Bad Mom?

...Not because of what happens in the video, but because I laughed. Hard. Don't blink; you might miss it.

You can listen to Avery and me talk if you want, but that's not the best part....(it's at the beginning).

We're Going To Church, Momma

This is Avery's version of church. Notice every chair is full! Must be a good preacher.

I thought it was really cute; she even sang "Awesome God." Braden took a front row seat.

Then I wondered if it is healthy that she already believes that chairs lined up, facing one man on a stage, is worship. I hope Kenny and I will be able to point her in a direction so she can read God's Word and decipher which is His Truth and which is man made rituals.

Thanksgiving

I wanted to blog about what a fun time we had during Thanksgiving, but keep putting it off. My friend Stacy blogged about it so now I am going to steal her blog. If you want to know what we did. Go here.

Sleeping Babes

Although I don't dare try it often (for fear of awaking sleeping babes), one of my favorite things to do is watch my kids sleep.

Their peaceful faces, full of innocence tend to overwhelm me, and I almost always end up with a tear in my eye.

The following images were taken after last week. We were able to spend a fabulous time with long-time friends Jon and Stacy for the Thanksgiving holiday. The kids played their little hearts out. I think the pictures speak for what fun we all had!

Two Peas In A Pod

My little angels seem to be inseparable lately.

Selfless

Kenny has been teaching Dave Ramsey's financial advice to his Personal Finance class at school. Each day he comes home with new tidbits that we sometimes do and sometimes don't know. The other day's advice was about helping young children corellate hard work with earning money.

Avery has always been a big 'help' around the house, but recently her 'help' has turned into taking a few things off my list of things to do. I've always thought that kids need to do things around the house without expecting anything in return because that's just what being a part of a family means. Kenny's new advice was a bit interesting to me though because I do want her to be a hard worker and learn about how to earn money.

So, today I made a task chart. Not a chore chart....I don't like the word chore for some reason. When it was complete with things such as helping with laundry, taking dishes to sink after meals, setting the table, picking up toys, cleaning room, etc. I started to explain to her how it would work. Every time she did one of the things, she could put a sticker in the box under the days that she did them. At the end of the week we would count the stickers, and if there were a certain amount (still to be determined) then she could earn a little money to either save in her piggy bank or save to buy a little toy of some sort.

When I finished explaining, she had the normal questions, "how do we earn again?" "where do I put the stickers?" Once they were answered, I explained again the benefit and reward of earning.

This was her response.

"I don't want to save it momma."

(I suspected she wanted to buy something.)

"We need to sell it."

(Sell it? I continued to listen.)

"You know, we need to give it to other people because some people don't have things and aren't blessed like we are."

I'll let that speak for itself...

Braden's New Trick.

Braden discovered this new trick after naptime one afternoon this week. He thinks it's hilarious; as do we! I wish I had not stopped taping because the finale is him throwing himself backward. Enjoy!

Deck the Halls!

I made these stockings to sell on my etsy site and take to the next Market show we have, but I'm thinking I won't be too sad if they don't sell. I secretly had Avery and Braden in mind whilst sewing!

.....But of course if you like them, or know someone who might, you can buy them here.

And So It Begins...

Bathtime for the kids used to be one of my favorite times. Then came Avery's broken arm, which turned bathtime into a hassle since the kids could not take one together. Now that the cast fiasco is over, the fun has not returned to bathtime.

For me anyway.

The kids love it more than ever. I'm just tired of being completely soaked by the end of it all.

So on Monday night I decide to try a new tactic.

Start Braden's bath first.

Get him clean.

Add Avery.

Let them play for a bit. (Small bit.)

Take Braden out, and give him to Kenny.

Bathe Avery.

Let her play.

This way they both enjoy their bath alone and with each other, but it is not as stressful for me.

I say all of this to begin my story.

During the "adding Avery" stage of the process, I realize that she is gazing at Braden's "special area." I continue to watch her to see where this will go. She stops looking at him long enough to look at herself.

Finally her eyes meet mine briefly before she follows Braden as he turns his back on her.

Then it comes.

"Momma, what's that hole? I don't have one."

For some reason this is super hilarious to me. I wondered how long it would take her to notice their differences. Then hole? Weird description.

I say, "well honey, God made boys and girls differently."

(I'm trying to think of what I will say next because her newest word is "WHY?")

Luckily the 'why' is replaced with an, "oh."

"So, momma, you look like me?"

(Kenny enters the bathroom while I respond with a yes.)

"And Daddy, you look like Braden?"

I fill him in on the details. He snorts and adds, "well, sort of."

And surprisingly, the conversation is over. She's satisfied with that.

I'm preparing now for her future, probing questions that are sure to come.

She's Brilliant

Avery has been playing school a lot lately since she got to go to school with Daddy last week for a field trip. We have always worked on some pre-K workbooks here and there, but lately it's all she wants to do!

Yesterday this was her newest accomplishment! I was so proud of her! She did it all by herself.
My favorite is her 'E.'

I've Been Tagged

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Where is your significant other? School
3. Your hair color? Gold
4. Your mother? Genuine
5. Your father? Hard-working
6. Your favorite thing? Laughing
7. Your dream last night? Disturbing
8. Your dream/goal? Heaven
9. The room you're in? Living
10. Your hobby? Art
11. Your fear? Loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Content
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Sad
15. One of your wish-list items? Home for the Holidays (I know...not one word)
16. Where you grew up? Texas
17. The last thing you did? Defrosted
18. What are you wearing? Sweats
19. Your TV? Cartoon
20. Your pet? Dead
21. Your computer? Addicting
22. Your mood? Indifferent
23. Missing someone? Parents
24. Your car? Rodeo
25. Something you're not wearing? Watch
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? Vacation
28. Love someone? Family
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Sunday

Partay! Birthday Partay!

I'm One!

My birthday was Wednesday the 29th, but we aren't going to celebrate until Saturday. Mom says she feels bad that she hasn't put as much attention into planning my first birthday party as she did for Avery, but I told her as long as there is cake I'll be fine.

I went to the doctor today and weighed in at 26 pounds, 13.8 ounces, and I'm 31" tall. There were so many new things to explore in the doctor's office, and I kept everyone laughing while I grinned and ran from one side of the room to the other. I wasn't grinning as much after I had to get four shots, but mom says they will help me not get really sick. I also found out that I have an ear infection. Mom is glad to know the reason why I have been waking up screaming during the night.

I have been taking steps since I was 10 1/2 months old, but still liked to crawl more than walk until I was about 11 1/2 months old. Now I am pretty close to running everywhere. I have to go fast to keep up with Avery.

There are always bumps and bruises on my forehead and face because I do get wobbly when I'm tired.

My favorite things to play with are my blue bear, blue blanket, and any kind of ball. I do like to read books, and it's funny to try to take away anything Avery is playing with.

I have been eating table foods since I was nine months old, and I'm working on switching to milk over formula.

There are eight sharp teeth in my mouth, and I love to show them off when I smile.

I still have a very laid back personality and like to meet new people.

Daddy is proud of me because I become mesmorized when football and baseball are on TV. Momma laughs and knows exactly where I get it from.

I still take two naps a day.

Bathtime is the best! Water is so much fun to splash. Momma says I get a little carried away since the entire bathroom is soaked by the time I'm finished.

I'm still a Daddy's boy. I can be upset and squirmy with Momma, but the second Daddy walks in the door, my world is fine.

Our Update Through Pictures

Big Milestone For Little Big Man

It seems weird to me that I have not posted about this great milestone in Braden's life. I think it's because his steps started about a month ago and were pretty sporadic. It seemed like an ongoing process that I thought I would tell about when it was 'finished'.

Since he's my baby, and I seem to want to keep it that way, I haven't committed to saying that Braden is walking. I guess now that he is walking more than he is crawling, it might be time for me to take that step.

Braden's Buddy

This is Braden's newest pal, Lucas. Let me tell you that I absolutely adore Lucas (almost as much as Braden does). He is one of the nicest, well-mannered, respectful, 17 year old kids you will find.

Most of the kids Kenny teaches, as well as the ones we coach, love our kids. They'll take them and play with them, but normally get bored, then either bring them back to us after only a few minutes or just let them run off on their own.

Not Lucas. He's different. He will seek us out, take Braden, then hold him hostage from everyone else who wants to play with him. Lucas is the real deal; not only in it for the good times, but also calms Braden down if he gets upset. Sometimes we have to find Lucas and make him give up Braden so we can go home.

Lucas and his family are new to ACA this year, and let me tell you that they have all been a blessing to everyone they come in contact with. I could write for days, describing their servant hearts, and how they have impacted several lives.

Lucas told me one day that he wanted twelve kids...all like Braden.

I want Braden to be Lucas when he's 17.

Purple Petals and Pink Casts

Look what my sweet hubby brought me yesterday! ...Just because...

Avery got her cast of Tuesday morning. She didn't like the noise of the cutter, but other than that she did okay. I couldn't decide if she was more pitiful right after the break or right after the cast came off.

We brought the cast home, and everytime I saw it, I thought Avery's arm was laying around without her body! Weird.

The Fair Was Great in 2008!

Avery has looked forward to this year's trip to the Fair the minute last year's trip was complete! On opening weekend, we loaded up the kids along with our friends Dawn and Chris, and headed that way. Avery was so patient because it felt like it took a while to get going.

When we got inside the gates, Kenny headed toward the barnyard animals; he knew Avery and Braden would enjoy seeing them. Of course Avery saw all the rides the minute we entered the Fairgrounds, so she had her mind set elsewhere.






Once we perused through stinky territory, we told Avery it was time to get her wristband so she could ride the rides. After waiting in that line, we were told we had to go wait in another line to sign a waiver since her arm was in a cast. So, after treking back and forth across what felt like the entire length of the park three times, we were set to ride.







Avery picked to go in fun house first. Of course she was content to go through that a million times before we reminded her that there were several other rides she could go on as well. All of the favorites from years past were chosen: the caterpillar roller coaster, balloons, merry go round, cars, motorcycles, big slide, and so much more.

We decided the height requirement had been raised this year because she was barely able to sneak on several rides that we know she rode last year. Poor Braden will just have to wait longer now to enjoy the fun that Avery enjoyed earlier.







There was a new experience that will probably be the first and last all in one. I don't remember what it was called, but it was the mini version of the ride that takes you to the top, then drops you. I was concerned that she would not enjoy it, but she said she would be fine. She looked so tiny in the big seat, and I'm sure she felt like she was a million feet up in the air. When it took her to the top, her face was happy. As it dropped, her eyes showed concern. Then as it continued to raise and lower very quickly, she started crying and screamed, "I want this ride to be over!!! Now!!!" The girl next to her was much older, and was very sweet to console her. If the ride had not ended when it did, everyone would have seen a crazy momma climbing and grabbing for her baby.





By the end of the night, Avery was pooped as was Daddy. This year he drew the short straw to have to ride all the rides. He wanted to spend the time with Avery, but he didn't want to deal with the effects of dizziness and upset stomach. I loved watching them together, and I know he had fun.





Braden was perfect little Braden the whole time. He was content to sit in his stroller and enjoy the lights and sounds, but we got him out every now and then to play. I think he enjoyed being at eye level better than knee level.





It was a night jammed full of fun and entertainment with friends and family, and we all look forward to next year!