Easter fun!

Ok, first let me point out that I am actually posting about a holiday when it actually happened! Instead of waiting weeks or months to do it! We had quite a busy weekend, two easter egg hunts yesterday, and lots of church. This week was General Conference for us Mormons and it's a great week to really feel motivated again to be living the way we should be living! Hard not to feel inspired when you are listening to the Prophet and the Apostles talk all weekend.

Anywho. I snapped some pictures of the kids at our first hunt, but my setting button got switched so they are all grainy, which is super irritating, because otherwise I know they would have been so perfect! I was so glad we were invited to share in this family's hunt (thank you Grimmetts!), since we have no real family around. I am learning that we have many friends that I can consider family, and that makes holidays much sweeter.

Natalie with both front teeth! The top left one fell out later that night after MUCH wiggling and twisting and one last tug from Mama!

I hate you grain!

Poor kid got about 2 hops into the sack race and toppled over. That's ok! Maybe next time!

Best. Kids. Ever. (at least best kids I have ever had! ha!)

Brady chompin' on his black sprinkle covered easter cookie. This kid was in sugar HEAVEN!

Pretty and Sassy!

Here is a pic of their loot. I really wanted to get them more meaningful, useful stuff this year instead of a bunch of junk. So they got books (thrifted of course), something to color/draw with, goldfish, cookies, and one package of candy bugs each. Oh, and a slinky for B and some chapstick for Nat.

Later that night we went to another friends house for a hunt, and of course I forgot my camera. It was nice to go now that the kids are old enough to really play on their own. Brady had so much fun running around with some big boys, and I hardly saw him except when he needed something! Natalie sat with me outside and wiggled and jiggled her tooth to the point that it was barely hanging on! Sweet pea couldn't even talk right because that tooth was a dangling.

After we got Brady in bed she let me check it out and this was the result! Of course I couldn't get a non cheesy pic from her, but those aren't any fun anyways. Enjoy! And I hope you all had a Happy Easter too!

Oh, and this is my 700th post! WOOT! I am actually gonna do a giveaway, very soon, of course it will be stuff from my shop, so keep your eyes peeled!

Garage Sale

Firstly I want to say, yes, I know I have been a major blog slacker. And I apologize to all my family. I know this is a good way for us to keep in touch, and I do want to be more regular in posting, but I just don't have the drive lately. I may force myself soon to post once a day, but for right now I just can't do it. But know that I think about all of you every day, miss you all, and can't wait till you can learn about our life by being a part of it, instead of reading about it on the Internet!

Anywho.

We had our very first garage sale this weekend. I have been putting it off and off and off for at least a month, and finally a week ago I decided that today was the day. We had a pretty good spread, lots of kids toys, 2 strollers, books, picture frames, and all other manner of junk treasures.

We opened up at 7:30, and the only advertising we did were a few signs on the main street leading to our house, and an add on Craigslist. We actually sold all of the big stuff, except the complete set of Classic Pooh crib bedding (why won't somebody buy that from me??!), and most of the little stuff. We had one trunk load of stuff to take directly to Goodwill afterwards (no need to keep it laying around, or it will work it's way back into circulation!), so I was really happy with that! The only real downside of the day was that it is June. In Texas. So that means it was pretty much a billion degrees out. Not fun.

The goal for the day was to get enough money for the kids to get real bikes, they have been sharing a plastic Dora big wheel since we moved in, and honestly I am sick of hearing them take turns aka fight over whose turn it is. Luckily we surpassed our goal! So after cooling baths/showers, lunch, and naps we headed out to Target to get some new bikes! We then continued on to Chili's to celebrate (plus the kids had free meal coupons from their summer reading program at the library), and then on to Pure Bliss from some seriously good frozen yogurt. Seriously, you need to try it out. Keith and I aren't even fans of frozen yogurt and we loved it. They have SO. MANY. TOPPINGS. It's a serve yourself yogurt bar, you get your own flavor of yogurt, and then load on the toppings, and the prices were totally reasonable. It was 7 bucks for all of us to get a perfectly sized sundae with whatever we wanted on it. I highly recommend it.

Um, I digress. The bikes. Long story short (since I am tired of typing and I am sure you are tired of reading), the kids love them. Natalie was just over the moon. And tonight getting ready for bed she couldn't stop saying "I can't believe I was riding a BIG. GIRL. BIKE!" I love how proud she was! Now we just have to convince Brady that "yes he can!" ride his little bike (which we worry is a bit too small, he is just so dang tall!) if he puts his mind to it!

hard knock life

It's hard out there for a kid. Apparently.

Keith just informed me of a small conversation he just had with Brady.

As Brady is heading into the bathroom to go potty, he says, "I am just cold and tired and freezing."

As he plops down to go potty, said in his saddest most depressing puppy voice, "It's tough."

More good stuff.

The other day Natalie brought me this little note. She was so proud of herself. I asked her to read it to me. She was playing restaurant and these are the names of her dolls; Sarah (SER), Rosie (ROS), Kia (KIY), Bear(BEH). If you look at what she wrote she sounded out the names and got them pretty spot on, except for the last sound of each word. Pretty cool! She loves writing, and I am trying to encourage her to do it more and more.
Brady had his 3 year well check on Tuesday. I am so excited that both kids are all caught up. He only had to get one shot, and he took it like a champ. He is also officially potty trained, except for pull ups at night time, just in case, he wears "unders" all the time. I still have to ask him occasionally if he needs to go, but for the most part, he tells me when he needs too. WOO HOO! It only took, what? 3 months? I'll take it!

I had a long day today with no nap. Which stinks when you are up until 2, and wake up at 7. Thankfully my night in shining armour had some dollar bills hidden away for a time like this, and he came home with this beast! I will be pretty impressed if I finish it off. That's a lot of Diet DP, but I'm thinking I won't have trouble staying awake tonight!

Suburban Saturday

Today was absolutely jam packed. It's amazing how many activities you can do when you never stop. It was a first for this family. No errands to run, no work, no nothing. Just doing whatever we wanted, all day long. I am actually pretty proud of myself for staying up as long as I did, I can tell you after I write this I am crashing into my bed to settle down with a nice episode of Lost.

Today included playing chalk, riding bikes, digging in the dirt, fixing the lawnmower, mowing the lawn, edging the lawn (all three of which Keith graciously did), taking baths (washing out the dirt from every nook and cranny), playing inside, making cookies, eating lunch, napping, playing fort, hiding from storms, painting caterpillar egg cartons, running around the house like lunatics, making a new recipe for dinner, reading, resting, watching ESPN coverage of this, playing Mario kart, playing wii bowling, and finally brushing teeth and scooting off to bed. Remind me never to have a day like that again.

Though Natalie saying that today was a really, really, REALLY fun day kinda made up for it. Plus, I think she is already asleep. Nice.

Stay-cation: day one

This morning at the crack of dawn Natalie and I took Keith and Brady to the airport. One of Keith's best friends is tying the knot and unfortunately we couldn't all afford to go, and there was no way Keith was going to go gallivanting around SC while I was at home with both kids, so we decided Brady would join him. It makes it much easier on me, so I can actually get some unpacking done! And I think they are going to have a terrific time!

I am glad Natalie is here with me. She is such a fun little kid to be around, when she isn't in trouble for being bossy or mean to Brady! After dropping off the guys we picked up some breakfast from Burger King. I LOVE their breakfast stuff, and I am never in the position to get it, so this was a great excuse! Mmm...

While Natalie was at school I ran some errands, and lazed about the house. Much different without my little buddy there with me. I missed him (but I am trying NOT to think about that). I had some seriously good luck at TJ Maxx for a few things we needed for the house. I love that store! I know I have said that a million times before, but dang! I love it! Need to get me a gift? TJ Maxx gift card baby! LOL

After school we unpacked a bit, and then crashed till 5 o'clock! After more unpacking (on my part) and watching Finding Nemo (on her part) we decided we were hungry and made bagel pizzas. She is so fun to cook with, and since she got a gorgeous new apron from Auntie Danielle we had to try it out (we love it, and it fits perfectly!).

It is so tempting to eat out when it is just the 2 of us. But I restrained and we even had a healthy fruit salad for "treat". (Aren't you proud of me Keith? Now we just have to chip away at all the leftovers...)
After dinner we headed to the bathroom, where Mama did some more unpacking and Natalie got to play makeup! She spent moving day at a friends house and they did play makeup and ever since she has been asking me to play. So we broke out some glittery stuff she got for her 4th birthday (I know, I am so mean that she only just now is using it!) and then I dug around my stuff and came up with some blushes, lipsticks, and eye shadows that she could go to town with.
This girl had So. Much. FUN! And she looked adorable!
Cheese! You can't tell but she has so much hot PINK blush on! And the eyeshadow from the glitter kit was like paint, she had globs all over her sweet eyes. We went over technique a bit once she started putting it under her eye too! LOL! I want her to learn early since I never really did.
She said she was ready for a party! Glitterific!

After the makeup extravaganza it was off to the tub to scrub it all off, and in to (Mama's) bed. I was able to get so much done today, lots and LOTS left to do, but it isn't as daunting, and it is nice to have a goal to get most, if not all, of it sorted and unpacked as much as I can before the boys get back. Let's hope this girly weekend stays fun, and no more missing you tears from either of us!

We love you Daddy and Brady!

Brady...

...just counted to 14. Then 16, 18, 19, 25, 22... Still, pretty impressive!

...thinks he is so sneaky when he calls us "stukid" rather than stupid. I am so proud, my 3 year old already making up fake swear words. He still gets in trouble for it.

...is super delicious. (we love that cell phone commercial)

Ballet

For Natalie's birthday this year I really wanted to get her a gift of substance from us. So we decided that it was finally time to put her in ballet. I found a great studio where she can really learn and progress if she chooses to do so. They are pretty inexpensive compared to what we were thinking we were going to have to pay also! So that is a huge plus! She got all her clothing, tights, leotard, and both pairs of shoes, for free with signing up. Woo hoo! I love a great deal!

She went and loved it. Of course all the other girls have been in the class for a few months, but she listens and wanted to be there, so she was picking it up fast. We will work on basic foot positions at home, so she knows what the teacher is talking about. I was so proud of her though. When all the other girls were goofing off and messing around, she held fast, and kept trying to do the moves. Granted she doesn't have any little friends in there too goof off with, yet, but I hope that she will stay obedient, and really have fun with it!
She loves her clothes, but wants to find a leotard with short sleeves. I hope she loves ballet!

Salami

The kids dragged Natalie's chair into their room and Keith went in there to see what they were doing. Natalie was pretending to cut Brady's hair and shave his legs. I had to see for myself of course and when I went in there to see the fun, I found Brady's lips slathered with sparkly lip gloss. The following conversation ensued.

"Natalie, you can't put sparkly lip gloss on Brady. He is a boy."

"But Mom, we are playing Salami."

"Salami?"

"Yes Mom, we are playing Salami store."


P.S. Apparently they were getting Brady dressed up like a girl for Halloween. And so it begins.

P.P.S. Salami is Salon...in case you didn't get it!

Jelly Bean

Sometimes when Brady and I have to kill some time before we get Natalie we will head to our favorite store, Target. Last few times he has wanted to play with the Jack in the Boxes with the sock monkeys inside. He has just fallen in love with those monkeys! I really wanted to get him one, but they were just a little too pricey at Target.

Well, you can imagine how thrilled we were when we headed to Wal Mart on Natalie's birthday and not only did they have less pricey sock monkeys, they had them in all sorts of cool colors! This guy was an instant hit. And obviously Brady loves him. He "posed" for these pictures on his own when I asked to get a picture of him with Jelly Bean.

I love my little monkey.

Happy Birthday...

...too my sweetest little bubby boy! Oh, that Brady. He melts my heart. We had a rough start, but now it is good, very very good! And he is three...and I am too tired and too emotional to see the keys to type this right now. I love him with all my heart and soul! I will write a better love note to this boy later, after sleep, and a bit of birthday fun. P.S. Other updates on our random happenings to come soon too. Sorry for being a major blog slacker.

P.P.S. Yes that picture date stamp is correct. I didn't get to hold my own baby till the second day. *sigh*

Whoops!

Hey honey! I have a great idea! Let's all get dressed in our jammies and cuddle up and watch Planet Earth together. We can have a learning evening together. Ok guys! Come on, hurry up, the show is starting!

Ooooh! Look at all the caribou! How cool, such a large herd! Look how they run all together! Oh, sweet little babies, so precious. Oh look! Wolves, see how they are running and, um...chasing the caribou. Oh...see how they are chasing the weak, innocent calf. Run calf, run! Don't trip! Sigourney said you can make it if you just DON'T TRIP. Run! Run, run, RUUUUN! Oh! Looks like the white wolf is a bit too fast, for the poor, sweet baby caribou. Quick, cut to commercial.

Cue sweet Natalie crying some serious tears for the baby caribou.

Cue Mama and Daddy trying to explain the circle of life, and the food chain to a now traumatized almost 5 year old.

Cue lots and lots and LOTS of hugs and kisses and reassurances that Heaven has a special place for all the animals, and that Jesus loves the animals too, just like He loves us.

A few things I love...

...Natalie napping in my Grandma's rocking chair after church on Sunday. Darn it for not getting a picture though, and Keith said she asked if she could sleep there! Super cute from my non napping girl.

...Brady in his underwears.

...random warm days (I'm talking 80's) in the dead of winter. Gotta love Texas climate.

...warm socks, long sleeves, and the perfect sweats being my work uniform.

...playing Guitar Hero with Keith.

...phone calls from my family. Always always a lovely treat. I will drop everything when they call me.

...squishy nekkid bebeh hugs.

...work "Fridays". Gettin' ready for FIVE DAYS OFF! Woot!

...brownies with pecans and chocolate chips, cool whip if ya got any. mmmmmm.

...surprise (and not so surprise) visits from family. Jason is here, and my Dad is coming soon! Yay!

...dancing ballerinas and soaring supermans.

...good days. Today was a good good day.

Proud Bubby Boy

To be honest, the potty training around here has been sporadic. I know Brady is ready, he will even go poopy in the potty, but we all got sick and all the little accidents, and having to be diligent about getting him on the potty was just taking too much of my already short supply of energy. But, I have committed myself to doing it, meaning I bought a tiny package of diapers so I can't fall back on them, and we are going to knock this one out!

Brady loves to go on the "bug boy potty" and when we set him up there, he looks down and then once he starts going he looks up with this super sweet "I am doing it!" grin. So technically he is peeing in these pictures, LOL, but don't think about that too much.

Getting Handmade!

When Grandma Lorraine came she brought her handmade gift for Christmas. Last year we thought she had topped all when she made all of us kids game quilts, something like 15 game quilts I think. This year she out shone herself and made 13 of these super fantabulous Puppet Theaters!! I was speechless (but couldn't post about it until all family received theirs!) and in complete awe of her talent when we opened it up. The kids love it, and so do Keith and I!

It has a curtain rod so you can put it up in a doorway. The little blue curtains slide back so you can't see the puppeteer (Nat hasn't mastered that yet) and put on a show!

The Princess puppet.
Handmade just for us with love!
The monkey and the princess...playing with the monkey and the princess!
All the puppets, minus the monkey and the princess. Lorraine made 13 SETS people. That is a whole lot of crazy sewing! And she even included a bunch of plays and jokes to go with.
Thanks again Grandma Lorraine for such a wonderful special gift! It is something our family will cherish forever!

Other catching up

Christmas Eve was a very slow and nice day. The kids and I spent the morning making various Christmas presents for family members. We actually completed a ton of presents, now I just need to mail them out! Keith was able to come home early from work so the afternoon was spent playing Guitar Hero World Tour and lazing about. I had to work at 5, so we planned on having a family dinner in my office, which is also my bedroom! We pulled in the little table, turned on The Santa Clause, and had quite a nice Christmas picnic of sorts.

The day after Christmas Keith had to work so the kids and I ventured out to Target to hit up the Christmas clearance. I actually saved some money aside specifically for this purpose and I am so glad I did! I got a bunch of pretty silver ornaments I had been eyeing, but wasn't going to pay full price for. I also got all of our wrapping paper for next year, and some other cute bits and bobs. I L-O-V-E getting things 50% off! I love 75% off even better, but I have to wait a few days for the prices to go that low!

Then Saturday was our last free Saturday before Keith starts the BAR BRI class (he has class 6 days a week starting the 2nd) so we headed out to Braum's for lunch. We have been wanting to try it for a long time, and it was so good! We went to the new one in Pantego and it was very nice. The burgers are delicious! The ice cream was fantastic too! After that we headed out to our favorite park for some exercise to burn off that lunch!

Now the weekend is over and class and work are looming in the near future. The next 2 months are going to be hard, but SO worth it!

The last of the Pecan Caramel Fudge sundae from Braum's. Soooooo good!Natalie now hates to have her picture taken. I have no idea where she gets it from... Brady on the other hand is always up for a photo shoot!

Christmas Day

I've been called out on my blog slacking ways. I never forget all you family that read this, and I am sorry I just haven't been able to force myself to sit here and blog about it all. I will start with Christmas day, but I have many other posts in the works. So if you're interested check back often in the next few days while I get it all down!

I was able to get one picture of the Christmas morning tree before my memory card filled up and I set my camera aside and forgot to unload the card until later in the morning. So no pictures of the unwrapping of the presents, video, but no pictures. Looks like Santa delivered! I see a Cinderella computer and a Thomas train under there!

Yep! Natalie got her Cinderella computer and even the gray pony that she asked Santa for. I don't think I need to tell you how excited she was! And she loves it, it isn't TOO hard or TOO easy, and she picked up how to do all the games on her own. Yay for learning!
You can also see some of Mom and Dads presents. I didn't take a loot shot of the goodies that Keith and I got, darn it! I like to have those for posterity sake, lol! But Keith had a very Cowboys Christmas. He got the History of the Cowboys DVD, Cowboys golf stuff, Cowboys nightlight, Cowboys lunchbox, and some other fun movies and candy and things. Oh! And the paver for the new stadium that says "The Bowers Fans Forever" on it. Coolest. Present. Ever! And a sweet set of 25th anniversary Phase 10 cards in a cool metallic case.

Mom got some movies, gift cards, kitchen things (tiny ramekins to make pot pies or molten lava cake), some great storage containers for my scrapbook stuff, and the best gift? An MP3 player! Yay! We can't afford anything too fancy, but Keith found this great Phillips one that is TINY, it fits in the palm of my hand and I love it! It has video capacity and can store pictures, and is probably the most high tech thing we own, other than the wii! He totally surprised me with that one.

Brady got lots and lots of Cars Megabloks. I like them because they are Cars and he has to create with them! Lots of building going on over here!

I forgot to take a picture of all the paper and fun chaos, but here is our living room for most of Christmas day! Nat loves that fairy woodland house!
Brady's loot. Books, Lego's, school bus from Natalie, Cars stuff, movies, etc. Fun stuff!
Natalie's loot (and Mommies scrap storage, minus the pony and the computer). Groovy girls, books, fairies and house, puzzle, dolly from Brady, coloring calendar, etc. Funny one of the most played with things is probably the little tic tac toe from the dollar section at Target. And one of my favorite things they got was from Aunt Danielle (& Co.), she sent each a nice book with a coordinating pillow case to match. I am totally stealing that idea!
It was a fun day, a little lonely without all the hustle and bustle of extended family, but nice in that it was just us, with no where to go, and nothing to do but play all day. I want to thank all the family that sent gifts, those were some of the best things under the tree because they were surprises to all of us!