"FINALLY"

Good news to all our blog readers, we FINALLY fixed our comment section. Now you are able to leave comments. I know many of you have asked about it and will be glad, just as we are.

On to more exciting things. Tomorrow the kids will get to dress up in their outfits (princess & fireman), and get lots of candy, we are all excited about this. Brian and I, because it brings joy to us to see them all dressed up and enjoying the activities. Them, because they get to eat the candy. I'm sure Ian will catch on fast when he sees sister doing it. He is starting to notice everything she does and does the same now. Very interesting to me. We may venture to Ponca too, so it could be a busy day.

Tonight Brian and I get to get away for a date night!!! Very exciting! Not sure what we will do, but it should include some good food. Good Thursday to you!

Time Has Passed..........

I was reading a friends' blog today, and her blog was "looking back", pictures of her kids when they were younger. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes, because I too remember when her two boys were born, and I can't believe how much they have grown. So......... today I decided to steal her idea and do one of my own. When I got to looking at all the pictures of the kids when they were babies, I really could not believe how fast, and how much they have changed. Izze was all checks when she was born, and now she is my beautiful little princess. Ian was more skinny looking, and now he has filled out into a handsome toddler boy, with beautiful blond hair (can I say beautiful for a boy, I guess since he is mine, Ha Ha). I think if I could I would hang all their pictures up in the house, I love looking and taking pictures of them. I have many more I could post, but for now I won't take your time looking at more. I thought this was a fun idea to do, and it brings back such loving and warm thoughts to my heart. Hope you enjoy them as much as I am today.

The Princess & The Fireman!

Yesterday, at our mom's group we had a Halloween Party at Gaylee's house, (Thank you Gaylee for opening up your home to us). Izze dressed up like a princess of course, (something she does almost everyday or at least a week). Ian was a fireman. I think they looked so cute. Their little friends were all dressed up too, we had so many little cute kiddos around. Gaylee fixed a great lunch for us, so yummy, and lots of great desserts. It was a fun time together with everyone.

The picture with Ian and the piano, I had to post too. He likes to go in the office and pretend to play the piano, and sing. You can't understand what he is saying, but you know he is singing because the rhythm of his voice. It is so cute. He likes for me to sing and play with him sometimes. (Oh, if you are wondering if I "play", no, I pretend too). He is something, they both like to do what daddy does.

Pumpkin Decorating!

This weekend we decorated the little pumpkins the kids got from the pumpkin patch. Izze likes to do this over and over. She keeps bringing the pumpkins inside and decorating them more. So cute. Brian was helping Ian, and as you can see Izze was all about doing it herself. They did a great job.

18 Months

Yesterday, Ian had his 18 month check up. Can I just say again, I can't believe he is that old already. The time really does go so fast. My baby boy is no longer a baby, but a toddler. I keep thinking before summer gets here next year he will be two, is that even possible? Sometimes I think I don't see them getting older (even though they do). It hits me when we are thinking of sending them off to school, or making some milestone, then I think, Oh, they really don't stay little forever. I know what your thinking, "emotional".

Well, like I was saying Ian went in yesterday for his 18 month well check up, and all is well. He is in the 90th percent for his height, and in the 50th for his weight. He has all his teeth in except for his two year molers. Along with the easy stuff he also received four shots. It was only going to be three, but then she said he could go ahead and get his flu shot too. Instead of torturing him again with bringing him back, I decided to go ahead. He does fine after the process is over and I hold him. I have to say too, (bragging of a mother), everyone was just going on and on about his beautiful golden locks. I love his hair. I have thought about cutting it, but can't bring myself to do so. So, for now it stays.

Izze on the other hand..... I didn't even think about her getting a shot. The nurse said she could go ahead and get her flu shot too. I thought about the new flu mist, but then she would have to come back in a month or two and get another mist, why would I want to put her through that? She was already saying "mommy I don't want a shot" over and over again. I guess she thought I couldn't hear her. I kept trying to explain this would keep her healthy when it gets colder outside, but she didn't seem to really care. She just didn't want the shot. We made it through, basically me holding her down (I hate that part). You guys should have seen her. I had to carry her to the front desk. Ian was walking, and I am carrying my 3 year old. LOL Then I told her she would have to walk when we got outside to the car, because I would be carrying brother. She was squat down walking like a penguin or something. She wouldn't straightening her legs for anything. ALL DAY LONG, it was like her leg was broke. She wanted me to carry her everywhere. Sometimes it was humorous. When daddy got home, they got her leg working again though. I think she forgot about it because they were playing. She is SO DRAMATIC sometimes. I guess she gets it honest, because I think I use to do the same thing when I was a kid, and probably still do to some extent now. I haven't gotten a flu shot ever (that I can remember), because I don't like needles (shots), either. WHAT A DAY!!! Glad we are all done with that. Still if she sees the band aid she starts to limp again. Next bath time, it is coming off! Glad both kids are done with shots now. Have a great Thursday everyone, I am loving this weather. Some good shows on tonight!

Words From a Friend!

Today, I was reading some words from a friend of ours. The words hit me so strongly. They were about "fear". I know in my own life I have, and do, deal with this subject. Mine stems from family influence, I believe, and past events. It is something I have had to deal with most of my short life. Just a few months ago, "it" was rearing it's ugly head at me "again", and I found myself asking God to help me "again." Many people have different fears in their own way. With the economy and everything going on today, everyday things, things that have happened in our past, and the list goes on. Fear is real for each person in their own way.
This friends words today said:
"Fear is a False Evidence Appearing Real" (Like I said it is real to the individual). This is usually true in my case. This friends words said to help deal with fear: focus on what God's word says about fear, some verses that I think are good:
Hebrews 13:6, 1John 4:18, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 34:4, (in the end God's word is the final say over everything anyways), also ignore your internal emotions, they often lie (this one was good because sometimes we (me) can be so emotional, and to confront our fears head on. (I took these almost word for word from my friend)

This was so good for me to read today, I am thankful for the friends the Lord has put in our lives, to minister even when they don't know that they are ministering to us. I leave you with two more verses I found while "searching" today, I thought they were good, Proverbs 19: 23, and Proverbs 9:10. Hope this strengthens, empowers, encourages you today as well. Have a great Fall Wednesday!!

More Pumpkin Patch Pictures

Finally found the pumpkins they wanted! I love these pictures.

Annual Pumpkin Patch!

Monday, the kids and I headed to the Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch with our mom's group! We usually try and do a pumpkin patch each year, and this year we tried this one out. The kids really seemed to enjoy this one as well, although it is the first year Ian can walk and get around, and he did want to "walk" on his own everywhere. Last year he was still in the stroller, probably sleeping. This place had several hay piles, which the kids could play on and crawl around in. They played and crawled around with all their little friends, it was fun to watch. Izze got to feed the animals, which i was surprised that she did, but she did. Ian just kept saying "wow". This place had a cornfield maze that we ventured in with some friends of ours. Thanks Emery for getting us through the maze! They had a hay ride/tractor ride, but it was pretty late, so we headed home, but not before getting our pumpkins. I have to say that this process took a while. Ian kept wanting a green play pumpkin that was on the side, and Izze couldn't make her mind up, then she wanted to test them out by drooping them. Finally, she picked a little baby pumpkin, and I got Ian a green/orange one and it was home for us. They were so excited to show daddy their pumpkins when we got home, and have daddy help decorate them later. We did have a lot of fun, until next year!!

Weekend activites

We had a good weekend, which included a visit from nanny Carol and papa Lin. This was a special treat, because it has been a while since we have seen both of them. They got to be in service with us on Sunday and then back home to get the kids lunch and naps in. After their naps, and Brian got home, we headed to Old Chicago restaurant. We had never been before, but they had, and it was really good pizza, some of the best I've had probably. I got to test out their potato soup too, which was good as well. After dinner we ventured to Target to do a little shopping. Actually, I needed to return something, and get something else, and we ended up getting some shopping in for the kids. Thanks nanny and papa for a great day and the fun stuff for the kids. Hope we can see you again soon! (I regret I didn't get any pictures this time around, next time for sure)

Autumn Sprinkle

Today is one of those Autumn days, where the air is cool and we have some drizzle too. It is cloudy and somewhat foggy as well, but still nice to see Autumn peaking through. The kids and I spent some time at home this morning, enjoying the down time, since it seems like it has been so busy lately. Then it was off to the Library, which we only returned our books, and DVD today, because our lapsit class is closed for a few weeks. The kids and I are sad about this, but it will re-open in Nov. After that is was lunch with a friend! It is nice to do this sometimes. Though we can't get much talking in because of the conversations and such of the kids. We still had a good time, and I am thankful for these moments in my life. The kids are napping and I have been doing the on going project of getting fall/winter clothes down and putting up summer stuff. It seems like it always takes months, because you really need to keep out some summer stuff, because as we all know I'm sure we will have some warm days still to come before it gets cool enough for long sleeves all the time. Tonight we have worship practice, and one of our shows comes back on tonight, so I will be sure and tape it so we can watch it when we arrive back home and get the kids to bed. What a good day today is. Wishing you Autumn's cool sprinkle today.

Science Museum!

Yesterday our mom's group went to The science Museum, which the kids and I have only been once before, so this was exciting for Izze. She was so excited to go to a new place, she was too young to remember it before. Izze and Ian had so much fun playing in the play area. They both really enjoyed the water, which I really needed a towel for Ian afterward. They sit in the tractor, Izze painted her face, Ian went down the slide. The most fun for Izze though was going upstairs to the gymnastics room. She has been wanting to do a gymnastics class for a while now. She got to do flips, walk on the balance beam, she was so excited. She would put her hands in the air and everything. Ian enjoyed the jumping and rolling too, but one of the highlights for him was seeing the big train, and the trains go around the huge track. They both wanted to stare at this big train track for a while. Ian was so cute, saying choo choo. What a great day at the science museum, thanks to Amy for the free pass too!

Little Get Away!

This weekend was a busy one, but good. Brian and I got to get away for a little bit without the kids. Thank you so much to Winnie and Keith for making this happen. You guys are such a blessing to us! We headed for a nights stay in Dallas, which was so much fun. We did all of our usual shopping, and eating places. Even tried a new place, suggestions of the Deas, it was great. Molten Lava cake was yummy. It seemed like the trip went so fast this time around. We had some specific things to look for, and went a few more places than usual, so I guess that made it seem faster. We had breakfast outside in the cool morning breeze at starbucks, yummy. If you like oatmeal, they have great oatmeal, and pumpkin spice latte right now. When we picked up the kids Ian was looking out the window, and seen us coming, he was so excited. Both kids did great with Winnie and Keith, we were so glad, it makes the trip easier. I always enjoy these little get aways with my man!

Another Great Thursday!!

Another great fall day today, although I think it will get a little warm in the low 80's today, but right now, beautiful. Looking forward to a great Thursday. Brian is headed back from Ponca, finishing some stuff with his mom's estate. The kids are down for a nap right now!!! We are looking forward to a great weekend with some special things planned. I am also getting my hair done today, yeah, it is going on four months since I have done anything, so I am ready! Just not quite sure what to do. We'll see! Paw Paw Jack is coming over this afternoon to spend some time with kids, it will be good to see him. Well, I think I have covered it all for now. Here's to another great Thursday, hope you have the same.

Great Friends, Good Food, Lots of kids, and a nice fall day

What a long title today, but I had to express all the good things about today. Some of my friends got together today to hang out. One of my favorite things to do, just be, you know. We had good conversation, great food (thank you, thank you), and lots of kids all around. Of course I can't forget about the amazing weather we have been having. It is a nice fall day today. The kids played outside some. Izze got to swing, and hit the bat and ball around. Ian mostly ran around, and walked with the stroller, until he fell and scratched his little head some. He was fine though, he just likes a little comfort from mommy. Nothing like having a fun day with friends and good food (the dip and the cake were my favorite, yummy!!) Thanks for a great day everyone, until next time!!!!!

Tuesday - Library Day!

Today was Library day. This will be our last one for a couple of weeks because the library will be closed for re-carpeting. I am a little sad about that, because the kids seem to enjoy it so much. Ian now plays on his own, and Izze is starting to know and sing the songs. She sings the clean up song, the black bird song, the good bye song, the little mouse one too. It is so fun to hear her sing them and do the movements. Today, the teacher had a box of hats for the kids to wear during their story time, since the story was about different hats today. Izze picked out a yellow and orange sun hat. So cute. Today we had lots of our friends there, because our mom's group met there today. Also a friend of mine goes with her little girl, so we got to see lots of friends today. So much fun. Now time to get some work done, while the kids are napping, and then off to worship practice tonight. Tuesdays are some what a busy day now, but a good busy. Oh, by the way the weather today is gorgeous. This is perfect fall weather, a little windy, but I don't seem to mind so much today. To all my friends and family have a great Tuesday.

Up Date from the Weekend

Thursday night was a great date with my husband. We had yummy food, and even got to catch a movie. We had time to talk and just be. After the movie we headed to Barnes and Noble to look at magazines (mostly hair magazines for me). Yes, I am looking to find something different again. I just can't seem to find anything. Well, we'll see? I always enjoy these times so much.

Friday, we headed to The Botanical Gardens to Crystal Bridge, which on this day it was free admission. Brian and I have been before, but we thought the kids would like it too. Izze and Ian really enjoyed it. They had waterfalls, plants, flowers, things you would see in the rain-forest I guess. After that we decided to stay in bricktown and grab some dinner. The weather was great so we ate outside, it was perfect. Izze enjoyed the big water fountain, she even got to stick her hand in the water and throw some pennies in. We had a great family day.

Saturday was a busy day with errands, and lots of things to get done. I attended a baby shower for one of my friends. So glad you had a great baby shower. Can't wait to see the little girl or boy to come. You guys will make great parents!

Sunday was a great day too. We have started a new series "Just Ask", it is going to be good. The kids and I attended all four experiences, and had a relaxing afternoon. The weekend was busy, but worth ever bit of it.

Thursday - Great Day Ahead!

Something about Thursday's, makes me ready for the weekend to come. I have been loving the mornings lately. The kids usually want to go outside in the mornings to play, so we leave the door open since it is so cool in the morning. I love it, sometimes I will sit outside with them and drink my coffee and enjoy the beauty that God created just for us to gaze upon. The kids have so much fun playing outside and I love to watch them, unless a screaming match begins, then I have to wake up from my gaze and step in to calm the madness.

Today looks to be busy with the some errands and things to be done, but then tonight is my date with my husband, my friend. I always look forward to these times and get excited inside. We have a relaxing time and it is so nice to be together. The good food is a plus too. We have so many favorite places. To all my friends and family, here's to a great Thursday ahead!

Friendships!

What would life be without friends? I had this thought pass through my mind today. Today, some of Izze and Ian's friends came over to play, while the ladies tried to talk and catch up on things. After the kids were down for their naps, I had the thought of what life would be like without friendships in it. I came to the conclusion that it would probably be very lonely. I am blessed in my life to have friends. These ladies are a great part of my life and I wouldn't want to do life without them in it. Thanks to you for your friendship, it does make life a little sweeter.