Labouve Loca

The rest of 2012

2013-02-23T15:23:00.001-06:00

Luke and Layton are growing so quickly it is just insane!!! My last post was all pictures and I think I finished them off around Halloween, so that's where I'll start.

Lance did quite a bit of hunting this year and there were a few weekends that we were at his uncles ranch in Llano, only if we weren't at an A&M football game.

For Thanksgiving we decided to go to my brothers house between the ranch trips.

Here are a few pics of the boys at their school Thanksgiving program.

Grandparents were invited to the program and my mom and Charlotte came to both of the boys.

Luke was completely shy and I had to get him off the stage before even a note was sung. Bless his heart, he was a crying mess dealing with the anticipation of having to sing to a crowd. He did not get that from me.

Around this time I also dressed the boys up for Christmas card pictures that I was bound and determined to take myself!

It was Luke's idea to have the bowtie. Adorable!
Here's a copy of our finished product...

And sweet Luke did not feel complete until he had a tree of his own in his room!

We all had a great Christmas and a great start to a new year!

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Fall Part 1

2012-12-31T10:54:00.001-06:00

We have been oh so busy and I just needed to take a second to actually post something.

I love Lincoln logs. That's all for this picture.

I love Luke, he's freaking adorable.

Birthday party at pump it up, Layton absolutely loves pump it up!

We were very unsure of what he actually wanted to be for Halloween, so I took him to pick out his own costume.

Just for posterity peeing pic.

This one of Layton is from Sci-port in Shreveport, it's an awesome place!

Little stud again.

Neither one of my children really enjoyed the gooey stuff inside the pumpkin.

And here he is...the buff conductor.

And the power ranger.

More to come...

Pictures

2012-10-28T21:49:00.001-05:00

Yes, Layton has been 3 for over a month and I haven't posted about it. I WILL TOMORROW.

I'm a fan of the Lincoln Log. Yep, I am. My kids like to wrestle...that doesn't really scream "good times" to me, so typically I end up begging them to build things with me. Or watch me while I build things.

My beautiful child.

Soccer, soccer, soccer. I just don't know where to begin, except that we won't be playing next year. The boys will totally be tailgating and hunting age-there go fall sports.

Speaking of tailgating, here's Sara and I before the La Tech game this year.

And here's Lance and I- first thing I thought when I took it, "PROFILE PIC". Facebook may be the work of the devil.

Little angel. This kid is such the baby. Lance and I divided the kids to conquer two birthday parties a couple weeks ago. Layton loves pump it up!

I love this picture. In a very weird way, it melts my heart. My kids are going to kill me!

Luke Michael colored this the other day. A kid at school told him he scribbled and it makes me so sad that he has busted his tail to color inside the lines. I could care less how he colors things. It's all about perspective, if he perceives his drawing to be awesome, I hope he defends it.

Halloween post to come also!

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Singing

2012-10-07T20:15:00.001-05:00

Lately the boys really love hearing "My Hope Is In You" by Aaron Shust and we all love to sing it. Tonight they wanted me to play it over and over...and over again. At one point the song was over and I was starting it again, Luke said, "You know it's good for you to sing?" I said "Oh yeah, because it makes you feel good." Then he replied with, " No, because it makes God feel good!"

It dawned on me that he's so right. I've always thought as singing as a huge part of MY time with God, but what Luke said made me think of things a little differently. If you are a parent I can almost guarantee that you think it's the cutest thing you have ever seen when your child sings. What about getting a video of that singing? I've done it. It's one of the memories of the boys I'd like to have forever. Now, imagine God feeling that way about us singing...and singing about him...with our children.

Goodness, it gives me the chills!

Fall Is In Full Swing

2012-10-04T20:42:00.001-05:00

The season has begun. School, football, routine, A COLD FRONT....it's all here.

The kids are going to the First Methodist Day School this year. They go on Tuesday and Wednesday from about 9-noon and Thursday they can go all day. They both really like it, which is such a blessing. When Luke got out of the car on Thursday and I told him he'd be staying all day, he gave me a little fist pump and said "yes!".

I've also recently started a new bible study. We are doing The Patriarchs by Beth Moore. I love that lady so much, I'm not sure there's a woman who doesn't.

I've started a run group at Social Fitness along with the owner of the studio. My group meets on Tuesday and we are all training for a 5k. I'm so excited to be training again for a race. The jury is still out on whether or not I'll run the White Rock half marathon this year, but I'm leaning more towards doing it. Lance, on the other hand, is a running machine. I am so, so proud of him for keeping up with it, and he's super fast too. The guy is awesome.

Luke has started soccer and scored his first goal at his first game! I somehow ended up being an assistant coach. I know absolutely NOTHING about soccer. NOTHING, so Lance has taken over that role. Luke asked what grateful meant the other day, then told me, "well, I'm grateful you signed me up for soccer." He wanted to wear his cleats out of Academy the day we got them...cutest thing. I also just got him a tennis racquet and we have been going to the courts at the golf course to practice with the net. He even does the little grunt when he hits the ball. I think it's cute, obviously.

Layton turned 3 on September 21. I'm sad. Very, very sad. I'll have to do a separate post on him very soon. We had a pancakes and pajamas party that was oh so fun! I love birthday parties.

Other than those things, Lance and I watched Texas A&M beat the hell outta Arkansas last weekend. Loved every second of it.

Please keep ladies who are having trouble conceiving in your prayers, there always seem to be so many worthy women with that emptiness in their heart.

-Update on Layton SOON! I've got to get on the ball!

Lots of posts to write...

2012-10-04T20:05:00.001-05:00

But before I forget...
Luke just told me he loves me more than getting the mail, and taking showers, and everything he does.

Those are things I never want to forget.

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August

2012-08-21T16:52:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we flew to South Carolina with Lance so that he could work a little bit. Flying has gotten so much better now that the boys are older...but don't get me wrong, flying IS NOT FUN WITH KIDS. We stayed the majority of our trip at the golf course in North Carolina, Balsam Mountain Preserve.

How beautiful is that? It is, I know.

We also decided to take the boys on a Dino train ride, similar to the Polar Express ride we have taken here in Texas.

This sweet baby was tired and I'm so glad he got to rest his head a minute with his Mawmaw.

The train ride lasted about 20 minutes, riding along a gorgeous river, then stopped at a field opening up to concessions and games for the kids.

We left for the Carolinas on my birthday and the weekend after we got back Sara brought a cake over to celebrate while we played Phase 10.

Thanks Auntie Sara!!

Since there is a massive amount of global warming going on, I'll be damned if it hasn't cooled off in Texas. Wink, wink. I've been taking the boys to the park and train station lately. Both things you can do outside instead of swimming.

This train is HUGE!! They keep it at the train depot in Marshall and the boys loved climbing all over it.
There were also two train tables inside. (This is where I should probably note, because I know I'll forget, that Layton plays with his train table EVERY MORNING. It's his routine. We wake up, get milk, and play with trains.) Layton could not get enough of the train tables at the depot and it made my time trying to get him out utterly delightful.

The day I took them to see the trains, we had gone to the park first. I left the park in a hurry when I heard Luke say "Damn I'm good" after he climbed to the top of the mountain thing made of cables. I'm sure, when he's thirty, I'll think there is some humor in this story, but not right now. When I told Lance what Luke said, he pointed out that I took him to play on trains for cussing at the park. Not great patenting skills on my part.

The reason Luke knows that word...

He listens to my music. Typically he's good on what I tell him to listen to and what he will stay away from; although, Gavin Degraw has a song that says "Damn". It's a catchy tune.

My next post will be just as sporadic as this one. I'm just trying to keep it real.

Maybe a milestone?

2012-08-01T09:11:00.001-05:00

We swim almost everyday. It is nearly ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND degrees outside and I will go/have gone crazy trying to beat the heat by staying inside the house.

Last week I took the kids to swim lessons and had Layton signed up for water babies. The first day of swim lessons I thought that Layton would surely have a fit without his floatie, but oh no...he swam. So we moved him up to Luke's class the next day.

Layton is in the blue top. He's listening. Something else I didn't know he could do until last week.

Oh wait, there's Luke...second from the end, in the white shirt. He's listening to instruction too. The instructors are miracle workers maybe?

I decided yesterday to get a little video footage of these two swimming in the pool.

Luke has been swimming since 3.5 years old, but here he is at 4.5!

YouTube Video

And Layton at 2 years 10 months! Can't poop on the potty, but he sure as heck can swim.

YouTube Video

Hopefully you guys are having a great summer!!

This child is a MESS!

2012-06-28T10:00:00.001-05:00

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It's been too long

2012-06-26T13:52:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy lately that the blog has been utterly neglected. Ugh! I don't even read other blogs. I hate that. Something's going to change...I don't know what yet, but nicer weather has gotten me off my phone and into the heat and nearest pool. Pools are no place for technological devices. So, today I'm just adding a few pictures and a little video!

YouTube Video

Hopefully you guys aren't too hot and your summer has been lazy and carefree!!

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Stupid Politics, Religion, and Economics

2012-05-15T07:41:00.001-05:00

If there are natural disasters on the news I will watch the coverage about those.

Money, politics, and religion...I'll just ignore it.

No matter who you are, what you are NOT, is someone who was put on earth to judge others AND worry about their decisions.

You may not agree, but that certainly doesn't make you a judge.

I recently read The Shack again for bible study and came across this.

The God portrayed in the book was speaking and said this, "so no, I'm not too big on religion, not big on politics or economics either. And why should I be? They are the man created trinity of terrors that ravages the earth and deceives those I care about. What mental turmoil does any human face that is not related to one of those three?"

I. LOVE. THAT.

(I judge, and I sin. I also feel that my journey with the Holy Spirit and God's presence in me is going somewhere good because I'm constantly convicted of my wrong thoughts and actions. That may make some people feel badly, for me, I know that I'm a work in progress, a GREAT work. So, I try harder.)

But listen, no matter the gas prices, health care plans, thoughts on gay marriage, or religious beliefs we are ALL God's children.

I feel blessed that I have or have had cheaters, drug users, homosexuals, suicides, law breakers, atheists and so many more in my family. Just my family. I cannot imagine judging them for their actions...what they do, will do, have done, or think, doesn't change how I feel about them. I'm hoping it will make God happy that I say YES, I'm a Christian and I'm going to try to love everyone unconditionally.

One thing I do know, Jesus died on the cross for my sins and if there were only one, single person on Earth, who rejected God, he would have died JUST FOR THEM...no matter your opinion.

Things Change

2012-05-12T08:58:00.001-05:00

I remember stirring the pitcher of Kool-aid when I was little. Or the pitcher of sweet tea with at least an inch of sugar in the bottom. I remember eating ice cream, almost daily, and melting sugar daddy's in the microwave and eating caramel with a spoon.

This is what my kids get...

We are in constant conversation about what is healthy and what's not. My child knows what food dye is and I didn't learn that until several years ago. He also knows that eating unhealthy food all the time will put fat around your heart and other organs and that will make it difficult for them to function.

Don't get me wrong, we eat badly...a lot. There's just no getting around it sometimes. Luke loves to buy donuts, and he does, sometimes once a week, with his own money.

I'll be anxious to see how my kids end up. There are two ways this could go...they will either be complete health freaks, OR they will be burnt out on healthy food and eat junk food all day when they grow up.

We obviously know that eating chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, whether home grown or not, is no good for our bodies. The baby boomer era is fueling the health care industry. It will be interesting to see the health of my children when they are in their 50's. I guess we will know for sure if environmental factors have more to do with sickness than most of us think. In that area, the "take care of mother earth" area, I've got a long way to go.

A few tidbits

2012-04-26T16:29:00.001-05:00

1. Tuna Salad sandwiches are not on the fresh and fit menu at Subway. You will not lose weight while eating those. Matter of fact, if you get cheese on it AND mayonnaise you're up to 39 fat grams. THIRTY NINE!!! A BigMac from McDonald's has 29 fat grams.

2. Layton got a cute little haircut.

He had food in his mouth, sorry.

3. Luke told me that he would let me decorate his room like it was when he was a baby and let me rock him at night if I agreed to let him turn 5 and not be sad about it. He's probably the sweetest kid ever.

4. I was hooked on LARA bars for a while, but now, I'm in love with KIND bars. I have tried many o' protein bar and these are top notch.

5. One of my dear friends is getting married this weekend. I am so, so excited for them both. Please say a prayer for Jason and Sara as they start their lives together!

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Sabbatical

2012-04-19T21:05:00.001-05:00

So, I think a sabbatical is rest from work and the blog really isn't work, but either way, I took a break. I only have one reason for my break and that is reading. I've been doing a lot of reading.

After we watched the Hunger Games movie I decided that I'd join the vampire lovers and read the Twilight Saga. And I did. I am so glad that I read it because it was grrreeeeaaaatttt. Now I just have to endure the movies, those I've heard, are horrendous.

While I was reading that, a friend mentioned the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy and so I just finished my third book today. I'm not suggesting that book to anyone I don't know personally. I really loved it and the books get better as they go if sadism is not what you're into. Seriously, the books are crazy and I felt they should be covered in shrink wrap when sold in a book store. I got mine on my phone and iPad therefore I had to settle for a shot of whiskey, a cigarette, and a good hand washing every time I set it down. I'm only kidding...maybe.

So, let's see....last time we were together on the blog.

I did participate in a half marathon where I would have given myself a ribbon that read "honorable mention"...scratch that..."please mention this to no one". That's all there is to discuss on that subject.

I went to a bachelorette party the next weekend and it helped me forget the weekend before. Following me?

The first Monday in April Lance left for "the Carolina's" as he calls them, and I made a rash decision to drive with the boys to meet him there so that he could stay and work through Easter. We ended up getting brunch reservations at the Biltmore on Easter day and spent our afternoon touring the mansion. The boys are so accustomed to traveling that they were amazing on the trip. Layton napped the ENTIRE time we toured the house. See for yourself.

We spent a couple nights at the North Carolina course, which is Balsam Mountain Preserve, and I even got to read my book, sitting in a hot tub, on the side of the mountain all while it was 40 degrees outside. Uh-maze-balls.

I'm hoping to get back into running since the weather is gorgeous. It does wonders for my psyche to sweat outside. And my psyche could use some wonders, since Layton ran fever and got sick just 24 hours after we got home from our semi-vaca.

These are the two munchkins tonight. Sweetie pies.

Hopefully y'all have been well over the past month. I'm feeling overwhelmingly blessed. I'll try to post more often, it does wonders for my psyche too.

-

Sweet Babies

2012-03-23T08:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm sure you're thinking "Those kids that dumped tea on your carpet? The one that threw the glass citronella candle on the concrete? Are you seriously talking about the ones that climbed onto the posters of your bed to jump off? Really, the one that just decorated more than four walls with a marker? Those kids are sweet?"

They really are.

This is why.

When Luke and I walk Layton to his classroom, Luke opens the door and gives him a hug and ushers him in while he says, "ok little buddy".

When Layton gets his milk in the morning, he likes to take Luke's milk to him also. He walks around saying, "Here's your milk Wuke".

If Layton barely bumps into you or rolls a car to your foot he apologizes.

If Layton thinks someone is sad he says, "don't cwy" (no r's in his vocabulary just yet) and he tries to hug you.

Luke gets the biggest smile on his face when he snuggles in the morning. Like it's the best thing that's ever happened to him.

And the thing that got me last night, Layton prayed for the first time.

It went like this, "Thank you for Evelyn, happy momma, happy daddy, happy Wuke. Amen." Then he said, "thank you for Thomas, thank you for Percy, thank you for Salty. Amen."

Quite possibly the sweetest thing I had ever heard.

Cool Rider in his SIZE FREAKIN' 12 shoe! I heard the Easter Bunny is bringing him a new bike. Which he totally thinks is bogus because he's never heard about the Easter Bunny having a toy making posse like Santa. I can't wait to see his reaction.

Layton's school picture. I really go all out and get them dressed up for school. So, here's my opinion on that by the way. When was the last time you got really cozy in your jeans and nice shirt to take a nap? Oh, never? That's what I thought. My kids still have to nap at school. Why would I dress them in something I wouldn't be able to sleep in? Jeans really are a dressed up day, it's typically sweat pants.

There are a lot of people I know that are pregnant, want to be pregnant, or just had a baby. Please pray for their health, their sanity and wisdom on how to handle stressful situations, and thank God for the success they are going to be as mothers.

A few pics

2012-03-20T08:20:00.001-05:00

I found a picture of Layton with his trains that I mentioned in yesterday's post.

Sometimes I will let them play on the tractors at Lowe's while I sit on the patio furniture and finish my coffee. I wish I was kidding, but I'll take a seat and coffee where I can get it.

I got my patio plants potted. I bought these PLASTIC pots at Walmart and I love them! I always feel like warm weather is officially here once I have my plants out.

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2012-03-19T09:28:00.001-05:00

It's been too long, I know!

What we've been up to, in random numerical order...

1. The boys dumped a gallon of tea on the floor in Luke's room last week while Lance and I were sitting outside with Anne. Seriously. And while I was cleaning that up, Layton jumped into the bath water with all of his clothes on. At that moment, homeschool was almost ruled out completely.

2. Layton sleeps with four plastic trains. Two Thomas, one Percy, and one Salty. He's been doing this for a long time, I just haven't written it down and I think it's cute. He lays them down, tells them goodnight, and then goes to sleep himself.

3. Luke has been riding without training wheels on his bike for about a month now. That kid amazes me.

4. Luke has also gone to sleep in his bed without us laying down with him for two weeks now. It's been awesome and Lance and I are running out of shows on the DVR.

5. I'm SUPPOSED to run a half marathon this weekend. Do you remember what it sounds like to bend a Barbie Doll's knees? That's me right now. Sunday should be good times.

6. Who is watching Hunger Games this Friday? We are going to a wedding shower, but leaving a tad early to make it to the movie. I am obsessed. I read all three books in 5 days and literally cannot stop thinking about it. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you get a book in your hands.

7. You know what kind of drives me crazy? When people announce they are cleaning up their friends list in the Facebook status. Like we are all supposed to be on alert. Like they want you to wonder if you've done something wrong. Listen, the next person that does that, I'll probably defriend them first because if I have to question whether or not I'll make it past their cut, we shouldn't be friends anyway. Well, we aren't really.

8. I have played Draw Something for a few weeks now and I'm starting to wonder why. It makes no sense.

9. Who loses weight when they bake cookies every night? Not me, I'm just wondering if it's working for anyone else?

10. I want this bag, if anyone wants to get it for me, that'd be ok.

11. One weird thing about me. When I pump gas I have to end on an even number or the dollar number has to match the cents. For example either $52.00 or $53.53. Sometimes I will try to stop the pump and find myself settling on a number $15.00 more than what I thought I was going to pay. It's unreal. Just wanted to share that. Maybe it will make you feel less strange? Maybe you don't strange at all? Maybe that's just me? Whatever.

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Location:I'd hardly call this a blog anymore...

It's alive

2012-03-01T11:29:00.001-06:00

I do realize it has been over two weeks since I've posted anything. I'm just dropping in for a brief second...I'm alive. See, I'm typing.
A list seems to be only way to transition my life for the last two weeks. So, here it goes.

1. Layton has lately been telling us all to sit in time out. Every time I get on to Luke he says "Stop it mama, you sit time out." Last night I swatted him on leg, because I'd hardly call what I do a spank, he immediately told me to stop and sit in time out. I can't do anything but laugh at that kid.

2. Look at this....

You'd laugh too.

3. I've been sick the past week and until today it had been 6 days of not working out. That will drive me crazy should it ever happen again.

4. We have been out of our house almost every night for dinner or parties for the last two weeks.

5. I thought I was 21 this weekend. My body didn't fail to remind me that I'M NOT!

6. Poor Luke, bless his heart, he has to talk himself into going to Mother's Day Out every Tuesday and Thursday. Everyday that I pick him up he says, "Now that wasn't so bad." Poor little guy does not enjoy being rushed out of bed.

7. We started a new bible study on Ruth a couple Tuesdays ago. I like when a study actually calls for reading the bible. I knew of Ruth and the basic story, but I didn't know she was David's great grandmother. Thus, her lineage producing the Messiah. Other than that extremely important fact, I can't see the "friend/loyal" side of that story. You may disagree, but take a minute to read the chapter, then let me know if you think she had any other option than to follow her mother-in-law. Did you know she was a Moabite? Maybe read a little about them too, after you're done reading this post.

8. What's up with this weather? If you know me at all, you know Vitamin D is the equivalent to an hour long massage. I cannot wait to lay out!

9. The timeline on Facebook trips me out. There is a picture of me from 7 years wearing a shirt that shows my midriff, MIDRIFF, as in, that part of your body you were told to cover in high school, the part you no longer care to look at when you have kids, the part now known as my gut. Yep, it was showing. I wear tunics these days.

10. I hope I do right by these two.

Promise kids, mommy's never wearing a midriff showing shirt again. Maybe that will spare you a little of the embarrassment I am sure to bring you in your teen years.

Feelin' like a fool

2012-02-15T14:13:00.001-06:00

I decided to enjoy the remainder of my lunch, after I had finished feeding the kids, by sitting at the table alone, checking my twitter, and listening to the two crazies playing quietly and amicably together.

I got up to throw my thrash away and noticed something wet on my kitchen floor. Luke informed me that it was from the monster truck wheels they had been racing ALL over my floor. When I asked where the water came from, I was also informed that he dipped his truck wheels into a pot I had soaking in the sink. Nice.

After I finished mopping, I ate four mini Reece's peanut butter cups. It's the only way I know how to deal before 5pm.

By the way, Labouve got me an iPad for V-day. Awesome...but also reminds me that every time someone referred to the day on Facebook as VD, I immediately thought venereal disease. That's nice too.

Post Nap Routine

2012-02-08T15:43:00.001-06:00

If we didn't have popcorn and juice, I'd have two very moody toddlers on my hands. These two eat popcorn and drink juice, while lying in my bed watching TV, nearly everyday after nap. Listen people...we have shit to do AND it's really important.

Luke's Birthday Pictures

2012-02-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

I got the banner, invites and other printables from THIS site on Etsy.

And this is what you look like after a four year old's birthday party. ROUGH!

Damn Girl

2012-02-06T20:37:00.001-06:00

Luke just asked me to "play that damn girl you do it well song". Sheesh! Maybe some closer monitoring of the iPod is in our future?

There may be many more, shorter posts. I always feel like there are funny little things my kids say and do, but I just don't have time to say much more than the things I want to remember.

Luke, you're 4, please stop...

2012-01-30T21:56:00.001-06:00

I don't really want to acknowledge that my child is four today. I just want it to go away. I'm fine with, "he's 3 and 366 days." I started this whole post last night...then got teary eyed and decided that was ludicrous, so I stopped.

Luke,
I'm laying in bed with you, the night before your fourth birthday. Just as I have laid in bed with you for the last four years. You insist that either your father or myself stay in this bed until you fall asleep. If that's the comfort that your little mind needs, I'd say it's torture to keep you from that. Getting to lay in your bed at night is a luxury that costs more than money could buy. Not only that, but being your mom has been my absolute honor and a privilege. I am so thankful that God blessed us with you. He knew exactly what your father and I needed. You refer to yourself as the "best present God ever gave mommy" and you know it's true because I tell you everyday. You have assured me that, even though you're turning four, you will still be my baby. I appreciate that more than you'll ever understand even when I know you won't follow through in a few more years. You are one of the sweetest children I have ever met. Honestly, your daddy and I don't know how in the world you have ended up this way since both of us ere on the side of having no emotions WHATSOEVER. Hopefully we don't rub off on you. You are so, so, so smart and very perceptive. You are a sweet big brother, Layton doesn't know how lucky he is to have you, but, he couldn't possibly love you any more than he does either. You have taught him how to play, make a mess, wrestle, and color, as well as how to be sweet. I love that you are a great mixture of "all crazy boy" and sincerely caring. I see so much of your daddy in you and it's incredible. He's passionate, loving, and a little crazy sometimes. He walks around the house singing and the first thing you want to do AT ALL TIMES is listen to music and sing. You have memorized so many songs that it's crazy. The fact that you get the words correct, that comes from me. Your ability to actually sing, that comes from your father. I have you to thank for allowing me to see a different and wonderful light to the man I married and you call daddy. I think you can feel how much he loves you, it's radiant. You're at the age that it's so fun to just hang out with you anywhere...the movies, out to eat, working out, running errands. You are definitely my sidekick and I enjoy your company so much. Maybe you'll continue to enjoy mine just as much. You are an extremely literal thinker. I don't tell you things if I don't mean it, and I try to explain things to you in grown up terms. You remember everything, especially if it has to do with getting to eat candy. I could go on and on, I could just eat you up every time I look at you and even though I'll feel this way your whole life, I'm trying really hard not to be a crazy mother. Mothers of boys can be crazy! I'll just list a few things that your wife may want to look back on and read.

PS. If one day, my daughter in law does read this...you can politely let me know that I'm that crazy mother I didn't intend on being.

So Luke,

Things you love:
Dirtbikes
Your daddy
Your brother
Cake Icing
Monster Trucks
New Movies
Chick-fil-a (bc of the play area)
Grapes
Mexican Food
Playing outside
Popping wheelies on your tricycle
Singing (Hot Chelle Rae, Tonight Tonight is your favorite, has been for about 6 months)
Shooting your bow
Candy
Your cousins
Painting

Dislikes:
Sitting still to eat an entire meal
Naps
Patience
Not being old enough/big enough to ride in a booster seat
Having to take time to go to the bathroom (there's just not enough time in the day for sleeping, eating, and peeing)

Basically, everything you don't like has to do with not playing freely.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and many, many more. We love you!

Cutest, sweetest people I have ever met

2012-01-25T17:20:00.001-06:00

Oh my SWEET LORD IN HEAVEN it's FRIDAY

2012-01-20T08:01:00.003-06:00

I'm going to do a list...maybe longer than five things, so I didn't want you to get overly excited with a "Futile Five" title post.

That's all the intro a list needs, right?

Good.

1. I have worked out and eaten healthy EVERYDAY this week. I'll let you in on a little secret. I grilled about one thousand organic chicken tenders, all marinated in various things, at the beginning of the week. Every time I'm hungry, I pop open a ziploc bag, microwave a few tenders...voila. FAT LOST. MUSCLE MASS GAINED. ONE WEEK.

2. Protein is unbelievably important to a cardio/strength building routine. I never realized this until I tried to teach spin without eating dinner the night before. BRUTAL. Eat your meat. I'm having bumper stickers made.

3. Yesterday, when I wrote my post about trying to teach Luke that the color of someone's skin doesn't matter, I didn't want to sound like I've never used the word "black". It's a hard habit to break when it has been, and is, acceptable among most people you know. I would just rather my child not grow up saying it at all. Then he never has to break that bad habit. You raise your children to be better than yourself, right? Plus, if he grows up calling everyone "regular", he will believe it, and this may turn out to be the best lesson he'll EVER learn.

4. Lance and I are going on a date tonight. He asked what I thought about going to dinner and a movie. May sound nice to you, here's my problem with that. I hate dinner AND a movie. You have to pick one. I love food too much to do both. I told him that he would know these things if we hadn't met, got married, and had a baby at warp speed. So, we will either go eat a great meal, full of my favorites like the wedge salad, french onion soup, and the special lamb that Benion's doesn't have on their menu anymore but will still make. Or, we can go see a movie (not sure which one, since time to watch trailers on TV is limited) and eat popcorn, nachos, a pickle, and candy. Just can't do both. It's up in the air?

5. We had to put Layton back on his allergy medicine this Monday. You may wonder, if the kid has allergies, why isn't he on it everyday anyway? I hate medicine that you MUST take daily. Daily allergy meds haven't been around for 80 years, so who knows what it's doing to your body longterm? I just don't like it, but yes, a little zyrtec has helped. This is the way you could look at legal drugs...all of the movie stars/musicians that have died from drugs have done illegal drugs, for years probably, but the one time they start mixing it with the legal substance...they die. Makes you think. Or it should.

Y'all have a wonderful weekend, don't do drugs, be regular.

Labouve Loca

The rest of 2012

Fall Part 1

Pictures

Singing

Fall Is In Full Swing

Lots of posts to write...

August

Maybe a milestone?

This child is a MESS!

It's been too long

Stupid Politics, Religion, and Economics

Things Change

A few tidbits

Sabbatical

Sweet Babies

A few pics

It's alive

Feelin' like a fool

Post Nap Routine

Luke's Birthday Pictures

Damn Girl

Luke, you&apos;re 4, please stop...

Cutest, sweetest people I have ever met

Oh my SWEET LORD IN HEAVEN it's FRIDAY

Luke, you're 4, please stop...