last day of preschool, last swim lessons, last soccer game, last piece of chocolate cake ever (okay that's just ridiculous):

Noah's last day of preschool (EVER) involved some ugly, heavy mascara smudging

This doesn't technically show you their last day of swimming, but it makes my heart leap nevertheless.

The Mighty Mighty Jaguars!

The boys got to enjoy a first...FIRE. It was a thrilling Mom's Day afternoon at Dita's house that included an inaugural fire pit usage. Ian discovered that campfires include a delicacy titled smores, so he believes these will now be provided during each visit at Gma's house. Noah was fascinated with the makings of the fire and when the flame got too small, he requested that Jer Jer "turn it back on."

Ian's first trip to the dentist (they didn't have TVs on the ceiling when I was a youngin'):

And precious Connor continues to endure the heaps of love the boys place upon him:

Connor's 2nd month picture (he'll be three months on Saturday so perhaps that one will be posted sooner):

Check out more of Connor's smiles at Ian's form of affection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfZ_WqGA0h0

If you are a Third Day fan, you'll appreciate that we recently scooped center, front row and had an incredible time during our favorite band's concert. We no longer will accept going to any concert that does not include the words center and first row. We also had our second opportunity to meet the band, which was fast and furious, but here a couple of pics of our fan-dom anyhow. I'm sure someday they will enjoy an entire dinner with us.

Our front row Joe view of Mac:

Seth's proof of his great catch of Mark's pick:

Waiting to meet the band:

Seth's manly shaking arm:

Our pals Brad & Christy with our BFFs (B & C had to bring binoculars for their first row, LEFT seats):

For more Third Day concert footage (please note exactly who Mac is looking at in the first frame): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inGVb_audt0

The Chicken Lady's Grandma

2009-05-04T13:21:00.010-05:00

On April 20, 2009, my Grandma went Home. I was able to hop on a plane to Washington and be with her in the hospital during her last few hours. Sitting there, watching her precious face and small, but strong body, so many moments surrounded me. The dresses she made my cousin and I to wear in a parade; the summer weeks I spent at her country house while she let me play the part of "Chicken Lady" (my CB name), as I gathered up the chicken eggs and came screeching to her for help because the chickens were following me (those big, bad frightening fowl); her hearty hugs which could cause Hulk Hogan to beg for mercy. A life well lived and a life loving well.

Nothing EVER compares with the feeling you get when you walk into Grandma's house. Here are my Grandparents with Seth and 16-month old Noah in 2005 (my Grandpa passed away in 2006)

On her wedding day

Yes, they actually did used to make them that classy. She could whip up a dinner for 20, end up with a spotless kitchen, and still look like she just jumped off the May 1957 Glamour cover.

Grandma, your talent for macaroni salad eludes me, but I pray your ability to make your family feel embraced, even from hundreds of miles away, makes its way to me. Until your next hug...

A Whole Bunch of Happy

2009-04-12T21:36:00.027-05:00

My dad died in April during my freshman year of college. After his death, his April birthday was also a difficult day for me. My 26-year-old cousin and my Grandpa died in April. Many other less important, but nevertheless sad happenings for me occurred in that A-month (cue "Debbie Downer" theme song).

My friend Emily had a personal hatred for November so we decided to erase those months from our personal calendars. But thankfully that didn't work! Five years ago, Noah was born three weeks early, on my dad's birthday (coincidence doesn't claim that one). My MIL's & Jer Jer's birthdays are in April. Emily's twin girls and my cousin Pam's first son, whom all took many years to conceive, were born in April. So, here's to you April who is officially crowned my come-back month of the year!

For Noah's 5th birthday party, he wanted to "go to the place where you dress up like Star Wars and fight". And since we are currently missing that place in our town, we hosted a Jedi Training Camp at our church. After donning each Jedi with their official tunic and light saber, everyone received a Jedi name.

Master Jedi Htes teaching some of the young Padawans:

Leading the Jedi Training Obstacle Course:

Birthday boy, Jedi Hoan practicing the "windmill" (Htes made-up training moves):
Princess Leia (in the officially ugliest of the Princess Leis costumes) leading a round of "Jedi Jedi Darth" (similar to Duck Duck Goose, but with more using of The Force).

The boys in a stunned silence as all their training is about to be used for the common good of the galaxy:

Then the pummeling of Darth begins:

Darth in the official surrender mode (fetal position):
And the official Dad-of-the Century award goes to...Darth Daddy, showing off his injury:

The more traditional birthday party events:

Noah's additional birthday celebrations:

At the aquarium:

The rare, Oklahoma Bufferfish:

And lest Noah believe we had forgotten his birthday, here were some more cupcake celebrations:

In the midst of parties, we have the JOY of taking care of Connor two times a week:

Our Easter celebrations:

Before the eating festivities begin and pre-church:

Eating peeps:

Eating from Grandmom's Easter Basket:

Eating Dita's Easter Basket Cupcake:

Sage Milk

2009-03-25T11:27:00.000-05:00

Who knows all the wisdom milk could share with us if we just took the time to listen. Perhaps, there is a scientific reason for this, but Noah and I believe that the jug was trying to speak to us. Sort of like Obi Wan sent his message to Luke through R2D2. Ian, perhaps, believed I should finish preparing his breakfast and cease staring at the talking dairy.

Connor

2009-03-10T20:38:00.000-05:00

My wise mentor and friend, Carol Anne, explained to me that avoiding pain is not our chief purpose in life, although I find it a noble and worthy goal. Unfortunately for me, the story of Connor involves my sadness, but my grief should not overshadow this story.

Through our first foster parenting experience, we were connected with Connor last week at the hospital where he was born the week prior. Seeing him for the first time, confirmed my theory that biology is not related to love, whereas I fell straight to the bottom of my heart in love with this little 4 pound miracle. We spent Monday through Thursday with him at the hospital as often as we could, where we also developed some beautiful relationships with the nurses who claimed Connor as their peanut mascot.

We took him home on Friday where Grizz and Dot Com (30 Rock reference alert) became his entourage. The boys read to him, sang his favorite Star Wars and Transformer theme music, fetched toys for him, fed him, snuggled him, tried desperately to get as many germs on his paci as possible and watched his every move in the bath, diaper changing table and bassinet. Seth had man-time while bonding over soccer watching, pre-dawn feedings and long cuddling sessions. And I tip toed on my cloud of baby bliss, and gratefully loved on a baby without the nuisance of leaking breasts and body image issues (more than the normal ones), but all the rewards of a sweet, tiny life. At the hospital, I was fortunate enough to meet both sets of grandparents. His amazing paternal grandma and I had an in-depth conversation, so we were prepared that Connor would not be at our house for too long. But it was still heart-wrenching when I was notified on Monday, while buying groceries, that he would be heading to Grandma’s house on Tuesday. The ham lady must have thought me quite sentimental about my deli meat.

Yesterday afternoon we delivered Connor to his precious new home. (Yes, I ball and I type). They, too, are already in love with this little man, which is the huge consolation to my empty arms. I don’t know how I could survive a parting if I wasn’t positive that he was being as treasured as he deserves. Although he had a rough start, he is now completely enveloped with trustworthy, caring and loving big people.
So here’s what I’ve gathered from this amazing experience (and as you probably already noted, this entire post is indulging myself for therapy purposes): Kind people tell us often what a wonderful thing we are doing for a baby in need, but the joy that we receive from Connor is insurmountable. Many have said, “I don’t think I could handle foster parenting” (and since this was our first time, I wasn’t sure either). We were able to spend an entire week (which seemed closer to a year) with someone we completely adore. I’ll try to avoid adding Garth Brook lyrics to this post (think, “The Dance”), but my lesson is that the time we have had with Connor outshines, overshadows, overcomes the ache of my heart. The satisfaction has nothing to do with make-believing I did a noble deed, but that our family was so richly rewarded with being a part of Connor’s life.

Where do we go from here? As I said, Connor’s grandparents are incredible people and have graciously offered to keep in contact—and they are the kind of people who mean it (Grandma ALREADY e-mailed me pictures of him). Right now we are absolutely taking each day as it comes and praying for wisdom for our next step. And above all, we are praying for Connor’s glorious future and counting the blessings of being a part of his beginning.

For more videos, check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqGCtXVaH1I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dewEGz52xLg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ggDXnbruM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGsInwppb3c

The Toddler's Ski Trip

2009-02-15T06:08:00.000-06:00

In my excitement of baby news, I neglected to relay the riveting details of our ski trip. Seth and I drove to Steamboat Springs, CO, at the end of January, while Grandmom (Seth's mom) kept the boys entertained for five days (there's a special place in sainthood for you, Gmom).

While on this trip, I realized just exactly how much I am like Ian, my two-year old:

I need many movies or hours of conversation on a car trip to keep me from being fussy.

When Seth would pass me on a ski run, I felt like poking him with my ski pole or falling down (which is a gift of mine, anyway, while skiing) in a heap and shouting, "Me first, me first".

I'm always better behaved after a lengthy nap and a delicious snack.

I handed my ski pole to Seth so he could help me fix the handle strap, and I immediately grabbed it back and said "No, I do it myself. MYSELF!!!!!!!!".
I need LOTS of verbal affirmation and am not afraid to request it. For example, "Seth, tell me how much I've improved since yesterday" or "Seth, say, 'Awesome' and 'Great job' while you pass me" (if you forget to praise Ian after using the potty, he will respond, "Say, 'YYYYAYYYYYYYYYYYYY' to me" or after he uses the words please or thank you, "Say 'GOOD MANNERS!' to me".)

I am not afraid to do things unconventionally:

Ian eating olives:

Jenni practicing before going to Colorado (yes, this is in my driveway):

Here is where Ian and I differ:

He is MUCH more adorable in goggles than I am (in your comments, please say, "Jenni, you look FABULOUS in goggles and ski wear.")

Ian and I both also like LOTS of pictures to be taken at any event (or non-event):

Seth standing still--he did this A LOT while waiting for me to get a bit down the mountain:

It was VERY rare that I saw this angle of Seth:

A rare moment of uprightness:

And, again:

Beauty on the slopes:

And here we are at a fancy restaurant at the top of the mountain, looking like touristy, ski bums:

Abe and I contemplating how youthful and sculptured he looks for his 200 years:

Both contemplating how neither had a choice in sitting on this bench:

I'm sure it's hard for locals to recognize tourists, when they're taking pictures in front of large mounds of snow:

My favorite ski trip activity:

One of the many creative activities that Grandmom prepared for the boys, was mapping out what Mommy & Daddy would see in Colorado. She copied photos of landmarks to share with the boys, including the famous "Rabbit Ear Motel" landmark. And no, we did not sleep here. That's me, in the looming shadow:

And for your mocking pleasure, more of my driveway skiing adventure. One of my favorite comments on FaceBook regarding these pictures was a friend who asked if I had installed a ski lift. My answer, is no, but I'm putting it in our January 2010 budget:

Skiing off into the sunset (toward the mailbox):

And if you just can't get enough of my family, please review the following videos. One is of Seth singing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr4u1yAeDS0, and the other is of Noah reading to Ian (the key for entertainment is to keep your eye on Ian): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmTDIMU9314&feature=channel_page

We're Expecting!!!!

2009-02-09T19:49:00.000-06:00

And these are some of the people who are helping to make it happen...

Will, our DHS intake specialist

Angela, our home study specialist

Sofia and Sydney, our foster/adoption classes teachers

So for those of you who haven't already grown comatose from my endless chatter about this journey we are on, we are planning on fostering a baby. So here are some answers to some FAQ:

Why are you doing this?
Before we had our biological children, I told Seth that adoption was something God had put on my heart for awhile. I always wanted to be pregnant (if that was an option) and I also wanted to adopt. Seth was amazingly on board and has been for many years. My feeling is children are like a nice, cheesy pizza: I don't care if I make it at home or if it's delivered to me, I just want it in my house (do you think my children will appreciate this analogy?).

Are you doing this because you want a girl?

Actually, we're requesting one of the male variety.

What age baby do you want?

We have requested a child that is 0-2 years of age. We want to keep our birth order.

Are you adopting or fostering?

We are on the foster parent track, which means the goal of foster parenting is to reunify children with their birth parents. But, if that is not an option, then we are open to adoption.

What do your boys think about this?

They are ecstatic! Noah understands completely that a baby is coming to stay in our house and that he may stay for a little while or he may stay forever. Ian understands that the baby will be here to laugh at his many offerings of entertainment and that he will like to drink milk.

When will this happen?

We started the process in September and became official in December, but we requested that we begin receiving calls for placement in February. We already have received a call about one baby, and while we were in the process of deciding, they found a relative placement for him. So, this could happen tomorrow or a few months from now--it just depends on God's perfect timing for the child that belongs in our family.

Why is it, Jenni, that you work out all the time, but yet, you never, ever look like you do?

Chocolate cake.

Missing Shirts, Sleds, Sleep & Miss Indiana

2009-01-27T15:01:00.000-06:00

After bringing in the mail, Noah noticed this picture on the back of a catalog. He asked, "Why is her shirt not all the way on?" Then he said, "Maybe she lost it."

Noah and Ian are enjoying our current ice storm in the following ways:

With a sled:

Without a sled:

Pulling the sled:

With the Abominable Snowman:

With hot chocolate:

Here are some friends and I at a Miss America party, where we did lots of jeering and jabbing at all of the ladies. Just imagine what we did when the Miss America pageant began:

And I do LOVE my Sunday School class more than a HUGE brownie with ice cream, caramel, chocolate, whipped cream AND a cherry. Here are the SS ladies last weekend at our church's Women's Retreat:

Please look closely at Perry's face on the left. Her name is really, Christi, but we need nicknames in our SS class, because all the ladies' moms in my SS class believed titling their daughter Christi, Kristy, Kristi (or Keri or Carrie or Kristen or Connie, etc), would really help set them apart:

Here we are in the hotel weaving humorous tales of our children's fascination with body parts, functions and sounds (we also ate lots of chocolate and stayed up WAY past sunset):

Jack's Younger Brother's Fantastical Reality

2009-01-12T14:01:00.000-06:00

On Saturday afternoon, Noah and I saw the animated movie, "Bolt". It is about a television-star dog, who doesn't know that all his TV super powers are pretend (like his Super Bark which causes the bad guys to retreat). So, this movie, while an excellent one, didn't quite make sense for Noah--since Noah lives in his own make-believe world. For our eldest child, pretend and reality closely intertwine.

For example, Noah has his older brother Jack, who is nine-years-old, whose birthday is after Noah's, who used to be called Brody Braeden, but his name was changed to Jack Brody Braeden after Noah's babysitter's younger brother, Jack, came over. When asked why Jack doesn't have our last name, Noah (WAY too quickly) said, "He does, he has four names--Jack Brody Braeden Hutchins." On Saturday night, our friends asked Noah, "Where's Jack?" and he explained Jack was in the shower (and previously he had been on the school bus, where Jack spends a majority of his time). Last week, Noah and Colton were in the backyard calling for Jack over the fence to come home and help them kill a bee, because, "Jack's shoes are really a lot bigger than ours."

Then, there's Noah's dog, Sketcher, who lives in our backyard. "He's 10-years-old, so he's really tall" (because to Noah, the older you are, the taller you are). When we are in the backyard, Sketcher is playing in someone else's backyard (he's so shy, that Sketcher).

I completely enjoy Noah's belief of reality. In my world, I have a personal chef, maid, and a 44-year old massage therapist, who's REALLY, REALLY tall.

Ian likes to pretend Mommy's house shoes do NOT look like elf shoes.

And for posterity sake, here's a video that only a mommy (or daddy, grandparents or JerJer) could love. With all certainty, the rest of you will flee quickly, but, if you wish, take a gander while you wait for American Idol to begin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT_FGVi8tBk

Less words, more posing

2009-01-05T18:06:00.000-06:00

It's officially 2009 and I'm still recovering from 2008. But here's a sample from both years:

All dolled up for Seth's work Christmas soiree

Gingerbread Goodness:

Christmas Eve with my mom and Jer Jer:

Opening gifts at our house:

Santa preparations:

Reaping Santa's reward for delicious treats:

Ian and cousin Jesstine sharing some knock-knock jokes:

My niece (I LOVE being able to say that), MY NIECE is enjoying her time here since arriving four months ago:

New Year's revelry at the bowling alley (posing was required to be a part of this evening):

Peace Out 2008...

Yahweh Mailboxes

2008-12-23T09:10:00.000-06:00

So, we had an ice storm and our residents are not known for good driving in inclement weather. Also, this particular driver was not good at making their identity known. But Noah was VERY excited that HIS mailbox, that usually resides in the backyard, is currently being put to good, very official mailbox use.

The other evening, Noah was asking why some places in the Bible say "God" and some say "Lord". I explained that it is like how we have different names for his dad, Daddy, Seth, Shnookum Sugar Biscuit, etc. I went on to explain that we have lots of names for God, like Adonai, Jehovah and Immanuel, and then he stopped me and said, "Is Immanuel His last name?"

Friend-Eating, Meterology & Look-Alikes

2008-12-08T20:07:00.000-06:00

The boys got to see Santa last week—did you know he was in town? Noah did his BEST yet with Santa and this is the first year he has ever sat on Santa’s lap. Ian is already best friends with Santa and didn’t need much warm up. As you can see from the OFFICIAL Santa picture, Noah isn’t perfectly comfy with the big guy, but we made HUGE improvements this year. BEFORE seeing Santa, Noah listed ALL the items he was going to request from him (then, we also discussed the definition of the word “greed”, which he then responded that his teachers had read him the book, “The Greedy Cat” where the cat eats his friends because he is so greedy—pretty sure that he is beginning to understand the concept and I am going to check with the teachers if they normally teach on such disturbing topics as friend-eating), but he failed to actually speak to Santa.

Also, Noah is an aspiring meteorologist. He has been fascinated with temperatures and such for awhile and is always excited to find out what the "degrees" will be. Last week he told me, "I was watching the news and I know what the weather is going to be. There is going to be an ice storm in Africa." Then, that night, while driving in the car, he suddenly told me that it was going to be 71 degrees on Monday (this was a Thursday, so I was surprised at his foresight). I asked him how he knew and he said that he looked at the McDonald's sign (the sign read: Monday $.71 Shakes). I'm pretty sure he predicts our weather with the same methods as our local weathermen.
Ian has the same skills for identifying similar-looking people. He looked at a pic of Beyonce and said, "That wooks wike you, Mommy!" He's now my favorite child. In case you don't know who she is, here's a pic of Beyonce to prove we're almost the same person:

Bejeweled Hairballs

2008-12-03T13:45:00.000-06:00

The title of this post is an ode to my mom-in-law (or as my bro-in-law LOVES when I title her, my mom-in-love). She understands this title post. Sorry you don't.

So, here is what we do at Thanksgiving: eat ourselves silly, and then watch football. Our uniqueness is bedazzling:

Somehow, Ian works his way into every picture (he's sort of like Paris Hilton that way). Here he is with Dita & Jer Jer:

Later we turned on our lights and viewed the bemajesty from our front yard:

Okay, technically, this is Rhema Bible College, which we went to visit after the Thanksgiving feast, but it COULD be our house, if we, in fact had put up 2 million Christmas lights.

My boys beneath the bridge (also, not at our house):

The annual putting-Santa-on-the-tree picture:

Annual family-in-front-of-the tree-but-can't-really-see-the-tree picture:

Annual look-bemystified-by-the-topping-of-the-tree-but-Ian-doesn't-really-get-it-yet-but-aren't they-adorable-anyway pic:

Grateful Thankfulness

2008-11-24T22:08:00.001-06:00

I have SO much to be thankful for, including the latest release of the movie, Twilight. Why, yes, it is a teen-marketed movie, and, yes, I loved it and wish to see it again and again. I FORGOT my camera to this much anticipated movie opening, much to the sadness of Seth, but trust me, I was there (and did you notice how subtly I already implicated my husband), along with throngs of non-screaming girls. I really, really was hoping for more silliness at this event, but the only squealing came from April, Stephanie & myself. We were trying to stir up this mature, youthful crowd, but I guess if they have to read this HIGH literature before viewing the movie, they can't be bothered with such sophomoric behavior. But they didn't disappoint during the kissing scene, with an all out, "Ahhhhhhh". Much love to you Twilighters.

I'm also incredibly grateful for leaf-jumping boys who make an all-afternoon event out of piling up leaves...

Our adorable neighbor, Colton, joined in for the fall festivities...

And I am, as always, proud as punch over my husband and his talents. Take a look-see for yourself (thank God that his singing ability surpasses my staying-still-while-capturing-video ability)...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW12OnMhnkk

Late Birth Announcements, Non-Abandoning Friends & Christmas

2008-11-10T21:18:00.000-06:00

I have this thing about always wanting pictures to go with what I write about (Seth LOVES this aspect of my personality). And even though my GORGEOUS niece, Jesstine, was born in August, I haven't posted any pictures, because I kept thinking I would be able to take more pictures of her, because the pictures I have don't show her off well enough (and they show TOO much of me). But, alas, I need to share the good news of her August arrival, in November. And if you want to see many more lovely pictures of her, click on "Steve & Lacie" (Jesstine just refers to them as Master Diaper Changer and Mrs. Milk Provider) and you, too, can marvel at her beauty.

In other beauty news, one of my very best friends, April, is not abandoning me forever as previously planned (they moved from here to Beaumont where they lived the last two years and then made plans to move to Houston indefinitely, but plans changed and now they have moved back here--convoluted, I know). If you live in the area, you NEED to get to know her and her amazing family. April will never cease to entertain you, and her devotion and loyalty to family and friends (I consider her in the former category) is beyond description. Just a little anecdote to explain April's character. When Noah was a baby and before she had children (she's giving birth to #3 in December), we asked her and Mark to be our children's Godparents, if anything, God forbid, should happen to us. She started crying from happiness, and then through tears, she said, "I hope you die". I knew then that we had selected the perfect guardians. I'll leave Mark's amazing character and kindness and gentle spirit for another post.

This is Mitzi and I, with April in the middle:

Only April can blow out a candle like this:

Our good friend, Tim, kindly, patiently, graciously and talentedly took our family pictures this year. I haven't chosen THE family Christmas card picture, yet (oh how we are all waiting as we did last Tuesday for this exciting outcome), but I wanted you to see some of my favorite pictures and a few outtakes that will never been seen on a Christmas photo.:

This is my favorite picture EVER taken of the boys:

My mom joined in for the fun and here is one of my favs of her and the boys:

And some non-mantle worthy pics, but I enjoy them nevertheless:

Fun Size Opinions

2008-11-03T14:56:00.000-06:00

No one has EVER accused me of overwithholding my opinions, so here go a few more. What in the heck is up with "fun size"? This, my friend, is NOT fun size:

This, my friend, is:

My friend Emily sent me this MOST wonderful post from a parenting blog. This lady is pregnant with her first child and posted about what she plans to do with her maternity leave:

"Despite what my sisters have told me about having a child and the implications that it will have on my personal time, I envisage my four months of maternity leave as just that - a time to turn over a new leaf.
.....as much as I am looking forward to nurturing my newborn baby, I am also looking forward to the downtime "in between her naps" where I plan to do the following:
- Complete my degree
- Master the keyboard (I have purchased a self-teach book in preparation)
- Learn how to play guitar
- Start a herb Garden
- Take up art lessons and do some painting
- Tan and start a home gymming program to restore my body to it's former shape
- Paint my toenails and wax biweekly
- Writing ( I will excite my blog fanbase of 2 people, with an exciting new blog daily)
- Start a photography portfolio "

Although I do not have the heart to respond to this mom-to-be regarding her post (for fear of sharing my guarded opinions), I wanted to relay my thoughts on her sweet post to you. Prior to becoming a mom, I too, secretly found most moms to be, oh, how I shall I say, WHINY. Okay, kids are some work, but if you are not working, you can still keep a mostly immaculate home, cook amazing dinners, take photography classes, plant some extra gardens, work out extra hard, paint your nails a different shade every couple of hours. I mean those little things are just so tiny and I am just so organized (unlike those whiny moms). And if one more person said to me, "Enjoy your sleep now, there's not much with the little one comes" I was planning on replacing their shampoo with Neet.

These are secret thoughts that I did not have the courage (THANK GOD) to say out loud or post on a public forum. Because when my 6 lbs, 12 oz. bundle helped me realize that I was lucky to have time to run a comb through my hair or swig down some Instant Breakfast before he finished his 15 minute nap, after three hours of trying to get him to sleep, I came to honor the mothers who came before me. Now, I truly am not one to spoil a blossoming mommy-to-bes plans (because I am serious about those Neet thoughts) and I am an optimist (thus the belief that I wouldn't be "one of THOSE moms"), but sheesh, being a mom, especially of a newborn is really, really hard (right Lacie? right Lindsay? right Christy?). The difference is that when they arrive, even though it can make you sad that you smell like urine and you have Instant Breakfast on your shirt, you are really too in love with that little guy to mind as much as you might have planned you would under those conditions.

In my much cherished book, I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids, it contains a quiz that includes a few items I checked, that are my very most treasured:

You secretly wish you had your own apartment.

You consider a trip to the dentist you special "alone time".

You reflexively refer to the bathroom as "the potty"
You find that slowly browsing the aisles at Target, by yourself, is better than therapy.

In other opinions, these are the MOST adorable Tranformer Optimus Prime and Yoda of ALL times (and even though it is sometimes really tiring, I adore and cherish being their mommy and would choose NO other path):

When going through my pumpkin pictures, I was really frustrated that this person's bottom got in the way of my beautiful boys picture, until I realized it was actually the back of a scarecrow. I forgive you scarecrow.

Because what's a good pumpkin patch, without a hearty camel ride:

12 Years, Olympic Cat Dogs, Muffin-making Preschoolers & More

2008-10-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

There are SO many reasons, but here are just a few why I am glad that I've been married to Seth for 12 years:

1. He makes me laugh incredibly hard every, single day.
2. He ALWAYS leaves the last peanut butter jelly muffin for me. Always.
3. Although he admits to struggling with keeping balance, his family comes first in his priorities.
4. He is incredibly transparent.
5. He is a genius.
6. He is HOT!
7. After 12 years, I have never been more confident in Seth's love, commitment and adoration of little ol' me.
8. Also, he is the one who first tried to make us show 12 years, the following way (he believes EVERYONE enjoys math the way he does):

Here's how Noah shows his love to his little brother:

Noah learning to ride a "sharp-turn" bike (Noah's term):

My favorite chefs:

The Olympic champions after a heated running race at Grandmom's house--Noah placed two "golden medals" on his "dog" Jazz (the white cat):

Noah "playing" in his first game:

Seth playing in his 5,639th game this last weekend:

Parallel Worlds

2008-10-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

After I posted my "Scooby Doo Band-Aid" story, my mother-in-law, Sandra, relayed the following story:

When we moved to Wichita, the boys (five and three) stayed with my parents. Dad told the story of passing the door to their room just in time to catch Seth slap Stephen. Stephen automatically began crying, and my Dad asked Seth why he had hit his brother. When Seth didn't reply, Dad repeated, "Seth, why would you hit your brother? What were you thinking?! Seth reluctantly replied, "I was thinking you wouldn't see me."

Sandra and I often share our joy of our boys and their relationship (albeit, sometimes a violent one). This reminded me of some photos that further my belief that Sandra and I are living in a parallel universe.

This is my world:

This is Sandra's (hopefully obviously noted because of the television OR the '76):

Mine:

Her's:

And so on:

American Idol Concert

2008-09-22T13:40:00.000-05:00

Lest you get the idea that I do not know my age (i.e. attending vampire prom), there was a bearded, 80-year-old woman right in front of me, with her equally hairy and elderly American Idol fan friends. Next to them, was the 16-year-old girl who tried standing up the entire time while taking digital pictures (my friends suggested that it was too bad for the digital age or she would have run out of film way before Kristy Lee Cook). So the demographic was varied and interesting at the concert.

And this was my favorite concert ever! Now I do say that after every concert I attend, but really, this was an awesome time. It was like 10 mini-concerts and only two cheesy group numbers (thus the reason it took us so long to attend an AI concert for fear of many Diane Ross medleys with all the contestants hating their life). And David Cook even finished with "Billy Jean". Now if only I can find some time to bop over to the mall, go cruising, have a slumber party...

Seth showing the proper excitement after seeing all of our favorites:

Why, yes, I do have a Scooby Doo band-aid on my eyebrow

2008-09-12T19:07:00.000-05:00

This is how it all went down. Yesterday, Noah and Ian were playing "fall off the couch as close as possible to the sharp-edged coffee table". Surprisingly, I put a stop to this game. Then I went around the corner to my room and two minutes later, I heard Noah saying, "I'm sorry, Ian. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Then the anguished cry. Ian was amongst the pillows, wailing and bleeding profusely from his brow. After pressurizing, cleaning, bandaging, then debating whether to go to the doctor for a stitch (I decided against even though that could have been a wonderful addition to this story), I asked Noah what happened (Ian was still wailing) and he said that Ian hit the table. I couldn't help but scold them both for not listening to mommy (I went straight into the this-is-why-we-have-rules-for-your-own-good-young-man talk) and then I asked Noah why he was saying, "I'm sorry." He said he felt bad that Ian hit his head and was hurt.

Forward to this evening. Our friend, Chuck (really, that's his name) stopped by and after noticing the not-so-subtle bandage, questioned Ian about his wound:

Chuck: Ian, what happened to your head?
Ian (quite used to this question after going to school today): I have owie.
Chuck: How did you get it?
Ian: Hit table.
Chuck: Uh oh, you hit the table.
Ian: Noah pushed me.

The Cul-de-Sac Ladies

2008-09-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

From left to right: Me, Jen Jen, Beth, Emily, Christy (for whom this gathering occurred), Ida, Shannon, Adi

I owe these ladies so much, not the least being my ability to spell Cul-de-Sac with confidence (the name comes from my college utopian desire for us all to live in the same neighborhood...forever).

Many different addresses, eight husbands and 15 and 3/4 babies later, we are all still friends (Ida was adopted into the TU group, even though I'd sooner not discuss her alma mater).

This group is my foundation. These are the women that I base my friend standard upon. Not just what I look for in other friends, but the kind of friend I hope my standard to be. They are loyal, kind, strong, quirky, intelligent, hysterical, thoughtful, and honest. We have a history of college stories that we always tell in a certain order (Emily's Rob, who was not present during our college years, pointed this out during one of our "hilarious" retellings of the good-ole days). While writing this, I thought of 337 jokes that only seven other women would get, so I have refrained. All that to say, I am immeasurably grateful for these amazing ladies.

This last weekend we celebrated our last second baby of the group (Christy's, not mine, even though I look incredibly pregnant in this picture). We discussed that now the baby showers are slowly petering off, the only reason to get together are funerals (there is sometimes a macabre element to our humor). We are hoping to work in a few multi-family vacations and ladies' destination get-aways before then.

My Tiny Dare Devil

2008-08-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

Here he is at it again:

First Day of School

2008-08-26T21:09:00.000-05:00

This is the first day of school head squeeze, which I adore.

We carpool to preschool with Noah's BFF, Colton, so here are the both of them on the first day of their 4-year-old class
Noah saw this picture and said, "Oh yeah, this is the picture where I'm pretending to go to school". Yep, this is the one.

Olympic Picture Captions

2008-08-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

If you are really into the Olympics like Noah (he has been encouraging Ian to "go for the gold" at swim class ) or if you just like really, really funny picture captions, please immediately click on this link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/080815. Please tell me your favorite (mine is "Shark! And it's big!"). Then forward it to 10 friends or you'll bring shame to your nation.

Big Cedar Lodge Vacation

2008-08-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

We have recently returned from our family vacation to Big Cedar Lodge which is just right outside of Branson, Missouri. Noah's list of his "best" things were: 1. Driving the boat 2. Playing miniature golf 3. Eating pancakes

Here's proof of best thing #1:

Not to be outdone:

Noah explained to me later that the reason he did not want to get in the lake was because of the sharks (Seth hasn't given a better excuse why he didn't):

We also had an awesome pool that was just outside our lodge. While it looks like I've dragged my kids into a thunderstorm while swimming, it was a cloudy day, but the pool was really, really warm (gratefully none of the other guests realized this):

The lodge held a fishing competition for kids (this family will do whatever it takes to WIN):

But seriously, when we weren't cheating (we obviously had NO idea what we were doing because the fish just stuck their tongues out at us as they backstroked near the boys' poles), the boys had a really fun time watching all the other children catch fish:

I was trying to get a tender moment picture of the back of the boys walking away with their dad, but alas, my boys do not allow for such sentiments (also, they are paying me back for the endless pictures I made them endure). But I love these anyhow:

And to further prove my point of the endless pictures, here are just a few more of my favorite:

Noah's Music Camp Performance

2008-08-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, when I explain that Noah is s-h-y (for some reason I always spell it when he is listening to my explanation of his personality), it comes off like I'm suggesting he's contracted some rare malady from Malaysia that we're working with Mayo doctors to remedy (along with my affection for alliteration). I, myself, skipped out on the s-h-y gene, so I have had to work to accept this as a part of his personality and NOT as something to get over. Being that his cautiousness (I often use this substitute word to divert the possibility of him realizing he possesses the s-h-y gene) is intertwined with who my sweet boy is, I LOVE to see him display confidence. And lately he has really been blossoming (or whatever it is that boys do) in several areas, one being that he is no longer catatonic when he is on stage during musical performances. I am completely content that he will never desire to be a Backstreet Boy, but I do want him to feel proud of himself and happy with who God has made him. All that to say, here are some precious pictures of Noah before the "David & Goliath" music performance, where Noah did a wonderful job singing and doing the motions. I don't have any actual performance footage because they don't allow photography or video for fear that people will sell copies to Japan illegally (also my camera does not do well in dark lighting).

Here's my brave Noah with Goliath before the program:

A contraband picture I was able to take before the armed guards apprehended me:

Noah and his BFF, Colton, who helps make Noah less s-h-y:

Noah practicing one his favorite songs in his pajamas on the fireplace:

Vampire Prom

2008-08-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

I'm not kidding when I tell you that I went to a Vampire Prom on Friday night. Seriously. If you haven't heard, there's this book series called "Twlight", that when trying to get me to read it, Karen described it as a "vampire romance." Now, as obviously appealing as that sounds, I was skeptical, but then I read it and became obsessed (meaning I had to stay up way past 9:30pm reading it) which we then passed on the obsession to Leslie, Brook, Mitzi, Kinsey, April, SETH, Emily (whom I actually drove to B&N and made her pick up the book and purchase and who read the third 500-page book in one evening), and many more. Turns out this is a Harry Potteresque phenomenon and the fourth book in the series just came out--thus, the Vampire Prom party that we attended at Barnes & Noble. The following is actual footage of the announcement that the book was going on sell in five minutes:

Now, you might have noticed that the screams were those of, let's say, younger ladies. Yes, the book was originally marketed for the teen-age sector, which is also the section you must pick it up in at the bookstore. But I swear that there are MANY fans of all ages. When Leslie's friend, Carla, showed up late to the prom, she said she immediately started looking for the "30-something" crowd knowing that she'd find just a few of us lurking agedly around. And the following displays how my elderly friends acted in response to the book-going-on-sell announcement (this is not staged at all):

Here we are after midnight with "Breaking Dawn":

Just a couple of vampires, Brook & Leslie (if you read the books, you know that vamps are beautiful--no fangs or coffins or any such nonsense):

Some of those at B&N, starting at top left: Farah, Tammy, Leslie, Kinsey, Brook, Emily & Karen :

So, I'm off to read...

Before Bath Time...

2008-07-27T15:59:00.000-05:00

Whining, Air Quotes and Tortillas

2008-07-17T07:06:00.000-05:00

A prominent national "magazine" (Family Circle) has just placed my beloved city on its list of 10 best places to raise "a" family. The article alludes to the fact the our City staff members tirelessly worked to promote our city, that reporters never technically visited our "community" and that we were randomly selected from a Cheetos bowl, along with Oro Valley, AZ; South Burlington, "VT", Brunswick, OH, etc.

This leads to my next question, in the most pathetic and whiny tone possible (which isn't challenging for most of you to imagine), if this is such a great "place", why do my friends always leave me? ALL of my college friends moved away at some point after college (Christy and Adi have returned to the fold). Then there's my adult BFF, April, who moved to Texas "temporarily" but now because of a "job change" has decided to stay in Texas (TEXAS!). The upside is I have vacation homes all over, in such tropicals as Fort Smith, Siloam Springs, Houston, now, "another" "in" Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, Boston, New Jersey, etc.

This leads me to my new favorite quote from my new best friend, Christy M. (who I have not technically met face to face but have been introduced via the world wide web through Emily). In our exchange of e-mail (yes, I decided she was my BFF after one e-mail and reading her blog religiously), I requested that she move to my city (it is on Family's Circle's list of 10 best places to raise a family). She asked in regards to our "Indian-y" sounding location, "Do you have dream catchers in every window and make your own tortillas? That would be cool." She already lives in another place besides my city. That's good, because now I've prevented the agony of her moving away.

Random Summer

2008-07-10T15:47:00.000-05:00

So, here are some random pictures that I want to share, but no cohesive story to go with them:
This has been the summer of weddings and these pics are from one (Lauren & Jordan's), from the photobooth, which is the latest trend in receptions these days (for those of you who are not former high school youth sponsors and aren't currently invested in Bed, Bath & Beyond Wedding Registry stock, like ourselves).

When I was a child, the slip and slides had 3 foot stakes holding them down, and no padded cushion at the end, just an opening to help you slide right into the oak tree. And that reminds me of a Bucky Covington song (as I'm sure you're often saying to yourself throughout the day)..."Our cribs were covered in lead based paint, No child proofed lids, no seat belts in cars, Rode bikes with no helmets and still here we are..." Not that I'm for exposed outlets and easy to open cabinets, just an observation about the "different world" that Bucky and I grew up in.

Our sweet cousin, Alyssa, who visited us on her sixth birthday! In honor of her Arkansas roots, Ian is shoeless.

Because who doesn't like a picture of a 4-year-old with a deadly weapon and Robin with a hard hat.

Because they are all so cute.

Noah sometimes reminds me of the 90 pound Lab who lets his 4 pound Maltese friend pounce all over him.The big dog could cover him with one paw, if he wanted to, but he's too tenderhearted and too happy to have someone to play with than to do anything but get his heels nipped on.

Below are our most patriotic of annual pictures:

I look like Wilson from Home Improvement (disregard laughter if you're not a fan of the show)

Because the magic of fireworks never leaves you.

Eating cheetos while laying down is very patriotic.

Deidra in white tank, Colton in red tank, Baby Luke with BIG smile and extra chins

Great Moms Getaway!

2008-07-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

Long gone are Christy and my college days when we would go off for the weekend on the BSU sponsored "Great Girls Getaway" (the guys liked to use that title as a command, because they thought they were so very clever). But us now GREAT moms, did in fact, get away to OK City for 28 hours without goldfish or sippy cups or strollers! It was 28 hours of eating (we somehow accomplished four meals and one dessert stop in that time period--and Christy is the only one that is pregnant), shopping, talking, laughing, and breathe right strips (see below for more on the strips). Thanks, Christy, for a truly wonderful getaway!

The eternally glowing Christy in Bricktown.

Christy and her breathe right strip (look closely on her nose bridge for its cuteness) before bed time. It turns out we need more help breathing when we are pregnant.

Here is our only picture together during the weekend (of course it is at a restaurant). Since we didn't get any good ones together during this trip, here are a couple of flashbacks from yesteryear...

One of our many mature marker fights in college.

Here we are actually at one of the Great Girls Getaway's during college.

Happy 2nd Birthday Ian!

2008-06-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

Here's our little Ian on his 2nd birthday!

These are some of the guests at his birthday party.

This is what the end of a birthday week feels like at our household!
We love you SO much Ian!!!!!!!!!!

The Sign of a True Friend

2008-06-22T16:34:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on getting Ian's 2nd birthday pics up, but in the meantime, I want to show you a live example of a servant-hearted man. Our family friend, Jer Jer, (he was named Jerry until Noah came on the scene), helped us set up for Ian's party, clean up and all the stuff in between. During the party, a large number of ants were discovered on the playset so Jer Jer sprung into action. A large number of children were playing around the area (some of them playing IN the ant area) so he wanted to remove the ants with the least amount of disturbance to the kiddos. So here he is, on his hands and knees, blowing ants off the playset--the very definition of a loyal friend.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-14T13:43:00.001-05:00

I was watching the evening news (E News) and they shared that a recent poll named Brad Pitt, David Beckham and Matt Damon as the top dads. Clearly the pollsters have never seen my man with his children.
They've never seen Seth wake up at 5:30am, go to work all day, come home to play soccer, motorcycles, chase, then give the boys a bath, read a book and put them to bed, then go to bed and discuss with me how in love he is with those little men. They've never seen him laugh uncontrollably while Ian jumps on top of him, head butts him then slobbers relentlessly all over his face. It wasn't reported the 845 times that Seth walked out of Noah's room in tears after reading to him and having Noah tell him that he loves him. They didn't mention the 5,678 times that this previously late sleeper was woken up at 7am to the shrieks of little men, with only the response of, "I love you, boys." No headlines mentioned Seth's unending patience as the little guys, who want to be JUST LIKE him, weekly "mow" the lawn with him, even though it takes him twice as long as necessary. Not once did they take notice of all the meals provided, the laughs given, the hugs and kisses dispensed, the love immeasurable, unconfined, and endless, but we did. And, to further prove my point, for my babies' daddy, that is all he needs.

'Tis the Holiday Season

2008-06-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

My friend, Emily, calls the period around her birthday, "The holiday season". This was Seth's holiday season with a week long celebration of his birthday (we still have a dinner tonight with Mitzi & Duane, then we celebrate him as Daddy on Sunday:>).

The birthday boy with his boys after Dita's delicious birthday dinner

Vest men: Kevin, Seth, Derek & Brad

Let me explain why all the men are wearing vests. When we (our college friend group) were in college we didn't go out to eat much and we stayed casual most of the time. On the rare occasion that we did go out to eat, our friend, Seth, would inevitably wear a sweater vest (think, early 90s cardigan), to dress up for the big eating out occasion. Beth (college friend) started calling them Seth's dinner vests. Brad (part of the college friend group) suggested that the guys surprise Seth at his birthday dinner by donning the dinner vests (provided by Brad--but sans the 90s look). When we showed up at the restaurant Seth sat down across from Kevin at dinner (without really looking at the whole table) and mockingly said to Kevin, "Oh, you're sporting the vest tonight." Then he realized the joke was on him when he looked at the other vesty boys. Then the vest was on him, when Christy (Brad's wife) presented him with his OWN sweater that she purchased half off at the Salvation Army. Also, please note the "sprigs of patriotism" (as quoted by Karen) that are included in the dinner vest picture--the Shiloh's restaurant classy decor.

Non-vesters: Christy, Jenni, Karen & Leslie

Separated at Birth?

2008-06-08T13:55:00.001-05:00

I need your votes on this. Yesterday, while watching Looney Tunes, Ian shouted, "Uncle Stephen" when he saw Yosemite Sam. I'm keeping my opinion private until others have a chance to weigh in. Except for the blazin' guns, do you see the resemblance?

"Okay, which one is this?" -Ian

Your Next Vacation Destination?

2008-06-05T17:03:00.001-05:00

Now, you may not believe Wichita to be a happening vacation spot, but if you are four and two and your Grandmom lives there, then it might as well be Bora Bora. Noah and Ian always learn many lessons at their favorite getaway...here are a few from our last visit:
1. Popcorn is not just sold at the movie theatre. You can also buy it at the grocery store.
2. Cats really, really will not be your friend if you yell, "Cat", at them at high decibels and chase them erratically.
3. "Mary Poppins" is incredible when you are four and aggravating when you are two.
4. Grandmoms are the best at reading stories, giving horsie rides, providing treats, and giving the best hugs (this was a repeat lesson).
Thanks, Grandmom, for being the real happiest place on earth!

Let's say that only one of us is getting what we want (to steer the tractor)

Fishy

2008-05-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

This would be one of Noah's highlights from his first four years of life--fishing with Uncle Duane. Noah's very first cast (or if we're being picky, Duane's cast) brought him in a humongous catfish. It took around ten minutes for him to reel it in (or for Duane to finally bring it on in) and Noah was so proud. For the three hours we were there, Noah caught around ten fish. And after three hours, this is what Seth could catch from the stocked pond. Mitzi caught a HUGE one, plus some and I caught a couple little ones (with Duane's assistance, of course), but Ian wasn't so much interested in the fishing as he was swimming with the fish. He attempted many maneuvers to escape and jump in the water--the forward direct approach, stealthily crouching backwards, hurling himself towards the pond's direction and rolling down the hill. He was as unsuccessful as Seth's fishing prowess. Ian thoroughly enjoyed watching the worms and seeing how far the worms would stretch. We discontinued playing with the worms when he said, "gummy worms!" and tried to get the worm to make a beeline for his mouth. Again, unsuccessful, but still quite entertaining for Ian. Thanks Mitzi & Duane for being amazing fisher(wo)men and friends!

Our lawn service

2008-05-12T22:03:00.000-05:00

If you are in the local area and need a good lawn service, you might want to check out these guys. Their price is reasonable (grape snow cones are sufficient) and they are quite thorough (the two shorter guys go over the same space numerous times). Let me know if you need their contact info...