Jace

Our baby is 9 months old. Wow! Can't believe it. There's so much to look forward to, and so much I will miss. These are pics of him eating his first oreo cookie. He's a messy eater, just like his bro (and nothing like his sis). He doesn't inhale food like Owen did, but he can definitely eat his fair share. Today, he ate 2 biscuits with gravy for breakfast and a whole slice of pizza for dinner (not the healthiest meals, but it's Sunday, and we rest!). He looks so much like his Daddy's side of the family. Scott says he sees his uncles all over Jace's eyes. He crawls everywhere he wants to go, and wants desperately to climb the stairs. He doesn't like to cuddle or love much, but his favorite place to be is still in my arms. I don't mind. When Rana was 9 months, I began thinking about our next baby. Today, I found myself thinking about our next, and confirming that it shouldn't happen. There is so much I would miss out on. Namely, sleep, sanity and a life! We wouldn't be able to foster again either. So, I'm gonna enjoy the mess out of this little guy. He's a great third kid, and SO STINKIN' CUTE!

Colorado Fun

My dear friend April is under the impression that there's not much fun to be had in snowy weather. And since I am almost ALWAYS in the mood for visitors, I decided to do a little marketing. Here are pictures of my sister and niece sledding with Rana and Owen. Notice the beautiful mountain scenery, and take note that it is FREE. Other free activities include snow-shoeing, building snowmen, ice climbing, ice fishing, ice skating and chillin while others have all the fun!!!

If you're lucky, you'll celebrate a birthday up here like my sister Gina just did. Rana will send out silly-tations (her new word for the art she puts on 4x6 index cards), and we'll have a PARTY. Rana will also cook and decorate your cake (yes, those are goldfish)! But who needs a birthday? Just come see us, and that will be reason enought to celebrate! We love our friends and family. (Note to Colorado friends: do not dillute this post in any way. We love 6 weekends of snow, right?!)

Public Restroom Etiquette

I always (and have always) avoid public restrooms. However, this weekend we were on a 5.5 hour road trip (one way), and it was unavoidable. We stopped at Wal Mart to take a break. Because we have to hold Jace while helping the others, and ourselves, we opted to wait for the FAMILY restroom that was occupied. When the door opened a 350+ pound woman came out the door and left marks in the toilet and a smell that can't be sent in a blog. I know, DISGUSTING! Scott looked at me and politely asked, "Why didn't she use the regular restrooms." I very meekly and mildly, full of humility and understanding answered, "Because, she's fat." I pondered my response the rest of the way home. It was pretty mean. I was tired, and this woman had assualted my sensibilities on many levels. She was ONE person using the FAMILY restroom; she did something that I believe should only be done while shooting a scene for "Dumb and Dumber" (is it really impossible to hold?); my sense of smell took a hit, and I had no Lysol to remedy the problem; and did I mention my kids, for a moment, also had to ingest that? After all this justifying the little angel on the right reminded me of several Scripture, convincing me that my attitude was clearly wrong. I learned a lesson, but still don't think it's apropriate to go #2 in a public restroom. I think I chose to blog this because it is still bothersome to me.

The picture has no relevance. Just a cute one of the boys that Scott took a couple of months ago.

Call the Fashion Police

Seriously. Today was the first day back to school for our kids. This is what Rana came downstairs in. The sad thing ... I had no time to make her change. I just pretended that she looked fabulous and asked her to brush her hair. I did manage to get her to switch shoes by convincing her she would need her snow boots outside at play time. I didn't know she had accessorized with the belt until I snapped the picture this afternoon. That belongs to Owen, but whatever. I asked her where she got the idea for socks and sandals. She said she saw a girl wearing flip flops and socks while she was with Jarrod and A.J. Ah-ha! I know I'm not up on the latest and greatest, but I knew she didn't get this from me.

Randomness

It's been a while, but I have to post this for anyone who does not have kids at home. This is a great gift idea, and its FREE ... For Christmas my parents, my niece Tiphanie and my sister Nikki came to Colorado. My sister's gift to me was to let me sleep in every morning. It was great! I hope she gives the same gift next year. If you're a mommy, let me know if I need to drop any hints to someone!!!

In unrelated news, here is the latest on my kids ...

Last Thursday the Riley's came over for dinner. We were having great conversations, so the night got pretty late. Rana finally fell asleep in my lap around 11pm. Scott took her to bed, but at 3am she came to our bed and tapped him on the shoulder, "Dad, you forgot to read me the Bible." Love that!

Owen discovered 10 king sized Hershey's bars (christmas gift) on my nightstand one morning. "Mom, whas dat?" I said "That's Mommy's." "No Mom, dat's CHOCWIT!" His eyes were so full of excitment. In the following days I found him under the bed with the chocolate, hiding in the closet with the chocolate, and in the bathroom with the chocolate. The chocolate is now on the highest shelf of the pantry.

Jace has just figured out how to pull himself up in his crib. The only problem is he can't figure out how to get back down. At naptime he cries his angry/hurt cry because he is so tired, but can't get to his tummy. It took me a couple of days to figure it out. Not my proudest Mommy moment.

I love it when I take time to notice how precious they are. Not sure why it doesn't happen more often. Maybe that should be one of my resolutions for 2007.