Happy New Year

We had a fabulous New Year's eve. While it would have been fun to ring in the new year decked out in a new dress at a very grown up party, those days are currently on hold. We rang in 2008 celebrating with some close friends and the kids. We had a great dinner (lobster and steak....just steak for me) and some yummy cocktails. We played several really loud, hilarious rounds of Music Catchphrase. Then we set off fireworks at midnight while the boys ran around screaming. It was a great night.....minus the small fire that was set on the deck from the fireworks. No worries...it was put out quickly and caused very little damage. You definitely know it's a good party when something goes aflame!

In all seriousness I am looking forward to what 2008 has in store for us. 2007 may not have been the best year, but it did many great moments. I have come to realize that life is going to have it's downs. But it's focusing on the up's that counts. So that is my new year's resolution: To really concentrate on all of the great things in my life and try not to worry about the rest. Worrying never helped anyone right? (or at least that is what my mom told me).

Bryce and Cody checking out dinner
Guess who is going to have nightmares about giant lobster?

Callie decides to show the lobster who's the boss

What a stinker

Callie is turning into quite the stinker lately. Her personality is really starting to come out. She LOVES her big brother and tries to do anything he is doing. Her new favorite things are climbing up the back of the couch onto the other side of the stairs and standing on the kiddie table and flipping the lights off and on. When you tell her NO she looks at you, smiles, laughs, and then screams as you try to remove her from the dangerous situation. She also loves to get anything she is not supposed to have. She will walk over to me, show me she has it, and then turn and try to run away while laughing. Such a stinker. Bryce taught her to stick her tongue out so I thought I'd share a picture. however, she turns her tongue up instead of sticking it straight out...too cute!

Merry (belated) Christmas

"Dear Santa...please don't bring me any dirty rocks. I want toys"
This was Bryce's letter to Santa. We made sugar cookies and put them out with milk and his note for Santa. Christmas eve and Christmas were wonderful. The kids had a great time opening presents, hanging out with family, and eating junk. My favorite moment of the day was listening to Bryce squeal and come running down the hallway saying "Santa brought me toys, Santa brought me toys". Four is really the best age yet for Christmas. Callie looked picture perfect in her Christmas dress. Her favorite present was the shopping cart that my mom and dad got her. She loves to push it around and put everything in it...including Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus from the nativity set.>We have been laying low and enjoying some much needed time off. We did finally turn the living room into a playroom. Hated doing it but the toys were taking over our lives. I am going to go to Ikea next week and get a big storage organizer. I'll take a pic when I'm done.

Bryce keeps asking when it will be Christmas again. We tell him not for a while. Santa need a vacation.

favorite words

Jason and I have been talking about this all week so I finally decided to post it.

There are some words out there that I just love. Words that are rarely used, but when I do use them I always think to myself, "I really love using that word". Some times I even try to think of a way to sneak them into conversations just to hear myself say them. Crazy, I know, but fun non the less. Here is my current list:
Slugabed (used quite often in my house when referring to Bryan)
Chortle
Crapulence
ruckas (also used daily in our house)
fisticuffs
tomfoolery
flibbertigibbet (this is actually in a song from the Sound of Music...and no I am not making that up)
chachki

Jason added these:
Circa
Hullabaloo

I was going to put the definitions with each word but I changed my mind :) Feel free to Google at will.

that concludes my geeky posts for the week.

Bryce story of the day

So here is my favorite Bryce moment from today.

We are driving to school this morning. Running late as usual and in a hurry. I turn out of the neighborhood without using my blinker. 30 minutes later we are almost to school and come upon a wreck. Bryce puts his window down and starts yelling at the cop while trying to wave him over. Here is the conversation that followed.

Bryce: Mr. Policeman, Mr. Policeman, I need to talk to you.

Me: Bryce, put your window up and stop yelling at the cop

Bryce: But mom, I need to talk to him. Can we go by the police station?

Me: No, we are already late. What do you need to talk to the policeman about anyway?

Bryce: I need to tell him that you didn't use your blinker. He needs to give you a ticket and take you to jail.

Note to self: Obey all traffic laws when Bryce is in the car

Christmas Cookies

Today was the annual Christmas Cookie bake. Every year, the weekend before Christmas, my mom and I spend a day baking cookies. And bake we did. 8 different kinds and about 30 dozen. That's a lot of cookies. This year we made Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Jumbles, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip, M&M cookies, Snickerdoodles, Crescent's, and this yummy saltine cracker, chocolate, toffee stuff (don't know what the official name is).
We did miss Lauren this year. She helped with this tradition for several years and despite several mishaps (setting my oven on fire for one) we loved having her around.
Callie was all about hanging with the girls in the kitchen. She was our cookie tester and she took her job very seriously!! I hope that one day she looks forward to this tradition as much as I do.

Santa's at my school?

This weekend Bryce and Callie had "Breakfast with Santa" at the church where they go to preschool. Here is an overview of our conversation we had as we pulled into the church.

Bryce: Santa's at my school?
Me: Yes. This is where you are having breakfast with Santa
Bryce: But how did he get here?
My mom: The reindeer dropped him off. They will come back later to get him
Bryce: That's dumb. He should have just driven his car

It was really nice. Both kids loved getting to see Santa. Callie was not scared at all! She got right up on his lap and sat there staring at him. I would love to know what she was thinking! Here are 2 pics from the event.

i love parades

This is what Bryce has been saying since Saturday. He was in the Lilburn Christmas parade with his preschool. He rode on a trailer and got to dress up like a Shepard...he even had a stuffed sheep. We were worried that he wouldn't participate but he jumped right in and had a blast! Callie loved watching the parade! She wanted to be held until Bryce arrived (he was at the beginning so he was able to come and watch the end of the parade with us). She stood right next to him and waved and waved. One of my favorite pics is the one of her holding onto his sweater and waving (of course it is black and white). She even plopped herself down on the pavement, ate her sugar cookie, and watched everyone walk by.
Later on that day we hung out at Nana and pops and I got to play around with my camera. Let me know what you think. I really love the one's of Callie and my mom with the sun coming thru the trees. Can you tell that Callie is my favorite subject? Bryce is not up to having his picture taken, but Callie doesn't mind at all!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

little miss sunshine

So as most of you know, I call Callie little miss sunshine. Have pretty much from the day she was born. She is the most easy going, happy baby. She smiles and laughs at pretty much everyone and everything. Lately she has started waving and blowing kisses at everyone....even people at the grocery store! I found this shirt today and and am definitely getting it for her. The character on the shirt is actually from a book series. Here is the synopsis of the "little miss sunshine" book...

There was a King who lived in a castle in Miseryland. Little Miss Sunshine is on holiday. She saw a sign saying "This way to Miseryland." So she was on her way to Miseryland. She saw a Guard at the Bridge Door. Little Miss Sunshine gave the Guard a Big Smile. Then the Guard took her to see the King of Miseryland and she had an idea. So Little Miss Sunshine and the king went back to her car. Finally she made a new picket sign saying "Laughter Land" and she boomed an enormous laugh then the king laughed too.

Pretty much describes my little miss sunshine. Always able to get a smile and laugh out of everyone. I think the book and the shirt will be under the xmas tree this year!

comeback 4 yr old style

Bryan, Bryce, and I were having a pretty serious conversation at dinner about being nice to friends and listening. He has been getting in trouble at school for teasing other kids and not listening to the teacher. Bryan laid down the law with 'if you disobey and do not do as your are told you will get a spanking'. Bryce continued to himmmm and haw and pretty much ignore him. Finally in frustration Bryan exclaims..."I give up!" Bryce looks up, smiles his crooked grin and says "good...that means you won't be spanking me". Smart kid.

war eagle

We had a great holiday weekend. Saturday I went shopping with my mom and Callie while my dad babysat Bryce (Bryan had to work). We then put the kids to bed, had dinner, and watched Auburn beat Alabama while eating bday cake. Boring game, I will admit. but who cares the next day when your team was the victor. wish I had been at Toomers corner to see the craziness. Jason went and I'm sure I will hear all about it tmrw. Football season is coming to a close, and Auburn didn't have the best season. but at least we can say that we beat Bama. and for the sixth time in a row. War Eagle!

I heart my new camera

I have been playing around with my new camera today. It has so many features that it is going to take me a very long time to really figure it out. I love black and white and I can actually shoot in black and white as well as sephia and a ton of other types. Here is a slideshow of some pics I took today. Let me know what you think!!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

things I am thankful for...

I have been thinking a lot about things to be thankful for this year. Of course everyone always lists the usual.....health, family, shelter, friends, etc. I decided to put together a list of some random things that I am thankful for

Toys with volume control and on/off switches

I absolutely hate any toy that talks, sings, or makes music and does not have a way to turn it off. And why is it that I always manage to kick one of these toys when checking on a sleeping child? Our toy box will randomly start singing if someone just happens to bump it.....drives me crazy

Disposable Diapers

I was talking with a mom of older kids yesterday and she was telling me about using cloth diapers. I am eternally grateful to the person that invented the disposable kind. and yes...I know that it is bad for the environment ,but so is driving a car and you probably do that everyday.

Poopfree baths

Gross, I know, but all mom's know what I am talking about. Yanking the kids out of a tub, wrapping them up, draining the dirty water, lysoling the tub, and then starting all over again is something all mom's have done at least once. And it is no fun whatsoever. I always do a silent cheer when bathtime is over and we have had no incidents.

Frozen chicken nuggets and boxed mac and cheese

What mom could live without these? They make life soooo much easier. Thank you tyson and kraft.

DVR

Both for me and the kids. I can now let Bryce watch Caliou whenever he wants. I can also watch Grey's Anatomy uninterrupted. A small victory every Thursday night.

Wine

Sitting in traffic some days with two screaming kids is no fun whatsoever. Knowing that there is a nice bottle of wine at home waiting for me after the kids are in bed makes it a little better.

Happy Turkey Day

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful. We spent the day at my parent's house. We had a great group of people (family from Florida, my cousin Danny, Mom, Dad, Jason, Byan's mom, and Jeff). We ate a great meal, played Catchphrase, watched football, and just hung out. Very lowkey and very fun. I got a new digital camera for my bday from my parents and Jason. Love it! You can look forward to lots more pictures as I figure it out. Here are some I took yesterday.

Bryce... doing his shy pose

Callie loves to say "cheese"...sounds more like "eeeeese", and make this face

Bryce and Uncle Jason

Callie and her Nana

Thanksgiving day group shot

I don't like scratch muffins

Bryan and I are really trying to watch what we eat (me for weight loss, him for possible career change...long story). This has led to a complete revamping of food choices in our home. I have decided that I really need to try to fix healthier things for the kids....less boxed and processed foods and more homemade, natural things.

I started this weekend with fresh veggies instead of canned which got a huge "gross" right away from Bryce. I then tried homemade Mac and Cheese instead of the boxed stuff. While Bryan and I both agreed that it was really, really, good (Barefoot Contessa recipe from the food network), Bryce and Callie both turned their noses up and refused to eat it. This frustrated me and after several "nice" attempts to get him to try it I finally went to the old "you need to eat 4 bites or no tv" standby.

This morning I again tried to stay healthy and I fixed homemade blueberry muffins instead of the mix from a bag (Bryce's favorite). When I called Bryce to the table and put one in front of him he screamed "yuck" right away. I told him that they looked different because they have fresh blueberries in them...just like he loves to eat from the carton. He took a tiny bite and spit it back out. At this point I am really frustrated and I tell him, "eat the muffin...I made them from scratch and they are really good". He then says " But mommy, you said they were blueberry muffins...I don't want scratch muffins" and starts to cry. I officially give up. Tomorrow we will be having Kraft mac and cheese and White Lilly Blueberry muffins.....who cares about preservatives!!

Somewhere out there

Bryan headed out tonight to hang out with some old high school friends. So I had a date night...with a four year old! Bryce and I had dinner...mac and cheese (homemade, not the boxed kind) and hotdogs. Then it was movie time. We found "An American Tail" at Walmart and he really wanted to watch it (he saw part of it on tv the other day). Such a great movie..I remember seeing a really long time ago. And I have always loved the main song from the movie..."Somewhere out there". Anyway...We spread out on the floor with blankets and lots of pillows, ate popcorn and mini marshmallows, and drank hot chocolate. I tried to get him to put the marshmallows in the hot chocolate, but he thought that was a "gross" idea. It was a great night. Bryce had a blast. He has decided that we should have "mommy and Bryce nights" more often. And I completely agree.

Thanks mom

My mom and I met at the Mall of Georgia this evening to get the kids some things for winter. Callie needed a winter coat, hat and gloves, and some basics (socks, etc).

Bryce really needed another pair of shoes. He has been getting by with only 1 pair and really needed at least one more pair. He LOVES his Crocs, but since they are the sandal kind (open toe) he can't wear them when it's cold out. He does not understand this and cries everyday when I tell him he can't wear them. So mom to the rescue!! She got Callie the cutest winter coat. It even has fur around the hood.....tooo freakin cute. And she got Bryce "winter" crocs. They are lined with the softest fleece material. I am secretly coveting both the coat and the shoes. I may just have to see if I can find some in my size!!

Don't tell a lie

Is it still wrong to lie if it's to keep your child from lying?
The new lie at our house is Santa knows every time you lie and he takes away one of your presents.
Here's a brief rundown of how the conversation goes:
Me: Bryce, did you wash your hands after you went potty (yes...I actually do use the word potty)?
Bryce: Yes
Me: are you sure... I didn't here the water?
Bryce: Yes Mommy, I washed my hands
Me: Bryce, are you lying to me?
Bryce: No way mommy
Me: okay...but Santa knows if your lying and he will take away one of the toys he was going to bring you
Bryce: Mommy, I said I washed my hands
Me: Alright. I hope you are right. I think he had a tractor for you. If you tell me a lie he will have to give it to another little boy
Bryce (after several seconds of deep thought): FINE...I didn't wash my hands. I'll go do it right now. will Santa still give me my tractor. can I tell him I'm sorry?
Me: If you tell me your sorry and promise to try to only tell the truth I think he will forgive you

I guess I will have one less present under the tree this year too!!

A trip to the farm and a football weekend

Sorry it's been forever since my last blog. We have been really busy and our weekends have been packed. Here's a brief run down.

Last weekend we went to South Georgia. Bryan has family down there and it is always fun to go and visit. They own a farm. Yes, that's right, a real working farm. Audrey and Andy were there with Erica and Hailey so Bryce had a ball. The kids took off right after breakfast to play and we didn't see them again until lunch. They had fun riding the golf cart and four wheeler down the field road behind the house and gathering pecans for the grownups. We visited Tony and Bev's and Bryce got to see the horses and cows. Callie loved the cows. She would wave frantically at them and yell. She wanted so badly to go out and play with the big kids. She is really walking now and loves to be outside.

Bryce on one of Jerry's older tractors

Bryce on his four wheeler and Hailey on the golf cart in the field behind the house. At one point Bryce was steering the golf cart and she was pushing the gas pedal!

Bryce on the tire swing

Callie...Thinking about the day when she can run and play with the big kids!!

A lazy afternoon spent fishing...Bryce and the girls

Uncle Jerry, Aunt Linda, Bryce and Callie. If you look behind them thru the trees you can see the fields where the kids played.

Yesterday I went to the UGA vs Auburn game in Athens (Bryan kept the kids at home). We tailgated, drank too much, and I actually went to the game (thanks to Jason and Jeff!!). Despite Auburn losing, it was a great day. I love tailgating. There's just something about being outside, eating yummy food, having a cold beer, and yelling for your favorite college team. There's nothing else like it. My cousin Danny (from NJ but in Vet school at UGA) and his dad were there (from NJ) and it made it even better. The north has its strong points but it doesn't come close to football in the south. I'd show you some pics of the day but when drinks start flowing at 10am you sorta forget that you have your camera with you!

Today we had dinner at my parents house with Danny and Danny. We spent the evening once again watching football...this time the Giants vs Cowboy game. I'm sorry to say the Giants lost. Yes...while I may go on and on about college football and the SEC I am still a yankee at heart and I still love the Giants.

Happy Halloween!

Bryce and Callie both had a wonderful Halloween. We had dinner with some friends who have a little boy Byce's age, and then took them trick or treating. Our friends have a golf cart and it was great getting to ride while the boys ran up to the doors. Of course, I ended up walking as well since Callie wanted to trick or treat like the big kids. She was so cute! She would say "knock, knock" and then when they came to the door she would wave and point at the candy. She also was determined to carry her pumpkin bucket by herself.

Bryce had a blast! When I asked him what he liked the best he said "getting candy". We had several instances where mommy had to step in with some firm words. The funniest being Bryce and Cody singing "Trick or Treat, smell my booty" to an older women when she opened her door (They learned Trick or treat, smell my feet and they thought it was the funniest thing!).

All in all it was an amazing evening. Hope each of you had a magical Halloween!!

Callie was a Tulip Fairy. Everyone kept saying she looked like one of the babies in the Annne Geddes pictures.

Bryce the Pirate.....he kept saying "Ahoy Ye Matee's, Arrrrrr"