February 2013

To say I am a bit behind on this blog is...well, the understatement of the century! I know at work to accomplish things I have to set goals- so I am setting a goal to post once a month this year and I hope to stick to it. I really hope this blog is a reflection of God's blessings and what he is doing in our lives.

Keeping up with two boys is so much fun...and let's be real...exhausting! I believe the noise volume increases exponentially with the number of boys and their age! Nap time is such a blessing! So, here goes...I will try to recap February.

We traveled to Keystone the end of January/beginning of Feb. This was Jay's first flight and trip and we had a blast! Nana and PawPaw (my parents) went too and helped Jay along in learning to ski...and generally about snow! It snowed a couple of the days we were there which made it fun. Aside from skiing, Jay's favorite thing was the Gondola which was right outside our condo. He wanted to ride it ALL THE TIME! You could ride it up and down and so we would over, and over and OVER! But the views were always breathtaking and it was a relaxing ride.

Of course, then we had Valentine's Day. I got a new machine for my birthday and I got to put it to work in making the boy's Valentine's! Jay's Valentine's included animal crackers inside. 

 
Gavin's was Banana baby food and said "I'm BANANANS for you"! Even though he is 14 mos. old...he is the oldest in the class and most of the other babies aren't eating much yet.   We had fun making them!

Both boys are growing so fast and doing new things. Jay has recently really started to enjoy coloring! Of course, he is still a rambunctious boy...but he can settle down from time to time! Gavin is now 14 mos...walking and likes to talk to us- if only we could understand him! He says, Momma, Dadda, brother, and he has said puppy. He wants to run so badly and tries to keep up with Jay! Gavin is also quite the dancer! As soon as he hears music come on he immediately starts to move! Too cute!

We have been enjoying the unseasonably warm days...and started to plant a garden this month. We have planted potatoes, onion, carrots and broccoli so far. We have plans to add green beans, cucumbers, okra, squash, spinach and maybe corn. Yes- it is ambitious. Matt decided we might as well try a lot of different things and see what does well and what doesn't. We certainly will have a learning curve! 

Jay has enjoyed helping Matt get everything prepped and the actual planting. I am anxious for our first round of fresh veggies! I really want the boys to learn where their food comes from and I hope the garden will be something they take part in and can see grow.

Until next month...

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Psalm 115:1,15

Adopted...

I have been asked over the years how it feels to be adopted or do I ever wonder if things were different. I have always had much peace with this and still do today. I think especially after having Jay I have come full circle and cannot imagine what a great sacrifice she made for me.

Anyway, I came across a poem that was published in Dear Abby in 1993- my mom shared the article with me and I came across it today- I think it sums up how I feel the very best.

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.
One you do not remember,
The other you call mother.

Two different lives
Shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.

The first gave you life
And the second taught you to live in it.
The first gave you a need for love
And the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality,
The other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent,
The other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.

One gave you up-
It was all she could do.
The other prayed for a child
And God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me
Through your tears,
The age-old question
Through the years:

Heredity or environment-
Which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling - neither
Just two different kinds of love.

Spring is here...maybe...

Today is gorgeous...too pretty to stay inside...waiting on Jay to wake up from his nap (which he went down so good today...wish it was that easy everyday)! I hope to go for a walk! I seriously need to get after my exercise routine...

My mom and dad are coming for a vist. Looking forward to it...

I hope to post more soon- I prefer to be enjoying my little boy than stuck behind the computer! But will do my best to make more of an effort...

2010 Winter Olympics

Okay...so just got done watching the nail biting conclusion to the 2010 Winter Olympic games with the USA vs. Canada hockey game. I wish it were a different outcome...but it was a hard fought game. Team USA deserves a big pat on their back and/or hug perhaps.

I have to say I have watched more and kept up more with the winter olympics this year than in year's past. I found myself watching things I had never watched before- perhaps it is coming of age. As a little girl I loved the figure skating and ice dancing imagining myself an ice princess one day...yeah- since I live in Texas! Anyway, but this year I found myself abandoning my usual fare and enjoying downhill skiing, curling, snowboarding, speed skating and hockey to name a few. Team USA kicked behind and will come home with quite a few medals and probably more importantly a lot of pride. Vancouver was a beautiful setting too- despite the unpredictable weather. I would love to go there someday...

Although...I must admit that I am much more of a summer olympics fan and look forward to the London games in 2012...only 2 years and counting...

SNOW!

Just after getting Jay down for a nap yesterday, I went into the living room and look out the window. What is that white stuff coming out of the sky? Wait- could it actually be- SNOW! Not just a barely there snow...but actual heavy snow collecting on the deck? Rooftops? Ground? WOW!

I've seen snow before...but not here in Texas. It was so peaceful to watch it fall throughout the afternoon. I couldn't hardly look away in case it quit! I was hoping that it would continue until Jay woke up...even though he would have no idea what's going on or why it is significant. Still wanted to get those all important photos with him in the snow to at least prove it snowed in his lifetime in Texas!

The photos here are of the deck and backyard. Below a nice closeup of the collection on the picnic table. Jay did wake up in time so that we could snap a couple of photos. And of course today it is sunny and 50 degrees. That's Texas for you...

I'm hoping spring will arrive soon...but not holding my breath. I think it could be a cold Easter... Guess we'll have to wait and see.

In the mean time it has been nice to have an actual winter. I don't think I want one every year...but every once in a while is nice!

Are you serious?

I can't believe it is actually February... I have done a horrible job of keeping up with this blog. However, in my defense...I am usually cleaning house, cooking or washing clothes during nap time...however, I see a return to blogging very soon. After surviving chicken pox (Jay), Christmas, RSV (Jay) and soon Valentine's Day...it has been a busy couple of months. I will try posting pictures soon...

Time to wake up little bit...(who is now crawling and pulling up on everything)...more pics and info coming soon...

Until next time...

Cute little monkey...

Whew...where did October go?! We had a lot of fun and have been enjoying the beautiful weather (when it isn't raining)! We took photos of Jay in the pumpkin patch at his day school a few weeks ago.

The pumpkins are sold as a fundraiser for the school in conjunction with their Fall Fun Day (see previous post). We had a good time checking out the pumpkins...but this is probably one of the only photos of Jay smiling! He was "seriously" into the pumpkins!

Anyway, the day before Halloween our teacher sent us home with a goody basket for Halloween! Jay had so much fun playing with all of the items- books, toys, apple juice and even a little pumpkin! But I think his favorite thing was just the basket itself!

He is sitting up so good now and it makes a lot of things more fun!
I really wasn't sure what to do for a Halloween costume for Jay this year. I really didn't want to spend money on one... A couple of generous friends lent me a couple of costumes and I planned to use one of them.

However, in the meantime I was looking at the Mom In The City blog and noticed she was having a contest for a costume (size 6-12 months)- how perfect! All you had to do is write in and tell about your most memorable Halloween costume...that was easy! I told about my "old lady" costume...(if you would like details either find my comment on the above link or e-mail me). Anyway, I won!!

He was absolutely adorable in the costume and despite the bulk of it he really didn't seem to mind it! Thankfully it wasn't too warm Saturday and he seemed to have a good time!

We made our rounds in the neighborhood and a stop over at Granny and Grandpa's- lots of comments on how adorable he was (couldn't agree more)! I can't imagine a follow up for next year...!