For Nancy..be afraid of the pictures you are about to see

I spoke to dear Nancy today who thinks her feel and legs are swollen. I tried to explain to her that with only 4 weeks left in her pregnancy (get it?) that it is all worth it. I tried to tell her that I knew exactly what she was talking about. I thought a picture better depicted what I meant. Yes, I am a dear friend to show my thankles (that is combo ankles and thighs) to the world.

I don't need to explain that one picture is before delivery and the other one is after...right? You do know that my legs don't look like that now, right?

They don't look like that now, do they?

jackson wisdom

wait for it - it gets cute.

today was a tough day. my button was broken. you know the one...

the dig deep

patience

calm down

don't let them see you sweat

you are so lucky, why are you freakin' out?

I can do this

BUTTON.

Lucky for us Shaun's button worked okay today and he stayed calm for me and the kids. I was much better after my nap.

Sometimes all you want is a day to yourself and to turn off the world. I even said as I laid down for a nap, can't we just "call it a day" now, do I really have to do more in just an hour?

But now it is 11pm and I made it. Hopefully, Shaun does NOT try to push my button tonight and it restarts for this next week.

good for the soul

I got to spend last Saturday night and all day Sunday with my dear friend Brene. It was so fun to "catch up," laugh and re-connect. Our visit included listening to her speak at a conference, selling books while she signed autographs, a visit to my new home, paloma blanca, hugs for Harrison, and a trip to La Cantera and Nordstroms. It was pretty darn near perfect.

Shaun took this funny angled picture of us. We love it!

Check Brene out at http://ordinarycourage.squarespace.com/my-blog/ You'll be glad you did.

We met waiting tables at Pappasito's years ago (like 14). Who knew one of my best friends would be wearing SAS shoes when I met her...okay, I was wearing them too, with a lovely polyester skirt and apron. Now we are social work sisters and life long friends.

She is wise and honest. Two of the many qualities you need in a friend. I hope she finds the success she is looking for. She deserves it!

Blog anniversary

Well it has been about a year that I have been blogging on July 19th. I just reviewed the year and overall it was a good one. One thing I noticed was how much Harrison has changed.

Then I noticed that I had three pictures of Harrison with Bennett. All pictures were taken about 6 months apart. And in each picture they are on the same side. Stephanie and I will have to remember to do this again in January. Look at the differences. June 2008

January 2008

July 2007

In some ways I don't even think they look like the same kids...What a difference a year makes.

It is always weird to post to the blog and wonder if someone you have never met or don't realize reads about your life. Let me know either by e-mail or comment if you are read this regularly - I'd really like to know. I think the only ones reading this are: brene, jenny, melody, stephanie, yvette, nancy and maybe vanna (when the twins give her a break.) Hope to hear from you soon.

4th of july pictures

Tia Penny joined us for the parade. Here is your one little glimpse of Harrison.

Jackson is proud of his United States tatoo.

Both boys cross thier ankles like this, I love it.

Jackson climbing out of a real fire truck. Do you love that special light effect I did? Ha! It is pure accident.

A true Hot Dog.

Parade parking.

Here are the 4th of july pictures. Looks like harrison wasn't there, but he was!

Right now both kids are in bed. I love it when they are both asleep but then I don't know what to do. Should I do laundry, clean the kitchen, make lunches for mother's day out, watch TV with the hubby, play on the computer or read my book? Crawling into bed is always my favorite option.

Does anyone else feel like all they do is clean the kitchen? I swear it never ends.

Jackson just woke up from a nightmare crying. I was in his room holding him, but every time he started to go back to sleep he started crying again. You know how the nightmare or bad dream just starts up again? I hate that.

A special "shout out" to my friend Nancy who had her baby shower this weekend. Sorry I wasn't there -but I thought of you all day. I am so happy for you and Jason.

Harrison's party pictures

Here are the party pictures you have been waiting for. "Flexible Mom" didn't pitch a fit when she went to pick up her baby's cake and it said "Harrison is #1" vs. the requested "Harrison is 1!" I gave my my dear friend Cheryl (who needs a blog) the task of picture taking. She did fabulous. I never touched my camera the whole day and she captured everything. She too, has two boys. This is Cameron, I still remember (vividly) when she told me she was pregnant - now look at him, he is growing up. He was wonderful with the younger kids at the party and really took care of everyone and made sure they were all okay.

This is Christopher, Cheryl's baby. He had a blast at the party.

I got a picture of two of the three little indians. Jenny even gave me the wonderful necklace you'll see in later pictures. I love it!

Our beach buddies were there too. Chad (our Realtor) made his appearance late but then really enjoyed playing in the backyard with the boys.

The john deer tractor was a big hit. I thought there would be fighting and a few minor car wrecks, but really all the kids did wonderful.

I could make some sort of comment about how this pictures looks like a first date, but that would be age inappropriate and make me sad to think about on his first birthday. But he does look happy to be driving, or just happy that sweet Bennett is with him.

Tia Penny thought of making this tent and all enjoyed laying down under it. She was such a big help before the party. Getting ready for a party with two little kids running around is a difficult task.

Once Harrison got his first taste of cake he not only enjoyed eating it but playing with it as well.

Harrison really got into some of the presents. He was happy and squealing with delight.

This little funny (happy) face just makes me smile.

I'm not sure what is cuter, Harrison's smile or the fact that Jackson is grabbing his hand and touching his head.

I think the day turned out just pretty darn near perfect.

P.S. I just went ahead and purchased an all in 1 card reader so that I could upload all my pictures. It really is quicker than plugging directly into your camera. So, that's one technology issue that has been resolved.

Happy 4th!

I've got so much to talk about. Camera issues are number one. Stephanie and I created these great little movies of our beach trip and now we can not upload them to our blog..ugh. They are quick time videos set to music; can anyone help?

Then we had Harrison's first b-day party last weekend and now I can not seem to get my pictures to upload from my new camera on either our home computer or the mac. Technology is a pain sometimes.

Today we had the most amazing day and I can't get those pictures uploaded either. Seems that we moved into small town America. Terrel Hills had the best 4th of July parade I have ever seen. It was small, quaint and fun. I felt like I was in a movie. People played patriotic music, decorated their cars, made floats and just had a blast. It ended with a little festival. There were moon bounces, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, tattoos, balloon animals, music, drinks, wine tasting and beer - did I mention this was all free!!! It was great. Then we had four different families over to our house for a rotating party. We did appetizers and water toys (baby pools, 2 slip and slides, and a larger blow up pool), the second stop was at the Miracle house (their real name) where we had burgers and a balloon toss (adults had to participate) and then the last house was marble slab type ice cream party and a real pool (you know, like we once had). Jackson literally fell asleep on the couch at 6:15 pm waiting for me to put him in the shower. I just placed him in bed, in his swim suit. So, life is good.

I love my new house and the summer. My dear friend Penny has helped me decorate it so wonderfully. I am now blogging on my new pink toile chaise lounge; donated to the Hedgepeth home by Tia Penny's mom (you have to see it) - along with many other great pieces of furniture and fun stuff. This July 4th I am thankful for my great friends and family. I don't know what I would do without any of you (the fey crew, hedgepeth clan, tia penny, and all of my dear friends of whom I think of like sisters, you know who you are.) I am also thankful for the little things that make me happy - like the new label maker I got with my Target gift card - that thing makes me smile.

Hopefully this video will make you smile. It is one of the last things that I could get uploaded to my computer. It is of Jackson at VBS with his new friend Charlotte. Charlotte is quite the dancer and loved my Jackson - who doesn't?