The best things are free!

Life has escaped my grip. I can remember a time when I swore I would never get too busy or make excuses or put off staying on top of blogging, updating pictures of the kids, making memory books and writing in the kids journals. I'm laughing at myself now for having such a foolish thought! Seriously... just thinking of organizing 7 years worth the accumulated pictures, moments and memories spread over three very active and funny kids pains me. (in a good way of course).

The cliff note version of life lately -

This past Saturday (2/19) Grace said the most amazing thing ever to me! We'd spent the day working in the yard, all 4 of us, planting flowers and playing around. When we were done that afternoon we swam for a bit then Todd and Cam went to pick up dinner for us. Grace and I were getting to bath and I was sitting on the side of the tub running the water and she walked up and put her arm around my waist and said "Momma, I'm glad I'm glad I'm your kid." Just like that, matter of factly with a hint of sweetness. My eyes watered up as I hugged her and told her that that was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. That moment is forever engrained in my soul. (Thank you, God, for that moment.)

Maddie is almost as big as me. I swear she's going to pass me up soon. Smart as can be. She's reading more and more these days. I love that she likes to read, it makes me feel like she has a little part of me in her. I bought her a really cool kid dictionary the other day and while that seems boring, it's actually a pretty cool book if you think about! (my thoughts will need to follow in a separate post or I'll get way too side tracked). Maddie is doing great at St. George and just got accepted to play city soccer. Watching her play this year was so fun, she's competitive yet so graceful. She scored the most goals in every game but never once was she boastful. I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever met a more rounded child that Maddie. Her heart is the size of the moon!

Cam is a walking, talking, climbing ball of fire. He's grown so quickly and he's so smart. He can count to 13 and say his ABC's and you'd better watch your every word because he can and he WILL repeat whatever you say! He climbs on everything. Thankfully I'm used to it now and he's sort of gotten over the newness of the whole idea because for a while there I had to keep all barstools and chairs picked up or he'd push and climb on everything. I gave him his first big haircut two weeks ago. His curls were out of control and getting really long and while I don't mind the shaggy look the front was a bit too long. I figured if Todd took him to the barber they'd cut his curls off and if anyone was doing that, for better or for worse, it was going to be me. I bathed him and washed his hair and sat in the leather chair watching TV and stood behind and just pulled and cut randomly while praying for the best! Thankfully for me, it came out pretty good but I did promise that that would be the last time I'd cut his hair. With his curls and big cheeks and animated personality, he does have direct access to my heart. It's funny how different it is with a boy. The mom/son relationship is so different, it's like we depend on each other for the exact opposite things creating the perfect balance.

The baptism, the family, the friends

Cameron was baptized Saturday. It was a beautiful day. He, as was the rest of my family, as beautiful as one can imagine. We had friends and family there to watch and support us. I felt like the luckiest person in the world. As father gathered us in the front, Uncle Ricky (Parain) held Cam with my sisters (Nanny Nic and Nanny Bran) right beside. Cameron watched Uncle Rick so contently the whole time. He didn't even move when the water was poured over his head. I was waiting for him to start laughing or "talking" because the sound of running water makes him scream with laughter but he was so peaceful and calm instead. For a brief moment, I looked around at all of our family watching, Aunt Terry was crying, mom was taking pictures (Thank Goodness for her) and dad was smiling from ear to ear.
As I listened to Father speak, I realized how truly important that day was, how much it meant. I'm not a religious person although I very much believe in and worship God. It wasn't about that, at least not for me, it was about my promise, Todd's promise, the godparents promise to be there for Cameron, to teach him and raise in the eye's of God. I stood there moved by the words Father spoke, by his kindness and his sincere desire for my child to be brought up knowing God. I knew at that moment that I needed to do my part, I needed to make sure that even on the Sunday's that I don't really feel like getting myself dressed let alone 22 or 3 kids, I need to. And it doesn't matter whether we go to St. Pius, or East Bayou, it matters that we go, as a family, and that we live it.
I used to "watch my mouth" when speaking about God depending on the audience but not so much anymore. I have had some truly amazing things happen in my life since opening my heart to him, not religion, but to God. I am not as judgmental about religion anymore, or about people, or about "things." I'm far from perfect but at least I am better at catching myself now. And I don't think so much coincidence anymore as I do blessing. My life has been enriched by so many people, sometimes I want to shout to the world, or even shake a person to get them to pray.
Speaking of prayer. Grace often says she doesn't know how to pray. Again why Saturday was such an amazing day... I was younger and less mature and in tune to what my true role was a parent when we baptized Grace. We said our prayers at night, but I never really talked to her about God or about prayer. This is my opportunity not only to teach Cameron but to help Grace as well. We're all growing together.
I've rambled quite a bit but in the end, my point is that it was a beuatiful day. My family was there, all the people that mattered most. Madison was front and center, on the verge of bursting with excitement and anticipation of getting her hands on Cameron.
Johnny and Shannon, Aunt Rebakah, PawPaw Bill and Tessi, Nanny Bonnie and Uncle John, Tandy and Clay, Mawmaw Hatti and PawPaw Claude... they were there for Todd and I and for our family. There was no better feeling in the world. It's not like baptizms are fun, and they weren't expecting a catered meal or door prizes, they were simply there to show their love and support for our family.

Christmas 09

What a wonderful time of year! Family, great food, old friends, reflecting on a year of growth and most important... Baby Jesus' Birthday (as Grace and Todd say). Those first days of December brought on an overwhelming feeling of "Where do I begin?" I had to slow down and remind myself to enjoy this time and the season and the reason for it all. Although I'm usually finished Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving, this year I didn't even make my list until the second week in December. It all worked out though. I got to take a weekend trip with family to go shopping and spend some much needed family time. It's also Cameron's very first Christmas. This year has been so incredibly amazing on so many levels. Our girls are growing so fast. I can't remember if I blogged about this already but wanted to make sure I wrote it down so you may be reading this twice.

Grace's Christmas Wish List:
1. A real Dinosaur
2. A Treehouse "Like the one you have to climb a tree to get in"

Madison's Christmas Wish List:
1. Rudolph chapstick (or snowman if Santa runs out of Rudolph)
2. Hello Kitty Purse or anything Hello Kitty
3. Rudolph stuffed animal

Could we have two more differently programmed children? haha. These two crack me up to say the least.

Dad's Family
This year we did Christmas at Dad's. It was wonderful. We'd gone a few weeks earlier and me, the kids and Brandi decorated a tree Dad bought for us. We even put ribbon on the deer. The house looked great. It was the first Christmas we've had there since mom and dad seperated so it was really special for us. And although I think it may have been a little hard on Dad he was great and put on a happy face for us. All of the family was there. We passed out presents to the little kids and then played Dirty Santa. Aunt Mary made the best fudge and Christmas candy as usual and Aunt Paulette made an okra gumbo just for Todd for his birthday. Nicole and Meagan came and I was proud of them both. I'm sure Meg was a little uncomfortable at first but she did well. Eventually I gave her "Cameron Duty" so she wouldn't have to just stand there but all in all I think they had a good time too.

Mom's Family
We had Christmas at Aunt Kim and Uncle Russell's. This is always a great place for Christmas. ALL of the little kids love it there. Uncle Russ has a huge wooden swing that I swear can touch the top of the tree's and they have a smaller tree swing with a seat for the smaller kids. There's more yard then the kids can ask for and it's always pretty relaxed. I don't know how they do it, each year we add a new grandbaby to the family and soon even their yard won't be big enough for us, haha. I've always admired them for all they do and how involved they are. They really are good to all of us.

to be continued when kids aren't asking for 10 things :)

My day.

Amazing…

Today I took the girls shopping, they got to make a list for the people they wanted to buy gifts for then went and they got to pick presents for the people on their list. They were able to pick whatever they wanted. I only offered advice when they asked for it. It was amazing to watch and listen to the generosity Madison has in her. With each person she checked off, she added another name to the list. Grace, while in the shopping mood and happy about picking out presents, leaned more towards presents that could be shared with her . Shopping with a 4 year old and 5 year three days before Christmas offered a chance to laugh and plenty of opportunities to pull my hair out! I had to remind myself through clinched teeth to breathe and relax. They argued about who got to pick out presents first, which isle had better choices, who was going to check out first, who would open the car door first, etc… Grace was thirsty, Maddie was mad because Grace was taking too long and in the end, we made it to the car in one piece, everyone checked off the list. We stopped for ice cream afterward and few last minute gifts I needed to pick up. We came home and after 20 minutes of hiding in the guest bedroom, I had mustered enough sanity to emerge again for round two so we could wrap presents!
The presents were funny, they range from a whoopy cushion to a very funky diamond studded headband. The best part is the wrapping. Each got to pick their own wrapping paper and had their own tape dispenser. I pre-cut the paper and they went to town wrapping. Now they’re at Cart Ranch with Todd. The perfect ending to a very bumpy and fun day!

My second wonder… Cameron! Belly laughs and rolling around on the floor. That kid can make you smile even on the hardest of days. He’s like a small snowman or a jolly santa clause. You say “boo” and his face lights up like a Christmas tree. I put him to bed about 30 minutes ago. As I got up to lay him in his bed I couldn’t help but smother him with kisses and rub my lips on his soft, fuzzy hair. He’s grown so fast that I find myself staring at him in amazement. I still wake up and put my hand on his chest to make sure he’s breathing. He looks so much like Todd and Madison that it’s scary. He’s got dimples in his cheeks and right under his eyes when he smiles.

Turkey, Ham, Family and many THANKS!

We had an early Thanksgiving at Uncle Johnny and Aunt Shannon's. Uncle John, Leigh and Claire came too. My girls followed them around everywhere. Uncle John cooked gumbo that was better than any I've tasted. Maddie and Grace each had two bowls. The weather was perfect and Cameron was happy that there were no pumpkins at Aunt Shannon's! (last time we put him in a pumpkin for his 1st Halloween picture)

Thanksgiving Day: We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. All of the family came to visit, the kids played and painted Christmas ornaments. As usual Aunt Nancy's ham was to die for, Aunt Paulette's corn had me at hello, all of Aunt Mary's mississippi mud pie was gone within 5 minutes, Angie's sweet potato casserole was heaven sent for Todd.

There was a moment when I looked around at all of the kids running through the house, the women looking at Black Friday sale papers and the guys outside talking about the weather, hunting and only God knows what else... and my heart smiled. I'm grown up and I have an amazing life filled with the most amazing people. I have more to be thankful for than I could have ever hoped for!

Thanksgiving...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for three healthy children that can make even the worse day seem great with nothing but a smile, or a little drool or a big kiss - a wonderful husband who loves me the way that I am, who I still find sexy and who can still make a laugh - my parents for being a part of my life and for still believing in me - my sisters who teach me something new every and who still make me want to be a better person so that I can be a good role model - my friends for enriching my life beyond words as some of my cherished lessons were learned from them - my job - my home - for the best teacher a mom could ask for in her daughter's first year of big girl school - for books - for my prayer journal - for good wine and warm fires - for cajun chicken egg rolls from Bonefish - for the best co-workers a person could ask for - for freedom of speech and the right to choose my own religion - for Greys Anatomy - for comfortable sheets and plastic cups - for digital camera's and carseats!

Thanks for a good day!

Up at 6 a.m., put the cereal bowls out, picked up the blankets from the couch, started the dishwasher then off to wake the girls. Thankfully there was no fuss about waking up and only a small amount of arguing. Packed lunches, girls picked out their snacks and drinks and stuffed blankets into their backpacks. Off to dress myself and then kisses for everyone as we're off to start our day. Todd kissed me and lingered for a while, made me realize that I really miss him lately. Being pregnant has been a change for both of us.

Work presents a pretty good day, busy and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. I left the office for lunch today. Stopped at Albertson's to grab some fruit and stuff for the week for dinner. I decided to try a new recipe, Brown Sugar Chicken, it didnt take long to put together. It's a crock pot meal so I chopped and put it all together for lunch then sat down for a sandwich before heading back to the office.

Finished everything on my to-do list then off to pick up the girls from Camp. They had a GREAT day and didn't argue at all (according to them). We were supposed to have dinner with a friend but they wanted to swim so we postponed (good thing I put something cooking). Got home, fixed them some fresh fruit for snack, and now they're PLAYING, not fighting, in the pool. Hopefully they'll be nice and worn out and will go to bed early since we've got to get up and be at the school at 6:45 for the field trip.

Dinner smells great! I'll post the recipe because if it tastes half as good as it smells you'll want to try it!

I'm proud of what I accomplished today and of my mood in particular as I tried extra hard to practice patience and be nice. :)

Hope someone else had a good Monday too.