Carlson Crew

2 months old!

2012-01-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

2 months old and my how you've sprouted,

Now in level 2 NICU - great to be re-routed!

At 5 and 6 lbs. you two are getting big

Surprising Daddy each time he returns from the rig!

Breathing deeply comes easier than before,

Almost everything is less of a chore!

We’ve seen your eyes,

Kissed both of you little guys!

We love to hold your hands,

Still prayers coming from your fans!

Now you’re wearing little clothes, you so look cool,

Just think - in 6 months we’ll be splashing in the pool!

This month you're learning to suck from a bottle.

Don't worry you'll get it and we'll be there to coddle.

Now your job is to grow, stay healthy and drink every bit
You'll both be home with the family before you know it!

Tucker

Cody

What a Christmas!

2012-01-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

5 weeks ago Tucker and Cody unexpectantly arrived

By God's hand we all have somehow survived!

It has taken us all a few weeks to recoup

Mom is so glad to be back in the loop

We make the drive to visit the boys every other day

"keep bringing the milk" is what the nurses say!

We are learning all about our little premies

Wearing clothes is the next goal for them - we tease!

Each day they are growing bigger and stronger

but still we can't help wonder how much longer?

The nursery is finished thanks to Grams,

there is nothing like the love from your fam!

Aunt Kathy stayed to help out for week #2

Cooper and Allie loved their Aunt, she knew just what to do!

Getting ready for Christmas this year has been a slow go

God's presence is here, it's all that we know!

The boys have given us a unique Christmas surprise

No more C-Pap tubes, clear noses and they're opening their eyes!

Thankful for the nurses, doc's and the NICU

because all of this for us is so new.

We are blessed!

2011-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

We have not heard your cries

We have not seen your eyes

yet - We are blessed!

A surprise you two were, right from the start

know it's hard when we must depart

yet - We are blessed!

We have not touched your hand

No place for a kiss to land

yet - We are blessed!

No diapers for us to change

No schedules to rearrange

yet - We are blessed!

They all said, "your hands will be full"

But they are empty

yet - We are blessed!

Tucker

Thanksgiving is the season you both arrived

Now we wait to hold you both side by side.

yet - we are blessed!

Many prayers for you have gone before

We all wonder what's in store

yet - we are blessed!

You breath in and you breath out

God's got his plan, there is no doubt

yet - We are blessed!

Progress comes and Progress goes

The highs are High the lows may be Low

yet - we are blessed!

Cody

A brother and sister wait to play with you

A dad and mom eager for this day too

Lovingly and Patiently the Carlson Crew

Yes! - We are blessed!

Hospital Visits!

2011-11-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

Cooper and Allie really enjoy the hospital!

There are elevators, escalators, fish tanks, metro cable cars and a great mini-train exhibit!

This place hasn't lost it's excitement!

They also love to lay in my hospital bed and push the buttons to see what the bed will do!

"No crumbs in Mommy's bed!"

We work on a craft every time they visit!

This is the children's chapel. On our wheelchair rides we stop to pray . . .

And we write or draw a picture of our prayers to hang on the "prayer tree".

It's been 27 days that Mom has been in the hospital

but she's be home for Thanksgiving!

11-12 Update

2011-11-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

We've made it 15 days so far! A roller coaster at times but things are settling down. I feel well taken care of!

I am off of the IV pole unless there are other problems that would require it. My arms an veins are healing up. I am able to walk freely in my room. I am able to take wheelchair rides when Lee and the kids come and visit. We found a huge interactive train exhibit that the kids adored on our wheelchair ride.

No signs of infection, babies look great when we monitor their heartbeats and movement, and contractions have been minimal and infrequent. All of these are answers to our prayers!

I've had many visitors come this week bearing all kinds of love gifts; crafts for me and the kids, books, magazines and treats. One friend gave me a pedicure which was so nice. Prayers and conversation this week by my friends and family was so uplifting.

Hoping to make it at least 2 more weeks that would take us to Thanksgiving and out of the extreme danger zone for the babies. After Thanksgiving, our next goal is having the babies stay put until Christmas. We will deliver sometime the week after Christmas - Lord willing!

That's about it for now! Thank you for your prayers once again and keep us in them!

11-7-11 Update

2011-11-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am doing well the past 2 days. Saturday afternoon and evening was rough, had too much fluid leakage and had to get a new IV, 24 hour continuous heart rate monitoring (uncomfortable - no sleep), ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels and spec exam. No problems just a busy day of ruling thing out because of the excessive fluid leakage.

By Sunday afternoon I was able to be off the IV pole for Lee, Cooper and Allie's visit. We took a wheelchair ride to the Children's Atrium Garden. They were able to run around, count the birdhouses and played hide n' go seek. We worked on a Star Wars puzzle of Bobo Fett, had some snacks and did a turkey craft. It was nice to have some real food from Olive Garden. We all enjoyed our time together!

Today low key with only a few hours of heart rate monitoring and 2 hours of IV infusions of iron (for anemia). No visitors today which is refreshing to just have some quiet time. Had a craft session with my bed rest buddy Sylvia and the Spiritual Care leader Sarah. Sylvia was having a rough day so it was good to talk and cry with her.

Having a bit of trouble with my IV sites. IV's are supposed to last about 7 days before changing sites but my veins won't last more than 4 days. I'v had 3 different IV sites in 11 days. Bruising and soreness is setting in. I think I'm ready for the next IV to go into my foot to give my forearms a break. I can't complain because I am not continuously hooked up the the IV pole, like my bed-rest buddy is. I feel like I am getting a medical education here - ha ha ha! The more the IV sites are switched the higher chance of infection. If I get an infection the Dr's will deliver the babies because they are safer out of the womb rather than in the womb with an infection swimming around.

Looking forward to my friend Carrie visiting tomorrow!

So, please pray for no infections, no contractions, and the possibility for me to not have an IV site set up.

There's your update!

Today's Thoughts 11-4-11

2011-11-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Had a great night sleep. Thank you Lord!

Visited by my OB today. I just love her! She informed me that I am anemic - low iron count. My body needs to do iron infusions every other day, 3 times a day, for an hour and a half each of those times for the next 4 weeks in order to avoid a blood transfusion when the babies are delivered. Not fun being hooked up to the "pole" - the IV pole, which restricts my ability to walk around my 8X8 room but I am thankful that it is only every other day!

Then my OB told me she was going on a cruise for her 50th birthday and her dad's 82nd birthday. She was so reluctant and felt horrible to be leaving me. So sweet!!! All I could do was put out a big smile, and insist that she have a wonderful time. I reassured her that I felt in good hands with her other team members. She looked so relieved! Thankful to be showered in grace and then be able to extend that same grace.

Tomorrow should be a great day for Lee and the kids. They are going to the zoo which is only 10 min from the hospital, then visiting me, While out of the house wonderful friends are bringing dinner and preschool lady friends are coming to do a little house cleaning. We are feeling so spoiled and eager to shower blessing on people when our time to serve comes along. Until then just doing our best to wait patiently!

A season for all things ... 11-1-11

2011-11-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

Some season's in life you anticipate like the first fall day you get to bake pumpkin bread, some you dread like the first day of August in Texas, some seasons are just sprung upon you like the early death of my Daddy. Whatever the season, it doesn't do any good to fight it or be angry at it. The season's of life are chances for us to grow. If we embrace the season it will be easier to cope. If we learn and be thankful for that season we can be used by God.

My season right now is to rest and to grow these twin boys as best I can and as long as I can here in the hospital. We are at 24 weeks and a few days and praying that our season in the hospital lasts at least until Thanksgiving.

In Sept and Oct Lee had to work 3 weeks and was home one week for each of those months. A long time without Daddy and Hubby was a stretch especially for 2 months in a row which was really uncommon also. Being pregnant with twins for those 2 months and caring for Cooper (almost 5) and Allie (3) was a stretch. With plans for a fun Halloween weekend and Cooper's 5th birthday party we were eager for our family to be together for 2 weeks. However when Lee did get home the very next day is when the little twin's sac ruptured.

We had Cooper's 5th birthday party planned for Sat. which happened to be the day after the rupture. A decked out 'Star Wars' party was his dream party. What a trooper he was to understand that things had to be changed because of his twin brothers needing to be in the hospital. That party will be awesome Cooper - when things settle down we'll do it!

I'm praying that this time for Cooper and Allie is a good season to get more connected with Lee without me. I remember special times with my Daddy and how I loved not having my mom right there to fill up the space with conversation or activities. Those times were usually on the houseboat for vacations, working on a project in the garage or my dad driving me to a friends house. I hope things are going ok at home while I grow these babies and I pray this season is not wasted by any of us. I hope we take hold of it and let us be molded by it so that we are more usable by God.

Faith to scamper off ...

2011-10-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

As I was reading a friends blog whose son has been in the hospital Cooper asked me what I was reading. I explained that our friend baby Greyson was in the hospital and that he was very sick, the doctors didn't know what was wrong, he keeps throwing up when he eats food with his mouth, and that his mom and dad are worried about him. He asked me to read the words on the computer in order to know more and as I did (in a paraphrased form of the blog entry) I began to cry.

Cooper got a concerned look on his face and said, "Ok, I will pray!" It was as if he understood what needed to be done immediately and that I was too sad to pray words. He closed his eyes, bowed his head, and said a simple one sentence prayer. "God, please help baby Greyson feel better and let the doctors understand what's wrong. Amen."

He then scampered off to shoot up some bad guys with his lego gun.

Moments like these grow my faith in the power God has in our lives. How easily am I encouraged by a 5 year olds prayer! That's the way God must feel when I act on prayer deliberately and immediately and then leave problem in his hands to scamper off to do what's next.

God, help me to be bold, help me to act quickly, help me to leave the problem with you, help me to scamper off going on with my day happy hearted. God heal baby Greyson and let the doctors understand what's wrong. Amen!"

A day at Galveston Beach, TX

2011-09-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Had a great day at Galveston Beach!

Sandcastles, warm water, small waves, 82 deg., picnic lunch

Perfect for our family at this stage of the game!

She was absolutely fearless!

Never complained of the saltwater constantly

splashing her in the face!

She is a such a fish!

"C'mon mommy, let's go in the waves again!"

A wave had just doused Cooper and he

was cheering with shock and excitement!

Yes, Of course I missed my California beaches

with the roaring waves and chill of the water!

However, I am also so blessed to be exactly where God

wants us to be because that is absolutely the best place

for the Carlson Crew!

First Day of Preschool!

2011-09-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have such a great preschool!

Both Cooper and Allie are so excited to go each Tues and Thurs.

Cooper is in the 4yr old class

with all his buddies!

He loves the praise time!

Allie is in the older 2yr old class again.

She was the youngest in her class last year.

She loves having Mrs. Amy

again and is now the class leader/helper.

Prayer Times 4yr old style!

2011-08-31T03:52:00.000-07:00

Personally I have loved to pray ... not formally but 'on the spot kind of praying' .... life is stressful, life is awesome, Help Me Cope, there's a need right in front of me ... kind of praying. Sometimes aloud sometimes quietly ... God has always delivered, always answered - usually in ways that I didn't expect! Usually in ways that are far more wonderful than I even prayed for to begin with. Usually with such expediency that I am dumbfounded ...

Oh yes! There are many things that I've prayed about for years that I'm still waiting on. The wait is peaceful because God had proven he's got it covered.

Event #1: Today, as I drove the kids to the first day of preschool I suggested that we pray for their day. I got less than excited responses from the backseat. This reaction is not the norm but does happen. We pray a lot in the car. Nevertheless I was a bit disappointed but plunged on with the prayer for good attitudes, new friends, nice words etc... The "amen's" were unprompted and proof that little ears were at least hearing the words to our Father. Still it's moments like these that make me question ... "Should we have prayed at home instead? Shouldn't I have woken earlier to have had the time and energy to do the devo I intended during breakfast time? Why did I spend more time on Allie's hair than on important heart issues this morning? If only I wasn't cranky about the leaking lunchbox and sticky juice mess still on my kitchen floor? "I forgot to take a picture of them today - Damn it!"
AGGG I'm missing the important moments yet again - is exactly what I told myself!

Event #2: When I picked up my kids and our carpool buddy from school and asked about their favorite parts of the day, if they liked their lunch, did they play outside etc.... an ambulance zoomed past us. Cooper piped up excitedly, "Mom we've got to pray!"
"Great Idea! Do you want to?" I asked
"No Mom, you do it!"
So I prayed about the drivers of the ambulance, the people they were rescuing etc....
We often pray for fire trucks, ambulance drivers, police men in flashing cars. It just a fun discipline the kids and I love to do! I didn't think much of this request to pray.

Event #3: We are temporarily driving the Tahoe a lot until we get a minivan. Cooper has trouble buckling the seat belt and it's tough for me to climb in and do it. Exasperated I asked him, "Please try to do it yourself, you can practice a bit, I've got to run back in the house to get something". I opened his door after my run back inside, expecting to have to yet again climb in and buckle the tricky belt.
"I did it!"Cooper said
"Really? Awesome!!! How did you do it?" I asked
"With God's help!" he said grinning
"WOW" my heart beamed

Event #4: Later on today we were in a waiting room waiting for some paperwork and on the TV there was a news story about smoke and fire near our city. The kids were getting a bit restless so I called their attention to the big clouds of smoke and fire that was on the TV. Maybe a conversation about smoke and firefighters would delay the potential meltdown or "I'm bored"???
Instead Cooper piped up again, "Mom we've got to pray about this!"
"Ok," I said a little reluctantly, we were in a full waiting room.
He folded his hands and bowed his head right into his hands and prayed quietly while I prayed aloud knowing I must 'walk the walk' just as excitedly.

Just now at 3am I am realizing "it's coming full circle" I just have to press on in passing on my faith. I can't doubt, I can't beat myself up over a missed opportunity, planning isn't the ticket, I just have to live it! If I simply continue to live it authentically they will "get Him" authentically! Prayer times 4yr old style is all the reassurance I needed to keep pressing on!

Lemons into Lemonade

2011-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Growing up I've always dreamed about a sweet, affectionate, charming little girl. When the doctor told me at my first ultrasound that I was having a boy, I was dumbfounded. It's not what I had pictured or dreamt about. Even my sister, Heidi who accompanied me to the appointment reassuringly quickly said, "Michelle, a boy is good too!" She was right! Cooper is that little boy who steals my heart almost daily with his Godly spirit and sensitive ways about him. It's indescribable to realize that God knew just what I needed more than I thought I knew. What a joy that boy is!

So when I was pregnant with baby #2 I just knew things felt different those first 20 weeks and I wasn't surprised that God was blessing us with a girl ... "YES, I knew it!" is what I was saying inside. I had rearranged my dreams about a girl when Cooper was born, for sure he was rewarding me with my sweet princess little girl now.

For the first two and a half years of Allie's life she was exactly the opposite of what I had pictured, what I had dreamt and what I had wanted. She was a sourpuss of a baby, hardly ever smiled, never seemed to enjoy cuddling, she seemed so selfish and honestly it was a struggle to accept her for who she was. How hard is it for a baby to be happy? I was doing all the right things as a parent and I am such a happy person. How on earth can I cope with a sourpuss? It was excruciating when people would comment on Allie's demeanor or try to catch her eye and she would frown at them. This happened weekly for several months and I dreaded going shopping. Inside I wanted to say, "I know! Isn't she a sourpuss! Let me tell you how devastating it is to not be able to make your own baby smile."

Allie was delayed in every milestone. Therapy began at 14 months old and still the sourpuss remained. I began to accept that she saw 'the glass half empty' but that I wouldn't allow her to steal the joy of life from Lee, Cooper or myself. I could easily cope with a disability, but a kid who had no spark of joy? Now that seemed like a bigger challenge. God knew right what I needed - yet again! A new challenge .... Genuinely accept and love someone who by all outward expressions seems to be indifferent to your love and acceptance. Once I understood that this was the lesson I had to learn in order to grow it became less frustrating. All the comparisons to other toddlers her age flew out the window. She loved trains like Cooper and threw dolls like pieces of trash. She never cried when I left her with a babysitter or in the nursery at church. She was just a person all unto herself.

No big birthday party for Allie when she turned 3 in February, I just couldn't bear an unhappy scene. Although she was developing a happier demeanor and coming along in her milestones I didn't want to fool myself into thinking, "Wow, she's really doing so much better!" Friends and her teachers would also comment on the progress she was making after she turned 3. Still I refused to let myself believe that the little girl I had so desperately wanted was transforming. I was protecting myself and being realistic. How could a 3yr old sour lemon turn into sweet refreshing lemonade when for 3 years she had proved who she was?

Last weekend we were at a birthday party for our neighbors 3 yr old little girl. Allie is 3 and a half now. She was so thrilled to say, "Happy Birthday Maisy", she was in awe of the Dora cake, bright eyed about the jump house, eager for Maisy to open her presents, dancing, singing, just loved being at the party. I was thinking, "Yeah, Allie you are doing so good today!" At that same moment a dad of one of the teenage girls at the party turned to me and said, "She is precious ... what a spark and excitement she has for life! She is so happy about everything!" Teary eyed I tried to comment back but all that came out was, "Thank you - that really means a lot to me".

God knew I needed a complete stranger to confirm that I did have the little girl I had always dreamt about and that sometimes life is sweeter if you think you have a lemon and then get surprised by the miracle of refreshing sweet lemonade. I don't know how this transformation took place, but only by God's grace. Refreshing lemonade only requires lemons, water, sugar and some ice. Looking back, I wouldn't have changed the growth I've had to experience. But that's the strange part of it .... it's never up to us! We have to trust that God is driving... he knows exactly what we need at every stage of this journey even if we have to grimace at the taste of a lemon for awhile!

4th of July

2011-07-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

A fun full day of festivities!

The bike parade!

Allie playing bean bag toss!

Patrotic Prizes at every game booth!

Fun kid activities ... bouncers and waterslices!

Beach Club Park, beautiful and shady for the 100 degree temps!

Then we all napped in preparation for the big firework show!

he waited patiently by eating all the

watermelon!

Itsy Bitsy Spider smile!

I think she looks so grown up in this pic ...

Eating licorish

Playing with the phone

taking pictures of ourselves..

Finally the wonderful Fireworks!

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Some fun cruising this Memorial Day weekend!

Decorating the yard in memory ...

Sporting a new tattoo or two!

They made a river and a lake in the sandbox to float their boats!

A treat at the pool ...

A pic of me ... because I'm always told I'm never in the pictures.

and on a sad note ...

our car got broken into while in church.

But they didn't take the Bible in plain sight ...

of course this would have been the most valuable thing

in the entire car to take ... oh how life changing it can be!

We had a wonderful weekend!

And that's a wrap ....

Last day of preschool

2011-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

Last day of preschool and they are all smiles!

Allie singing, "Bear Hunt"!

For the graduation performance, they were so cute!

Cooper's class sang, "Shape Song"!

His solo shared with his buddy Collin.

Singing away ...

It's been a great year!

Cooper's buddies!

Summer here we come!

The Mama's:

Cooper's teacher Mrs. Menall

Allie's teachers Leann and Amy

See ya' next year Little Ranch!

Easter In Hot Springs, AR

2011-04-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend in AR with Grandma and Papa!

A hike to Cedar Creek ...

A fun boat ride on Lake Balboa ...

Of course we dyed eggs ...

And went on several Easter Egg Hunts ...

Hanging the corn so that Ricky the raccoon

will come pay a visit ....

Cooper and Grandma made pancakes!

Lots of fun just hanging out in the backyard!

What a great Easter and visit we had with Grandma and Papa!

Women's Roller Derby

2011-04-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

For my 35th birthday

I wanted to do something different

something memorable!

Meet my roller derby team the "Roller Vixens"

From right to left:

A-Wall-A-Rob, Lethal Lorie, Coco - Bomb,

Bone Crippin' Carrie, and Michelle Melon Crusher

A fun night with the team

and our hubbies tagged along too!

Showing off our team shirts!

Game #2

We all got tatoo's !

(ok, they may be temporary tatoo's)

Watching the opposing team
and figuring out our strategy . . .

My official uniform :

Michelle Melon Crusher

My friends made this night and the anticipation

leading up to it just a blast!

Spring has sprung!

2011-04-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Love Spring! Whoever named this time of the year was so clever! Don't you just feel a 'spring in your step' when it's so beautiful outside. My heart just leaps at the sight of a bright sunny day with a slight breeze.

We are outside as much as possible! Playdough outside is awesome!

Yep, it's even been warm enough to use the sprinklers. Cooper and Allie just love to water the plants with the hose too. However, they don't really know how to anticipate where the stream of water will go when they turn their bodies or walk around so the are constantly dousing each other and myself unexpectedly. Funny and frustrating at the same time!

Cooper is an amazing helper and I have spent a lot of energy giving him jobs to do. He feels so grown up and now he needs little instruction or supervision to do many tasks. However, he has been my 'go-to-guy'. Realizing Allie needs just as much or more time and energy in developing her helper heart, this is her new job. Sorting the clean silverware in the drawer . . .

Yeah Spring! Now if only my bulbs would come up . . .

Our new wheels!

2011-04-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

Oh No! We didn't get a new car.

We got a new bike

(a hand me down from someone at church)

And a bike trailer for Allie

(craigslist $50)

Now the 4 of us are hitting the trails!

We've really had so much fun so far this spring exploring

all the bike friendly paths here in Katy.

We have visited 4 different parks close enough to bike to from our house.

The pool is close enough to bike to so Allie's trailer will

soon be loaded with towels and snacks in tow.

"Thank You Lord for our new set of wheels and no serious bike accidents to date" -Amen

What thrills you about shopping?

2011-04-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

What thrills you about shopping?
Ladies - we love to do it! But I think we love it for many different reasons.

Would you rather shop in an expensive purse store or at a garage sale?
Would you rather shop in an overpriced but relaxing grocery store (Whole Foods) or in a cheap version (Fiesta)?
Would you rather window shop in the air conditioned mall or get down and dirty (literally) in a thrift store?

I must admit I am thrilled with the garage sale, Fiesta, thrift store shopping! Yes, a little embarrassed but also ashamed that I am embarrassed about that .... probably because I grew up loving the hunt of a good deal and shopping this way with my family.

Ok, the reason for this blog post is purely to brag and share with you what great deals can be found at the 99 cent store, not Dollar Tree but the 99 cent store! Yes, there's a 99 cent store in Katy! 99 cent stores get grocery items that the high-end stores have bought too many of or will go bad before they are able to sell - (always check the 'sell by date') Their grocery items are always changing which also is thrilling and disappointing because you can't count on getting the same good deal twice.

Each grocery item was only 99 cents - some items are 3 times less expensive than Walmart's items.

1.5 pounds of lemons

2 pounds of onions or 8 small

8 Bagels, they also had Cinn. Raisin and wheat variety

6 pac Yoplait yogart - walmart price 50c each
(savings of $2)

large bag of Spinach - for my Momba Smoothie

Med to Large bag of Carrots

Large tub of Yogart - also had Strawberry variety
($2.38 @ Walmart)

Tub of spreadable butter

'my favorite too lazy to make a pot of coffee' - go to!
($2.99 regular price)

8 kiwi in a bag - walmart they are 33c each
(save $1.66)

bag of 7 large banana's

pint of half & half

they even have plants - this one was huge and so pretty!

I love to get a good deal on normal stuff because that means I have extra money to spend on shopping spree's at the thrift stores! He he he - no really, it is a bit embarrassing how excited I get when there's a good deal just waiting for me! My kids also love the 99c store because they sometimes get to pick out a toy and it's only a buck!

Hope you have a 99c store near you and that you have the guts to venture in and enjoy the hunt- it's thrilling, trust me!

Cowboy Day at Preschool

2011-03-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cooper and Allie all dressed up for

a Rodeo at school.

Our carpool buddy, Collin!

Ready to Rodeo!

Sunny Bikini Luau Smoothie!

2011-03-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Ok this smoothie was absolutely "totally awesome dude". It really surprised me how good it was when I took the first sip!!! Before drinking it, I caught a whif and it "totally" smelled like a luah. You know, that sweet and succulent smell of pineapple, soy sauce steak and pepper/onions roasting on a kabob.

The name for this smoothie has a story. The other day my hubby and I were talking about Bikini's. Not sure why we were on that subject but anyway, I mentioned that my poor body will probably never get to 'Bikini-It' again. My short body never really rocked the Bikini - even in my prime. Lee asked for an explanation as to why the Bikini was never coming back - really do I have to painfully explain that?
(It is wonderful how husbands only see the good curves) I'll spare you the details ... but when I made this smoothie it reminded me of a dreamy Sunny day on the beach, watching the surfers, lounging in a Bikini and melting into the scent of Luau food cooking.
Sunny Bikini Luau Smoothie
a handful of ice
one orange
apple juice - so it mixes well in blender
2 handfuls of frozen pineapple
1 celery stalk - won't taste it
1/2 yellow bell pepper -won't taste it
protein powder - won't taste it

Yep I was dreaming, but this smoothie is really good, "totally try it dude"!

Days to work and Days to play!

2011-03-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

A few projects Lee and Cooper have been working on . . .

Allie thinks she's helping too ;)

The new sandbox!!!!

It could drive a person crazy trying to get both kids

to smile at the same time!

A little stool,

Lee made this same stool in Wood Shop in Jr. High ....

As a kid Lee recalls taking things apart

to see if he could get them back together

he just didn't have enough toys?

Cooper picked the color, painted it- actually it's a cool

new colored stain that you wipe on with a cloth!

No drips - awesome!

These two are having a ball being creative in the

garage together!

And, a little play . . .

Our favorite fishing pond at Lake Pointe Park ...

We catch one in at least 15 min.

Great for the impatient kid!

That was a whooper!

Allie is a great fishermen!

She loves it just like

her Grandma!

Mom-ba Juice

2011-03-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

Growing up our family dinners were so incredibly fun. I even remember spilling my milk on purpose because my mom would scramble to catch the spill before it would get to the crack in the table where the leaf was. It was very funny! She would never get mad about the mess either, I guess having 4 kids someone was always spilling. Loved exotic artichoke night: steamed artichoke and butter/mayo dipping sauce. Loved taco salad night and loaded baked potatoes nights. We ate lots and lots of veggies growing up, I love veggies.

I'm having trouble even getting my kids to eat carrots or sweet potatoes and frankly I'm done with making the dinner table a battleground. I just get all uptight and cranky and dinner turns out to be awful!
I love dinners, we pray we talk we laugh and best of all we eat together. Oh yeah, I love to eat too!

We love Jamba Juice, loved it when it was originally Juice Club in my college days dating Lee. Favorite JJ drink: Pacific Passion with immunity boost. But here in the south it's name is changed to Caribbean Passion. I guess because we are closer to the Caribbean than the Pacific Ocean in Texas ??? My kids love it too!

Purple Power Palette Pleaser

It's really purple but it looks red in this pic.

Jamba Juice is a little pricey - when compared to Starbucks about the same price % gouge when compared to making the drink yourself. So we are making our own Jamba Juice, but we call it Mom-ba Juice! Mom-ba Juice is where I get their veggies in! I do long for my kids to love artichoke, peppers, sweet potatoes, green beans and onions - but I'm not willing to make the dinner table a battleground with tears, bad attitudes, threats and whatever else just for nutrition sake.

Mom-ba Juice Smoothie #1; Let's call it .... Purple Power Palette Pleaser

OK - It was delicious and my buds aren't transformed towards those heathy cardboard flavors either. You know what I mean! Yes, you will really need a blender intended for smoothie making, it will just be a more pleasant experience and much faster. I love my cuisine art - $60 or 12 med. Jamba Juice Drinks. My cuisine art came with 4 smoothie cups that you can use in the blender to make a single serving.

You don't really need to measure but I will Rachel Ray-it a bit for you when it comes to that. The list looks long but it's just leftover stuff in the frig. Substitute what you have ...

Ice - a few handfulls

2 handfulls of frozen blueberries

1 cup of leftover cut up strawberries sprinkled the night before with a little sugar

1/2 yellow bell pepper - just a leftover piece - you won't taste it!

a glug of prune juice - yep it's really good for your little poopers and horrible to drink by itself (remember it's a super food says Dr. OZ). You really won't taste it! Stop turning up your nose! You won't taste it!

a few glugs of 'no sugar added' apple juice (just enough to get it 'your drinking consistency' and easy on your blender) - I guess you could add any juice on hand

about a cup of strawberry lowfat yogurt (or any flavor) - (I can't do nonfat yogurt yet :)

a handful of leaf spinach - really you won't see or taste it but it's also a super food and even though I like spinach it's just easier to drink in a shake than in a salad.

If your little one's aren't good meat eaters (like mine) I always add a small scoop of protein powder - it's also tasteless and for me it's more filling so I often have a shake for lunch or while I cook dinner.

I also 'doctor' some shakes up for my little guys with extra honey to sweeten (Purple Palette Pleaser was sweet enough not to 'doctor'). If you happen to make a shake that turns out to be an awful color, I put it in a cup that the kids can't see through and 'wa-la' their little noses aren't turned up. I do this same trick on my hubby to be honest :) !!!

Definitions:
buds - short for taste buds
glug - you know, when you pour the liquid and it makes a glug sound - about that much

Enjoy!

some extra's

2011-02-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

The first 2 weeks of Feb. have been super busy ... Cold Weather, Warm Weather, Getting Sick, Kinda- Healthy, Go to preschool, Nope Still Sick, Allie's Birthday, Try preschool again Recovering from being Sick. Everyone's been sick so it's not just us - thankfully!

So here's just some random pic's.....

I bought these train gingerbread sets at an after Christmas sale for $2

It was a fun messy activity for us to do as a family!

Super fun project when it's cold outside!

We play with the trains when we're sick!

We play tea party when we're sick!

We try to get dressed, but sometimes it just doesn't happen!

We use the crockpot and get good at taking

medicine when we're sick!

And ... we try to smile through all the boogers that

tend to creep in and try to steal our joy!

1st Family Camping trip

2011-02-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Our fist family camping trip booked the 2nd week of December when it was

in the 70's. So... surely January 24th would be warm too!

Uhhh WRONG - hey we were all troopers and did have
a memorable 2 nights camping
at Yogi Bear in Waller, TX!

Cooper and Allie loved the huge pile of leaves!

Wet socks and shoes all weekend - but gotta love that

old fashioned fun!

We brought 2 stacks of firewood but it was so cold

we used it all by the 2nd day!

We all hunted down more and Lee and Cooper

chopped away!

Cooper chopped wood for hours with

the hatchet! We were a bit concerned about

chopped fingers but we got over ourselves.

Besides that, he loved being like Dad!

Ok, so the amenities at Yogi Bear

are pretty cool. Kinda like resort camping!

Lee and Cooper at the arcade.

Allie wanted to do it too!

An indoor Tot-Spot for babies - 5yr olds!

Awesome!

We love air hockey!

Cooper loves reading about Daniel Boone too

Maybe it's because of the hat?

Wish we could have gotten a few more pic's but we had a

great 1st camping trip with a desire to go again in the spring!

2011 Aspirations

2011-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Ok - Whoever keeps resolutions? A resolution seems like a strict school marm harshly tapping you with her ruler each time you fail on a promised resolution.

I have decided to make 2011 Aspirations instead of New Year Resolutions!

2011 Aspirations:

1. Read more books to my kids this year ...
I'm not a big fan of reading for pleasure, to be honest it's not relaxing to me and I always think it's a waste of time, however this attitude may not be healthy to pass on to my kids who have years of required reading ahead of them.

2. Go on a Lee and Michelle weekend trip this year . . .
The kids are old enough now and we have never done this, so it's time!

3. Go camping at least 4 times this year . . . Next weekend is our first trip (with kids). Praying we don't freeze!!!!

4. Go on a sister's trip again this year . . . My sisters and I did this last year (minus Heidi) and it was one of the highlights of my year. Heidi you are coming this year!!!!

5. Waterskiing this summer in Texas water :)

6. Get our backyard looking good. It's grass, a whimpy tree and a fence right now. Lee's planning on a big deck, I'm planning a fountain, fire pit and lots of elephant ears :)

7. Do something truly amazing for someone in secret with no chances of repayment of any kind in return.

8. Get a good family picture taken. This is an aspiration every year!

9. Lay down a stereotype that I have been holding on to. It gets in the way, it's annoying, it's probably not true, it drags me down, it's not unifying. I've been holding on to it as a means of self preservation and protection.

10. Have my children get to visit all of their cousins this year.

A poem - "When will I ..."

2011-01-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

When will I?

When will I stop cleaning up all these crumbs?

When will I be through with potty training little bums?

When will I get to watch the 'Today' show?

When will mine be the only nose I blow?

When will cartoons be a thing of the past?

When will keeping up with chore charts not be a task?

When will I get a restful nights sleep?

When will I stop tip-toeing into their rooms for a peek?

When will I enjoy a cup of coffee without interruptions?

When will I not be the mediator between these sibling eruptions?

When will I get to shower alone?

When will mine be the only hair I comb?

When will my bathroom trips be for a party of one?

When will demonstrations of poop and pee be done?

When will I not play these games of pretend?

When will 'wrestle mania' in the living room come to an end?

I know, I know

It will all be over too soon they say,

& then these details I'll try to replay.

But, moment by moment is all I can see right now . . .

So through this time in my life I'll prayerfully plow.

By Michelle Carlson

Inspired by the crumbs under the table today.

Mother's Day 2009

A short article ... by Jacque Grillo

2011-01-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

ten resolutions for parents

January 05, 2011

by Jacque Grillo

We're continuing our look at ways to get organized and inspired for 2011. Today's essay is on resolutions -- the kind that are perfect for parents of little ones.

Resolve that one day each week will be a day without television, videos, computers, and electronics of any sort.Shut the things off. Reclaim your homes.
Resist the pressure to become your child's day planner, social secretary and entertainment organizer. Allow for days where nothing is planned. Celebrate boredom! Don't protect your child from a day with nothing to do. Day after day filled with adult-organized activities and events destroys any possibility of creativity or self-discovery. Don't allow your child to become the center of your universe.
Play together, fantasize together, and get creative together using only the simplest of materials: old clothes, a cardboard box, crayons, paper and glue. Make-up characters and stories - together.
Get out of your child's way. Provide her with time, either alone or with friends, that is largely unsupervised and where an adult will only intervene when the screams reach a high decibel level. Teach them to trust in themselves. Let them make mistakes and experience the consequences. Stop rescuing.
Intentionally deny your child something he "really wants." Don't just delay its acquisition but never allow the desired object into your home. Have conversations about the experience of disappointment. Share your own experiences of how it feels to not get something you "really want".
Plan a long weekend away for you and your spouse and resist the urge to check in by phone every hour. Trust me -- your children will survive and everyone will benefit.
Don't buy into the "more is better" culture. Almost always less is more.
Remember what life before children was like. Commit to having a life of your own with your own activities, friends and interests. It's not only good for you but a great model for your children.
Worry less. Almost all problems self-resolve in time and the small percentage that don't probably couldn't have been prevented in any case.
Have faith in something and share it openly with your children. It can be God, the Universe, Love or the inherent goodness of your fellow man. It's one of the greatest gifts you can pass on to your children.

I was amazed how a secular article could touch on a few great points!

A few of the resolutions I automatically do (#3, #5, #7, #9) but feel like I may be the only one in my neck of the woods who thinks like this. Just a bit comforting - and amazed that a secular article would notice the importance of those ideas.

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2010's Hopeful Anticipation ...

2011-01-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Last January I wrote a blog post titled, "Hopeful Anticipation". In this post I knew God was up to something but that "something" was hidden. I knew the Spirit was preparing us for something to happen in 2010, call it discernment, insight, intuition, a feeling, a stirring deep within ....

I call it "the burning bush". I often feel like a modern day Moses, I have many faults and a few fears, but then when I rely on the Spirit; grace, calm, strength, and faith exude. God's presence and direction visible and warming this unmistakeable fire penetrates if you have eyes to see it and open hands to accept the generous gift. What is the gift? It's the presence of God's Spirit directly involved in all of the moments of your life. Do you have the"spiritual eyes" to see this? Do you deny the gift of the helper, do you ignore it or gratefully rely on it?

A little Jesus-Freak-ish? Yes, I know! However, I can not deny it, it is more real than anything I have ever seen visually, known mentally or experienced physically. I attempt to consciously live driven by the Spirit moment by moment. I am not always successful or discerning, but I'm working on that!

Christians have no problem with accepting all of the amazing miracles of the old and new testament. However, how is it that some Christians don't accept or want to see that the Spirit is at work in our lives today? It is so confirming that the Spirit is alive and active when I read what Jesus said in John 16, "I have to leave you now but a helper is coming in my place, and I must go in order for me to send him .... when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you in all truth." I believe those words are for us today, not just for the first 12 disciples.

How did I know 2010 was going to be a big year? Not intuition, not a good guess, but by truly searching out that fork in the road God had for us. The Spirit of God put anticipation in the pit of my stomach and in the desires of my heart to follow wherever that may lead. I wasn't fearful if God was sending us down a path of struggle, been there - done that and honestly it was an amazing time of transformation and growth. Painful at times, Yes! Of course I was hoping that the fork would lead to green rolling hills and beauty of some kind.

Moving to Katy has been a wonderful realization of that "Hopeful Anticipation". Not many rolling hills here (it's pretty flat) but beauty beyond what we ever hoped for. Beauty in the way God worked out all the tiny details and vividly guided us to this place.

Ever wish you had a crystal ball and could see into the future? Maybe you can. The Spirit may show you just what God has in store for you. But you've got to be listening and searching and open and close to the Spirit to make sense of it all, otherwise you'll mistake the Spirit's voice as a good guess, mother's intuition or a coincidence. It is very exciting to see God working in the details of your life, my prayer is that you have eyes to see it. Amen!

Christmas Presents ...

2010-12-31T23:14:00.000-08:00

Allie's favorite part about Christmas this year was driving around the neighborhoods looking at the lights. She would say, "Look Mommy, Look" over and over again. When Cooper would say, "Can we go home now?" Allie would protest saying, "More Lights MORE LIGHTS Pleeese"!

Cooper's favorite part about Christmas was playing with our 12 year old train around the Christmas tree and his new ride-on truck. Ever since we've moved into the house Cooper has been asking to open up the train. I've probably told him 8 times, we only get out the train at Christmas time. We also live in an active cul-de-sac with 10 other kids who all bike, scoot, and drive around in their various vehicles, so Cooper was thrilled that he and Allie have a new truck to share. This was basically their only gift from Lee and I.

My favorite part about Christmas is the music, I am so excited to get out the Christmas CD's and so sad to pack them away at the end of the season. My favorite CD this year was by Rick Springfield. What I really love is hearing the blend of secular and sacred music together so effortlessly in places of business, on the radio and in people's homes. For me it's the perfect blend of living out Jesus in your life alongside the joys and struggles of living in this modern day America. I just love that at Christmas time everyone can enjoy the secular tune of "Jingle Bells" and the sacred "Away in a Manger" no matter what their God view (religious view), in the close proximity of a few minutes. A life goal for me, to live out my faith effortlessly, spontaneouly yet subtly & noticeable day by day.

Lee's favorite part about Christmas this year was simply that he was home! He has had to work the 7 out of 10 Christmas's offshore. This year he was home by 3pm Christmas Eve and went back offshore Jan 7th. YEAH!!!! So ... if he remains on this schedule he will be home for the next 6 years! The song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" really resonates with us ;)

Of course, We are exceedingly thankful for God's best gift to us, Jesus! Baby Jesus is a bigger deal than Santa for our family during the holidays. We don't ignore the idea of Santa but we don't emphasize it either. We do take an annual photo with Santa and we do hang stockings on the wall (this year we forgot to open up the stockings until the day after Christmas). When random people would ask, "What is Santa going to bring you for Christmas?" or "Are you excited that Santa will be coming soon?" my kids would look at them strangely. Then I would explain that we don't emphasize Santa, instead we are excited about celebrating Jesus's birthday and giving each other presents. Yeah, yeah yeah, I know Jesus may not have been born in December - but all you people who make a big deal out of this don't make a point to celebrate his birth in the summertime - do you! I know that many people think we are crazy for "stealing the joy of Christmas" by not doing Santa or the elf on the shelf or creating reindeer footprints on the lawn. Let me assure you there is more joy, more excitement, more anticipation about Christmas than you can imagine in the Carlson home. It's not the plastic, pretend joy! It's the kind of joy, excitement and anticipation that arrives when you teach a 4yr old and an almost 3yr old that it's not all about them and what they materialistically want. It's about celebrating giving and realizing that God gave us himself. It's very cool that my kids kind-of get it . . . It's amazing that they can tell you which extended family member gave them which gift. There's no disappointment about not getting what "I" wanted. They realize it's not all about them, it's about what we are to each other and to God.
I am amazed at the ability to mold the hearts of my children. I am humbled and at times a bit burdened by this huge responsibility. However, I dare you to try to teach this kind of joy, excitement and anticipation next December!

I am also open to criticism, critiques, and suggestions ... I am simply a mom attempting to make a positive imprint on the developing hearts I've been entrusted to mold.

Cute Quotes!

2010-12-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Allie loves to eat speghetti noodles (now) and every time I say, "Ready to eat some noodles" or "eat your noodles" or "noodles are yummy" she says seriously, "No it's snakes". I think she really thinks she's eating snakes?

Cooper was in a bad mood and had been sent to his room a few times for various offences. Later in the day he cheered up and came to me and said, "Mama remember that "fit" I was in?"
"Oh yes, I remember." I said
"Well Mama, I just threw that fit away because I don't need it!" as he pitched his hand over his shoulder.
"You did the right thing getting rid of it, Cooper, Thanks." I tried not to laugh
He smiled and said, "yeah, That's what you gotta do Mama when you have a fit"
I said, "I'll try that next time I have one! Thanks for that good idea!"
"Yep, that's what Mrs. Manhall tells us to do at school and it really works!" He said proudly

On Cooper's birthday we sang the "Happy Birthday" song and then Cooper said, "Now I've gotta make a wish" so he closed his eyes for a few moments then said, "ok" and blew out his candles. We haven't talked about making wishes so he must have gotten that idea from somewhere else. I was so curious what his wish was, hoping that he didn't know that if you tell a wish is may not come true. So when I asked him what he wished for he said very frankly, "I wished that I could blow out my candles!" I chuckled to myself wondering if that was a real wish or what he thought was the official wish people always make before blowing out their candles.

The morning after Cooper's birthday he asked me moments after he woke up, "Am I four today too?" I said, "Yes, you will be four for a long time!" Then he said, "For like 100 days?" Excitedly I said, "No, not for 100 days but for almost 400 days!" He smiled and said, "Wow and when I'm 5 I'll be 5 for almost 500 days!" I laughed and said, "We'll see, let's just work on being a great 4yr. old today"!

The weather was getting colder and I started putting Chapstick on the kids before we'd go outside. One morning Cooper said, "Oh Mama, don't forget my lip chalk!". I couldn't figure out for several minutes what he was talking about. He finally said, " Mom, it's that stuff you put on our lips that smells good but you aren't supposed to eat it!" Finally I understood he was talking about Chapstick, but I think we'll continue to call is lip chalk, just because it's just sooo funny :)

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

Love, Candlelight Christmas Eve Services!

There's just something about the simplicity and beauty of

Christ's light shining in us collectively.

After the Candlelight Christmas Eve service

we sipped on warm mocha's and looked at Christmas Lights.

One kid saying, "Can we go home now!"

Another kid screaming, "More lights, more lights, MORE LIGHTS!"

When we get home we open one present:

Christmas Eve PJ's!!!!

This was also a tradition for me growing up,

however my Mom usually made us girls matching Christmas Eve PJ's

(growing up we called them "Jammies" - short for pa-jama's).

Then another year my youngest sis, Heidi made all her

brother-in-laws matching Jammies. Cute and silly all at the same time!

I'm a little sad that I can't sew my kids matching "Jammies"

Owl's and Buzz Lightyear

don't quite cut it, but those smiles were great!

So a little wrestling and pony rides from Daddy!

Then we need to calm down and we played,

"Don't Break the Ice"

Then we needed to calm down again and work on a few "new" puzzels.

"New" to Cooper and Allie,

there are several advantages to having my business resources

to bring out "new" stuff for the kids to play with.

Allie is doing well learning how to do interlocking puzzels,

must have gotten this from Papa Hal, the puzzel master!

Another tradition Cranberry Tea and Carmel Corn!

Cooper and Allie enjoying Cranberry Tea, this year a first for them!

Hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas!

Love,

The Carlson Crew

Angels of encouragement in disguise . . .

2010-12-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

So it was kind of a crazy day ... Saturday at Walmart, one week before Christmas, just had to pick up a few things and print my Christmas card photo's with the kids. It was about 11:15. Then the plan was to go home for lunch, naps etc...

We gathered our grocery items then looked at the toys because if everyone's good during the grocery shopping, that's the reward. We get to LOOK and DREAM about the toys for several minutes before checkout.

However, when we got to checkout my wallet was left in the car! Uggg - really this is horrible! I'd rather receive many forms of torture instead of leave the loaded cart in a hiding spot, get another cart to haul the kids out to retrieve the wallet, take kids out of the retrieval cart, walk and reload them into the hiding cart, and attempt to checkout again. It was my own fault!

It's close to 12:15 with no complaints of starvation. I'm tempted to print the Christmas card pic's but the fear of meltdown deters me to head for McDonald's inside Walmart first. I hate eating inside Walmart, but today I was desperate. A good move because the kids devoured everything in the 10piece nugget meal.

As they are eating Cooper asks me, "Hey Mama, why don't we ever buy the lunch for kids with the toy?" I respond, "That's a good question, But I've got a good reason for that Cooper. We have lots of toys at home and it's not healthy for kids to have too many toys. So that's why we don't get the lunch with a toy." He says, "Kind of like it's not healthy to eat candy for breakfast?" "Exactly, candy for breakfast is not healthy for your body and too many toys and things is not healthy for your heart" I say. He giggles because he thinks he understands and then proceed to mow down his fries.

Later on we strike up a conversation with an older couple seated behind us. They are eating McD's cookies and drinking coffee. A little quirky in a sweet way I think to myself. They chat with the kids and ask them questions about Christmas. We are all happy, fed and entertained by this lovely couple who then ask, "Which church do you go to?" I am a little amazed that they 1st ask the question so boldly yet casually and 2nd that there may see something in us that would warrant the question. I tell them the name of our church and the older lady says, "I just knew they were Sunday School kids. They are beautiful"! Then the older man says, "Yes I could tell, they just radiate don't they honey?" She nods.

I get a lump in my throat and my eyes go misty. I try to think of something to say before I lose it. I say, "That means so much to me, Thank you!" Allie is then on the go, so we clean up quickly and then say, Merry Christmas. I am pushing the cart to print the pictures, tears dripping down, nose running and embarrassed that a Walmart associate will stop me and ask if I need any assistance.

I don't think I'll ever forget this moment because of it's tenderness in such an odd place and time. This is the best yet simplest compliment towards child-rearing that I've ever experienced. It urges me to stay consistent, pray for them more, to try my hardest to not spoil them, to be persistent in preserving their innocence and get them to Sunday School on time ;) Later I tell Cooper in a whisper, "People can see if your heart is good, and those people at McDonald's could see that in you!" To Allie, I hugged her tight and tell her, "Mommy loves my good girl!"

Amazing that on the days that you need a little encouragement, God sends angels in disguise to give you just the lift you need.

NOTE: This post is not to fool you into thinking that my kids are little angels -

they are not and we have many hard days!

However, I have no shame in bragging on the Lord for his work in their lives

and his hand of guidance on Lee and I.

Allie Catches her first fish!

2010-12-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Weekend 2010

She was so excited!

When Lee got home from the rig

the first thing Allie said was, "Caught a fish Daddy"!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-05T20:07:00.000-08:00

Loved having our cool CA cousins here for

Thanksgiving was a blast!

They drove all the way here,

4,000 glorious miles!

Our awesome cooks!

Loved playing with Conner and Dana!

The cousins got a coke to drink, Cooper wanted

to be just like them but by mistake opened a beer and

started drinking it as we walked to the park. Ha!

Dana reading Uncle Lee her book!

Then the same day that the Weatherby Family left

Grandma and Papa came for a belated Thanksgiving visit!

Waffles and whipped cream for breakfast . . .

A day at the park in 75 degree weather!

A fun ride on the train!

Grandma and Allie

Cooper loved his coon-skin hat!

We are so thankful for Family!

To see a video of the Weatherby's trip/Carlson thanksgiving

check out:

www.gallery.me.com/weatherbyfamily#100499

Cooper's 4th Birthday!

2010-10-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Cooper turned 4 last week. We'll have his party in a week.

So for his birthday he woke up to this . . .

And we took a ride on the Herman Park Train! Whoo Whoo...

And they both just loved it!

We brought along one of Cooper's gifts to play with at the park, the Crane!

(my $3 yard sale find)

And we relished in just being 4!

And we fed the ducks some bread and shared our bread

with kids who didn't have any bread to feed the ducks

And we all smiled all day,

because birthday's are so fun to celebrate,

and we LOVE this BIG GUY so much!

Cooper we love your wonderful thoughtful heart!

We love your positive attitude!

We love that you are so friendly and confident in being a friend!

We love how you make us smile when we are sad by pretending to fall on the ground!

We love that you are friends with Allie!

We love that you are learning to love and trust God!

We love to hear you pray, say your verses and sing!

We love you, just because there is no one else just like you!

What is life like in an apartment?

2010-10-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah, good question! Here are some things we find ourselves doing ...

We go check on the progress of the new house being built almost everyday.

We chat with our 'neighbors to be' and found out there are 8 kids under 6 living in our cul-de-sac. YEAH!!!!

We constatly pinch ourselves and constantly praise God for moving us to Katy! We just love it here!

Swim at the pool! It's a great pool for kids and Cooper and Allie

have gotten so confident in swimming. We also bring a snack to the pool

so that we can lengthen our time (out of the apartment).

Check the mail. Yeah it's kind of exciting and there's a trash can right next to

mail slots so we can toss junk mail even before bringing it into the apartment.

How fun to use a key to open the mail slot?

Getting the trash ready for valet trash day Sun-Thur. Just put your trashcan

outside your apartment and it's picked up within 2 hours! Nice huh!

We also unfortuantely watch too many movies.

So many in fact that our vhs player broke and felt it a necessity to replace it immediatly.

We unfortuantely eat out too much, the frige is small,

the oven is weird, and it feels like we are camping when it comes to cooking.

Excited that our neighbors above us have 3 kids, annoyed that our

neighbors above us have 3 kids. We get up early and probably

wake them, they go to bed after 10pm which keeps us awake.

We have to get out (of the apartment) at least once if not twice a day. To go to parks, splash pads, and to go fish!

Constantly trying to get the stains out of the carpet. Almost the entire

apartment is carpeted. What kind of stains? You don't want to know -

I've got a 3yr old and a 2 yr old - use your imagination ...

Picking Pumpkins

2010-10-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Picking Pumpkins is just so fun!

Getting these little turkeys to smile at me

is well just tricky these days!

I told Cooper he could pick any pumpkin that he could easily carry.

They really are such a joy to see together!

Fun in the hay!

Tickling each other, a new game for them!

Happy Birthday LEE!

2010-10-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is a tribute to my husband, Lee.

A few things about Lee that are so cool . . . In my opinion!

1. I love it that Lee gets excited about home fix-it projects and is eager to ask, "Ok, what is the proriety project for me when I get home?"
First of all I love this because this reminds me of my dad. He was always so handy and came up with the coolest projects, Lee and my dad often worked together in the garage.

2. I love it that Lee is so passionate about football. Ok at times it's annoying but I do just love to see him get really excited about a good play or predict what the coach is going to do and when the coach instructs the team to do just that, I am amazed. It's also really cool that when his team is screwing up he doesn't get mad or shout or throw things.

3. I love it that Lee thinks camping is the greatest getaway possible. It's not on my top 5 list of things to do, but I do like it occassionally. But the reason why I love that he loves it - is because he tells and retells of the times when his family went camping as a kid. Lee loves to do all the "work" of camping; build and keep the fire going, pitch all the tents, get up early to make the coffee, set up the lanterns and get to know the neighboring campers.   I think a camp loving guy is very attractive. Wow, I think I'm getting the itch to go camping!

4. I love it that Lee details out my car and gets me gas whenever I'm low. He doesn't pay anyone to detail the car, he does it himself.  It can be pretty scary with the two ravenous racoons in the backseat.

5. I love it that Lee holds my hand at church when he is particularly moved by a song or a point in the sermon.

6. I love that Lee suggests for me to have date nights with the girls!

7. I love it that Lee gets really excited about getting an occasional vanilla milkshake. I mean like really excited, like little boy excited!

8. I love it that Lee never complains no matter how bad my cooking may be. I usaully say, "This isn't very good! Sorry, I thought this receipe would be better. Isn't this terrible?" Then he'll say, "It's not that bad, just a little bland".

9. I love it when Allie snuggles up to Lee and Lee can get right on her level and enjoy the moment just as much as she does.

10. I love it that Cooper wants to be just like Lee and would rather hang out with Dad digging a hole or just about anything else than doing something really fun with me.

11. I think it's funny when Lee says, "ok what do you want me to wear tonight?" (when we're going somewhere he's not sure of) and I love it that Lee saves the sexy jeans for special dates with me!

12. I love it that Lee tries to fix things that he thinks he can fix and calls to hire an expert when a project is out of his league!

13. I love that Lee is frugal and gets excited about a bargin but is not a cheap-skate!

14. I love that Lee feels like we should sell the children some days too!

15. I love that Lee is the social one, sometimes it's a lot of work for me to be friendly. He's always comfortable in a room of strangers and always finds someone to talk to.

16. I love that Lee enjoys a good beer and can relax!

17. I love that Lee has always entertained my wild idea's (for a few moments anyway).

18.  I love it that Lee truly puts my happiness above his own  (yeah, quite amazing and humbling-I'm still working on this one)!

19. I love it that Lee can usaully figure mosst mathmatically errors, and the computer screw-ups and logical logistics that are not logical to me and then he explains them to me without making me feel like a goof.

20. I love it that Lee loves his job and would rather work hard than hardly work.

There are so many more I could write but I thought I should stop at 20.

Progress on Our New Home

2010-08-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

We went by the house and they have made some progress. The tile has been put down but it is covered up due to the grout being wet. The next phase will be counter tops, lights, outlets, fixtures, and A/C unit. We are still on schedule for Aug 30 to close. Cooper says "When will the grass grow Mama?"

The front of the house from the street

Michelle's kitchen, lots of room

View of the living room from kitchen, I liked the window view from the sink so Lee can watch football and do dishes. No more excuses!!

Living room to the dining room, very open and it has a good flow to it

Side view from corner of street, the house is also on a cul-de-sac, and our street has 9 kids on it already not including Cooper and Allie!

This is back of the house where the fence will be put in. We really like the back porch.

We both find ourselves just in awe of how God truly has blessed us in our new adventure in Texas. He has amazed us during the nine years we lived in Louisiana. He has already opened many doors for us here in Texas. When we made the decision to move here, and we left it up to God to make it happen, HE DID!!

Best Conversation of the Day!

2010-08-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

So here's the conversation of the day between my 3yr. old and I.

I took the kids to chick-fil-A and somewhat dropped them off to play in the kids play area,

while I quickly orded and got the food (yep I was by myself).

When I had gotten to our table Cooper came running out of the play area

and said, "Mama I was worried about you when I didn't see you at our table!"

"oh Cooper, I needed to get the food, but I should have told you where I was going.

I'm sorry about that. Next time I'll tell you so you don't worry."

"That's ok Mama, I forgive you. Everyone makes mistakes!"

I just thought that was so cute and it melted my heart . . .

Summer Fun in Katy!

2010-08-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

We've been having such a fun time exploring our new community!

This is the Beach Club, we rode the paddle boats too!

We try to catch fish, we see them but can't quite catch them yet!

Cooper is trying to learn to cast the rod, frustating for him but when he

does it correctly he has the biggest smile. Our Motto: "Try Try and Try again"

We play at many new parks!

We dance at the concert in the park!

We hang out with Dad ...

And do lots of sweaty hugging!

We check out the progess of our house (almost everyday there's something new to see)!

Little Mr. Construction (Cooper) is fascinated.

We run down the grassy hills because Tx. actually has some hills!

We tease and tickle each other constantly!

Still amazed by the promise of a rainbow!

Allie said, "LOOK rainbow!" and pointed over and over again!

Now that August is upon us we try to soak up the sun because fall will get here much too fast!

California Vacation Video 2010!

2010-07-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to our California Vacation Video - Uncle Adam thanks so much for putting these video's together.

http://gallery.me.com/weatherbyfamily/100421

2010-07-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Our new home at 6606 Lavender Bend Lane is coming along ...

The brick was finished this week!

Cooper and Allie are so excited about the stairs, we've never had a 2 story!

Where the kitchen counter top will be . . .

dining room, kitchen and family room

Allie is inspecting the wiring.

Cooper is counting the bags of morter.

Lee and Coop hanging out on the dry wall yet to be hung,

can't tell you how happy I am not to have to tape, mud, and sand the drywall this time.

You caught me attempting to climb the stairs myself!

One of the many subdivision parks just a few blocks away, with a pond and walking/biking

paths in the distance and the pool to the left of the playground.

One of the 9 pools available to us in Cinco Ranch, this is the closest one just a

few blocks from our house.

"I think we're gonna to like it here"

I find myself singing this song from the movie "Annie" as

she is adjusting to her new surroundings. Can't stop smiling either!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was a fun one!

Church, followed by swimming, then fireworks at the mall,

They both love the pool, "Here I come!" and then they jump

right in one at a time for me to catch them.

Allie was laughing everytime the fireworks made a big boom sound!

Cooper took this picture of Allie and I!

Two little peas in a pod. In almost every picture at least one of

them is annoyed that the other one is hugging them. This time

Cooper had the great smile and Allie was annoyed.

Moving Out ... Then Vacation in Avila Beach!

2010-07-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

A quick update as to how we came to moving to Texas ...

we needed a change of pace, a new little adventure.

Many friends have moved to the Katy area and we took

a leap of faith and put our house up for sale in a sluggish market.

We told ourselves that we'd give it a try for 6 months and God would

make it happen if it was the right "move". 10 days later we had a contract

from the 1st people who saw it, and we closed on the house 21 days later.

When the Man moves he really MOVES!

The kids loved the empty moving truck, I loved it

that our wonderful friend Joey helped Lee load it while his

wife, Jen and daughter, Faith and my kids went to the pool

in order to be out of the way (how does one get so lucky)!

Then a 6 or so hour drive to Katy. Then unloading the next day,

and a wonderful dinner with friends before we drove back to New Orleans the next day

to catch our flight to CA for a family reunion at Avila Beach!

Cold Cold Cold Pacific Ocean water! Obviously they did not think so ...

My sweet sisters!

Cooper in the grape vines . . .

Digging for sand crabs with cousin Quinn

I loved Avila beach as a girl and Lee visited Avila beach as a

teen every summer too, now our kids love it too!

Some 3yr old fun, Cooper and Reagan doing puzzles

Pony rides through the apple orchards!

Uncle Shaw capturing cousins Tobey and Reagan

Playing in the apple orchard with Auntie Heidi and Uncle Shaw (Allie can't get enough of them)!

Goodbye California ... Time to start our new adventure as Texan's!

8 things men love about their wives ...

2010-06-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

I liked this article and thought I'd share it.

By Aaron Trainer
1. We love it when you take control.

It might seem like we hate it when you're bossy, but really, we only hate it when you boss us around. When you get badass with other people, it's totally hot. My wife was working from home the other day, and while she was on a conference call, I listened to her chew someone out for screwing up. She didn't yell or get nasty, but she made sure the person knew how displeased she was, and then completely shut down any excuses they tried to make; by the end of the call she had them apologizing. She was in total control, and everyone on the call knew it. It was at that moment that I realized my wife is a professional badass — and that I find it ridiculously sexy.

2. We love watching sports with you — sort of.

While we consider watching sports mostly a guy thing (because of the cursing and the gluttony), every now and then we are happily surprised by your interest in and enthusiasm for our favorite athletic competition. "There is one sporting event every year that I love sharing with my wife: filling out our NCAA men's basketball tournament brackets," my lawyer friend explains. "We've been filling out our brackets together every March since we first started dating. She was a 'bracket virgin' before we met, but now her enthusiasm for picking teams is pretty amazing. She chooses with her heart using a complicated system of geography, underdog status, and familial connections. Her brackets are an example of who she is — they are all about loyalty, hope, and happy memories. Her sense of conviction is so strong, it can make you believe that Lehigh has a shot against Kansas. How can you not love that?"

3. We love that you don't want us to die — yet.

I recently went to the doctor for a checkup and learned that my overall physical assessment had changed from "in the danger zone in several key categories" to "facing imminent demise." Forgetting the childhood lesson learned from that hoagie-loving über-husband, Cliff Huxtable, and his hoagie-denying über-wife, Clair, from The Cosby Show, I made the mistake of telling my wife about the diagnosis. So now every morning and evening, my wife makes me a greenish-brown "smoothie" to drink. It's made from things like kale, flax seed, and spinach, and it has the consistency of motor oil. It's so bad it makes my taste buds feel ashamed.

And yet my wife dutifully makes it for me, twice a day, because it's packed with my daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Karel is a smart, successful, and energetic woman who would do just fine without me. Every time I drink one of her sickly-Yoda-colored drinks, it's like a little reminder that she doesn't want to do just fine without me — she wants to do just fine with me. And I love that.

4. We love that we know everything about you (and vice versa).

Everyone in the Focus Group of Manliness agreed that after X years of marriage, there is very little we don't know about our wives or they don't know about us. But even though our relationships may lack mystery, we all love that you know exactly how we feel at a particular moment and why we feel that way. And we also love knowing how you feel at a particular moment and why you feel that way. That kind of intimacy is like a big plate of waffles on a cold morning. It might be syrupy sweet and make you fat and lethargic, but it's comforting, heartwarming, and delicious. And if you pair it with some fried chicken, it can also become sorta sexy. To be honest, I don't know what the fried chicken in this metaphor represents. I just really like fried chicken and waffles.

5. We love that you talk our ears off.

When I'm not yakking about why I love my wife over a plate of wings and some beers with the guys, I'm actually pretty quiet. For me, there is something soothing about how much my wife talks. It's like she's doing the talking for the both of us. It's relaxing. Her constant talking is like having a rerun of my favorite TV show on in the background after a long day: It's familiar and funny and you can kind of tune in and out as you unwind.

6. We love how you solve problems.

The rabbi describes the way his wife tackles obstacles as full of drama: She rages, she cries, she internalizes everything. Her system of problem-solving takes a long time and involves making everything personal and leading with her emotions in a quest to see how she would feel about each possible solution. It is apparently a very stressful process. In contrast, the rabbi's problem-solving method is to just try to find the fastest fix. When I asked him why he preferred his wife's method, he said it was because "her decisions always end up being the right ones, whereas mine always end up being the quick ones."

7. We love you — even in your sweats.

There is something to be said for the things in life that are effortlessly sexy. Sometimes lingerie and Princess Leia outfits feel forced, which can make everything that follows feel a little awkward. My wife has a ratty pair of sweatpants that she's owned since before we were even dating, and they are just about the sexiest thing on the planet. By some amazing alchemy of time blended with constant usage, these sweats have totally conformed to the shape of her body. They have holes above the pockets that show off the swoop of her hips and they have somehow managed to maintain their shape in the back so that they accentuate one of her finest features. I would take this pair of sweatpants over lingerie or Princess Leia outfits the majority of the time. Which is why it wasn't that my wife was all glammed up the first night we slept together that made me think we could be physically compatible for the long haul — it was the fact that I wanted her just as badly the next morning.

8. We love that you love us.

When asked what's the most surprising thing that he loves about his wife, the U.S. Marshal says simply, "that she puts up with me and loves me" 'Nuff said.

Packing for the move!

2010-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Packing with a 3yr.old and a 2yr.old is GREAT!

(yeah a little sarcasm)

I was really tempted to fold up the flaps of the box and slap on some packing tape.

Just for a few hours - Anyway!

Cooper wants to help in this process too so he finds empty boxes

and just starts looking around the house for odd things to put in his box.

Yeah, very helpful ... then you can't find the remote

or hear the phone ringing and it's in one of the many boxes?

Yeah, they really don't have a clue as to what's about to happen!

Hope those little smiles continue to shine!

From the mouths of toddlers . . .

2010-06-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was reading Allie a book about animals and what they eat (bunnies eat carrots, elephants eat peanuts, mice eat cheese). When I asked her what does a dog eat she said, "a Phone" and put her hand up to her ear and said, "Hello". I guess "bone" and "phone" could be a bit confusing! It made me chuckle.

I was tenderly talking with Cooper in bed one night telling him how much I loved him and that he was my favorite little boy and Allie was my favorite little girl and how Daddy was "my man". Cooper said, "No mama, Daddy is MY MAN, we're buddies!"

I am pretty strict about any evil influences that enter my house or my kids brains. (the kids have not seen hardly any Disney movies yet because the villians are a bit much in my opinion for a 3yr old). However, somehow Cooper started playing ghost with a blanket over his head, chasing Allie down the hall with the sound effects "oooh oooh I'm a ghost boo!" and then would pop out from under the blanket and they both would laugh their heads off. It bothered me a little (I know I'm ultra-sensitive in this area). So after a few days of contimplating this I told Cooper, "We aren't going to play ghost like that anymore because God doesn't like scary ghosts and I don't either. There is really only one ghost and he's a good ghost, he's friends with Jesus, and his name is the Holy Ghost. Cooper said, "ok Mama" and then quickly found a blanket, chased Allie down the hall saying, "woooh woooh, I'm the Oly Ghost, I'm the Oly Ghost, Boo!" they both laughed their heads off and so did I.

"Mama can I have a mushmellow?" said Cooper. "What's a mush-mellow?" I asked. "you know, those white things next to the chocolate chips that taste like clouds!" He said. "oh Marsh-mellows" I corrected, "yeah mush-mellows Mama" he corrected.

"Mama I'm too (so) scared of the thunder!" Cooper said. "Oh Cooper, it is very loud but we don't need to be afraid of the thunder. Remember when you were scared of the lawn mower because it was so loud and now you love to help Daddy mow the grass?" "Yep but the lawn mower cuts the grass" Cooper said. "Well, the thunder and clouds are making all that noise trying to make some rain for the flowers, so it's kind of like the lawn mower because it has a job to do too!" I explained. "Really? That's great! So what's the lighting's job Mama?" Cooper asked.

We had to put our beloved dog Duke of 9 years to sleep this year. Before I drove Duke to the vet I told Cooper and Allie to give Duke a hug because he was going to go live with Jesus. Cooper looked at me with a perplexed face and said, "He's going to live up in the air, WOW, I want to go too!" For an emotional time for Lee and I a bit of laughter was just what we needed.

New Post Delay!

2010-05-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Yes, these are old pictures, but some of my favorite!

Tried explaining Mother's Day to Cooper this morning with the gifts he had made a school

but he just didn't get it. Maybe next year?

My mother's day gift from the kids was a wonderful 2 hr. nap.
Everyone in the house slept so long and peacefully!

Allie also ate speghetti noodles for me today, a first for her to not reject them

and an added bonus she used a spoon!

I know the little things are pretty exciting...

SORRY! Yeah , I know I haven't had a new post lately. Posts are just not the same without pictures! My camera is in the car that Lee took to work, (I hope) uggg. So ya'll are just going to have to wait another week. No more emails, no more dirty looks,

just have to wait! And, get a life (J/K)

Spring Cake!

2010-04-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I know that I posted this same receipe last summer but I just made it again (as I always do) and had to share it.
This one is supper easy, uses very few ingredients, kids can help with, and the end result is very pretty.

You'll need only 4 ingredients:
1. one yellow or white cake mix and the stuff to make it
(usually eggs, butter, water/oil)

2. Whipped Topping (cool whip, stuff in the tub)

3. 3oz. pack of jello (the small box) I use Strawberry or Cherry
Don't get the sugar free kind.

4. Strawberries for garnish (optional)

To do:
Bake the cake as directed in a 9X13pan (no need to grease it)
When it's cooled a bit take a fork and poke many many many holes in the cake.
Make sure the fork poke holes go all the way through the entire cake to the bottom of pan.
Poke holes at the edges of the cake too. (Kids can do this)

Then mix the jello with one cup of boiling water then add one cup of cold water. Stir
Then take the watery jello mixture and spoon it all over the cake.
I know, it will seem like too much but trust me and just continue to slowly drizzle the jello over the cake.
(Kids can do this)

Next, top with whipped topping. Garnish with a few sliced strawberries if you like.
Then refigerate for at least one hour. Cake is best cold!
The cake is so moist and will have a ribbon effect when you slice it.

A few funnies

2010-04-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

the bunnies hanging out on the front porch

bunnies going to church

baby chicks and ducks going to church

Cooper and Allie loved the colored baby chicks

Hummm, I think this sand doesn't taste so good.

(She scooped 2 shovel fulls into her mouth)

Allie attempting to bury Duke in the sand

Both of them enjoyed it so much

he put them on himself, is all that matters!

Easter Party At Anadela's Plantation

2010-04-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny at the Anadela's Platation!

What a fun day we had with our friends, Joey, Jennifer and Faith.

They are just as sweet as they look!

3 out of 4 looking at the camera isn't bad!

No fear of the Easter Bunny as long as we stressed,

"the bunny has candy for you, go get some"

Cooper and Daddy partners for the egg hunt

leaving Allie and I in the dust!

A lovely little pond to makes wishes in ...

Faith and Cooper adored catching and holding the mini-chickens!

They were so tolerant of these two little farmers.

Michelle and Faith petting the pot belly pig.

In Louisiana of course there's an alligator at the Easter Party!

He was thrilled to hold it!

Allie didn't want to hold any of the animals but

gasped and screeched

in excitment the entire time!

Dad has to work for Easter but this day was a wonderful pre-easter celebration!

Work to be done!

2010-03-27T12:23:00.001-07:00

Our backyard was in need of some drainage due to the wet winter.

Lee and Cooper were up for the task.

Nothing beats working with Dad shoveling mud and cutting PVC!

After the drainage lines were put in then came the fun part.

S A N D!

15 yards of soft Biloxi beach sand.

Weeeeeeeeeeee

A lot of fun playing in the sand!

I know I can get on top of this hill!

A lot of help shoveling it too!

This boy loves to work!

Somehow I think his future employment will not involve

sitting behind a desk, just like Dad!

Bed Heads

2010-03-27T12:15:00.001-07:00

When Dad is home for his 2 weeks out of the month,

we love our leisurely mornings!

Cartoons, coffee, fruit loops and messy bed heads!

Can't get any better than that!

We love hanging with dad and watch'n toons!

Allie being all lovey dovey!

Yes, it's Coop's hand me down sweater!

Global Wildlife Center

2010-03-15T13:58:00.001-07:00

We finally made it to the Global Wildlife Center.

Grandma and Papa joined us for the day!

Allie was a bit of a wiggle worm for the wagon ride

but she really loved seeing the animals come right up to us.

He had recently gotten a hair cut.

This guy likes the 'dreadlock look'

huge tongue!

huge long horns!

Please feed me more!

Allie fed the animals one piece at a time

groceries

hasn't mastered "cheese"

What a fun day!

Valentines Girl . . .

2010-02-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Allie!

Valentines day has never been the same since Allie-girl came along.

She was born on Valentines day and now I automatically

think of Feb. 14 as her special holiday.

She has come so far this year!

This year Allie learned how to walk, talk, and is learning how
to curb her frustations and independence and actually enjoys being a happy girl!

Allie at one year old!

Allie a few days old!

Blessed and humbled to think that God created you, Allie

just for our family to love and nurture!

Sisters Trip In Cabo San Lucas!

2010-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed each other so much!

The highlight of our time together was leisurely meals,

uniterrupted endless conversation,

and skyp'ing our families at home.

My sisters Brenda and Wendi!

The beautiful Cabo Arch from the water taxi

The harbor just a short walk from our bungalow.

Just 4 days away but plenty of time to recharge my drained batteries!

A special thanks to the awsome dads who held down the forts at home!

The only thing missing was our precious sister Heidi who

had to stay away because of she's in the moving process!

Next year it's all 4 of us! Can't wait!

"Mama"

2010-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

Allie is becoming a chatterbox!

Her favorite things to say lately are "there she is!" (after she's been hiding),

flag, rainbow, all the shapes but her favorite is octagon,

and a new favorite - yellow!

All the seseme street monsters have clear identfiable names.

I am very jealous of Elmo.

Allie says his name several times a day.

Allie has not said, "Mama" - yep not ever!

Not when she's fallen down, or

whinning or when I walk in the room!

Being a behavorist, trained in speech therapy I was perplexed.

My theory, I've never spent more than 5 hours away from Allie in 2yrs,

I'm just always there. Who needs to say, "Mama" ?

So this week I've been enticing her by showing her candy

and making her say, "candy" and then she has to imitate "mama"

before she got the candy. Yeah, it worked but I cheated . . .

it wasn't a heart felt "mama" just a trained imitated "mama".

Then last night with a book in hand

Allie says, "Mama" with little effort.

Of course it was the best book we've ever read together and

I can't even tell you which one it was.

Thank you Allie, I needed to here it !

In less than a week I'll be taking a 4 day trip

with my sisters to Cabo San Lucas! I'm so excited,

nervous that my wonderful husband will go a little looney,

and wondering if Daddy will get sick of

Allie saying, "Mama???" Mama???"

Everything in it's own time . . .

Rough day for who?

2010-01-14T10:40:00.001-08:00

Today has had a rough start. Allie's getting some new teeth and like me is not too keen on pain. Last night we were up 4 times. Cooper seemed to get all his teeth in 2 burst and didn't have much trouble or he is just a boy and can sleep through more pain than my Allie-girl.

This morning being extra tired I set Cooper up with breakfast and returned to bed for a few more winks only to hear a splash. Aparently he liked his apple juice so much that he poured himself another glass - on the floor and all overhimself. BATH

Then lots of poop (from the teether) . . . You don't need the details! BATH

So off to the gym . . . working out doesn't top my 50 most pleasureable things to do but, at times like this mindlessly activity on a treadmile is very appealing. Even the gym's SHOWER was wonderful (because the elevator music was great and knew I wouldn't be interrupted with a little one wanting to join me).

3yr old tantrum as we're leaving the gym because he didn't want to leave.

Get home, let the kids play outside while I fix lunch (no mud in sight - good - they'll just play). Don't you know that the dog's water dish was used to make some great mud. A quick wet wipe BATH x's 2.

Then lunch and naps - Whew we made it to 3pm!

As it was finally quiet in our little house and thinking what a busy morning it had been, my mind drifted to the many people in Haiti who were waking up to major chaos, not just spilled apple juice or mud puddes. But real chaos! Little shelter, no church to be comforted by, the stress of depending on others to fill the hunger of your children, worry about the future, worring if it is worth the effort to sheild a child's eyes from the death that lingers all around . . .

It's times like this that I am so deeply convicted that I let myself think that I've had a rough day. A rough day for who? When did I let insignificat circumstances sneak in and allow them to control MY joy.

James 1:2-4 (New Living Trans.) "When trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow ... "

Man do I need endurance! But to get it I have to be tested and have great joy!

My prayer is the same for the people in Haiti as it is for myself that we can muster great joy in difficult times and realize that the joy of the Lord is our strength for any trouble. Wouldn't an interview with a Haitian who had a speck of joy speak volumes to us? Would we recognize that this joy may be 'the joy of the Lord' ? Do my kids see 'the joy of the Lord' in me when they are covered in sticky apple juice or mud? I choose to speak volumes to my kids and let them see 'the joy of the Lord' in difficult times for the glory of the Lord.

2010 - Hopeful Anticipation!

2010-01-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

This year I have made no "New Year's Resolutions" and I do not know what this year has in store for my family. I do know that God has big plans for the four of us in 2010! I have never felt such a feeling of - Hopeful Anticipation - as I have this year. The spirit of God is preparing us for something but that something is hidden for the time being. There are many times in which I've had a tugging at me and not realized what it was and then later say, "Ah - ha, I knew it! God was working quietly but noticible enough if I really paid attention". A little scary - something difficult may be around the corner. A little exciting - something wonderful may be around the corner! Mostly I am thrilled that I've come to the point in my spiritual walk to recognize God's spirit working and overwhelmingly honored that God would spend his time and energy on little me. Whatever 2010 brings I am praying that we (the Carlson Crew) can take what comes with grace and thankfulness . . .

Stay tuned . . . I'm telling you something big is on the horizon!

New Year's Eve Hike In The Smokey Mountains!

2010-01-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

" Those are big huge tall trees Mom"

being careful not to fall

Cooper's big cousin Max!

It was a long hike uphill (for everybody)!

Allie all bundled up like an eskimo in my jacket!

Eskimo asleep!

All smiles in prep for 2010!

Fish Camp - Candy House

2009-12-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

Our candy house had a few problems this year . . .

First our frosting was too runny so the candy slid down slowly,

so I thickened it! Then realized that the roof was too steep ...

So we went a different route - a flat top tin roof like a fish camp has!
Cooper was patient and so thrilled to make a lake with fish in it!

If you look close you will see Red Fish all over this fish camp
that the Gingerbread Boy has been catching all day! Sorry
Calif. crew you probably don't get this one . . .

Allie and Daddy hung out!

Allie and Duke hanging out!

This dog is so tolerant of 2yr. olds !

Choo Choo !

2009-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Slidell has it's own version of N.O.

"Celebration of the Oaks",

called "Christmas under the Stars"!

The highlight is the

village set up around a magnificent train track!

He could have stayed for hours, lucky for

him Grandmaand Papa take him to see

the train again on Sunday!

I know I'm always taking the picture ...

Lights in the park

Allie enjoyed the wagon ride and

lights through the park!

What a fun free event!
And yes, Cooper can't get enough

Thomas The Train and Friends stuff.

Santa already know . . .

Lights on the water . . .

2009-12-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful night

looking at Christmas lights

from Papa's boat!
Cooper enjoying a sailboat decked out with lights!

Allie says, "light, light" and points
Daddy gets help driving the boat!

The blurry picture doesn't do this boat justice.

In awe . . .

Christmas Pictures 2009!

2009-12-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

A few of our favorites . . .

Hope you are enjoying the beginning of the holidays!

Bummer of a Thanksgiving!

2009-12-03T18:40:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately this past Thanksgiving was a bit of a bummer! Why? Well . . . Lee was working and got home the day after Thanksgiving, Heidi moved back to California the day after Thanksgiving so needless to say there were many tears on Thanksgiving, and Grandma and Papa Carlson (our only in town relatives) were on a cruise. The only up-side was that my mom flew in town Thanksgiving evening so we got to see her for 2 hours - she came in to help Heidi drive back cross country to California with all of her pets. No turkey, no stuffing, no sweet potatoes, no cranberries it would have been too much work for just 3 people to enjoy for just 2 short hours and Heidi doesn't really like turkey anyway.

Christmas Lights Car Ride

The kids and I didn't have much to do on Thanksgiving so we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in the morning, went on a neighborhood walk and visited with our favorite neighbors Sam and Rita (who did invite us to stay for dinner but they had over 30 people already) and then at night we took a drive to look at Christmas lights. Cooper and Allie loved the lights and they didn't really know it was Thanksgiving anyway.

Bed heads watching the Thanksgiving Parade!

I have never had a Thanksgiving like this before and I was a little bummed all day but couldn't help to think how incredible the tons and tons of ways that God has blessed my little family. Let me tell you my top 10 . . . Thankful Thoughts:

1. Faith - without God with me moment by moment.

I couldn't do this crazy life!

2. I get to be a stay at home mom

- a dream come true!

3. My husband loves his job -

I am soooo thankful for this (and I love it too)!

4. Let me brag a bit . . .

My kids are very very healthy - Thank you God!

5. My extended family on both sides are fun to hang

out with and we all like each other!

6. I am thankful for our boat.

I know this sounds a bit materialistic - let me explain -

it is our family's peaceful way of relaxing and enjoying each other.

7. God answers my prayers very quickly. I just love this!

I know this may not always be the case but God has been

so faithful which makes me thankful and more prayerful!

8. I am thankful for our little house, all 1600 sq. feet of it

which seems tiny to some and huge to a few million more.

I am thankful that we are learning to be content.

9. I am so thankful for friends that are far away.

People that are special enough to continue relationships with even

though we aren't in close proximity is a true test of friendship!

10. I am thankful that in 33 yrs.

I have had only 1 bummer of a Thanksgiving:)

Mr. Turkey

2009-11-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

Mr. Turkey, Mr. Turkey

Round and Fat, Round and Fat

Carving time is coming, Carving time is coming

Yum Yum Yum, Yum Yum Yum

That is That, That is That!

Cooper learned this song at preschool!

THE OUT-TAKE

Yeah, He's 3!

Cooper is 3!

2009-11-17T18:50:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe this littel butterball ...
Is now a funny 3yr.old all-boy kid!

Not the best birthday party pict.s but a glipmse into Cooper's
train party we had on Halloween.

A fun train ride around the neighborhood!

Thomas was so yummy and so easy to make!

Halloween 2009!

2009-11-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween! Daddy was home and we were all dressed in theme. Cooper was a fireman, Allie was a dalmatian dog, and Mom and Daddy were the fire. Thanks to Auntie Heidi our homemade costumes were comfortable and so cute!

Playing the piano at Grandma and Papa's house!

Cooper's 1st place pumpkin!

Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yep . . . It's pumpkin picking time!

What a fun morning we had out with Uncle Shaw

and Aunti Heidi going to the pumpkin patch!

The Bible . . .

2009-09-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

You never know who's watching you and I am learning that my kids are always watching.

Sometimes there are parts of my life that I wish weren't so apprent to inquistive eyes.

However the other day my favorite bible was on the couch and I heard the

delicate thin pages turning and I thought,

"oh no, I hope I can get my bible out of those little hands before the pages get torn!"

Once I saw this sight I was first humbled,

then thankful and then I grabbed my camera.

Extra Time on Sunday Morning?!!!?!!!?

2009-08-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know what you're thinking . . . Extra time on a Sunday morning before church?

What? I couldn't believe it either we were all fed, dressed, happy

and smudge free by 8:20am.

So why not follow the kids around with the camera

and try to get a few pic's.

I just love this one!

My only fault, I didn't get a snapshot of myself with these

cute smudge-free kids - darn I was looking cute that morning too!

Auntie Heidi is always up to some type of crafty present for us!

These cute tie-dyed shirts were her latest whim.

Yeah, Allie is smiling! How'd we get her to smile?

Cooper was tossing grass clippings on her head

and she thought it was hillarious.

I'll have to remember the grass clippings

for my next visit to Sears (ha ha).

A day on the bayou . . .

2009-08-15T13:35:00.001-07:00

A ten minute ride from our house takes us to Bayou Lacombe.

Lee's favorite place to be is right here.

The Tammany Trace bicycle bridge.
Madoo-sa and Cooper

Allie can't get enough peering

over the boat into the water.

I love boating too!

Sunset on the bayou . . .

Wings to Fly . . .

2009-07-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little Allie has finally gotten her wings to fly. She has been a cute little crawling caterpillar and an unsteady hand holding walker for 16 long months.

After a few months of physical therapy, lots of daily exercising and

lots of practice she's got her wings and is walking independently. Yeah Allie!!!

We are all very happy !!!

A little slow to talk too (but little ones usually walk before they talk), and yesterday Allie said, "Daddy" as she was walking down the hall looking for him. Yeah Allie!!!

Just had to share our little milestones about our Allie-girl.