Every horse has it's day

Here is a Christmas horse parade for your viewing pleasure! I don't see that every day.

You're Killing Me Smalls

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day that is pregnant with her 3rd child. It was completely unexpected and unplanned for. As far as she was concerned, they were done having kids. She is having a really hard time being excited and wanting this new person in their family. The question was brought up of what life would be like without our children. I have thought and thought about that. I would probably have my masters degree by now. No biggy, I can get that later. The biggest difference would be silence. Right now it is about 2:00 in the afternoon. Hunter has talked non-stop since he woke up at 7:30. He is killing me. Apparently he is not getting enough attention or some crap like that. Fine, let's spend quiet time together. Can't a mom get a break around here? I think I am going insane. But then, when I think that I am going to explode and throw everyone out the door. I walk into the living room and Hunter is giving Remi a big ol' kiss.



I guess I can surivive. Hunter, however won't be kissing his brother again anytime soon...... Remi is an open mouth kisser. Ha!

Friends

Nice Friendship Quote : "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer.

So I have been thinking today about Christmas and my family and all the friends that we have had through the years. Man, we have had some good ones. I have two highlights in my week. The first is checking to see if Stephen's little brother has emailed me, usually a disappointment-he has too many adoring fans that need his immediate attention. The second is checking on my friends. I usually log onto my blog and then check Mi'Chelle's blog and then Tiff's. It is seriously the highlight in my day of dirty diapers, crying kids, and people asking me stupid questions about stupid apartments. I also have another routine that consists of calling my local friends to check and see if they still love me. I'm sure it is quite tedious for them, but I am always glad to hear that they haven't written me off just yet. So, this one goes out all of my friends that have stood by me through the years and provide a light that I cannot obtain myself. Thanks for overlooking my cracks.

Reality Check

This is a Shake and Go Speedway Raceway. It is our first in many of "I have to have that from Santa" gifts. I have been trying to get Hunter to write a letter to Santa for two and a half weeks. Each time he has asked for all the things that he already has. I have been trying to explain that Santa brings different things every year. Well, finally it clicked. He saw it on a commercial and then a friend of ours was helping Santa out and buying one for his son at Wal-Mart. Luckily we had one left at our Santa's work shop (wink wink). I guess they are a real hot item. Now my nephew wants one. He he he. I hope they can find it. Anyway, I was excited and scared at the same time. Happy that Hunter is understanding finally and scared because we almost didn't get it. The panic was setting in and I was getting desperate. I don't want to start down that path. You know that type of parents I am talking about, spending thousands of dollars just to get their kids the thing they "have" to have. Yuck. I have definitely had a reality check.

O' Christmas Tree

Alas, I have come up with a plan for a Remi-proof Christmas tree. Hunter was 12 months old for his first Christmas. He played with the tree a little, but nothing I couldn't handle. Remi, on the other hand, is only happy when something is in his mouth. Anything from the floor couch or pretty much two feet off the floor. Plus, he is strong. I know that he could pull our entire tree right on top of him. Also, I am lazy and didn't want to move the piano across the parking lot into storage just for a tree. I been trying to find the perfect little tree for on top of my grandma's sewing machine. Finally here it is, or here they are.


After all trees are a wonderful symbol of Christmas. "The evergreen of everlasting life, pointing heavenward." And I couldn't find a star so another symbol of Christmas, the bow will have to do. "Tied in the bonds of brotherly love." Don't you just love Christmas?

I Believe in Santa Claus

"Sometimes I hear people complain that the department stores put up Christmas decorations too early. Or they say that the merchandisers are only thinking of commercial gain when they advertise with lights and decorations. For me, Christmas symbols cannot be displayed too early or too much. The wreaths, the lights, the red bows, the decorated trees, the presents, all remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. I say "thank you" to the people of the world who spend time and money to make lovely displays of gifts and decorations. They are advertising the spirit of Christmas. They are reminding me of Christ."

----Diane G. Adamson


I believe in Santa Claus.

Imagine Santa.

What is he like?

He wears red.

His hair is white.

He comes in the night.

He loves little children.

He wants us to be good.

And he brings gifts.

Now imagine Jesus.

What is he like?

His hair is white.

He comes in the night.

He loves little children.

He knows we are good.

And he brings gifts.

Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas.

The symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ.

So, I believe in Santa Claus.

---Diane G. Adamson

Crazy month

Wow! We have had a crazy month. We took this picture down by Kanab. I am the proud owner of a canyon. he he he I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week. Yikes! Of course Stephen has to work the night of BLACK FRIDAY eve, or Blitz as it is called in the Wal-Mart world. We are having Thanksgiving dinner in our little apartment. I am actually pretty excited. We have some dear friends coming and my parents. This month has been grim, but hopefully this wonderful time of year with lighten everyone's spirits and bring joy. We all have so much to be thankful for.

Halloween

We had a blast this year for Halloween. The weekend before we went to Stephen's parents house for a family party. It was hilarious. We did a pinata. A witch. A wicked witch at that. The dang thing would not break. Funny funny.


The kids all dressed up, but of course our camera was being silly and didn't work real well. I took our kids pictures again when we got home and actually went trick or treating, but the others were no good. Hunter was the dragon on Shrek and Remi was a gorilla.

Hunter kept growling at everyone
telling people he was scary,
but we all know otherwise







Remi was not always
happy to be a little gorilla,
but he was sure a cute one.

Starvin' Marvin

Stephen got the bright idea to take all of Remi's clothes off and let him eat spaghetti. Hunter we have had to practically force feed. It seems like we actually did for a while until he learned he could throw anything we put in his mouth up. Needless to say food hasn't been Hunter's big thing. Remi on the other hand can't get enough. He acts like he is starving to death half the time. It was histerical! Stephen made the comment while trying to clean all the sauce off of Remi, that he was like the tuperware bowl that never should've been microwaved, the spaghetti stains will never come off.

Our Favorite Guy

Okay so this one goes out to a special guy living in Independence, Missouri. He not just any guy. This pink tie wearing fellow is Stephen's youngest brother Spencer. What a hottie! He is hilarious. I met Spenny when he was about thirteen years old, maybe fourteen at best. He was cute even then. I remember girls calling him all the time! It was the funniest thing I had ever seen. My little brother Tony was usually trying to work the scene, but not Spencer. He didn't care one little bit. He would sit and watch t.v. mumbling, "uh, uh," ever once in a while to keep his part of the conversation up. Heeelarious. He grew up and no longer mumbles, I think. He is now quite a guy and some kind of leader. Girls are still crazy about him. My kids love him. Well Remi has never met him, but Hunter is totally in love with him. Spencer had a friend in high school named Ryan. They were funny. Hunter heard them listening to that Top Loader song, "Dancin' in the Moonlight," once. Now everytime he hears it he tells me, "Mom, this is Spencer's song." He will be moving home in January of next year. We are sooooo excited. What a great guy!

The Light

May your heart be full,

your mind strong,
your roots secure.
May you always seek the road ahead with courage & cheer.
May you continue to look to the light.

I stole this quote off of Mi'Chelle's scrap book page. I loved it so much. Children are always looking to the light.

For Sale

Today I decided to play a little joke on our friend Chris. he he he. I went to the store looking for a For Sale sign to put on his cute little camry. The sign was too small, so I found glass chalk. Inspirational! he he he. When we went to buy the sign, we saw him. Hunter had to start yelling his name, "Oh good," I think. He is at a register, he he he, he doesn't suspect a thing. He smiles and waves. Sucker! I am, at this point starting to feel a little guilty about the whole thing. Good thing Stephen was there to gourd me on. I could have done it in the morning before he went to lunch, but I decided to wait until after he had lunch. Pranks go over better on a full stomach and his car would be sitting in the parking lot longer. Of course he always parks in the last stall. Perfect! I wrote his work number on both of the side windows. Hilarious! While I was decorating, as it were, two people stopped to ask me about the car. On my way home, my conscience started to get to me again. I stopped at my house long enough to get my camera. I called Stephen on my way out to see if anyone had called. Well I guess $500 is a pretty good offer so, yeah people were calling. I decided that he had enough and went to clean up the mess so he would never even know. Of course, he came walking out in the middle of me washing his window. Sometimes, I kill myself. Hopefully, he is not too mad and understands how boring and monotonous my life can be. Sometimes a mom has to do what a mom has to do. Gotta luv ya Chris.

Remi is my best friend.

Something occured to me last night as I was trying to get Remi to stop screaming. Hunter is a bigger help than hinderance. Remi was hysterical, Hunter walked into the Room and started talking to him. He immediately calmed down and started to smile. Any time Hunter is even in the room, Remi watches him like he is the most amazing thing ever. Remi has pretty short patience when Hunter is bugging him. But, for the most part, he loves his brother. The same is true for Hunter. He realizes that this little baby has really put a crimp in his only me and my parents, the whole world revolves around moi, lifestyle. He doesn't care. Every morning when he wakes up, he needs to know that Remi is okay. He told me the other day. "Mom, Remi is my best friend."

Rough Day

The day started out bad. 5:15 AM: Yuck, too early to work out and then go walking. I'll work out after walking and sleep 30 more minutes. 5:45 AM: I hate life and my friends that I walk with. They are torturing me on purpose and are probably enjoying it too. 6:05 AM: It is freakin' cold and I am hoping that today will be a no show, I can go home and get back in bed...mmm nice warm bed. 6:06 AM: "Lydia!" Damn, Kim is up and ready to walk too. I think she is a maniac. 6:20 AM: We are turning the corner to head up to 4th east. I really like Kim. She always has so many insightful things to tell me about life and grown up stuff. What a good day this will be. I will go home, lift weights, shower and be ready for the kids when they wake up. Yes! What a way to start my day. 6:45 AM: Remi is up with Stephen. Little snot. I think Stephen probably woke him up on purpose, just to drain my day. 7:30 AM: Remi is still up and now so is his partner in crime. Hunter wants pancakes again. Not my favorite anymore. 8:00 AM: The day is starting to look up for me. Remi went to sleep. Finally I can get something done around my pigsty. 8:30 AM: Don't get too excited he's awake again. I am starting to really really dislike this day. No sleeping at all, why won't someone teach this boy about sleeping for extended periods of time. Am I being punished for that one time in college? 12:00 PM: Stephen finally decides to come home for a few minutes to help me out. Not likely, he is just here to eat. He does however feed the baby. Brownie points for him. Nice break. 12:45 PM: Please don't leave me, please, please, please. He tells me that he has to. We need money to pay the bills or some crap like that. He is also in on the conspiracy. 1:15 PM Redemption is near. Remi is asleep again. 1:30 PM: Still asleep this might really work. Maybe I can do some of my things for work. Probably not, he will be up again soon. 2:15 PM: Sleeping, what a good little boy. Maybe he really does love me. 2:30 PM: Not likely. Why? I ask myself. What is your deal? I ask him. I am hoping that he is teething, otherwise I am selling him on the black market. Anyway, it has been a rough day!

Back in '82, I could throw a pig skin 1/4 of a mile.

Remember when everything was perfect? When, if the coach would have put you in during the 4th quarter you would have been state champs no doubt? Well, my husband and his buddies are trying to relive the glory days. Hilarious! All of the big talk and spouting off to one another finally came to a head as they played football last week. Not just any game of football, but touch football, didn't want anyone getting too hurt. Stephen, Chris, Lupe, Brandon, Roger, and some guy that was along for the ride. Now, I have spent a considerable amount of time listening to Stephen and Brandon tell me how wonderful they both are. Chris every once in a while has to put in a plug just to remind himself that he is not that old. I don't know Roger all that well so I never hear anything from him. Mostly just Brandon. He talks the big talk. Lupe, however never says a word. I have always just assumed maybe he never played ball or was into athletics. He is pretty quiet, or at least I think he is, one would never know with Stephen and Brandon spouting off like a couple of girls in gym class. Anyway, I noticed that he never brags about himself or his past. Well, last Thursday evening he showed, not told why. He was quick, swift and on the ball. He turned the after burners on. It was amazing. Here this quiet soft spoken guy was kicking the crap out of the big mouths. Sure every one else got in their shots too, but not like this. It was amazing. I dont' even think he was sore the next day. I didn't think Stephen or Brandon would walk for a week. I sat on the sidelines taking pictures like a good wife. Brandon of course got some good poses in.

Stephen was just happy to be there and apart of the game.

Chris surpised everyone by leaving them in his dust.

All in all it was a pretty good game, and I think that everyone had a good time. Everyone went home feeling good.

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We were the quintessence of athletic atrocity.

-Mike Newlin

At last my moment has come.

Okay, so I'm not one of those moms that spends all day enjoying every moment with her kids. Usually at some point during the day I try to tear all of my hair out and want to run and hide. Remi is a little time consuming. Little being defined as: if he is awake. He has been getting up earlier and earlier every morning. I tried explaining to him the rules of the house. Rule #1 being do not wake up before 9:00 AM if you are under 23 years of age. Hunter has always been so good at following this rule. He would even give me an extra hour sometimes. Well not his brother. I get home from walking around 7:00 AM . My goal is to be showered and dressed before the boys get up. Well usually that is completely hopeless, but not yesterday. I took a picture of the clock to prove his actual wakeup time.

It was a wonderful morning and to makes things better, he has started watching t.v. Now, I know that kids watch way too much television blah blah blah. It is wonderful!! He sat without needing immediate attention for at least 30 minutes. I even walked in and out of the room several times. I was so amazed.

This is him giving me the glossy stare that he was also giving the beautiful girl on t.v. I know you are dying to know who has made my life so good. Well I won't keep you waiting a second longer.

Ddddddora, Dora, Dora, Dora the Explorer.

Isn't t.v. nice?

Little Miss Attitude

I want you to meet little miss attitude. She is my niece McKenzie Ann. What a hottie! My mom and I always say that if Kenzie had been born first, we would have thought there was something wrong with the boys. She is so quick at everything. But, still controls every situation to her own advantage. I have been trying to get a cute picture of her forever now. She usually turns her head and will not look at me, or just scowl with all the contempt in the world. Stephen finally got her to smile on the 4th of July. However, she would only give up a framed, "I'll humor you Uncle Stephen because you throw me in the air and make me laugh" smile. Also, after every picture she had to see the image to give her approval before taking another. Oh what would the world be like without our wonderful little miss attitude?

Joy

I have heard that everyone is responsible for their own joy. For some reason this hits me hard, right between the eyes. I am the reason that I have hard days, that I get upset and unhappy. It is my fault, not the world around me, that a good day goes bad. Every morning I get up to go walking with a couple of dear friends. Both inspire me and help me to be better. Each time the alarm clock goes off, I think about how hard the day is going to be, and how tired I am going to feel getting up at 5:45 AM. I know I gasp at the thought too. Yet, on the days that I manage to pull my sorry butt out of bed, the day is better all ready. I have a good life. My husband loves me and needs me despite all of my faults and angry episodes. I have two little boys that think the world of him and always manage to entertain me with their sweet little smiles. Yet somehow, at the end of the day, I find myself feeling bad. Why you ask yourself? I'll tell you. I have been irresponsible with my feelings and actions. Right here, right now I am rededicate myself to being responsible for my own joy! How at the end of the day can anyone be sad with these little smiles lighting the way? So, I will say it again, "everyone is responsible for their own joy." Know it, love it, do it!

Daily Inspiration

The first and the best victory is to conquer self.

-Plato

Why don't you make me?

So here am I listening to my husband fight with our 7 month old trying to get him to go to sleep. Remi will not be pushed around. A lot of c-section babies have to be given oxygen and encouraged to breath because they haven't had a fight getting into this world. Well, not Remington. He was so upset that he left the womb he wanted everyone in the world to know that was the last time he would be made to do something. He comes and goes as he pleases, no one telling him what to do!

Hello, Hello?

here we go!