3 Boys, a PRINCESS & a Poodle!

Lauri Loves...

2012-02-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

In honor of Valentine's Month, I decided to share some things that I LOVE...

Oreos- This may be one of my very worst habits...laying in bed eating Oreos and milk before bed ;)

Yogurt Story- Birthday cake topped with strawberries and at least 7 scoops of cheesecake bites!

Cereal- there really isn't a cereal that I don't like, but among some of my favorites are Captain Crunch and Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Milk- we go through 2-3 gallons a week...and Roen isn't even drinking it yet :)

Zulily.com- If they didn't have the best deals on the cutest things, I wouldn't be spending so much money on their site!

Kate Spade- I love everything KS...her clothes, her clutches, shoes and jewelry!

Tory Burch- LOVE her patterns and of course, her handbags and shoes!

High Heels- I miss getting to wear heels to work, but don't worry, I take every oppurtunity to wear them to church, date nights and sometimes around the house just for fun. The boys don't mind and that way I don't loose practice :)

Reading- I LOVE to read! I prefer reading to TV any day!

Snow Skiing- I AM NOT athletic in any way or form. In fact, if you ever saw me 'play' tennis in high school, you would know I am not kidding. In fact, if you did see me play in high school, you might have thought I was joking out on the court...sad to say, I was not. I am just that bad! However, skiing is one thing I can do and I love it! It was actually on a ski trip that I met Micah.

Shark Tank, American Idol, Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad...these are all the shows Micah and I enjoy watching together.

Mimiosas

Cupcakes & wedding cake... well, really just cake in general!

Old, charming houses

Designing, crafting, sewing and party planning

Hope everyone is feeling the LOVE this month... we are hitting up Mellow Mushroom for Valentine's Day this year. Nothing fancy, just some good pizza with my man...oh, and some loose jeans so I can indulge in some of my favorite pizza!

Roen...

2012-02-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

is doing more and more of this...

He is pulling up on anything and everything! He has also started letting go with one hand. This is such a fun age, but it also means more bumps and falls for my little man. It doesn't help that Remi sometimes thinks it's funny to push him over! This also means that he wants to be in his walker and to be held less and less. This little fella is becoming an independent explorer!

Remi at 27 Months

2012-02-08T09:52:00.002-06:00

These days, Remi is into so much!

He is talking more and more and thankfully, we are able to understand him better everyday! My favorite word that he says is 'orange'. It comes out sounding like 'onge'. It is just precious!

He loves to pretend with play food, dishes and anything else in the kitchen he can get his hands on. Right now, he is all about hot tea. Today, I actually made him a little cup of peppermint tea. We sat by the fire and drank it...he was in heaven!

Remi is sleeping better these days. When we first transitioned Remi to a toddler bed back in June, he was waking up every night and coming to get in bed with Micah and I. Since Roen was still waking up to eat, I let him because i was too tired to deal with it. However, we decided that once we moved into our new house, our bed was off limits. So, since September, Remi has not been sleeping in our bed. Yes, he still wakes up almost every night, but either Micah and I will go lay down with him until he falls back asleep. But, lately, he will sleep through the night 2-3 times a week. This is progress!

Remi is still head over heels for Mickey Mouse, and asks to watch 'mouse' all the time. Occasionally, he will watch Handy Manny or Blues Clues.

Remi has started going potty by himself. I have just dropped potty training for the time being, but lately, he has been going to the bathroom, taking off his pants and diaper and going peenpee in his potty. He usually puts his pants back on without a diaper and goes in his potty when he needs to for the rest of the day.

Lately, Remi has been spoiling Roen with hugs. This, of course, makes me so happy! I hope he continues to love on his little bro.

Has started saying 'Sorry' anytime he does something naughty. It is so sweet! We are trying to help him understand that when you are sorry, you don't keep doing whatever you are sorry about!

Remi's favorite game is 'hide'. He loves to hide and for you to come find him! He will hide in the same place over and over again! It is really cute...for awhile, then it gets old real fast!

Remi is still in the prime of his terrible twos. They seem pretty relentless at this point, so we are just doing the best we can to deal with them :) He loves to tell us 'no', yell in our face when we are not giving him full attention and deliberately disobeys and tests us on a regular basis! Some days, I literally think I will go crazy!

Together Forever...

2012-02-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

I love having two boys! I even secretly love that they all ready fight and I secretly look forward to broken windows, wrestling matches, muddy footprints through the house and bugs in their pockets.

For such a girly-girl, I sure do like all the things these little boogers have brought into my life. I guess God really does know what he is doing, because my perspective on life has changed since being surrounded by so much testosterone!

Don't get me wrong, everytime I walk into Target and once again see how many cute clothes are in the girls section that are not in the boys, I get pretty irritated. But that's the beauty of boys...they would rather be naked anyway! :)

Pat The Bunny....

2012-02-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

did not make it :(

I am not sure how Pat The Bunny made it through Remi and not Roen. Maybe because Remi NEVER liked books at this age. Roen will go up to their little, blue bookshelf and get all the books down. He gets this same book every time. Hence, the reason it is no longer in tack!

Have a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday!

What's Wrong...

2012-02-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

What's wrong with this picture?!!!

Remi is, on his own will, hugging Roen! I don't know what got into him on this particular day, but he was all about hugging Roen! However, Remi is not really the most gentle little man, so it was more like he was wrestling Roen to the ground with a choke hold! Roen was obviously feeling the love!

Happy Love Month...

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today is the first day of February!! This is so exciting because Valentine's Day is my most favorite holiday ever!! Pink, love, candy, romance, dates...need I say more?! There is nothing more special than celebrating those who mean the most to you!

This year, for the first time ever, I have three boys in my life. They all mean the world to me and each have a very special place in my heart!

To My Lovely Loves...

Roen's place is a very comforting, soft place in my heart. It is full of warm fuzzies, smiles and kisses. His spot never ceases to bring peace to my life and assurance that I must be doing something right as a mommy, because let's face it... having a child this incredibly happy is just down right heart warming. Roen's place is like my refuge. On the most chaotic of days, I can take him in my arms, close the door and it is like we can escape to a place of safety. He looks into my eyes with his crystal blues and though he cannot talk, he says so much! Roen is my tender-hearted babe. My sensitive little bundle of pure sweetness. Roen, your place will always be reserved just for you...Sweet Love.

Remi's place is like a party with all my favorite things. Your place energizes me and keeps me young. Your place lets me sing out loud, dance 'till I fall down and yell at the top of my lungs just for fun. It doesn't matter that I can't sing or dance, you just like that I'm willing to join your party! Remi's place is very special because as a creative person, I find him so very inspiring. He inspires me to create without holding back, create for fun, create because we are wired that way. Remi's place is much a reflection of my own heart. In him, I find the things that make me what I am. Independence, curiosity and adventure. Remi, your place will always be marked with presence, adventure that is...Creative Love.

Micah's place is by far the deepest, most worn and hardest to grasp. His spot can only be filled with his love. His place feels like it has really always been there. Your place challenges me chase my dreams and encourages me to hop up try again when I don't' get it right the first time. It helps me think things through logically and take my time. It gives me reassurance that I am worthy. His place is truly a reflection of what God knew I lacked. His place is honest, real...my rock. His place has always been, and always will be...for the long haul. Micah, your place has become 'our' place...Committed Love.

I love you all like you will never beleive! You are my everything...I treasure what each of you bring to my life!

All my love,
Your Biggest Fan!

Fresh From the Tub...

2012-01-31T06:00:00.001-06:00

Is it me, or do these two look like they are almost the same size!?

Cheese...

2012-01-30T06:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday!

A Perfect Match

2012-01-29T13:51:00.008-06:00

By Jodi Picoult

I absolutely LOVED this book...and hated it! I was literally glued to the pages and could not put it down. There were times that I was so angry that I didn't know if I could even go on, but it was so good that I had to know what was going to happen. This book touched the part of me that is a mom and a wife. It was so hard to read at times. This book even made me cry....I am not a crier!

A Perfect Match is pretty intense even from the 'get go'. I think this is why I like Picoult so much...she doesn't mess around. She just jumps right in with it and has you addicted to the story in no time at all!

This story is about a 5 year old, Nathaniel. His mom is a DA for child molestation cases. She is very good at her job and feels like she does the best she can for these children. However, when Nathaniel becomes the victim of rape, the best she can do is not good enough. You will read about the love a mother has for her child and the sacrifices she was willing to make. You will also witness how Nina and Caleb relate not only with each other through this nightmare but with their son.

I fell in love with these characters! I felt like I knew them so deeply and loved them despite their flaws. This book is not about black & white; right & wrong....it's about protecting the people you love the only way you know how and standing faithfully by them despite the mistakes that have been made.

This book will make you want to go hug your babies and never let go!

This just might be my favorite Jodi Picoult book so far...it's a close call with Haversting The Heart!

Wall Hawks...

2012-01-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

I went to High School at this tiny, little school called Wall. I loved every single thing about it! Had we stayed in San Angelo, my boys would have gone to this school, no doubt. Anyways, Remi just got this hat and I was trying to get a picture of him it...the best one was of Roen because these days getting Remi to take a picture is like pulling teeth!

Silly Snuggles...

2012-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

I love my silly Remi Roo! He is just so full of energy ALL THE TIME!

San Angelo

2012-01-24T20:49:00.009-06:00

We spent the past weekend in San Angelo. Remi was so happy to finally see his Anne! There are tons of pictures, but I have lots of family who only get to see my kiddos through this blog, so bear with me :)

I love these next pictures. Remi saw an airplane and waved to it. He was so excited!

Picnic snack with CiCi...

Spending time with cousins. The boys finally got to meet their new baby cousin Quinn!

Naked, chubby, babies...gotta love it!

Pizza and Aunt Whit...two of his favorites!

While in San Angelo, Remi and Roen had their first visit to Ichiban's...the best Japanese Hibachti grill ever! Remi was fascintated! Honestly, we really don't take him to restaurants anymore because he can't sit still and it is more tiring than anything. However, he did so good! I guess if we ever want to take him to eat, we know where to go! Roen of course, did great. As long as that kid has a cracker in his hand he is golden :)

Keeping Faith

2012-01-23T03:33:00.002-06:00

By Jodi Picoult

I give this book 4.5 stars! It was so good! I found myself staying up way too late every night just so I could read more.

Faith just caught her dad with another woman, but isn't really sure what is going in. All she knows is it upset her mom and now her parents are getting a divorce. As if this weren't enough for a seven year old to go through, now Faith says she is seeing and talking to God! Is she crazy? Is she lying?

This book revolves around God and religion, yet never really feels like a religious book! This was such an interesting read! Loved it!!

Missing Anne...

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is so hard to explain to kids why we can't see out of town family as much as we would like. When we moved away from San Angelo (my family), I made a little photo book with everyone's picture so that Remi could see them anytime he wanted.

Well, a few days ago at naptime, Remi came out carrying his photo book opened to the page of him and Anne (my mom). He was crying and really upset. I felt so bad for him. No matter what I said he just got more upset because he couldn't see her. We ended up getting a hold of her at work and he just laid on his bed and talked to her for about 10 minutes.

I love that kids have such big hearts and love so deeply. We have been very blessed to have an amazing family to love our kids.

Remi...

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

I tend to go a little overboard with taking pictures of my kiddos. But now that I have two kids, it seems it is never equal. One week all my pictures will be of Roen,the next it will be Remi. Well this was a Remi week...

Working out with Daddy

Playing with his trucks

I let Remi play outside by himself alot, and while I was cleaning up his room one afternoon, I saw him mowing the dirt! I love catching him in his own little world when he thinks no one is looking. It is just so sweet! I took this picture through the window, so it's not the best.

We finally turned on the fireplace, and Remi is in LOVE with the 'fur'. He wants it on all the time. This was the first evening we had it on. Neither Micah or I could find Remi- which usually means he is up to no good- but when I found him laying on the floor just staring, mesmorized, by the fire, my heart melted!

morning Mickey Mouse

The Velveeta Cheese Incident...

2012-01-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

The other afternoon, I was getting lunch ready and I vaguely remember Remi grabbing the Velveeta cheese out of the fridge. I didn't really know what he was doing in the living room, but I could see him and figured since he was occupied, I'd steal a few minutes to finish up lunch. We were all sitting down having lunch, (Remi, Roen and I) when Remi decides he is done. He had hardly eaten anything, but sometimes he does that so I told him he could go play while Roen and I finished up.

Well, once I had cleaned up the table and had done the dishes, I quickly realized why Remi was so occupied and not interested in lunch.

He had his 'doctor kit scissors', my cupcake cake pop mold and my cupcake filler tool...and THE VELVEETA!! He was giving the cheese surgery all over our coffee table!

It was so funny that I just got my camera out! See for yourself...

Knee Highs...

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

I just love these little knee-high socks. They make Roen's chubby little legs look even cuter...is that even possible!?

2011

2012-01-16T06:00:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year...16 days later :)

2012...Wow! I can already tell, this will be an amazing year!

But, before we go there, I want to take some time to remember the past year and all the blessings it held...

Last year, was a year full of many, many things. Love, adventure, changes, risks, and more and more changes. Our little family went through so many changes, sometimes I can't believe we actually made it out in one piece!

We lived in three different houses, sold out first house, rented a house and bought our second house. We had a baby and moved when Roen was only 3 weeks old. Roen had lived in three different homes by the time he was four months old. Remi became a big brother, left family he saw everyday, and learned that 'home' was not necessarily a place, but being in the arms of his Momma and Daddy.

We saw so many different places. The boys had their first visits to the ocean, Disney and airplane ride. Micah went on the hunt of a lifetime and I got to see some of 'The Masters' work of art in real life at the Met. 2011 has most definitely been fun!

However, it is not the trips or even the different homes we lived in that really made it's mark...

In the winter of 2010, Micah informed me that he had a new business venture churning. In February of 2011 Micah quit his job as a Auditor to pursue something that had the potential to be so much more. Before I go on, I have to say that I WAS NOT on board with this. I had a one year old and was 6 months pregnant. Not only was he quiting his job, we would be going with out pay for an uncertain amount of time. This scared me.

You see, Micah isn't like anyone I have ever met. He doesn't settle and is always hungry to conquer more. Being comfortable is not his ideal. He thrives on challenge, risk and truly making the most of the talents God has given him. He isn't scared of failure and has the heart of an entrepreneur.

I always knew something like this was in his future, so deep down I knew I had no choice. I wanted him to be happy and I refused to stand in the way of something he was made to do. I said yes, and it was a very hard 7 months. 7 months until we actually started paying ourselves. 7 months before I didn't dread going to the grocery store because I knew EVERY SINGLE PENNY counted. 7 months of not buying anything that we did not absolutely HAVE TO HAVE. It was hard. It was really hard. Honestly, there were times that I wasn't sure it was gonna happen.

But you know what, Micah never doubted and never ceased to provide for this family. We always had food on the table and beds to sleep in. No matter what happened, Micah found a way to get us through. This was the first time in our marriage that I had to rely on Micah in this way. Besides taking care of the kids, I felt completely helpless. This proved to be one of the hardest times in our marriage, yet it brought us closer than any thing we have ever gone through.

2011 was about taking the chance, to trust, to provide and to truly journey down a rode we were meant to be. I have no doubt in my mind, that we are following the path God designed for us. As a wife, I am proud. Proud like I am when I see my babies play when they think no one is looking. I am proud that God created someone like Micah to give me hope and a hunger for life.

Though, the work is never done, and Micah works nonstop, I am proud to have someone by my side that doesn't mind rolling up their sleeves, putting in a little sweat & tears, and knowing that not only does the end justify the means, but the journey makes us appreciate each other.

2011 was the year that I saw what Micah was truly made of. It was the year that God proved once again, that we don't always get the things we deserve...sometimes we get someone even better!

Micah, it has truly been a joy to watch you chase your dreams....here's to many more with you!

PS...In the Summer of 2012 I will become an aunt for the first time...TWICE!!

Looking Up...

2012-01-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Roen really does just want to be close to Remi. I hope one day (soon), Remi will start being more loving to his little brother. I know deep down, he loves Roen. Every night when we say prayers, he always prays specifically for Roen...it melts my heart!

Roen crawled all the way into Remi's room the other day just to see what he was doing. It's a pretty good ways from his room to Remi's! Once he got into Remi's room and got close enough to see what he was doing, he just sat there and played. Roen already has the biggest heart ever!! He is just so drippy sweet, I could eat him up!

Bonding...

2012-01-13T06:00:00.004-06:00

I cannot express how much Remi LOVES Little. He wants her to sit in his lap all the time. He loves to give her kisses and pet her. I am so proud of how sweet and gentle he is with her. 'Gentle' is not something that comes naturally to Remi, but he seems to really care about Little.

It's funny, because Remi loves Little Anne like Roen loves Remi, and Little Anne probably feels about Remi like Remi does about Roen. Make Sense? :)

Anyways, here they are cuddled up watching morning Mickey Mouse...

8 Months...

2012-01-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

Lately, Roen has been taking three naps a day, two are short and one is usually 1.5-2 hours

Will wave at you if you wave at him

Goes to bed around 6:30 and wakes up between 5-6 to eat and then goes back to sleep until about 7:30

I am not 100% sure, but Micah and I both think he has said 'Momma' several times. It's always hard to tell because they obviously won't do it on command and you are never quit sure you heard them right

LOVES Remi! He follows him around all day and wants to be wherever he is. Usually Remi just gets annoyed and yells at him to move...poor Roen!

Is crawling everywhere! If I set him in his room to play, I can be sure, within no time, he will be crawling out to find out where everyone went :)

Is in 12 month clothing and after we finish up the rest of our size 3 diapers, we will move to four. I am not sure if socks run small, or if he just has big feet, but he is wearing 12-24 month socks

Still loves bathtime and to be sung to

Has two bottom teeth all the way through and his two top teeth are about halfway through

He is still taking all his naps in his swing

I usually nurse him to sleep at bedtime, but lately, he eats and then wants me to just lay him down. When I do this, I usually don't hear a peep out of him. This makes me a little sad; I love having my sleeping baby in my arms.

Has pulled up several times, but hasn't done it in a while now.

Still has crystal, clear blue eyes and his hair is still a strawberry blonde...sometimes it looks almost red!

I couldn't pick just one, so I included all my favorites...

Bead Head...

2012-01-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

RoBear woke up with some major, adorable bead hair!! I just love baby hair! It is so soft and has a mind of it's own!

Monkey Bread...

2012-01-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Remi got this Monkey Bread kit in his stocking. I have been waiting for the perfect time to make this with him. Well, that perfect time never really happened, so we just did on some random morning when Micah was out of town and both kids were up. I don't know why I didn't wait until Roen was napping. It turned out ok, but I think I am a little too ambitious sometimes! Anyways, Remi loved helping! I would give him little jobs and he kept looking at me before doing something to make sure he was doing it right. It was really cute! Remi rarely thinks before he does anything!! It was all going good until...

it was time to put the bread in the oven!

I knew this would happen before we even started. For some reason, Remi doesn't understand the concept of baking. Remi loves Cinnamon rolls, so we have them about once a week. If I tell him we are having them before they are ready, he has a meltdown because he can't handle them going into the oven! I think he just gets so excited to eat that he thinks I'm being mean and making him wait for no reason!

Anyways, we finished the monkey bread and I fixed him a little bowl to have with his lunch. And of course, he had one teeny, tiny bite!! This boy has no interest in sweets. I guess he takes after his daddy, because I honestly have no interest in real food. I could live on cupcakes, Oreos, cake and more Oreos :)

This is Remi's "I'm mad face" about putting the bread in the oven!

The finished product...I ate about 3/4 of these before I felt like a glutton and threw the rest away :)

A Few of Their Favorite Things...

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

The boys got so many new things for Christmas...honestly, it was a bit overwhelming once we got home because I had NO idea where to put everything!! I was even prepared this year...I cleaned out toys before Christmas and had empty spots on shelves just for new toys! Eventually, I got everything a new home and organized!

Here are some of their favorite things...

Besides being outside and playing with tools, there are two things Remi LOVES...pretend play with food/dishes and keys! Remi loves to get out our toaster, cups, untensils and make food! So, I put this cute coffee maker, toaster, and other play food on his Christmas list. And he loves it all! He will get out all his sandwich food and make us all kinds of things! It is so cute!

He also go these little nesting houses. There are three houses that nest inside each other. They are all different colors and have coordinating keys that unlock them. He LOVES this toy. However, he tends to pull the doors off because he is too rough and I am having to constantly put them back on for him!

Here is RoBear. This little milk jug and cookies were actually Remi's when he was little. It was actually the toy that inspired his Cookie Monster 1st Birthday because he loved it so much. Well, so does Roen! Isn't it funny how some toys just work with kids! Roen loves to chew on these plastic cookies just as much as Remi did!

Creative Babysitting...

2012-01-06T20:49:00.004-06:00

The other day, Micah was out of town and I was getting dinner ready. Roen was tired and ready for bed, but I already had food in the oven and wanted to get the dishes done while I waited.

So, I did the only thing I could do! I put Roen in sink and he LOVED watching me finish the dishes!

One of Remi's favorite things to do, is climb on the counter and squirt soap and water everywhere, so he thought it was pretty fun that Roen was up there and decided to help.

*please ignore our unfinished backsplash...that is another home project on our to-do list!

Rainwater...

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

by Sandra Brown

This book was really good. I chose this book because on Amazon, it had 4.5 stars. I think I would only give it 3. It was a short and easy read. I really liked the story, but I guess I felt like the character development lacked. I found myself wanting more from this book. It is based during the depression and tells a story of a single mom and her autistic child. When Mr. Rainwater comes into her life, everything changes. By the middle of the book, I was hooked and HAD to find out what happens. I was surprised by the ending, but appreciated that everything wasn't necessarily wrapped up in a pretty bow.

Playing...

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

The other day, while RoRo was playing with his books and toys, Remi came up and started playing with him. It was so sweet. And they were playing nice!! This doesn't happen often around here!

Roen Milestones...

2012-01-03T06:00:00.004-06:00

Roen has been so busy lately!!

First of all, while I was in New York, he decided to pull up for the first time!! I was so sad I missed it! However, once I got home, he did it two more times for me. So, we lowered his crib.

Roen also has TWO teeth breaking in up top!! Pretty soon he will have a total of four teeth! This blows my mind! Can he really be old enough to have teeth?!

Roen has also started on some solid foods. We kinda skipped the rice cereal and baby food and just went straight to big people food. First, I gave him fresh fruit in his mesh teether. He loved that. Next he had crackers, and he LOVES crackers. He wants them all the time! Recently, I gave him some vegetable Mum Mums and he loves those as well. And at Christmas lunch, he had mashed potatoes. So far he likes most things.

He has also tried baby food peaches & carrots, puffs and yogurt melts & animal crackers....he liked all of these. This boy really just likes to eat! He has since he was born. I don't remember Remi ever wanting to eat as much as he does! Most of the time, he cruises around in his walker (usually chasing me or Remi) with a cracker in his hand and all over his face!

Since he has started eating solids, I started letting him sit at the table with us at meal times. He loves it!! He thinks he is such a big boy! I decided not to do a high chair with him- just a booster with straps. I like that he can sit with us at the table like Remi does!

Eating Mum Mums...

Remi Rings in the New Year...

2012-01-02T06:00:00.001-06:00

This year, we had family over for New Years. We had brisket, beans and played games. It was lots of fun! Remi loved playing with his big cousins Collin and Madison so much, that I let him stay up until after midnight!! Madison helped the little ones with poppers to ring in the New Year! Remi loved them!!! Since little Roen was too little to stay up late, I got some sweet pictures of him and Remi playing the next morning.

New Years Morning...Happy 2012!

NYC

2011-12-30T10:29:00.020-06:00

We had so much fun in New York!!! I LOVED it ALL! I have always wanted to go, and I honestly think it exceeded my expectations! All the buildings had beautiful architechture and there were shops everywhere!

Leaving Dallas

Arriving at The Plaza

The Eloise/ Betsy Johnson Christmas Tree!

Here are some more pink Eloise Christmas trees...I wanted to take them all home with me!

The girls

Palm Court with Madison...headed to The Met

The Met...this was one of my favorite things we did! It was huge, so there was no way we could even come close to seeing everything, but we saw some amazing art. I saw, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, Van Gogh and so many more talented artists! I was in Heaven. It was so fun to see their work in person after studying them in all my art history classes! My professors would be proud :)

Picasso

Klint (this was one of my favorites)

Monet

I loved this one by Van Gogh...it was called "First Steps"

We were able to see the waterfalls from the 911 Memorial and then went to see The Sphere. I don't really have the words to describe how this made me feel, but it was very humbling.

The Sphere

The Eternal Flame

If you look real close, you can see the Statue of Liberty in the background...this is as close as we went

Eating our cupcakes from FAO Schwarz

KATE SPADE NEW YORK!!!

Carriage ride through Central Park. I didn't realize how many movies have scenes from Central Park!! Our driver pointed out all sorts of places that movies were filmed. We also rode by the zoo, carousel and ice skating rink!

What a fun trip we had! I loved New York, and had I not met Micah when I did, that is exactly where I would have ended up!! I was a little sad to leave, but nothing feels better than having your babies in your arms! Man, how I missed my boys (Micah included). It feels so good to be back home!

Christmas Eve...

2011-12-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

These pictures are from Christmas Eve. We spent this Christmas with Micah's family. It was a long, late and really fun night!!! The boys are so blessed and loved! Remi liked opening his presents but seemed to either get distracted at what Collin was opengin (his cool older cousin) or want to just play with the toy he opened. Roen, on the other hand, loved all the presents!! In fact, he rolled around and ate bows and wrapping paper all night!

*By the time you read this, I will be on the plane headed to The Big Apple!!! Pictures to come when I return!!

Santa Came...

2011-12-25T15:35:00.005-06:00

Apparently, Santa thought the boys were really, really good this year!

This year, I told Micah..."Let's just get the boys a couple of things and not go over board. We know they will get so many things from family and friends." I actually thought I had done pretty well until I saw it all setting it. Oops! I guess when you hide it away in your closet it just kinda accumulates without you even realizing it!

I had the Christmas tree turned on so that when Remi woke up and came to our room, the first thing he would see were all their goodies from Santa. Roen woke up around 6:45 to eat and after I laid him back down to sleep I walked out of his room to find Remi standing in front of the tree in awe. It was so sweet! So, of course, I went and got Roen and we played with all our new toys!!

The boys are not in their cute matching pajamas, because we ddin't get home until 11:00 the night before and they just slept in what they were wearing: :(

Our Tree

Look Mom! Binoculars!

Handy Manny Pez!! One of Remi's favorites!

Roen's light and music player...one of his favorites!

Ready for Chruch

2 Days...

2011-12-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

til Christmas!!!!

Isn't this the sweetest rosy-cheeked, Santa ever!!!

Tonight we have the company Christmas party followed by an evening in Ft. Worth! We are beyond excited! Joe T Garcia's followed by some country dancing...the perfect outing!

Saturday and Sunday will be filled with Christmas time and then...

I leave for New York on Monday!!! I have never been to NY but have wanted to go for as long as I can remember! All the girls in Micah's family are getting to go. While we are there, we are planning on seeing Wicked & The Lion King on Broadway, ice skating at the Rockefeller Center, going to The Met, and of course some shopping! Unfortuatly, I AM NOT excited about leaving my babies, but I'm not going to think about that right now...or I might start tearing up!

All our bags are packed, presents wrapped and we are ready for Christmas!! I just LOVE this time of year!

Playing...

2011-12-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

aka, fighting, not-sharing, screaming and crying! :)

Remi is always bring toys into Roen's room and then getting so mad when he wants to play with them! Who am I kidding!? Remi thinks EVERY toy in the house is his and will take any toy Roen is playing with away from him! Usually it ends in Remi screaming at Roen and Roen screaming because Remi hurt his feelings!

Sometimes I laugh! These little stinkers are even cute when they are tormenting each other!

I am not really sure what all Roen understands, but I swear, sometimes it seems like he is actually quietly picking on Remi and then just smirks about it! The other day, I was feeding Roen and Remi was on his floor throwing a fit because he HAD to have juice right that second. Roen just looked at Remi, then at me and laughed!!! And I thought "Roen are you purposely taking your time?" :) I just have to wonder sometimes!

Oh, and in Roen news....he is now crawling and going from laying down to sitting up all by himself! Early last week, I saw him sit up for the first time! And on Monday morning when I went in to get him from his crib, he inched his little knees forward to me!! He has been doing this more and more everyday!

27 Months...

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Since I rarely do monthly updates on Remi anymore, I thought I'd do one today!

Now that Remi is 27 months, depending on the day, this is either really fun or really NOT fun! Here are some of his favorite things...

Remi's favorite books:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Goodnight Moon
Little Blue Truck
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Remi is finally liking books. He loves books at bedtime and in the car. I was beginning to think I'd never get to read to him!

Remi's favorite foods:
Green Beans
Blackberries
Chips
Pizza
Oreos
Spaghetti
Hot dogs

Remi's favorite things to do:
play with tools
play outside
bathe
Watch Mickey, Handy Manny, Elmo
play hide-n-seek and chase

Remi LOVES Little Anne! And he finally understands the term 'gentle'. He loves to point to her eyes, nose and ears. He also grabs her snout and gives her sweet little kisses.

Remi loves to help me cook, do laundry and any chore around the house that is 'fun'

He does not like to pick up his messes...but he loves to make them! 9 times out of 10, if you ask Remi to do something, he will say 'no'. The terrible twos are in full throttle. If Remi wants me to do something and I tell him no or to wait, he throws a fit. For example, if I am feeding Roen and Remi wants me to get him some juice and I tell him he will have to wait until I'm finished feeding Roen....he says' 'NO.' After I tell him that 'yes' he will have to wait, he will walk up to Roen and hit him on the head (he will also hit me when I will not give him exactly what he wants). Remi is still dealing with jealousy issues big time. If he hears me say that I am going to feed Roen and he wants my attention, he will immediately run to Roen's room throw the Boppy on the floor and sit in his rocking chair. He usually ends up in timeout because he won't move. He also does this if I say "Roen, do you want to play in your walker?" Remi will instantly go get in his walker and make me chase him around the house.

This boy thrives on getting our attention, and I mean ALL OF IT! Pretty much, anytime Remi doesn't get exactly what he wants, he has a meltdown. Not just a little bit of whining meltdown, but a full blown meltdown. I mean throw yourself on the floor, screaming, and crying meltdown.

He has also started throwing things. Anytime he has something in his hands and he gets mad, he throws it. Yesterday, it was bites of hot dog off his plate at lunch because it was too hot. I HATE it when he does this. The other day, he was playing with a container of beads and got mad at me about something and threw them all over the floor!

Now, you might be thinking 'wow, this is the worst case of Terrible Twos I've ever heard of', or you might be thinking, 'wow, that sounds just like my two year old'...

either way, Remi has another side to him. Sometimes I feel like I see it few and far between all the fits, but it is definitely there.

Remi has a heart of gold. The instant he realizes he has really upset me, he will run up to me and give me a big kiss. It is sweet. Remi can also be a great helper. Remi rarely fights his naps and bedtime with him is by far my favorite time of the day...and not just because he is going to bed. When I tell him it's time for bedtime, he will run in his room and jump in his bed. We always pick out two books. I let him choose which one we read first and he lays there while I read to him. After books, we pray and then we lay there all snuggled up until he falls fast asleep. I LOVE it when Remi is snuggled fast asleep in my arms!

Every morning when Remi wakes up, he will run in our room and turn on my lamp. It is so cute! There are many times during the day that Micah and I will look at each other and just smile because something Remi said or did was just so darn cute we could just eat him up! Remi is FULL of personality. He loves to explore and is always figuring out how to put things together or take them apart.

The other day, I asked his doctor what to do about his behavior. The doctor replied
"Remi is who you want to grow up and be your neurosurgeon. That determined, never give up personality is great! You just have to teach him how to control it". This made me smile. In the midst of a fit, I rarely see his behavior as a good thing just a little out of control!

Remi is learning so fast! He knows his colors, animals/sounds, and some shapes. He can also count with me now! He still doesn't really sing.

Potty training...I am leaving this up to him to decide when he is ready. Some days, he uses the potty and wants to wear big boy underwear, and some days he wants to just wear his diaper. This is okay with me. I guess I feel like this is one of the good things about staying home...we don't have to rush into being potty trained!

Remi,
I can already tell you will be our strong-willed child. You know what you want and rarely give in. I am so proud of the little man that you are becoming. We think you are the smartest, cutest, most stubborn, messy, lovable and down right onry 27 month old ever!!! You are like a barrel of monkeys...more fun that we can sometimes handle, but we love it! You have a huge heart and your smile is so contagious! We love you little man!!

PS...we wouldn't mind a bit if you stopped growing up so fast!

Outside...

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Remi's favorite place to be! Lately, we haven't really gone outside too much because it's too cold. I try to let Remi go outside for at least 15 minutes everyday reguardless of the weather, but that doesn't always happen. Anyways, the other day it was actually really nice outside, so while Roen was napping Remi went exploring.

The people who lived here before us went a little crazy with the yard decorations. They had rabbits, frogs and squirrel stones everywhere. There are still a couple that I haven't gotten around to getting rid of. Remi loves them! He likes to hug and kiss them!

Winter 2011

2011-12-19T06:00:00.003-06:00

Here is a little, big peak from the pictures we just got taken. A really good friend of mine always does our pictures. I think she always does an amazing job. We do lots of trading design work for picture taking...it works out great!
(her link in on the right- KrFotos. If you are ever in the San Angelo area, you should check her out!)

Happy Saturday...

2011-12-17T10:33:00.004-06:00

Lately, it seems like the boys are doing the silliest things!

Remi loves playing in 'secret' little nooks all over the house. One morning, I found him in the pantry just chillin'. It was priceless! Please don't judge the mess in there...it kinda serves as the 'catchall'.

Roen LOVES the Christmas tree! In fact, he is constantly rolling up to the tree in his walker and always grabs the same ornament and chews on it. Of course, this is not safe, so I push him away from the tree. And I wish I had it on video...he literally throws a fit! It is so funny! He gets so mad that I take away the little ornament! Ha!

On this particular morning, I was blow drying my hair and this is what I found...Remi feeding his Lambie chocolate milk on our bed! He went to Roen's room, got the Boppy, got his little milk carton and was feeding Lambie!! It was so sweet!

Say Cheese Remi...

2011-12-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Silly Remi! You never know what your gonna get!

All Snuggled Up...

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

and I bet you couldn't guess...they are watching MOUSE!! :)

7 Months...

2011-12-12T15:48:00.003-06:00

Ro Bear is seven months old today!!

Roen is still trying like crazy to crawl, but he can't quite get it yet

Still haven't started solids, Im thinking after Christmas

He still sleeps good at night and naps in his swing

Has the sweetest disposition and very laid back

Grabs everything in sight

Is becoming a Momma's boy. He has started getting upset when I leave the room and he is beginning to like being in my arms more than anywhere else.

Loves bath time, chewing on things and watching Remi play.

Tends to be very sensitive. Whenever Remi yells at him or even too close to him, he gets his feelings hurt and cries. It breaks my heart.

Seems to have slowed down as far as growing. Is in size three diapers and mostly 12 month clothing. The other day all I had in my diaper bag was Roen's diapers and Remi needed one so I put Roen's diaper on Remi and it fit! The size gap between them is closing up!

Still has two teeth, but I suspect another might be coming in on the bottom and top.

Squeals and squawks like no body's business!

Wants nothing to do with the pacifier. This is exactly what Remi did at about the same age. I guess it makes it easy on me...no pacifier weaning!

Pump Dilema...

2011-12-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

So, I have been through three breast pumps now! I'm not sure if I have just been unlucky and gotten lemons or if these companies make crappy products. Either way, I am very irritated by this situation.

When I was pregnant with Remi, I forked over the big bucks and got the Medela. It worked great threw remi's nursing period and about 4 months of Roen's. One day, it just stopped working. For several reasons, I was mad. One, I was out of town, without Roen, and fixing to walk out the door for my birthday dinner. We were meeting friends and I needed to pump before we left so that I wasn't a huge leaking mess by the end of the night. It was horrible timing! Second, I felt like the pump should have atleast lasted through two kids....I did in fact spend the extra money to get 'the best'...

So, Micah runs and gets me a new pump. He ended up going with a cheaper brand, Mi Pump by The First Years, I didn't like it quite as much as the Medela, but it worked and that was all that really mattered. However, after four months, it just quite working as well. This one happened to quit working the day we were leaving for Louisiana.

So, when we got to Louisiana, I bought another pump from Wal-Mart, it was Nuk brand. After FOUR days, it quit working. I called the company and they are supposed to be sending me a refund, but I am so frustrated!

I will say, I pumped every single day for the first two months after Roen was born just to stock up. We went out alot more with Roen than we ever did with Remi, so that milk didn't last long. I started pumping again everyday about a month and a half ago because I am leaving for New York right after Christmas and will be gone for five days...without Roen!

So, I have to buy another pump.

Should I just bite the bullet and buy another Medela? Which pump have you had good luck with? I just want one that will last until I'm done nursing Roen (only 5 months).

House Rules

2011-12-07T21:59:00.007-06:00

By Jodi Picoult

What a page-turner!!!

I have read several of Picoult's other books, and this is one of my favorites! Picoult is know for writing about "gray" topics...topics that don't always have a right or wrong answer and that tend to very controversial.

This novel is about a boy with Asperger's Syndrome- a form of autism. It was so interesting to get a glimpse into the life of Jacob and his family. Not only was this a great story, but I learned alot about a topic I had almost no knowledge in!

As if Jacob's life couldn't get anymore complicated, he becomes the suspect of a brutal murder. Picoult has you guessing and second guessing yourself until the very end. I felt like this book had a bit of a slow start, but once you get past the first 50 pages, it is really hard to put down. It is a pretty long book, but don't let that discourage you...I ate up every single word!

Ro Bear...

2011-12-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

Just because he is so cute...

Happy Hump Day!

Big Boy Brother Bath...

2011-12-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

Remi and Roen took their first big boy bath together. Now that Roen is sitting up, I am letting him bath like Remi does. I think he loves it! Or maybe I just think they look so stinking cute cuddled up in the tub together :)

For some reason, Remi thought Lambie needed a bath too...then he got upset when we put it in the dryer!

A Weekend in Louisiana...

2011-12-05T10:12:00.011-06:00

We spent the weekend in Louisiana visiting Micah's sister and her husband. They live in the cutest historic town. There were two Christmas parades, and a couple houses down from them is the house where Steel Magnolias was filmed. It was so neat to see! The boys loved the parades! They threw out candy, beads and toys! I think the only thing Remi ate on Saturday was candy!

Waiting for the parade

Little and Ace

The boys and their Pops

Remi always has to find something to get into!

Na and Roen

At first, I think Remi was a little puzzled as to why people were throwing candy at him!

Remi loved waiving at everyone who passed by

Larry and RoRo

Around here...

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

We love our days around the house. When it gets cold, we don't really get out. So far, this has proven to be harder for Remi. He is an outside boy and gets really bored, really fast inside all day long.

However, he LOVED helping me decorate our little tree. He loved it so much that he took my adorable, brand-new, owl ornament off the tree and broke it. I just had to laugh. I should have know that was what would happen when he kept taking all the ornaments off and rearranging them. It was so cute!

Roen and Micah...these are my favorite kind of pictures. Nothing special, just a glimpse at everyday life! Little Ro Bear has a cold, so that is why he has a Rudolph nose :)

Santa Claus...

2011-12-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

The boys got to go see Santa at Mistletoe Magic while we were in San Angelo. Last year, Remi was terrified of Santa. This year, he seemed to have no opinion of Santa at all. In all honesty, I think he was just so tired he could barely focus on anything. We were however, able to get a sweet smile out of Roen. Once we got home, the boys crashed! They were pooped!

A Very Special Day....

2011-11-30T06:00:00.003-06:00

Today is a very special day. For me, this day is more special than any holiday and as important as my birthday...

today, is my Placement Day Anniversary!

This is the day that my Mom and Dad got to see me and take me home for the very first time! I was only three months old. My mom tells me that she will never forget the smile I gave her when they first said Hello to me.

What a blessed girl I truly am!

I often think about the life I would be living and the person I might be had my Mom and Dad not taken me into their hearts 28 years ago. Growing up I always knew I was adopted, but I don't think I really fully appreciated it until I had kids of my own.

There is a song called "The Little Girl" by John Michael Montgomery, that I heard years ago. This song explains exactly the life I fear I would have had had my biological mother and father decided to keep me. This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes, because I think deep down I know there really is a little girl out there that didn't get as lucky as I did. In my heart, I know God has a plan for all his children, but I so desperately want to rescue all those unfortunate children who deserve to know their God, to be loved, to be held and to sleep in a safe bed every single night, but do not.

Have you ever had a feeling so deep in your heart that you could never even come close to explaining, but wanted so badly to put into words? That is how I feel. Gratitude, love, thankfulness, humble, unworthy...I feel it so strong that it almost hurts. I know that this is the closet thing on Earth that will ever give me a glimpse of what God does for us.

A sweet young couple, living their life for the Lord and wanting so badly to bring children into this world. That was my parents. When circumstances led them to adoption, they swept me up in their loving arms and never looked back. They gave me what God gives us...unconditional love, hope and a life that I truly do not deserve, nor can I ever repay.

My mom tells me all the time how lucky she is...and though I don't think I have ever said this out loud, it almost makes me feel guilty because in my heart I know I am the lucky one. What my parents gave me has been the most wonderful gift I have ever been given.

As I write this, many of you must be wondering why I speak mainly of my mother...
My Dad died when I was only 3 years old in a hunting accident. My brother was 5 and my sister was 9 months old. My mom was dealt a hard hand, but you would never know that. She is by far the strongest person I have ever know. The things she has gone through seem so unfair, but she has always kept her faith and loved her babies in a way that puts most to shame.

I remember small things about my Dad, but not much. There are definitely times in my life that I have felt his loss more than others. For the most part, my mom is all I've ever know. But I still remember that little corner of my heart that ached on my wedding day, and still today, I find myself wishing he were here to play with his grandbabies. I wish he were here to share that with my mom.

This is just a small piece of my story...my heart. Today, I am so very thankful that God gave me a life that many children do not get a chance to have that I surely do not deserve.

I love you Mom!

Christmas in San Angelo 2011

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

This year, Remi surprisingly, wasn't really into opening presents. He tends to get really distracted when lots of people are around. Roen, however, loved the presents!! Well, really he just liked to eat them :) I didn't end up getting very many pictures of this either. Micah was in charge of pictures and when I went to upload them, I realized that maybe I should have had someone else take them!

Aunt Kim and Uncle Jason

Remi was all about helping my mom open her present...a new dishwasher!

The boys in their matching Christmas pajamas

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T16:05:00.004-06:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family down in San Angelo. We actually went down the Friday before and got to stay 9 whole days!! It was lots of fun and we got some much needed family time...it had been 6 weeks since my family had seen the boys. Alot happens in the life of a six month old in six weeks! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of yummy food. However, I think I was having so much fun that I forgot to take pictures. So, here is pretty much all I have...

My sweet Grannie

Of course, we had to bring the Gator to CiCi's

Micah made fun of me for wanting this picture because he assured me no men sat three deep on a couch! :)

Ro Bear and Papaw

Me, Kim and Whit

Remi thought this was pretty funny! Ky is huge!! She weighs 100 lbs and most of the time Remi loves her!

Remi's First Trip to the

2011-11-26T19:07:00.001-06:00

ER!!!!

Yep, it finally happened! Our little rascal finally made it to the emergency room! Though I know it won't our last time, I hope it is for a long time!

I was downstairs at my mom's doing laundry when remi runs to me saying "hurts, hurts" and pointing to his mouth. So I go to where he was playing and see it...a dustbuster charging cord plugged into the wall and the other end laying on the ground. I instantly ask Remi if he put it in his mouth and he says "uhuh" that he did. At first I wasn't to concerned because he seemed ok. However he kept telling me that it hurt so when I really looked, I could see blue streaks around his mouth and what appeared to be a burn in his mouth. To be on the safe side, we decided to take him in.

While we sat in the waiting room, I realized that the blue streaks would come off when I rubbed them. So at this point I'm thinking it is just something else he got into and felt like maybe he was fine and we were just overreacting. Well, I was right, because once the doctor looked in his mouth he said it might be a burn but he could have also just bit his mouth. Anyway, he sent us home with no treatment and we kinda felt silly.

I feel certain that he put the cord
in his mouth and that it probably shocked him, but I'm just glad he is fine!!!

After we realized all was good, I had to get a couple of pics of him in his little gown...it was too cute!

*These are cell phone pics, so sorry for the poor quality

THE GATOR...

2011-11-23T06:00:00.011-06:00

Since this year we are spending Christmas in Gainesville, we are doing Christmas with my famiy over Thanksgivig break. However, we gave Remi his BIG presesnt early...

and he loved it!!!

In fact, he played on this all day long and threw a fit when it was bath time! I can't wait until Roen is big enough to ride with him!

The Reveal...

Remi was really embarrassed because everyone was watching him and I think he was a little overwhelmed! It was pretty sweet!

Checking it out...he loved the keys, of course!

Showing him how to push the pedal

He looks like such a big boy to me in this picture

Playing with Aunt Whit

The Spectators...

Napping...

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

I thought Remi looked so sweet napping, that I just had to take a picture....and it woke him up! I was so mad at myself! He was fussy for the rest of the afternoon, poor thing. I felt terrible, but atleast I got some sweet pictures!

Mistletoe Magic...

2011-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Saturday, we went to Mistletoe Magic while we were in San Angelo. We got to see Santa, have a pancake breakfast, get our face painted, make ornaments and make reindeer food. It was lots of fun!

Face Painting...Remi really wans't sure about this. But he was so mesmorized by it, he almost fell asleep while she was painting his face!

Making ornaments...

So Here's The Deal.....

2011-11-18T03:10:00.005-06:00

Normally I wouldn't even care, BUT

you start talking about a momma's baby, and the mother bear will come out!!!!

I realize that whoever told me to so kindly "cut that kid's hair" in my last post may have meant it light heartily. In all honesty I really don't care how you meant it because quit frankly it made me mad!!

If you have something to say, don't post it under anonymous. Obviously this person knew a comment like that would make me mad, which means they knew me pretty well, which really makes me mad! How rude!

Babies have funny hair! Some babies get mullets, some babies have cowlicks and some babies have no hair at all! Shedding baby hair and getting all your 'big kid' hair is an akward stage. Traditionally you wait until your babies first birthday to cut his hair. Though not everyone does this, I'm a pretty traditional gal and like to wait!!!

I look at remi when he was six months old and he had a huge flap of hair running down his head- and i love it! So excuse me if I don't want to chop off my six month old's remaining baby hair!!!!

Have a happy Friday....except the person who left that innappropriate comment and I hope your hair falls out! :)

Oh and by the way 'that kid' has a name, it is Roen!

Sitting, Sipping & (almost) Crawling

2011-11-16T12:20:00.006-06:00

Roen can now get up on his knees and hands and rocks back and forth trying to figure out how to move! Pretty soon I will be chasing him around while he chases Remi around!

He can also sit by himself for a few seconds at a time. We are practicing this everyday.

We have also started practicing the sippy cup. He can usually hold it by himself now and though he likes to suck water/juice out of it, it also apparently feels really good on his gums-so he also chews the straw a lot! I feel like it was just the other day when Remi was learning these things!

Just Like Daddy...

2011-11-15T15:57:00.003-06:00

Remi thought it was so fun walking around in Micah's shoes and socks!

And this isn't the best picture, but this is Remi's first attempt to dress himself!! He really wanted to go outside and play this morning and he ran to his room to 'get dressed' so he could go! Boxer briefs, unmatching shoes on the wrong feet, and no shirt! HA!

The Wedding

2011-11-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

by Nicholas Sparks...

What a sweet, romantic novel....it's a Nicholas Sparks' novel, I guess that is to be expected though! I really enjoyed this book . It had a great side story followup of Noah and Allie from The Notebook, which I appreciated. But mostly, I appreciated the main story line. Wilson and his wife Jane had gotten to 'that point' in their marriage where most people give up. It was so refreshing to see this couple put in the extra work when the going got tough.

I didn't LOVE this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down; I actually read it in two days! Anyhow, it was a sweet, easy read and I'd recommend it to anyone.

6 Months..

2011-11-12T06:39:00.006-06:00

Half a year old!!!! Little Roen, you are the most precious little man ever and I love you more than life itself!! These days you are:

Happy as can be

One easy baby...when your hungry I feed you, when your tired I put you in your swing and when your awake you will cruise around in your walker forever it seems!!

You still love bath time and continue to sleep great! You go to bed around seven and wake up to eat around three- I feel like we will be ditching your middle of the night feeding soon (with mommy's help).

You have two bottom teeth popping through

I have left you over night several times and you do great with the bottle

You are size 3 diapers and size 12 month clothes in most everything besides your pants (which is closer to 9 months)

You are scooting backwards and can sit up for several seconds at a time now

You nap twice a day for about 1-2 hours each

Still no baby food, just eating from Momma

Grabbing and pulling everything...hair, clothes, jewelry, etc.

Loves stroller rides, swinging and being talked to. In fact, this little fella just loves attention in general. All you really have to do to get a smile out of him is look at him and smile.

Around Here...

2011-11-07T13:30:00.007-06:00

Roen has two bottom teeth popping through. They started coming up about two weeks ago. It makes me a little sad that he is already getting teeth! Slow down baby!

Both boys are napping, and I have the whole house to myself...glorious!!

The terrible twos have made their appearance!! Remi loves to tell me "no, no, no, mine" to everything. He has also starting hitting and throwing things when he doesnt get his way. So far, putting him in his room for time out has worked the best. Spankings have yet to really phase him!

I could seriously eat this little booger up!!!

l

trying to go potty like daddy, Haha! He did this all on his own!

Spending time with Pops (Micah's dad)

This was Suday afternoon...
It is tiny, little moments in my day like this that make all the fits and exhaustion worth while!

Left Neglected

2011-11-05T13:18:00.004-05:00

by Lisa Genova

Wow! One of the best books I have read in a really, really long time! This book is so sweet, sad, touching and incredibly addicting! There is not much I can really say to give this book justice, besides read it!

This book is about a mom in her thirties who does it all, works 80 hours a week, makes tons of money, has a huge house, a great husband and three precious kids. However, her life is turned upside down when she gets in a horrible car wreck one morning on the way to work. Though she survives, she is left with a very unique and disabling handicap. Her journey to recovery will make you laugh and cry....what an inspiring story! I could not put this book down!

I fully intended on buying her first book "Still Alice" at the book store, but decided to read this one first. I can't wait to go buy "Still Alice". I have heard it is amazing as well. I'll let you know!

My Boys....

2011-11-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

These boys sure do love spending time with their Daddy! I think it's pretty cute myself!

A Few Firsts...

2011-11-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

This was little Roen's first time in Remi's old swing! We finally got it hung up the other day. We haven't used it quite as much as we did with Remi, but Roen absolutely loves it! Most of the time if Roen is swinging, Remi decides he wants to get in or he wants me to come do something with him instead. Remi can be quite demanding and doesn't really like to share his momma :)

Roen's first belly laugh....

and of all things, it was Little Anne who made him so tickled! Actually she is what used to get Remi so tickled at the same age too! She started hopping around and growling and he thought it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen! I LOVE baby laughs! Probably one of the sweetest sounds to my ears!

Mini Shopaholic....

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

By Sophie Kinsella

Oh how I love Becky Bloomwood!!! I have read and loved all the shopaholic books and this one did not disappoint!! What I love about these books is that not only are they so stinking funny, but I think every girl has a little Becky Bloomwood in them. I find myself relating to her outlandish thinking and rationalizations! In this book, Becky has already had her baby girl, Minnie.... And she is two! So much of how Minnie acts reminded me of Remi! I laughed myself through the whole book! Micah asked me 'is it really that funny' while we were in he car one day, and yes it is!!!! Atleast if you have a two year old of your own!

I have a feeling there will be another book in this series coming soon... I'd be stoked!

*after I read 'A Stolen Life' I realized how much I missed my books! I decided to try and make time to read again.... Afterall, every girl has has to have some 'me' time even if she does have little ones at home.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

We went Trick or Treating last night. It was Remi's first time to really go trick or treating. We only went to a handful of places, but it sure was fun! Remi's favortie part was by far, handing out candy. Once we got to Na's house, we ate chilli and handed out candy to trick or treaters. We all sat on the front porch and waited for all the dressed up kids to come. It was so fun!!! Remi would put candy in their buckets and then tell them 'bye bye'. If he ever dropped a piece, he would chase them down until he made sure they got it in their bag. It was priceless!

We started the day by giving Remi his Halloween goodies...Im a bad mom, I didn't give Roen a goodie bag! But look how cute he looked...

this is Remi last year in the same outfit!! I can't believe this fits Roen at 5 months and fit Remi at 13 months!!!

Trick or Treating at Great Grandma's and Pepaw's

We went and visited Great Gran at work...she was very excited to see us!

Trick or Treating at Na's

This was our last stop and by the time we got there, Roen thought he was starving. Here is the best picture of the boys I could get...one screaming and the other with his finger up his nose! HaHa!

GiGi, Madison, and Remi

Passing out candy

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday evening, Micah and I took the boys to Zoo Boo at the Gainesville Zoo. It was so fun!!! They got to dress up, get candy, and see all sorts of characters!! Remi loved it!! They had lights hung everywhere, and not to my surprise, that was probably Remi's favorite part!

Sweet Roen and Micah...Roen happily stayed in his costume the whole time!

This was Remi about 5 minutes after we got there, de-headed and de-handed :)

The boys and I... I am so excited, I never get to be in pictures with the boys!

Remi never would go hug Curious George...little stinker just stood there and flirted around with him!

Family picture....this rarely happens either!

A Little Artist Did This...

2011-10-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

We started off like this...

Then we got a little silly and messy...

And here is our masterpiece...

By the time we finished, we were naked and brushing our teeth...how do we even get here!?

Ridin' Buddies

2011-10-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ro Bear...

2011-10-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh.....how I love this little man....words cannot describe! This was one of my favorite little hats that Remi used wear and now RoRo gets to wear it! I must say, I still love this little bear hat!

This is Remi in the same little bear hat around 5 months old...

Rock-A-Bye-Baby

2011-10-25T11:58:00.001-05:00

This is what I found after running errands yesterday afternoon...

A Stolen Life...

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

a Memoir by Jaycee Dugard

As you might have noticed, I don't really get to read much any more. By much, I mean ever. However, I saw this book at Target and had to get it!!! I read pretty much the whole book on our way home from San Angelo. The first 3/4 of the book is so riveting, I literally could not put it down!! The things this poor girl went through are absolutely horrifying! For some reason, I am really drawn to books like this. I love reading memoirs because they are real life. Don't get me wrong, I love sweet ending fairy tales, but sometimes it's nice to read about the things that are really going on in this world. The end was a bit slow for me. She explains where she and her family are today and their difficult transition into 'normal' life. Though I thought this was important to give closure to the reader and probably her, it seemed to go on and on.

Overall, great book! It spares no details...be prepared to be emotional overwhelmed for Jaycee!

Cowboys...

2011-10-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

Even if the Cowboys never win, you can't beat Sunday afternoon snuggles with RoRo!

One Afternoon...

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

We have a little turtle that roams our front yard. Little and Remi LOVE this turtle. They will go outside and search everywhere for this little turtle! Little likes to turn the turtle over on his back and Remi gets so mad at her! He tells her 'no, no Little' and shakes his little finger at her! He sees me do that all the time to her! They will just wait and stare at the turtle waiting for him to poke his head out and move. It is pretty cute!

four wheelin' with Daddy...

GiGI

2011-10-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

GiGi is what Remi calls my Grannie. Grannie is a very special person in our lives. Her and Remi have the cutest little relationship. He is constantly turning off the tv just to get a rise out of her! Ha! Anyways, here is GiGi loving on her sweet grand babies.

Boys...

2011-10-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

2 boys + 1 gallon bucket of crayons =

Pumpkin Patch 2011...

2011-10-17T09:36:00.001-05:00

This year Remi loved the pumpkin patch. He kissed the pumpkins, hugged the pumpkins, crawled on top of the pumpkins and even decided to pick them up and throw them across the parking lot! Getting a picture of Remi actually looking at me was near impossible, much less with both him and Roen. It didn't help that anytime I asked him to sit with Roen he said no. Anyways, we had fun and here are our pictures...

PUMPKIN PATCH 2009

PUMPKIN PATCH 2010

When You live in the Country...

2011-10-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

you can do things like this....

and Remi takes full advantage!

Bath time...

2011-10-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is what bath time looks like at our house...

lots of bubbles, soap and splashing! These boys love bath time!!! I look forward to bath time as well, it seems this is the only time they are in the same place, happy and I can actually sit down and take a break! So far, this is the only activity the boys really enjoy doing together- or should I say Remi tolerates doing with Roen :)

Almo...

2011-10-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

Remi loves 'Almo' and was more than excited when I brought these home from the store...

5 Months...

2011-10-11T21:33:00.006-05:00

Really...? I feel like I just did Roen's 4 month post! This past month has been a whirl wind of events and this little booger seems to be growing double time!!!

Biggest milestone this month...ROLLING OVER. This little dude is like a steamroller, the instant you put him down he rolls! However, he often gets stuck on his tummy! Even though I have seen him do it a number of times, he sometimes forgets he can roll from tummy to back.

Grabbing everything and anything he can and it all goes straight to his mouth!

Still going to bed around 7 and wakes up around 7, wakes up around 3 to eat

Naps around 10 for 2-3 hours and then an afternoon nap wherever we can fit it in

Still the most smiley, happiest baby ever!

He is so big!! Everyone who sees him thinks he is so much older than he is because of his size.

Wearing mostly 9 month clothes and some 12 month

Has a cold and got put on medicine for the first time this week

Still just breastfeeding. I decided not to rush rice cereal or baby food. I will probably wait until at least 6 months, if not longer, to introduce other foods. His doctor said really all they need the first year is breastmilk so I figure why complicate this already crazy household :)

LOVES Remi!!! He loves to watch and laugh at him!

loves his walker and jumparoo

seems to like watching TV as much as Remi!

And just for fun, this Remi at almost 7 months wearing the same outfit!

This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things...

2011-10-05T08:48:00.004-05:00

Micah and I always say this jokingly to Remi when he makes a big mess. However, yesterday, I wasn't joking when I told him this.

Sharpie all over my new desk and chair...all while I was putting Roen down for nap!

*in case this ever happens to you, nail polish remover works like magic on hard wood surfaces....the chair is hopeless. However, my sweet husband is getting me a new one. I think I have had this chair and desk a total of 3 weeks max! Last week, Remi got chocolate birthday cake all over the seat...I guess this chair was destined to fail from the get go!

Why I Love Our New Home...

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Because we get to have picnic lunches everyday! Our back deck is shaded all day long, so we get to spend hours upon hours outside playing if we so desire! And because even though it is only 2.5 acres, we are completely surrounded by a mountain like trees, feeling like our property never ends. It is quite at night! I love hearing the crickets and being surrounded by nighttime dark you only see out in the country! We are LOVING every minute of our country retreat!

It makes me smile knowing that our boys will be 'country boys'! I can only imagine the mischief they will get into as they get older! Bugs, spiders and snakes are all crossing my mind!

So Lucky...

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

These boys are so lucky, they don't even realize. How much fun to be brothers so close in age, it's like a built in best friend for life...at least that's how it is for my sister and I!

The Sunday After...

2011-10-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Sunday after Remi's birthday party, we skipped church!! I think it was midnight before I finally got both boys to bed! We had a blast but were completely tuckered out!

Just a little relaxing before it was time to break in the new toys. Remi has an OBSESSION with tools. He got some really cool 'real looking' Black and Decker tools and tool apron. He wore it around all day long!!!

Happy Birthday Remi Roo!

2011-09-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

We decided to throw Remi two parties this year so that our family and friends back home could be a part of the celebration. In the end I was glad I did, but we sure were glad when all the festivities were finished!

San Angelo Birthday Party...

All the kiddos

Bowen and Roen...just two weeks apart!

the boys and all the women in my family that love them so dearly

Making a wish

Gainesville Birthday Party...

when the party was over, Remi was more than thrilled to be able to help with his new bear broom!

Back Up and Running...

2011-09-29T11:40:00.003-05:00

These past few weeks have been CRAZY!!! Two weekends ago Remi had his birthday party in San Angelo, this past weekend he had his party here and on top of that, we just bought a house at the end of August and just finished counter tops, painting, a deck and we are still in the process of moving in. These past couple of weeks have been a little stressful to say the least. And we just got internet today...thus the lack of blogging!

Good news, I have tons of birthday pictures to post. That will be another day. Here are some pictures of the boys to tide you over :)

Remi loving pushing Little around...

and Roen loving the walker!

HIgh School Reunion & Homecoming...

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, it has been ten years since I graduated high school...and yes, that makes me feel really, really old! We planned our reunion on Homecoming weekend and it was so fun!! Getting together with all my high school friends really made me realize how much fun we have together!

Remi was totally mesmerized by the pep rally! He was terrified of our mascot Wally...poor thing!

Here are some of my classmates. I graduated with around 60 and I think about half us showed up.

Remi is TWO!

2011-09-21T03:03:00.008-05:00

Today, my sweet baby is two! I am so proud of the little person Remi is becoming! He has the sweetest, most adventurous personality ever! I cant even count the number of times in a day that Micah or I will look at the other say, "I just love him so much!" This little man brings so much joy to our lives!

At age two, Remi..,
Has taken a potty training break. I guess the newness wore off and it is just not as much fun as he thought!

Still wakes up around 11 every night and comes and gets in bed with us...fixing to start working on this

Eats pretty much anything you give him...he is a great eater!

Loves juice, pizza, chips, peanut butter, strawberry milk, mac and cheese, french fries and green beans

Wears 2t, but most pants are too long and big in the waist

LOVES tools, give him a screwdriver and some screws and he will be entertained all day!

Loves Mickey and Elmo

Takes one nap a day, usually right before or right after lunch.

Has gotten so much better with RoRo. He will get jealous every once in awhile, but has pretty much accepted that he is hear to stay!

Has really started talking this past month, which has made his fit throwing decrease considerably

At this point i feel like Remi went threw his terrible twos early, i may be jinxing myself, but his behavior is so much better than it was at 18 months! Dont get me wrong he can definitely throw fits with the best of 'em but it just seems less frequent

Remi thinks almost all animals say Moooo, it is so cute and funny! However, he does know the proper sounds for cat, dog, bee and sometimes horse

Knows all his body parts and can identify most numbers threw 10

Has finally gotten to where he will dance to music

Here are some pictures from his Two Year Session this morning...

Giddy-Up...

2011-09-15T10:40:00.003-05:00

My Sleeping Babes...

2011-09-14T10:47:00.002-05:00

Remi usually wants to be in the room while I put Roen down for his morning nap. On this particular morning, I guess he woke up too early and decided he could use a little siesta as well.

Ahhhh....

2011-09-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

Football and pizza....oh how I love this time of year!

4 Months...

2011-09-12T13:02:00.003-05:00

Today, little Ro Bear is 4 months old!!!! He weighs 15.13 lbs and is 25 inches long. He is full of smiles, giggles and coos. He still eats about every 3-4 hours and usually takes a morning nap and a short afternoon nap. He LOVES bath time and still does really well in his carseat. He has started wanting to go to bed earlier, usually around 7 or 7:30. He is still waking up once a night to eat. So far, he likes to sleep in...most days until around 8:30. Remi always woke up around 6! A week or so ago, he went through a 3-4 day spurt where he started waking up 2 or 3 times a night wanting to snack. It instantly reminded me of when Remi did this at the same age. With Remi, I just kept getting up with him and he kept getting up more and more until finally after nine months of getting up with him almost every hour, I made him cry it out. I knew better with Roen. I made the little booger cry it out and now he is back to his good sleeping habits! I guess with number 2 you realize a little crying never hurt anyone..especially if it means more sleep in the long run!!

If your wondering what Roen was laughing at in these pictures, it was Remi! He LOVES Remi so much and thinks everything he does is funny!!! Remi however, was completely oblivious to the fact that he was entertaining Roen!

Sweet Cheeks...

2011-09-08T12:19:00.002-05:00

RoRo has the fattest, squishiest, most adorable cheeks ever!!! There is rarely an hour that goes by that they are not covered in his momma's kisses!

Halloween 2011 Sneakpeek...

2011-09-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Halloween is my most favorite holiday!! I love to dress up and I love candy! So, naturally, I look forward to dressing up the kiddos every year!

Originally, I was going to let Roen be a hot dog, Remi a hamburger and Micah and I would be mustard and ketchup. However, this all changed when I entered the Disney store! I had one of those glorious shopping moments where when you see something you realize right then and there that there is no way you are leaving without that particular item. Well on this shopping trip, it just happened to be matching Mickey costumes for the boys. It was love at first sight! Then when I actually got them home and let the boys try them on, it was confirmed.... cutest Halloween costume ever!!!

And I thought it was only fitting considering how much Remi loves 'Moufse', and I couldn't leave Roen out!

Labor Day Weekend...

2011-09-05T16:40:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Dallas, swimming and relaxing with family! Hope yours was fun too!

Almost...

2011-09-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Little Roen can almost roll over. He tries so hard, but just can't quite get it yet!

Feeding The Piggy...

2011-09-01T10:05:00.002-05:00

Remi loves to 'feed' his piggy, except he gets sad when there is no more money to put in it!

Pure Cuteness...

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-05:00