24 weeks and 2 days Along. . . .

If you read the title of this blog post and immediately gasped and thought, "OMG, she is PREGNANT!" then pick yourself up off the floor and let's talk.  First of all, if you actually had that thought run through your mind then you must not have seen me in a good long while.  I've been trying to lose weight, not gain it.  And, secondly, you should KNOW that I am DONE DONE DONE this time.  Pregnancy no longer exists in my vocabulary.  I'm done.  Very done.  Forever done.

Lately I've been blogging and talking non-stop about hubby and kids, kids, kids.  ENOUGH!  

Let's talk about what's really important:  MY HAIR.  

Many of you know that I have been growing my super short, super easy, super chic haircut out for awhile now.  I decided to grow it out to chin length to give me (and hubby) something different to look at.  Why I would choose summertime and choose AFTER I'm pregnant and not taking the prenatal vitamins that makes your hair grow superfly fast, I do not know.  But, I did.  It's been 24 weeks, 2 days.  Below is what it looks like at this point. . . 

Now, with all that being said let's talk about cats.  I'm a firm believer in NOT declawing cats.  I think it is demeaning to their cool cat character.  Cats are unique animals.  They are extremely confident, clever, and independent creatures.  When you declaw a cat you take away his or her confidence in my opinion.  When I started growing my hair out I was essentially declawing myself.  Over the weeks I became less confident and always seemed to be doing SOMETHING with my hair!  

So. . . I fixed the problem.  Here is the return of me! (in my best cool, catlike look)

My claws are back.  I'm confident, cool, and as independent as a wife and mom can be.  I am happy to say that I failed miserably at growing my hair out to chin length.  But, I can say that it made me appreciate my short locks again.  Ah, SO nice to spend 2 minutes on my hair once in the morning and not even have to think about it all day.  I'm enjoying free time again and cool breezes.  (Sorry Mom.  I know you wanted your little girl with pony tails back.  Just can't happen.  I would suggest you pull out the picture albums and that may console you??  LOVE YOU!!!)

I now have a new goal:  to get in really great shape before I turn 40.  I hope to be happy with where I am on my birthday next March.  I have 213 days to accomplish my goal.  Actually, it sounds better to me if I say I have 18,403,200 seconds left to accomplish this goal.  

I've definitely talked enough about me today.  Tomorrow it's back to my REALLY important world. . . my family and friends.  It was fun to talk about me for a little while though.  ;)

  

Jesus Must Have Smiled Bigtime!

I believe that Jesus is happy when any one of us prays.  I, for one, am especially guilty of not praying enough.  So He's definitely happy when I decide to take time out of my day to talk to Him, as He is happy when any of you do too.  I have to believe though that, He especially smiles when little children are learning to pray.  The pure innocence of their prayers are amazing.

Zachary has been saying prayers for a long long time.  From the time he could talk he has said prayers at the dinner table and at night before he goes to bed.  Lately though, his Daddy and I have been talking to him about the fact that he can pray about anything and everything.  He doesn't necessarily have to say the same exact prayer all the time.  We've told him that Jesus is happy to hear about anything that we want to talk to Him about.

A couple of weeks ago we had to really talk to Zachary about the "way" he prays.  He had gotten into a habit of just rattling off his prayer as quickly as he could and by the end of the prayer it came out as mumbo jumbo (I am guilty of that myself so I definitely understood!).  It took a few days to get the point across that when we talk to God we are to show respect.  He finally understood and now takes his sweet time when praying.  It has been the sweetest thing to hear.

The last few days he's been thanking Jesus for the people in his life, and our food, friends, etc. but he's also thanked Him for "the houses for sale, the houses not for sale (he must really realize the real estate market crisis our country is enduring!), and the houses that burned." The first time I heard this I busted out laughing but covered quickly with a "coughing" attack.  For some reason this is what he wanted to pray about.  (I have a feeling I know where it's coming from.  Some days he goes with Papa to investigate new neighborhoods and, along the way, has seen a couple of homes that have burned.  For whatever reason they find that fun!)

I told Paul that these days and these "types" of prayers won't last forever so I wanted to try to sneak one in on video.  We did at dinner tonight.  (he left out the part about the houses this time though!  I gotta get that one!)

Whenever I'm stressed I really need to remember that God placed so much importance on listening to children and giving them the time and attention they deserve.  It's so easy for me to forget that.

Turn up the volume on your computer. . . here is my sweet boy praying at dinnertime tonight. . .

In other news. . . 

Today was Zach's first Show & Tell at school.  He decided to take Ted the turtle.  Ted is also a puppet.  Zachary did so well and all the kids seemed to like Ted.  I tried to get a little on video but Chase started getting squirmy so I had to cut it short.  Here is what I got though. . . 

Ted in his shell. . . .

and out!!

Also a few pictures from his classroom. . . .

Zach's buddy Logan

Zach has to sign in every morning!!

And, in a last little bit of Zach news. . . he's started a new eye exercise program on the computer.  Dr. Sherman, the pediatric eye specialist prescribed it.  Zach's left eye sometimes tends to drift a little especially when he's tired or not feeling well.  The doctor feels good about this correcting more and more on it's own but wanted him to do exercises five days a week for seven minutes each session.  Thankfully Zach thinks they are fun.  He gets to wear cool sunglasses and play on the computer. . . how could that NOT be fun.  Technology is amazing.  Tonight was his first exercise.  He did awesome!!  I gave him the boring game tonight and he still found it fun.  Tomorrow night he will get to play with the spaceships.  ;)

sweet little hand on my mouse!

And now a little Chase news. . . 

Chase Parker LOVES LOVES LOVES his brother.  It's more and more apparent each and every day.  He gets so excited when we go pick up Zachary from school.  Then he gets so excited when Zach gets up from his nap later.  Anything brother does Chase wants to be right there.  

But. . . it's also the other way around too!  Today when we pulled in the garage from picking up Zach from school I opened my door to get out and get the kids out and Zach said, "Momma, unbuckle me and let me love on brother before we go inside please."  Of course I obliged!  I mean, this was my chance to get raw video footage to use as blackmail later on in life!  

This is what I came up with inside the Rover inside the dark garage. . . so sweet from what you can see!

I think that about ends my day. . . I'm gonna go do what Chase Parker does best. . .

Baby Steps!

Chase Parker took his first two wobbly steps all by himself today!  So cute and so proud of my youngest.  Life is about to change again around here. . . .

He has been so lively lately.  Very loud and boisterous!  He is definitely knowing the word "no" now and, in fact, it has already taken me about 15 minutes to do this short blog so far.  He loves coming over to my keyboard when I'm typing and completely messing everything up.  He expresses his dislike when I tell him no for sure.

He's also enjoying giving an object to you and having you tell him "thank you".  For some reason he finds this so fun!  He will quickly take it back from you and wait for you to hold out your hand and ask for it again.  With a big grin he places it in your hand and awaits his "thank you."  Soooo cute!

He's learned a few more words too!  He says "choo choo" now and I think a word that must mean "brother".  Whenever I talk about brother he always says this word that sounds quite abit like it.  He's growing so fast.

He loves "talking" to the cars as they drive by.  I was at a stoplight and took this short video, trying to get him while he's talking to the cars.  He didn't do much of that but at least he waved bye bye.  (I promise the vehicle was not moving while I was videoing!)

One Of The TWO Coolest Kids Ever. . .

2011 First Day at Trinity United Methodist Preschool!

This week was back to school week!  Zachary was excited and nervous all at the same time.  When Monday rolled around he acted like he was happy to go.  He even let me take a couple of pictures without much mouthiness.

We arrived at school and he had big smiles for Mrs. Stacey and Mrs. Duclos.  He put his lunch in his cubby and off he went.  No time to hug Mom bye.  I was happy to see him happy.

When I picked him up at 1 PM he was a chatterbox.  He told me all about his day and was excited to tell me that he got a sticker AND a checkmark on the blackboard for "best behavior".  He told me about playing outside with Logan and Drew and eating lunch.  He had so much fun!  He wanted to call Daddy and Grammy and Papa and tell them all about his day too.  After his phone calls I was still asking him questions and he suddenly stopped and said, "Mom, could I get a break now?  I'm pooped!"

And, today, Wednesday he has still been excited when I pick him up.  He loves giving me details which I enjoy.  (I know that won't last long!)  Mrs. Duclos is going to make this year awesome for sure.  His classroom is so nice (will try to take pictures soon) and I love the fact that Mrs. Duclos has each child sign in themselves (as do the parents) each morning when they arrive.  It's such a neat idea! (will try to post a picture of the sign in board soon.)

Tomorrow he is taking Ted the Turtle for his first Show & Tell.  He's so excited!

When I look at my little boy now I see no trace of baby or toddlerhood.  He is all boy.  He's so grown up in the way he acts and talks now.  Kind of sad but kind of exciting.  He is such a great kid.  His Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of him.

What's Goin' On With Us . . .

Friday has arrived.  Last weekday before school starts.  Last night it hit me as I was re-reading Zach's school handbook and orientation papers. . . he's only ONE year away from Kindergarten.  I had tears come to my eyes.  Time is a crazy thing isn't it?  I sometimes wish for days to be over and done with five minutes after I get up in the morning.  Then again, there are days that I wish would last forever.  There are moments that I wish would burn in my memory and never go away.  I cannot believe that Zachary has already reached four years old.  Time is amazing.  Cruel, and yet a blessing.  I love my little boys so much and want them to grow up so I can see what kind of men they will turn out to be.  But, I really sometimes wish that wouldn't happen.  I sometimes wish they would always need me as much as they do right now, love me as much and WANT to spend time with me like they do now.  I'll have to figure out a way to bottle up all that.  In a sense I bottle it the best way I know how through videos and pictures.  So, don't make fun of me too much!

Ok, enough sappiness. . .

We enjoyed a fun week. I've already blogged about Trevor's visit but on Wednesday evening the kids enjoyed their Uncle David and Aunt Deke coming over for dinner and playtime.  They arrived around 5:15PM so they would have some time with Chase Parker before he went to bed.  Chase enjoyed playing with them but especially swinging in the "nana swing" with Uncle David.  The picture below is very special to me.  I tease both of my brothers alot but, secretly between you and me, they are two of the greatest men I know besides my husband and father.  Both my brothers are awesome examples to my kids so I feel fortunate that my boys have the uncles they do.

After dinner Uncle David and Aunt Deke went upstairs with Zach to watch the train show he put on.  He loves having an audience.  Especially one as fun as his uncle and aunt.  Aunt Deke has so much experience playing with boys since she was a stay at home mom for years and years.  Zach loves her to death!  I caught this cute picture of the two of them. . .

We had a great time with them on Wednesday. 

Thursday was another fun day.  Zach and Chase's friend Scarlett came over to play.  I always love watching them play together.  They get along so well.  And, I enjoy "adult mom" time with Scarlett's mom, Vicki.  She is an awesome friend.  Not many people I can truly say I can be myself around and feel comfortable.  Vicki is definitely one of them.  Unfortunately their family is moving soon so we will miss them so much.  Thankfully there is Facebook and telephones and hopefully we can visit each other too.  We have only known them a short while but long enough to know they are special people!

Here are a few pictures of our playdate. . . 

Thursday evening was Zachary's Orientation at school.  We had a great time touring his new classroom, seeing his cubby and seat, and seeing all his friends come back.  We loved talking to his new teacher, Mrs. Candace Duclos.  Zachary was so blessed to have a wonderful teacher, Mary Forrestall, last year and is lucky again to have another awesome teacher this year.  It is nice that it is a small school and he already knows Mrs. Duclos.   It is going to be a fabulous year I know.  

Today I caught a few cute pictures of Zachary in Chase Parker's crib this morning!  When we were walking down the hall to get baby brother up this morning Zach asked me if he could snuggle with Chase in his crib. I thought that was so sweet!  Chase's face lit up when I put Zach in his crib.  He LOVED it!  They both had a crazy wild time together.  Of course I got video too.  Here are a few pics:

LOVE LOVE LOVE my sweet boys!!

Tonight we are going to stay in.  Well, all of us except Zach. He's headed over to Grammy and Papa's house for dinner and croquet under the lights.  They are waiting til darkness falls to turn the big yard spotlights on and hit the croquet course.  I know, crazy!  But, that's good fun to a four year old and I thank my parents for always making his days (and nights tonight!) so much fun.

In other miscellaneous news, Chase Parker has been challenging me recently with the cat food.  He finds it so amusing to dump all their food out.  Thankfully I have not seen him taste it yet but I'm sure that is coming soon.  I'm not going to get there in time every time!  He also is fascinated with the kitty pet door. Back and forth, back and forth he goes.  And, heaven forbid he see me working at the computer.  He LOVES the mouse and the keyboard.  I gave him an old keyboard to play with thinking that would appease him.  Nope.  Only the one Mom is using.  These are the things life is made of though.  I'll try to remember that.

Ah, the weekend is almost here.  Hubby has a golf tournament for half a day Saturday but after that he's all mine I hope.  See you soon.

Good Times, Wild Times = One Pooped Out Mom!

Everybody knows school is about to start. . . . even Pre-K!  This year Paul and I decided to send Zach to school 5 mornings a week instead of three like we did last year.  Inching closer and closer to Kindergarden (as much as I hate to admit it!) so we are getting him more and more used to spending his days at school (and getting Mom closer and closer to reality that her baby is growing up way too fast!)

Since this is his last week before the school regime starts we have been really focusing on having just pure fun around here.  Zach and Chase have had several playdates recently (cousin Trevor, Logan and Lucas, Cooper and Cassidy, Scarlett) so we have been working hard on playing around!

I will share a few hundred (just kidding, or am I?) instagrams that tell the story of our fun much better than I could ever write.  However I will tell you a few details about our insane fun today.  Trevor (Z and C's cousin) came over again today.  While it got rather loud, chaotic and hairy at times around here it was all good.  Even Chase Parker enjoyed every second.  The louder it got the better it seems for him.  He was right in the mix!  Here was our agenda. . .

0)  First and foremost, throw out a healthy breakfast and just eat chocolate chip muffin tops!
1)  Wagon ride in the cool morning air.  (ah!  what NICE weather for a change!)
2)  Train Scavenger Hunt (went very well!).
3)  Toilet Paper Art Class (ok, was INSANELY fun for the kids but not the cats!!).
4)  Building a cool train track for Zach's new train.
5)  Lunch at Red Elephant.
6)  Swimming at Grandma's.
7)  Crashing on couch and watching cartoons.

ALL were done and checked off our list.  Even the house was put back in order before Daddy got home.

Then, on top of all that, Zachary gets to spend the night at Grammy and Papa's house tonight and tomorrow head to Thomasville for another train adventure.

What a day.  The very best part of my day was, after sending hubby a few pics of our day, I get a text from him saying, "You are such a great Mom!"  That made my day definitely.  I don't feel like I succeed in that area very often but maybe today I did.

Here are a few pics and videos from today and recent fun in the last couple of weeks. . .

The calm before the storm began today. . .

My secret to success. . . 

Other recent fun days. . . 

FUN with Logan and Lucas!!