She's On The Verge

We recently celebrated Christmas in Dallas with our girls Great Grandmother, Easy! Although, we have been in the Christmas spirit for quite some time, our little Londyn Paige doesn't seem to have a clue as to what it's all about. As we began to open our gifts, Londyn became so excited as she tore off the Christmas wrapping paper to see what was inside. With each gift, the expression of her face proved that she knew it would bring a wonderful surprise. We can't wait til Christmas Eve to do it all over again; just to see those big blue eyes open wide with joy and great surprise. I'm betting that she knows a little more about what it's all about on Christmas morning!

SHHHHHHHHHHH

I can hear the sleet dancing on my roof top & tapping at my window(s)! Since this may never come again, I'm capturing it in writing for my girls in this diary that I keep for them; since they are already fast asleep. The next time Alexis asks, "when will it snow here?", I'll reply," Oh, but it did!"

Telling On Her Older Sister

I've been warning Alexis that Londyn will soon be able to tell us what Alexis is doing to her during a time of aggravation. That day has arrived. Today, Alexis somehow, accidentally hit Londyn in her eye. Londyn came running to me and said, "hit eye." Alexis now knows that her doings are no longer silent. I'm secretly hoping the aggravation is now going to stop!

What Does She Know Now?

I haven't had time to post lately. I did however, post an accomplishment on Alexis' School Website. Click the image of the apple above to get there.

Quite The Little Talker

Londyn has become quite the little talker lately especially when it comes to saying our names. Craig taught her to say my name! She says it, "Ambu"! When she says it, I tell her, "I love it when you say my name" as I give her praises. It make her heart happy to hear her mom tell her those words, you see. She also says, "Caig, Eeeexis & Lonlin.

Let's Keep All The Candy

I explained to Alexis about the upcoming Presidential Election. So, we googled both of the candidates pics on the Internet. Just by appearances, Alexis said she would vote for John McCain. I explained to her that she made a wise choice. I then explained to her the reason why; in terms a six year old could understand. I explained to her, that all of the candy she receives this year for Fall Harvest, Barack Obama will come (to our house) and demand that Craig and I give him 1/2 of what she has collected. I then explained that he will give this half to others that didn't get any candy for Fall Harvest even though she went out and worked really hard to collect it ALL. She was deeply saddened to hear that Obama would tell those he was giving the candy to, that it came from him and not from Alexis. Alexis said, "I want to call the cops right now to come get him and put him in jail." "No FAIR!" If Barack Obama wins the election, Alexis is worried that she will receive a knock at our front door in four days.

Fall Harvest In Bandera

We went to Bandera on Saturday to join in all the festivities my parents sub-division was throwing for their annual Fall Harvest Hayride. The kids had a great time dressing up in fun, not scary costumes. Alexis wore her costume from last year. She was hoping to be "Elizabeth Swann Pirate" this year, but her costume has not been delivered yet! Enjoy the pics.

Londyn Points

The new word "LOOK " is what she has been uttering all day long; as she points with her index finger. She's been saying it all day long, like it's nothing new.

Ohhhh....What A Purpose

Grab a tissue....you will need it as you watch this sweet, sweet video of a new born baby and the 16 minutes he got to spend with his mom and dad before he went home to his Father in Heaven.

Remember to mute my music jukebox over there ---->

......so you can hear this video.

Looooove Thursdays

I loooooove Thursdays. I look forward to this day each week. It seems like we go & go & go all week long. I feel like I'm just the chauffeur now, taking my girls to all of their activities. Which by the way, awakens me each morning at 7 a.m. Thursday is the day that we can kinda just hang loose. Today we started our Thursday off with Alexis waking up one hour early stating that she would like to go to I-Hop for breakfast, so we did. Then we were off to school by 9 a.m. Londyn and I were then on our way to meet Stephanie and her 1.5 year old Violet at PartyStation. This is where we go every Thursday morning. Lauren joins us when she can; she has a 1.5 year old too. Steph and I have meet some amazing moms there. All off us have children around the same age and the girls are so down to earth. I think we have even become "good" friends with the owner of the play station since we find ourselves leaving there three and a half hours later; it goes by so very quickly. I love not having to worry about getting home early after soccer practice on Thursday evening because Alexis doesn't have school on Fridays. So, she plays with her team mates and I visit longer with all of their sweet moms.

Remember To Dance

Craig & I danced yesterday for the 1st time, in a long while. I fell in love with this song the very first time my ears heard it. Then, we danced.....

Remember to mute my music jukebok over there------>

to hear/play this video.

Follow Me There

I have lots to post about but very little time. I've just updated Alexis' school website with details about how she is liking her new school, "Learning Their Way", private school. Click the link above with the apple to follow me there.

Eventful

Today was suppose to be rather uneventful other than Londyn and I were going to meet a friend for lunch. After dropping Alexis off at school (she loooooves her new school) I decided that Londyn and I would go to the park to play. She chased the squirrels and charged the birds instead. She finally discovered that she likes to slide on the slides and say "hi" to every stranger in the park. Another mom was there playing with her son and she stated that I looked very familiar. By the time we ended up leaving, I had made a new friend. Becky and her husband own the new U-Pick/We Pick Verticle Hydroponic Growing System here in town where you can go and pick your own Strawberries & Produce. I can't wait to go pick fresh produce and I can already taste the goodness over store bought any day. We connected instantly and I felt like I have known her for years. We plan on getting together to let our kids play; they are the same age. Later, after I picked Alexis up from school, we decided to stop in at one of the stores in Gruene. We had some time to kill and the girls and I were not ready to head home for the day to face homework. We went into an adorable store that was once called Lady Jane's.....I'm forgetting the new name for some reason now. They have beautiful home decor. Everything was my taste and matches the colors of my home perfectly. I took a few pieces home to see if they will work. Everything I had my eye on is 50% off. So, I think I'm going to have my dining room complete with these beautifully adorned dinner plates that add a splash of unexpected color to the room. The girls and I ended up strolling through the shops in Gruene and got caught up in buying $5 worth of fudge. We'll stay away from the fudge the next time we are in Gruene. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings our way!

Londyn's "Black" Molar

The other day, as I was cuddling with Londyn on the gliding rocking chair, with her big, beautiful, white front teeth in view, it prompted me to exam her mouth to see if any new teeth were trying to poke their way through. To my surprise she was breaking two, new top molars. To my astonishment, one of the molars was black inside. I immediately thought that her tooth was decaying because of the fact that I had not realized that her molars had already made their way through. Therefore, they had not been brushed. For how long had they not been brushed was my question??? So, I laid her down and began an intensive examination, all the while, she didn't make the task very easy. After examining the molar, I really thought it had begun to abscess under the gum and was starting to decay. I remember thinking to myself, why is she not in pain? I then began to brush her molar with a tooth brush and the black was not budging. I continued to brush hoping that she had just eaten something that dark and it was just stuck in her tooth. Then it came loose. What was it you ask? An ant. Yes, my daughter must of been eating ants. I'm glad she didn't get stung....or did she?

An Amusing Experience

Londyn found it very amusing as she said her name for the first time yesterday. She would first, say her name and then giggle. She repeated this verbalization over and over again. Of course, you may of not been able to make out what she was saying, but her mama and big sister could. Alexis is the one who brought it to my attention that she was saying her name for the 1st time. Alexis was just as excited as`she. The joy Alexis had on her face for Londyn was like that of a mother's joy; just extended to her little sister.

16 Years Later

During my senior year of high school, although I can't remember exactly how we met, there was a new girl in class and she was tall & blonde!Instantly we became friends. Our friendship lasted about a year and then she moved away to Mississippi; Natchez that is. We wrote each other a few times and then our lives faded and passed into the distance when I moved away and went to college; she the same. A few days ago, I did a facebook search and found her. I wasn't sure if it was her at first since her maiden name was followed my her married name. So, I sent her a message and received a message back after sixteen years with the subject line reading "Oh My Goodness"! I had often thought about her and often wondered what ever became of her and her life. We were like kindred spirits (just meaning we were close like sisters). She was a bit of a free spirit and we endured alot during our friendship. She looks exactly the same, as if time has just stood still. I do believe, that I probably look different to her than I did back then. I hope to visit her one day or at least keep up with her for the next 16+ years. This is my friend, Jenna! So glad we've connected again.

Scab Picker

I can't get over the fact that my girls are more different than alike. Londyn is my challenge child; always managing to keep me on my toes. She never gave me a problem when we switched her to a sippy cup, she's a sleeper, she engages herself while playing with toys or watching a favorite DVD and she loves to try on "our" shoes. All of these attributes Alexis never did! This leads me to the next attibute Alexis has N-E-V-E-R done. Londyn is our "Scab Picker". I don't just mean she picks at her scabs, she literally rips them off and then gouges out the inside of her wounds. Yesterday, as I was changing her diaper, she reached down and felt that large scab on the side of her leg and just ripped it off. It didn't even seem to phase her. I would of expected her to start crying as she took a peek to see what she had just done. Nope! She laid there as if she had not just torn her skin wide open; again! She left an exposed, open wound that was now bleeding profusely! So, being the great mom that I am, I cleaned her all up, slathered some antibiotic ointment on and covered it with a band-aid. This is exactly what I'm talking about. This again is something else Alexis has never done. Londyn then ripped that band-aid right off after I told her not to. That was a spank! I could not bring myslef to take a pic, it was just that nasty to look at.

Sept 11, 2008 (We'll Never Forget)

Alexis had a fun 6th B-Day this Sept 11. Of course, she had to go to school but she couldn't wait to get home to see what awaited her. The one thing she wanted the most was a new "big girl" bike. It was like Christmas on her special day. Mom, Dad & Londyn even surprised her at school during her lunch time. She wasn't expecting us, but was so excited when dad came too. She followed up her special day on Saturday for a fun filled day at Schlitterbahn with her dear friend Emily....and then again on Sunday when dad spoiled her again with another fun & wet day at Schlitterbahn.

A Boat Ride & Chicken Strips

I've been meaning to post this for a while now, but just haven't found the time. Alexis lost her 1st tooth on the way to gymnastics the other day. As we stopped in at Chicken Express to grab an iced tea, Alexis decided she was hungry as I was ordering. As she was eating the extremely tasty & crunchy chicken strips, see had forgotten about that loose tooth. After several bites, her tooth popped right on out! So, she has officially lost her 1st tooth. Initially, she did not realize she had lost her tooth! As she was chewing her food, she felt something hard and began to dig around in her mouth to retrieve what was swimming around in there. She was amazed when she pulled that tiny little tooth out! She was so excited and had to call daddy right away! A few weeks later, she then lost her 2nd tooth while we were on Canyon Lake in our boat just having a good 'ole time. This time oreo cookies helped to break that loose tooth out! I managed to get a pic just as my camera was alerting me that the battery was about to go dead!

Let's Play

Alexis had her 1st soccer practice. She's excited about playing for the first time this year. She received all of her exciting gear including a cool, new soccer ball! She will practice each Thursday and play every Saturday. Mom was excited to meet all the extremely friendly & nice soccer moms. I'm getting use to being a soccer mom too! Here are a few pics to highlight practice. I still need to play a bit with my camera to figure out how to take more close-ups. Of course, Londyn was in the middle of all the action.

Schlitterbahn Fun!

The Cheesiest Circus Ever!

New Braunfels was hosting the 2008 Alzafar Shrine Circus, so we decided to go and check it out with the girls. It was sooooo cheesy; expensive too. We paid $14 ea (Craig and I), Alexis had a free pass and Londyn was free. Cotton Candy $8, snow cone $5, (two pony rides) $5 ea, elephant ride $7, drinks $2 ea x 3, coloring book $3! By the time we walked out we had gone through $70. I don't' think we would of spent that much at the real circus! We were pleasantly disappointed. Alexis said she was bored and didn't have a good time. If this show comes to your town, I would recommend you skip it. Lastly, I must mention that many times throughout the show the performers were not on task and missed their mark. They were even falling during their stunts. I got really nervous when the 7 motorcyclists rode in sync in a giant steel Globe as they chase each other around at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Thanks God, they did not miss their mark. The performers were from South America, so things were just different; music and all.

Londyn, Violet & Emma

What a fun play date the girls had yesterday in San Antonio at Fantastic Playland. All three girls were born within a few weeks to a month of each other. Emma is the oldest, then Londyn and lastly, Violet. We moms had fun too, catching up on all the happenings in our busy lives. We enjoyed meeting Emma and her mom, Lauren for the 1st time. We are all hoping to get our girls together more often to play.

Our Kiddiegarter's School Years

Alexis Lynn became a "kiddiegarter" today! Click on the link above (with the apple) to visit her "Bulletin Board" blog as we "watch her grow!" Along the way, we will capture all of her school year memories. Below is a sneak peak about Alexis's 1st day at school. Click on the above link to see more about her 1st day at school!

The New "Color"

Alexis and I had hair appointments today in Austin. I had my hair colored and cut. Alexis just had hers trimmed up to get the ends healthy looking. I usually get my hair highlighted blonde but the "master stylist" suggested I try more of a caramel color. He said he thought it would look best with my light skin tone. So, I went with it and I was pleasantly surprised. I actually felt like I could see my facial features better, like they popped! My hair color is still light and that's really what I like. I'm trying out my sister, Holland's hair stylist. He did an amazing job on her hair and he said she was a walking billboard for him. She has brought him soooo many clients just by strangers on the street approaching her. I really like his work, but I'm slowly waiting for my friend, Kimberly to move to San Antonio within the next couple of months. She was my hairstylist when we lived in Corpus/Rockport. We really had a connection and I'm so excited she is moving here soon; not just for the hair. I don't have a pic to post because I'm not taking a pic of myself. Charlie, the stylist, complimented me on how healthy our hair is......must be those wonderful vitamins we take and all the healthy eating that goes on over here. he he he

Milestones (Londyn Paige)

I've failed to keep up with Londyn's milestones over the past couple of months. It seems as though I always had more than enough time to post our first daughter, Alexis's, milestones in real time. We were also looking through family pics and I noticed I took so many more pictures of Alexis just doing mundane things. I have forgotten to do the same for Londyn. So, I found my ragged piece of paper that I jot Londyn's milestones down on and I will attempt to capture those memories now.......

Precious Milestones:

6-24-07 1st Train Ride

7-9-07 1st Sinus Infection

7-17-07 Alexis - Jesus As Lord & Savior (ooooops, it's just a habit to include big sister)

7-18-07 Says "Hmmmmm"

10-21-07 Pulls up & Sits By Herself

10-29-07 1st Swing At Park

10-29-07 - 11-02-07 Starts To Crawl

11-9-07 Claps Hands Together

11-12-07 (week of) - Kisses to dada

11-12-07 Gets Her Doc Band

11-18-07 1st Diaper Rash

11-22-07 Thanksgiving Day Says, "Mama"

11-23-07 Gives Kisses to Mama

12-17-07 1st Tooth Breaks Through (noticed it 3-4 days ago)

12-18-07 Tries To Put Socks On Her Feet

12-25-07 Stands For A Few Seconds By Herself

1-28-08 2nd Tooth

2-3-08 Loosing Baby Fat

4-15-08 1st Injury (Cuts Gash In Her Chin)

5-8-08 Says, "that" as she points

5-17-08 Says, "Uh Oh"

7-7-08 Says, "Owe"

7-8-08 Imitates barking like a dog, says" airplane"

7-9-08 Says, "I Want That" and points to the object

7-10-08 Says, "Apple"

7-17-08 Says, "Bo Bo" as she points to an oowie

08-17-08 Says, "Jesus" and "Love You" (Each night I tell her Jesus loves her and she just gazes up at me and listens. This day, I told her Jesus loves her and asked her if she could say it. She did! Then I sat her down and let her watch a Jesus animated DVD and showed her who he was)

Eight O'Clock Sharp

Today the alarm woke Alexis up at 8 a.m. sharp. We begin this week, rising and shining early rather than later; as we've done for the past 6 years. Our lives will be changed f-o-r-e-v-e-r as Alexis starts school next Monday. We are all geared up! We beat the "tax free" weekend rush and got all of our shopping done early. Did I mention how much fun it was shopping with my girls!? It brought back childhood memories for me as Alexis tried on all of her new clothes. She completed the new look with her new shoes and backpack. It's funny how our children show us to ourselves. I really feel like I'm OK with Alexis starting school since she attended Mother's Day Out. I find myself getting choked up at times when I allow myself to thinking about it; especially as that 1st day nears. I've done really well not to shed a tear. But, when that 1st day arrives there may be crocodile tears. We have several activities planned this week, so hopefully it will keep my mind off of it.

I Hired My Own Personal Shopper

Yesterday my personal shopper emailed me pics of a shirt she stumbled upon and she just knew I was going to love it. This is what she does for me every time she finds a sassy shirt or outfit and the price is within reason. I actually have two personal shoppers who keep their eye out for me. Both of these two shoppers are known as STYLE DIVAS for sure! See the pics below that feature a black shirt being modeled for me, by my very own personal shopper, so that I can see it before I receive it.

In Therapy

So, I got all excited about taking Alexis school shopping since she will be starting kindergarten this year. Needless to say, the past few weeks have been crazy busy with all of this retail therapy going on. I've really been trying to get ahead start purchasing her school supplies and not get caught up in the school rush! I've also had to plan all of our shopping adventures around Alexis' schedule! Imagine That! So, we headed to Wal-Mart today after 1st making a visit to The Children's Museum to get car seats installed correctly and grabbed a quick bite to eat at Sonic. I was amazed that we spent $70, not including a few of the items I could not locate. I feel sorry for those of you who have more than one child to equip for school this year. My mom swears, what I spent was equivalent to what they paid for school supplies when we were in school. The only difference was, she had 5 kids to buy for! After stocking up on school supplies, I took Alexis to gymnastics and then we found ourselves at the new Target which just opened down the street from our house. Yep! You got it........more Retail Therapy. Two and a half hours later we made our way back home! I'm still thinking about the rest of the shopping I still need to do before that 1st day arrives. Did I mention how much fun it is shopping for a girl! Looooove It..................

Look What I Can Do!

P-O-S-T

I asked Alexis if she would like to go (U-P), (U-P) as I spelled out the words instead of verbally saying it; so Londyn would not hear. I wanted to make sure Alexis was wanting to go upstairs to their playroom before I let Londyn in on it. If Alexis didn't want to go, I did not want Londyn to of already gotten it in her mind to start heading up the stairs as she loooooves that p-l-a-y-r-o-o-m. (U-P), (U-P) is what we say as we ascend up the stairs and (d-o-w-n), (d-o-w-n) is what we say when we descend. This is how I have taught both of my girls the meaning of the words (UP & DOWN). Alexis non·cha·lant-ly replied, "I want to go (E-Y-N-G-H)." She was honestly believing that she was spelling out what she had just said. I asked her, "What does that mean?" She said, "That means, I'm going outside!"

She Wasn't Invited

Alexis and I met up with her best friend, Emily Glosson on Saturday at the movie theater. Emily's mom and old sister Shelby were waiting for our arrival. As we approached and greeted them, I had suddenly forgot that Emily had an older sister named Shelby who is 7. Shelby was standing there just as sweet as can be. I asked, Lou Ann; their mom, if Shelby would like to go to the movies with us? This brought me back to a time in my childhood, remembering how I wish I could go somewhere my older sister was going. Thinking about ALL the fun my sister was going to have, but not me! Lou Ann said they were going to get lunch somewhere, but asked Shelby if she would like to go since Mrs. Amber was inviting her. She looked up at her mom with those precious eyes and a tilted chin and said, "Is it OK if I go to the movies with them?" As Shelby sat next to me in the theater enjoying the kids meal I treated them to, she looked up at me and said, "thanks for letting me come to." My heart just melted as my entire body filled with goose bumps........her heart was smiling and I could feel it!

**UPDATE** Boy Did This HURT!

Well, I received a really nice comment from an anonymous person wanting to know if I was a journalist. He really liked the way I captured the story below and liked my style of writing; Very Direct & To The Point. It appears that Alexis's wound is healing quite nicely. Craig kept insisting it was, as he would know from all of his years playing baseball. My sis, Harmony works for a doctor and he explained the healing process. Everything he stated was exactly what was transpiring with the healing of Alexis's wound. I didn't mean for anyone to feel sorry about what happened. We all know kids will be kids and they're always proving how resilient they really are. "I" had a hard time looking at what looked liked raw hamburger meat that was oozing and all!

Alexis was letting her cousin, little John, try out her battery operated, RED Ford Mustang. She was planning on taking a ride on the back spoiler as he took a test drive. John then put the car in motion, full blast! Alexis felt the jerk and could foresee herself headed for an impending fall. On her way down, she flipped her body over on her tummy and grabbed on tightly to the back spoiler and braced herself for the ride of her life. This is the after effects of the ride or what I call road rash! I've been doctoring it for a week and I'm not quite sure it's healing correctly. I haven't seen this type of injury for many, many years. I will keep a close eye on it and we may have to visit the doctor to make sure she doesn't have an infection that needs antibiotics or something.