Ta-Da!

And for those of you who might like to see proof of the pantry pilfering, here you go!

Latest Work Of Art

On days where Avery wakes up before Braden, she normally pads into my room and gets into bed with me. Today was different though. She wanted me to come to her room.

Of course I groaned a little, wanting to steal a few more minutes of warm snuggly time under my own covers, but found my way to Avery's room so she wouldn't keep yelling, then wake Braden up.

"Momma, look at this," she happily gestured toward her wall that holds her wooden letters than spell her name.

This should have been my first clue.

This was my second.

"I traced my letters so I will know how to spell my name better. And I made a maze that traces around my hands!"

She was so pleased with herself.

I know this is something that should have warranted a spanking, but I just didn't have it in me this morning. Her art was creative, and when she saw my expression she immediately felt bad.

"Avery, does that look like paper?"

"No."

"Where is the only place we are supposed to color/draw/write?"

"Paper."

"This is a no-no."

"I'm sorry Momma. I thought you might not like it."

"If it were on paper, I would like it very much."

"I know what! Let's get the white eraser then get it wet and wipe the walls."

I was under her covers by then. She felt so bad, she didn't even try to ask to get up and play. I got lots of extra snuggles, and every often she would add, "momma, we need to get the wet eraser...."

Once she knew it wasn't supposed to be there, she wanted it gone immediately.

A Brookside Retreat

As I alluded to in one of my previous posts, Kenny surprised me at Christmas with a fabulous weekend away for just the two of us. He was so thoughtful to plan our trip to a very special place; where we spent our honeymoon. We found that "our cabin" (named Brookside, because it sat behind a babbling brook), was just as we left it 8 years ago! As the memories rushed back to us, we were amazed at how it seemed like such a short time ago, as well as such a long time ago, depending on how you looked at things.

We arrived Friday evening to our secret hideaway, settled in for a bit, then headed to Pigeon Forge for some evening activities. After eating dinner at a cute 50's Diner, we enjoyed a Magic Show! We both did not know what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised at what a good show it really was. The show contained a tiger, and other animals from Africa as well!

There were definitely some interesting characters in the audience with us, but that should be saved for another post all to itself. Our magician had received an award that was equal to the Grammy Award in the world of magic. He was in the company of other famous magicians to win the same award.

This is what happens when you take a picture and don't know it's zoomed in!

It was pretty late after the show due to the loss of an hour from the time change, so we headed back to Townsend, where our sweet little cabin was nestled.

On Saturday we slept in. For some folks, this may seem like a minor detail, but to those of us who have to get up when the kids get up, this was HUGE! We actually did not get ready and out of the cabin until lunchtime, so we stopped at a cute little cafe on the way to Gatlinburg.

We reenacted several poses that were taken the 'first time around.'

Unfortunately it rained off and on during the day, and was a bit chilly, but we still enjoyed our time walking the streets of Gatlinburg, reminiscing about the things we did the first time we were there. We had a caricature drawn of us, and both decided that we will stop having pictures made of us, and will just have drawings the older we get. She made us look good...as good as a caricature can look! My waist was super skinny; Kenny's neck was buff; what more could you ask for!?

We also perused through many shops along the way. This is what happens when you start getting a little bored.

We enjoyed an afternoon snack at Bubba Gump's. Someone snuck in the background of Kenny's picture!

I have never categorized myself as an adrenaline junkie, but after what happened next, I might start to lean in that direction. Kenny was very kind to encourage me to do something I wanted, even though he did not want to participate himself. He sat alongside me during the learning experience, then took lots and lots of pictures. What is this experience, you may ask?

Indoor Skydiving! Yep! I did it, and it was a blast! I've always wanted to skydive for real, and this is as close as I will get for a while. The experience was amazing! I loved how I was challenged to take a leap of faith and jump into a 130 mile per hour wind, while trying to manipulate the right form to stay flying. There were two other guys in the tunnel with me, and they both chose me to go first. It was fun learning the hand motions from the instructor, telling us what position our hands, arms, feet, legs, etc. should be. We witnessed a few other instructors before I "flew" who held onto their students the entire time. I was lucky to get an instructor who encouraged us to be independent. At some points, he let go of me completely, and I found myself soaring toward the top of the tunnel. Once, I even looked around because I thought was too high, and there was my instructor, halfway up the tunnel, flying alongside of me! The word I keep returning to is AMAZING! I wish I had more words to describe what a fantastic experience it was, but I should continue on with the rest of our trip.

After that, we found a movie theater and checked out show times. We planned to see Valkyrie, but had some time to kill before the showing. Kenny noticed a huge store called, As Seen on TV, and thought it would be funny to see everything inside. We laughed and laughed and took pictures. It probably won't be as funny to anyone else reading, but we made lots of memories and inside jokes.

The movie was very good, based on true events. When it was over, our snack from Bubba Gump had worn off, so we found a wings place called The Blue Moose where we enjoyed dinner, and Kenny got to watch a playoff game.

After dinner, we headed back to the cabin, where Kenny tried to start a fire with what little wood he found that was dry. We enjoyed the warmth until it ran out, then headed to bed after a dip in the jacuzzi.

Sunday morning we slept in a little bit, but needed to get on the road before lunch so we actually set an alarm. On the way home, we enjoyed music, stories, scenery, and 'the world's largest indoor flea market.' Nice. We were able to take our time getting home, and arrived before small group started.

Words cannot express how nice the weekend was. Being alone with each other, having a nice break from worrying about other people's needs but your own, sleeping in, not having to be on a schedule was nice (and much needed).

And there's no greater welcome than being bombarded with giant hugs from your favorite little people.

Where's Waldo? ...er, uh... Braden?

There he is!!

A Taste of Things to Come

To no avail, I tried to capture a picture of Braden digging through the pantry, which would be quite appropriate for this post. Just try to get a mental picture. It's really quite cute, until you have to clean up what he's pulled out.

If you don't close it just right, the door doesn't latch properly and the pantry is free game for food grabbing, chubby, one year old mits.

Most everyone knows Braden is a big boy. He's huge actually, and until I played Wii Sports, I thought my arms were totally in shape from toting him around, but that's a whole other story entirely.

Since he is a big boy, he likes to eat.

Or maybe it's the other way around.

Either way, he can down the grub.

Just this morning he ate one waffle, one bowl of yogurt, some Honeycombs, and one of Avery's (who eats like a bird) untouched french toast sticks. Plus a cup of milk.

I tried to get him out of his chair between each new food. Crying/fussing would ensue, so I left him there. It was only until after the french toast stick that he was appeased.

This happens most every meal. Morning. Noon. And night.

Between meals, if he looks up and someone happens to be holding a plate, he literally says, "mmm", walks over, grins, and proceeds to stand there with a gaping mouth until a fork or spoon is placed inside. It's hilarious.

His protests for food only become annoying when I'm in trying to make supper or clean the kitchen. He thinks any presence in the kitchen means food and that he is entitled to it, making it nearly impossible to accomplish anything in the kitchen within a normal amount of time.

Each time I walk around the corner and see his little arms digging for snacks, my mind fast forwards to when he is 16 and trying to keep his tummy full. Mama Mia! Our grocery bill is going to be out of this world!

Long Time No Post

I haven't been able to motivate myself to update this blog because I know I'm so far behind!

We enjoyed our trip to Texas to spend Christmas with my family. It was a long road trip with the kids, but we survived. I don't really want to be cooped up in a car for that long with a 14 month old any time soon again, but loved the time we had together as a family sans screaming.

Santa was good to Avery and Braden, and Uncle Jase outdid himself with Avery's present. He surprised her with her very own Barbie Jeep. Who knew a 3 year old did not need a license to drive! Braden likes to ride beside her as much as she enjoys to drive it. Unfortunately, it is still parked in Texas, but my parents are bringing when they come to visit over spring break. Avery was such a good kid, not being greedy or acting selfish, and she hasn't even asked about it! We're keeping it that way for now. I know she'll be excited when she sees it again.

Braden of course enjoyed the boxes and wrapping as much as the presents enclosed. He's at a super fun age right now. I'm enjoying every minute of his life. He's learning new words, and it's fun watching him communicate with pats, points, and expressions.

I'm afraid I didn't do Kenny justice with his presents because we were keeping our spending low this year, but he outdid himself with a surprise trip for me to re-visit our cabin where we stayed on our honeymoon! (Complete with pre-set babysitting! I don't even have to worry about setting that up!) I've been dropping hints, and outright asking for some time away for just us, not thinking it would happen due to budget constraints, but what a fun surprise!!! Kudos to Kenny!

While in Texas, the kids enjoyed time with Grammy and Pop, playing games, trying out new toys, putting together puzzles, and making a gingerbread house. Avery began requesting that from Grammy before we even set out on our journey. She was a little sad to see it was more of a process than she thought, and would have been content to just eat the candy. It turned into a project for the entire family, and will always be a fond memory tucked into my heart.

We've been home this week, and have thoroughly enjoyed our time with Daddy home. Avery keeps asking why he's not at work, but loves the fact that he's not! We're spoiled and will be lonely when Monday rolls around.

We were also surprised with a visit from my long time friend, Shelley (and her husband and kids), whom I met at Harding. Our lives have been intertwined since our first hello. We've shared so many things in common, from family similarities, lifestyles, likes, dislikes, college classes, workplaces, to having both of our kids within weeks of each other. It was such a joy to get to visit with them on their way back from Florida this week. My dream of having our kids play together came true and was fantastic even if it was only for a short time. Avery and Easton met each other one time before when they were both not even a year old. Thursday evening they were reunited as 3 1/2 year olds, and were able to introduce their brothers to each other. Braden was instantly smitten with Shelley and turned into a snuggle bug with her. He thought Lawson was funny the way he danced to everything! The entire night was a blast! What fun! If only we lived closer....

Kenny and I realize that we are truly blessed, and pray with all of our hearts that 2009 will bring us as much joy.

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.'