Thursday Thirteen

Haven't done one of these in a bit so hows about it...

1. Today was great...warmer weather after our cold snap the past week or 2. The boys even got to play outside this afternoon!

2. I saw some progress at the gym today and let me tell you that is an AWESOME feeling...I am loving it. Today makes day 5 and to see progress already is a great motivator!...I skipped yesterday since I am a doof and managed to hurt my neck.

3. I am seriously pumped about doing this marathon....I am not expecting to do fabulous but I won't be last...but I will at least try it. Seriously I have always wanted to so I am stoked...and stoked that I am enjoying working out so much!

4. The Puppy girl is making me nuts...yesterday she thought it would be splendid to chew up another puzzle piece..and sometime in the past week she thought chewing on our COFFEE TABLE would really make me a happy camper...um no.

5. The pee on the bathroom floor has got to stop happening...anyone know any tricks for that because some people might not be able to pee anymore if it doesn't stop

6. Boy1 is doing some fantastic reading lately and I am so flipping proud of him, it's so awesome to see him doing so great. Tomorrow he is getting 2 awards at school...one for being just overall coolness (not really but basically just for being good etc etc) and the other is his 3rd "Super Reader" award. He's doing great.

7. I cannot believe Boy2 starts kinder in just 7 months, that is CrAZy. I just can't picture him being in school yet...but I was the same way with Boy1. He will do great, I need to pick back up working with him on things because he asked me yet again last night to help teach him to read...seriously he's ASKING me to...get on it already Mom!

8. I am in a photog funk lately, I have barely even touched my camera in weeks...don't know what is up with that. I need to get my groove back...maybe just admitting it will help?

9. THEman is freezing his ass off in Minnesota this week...sucks for him eh?

10. Boy3 is seriously sweet lately and giving some flipping amazing hugs...big tight squeezes around my neck it's rockin...especially from his stinker butt.

11. I totally lost my cool with the kidlets last night....and Boy1 told me today that my sorry that I said was the best one ever...is that a good thing or a bad? LOL

12. I am 97% sure we are done with the kid thing...in fact I have been selling off baby gear lately. The older Boy3 gets the easier it gets and the more I just don't want to start over...of course next week I may be singing a new tune...as I tend to flip flop however this time I have felt this way for a while now.

13. I think they are all finally asleep!

Fiery Place

A month or so ago Boy1 informed me that if you were bad you would go to a "fiery place"...nice. I asked him where he heard that as it certainly wasn't from me--not to get into a religious post here but that's not my line of thinking--and he said a kid on the bus told him that. Ok so I explained it all to him and different beliefs people have etc. He's not sure what he thinks about the subject I don't think but I try very hard to let him get his feel for it on his own and leave my opinions out of it. However I am pretty sure poor Boy3 might be in the runnings for the fiery place after his word slippage today at his church preschool. So we are in the bathroom washing his hands and I tell him to stop with the soap because he's getting it all over the dispenser...he pulls his hand back looks at it and yells "Awww, DAMNIT!" I hush him and tell him not to say that although I know he's not sure what he shouldn't say...then it occurs to me that we are like in a CHURCH building. Wonderful. Way.to.go.kid. I think we should work on that, just maybe.

So I was on my way to the gym after dropping the boys off at preschool and am chit chatting on the phone (I know, I know...driver negligence) and out of my peripherals I see what I think is a weird looking dog bee-lining for the road. I freak, yell slam on the brakes and realize it's a red dog...fluffy tail with a white tip, small, pointy nose. Holy crap it's a FOX. Seriously the thing was freaking out...saw the road, probably it's life before it's eyes, spun a circle, and ran back the way it came...which for the record was next to someones house. What in the hell is a FOX doing running around like that....who knew we even had fox's around here...seriously I didn't. And who the hell almost hits one?! Are you kidding me. So weird things I have almost hit or have hit...tally 3. A horse (yes I almost hit a horse...and yes it was IN the road), I nailed a poor duck....looking like someone ripped open a feather pillow...that was messy, and now almost hit a fox. Serious oddness.

Pictures Galore...

Not too much to say...but much to share...a bit from the past month or so...I will narate for ya when necessary...

These are completely out of order but no way am I taking the time to rearrange them sorry...

Boy3 finishing his ceersul (aka cereal) and this technique he did not learn from me!


Karate Kids...they are both loving their karate classes



I love this face...he and I are starting to like each other again...I am so glad for that...he's been super Daddy's boy lately but is warming back up to me again...and I him LOL...

Boy1 in class thru the glass

Boy3's hit Xmas Present this year...I love the seriousness on his face..

I told him to stand like he was cool...this is what he gave me, I am seriously loving his hair right now...

These are all from our overnight excursion to Chattanooga...

To explain this one...somehow we ended up rolling them up in these little things on the foot of the bed and then learning that we could sling it up quickly and it would toss them out quickly...they (er We) thought it was hysterical and we spent a good 45 min doing this on the beds LOL....

I love this face...

Nemo fish!

Boy3 trying to run in out of the rain...

In the summer this is full of water...

and that's all....toldya it was a lot!

Hold the phone...

Don't be shocked but I...are you ready for this??....joined a gym today...not kidding, dead serious....and even better I actually went and did stuff. And more than that I have "agreed" to like do the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in April...um yeah this shall be interesting. haha
Me and like exercise have never really mingled much at all...like once or twice. The extra poundage and the no stamina thing are not working for me. When the hubs and I went to SF back in July...or was it June?...either way yeah we went "hiking"...the trails had inclines and I felt like I was going go to die. Not cool....really NOT cool. And this was the "moderate" trail...and my husband was trucking along like no big thing while I nearly pass out. Right so took me a bit to get around to it finally but I am motivated...hopefully. We'll see how it goes!
I did a little over 2 miles running/fast walking on the treadmill and could have kept going so it's a start...granted when I stepped off I felt like my legs might buckle and wasn't sure if they were actually what was carrying me around.
THEman should be home in a bit, YAY!!!

Whew...

First off it's cold as....well as cold as it gets here in good ole Tennessee....so it's cold...like so cold schools are closed. Seriously they are closing schools for the COLD, that's just nuts but whatever, means I get a FOUR day weekend of no getting up at 6:00, actually I will still get up at 6:00 but instead of running around packing lunch, making breakfast, and making sure Boy1 is up and moving I get to stumble in slap some dry cereal in a bowl, dump some milk in cups and we are in business for cartoons and TV for a good 30 minutes longer. Ahhh sleeping in woohoo.
Something is up with yours truly I am thinking because I am flat out worn out lately. (for those wondering the PG thing is not the case and I am thinking won't be the case--by choice) So me being worn out what is up with that....I get it like people are tired not enough sleep blah blah but that is usually not the case with me. The past 2 nights it's been lights out at 10:30 for me...that's a "good" 7 1/2 hours of sleep...not too shabby really. But I am not too keen on this feeling like I haven't slept in days thing...it's doesn't work well for me. I am hoping some good ole exercise will help but of course it may just make matters worse before it makes it better....but I'll keep truckin'.
Hmmm I had other things to ramble on about but I am distracted IM'ing with THEman so I will stop here Peace out homeys.

Just a thought...

It's probably counterproductive to eat a Oatmeal cream pie after a brief "work out". I could be wrong on that....but I couldn't help it...There I was doing what I have said I was going to do for 153 days (it keeps count) on the Wii Fit....I even put on my new "work out clothes"...right so doing my thing and I glance down and what has appeared from some hidden spot on the floor but a perfectly square clear plastic wrapper...I look again and think oh a Little Debbie wrapper...Mmm an oatmeal cream pie would top this off nicely. So I had a goal LOL. Now I must hurry and leave before I have another....I seriously forgot they were here, hidden from the kids on top of the fridge. Damn that wrapper...and damn the IL's for thinking it would be super duper HILARIOUS to give the kids 3 BOXES of them for Christmas....hardy har...just because we all snag one when we come to your house (because I don't buy them here--I have no self control when it comes to these things) doesn't mean we need enough to last 3 months...of course now that I have remembered where THEman hid them they will probably be gone in 3 days. Damn it to hell. Oh well at least this time I ate one AND worked out right??

MIA...

I am still alive...haven't gone this long without a post in a while I think. We have been busy lately. The past 3 nights we've pretended we were 21 again....and um yeah we aren't and it's caught up with us today...ogeesh. THEman leaves for Canada tomorrow...he's been home for going on 6 weeks now so we are bummed he's leaving. Anyway just a quick hi since it's a been a bit....we are getting ready to watch a movie so we can go to bed EARLY! The kids are in bed already and so need a good nights rest as do we.

Pictures don't lie...

I've said he was tiny.....

At first glance I didn't see anything odd with this picture however I looked again and THEman and I were near tears laughing at the midget boy. Seriously it looks like boy1 could just snag him up and carry up on his back.

A year in review...

For as long as I can remember I have always written (or now typed) a "year in review" of sorts...and this year is no different. Let's see if I can get a start on it, my first thought is to say check back tomorrow...but we'll give it a go and see how far I can get.
Let's see....my problem is that I am not real sure where to start.
Where were we a year ago...January 2008...I was just at that point beginning my official go at "Lilac Hill Photography" over this past year I have had some awesome sessions with some awesome families and have grown a great deal as a photographer...I cannot wait to see how 2009 goes both as a business and as a photographer overall. It's a constant non-stop learning process and I hope to grow even further this year.
THEman was starting his 2nd year with his fabulous company while we hate to have him gone, I love the opportunities he gets...and I am seriously jealous of the traveling he gets to do. His traveling has lots of perks for us as a family though...perks I am sure I will be devasted to loose if he chooses to change jobs. It's allowed us several mini vacations that we otherwise wouldn't have had.
Boy1 finished up his first year of elementary school and did wonderful, he turned 6, played 2 seasons of baseball...neither of which he enjoyed all that much both of which he stuck with and managed a bit of fun. He began piano lessons (did I mention he played Jingle Bells for everyone at Christmas?), karate lessons, swim lessons...all kinds of activities (don't worry not all at once!). He has started 1st grade, had some difficulties adjusting and has rocketed right back to where I know he can be. He is changing from a little boy to a boy....complete with eye rolling, back talking, and sweetness.
Boy2 began his very last year of preschool. He managed the year with out stitches, casts, or hospital stays (Thank god!) He has learned to do things on his own that surprise me daily...writing his name, his address, phone number, etc etc. He has begun to learn to ride his bike without training wheels. He can swim kinda like a fish (well a 4 year old fish with legs) and has no fear of the water. He too played 2 seasons of baseball and got over his serious shyness with it, he still wouldn't talk much but he at least ran the bases and hit without daddy with him. We discovered he's a pretty good switch hitter as well! He is slowly overcoming his shy gruntiness he has with people and I hope that over this year he will come out of that even more.
Boy3 wow, he was only 19 months when this year began, he is now a sassy opinionated 2 1/2 year old. He is completely potty trained--even at nights! He sings songs and dances. He has zero problem talking to most people. And despite his naughty tendencies he really can be a very good boy, especially when it's just him and I. And while I hesitate to call him "sweet" the past month or so he has been just that....last night as we laid in the bed at the hotel he just sang and sang he would roll over and snuggle with me, give me kisses or just pat my head. Serious sweetness. He began his first year of preschool...with much hesitation but now for the most part is anxious to go and have fun with his "fends". He has his "best fen Evy"...who he does more fighting with than playing but they sure are excited to see or talk to each other.
We managed to sneak down to Florida for a couple days over the summer and the boys are like their ma and love the beach and we are all crazy anxious to get back down there...like asap.
We gained a new fur animal who drives us nuts but is oh so cute that we can't help but love her. We've painted and updated things in the house slowly but surely...well somewhat surely. Well so many things I suppose I could go on about. Basically we've had a purty good year...I hope 2009 is even more but if not I am ok with that too. Beggar's can't be greedy right? We've grown and matured in ways that only time can achieve. I hope we continue to do so both as a family and as a couple as well as individually.

You like that?

That perfect on the dot "HAPPY NEW YEAR" Yes yours truly figured out how to schedule a post...no I wasn't sitting here all alone waiting for the moment to hit just so I could post it on my blog...while I do love it and all...not quite that much LOL. We actually managed a little get together at su casa de beas...first time since we have been married we didn't ring in the new year on the couch with a kid in our lap. Which honestly I have always loved doing...I like being with them then probably because I dig New Years so much. We had a great time and it was nice to visit with everyone. THEman is now ready to start a boy band with his new pal and the neighbors think he should go on tour with his guitar and harmonica in tow. HEHE. He is actually behind me now trying to learn a new song...I think I personally should stick with Guitar Hero, and I suck at that...but dang it's fun. It's my way to pretend I have an ounce of musical ability...because I don't. I can carry a rhythm for about 2 seconds before some part of me starts thinking about it too much and it's gone. But tis ok I will live thru my video game and be the rockstar I know I can be...
We have had a great year so far...We spent yesterday day driving around enjoying the TN countryside and then headed to my grandfathers for the rest of the afternoon. I beat my dad and THEman at Scrabble...again! Go me. Today we are just hanging out, it's sunny and pretty and we know I love sunny and pretty so I am happy to see it! The house is clean, the Christmas decorations are long gone, and we are ready for the rest of winter to roll on by.
I am already anxious for summer...tank tops, cute dresses, and flip flops. Green grass and leaves on the trees....got a while to go for that....I can wait. :)

........and.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Welcome 2009

Last day

Of the YEAR. New Years is one of my favorite holidays...ranks in at 3rd after Xmas and my birfday (yes that IS a holiday). We rarely do much exciting but I just love starting a new year just something about it I dunno....
We haven't done much today either. We went to playgroup for the better part of the day which was nice despite the bickering and fighting that commenced over one meesily little car...geesh. It's always nice to kick it with the other ma's while the kids trash someone elses house. And I know THEman enjoyed his day to himself.
This year we are actually having a few friends over to help us ring in the new year....the kids are going across the street with the sitter and we are staying here...it will be nice...I am sure of it. They are there we are here and no driving to get them...good times!
Hmm....what else to say...really this was just to help get me closer to 200....I shouldn't be sitting here doing this but should be picking up a few things and getting the boys dinner and a bath....buutttt yeah. I should do that now. Check ya in '09!

Just call me Martha...

So I have had this post thought out since um like 2 weeks ago when I made these little gifts up....but had too many other things I wanted to run off at the mouth about that I never actually got around to it.

Right anyway...I made teacher gifts this year...well I shouldn't say made persay...I purchased items and put it together. That's the extent of my creativity...which was actually stolen from a fellow blogger....so no Martha but it sounded nice right?

Here are some pics of my awesome conconcoction...

1 is wrapped in celophane...I hadn't done the others yet...each has a votive candle in a jar, 2 cookies, a biscotti, ornament and hot chocolate.

197 down 3 to go...

Until I hit my 200th post....maybe I can get it done before 2009 so we hit an even 200 for the new year. We shall see.

Boy1 just came in a few minutes ago crying and obviously having a night terror. He started having these aroung 2 and until I read up on it, they completely freaked me out. He would be crying and trembling and obviously very upset and scared about something...but wouldn't speak. He still does the same things and we know now what they are. He has pretty classic symptoms and I have just about with 97% confidence attributed it to getting over tired. Today just reaffirms my thinking on the cause...poor kid is EXHAUSTED. They have stayed up much too late and gotten up much too early many nights this week. His mood and attitude have been crap so we are hoping a good nights rest will do the trick. Again we shall see. I hope this isn't a taste of the next 12 years...I may go grey after all.

THEman and I have been on a cleaning and organizing frenzy the past few days. Many have heard me rant and rave and just overall bitch about the lack of storage space in our house. We have about 2200sq feet and NO closets other than the small ones in the bedrooms...no attic space...and a small 2 car garage. It's nuts....my office room doesn't even have a closet. Needless to say it's very frustrating like we don't even have a place to put our vaccuum, it's that bad. Whomever designed this house has obviously never lived in one...or wait what's the typical...was a MAN. A woman would never do this haha. So we have been on a mission to find the best ways to hide the junk...thank god for bins and boxes!

Boy2's 5th birthday is fast approaching....I actually called 2 places today about his birthday party. Every year after Christmas I realize how quick his birthday is and start scrambling around to figure it all out. This may be his last "big" birthday party so we need to come up with something fun for him! I am thinking about ditching the "big" party's at 5...it gets a bit nuts having so many so close together. (Feb 12, March 20, May 2)

Boy3 is on week 2 of no pull-ups at all- he's been just wearing them at night for several months now- I am super impressed with him. He had an accident 2 nights ago but I can handle that here and there, esp for a 2 1/2 year old...he's doing darn good. As I have been going thru toys and things I am realizing we are completely out of the baby stage. He's 2 but thinks he's 4--or 12 so all things baby he is all but offended by so they are out. It's a odd feeling really. Welcome but strange.

I am getting ready to go "jam" with THEman on Guitar Hero...um I am addicted yes. We stayed up til 2am last night playing LOL.

OH here are a few "Xmassy" photos...none from the day of because I haven't loaded those up yet sorry!

Ok this isn't Christmas just a warm day shot... THEman made a kickball "court" in the street and played ball with them...

Gingerbread house making...

Us with Santa...yes Boy2 is pissed I made him sit in his lap...

Where's waldo...Boy2 and Boy3 are in this shot as well as tons of balding and curly heads...Boy2 is 2nd row down yellow shirt and I think he's waving at me on the left. Boy3 and the lightbulb head in the navy striped sweater on the very end on the right. THey were cute trust me.

And you see boy1 in the middle...he should get a A in acting class for his rendition of "I am getting nothing for Christmas"...his pissed pouty face and crossed arms was spot on, for real it was.

Exhausted anyone?

Wow was that quick or what? Our tree is down and everything is put away...Christmas has come and gone so quickly that I am thinking maybe it didn't actually come this year, because it was a blur. The new toys and empty boxes prove otherwise but the damage was small this year so we aren't feeling the clutter maddness TOO terribly bad...or at least not as bad as it has been in the past. We managed to avoid going overboard this year and am quite proud of that...it's so easy to do that but we stayed level headed-ish and the kids got just the right amount. No breaking the bank and overly overly stimulated kids all is right.
Boy1 got his didj he's been talking about for months (his big gift), Boy2 got a new bike so he can hit the streets in style, and boy3 got a geotrax train set that he is quite infatuated with already. They were too cute this year...boy1 and 2 are completely into it and anxiously wait for Santa to come. Boy1 actually began asking when he could go to bed about 6pm on Christmas Eve so that Santa would come. Boy3 was super cute and shouted a couple "awesome!'s" when he opened gifts.
THEman and I of course did our gift exchanging with them...we never go too crazy for each other clothes and other little knick knacks the other wants. He did good this year with his selections too!
We are plum tuckered out today...I stayed up much too late again reading on Christmas night and we had to be up early to do Christmas with my mom. She was ever so kind and let the boys stay the night with her last night so THEman and I could go out with some friends. We had a blast...we went HERE and to see THEM.....very good. and then hit up some Guitar Hero World Tour with some peeps til the way too wee hours of the morning. Needless to say my eyes are puffy and my ears are ringing...does that mean I am getting old? When loud music starts effect me even after sleeping for a few hours? hehe.
The rugrats are out of school this next week and we may hit up Chat-town for a day or two this week or over the weekend. Or we may kick it home style for the week OR we may hit up some other nearby town with our awesomeness....the plan has yet to unfold...we shall see. I am hoping for a day or 2 away myself but I suppose that's not too surprising. My feet get antsy pretty quickly and I need a change of scenery pretty often. Plus the kids like the pool at the hotel hehe.