Three Under Two

So my computer caught something a few days ago and I thought I was the one who was going to die. I didn't realize how much I rely on the internet. Isaac and I wanted to make some cookies and I couldn't even look up a recipe. Thank goodness for my computer geek! He saved the day! The computer is a little slower than before, but at least I have my connection to the outside world.

We had two photo shoots done while in Arizona. Here is one of our photo shoots from that week. Isaac and Ainsley have a new cousin and so we did cousin pictures with baby Brayden. Taking pictures of three kids under the age of two is HARD work! My kids did not want to cooperate. I love the pictures though. . . it's them! So here you go lots and LOTS of pictures.

Real quick I have to say Brayden is probably the cutest newborn I have ever seen! I wish the background wasn't black so you could see how much hair the boy has! I love it!

(For those of you who want to see my haircut check out my friend Sarah's (with an H). She has some posted. . . I will post more when I get our family pictures back!)

Home Again Home Again

We made it safely home Saturday evening, but somewhere along our trip our luggage wasn't as lucky. We arrived in Dallas missing three suitcases. The only ones from our flight with missing bags. Lucky us.

It was very cold and rainy when we got home so I had to make a trip to the store to get some warm clothes for the kids. I wasn't about to go to church the next day without my blow dryer to fix my hair and no make up on, so needed a few other things as well. While at the store I received a phone call from the airport saying they found my bags and I would get them the next morning around ten. WAHOO! So I went back through the store and put away the "stuff" I was going to buy.

Fast forward a few hours and we were all in bed and all in a much needed DEEP sleep. I woke up and thought I heard my doorbell ring at one in the morning. Kind of got a little freaked out, who rings your door bell that early in the morning. I have also mentioned I am afraid of the dark, so there was NO WAY I was going to see who it was. Then I figured I was crazy and didn't hear anything and went back to sleep.

Fast forward again to ten the next morning. I call the baggage people because they had left messages on my phone all from around midnight. As the phone is ringing I remember I had "thought" I heard the door bell in the middle of the night, so opened the door, just as customer service answered the phone. Boy did I feel silly, all of my luggage was sitting on the front step (yes it had been raining all night), so I said "sorry just kidding I found my bags outside", and hung up!

Of course I took my camera with me, and of course I never remembered to take it out of my suitcase. . . so no pictures. We did get some family pictures taken that week, can't wait to see them. . . Here's a little shout out to Lara Ellingson for working with my crazy kids and doing our pictures for us.

I also had my hair chopped off. Another shout out to Lindsay who did AMAZING! My hair was to the end of my shoulder blades and now is just below my chin. Love it! I am actually going to have to fix my hair everyday, instead of throwing it back into a pony tail.

As soon as I got home Sunday from church I broke out the Christmas decorations! My tree is up and it's beginning to feel like Christmas around here. Isaac talks about Santa coming to our house daily. . . I love how much more magical Christmas is when children are involved. It has also been fun to get out our nativities and Isaac telling me the stories we learned last year about Jesus being born! I LOVE this time of year!

Happy Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am sure looking forward to dinner :) I have to say my favorite part is the mashed potatoes, yams, and stuffing. I eat all of them together. . . a little bit of each in one bite. What is everyone's favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner?

Okay here's an update on our little marker situation. I didn't have time to get to the walls before leaving before vacation. . . oh well I am sure they won't go anywhere, and I can do it when I get home. We had success with our table and chairs though. Here is my tip for permanent marker on wood:

Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles!! Toothpaste! I used Colgate whitening toothpaste. Rubbed it onto the stain and let it sit for thirty minutes. Wiped it up with a sponge, and the marker was gone. When I say sponge, I have the kind that have the scrubbing pads on one side. No one would ever know that my sweet boy had been working his art skills on my furniture. YEAH! I think I still want to paint my table, but excited that I can put it off a little longer.

Okay everyone, hope ya'll have a wonderful day!

Picasso in the Making

Did I mention earlier how much fun a two year old boy is? As I was attempting to pack our bags and get some things in order, the house was strangely quiet. If I hadn't been so engrossed in my project, I probably would have stopped and asked myself why is it so quiet? Then I would have checked on the kids. But no, I just assumed (big mistake) that Isaac and Ainsley were actually playing nicely along side each other.

After a few minutes Isaac comes and finds me and says Mom I found a marker. No worries, his coloring markers are all color wonder markers. (For those who don't know what they are, they are white and only show up on special paper. . . ingenious really!) Then Isaac pulls from behind his back a BIG BLACK MARKER. Yes my sweet son had been busy creating a masterpiece throughout the kitchen and hallway with a permanent marker. All the while Ainsley was by his side so deeply interested in what he was doing. The great art master teaching his young young apprentice to explore and create. I could see her mind scheming. What a scene!!

A fellow blogger recently wrote on her blog:

"Cleaning house while the kids are young is like shoveling snow while it's snowing."

How perfect this quote is for me. Picking up one mess while another is in the works.

I did luckily keep my cool and Isaac sat with his nose in the corner for 10 minutes while I found home remedies to undo his, "artistic" mess. After I found a few ideas, Isaac was kind enough to help and put in some elbow grease. Well he was forced, but didn't complain.

I asked him why he colored on the walls when he knows it is a naughty thing to do. He said, looking down and shuffling his feet "I don't know mom, I just did it. I didn't know." How do you get mad at such a sweet child?

Here's what I found:

1. Eraser (just a regular pink eraser). . . absolutely no difference
2. Rubbing alcohol. . . didn't work, but did spread it around
3. Hand sanitizer. . . nothing
4. WD-40. . . softened the lines, but still very noticeable
5. Toothpaste. . .working the best so far.
6. Magic eraser. . . I don't have one and is my last resort on a Sunday (going to buy one)!

I will say another reason I am not too upset about the whole situation is I have been debating about painting my kitchen table and chairs. They are lost against our mustard colored walls. This has pushed me into the affirmative of spicing up my furniture. But until that happens we will now have some interesting artwork to look at while eating our meals together!

Little bit of this and that

This post is going to be a lot of randomness. . . because quite honestly I have been wracking my brain on what to write and nothing great has come to mind.

My life right now has been filled with trying to make my house feel more like my home. Such a long process for me. I have only done a little here and there. It's hard work, but I love how it looks when I am done! I am just lacking in motivation to do anything these days! There is a wall in my hallway that Isaac painted (quite abstract right now. . . we might have a great artist on our hands) that I have yet to finish. It has been almost two weeks since Isaac "started" the wall for me! I let him paint one wall while I did another. But there are plenty of rooms where he has "painted" with his markers!

I have been trying to keep my home in order, which has not been an easy task either. Most days I feel like I clean a room and then 10 minutes later it looks worse than when I started. The other day sweet Isaac took a roll of tape and proceeded to unravel the roll creating booby traps throughout the entire house. I am amazed at how strong the tape was. He has it a couple inches off of the ground and taped to walls, chairs and furniture. I don't know how many times I tripped!

It's my fault though, like I said early I have so little motivation right now :) Although watching Oprah yesterday helped a little. The show was about hoarders, now I am no where near where this poor lady was. I am really not a hoarder at all, just more disorganized. The one thing that hit me that was said on the show was "What do you want from your home? What do you want from this room?" I certainly don't want clutter and disorganization. So my quest has begun to create the home of peace and love that I desire.

On to my children. . . Oh they do try and test my patience. Really I have had just about enough of Isaac body slamming, hitting and pushing his little sister. Obviously I am doing something wrong in the punishing department, nothing I have tried is working, and lately I just ignore the two as much as I can. Unless there is major pain involved I have been letting them work it out themselves. Still not the answer I am wanting, but I need a break from playing referee everyday!

Now don't misunderstand me, my kids truly to drive me nuts, but I love them dearly. I have so many ARGHH moments daily, but I live for my children. They mean the world to me. Even when I am ready to pull out my hair or scream from the top of my lungs. . . hey maybe that's where my chipped tooth came from. Holding my teeth together to keep from screaming!!

Today I feel like I am going through puberty all over again. Of course a few days before I am about to have family pictures taken I break out. Not just a few little blemishes. . . full on GIANT mountains of ZITS! What's up with that?! Seriously? I have a horrible nervous habit of picking at my face when it does break out making it 10 times worse! Thank goodness for photo shop! We'll just erase those little nasties from my face and all is well! I wonder if the photographer can erase 30 lbs as well :)

I took a test yesterday to find out what kind of cookie I am. I am a chocolate chip cookie. It even says in the description I am a little disorganized. . . So while each of you take the test to find out what kind you are (just click the picture below) I will be off trying to hold my tongue, playing referee, and creating a little bit of beauty in our home. . . oh yeah and planning my VT message!



You're sweet (but not too sweet) and you fill other people's lives with tasty bits of awesomeness. You're no perfectionist – in fact, you're a bit disorganized – but your friends find your easygoing personality irresistible. You're so popular and loveable that even when you're having a bad day, people still like having you around.

Pearly Whites

When will the tooth drama end around here? If it's not one of us, it's another.

I noticed last night that I chipped one of my teeth. Really I have no idea when. I am guessing in my sleep. . . I really have no idea though. Luckily it doesn't hurt.

Ainsley has two bottom teeth and has been cutting her two top teeth this past week. Last night I heard her grinding her teeth, so we have a break through. One little tooth has come through on the top. The only problem is I noticed it was kind of dark. With all of the problems we have had with Isaac's teeth, I am a little worried to go through it with her too. First of all, we don't have the money to keep forking out for this, second it's not fun for any of us. Emotionally, and physically draining. I am hoping I am just paranoid. But you can't bet your bottom dollar I am watching her teeth like a hawk!

Last but not least, Isaac fell on his face today. I was worried because I don't want to break his "new" teeth. The dentist told us they can break or chip easy and wants us to watch him. . . especially because he is a boy (his exact words!) Luckily it doesn't look like any damage was done to his teeth. He has a nice fat lip and quite the bump on his forehead.

To end on a funnier note. . . While I was holding Isaac and putting ice on his head he looked up at me and said "mom why are there spider webs in your nose?" I tried to keep a straight face and asked "oh no how did they get there?. He said, "I guess it came in from outside and went up your nose!" I about died! I had no idea I had that much nose hair. . . guess something needs to be done about that!!

Thankful Heart

So I was tagged by Holly and Chelsea and I am excited to do this one. Good reminder for me, and it came at a good time! Thanks Holly and Chelsea! Maybe I should do 20!!

Here is my list of 10 things I am thankful for (no particular order):

1. My washer and dryer. Sounds a little funny but right before moving to Texas we got a new dryer. It was so nice not to have to run it TWICE before getting our clothes dry. We had to get a new washing machine when we moved out here. I normally let the laundry pile up for a week before doing it, but I was naughty and let it pile up TWO weeks and of course the day I start to do my laundry that machine breaks. Luckily brand new and under warranty, bad news it was going to be a full week before they could come fix it! Not a good thing when you have a baby and two year old boy! There isn't a very close launder(y) mat (I don't know which it is), so when we were running out of some necessaries I washed the clothes by hand. Takes a lot of work, and makes your arms sore :) Made me a little more grateful and appreciate what our ancestors did before electronics!!

2. A son that keeps me on track. This morning I wanted to eat breakfast and he says "No Mom, we have to exercise!" Thank you Isaac! He also is quick to tell me that I should clean a particular room, and of course he loves to help (wreck and clean!)

3. Pest control. I don't like bugs, especially big spiders. Eeek! I love that I find most bugs dead around the outside of our house rather than inside. I love when the sticky pads in our garage are full of crickets and wolf spiders.

4. Grass and Backyards. I love that we have a fenced in backyard where my children can play. Even more that we have a ENTIRE yard of GRASS. Something you wouldn't quite understand if you haven't lived in the Phoenix area with a nice hot rock/dirt yard!

5. Paint. I love my new house and I am thankful that I can paint the walls any color I like. I would have never guessed how much color on my walls would brighten my spirit! I love that there is paint that is super washable. Comes in handy when I have a two year old that has colored on the walls!

6. My Spot Bot and wood floors. I love that I can turn on my spot bot and continue doing something else while it cleans up messes on the floor. Very handy. I look forward to the day when we can have wood floors in our house and I won't have to look at spots on the floor! AND I saw that they make heated wood floors, super excited about that!

7. Music. I am thankful that I have a husband who is incredibly talented at playing the piano. . . all instruments really. I am thankful that we are able to have a BEAUTIFUL piano in our home. I am thankful for a mother who insisted I learned how to play the piano, and made me keep playing until I was older!! I am thankful for my mother's beautiful singing voice and her taking the time to sing us to sleep almost every night. My Grandpa Waddell's amazing voice as well. There are certain songs that I hear that bring tears to my eyes and don't sound quite right without him singing them. I am thankful that I have two children who love music as much as their father and I do.

8. Warm and Cold days! I am not the biggest fan of COLD COLD. Growing up in Kansas school would be canceled not because of snow, but because of how cold it was outside. Which meant there probably was snow on the ground, but you couldn't play in it. Cold enough to make your nose hairs freeze when you breathe in. I also love and hate scrapping my windshields. It's kind of a hassle but I always feel so energized afterwards and it feels so good to be in a warm car! I also love snuggling under the blankets and drinking hot chocolate. . . something you don't do a whole lot of in Mesa. Cold days can be pretty miserable but it makes me thankful for warm days. Eating Popsicles, playing in the pool, sitting in the warm sun (I am not talking crazy hot days though, those are the times I miss cold days. . .vicious cycle huh?!) Basically I love being outdoors. My favorite is Flagstaff AZ. Beautiful mountains and beautiful weather!

9. Amazing extended family and friends. First my family. I love my sisters and brother dearly. They all make me laugh more than anyone. Even Orson makes me laugh so hard. My poor parents have to deal with a bunch of crazy "kids" when we all get together! My parents are amazing. Taught me so much and continue to teach me. My in laws have raised a great guy and are so supportive and are there for us if we ever need them. My husbands siblings are all wonderful! So fun to be around and characteristics each have that I learn from. I have amazing grandparents, aunts and uncles whom I adore. Cousins that have been my best friends. I have been blessed to have great friends too. It's been hard moving away from all of my family and friends, but I have great friends (new and old) that continue to support and love me! Always there to give me a good laugh, or listen to my complaining and give me advice! I love all of you!!

10. My small immediate family. I have two beautiful children who drive me nuts sometimes, but bring such joy and laughter in my life. Isaac is such a sweet guy and loves to please. He is quite the funny guy too. . . most of the time he has no idea that he is even being funny, which makes me laugh even harder. Ainsley on the other hand is temperamental, and I love her all the more for it. She reminds me so much of myself (I can see myself in both kids, as well as Mike, and I LOVE IT!). Ainsley will definitely always keep me on my toes. She is so independent and full of fire, and I love being around her, she tends to bring out the best in me. Then there is Michael. He makes me a better person. He is not so high strung as I am, and keeps me grounded. He knows how to make me laugh, and is such a wonderful father. He is such a hard worker and takes such good care of all of us! I am the luckiest girl to have a great husband and wonderful children.

Basically I am one lucky girl. It's good for me to stop and count my many blessings!

I now tag Brittney, Sarah T. (and MT 2 lists!), Lara, and Whitney. Can't wait to hear what you are thankful for.

Oprah Through the Eyes of a Two Year Old

Today Isaac watched Oprah with me. It was about You Tube and some fun people were on today. Isaac enjoyed all of it, but he had two favorites. There was a man singing opera music and Isaac watched him sing very intently then said, "Wow Mom, that guys sings the LOUDEST!" Very good observation Isaac.

His very FAVORITE act was the skateboarding dog. Isaac started singing "He was a skater puppy"! I have to say I enjoy watching the Oprah show, but today was one of the most enjoyable with Isaac's sweet commentary!!

Eight Months Old

Ainsley is 8 months old today. Growing so quickly. . . a little too fast at times. I want to share some of her favorites and some of her most recent accomplishments.

15. She LOVES to eat. Anything you feed her she eats it. Even things she is not supposed to. For instance buttons, paper, anything small and sparkly.

Perfect example of how EVERYTHING goes straight for the mouth!

14. She signs eat, and for the first time yesterday signed cracker. Funny thing is I haven't really been doing sign with her like I did with Isaac. Just every once in awhile Isaac and I sign (he is really into knowing what all the signs are for ALL of his toys right now). Back to Ainsley. Ironic she signed eat as her first . . . I think not!

13. She is our little dare devil. She climbs up everything. She climbed onto the couch the other day (cushions were off), but still somehow she made it up.

12. She has been trying to stand on her own. She has been walking all over the place (holding onto furniture or walls), but recently started letting go and seeing how long she can stand before falling over. Once again my little dare devil!

11. She loves playing patty cake, and started clapping on her own when she wants to play.

10. She blows back into your face when you blow into hers.

9. Ainsley loves shaking her head no. Ask her a question and the answer is always no.

8. Our little girl is social, and yet likes to play shy. If anyone besides mom, dad or Isaac talks to her she will hide her head in my shoulder. As soon as I tell her to say hi, she will look up at me, look at the person and then wave, with a big smile on her face.

Here she is playing camera shy. Almost all photo shoots go this way with her. I get in front of her to take a picture and she turns her back towards me.

7. Ainsley is a speed crawler. She is just as fast as Isaac when he is crawling.

6. Ainsley LOVES to be outside. Her eyes light up, and is such a happy little girl when we are out. When it's time to come back in she will cry.

5. She loves music. She bops to any kind of music on the radio. Ainsley loves playing the piano. She stands on her tiptoes and plays our big piano, or will play Isaac's little one. The piano will keep her occupied for at least five minutes! I think that's great for an baby!

4. She has a very nice courtesy laugh. Sounds like a mix between a cough and a laugh. She does this laugh when you think something is funny and she wants to join in the laughter.

3. Ainsley has learned how to get her brother in trouble. I know they are communicating on how to upset mom! He comes running to push her over or take her toys away, and she screams! If she is feeling neglected she will scream if he's just in the room, to get my attention. I will ask Isaac if he did anything to her. "No mom, she's just like that!"

2. Ainsley's favorite person (next to mom) is Isaac. She LOVES Isaac. They fight like crazy sometimes, but she adores him. Follows him around, and just giggles every time he talks to her.

1. Ainsley is a DEFINITE mommas girl, but recently has started getting excited when daddy gets home. She knows daddy takes her outside to play when he gets home from work. She will follow him into the room and sit there and wait for him to change his clothes and get shoes on.



Ainsley is such a joy to be around, and I am sure lucky to have her in my life!


Okay Halloween pictures didn't turn out so good so I am going to take some more pictures later. Maybe when all the snot has left our house!! Here's the best I got:

(I will tell the story when I get some better pictures!)