Apple Cheeks

slow down.

2011-12-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

Five

2011-12-21T09:38:00.000-06:00

Five has always been the magic age we used when Adler asked to do something he wasn't old enough to do. "Yes, Adler, you can stay up late, drive a car, drink coke, play with choking hazards....when you are five.". It seemed so far away; and now it is here. Luckily,he has forgotten most of these promises. But the idea has stuck with me. Suddenly, I am watching him in a new light. The bed that his bed rails are attached to doesn't look quite as high off the floor as it once did. For that matter, the wood floors don't look so menacing and hard either. His long arms and legs look a little silly dangling out of his carseat. Those big chunky legos look babyish. He has finally graduated- to rail-less beds, a booster (although I am still on the fence about that one!), and small legos he can choke on now. It's pretty surreal!
But how I LOVE my five year old Adler! He is funny and happy and full of life. He is right in the middle of the phase where any odd noise or face is hilarious, where knock knock jokes have no limits, where the party doesn't stop until the eyelids physically won't stay open, and where building blocks are transformed into spaceships for hours of fun.
But the gentle bits of him that I love are still here too- he still requires at least 20 minutes of cuddling a day. He is usually kind to his sister and truly feels it is his job to take care of her. He is mostly obedient and tries so hard to do the right things, follow the rules and make others happy. He is inquisitive and smart, curious and imaginative.
I couldn't be more excited for this fifth year- what a joy it is to be his mother!

Fess up

2011-10-28T16:01:00.003-05:00

pinterest- who's on it? I know it's the buzzword of 2011, the visual google for crafters, fashionistas, teachers and chefs....and why I try to resist jumping on pop culture bandwagons- there is a reason everyone is talking about this website- Pinterest basically just rocks.

But here is my question- who is actually testing out the ideas they find on the site? Come on now....you can tell me! I think there needs to be another website that showcases ideas taken from pinterest and actually used, complete with notes from the experience and pictures.

I have done a few things from the site. At bunco the other night, everything I made for dinner came from recipes I found of pinterest. The only bad thing was I felt completely unoriginal because all my bunco girls are on pinterest too and exclaimed how they had seen the recipes there too- oh. snap.

So far I have made:
Pizza balls- http://pinterest.com/pin/233764379/ (was not delicious)
Loaded baked potato soup- http://pinterest.com/pin/210742138/ (was a hit!)
Chocolate wasted cake- http://pinterest.com/pin/302720320/ (so bad but soooo good!)
Apple smiles- http://pinterest.com/pin/124652638/ (made for Adler's class but used caramel and it was a little too gooey)

Okay, so that's all the food I have made, but I have also bought several items of clothes and a few gifts from some ideas I saw here. And I used a appliqué tutorial and made several crafts with my kids or the kids in my class. So SEE? It's not a bit waste of time!

And now I promise to never talk of pinterest again. It's sort of embarrassing how often I bring it up in conversation.

Oh, and sorry for my lack of actual links- I used to be able to easily link on my iPad but something is wonky with it the past month or so and it won't link on blogger anymore. Any tips?

Hap Hudson 5k recap

2011-10-24T09:28:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, running has been a theme on the blog the past month or two, but this season is the best season for running and racing and it gets me all excited. And when I get excited about something, I am pretty obsessive about it!

So this last weekend, I ran the Hap Hudson Homecoming 5k at MC. This was my first race to do solo so I was a little bit nervous about that; but Eric and the kids were on the sidelines cheering me on so that eased my nerves a bit. I also had been having some shin issues and had not run in a week trying to get them well again. On race day, they felt pretty good though so i think sitting out that week was worth it.

The weather was perfect- chilly, but clear skies and no wind. The race started with a prayer (nice!) and a horn and we were off. Again, I took off maybe a tad too fast, but I just couldn't help it! It's kind of fun passing people and the only time I get the chance is right in the beginning when all the smart runners aren't blowing it out right at first:). The course was rolling, and winded through downtown Clinton and a neighborhood and ended with one lap around the MC track. First mile I did at a 7:01 pace. Second mile was 7:16. The last mile there was a pretty gross hill towards the end that did not agree with me. I looked down at my watch at one point up the hill and I was at like an 8:45 pace- yikes! I finished that 3rd mile at 7:34 and the last bit at 7:06. I didn't think I would like the last quarter mile being on the track but I kinda loved it! I wish I would have pushed it a little harder on the track and shaved off a few more seconds because that was the easiest part of the race, but I will know for next year! I am very happy with the experience I had- it was lots of fun and i felt great afterwards. I am not sure my exact time yet, but I know it was 22:40 something. I wasn't listening when they announced it and the race results aren't up on the Internet yet. But I did win 3rd overall for women and feel pretty good about that too.

I am so thankful that God gives me joy through running. It is such a blessing in my life right now.

Ps- the men's overall winner did it in 16 min and something. Wha???!!!??? How?

The whole world is her stage.

2011-10-13T14:36:00.001-05:00

These pictures pretty much sum up our little Hazel these days. If there is a flat surface and a willing audience, she will sing and dance her heart out. She loves it!

PS- Shhh- Z thinks that expression in the second photo is her super pretty face. I am sure going to miss that scrunchy silly face when she realizes its not!

the MAN.

2011-10-13T14:32:00.000-05:00

he knows where its at- all in the eyes.

he was a little nervous at first, but even still, he insisted and doing flips and tricks the whole time

he almost didn't get on the bull and wanted me to get on with him (not gonna happen!) but he did it. And afterwards, he was all like, "I OWN that bull."

This year at the fair, Ad really got to experience all the rides as a kid, not a baby. He rode on all the good ones with his cousin, Everett and truly thought he was a big kid. He was, actually. He was nervous about them all, but he was brave and did them anyway. So proud of the little guy my son is becoming!

The one where Eric's life ambition would finally be fulfilled.

2011-10-11T17:54:00.001-05:00

The boo run in meridian is a 5k race/zombie chase. Seriously- you are chased by zombies as you run. If you are caught, you are a zombie and have to catch the other runners.

Eric needs to do this run. He has been preparing to be chased by zombies his entire life. We have stockpiles of things for such an occasion. He needs to do this.

And just to add, Meridian is apparently THE place to go for Halloween fun. These folks take their boo seriously. Check it here- http://www.boo-meridian.com/
How fun!

Run!

2011-10-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

Eric and I, along with my brother and dad, ran the local Over the River run this weekend. It was so fun running with my family (although I was tempted to trip my brother when he passed me!) and I wanted to write it all down for memory's sake.

The day was gorgeous, cool with a nice breeze blowing. A record 700 people showed up to run/walk the race. E and I were about midway lining up and when the horn blew, we were off. I felt amazing and my legs felt strong and good so I just decided to run by feel the first few miles. My pace these first 2 miles was around 7:19 min miles. In hindsight, I was running a little too fast, due to adrenaline and just feeling good! The third mile I dropped to 7::27 pace, mile 4 was 8:08 and mile 5 was 8:18. We turned around midway to race back over the bridge back to finish line. This is where E left me, but I was happy to be able to hang with him the first 2.5 miles. If I would have just kept at 7:40 pace, I probably would have had an easier time of it the last mile. That mile my legs felt heavy and I had to work pretty hard to maintain what I did. My original plan was to pick someone to beat in front of me, and blow it out the last 1/2 mile. Um. Not happening. I maintained, but I did not have any burst of energy left in me! I think maybe the hill at the end had a little something to do with it. It felt like a mountain on my heavy legs. I finished in 38:24 minutes though, under my goal so I was more than happy with it. I felt good after the race and was ready to have some fun with the family at the after party.

Food, drinks and jumpy balloon entertained us until the awards show. Dad and Trey won 3rd in their age groups and I won 1st in mine and 4th overall for women. The picture above is me and my dad and brother with our medals:). I didn't take any pics and this is the only one I have seen. I will have to post one of me and E whenever I get some pics from mom.

It was a great day and look forward to the next one!

Yooohoooo

2011-09-29T14:28:00.000-05:00

Hi! I know we haven't spoken in awhile and I know this is awkward; but I wanted to pop in and say hello and let you know that I don't only speak in the random posting of pictures. I do have actual words to say, just haven't had a blogging spirit lately. No biggie!

Kids are napping and I am procrastinating getting some housework done. The weather outside is nice and this weekend, it's supposed to be even cooler. I cant wait to spend all weekend outside with my family.

We are doing so good right now. Preschool is in full swing and both kids are loving it. We have some tears from hazel when she sees me or Adler throughout the morning, but they are quickly dissolved at the promise of the next fun thing her class is doing. Adler loves his class too- they do really fun things and he is learning so much. I am really loving teaching the 3 year old room. The kids are really good and so excited to learn and do new things. It's been a lot of fun so far and feels in no way like a job.

Let's see, what else....I am learning to sew. It's a slow process for me (I actually developed a new stitch called the frankenstitch- very innovative) and I will be happy for a day when I feel more confident when I start a project; but I have already come a long way and know that day will come.

I am also still running. I was a bit hit and miss this summer just due to a full schedule and just different priorities. There may have been a time in my life where that would have made me feel very guilty, but I am really at peace about that now. This summer, we were a little lazier in the mornings, played a little longer into the afternoon and didn't get around to bedtime until later. And it was WONDERFUL. But now we are back into routine again, I am settling into a normal exercise schedule again and it also feels wonderful. I just guess
there is a season for everything.

my children were made for the beach too.

2011-09-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

I had the best time taking these pictures of the kids. Hazel reminded me of a mermaid and Adler just stole the show with that hat.

I was made for the beach.

2011-09-18T15:18:00.001-05:00

Just got back from a glorious week on the beach with my mom and dad, all my siblings and their families- 17 people in one big beach house and I am not kidding when I tell you that it was still one of the most relaxing vacations I have been on. The kids were all wonderful and it was so nice to reconnect with my family. I think we needed it! It was a sweet reminder of who I am, being around those who know me best for a week.

My baby reminds me of my baby sister in so many ways.

we were all looking at different cameras

the originals

water babies

my best friends

be still, my heart.

Ten years

2011-09-04T23:31:00.001-05:00

The past few days, I have been thinking of the anniversary. 9-11.

It is surreal to me that my children, that the children I teach at church, that most children, either were not here before that day, or will never remember America before that day.

I lived in Hattiesburg. My room-mate frantically woke me that morning, crying, telling me to watch because she couldn't tell. So we did, all day. I moved from my couch to another friend's couch and from there, we stayed glued to the television all day. I think we left the apartment once, to wait in a 2 hour line for gas because that is what people do in the wake of national tragedy, fill their tanks with gas. What else is there to do?

I can not tell you specific ways in which my life has changed as a result of 9-11. I guess, in reality, not in many ways. I still have a roof over my head, a car to drive, family to love, a life to live. I am so blessed in comparison to so many that lost real, tangible things that day, that sacrificed so much that day. But my life DID change on September 11, 2001. I can not put my finger on it, can not put it to exact words. But there is a bit of sadness that lingers from that day, attached to the person I am today. There was no transformation from child to adult, no loss of innocence that would make the day more poetic. Yet, I do think that something stirred up in me, that the stirring mixed up my world, caused me to see things differently. Within 9 months of 9-11, I got engaged and married, moved and formed this life I live and love now. Maybe the cliche is right, maybe I did lose some of that innocence, nievity. Maybe I did grow up, gain perspective. I don't know. I only know for certain that the day became a part of me.

Ten years. I haven't wanted to recognize it because for some reason, it feels a betrayal to have gone on with life for a whole decade. It is no longer something that just happened only moments, days, months, even a few years ago. Does that even make sense? It just doesn't feel right to have it a part of our history when it is still so raw. I guess that is it. Why do we need to remember it when it's still right there beside us? I think, for those of us old enough to remember, it will always feel that way.

school!

2011-08-10T15:41:00.000-05:00

Adler made sure to hug and love on Hazel all day on her first day of school.

this picture right here is it for me- this kid has my heart. What a big boy he is today!

she is honing her inner munchkin here.

in front of school with their backpacks on and lunches in hand!

School went great today! Adler was so incredibly excited to be in the "big kids" classroom this year. Hazel walked right in her class as if she owned it and had a fantastic day. More later on that and pictures from the beach to come soon too!

This is how we do summer.

2011-07-24T21:19:00.001-05:00

What can I even say about the summer of 2011? What a beautiful, glorious, lazy, busy, exciting, relaxing, perfect summer it has been. We have cleaned and organized, gone swimming, play doughed, canoed, played on playgrounds in the sticky heat, caught fire flies, ate watermelon, glued and cut, volleyballed, painted and colored, shopped and browsed, camped and s'mored....all in the name of summer. For several years now I have longed to have a summer like this but just wasn't able to swing it until now. It has been the summer of my childhood revisited and I, we, have loved every moment of it.

And its not over. Eric and I are headed to the Dominican Republic with the kids in two days. We can't wait to experience a new place and lounge on the beach for 7 days. Its going to be amazing!

And then, the day after we get back I get to go set up classroom at my new job! That's right- 3 hours a day, 3 mornings a week, I am calling Crawford Street Play School my home away from home. I am going to be assisting the 3k class and I am so excited about it! Since I am working, Z will be going during the same hours in the 2k class and Adler will be in 4k. Its going to be a fun year. Its going to be so neat to get a bird's eye view into what goes on when my kids are at school.

I have been obsessed with stopping every few days and taking deep breaths and looking around and taking mental snapshots of what is going on around me- I can't believe I get to live this beautiful life- I know how blessed I am. It is so easy to get caught up in the hum drums, the small, and sometimes the big, stresses of this world we live in. But, then I catch my husband's eye as we watch our family enjoying each other on a lazy Saturday evening; I hear my children's giggles as they trace their bodies in chalk; I feel the cold of the sprinkler as we play; I taste the sweetness of a watermelon..... Summer restores my soul and reminds me of the rich blessings in my life. How GREAT is our God!

2011-06-20T16:58:00.000-05:00

a few pictures from Hazel's birthday party, more to come later...

Hazel girl is turning two tomorrow. She was our little surprise, and now, 2 years and 10 months later, I can't believe I was ever anxious about the addition. From the moment she arrived, she has been such a joy and brought such a sweetness to our lives. She is funny and makes it her mission to make those around her laugh. She doesn't take herself too seriously and is always making a silly face or breaking out in dance if she thinks it will make someone smile. She is adventurous and loves to test the limits and venture the unknown. She is always hot on her brother's trail, never wanting to miss out on anything. She is a pistol- she is quick to go after what she wants and fight for what she has. But it is only countered by her sweet nature. She loves to share and will run to comfort her brother when he is sad. Lovely, lovely girl that I constantly have to squeeze and love on because I know these chubby toddler moments are few. I treasure them while I have them, but look forward to watching her grow into the sweet girl she is becoming.

and lastly, a throwback...

2011-04-24T23:06:00.002-05:00

SERIOUSLY. This boy is for real. Adler's first Easter.

the hunt

2011-04-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

I love how every picture I have of Adler hunting eggs are action shots. This boy was a mad hunter this year!

Easter sweetness

rascal

old fashioned girl

they were serious.

the picture that made me realize what a toddler she has grown to be

picture perfect

2011-04-24T22:53:00.001-05:00

Am I the only person out there that finds it IMPOSSIBLE to get more than one member of my family in a picture that is actually good? Granted, its usually me that is making the funny face or has hair in my face, but still, its beyond frustrating! Here is the best of the best from Easter morning though:). But, PS- isn't Adler's face in the first one priceless?

ps- that is not a real bug on Hazel's dress, just a sticker! We all had them stuck all over us when we got to church somehow.

well, hello there!

2011-04-24T22:48:00.000-05:00

Its me! I have been just itching to post a good long blog for a week now, and now that there is an opportunity, well, I have gone blank! I can't think of ONE of my million fascinating topics that I thought of over the week.

Life has been so busy the past few weeks. My neglected house can tell you that! But, its been filled to the brim with fun things- a wedding, t-ball, camping trips, Easter parties and egg hunts, Secret Church, a trip to New Orleans with my mom and sisters....and I am sure we squeezed in a few other things too. I would love to write about all of these, but probably won't. But I will get in some pictures this week.

I took off from running for 4 weeks to try to get over a nasty case of shin splints. I have been easing myself back into it the past 2 weeks and feel pretty good. I think maybe I am just going to have to deal with the shins though, because after 2 weeks of taking it suuuuppppperrrr slow, and I mean, I started out at 1 mile and have only increase 10% over the past week, I feel little twinges in them, sort of like the beginning of the whole ordeal. But I think I am doing everything right, so I am just going to deal with it if it comes. Boo to that though. Meanwhile, I have been strength training and doing some rad hills on the stationary bike. Okay, enough of that, I think this may all be interesting to pretty much only me!

We are looking forward to summer. Adler told me a few days ago he was READY for some camping, boating and swimming. My summer child! I am ready too. We plan on spending most our days at the pool this summer, which means I have got to get my son in swim lessons- pass on any names of instructors if you have them.

And lastly, I am so excited to make an announcement in a few weeks that is going to bring about some changes to the Mason family! But I can't tell you guys yet, so you are just going to have to be agonized over the next few weeks- ha, I know you love the suspense! (and NOOOOO, I am not pregnant!)

2011-04-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

My eldest child. Adler. How much he has changed over the past year. There is barely a trace left of the baby. I see in when there are thunderstorms, when he is extra sleepy or just waking up or maybe when he is needing the attention. But mostly, he is this fantastic, energetic little boy. He is silly and clever and smart as a whip. He loves writing his letters and learning what letters go together to make words. I feel like reading will be coming soon and I can't wait for this part! He is confident and feels comfortable being who he is. He is athletic- very fast! He seems to always be the one being chased (see picture!) on the playground. He starts t-ball tomorrow and I can't wait to see him running the wrong way to the bases!

I am so proud of this sweet, silly boy.

I may just be the best chef ever. EVER.

2011-03-28T19:15:00.000-05:00

Because I just created the best salad known to man. I wish I would have taken pictures of the beauty that was this salad; but it didn't occur to me to until it was sort of all eaten and gross looking (you know how salads always end up toward the end).

I have been trying to be more conscious of the food that goes in my body over the last month or so. As you may know, I am attempting to become a machine; and this body needs some serious fuel to make it work. And I just love how much better I feel after a day of yummy nutritious stuff goes in. Don't get me wrong- there are still plenty of skittles and candy hot tomales involved in my life- but eating the good stuff too makes it okay! I can hardly handle cooked vegetables, but I love me some crunchy green leaves so I have been trying to come up with some ways to be creative with them. For lunch, I ate a huge spinach salad and topped it with tuna, pickles two crushed whole wheat crackers, chia seeds and some fat free Italian- I must say that it was pretty tasty for a lunchtime meal.

And tonight. Oh tonight. I don't think I will ever want to eat anything ever again except for this fajita salad. Let me share.

Seasoned some eye of round strips in fajita seasoning and cooked thru. I would have put bell peppers and maybe some yellow and red peppers too but I knew eric would be eating fajitas and he can't eat them. Anyway, I made a gigantic salad of mixed leaves and carrots, put some rinsed black beans, chick peas, reduced fat cheese (but just a tiny bit i promise!), chia seed sprinkles, and bunches of cherry tomatoes. Topped it with the meat and a smidge of fat free sour cream. And then I mixed about a tablespoon of fat free ranch with a tablespoon of salsa and put on top of salad.

It's not fancy- but it was GOOD! And easy. And all sorts of good- did I say that already?

Focused.

2011-03-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

I am discovering something about myself. I can only do one thing at a time. When I am into something, I am a bit obsessed about it. I will think about it, read a million books and articles about it, and do whatever it is every chance I get. And when I am not doing something that has to do with it, my brain just wants to relax. So it leaves no room for the other things I enjoy doing in my life, or that I need to do in my life, like cleaning (yikes!).

And that is the reason I am TWO weeks behind on my photo project. And I feel SUPER guilty about it. But I have been running lately and have been a little preoccupied and just haven't picked up my camera quite as much the last few weeks. But I am playing catch up this week so expect a photo bomb soon.

I need to figure out how to stop being so single minded. I have several things I would love to equally spend my time on, but it just won't all fit in my brain at the same time.

52 weeks- week 7 childhood memories

2011-02-25T20:26:00.002-06:00

When I was very young, we moved to a new house. I remember walking through the house, bare of any furniture, and going into my new room. The only thing in there was my kid table and chairs and some toy dishes.* And the room smelled like a mix of lemon cake and sherbet. As an adult, I am obsessed with this smell. I have never actually found anything to match it; but I have a candle called "lemon parfait" that comes close.

*I can't say with certainty that this was in fact a memory and not a dream. But I no longer want to know which one- it may crush me.

spring is coming!

2011-02-24T15:31:00.000-06:00

my lovely boy amongst the daffodils

Adler points out every bubble and Hazel loves it!

why won't she ever cooperate?

this was my favorite day ever.

my new favorite flower

baby pushing baby

2011-02-22T15:04:00.002-06:00

whoopsies- last week's 52 week project

2011-02-22T15:02:00.000-06:00

I am not a romantic at all, which is why I had the hardest time with last week's theme- romance. But to me, romance is waking up every morning to the man I love, knowing I will be sharing a toothbrush holder with him to the day we die.

And one more thing.

2011-02-11T14:46:00.000-06:00

These Valentine's pictures were the first ones in which I had an idea of what I wanted them to look like before I took them. Um. It was hard. As it turns out, kids usually have very different agendas when it comes to getting their pictures made. What I ended up with was a lot of pictures of backs turned, under or overexposed because I could not do that and keep kids in place, head chopped off kind of pictures. Pretty awful!

The two you see in the previous post? Well, Adler was being a little rotten and wouldn't do anything but stick his tongue out. It worked though. And Hazel- well, the only way I could get her from running away was by bribing her with candy. The trade-off was that every picture I took of her has her mouth open waiting for something sweet to be dropped inside!

I seriously don't know how people take pictures of kids for a living!

HOMEMADE PRETZELS!

2011-02-11T14:07:00.001-06:00

Several people asked about the recipe I used to make those yummy pretzels (i swear they are pretzels, even if they look more like rolls- I may have gotten frustrated rolling them out and not rolled them thin enough) yesterday, so here it is....

First off, I need to tell you something. My homemade pretzels started with, errrr, ahem.....a bread machine to make the dough. I know some of you may consider that "less" homemade, but if you knew how far I have come from the days of boiled chicken and canned greenbeans, you would be very very impressed.

Anyway, if you have a bread machine, you just stick the following things in the machine:
1 cup of water
2 tsp of salt
1 tbs of packed brown sugar
3 1/4 cups bread flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

I have a dough/pizza dough cycle so I just put it on that and it kneaded it for me and let it rise for me for an hour or so.

If you don't have a machine and aren't sure how to make the dough, I found a comparible recipe here for the dough.

After the dough has risen, lay on floured surface and roll into 12 balls. Roll each ball into a thin rod and shape into pretzel (make a U shape, twist ends together and fold inward). Put on parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425. Place 2 inches of water in a wide saute pan and bring to boil. Place 2 cups of water and 2 tbs of baking soda in small bowl and set aside.

Once pretzels have rested for 20-30 minutes, slide pretzels into boiling water 1 at a time (although I did more than 1 at a time to save time and didn't have issues). Flip each after 1 1/2 minutes, letting boil for 3 minutes each total. (I cut this down to about 30 seconds on each side too because I am impatient and it was fine).

Allow pretzel to cool on wire rack. Dip each pretzel in the water and baking soda mixture and place back on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake in oven until dark and golden, appr 15-20 minutes (I cooked mine exactly 10 and they were perfect, but mine may have been smaller than they were supposed to be, Idk).

Slather the pretzels with melted butter and coat with your choice of topping, if any. I did half of mine with cinammon and sugar and the other half with sea salt. They were both yummy.

And there you have it- very easy except for rolling the thin rods out- there must be an easier way, but I sure don't know it!

They were really delicious. especially right out of the oven. I am for sure going to be making this as a regular treat for my family!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-11T13:46:00.000-06:00

Did I mention that Eric and I are leaving in the morning for New Orleans sans kids? Oh Yeah! Eric is going down there for a half marathon and I will be cheering him on! My parents are doing the half too so I have lots of cheering to do. I feel sort of like a bum because I won't be running, but oh well.

My in laws, God BLESS THEIR LITTLE HEARTS, will be keeping the kids. I am very grateful and very excited to get away for a few days.

Anyway, we are coming home Monday afternoon and won't be around to post Valentine's "cards" so I am going to go ahead and do it now. Hope you all are surrounded by the ones you love this valentine's day!

these long winter days

2011-02-09T22:12:00.000-06:00

Oh, these days have been long. This winter has been especially tempermental. I am one of those people who needs to feel sunshine in my bones. It makes me happy. I am so thankful for the occassional warm day that we have been having every few weeks. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to live up north during the long winter months. I guess maybe that is why God made me a southern girl!

I have been trying to make the best of it. We have spent our days building big towers of blocks and painting sunny skies on paper. We are going to try homemade pretzels tomorrow. I think we have all gained 10 pounds due to our cold weather baking. And we are just trying to buckle down and enjoy the moments where we are forced to slow down. I think God is teaching me lessons on the importance of making your moments happy regardless of the circumstances. He is teaching me lessons on slowing down and enjoying just being with my little ones, without needing playdates and parks and libraries to keep us occupied. He is teaching me self sacrifice and patience; because oh how I crave nothing more than a good book and warm bed on days like this; but how my babies crave playdough and puzzle parties on days like this; and how my house seems to crave order and cleanliness after being played in, tromped in and abused from days like this.

Winter's days are numbered. And although I long for the sun; I choose to embrace the warmth that has come from these sweet lesson learned this season.

week 4- repetition

2011-02-09T21:58:00.000-06:00

Aren't these the cutest little mailboxes? We are painting Adler's classmates' names on them and putting little goody bags in them to give to Ad's little friends at school.

shoes

2011-02-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

Week 3- sleep

2011-01-31T22:33:00.000-06:00

This past week was sleep. If you know me, I don't mess around with sleep. Its precious; and I couldnt make myself sneak in and attempt pictures of my sleeping loves. Too much riding on it. So, instead, I took a picture of Hazel's doll all snug and sound in a moutain of washcloths. Hazel must go into the closet no less than 4 times a day to pull out all the washcloths to tuck her babies in. All over the house are little baby dolls laying on the floor covered up with washclothes.

This week is repetition and I am excited about this theme! This week is repetition and I am excited about this theme!

:)

the littlest masons can get away with a lot...see photos

2011-01-24T15:32:00.000-06:00

week 2 picture- Cold

2011-01-24T15:30:00.000-06:00

not too happy with this week's but oh well! The only cold we get around here is the one that requires Nyquil so here is a look at what our colds consisted of the past few weeks, mulitple doctor visits and prescriptions filled!

This week's theme is SLEEP! And after this, I do believe they get a little more upbeat! :)

Guilty!

2011-01-22T15:44:00.000-06:00

Has this ever happened to you?

Monday (or tuesday or friday or sunday...) morning, late again, dog bowl has mysteriously tipped over, phone is ringing, 4 year old whining because he doesn't want to wear his coat, yogurt stuck in my hair, and where are my keys anyway, 1 year old is jumping off the stairs, and why why why why can't I bring my monster truck to school, momma, whhhhhhhyyy?

You get one guess who gets in trouble for his transgressions and probably in a little more trouble than he would normally if everything else would have been going smoothly. I mean, somebody's got to feel the brunt of my frustration right, and I can't really blame it on my 1 year old baby, or my friend who is calling me, or my dog....or myself.

Ouch. This one hurts.

How easy it is to punish our children out of the situation instead of the actual action. Don't get me wrong. We do not tolerate whining in our house. It is cause for discipline. But if I am honest with myself, in a situation like that, I expect Adler to act like the grown man that he is. If he can't recognize the dire straits I am in and begin to act maturely as to ease my discomfort, there are consequences.....how utterly ridiculous does that sound?

I just finished reading, "Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches" by Rachel Jankovic and it has a whole chapter devoted to this nasty little habit. This whole book really convicted me on a lot issues that I have already been struggling with but was unsure as to how to work through. It really gave me a renewed sense of focus and direction. It also reminded me to slow down and enjoy these years; they are SO fleeting.

I could go on and on about the ways that it has changed my attitudes about motherhood and discipline, but really, what I think you should do, is pick one up yourself and get what you can from it. It is a short and entertaining but really delves into some important stuff. I plan on reading it multiple times, as I have a pretty thick head sometimes. I HIGHLY recommend it.

the little bits

2011-01-21T16:08:00.000-06:00

Just a few pictures...

The last one is from when we went to the new children's museum in Jackson a few weeks ago. I didn't get any good pictures because we were too busy having FUN. If you haven't been yet, I encourage you to go. There was so much for little hands to get play with and explore. I was very impressed! I may post a few more from the trip to give you a better idea if I get a chance.

Grab your coats

2011-01-17T16:21:00.000-06:00

This week's photo theme is cold.

And I do believe it's supposed to be the warmest week we have had in a while. Should be interesting to see what we come up with!

What I have learned

2011-01-14T15:28:00.000-06:00

1. 4 feet somehow make more than twice the mess as 2 feet do. This was the first time I have done floor painting since I had 4 little feet walking around. I ended up mopping the whole kitchen...and den....and bathroom twice to get up all the paint!

2. Paint flies. There was paint on our ceiling fan.

3. Its okay to dress your kids in Christmas clothes in January....or to let them stay in the pajamas all day.

4. A week locked in the house because its too cold to go anywhere gets boring. And messy. It forces you to be very creative and very patient!

5. The kids love floor painting together. Must forget mess more and smile more and love those little years more because its totally worth it!

Week 1 Breakfast

2011-01-14T15:21:00.000-06:00

and its ALL MINE!!

dreary morning

So week 1- breakfast! Usually for me that means a cup of coffee. This week has been cold and dreary, so it was hard to feel spunky enough to take care with pictures first thing in the morning. And if I am to be honest, these were taken, ahem, a little later in the day.

I am learning that I have lots to learn about shooting indoors. I just can't do it without using a flash...any tips?

These are up on the group flickr page as well. If you are having problems uploading your pictures to the site, you can click on the help menu and it will tell you how to do it or just ask and I will send you a msg.

Click away!

2011-01-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

Okay- kick-off day for the 52 photos project!

This week's photo theme is "breakfast.". Grab your camera and start snapping!

You can find a complete list of the themes on the group site found here.

If you want to join, send me your email and I will get you an invite!

A new project

2011-01-09T20:56:00.000-06:00

So I got this new camera a few months ago and have really enjoyed getting out there and taking pictures, but still have a lot to learn.....enter.....52 week photo project! Each week, a different theme guides me to take pictures of what I feel represents the theme. I will post here, but have also set up a flickr group to post there as well because I want YOU to join in on the fun!
I would really like to get a few of you to do it with me- I think it would be fun to see yall's interpretations of the week's themes. You don't have to have a fancy camera or any expertise in photography. That is the beauty of it- it is all in fun. If you would like to participate, drop me an email at ashmeg2727@yahoo.com and let me know. If you have a flickr account already, include the email you use for that acct or your username so I can send you an invite. If you DON'T already have a flickr account, go to http://www.flickr.com/ and set up your free account and msg me with your info. OR just send me your email address and I can send you the link to set up your account and join the group.

The first week starts tomorrow and ends next Sunday night, so jump on board sometime between now and then!

time suck

2010-12-30T14:33:00.000-06:00

look how big she is!

usually a white blur when I try to capture him

one of her favorite things to do in the backyard

wants to play soccer ever since he saw his big (AWESOME COOL) cousin Eli play a game

sweetness

2010-12-28T22:29:00.001-06:00

edited to add the above- I think I like this second one better.

Hazel and her best friend

2010-12-27T15:40:00.004-06:00

just love the way she loves him

(straight out of camera)

outside

2010-12-27T15:34:00.004-06:00

So, I am really playing with the exposure (and by playing, I mean learning through some massive fails!) because I can not wrap my little brain around the fundamentals here. I am finding that even though I am a very new beginner, I really like taking my pictures in manual. I feel like once I finally get it, I am going to love having the control over the look of the picture. Anyway, as I was playing today outside with the camera, I took these over-exposed pictures. I can't make myself trash them though, my untrained eye likes them for some reason.

and ps- no editing on these. I desperately need my "Missing Manual..." book on photoshop elements to get here asap.

love them

2010-12-27T15:31:00.004-06:00

I am trying to figure out my camera and am having some problems with exposure. I attempted to fix these in photoshop but didn't really correct the problem and managed to lose some of the softness of the pictures too; but either way, I love my subjects (even Adler's silly face he insists on making).

favorites of the day

2010-12-27T15:29:00.003-06:00

the hair and Adler's maddening new picture face

2010-12-08T16:15:00.001-06:00

but doesn't he look cute in his first tie?

halfway decorated

2010-12-08T16:11:00.004-06:00

You will be getting one from me this year.

2010-11-18T14:07:00.003-06:00

CARDS!! I am totally jumping on the free shutterfly Christmas cards bandwagon this year. I have seen several friends' blogs the past few days mentioning how they are saving money this year and going with Shutterfly Christmas cards; and just by mentioning it on their blogs, they get 50 free cards to send out! Too great to pass up!

Now, every year, I have the best intentions of sending cards out to my friends and family. I do. But, realistically, I barely get the ornaments hung on my tree every year. This season is so busy for us that the holiday passes by before we actually get to sit down and enjoy the the eggnog. But not anymore. This year, and for every year to follow, I am going to make sure that I enjoy this season; its my favorite time of the year, not just because of all the merry-making and candy canes; but because it is a constant reminder of my salvation, and just how much my God loves me.

And as for cards, those guys over at Shutterfly make it so easy, and so hip. Their selection is large, ranging from traditional and classy to funky and modern. And they are super affordable too! And the process of getting your cards made personal is so easy that even a non-techie can do it. Click on the design you like, upload a picture and add a few personal words if you want and voila, you are done. I am super excited to create my own cards. Be looking for some sweet looking smiling faces in your mail-box soon (that sounded scary, but you know what I mean!).

PS- they also have some really other cute Christmas gift ideas. Every grandparent MUST own a coffee mug with their grandchildren's "mugs" on them. And the Christmas ornaments are really beautiful, and the pictures are sealed so they can be used and passed down for generations to come. Its a one stop shop, people!

before church

2010-11-15T12:13:00.003-06:00

I'm just saying...

2010-11-02T20:58:00.004-05:00

I realize that my blogging has dramatically decreased over the past few months. I looked back in my archives recently to see how long it had been since I had been consistently blogging. It was in April, coincidentally, the same month that my youngest started walking....Now, I am not putting the blame on anyone, just saying....

This littlest of mine is CARAZY. She is always on the brink of needing a trip to the ER. She pushes her toys up to the coffee table to climb on top of it. She has learned to climb up on the couch by herself, and just for funsies, free fall backwards off of it...wheeeee. She is so different from Adler at this age. He kept me busy, but more from just cleaning up behind him, and less from saving his life all day long. Where he would knock off all the cans from the pantry shelf if the door was left open, Hazel will grab hold of the cans and climb the shelves to the top of the pantry to throw the cans at us. Where Adler would pull all the books of the bookshelves and tear the pages, Hazel fashions the books into a device to catapult her way across a room. Just today in church nursery, she climbed onto the arm of the rocking chair, standing position, and then dive bombed headfirst into a nearby crib. The girl is fearless, and thinks she can do EVERYTHING her brother can do, maybe even more than he can do. If adler rolls down a hill, she is right before him, rolling down. She has already learned that the best way to go down a slide is headfirst, and that swings are made for jumping out. And look out if you are on the floor, because at any given time, she will come barrelling towards you, head first, to give you a big headbutt in the side of your head. It will make you see stars.

She is a tough little girl, a pistol; and even though I am absolutely exhausted from keeping her alive all day, it is so much fun!

Awesomeness

2010-11-01T14:44:00.003-05:00

You know what? Seeing God work in a very real way, feeling it in your bones, in your heart- there is NOTHING better. no greater blessing than that in the whole world!

I praise God today! THANK YOU for the ways You are working.

My prayer for you is that you open your hearts to see the ways God is working in your life today, because He most certainly is there, doing something!

i think we know who got whose eyes

2010-10-28T14:56:00.004-05:00

and no, the hair in one eye was not an attempt to be cool, just frazzled

for the road

2010-10-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

The time has come! We are leaving bright and early in the morning to spend seven glorious days in south Florida, hitting the beach and Disney World too! Pray for us as we travel, for our safety and our sanity!

ralph macchio

2010-10-01T14:53:00.003-05:00

Five and ten months

2010-09-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

Hazel, "stardust in your eyes.....I'd give you the sky high above...."

My good time girl. You love life. You are always up for fun and smiles and giggles. You are easily amused and love to amuse us.

You think your brother hung the moon and Toby hung the stars. You follow behind him and try to do everything he does. And how you yell if we even think about stopping you, like a banshee. You are fearless and adventurous, a combination that I believe is going to get us in some trouble. But also will open all kinds of exciting doors for you one day.

You love being a girl. You bring bring me shoes and hair bows all day long to put on you (although the hair bow last about 2 seconds before you yank it out). You are rarely seen without your baby doll and purse around the house. And you sing and dance all day long. I swear you are on pitch too when you sing.

You are a girl who knows what you want and you want it all.

I love you- happy 15 month and one week birthday little girl!

funny kids

2010-09-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

she opens her mouth like this everytimes she sees something she wants to eat or drink, so funny!

all my pictures have been looking the same

2010-09-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

Five days of boring bliss!!

2010-09-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

So I debated posting this because I don't want to cause envy and unrest amongst the people; but I will go ahead and tell you.
Tomorrow morning, Eric and I are driving down to Fl and won't be back until Monday! Eric is on a softball ministry team that has been going to prisons around MS and LA playing games and ministering to the prisoners. This weekend, they are doing 14 prisons in 3 days in Fl. Some of the player's wives are going along for the ride. We can't go with them to the prisons; so we will just be haning at the hotel, lounging by the pool, shopping and eating ang maybe going to the beach if the hurricane doesn't blow it away.
I am soooo excited. Here are some things I plan on doing.....
-reading like 38 books
-watching 14 movies
-ordering Halloween costumes
-ordering tshirts for our vacation to Disney/beach next month
-laying by the pool for at least 19 hours total, or if the weather is bad, my bed will do
-oh and the continental breakfast- yay!

Now don't get me wrong, those babies of mine will be fiercely missed. But I think we will all be happier for a break from the norm!

So thank you thank you thank you to my fantastic in-laws for suggesting i go with Eric and for your willingness to keep my children, and for all the other million and two things you do for us. We love you!

One last thing, please keep Eric and the rest of the team in your prayers. It's going to be a physically grueling couple of days for them. Pray that they will keep up their strength, that they will be safe and that they will allow themselves to be used in whatever way God asks of them. Pray that the prisoners and others they will be in contact with will have open hearts to the message.

The difference

2010-08-29T21:23:00.001-05:00

So today I heard this, paraphrased because I can't remember it word for word- the difference between someone who is living by the Word out of religious responsibility and someone who is living it out of response to God's mercy and goodness is everything.

Wow. The past few months I have really been struggling with this. And it seems to be a reoccurring message that God is hitting me with. My pastor asked in his sermon a few weeks ago, "what are we here for?". And if that answer is anything other than to glorify and sanctify Him and fulfill His desire for our lives, we are in it for the wrong reason.

So if we think about it, that is tough stuff. How many times have I entered into church service on Sunday morning out of obligation? Or prepared for the mission group I lead because it's just what I do? How much do i play the part of a woman seeking God's will instead of actually seeking it out? How can I honestly gossip freely on Saturday or skip my daily quiet time with God more times than not and then come to church on Sunday and expect to to be filled?

Why am I bothering at all? What good is playing a part, going through the motions, half doing it? How is that bringing me closer to God? How is it even close to showing others a picture of Christ? He was IN IT. He gave it all. And He expects us to too.

It's all or nothing with Him. Why is that so hard? I mean I love Him. I really do; and i want my life to glorify Him. And I know of the blessings. I know how rich and full a life can be in Him. It seems like total surrender would be the easiest, but satan is a tempting and conniving little beast. The lure of doing just enough to get by, to be good and committed on the outside is strong. But all the good stuff, all the real blessings in our life, in our family, in our church and beyond, well that comes from being committed 100% in the heart. The outward commitment should only be a reflection of the inward commitment we have to Christ- that is what causes revolutions. And that is what its really all for.

Notes from the country

2010-08-23T11:46:00.000-05:00

A weekend away was just what we needed. The kids and I traveled down to Mize, MS to visit with my grandfather and grandmother (pawpaw and nannnymae!) and had a lovely time. Everything moves at a snail pace down there, or did on that weekend we were there and it really did our bodies good. Here are some thoughts and observations I had over the weekend:

-Mize is surely the most God touched place in Mississippi. The rolling hills, lush green stuff and untouched land were breathtaking. I was taking snapshots in my mind as I traveled the little country backroads to my grandparent's house. I always thought of Vicksburg as being the most beautiful MS spot, but I was so wrong- its Mize.

- Watching a polka band on television is about as interesting as you would imagine. BUT, listening to your grandfather's commentary during the program is worth it!

- When pawpaw was a little boy, he lived near Lake Washington in MS. At one point, there was a German POW camp near the area and the government gave Pawpaw's family 8 POW's to help farm their land. Paw paw says he got to know the men pretty good and realized how much alike they really were to our own "boys". One man had lost touch with his family back in Germany and feared for their lives because they lived in a place where there was heavy fire. Pawpaw's momma wrote her other son (one of the two of Pawpaw's brothers who were overseas fighting in the war) and told him about the man and named his family and where they lived to see if he could find anything out. And HE DID! He was able to get word back that they were all okay. Doesn't that sound like something out of a movie?

-Hazel has decided she likes purses. Alot. She wouldn't go anywhere this weekend without the purse in one hand and the babydoll in the other. So cute.

-Adler got to ride in my uncle's "monster truck" (his jeep with big wheels). My uncle is in Haiti right now and will be coming home very soon- we are all so anxious to see him again. Anyway, Adler is still talking about it. Living the dream, people, living the dream.

that girl

2010-08-10T14:58:00.004-05:00

I am not that girl. I don't wear cute aprons when I cook. I don't even cook all that good to even warrant a cute apron. I don't sew. I can't even thread my machine. I don't "craft". And what I do create, I usually blame on Adler because it looks like something he would do. I don't garden. I just don't like having to keep things other than my children, alive. I don't have an eye for design or fashion. Truthfully, while I do enjoy looking at design and fashion ideas, when it comes to actually making decisions, its quite painful.

I am just not her. You know, that girl. But those are the things that I want to teach MY girl. And to teach, don't I sort of need to have it together myself? How in the world is Hazel ever going to know how to ~~make Peking Duck~~ boil water when her mother is deficient in all things homemade? But then my sister, as always, laid it out for me. I am not "that girl" because basically, I choose not to be. So, I have, what, 5-6 years to get my act together before Z is old enough to start learning the basics? I am SO going to be that girl, for her, but also for me.

But meanwhile, while I am tolling over becoming that girl, I am going to remember that there are other things that I already am that I want to teach my children. I am that avid reader girl who makes weekly trips to the library. I am that girl who loves to be outside with her kids and would spend sun up to sun down (during the spring and fall) at the park with them. I am that girl who doesn't mind getting glue and paint and glitter all over the floor and herself in the name of an art project (even if its not particulary crafty!). Its so easy to think of the things we are not. I am going to remember those things I am when I start to compare myself to that image of the person I think I should be.

some of the pictures feel vaguely familiar....

2010-08-04T20:15:00.001-05:00

Awkward family pictures- we all have them (all different patterns of plaid shirts, mom?) and here is a site devoted to them:

Awkward Family Photos

Lovesies!

leaving them this weekend for some much needed r & r...

2010-07-29T16:11:00.000-05:00

and this girl makes me smile

2010-07-26T20:03:00.000-05:00

miss prissy pot

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not feeling good but looking sweet

this boy of mine makes me laugh

2010-07-26T14:57:00.000-05:00

he was an "electricy man" posing in front of his work truck

boys will be boys

having the time of his life

We survived!

2010-07-26T14:53:00.000-05:00

So we spent the last few days camping (and by camping I mean in our air conditioned camper!) and not only survived, but had a great time! Lots of playing in the water though, because it was HOT. Adler had fun tubing and having a little more leg room to run and jump and play. Hazel had so much fun playing in the splash pad playground on Friday, but started running a fever on Saturday. She was completely over camping then.

Okay, that's it....got to download a few pictures and ~~then watch all my recorded shows from when we were gone~~ clean the house while kiddos are sleeping.

Why I love our library

2010-07-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

"In the Know" atWCBPL

They have their own blog! Not to mention, they have a fabulous children's department. Since Adler was 4 months old (never too young!), we have gone to the storytime they offer for preschoolers (they offer it twice a week, I might add!), complete with crafts, special parties and lots of stories. We haven't been able to go regularly this past year because it falls right in the middle of Hazel's nap; but I look forward to getting back into it because its such a fun time. I still remember storytime and summer reading programs from my own childhood and like to think it is where my love of the written word began.

Anyway, how awesome is it that they have their own blog!

Stranger Danger!

2010-07-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

Oprah has worked it again and successfully scared me. I usually don't watch, but everytime I do, she gives me something new to worry about. After watching a rerun the other day, I decided it was time to have a serious heart to heart with Adler about strangers. And it did not go well. Has anyone else tried to talk to their 3 year olds about strangers without scaring them to death?

Anyway, it was completely heartbreaking. Here's a snippet.

Me: If anyone other than me or daddy or grandma or nana or pawpaw or grandpa (and on down the list of everyone who was "okay") ever tells you to come with him, scream, "NO-STRANGER DANGER!!!" as loud as you can.

Ad: What about if its a superhero and he is trying to save the day?

Me: not even then. And if anyone wants to give you something, a toy or some candy, don't take it and scream "NO- STRANGER DANGER!"

Ad: Well, if they have candy that means they are good.

Me: No, it doesn't. You only take candy from someone you and momma knows.

Ad: Well, if I have some candy in my pocket, I can give it to the stranger and he can give it to his children. That would be nice.

Me: sigh.

Not successful. And it was actually really heartbreaking to hear his response to the whole thing. The belief that everyone is good (as long as they have candy!) is how it should be. How sad we have to teach our children anything different.

Can you help?

2010-07-08T11:59:00.000-05:00

So I am just copying and pasting my sister's blog post because she said it best....

Here’s a way you might could help!

My uncle is a missionary currently working in Haiti. It’s hard work. He’s there to minister to the spiritual needs of those affected by the earthquake, and the way to do that is by meeting the physical needs. Right now, he’s facing technical challenges– electrical, mechanical– and he needs help!! To run supplies and personnel around the area, they need a working vehicle. They have some stubborn diesel vehicles that are giving them a lot of aggravation! If you are a light diesel mechanic, and you can spare a weekend or two, he’s put out the call for you. Here’s his plea:

FREE MISSION TRIP TO HAITI

If you’re a Diesel Mechanic- we have three 4 cylinder Nissan Diesel’s (QD32′s) and one 6.6L Duramax Diesel in a 02 Chevy 2500 pickup.

I’ll buy your plane ticket. AIM will cover your Ground Cost. You can come down for a long weekend or for the whole week

WE HAVE GOT TO GET THESE VEHICLES RELIABLE.

Email Me: clinton@clintonwhite.net

So there you have it. If it’s something that you can help out with, please pray about it and email him! He also needs some electrical advice, so if you know anything about that kind of stuff, just hop over to his site and give his pictures a look. Thank you!! If you’re like me and haven’t got a clue about that stuff, but you have assistance to offer in some other area, please let him know. I know there are many needs to be met in Haiti.

Love to all of y’all.

Thanks Shannon, for letting me borrow your words and for putting them there in the first place!

our day

2010-07-06T20:15:00.001-05:00

whoopsies

2010-06-29T14:41:00.000-05:00

Poor Eric, I did this to him last year too. I forgot to publicly acknowledge on Sunday the birth of the man who started this little family, so happy late birthday Eric! Love love love you! (and for those of you wondering, I promise I didn't actually forget his birthday, just forgot mentioning it here!)

go hazel, its your burfday

2010-06-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

PS- I know, I know, that is the dorkiest smile ever I was making.

The party- details only few really want to see

2010-06-26T21:03:00.000-05:00

So we had Hazel's birthday party today. I can't speak for everyone, but I know our household had a ton of fun. And I had almost as much fun planning this party. The girl in me loves giving parties! Anyway, I went with an orange and pink Sweet Shoppe theme. And was it ever orange, pink and sweet! We had a candy buffet that was the source of quite a few grumbles and stink eyes from the parents, a jumpy balloon that showed me how old I really was and lots of family to help celebrate little Hazel turning one. I am going to post a few pictures of the decorations just for funsies. And I will get back on later and post some from the actual party. I also wanted to say thanks to Aunt Janet for making those lovely paper flowers for me!

um, the front door!

cupcakes were made by a sweet lady at my church who made our wedding cake too (thanks Mrs. Kay!). We also had candy sprinkled pretzels and fruit, The cupcake toppers were made by Amy's Party Couture on Etsy.

so this may not be the most interesting one, but lookie loo- my drinks coordinate with the party colors!

the candy buffet- my favorite! I also included snapshots of Z throughout the house

gumdrops from paper lanterns and lollipops from styrofoam and dowels

I made this one for the front door

favors were baby food jars of skittles with z's picture on them (from zazzle) and toothbrushes.

close shot of the favors

the one year old.

2010-06-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

Ever blog has to have a "one year ago today" picture

2010-06-24T22:26:00.000-05:00

I just can't resist. Hazel had her first birthday this past Tuesday. It is utterly shocking how fast it has gone by. I have words that I want to write down, but it will have to wait until another day. In the meantime, here are a few pictures. And oh, by the way, I now have internet again so you may hear from me a bit more now!

Oh my!

2010-06-24T21:57:00.003-05:00

The day I went into labor, June 21, 2009.

what our Wednesday looked like

2010-06-02T20:52:00.001-05:00

the face she gives me at every mealtime lately- girl won't eat anything!

she has been preferring to walk rather than crawl the past few days

just swinging

is there anything my little super-boy can't do?

his serious look

double agents

cuddling (and licking) before bed

His face

2010-05-25T15:34:00.000-05:00

I forgot that Adler made that same squinchy face smile that Hazel makes.

Has it been that long?

2010-05-25T15:19:00.001-05:00

Gosh, my blogging has been pretty pathetic lately. Life has been so full the past few weeks and I just haven't felt like getting on and blogging about it.

Let's see, biggest news is that my sister in law had a new baby- Landrieu James and he is perfect!!! Born on May 21 at 7 lbs and 19 1/4 inches long. They are both doing great and I can't wait to see him again! I don't have any pictures, but I will have to post when I get one.

We are out of preschool for the summer. I am excited about keeping Adler busy and having a little preschool boot camp to prepare him for next year! We had some difficulties towards the end of the year, just call it an extended spring fever, so there are a few things I am wanting to work with Adler to get back on track. He's doing good at home though (okay, its only been two days....) and is really loving getting to do some extra stuff at home that we have sort of been slacking on the past few months since I knew he was getting his art on at school. Today, it was painting with apples. He was a little annoyed though because he would much rather eat them than paint with them!

Hazel is doing great. She has been taking 6-7 steps at a time for a few weeks. She sure is taking her time walking though. I mean, not that she should be walking now- I know that gap is wide to do that. But she has literally been taking steps on her own since she was 9.5 months so the beginning stages of walking hasn't really progressed much since then. Anyway, she is super proud of herself. She says dada, bye-bye, and as of two days ago, mama. I am not being biased here, but she sounds the sweetest when she says momma. It started off that she would only say it when she was mad or sad, but now she says it on command. Love it!

Okay, kids are waking up- time to get back to it!!

It has begun.

2010-05-13T20:50:00.000-05:00

My ten month old has figured out how to tattle-tale on her big brother. You would think it was too early for that; but what can I say, she's advanced. I have noticed the past week that when Adler does something like take a toy or something, she yells and then directly looks at me. I mean, like every single time. She is waiting for me to correct the situation fast.

And then today, oh, mother of all tantrums, did she ever. She wanted the bottle of suntan lotion and wanted it B.A.D. She screamed and bucked back and held her breath and turned red and splotchy and did not stop for hours, days, maybe even weeks. I didn't even know what to do. My brain is totally geared towards three year old tantrums and she just did not respond when I told her to go to her room.

This is a brand new side of Hazel. Its all cute meets crazy. (still cute though.) Why don't I remember Adler doing this kind of thing this early? I am scared, vuuuurrry scared.

in numbers

2010-05-10T11:56:00.000-05:00

1. I told Adler last week that on Mother's Day, he had to work really hard to be good all day and that he had to treat me like a queen. Then he told me, "you know what else we do on Mother's Day? We eat candy." Sneaky little guy.

2. Is it morbid that I am really worried because I don't have any good pictures of myself that someone can give to authorities in case I get kidnapped? I am stressed that they are going to put a picture of me up on one of those posters where I am looking cross-eyed or in mid bite of some cake or something.

3. I am positive I have gained back every measly ounce I have lost over the past few weeks this weekend alone. (I count ounces as those pounds don't come off as quick as the ounces do!). Eric made his famous manicotti for me yesterday and basically all it is is fat stuffed in torillini-yum!

4. Happy Mother's Day a little late to all my favorite mothers out there, especially you, Mom!

Frugality: the new black

2010-05-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

Unless you have been living under a rock the past few years, you know how our economy has affected people all across the country. You have probably had conversations with your friends, read articles in the papers and well, probably looked at your own lives and re-evaluated your finances. I know my family has been thinking about and adjusting how we spend our own money for the past year or so.

Actually a few days ago, I read an article from yahoo finance here that basically just talks about how most of America, even those who haven't really lost much or fear of losing much, are finding ways to cut back, readjusting their owns lives so that they are not so dependant on money. What a beautiful, freedom-inspiring idea! If only ONE good thing comes out of this recession, may it be our reflection and redirection of our own lives. What is really important? What can we give up? How can we make the most of the least?

So, I wanted to share a few ways we are saving money and I hope that you will also share your ideas with me. It feels DEEPLY satisfying to save money. And I promise you, this is a new thing for me. I haven't always valued frugality in my life. But I have a deeper appreciation for it in the last year or so. Its not even about saving just to make ends meet. Its about being a good steward of our finances. It is about being in control of what God has given us, using it the best way. Its really what its about.

Anyway, here are things I find helpful in the process:

1. Turning off lights. Okay, not just turning off lights. But using those energy efficient lightbulbs, have the energy star appliances, using wood burning stove in winter- this stuff WORKS. Maybe the initial investment is higher, but I am a witness to this- our electric bill is 1/3 less than what it used to be.

2. Buying off season for clothes. I try to buy as many of Adler and Hazel's seasonal clothes at the end of the season, meaning January for next winter's clothes and July for next summer's clothes. I usually get them 40-80% off.

3. I buy a lot of stuff online because it is way easier than taking two little ones shopping. Before I buy ANYTHING online, I google the store and "coupon codes" to find out if there are any discount codes I can apply to the store, even the small online stores. I save a TON of money this way.

4. www.shortcuts.com - online coupon site that automatically loads coupons to your grocery discount card.

5. cloth diapers- I use the flip system- super affordable, super effective, and super easy! I only use them part-time, and cut my diaper cost in half. It feels so good to save money on diapers.

6. We just don't eat out. I would have much more of a problem with this one if I didn't have two children who made eating out the most miserable experience ever (sorry, kids, I love you both, but its true).

So, that's all I have right now. I was thinking I was being way more frugal before I started this post. So, how do you save?

Next blog post, "How I Don't Save" and there will be only one on this list- can you guess what?

I haven't forgotten

2010-04-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

I know I have a blog. I just haven't been feeling very creative or chatty lately so I haven't been blogging. I always seem to get in a slump every few months and will eventually snap out of it.

Not much to report here. Life is being lived mostly outdoors the past few weeks, lots of trips to the park and lazy afternoons in the yard. Its been nice.

Kids are great. Hazel is ten months and has been taking a few steps (and then falling) for a few weeks now. She also has started dancing when she hears music, just swaying and bouncing. Its really cute. We are not getting any better on the sleep issues and it is wearing on my, body, soul and mind. Adler is crazy busy these days, nonstop energy. His imagination is wild too- he comes up with the funniest things and is ALWAYS playing like he is someone else.

Eric is playing on his parent's church's softball team as well as a softball team that goes and plays with inmates across the south. He is really enjoying both. We went to the first church league game last night and I got a taste of what it is like being at the ballfields like all those moms of boys say they spend most of their time doing! Other than the bugs, it was fun.

Okay, I promise I will get back on here soon with something a bit more entertaining. For now, that's all I have!

I heart my town.

2010-04-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

I was downtown the other day with the kids while people were beginning to prepare the downtown for Riverfest. It occurred to me just how much I loved living in this small town. When I was a teenager, I always said I was going to go away for school and live in some exotic place, or at least a city that had a decent mall. And I did go away for a little while; but when I got married, I came back. And I began to appreciate Vicksburg. I appreciate not only its own history, but the little piece of history that was created from my own life. I love that I can remember playing in Astro park (or where it used to be), that I go to the church I was baptized in as a child, that I can drive by where I used to live.

And all those things I didn't like about Vicksburg: no good places to buy clothes, no chain restaurants; well, I count that as a blessing now for several reasons. We either live in a town that A: is too small to keep chain stores here or B:has citizens who would rather promote local business. Either way, how can that be bad? A small town is a wonderful place to raise children and grow old. And local business, well, that is the heart of America, not to mention, the heart of my own family now. I am thankful people choose to shop at places like Sassafras and eat at places like Walnut Hills or perhaps use Berkley Security for their alarm needs (had to fit a plug in there!). Vicksburg's loyalty to small businesses is says something about its people: we stick together; we plug through difficult times and sustain each other; we care about our people and our future generations. And those small businesses, well they invest back into our town. They are the ones who give donations for our fundraisers, who sponsor little league teams and who help put on our parades and community functions. This is exactly the kind of town I want to live in and I am so thankful our roots are here.

this makes me feel happy

2010-04-15T16:03:00.001-05:00

Just got this print in the mail (plus 3 more!) from this shop at a super cheap price but still great quality paper!

on second thought

2010-04-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

I was weeding through all the pictures I have taken over the past few days and almost threw these two out because they are obviously not the shots I was trying to get. But I like them.

Adler's face in this picture- hands down, this is the Adler I know.

I don't know if its the little foot or Hazel throwing herself back in giggles like she always does that I love the most

on a roll

2010-04-14T21:25:00.001-05:00

this was my baby only 8 months ago.

2010-04-13T17:02:00.001-05:00

Look at those froggy leggs! That newborn belly! That sweet newborn sleepy face! I can't believe how fast she grew.

Poor Adler

2010-04-13T16:58:00.000-05:00

So, I have admitted this before- I have no boundaries when it comes to sweet food. I will eat skittles and gummy worms with the best of them. I can eat Oreos with abandon and love anything with sprinkles. If Adler wants to save something he has sweet for later (such as Easter candy, ahem....), he will specifically ask me not to eat it. He knows me. It is a weakness.

To combat this little problem, I just don't buy the stuff for my house. I just can't do it. But anyone with a child in the house, you know that it is just not acceptable to ban all sweet food from the house. So I have to buy the few things that even I won't touch: fruit snacks and animal crackers. That's it. Those are seriously the only two sweet things in the entire "sweet" food group (it IS a food group, right?) that I won't eat.

Unless I get desperate, which apparently has happened, because there is now a completely empty bag of animal crackers in the garbage, and I mean that HUMUNGOUS bag they sell. I am so ashamed of myself. I am not quite sure Adler even got one cracker from the bag.

What am I going to do with myself?

pictures

2010-04-12T11:43:00.003-05:00

yum.

not what she thought it would taste like

all boy

Easter

2010-04-12T11:18:00.007-05:00

HOW do other people get good pics of multiple children at the same time- impossible!

Adler is coughing, but check out Hazel's new smile- she makes this face where she closes the eyes, scrunches her nose and cheeses it up

just check those rolls

proud of his find

The post where I tell you how cute my kids are and you say "awww"

2010-04-12T10:23:00.002-05:00

Adler has a keen sense of smell. And I mean keen. He can tell you when he catches a scent of orange, vanilla, grass, bluejeans, a baby's blanket, oregano.....well, you get the picture. Its really amazing, actually. And it cracks me up because he is so specific. Anyway, the other day he told me I smelled good. I told him thank you and asked him what I smelled like. He told me, "Fresh Air." And that is when I just died and went to Heaven because it was so cute.

Now on to Hazel. But it starts with Adler. His latest obsession is "Little Mermaid." Most of the day, he is Prince Eric and I am Ariel. And that mean Ursula is forever getting my voice. I have to sing, "Ah, Ah, Ah" you know, that tune that Ariel sings when her voice is being taken by Ursula, just a chord or something; but I sing it a million times a day. Anyway, everytime I sing this, Hazel starts singing too. Literally, she starts singing, "Ah, ah, ah" right along with me. She won't usually sing along when I sing other songs; but this one, oh, she gets it. Its one she can actually get the words too and she LOVES it. It is really hilarious. I would post a video, but that would mean airing my singing on the web, and well, that's just NOT going to happen! Take my word for it though, its KA-UTE.

My weekend

2010-04-09T16:19:00.003-05:00

Here's how I want my weekend to look:

*movie and popcorn after kids go to sleep
*play, play and more play outside- I am thinking the whole family at the military park on Saturday
*church, play, nap, play
And if there is time, maybe a little cleaning out the fridge

I will let you know how it goes!

stolen

2010-04-07T09:07:00.003-05:00

My sister posted this picture of my parents taken way back when, before there were kids and jobs and family and well, the life they built together. I had to steal it from her and post it on my blog too. I think all of their children would say that this is our favorite picture of our parents together (although if I remember correctly, my mom said she didn't like this picture when it was taken and I can't imagine why. My dad is so dashing; my mom mysterious and beautiful).

I'm back

2010-04-01T10:33:00.002-05:00

I failed to mention I was taking the kids to Memphis along with E's sister and her kids for a few days. We got back around 1am last night so it a long day but a great week. We visited the zoo, went shopping, and just played lots.

Off to try to muster up the gumption to unpack and run some errands- more later!

Matters of the heinie

2010-03-26T11:33:00.004-05:00

Some of you have asked how my cloth diapering is going and why in the world I would ever ever subject myself to it. So here's why.

Well, up until I decided to try it out, I was among the many who would never in a million years even think about going cloth. I mean, who really wants to swirl those dirty diapers around in the toilet for 20 minutes?

So, one day, I was thinking about how happy I was that Adler was finally potty trained because swirling that dirty underwear around in the toilet was not fun. For those of you who don't know, we were "potty training" Adler for the last year and it wasn't until about 2 months ago that he finally got it and he has been diaper free and basically no accidents ever since. But for the past year, there have been LOTS of wet and dirty accidents in underwear.

Then it occurred to me: I survived and it wasn't completely terrible or life changing. And then it occurred to me that if I can deal with "big kid poop" (which you know, parents, how disgusting that can be), then SURELY I can deal with baby poop on a cloth diaper. And if I only committed to part time diapering, saving around 3 disposable diapers a day, I will have recouped my initial investment in 3 months. Part time seems do-able. The past two days, I have only used disposable at night, so I have saved way more disposables than that so I will recoup it earlier if I keep going like that.

And cloth these days, WAY different then what I remember when my baby sister was in them. There is no swirling. I bought the flip diaper system, which is super affordable and super easy. Its basically just a cover and a absorbent cloth insert that you change out when you are changing diapers and keep the same cover on. I can machine wash and even dry in the dryer. So far, I am loving it. Now, she hasn't had any blow-outs or leaks yet, but I know it will happen. But guess what- it happens sometimes with Pampers too.

So right now, all is good. I am saving money and helping the environment; and as an added bonus, Hazel looks so darn cute in them I could just die.

This is my new favorite picture.

2010-03-24T13:19:00.006-05:00

(from left to right....bottom: Ashley White Mason, Brittany White, Laura Wolfe Lornitzo, Rhonda Morris McGraw, Nicholas Wolfe.....top: John (Trey) White, Brian Wolfe, Shannon White Trisler, David Wolfe, Joseph Wolfe)

At my nanny's funeral, most of her grandchildren (my cousins) sang one of her favorite songs, "Amazing Grace." It was so special to not only share this with my cousins, but be a part of this celebration of her life. Anyway, this picture was snapped, and I love it. It is what my family is about.