Trains!

We have a really nice park here that has different exhibits throughout the year.  In December they had trains.  It was a huge train setup that I have no pictures of, but trust me it was amazing.  We went two different times.  The first time I didn't even remember my camera...the second time I only managed to remember taking a couple of pictures.

Here is Heidi Sage being her usual sassy self.  There was a ladybug train that was her absolute favorite.  I think she chased it around for a good hour.

Here's Clinton and one of his besties, Hutch.

And here's Rex who was forced to stay in his stroller most of the time because it was muddy that day.  In order to keep him appeased, we kept him full....of Cheetos.

Christmas!!

We had such a great Christmas this year.  Such a great Christmas.

My parents decided to drive up so they could bring me my piano that my Mama Peggy left to me.  Knowing my parents would be here and that my piano was coming was pretty exciting...BUT THEN...but then I found out my Grammy and Grampy were coming.  I was "soo excited"--as Clinton would say.

I was excited for myself, but I was also excited for them and my kids.  They usually only see us when we're visiting Texas.  My kids are usually tired from an interrupted schedule and they're a little off from being out of their element.  They also just get to see Grammy and Grampy on day trips...and sometimes it takes my kids a while to warm up.

So...this was a great chance to my kids and their great grandparents to really get to spend some time together and get to know each other.  When my kids are rested and comfortable in their environment and had a day or two to warm up to their guests, they can be quite fun.

We did all kinds of fun things while they were here...

...we skyped with family in Indonesia.

...we spent lots of time decorating all of our packages wrapped in my beloved brown Kraft paper.

...lots of time.

...but it was fun.  We all sat at the table and worked on them.  It's not one of our family get togethers  unless there are at least 7 craft projects to work on.

A tree surrounded by masterpieces that would be ripped to shreds the next day.

One of the highlights of the visit for me was making Christmas dinner with my grandmother.  My grandmother and I talk about food and cooking a lot.  We kind of love it.  And I loved having a chance to cook with my grandmother again.

A close up of our pork loin masterpiece.  It was UH-mazing.

Then it was time to try to get some pictures.  We, of course, never remember to do these things when we're all dressed up.  Instead we wait until the night before when everyone is ready for bed and our guests are getting up to leave early the next morning...but we had to get pictures regardless.

Four Generations--Great Grammy (Jean), Bebe (Deborah), Mommy (me!), and Clinton, Heidi Sage, and Rex

The boys attacking me.  I already have nightmares of how this is going to play out in a few years when they're combined weight will be more than mine.

Me and my Grammy.  Love her.

Me and my Grampy and Grammy.  Two of the best grandparents a girl could ask for.

Rex's Baptism

Okay...so in the Methodist Church babies are supposed to be baptized when they are little.  They can be when they're older, but for most kids born into the church they are baptized when they're little.  I'm not very good at getting a good date pinned down, getting things booked, etc.  So Rex was several weeks past his first birthday when we finally got him baptized.

This meant he was too big for the traditional baptism gown (which we wouldn't have done anyway), so  I just dressed him in what we had.  And I'm just now noticing he didn't even have on shoes.  And do you like mine and Rex's clubbing bracelets?  That's for the nursery.

This is how Heidi Sage acted during most of the service.  Just thought it was worth noting.

Happy Baptism, Boo Bear!

Choir Performances

Clinton was old enough to start choir at our church this year.  We've had some growing pains with this--to say the least--but he's doing great now.  We started with him being highly reluctant to going.  Most moms would have just given up and let him quit...but I had a great group of ladies waiting upstairs for me in a Bible study.  So, Clinton had to learn to love it...and now he does.

These first 3 pictures are from a performance during a church service with just his choir.  I think he and the kid next to him were up to something.  Hard to say.  He did sing...a little.

Seriously...that's his little "I think I'm funny" smirk.  Not really sure what he thinks he's getting away with here.

Doing a little visiting...during the song...the only song they sang that morning.  Nice job, son.

Then there was the BIG Christmas concert with all the kids' choirs.  Clinton did such a great job!  Look for the really tall kid on row 3.

While they did some singing, they also did some waiting while the big kids sang.  He was able to stay quiet, but he didn't exactly keep his boredom under wraps.

Rodney and I were so excited to see Clinton doing the motions and singing the words, I think we giggled through the whole thing.  So proud of our boy!  He truly has come so far since last year's Spring Show at school where he stood and cried silently while clenching to a Matchbox car.

Couple of Random Pictures from December

Soccer - Fall 2011

While we have already started another season of soccer this spring, here are some pictures from last fall.

BOONS!

My kids love balloons.  I think the whole reason Heidi Sage even likes to go to birthday parties is for the balloons.  And every time we pass a car dealership with the big balloons on the cars she gets so excited and wants us to "oooh and aaaah" over each and every one of them.

Back in the fall the kids and I were headed home from school when we noticed some hot air balloons lying out in a field.  At first I just pointed them out as we drove by, but decided I need to turn around. How often do you get a chance to watch hot air balloons fill up and go up?  It turned out to be a big treat for the kids.  They loved it.

I saw a small neighborhood with a very quiet cul de sac sat across the field.  So rather than sitting on the side of the highway, we found our way into the neighborhood and back to the perfect little viewing area.  The whole thing was such a great surprise in our day.

After realizing the sounds of the balloons being blown up with fire wasn't really scary, Clinton ventured out of the car and posed for a picture.

It wasn't long before Heidi Sage ventured out for a look of her own.

We probably sat there for about 45 minutes...the kids excited about each new phase and especially that the passengers waved to them as they flew off.  Then the kids wanted to chase the balloons in our car.  Sorry, guys...I'm a fun mom...to a point.

Boo's Birthday Party

For Rex's first birthday we had a family party.  The big kids decided they wanted to do Boo's party in a dinosaur theme because when your name is Rex, you find yourself receiving lots of T-Rex stuff.  So off we went with a dinosaur theme.  And to set the tone, I got this little beauty at Whole Foods for a mere $25...thankyouverymuch.

Big sister "helping" opening presents...or maybe just trying to find out what her little brother is going to be "sharing" with her.

Big kids got a small gift, too.  Papa (Rodney's dad) had a nut cracker at his house and Clinton loved it so Papa promised him one.  Papa came thru on the night of Rex's party and got Heidi Sage and Clinton each their own nutcracker.  Clinton loved his so much he even took it to school the next and slept with it at nap time....where he discovered it was really hard, and never asked for it at nap time again.

Boo loving all the attention and love.

Boo all stripped down and ready for some yummy T-Rex birthday cake.

Thank you Clinton for sharing your germs with everyone.

Don't worry, Mom.  I know what to do this time...

...there...got it.

Happy Birthday, Boo!  We love you!

Baby Boo is One!

Our Baby Rex, also known as Boo, turned ONE on November 27th.  I still can't believe it.  As is tradition in our house, we have a small celebration at home on the kids' actual birthdays and then a big party later for family and friends.  For Rex's birthday we had Gigi's Cupcakes.

Rex was really excited when I sat his cupcake down on his tray.

Are you saying it's okay if I touch this?  This feels like a trap.

I'm touching it.  Are you sure I'm not going to get in trouble?  I might even eat some.

Uh-oh...look at me.  I'm eating some.

Holy cheese sticks!  This stuff tastes goooooood.

Big brother showing Boo how to take a big bite.  We don't baby bite sweets in this house, Boo.  Big bites.

Rex going in for a big bite...

...yep...I think he understands now.  What? I'm just doing what I was told.  Don't judge.

Okay...your turn, Mom.  Sorry, Boo...Mommy can't eat wheat, but thanks a ton.  Really.