The Miss Elaine-ous Life

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2013-05-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

When it rains here, it POURS.

And a couple of weeks ago we got a TON of rain in within a day or so and ended up with a little "lake" in our backyard.

Of course K thought it was perfect for playing in...

... and double "of course", without her rain boots on her feet.

Oh well!

Happy Friday and happy long weekend!

Give extra hugs to those you love and enjoy them. I sure am going to...

Size Matters.

2013-05-21T21:18:00.001-05:00

I am talking about family size. Just to clarify that right away...

;)

So yeah, apparently it does. Matter. The size of you family, that is.

I was chatting with some friends the other day about this and someone mentioned that three is not really an ideal number of kids because then there is always an "odd man out" when it comes to them playing, etc.

And it can be true, at least from what I have seen around here. Sometimes the boys are playing together and refuse to include K. And sometimes B and K will be bonding and exclude G. It happens. And I have to say it's pretty rare that the two younger ones leave B out. They both like him a lot and well, the oldest kid is just cool, you know? But sometimes he does go to a friend's house to play or go off to read on his own and the younger two are forced together. But they secretly like it. And then, G gets to be the "big" one!

I don't really see anything wrong with any of the above scenarios. The boys do not have to include K every time. Sometimes they just need their "guy time". And she has learned to play on her own partly for this reason. Also, it is good that sometimes B takes his leave of them and does his own thing, of course.

The only time we really do experience a bit of a problem is if G is not included He does NOT like to be left out. He's NOT a loner AT ALL. So yes, that can cause dissent. Like the crying, screaming kind.

Honestly, sometimes I wish he would have been a twin so he would have had a "buddy" to pal around with all the time. Is that a weird thought or what? Plus, he would always have someone to snuggle with instead of coming to my bed practically every night... but of course that was not meant to be.

Anyway.... we are done having children and we do have THREE, whether it is the best set up or not I cannot say because it is the only experience and dynamic that I know for MY family.

Now, I did grow up as one of four myself, but never really had anyone to play with because A) they were all boys and B) they were MUCH older than me (sorry guys, it's true). So I would say that birth order and ages of the children also have a little to do with how your kids "get along" and are raised.

My children are close enough in age to play together and have some similar interests. That was not really the case for me.

And thankfully they can even play different things next to each other at times.

See?

Of course after this was taken, not 2 minutes later, G had an epic meltdown since B accidentally smashed some of his Legos. Sometimes things don't go perfectly now matter how many kids you have...

What size family do you have or think is ideal? How well do your kids play together?

P.S. I have a little letter I wrote to my "home" state up over at Tonya's place. I'd love for you to visit me there! :-D

Feeling Better in my Bathing Suit & Weekend Fun!

2013-05-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

I sat by the pool watching a family. They had one little girl, probably about 18 months old and two older boys in their teens. The mother doted on the adorable baby as she splashed about and she must have asked her to say "cheese" a thousand times in one minute as she put her iPhone in the little girls face over and over.

I sat there thinking, that would so be me if K was here right now. ;)

But she was not.

Tim and I spent a little time away from the kids this past weekend. We were not even that far away and it was for a work function so it wasn't ALL fun and games but there was plenty of fun to be had.

I did get to enjoy the pool for several hours on Saturday and we had a chance to relax and kick back a bit. It was really nice.

And thanks to the DVDs I have been doing, I was even feeling somewhat better in my bathing suit!

Colleen Riddle and I have known each other since high school and now she has these wonderful workout DVDs called New Mommy Makeover. There are three phases and I just finished Phase 1 last week.

The DVDs are geared towards mothers who have just had babies and even though I am 3.5 years postpartum (ha!) I still believe they are fabulous for any woman! They are designed to get you back into shape after having children and Colleen really makes it easy to start back at it and work your way up to getting stronger and healthier. She even includes 2 "water breaks" during each of the three workouts for each phase. Plus, the program also comes with an outline for nutrition and cardio exercise to go along with her workouts.

Although I have not lost much weight (I blame my unreformed eating habits as of late) I can see a difference in my arms and shoulders and my clothes feel a tad lose. Colleen doesn't mess around and I was sweating pretty good at the end of each 30 minute workout.

If you are a new mom (or even not so new, like me!) I really encourage you to look into Colleen's amazing program. And I will be updating again after I complete Phase 2, so stay tuned.

Oh and here are some pics form our little getaway this weekend. I never got my "big" camera out so these were all taken with my phone. :)

p.s. yes, we were at a casino and yes I really do NOT like to gamble and no we did not lose our shirts because we just played quarter and dollar and penny slots and that's about it and yes, my hubby's co-worker is more his lucky charm than me. The end. ;)

p.p.s. Yes, Tim is in a boot like I was last Fall. Just sprained his foot running. He'll be back at it soon!

p.p.p.s Four of my favorite words added together... Lazy River + Pina Colada = AHHHHH!!

10 Kisses, 10 Hugs!

2013-05-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

One night last month I was putting the boys to bed solo since Tim had left me to go to some fancy-shmancy golf tournament called The Masters. Yeah. Whatever.

;)

Anyway, G had kind of a rough night of not being able to calm down AT ALL and NOT listening to me and well, that just really stinks, and especially so when you are "single parenting". So, I told him that we would read a couple of books and then he would go to bed right after.

In other words: I'd had enough.

He was calm, cool and collected while we read but then his inner Chucky came out again AND he did not, under any circumstances want to go to bed without his brother in the room. And he was riled up like you would not believe. None of it was conducive to bedtime. At ALL.

He cried and wailed for a few minutes and then it was bedtime for the oldest anyway so we made our way back to their room for the official tucking-in business.

G said to me, "Mom, I just want you to snuggle me."

It had been a while.

And for some reason I have a major soft spot for this child. No matter what he does.

Gee, maybe that's why he acts that way. {lightbulb moment}

So I snuggled in next to him, finding a spot among the bazillion blankets, pillows and stuffies. And I resigned myself to the fact that I was there until he drifted off. And it did feel nice to be lying next to him, relaxing my body.

But he moved and shifted and looked up at me and it took several minutes before he could quiet himself and calm his little boy self.

As I lay there I thought of how we used to have this routine at bedtime where after prayers he would stand up and I would face him at the side edge of his bed and he would say, "10 hugs and 10 kisses!" And I would wrap my arms around him and move my arms back and forth so that I "hugged" him 10 times and then put 10 tiny kisses on his little boy lips, "smack, smack, smack...."

But we do not do that anymore. Somehow we got out of the habit and I missed when we stopped.

And even though there were nights when I would roll my eyes at the 10 kisses that easily turned into 15, now I was longing for them and even wishing our sweet little routine could return.

So I turned my head to meet his that was so close already and gently placed 10 (or maybe 15) kisses right onto his sweet smelling hair as his little snores began. And I drifted off for a bit myself, committing all the hugs and kisses to my memory as best that I truly could...

The Gavinator is SIX!

2013-05-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

When Gavin was born I remember watching the American Idol finale from my hospital bed. It was the year that Jordan Sparks won. She beat Blake. And I knew she would, but I just liked him so much, I was rooting for him. He was really cool and different.

I also remember the nurse I had from the UK. I loved her accent. So did Tim. She was the nurse that got Gavin to nurse. I still owe her a debt of gratitude. Always will. She was really kind and patient. And well, extremely lovely to listen to...

skin to skin time

I decided not to go back to work after G was born so even though B was my first baby, G was the first one I got to spend every waking (and even non awake!!) moment with.

He was adorable from the get-go, born with his signature dimples and once he got the fuzzy hair there was no denying his uber cuteness. People in public wanted to touch it (and did!) but who could blame them really?

I mean, right!?! I called it his "hair halo"...

These days Gavin is a spit fire. And only angelic while sleeping. ;) We get in to it occasionally, he's just SO dang stubborn! And persistent.

But he's also my snuggler and he really loves to share what he's up to at school or in gym class or with his Legos, etc.

On Mother's Day morning he gave a me a grocery list that he colored and attached was a notepad. He couldn't quite spit it out and kept telling me that it was for me to write down the things I needed at the store and then I could tear off the sheet and take it with me so I wouldn't forget the things I needed. It was so cute. He was so proud.

And he always is when it comes to art. He absolutely LOVES to paint, color, glue, cut, etc.

Our neighbor gave him a bird feeder and a pamphlet about all the birds in our area for his birthday and he just had to draw some from the pictures on Sunday night. And he had to cut them out and of course he wanted to glue them to something.

He's also my cleanest eater, no lie. The kid can eat an entire ice cream cone (which he methodically licks) without getting any on the outside of his mouth.

And the boy has got some kinda awesome dance movies. He loves to stick out his booty and jump and leap and spin. It's quite entertaining. But then, he's always had some pretty awesome moves (trust me, you really want to go to that link!).

He's really grown a lot (emotionally and mentally) in Kindergarten this year and just recently he lost his two bottom teeth. I missed it both times because he lost the first one at school and the second time Daddy pulled it while I was out running errands one evening! Oh well, there are many more to fall out...

Happy Birthday to my G, my Gav, Gavarini, Gavie Gavster. I love you so, SO much!

And now, some scenes from his Ninjago (lego) Ninja water slide party! (yes, I'm lumping it all into one post, so sue me!)

The party was great (thankfully the rain stopped that morning ) and yes I did take a few turns on the slide myself once most of our guests had left. It was VERY fun. I mean, I did birth the kid, I get to celebrate too.

p.s. cookie cake is THE BOMB!

p.p.s. AWESOME pinata is made by my friend Aracely - Check her out at Whack Pinateria!

well, ONE of the photos is from my phone...

It was a REALLY good day

2013-05-12T23:07:00.000-05:00

Ten things I loved about Mother's Day 2013:

1. Breakfast in bed. Oh yeah! A cinnamon sugar donut (homemade by the hubby), eggs, bacon and coffee. That's right girls, be jealous.

2. HGTV while eating breakfast in bed. And boys bringing me pressies they made at school, WHILE still in bed.

3. Church with my whole family, sitting together (this rarely happens because I usually sing in the choir and K goes to the childcare).

4. Picnic at Jungle Gardens planned and prepared by my hubby.

5. Photo session with my kiddies! (thanks Tim!)

6. Taking photographs myself.

7. Beautiful, gorgeous weather! (as you can see above)

8. Flowers!

9. Talking to my Mom on the phone.

10. Didn't have to cook dinner either...

Stellar day, for sure! :)

Celebrating Mothers

2013-05-09T20:04:00.003-05:00

Motherhood: One of THE most challenging and rewarding jobs ever.

(my words)

I know, you've read and heard it a million times. It's totally cliche, but it's true, true, TRUE. There is just no denying it.

My own mother raised (in company with my father) three boys and a girl. She cooked, cleaned and even worked part time so that she and I could have "fun money" to shop, etc.

She raised us to be religious, strong, courageous and responsible. She kept us aware of our ancestral background and valued FAMILY above all things. And still does. She's amazing in the kitchen and cooking and baking are her love languages. ;)

At church, maybe at my first reconciliation...? circa 1982 or 83

She also ensured that I would love to travel and adore the ocean, just like her. Whether she meant to or not, she did.

Sure, she and I had a few rough spots while I was growing up, especially in high school when she was not all that keen on my boyfriend senior year. I mean how could she not like the boy I was going to marry?!?! (snort). Mother DOES know best... ;)

But even then her love for me never faltered.

I heard she cried for a few days after she and my Dad dropped me off at college. My brother Larry told me once that she was a mess. I kinda was too. I missed my Dad but I really missed my Mommy, especially when I had strep throat and she was not there to comfort me. We spoke on the phone every Sunday evening, without fail and kept it up pretty much the entire 4 years.

I love my Mother so much, and am so blessed by her in my life. There are really no words for all she has done for me and my brothers and even her daughter-in-laws, son-in-law and grandchildren. Even extended family and friends. The list goes on. She's amazing.

So, I asked other people to tell me something lovely about their own mother on my Facebook page and here are ALL the responses. I can only hope that my children will someday look back with admiration on the way I mothered them, as these "children" (many now mothers themselves) do theirs...

From my friend Kim of Prairie Mama:

"My Mom is so great. She loves her grandkids and I think her favorite thing in the world is spending time with them."

From my friend Thea:

"My mom had a from the gut, no holds barred laugh that made you laugh, too... even if you had no idea what you were laughing about."

From my friend Haley:

"I love that she can always pull me out of a rut and cheer me up, no matter how bad things may seem at the time. I enjoy her company more than anything."

My friend Colleen says:

"She saved our lives, literally. My brothers and I owe her everything for the courage she mustered to leave our very abusive, violent and drug addicted biological father. My life as I know it only exists because of her bravery. I love my Mom."

WOW.

And my friend Julia says:

"She's my best friend and confidant. She's the first person I call when I need advice or want to go shopping."

And another friend, Susan says:

"I learned how to be a mother from my mom. She is a great example!"

From my friend Teri:

"My mom never said an unkind word about anyone. I didn't realize it 'til after she passed away a year ago. My hope is to follow in her footsteps."

And my friend Carolyn says:

"She always made sure we sat down around the table for dinner and caught each other up on our days. I loved that interaction."

That's Carolyn with the read hair. :)

My college bestie, Corrie says:

"In a day and age where less is more and we should all seek to be clutter free, I love that my mother stays true to her sentimentalities. It's fascinating to see what triggers happy memories for her, and I'm glad that my childhood is a reoccurring theme within that. Those were indeed blessed times."

My Austinite friend, Kristin says:

"My mom is strong. She's only 5 feet tall, but she is an Italian tornado and she's not afraid to tell you what she thinks. I have always admired her ability to speak up."

Kristin is on the left.

My friend at RedHead Baby Mama says:

My mom does SO MUCH for other people, even if they aren't close, or she isn't too fond of them - she strives to be the best person she can be, and is a perfect role model!

And my girlfriend from Texas, Brittany, says:

"My mom is so incredibly selfless. After my grandfather died (her dad) all she cared about was her mom, me and others. She gives so much of herself. She also is incredibly patient. I wish I had even an ounce of her patience. She is a wonderful mother and best friend! I wouldn't be the mom I am without her guidance, support, and love. I am truly blessed!"

My friend from high school, Carrie says:

"I love that my mom has taught me the true meaning of being a fighter. She has battled leukemia and the effects of her treatment of it for seven years. She is basically homebound. While most people would use that as an excuse to veg out each day she gets up, showers, puts on make up and gets dressed. All to sit in her home. To do so causes her pain, but she says that to not do so would allow her to wallow in self pity. Her body may be failing her, but her spirit and her feisty zeal for life endures. I love that my daughters can see her great example of what a strong mind and spirit can get accomplished."

And my friend since college, Ellen says:

"My mom has a lot of opinions and she isn't afraid to share them. As a teenager I didn't really appreciate her wisdom. I remember after a boyfriend and I broke up and got back together, we broke up again. I was crying saying how stupid I was and she held my face and said, "You are never stupid for loving somebody." She busts out little gems all the time. As an adult, and as a mother of my own 3 kids, I appreciate her wisdom even more now. She recently told me I needed to start drinking wine!"

And my sweet blogging friend Kathryn says:

My mom lives her life by example. She always assumes the best from poeple. She gives freely, loves deeply and forgives quickly. She is the first one to point out that she isn't perfect, tells you the mistakes she's made and doesn't judge others by their mistakes. It is obvious to everyone who meets her that she is guided by her faith and tries to love as Jesus asked us to. I know many women cringe when someone says that they are just like their mother but that would be the ultimate compliment to me.

I hope we can all celebrate our Mothers this weekend. They certainly deserve it...

At one of our favorite places, together, in 2008 - "The Coast"

And HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of my Mom friends too!

p.s. many of my friends here mentioned that they do not have enough photos of them with their Moms, let's change that! Get in some photos with her as SOON as you can! :)

I've Been Faking It.

2013-05-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

Every muscle in my body is tense, I can feel it especially in my shoulders. I scrub the dishes and the scalding hot water splashes on my hands. The kids (except B) barely ate the homemade dinner I made, once again. I wash away the remnants of my hard work and watch them circle the drain.

And then the kids are barking at me for dessert, as they do every night.

The day is almost done, the sun about to set once again and I wonder where the last 12 hours have gone.

Tim’s truck pulls into the driveway and I look up to see him getting out. I let out a breath, thankful that he his home.

In the background I hear whining. Someone wants another’s toy. Earlier the oldest told his younger brother that he “hates” him. I know he doesn’t mean it. At least I don't think so.

There was yelling, from me, from them.

K runs around with her face messy from some snack that I let her have after she asked 3 times and I barely listened. She may have even gotten it herself, I don’t remember. She was hungry, since she did not eat her dinner.

I go back to my dishes as Tim enters, on the phone, talking to his Dad. Likely he’ll have something to tell me about his day, something that happened at work and I want to listen, I do, but there are SO many things swirling in my head.

A birthday party to-do list.

Remember teacher appreciation.

God, why is the scale NOT going down?!?

Don’t forget to send Mother’s Day cards.

Check B’s homework folder.

Summer activities.

The list goes on and on and on...

Tim and I recently had a discussion, yet another, about my time online and my moods.

I feel like a slave to something, to many things, that are supposed to bring me joy.

A slave to our family schedule, and keeping everyone on track and in the right place at the right time.

A slave to a clean and clutter-free home.

A slave to my online community, to keep it going and to support my friends and to reach out to new ones.

A slave to you, the reader, to make you think and feel that this life I am leading is so wonderful and idealistic.

A slave to time, there is just never enough, it seems.

Tim tells me I don’t seem like I am ever happy anymore, like I am fussing and grumpy A LOT.

And he’s right, I am.

I need to find more joy offline. I just do.

And I also need to keep it real.

I need you to know that many days I am flailing. I am not always doing my best.

Yet here I sit unable to change, especially when it comes to the internet.

Am I an addict?

Maybe...?

Addicted to the recognition and acknowledgement. To the friendships that are here in the computer and even in my phone. Addicted to comments and conversations that I cannot get otherwise.

Could I go cold turkey? Don't think so.

Do I decide just a few days a week, and other’s not so much? Or at all?

I don’t know for sure.

I do know I cannot just quit.

But I must find a balance. I must.

p.s. I have decided that one night a week will now be “easy” dinner like hot dogs.

p.p.s. Since mine and Tim's last conversation, something has clicked and I have found myself less tense and more in tune with my loves, here in this house...

Gas Party

2013-05-06T21:40:00.002-05:00

G's class had THE cutest performance last Wednesday night.

I know, y'all are still coming off the high of the Q & U Wedding, trust me, I know.

But his teacher truly LOOOOOVES this kind of stuff. As a matter of fact, her kindergarten class is the only one to even do the "operetta", the "The Little Red Hen". I had heard it was legendary (you, know, as far as 6-year old performances go) but I had no idea until I was front and center last night while my little "duck" sang his part.

He did SO great. I would show you a video but it's 20 or so minutes long and well, I'm not even sure when I will actually watch it again but you know, easy to record on the mini iPad, so I did.

sorry for the bad pic, it's cropped, from my phone, yes, forgot my "big" camera. I know, slacker.

Tim leaned over to me at one point and said, "He has a good voice!" And he would know since he has a stellar one himself. I was also very impressed with G's pitch and tone. (okay, yes, his mother {me} sings too...). And right there I had visions of him playing "Danny" or "Tony" on Broadway. What? I have high aspirations for my kids, yes I do!

The headline could be - "From Duck to Danny" - Brilliant!

This is just like I already have K pegged as a gymnast simply because she loves her class at The Little Gym. I may start calling her "Nadia" or "Mary Lou".

And B could be a soccer star but he wants to try Karate and give up soccer.

Damn free will. No "Pele" status for him.

Oh well.

Anyway, I got off track here somewhere...

Before we left for G's performance he told me that we definitely had to make it to his classroom after the show because there was going to be cake at the "gas party."

*blink. blink*

And I said, "I think you mean 'CAST party', buddy. C.A.S.T."

"Oh yeah, that's it, the cast party. We HAVE to go, Mommy!"

Dude, I wouldn't miss it.

P.S. Old School Blogging link up is still open - come link up for the Pop Culture edition! :-)

Old School Blogging - Pop Culture

2013-05-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

Okay peeps, this month we want to know about what you like(d) out in the world of Pop Culture. You know, shows, movies, actors/actresses, etc.

And please welcome my new co-hostess this month, Loukia from Loulou's Views! We have been bloggy friends for a while ~~years~~ and she has an affinity for Old School Blogging just like me so she's a great fit!

Here we go! Answer these questions, link up and spread the word via twitter (with hashtag #OSBlog) and Facebook!

1. What was one of your favorite shows as a kid? Why?

I really liked The Facts of Life. That was the first one that popped into my head but there were SO Many others (Happy Days, The Love Boat {yes, really!}, Different Strokes, Full House, Growing Pains, etc. etc.). I think I liked it so much because it was about a bunch of girls and I was stuck in the house with a bunch of boys (I have three older brothers, if you didn't already know.) Plus Blair's hair was SO awesome and Natalie was hilarious. And the episode where Jo got all made up and put her hair down and looked SO nice... Now THAT is quality television, people!

2. Which actress(es) do you see on the red carpet and kinda wish you could be for a day (or three)?

Charlize Theron. And and maybe Sofia Vergara. Damn she's hot.

source

3. Which actor do you wish you could, um... hang out with? ;)

At the moment, Chris Pine. Yummy.

source

(and yes, I did just go to that link and spend 5 ~~or 20~~ minutes looking at pictures of him, so what?!?)

p.s. wouldn't those two above make some good lookin' kids? BAM!

4. What is one (or two or some) of your favorite movies that you have seen in the last few years?

I really liked Silver Linings Playbook (very recent) and speaking of Jennifer Lawrence, I also liked the first installment of The Hunger Games a lot. Plus, the latest Mission Impossible, Tin Tin (kids movie) and Inception. Although my husband would probably laugh at that last one. It was a really cool movie. I need to watch it again. Oh and The Hangover. Stupid but really, REALLY funny. Argo was really good too.

source

5. Who is one celebrity out there now that you could totally do without? That you wish would just disappear?

Kim Kardashian and that WHOLE crew. Enough said.

6. Have you ever met a celebrity? If so, who? What did you say/do when you met them?

Not really... besides the ones I have met at blog conferences! Ha! I was in a movie theater once with the guy from Terminator 2... Robert Patrick. And ended up talking about him to my friend in the ladies room while his wife was in there with us and we didn't know it. That was interesting... And I saw Shirley MacLaine in Crate & Barrel in Manhattan while I was there in the '90's for a college trip. She was running the sales girl around like a maniac. Oh wait! I did meet some of the folks from The Carol Burnett Show at one of hubby's work conventions several years ago... they were there performing. It was Harvey Corman and Tim Conway.

And for the last one....

7. Which shows do you look forward to watching every week?

I am an American Idol hold out and still watch that every season. I also ADORE Modern Family (see girl crush picture above), my guilty pleasure is Revenge and during the summer I love So You Think You Can Dance. Oh an I still try to catch an episode of House Hunters here and there but otherwise, I'm kind of a t.v. slacker.

Okay, now it's your turn! Grab the button in my sidebar and link up! Can't wait to read your answers...

Past, Present and Future

2013-04-30T21:02:00.001-05:00

I was looking at and working on our family calendar today. The future.

We have kind of a big deal summer vacation in the works for this year and I'm pretty excited, really hoping it works out. I'm like a kid again, anticipating something really fun but "mom" and "dad" have not said "yes" yet and I am really thinking they are going to but not sure.

Also, I am lining up some day camps for the kids and swimming lessons and time in Texas for us to visit family and friends and for me to go to my ~~20 year!!!~~ high school reunion. Which somehow I am helping plan even though I do not live there.

So today I went through 20 year old old photos of me, scanning some and getting them ready to send off to a friend from HS who is helping to organize things too. It's really hard to believe A)I graduated high school 20 years ago and B) I am in full swing, planning for ANOTHER summer.

And across from me, while I was planning and writing and thinking about all that is yet to come for the rest of 2013, I saw before me the past, plastered on the side of our refrigerator. Old race bibs, photos of my nieces and nephews that are now outdated, art work by the kids that is months and months old. G's preschool class picture and a photo card of the boy we sponsor through Compassion, and I am sure he has grown so much since then...

I do this a lot. I look to the past and the future all at once, sort of forgetting the now.

I wish I could live more in the NOW.

I feel like I am all jumbled inside right now, wondering what the future holds. Wondering where we go from here while relishing in the past but not being present in the present...

The scrapbook from my high school days lays open in my kitchen. I laugh as I go through the programs from choir shows, memorabilia from graduation and photos of young, happy faces, anticipating the future.

And I wonder, where will I be 20 years from NOW? How different will my life be then?

One can only hope I will be able to find out while learning to live more for today.

stop growing. Okay fine, pause growing. Not gonna happen is it?

P.S. in the very near future (as in tomorrow night) the next Old School Blogging goes live! Don't miss it!

A Day in the Life

2013-04-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

I was thinking the other day about how my days used to go when I had only one child and still worked outside of the home.

And I wasn't thinking about it because I was necessarily wishing I was back there, of course not. I was thinking about it because I try to keep my brain sharp with the memories and I just have to marvel at the difference sometimes.

When I worked I woke up early to get myself and my baby boy ready for the day. I would drop him off at daycare and then drive 25-35 minutes to my office, carry out my day with mostly adult interactions (let's face it, some co-workers acted like children at times) and hurriedly leave my office no later that 5 p.m. to get back to my little guy and spend a few hours together before his bedtime.

I remember one afternoon Tim called to ask me if I wanted to go look at new vehicles at the dealership after I got off work. I freaked out on him because I could NOT imagine picking B up later than normal and hardly getting to spend any time with him and not getting him his dinner on time. I was adamant about it, actually.

Looking back, I know one afternoon of picking him up later and feeding him chicken nuggets from Wendy's would not have been the end of the world. But back then it sure seemed like it...

This brings me to Tuesday of last week.

It was an ordinary day but some outstanding circumstances made it a wee bit different.

I was driving around in my van with the little spare on one wheel, waiting for the tire shipment to arrive at the auto place. Of course they can finally do it around 3:15, 45 minutes before G's gym class and I realize that I have to go RIGHT then, after school pick up, or this tire will not be mine until the next day. And well, I was "tired" of driving a lopsided van.

So, I got the kids out to go into the place and give them my keys and realize that K has NO shoes on since I picked her right out of bed from her nap to go get her brothers. And for once, there is no "spare" pair just hanging out in the van. Of course not. So, she ran around the auto place with no shoes on for 30 minutes, eating a crumbly snack and asking for a lollipop that they had in their customer coffee room. So, we fought about "no lollipop." There were tears. Almost from me too.

Anyway, we were 18 minutes late to gym class and I carried her the entire time before we ran next door to Kohl's to buy her some $12.95 canvas shoes. And God bless baby wipes, even though all of my children are potty-trained. Because with kids, you're still gonna need 'em for something... like dirty, "running around the tire store" feet. Yeah.

And this was all in just about an hour's time. And to think that in my "previous life" that time would have been spent drinking my 5th cup of coffee, working on Excel spreadsheets and answering business emails.

Yes, I used to be in the corporate world, but those memories are definitely fading...

How was your Tuesday?

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

The "H" Word

2013-04-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

You know how you have this idea to record your adorable kid(s) because they are just so "DANG CUTE" lately and so you run and get your phone to keep their latest milestone and super cuteness for posterity? And to post it on your blog for all of your ~~twenty-ish~~ readers to see??

Yeah, that was me on Tuesday night.

G has started reading a few books that his teacher has sent home and on Monday night he read six in a row to me so I figured he was ready for The Big Time on Tuesday - to read to his preschool sister.

I just love the beginning reading stage because they are so cute, trying to figure out words. I also adore it because it is just REALLY cool to see your child finally get it and to have the ability to read words and even entire sentences.

During our little session the other night, occasionally he would ask for help with a word. He had particular trouble with "over" from one of the books he was reading. We had written the word "very" for one of his homework sentences earlier that afternoon and he saw "ver" together and thought it was the same word and got all excited. I explained to him that it was a little different and we "sounded it out" as we often do.

Fast forward to Tuesday night... For some reason he confuses the small letters of "b" and "d" and just cannot seem to get the word "by".

Now, I need you to view this video to see how he is doing and you must watch until the VERY end to hear what he says to me (turn it up!)

Did you catch that? I told him the word in the book, he got frustrated with me and he said the "H" word.

At first I was disappointed because I thought he had messed up the video, that I would never want to post that, but when I watched it (a few times) again and all I could do was laugh. My favorite part is actually his face palm. Hilarious!!

This child truly cracks me up. One minute he is looking at me for help and the next he is hating on me.

Did he really mean it? No. Should he say that word to me or anyone? Of course not, but that is just how he expressed his anger with me. Did we talk about it after I was done recording? YES, we did. And I told him that I thought he wanted my help by the way he looked at me.

In the end we decided that I will wait to help him with a word until he actually ASKS me. And he will not use the "H" word ~~ever again~~ (yeah right).

And in all fairness I was just trying to speed up the reading time because it was past sister's bed time and I was just ready to be done finding the damn cat already!!

I mean, you can understand, right?

P.S. MY KID CAN READ! SO exciting! :D

I Know Y'all Wanna See Some Wedding Pictures...

2013-04-23T21:02:00.002-05:00

When B was in Kindergarten Q and U got married.

And now G is there and they got married AGAIN.

I knew this was a wedding I would not want to miss because I know his teacher, and she is GOOD.

I was right.

Q and U always get married near the end of the school year to commemorate the fact that the children have learned their alphabet. There is a precious ceremony with vows like,

"Mr. U, do you promise to follow Miss Q wherever she goes?"

And the officiant ~~teacher~~ asks the "couple" if they will sit on a QUilt together eating cooked QUail and spend many QUarters together.

It is so stinkin' cute!

Yes, Q and U are always together...

And once they are united in "marriage" they make Mr. and Mrs. KWA.

Whoever came up with this is my kind of people, that's all I am saying.

Anyway, G was a groomsmen.

He was SO serious walking up and down the aisle!

Can't you just see them 20 to 25 years from now?

So handsome! :-)

K was there too, dressed as Cinderella and sporting her "duck face".
(only photo taken with my phone)

The groom needed seconds on sherbert punch. hee hee.

I have to say, it was quite a party!

Also linked to DudeMom for Wordful Wednesday

Living Up To My Name

2013-04-21T22:17:00.001-05:00

As I post a few bits of random-ness, I pretty much feel like this...

I am 4-5 episodes behind on the few shows I still watch on television. But apparently really do not watch anymore.

I crack myself up.

I was thinking about catching up on at least one installment of ~~Revenge~~ so I'll be quick ~~never gonna happen~~.

I was thoroughly surprised by this the other day...

Good surprise, yes?

This kid is an ace. And a really whiny, fussy one right now. But that is not something she wouldn't tell you herself. She knows it too. And if it doesn't stop or at least slow down a little before Summer gets here... oh my....

The weekend was GORGEOUS around here, weather-wise. I spent much of it outside, thankfully.

Yesterday I worked outside the front of the house, trimming things back (stuff grows like CRAZY here!!), weeding and planting flowers.

Today Tim made barbecue and we had some friends over and we ate outside and the kids played with homemade bubbles and we took a walk as a family after our guests left.

It was all nice. Not without some kid craziness (let's be honest) but still nice.

And Tim's bbq is REALLY good but man, it's messy. I told him I feel like I have to follow him around with a thing of Clorox wipes all day just to keep up! He's cool with it. As long as he gets to eat his meat and share it with others... ;) (okay, that sounds kinda weird, moving on...)

Also, I already have an idea for Old School Blogging for next month that I am SUPER excited about! I hope many of you will join us again on May 2nd for the third installment. It really is a lot of fun to go old school. :)

P.S. If you would like to keep up with my self portraits on FB you can of course, follow my blog page, where I normally post them, when I remember to take them of course.

P.P.S. The posting of this post was interrupted by a homework assignment crisis when said assignment page could not be found, late-ish on a Sunday night. Who gives 3rd grade homework on a weekend? Don't get me started...

P.P.S.S. Q & U are getting married in G's Kindergarten class this week. He's going to be a Groomsmen. I'll let you know how it goes, based on how the couple feed each other their wedding cake. Yes, there will be some! ;)

See... totally "miss elaine-ous", yes?

Peas out.

Kindness

2013-04-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

Things around our world seem to be falling apart this week so one afternoon I decided to take my camera outside for a bit to gather some perspective and even a little peace for my heart and mind. It worked for a little while...

I thought about this post that my friend Tracy wrote and how beautiful it was and how wonderful the acts of kindness displayed made me feel as I was reading.

And so I got to thinking, how can we be more kind, as a society, as a human race, as people who are taught to love one another (at least I hope...)?

I came up with a few things that I thought we could each do in our daily lives so that we can put more kindness and love to others out there. It certainly cannot hurt, right?

Here goes...

Drive nicely. Don't cut people off because you are in a hurry, don't yell at other drivers, especially in front of your kids. Let someone go in front of you while exiting a busy parking lot. If you are 30 seconds late it won't matter...

Give someone a smile and a "Hello", it could change their entire perspective for that day.

Ask nicely. Use your manners, just like we teach our children. Say Please and Thank you and You're Welcome. It's really easy to do.

Be good to those closest to you. Sure, you could get angry that the kids missed the hamper for their dirty clothes for the millionth time (I know I have) but it's probably best to keep it to yourself and just put the clothes in there yourself, rather than getting upset about it. Hug them, tell them you love them every chance you get. Tell your spouse/partner what they mean to you.

Call your Mother (and Father) if you can. Some people do not have their parents to call because they have passed away or are just not around. If you are blessed to have your parents in your life, let them know how much they mean to you.

Give someone a handout. It's okay to give that guy by the red light with a sign $5. Or, if you would rather not give them money, make a few bags for your car/van with snacks and bottled water and give them that when you see them.

Let someone at the grocery store with only a few items go before you.

Give someone a compliment or praise at least once a day. Tell a friend her hair looks nice or give high praise to your child because they DID put the clothes in the hamper. :)

Kind acts, no matter how "small" can make a difference in anyone's life. I believe it.

What kind thing can you think of to do today? Or tomorrow? Or next week?

Leave a kindness in the comments and I will pick a random winner in a few days and send them a little surprise in the mail... Because I have kindness to pass on too...

XOXO

Be Still.

2013-04-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

"Mommy, I want a snack!"

Pause.

"Mommy, did you hear me?"

*yes, I heard you baby, but I'm working*

"Yes, baby, just a minute!"

This time I was watermarking photos, not even surfing the internet. I got to a stopping point, put my laptop on the table and raised myself from the comfy couch to get her a snack.

I heard her munch as she watched one of her shows on Nick Jr. and while I got back to work.

My phone dinged, the computer made a noise from another notification. The distractions were EVERYWHERE.

Her snack was done and the show over.

She walked over and climbed on the couch, right next to me. She managed to make eye contact with me, saying, "Mom, I want to sit on your lap!"

I immediately put the laptop down.

Someday so soon she will not want to sit in my lap. Someday soon she will not even fit anymore.

So I heeded her request quickly. The photos can wait.

At first I tickled her and she squirmed all over me, giggling uncontrollably. But then we both settled and she leaned back into my chest and I felt the weight of the world, of loving someone, just one person, SO much.

I buried my nose into her soft hair and it tickled my arm. I thought about the moment that I was in, that was so very fleeting. And my heart, it ached. In good ways and bad. It stung with the beauty of her and how I still to this day, cherish her unexpected presence in my life. And it burned with the passage of time and the moment that is just a small one in the bigness of it all.

But we are here together, forever bonded. Forever mother and daughter, no matter what may come.

Right here, right now. Just me and my baby girl.

So I am learning. To sit more still. To put the computer aside. To turn off the t.v. and the pesky notifications.

I am trying to be still.

Trying.

Minted Giveaway!

2013-04-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

Minted stationary has come through my mailbox a few times, mostly from my friend Haley. She sends Christmas cards from them and the quality is always really wonderful. I have also seen some of their business cards and was impressed with those as well. And, well, I just like pretty paper.

Here is a lovely quote from the "About Us" section on their website.

"Our purpose in life is to uncover exceptional design from all over the world and bring this to savvy consumers who won't accept anything else."

Pretty good purpose, I think.

I have a niece currently shopping for wedding invitations and I am pretty sure she is going to want to peruse the selection from Minted very carefully, considering there are so many amazing designs! Almost makes me want to get married again (you know, to the same guy...). ;-) Plus, the gorgeous inspiration boards on their site are enough to make me want to plan another wedding. Or just a REALLY gorgeous party.

wedding ideas board by claire. See more wedding invitations

They also have super adorable birthday party invitations for kids and it is possible that I will not be able to resist the cuteness of them for K's next party in October. I mean, how could I? I adore this one!

And if you are looking for custom, limited edition art prints, they also have a wonderful selection of these! The designs are printed on archival paper and are created by independent artists. There are plenty of different designs to choose from and as I look through them I can see myself picking out a frame for quite a few. My fireplace mantle could use something new. Like this:

In other words, I really like shopping the Minted site. Can you tell?

So, who wants to go shopping themselves? I bet YOU do!

Minted is offering one of my readers a $50 credit to their site!

Just leave a comment here telling me what grabs your eye the most from their site. For an extra entry you can post on FB or twitter and leave another comment letting me know that you did. Giveaway closes, Friday, April 19th. International entrants welcome!

*I was contacted my Minted to do this post in exchange for site credit. All opinions are my own, of course.

An Evening at Target

2013-04-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Our church is located pretty close to a Target.

Why do you need to know this information? Well, the fact that it is geographically convenient for me to go shopping there on a Wednesday night, that's why.

I have church choir rehearsal on Wednesday evenings. And Tim is either home with the children, or I pay the babysitter to stay a little longer so I can get a little retail therapy afterward.

(just FYI, World Market is in the same parking lot so I usually try to hit both. Also, this is not EVERY Wednesday, sometimes I go to the mall instead). ;-)

Anyway.

I had an express purpose for my trip to Target this last Wednesday.

Juice Boxes.

We were almost out and Target also has the Honest Kids pouches with half the sugar and I was crossing my fingers that maybe they were even on sale this week and that I could get at least two boxes.

(p.s. most of you, if not all, probably already know where this is going... but stick with me...)

I went in on the grocery side! I told myself I was not going to venture to the "other side" of the store with it's clothes and shoes and accessories, etc., etc., ETC!!!

BUT.

The light bulbs I needed for K's night light and our refrigerator were kind of not too far from all that stuff.

Oh, and Tim needed a rug for his side of the bed...

And K needed new pajamas...

You know the drill.

And lemme just tell you, while I was trying on the adorable button down blouse and super cute salmon-colored shorts (that I did also buy), all thoughts of juice boxes went RIGHT out of my head.

Oh Target, you get me every time.

The funny thing is, at one point, I was RIGHT by them. In the same aisle, I believe but the $1.02 vitamin waters and Stevia sodas were calling my name louder, APPARENTLY.

As were the cheese sticks and the yogurts and the granola bars.

After about an hour of NOT PUTTING ANY JUICE BOXES IN MY FULL CART, I made my way to the checkout.

I made eye contact with another woman, cart full of stuff as well, and she looked at me and said, "You just came in for one thing, didn't you?"

We laughed.

I still didn't take the hint.

I came home WITHOUT ANY juice boxes.

Really people, REALLY!!

I think I need a grocery list tattooed on my arm, with juice boxes right at the top in a really pretty font.

Of course then I might just cover it up in the fitting room while trying on that cute top I found....

Damn Target.

Give Yourself a Break

2013-04-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

I happen to know someone who does not do this very often...

When I was a young girl I put a ton of pressure on myself to do well.

In school.
In my family.
In life.

And I continued to do the same in High School.

I HAD to have good grades and sing well. I had to be smarter than "her" and a better singer than "her". I had to be wholesome and straight and pure. I had to make sure I was close to faultless, for reasons in my heart that only a select few knew about.

So it came as a real shock when my junior year in high school, I cheated on a test.

AND got caught.

If ever there was a picture in the dictionary of the word "mortified" it would be of me with my sixteen-year-old self, head on my desk, while my classmates finished the exam and I did not.

I still remember how fast my heart started beating when the realization came across the face of my Chemistry teacher.

Because you know, good students DO NOT cheat. We were both in shock.

And still, do this day, I have a hard time admitting to that one mistake that has left such an impression on me, for so many years.

Every time I recall it, I get an immediate physiological response. I believe some call it "a pit in my stomach".

I am catapulted back into that room with fluorescent lights and slippery white floors and faux wood brown desks lined up so neatly. I can still smell my teacher's perfume and see her curly, golden hair right in my face as she leaned down next me to see what I saw too - that I was cheating.

She, of course knew that was not like me.

I knew that was not ME at all.

It was a moment of weakness that came out of fear - the fear of failure.

Unfortunately I can relate this to my life even now.

I am scared to fail, in so many ways.

In raising my kids, in my photography pursuits, in my spiritual life. Even sometimes in my marriage.

And of course now, with all of those things, that Chemistry test seems like nothing. It seems small and silly.

All the crying I did in the girls bathroom, with my best friend patting me on the back while I told her, seems so long ago. The look of sheer disappointment on my Father's face when I had to tell him what I had done, is fading too, but it is still there.

Should I have been upset about what I did then? Was it wrong? Of course.

But is turns out I am NOT perfect. I do make mistakes.

And I know that no one is my life is expecting me to be perfect.

Except maybe myself.

And what I am really doing in the title of this post is talking to myself (and you), giving us permission to
fail. To try first, but possibly fail. And, to give ourselves a damn break every now and again.

Now if only I could listen to myself on this one....

This spilled out onto real paper in the hallway of the Gaylord Texan the last morning of Blissdom. I'm not sure where the inspiration to write it came from exactly but here it is, with very little editing...

Stolen Moments

2013-04-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

My kids are busy these days.

Between school and the activities after, and well.... Minecraft, they have a lot going on. ;)

I was just thinking how my days of "playdates", full of tots crawling around my living room and coffee with other moms of little ones are virtually over.

Everybody in this house has a fairly involved schedule. Even the three-year old.

But there are still those moments that I can find with each of them, thankfully.

Of course sometimes they are moments when the oldest has fallen asleep reading a book after getting up in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT the morning before to finish the LEGO set that he received for his birthday.

I wish you could hear the snoring that was going on when I took that photo.

"Sawin' logs" as they say.

And K loves to roam the neighborhood so that is just what she and I did the other morning.

We set out to go see if the yogurt cup someone had left in our neighbor's palm tree trunk was still there. She had seen it a few times before and was fascinated by the ants and other bugs crawling all over it.

"Mommy, the spoon is still in it!!"

"Please don't touch, baby."

"K, Mommy. I just want to see da ants!"

Unfortunately when we got to the tree the yogurt was finally gone. Well, unfortunately for her. I was pretty glad.

It was okay though, instead we had a nice discussion about how many fairies must live behind this little door.

And she wanted to see if their lantern was working so she got really close, and took it off the nail. But quickly replaced it when I told her they won't be able to find their way in the evening if she did not put it back.

And then she went up and down the neighbor's front steps about a bajillion times before we made our way back home...

G is my little artist so I called him to come do some chalk drawing with me in the driveway on Sunday afternoon. He was reluctant at first but then he started making his creations and he forgot about whatever he was doing before.

I love his concentration face.

I drew his name in bubble letters and he thought that was so funny. I remember when my girlfriends and I used to draw our names in bubble letters all the time in our school notebooks.

These are the moments I am trying to burn into my brain. Or at least put here, so I remember them.

My kids are growing up so fast.

Just like yours I bet.

P.S. Don't forget that this month's installment of Old School Blogging is still open so please join us and link up!

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Blessings

2013-04-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I look at my life I wonder how things fell into place so easily.

I say, "easily"....

Because even though life is not perfect around here or well, anywhere that I know of, mine has been full of people who love and care for me since day one. It is hard to believe that sometimes that is not the case for other people.

Every now and again we need to take a step back and realize all the love and blessings in our life and last week was one of those times for me.

Even though I was sick for the majority of my trip to Texas, I made the best of my time there and after Blissdom, saw so many more of my friends and my family. With the kids in tow. They are extremely blessed too, by the way. SO. much love surrounding them.

I watched as their "Mother Bear" (Tim's mom) set out eggs for them to hunt time and time again on a chilly afternoon.

I watched them play with their good friends, whose parents (and our GREAT friends) "house" us every time we come to Arlington. With no questions asked, we are welcome.

I watched as the kids played with another good friend's children at Mickey D's, while she and I visited together for the first time in a while.

I watched as my mother hugged and kissed them upon our arrival at my parents' home (the one I grew up in) in Austin and my Daddy bonded with K over the table where I ate many a meal as a child myself.

I watched as they decorated cupcakes and ran and walked the neighborhood with their beloved cousins.

And all the while I was also able to see some of my good friends back in Texas, on my birthday. And enjoy a delicious birthday cupcake from my friend who bakes them daily, herself (thanks, Claudia!).

And I got to see and even meet some blogging friends for the first time, in Austin a couple of nights later.

Plus, I had the honor to do the super fun engagement photographs for my niece and her man!

And on the last day, we celebrated the Risen Lord and my family was there. Together.

Blessings.

They are ALL around me...

What blessings are in YOUR life?

I hope they are too many to count...

Old School Blogging - April

2013-04-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

Old school blogging was QUITE the hit last month so Heather (@ThetaMom) and I are SO excited to do it again. The response was WAY more than we expected and well, we just LOVE that. I guess we do like to go back to the "good old days" a little, huh?

We REALLY hope you'll join us again this month or even for the first time!

This time the topics are marriage, babies and bliss!

Just copy the questions below and insert your own awesome answers! The link up is below (and open for 2 weeks, so tag your friends!).

1. How did your husband pop the big question?

One night when I got home from work, Tim was already at my apartment. He had prepared a nice dinner and sprinkled rose petals around. I knew he was up to something and we had recently decided to get engaged and married (it's a long story) but he had yet to officially propose. He was very nervous that night and I cannot remember if it was before or after we ate dinner but at one point, he did get down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I do not remember his exact words or what we were wearing I just remember saying "Yes!!!!" and being surprised by my ring because I was expecting it to be a different one but it was even better!!

2. What are the three most surprising things about married life?

How fast time goes after you get married
How annoyed you can get about just ONE wet towel on the bed
How you can grow to love someone more and more each day (even if they DO leave their wet towel on the bed. ahem.)

3. How did you find out you were pregnant for the first time?

I was a few days "late" so Tim decided to go to the drug store for a test. I peed on the stick in the downstairs bathroom of our townhouse and waited the obligatory 3 minutes, with my heart racing. Once I saw the two pink lines I went to get Tim (who was outside doing something) and said "Oh My God!!!" about 100 times in a row!

4. How did you choose your first baby's name?

From a baby name book. Tim was out of town on a business trip and I came across Benjamin in the book. For some reason I just really liked it so I called him right away and asked him what he thought. We did not find out the gender of our first baby but I was pretty sure it was a boy so that became our boy name from then on.

5. Describe where you see yourself in 10 years from now...

I see myself married for over 23 years with one child out of the house (whee!), doing photography, traveling and hopefully living back in my home state of Texas on some land, by a lake. Oh, and I have a really sweet dog that lays by my feet at night while I read or watch t.v.

6. Describe how you find bliss, either with words or images.

I find bliss in the small things, like watching my kids play outside on a beautiful day, a nice, warm cup of tea or the perfect photograph (in my eyes, anyway).

Now, tag 5 of your bloggy friends!

I "tag" anyone reading! ;-) Please join us and don't forget our twitter hashtag if you decide to tweet about Old School Blogging - it's #OSBlog. And the button is below for you to put in your post as well. And visit the other linkers so we can continue to get to know each other better, you know, the "old school" way!

My First Engagement Photo Shoot!

2013-04-02T20:00:00.000-05:00

My trip to Texas last week also included a pretty special photo shoot (or 2).

My niece (and first godchild!), Megan is getting married next year and she asked me if I would take some engagement photos for her and her fiance, Daniel.

I of course, could not say YES fast enough.

We had a great time during two separate shoots on different days.

I am warning you, there are A LOT of photos. But they are just SO cute (the couple, that is). And HAPPY. And model-like. :) My shutter finger just couldn't stop.

See for yourselves.

Here are two I shot with my phone...

I took this one on our drive back to my parents' house. Sometimes I miss my hometown (city) of Austin. It's kinda weird but pretty awesome.

Nine Years Ago...

2013-04-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

...I became a mother.

It was a crazy but amazing and life-changing day.

And sometimes it feels like just yesterday and other times it feels like a really long time ago.

Ben is my smart, funny, emotional, sensitive, handsome boy with lots of questions and a penchant for accents. He does a pretty good British one, actually. He has become a pretty good soccer player and likes sweets a lot like me. :) He also loves my spaghetti and meatballs and would probably eat it every night for dinner.

To find out even more about him, read our little interview below...

Hey Ben, How are you? Fine

What did you like about being 8? Collecting Ninjago Legos, reading books, summer vacation.

How old are you today? Nine

Do you think you will like being nine? Yes.

What will you like about being nine? I won't be the smallest kid anymore.

What is your favorite game? Minecraft

What do you want for your birthday? The Ninjago Fire temple.

Who is your favorite Ninjago character? Lloyd.

Do you want cake? Yes! What kind? Strawberry with vanilla icing

What is your favorite food? Pizza

Who are some good friends of yours? Koren, Mason and Jaelin

What else do you like to do? Eat snacks, sit around and take it easy, build Legos, walk around our neighborhood.

What's your favorite place to eat out? Whataburger.

What do you like to eat there? A burger with just ketchup.

What do you like about your brother? He makes funny jokes.

What do you like about your sister? She's cute.

Where would you like to travel? Legoland in California.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A Lego designer.

Do you like Legos? Yes.... Mom! Is that an actual question?? ;-)

How much do you love Mom and Dad? A LOT!!

Are you ready to eat cake now? YES!!

Happy Birthday to me precious first born. My Benja!