Spicy Magnolia

San Antonio Excursion

Slowly, ever so slowly we are emerging once again from the land of germs and sickness. Is it normal for a baby to be sick every 2-3 weeks? Because that’s what it feels like we’re averaging around here ever since November. Seriously, we have one or two good weeks and then bam! The germs get the better of us. Last Friday we headed to San Antonio to spend spring break with Pops and Meems when Brennan’s fever struck again. It eventually turned into a double ear infection and some slight wheezing. He was so potent, Pops and Meems are now on antibiotics as well and Matt is down for the count also. So far, I’ve been able to withstand the nasty virus, which is a very good thing. But I tell you what, I lean towards OCD tendencies, and all these bouts of sickness aren’t helping matters. Germ-o-phobe in the making!!

In addition to being sick, Brennan also has at least 6 new teeth coming in all at the same time! I kid you not, it feels and looks like his whole bottom row of teeth (except for the three front ones he already has) are breaking through. How the little boy has been able to be as happy and energetic as he has through the past week is beyond me. I would’ve declared myself entitled to days in bed, watching movies, and used it as an excuse to do nothing. But no, his energy level grows exponentially. 

Ok, before I move onto pics from San Antonio, there are several, no, make that many things, that I could include in a Not Me! post since the first one I wrote way back when. One took place last Thursday as I was cleaning out our bathroom cabinets. I have a little boy who loves to help me. He’s meticulous about where he places things, even putting things back in the same place he found them, or finding a special new place for them. He loves to help me vacuum and use the Swiffer on the floors. He simply wants to do anything I’m doing. But cleaning out the cabinets, well, it just needed to be done by me, myself and I. So what did I do? I found the most entertaining toy to occupy the boy. If you’re a male, I’m sorry. I really am. And Matt, I’m even more sorry to you. But it worked.

From the box to the sink. From the sink to the box. It bought me a good 20 minutes.

 

Besides Brennan not feeling so hot, we had a fabulous time in San Antonio where we were spoiled with lots of yummy food, lovies, breaks from taking care of the kiddo, and great outings. Here are some snippets from our time there. By the way, I’m trying to get back into taking a photo a day for “Project Life”, but the last month of battling illnesses has put a damper on it. I think you’d get tired of me taking pictures of things like Motrin, a thermometer, a diaper of diarrhea (ew, gross!), my pockets full of dirty Kleenex, etc… Yes, I’m being dramatic. <grin>

These are the non-tampon, male-friendly pictures from San Antonio:

Brennan and I drove down Friday morning and visited Meems at her school, getting to meet her kiddos and the other teachers who couldn’t get enough of Brennan. Meems made us a special dinner that night, eggplant parmesan, which Brennan devoured. He even helped tear the lettuce leaves for the salad, which was the best tasting, most special salad I’ve ever eaten.

At the end of February, my parents celebrated 33 years of marriage. That calls for a loud WHOOP! But because of you know what…sickness…we weren’t able to go down to San Antonio to do what we originally planned to celebrate. But we got to do it this past weekend. After my momma’s art class, we set up a surprise picnic with antipasto salad goodies and The Pioneer Woman’s blueberry cobbler. It was a gorgeous day!

 

No pictures from Saturday night, but hubby and I went out on a date!! We kissed outside on some steps underneath the stars, too. It was oh-so-lovely and romantic. <grin> Did that make you turn blush red, sweetie?

Sunday, we worked in the yard and Brennan helped Pops put rocks in a bucket that Pops and Meems are using to create a play space for Brennan in the backyard.

Monday, Meems took me and Brennan to the Witte Museum where they had an awesome dinosaur display on exhibit. Brennan was completely fascinated with the huge creatures that moved and made noise. At times, he just wanted to sit on the ground and stare. We also visited other parts of the museum that displayed the vast wildlife of Texas from snakes, to bears, to bison to birds. It was incredible.

  Sitting near a huge dinosaur print

 

Tuesday, we stayed home and snuggled because it was cooler and rainy, and it was obvious the boy wasn’t feeling too great. But he still was a happy camper who was absolutely enthralled with all of the puppies, throwing the ball constantly for Dapples, chasing Seymour, and patting Miss Elbee.

 

He also had a knack for putting things in special places. I’m sure Meems is still discovering his hiding places for remotes and hand cream.

Wednesday was our last full day in San Antonio. We played at an elementary school playground and then, based upon how the boy seemed, decided to take him to an urgent care facility. Since it was our last outing, we wanted to make it fun so we ate lunch at Grimaldi’s. Yum, Yum, Yum! The boy loves sausage pizza, so he had his own personal pizza and got his belly nice and full. We really were amazed at what a cute, good natured date he was despite a double ear infection!

We’re sorry that Pops and Meems are now sick, but we’re so grateful for all the lovies! Our time together was the perfect way to usher in spring, and we can’t wait to spend more time with them this summer!

Hoping ya’ll are nice and healthy and get to enjoy a special weekend with your loved ones!

Project Life: February 9-15, 2010

What a fun-filled week it was! It was a whirlwind and all the days seem to blend together, but these pictures will hopefully trigger at least some semblance of memory.

 

Tuesday, February 9

Brennan’s love for Molly keeps growing and growing! She’s his little playmate. He’s learning how to play tug of war with Molly’s pull-ball.

 

Wednesday, February 10

We went to a special four year old’s, Harrison’s, birthday party at Chuck E Cheese! It was Brennan’s first time there and he was on stimulation overload! He was also afraid of the big mouse, as you can tell from how tightly he’s grabbing hold of my shirt. Harrison is such a big boy now! He stopped using his paci and as a special moment to commemorate this right of passage, he gift-wrapped his paci and gave it to Brennan, wanting to pass it along to Brennan until he gets big. Harrison knows how much Brennan loves his paci. <grin> It was so precious! And way to go H!!

 

Thursday, February 11

It was cold and rainy all last week, so we did a lot of things indoors. Over the past week, Brennan has become infatuated with reading and books! He comes to us regularly with a book in hand, ready to crawl in our laps to read, and it’s so fun! So I decided it was time we hit the library. Plus, I wanted to check out some of the books my friend, Emily, recommended after she read my last Project Life post. While I tried to focus on finding certain books to check out for him, I had a little boy who was more interested in exploring. I was out of breath by the time we left that place; I couldn’t keep up with him fast enough! He was most fascinated with the children’s computers and played a coloring game on one for awhile.

Austin was nearly one of the only cities, so it seemed, that didn’t get any snow in last week’s Snowmegeddon. We were pretty sad about that. Matt’s folks sure got enough for all of us though. Nana got creative with her snowmen, making two snow grandsons (Brennan is the one with the blue eyes) that she sent a picture of. You can tell she’s grandson deprived! <grin>

 

 

Friday, January February 12

This was a special, special day. On Thursday, Brennan initiated feeding himself his oatmeal with a spoon. It was messy and thrilling and exciting and sticky. So we captured a photo of it on Friday. Notice how close my hands are to alleviate any unnecessary messes. <grin>

Brennan and I met up with Pops and Meems and our life-long, dear family friends, Ron and Tycha, at Panera’s. My folks came up for the night to be with Ron and Tycha who were in town visiting family. And Brennan and I were blessed to join them for the morning. Brennan was quickly declared their adopted grandson, and I couldn’t be more delighted! Tycha has battled breast cancer over the last few years, and Ron is currently battling an inoperable lung cancer. Their zest for life has always been an inspiration, and all the more so now. Their attitude and outlook is amazing, and a true example to me. I cherished the moment when Ron walked me and Brennan to the car, and as he shielded Brennan from the brisk, cold wind, he loved and kissed on him so tenderly. Ron stayed with me the entire time I loaded Brennan, and I will treasure that moment all my life. Brennan and I then had lunch with Pops and Meems at Chick-fil-A. It was Pops and Meems’ first time seeing Brennan walk, and I think Pops was worn out!

On Friday night, we joined Chris and Jill, Jillie’s folks, and Harrison and Haddie for an Olympic celebration dinner complete with Canadian bacon/pineapple pizza, salad, and amazing fondue (cheese and chocolate). We took Brennan’s pack n’ play to put him down so we can party as late as we want. I fell asleep around 9:30, however. What can I say? Every party needs a pooper.

 

Saturday, January February 13

All week long I’d been trying to make head-way cleaning this house from top to bottom, a thorough spring cleaning of sorts that was badly needed. Trust me, I had at least 12 filthy rags to prove it was needed! Brennan’s naps weren’t that great and I could only get so much done when he was awake. So Matt was kind enough to take care of him all day on Saturday so I could finish cleaning. I kid you not, I worked from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. cleaning this place. I crashed! And felt completely satisfied afterward. <grin> The last time I’d cleaned like that, Brennan was not mobile. Mobility makes a big difference, ya’ll! Anyway, Matt took Brennan to a little play area in the mall that I go to sometimes. It was Matt’s first time there and he got to see Brennan in action. The boys loved their day together!

 

 

Sunday, January February 14

He loves his books! This is a regular sight in our home these days.

Monday, January February 15

Matt and I like to go to dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day on any other day besides the holiday itself; restaurants are too crowded. Matt surprised me and made reservations at the Eastside Cafe and lined up our babysitter for a wonderful evening out. The food was awesome! If you’re in Austin, I highly recommend a visit. Their garden, where they grow most of their own produce, was incredible! And Matt was such good company, you’d never have known he didn’t feel well. I delved into this Ghirardelli brownie for dessert, my last one for a good long while. It’s a must. An absolute must to both eat this brownie sometime and for me not to eat such an indulgence for awhile. The irony! The painful irony that I need to settle on the latter.

I have two sick boys on my hands, so I must tend to them. Hope ya’ll have a great week!

Antics of a Big Boy

My momma is waaayyyy behind in updating you about my latest antics. She had a full plate in January and didn’t get to write about what I’ve been up to since I turned 11 months old, and now I’m only 2 days shy of turning 13 months. She’s got lots to write about ‘cause I’ve been up to lots. Folks, I have my momma on her toes! It’s funny to see her run after me. I think she’s silly. So since Momma hasn’t written, I thought I’d give you the low-down on the big stuff I’ve been up to and what I’ve been learning since I was eleven months. ‘Cause I’m a big boy now, ya know?!

i love reading bos (momma calls them books). love, love, love!

da is my bestest buddy (that would be the dog).

i cry when da da leaves for work to bring home the bacons.

mama, mama is my back up word for everything.

wa do gets my food taken away (all done). i even help pick up the food on my tray to put it on the plate, as well as my sippy cups ‘cause they fit on my plate, too.

it’s fun to put items from the big basket onto the moving belt at the grocery store. i impressed momma one day when i did that.

i know how to sign “toys away” and the big people cheer for me when i put them away, so i do.

i like helping close doors.

sometimes i sign “please” and “thank you”. and when i feel like it, i actually try saying it. momma is always saying those words. she sounds like a parrot.

i astound mommy with my energy level.

i got nine tooths now.

couple weeks ago, momma enjoyed holding me for each of my afternoon naps. i loved it. now i want her for every afternoon nap. she’s trying hard to fix that though. poor me.

but momma’s blessed: i still take two naps! she thinks they could be longer though because i like rising when the rooster crows after sleeping 10 hours.

stacking blocks is fun. knocking them down is even funner.

bananas are still my favorite, and i can throw down some food. mommy and daddy call me a “trooper” or a “jewel” because i’m good to take out to eat. since walking, sometimes when i’m done though, i’m done. Done.

i is a walking machine. forget crawling. crawling is for babies. i’m a big boy.

i’m learning how to obey daddy and mommy. i’ve learned pretty well “no touch”.

sharing food with ma is fun (molly).

i think bigger kids than me rock! i greet other kids with a pat and a smile.

give me time in a new place to feel safe. then, i’m a full-blown ham.

chase is my favorite game. at the park, i like the slide and swings.

momma says i pick up on things quick. i’m a quick boy on my feet, too.

if you want a kiss, ask for it, and i’ll give it. open mouthed.

riding in the car face forward is awesome!

i got some cool noise tricks with my tongue. i’ll show you sometime.

i’m a music man.

i may not say them yet, but i know lots of words and know when it’s time for things, like lunch.

four. four hair trims since i was born. and about to have another one. momma tells me that God knows how many hairs are on my head. lots! and lots!

i is a sweet boy. i love lovies.

monkey, sugar bear, angel boy, cotton-headed ninny mungin are my nicknames.

i no longer get a bottle at night. mommy can’t bear to stop giving me a morning one. soon, but not yet.

sometimes i think whining or screaming will help me get my way. the big people are out to prove me wrong.

i think da da is the coolest and run to him first thing when he gets home. momma tries not to be jealous.

momma is silly. she dances, sings in the car, she tries so hard to make me laugh. we have some special times laughing, like when i try picking her nose when she’s rocking me. that makes us laugh.

i pick up sticks at the park just to give to molly.

my most favorite times are when all of us are playing on the floor together: da da, ma ma, ma, and me

 

Momma loves you, oh, what does she call you? Oh ya, Internet peeps. She loves ya lots. Which makes me love you, too. Happy Valentine’s Day. We send hugs. And I send open-mouthed kisses. <grin>

Project Life Tuesday: February 2-8, 2010

I recently told you about Becky Higgins’ Project Life Kit that I started for 2010, and it’s been a lot of fun, and so much simpler than the traditional scrapbooking I was doing before. I’m trying to snap a photo a day after for my album, and thought it would be fun to join The Mom Creative’s weekly Project Life Tuesday. So here are the photos from the past week:

 

Tuesday, February 2nd

Fridge Art from our weekend with Eric and Kim. The Mexican food restaurant, Chuys, rocks. ROCKS! (Marla, if you’re ever in Austin, me taking you to Chuy’s is a must. It beats out Chipotle and Freebirds, hands down. And I love Freebirds, which means that Chuy’s simply rocks!)  And “Burn” is a phrase Eric and Kim’s small group in CO uses a lot as a “na na na na boo boo” kinda thing. And because Matt and I are such cool people (ahem!), we were taught its meaning. I used it every chance I got, whether or not it was the proper intended use of it. So there: burn.

 

 

Wednesday, February 3rd

Playing with the pots and pans while I fixed dinner. He’s my little chef who loves to be in the kitchen with me rummaging through the pantry or mixing things with the wooden spoon. He baked some amazing chicken pot pie that night!

 

 

Thursday, February 4th

While Matt is not a coffee drinker, his daily energy buzz is hot chai. He’s holding off buying some from Sam’s to help our budget a bit, but I had some spare change to swing by Starbucks last Thursday and pick up a chai latte for our special hubby/daddy. We surprised him and swung by his office to drop it off before I took Brennan to get his first pair of real tennis shoes. The blurry writing on the lid is a love note, so it’s ok if it’s blurry and you can’t see it clearly. <grin>

 

 

Friday, February 5th

The big boy in his new shoesies! By the way, the boy is going to be severely made fun of because he’s learning all the nouns that I put “y” or “ies” on the end (i.e. doggies, horsey, shoesies, sockies). We went to Sandy’s Shoes and found out that Brennan has a large foot for his age, which should come as no surprise. He’s a size 6, and the gentleman that helped us was amazed at how good he was at walking having just taken off a week ago. Although, he might just tell all his toddler customers that. So far, the shoesies stay on better than his sockies.

 

 

Saturday, February 6th

What a cute little hiney! Ever since Brennan was born, after Brennan’s bath, Matt would bring him to me all wet, wrapped up in his towel to give me kisses. The fresh, clean baby smell is totally irresistible and I’d nestle into Brennan’s cheeks while Matt held him all bundled up. But this weekend, surprise, surprise! Matt sent the character out me walking, buck n*aked! It was hilarious! And there’s something about being in only a diaper or completely n*aked that Brennan absolutely loves. He giggles, he’s frisky, he’s foot loose and fancy free! I hope we don’t have a future streaker on our hands. And don’t worry, I’m still nestling into his proper cheeks. Ok, bad, bad joke, I know! <grin>

 

 

And for kicks, one more picture for Saturday:

My tennis shoe lovin’, jean wearin’, casual hubby decided on his own, that he wasn’t going to get tennis shoes to replace his worn out pair. Instead, he opted for these brown shoes. Ya’ll, this is big. This is huge! I promise with everything in me that I have never mentioned to him how cool I think it would be if he wore something like these over tennis shoes as his every day shoe. Not once. So when we were at the outlet mall a month ago and he said he was thinking about brown shoes, I was stunned. And when we were actually ready to buy a pair this weekend, with no prompting from me (and he can attest to this), he chose these. I was flabbergasted and excited and swooning! I’d still love him in his old tennies, but folks, the southern belle in me is lovin’ these handsome loafers.

 

 

Sunday, February 7th

Super Bowl Sunday with my boys.

 

 

Monday, February 8th

Five months have passed since I dusted our bookshelves, so I think it’s about time I get out the trusty dust rag and Pledge, don’t ya think? It was another rough Monday for me and Brennan. So much so that I spent more time than I would have liked going through Antique Mommy’s and Amanda’s archives for any glimmer of hope from posts they may have written about their experiences with their toddlers. Brennan isn’t a monster, please don’t get me wrong. He’s far from it. But my type-A, need-to-have-a-plan kinda personality really clashes with how parenting is constantly changing and full of so many unknowns. I know I’m not the first one to say it, but if only God gave personalized instruction manuals when a child was born, the world would be a better place. Or at least I’d be a better mommy. Someone, just tell me what to do and I’ll do it. Steps 1, 2 and 3!

I also am deeply battling insecurity and a raging desire to be more than just a mommy, both of which are gnawing at me incessantly, so bring on the guilt as well. It’s no coincidence that I’m reading Search for Significance for a women’s Bible study at church and Beth Moore’s book, So Long Insecurity, which I can’t put down. But at the same time, I don’t want to read another word because it’s too much to take in all at one time it’s hittin’ so deep. I’m not looking for comment affirmation here, just sharing for a moment. And now I’m feeling insecure about writing that last sentence. Should I have or shouldn’t I have? Oh, Lord, rid me of this malady if it kills me!

As I was dusting the bookshelves, I came to the shelf that has these two giraffes and next to them a book called Tall Blondes. While I was in Africa, I fell in love with giraffes. Their grace and gentleness, their strength and their beauty. I brought home these two wooden giraffes not only to remember this magnificent creature that graces the vast expanse of Africa, but even more so because of their stance: a baby giraffe stretching her neck as much as she can to gaze into the eyes of the larger giraffe whom she knows protects her, cares for her, and loves her more than she could possibly fathom. These giraffes symbolize my time in Africa where my eyes were fixed upon Jesus in a loving gaze that nothing could take my eyes off Him, a real mark in my life with Him. They are a tangible reminder to me of where my eyes always need to be.

And the book? Given to me by Gaga, my grandmother, who knew of my love for giraffes as a going away gift when I left for college. In it is a note penned with her chicken scratch saying how much she’d miss me and pray for me when she talked to God. Oh, I miss her so.

These giraffes are for a day like yesterday, when I need to remember not only how my eyes should be fixed upon Jesus who alone satisfies all of my needs and knows the deepest longings of my heart, but also how His eyes are on me. I cannot flee from His presence and nothing can separate me from His love. Even in my weakness, my mixed up priorities, my lack of knowledge of how to be a mommy, or my raging emotions and insecurity, nothing can separate me from His love, from His constant gaze upon me. I just need to keep my fixed, intent look upon Him.

Look Who’s One!

Today was a most wonderful birthday celebration for our little one year old! Here are a plethora of pictures for you to get a glimpse of our special day. But before I get to the pictures, guess what the chap did yesterday for the first time, the day before he turned one. Any guesses?

He took his first steps! It shocked me, and I’m so glad I caught him in action! He took three or four steps toward me and I was ecstatic. I couldn’t get him to repeat it, and didn’t expect him to for another week or so, but surprise, surprise, he did it again today during his birthday party, several times. He still approaches the new-found development cautiously and carefully, but it won’t be long till we have on our hands a full-blown walker. So it’s a good thing I bought new tennis shoes recently to run after him effectively. <grin>

Without further ado, here are some pictures from today:

 

All the decor before the guests arrived (you can click on the images to enlarge them). It was so fun decorating, making our home bright and colorful. Hubby’s 32nd birthday is Tuesday. Do you think he’ll mind me using “first birthday” decorations for him as well?

 

 

The birthday boy in the outfit Meems picked out for him. It has tiny trains on the cuffs of the overalls and trains on the socks as well.

 

We enjoyed a small, intimate party with a few dear friends: Rob, Leah and Evan (little 2.5 week old Ella Kate stayed home, but I got my hands on that precious girl last week) and then Chris, Jill (who was greatly missed but celebrated with us in heart) and their two kiddos, Harrison and Haddie. And last but not least, our special Pops and Meems. We started off with some homemade guacamole and The Pioneer Woman’s jalapeno poppers, which were a hit (among the big people)! Seriously, Ree was right when she wrote in her cookbook to make three times the amount of poppers you think you’ll need. For lunch, we grilled burgers and hotdogs, and the jalapeno poppers were tasty on the burgers, too. And Momma made some delicious potato salad. Then to top it off, I made Brennan’s birthday cake which was chocolate citrus.

It was a blast watching the four kiddos play together! When the three older kiddos were done with their lunch, Brennan desperately wanted out of his high chair so he could continue joining in the fun. And Miss Molly was a crowd pleaser as well.

Oh, how they love this boy!

 

 

From left to right: Haddie, Chris, Harrison, Leah and Evan munching on some chips, guacamole, and hot dogs. Such joyful faces!

 

 

 

Eating his first hot dog and some scrumptious potato salad.

 

 

Once the other three kiddos finished and started playing again, we moved Brennan over to the adult table while he finished his plate. But don’t be mistaken, he’s not really looking at me taking the picture so much as he’s looking at the other kiddos playing and wishing he could join them. Which he did.

 

 

 

Funny boys! I just noticed the top of Haddie’s head and her pig tales at the bottom of this picture. <grin>

 

 

 

A Christmas princess.

 

 

I love this picture of Brennan getting ready to eat his cake and laughing at Harrison. It’s always Haddie’s and Harrison’s goal: to make Brennan laugh!

 

  Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Brennan. Happy birthday to you! And the birthday song wouldn’t be complete without clapping, huh Brennan?

 

 

The first bite. A little skeptical, he is.

 

 

It seriously doesn’t take long for the mess to begin.

 

 

That’s affirmative. He likes it!

 

 

 

Kim at Kim G Designs was so kind to have Brennan’s bib made for me in time for his birthday. I thought it was so cute!

 

 

 

 

 

Our family of three enjoying some yummy cake. But it looks like Brennan is ready to get down and play again.

 

 

These are some happy campers!

 

 

Rob and Evan, two happy boys after eating cake.

 

 

    It was a blast watching all of the four kiddos playing together. It was, however, impossible to capture a photo with all four of them looking at the camera. <grin>

 

 

 

   What do all little boys need to have? A rocking horse! Thanks Pops and Meems! Molly needs to check out all the new toys.

 

 

Happy first birthday, precious boy! I look so forward to the next year with you, and am forever thankful for the good and perfect gift that you are. I delight in you!

 

 

 

 

Let the Parties Begin

No sooner were the holiday festivities drawn to a close than the next set of parties began…and the biggest ones are yet to come! We just wrapped up an extended weekend with Matt’s cousin, Jason, and his new fiancée, Ellen. Avid foodies, they were the most fun to take through the “mecca of Whole Foods”. Little did I know that place sells $1500 bottles of wine, Portruse (spelling??) to be exact. Jason enlightened me. And if anyone has a chunk of change to drop, he’d like one as a wedding present. Brennan enjoyed a private violin concert, in which Molly thought she would make it sound more beautiful if she barked. It did not make it more beautiful.

The little Texan also made his debut at our State’s Capitol, completely fascinated by the echo resounding from his voice while crawling through its hallways.

We ventured across the city, pointing out its unique highlights, all the while celebrating the special couple…

And eating out at some of our favorites like Z’Tejas and Mighty Fine Burgers, and of course, splurging on homemade food like this Gingerbread Tumble.

It was the first party of the New Year, and there are at least three more this month, beginning with a BIG ONE! Yep, bring out the party hats and the box of Kleenex, because my baby boy is turning one year old on Saturday! It’s already been an emotional week, but a thrilling one as well. Just look at where we’ve come over the past year:

This past weekend marked the first out of three weekends this month of hosting company. I am also going on my own little getaway by myself in south Texas, and I’m quite excited about it. So I will likely be M.I.A. running our bed and breakfast the next few weeks for some of the most superb people in all the world. And partying. And soaking up the last few moments before my baby enters toddlerhood. It’s definitely been a year worth partying!

A Luminario Maker in the Making

One of my most special Christmas traditions is making homemade luminarios with my Daddy on Christmas Eve, which we put along the walkways and light when it gets dark. I don’t remember how the idea originated, and good golly, we’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember. My brother used to be a part of the tradition, but you could always tell he was somewhat disinterested. He’d maybe help with a bag or two and then go off and do his own thing. Eventually, he came outside for a few minutes to watch us then go back inside to do who-knows-what. And now, he doesn’t even grace us with his presence. So it’s a Daddy-Meggie tradition these days.

This year, we welcomed a newcomer. We have to start him out early so he sticks with it through the years and eventually passes down the tradition. In other words, we’re deeply hoping he shows more interest in it than Mac.

Supplies you need:

paper bags, candles, rocks or dirt, a candle lighter, and a helper

Like grandfather, like grandson.

Next year we’ll have to get him mittens which allow him to use all his fingers. It’ll help keep the bags intact. Although, who am I kidding? That’s not gonna really help the bags, is it?

 

Already skidaddling. Please, please don’t be like Uncle Mac looking for something better to do.

The dirt was boring. The bag was even more boring. Maybe this box of white things will be more fun.

How’s that wax tastin’? Must not have been very good because you spit it up five minutes later by the front door.

Candle quality control is vital.

There ya go! You’re an official luminario maker.

You keep clapping for yourself all the way through life, buddy. I’ll keep clapping for you, too.

Checkin’ out our progress. Pops, we gotta line the bags up better. You’re slackin’.

I don’t think Seymour would like wax either. But way to share!

Job well done, fellas! I think we have a new life-time luminario maker in the family. At least he will be if he knows what’s good for him.

 

I’ll Never Be the Same Again

Describing myself as a baby person, I would not. I was nowhere in the same arena of passion for kids and babysitting as our lovely sitter who sweetly showed up on our doorstep this week carrying a Christmas package for Brennan, of which he’s already ripped part of the paper. Is my lack of enthusiasm for babysitting indicated by the fact that I sadly cannot recall the names of the few children I watched? Poor kids. But blessed is Brennan!

So if someone told me a few years back that I would be head over heals for a little baby, I wouldn’t have believed them. Well, I’d be more offended and hurt, truth be told, because that comment seemed saturated with assumption to me at the time. Assumption that we’d even have kids, that we’d even be able to have children since we were going on two years of trying, and well, that I’d get to a place of enjoying a little whippersnapper.

Eleven months of living with a baby, however, I am different. I will never be the same again. There are still days I think about our previous life before children and the cherished time that was for us as a couple, sometimes missing it. But those days are few in number. And I wouldn’t trade how I’m different, nor the reason I am changed, for anything. Nothing.

Eleven months later, I am ever more smitten with a baby boy, who looks more like a toddler these days than a newborn babe. His choppy hair I whacked is growing out, nearly ready for a trim by someone other than his mother. His smile is as big as ever, his energy level more than what I realized.  He’s learning something new all of the time, including various imitations such as holding objects or his hand up to his ear like he’s answering the phone; peek a boo; or brushing his hair with my brush. He tries to assist with buckling his car seat belts and dressing. There are times when he stands on his own, unassisted, and he walks around furniture, but the interest in walking or taking a few steps towards us seems null right now.  

Fascinated by pictures, he’ll crawl over to pictures of our friends and family and point to them. Still ever the observer, he sizes up his surroundings and the people he’s with before waving ‘hello’ or giving them ‘five’. My most favorite thing in the whole wide world is asking him for a kiss and he’ll lean into my face, sometimes with an open, drool dripping mouth.  His favorite instrument at music class for the moment: the drum.

Always a favorite game of his is “I’m gonna get you”/chase, but a new one that’s recently developed is taking things in and out of boxes/containers. In and out. In and out. I will also find Tupperware containers underneath the Christmas tree, or on a kitchen chair. Or maybe I’ll find an ornament he enjoys (a wooden, European Santa) on the piano. My friend, Corrie, told me that she thought the nine-eleven month age range were some of her most favorite months. I wholeheartedly agree! 

Yes, I am different. I enjoy a baby. A baby! Who woulda thunk it?! Certainly not I. But this whippersnapper I’ve been given is most assuredly a good reason why I’ll never be the same again.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17 (NASB)

A Christmas to Remember

Some Christmases stick out more than others, don’t they? Like the Christmas you received exactly what you were pining for, like a fish tank with real fish to which to tend. The Christmas your brother cut his head open on the edge of the coffee table after jumping on the couch, causing you to throw up in anxiousness for him. The first Christmas you spent away from home. The one where you walked down the aisle to your groom. The Christmas when part of your family was unemployed and Christmas, albeit slightly different, was the most meaningful and simple. Or the Christmas you were waddling with a watermelon-sized baby in your belly and your house flooded two weeks before that baby was supposed to make his grand appearance. Most of those memories emote giddy excitement and sweet nostalgia, while others (namely two) spark nausea. And if there’s any question about which two, well, let me just say blood and flood.

This Christmas I’ve entered into new territory. That melon-sized baby is no longer in my belly (thank the Lord), but is rather a two and a half foot moving target with eyes that light up at the sparkly lights and whose fingers love to grasp hold of the cushy needle-pointed nativity figures on the coffee table. There is so much to savor, to capture. Brennan won’t remember his first Christmas, but with the simple wonder of watching a child during Christmas, it certainly makes it, for me, a Christmas to remember.

These are just a few things I treasure thus far this season:

• Last Wednesday night, we bundled up and went to a nursery to buy our Christmas tree, named Farley (the nursery-given name). I mustered up the motivation to tackle the decorating the same night after Brennan went down to bed. Reading Amanda’s story here about her little boy Jackson waking up to a decorated, lit tree, inspired me. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t take too long. I suppressed as much of my perfectionism as possible. I would’ve cursed the lights, however, if there wasn’t a simple solution to be had for the incongruous strand that didn’t plug into any of the others. I was elated to get Brennan out of bed the next morning to show him our Christmas tree. He’s shown much interest in some of the ornaments and particularly Gaga’s hand-made nativity tree skirt. He doesn’t quite understand how come they don’t come off the skirt.

 

• A couple of weeks ago, the two of us ventured to Hobby Lobby where I let Brennan pick out an ornament for his little tree in his room. While my eyes were scanning the rows of ornaments, there was one that stuck out to Brennan immediately. His tiny finger pointed directly at a big face of a Collie. I grabbed it to let him play with it, slightly amused and pleased he obviously loves dogs, while I looked for another option thinking any other ornament but that one (not ‘cause it’s A&M related, because I am a faithful Aggie fan, but because it was a big, huge dog head! I am seriously having to make up with my family after my “We’re going to the national championship game” comment). With a small snowman in hand, I turned to leave, whereupon the Collie fell to the floor and started playing the TX A&M fight song. I didn’t realize it was supposed to be TX A&M’s mascot, Reveille! It even sheds. Brennan had fur all over his hands from playing with it. So out we walked with a shedding, fight-song-playing, huge dog head of a Christmas ornament for 2009. Just look, it’s almost as big as the bears:

Here’s Brennan’s first ornament for our big tree from my parents and the one below it is one I found at Hallmark to mark his first Christmas.

 

• After two attempts in which tears and exasperation ensued (for both me and the boy) to take some pictures by the tree in one of my favorite outfits of Brennan’s, we finally captured some happy shots.

• We can walk into a crowded store, and while my heart may sink or easily become anxious at the thought of standing in a long line with an 11 month old, he instead is all smiles and waves, having the pure ability to transform even the grumpiest, impatient of sorts into friendly faces.

• One of my most favorite times of the day during this season is when we give Brennan his last bottle of the day, peaceful Christmas music is playing in the background, the tree lights are on and the rest of the lights are dimmed. We sit around the kitchen table, light the Advent candles, go through our Advent readings, and pray together while Brennan falls asleep in his Daddy’s arms. (This is during breakfast, but you can see the Advent wreath).

• It’s also been the tender, simple moments with Brennan that will be etched in my heart as seasons pass: singing “Silent Night” on the player piano; snuggling together reading The Three Trees (a powerful tale); playing with the nativity scenes together and talking about each of the characters; gazing at his little tree together with the lights on in the quiet peacefulness of his room; taking him outside to show him all of the beautiful lights his Daddy worked so hard to put up; staying warm and toasty by the fire in our PJs while it’s cold and drizzly outside; enjoying our walks in the cool of the day when the sun finally comes out, looking at everyone’s Christmas decorations; and lots and lots of snuggling.  Oh yes, there have been rough moments, days when he’s clingy and crying and miserable because of teething and what not, but that’s not what I’ll remember about this Christmas. This, this is the image I’ll remember about Christmas:

What are some of the things you’ll treasure about this Christmas so far?

Thanksgiving Remembrances

Happy December! I can’t imagine a better way to start out this first day of December than with the arctic blast blowing through Austin; Christmas music playing; a fragrant pine candle lit; some much needed time spent with Jesus and the reminders that living “for the greatness of God is to live a great life” and that “His greatness is big enough for the two of us”; a happy, babbling baby crawling about; and a cup of hot tea in hand. It’s only 9:30 a.m. as I’m writing this, but it’s already a glorious December day.

It seems longer than a week ago that we boarded a jet plane for the Oakland/San Francisco area to spend Thanksgiving with Matt’s family, hosted this year by Matt’s sister and her hubby. Despite his ear infection, Brennan traveled amazingly well; you’d never have known the fella was sick. Even the two-hour time change wasn’t an issue. He fell right into Pacific time without a hitch and was much more flexible with the comings and goings and adjustments to his schedule than his momma. Oh, the lessons I learn from that child are a hundred-fold.

I loved how Antique Mommy recapped her Thanksgiving with a list of things she’ll remember, along with a few things that she won’t. Here are some of the highlights, precious moments that will remain etched in my heart over the passing of time from this Thanksgiving.

• Sunset gazing. Our first night there, we drove up to the highest point in Berkeley to watch the sunset over the bay. We enjoyed appetizers and champagne as we toasted to being together as a whole family, the first time in over two years, I think. It was breathtaking and cause for pause.

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• The food. I mean, how can a foodie not remember the food!? Kim has become quite the chef extraordinaire! The girl doesn’t pick simple recipes either, so a lot of time and love went into preparing not just delicious food, but works of art. (These photos were from our picnic and day-outing in Sonoma.)

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• The mornings with my boys. The three of us, along with Papa and Nana, stayed in a house in Berkeley that was graciously shared with us for the week. It had a fantastic view of San Francisco (it’s a bit hazy in the picture below). The three of us were the early morning risers and enjoyed mornings out on the deck. I’ll never forget playing peek-a-boo with Brennan that spurred deep laughter by using Matt as the object to hide behind; how Brennan would lean in towards my face to give me kisses; and what my little boy looked like the morning of his first Thanksgiving.

• Brennan’s ability to brighten lives. I know the sociability of my son will likely vary throughout his young life, but I hope and pray that the friendly outreach he has toward all people, particularly towards those considered unlovely and lonely, will be a character trait he exudes the rest of his life. Right now, Brennan is constantly waving to any passerby, whether or not they take notice. The three of us went out for breakfast on Friday morning, a quiet, drizzly and still morning. As we sat together as a family, laughing and sharing our highlights from the week, there sat a middle-aged lady in the corner of the restaurant by herself. Alone. Buried deep into a book. She could very well have been content and happy. She also could have felt very lonely as she sat solo the day after Thanksgiving. Brennan was persistent in turning around in his high chair to wave at the lady. Between every bite of his pancake and banana, his little body would twist around with his arm and hand extended moving in an up and down motion. She finally caught his eye and a grin appeared at the simple, friendly gesture. I’m not sure how she walked in, but she left her table with a smile on her face that morning.

• The special, beautiful touches. I can name few people who will go out of their way to lavishly make their guests feel welcomed, treating them as the most special people in the world. Kim is one of those people. Along with her hubby, Tom, they have the gift of hospitality. Even with a young toddler, she worked on extra, finishing touches that set the tone for the whole week: personal welcome signs on each of our bedroom doors; gift bags of a picture frame for me and Matt and Thanksgiving bibs for Brennan; notes written on our name cards at the Thanksgiving table; Scripture verses tied to our glasses for each of us to read aloud. She had a few personal helpers that week: Tom, Ruth (Nana), and her younger sister, Melissa, whom I know were all integral behind-the-scenes servants to see Kim’s creativity projects fulfilled!

• Family bonding. This took place over the course of our few days in California, but Thanksgiving Day was the most meaningful as we gathered around the table together to celebrate and give thanks for so many blessings we’ve been given, mainly each other. After the little boys went to bed, each of us went around the room answering a question we’d picked out of a bowl. We shared things we were thankful for; how we’d seen the Lord’s faithfulness demonstrated the past year; and what character trait of the Lord’s had been most evident in our lives right now. Tears and laughter ensued. As Truvy from Steel Magnolias aptly said, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion". Hands down, that was the most special moment of the trip for me.

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• Cousins. Seeing Brennan and Jadon play together for the first time! It was our entertainment for most of the week. <grin>

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Things I will likely forget but are kinda fun to mention:

• Ed & Tom both stepped in fresh dog poop on our way to dinner. Thank goodness for baby wipes!

 

• It was a good thing Ed drove slowly to Tom and Kim’s place on Thanksgiving and that we didn’t need to get on the freeway, because look who left my walking shoes on top of the car:

• It was not my best moment: waiting for the Christmas Tree lighting to take place at San Francisco’s Union Square. It was taking forever and well, the excitement of being in the cold with all the Christmas lights with Brennan for the first time quickly wore off with the overwhelming sensation of feeling claustrophobic in the mass of people. And Brennan’s reaction to the tree lighting: he burst into tears because the crowd’s loud cheering scared him. But we got some really cool pictures:

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Any Thanksgiving remembrances (precious moments or likely to forget moments) that you’d like to share?

(You can click on “View Full Album” to see enlarged pictures).