Monday, January 31, 2011

Julia is 10 Months!

My, oh my! Julia will be a one year old in two very short months! Time, please stop going by so quickly!

It's getting more difficult taking her monthly picture. She likes to rock in the glider, lean over the edge, and try to take out her bow. I always seem to use my first or second picture, so I should just take three and call it quits every time.

Julia still takes 3 naps a day. Yippee! She is starting finger foods and drinking out of a sippy cup. She is on her hands and knees now, but still not crawling. She's still toothless. She is very much a baby and not a one year old. Maybe I'm holding her back, but I don't think so. I don't mind her being a baby one bit. I was always wanting Audrey to grow up fast because, let's face it, her babyhood was a rough one. Julia has been the dream baby, so I'm holding on to it all I can.

She can wave to you and say Mama and Dada. Mama came first. Although, Michael doesn't agree with me that she can say it - but she can! She also loves playing peek-a-boo with you.

With Julia's birthday around the corner, I freaked out this morning about not having a plan for her party. I now have one and I'm very excited about it! I can't wait to share it with you in a couple of months!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Five Question Friday - 1.28.11


1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?
This is a tough question! I had to think on it for awhile. I think I would go with CitySquare, formerly Central Dallas Ministries. Michael and I believe that this organization is truly what church is supposed to be. It's not a church, but it's how churches should be. I'm happy that my church is most like this than any other church I've attended.

2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?
Another hard one! I usually liked them as a teacher. Now that I stay home, it doesn't effect me much if schools are cancelled or not. I LOVE the fluffy white stuff! It's so pretty. But, it almost always falls when my husband MUST work. I'm assuming that most of our snowfall occurs after Christmas in Dallas. And it's usually icy. My husband is an auditor (has nothing to do with taxes, btw) and he works 90-100 hours a week from January to April. So I worry about him on the roads. If it could snow every Sunday like it did a few weeks ago, that. would. be. awesome.

3. What talent did you wish you had and why?
I wish soooooo badly that I could sing. Michael can and he doesn't appreciate it like he should. It looks like Audrey can sing. We'll see about Julia. That will be my specail gift in Heaven, I bet. I wish I could sing like Colbie Calliat.

4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
The elections really wore on me politically. I can't stand all of the bickering, so I'm sooo over politics. News is alright. I found out that Jessica Simpson was engaged while listening to sports radio. I guess I'm just not a junkie.

5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't haftabe alcoholic!)
It's almost a Shirley Temple. Someone told me about a raspberry sprite with a shot of vanilla a few years back. It's been too long since I've had one, but I highly recommend it. I'm not much of a drinker at all, but I could have had this one drink that I got on our anniversary trip everyday. It was a lemonade with rum in it. That's all I know, but it was yummy!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Embrace the Camera - 1.27.11 (Mimi Edition)



My mom came over today to take care of the girls while I went to a funeral. Nothing like going to a funeral of a faithful follower of Christ to motivate you to look past this temporary world and onto our eternal home.

We picked Audrey up early from school and we made a stop at Babies R Us/Toys R Us. Mimi bought the feather boa below for a Valentines gift for Audrey. Audrey was already wearing her red tutu she got from Mimi. I had to "cuten up" her school shirt. I'm not artistic at all, but I would love for there to be a redo on this shirt. Audrey thought she was all fancy in her tutu and boa! Love that mom is willing to drive all over this city to help me at the doctor, photo shoots, and let me do other things. She's great like that.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Belly Laughter

It is so wonderful to laugh until your abs hurt and you cry tears. Audrey made me do this tonight. Her belly laughter is so contagious! We went on for about 20 minutes. We would slowly come to a stop until one of us would giggle and we'd erupt into more fits of laughter. Things like this are what I hope to remember forever.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Phone Pictures

Probably like most of you, I take a lot of pictures with my cell phone. Videos too. I like that I can instantly send them to Michael or his mom without having to be by the computer. But, I hardly ever transfer them to the computer, so you usually don't get to see them - unless I post it on facebook.

Here are some recent pictures that I had on my phone. Also a video of Audrey saying her memory verse.
Audrey is really into hair things at the moment.


First taste of finger foods.


I caught them holding hands while I was fixing breakfast. Melt my heart!
Now it appears Audrey always wants to hold Julia's hand.

Minnie Mouse ears, butterfly wings, and three hair clips.

Here, Audrey put pajama bottoms over her footed pajamas.

Monday, January 24, 2011

TIRED

I'm retracting my previous photo for TIRED and replacing it with this. This was taken on my real camera. That's the point isn't it? To get familiar with the real camera, and not the phone camera.

52 Weeks Photo Project

I am fortunate enough to have a fairly nice camera. I would love to know how to use it better. Hopefully, this project will challenge me to pull the camera out more often and learn different settings. Also, it might give you a glimpse into my life you wouldn't see otherwise. I'm off to a late start, but who knows, I may make it up. This week is "Tired." Since I'm jumping on this bandwagon late, I'm going to post something I already have on my iPhone. If I get around to using my real camera within the week, I'll post again.

Actually, I just read where next week is sleep. Maybe I just did this one too quickly! :)

Jan 01 Newness
Jan 03 Cold
Jan 10 Breakfast
Jan 17 Macro
Jan 24 Tired
Jan 31 Sleep
Feb 07 Body Parts
Feb 14 Romance
Feb 21 Spirit
Feb 28 Vegetables
Mar 07 Underneath
Mar 14 Spring/Autumn
Mar 21 Planning
Mar 28 Fools
Apr 04 Excitement
Apr 11 Work
Apr 18 Growth
Apr 25 Trees
May 02 Mother
May 09 Up
May 16 Anger
May 23 Temptation
May 30 Looking in
Jun 06 Party
Jun 13 Father
Jun 20 Swing
Jun 27 Lighting Experimentation
Jul 04 Red, White, Blue
Jul 11 Family
Jul 18 Summer/Winter
Jul 25 Time
Aug 01 Water
Aug 08 Shadows
Aug 15 Peace
Aug 22 Defeat
Aug 29 Sunset
Sep 05 Spice
Sep 12 The Kitchen
Sep 19 Autumn/Spring
Sep 26 Tools
Oct 03 Colors
Oct 10 My Neighbors
Oct 17 On The Shelf
Oct 24 Memories
Oct 31 Texture
Nov 07 Wind
Nov 14 Music
Nov 21 Gathering
Nov 28 Beyond Reach
Dec 05 Smiles
Dec 12. after
Dec 19. Winter/summer
Dec 26. Oldness

Friday, January 21, 2011

Five Question Friday - 1.21.11


1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love?
I most likely met my husband in college, though we don't remember meeting. We do know that we knew who the other was at some point while we were at college. I knew his girlfriends and I had gone on dates with some of his roommates. I even dated his cousin. I don't remember ever talking to him until after college when I bumped into him at a restaurant. We visited the same church and began to hang out when he was doing grad school in Dallas one summer. We weren't dating though. When he finished grad school in Abilene and got a job in Dallas, we started hanging out again. This was when I thought there could be something. After a couple of months of dating, I knew he was the one for me.

2. What is your favorite room in your house?
NOT the kitchen! Not the playroom, because that always needs to be cleaned. My bedroom? Rest occurs there and that's what I desire the most.

3. Can you wiggle your ears?
Maybe just a bit. I can make them stick out without even trying though!

4. What is your evening ritual?
Lay Julia down. Easy. Watch Michael and Audrey play. Then I spend the rest of the evening rocking Audrey until she goes to sleep. Sometimes it takes FOREVER!

5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
Apparently 0 to function, because I've done it many times. I'd like at least 6. My dream is 12!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Embrace the Camera - 1.20.11





I can't believe I have only blogged once this week and I've been stuck at home! I've been pretty busy in this house I guess. I just can't get these two girls well. I'm calling the doctor it seems like everyday for one or the other. I'm pretty sure I'll be headed to the doctor tomorrow for an ear infection that Audrey has. I've also been cleaning since the 3 year old had total control of the house while Michael, Julia, and I were sick last week.

Today we were just hanging out in Audrey's room. Correction: Julia was hanging out, Audrey was jumping on the bed, and I was cleaning. Yes, I let Audrey jump on the bed. She just now hit the 30 pound mark. Maybe I should rethink the jumping now that she's a whopping 30 pounds. Anyways, are there any other 30 somethings out there that are feeling like teenager every morning when you look in the mirror?! I dislike the idea of putting acne cream and wrinkle cream on together. Does this mean I'm middle-aged? AND I really need to start pulling out my nice camera for these instead of always using my phone!



Monday, January 17, 2011

How to Live

Lately, Michael and I are trying to figure out how God wants us to live our lives. We started this when we gave up cable. I really like how it has shaped our lives so far. I might turn on the tv in the morning to watch the news. I am not watching any shows and it's great. There is not this need to create room in my schedule so I can watch a show before another show comes out the next week. I think it has helped our marriage. Before kids, it was nice to watch some shows with Michael. We had other available time to talk and pray together. But now, with kids in the mix, quality time with each other is limited to say the least. I also like how my girls are used to having the tv off and won't be bombarded with advertising telling them what toy they should have. Then there's all the things that are inappropriate that they won't see or hear. I bought AppleTV for Michael for Christmas this year. It gives us the opportunity to watch a show or two, but we mainly use it to rent movies for home dates. It's also good to find things for Audrey. Right now Audrey is watching a Veggie Tales movie. So, we haven't completely cut it off, but tv has dropped significantly on the priority list.

Now, we are trying to focus on our goal in life. We know that service is going to increase. I want to open my eyes more to the needs of those around me. God wants us to care for widows and orphans, right? I don't know if I've ever done anything for people in that category. How about the poor and hungry? I need to do more. We are studying James with some friends, and we have some ideas floating around on how we might serve together.

Basically, I don't want the only thing that makes me different than the world is that I go to church and occasionally serve. I feel God is calling us to do more, sacrifice more, stretch more. Major changes may lie ahead. We'll just have to see where God calls us.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Five Question Friday - 1.14.11


1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?
This is a tough question! I don't know if there is a movie like this for me. I really liked While You Were Sleeping a long time ago. I really liked the original Parent Trap when I was little. I just can't imagine not growing tired of a movie.

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?
I can't stand it when people gossip and judge others. It DRIVES ME BONKERS!

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?
I'm choosing Michael as my best friend. He's always mybest friend, but currently we're really leaning on one another.
  1. Faithful
  2. Committed
  3. Family-oriented
  4. Caring
  5. Fun
I admit I had to end it with a C and F. I'm type A and can't break a pattern.

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?
I'd be a stay at home mom, which is what I'm doing! Living the dream, baby!

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?
I dunno. Toothpaste? Blue Bell ice cream? Soap?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Embrace the Camera - 1.13.11



We're sick as dogs over here at our house. Boo! Julia has croup. Michael and I have colds. Michael stayed home the last two days but just had to go in today. Audrey is okay, but the doc thinks she started all of this when he saw her ears during her well-check appointment on Friday. Here's a picture I took on Monday with Audrey. That's when all of this started. Believe me - no pictures have been taken since! I even got desperate enough to use a neti pot!


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

9 Months and 3 Years Stats

Last night, I informed Michael that I was sick when he came home. He told me the same thing. So we're both home trying to get better quickly. Luckily, Audrey is at school, so I only have to watch after Julia.

Friday, my mom and I took the girls for their well check appointments. If you remember, Audrey does not do well at the doctor's and threw up last time because she threw such a fit. I'm happy to report that all went VERY WELL Friday! There were sighs of relief all the way around, from my mom, to me, the doctor, and to the nurse! FINALLY!

Audrey is your average 3 year old girl. She is 37.5 inches (50%) and 30 pounds (50%). Julia, who was my big baby isn't so big anymore. She's just tall. Her nine month stats are 28.75 inches (90%) and 16 pounds 5 ounces (10%). Audrey dropped significantly in her weight as a baby too, so Julia's just following in her footsteps. Thankful for healthy kids!

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Fluffy White Stuff!

If you live in the south, most of the posts you will read today will be about snow. I must follow suit and add to the fun!

UGH! Saturday night, I got up twice every hour with one of the girls. What was going on?!? So, when my alarm went off at 7:00 on Sunday morning, I just turned it off. And when Julia woke up at 7:30, I made Michael get up with her. You know how long I slept in? 9:15! Church begins at 10:15 and we don't live very close. So I checked the weather and it looked like the ice might hold off while we were at church, so we showered, dressed, and arrived at church. We were late, but we got there!

While we were at church, it began snowing! When we got to our car, it had quite a bit of snow on it and I was excited to see more falling. We got home and there was barely any of the white stuff anywhere and the flakes that were falling were tiny. I cooked some food and fed Julia while Michael changed Audrey into some warm, snow-playing clothes. They played for about five minutes before coming in to eat. By the time lunch was finished, the snow started melting. But, Michael and Audrey did make a small snowman. Fun times!






Friday, January 07, 2011

Five Question Friday - 1.7.11


1. What is your current favorite book, and why?
If current means what I'm currently reading, then that would be the book of James from the Bible. I'm not finding the time to read any other book. And James is full of info that one can chew on for a few days.

2. Do you go to the dentist regularly?
Yes. My mom was a dental hygienist, so I went A LOT as a kid. She retired and I didn't go for years. Bad mistake as I had quite a bit of work done when I finally let some stranger in my mouth. We go twice a year now.

3. What is your worst memory from High School?
My worst memory is something I'd rather not share to the world. But I will tell you this. A dear friend taught me a faith lesson that I still use today. If you're losing sleep over something because you are worrying, then you aren't fully giving it up to God. Wow! What knowledge this junior boy in high school had!

4. What do you hope to be remembered for in your life?
I want to be remembered as a gracious person. That I am always willing to give the same grace to others as God has given me.

5. Are you superstitious or do you have any superstitions?
I'm superstitious only in a fun way...like when watching sports. If a team starts losing a game only after I start watching, then I will stop watching so that they will have a chance. Did I have black eyed peas on New Years? No, but I'd do it for fun if the peas were there. I just wouldn't go out of my way to make them.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Embrace the Camera - 1.6.11


Embracing the camera with my girls for the first time this year. I'm excited to do this for a full year and watch how much Audrey and Julia grow in that time. How will I fit another kid in the frame if I ever have another? I guess I'll actually have to set up the real camera and not use my phone. Have I mentioned lately that these girls cause my heart to beat and my lungs to breathe? Yeah, I know God is in full control of that, but it feels like the girls have a lot to do with it!