just be...m[E]

fun times...

Since Owen and I have had some extra days off lately (due to snow), we've been able to share lots of fun times. Playing games, making snacks and juice together, lots of reading, and of course playing "Buzz and Woody." Luckily he lets me be Jessie, even though I have to sit in "time out" often for hitting. Kind of funny that he uses our exact words, and explains the situation very well. (SuperNanny would be proud...he has the steps down!) I must admit, I'm not ready to drop him off tomorrow morning. It doesn't really get easier, but I know he is ready since he has asked to go to school multiple times. I know I am not as entertaining as a class full of two year olds! Anyway, just thought I'd share a few photos. Enjoy!

 
So thankful for technology, after a long day of playing. Notice my shirt says "hi." Ha!

 
Night-night time for all the friends.

 

Watch out for the lazer! Owen loves these pj's!

 
My favorite...O loves bath time...as do Rex and Handy Manny.

 
My juice helper. He loves this "special pot" from Aunt Susan. (I do too!)

Alright...off to put O in the tub, then hide until the football game is over.

Oh, please cross your fingers that we get an offer on our house very soon (this week would be perfect)! Our new house will be finished in about a week, and we'd hate to have to put it on the market. Ugh!

Thanks so much!

Peace.

 

a funny Owen story...

While waiting for photos to upload, I thought I'd share a funny Owen story. (One of many!) Since you know, I'm really trying to embrace day to day life and tell our stories this year. So, we were sitting at dinner the other night (and did I mention that Owen was still sitting & eating...that's major!) when I began telling Brian about our day. It was a snow day for us, so O and I had played lots of Hungry, Hungry Hippos & Candyland, along with tons of "Buzz and Woody." (O's game...more to tell on that later). Anyway, I was explaining to Brian that I had tried to shower while Owen watched Sesame Street (which worked great when he wore diapers), and had to get out of the shower 3 times to help him use the potty. Yep, standing there wet, soapy and freezing, as I helped him. As I finished the sentence about how many times I got out, Owen said "that's a bummer!" He never even looked up from his spaghetti dinner to see that we were laughing so hard that we were both crying. It was hysterical! So laid back and like it's something he says all the time. Makes me smile just thinking about it again as I share it with you. I'm constantly amazed at how much he has grown and changed...truly an amazing experience this parenting thing is! We are so very lucky to be riding this roller coaster of life with him!

OK, and of course a photo...

 
Have a great week...

peace and love...

random snow day thoughts...

I must admit that while playing Buzz and Woody (again), that my mind began wandering in many different directions. (I know I need to remain "present," but after hours of Buzz & Woddy hitting each other and going to time-out, I needed a mental sanity break!) So, I find myself really wondering what this new year has to offer. Of course the obvious, mixed in with the unknown. So, in order to clear my mind...I thought I'd hop on to blog as Owen watches Seasame Street videos here on the computer. (Gotta love Windows 7!)

Just a few of my random, snow day thoughts...

-Will we ever sell this house? Will St. Joseph come through for us? The more our new one is finished, the more I dream of moving in. Our neighbor even shoveled our new driveway for us last night...as he knew we were visiting so I could take a peek. So sweet!

-Wondering about one of my students, as she will have surgery tomorrow. Wish I could have given her a big hug before sending her off for a week..or two. Sending lots of positive thoughts her way...

-Feeling grateful that Brian made it to work OK...and that his interview went well yesterday. Curious as to where it will lead...but so proud of him either way!

-Missing so many family and friends...This part of the year is tough as summer is so far away!

-Wondering if Owen is using the potty just to get a fruit snack? Seriously, we've been in the potty 4 times since 10:00. Not that I'm complaining...just curious. Those things are like crack to him! On the other hand, so proud that he woke up dry this morning...and is doing great!! I'm now a believer in 3 Day Potty Training!

-Feeling motivated to tackle our budget...and stick to it (that's the part we're bad about)! I know it will help now, and in the future, but I know it will be hard at times.

-Really missing scrapbooking...really! I packed up most of my stuff to keep our house somewhat "staged," and seriously, I need to create something! I started my December Daily album, but haven't printed a single photo. Collected all the stuff and even made the pages, but need to make time to do it. Working on formatting a super cute wedding invitation for a friend, but need to find the right colors to match the wedding. I've been researching, so we'll see. So happy for her...and her sister too and honored to be making the invites!

-Wondering what this year holds for my health and body? Hoping for good health to all those that I love!

OK...enough rambling for now. Off to play with O and make lunch before nap. My naptime adgenda...shower & search for online coupons for the products we use the most. Sounds like fun uh!

Stay safe and warm...from Buzz and I...

 

(Note: Ignore the laundry as I unpacked from traveling during the holidays...ha!)

welcome 2011...

Hello to another year!I cannot belive that 2010 passed so quickly, full of all kinds of memories, emotions and fun. Of course it wasn't all roses and rainbows, but for the most part it was a great year of health and happiness...positive things in my book. So, as we welcome this new year I want to really try harder to focus on the "stories" we are creating every day...and just "embrace" each day as it comes. Not only embracing mentally, but taking more time to physically embrace those that fill my life with so much joy. I'm always inspired by artists such as Ali Edwards, Becky Higgins, and of course my girl Ronda (just to name a few) to capture those daily little things that mean so much. Yes...even the TONS of laundry I've been doing while potty training Owen...as they are important parts of being a mom. I want to show him in the future that I cared enough to do an extra load of laundry, just so his Buzz Lightyear pajamas would be ready to wear...again. I'm also going to try to complete the Project Life album that I purchased last year at this time. Although I started out taking photos, I never printed a single one to fill it up. So, nothing like a fresh start to get it going again. If you are considering it...check out the video on Becky's blog. It will inspire even the "non-scrapbookers" to really take photos and capture memories to share with future generations. I'm so glad that I completed this album in 2009 (even though I still have some empty spaces...I'm deciding to let it go and start fresh), as it is fun to look at Owen 2 years ago. I recommend it...and hope that I can keep up. I'll keep you posted.

Speaking of embrace...I am so happy that I can finally share some special photos with you. Many of you know that when it comes to giving a gift, I am terrible at keeping a secret. I love the act of giving so much that I want to share it right away. Anyway, prior to travelingto Florida this past summer I had the idea of having some family photos taken as a gift to our families. The main goal was to get all three grand-kids in the same photo...not too mention the same state...as a Christmas gift for my mom. You would not believe the work that went into this, especially since we flew in the same day, and only had 4 hours to spend with my brother and his family...and we got lost for an hour. But, after it was all said and done and I saw the photos...my eyes filled with tears. Lisa (Lisa By The Sea Photography) was so patient, kind and did an amazing job capturing our memories and our family. She also captured many embraces of love, moments of sadness as we said goodbye, and little stories as we ran and played on the beach. What an amazing gift she gave to us...and the surprise to mom was the perfect gift! (Can you believe I didn't tell!!) So, take a minute to embrace those you love...and don't forget to grab your camera to capture such moments. Here's a peek our photos...

 

The Wells, Rose and Adkins Families...

 

enjoying moments of play, laughter and fun...

 

cousins... together at last...

 

a long embrace...representing many years of love as we say good-bye again.

So, as I look forward to another great year to come, I wish you health, happiness and love. Happy 2011!

peace.