Michael's Second Birthday

My Dearest Mikey,

Here we are... Two short years after you made your entrance into the world and into my life.  My life has not been the same since.  You and your sister are my biggest source of joy and my biggest energy drain.  You keep me going, you keep me laughing and boy, oh, boy do I love seeing you smile.

I tried and tried for months upon months to get you to say 'mommy.'  But you just refused.  You called me every name, but mommy.  You called me daddy, G.G, Roxy, Popa, Mac, and Gramma before you finally said mommy.  But when you did finally say it, my heart grew three sizes that day.  I waited and waited and waited for you to finally say it, and you did. I couldn't be more happier.

You are a crazy little boy though, do you know that?  You run in circles with your sister around the living room, laughing and giggling and sometimes falling out as soon as you make yourself dizzy.  

You are a human garbage disposal.  I have yet to see you turn down any food.  You keep going and going and going.  It seems like you never stop.  Unless, of course you are asleep. 

And you are such a good little brother.  You are always looking out for your big sister, giving her hugs and kisses every night before you go to bed.

I will always love you and I will always be in your corner.  I will promise you that I will always listen to you and I will always be someone that you can count on.  I will do whatever I can to make your life better for you as long as there is air in my lungs and my heart still beats.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Love Always,

Momma

December 15, 2014

Lyric's Fourth Birthday

My Beautiful Daughter, Lyric,

My Sweet, Loving, and Wonderful baby girl. You are turning four today.

Four fantastic years old!

I am not sure how that is even possible.

I thought that you were never going to come along. But you finally decided to make your grand appearance.

And the waiting was so worth it. You are the baby that we were meant to have.

Days old...

I thought that I knew what it would be like to be a mother.

I thought that I knew what it meant to love.

Then, you arrived and taught me that, in fact, I knew very little.

One year old...

You taught me that once you have a child, you are more vulnerable that I had ever thought possible.

You showed me that watching you sleep was the most important thing that I could do on any given afternoon.

Two years old...

Loving you has shown me that I can't control everything. 

That sometimes the most amazing moments come from letting go just a little bit.

That sometimes it's better to let life guide us just a bit.

You have taught me to laugh at myself, because nothing makes you laugh harder.

Three years old...

You have helped me to realize that throwing caution to the wind every once in a while doesn't have to be scary.

You have taught me that the amount of love that the heart can hold is endless.

That just when I am certain that I couldn't possibly love you more, you make my heart nearly explode.

Four years old...

You have shown me that life passes by us ever so quickly.

I don't want to waste a single moment of this time that I've been given to share with you.

You have brought me more joy that I had ever dreamed possible.

Happy Birthday, My Beautiful Baby.

With more love than you can possibly imagine, 

Mommy

November 25th, 2014

Homemade Finger Paint!

Thanks to Pinterest I found some easy to make Edible Finger Paints.

I made the paints last night and then this afternoon the kiddos and I enjoyed painting with them. They had a weird texture to them. And I don't think that they tasted very well. I managed to keep Lyric from eating it. But with Michael.... That was a little harder. He managed to sneak a little taste here and there. And he wasn't too into painting. He did stick his fingers in it a couple of times, but didn't really paint on the paper. I knew that he was getting tired because as Lyric was finishing up he was rubbing his eyes and his face. And can you imagine what happened when he started to rub his face. The paint that was on his hands went straight to his face and his eyes. I wasn't able to get a good picture of his face after he rubbed his face. 

Lyric loved the paints. She didn't want to stop. :) It is going to be another go to paint in the future. I think that she liked the feel of them. She would scoop the blob of paint up that I put on her paper and would smear it across her paper. Then she started to mix all the paints in her hands and then would go about and make her masterpiece.

The Recipe:

1/2 C Cornstarch

3-4 Tbsp Sugar

2 C Water

Mix in a saucepan over low-medium heat until it becomes thick but smooth. Let cool. Scoop into bowls or cups and add food coloring.

Homemade Pancakes

So, Monday morning and this morning I made egg-less pancakes. I wanted pancakes but didn't have any eggs. So, I got to looking on the computer for pancakes that didn't involve eggs. Well, I found a very easy recipe. And it tasted wonderful! And both the kiddos enjoyed them as well. They both out ate me. But that doesn't surprise me. Lyric ate 4 pancakes Monday and this morning and Mikey ate 3 pancakes Monday and this morning. I can see these pancakes in our very near future again. Like probably next week if not this weekend. :)

After we ate breakfast we cleaned up. Lyric wiped down their table and I vacuumed the floor, with Michael's help of course. I've got some pretty amazing kids, I must admit. Even if they don't listen to me very well. :(

Now, you probably want the recipe... Huh?

I found this recipe over at Rak's Kitchen.

I added a few things to them to make them a bit sweeter. :)

I used:

2 c flour

3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp baking powder

a dash of salt

1 tbsp of cinnamon

2 c milk

2 tbsp oil

1 tbsp or so of vanilla

1. mix all of the dry ingredients first.

2. add the milk, oil, and vanilla. mix well. let sit for 10 minutes.

3. heat griddle. 

4. pour batter, do not spread. heat until bubbles pop and the color changes. then flip and heat the other side until finished. 

5. serve with butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and/or syrup. however your heart desires.

6. enjoy!

"Slamming Doors"

The other night I was working on getting the kiddos ready for bed. But they had no desire to come to me to get diapers/pull ups on and jammies put on. Instead they wanted to play in their room and open and close the bedroom door. They both got a hit out of it. Michael's face was just priceless! He was having a blast!

Bath Paint!

After dinner the other night I decided that I was going to make some bath tub paint for the kiddos. It was very simple to make. All it was was shaving cream and food coloring. I used a six count muffin tin and put some shaving cream and different colors of food coloring in each tin. 

I put both of the kiddos in the bath tub in a diaper and underpants. And then I let them paint to their hearts desire. They painted the walls of the bath tub and Lyric painted her brother's' tummy. The first thing that Michael did was stick his hand in the shaving cream. I think he may have liked the feeling of it. He also liked to mix all of the different colors. It was so much fun watching the two play and paint. Then we took our baths. 

Random Pictures From Our Day

We had a pretty good day today. Although, I woke up with a terrible headache. The kiddos woke up about 0730, Michael thought that he was still tired and wanted to sleep some more. So me and Lyric came out into the living room and cuddled while watching a movie. After a little while though, she was done cuddling and wanted to play a little bit. So, she played with her kitchen stuff and I laid on the sofa while watching her and a movie. I got rid of my headache! :) Michael decided that it was time to get up.

We went about our day. Nothing big happened. Stayed inside as it has been bitter cold out.

Here are some random pictures from this evening. :)

Lyric "Roaring"

Mikey carrying a sock on his shoulder. (he put it there)

Lyric snuggling in her blanket from her Godmother for Christmas.

Mikey ramming his car back and forth and back and forth into the toys.

Making faces at mommy while taking pictures. :)

Mikey was coming after my camera, so I got a picture of him. Love his face! Bright flashes were coming from my camera. 

I love getting to spend my days with these two kiddos. :)

Our First Tea Party

This evening we had our first tea party. Lyric and I started our tea party with just the two of us and her two baby dolls. Then Once we started to set out the plates and cups Mikey decided that he would join us. He just had a little bit of sibling rivalry going on. 

After Lyric took all that she could from Mikey messing with her tea party she messed it up to the max. She scattered everything on the floor too. 

After our rivalry session, we moved the tea party to the picnic table. 

Here are some pictures of just Mikey and what he was doing during the tea party.

And then there is Lyric... Boy, was she having fun!

Snow Day!

We had a snow storm night before last. They were saying that we were going to get anywhere between one to three inches of snow. Well, when the snow started coming down it wasn't sticking to the ground. So, I had my doubts. I didn't think that we were going to wake up and have any snow. :(

Well, I was wrong...

We ended up getting about three inches of snow. :)

It was Lyric's second time out in the snow and Michael's first time.

Lyric is making foot tracks in the snow. :)

I don't know about this 'white stuff' yet.

Whatever it is, it is cold. 

Both of my babies standing by each other, wondering what to do. 

We only lasted about ten minutes the first time we went outside. Lyric decided that she didn't want to keep her gloves on and wanted to play in the snow bare handed. She would not keep the gloves on for nothing. Well, she fell in the snow and made a snowball all bare handed. Then got hysterical because her hands and fingers were frozen. She is a lot like her daddy on that part. He hates when his hands and fingers are cold, he gets cranky too. :) 

Then, when Mikey took his nap, me and Lyric went out and built ourselves a snowman. :) It was our first snowman that we built together. The only thing that could have made the experience better was having Chris there to help us. 

30 Days of Me Challenge (Day 20)

Day 20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

I have four.

1. Me and my sisters used to spend every weekend with our grandparents. They would pick us up either after school on Friday or sometime in that afternoon or early evening. And then we would head to their house and spend the weekend with them. Most weekends we would stay with them until Monday morning as our Grama was a Foster Grandparent and volunteered in our classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and some Fridays. So we would ride with her to school. And we would almost always go by a Moxie Java and get a hot mocha. I always enjoyed having my Grama help in my classes. I had her in all of my classes from First Grade all the way up until Sixth Grade. After I left Elementary School my Grama retired from the program.

2. I go back and think about this memory quite a bit. Especially when I am thinking about my Popa. He was a Shriner and was also involved in the Shrine Band. He had a Trumpet and a Tuba that he would let us kids try and play when we were over at their house. We may have never actually "played" the instrument I remember having so much fun. Another memory I have personally with my Popa is dancing with him. I was little and I would stand on his feet holding his hands and we would dance around the family room listening to music. 

3. Playing hide and seek with our Uncle Ted. It didn't matter where we hid he found us every time. Even when we thought that we had some of the best hiding places in the house. I remember hiding in the broom closet and the clothes hamper. Although, you needed a little bit of help to hid in the clothes hamper. I also remember hiding out in the garage in my Popa's computer room. When our Uncle found us he almost always scared us. Was just part of the game. Another memory I have with my Uncle Ted is doing his hair and playing Doctor with him. He had a few ace bandages that he would let us play with and we would wrap his arms and hands as if they were broken. 

4. My Uncle John took me on my first ski trip to Bogus Basin when I was nine years old I believe. I took the ski class and then me and him would go and ski for the rest of the afternoon. He also took me on my first night skiing trip. He is the one that got me into skiing. And it is something that I looked forward to every Thanksgiving and winter season. And then he moved to Washington... :(

30 Days of Me Challenge (Day 8)

Day 8: What are 3 passions you have?

Hmm... I would say that my three passions would have to be my kiddos, Chris, and music. 

My kiddos are one of my passions because they teach me something new almost everyday. The day that I had Lyric she taught me the true meaning of love and what it really means to love. And then their was Michael... From being able to be a stay-at-home mommy I have gotten to see almost all of their firsts. And I think that I am extremely lucky to be able to stay at home. It has given me so much joy. Even if there were really early mornings and middle of the night feedings. I wouldn't give any of that up. 

I have a passion for Chris because he has given me two of the greatest things in life. He has given me a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son. He works hard at what he does and provides for his family really well. It's because of him that I have the opportunity to be a stay-at home mommy. It's one of the best things that I have been able to do. 

I have had a passion for music for as long as I can remember. I played his trumpet and tuba when I was younger and then I went into 5th grade I joined the school band. I played the flute. I played the flute all the way through 7th grade and then in 8th grade I played both the flute and the piccolo. My grama and popa got me a piccolo as a present. I played both the flute and the piccolo all through high school. It was some of the best memories that I ever had.

Just a Relaxing Sunday

Lyric has figured out that on Michael's toy table that all the toys are Velcro-ed underneath the table and that she can unstick them and play with them on the floor. They don't have to be on the table. Now, I can't keep the toys Velcro-ed to the table. She insists that they don't need to be on the table and that it is fine that they are on the floor. Silly girl! 

But, it's not like they are that hard to put back on the table once she and Mikey are through playing with them. Although, Mikey just wants to tip the table over and play with the legs. 

I got two silly kids that are very curious about everything. But that's what makes them great!

Back to Routine :(

Chris went back to work today for the first time in just under two weeks. He was able to take leave while his parents were here for Christmas. And it just happened to work out that when his leave officially ended he just had to check back in with work and went on to go on to his 96 for the New Year. 

It was different getting up this morning, because he wasn't there next to me to get up with me and the kids. I got used to having him home. And I think the kids did too. Lyric got up came to our bedroom door, she can't get into our room because of the baby gate. She likes to sneak into our room and bathroom and get into stuff that she's not supposed to. But she came to the bedroom and called out for daddy. But daddy wasn't there to answer. So, we went about our day... Without daddy. :(

Lyric and Michael got a play kitchen, kitchen set with pots and pans and a 4 place dinner setting along with a ton of other utensils that you can use for cooking and baking, a 5 colored bucket set with 5 fruits/veggies in each bucket, and they each got a small shopping cart with a seat for a doll or stuffed animal. Lyric loves to play with play doh with all the many pots and pans and utensils. But hates that she has to put it away while Mikey is awake and playing in the living room with her. He likes to try to eat the play doh. 

I love the play kitchen that we got the kiddos. It was cheaper but has many pros as to why I like it so much. It was made here in the U.S.A along with the carts. :) It was reasonably easy to put together (as long as you don't skip ahead in the instructions.) It is a perfect height for both of the kiddos and lots of storage space and makes sounds. :) It fits really nicely in our living room under our t.v and doesn't take up a lot of space as the other ones do. :) I think it is a perfect first play kitchen. And I think that we are going to get lots of use out of it. Yeay!

Growing Up

My babies are growing up! And too fast might I add!

We upgraded Lyric's car seat this afternoon to the boosters with the back support. We found that her car seat has a recall on it and instead of getting another great big and bulky car seat we went and looked for the next stage of car seats for her. And well, we found one. And she likes it. 

And we got Michael a new car seat as well, as he has the same brand car seat as Lyric. It's not as bulky as our last ones and looks more comfortable than the one he has now I think. 

I have come to the conclusion. Actually, I came to the conclusion months ago that babies don't stay babies for very long. I wish that they could slow down on their growing up. But I know that isn't possible. You can only enjoy them the short while they are itty bitty.

It makes me teary eyed just thinking about my kiddos growing up. I wish that I could slow down time and keep them little for a while longer.

First Day of a New Year

Wow! I cannot believe that it is a new year. Where has the last year gone? 

Me and Chris have been together for 4 years, and married for 3.

Chris turned 21. And I turned 23.

Lyric turned 3 years old. And Michael turned 1 year old.

We all went home this past summer for a month. It was Chris' first time being home since he joined the Marine Corps, and it was Mikey's first time going home as well. And the first time many of our families got to see him in person for the very first time. 

I met my nephew, Maison for the first time. Cute little boy. 

Spent Christmas with Chris' parents. It's always nice to have family over for the holidays. Makes it that much more enjoyable. Maybe one year my grama and uncles can come visit for Christmas? I think that would be great and really enjoyable. That is unless we are stationed closer to home and it is easier for us to come home for Thanksgiving or for Christmas. 

I am looking forward to 2014. My grama is thinking about coming to visit in the spring. Chris has been thinking about re-enlisting. So, I wonder where we could be stationed. I think that it would be great to be in North Carolina. Somewhere by the water. 

Mikey's First Birthday

My Dear Michael,

Wow - Where did the last year go? I cannot believe that you are already ONE year old! Where did the time go?! It seems like it was just yesterday that I got to meet you for the first time and hold your sweet, little body next to mine. And here we are, a whole year later.

This has truly been one remarkable year. You have changed and grown so much from that little bundle of joy that we first brought home last winter. And now, you are crawling all over the place, "My Little Speed Demon." Just trying to keep up with your big sister. You pull up onto furniture and climbing on and up anything and everything that you possibly can. My only hope is that as you grow you are brave to take new risks and that you learn from your journeys and your risks no matter what the outcome may be.

You came into this world weighing in at 7 pounds and 5 ounces and 20 inches long. Such a tiny, precious, little baby. You came into this world so fast that you didn't give your mommy much time to get checked into the hospital. You knew that you wanted to come and you weren't going to wait for anyone or anything, now were you? You were my little bathroom baby. :) And now, you are still such a little baby. You laugh, you talk, and you walk. Making everyone who meets you smile. I can only dream of the young man that you will one day become. I will do anything and everything under the moon to be a good mother to you and to help guide you in your journey childhood and into your adulthood.

I love you Michael Justin. I love your cuddles, your smiles, and your giggles. I love your big, wide opened smile and the way you smack your lips as if you are going to give kisses. I love your dark hair and your almost black eyes and your long eyelashes. (Just like your sister.)

Happy first birthday to my sweet little son. May this be just the beginning of many, many more wonderful years to come. Thanks for letting me be your mommy! I love you my sweet, special boy!

Love,

Mommy

December 15, 2013

Lyric's Third Birthday

My Dearest Lyric,

Oh my. We are three years old now. Where did the last three years go? You are growing up too fast. Your mommy doesn't like it. But boy, has it been three years. I have watched you go from a newborn baby that relied on your daddy and mommy to a very independent young girl. You love to do things on your own that are easy enough for you. Although, you do have your daddy's temper. If something isn't going the way you want or your way you tend to throw a fit. We haven't really had any problems with temper tantrums. But boy can you get an attitude. I guess you get that from both your mommy and from your daddy. 

You have made a wonderful big sister to your baby brother. I love to watch the two of you play. Don't ever let anything get between you and your brother. You two are family whether you like it or not. 

You love to run around in nothing but your pull up or your panties. But I think that if you had it your way, you would run around in the nude if you could all day. Your mommy just seems that she can't keep your clothes on you. You just like to take them off! Silly girl!

I hope that you have a wonderful birthday and can't wait for the many many more wonderful years that we have ahead. 

I love you baby girl!

Mommy

November 25, 2013

Yummy!

Tell me...

If you could eat any one meal every day, what would it be? 

I would choose to eat my grama's breast of chicken. I think it is to die for! I love it. 

Instead of the peas, we usually have corn and mashed potatoes. But since we don't have any more corn, I opted for peas. 

Breast of Chicken

1 lb. of chicken breast

1 can of Cream of Chicken soup

1/4 c. water 

Seasoned turken/chicken stuffing

1/3 c. melted butter

Sliced swiss/american cheese

Put your chicken breast in a baking dish (I cut mine up into bite sized pieces) you don't have to.

Put a slice of cheese on your chicken. Mix your soup and water together in a bowl, then pour over the chicken. Top your soup/water mixture with the stuffing mix. Melt your butter and pour over stuffing mix. 

Bake in over at 350 degrees for 1 and a 1/2 hours.