Life lately...

A very giggly and amused 3-year-old came out from the Autozone restroom last night after having a 'little' accident in her panties (after she said she didn't have to go...ahem)...."Mommy, I'm pretending to wear panties...tehhehehehe." Daddy was very smart! To get a horrified little girl to come out of the restroom to the car where her change of garments were, he got her to play the pretend game. Horrified protests turned into absolute amusement and giggles....so much so, she wanted to remain an exhibitionist in the car (mommy won and soon Jadyn was fully dressed again).

A very smart almost-2-year-old watching Rangers baseball on tv last night had this to say every time a batter swung at the ball (hit or miss)..."Agh!!!!" Daddy and I were giggling behind him. :) Tonight, we are going to see the Rangers live. Can't wait to see his reaction!

We are now co-owners of a boat. Jay and 3 other guys are all joint owners of it. Pretty cool, since I've never owned a boat. Now, I can say I do...and the cost is split 3 ways! woohoo! I can't wait to finally learn how to ski after all these years, or to get back on a tube behind the boat! I won't tell you how long it's been since I've been tubing!! Ok, ok, I was a teenager....a loooooooonnngggg time ago! As I type, the boat is being cleaned and detailed so that it sparkles and shines like a beacon on the lake....making me all the more noticeable when I become air born, flying off the tube behind Jay's mad driving skills! Yes, you know where to find me this summer!

This evening, we are taking the kids to the Rangers game (compliments of CMJ Engineering....thank you!!!). First game for us this season. First game where Eli is an avid baseball lover. First game where Jadyn gets to wear her little Ranger cheerleader dress. First game when both kids can say, "Let's go, Rangers!" First game when hopefully neither kid will be scared of the firework show, should there be any! First game where the Sappingtons will be present, showing our support! :) Guaranteed to be an adventure when small kids are involved! Family time = fun time. I am so blessed!

I look at my husband, my kids, and I can't help but praise the Lord. I am so richly blessed! I look at this day the Lord has made....I will rejoice and be glad in it! Live each day to the fullest!

Each day is a gift from the Lord...how will you spend it?

Catchin' up...

Yeah, so I've slacked off...again! But, today's a new day and I'm feelin' the need for bloggin'!

Here's a catch up of what's been going on, picture style!

Jadyn had her first ever teeth-cleaning experience at the dentist in April. She did GREAT!

She even got to help the hygenist clean her teeth!

Also, in April, Jay and I ran our first ever 5k obstacle course! The Warrior Dash was a lot of fun! We even had our own little fan to cheer us on!

Like father, like daughter...












Also in April, we found out a wonderful surprise that warranted new shirts for the kids...

Unfortunately, the excitement was short lived, as we miscarried at 5 weeks. We were sad, but praise the Lord that we were pregnant, even if it was so short. We look forward to trying again VERY soon! Eli can't wait to wear his Big Brother shirt again!

We had a great Easter weekend! On Saturday, we took the kids to a couple of local egg hunts. This was Eli's first time, and he learned VERY quickly! He is now an egg hunting pro!


I love this picture. It reminds me of what wonderful blessings I have in my life. God has been SO good to me! My cup runs over!

Easter Sunday was spent with family. Nothing says lots of pictures will be needed to get just ONE good snap shot when kids are involved! Cousins...

Ok, so I couldn't get this picture turned the right way (I don't know why), but it is too cute not to include! So, just turn your heads side ways. :)

All of this great weather has warranted several trips to the park! At the end of April, we had a family date night and went and grilled some burgers and dogs at the park while the kids played. It was a great night (even if Jadyn has an intense fear of flies that interrupted the happy flow of dinner time).

We've been seeing a lot of Grandpa these days as I (Shannon) have been doing some part time work for him. The kids love seeing their grandparents, and Eli has a special fondness for his grandpa. I love this picture of them.





So, that's pretty much what we've been up to lately, besides a little fender bender the kids and I were in right after Easter weekend. My back bumper had some damage (& is currently in the shop getting fixed), but the car who hit me definetely got the worst end of the deal. Her front end was crumpled! No one was hurt, thank the Lord. And I am also thankful of the 'tank' that I drive as we had minimal damage!

Well, now you are caught up. :) So, what's in our near future? Eli turns TWO in June!

Love you guys! Hope you are all doing well!

Like father, like daughter...

Achievements...

Somebody around here has been hitting some pretty big achievements lately...

Learning to write her name...

Practicing her letters...and teaching her little brother...

Learning gymnastics...

And working hard at it...

And loving every minute of getting bigger....

Jadyn, you go, girl! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

"Bye-Bye Pacie"

Eli echoed my words as he ceremoniously dropped his pacie into the open trash can. "Bye-bye, Pacie". The tears that soon flowed once we put Eli to bed last night weren't his, but mine actually. After doing some "fake" crying, he then talked and giggled to himself before falling asleep all without the help of his beloved pacie. I on the other hand, cried as I figuratively let go of my baby and allowed him to get bigger. My baby is really not much of a baby anymore. He talks in complete sentences, makes jokes and laughs at them, likes to play pretend, LOVES to drum (he is especially fond of doing his air cymbal!), helps get himself dressed, feeds himself, and is even asking to go potty (it's just a game to him, but he does ask occasionally).

Jay and I have talked about giving up the Pacie for months now, but until recently, we didn't feel Eli was ready. Now, it has been me who hasn't been ready. It's convenient, comforting, and a symbol that reminds me very much of the tiny baby boy I held in my arms for so long. It has occurred to me lately though, even though it's just a pacie, it represents something I'm not ready to let go of...my baby. Am I holding my child back from becoming more independent, learning to self-soothe on his own (and not messing up his teeth)? Am I holding my child back from taking on the world because I'm not ready?! That pacie has been a symbol, a barrier in taking the blinders off of my eyes to realize how much my baby boy really is SO BIG in so many ways! I had to realize last night (as I boohooed in my husband's arms) that Eli was handling it SO WELL, like a BIG BOY! He never shed a tear and he fell asleep happy! I have to give thanks to the Lord for such an easy transition. God is so good and His timing is always perfect. My son is ready to move up in the world. No more pacies. As his mommy, my role is to encourage him, cheer him on, high five him, and let him grow up. I will always do my best to be right there if and when he does fall or stumble, but I won't always be able to catch him. That's life. We can't protect our kids from everything, but we can teach them the skills and allow them to learn the skills needed to not only deal with life, but to be confident and grab life by the horns! Eli is such a laid-back, deal with it as it comes kind of kid. Already, I see his personality showing forth. He has little to no fear, he's confident (he'll dive into your arms whether you're ready or not!), and he's almost always happy, and he has such a loving heart (just ask the kitty who keeps getting all the hugs)!

Even though I mourn another chapter closed in my not-s0-baby boy's life, I look forward with anticipation what the next chapter holds. Last night, it started with the pacie...baby steps for mommy....BIG BOY steps for Eli!

I love you, my son. You are one of my greatest treasures from the Lord.
Love,
Mommy

Fall Blessings and Christmas Wishes

My little Monkey will soon be 18 months old. He has stolen mommy's heart.

My little Pigtail Pie is three years old and will captivate you with her eyes and smile. Her big heart will be ready to envelope any one who will pay her attention. (will smile for jellybeans...)

I am so humbled and blessed with a wonderful family that God has given me. I have so much that I am thankful for. I am making an early New Year's Resolution...to blog more in the upcoming year! I miss doing it.

From my house to yours with love, Merry Christmas.

Three times as nice...

My little Pigtail Pie will be turning 3 on Sunday. We will celebrate tomorrow with cake and balloons, a bounce house, twinkling lights, playing dress up, and lots of giggles, surrounded by many family and friends! It will be quite memorable and I will cherish the memories of her third birthday. In the midst of preparations for it, Jay has come down with fever and sore throat, Eli has diarrhea, and I am overwhelmed with trying to get everything ready! Tonight was spent bathing the kids, finishing up last minute cleaning yet to be done, and following Eli around as he went commando to air out his little bum which is quite red and rash-ravaged from the diarrhea. I have to say, I think he rather enjoyed the 'freedom', if you know what I mean. He was quite content to 'whiz' on my floor, and I was quite grateful for stained concrete! Haha! At one point point (ok, ok, several times, I have found myself wanting to selfishly yell at my husband and say, "Why did you have to get sick now!?" (real loving wife there, eh?) As if he can control it! Thankfully, I've not humiliated myself in saying that to him, but have left him pretty much to fend for himself unfortunately while I prep for the party. He's on antibiotics and should hopefully be feeling better in time to party. :-)

This one has been QUITE mommy's helper though! :-)

So, it's now after 11 p.m. at night, the kitchen's a wreck, the couch is full of party supplies waiting to be unpacked from their shopping sacks, goody bags are waiting to be assembled, and pretzel rods are waiting to be turned into princess wands (or knight swords, if you're a guy....). Instead of continuing to be overwhelmed, I've decided to think about what all this is about...WHO all this is for....it's for Jadyn. My...OUR Pigtail Pie. Jay and I have been watching her and amazed at how much she's blossoming and growing these days in knowledge and helpfulness (and talkativeness). I can't believe it's been three years since we held her in our arms for the very first time. What a blessing she is to us!!! I cannot imagine my life without this precious little girl. She warms my heart with her unconditional love for me, for others. She's always ready to give a hug (and always ready to receive one, too!) Her favorite things to do are to cuddle with mommy or daddy and spend time with us, to be our helper, to hop hop hop, giggle giggle giggle, take care/boss Eli around (ahem), play dress up, watch Sesame Street or Dora, learn about Jesus, and play outside. She loves to show off her skills, whether it's jumping ("Look how high I jump, mommy!"), coloring, sharing, eating her vegetables (yes, getting her to eat her vegetables is a skill). She never ceases to amaze me. She is a reflection of Jesus' unconditional love for His Children. She knows Jesus loves her. I am humbled and awe-struck with the task of teaching her the love of Christ. I fail at it many times, but am grateful that each day is a new day, and she is an eager learner. I am so blessed to be her mommy.

Happy 3rd Birthday, my little Pumpkin! I love you.....

videos

These are the videos I was trying to include in my last blog....

Eli scoots
http://picasaweb.google.com/shinnin1171/Jadyn2YrsEli1Yr#5506066117701700482

Eli laughing and talking
http://picasaweb.google.com/shinnin1171/Jadyn2YrsEli1Yr#5506067978790132850

Father/daughter dance
http://picasaweb.google.com/shinnin1171/Jadyn2YrsEli1Yr#5506122072921617122




Let's see if this works...
enjoy