Extreme Makeover

BEFORE

AFTER

Travis thought Caiden needed a haircut. I mean, yeah he had a bit of a mullet, but come on! So I buzzed his little head and couldn't tell a difference. Can you?

Sickness and Soda

Travis is sick.... again. He keeps getting the same cold over and over and over, each time whining more and more and more. The other day I had Caiden screaming, Corgan whining and Travis coughing and complaining and I threw up my hands and said, "I'm surrounded by babies!!!!" Not nice, I know, but I was under duress.

Travis was wondering why the heck he keeps getting sick and I said he'd be healthier if he worked out. He pointed out that I'd be healthier if I quit drinking Diet Coke. Point taken.

Back on the Wagon

The other day the weather was nice enough to take the boys for a wagon ride! Caiden had a blast and Corgan was very sweet to his brother. Not like today. He was NOT nice today. The kid comes home from school, walks in the door and kicks Caiden. ARGH!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Corgan Dear!!!

We FINALLY celebrated Corgan's third birthday this past Friday at McDonalds. A lot of people didn't realize McDonalds still had birthday packages, but let me tell you! They do and it's super affordable!!!! I think I may do it for Caiden this year...

You know, I always wanted a birthday party at McDonalds. That was the "in" thing when I was in elementary school and all the cool kids had their parties at the local Micky D's. We'd wear our hats and drink our orange punch, jump into the ball pits and eat greasy fries and hamburgers. Sigh... I never did get a McDonalds birthday party. With a Dad in medical school and three older brothers and a sister we didn't have much (i.e. ANY) money for that sort of thing. Sniff. Don't you feel sorry for me? Isn't your heart just breaking?

Anyway, enough about my poor white trash childhood void of birthday parties and Happy Meal toys.

We had a great turn out at the party, but my camera totally stinks and I didn't get many pics before the battery gave up the ghost.

This is a great shot to hold on to and show his prom date:

Tammie and the boys were able to be there, as well as the all important NANA.

I LOVED how the hat made Corgan's ears stick out... Made him look a bit like someone else I know....

2008!!!

Holy freak! Is it seriously already the new year?! I'm kinda freaking. I did horribly with my new year's resolutions. We won't even go there. Just didn't happen. Anyway, it's time to make some new ones to break...

1. Stress less. I am super duper hard on myself and I need to just get over it. It doesn't matter that I have dimples on my butt (I know, great visual there) or grey hairs. In the long run, those things just don't matter.

2. Take Yoga once a week. I need the relaxation and the stretching. Already I'm sucking at this resolution since we've had two weeks in the year and I have YET to take yoga.

3. Blog more. Once again, not doing too hot on this one. But I'll try. I promise...

4. Work out more. Just kidding. HA!!!!

5. Get a makeover. Right now I roll out of bed, slap a hat on my head to hide the perma hair flu thing I have going on, pull a wrinkled t-shirt out of the dresser and pull on my most comfy pants that are way too big that I keep having to hike up to prevent a full moon. I haven't plucked my brows since before Caiden was born. Definitely need a major overhaul.

6. Be a nicer mommy and wife.

7. Read my scriptures and go to church regularly. I've been slacking...

8. Actually keep my resolutions...

Ten Months Old

Caiden turned 10 months old on December 23rd!!! He is such a big boy. He is taking steps, standing independently, playing peekaboo and clapping his little hands. I think the sound of a baby's hands clapping has to be one of the sweetest things in the world! Caiden LOVES to dance and sing, pester his brother and drool. He has SEVEN chompers and likes to use them at will. I'm a bit concerned because he is not eating solids very well. He is just not interested! I don't know what the deal is. I guess he just prefers nursing!

Chrissy took these pictures and they just make my heart melt....

Corgan's First Day of School!!!

Corgan started his first day of school on Thursday at the Regional Day School for the Deaf. His teacher and teacher aide are WONDERFUL and there are only five other kiddos in his class, so he gets PLENTY of attention! We were rushing to get him to school on Thursday, had the camera all charged up, his backpack ready and then could only find ONE hearing aid. Sheesh. Then, as he's walking up the sidewalk to the school with his cars backpack on I tried to get his picture, turned the camera on and had no memory card in the stinking thing. GRRR!!!! But, luckily Ms. Ray took plenty of pictures for us. She rocks!

The Cole Family Four!!! Caiden is jealous...

Eating his breakfast.

Playing house with Sam. He didn't take his coat off all day. Weird.

Sheesh.

Do you ever have one of those days. You know what I mean. A day where you want to just crawl back into bed, throw a blanket over your head and sleep until tomorrow? I had one of those days this week...

The boys and I had to leave the house because someone was going to come a scrape the fur off my toilets and hose down the showers for me since I can never find the time (I think I refuse to find the time) to clean my house myself. Anyway, we got out of the house before Travis and went to Whataburger for breakfast. I hadn't been there in a while, and I must say they have the best Diet Coke. Mmmm....

Anyway, the boys and I had a lovely breakfast and I had a ton of soda so by the end of our meal I reallllllly had to go potty. I mean, I was dancing in the seat. So I grab Caiden, grab our sodas, and haul butt into the bathroom with Corgan by my side. Well, apparently they had JUST mopped the floors (and failed to put a wet floor sign up) and I totally biffed it. I mean drinks flew everywhere, I nearly dropped Caiden on his head, slammed my knee and just about peed my pants. Caiden's freaking out because his butt is now dripping wet with Diet Coke and I'm limping into the stall so I don't make an even bigger fool of myself. Corgan is saying, "Oh, Mommy. Are you ok? I'm so sorry! You ok? Mommy?" I'm shouting out of the stall, "Yeah. Fine. Just fine." I finish my business and come out of the stall to find Corgan on his knees with a tiny paper towel trying to clean up the ginormous mess. He's saying, "I'm sorry mommy. I clean up." Too sweet!!

We hobble out of the restroom (which honestly wasn't exactly "rest"ful) and I tell the cashier about our incident. When we were leaving Corgan went back to the bathroom and said, "Clean up! Clean up the spill!"

"No, we don't need to clean it up honey. Someone else will take care of it."

Concerned look. "But, we need to clean up. Everybody do their share!"

"Honey. No. We need to get in the car. Someone else will clean up the mess."

He was so cute! He really wanted to go back in there and clean up our mess. Of course, at home he throws things all over and won't clean up, but whatever.

After wasting HOURS around town I come home, open the door and do not smell the clean smell I was expecting to smell. My toilets were still fuzzy and my shower still dirty. Travis had apparently locked the safety latch on our door so the housekeeper couldn't enter. So, my house is still unsanitary since she can't come for another week and a half. I guess I'll have to get the chisel out and go at it myself. Grrrrrr....

Later that day I slice my hand open with a can and then while the Verizon guy is at our house, I squat down to pick up Caiden and hear this, "rrrrrrrrrip!" Totally ripped the butt out of my pants.

Seriously? Can I start over, please? And maybe I should consider cutting back on those Cowboy Cookies. Can't afford to rip the butt out of anymore pants. Besides, it's kinda embarrassing.

THREE years old!!!!

My son has turned three.... I can't believe how fast time has flown!!! Here he is on that cold Christmas Day in 2004 when he made his grand entrance into the world: His first birthday! He looooooved his cake! Obviously.
Second Birthday!!! Notice daddy's hand on the chair. I had to cut him out of this picture cause he looked like he'd been smoking some reefer or something. Seriously. The dude takes baaaad pictures.

His third birthday picture! My sister got a fabulous shot of him with his new watch. She aptly titled it: "Why yes! I DO have the time!"

When I was putting these pictures together I must admit I got a bit teary eyed. It is so hard for me to believe three years have flown by. Sniff.

Milestones

Sigh. Today was a hard day for me. Corgan has had ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) coming out to work with him two to three times a week for the last two and a half years and today was his last visit. ECI is for little ones birth to three and he turns three a week from today. His speech therapist (Julie) and developmental specialist (Chelle) came out together today and we had a little party for him. It was really special for me because Julie and Chelle were talking about some of the great things they'll remember about Corgan. Like how he used to be obsessed with drawing balloons, and how he used to pretend to faint. At the end of the visit I bawled. It was really hard for me. I know Corgan doesn't understand, and he may not ever remember these visits, but these women played such a major role in his life and development. Without them, I know that Corgan wouldn't be doing as well as he is. He definitely wouldn't be ready for school. I hope they know just how much they've meant to my little family. Corgan will miss running to the door to see if Julie's here and Chelle's fun games. I know I will.

From the mouths of children...

I have a huge zit in the center of my forehead. Lovely. And you know how it is when you get zits, you can't stop messing with them. It was just this tiny little bump, and I had to pick at it and squeeze and pick and poke and now it's this huge sore red screaming bump. I've worn a hat all day, it's that bad.

Anyway, so Corgan looks at me this evening, gets a really sympathetic look on his face and says, "Oh Mommy. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry you're sick."

"Huh?"

He points to his forehead, right where my lovely extra head is."I'm sorry you're sick. Ohhh, poor Mommy."

Little fart.

Playgroup Hotties

 

(top row left to right)Portia, Liz, Amy, Shannon and Christina
(bottom row left to right)Lara, Kelly, Marie and Jenni

I have such great buds!!! My playgroup meets every Monday morning and has been for almost two years. It all began with gymboree! We have so much fun together! We're so sad because Marie is moving to Austin after the first of the year. She really will be missed!!!!

Blessings....

I just love this time of year. I was driving in my car, listening to some cheesy Christmas songs on the radio, feeling the bite of cold in the air and looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights when I felt a bit teary. I am so blessed. I have a loving husband, two amazing children, awesome friends, a warm home and a loving family. All too often I compare myself to others and find myself lacking. My home isn't decorated as nicely, or my car is a piece of crap, or I don't have stylish clothes. But you know what? Who the heck cares? In the grand scheme of things, that stuff really doesn't matter. So, when I'm feeling sorry for myself, I'm going to pull up these pictures....




... and count my blessings.

Nine Months Old...

I don't know why this picture is so tiny. But here are his stats...

Head - 60%

Length - 50%

Weight - 5%

Yes, FIVE percent. My child is anorexic or something. I'm beginning to have a complex about the whole thing. I think he's just so busy that his metabolism rivals that of a hummingbird, but the pediatrician isn't inclined to agree with me on that. So, I've been trying to increase my milk supply and am working on fattening him up...

NEW SKILLS...

- Cruising! He walks along alllllll of the furniture. Sometimes not so successfully. So he's sporting some really cool bruises.

- Says "daddy" The little toot.

- Claps his hands.

- Five teeth. Yes. FIVE. Trust me, I know. They hurt.

- When playing with cars, he goes, "Vroooooooom." Tooooo cute!

IDIOSYNCRASIES...

- Has a favorite toy. It's "Molar Man." Yes, it is as weird as it sounds.

- Hates shoes.

Busy busy busy times....

I'm a total slacker, I know. You have all been DYING to know what the heck has been going on in my little world and I have failed you all.... So here are some highlights and lowlights of the past month or so...

* We went and saw the SMASHING PUMPKINS! This is a HUGE deal for us, seeing as our son was named for Billy Corgan, the lead singer. They played a ton of old stuff and we had a great time. I did realize that I'm getting too old (or maybe it's too mature?) for rock concerts. The smell of weed gave me a huge headache, it was too loud and we had to leave early because my milk let down. But, all in all, it was a blast! I still have a bit of a thing for Billy, and Jimmy Chamberlain wasn't lookin too shabby either. It's all fair, since Travis and I agreed that the bass player was one hot chick.

* My grandma and stepgrandfather moved across the street from mom and dad. It was a sad moment for all. Enough said.

* We had a great time in Lubbock for Thanksgiving. The drive there AND back sucked. Like I said, I'm cursed. It snowed/rained the ENTIRE way home from Lubbock. Sheesh.

* Caiden is NINE months old and in just a little over two weeks, Corgan will turn THREE!!!! Pictures to follow soon.... If Chrissy will send them to me. ;)

And of course, the usual teaching and parenting and cleaning and driving and sleeping and eating and wiping of butts. What would life be without the wiping of butts?

Happy Holidays!!!

For the holidays we decided to really get into the spirit of things and as a family made this little video. I think we may be ready for Dancing with the Stars. Whaddya think?

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1161116817

Tales of the Cursed Traveler... (part one)

I am cursed. Any time I travel, STRANGE things happen. Places that were plagued with drought are suddenly riddled with thunderstorms and tornadoes. A blizzard hits West Texas where the day before it was 72 degrees. Traffic jams of epic proportions have us stuck in traffic miles long. Like I said, I'm cursed.

Case in point. We have been planning a Thanksgiving trip to Lubbock to see Travis's family. We never get to see them because, let's face it. Traveling anywhere with two children is NOT a pleasant experience. But, we were going to suck it up and strap those bad boys in the car no matter how much they cried and drive into the sunset. Or the sunrise. Whatever.

Texas isn't exactly a winter wonderland. I think in all the years I've lived or visited here during the winter months, there have been three or four occasions over the holidays where we have had snow. Two of them have happened while driving to Lubbock. (I'll save that wonderful first snow experience for another post.) The forecast said a chance of snow, and I just knew that we were going to be snowed on. Now, flurries I can handle. But as we drove down I-20, freakin HUGE flakes were coming at us. I couldn't see where I was going. We pulled over and stopped at Walmart (the only place open on Thanksgiving Day) and the locals were saying, "Well I be. Ain't never snowed like this in Abilene b'fore. Wonder what in tarnation's goin on here."

I'll tell you what's going on. I, the Cursed Traveler, have come bringing blizzards and ice. Travis's dad said that the doppler radar showed a huge snow storm right over Abilene. Nowhere else. Just there. RIGHT WHERE WE WERE. Of course.

We ended up having to stay the night in Abilene and had our Thanksgiving Dinner at Whataburger. Fancy. It was LITERALLY the ONLY place open. Besides 7 Eleven. And I didn't feel like having cheesy stuffed breadsticks and a Slurpee for Dinner. We'll save that for Christmas.

Best of Friends

Happy (belated) Halloween!!!

So sweet!!!!!!

Sweet Cheeks...

Caiden loves suckers. He gets a bit sticky, but what a kodak moment!

You can see Caiden's two teeth before we rot them out with candy...

Caiden saying, "ma ma ma ma ma." He is a brilliant child. And sticky.