Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Fun with New Toys



Early Lesson in Saving


We decided a year ago to put any spare change/ bills into Rémy's piggy bank and to take it out once a year and buy a savings bond with it. Today Daddy helped Rémy unplug the piggy and count the money to take in to the bank. Thankfully there were no swallowed coins, but there was a great interest in putting the coins back in the piggy. We think more than just the two of us have been sneaking money into the piggy, as there was enough for three savings bonds!

Monday, December 22, 2008

12 Months of Red Chair

12 months old-In Red Chair


ONE YEAR OLD!!! What's happened this month, you may ask...lots. Rémy has mastered walking and is now trying to run. She has started learning to stack objects and wants to do more things independently. We have successfully made the switch from formula to whole milk, saving us money and filling out Rémy a little more. Rémy has lots of battle wounds from making her way through life and seems to have a new bruise or scratch every day. If you look close enough in this picture you can see the remnants of a black eye that's almost disappeared. She is becoming familiar with the potty and how to flush, but has yet to do anything on the toilet besides look at Elmo on the seat. She started pointing at objects and babbling as if telling us about them. She has a baby doll that is about half her size that she drags around the house, giving it a pacifier, or bottle or trying to change it's diaper. When she's being sweet she pats it and gives it hugs. We're working on blowing kisses and giving kisses on the cheek, but she doesn' t have it down quite yet.

A short story about her new found independence; the three of us were grocery shopping the other night, but Rémy would not sit in the cart. She wanted to walk around the entire grocery store, following behind the cart. She also didn't want anything to do with holding hands and walking. For this reason, for her birthday one of the things we got 'her' (but really us) is a little monkey backpack friend that has a long tail for us to hold on to. I've seen other parents have these on their kids and thought...oh I'd never do that. But when it comes down to it, as independent as she seems to be, I would much rather subject her to a monkey backpack than have her missing from my sight.

As parents we feel like her lifespan has been a few long months instead of the whole year that it really has been. We are grateful for every little hug, squeeze, kiss and smile she gives!

1st Birthday







Rémy enjoyed quite a few firsts this weekend. First bite of cookie while decorating Christmas cookies with Grammy, first bite of cake and frosting. She's sugared up and ready to go for at least 3 months. She had a fun day but was just a bit tuckered by the end. So much activity for one little girl.

Visit with Santa


This Santa turned out to be so kind and friendly, took some extra time to give us tips and pointers about getting a 'good' Santa picture. He's been doing this for 15 years at the Half Price Books on Northwest Hwy. We'll go back to him next year....with two kiddos.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Sweet Treats


Don't ya just love guilt free baking....you know, the kind where you don't have to feel bad for eating it! One of the ladies in our life group had a fabulous idea. Instead of a traditional cookie exchange where we all take home and eat what we swap, we made lots of goodies, brought tins and wrap and packaged them all up to give to friends and neighbors. I just loved this idea 'cause I'm usually giving out goodies anyway, this just made it loads easier 'cause I didn't have to make it all. The hubbies tagged along, we ordered pizza which took care of dinner and the kiddos all had a blast playing together. This is one Christmas exchange that'll become an annual tradition.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

5 weeks

Today begins a five week scramble to accomplish too many things in too little time. I finished the semester strong and have a break in classes for the next five weeks. The most important thing on the agenda is studying to take my certification exam. I figured, with Baby boy due in about 10 weeks, the best time to study is now. I'll be taking the test sometime between February and April, but there's just no telling how much sleep I'll be getting at that time! If you are reading this and have taken the TeXES Math 4-8 Certification test....please get in touch with me...I can use all the tips I can get.

Here are some projects I'd like to finish...

Make some sense of what will be Ben's room...

Decopagé crib, changing table and dresser with old comics for Ben's room...



Refurbish an antique tricycle found at a Clarksville antique store...
(hopefully in time for Christmas)



Have a birthday party for a little girl....


and study, study, study.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Thanksgiving Keeper Recipes

I enjoyed hosting a wonderful thanksgiving meal over here for some of our family. I love to cook and used many new recipes this year. Most were from The Pioneer Woman and I was happy with the outcome of every recipe. We had roasted turkey, brined in apple juice, orange peel, salt, peppercorns and herbs. We had pineapple and brown sugar basted ham. I did cornbread stuffing with four types of fresh herbs, creamed spinach, turnip gratin, scrumptious apple pie, chocolate pecan pie, hot buttered rum and spiced cider. Part of the fun of Thanksgiving is that everyone contributes to the feast. Annie brought deviled eggs, Mom brought a cherry pecan jello, salad and crudité tray and an Indiana corn casserole that Walker raved about. Tony and Annie made a pumpkin pie and peeled the apples for my apple pie (Annie's hand survived a runaway peeler). Dad made a seven layer salad that was well liked. John Paul and Tracy made a Cherry cheesecake. Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Elizabeth brought delicious new potatoes and green beans, an apple lattice pie, and a colorful fresh fruit salad.

Another positive note I'll have to remember for next year is that I managed to finish most if not all of the cooking/prep work before everyone arrived allowing me to visit with everyone and be a little more relaxed than just working in the kitchen.

We joined Walker's family for dinner (it seems I can eat 6 meals a day now, no matter if it's Thanksgiving or not) and I especially loved these little appetizers that Debbe made olives wrapped in pie crust and baked. She also made a chocolate graham cracker bar with nuts that was soooo decadent! Rémy loved playing with her cousin Whitman and Aunt Kendra and all the doggies and kitty-kitty.

In these fast and furious times it's a rare treat to take a moment to savor with friends and family.

Friday, November 21, 2008

In Red Chair Series 11 Months

Don't have time to tell about her development in the past month, but after the rehearsal dinner tonite I'll post more.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Rémy Walking

I finally caught a video of Rémy walking. She's so funny to watch and such a little person now and not a baby anymore. She's so proud of herself, and I'm so proud for her...but a part of me wishes she would just stay exactly like she is.

My Workin' Man






Celebrating my hard working man today. We've been married for four years and not a day passes that he's not doing something handy to help support our family. I love you my hard working man! Thank you for all that you do for me! Here's a song in honor of you!

(Darrell Scott)

I got rice cooking in the microwave
Got a three day beard I don't plan to shave
And it's a goofy thing but I just gotta say
Hey I'm doing alright

Yeah I think I'll make me some homemade soup
Feelin pretty good and that's the truth
It's neither drink nor drug induced
No I'm just doin alright

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shinin when I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neigborhood
But why can't every day be just this good?

It's been fifteen years since I left home
Said good luck to every seed I'd sown
Give it my best and then I left it alone
Oh...I hope their doin alright

Now I look in the mirror and what do I see?
A lone wolf there starin back at me
Long in the tooth but harmless as can be
Lord I guess he's doin alright

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shinin when I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neigborhood
But why can't every day be just this good?

Sometimes it's lonely
Sometimes it's only me
And the shadows that fill this room
Sometimes I'm fallin
Desperately callin
Howlin at the moon...
Ahwoo!
Ahwoo!

Well I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for a three day cruise
Might even grow me a Fu Man Chu...
Oh Aww!

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shinin when I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neigborhood
But why can't every day be just this good?

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shinin when I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neigborhood
But why can't every day be just this good?

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Baby Boy Update



We went in for our 5 month checkup yesterday. Little Ben has grown to about the length of a butternut squash and weighs approximately a pound. He wakes me every morning by 6:00 kicking and ready to start the day. (Rémy sleeps until 7:30 or 8, so it gives me some time to myself). We're making preparations for his room and plotting and planning what exciting things will be in store for him when he gets here. Next month we'll get to see more pictures of him and have a better idea of just when he plans to join us.

Monday, October 27, 2008

First Steps

Rémy took her first steps last night! We were astounded. All of us were in the living room and Rémy was just crawling around on the floor, stood up in the middle of crawling, took a step toward Truffle, sat back down and started crawling again. She did this several more times last night and every time it just amazed us. Once I get over the amazement factor, I'll have to remember to pull out the camera!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Take the Last Train to Clarksville...


We're headed to Clarksville for the weekend for camping, campfires, s'mores and deer season! Do you think we need to get Rémy more camoflauge? I'm not sure she has enough for the three days we'll be there....hmmm.

Monday, October 20, 2008

entropy

In Red Chair Series 10 Months


I am 10 months old now! I can say kitty-kitty and uh-oh and duth (duck). I have six teeth which have helped me graduate to big people food. I can stand on my own and can walk from object to object or if someone is holding my hand. I've had lots and lots of boo-boos this month as I'm learning my way around. I had my first 'craft time' and have started investigating the new elmo potty in the bathroom. (More later on potty training a baby).
My adventures this month have included cutting hay on the tractor with Grampy and Daddy, trekking with Mama to pick up a crib and dresser for my baby brother, a quick visit with Nana and Aunt Annie, having one of Whitman's cows lick my foot, a day with Grammy and Aunt April, Uncle Brandon and my cousin Braedon, a couple of visits with Aunt Lisa at the Dr.'s office and lunch with 'Aunt' Elaine the day she passed her licensing exam!

Uh Oh

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Fabulous Recipe for Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

4 slices pancetta
1 white onion
sprinkle of bay leaves
sprinkle of basil
1 medium sweet potato
1 medium regular potato
4-5 cups of chicken broth
1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
1 bag of frozen corn (it's about 3 cups)
1 cup heavy cream

Brown the pancetta in a pan until crisp. Remove and use the oil to cook the diced onion until tender. Add the bay leaves, basil and cubed potatoes. Brown for a few minutes before adding the chicken stock, just enough to cover the potatoes. Let this come to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the brown sugar or honey. At this point I would transfer everything to a stock pot because my pan was getting a bit full. Add the corn and heavy cream, stir and heat just until those ingredients are warm. Ladle into bowls and top with the crispy bits of pancetta.

This was delicious! Perfect for a nice chilly fall evening. Goes great with ghiradelli brownies with fat free ice cream and fresh raspberries for dessert.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Happy 25th Birthday George!

Here's a few pictures to commemorate the day you were born...


October 16, 1983


George Andrew


Laura holding George


Big sister with brother

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Congratulations George & Katie




These two have decided to get married after dating for over 4 years! Upcoming nuptuals will be November 22, 2008 at 2:30 pm. We're excited for you two and will post wedding photos after the big day.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Black Friday


The biggest day in any retail store for sales is usually the day after Thanksgiving every year. I love working this day. There are so many customers the day just flies by. We usually decorate the store, start the Christmas music, sell loads of Christmas cards and calendars. And while it's not exactly ideal to roll myself out of bed to go to work after stuffing myself on turkey and other goodies the day before, the only thing I really miss out on is the leftovers and the shopping.

This year, retailers will be convincing consumers more than ever to spend their hard earned money with their store. I'm more excited than ever to work Black Friday this year. We've decided to open 2 hours early, instead of 9:00 am we'll open at 7:00 am at an extra 20% off of half price or less! AND the first 100 customers get a free tote bag and $5 gift card. One of those lucky 100 customers at each store will win a $200 gift card. That's reason enough to roll yourself out of bed, put some coffee in your veins and camp out at the Half Price Books parking lot until the open sign illuminates the darkness. Find the location nearest you...at the Half Price Books website.

You know I'm only telling you this because I don't want to be the only one up at the crack of dawn on the day after Thanksgiving!! And who wants to pay retail prices on anything??

Quote of the Day

from Paul Basden, one of our Sr. Pastors at Preston Trail..."It's hard to hate someone when you understand them."

Made me think of several groups which can show a little more understanding instead of spreading hate.

Republicans
Democrats
Wives
Husbands
Co-workers
Neighbors

Monday, October 06, 2008

Family Pictures

Dollye's 2nd Halloween(neighbor also pictured)


John Paul, George, Annie, Dollye

Annie, John Paul


Mom has recently let me borrow all of the family photos that she has. She ordered them by groups of years. It's now my project to scan all of them in, and order and catalog them so that all of us can have access to these photos in the coming years/ generations. Here's a few to help kick off the month of October! I'm sure to come across one with Tony soon.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Play the Ball Where the Monkey Drops It

This is a book I picked up at work by Gregory Knox Jones about why we suffer and how we can hope. This book is really helping me to reevaluate some of life's circumstances and unexpected events in a new light. The title comes from a story told in the introduction. British colonizers who were in India wanted to build a golf course and play golf. The monkeys in India at this time were quite prevalent and they became a nuisance to the British golfers. The men attempted to build fences to keep them out, but the fences could not keep the monkeys out. Furthermore, the monkeys liked to take the golf balls and deposit them other places. Eventually it became more of a nuisance trying to keep them out than to just deal with them. That's when the golfers decided to just play the ball wherever the monkey dropped it.

Yesterday, while reading, I decided to make a few lists. A list of the past (times in my life where the monkey has picked up the ball) A list of the present (things I'm worried about) and a list of the future (things I look forward to). The things I look forward to ended up being the longest list, but it sometimes gets the least amount of attention because so much is focused on the things I'm worried about and the hurtful things in the past when the monkey has picked up the ball.

So, on the days I need a good reminder, here's my list of things I look forward to. In no particular order, except the order at which they popped into my brain.

ordering graduation invitations
turning 27
getting my class ring
baby boy's birth
not being sick anymore
going to a UNT football game
mashed potatoes & gravy
creamed spinach
Life group
Rémy's first steps
studying for & taking my certification exams
Halloween with my little bat
graduation day
job interviews with school districts
developing my curriculum & meeting my students
prized alone time with Walker
putting together my boy's comic book themed room

It helped ease my mind a bit about the worries of the past and of the present to reconsider my short term and long term goals and take a peek at what the future may hold.

Monday, September 22, 2008

In Red Chair Series 9 Months



Just in time for Halloween....here's Fang! Our little vampire bat. Rémy can now stand on her own, and takes small steps toward mama or dada when she's motivated. She has three teeth; two i-teeth and one incisor on the bottom. Her knees never touch the ground when she spidercrawls, guess it's unladylike to get them dirty. She's had some adventures these past few weeks spending a day at the Dallas zoo, visiting with her great grandparents, an overnight trip to nana's house and a couple of baby play dates.