*Special thanks to Crevin Design for the design work- check out their website!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
It's like I have my own pair...
Oh, yes! My sweet hubby will be gone doing some experiments in the field again soon- and he is letting me go back home! The second time this summer. You probably think I'm wimpy because I'm running home to momma just because I can't handle the boys by myself- you're right!
If you remember the egg incident from last time, you may begin to understand why I'm so eager to have some help. However, we will have lots of quality time with Mima, Papa, & Mark; some lake time; a chance to see Brent & Amanda before they move; and hopefully a trip to north Louisiana to see my Mamaw & Papaw (those are my grandparents, for those of you who aren't accustomed to the southern naming). It's sure to be another jam-packed visit, but I will love every minute of it- there really is no place like home!
If you remember the egg incident from last time, you may begin to understand why I'm so eager to have some help. However, we will have lots of quality time with Mima, Papa, & Mark; some lake time; a chance to see Brent & Amanda before they move; and hopefully a trip to north Louisiana to see my Mamaw & Papaw (those are my grandparents, for those of you who aren't accustomed to the southern naming). It's sure to be another jam-packed visit, but I will love every minute of it- there really is no place like home!
Thanks, hon! I'll miss you tremendously, but when you return from the field, my sanity will be intact- that's worth every dime spent on those ruby slippers!
Monday, July 9, 2007
7•7•7 A Perfect Family Day
Saturday we took a day trip about 1 1/2 hours north- it was a great escape from the heat (only 87 degrees in the mountains). We took a hike and then played in the river. It was so quiet and serene- until the boys got in the water! Then there was the endless giggles, the sound of rocks being thrown into the water, and the "kaboom" commentating on each! It was so much fun just to get out and away and play, play, play!
Jonah just laughed the entire time. He was tickled to be playing in the water with all the sticks and stones!
This is Noah, our "river police." He made sure to tell each of us when to stop and when we could go!
Hydrologist hubby took the opportunity to show the boys some aquatic insects on the bottom of the river rocks. "Oooo yeah- dat's a big guy!" -Noah
Wow, boys really do love the outdoors. I think Noah could hike for hours- maybe it's all the dirt, and the sticks, and the rocks, and the bugs?
Believe it or not, Little Man did hike for awhile, but he got tired. So, Jonah enjoyed much of the hike on Dad's shoulders. Precious isn't it?
After all the hiking, we stopped for ice cream on the way home- a perfect treat to end the perfect day! It was good for this Mommie's heart to have fun, quality time with all my boys.
Wow, boys really do love the outdoors. I think Noah could hike for hours- maybe it's all the dirt, and the sticks, and the rocks, and the bugs? Believe it or not, Little Man did hike for awhile, but he got tired. So, Jonah enjoyed much of the hike on Dad's shoulders. Precious isn't it?
After all the hiking, we stopped for ice cream on the way home- a perfect treat to end the perfect day! It was good for this Mommie's heart to have fun, quality time with all my boys. Monday, July 2, 2007
About 3 years ago...
Bugga,
It was a little over three years ago that you made me a Mommie- a dream I'd had since I was a little girl. You completely won me over- that sweet cleft in your chin was such a surprise and a delight. You continue to win my heart with that pretty face!
You didn't get to stay a baby long, since your brother was born when you were 15 months old, but you are a wonderful big brother. You are so protective of your JooJoo, and he really looks up to you. Thanks for sharing your toys, your hugs, and your time with him.
You are a reflection of me- in your emotions, mostly! We can always tell what you are feeling because you are my expressive, dramatic one. I inadvertently taught you that! You have a most special bond with your daddy, and I love to watch the two of you connect.
I adore your passion for life- especially trains, Cars, and Buzz Lightyear. You have a zest for life that is contagious. I cherish your hugs and kisses- especially the unsolicited ones. It's so fun to go through these growing stages with you. You are learning every day and communicating your thoughts so well- you keep us laughing.
Bugga, you are a joy. Happy 3rd Birthday, a little belated- may you want to wear froggy boots for years to come!
Love,
Mommie
It was a little over three years ago that you made me a Mommie- a dream I'd had since I was a little girl. You completely won me over- that sweet cleft in your chin was such a surprise and a delight. You continue to win my heart with that pretty face!
You didn't get to stay a baby long, since your brother was born when you were 15 months old, but you are a wonderful big brother. You are so protective of your JooJoo, and he really looks up to you. Thanks for sharing your toys, your hugs, and your time with him.You are a reflection of me- in your emotions, mostly! We can always tell what you are feeling because you are my expressive, dramatic one. I inadvertently taught you that! You have a most special bond with your daddy, and I love to watch the two of you connect.
I adore your passion for life- especially trains, Cars, and Buzz Lightyear. You have a zest for life that is contagious. I cherish your hugs and kisses- especially the unsolicited ones. It's so fun to go through these growing stages with you. You are learning every day and communicating your thoughts so well- you keep us laughing.
Bugga, you are a joy. Happy 3rd Birthday, a little belated- may you want to wear froggy boots for years to come!
Love,
Mommie
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Child safety locks, eggs, and a busy bee...
When we moved into this house in April, we had to get a different type of child safety lock for our doors- since they are the lever type, not the knob type. This is what we found...
Not only are these white plastic locks a pain to install (you have to remove every door knob, install the safety mechanism, and then reinstall the door knob), but they are also an eye sore. Of course, they wouldn't look quite as bad if these doors were white!
Notice the mechanism under the handle. You push this button in and slide it to the right, like the picture below. This plastic piece locks into place and prevents you from moving the lever downward. This works great to keep little ones out of rooms that mean trouble. However, if you happen to be on the other side of the door when it's locked into place, you're stuck. So, this has been a problem in our laundry room, for instance. That room is a passageway from the garage to the kitchen. So, if I lock N & J out of the laundry room (mainly because that's also where the pantry is located), Jas can't come in from the garage. Make sense?
I knew it would happen one day, I just didn't wake up thinking it would be today. My boys figured out how to lock this mechanism- the one they decided to lock? My bedroom! Where was I? Inside the bedroom! I was frantic! I tried unscrewing the doorknob with nail clippers and a quarter and quickly realized that wasn't going to work.
I called my good friend, Lorilu, and she was going to come to the rescue. Of course, I told her she may have to dismantle the doorknob between my laundry room and kitchen, if I happened to have the child safety lock in place. But nevertheless, help was on the way!
In the meantime, Noah came back upstairs (I loved hearing the pitter patter of little feet coming my way) to inform me that "Jonah makin a mess, Mom." So, I tried talking him through opening the child safety lock. He struggled and kept saying, "I can't do it, Mom." But, he prevailed, and I was finally free! By that time, Jonah was standing there with Noah- with a carton of eggs he had hauled upstairs. When I opened the door, there was already one cracked egg on the carpet and I got to see Jonah proudly smash two more against each other... ARGH! What a mess!
So, off to the store we went (after an initial clean-up) to buy carpet cleaner. After returning home and scrubbing the spots, I realized my bedroom door was locked! This time, I was locked out of the room! I didn't even know it was possible to be locked in a room, and then locked out of the same room within two hours.
So, I began trying everything I could think of- a coat hanger, a toothpick, a prayer, a little pound of the fist on the door, and finally, a breakdown into tears. (Did I mention that hubby is out of town?) My boys thought it was hilarious to see me this way, "dat funny, mommy."
After calling a couple of friends (who weren't home), I headed to the neighbor's house. They happen to have the same type of door knobs. We did a test run on some of their doors and couldn't get anything open (of course, we had someone on the other side of the door this time). They suggested trying a credit card. I came home, gave it a try- and it failed. Mainly because I couldn't get the right angle due to the monstrous child safety mechanism!
My sweet neighbor came over to check on me- and the success of my predicament. I told her the credit card didn't work.. and then she suggested the unthinkable... call a locksmith! I can honestly say that I was so worked up that it never even crossed my mind that there are people out there who unlock doors as a profession. Of course, I've used one before to get into a locked car, but it didn't occur to me to call them for a residential need. How silly am I?
So, A Busy Bee Lock and Key to the rescue! Within an hour, there was a nice locksmith at my house, who quickly opened my bedroom door- whew! I paid him the $45 charge, and now I'll probably never close that bedroom door again!
Not only are these white plastic locks a pain to install (you have to remove every door knob, install the safety mechanism, and then reinstall the door knob), but they are also an eye sore. Of course, they wouldn't look quite as bad if these doors were white!
Notice the mechanism under the handle. You push this button in and slide it to the right, like the picture below. This plastic piece locks into place and prevents you from moving the lever downward. This works great to keep little ones out of rooms that mean trouble. However, if you happen to be on the other side of the door when it's locked into place, you're stuck. So, this has been a problem in our laundry room, for instance. That room is a passageway from the garage to the kitchen. So, if I lock N & J out of the laundry room (mainly because that's also where the pantry is located), Jas can't come in from the garage. Make sense?
I knew it would happen one day, I just didn't wake up thinking it would be today. My boys figured out how to lock this mechanism- the one they decided to lock? My bedroom! Where was I? Inside the bedroom! I was frantic! I tried unscrewing the doorknob with nail clippers and a quarter and quickly realized that wasn't going to work.
I called my good friend, Lorilu, and she was going to come to the rescue. Of course, I told her she may have to dismantle the doorknob between my laundry room and kitchen, if I happened to have the child safety lock in place. But nevertheless, help was on the way!
In the meantime, Noah came back upstairs (I loved hearing the pitter patter of little feet coming my way) to inform me that "Jonah makin a mess, Mom." So, I tried talking him through opening the child safety lock. He struggled and kept saying, "I can't do it, Mom." But, he prevailed, and I was finally free! By that time, Jonah was standing there with Noah- with a carton of eggs he had hauled upstairs. When I opened the door, there was already one cracked egg on the carpet and I got to see Jonah proudly smash two more against each other... ARGH! What a mess!
So, off to the store we went (after an initial clean-up) to buy carpet cleaner. After returning home and scrubbing the spots, I realized my bedroom door was locked! This time, I was locked out of the room! I didn't even know it was possible to be locked in a room, and then locked out of the same room within two hours.So, I began trying everything I could think of- a coat hanger, a toothpick, a prayer, a little pound of the fist on the door, and finally, a breakdown into tears. (Did I mention that hubby is out of town?) My boys thought it was hilarious to see me this way, "dat funny, mommy."
After calling a couple of friends (who weren't home), I headed to the neighbor's house. They happen to have the same type of door knobs. We did a test run on some of their doors and couldn't get anything open (of course, we had someone on the other side of the door this time). They suggested trying a credit card. I came home, gave it a try- and it failed. Mainly because I couldn't get the right angle due to the monstrous child safety mechanism!
My sweet neighbor came over to check on me- and the success of my predicament. I told her the credit card didn't work.. and then she suggested the unthinkable... call a locksmith! I can honestly say that I was so worked up that it never even crossed my mind that there are people out there who unlock doors as a profession. Of course, I've used one before to get into a locked car, but it didn't occur to me to call them for a residential need. How silly am I?
So, A Busy Bee Lock and Key to the rescue! Within an hour, there was a nice locksmith at my house, who quickly opened my bedroom door- whew! I paid him the $45 charge, and now I'll probably never close that bedroom door again!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Back Home
Well, the boys and I spent two weeks in Louisiana while Jas was out of town doing research (we've been back for a couple of weeks, but I haven't had time to blog about it... so here goes). It was a jam-packed visit, but so refreshing to have time with my family.
The first weekend, Mom, Jonah, and I flew to Indianapolis for a wedding. It was a fun time with the gang from back home and the newlyweds were beautiful! 
My brother was in the wedding, so I got to spend some quality time with my new sister- I've waited years to have a sister, so it's so much fun to me! Brent & Amanda are still in the newlywed phase, too- it's sweet seeing them together.
My sweet Aunt Cheryl and Uncle John met us in Indianapolis to take care of Jonah while we went to the wedding- what a blessing! It was great to catch up with them, too.
My brother was in the wedding, so I got to spend some quality time with my new sister- I've waited years to have a sister, so it's so much fun to me! Brent & Amanda are still in the newlywed phase, too- it's sweet seeing them together.
My sweet Aunt Cheryl and Uncle John met us in Indianapolis to take care of Jonah while we went to the wedding- what a blessing! It was great to catch up with them, too.
Aunt Cheryl spoiled Jonah to books, puzzles, and treats. He's so accustomed to big brother being around, he just loved the focused attention!
While we were at the wedding, Noah spent the weekend back in Louisiana with Papa. He worked in the garden, helped pick up sticks around the yard for the burn pile, and to top it all off, Papa took him fishing! Hats off to my dad who remembered to take pictures of the event! Quite a catch, wouldn't you say?
That Sunday was Noah's birthday, so we had a celebration with Mima, Papa, and Mrs. Kathi that night. He was so excited to get "Buzz Wightyeaaaah" (aka Buzz Lightyear). "To infininy and a yawn..." (To infinity and beyond!)
On Tuesday, we were able to get together with a couple of my friends from high school for a playdate. The boys loved being outside. (Noah, Drew, Jonah)
We actually had four boys 3 and under playing together- and three mommies having adult conversation. It was impressive, I must say.
We actually had four boys 3 and under playing together- and three mommies having adult conversation. It was impressive, I must say. (Caleb, Drew, Jonah, Noah)
Kristina, Drew, and baby Cathryn. What a treat to all be in town at the same time- thanks for making the trip, Kristina!
Wendy and Caleb- thanks to you, too, Wendy for coming down while we were in town. I loved it!
My youngest brother, Mark, really enjoyed his time with Jonah. We thinks JooJoo is the coolest.
Of course, while we were there, we had to feast on some good Cajun crawfish! Noah wouldn't eat them, but he thought they were fun to play with. We had crawfish battles where we'd bang them against each other until one of their claws fell off- that was the loser. Don't worry, they were already dead... no animal cruelty here. Well, unless eating them is cruel- maybe, but they are so yummy!
The second weekend, we headed to the lake. Mom and Dad rented a cabin for us on the waterfront and we had so much fun. The boys loved the sun, sand, and water.
Kristina, Drew, and baby Cathryn. What a treat to all be in town at the same time- thanks for making the trip, Kristina!Wendy and Caleb- thanks to you, too, Wendy for coming down while we were in town. I loved it!My youngest brother, Mark, really enjoyed his time with Jonah. We thinks JooJoo is the coolest.Of course, while we were there, we had to feast on some good Cajun crawfish! Noah wouldn't eat them, but he thought they were fun to play with. We had crawfish battles where we'd bang them against each other until one of their claws fell off- that was the loser. Don't worry, they were already dead... no animal cruelty here. Well, unless eating them is cruel- maybe, but they are so yummy!The second weekend, we headed to the lake. Mom and Dad rented a cabin for us on the waterfront and we had so much fun. The boys loved the sun, sand, and water.
(Me, Mark, Mom, & Jonah)
Noah rode on a tube with Mark behind the boat. He loved it and kept asking to go faster. I, however, was so nervous. I was ready for the ride to end... 
Dad took the rest of us skiing. We were fortunate enough to have a weekend when Brent & Amanda could join us again! (Me)
(Brent)
(Amanda)
(Mark)
This is one of my favorite pics- Mark is trying to drop a ski- and it doesn't quite work out. But, it's a great leg shot!
Here we got a shot right before he fell, but it appears successful in the photo!
Almost every time he was in the boat, Jonah fell asleep. Papa and Mima didn't seem to mind the extra cuddle time. And I must say, Papa did a great job driving and holding the sleeping pumpkin!
The last day, Brent & Amanda got a little tubing time in right before the thunderstorms hit and sent us packing...
I love this picture because Brent & Amanda are both so great with our boys. I think someday I'll be posting a similar pic of them with their own kiddos- and won't that be fun?
Me and my brothers- I love 'em!
The night before we left, Mr. Tom & Mrs. Kathi (my second parents) came up to play with the boys. Jonah is absolutely crazy about Mrs. Kathi ("Kaffee"). And Noah loved playing with her, too. She's a pretty fun grandma-to-be!
As for mean Mr. Tom, he snuggled with Jonah a bit, then put him down and stuck one of Duchess's dog toys in Jonah's pants. Duchess hunted Jonah down to retrieve her beloved toy. It was so funny, the picture doesn't do it justice, but the adults had a nice laugh. Poor Jonah didn't know what was happening!
Hands down, the best part of the visit is letting my mom and dad love on the boys.
Thanks Mom and Dad for loving on all three of us for those two weeks. What a treasure chest full of memories. I love our moments together, and I don't forget what a blessing we have. Thank you, God, for the gift of family. Monday, May 14, 2007
Mother's Day Weekend Camping Trip
Despite the rough start- the flat tire, spending the first night in a hotel, the extra several hours of driving to get another spare, and little man throwing up in the car- we ended up having fun on our camping trip to the Pahsimeroi Valley.
We were just about 30 minutes away from our camp spot Friday night, when the flat tire graced us. The boys didn't mind the extra time watching dad work and playing in the sagebrush.
Around 4pm on Saturday, we finally made it to our camping spot. Here's our new 9-man tent. Actually, it fits the four of us quite nicely- room for Little Man's pack-and-play, our queen-size air mattress, and the single mattress for Bugga.
The boys just loved being outside. Little Man pulled this stake out of the ground and was happily tromping around camp with it. In the meantime, Bugga helped Daddy collect wood for the campfire...
Isn't that the cutest pic of the three of them hauling the wood? The gathering trip before this one, Noah actually carried some wood himself- I guess he was getting tired at this point and wanted a ride on dad's shoulders. I don't blame him- I would have, too!
Here's Noah, the hiker. He loves to go on trails and see all the sights. At one point, they heard a noise and he said, "You hear dit? Wha's dat?" Jas told him it was a squirrel. Noah replied, "A squirl? Let's get outta here!"
I woke up around 9:30 hearing these words outside the tent, "Boys, don't squish him. Be gentle. You squeezed him too hard- now he's pooping. Don't put him in your food!" I thought, "what in the world?" I got up and the boys had found a fuzzy little catepillar crawling around. Of course, they couldn't keep their hands off. On the far left, they're just watching him crawl around. The next pic, Noah is trying to feed the catepillar a berry- saying, "Eat, eat!" Jonah's poking him with a stick. The poor thing actually lived through it all and we finally released him back into the "wild."
Above, part of the hike with dad... did I mention that they love it?
Part of the purpose of our trip was for Jas to get some hydrology work done at four stations there in the Valley. We hung out and played around while he worked. The boys were never bored- far too many rocks and too much dirt for boredom!
Noah told us that his alligator likes to eat rocks. Here he is shoving the appropriate-sized rocks down the gator's mouth into his belly. I wish I had a picture of the hand-full of rocks that I dug out of that poor animal! 
We tried to get a good Mother's Day picture of me and the boys. Bugga wouldn't hear of it, though. So, Jonah and I got a quick pic- isn't the backdrop gorgeous?
Luckily, daddy's boy would take a picture with him. Here are my boys- all three of them. Thanks for being troopers through a rocky trip! I loved just being with y'all.
We were just about 30 minutes away from our camp spot Friday night, when the flat tire graced us. The boys didn't mind the extra time watching dad work and playing in the sagebrush.
Around 4pm on Saturday, we finally made it to our camping spot. Here's our new 9-man tent. Actually, it fits the four of us quite nicely- room for Little Man's pack-and-play, our queen-size air mattress, and the single mattress for Bugga.
The boys just loved being outside. Little Man pulled this stake out of the ground and was happily tromping around camp with it. In the meantime, Bugga helped Daddy collect wood for the campfire...
Isn't that the cutest pic of the three of them hauling the wood? The gathering trip before this one, Noah actually carried some wood himself- I guess he was getting tired at this point and wanted a ride on dad's shoulders. I don't blame him- I would have, too!
It got down in the 40s on Saturday night, but we slept pretty well. Plenty of blankets for everyone. The boys woke up around 7:30 and Jas graciously took them hiking and let me sleep in...
Here's Noah, the hiker. He loves to go on trails and see all the sights. At one point, they heard a noise and he said, "You hear dit? Wha's dat?" Jas told him it was a squirrel. Noah replied, "A squirl? Let's get outta here!"
I woke up around 9:30 hearing these words outside the tent, "Boys, don't squish him. Be gentle. You squeezed him too hard- now he's pooping. Don't put him in your food!" I thought, "what in the world?" I got up and the boys had found a fuzzy little catepillar crawling around. Of course, they couldn't keep their hands off. On the far left, they're just watching him crawl around. The next pic, Noah is trying to feed the catepillar a berry- saying, "Eat, eat!" Jonah's poking him with a stick. The poor thing actually lived through it all and we finally released him back into the "wild."
Above, part of the hike with dad... did I mention that they love it?
Part of the purpose of our trip was for Jas to get some hydrology work done at four stations there in the Valley. We hung out and played around while he worked. The boys were never bored- far too many rocks and too much dirt for boredom! 
Noah told us that his alligator likes to eat rocks. Here he is shoving the appropriate-sized rocks down the gator's mouth into his belly. I wish I had a picture of the hand-full of rocks that I dug out of that poor animal! 
We tried to get a good Mother's Day picture of me and the boys. Bugga wouldn't hear of it, though. So, Jonah and I got a quick pic- isn't the backdrop gorgeous?
Luckily, daddy's boy would take a picture with him. Here are my boys- all three of them. Thanks for being troopers through a rocky trip! I loved just being with y'all.
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