Happy Halloween (and a late WWW)

I got to spend a wonderful five days with the family in College Station to celebrate Kidd's birthday and for some work training.  What a treat!  Tuesday night, we went to a Halloween party and I got to see the kids in their costumes, which was nice since I'm not getting to trick or treat with them tonight.  So, I bring you my version of Halloween 2013.  Presenting Minnie Mouse and Power Ranger Mega Force.

In other news that I didn't get to post last night because I got back late and was dog tired--  a Wednesday's Winning Words:

Like most parents, I sing to my kids.  And like most kids, they tolerate it.  Mine are still young enough to let me most of the time, even ask for it.  Amazing Grace is a song I have always sung to them (who doesn't?).  Well, now that Delaney really knows her middle name is Grace, she is absolutely certain the song is about her so she requests is almost every night.  By itself, I find this adorable.  To top it off, the other night when I was putting the kids to bed, when Delaney asked me to sing it, Justus chimed in with "...and then can you sing Amazing Hayden?"  Poor kid wants a song about him too.  Oh, how I wish in that moment I had more of a creative spirit so that I could have impromptu come up with a tune and lyrics to satisfy his request.

Wednesday's Winning Words: The cure for temper tantrums

I am not even kidding, y'all, I have found. the. cure.  I have a guaranteed method for bringing 2 year olds and 6 year olds alike, out of a full-blown, mid-scream, tears-down-the-face, I-hate-the-world-when-I-don't-get-my-way temper tantrum.  It's 5 simple words:  "What does the fox say?"

I don't know if you have heard that song, What Does the Fox Say?  but if you have not, you MUST immediately drop everything and check it out.  If you have small children, have them watch with you.  It is awesomely bad to adults, but once a kid hears it, it is kryptonite to the common temper tantrum.  Now, to be truly effective mid-hissy fit, you must say it loudly, in the rhythm of the "music" and then be prepared to say what the band says the fox might say (or some variation thereof).  Because, well, that's the best part to a child.  Silly dancing helps too, but that should come as no surprise.

You are welcome.

If, by chance, you are as enraptured by this Swedish group and want to hear more, like a certain part-Swedish person I know and happened to be married to, a great deal of entertainment (although NOT for kids) was derived from Meaning of Stonehenge.

Wednesday's Winning Words: Relocation Edition

As you know by now, we are moving.  So, we have spent quite a bit of time trying to prep the kids for it, even though they aren't really going permanently for a few more months.  Justus has his days--sometimes there are tears and sometimes there are cheers.  We're working on getting him excited about it.  Lately, he's asked a lot about the school mascot and sports teams.  When I went last week, he asked me to pick him up a few things because,

"I'm excited about becoming a Hyena, mommy!!"

He LOVED his hat and pennant, but I just need him to remember they are the Javelinas, not the Hyenas (they sound the same to a 6 year old).  I'm giving him a break.  He's only known the Aggies and Tigers until now. 

 

And, as for Delaney....she thinks we are moving to "KingsBell."  It's really precious to hear her say it.  I've corrected her once or twice, but not too much because I love the way she says it.

Change is GOOD....isn't it?

 

Well, friends, I have some news: The Royals are making a change.  A BIG change!  I have accepted a new position and the family is moving to South Texas.  I will tell you that although this has been brewing for awhile, I am still struggling with it a bit (if we're being completely honest).  It was not planned, but one thing led to another and the next thing we know, we are changing everything about our lives.  I am beyond excited about this new opportunity to expand my professional experience.  See, one of my clients hired me!  Talk about a compliment!!  But, I was hired to do something other than be a lawyer.  I may not be the best lawyer I know, but it is what I know.  No worries.  It's not like it's 10 years down the drain.  My legal training and specialty area will serve me very well in my new position, and is in fact, what makes this such a great fit.  There have been so many tears and prayers as we have come to this decision and I will undoubtedly cry every single day until (and probably even a lot after) I am there because our life here as been enormously rich with amazing friends, co-workers, neighbors, schools, and activities.  We will miss our College Station life so very much.  When Kidd and I moved back here in 2003, we never intended to stay.  Everything just fell into place for us, but even then I was hesitant about being a late 20's/early 30's adult living in my college town.  Almost everyone we knew here before had left.  Life would definitely be different.  I joined the local Junior League (which is, regrettably, not available in our new location), we got involved in church, and we've made such a wonderful life here.  Our kids were born here, baptized here, schooled here, loved here.  It will always be a special place for us, and for an entirely different reason than  because I'm an Aggie.  This truly is a great community in which to live and raise a family. 

 

As I mentioned, we didn't have kids last time we relocated.  If you haven't had to do it, let me just tell you that even though ours are very young, the idea of taking them from everything they've ever known is heart-wrenching.  People keep telling me they will adjust, and I have every confidence they will.  It's just different when your professional aspirations potentially impact little lives in a way you had never even considered.  Always at the forefront of my mind is "Am I screwing them up by doing this?"  I know military people do it every few years, but I am not military so I am not used to it.  It's HARD!  Having said that, if you happen to see my kids, particularly Justus, please speak highly of moving and our new adventure.  He has moments of excitement, but the realization of leaving his friends, school, activities, babysitters, etc. is starting to hit home for him.  Also, our tentative plan is that I will move to start on October 1st, but because of potential daycare wait lists and the fact that Justus just started a new school year here, we intend to hold off on the rest of the family relocating until Christmas Break.  If we manage to stick with that plan, it will be an incredibly difficult few months for our family.  Please send up all the prayers you can manage for us.  We would definitely appreciate it!!

 

So, new job--Check.  New town--Check. New friends--Sort of a check because I know some people.  New house--no check yet.  New schools--no check yet.  New doctors--no check yet.....you see where my anxiety has begun to set in about this whole thing....

 

Although I have no doubt that everything will fall into place again and that this will be a great adventure for us, I still have such mixed emotions about it.  I kind of wish I was a guy--Kidd is not at all as emotional about this as I am.  I so much as look at a friend these days and I start crying.  God help me when we take the kids to their doctor for the last time, or to school.  Ugh, and now I'm crying again!  This is going to be a problem.  It should be him going in October to allow me until December to be here a little longer...  Stay tuned--I'm sure there will be much to write about along the way and during this transition period!

 

First Grade

 

 Two years ago, this happened and I thought "I can't believe my baby is such a big kid."

 



 

Last year...same thing!

 

 

 

Look at him now.  First Grade!!  I have so enjoyed seeing everyone's first day pictures on Facebook and via email.  I want to freeze time because I know that I will blink and he will suddenly be a high school graduate, or college graduate for that matter, and I will wonder where the time went and how we got to wherever it is we will be then.  God has a plan, and I pray that he continually reminds me that right now that involves first grade.  Everything else will happen when it is supposed to happen.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Now, this is my kind of Shark Week!

 

 

We Kidd and Justus love shark week!!

 

As long as the sharks look like this, I can get behind it too.

 

Wednesday's Winning Words: Toddler Lyrics

To say that Delaney's vocabulary has taken off would be the understatement of the century.  Regularly, she says things that make me just stop and wonder what happened to my 2 year old and when she suddenly became a teenager.  It's frightening, sometimes.  Really.  My favorite thing lately is that she sings in the car.  Constantly.  And if she doesn't like the song I have on the radio (that I may or may not be singing along to), she will sing louder, as if to prove a point.  Yeah, it's cute.  For now.  So, I thought it would be fun to share with you a few of Delaney's lyrics to some of our favorites.  Feel free to sing along in your head.  You know you can't help yourself.

The Alphabet Song: "...LMNOP, 2RS, TUV..."

Row Your Boat:  "Wo, Wo, Wo your boat, gently down the street..."  Poor girl--we don't have streams, here in this part of Texas.  Can you blame her for getting that one wrong?

Jingle Bells (I think I've mentioned this is a year-round favorite for her):  "Shingle Bells Shingle Bells, Shingle all the way.  Oh what fun it is to ride. HEY!"  That's the entirety of the song, as far as she is concerned.

This must be the early version of that e-card I keep seeing about that awkward moment when you are singing a song you've known since you were a kid and you suddenly understand the lyrics.  I love that she enjoys music so much.  She is constantly bobbing her head to whatever is on the radio and she's now taken to just putting our everyday phrases into song.  It definitely makes me more cognizant of what I'm saying.

And since I've been depriving everyone of pictures lately, and since we're on the subject of Delaney, here are a few recent pics of her.  Don't even talk to me about how grown up she looks.  I know and it's breaking my heart.

Playing dress up at G-Daddy's and Darla's

 

 Playground time!!

Us lately...

Just to bring you up to speed...

I've been traveling for work for the last three weeks (see post on Philadelphia).  So, things have been hectic and I've been a terrible blogger.  But, what else is new?!

This is me. 

 

We no longer own this home.  We are having mixed emotions about it.  It was a great home with great neighbors, but we were ready for something that was more suited to our needs.  We bought a lot a year ago with big plans to sell this home, and rent while we built a new home.  We are just at a different place than we were a year ago, but we still executed the plan...at least as to the selling and renting part.  How could we not?  It's such a seller's market right now. 

Stay tuned for details on the rest. 

 

Justus tested for his next belt level.

 

 ..and got it!  A new Tiger Yellow Belt.

 This one had a 4th of July Parade at her school.  Last year she cried, so this was an improvement.  But, there were no smiles...

 

4th of July!!  Happy Birthday, America!  The kids were, at various points in the day, all decked out in red, white, and blue, but of course I didn't get pictures of that.  I did get, what they would tell you was the best part of the day.  Pool pics!!

 Lunch time!

 

I didn't get any good ones of J in the pool.  He had on his snorkle gear and his face was always in the water.  I couldn't help post this sweet happy face though.  They wore themselves out!!

We are adjusting to the rent house and look forward to what the rest of the summer holds for us.  We are sure it will be quite an adventure, especially if June was any indication...  We hope everyone is having a great summer too!

Philadelphia

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Philadelphia for a work conference. I have never been before, and admit that when it was time to go, I wasn't terribly excited.  It was one of those situations where it seemed like a good idea at the time I registered for the conference...a few months ago...when I thought my husband was going to go with me and we'd make it a mini vacation...and we weren't closing on our house a week after I got back...and I didn't have out of town hearings scheduled the weeks before and after...you get the idea.  Nonetheless, I really did enjoy this historical city and wanted to share a few pictures with you.

Hands down, the best city hall I've ever seen.  I mean, there is nothing wrong with my local city hall, but if the urban designers here wanted to look to Philly for some inspiration, I'm just saying I wouldn't object.

 One morning while there, I went on a 4-mile running tour with City Running Tours, which was organized through our conference.  It was such a great way to see so many of the "must see" spots.  This was the Ben Franklin Bridge (over the Deleware River) at sunrise. 

Independence Hall

Doesn't it just give you goosebumps??

The Liberty Bell

(after hours, which is why I'm taking pictures from behind a glass wall)

 The Rocky steps...also known as the Philadelphia Museum of Art

 

View of Philly from the top of the steps.

 

Yeah, he even has his own statue.  Right there in the middle of all that American History.

Love the way we prioritize...

The tomb of the unnamed soldier from the American Revolution.

This.  Amen.

 

Even though I am not a huge history buff, I did enjoy the city very much.  I spent some time at a few pubs (where I was in good company while watching the Spurs throw away the NBA Championship, but I'm not bitter) and great restaurants.  I loved the Reading Terminal Market too, but didn't get a good picture of it.  I may or may not have been too busy stuffing my face.  Overwhelming food and market options all under one huge roof.  I think it's the oldest indoor market, in operation since 1893!!

 

I recommend a visit to Philly if you've never been.  The architecture and history are amazing.  It's also a very well laid out city that is easy to navigate.  Even I didn't get too lost!

Quick Kindergarten wrap up

 

 

I know this is a bit late, but what else is new with me these days...

 

First Day of Kindergarten

 Last Day of Kindergarten

(disregard the pink writing...my printer is out of color ink...)

 



This kid learned SO much this year in Kindergarten.  I am amazed at how he has grown in the 9 months.  He's always loved books, but now he can read on his own (when he focuses).  He learned math and science, music and art.  He is so much more independent--walking from the crosswalk all by himself, managing the lunch line with no problem, etc.  He participated in programs, went on field trips, and made a bunch of new friends.  I know this all seems like common sense, since we have all been through it.  But, it was an enormous growing time for us as he transformed to more a little boy than my baby.  We were so blessed with a wonderful teacher and fantastic school.  Yesterday, he asked me why he can't go back to school until August.  I think it's more than just missing his friends.  He really liked it!!


He was even patient enough on that last day to let me get a few pictures of him...and, then he stopped paying attention to me because he was excited about going to a swim party and I was keeping him from that.

Watch out, First Grade! 

Here comes Justus!

Baby D: Version 2.5

Guess who is officially two AND A HALF today??  That's right, this kid (except that this picture is from about a month ago):

So, that means an update!!

Not sure on her weight and height status because (shockingly) she has been well and not to the doctor in quite some time.  Yes, I realize I just jinxed us....which is kind of funny since I am about to leave town and Kidd will be single parenting off and on for the next three weeks.  hahaha.  She does wear a size 2 for the most part and a size 6/7 in shoes.

She definitely loves being silly, and I think that just maybe she will develop a bit of a snarky attitude.  Can't imagine from whom she might get that.  She's a bit of a practical joker...as much as a two year old can be.  If you ask her a question, she will sometimes deliberately give you the wrong answer just to see what you do.  I may have said it a time or two--we are definitely in trouble with this one... We were discussing this morning that she has started speaking much more quietly with us (and with a bit of a whine), and Kidd pointed out that it's because she's learning to manipulate us.  She's starting to understand that if you speak quietly, people are forced to stop and listen to you.  Whereas, if you speak loudly, asking for what you want, often you are just told to be quiet.  I'm not sure if her reasoning skills are quite that advanced, but she is observant so I'm not willing to put it past her just yet.

Bat Girl

Wearing Daddy's shirt

This girl still LOVES her shoes.  She has started having a pretty intense opinion on which shoes she wears every day.  I'm not above selecting a whole different outfit for the day if the one I pre-selected does not match the shoes she is committed to wearing on a particular day.

 Thankfully, she's not into mismatched shoes...yet.  This was just her trying on new tennis shoes.

 

She loves her red sparkly Toms.

Her sunglasses are her favorite accessory, and she seems unphased by the fact that don't really sit on her left ear very well.  We re-adjust as needed and keep on truckin'.

 

 

She has become kind of a picky eater.  She will try most foods, but then after the initial taste, we get "I no like it..." and then the spitting out of the food.  Now, when she does like something, she will eat and eat and eat.  Her favorite things right now are NutriGrain bars (Justus went through a love affair with these as well), fruit snacks, cheese, chips and salsa, blueberries and broccoli.  She will eat peas and green beans, mandarin oranges (almost every day), some meat and any bread...  I'm just glad she is at least willing to try stuff.  Justus didn't even do that very much.

She is working on the potty training.  And by "working," I mean doing it when she feels like it and teasing us when she doesn't.  She has days (and even some nights) with no accidents, and then there are days like yesterday, where she had 5 accidents at school and 1 at home.  I'm certain we will get there, but it is a battle in the meantime.  She's fully capable, but often lazy or disinterested.  We aren't forcing it.  Right now.  I am tired of doing laundry every day though...

Her vocabulary has just blossomed and she has the best things to say sometimes.  Lately, when she asks for something and we tell her "No" (I assure you, it's not often), she says "Awwww, Man!" just like her brother.  Cracks me up.  She is quick to voice her opinion and loves to sing, sing sing.  Jingle Bells is still her favorite song, so it's Christmas all year in the Royal household thanks to this one.  Every night at bedtime, we go through ABC's, RockABye Baby, Jesus Loves Me, and a few others.  She's definitely a creature of habit.  She is loud and silly and playful at home, but still acts quite shy and reserved in public.  If you know me, you know I don't really understand this.  Kidd totally gets it and says it's normal.  I trust him.  It actually works out well because we get the kindest compliments on how sweet she is.  I get to smile and thank people, while thinking "Yeah, that's because she doesn't know you that well...Stick around awhile."

She still doesn't play with a lot of toys, but her favorites are her princess dress up shoes and all her dress up necklaces, etc.  She loves pushing her baby around in a stroller, playing in her tents, and playing with her Calico Critters Bunnies.  She also has a great time playing "shopping" with her Minnie Mouse grocery cart and groceries.  Her Minnie Mouse phone is always nearby too.  Now that I think about it, she does have a bit of a Minnie Mouse obsession.

Ultimately, her favorite play thing is still this guy.  Best. Friends.  I can't get over what a good big brother he is to her and how helpful he is when it comes to getting her to do things.  She adores him and loves to play in his room with him.  I think she would follow him to the ends of the Earth as long as it meant she got to spend time with him.  She still calls him "my Justus" and he absolutely is!

There's so much about this little girl to share, but I think that's good for now.  She will be 3 before we know it and I'll be doing another update.  I can't believe how fast she's growing and what an interesting (and entertaining) little lady she's becoming.  Her independence may be the death of me, but I wouldn't want it any other way for this one.

Happy 2.5, Delaney Grace!  We love you more than you will ever know.

Wednesday's Winning Words

Sometimes we just dig in our heels when it comes to our kids.  And sometimes, it's not the right time to do it, but it's done so you can't go back.  You KNOW you know what I'm talking about.  So, yesterday was the day that my husband decided that Justus needed to watch the news in the morning, rather than whatever cartoon he wanted to watch (like he does every. other. day).  Yep, yesterday....the day after the EF-5 tornado reigned down and destroyed Moore, Oklahoma.  The day that the news was still talking about 24 children missing and 91 people dead.  That was the day he thought Justus needed to watch and learn about what was going on in the world.  Now, I agree that it's not a bad idea for kids to watch the news from time to time and I even understand that he was wanting to watch it, so for Justus to change the station would have meant that he couldn't keep up with what was happening. 

What neither of us was thinking about at the time is what that meant for me in taking Justus to school that morning.  It is a short one-mile trip from our house to where I drop him off for school.  Usually, it's a mile filled with whatever song Justus wants to listen to, and made up stories of Jedi Knights or warrior ninjas.  Yesterday, it was literally one of the most excruciating one-mile trips of my life.  So many questions, and because of our "daily grind," so little time.

"Mommy, did God make the tornado that destroyed all those homes in Oklahoma?"

 

"Mommy, why did God let all those people get killed?"

"Mommy, did you see that there are still 24 people they can't find?  Are they under all that trash?  Why did God do that?  Did he just mess up and make a mistake?...."

With the little bit of time I had, we talked about God's plan and how we don't understand it but have to have faith in it and you have to see Him in the aftermath rather than in the midst of the tragedy.  But seriously, how do you get a 6 year old to buy into that?  You would think, having experienced the death of a parent at his very same age, and somehow finding my way back to God, that I could explain these things to him.  I have never felt more useless as a parent.  All I could do after he left the car, seemingly satisfied with my answers, was get teary and pray that God would provide me with the words to answer and comfort my child(ren) when these horrible tragedies, which seem to occur all too often these days, happen and strike his heart.  I wanted to sit and talk with him for however long it took to get him to understand, but maybe the beauty of the moment was that is was just that--a moment.  One brief chance to hit the overall theme and then let him go on his way and either think about it more or not.  How much more explanation would have sunk in anyway?  I am certain had I had more time, it would have been much too overwhelming or he would have just tuned out. 

There are so many tough parenting moments and often, like yesterday, they just strike out of nowhere.  We want to be able to make the most of a teaching moment, but it's just not always possible.  Let us understand that, not beat ourselves up about it, and continue to do the best we can.  After all, we are all just fine and we know our parents didn't always have the right answers...

Wednesday's Winning Words: First date

I don't mean to sound like a high schooler, but I have to say that I am pretty excited about my date tonight!!  The good news is that my date is excited too, albeit a bit nervous, I think.

The Chick Fil A restaurant near our house is hosting a mother-son Date KNIGHT tonight in homor of Mother's Day, so Justus and I are going after taekwondo.  It's his first "official" date.  We had to make a reservation and there will be table side service.  Be jealous.  Pictures will should follow.

This morning, I reminded him about it and he reminded me that he knew he had to have a good day at school AND taekwondo to get to go.  He got very excited and asked me "Is it a real date?  Like the ones I will go on with my girlfriend???"  I said "Yes, it's a real date and maybe one day when you are older and have a girlfriend, you will go on dates with her too."  to which he replied, "but, I already have a girlfriend!  Addison."

PARDON ME???  As I picked my heart up off the floor, he gleefully rushed off to feed the dogs.  When he came back in, he said "Mom, this is the most excited I've been about a date in my whole life.  I love you!"  Heart mended.  Happy day!

Wednesday's Winning Words

I know, I haven't blogged in awhile and this is totally the easy way out, but this has stuck with me since yesterday so I just had to share.  I said that every now and then I would share winning words by other people, so count this as one of those.

So very creepy.  And yet, hilarious!  Kids say the darndest things, don't they??


Creepiest things a child has ever said:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/the-creepiest-things-a-child-has-ever-said-to-a-parent

Wednesday's Winning Words: Run for Boston

                                 
Monday during prayers, Justus said "...and please help the people who set off the bombs in Boston and don't let them hurt any more people."  Afterward, I told him that was a very nice thing to pray for and he told me "I don't like that all those people got hurt, mommy."  I know baby, me either.

I'm not even going to go into my thoughts and feelings about this whole thing, in part because I still haven't wrapped my mind around it.  The horrors of the mind that envisions setting of bombs to harm as many people as possible at the end of what is supposed to be an achivement of human perseverence... What I do know is that the innocence of a child's perspective always just hits me in the pit of my stomach.  They have no filter and are not yet jaded.  It's beautiful!

I ran for Boston this morning!  Unfortunately, since I have to run so early, I was alone; but I wore my blue and did it anyway!  I hope you consider being a part of this neat event.  Even if you are not a runner, just go to a local one and show support.   After events like this, people always question, "What's happening to humanity?"  My hope is that we see the humanity in the response, rather than looking at the tragedy as a means to question it.  Don't get me wrong--I am more than fearful about what has become an unfortunately more common occurrence (efforts to do mass damage), but I choose to focus on the goodness of people and how we pull together when something like this happens.  It is really amazing!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Run-For-Boston-417/613135315380603?fref=ts

Wednesday's Winning Words: Life as we know it

So, my morning (once I got to work) went a little something like this:

As a follow up to something that happened late yesterday, I call client university president.  He isn't there, but I'm told he will return my call shortly.

Wait patiently in my office so as to not miss important call from said university president, who I know is an incredibly busy person.  If I miss the call, it may not happen again today.  And this call must happen before I leave town this afternoon.

Cell phone rings.  It's the daycare.  My thought:  "Crap, Delaney bit someone again and is about to get kicked out of daycare..."  I answer anyway.  Just as I hear Katy say "Hi, it's Katy," the office phone rings.  "Katy, can I call you right back? I've been waiting for this call that just came in. Mkay, thanks, bye."

Talk to university president about very important university business.  I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you.  And then I'd lose both my job and my freedom, so it's not worth it.  Sorry.  We had a good 10-15 minute talk, and solved all the world's problems (or so I thought).

Called daycare back immediately because I can envision my either ill or troubled child sitting in Ms. Katy's office:  "Ok, Katy, sorry.  Had to get that.  What's up, is everything ok with Delaney?"
Katy:  Yes, Delaney has some good new she wanted to share, so let me put her on speaker..."

Delaney (in a very unlike her soft, whispered voice):  "I tee tee potty, Mommy.."

me: YAY!!!!!  My big girl tee-tee'd in the potty.  I'm so happy..."

The celebratory conversation of the event (with details you don't want to hear) with Delaney and Katy continued for a couple of minutes...

As soon as I hang up, with a huge smile on my face because Delaney FINALLY went on the potty at school, I click that I need to get down the hall to my boss to discuss my previous conversation of the morning.  Not the one about the potty.

This is my life....giving advise to high level administrators and celebrating potty successes all within the matter of five minutes.  And, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I know so many women who engage in this dual life of outside the home work & parenting, and we don't think anything of it because it truly just is life as we know it.  But, every now and then, something like this morning happens that when I step back and look at it, I gain a little more perspective of how fortunate we are to be able to both do what we love and have what we love at the same time.  It is hard.  Every day, it is hard.  But the rewards from both adventures are bountiful, and I am so thankful to God for my many blessings which include both work and a family.  It's easy to get frustrated in the day to day of either (or both) work and/or life, but I aim to focus more on celebrating the good fortune of having both and for being a better person because of both.  Every woman has to do what is right for her when it comes to deciding whether to be a stay at home mother or work, and I don't judge.  We are not all cut from the same cloth, and the world needs us both.  I am a better parent because I work.  I also think I'm better at my job because of my family.  At this point, I could not imagine giving up either.  I am truly blessed and look forward to many more days of this life as I know it!  I just hope that more strike me as being as humorous as today did.

Wednesday's Winning Words: Spoiler alert

  This is a cautionary tale of what happens when someone spoils your child and then leaves you to deal with it.  I'm talking to you, Ms Shanon!

It's been warm lately and Delaney has adjusted to the flip flop/sandals with the thing between the toes (unlike last year when she screamed when I put them on her).  So, she wanted to wear some of her new sandals to school the other day.  I obliged. 

Me:  Delaney, I love your new sandals.  They are so pretty!

D:  Pretty shoes, Mommy?! 

PAUSE as she looks quizzically down at her feet....

D:  My toes not painted, mommy....

sad face

D:  MY TOES NOT PAINTED, MOMMY!

D:  Ms. Shanon paint my toes???

Me:  Delaney,  you are two.  It is acceptable for you to wear sandals without toenail polish.

D:  My toes not painted, mommy....

Still the sad face, as she walks in confusion to another room. 

She wore the shoes anyway, but it was touch and go there for awhile.  Apparently, she continued to make an issue of it for the duration of the day, because her sweet teacher, Ms. Syeda, offered for us to bring the polish to school and she would paint her toes during nap time!  This kid has the whole world wrapped around one of those little pinkies.

Picture time!!

 

We got some pictures back from our favorite photographer and I just had to share them.  We did birthday shoots with everybody's favorite things.  So, for Delaney, it was SHOES of course, and for Justus, we focused on the sport de jour--soccer, and his new found love for LSU.  Meanwhile, I had yet to do an Aggie shoot with the kiddos, so it was a prime opportunity to fit it in too.

 

 

 

 

I think I shared some of the shoe pictures of Delaney already in her birthday post, but I just can't get enough!!  This girl LOVES shoes and I love these little legs and feet.

 

And isn't this one of the cutest little Aggies you have ever seen??? 

 

Brother is a little confused.  He likes the Aggies but is currently leaning more toward LSU for college.  I can't wait to see how many times he changes his mind on this issue.

 

Why does he have to look so grown up?? 

 This one....we are in so much trouble!

My heart in two little bodies.  I could not love them more, and am so thankful to Sarah Giles, Butterfly Chaser Photography, for capturing their smiles, silly faces, and amazing spirits in pictures.  Thanks also to the King Family and Ms. Shanon for prop assistance.