Happenings Around The House

So we've been busy prepping for Christmas and all the stuff to go with it.  But I wanted to jot down some stuff that's been going on.

I totally forgot to let everyone know what our church decided on as its new name.  After lots of debating and research,  we felt Family Of Faith, A Southern Baptist Church   best suited us.  We felt God led us toward that name from the beginning.  Check out the link Family Of Faith


Last night, Chris went out with the guys to see that boxing movie that's out right now.  As a treat for me and my boys, I ordered pizza...A large pepperoni and cheesy breadsticks.  Chris ate a bite and took off and that left me and Adam and Caleb at the table to finish our meal.  I'm facing Caleb and breaking his food into little pieces and Adam is sitting on the other side.  I look over at Adam and my gaze is drawn to the box of cheesy breadsticks that lay open in front of him.  Last I had looked, Adam was working on a piece of pizza and there were about 5 bread sticks left.  Now every bread stick has a huge bite taken out of it...EVERY ONE!!  He had claimed them all for himself in his own creative fashion.  Stinker.  I couldn't believe it!

Caleb, who is now 13 months, has a fascination with the Christmas Tree...I know, all babies do.  But, his is more of a, "I know this is a no-no, but I just want to see you yell and clap at me and then run across the room toward me while I giggle and run (or waddle) the other way.  It's hilarious Mom! Fun Game! "   I've yet to discover a punishment for this kid that he doesn't smile at.  I'm not kidding. He thinks a spanking and a stern "NO" is funny.  I thought being separated from me for a baby time-out would get him after another "Tree" episode, but as he sat in his room on the other side of the door, he just knocked repeatedly and mocked me with having no reaction at all.  Challenge!!

Christmas Tree 2010

 We set off Saturday to the Christmas Tree Farm to pick the most perfect tree to bring home and decorate.  Adam, who had been excited for days, found a stick and began poking, digging, and hitting stuff.  Caleb saw the long aisles and we could read all over his face, "Free space!!  Finally!!" 

Letters To Santa

Adam stressed about getting his list to Santa all day the other day, so we sat down and wrote it properly.  He also helped me write one for Caleb because we didn't want him to get missed.  We posted it and he put it in the mailbox.  The next day, he remembered he also wanted a gun that shoots balls and he forgot to write it down.   To solve this dilemma we asked our "Elf on the Shelf", Marley, if he would tell Santa that night that Adam forgot to write down the toy gun on the list.  Problem solved.

Our elf...Marley.  The other day when I got all our Christmas stuff out and read the book to Adam about our elf, Chris was as work.  Look this up if you don't know what I'm talking about.  Anyway, usually Adam likes his door cracked at night, but that night, he asked his daddy if he would close it.  Chris asked why and Adam said, "I don't want that little guy to come in."  Chris freaked internally (I'm sure you all know of Chris' fear of things coming to life and ghosts and stuff).  Panicking,  Chris inquires further.  "What little guy?"  Adam says, "That little guy that comes to life at night."  Picture Chris frozen.  He must get to the bottom of this if he expect to get any sleep tonight.  He asks, "What does the little guy look like? Can you describe him?"  Adam says, "That little guy in the living room that talks to Santa at night."   Chris' heartbeat starts to return to a normal rate.  Realization happens.  He says,  "Oh, you mean the Elf On The Shelf, Marley?"   "Yes,  Daddy.  Close my door so that little guy doesn't come in my room."     I don't care if Chris rags on me from here to eternity about how stupid this new custom is, it was worth starting just for this one moment.  Hahahaha.

Lighting the Advent Candle

Our pastor asked if our family would be a part of lighting the advent candle last Sunday and we were excited to do it.  Of course Caleb starred at the band the whole time, but he and Adam were both great while we read. 

StudentsFirst.org

I've seen this woman, Michelle Rhee, in the public news for awhile.  She was made Chancellor of DC Public Schools and made headlines for not sugar-coating anything.  She resigned as chancellor recently and instead of taking another job with another district, she's taking on the whole country's education system.  Everyone knows our schools in this country are...suffering is the nice word.  But, unlike a politician, this woman is ready to do something about it instead of talking about it.  I'm very interested in what she will be doing in the next few years.  If you're interested, take a look at the new movement she's started.  Read the mission statement, the stats, and about Michelle Rhee.  Students First

Thanksgiving in North Carolina

We flew, yes the four of us, to North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with my Papaw, my parents, and my sister.  The flight there was stressful, not because Caleb was upset, but because he WOULD NOT SIT STILL!!  I think somebody slipped him some candy canes or something cause it was ridiculous.  He also liked trying to hear his voice as loud as he could get it over the engines.  The people on this 6am flight did not get to catch up on sleep like they planned.  When we arrived we spent four great days just spending time as a family and letting the boys soak up time with their great-papaw.  Thank goodness the boys slept for the flights home.

Are We There Yet???

 Aunt Teresa and Caleb

Papaw and Caleb work on a Jack-In-The-Box

 We visited Old Salem, NC (not witch hunt Salem) where the Moravians settled.  Very interesting culture.

The interactive tour featured Moravians in traditional attire making the delicious Moravian cookies...Yum!!

Also fresh bread...this place smelled so good!

Mommy and Adam cuddling at a dinner out.

Caleb helps us pack

Caleb's First Haircut

It only took him a year to need a haircut, but we got a little bit off for the baby book.  It's so fine that it was mostly just getting it above his eyes and off his ears.  What a wiggle worm.  Chris had to hold him, I did the cutting, and Adam documented with the camera.  

Caleb Turns 1

Last Saturday, Caleb left baby-hood.  He turned 1 and we had a great time thinking back over the last year with him...scroll back to last November and take a look.  We had a great party with "C" hanging from everywhere and bunches of great appetizers.  We had  family and friends help celebrate and he got some great books to build his library and some great toys to keep his attention.  Chris and I gave him his Graeme Base print for his room and the new Graeme Base book that just came out.  Then, this week the rough side of turning 1 is the well-visit at the doctor for all the shots.  He got 3 shots, his finger pricked to test for anemia, his first molar is popping out, and he had another ear infection.  Jeeze!!  In one year he's gone from 5#12oz.  to 19#15.5oz.    and  19 inches to 29 inches.  He's totally walking now and likes to chase his brother everywhere!!  He also loves to make noise of any kind.  I really love the way he views the world.  He literally stares at everything until he figures it out.  We love you so much Caleb and we're so proud of you!!

Licking the cake batter

 Appetizers!!!!

Candles are mesmerizing aren't they?!

I Win!!

C,C,C,C,C,C,C everywhere!

Caleb Walks!!

For the last month, Caleb has been taking 2-3 steps, but no more. He was very cautious and did not trust himself that he could walk on his own.  Then,  for the last week, he's created his own practice schedule and hasn't looked back.  He is walking all over this house.  He's still working on his balance, but practices more and more each day!  So, it's official, he's walking.  He also likes to open any cabinet or drawer and pull junk out!!

Chris Makes Paella

Delicious seafood paella (spanish jambalaya) cooked on the grill with shrimp and king crab.  Yum!!  We're going step by step on this one. 

Cook the onions

 Add the bell pepper

Add the stock

Add the shrimp

Add the crab

 

Enjoy!!!  Thanks Laura for making this possible!!

Happiest Halloween

This year we bailed on our neighborhood for Halloween.  We've learned the past few years that there just aren't that many houses in our neighborhood that participate.  So...some friends invited us to their neighborhood which they said is awesome for trick-or-treating.  Adam and their twins are just a few weeks apart and love playing together.  So, after Fall Fest at our church we headed over and that neighborhood didn't disappoint.  It was AMAZING!!   I have never seen that many children dressed up in fantastic costumes walking around and that many houses in one neighborhood so into Halloween. We walked down two whole streets where every house was decorated and had someone in costume sitting out front handing out candy.  Some houses were silly, some were scary, and not one intimidated Adam.  He and his friend ran to each house for the entire 2 hours we trick-or-treated.  He would yell after they finished every house, "Hey Bo,   let's go trick-or-treating!!"  Caleb sat in the stroller and was very content watching the masses of children in costume walk by.  I can't wait until next year when Caleb is able to walk up to houses too.  You could tell he was just longing to follow the bigger boys.  Halfway through, we had to empty Adam's pumpkin b/c it was too heavy for him.  Chris and I had a blast watching both of them have so much fun with this holiday. 
(sorry about the blurry pics.  My camera had a hard time focusing)

Adam doing the Candy Bar Walk at our Fall Fest

 Caleb watching the Candy Bar Walk

Trying to bite the donut on a string.  Notice the other boys hand holding Adam's hand down.  Adam kept trying to cheat!! 

 Sharing his donut.  So cute! 

I couldn't get either of them to look at the camera b/c they were fascinated with all the kids in costume walking by.

Just one of the great houses we visited!!  So Fun!!

The loot!! 

(I've got to get this out of the house fast...it's too dangerous to have so accessible)

Saturday At The New Park

We brought bikes to this new park in Baton Rouge designed especially for wheels this Saturday.  They have a huge concrete area with rails, fake swimming pools, hills,etc. for skateboards and trick bikes.  There's a competition dirt bike course, a huge rock wall, and a alternative playground...none of those merry-go-rounds and swings here!!  Adam and Chris rode the path all around the park on their bikes while Caleb and I shared a bottle.  Then we watched while Adam explored the playground.  We will be hanging out at this place often!! 

Pumpkin Time Again!

Of course Adam refused to pull the guts out of his pumpkin, but Chris let him draw the face on it and then Chris cut it out for him.  I think it turned out great!   I did Caleb's for him with bats flying all over.  I learned the cookie cutter technique from Martha. 

Look at Caleb standing up!!

Hornets Game For The Whole Family!

Yes, Caleb went to his first New Orleans Hornets basketball game!  He was pretty great the whole time.  There were a few moments of fear when the fireworks went off, a few moments of whining when he was uncomfortable, but overall he was captivated the whole time.   Adam was totally into it too.  He loved his kids' pack with a hotdog, popcorn, and drink.  He cracked us up when he broke out some new moves during the "Dance Cam".  He was actually cheering when the Hornets made baskets.  He also had  a blast with the friends we went with. 

Caleb Eating...Sort Of

I've been trying to give Caleb lots of choices of foods lately.   The plate was a new addition.  It only lasted about a minute and I'm pretty sure he only digested about a tablespoon of food.  The rest ended up everywhere but his mouth and a big smear of potatoes made it in his eye.  

House of Hair!

Our house has officially become the house of doing its' own hair.  I've been cutting all the boys' hair for awhile now, but last night I attempted to do my own highlights!!  (Don't tell anyone, but it's mostly b/c I found 2 pretty substantial gray hairs that needed to be dealt with)  It came out great!!   I went more on the conservative side, just in case I blew it!  But,  it turned out great and wasn't hard at all.  Chris did have to help me with the back a little b/c I couldn't see it.  He was very adamant about not having signed up for that job.  I feel that if I help with his, he can help with mine.  So, I spent $7 instead of $70 and got the same results and I had more control of the style!!!   You'll just have to trust me b/c I (really the boys) have misplaced the camera.  I hope I find it before Halloween!!  

Got To Use Those Costumes When You Can!!

Boo At The Zoo Time!!  As well as using our costumes more than once, we were able to use our zoo membership to get in!!!  It was sooooo crowded with all kinds of kids dressed in costume...lots of Buzz Lightyears.  Adam practiced saying,  "Trick-Or-Treat" for the real day and Caleb refused to wear his alien hat. I wasn't surprised.   

Check out this mug!!   I think this is the weirdest creature I've ever seen up close.  His head was twice as big as Caleb!!

This was the tunnel to the giraffe house.  The zoo really did a great job of decorating the entire zoo.  There were little surprise pumpkins and such around every corner.

Boys Night Out

Last Wednesday, Chris took Adam to the preseason opener for the New Orleans Hornets.  They had a late night out, but Chris said that Adam was a total fan by the end of the night.  He came home sporting a new jersey, face painting, a balloon sword, a mini-basketball, and a caricature.  He also enjoyed a hot dog, popcorn, and a root beer.  They really had a great time.  Stay tuned for next week when we all go for the actual season-opener.  Caleb is the unknown variable. 

Boys Will Be Boys

I love this picture!! 

Typical

Caleb is 11 months this week and is cracking me up.  I think he has a very advanced, sarcastic sense of humor.  He is stingy with his smiles or I should say smirks.  He finds Adam hilarious.  He likes to make noise with anything...ANYTHING!  He also loves pushing things across the room, especially big things.  He crawls faster than any baby I've ever seen and he likes to repeat sounds he hears.  

Adam is 3.5 years old and is  a sweetie. He loves his Daddy very much and waits patiently for him to get home everyday to "play with him".  Adam and I have been discussing respect and disrespect lately after learning some less than nice faces from some friends.  He is working on it.  I am practicing my patience.  He also still takes random toys to sleep and wakes up with them and carries them around all day.  Right now it's his blanket and the 3 blow up pumpkins and 3 blow up ghosts that his Gigi got him for Halloween last year.  He's also really into Halloween shows right now and can't wait to Trick-Or-Treat.    Who Can??!!