Life With My Little Twinkies

Fashion Choices

2011-07-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Fashion Police,

Please do not arrest our mother for allowing us to make the following fashion choices.

Sincerly,

Anna & Brown

The New "Bump Bed"

2011-07-18T09:31:00.001-07:00

B got a new "bump bed" this weekend.

Clay had a LOT of help when putting it together.

Brown is SOOO very proud of his new bed. He keeps repeating with tons of confidence, "I'm a big boy now."

Last night when saying prayers he prayed, "Tank you Jesus for my new bump bed. Tank you mista mailman for bwinging it to my house (although Clay went & picked it up). Tank you Dada for puddin togethew my bump bed."

Melts my heart!

He went right to sleep last night. No playing around. No sliding. No climbing.

He even slept in until 9:00 A.M. this morning!

When he got up the first thing out of his mouth was, "I LOVE my new bed. It is SOOOOO COZY!"

Daddy's little helpers

Trying out the slide

The new bump bed

***Ignore all of the wall decor, I still need to rearrange everything. Hopefully I will post pics of his finished room in a few days! ;)

She Tells It Like It is...

2011-07-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

While we were at H-E-B yesterday the kids and I were having a discussion about making healthy food choices. As I was bagging some bananas, Brown pointed to them and said, "Bananas awe healfy to eat. Dey make us gwow big and stwong like Daddy."

I replied, "That's right, Brown. Bananas are a healthy food choice."

Later on during our shopping trip, Anna pointed to a bag of Oreos and shouted, "Those cookies are NOT healthy to eat. They will go straight to you hips, right Mama?!!!!"

An over sized woman near us let out a chuckle and exclaimed, "That's right little lady, I've enjoyed one too many Oreos in my days!"

Then when we were checking out, I noticed that our checker had a mohawk. Well, so did Anna. She immediately pointed to him and screamed, "I LOVE your dinosaur haircut!"

He proudly responded, "Thanks! Well, that's one I haven't heard before."

***I thought it was a perfect description! ;)

Life Is Never Dull...

2011-07-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

...driving around town with my pirate & Cinderella in the back!
Happy Friday!

Recent Pics

2011-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

One of my besties from Waco, Abbie Rusek, and former teaching partner loves to take pictures. She does it as a hobby. While we were in Waco a few weeks ago, Anna, Brown and I met "Miss Abbie Cadabby" at the Arboretum for an early morning play date! Anna & Brown had lots of fun running and exploring nature. Didn't Abbie get some wonderful shots?!!

These are a few of my faves...

Thank you "Miss Abbie Cadabby," we sure did have a wonderful time!

Sending you lots of hugs and kisses.

We miss you already!

Please Don't Grow Up!

2011-06-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Brown looks so old in this picture.

He looks like a little kid here.

Where did my baby boy go?!!!?

How has the time passed by so quickly?It feels like just yesterday that you were learning to roll over... and beginning to sit up...and trying to crawl...

and then learning to walk...

I wish I could freeze time.

Baby boy, please don't grow up!!!!

I gave in...

2011-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

A & B have been trying to give up the nap for a couple of months now. I'll admit, nap time has been pretty much unsuccessful for the past several months...B would come out of his room 172,989 times before he would finally give in and take one, or as soon as he would fall asleep the yard man next door would arrive to blow the leaves around or mow the yard which would make b come charging out of his room screaming, "I hear someping! I hear someping!"

A would fight the nap too, excuse after excuse. Then when she did actually nap, Miss Priss would stay up until all hours of the night. Imagine 11 P.M. and a three year old still up and playing in her room no matter what time we started bedtime.

So, I gave in. I can officially say we have given up the nap.

Now that we have no more nap time, I still think quiet time is a must. I know that I definitely need a little quiet time. It certainly makes me a much better Mama after my short little break of quietness.

So I started brainstorming ideas for quiet time. I wanted activities that would entertain and engage Anna and Brown for a period of time. Activities that they could use independently. The teacher in me loved this part! That was always my favorite part about teaching...the planning!

I decided that I would make centers, like the ones that I used in my classroom. So I've been gathering materials- art supplies, books, blocks, toys, puzzles, manipulates, etc. I placed them in plastic tubs and store them in our toy closet. They are "special" toys that we only get to use during quiet time. I rotate them out, which I do with all of their toys, and then they seem like new and exciting activities each time we use them.

During quiet time, I pick the activities and set the tubs up around their rooms. Next I set a timer for 45 minutes and close their doors. Then they each have to stay in their room and quietly play until the timer beeps.

And Viola, there you have it...quiet time.

Success.

Today I set up stickers and construction paper as one of the centers in each of their rooms. When quiet time was over, both of them came out of their rooms looking like this...

Ha! Ha! Ha!

I guess twins really do think alike!!

A Day in the Life of Potty Training

2011-06-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

B: I don't want to be a big boy. I don't want to weh unduhweh. I want my diapuh on, NOW!!!! Me: If you teetee in the potty like a big boy, you can earn a prize!
B: Ohhhh, dats a good idid! I AM gonna be a BIG BOY NOW!!!!

B: Yay!!!!!!!! I did it! I used the potty like a big boy!

You be so pwowd of me Mama?

Me: See, you can do it! I am very proud of you, Brown.

B: I want dat one!

B: Look Mama, it's Lightening AhQueen!

B: ZOOOOooooooom!

B: Look at all my cahs I got today!!

B: Dis is hawd wowk! I need to welax a little bit! ;)

Me: Day 1, was a success. Now on to day 2...

Nugglin'

2011-05-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

Brown "nugglin" with all his toys!

My Little Belly Dancer

2011-05-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Strike A Pose

2011-05-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Mister Brown showin' off for the camera

"Hey Mom, take a pitcha of me!" I know you have seen my kiddos in this exact pose a million times. Just about as soon as I take out the camera, Anna runs and over and starts hugging her "brudder."

3 Years Old

2011-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

3 years old is so much fun!

I am just loving this age.

They really do say the cutest things.

Whenever Brown is told that the answer is NO he replies, "But I'm a weal (real) boy!!!"

This morning while batting her eyelashes Anna announced, "Mommy, when I grow up I want to marry my Daddy!"

When we are out running errands Anna frequently asks the cashier, "Are you a boy or a girl?"

Trying to get an answer from Brown is still very difficult, for example:

Me: Brown, why did you bite your sister?

Brown: I bite Eenah (Anna) because I bite Eenah.

Me: Brown, why are you crying?

Brown: I cwying because I cwying.

Anna always tells the truth, for example:

Me: Anna, why did you color on the wall?

Anna: I wanted to make it pretty.

Me: Anna, why did you push your brother?

Anna: Because he was in duh way.

At bedtime Anna always tells us to, "Cover me bigger!"

Every morning Brown asks, "What we doin' today? We goin' to Tahgit (Target)?"...his favorite store. Mine too!! ;)

I ran into the edge of the coffee table the other day and Brown said, "Hold on Mom, let me go get somping." He then ran into the other room and came back with his doctor's kit.

Brown frequently says, "Hmmm, let me tink about it," while pressing his index finger on the tip of his chin.

Almost every morning Anna asks, "Can we go get in the car today and drive and drive and drive and drive to go see Gaga in Waco?"...that girl loves her grandmother!

Whenever Anna gets scolded she begs, "I sorry, will follow rections (directions) now! I will be a good girl."

At H-E-B today Anna told the checker boy with long hair, "You need a haircut."...she was right, he did.

And our dog is not named Woody, it is Woody Dog.

Gosh, How They Have Grown!

2011-05-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end of the school year for us.

I was looking at pictures from the 1st day of school, and GOSH how they have grown!

Where have my babies gone?

Next year, they will be in Three Year Old Preschool.

I can't believe it.

How quickly they have matured from toddlers to little kids!

Before I know it , they will be starting elementary school...

then jr high...

then high school...

then college.

TEAR.

Life just goes by so quickly.

Brown's last day of school

Brown's 1st day of school

Anna's last day of school

Anna's 1st day of school

Goofy Pics

2011-05-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Aren't these the goofiest pics you have ever seen?

What a waste of $30.00.

However, they DO make me laugh out loud every time that I look at them!!

Hope you enjoy a good laugh too!

Tap Pics

Ballet Pics

Gaga's # 1 Fan

2011-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Anna's First Recital

2011-05-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Anna has been taking tap and ballet this year, and she had her recital last weekend. Seriously, what's cuter than little girls in dance costumes dancing?!? I didn't get any pics of Anna in her tap costume, but here are plenty of her in her ballet tutu! Enjoy!

Gaga & Brown waiting for the show to begin My cute ballerina climbing on a rock in her costume
Anna & her bestie, Reagan, after their show

All of Anna & Reagan's fans that came to watch

So happy with the flowers from her Daddy

Anna and one very proud MommyIce cream for everyone after the recital!

Anna & Reagie

Brown & McLane

Anna has already been asking when she gets to dance on the stage again.

We can't wait for next year!!

Hopscotch

2011-05-19T08:04:00.001-07:00

Hopscotch, one of my favorite memories on the school playground...

one that I am passing down to Anna now!

He...

2011-05-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Adores pirates, dump trucks, Thomas the Train, and his American Girl baby doll.

Wants to wear his "rocks" (crocs) every where. Even to bed.

Is particular about what he wears now. When he doesn't like something that I've picked he says, "Mama, that NOT look wight!"

Is super attached to his "lankie" (blanket).

Is fighting nap time.

Wants to eat "doose" (juice) and "goldfith" (goldfish) every morning for breakfast.

Only wants "macawoni" for dinner...doesn't always get it though.

Sings himself to sleep at night.

Is really into fairy tales. His favorite one is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Can recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance. And salutes the flag while he does it.

LOVES to be outside.

Is such a "Mama's boy" right now...Secretly, I LOVE IT!! ;)

Right Now...

2011-05-18T15:12:00.001-07:00

She constantly demands, "Stop talking, and clap for me!" as she twirls around the room.

Sweetly turns to me and says, "Mom, I love you." several times a day.

While at the park playing last week, she came running over to me and exclaimed, "It's such a hard time playing!"...i know, what a hard life!

Refers to anything that has happened in the the past as, "Last morning."

Frequently says, "I am soooo fwus-ter-ated!"...oops, i wonder where she got that one?!?

Loves to dance
and twirl

and makes me watch "her show" at least 5 times a day.

Play dress up every.single. day.

Changes outfits, including socks, shoes, bows, and panties several times a day.

Has to wear lipstick (chapstick) to school.

Stays up til about 11:00 each night playing in her room before finally falling asleep.

Last week I found her locked inside her closet, naked, rearranging her shoes by color.

happy mother's day to me!

2011-05-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

the day i became your mommy, my whole life changed.

before i met you, i was happy. but because of you i am happier than i could have ever imagined. i am blessed beyond measure. you have changed me. being a mother is what i was always meant to be.

i love you!

happy mother's day to me!

In Honor of Mother's Day

2011-05-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KLPW6GNX

Happy Mother's Day!

Daddy's Boy

2011-05-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Gosh, Brown sure does look like his Daddy in these pictures.

Especially, since he's lounging on the leather sofa! ;)

My Silly Little Guy

2011-05-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

Just a few pics I thought I'd share of my silly little guy,

helping me out around the kitchen...

Recital Sneak Peek

2011-04-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Anna had her tap & ballet dress rehearsal today-

it brought tears of joy to my eyes. Seriously, it WAS the cutest thing. Not just Anna, but all of the little dancers. They were just adorable.

I can't wait to post a video of the dances after the recital, which is still a couple of weeks away!

Here's a sneak peek of the costumes!!

This is her ballet costume

They're dancing to Tomorrow from Annie Next up, her tap costume

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair from South Pacific

Pretty precious, huh?!?

Caricatures

2011-04-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Over spring break, we went and spent a few night at the Gaylord Texan. The kids loved it, and Grapevine Mills Mall was like a mini Disney World- a carousel, train rides, and Rainforest Cafe. The kids couldn't get enough if it.

My favorite part of the entire trip was getting caricatures done of the kids. They sat very still the entire time, amazed that someone was drawing them. They turned out really cute and they were very accurate, besides the fact that the artist was quite generous with the amount of hair that he gave Anna! ;)

Aren't they cute?!?

In Honor of the Royal Wedding...

2011-04-29T14:41:00.001-07:00

my little princess, Anna!

Working in the yard is hard work

2011-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Play Ball!

2011-04-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Even a fairy can play ball!

A Few of My Faves

2011-04-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

I was going through my phone deleting old pics, so I thought I'd share a "few" of my faves that just make me smile!
* I worked really hard at creating a photo collage, but once I uploaded it to blogger, it disappeared. What a waste of time!!! Hope you enjoy anyway!

Kids say the darndest things...

2011-04-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

Before going to church with my parents on Sunday, Gaga explained to Anna & Brown that during communion the priest was going to touch their heads and say a blessing. Brown turned to Gaga with wide eyes and exclaimed, "A BEAST?!!!!!!!!"

After having her head blessed during communion, Anna turned to me and whispered, "Dats Jesus up dere. He touched my hair!"

How to dye an Easter egg

2011-04-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

First you place the eggs in the colored dye Next you patiently wait for the dye to set
Then you get to decorate the eggs with stickers

Finally you are all done, yay!!!!

And dying Easter eggs is NOT complete without...

a few kisses

and hugs!

THE END

The Masterpiece

2011-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

The other morning Anna was coloring while I was making breakfast. All of a sudden, she ran into the room and exclaimed, "Mom, I paint the most beautifulest picture for you. I made it your favorite color. PURPLE!!!"

Then she pulled me by the elbow over to her table, and proudly presented her masterpiece to me.

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair...

2011-04-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,

I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair

And send him on his way.

My Lil Monkey...

2011-04-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

My handsome boy

2011-04-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Just picked up Woody Dog from the groomers

Don't ya think he's such a handsome boy?!?

Painting Waffles

2011-04-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

We did a little craft the other morning and the kids had so much fun.

We painted waffles!

I used mini waffles, so they'd look like more like Easter eggs. Then I poured a little milk into a container and added a drop of food coloring to it, and voila...edible paint!

They painted their little hearts out and then enjoyed their tasty breakfast treats!

What a fun way to start the morning!

The Grocery Store Trip from He$$

2011-04-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Taking two hungry kids to HEB at 5:00 PM on a Monday evening may not have been the best idea...

First off, I let the kids ride in that extra long "car" cart that is nearly impossible to steer.

BIG mistake.

Here's how the trip went:

As I was turning down an aisle a man stopped right in the middle of it causing me to accidentally bump into his ankle. He quickly turned around and gave me the stink eye. I apologized to him profusely, blaming myself for going too fast in that darn extra long cart. He then started limping down the aisle.

Seriously, I only tapped him with my cart.

So again, I stopped and apologized to him. He just continued to give me a nasty look and never even acknowledged me. So I got over it and went about my business.

Next, Brown was trying to grab something off of a shelf that I had already told him he could not have 987, 654 times and then...

CRASH!!!!

Three broken pasta sauce jars on the floor. All over my feet as well. And what felt like hundreds of eyes staring at me and my two hooligans. So I flagged down a worker to tell him about our spill only to get more nasty looks.

Then Brown, my poor starving child, was trying to open the roasted chicken in our cart and tumped it over making a huge greasy mess all over our groceries and forming a slippery puddle on the ground. So again I had to flag down ANOTHER maintenance worker. Looks of disgust were sent our way this time.

Finally as we are checking out, a precious elderly man was in line behind us. He sneezed, "ACHOO!!!"

And Anna screamed, "Mom, that man said BOO!

He's SOOOO SCARY!"

The she continued to shout at the top of her lungs, "HE IS SOOOO SCARY WOOKIN', MOM!"

By this point I am beet red. Then I said to Anna, "It is not nice to say someone is scary looking."

She responded, "No, he's not scary wookin', HE'S FUNNY WOOKIN'!!!!!"

I swear, I almost died of humiliation right then and there.

Never again... 5:00 PM, two hungry kids, HEB.

Three years

2011-04-04T16:45:00.001-07:00

Three years!

How can that be?

I feel like my sweet babies were born just yesterday.

Although I feel like I have known them a lifetime.

March 5, 2008.

The.Best.Day.Of.My.Life.

Happy 3rd Birthday,

Anna & Brown!

On their birthday

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Showing me that they are 3...

yes, we still need to work on that one!

Sweet happy birthday hugs!!

"Daddy Tostume"

2011-04-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

My kids LOVE to dress up, even my B boy!

This is what he calls his "Daddy tostume"

Gaga's Girl

2011-03-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

And she ADORES her Gaga too...

Reading

2011-03-31T11:49:00.001-07:00

My girl LOVES a good book...

bathtime fun

2011-03-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

2011-03-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

I got crafty this year, and we made homemade valentine's!

Cute candy airplanes for B's friends

and sweet lollipop flowers for A's friends!

Candy airplanes Very proud of our creation!

Lollipop flowers

Loved her creation too!

We also got crafty in the kitchen.

We made Oreo balls kisses.

Not only were they precious, but OH SO DELICIOUS too!

I felt like a regular Martha Stewart!

My little helper tasting the batter

Oreo ball kisses

Getting ready to deliver our treats to the teachers

Happy belated Valentine's Day!

Big girl prize

2011-03-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

After my big girl learned to use the potty,

I took her to Toys R Us to pick basically any surprise she wanted.

I was willing and ready to spend some major bucks,

but all she wanted was...

a 15 dollar Minnie Mouse costume!

Soooooo VERY proud of her new costume
Brown had to pull out his Mickey ears too!

Mickey jumping

Minnie Mouse taking down Mickey Mouse!

Playing in our pj's!

2011-03-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

And the tradition continues...

2011-03-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

This is the way Clay got his hair cut as a child,

so this is how Brown gets his hair cut too!

Clay is a man of ritual.

If he does/did something a certain way, than everyone should do it that way.

All the Hicks' boys got their hair cut at home by their father.

All the Hick's boys sat on this exact stool too.

And so the tradition continues...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

2010 in Review

2011-01-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

2010 was a great year!

Here's a quick look back at our many adventures...

Brown started out 2010 with a bang-

Daddy gave him the worst haircut EVER!!!!!

In February, we celebrated Valentine's Day with lots of love.

Kiss me?!?

We were sooooo excited to turn TWO in March!

In April we had our very first Easter egg hunt!

May brought us all the way to Florida for our first trip to Walt Disney World!

We traveled to New Mexico & Colorado in June.

In July we celebrated the 4th!

We went on our annual trip to Port Aransas in August.

In September, Daddy worked really really hard putting together our "club house" in the backyard.

We enjoyed going to the pumpkin patch in October.

Santa's helper, Lulu, came to visit us in November.

He made sure we were on best behavior!

We celebrated the birth of Jesus in December!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

We look forward to many more adventures in 2011!!

1 Down, 1 To Go!

2011-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's official

She's POTTY TRAINED.

Yes!!!!!

I followed the 3-Day Potty Training Method e-book

http://www.3daypottytraining.com/

I read every single word cover to cover, and I followed it exactly.

We woke up early Thursday morning.

Had breakfast, and then the fun began.

Let me back track a little.

First I covered every inch of our den floor with blankets and towels.

Then the fun began!

We put on big girl panties, and boy was she thrilled!

During breakfast, she had her first accident and we ran to the potty,

and she finished on the potty.

Yeah!

This continued throughout the morning.

By lunch time, the girl had the hang of it.

She was telling me every time she had to go potty!

During her nap, she woke up dry telling me she needed to go potty.

The rest is history.

She is officially a big girl now!

In a few weeks, it will be brother's turn...

Introducing...

2011-01-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

Introducing the newest member of our family...

Woody!!!!

A Very Merry Christmas!

2011-01-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

We had a very merry Christmas!

Celebrating Jesus' birth, with family.

It could not have been better!

Santa filled A & B's stockings to the brim

Anna helped pass out the presents

She got her beloved Simba.

We had to stop at every gift shop,

and I mean every shop,

while we were at Disney World so she could hug Simba .

Every time Ann would say, "Maybe for Christmas!?!"

I guess Santa was listening.

Santa brought them a trampoline!

and a kitchen.

Anna's favorite gift happens to be the 5 dollar broom.

This girl takes after her mama already.

She LOVES a clean home!!!!

A BIG CHRISTMAS HUG!

A Very Disney Christmas

2011-01-14T13:28:00.001-08:00

This year my parents gave us the gift of Disney for Christmas. The kids and I loaded up in the car, and drove cross country with my parents to Disney World again! It was so magical, especially all decorated up for Christmas.

When we arrived and checked into our hotel, Anna overlooked the balcony into the hotel lobby and exclaimed, "Diney Wield! Dis is da best!"

She thought the hotel was one of the actual parks!

You can see the pure excitement in her face here.

Meeting Pooh
Gaga & Tigger
More hugs for Tigger

About to ride Toy Story Mania with Pah-pah

We ate lunch with several of the Disney characters,

and Brown got up to join the dance party

Patiently waiting at Chef Mickey's to meet the the characters

So excited!

About to meet a character...

Pluto, our favorite!!

Another day we ate lunch with the Disney Princesses

Belle was Anna's favorite!

Waiting so nicely for a ride

This is what Anna would do when she was not ready to leave a ride

Sit right down and pout!

Anywhere.

He thought he had found Woody's hat

We finally did find Woody's hat

At last, we got to meet Woody!

A bit behind

2011-01-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I'm a bit behind on blogging.

November was pretty much the pits.

First Anna got a virus and ran a really high fever for a week.

As soon as Anna recovered from it, Brown came down with the same thing.

Just when I thought all was fine and dandy, Brown got pink eye.

Then I got pink eye.

The following week Anna got the stomach bug.

She passed it along to Brown

Who passed it along to Clay.

Finally after an entire 3 1/2 weeks of being sick, we were all better and we headed to Waco to spend time with our family for Thanksgiving.

Build-A-Bear

2010-12-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

While we were in Waco, we went to Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Anna was really into it.

Filling her bear with stuffing

Rubbing the heart on her back so the bear will "always have her back"

Closing her eyes and making a wish with the heart

After the bear was all stitched up, she gave it a bath

Finally dressing her bear...Cinderella!

B was not that into the whole process.

The stuffing machine made a loud blowing noise that scared him.

So he just kissed his bear's heart and made a wish.

And that was that.

Of course, he picked the Woody costume!

Overall, it was a fun experience!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas pj's

2010-12-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Card Outtakes

2010-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

crying

making a silly face

nose picking

too big smile

squished up face

nearly impossible to get them together

i took about 100 pictures, just to get a few good ones.

maybe next year will be easier.

October in Review

2010-11-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

Miss me much?!?

After many setbacks with our computer,

I'm finally back in the blogging world again!

First we got a computer virus.

Once we got it fixed, Clay dropped the computer!

So my sweetie bought me an early Christmas gift-

a new laptop!!!!

Now, October in review...

Went on a Girl's Trip to Salado with my besties from college

(Amy, Jamie, Me, Aubs)
B & Buzz enjoying the Airsho

A watching the planes fly by

Then Clay & I went on a weekend getaway to Las Vegas

This was our very first trip together since Anna & Brown joined the family-

it was much needed!!!!!

Just the two of us at the top of Mandalay Bay overlooking the strip

We took the kiddos out to Fiddlestick Farms for a very windy afternoon.

The three of us squeezed into the cow train!

A & B painted pumpkins to get into the fall spirit

This is Anna's new favorite thing to do now.

She has painted 6 total!!

B working hard on his pumpkin too

Our first time to carve a pumpkin

Took Woody & Jessie Trunk or Treating

Enjoyed getting their faces painted by Joy the clown again

Woody got Bullseye, a beard, & a mustache

Jessie was quite excited to have her face painted as well

A & B are obsessed with costumes now

B wears his Woody vest everywhere.

Even when sleeping!

My sleeping beauty in her Belle dress

November pics coming soon...

Face Painting

2010-09-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

A & B went to a birthday party and had their faces painted for the first time.

They. Loved. It.

A wanted butterflies B wanted Boots, from Dora
Isn't this the way everyone eats dinner?

Caught Red-Handed

2010-09-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Over the past several days, I've been finding parts of my flower

arrangement throughout the house.

Apparently this wasn't her first time up on the table...

Just A Friendly Wrestling Match Going On

2010-09-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Cowboy up

2010-09-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

My cowboy YEEEEE-
HAAAAAW!!!!!!!

My lil cowgirl is pretty proud of her new pink boots too!

Nice to meet you...

2010-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

A Halloween Sneak Peek

2010-09-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Woody Jessie
Checking out their costumes

Dance party!!!!!

Septemberfest

2010-09-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the kiddos to Septemberfest, which is an arts and crafts festival at the Museum of the Southwest here in Midland. There were many great vendors, but the best part were the children's activities. Anna absolutely LOVED everything! Brown is more of a fraidy cat, so he just enjoyed watching Anna participate in all of the activities. There was a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, bouncers, face painting, and many other wonderful activities for the children to do.

Anna's favorite part was the petting zoo by far. She would walk up to each animal, hug it, and then introduce herself to it. It was really funny because she did this to every single animal there.

Brown lasted about 30 seconds in there. He was terrified!!!!!!!!

Anna introducing herself to mister goat, "Hi goat, I'm Anna!"

Riding a pony

She just knew she was riding Bullseye from Toy Story!

Petting the chicks
Checking out the bunnies

Peeking at the guinea pigs

Showing off their Mickey & Minnie balloons

Dynamics of a photo shoot

2010-09-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Anna insists, "NO pictures today, Mommy!"Brown says, "I'm NOT in the mood for pictures either!"
Anna giggles, "Come on Bwownie, let's smile for Mom!"

Anna thinks, "More hugs for brother. He's starting to come around!"

Anna gives it one last try, "Kisses for bwudder!"

Anna squeals, "Yes, it worked! We are ready for pictures Mommy!"

Anna & Brown scream together, "Cheese!"

Anna yells, "Sic 'em bears!"

Brown joins in, "Ehhhhh, sic 'em bears!"

Anna & Brown cheer together, "Go Baylor Bears!"

First Day of School

2010-09-20T08:22:00.001-07:00

These are the best I could get...

Brown says, "CHEEEEEEESE! I'm ready for school!" Anna said, "Mommy, it's too early in the morning for me to smile!"

Dress up!

2010-09-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Anna picked out her own outfit...sooooo proud of herself!

Looking Back

2010-08-19T15:35:00.001-07:00

As I was uploading my pictures from Port Aransas, I came across our pictures from last year.

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

Anna and Brown have changed so much!

I no longer have babies.

Where did those chubby thighs go?

And rolls and rolls of skin?

Last year, they had just learned to walk and they toddled along in the sand.

This year they were running and jumping over waves.

It is absolutely crazy to me just how big my kiddos have gotten.

With all the hustle and bustle of the daily activities, I need to remember to take the time to appreciate each and every moment with them. Before I know it they will be heading off to kindergarten...

Anna 2009
Anna 2010

Brown 2009

Brown 2010

Anna & Brown 2009

Anna & Brown 2010

Making Memories

2010-08-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

We went on our yearly trip to Port Aransas with Gaga & Papa. They've been takinbg me there since I was about Anna & Brown's age. It is so much fun getting to watch my children share in the same experiences that I did as a child. I have pictures of myself as a kid playing in this same sand and jumping waves on this exact beach. It is such a fun family tradition, and I hope to be able to continue it for many years to come!

Thank you Gaga & Papa for a really fun trip!

Lots of Changes Going On...

2010-08-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

During the past month, we've had a lot of changes going on:
new rooms, new beds, we gave up our pacifiers, and we are going to attempt potty training next.

NEW ROOMS

My wild man finally figured out that he could climb out of his crib. Not only was this dangerous, but once he was out of his crib he would climb into Anna's bed. They would start out playing together nicely, but eventually it would turn into a wrestling match...and NOT a nice one either. There was lots of biting, hitting, pinching, and clawing going on. So we decided to separate Anna & Brown. Brown now has a room all to himself, and Anna moved down the hall to her very own room too. This is definitely what they needed. My wild man can now party all night long without disturbing his sis. And Anna can finally sleep in peace!

A & B playing in Anna's bed during nap time.

Notice the chair & rocking horse- that's what he used to get into her crib!

NEW BEDS

Once Brown discovered that he could escape from his crib, we converted it into a toddler bed. After several nights of crying himself to sleep on the floor, and many time-outs later, he finally gave in to sleeping in his new big boy bed. Getting him to sleep is not perfect yet, but it is getting better each day.

Anna is still sleeping in her crib. She has not attempted to escape yet. So why change a good thing?

Finally sleeping in his big boy bed! :)

BYE-BYE PACIFIERS

Anna & Brown FINALLY gave up their "pappies!"

I had planned on doing this since they turned one, but there always seemed to be something going on that made me keep postponing the process. I finally decided that there was never going to be a perfect nor easy time to do it. So one afternoon, I just put them down for naps without their "pappies."

And that was it.

They have never asked for them again.

It was so easy, but I'm not complaining!

Bye-bye pappies!

Potty training's next!

Wish us lots of luck!!!!!!!!!

Totally exhausted!

2010-07-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

This last week has probably been one of the most mentally exhausting weeks I've had with the kiddos since they were tiny babies. Nap time and bedtime have become quite the challenge.

It all started when we got back from our trip to Colorado. I thought it was due to the fact that they had just not been on a normal schedule for a week, but fighting bedtime has continued this week too.

Anna and Brown have always been great nappers and bedtime was always easy, until now!

Brown starts screaming, not just crying, SCREAMING! It sounds like I'm torturing him the way he screams. Next it's Anna's turn. Then they are both screaming together in perfect harmony.

I've tried everything I can think of . . . comforting them, leaving lights on, letting them cry it out. It takes over an hour to get them down for naps. Bedtime has become earlier and earlier each night because it has taken them so long to get to sleep.

This is totally exhausting. It stresses me out.

I'm hope it's just a phase and they'll get through it, as long as I stay firm and patient in our bedtime routine.

Any tips out there you'd like to share with me? I'm open . . .

That's my boy!

2010-07-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Brown received his very first award . . .

yesterday he was THE STAR STUDENT!

That's my boy!!!!!!!!

I think the only reason he actually got this award was because he FINALLY napped at school!

A first for my boy.

Still, we celebrated his big accomplishment! ;)

Keeping the Rainy Day Blues Away . . .

2010-07-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last week it rained.

All week.

We were stuck indoors,

so we tried our best to keep the rainy blues away . . .

we explored moon sand,

used our imagination with an old moving box,
used our creative skills to decorate the box,

baked brownies,

tasted the batter

(before we added the eggs of course),

dressed up,

took turns riding Bullseye,

had an indoor picnic,

played with Play-doh,

and we even built a fort!

This week we're spending as much time as we can outdoors,

before the next rainstorm hits!

God Bless the USA!

2010-07-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

-Lee Greenwood

Happy July 4th!

So proud to be an American!

God bless the USA!

Happy Independence Day, brudder!

Carriage House Museum

2010-07-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

We explored the Carriage House Museum while we were in Colorado Springs and saw some very interesting things:

Anna got to ride in Cinderella's carriage . . . Brown saw Woody's saddle . . .
Checking out Woody's gun set too . . .
Look, we even got to meet Bullseye!
It sure is fun to see things through the eyes of a two year old!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

2010-07-01T19:25:00.001-07:00

While we were in Colorado Springs, we went to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It was absolutely beautiful. It has to be the best zoo by far! The scenery is breathtaking and the trails twist and turn up the mountain and then there is an absolutely gorgeous view from the top. I heart Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

Welcome to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo View from the top
Running wild-weeeeeeeee!!

Enjoying the playground

Entering the kiddie door to the petting zoo

Not too sure about the chickens

Checking out the bugs

We saw many different animals:

a moose

some bears

a giraffe

a giant spider

a chick hatching

we even saw a lion- ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We sure had a lot of fun!

The Broadmoor Hotel

2010-07-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

After we left Red River, we went on to Colorado Spring and stayed at The Broadmoor Hotel. It was ahh-mazing! The Broadmoor was so luxurious; I felt like a movie star living the pampered lifestyle. The weather was perfect, the scenery was breathtaking, and I was not ready to leave. We had many fabulous meals, enjoyed delicious room service on our patio each morning, got to do a little shopping, and loved the turndown service each night. I could really get used to all of this pampering!!!!

The Broadmoor Hotel As soon as Anna saw the bed, she squealed, "Mama, dat's a Princess bed!"

She was right, I definitely felt like Sleeping Beauty each night! ;)

Relaxing in Mama's comfy bed while watching cartoons
What a life!

Brown had so much fun throwing coins into the fountains Anna loved this turtle footstool and insisted on riding it each day

Posing in their Broadmoor tees

Taking a walk with Gaga

Total cuteness

Red River, New Mexico

2010-07-01T13:44:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we went with my parents to Red River for a couple of nights, but Clay had to stay in town for work. It was a great getaway from this hot Texas heat. The weather was perfect with lows in the 40's to highs in the 70's! My parents have been going there each summer since before I was even born. I have so many fond memories of Red River as a child, but I enjoyed it even more this year getting to take my own kiddos.

Anna and Brown enjoyed spending lots of time in the great outdoors! We played in the creek, hiked some trails, explored nature, and we even took a jeep ride up a mountain!

We definitely plan on returning to Red River again soon...maybe even later on this summer we'll take our Daddy!

Welcome to Red River!

Anna drove us up a mountain

Our view from the top-
So pretty!

Collecting rocks

Anna with her hiking stick

Brown & Mama on top of the mountain

My lil' flower child collecting flowers on our hike

Brown leading the way

Best friends . . .

Skipping rocks in the creek

Anna & Mama

My little cowboy says, "Yeehaw!!!!!!!"

Howdy Pardner!

2010-06-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Even a princess can have a bad day . . .

2010-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Meet Buzz

2010-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Brown is obsessed with Buzz, Woody, & "Essie" from Toy Story.

I found this costume while at Wal-Mart yesterday, and I picked it up just knowing it would thrill Brown.

Boy was I wrong!

He was more like terrified of it.

He wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.

Of course, my dress up queen wanted to put it on immediately.

Here Anna is doing her best "Buzz Ite-year" impression:

To infinity and beyond . . .

Jumping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-05T13:10:00.001-07:00

Daddy's Boots

2010-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Where are you?

2010-06-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmmm, where are Anna & Brown? Here's Anna!

There's Brown!

Fairy Sightings . . .

2010-06-02T12:21:00.001-07:00

Checking out her magical wings Ta-dah!!!!!!
Flying through the air screaming:
To "finity" and beyond!!!!!

Sprinkler Fun!

2010-06-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

He loved the water She danced in it
They thought it was an outside shower

Old Toys, Make New Toys

2010-06-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we did some cleaning out, and we came across this old baby toy.

It entertained the kids for hours.

It was like a band new toy to them.

They spent time alternating turns getting in and out of it for at least an hour.

It was too funny watching them in it.

Their legs looked soooo long.

And Anna & Brown looked so big.

My babies really are growing up! :(

Playing dress up

2010-05-29T20:37:00.001-07:00

Anna's LOOOOOVES playing dress up!

She loves to wear her "cown" on her head

carry her "puss" on her arm

and prance around in her "high hill" shoes.

The sad thing is, I think she walks better in heels than I do! ;)

After seeing "Tinkybell" at Disney World, she now wants to fly around

in her fairy wings and see the fireworks show .

Brown likes to wear them too.

Only he pretends he is Buzz Lightyear.

This afternoon, I overheard Anna telling Brown:

You MY pincess.

You weah hat.

You weah shoes.

You weah puss.

You pitty pincess.

ME pitty pincess too!!!!!!

And then I saw this . . .

Next she exclaimed:

Bown, you kiss pitty pincess!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think he really had a choice.

What a princess wants, a princess gets.

Finally getting to play his way!

To infinity and beyond . . .

On the road again . . .

2010-05-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

And finally, we arrived back home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Disney World in Photos

2010-05-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

All packed & ready to go!

Anna & her Minnie collection

We found Nemo!

Anna & Alice in a deep conversation

I see your eyes, Eore!

Plenty of hugs for Pooh

Everything looks funny in these glasses

Lookin' good

Aubs & Alli lookin' pretty cool too

Enjoying a ride on Cinderella's Golden Carrousel

Gaga & Brown having fun on their ride too

Having a blast on the playground in Mickey's Toontown

Papa & Brown waiting in another line

Look!!!!!!

Aubrey & Alli relaxing on the Jungle Cruise

Snack break

Meeting Aurora from Sleeping Beauty

Posing with Princess Cinderella

And it was love at first sight . . .

Admiring Belle's beautiful dress

Soooooo sad because she didn't want to tell the princesses goodbye :(

Parade watching

Anna was ready for her nap!

We are world travelers!

2010-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Actually, we're just US travelers,

but we had our very first long distance road trip.

We traveled from Texas

to Louisiana

to Mississippi

to Alabama

and all the way to Orlando, Florida!

I think we stopped and ate (and rocked)

at every Cracker Barrel along the way.

the terrible twos . . .

2010-04-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

if one child isn't fussing, the other one is
they are soooo busy
constantly on the go
climbing
hiding
running . . . in two opposite directions
in.to.everything.
kicking
screaming
biting
hard headed
opinionated
throwing very loud temper tantrums . . . especially in public
the terrible twos are wearing me out, and we're only two months into them!
but,the twos really aren't THAT terrible.
they are actually so much fun!
constantly discovering
new words
and ideas
developing opinions
and unique personalities
fascinated with life
eager to try new things
pure excitement
and joy
learning new concepts
smiles
and hugs
and many opened mouth, slobbery, wet kisses
and lots and lots of love
i don't want my babies to grow up any more!
if i could freeze time, i would.
the terrible twos . . . oh, how i have a love/hate relationship with you.

Your Opinion Please!

2010-04-10T20:34:00.001-07:00

I am about to begin painting my dining room, but I am torn on which color to paint it.

Please tell me what you think! I want your opinion. Really.

Chocolate or Caramel?

I always seem to play it safe with colors. I used the caramel in my last house in my entry. Do I use it again, but just in another room? I love the caramel color. Will the caramel just look like the rest of the walls in my house which are just a few shades lighter than caramel (more of a golden color)?

I also really like the chocolate. I have a chocolate plate collection, and I have some of the plates hanging throughout the house. Will the chocolate make the room look too small or the furniture not stand out enough?

Some of my plates

The walls in the rest of the house are painted this color, it's just a few shades lighter than caramel

So . . . Chocolate or Caramel?

Baking Cookies & Posing for the Camera

2010-04-10T20:26:00.001-07:00

This afternoon while Anna was still napping, Brown helped me bake some cookies. He loved stirring the dough, rolling the cookies, licking his fingers, and especially tasting the cookies once they were done baking. He was a great baking buddy!

YUMMY!

And here's a pic of Anna posing for the camera...my future model!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T13:16:00.001-07:00

An attempt at a family photo

Lounging by the window at Ridgewood

Picking some flowers

We had a HAPPY EASTER, and I hope you did too!

Egg Hunt

2010-04-05T12:54:00.001-07:00

Anna & Brown loved egg hunting this year and they were both quite the hunters!

On Saturday they got to meet the Easter Bunny and hunt lots of eggs.

Thanks for a fun Saturday Gaga!

Posing with the Easter Bunny

CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hunting eggs

I wonder if there is any candy in here?

Yes, candy & quarters . . . perfect for 2 year olds!

Checking out our loot

Counting my eggs

Looking at the fish

Playing in the water . . . he's definitely ALL BOY

Our Fun New Game . . .

2010-03-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

Feeding each other!

In Loving Memory . . .

2010-03-23T14:44:00.001-07:00

This post is in loving memory of Clay's sweet Uncle Tom, who passed away last weekend.

Tom, you will be missed.

I LOVE this picture and it makes me so happy each time that I look at it.

I have almost erased it about a hundred times because Anna looks so funny in it, but I sure am glad that I kept it.

How can it not just make you smile?

A Pretty Icky Week!

2010-03-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Last week was pretty icky . . . we caught the tummy bug!!!! Brown started having nasty diapers last Monday and they continued until Thursday. Anna puked all Wednesday evening. Then they graciously passed along the bug to me over the weekend. I can't remember the last time I have felt that bad. I literally stayed in bed for 24 hours straight. I felt better Monday morning, but then I started feeling yucky again last night. How long will this last? I'm ready to feel normal again! Since I have not been sick in ages, I didn't know just how hard it was to be a sick Mommy. I WILL NOT take my health or my children's health for granted.

I do realize just how blessed I am to be healthy and have healthy children. No one likes to be sick or feel bad, but many parents best days are like my worst. I have been following a story about a little girl, Layla Grace, and it really makes me thank God every day for the health my family has been given. Please pray for sweet Layla Grace and her family.

To read her story go here: http://laylagrace.org

We spent a lot of time in our jammies last week, so here are a few pics of Anna & Brown in their cute pj's from their Gaga!