Stuffins is Sick

Tonight we put the boys to bed about 8:30. When we've had a somewhat uneventful day where they are not exhausted, it usually takes them about 30 minutes to wind down and fall asleep. During that 30 minutes, they are usually talking and laughing at each other's conversation.

At 9:45, JB went in to see what the problem was that still had BB talking while CB was already asleep.

JB: "BB, what is the problem?"

BB: "Stuffins gotta runny nose."

Side note...CB has had a runny nose since Saturday so apparently Stuffins has caught the runny nose bug.

Until next time, HB

Not Much, Yet so Much...

Have you ever sat down to blog and realized that there's not much to blog about which can give a false impression of not much going on, when in reality, you are as busy as ever? I find myself doing this more often. We have been so busy with more busyness to come, yet, nothing really to blog about.

In light of that, I thought I would just update on the boys and us.

Last weekend, JB's mom came to visit. As usual, the boys wore her out. But I know she wouldn't have it any other way.

JB and I went out to eat with some friends since we had free child care.

JB led a Crown Financial Ministries' small group. This is a leadership class for church members to attend in order to start this ministry at their church. That was all day Saturday.

Wednesday we had Individual Attention night.

Tonight JB attended a meeting after work.

This Saturday, we will be going to a state park to visit with extended family. My dad will be frying fish (yum, yum). We will enjoy the time fellowshipping with our cousins, aunts, and uncles.

I am staying up late preparing for an upcoming Shopping Event (arts and crafts show)...more to come on this later.

The boys are still.........well.......the boys. They are speaking so well. You can practically have a conversation with CB. His speech is a little more advanced than BB's. Although, I occasionally have to ask the other to interpretate. And they usually know what the other is trying to say.

They enjoy riding their tricycles. CB is infatuated with sports...doesn't matter what kind as long as he can hit, kick, bounce, or throw a ball...he's happy.

BB has become more attached to me lately. I guess this is probably a phase. When I am gone, he asks for me. He wants to know where I am going. If I "get dressed" more than usual during the day, He asks "Mommy get in the car?. BB get in the car too". It's funny that he thinks the only time I "dress up" it must mean we are going somewhere. Same for picking the toys up off the floor..."Mommy bacuum?" As if that's the only reason I pick up...well, it typically is.

Both boys like warm strawberry milk in the morning. It's like their coke, their coffee, or for some their morning cappuccino. Their day doesn't start until they've had it. BB wants 1 piece of ice in his and CB wants another sippy full after the first.

They love the puppets at church. Church is not complete until they have seen the puppets perform.

They are progressing rather well with potty training. It's actually not been as hard as I thought it would be. Still have a little ways to go, but I am comfortable and satisfied with their progress up to this point.

So much more busyness to come in the upcoming days and weekends. I'm sure something a little more interesting to blog about will come along.

Until next time, HB

The Important Coversations between 2 1/2 yr old Brothers

CB: "Mamma, I gotta doo-doo!"

Mamma: "Ok, let's get on the potty." (I set him on the potty.)

CB: "Go out dare"...pointing to the hall. As I leave, BB walks in.

BB: "You gotta poo-poo?"

CB: "No, I not gotta poo-poo......just doo-doo"

BB: "Oh...........ok."

As I stood there listening to their conversation, I didn't realize there was a difference. But in their little world, apparently there is.

Until next time, HB

Another Stuffins Moment

Several weeks ago, we were out in the backyard playing. When I sat down on the grass, Gizmo climbed in my lap. BB immediately stopped what he was doing and ran inside. He came out with Stuffins and proceeded to sit beside me.

I'll let the picture explain the rest.

Until next time, HB

Reasons not to Dust!

I received this through an email. I knew there was reason I shouldn't dust and clean up so much!

Dust if you must:
But wouldn't it better...to paint a picture, write a letter, do a Bible study, or spend time with a friend. Bake a Cake, play golf, or plant a seed. Ponder the difference between want and need.

Dust if you must:
But there's not much time with rivers to swim and mountains to climb. Music to hear and songs to sing. And books to read. Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must:
But the world is out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must:
But bear in mind...Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go, and go you must...
You, yourself will make more dust.

“Dust is a protective coating for fine furniture.”~ Mario Buatta

Until next time, HB

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

This past Saturday evening, we took the boys to a Braves game. We started at 3rd base seating with chair backs but soon had to move to the grass behind the outfield. The boys just couldn't sit still long enough for the chair backs so moving to the grass allowed them the freedom to run around a little more. However, they both left with bumps on their heads from falling.

We didn't it make through the whole game, which we expected. We lasted til about the 7th inning. We left by walking around the field and stopped for a few minutes to watch the pitchers of the opposing team warm up in the bull pen. While standing there, the catcher kept looking at the boys and within a few minutes tossed up the ball he was using to warm up with the pitcher. The boys were ecstatic. Although they didn't realize the "specialness" of the ball, they loved having a REAL baseball. It was all CB talked about on the ride home. They have since woken up from bed and nap asking for their baseball.

Thanks goes out to #19 of the Baybears for his sportsman act that made 2 little boys dream of playing in the Major League someday.

We hope to make to more games as this is such a fun family outing for the boys...all 3 of them.

“I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game.”~Walt Whitman

Until next time, HB

Individual Attention

Seems when the boys turned 2, their individual personalities and characteristics began to blossom and in some cases erupt. Each one of them have developed such different likes, dislikes, and interests. As their mother, I sometimes struggle trying to satisfy each of their personlities and interests when it comes to playing and entertaining.

Twice now, JB and I have taken a twin each to have some individual time. I took CB the 1st time grocery shopping with me. He enjoyed it as he helped Mommy put the groceries in the cart and pick out the items. I was amazed at how much easier it was with just one. JB took BB to the park and then eat pizza.

Tonight, we switched. BB and I went to the park to feed the ducks then a quick trip to Wal-mart for diapers and few other items. We finished the evening eating pizza and a game of air hockey. JB and CB went to another park to play and watch some little league baseball. They finished their evening eating Chic-fil-A.

It's my experience that CB's personality tends to stay the same whether one on one or with his brother. However BB's personality changes. He is so much more compliant and less argumentative. He minds better and doesn't act out to get my attention. He loves the individual attention. Regardless of the fun he was having, he was ready to see Brother. While with me individually, both continuously asked where the other was and didn't know what to think about the missing car seat.

We plan to continue to do this as they grow up. I'm sure they will continue to have different interests and we want to nurture each one as best we can.

Until next time, HB

Even Stuffins went to Vote!

Last Tuesday, we honored our God given duty and blessing by voting. (Sorry, Charlie). On our way out the door, BB stopped, looked at me and said, "I get Stuffins to go bote". Well, why not? What's more American than a "boy and his dog" and voting.

So off we all went, Stuffins included. The pole workers even gave Stuffins a sticker.

Until next time,HB

If only my Lap Grew Too

As my boys get bigger, my lap gets smaller. And to come to the realization of this can leave such a plethora of bittersweet emotions. They are becoming more and more independent yet still rely on JB and me as life support. As exciting as it is see them grow daily and to experience the new activities of each stage, it's still hard to realize that as these new activities and independence come along, dependence from their parents begins to diminish.

CB is beginning to recognize sports and the athleticism it brings. He loves to hit a baseball, kick a football and soccer ball, shoot a basketball, swing a golf club and tennis racket, he loves to pretend to swim in the tub. And in his little world, he thinks he is the greatest when he yells, "Yeah! Chistian!" when he's accomplished the purpose of all these sports. (yes, I meant to leave the 'r' out).

BB is realizing the praise he gets from being a big helper. "I help, Mommy!" with the dishes, putting up clothes, vacuuming, dusting, wiping the toilet seat after the "sprinkle when you tinkle", putting his dishes in the sink and any other opportunity that may arise that he sees he can help.

Yet with all these independent activities, they still occasionally want to sit in my lap. And the reality is, my lap is getting smaller. With bittersweet tears, I realize that the smaller my lap gets, the bigger and more independent they get and that their innocence begins to be violated. I look at my boys now and relish in the moments that they don't yet know the pain & hurt this world gives, the corruption it glorifies, the loss of innocence it can sometimes force.

As a social worker, I heard and became aware of some of the greatest evils this world has. I worked at a residential children's home that nurtured abused and neglected children. But it wasn't until I became a Mamma that I realized the emotional reality of a child's innocence and the loss thereof. I read and hear daily evils that corrupt the innocence of our children and grieve that one day my children will be exposed and in some way effected either directly or indirectly.

And when they are exposed, I wish my lap would be big enough for them sit in. I know physically that will not always be possible. But, I pray daily that my "emotional" lap of hugs, comfort, security and safety will never become too small but will always grow to be as big as it is needed.

JB and I pray diligently every night that our boys come to know Jesus as their Savior at a young age. We pray that God will guide us to "Train them in the way they should go" and pray that they will not depart from it. As I like to be in control, I know I will not always be able to control what they do. They will have to decide who controls their will, God or Satan. My prayer is that they choose God.

Until next time, I'll cherish the size of my lap and the 2 boys it can hold at this very moment, HB

The Fabulous 5's

This is another fun way of getting to know the blogger. I was tagged by a friend from The Storm Front.

What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was a junior in college majoring in Social Work. I went to school full time, worked part-time. I don't know of any exciting event in my life at the time. I was enjoying the college life and all the events that it entailed.

5 things on my to-do list today:

1)Monogram
2)Mail monogram orders
3)pick more medicine for Gizmo at the Vet
4)fold laundry
5)Make a dental appointment...see you soon Steph.

5 snacks I enjoy:

1)Peach or strawberry yogurt mixed with fresh strawberries and granola
2)Fat Free sour cream made into Ranch dip with baked tostitos
3)fruit (no apples or bananas)
4)anything chocolate (brownies, cake, candy)
5)Cereal

5 bad habits:

1)Popping my knuckles
2)Midnight snacks
3)staying up too late (see times of my posts for proof)
4)Popping off before thinking
5)procrastination

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1)Tithe
2)Invest in my children's education (heck, with that much money, build a college)
3)bigger house
4)Give enough to my parents so they can retire and live without financial worry
5)Start or invest in a charity

5 places I've lived:

1)Ridgeland
2)Madison
3)Clinton
4)Pass Christian
5)Raymond

5 jobs that I have had:

1)Babysitter
2)Child-care worker (infants)
3)Residential Assistant at a children's home for abused and neglected children
4)Intake Coordinator at same children's home
5)Work study in College

5 people I would like to know more about:
Most everyone I know has been tagged but a few more I will add:
1) Carrie Miley
2) Shana Foster
3) The Cagles

My 7 Secrets

I did this a few months ago when I was tagged by someone else. I have since been tagged again by another friend from the Pace Family Adventures.

1. I am a perfectionist who likes to be in control. I know, deadly combination that comes to combustion at times. I'm not controlling but rather like to be in control, especially when it comes to my boys. I don't like handing control over to other people. It's something I am slowly learning to do. But I hate being pushed into it. As for my perfectionism, I've always been this way. I would rather do it myself than explain to someone how to do it.

2. I don't like change. I like for life to be as stable as possible. I don't like surprises to come along and throw my life into a whirlwind of unforeseen chaos that leaves me feeling out of control. I can deal with "controlled chaos" (hence, I like to be in control).

3. I love to read. It is one of the best ways for me "escape". However, since becoming a mother, I have not had much time to read which means I don't get to escape very much. If you notice further down the page, I have a "Currently Reading" section. The same book has been there for about 6 months.

4. I married my blind date. JB and I met via a blind date. Our roommates set us up. I was not convinced on our first date, but it wasn't long afterwards.

5. I prefer a few best friends over many acquaintances or many girlfriends. And I must admit that God has blessed me with some of the best.

6. I want to go on an Alaskan cruise before my life is over. I don't care if I'm in a hospital bed on oxygen, as long as I go.

7. I hate doing laundry and dishes. I despise these chores.

Well, there are 7 mores secrets you know about me. Hope you enjoyed my confession session.

Until next time, HB

How Ironic!

The link below is to an article through MSNBC that appeared on my MSN homepage today. It reports on the price of food increasing. I thought it ironic that I just blogged about my experience and struggles...then to have this article come out today. Of course, it's more detailed about the percentages and exact increases. Regardless, I can sure testify to the intergrity of the contents after last nights grocery bill.

Food price hikes changing U.S. eating habits

Until next time, HB