THE TAKEOVER!!!

Okay, so I heard that it's okay to "break in" to your wife's blog on her birthday and post whatever you want. So be forewarned, this is not Jessie. If you don't know me, my name is Bart and I am her husband. And what rock have you been living under to not know who I am. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Now, let me get back to my post. I'm not going to talk about how awesome our kids are (although they are). And I'm definitely not going to talk about the Mom's Group that Jessie loves so much. And even though I have the greatest and most entertaining stories about Jessie, I'm not going to share them...mainly because I would get in trouble, but also because I value my relationship with my wife. However, I do say a few things that I hope Jessie will not catch/edit out. We will see...

Jessie is simply the perfect compliment for who I am. I'm not saying "she completes me" because that is a terribly corny thing to say, and anyway I don't think that I'll be "complete" in this lifetime. But Jessie is so much more than the 29 things she listed in her birthday post. So I've decided to make a list of 29 qualities that make Jessie the best wife, Mom, daughter, scrapbooker, bad joke teller...and overall awesome person that she is:

1. Jessie is patient, even when her boys are not
2. Jessie blesses our family with faith and hope
3. Jessie helps me be a more responsible person
4. Jessie loves to read with our children
5. Jessie keeps our family traditions alive (and she still has my Mom's "magic cooking pot" to prove this)
6. Jessie doesn't get mad at the stupid things I do (such as "world's most dirtiest pants")
7. Jessie understands the sacredness of LSU Football, and allows my wild antics before, during, and well after the games
8. Jessie works hard to magnify her church calling (if I sound like a Morman, it's because I am)
9. Jessie laughs at my jokes
10. Jessie takes pictures of all of the special things that happen in our family, like the time Jackson got a toilet seat stuck on his head
11. Jessie was willing to move halfway across the country so I could continue my "career"
12. Jessie can't stand to think that some people in the world are hungry
13. Jessie says she doesn't want to have more kids, but she hasn't completely ruled it out either
14. Jessie still thinks that REO Speedwagon is a great band
15. Jessie does this dance in the car sometimes where she hits her hand on the steering wheel and it is one of the funniest things ever
16. Jessie has a special knack of saying really inappropriate things at the perfect times
17. Jessie knocks me back down to earth when my head gets too big
18. Jessie says she likes my music collection but I know she thinks it sucks
19. Jessie wants to join a historical society that so she can take part in a civil war reenactment
20. Jessie tells me when my hair gets too long
21. Jessie is big on teamwork - she will wash the dishes because I don't like to, and she let's me put them up because it's a special skill I have
22. Jessie is a member of the PTA
23. Jessie has more traffic tickets than I do
24. Jessie will pass gas and then blame it on me without even cracking a smile
25. Jessie will talk to you on the phone, even if she is dropping the kids off at the pool
26. Jessie keeps in touch with our friends so I don't have to
27. Jessie reminds me and the kids to pray when we are having a hard time
28. Jessie was the daughter my Mom never had, and she helped her be happy when she was sick
29. Jessie is my best friend, and I find more things to love about her everyday

This Is What 29 Looks Like

You wish you were this lucky.

29 facts about Jessica:
1. I love to take pictures, but I love to be in them, too.
2. I took Japanese in high school, along with six others...and my school was TINY! (we watched it via satellite and talked mushi-mushi on Tuesdays and Thursdays, LIVE!)
3. I have been sewing since I was 11 (that's when I got my first machine), but I am only mediocre at it.
4. I am obsessed with scrapbooking but I am so cheap I do a minimalist job of it.
5. Although I say I am DONE WITH KIDS, I am too scared to have Bart get snipped just yet and I am getting an IUD on Friday instead.
6. I love cherry 7-Up, Mr. Pibb, and root beer, but rarely drink them.
7. I want more then I can have.
8. I have some wonderful friends...thanks for the phone calls!
9. My dad is awesome. He called this morning and sang a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday over the phone.
10. My mom is just as cool...she called later to let me know a box w/ 2 cricuit cartridges was coming my way soon!
11. I am addicted to myomahamommies.com
12. I am very vain about the fact that I have blue eyes and blonde hair (though it isn't so blond anymore...needs some color)
13. I do not like to wear skirts to church in the cold and am currently searching my soul to decide if wearing pants is being rebellious or just smart.
14. I forget movies soon after I watch them.
15. I read the Twilight books, love the first three and hate # four.
16. I got married really young (19)
17. A goal for 2009: Do the laundry more often so it doesn't take so long to put away.
18. I love Spanish rice but haven't had it in years b/c Bart doesn't like it (don't worry, he hasn't had a few foods he loves, too, like turtle soup.)
19. I have ugly fingers/fingernails and hate to have them painted, but like them to be polished clear.
20. I was #2 in my high school class of like 60 or so...big whop.
21. I was in 4-H in high school and LOVED it. I was president of my school's club and the parish club (I think I was parish pres...I was parish something) I even got scholarships from it.
22. I rode horses until we moved to Leesville, LA in 1988.
23. I like to tell elaborate stories and really embellish the facts. This has been a trait of mine since kindergarden.
24. I've never ridden a motorcycle even though most of my family does and The Rider's Edge course was offered to be paid in full if I wanted to take it.
25. I love the movie Sweet Home Alabama (any R.W. movie, really) and have seen it at least 20 times.
26. I only think a sale is good if it is more then 50% off...just 50% does not impress me. That's like the regular price of things at Hobby Lobby...if you pay full price there, it's like they are robbing you.
27. I love Bart with every fiber of my being and I am so glad I helped him plan Operation Day 13 and a luau when I was a freshman at LSU.
28. I should be watching the end of the LSU game.
29. I bet I am in bed before midnight tonight.

That's all about me for now...the cake of the century (made by 2 boys) is coming soon...



Oh, and don't you dig that professional backdrop? Yep, a quilt covering the window to help combat the freezing cold...I have that plastic stuff that you tape on and use your blow-dryer to shrink, but I haven't done it yet. My house ROCKS (well, if it had new windows it really would!)

A Present to Me

I ordered a super cute necklace from Becky Sharp Designs yesterday with some of my Christmas money from Bart's dad. I can't wait to get it. And one lucky friend has a surprise coming her way from Becky as well...wonder who it will be???
Becky is a friend from LSU days, so I am excited to get to support her and her passion for creating beautiful jewelry. Go check out her site. You will not be disappointed. She even has sales, which I love, so I am sure to order from her again. If only I'd thought of her sooner, the girls I was scrapping with this weekend would have gotten much nicer gifts...but there is always next year. (those poor women got the short end of my gift giving stick. i am so sorry...you guys gave GREAT gifts! i kept coming up with great ideas AFTER it was too late to get them)

Where Do They Learn This Stuff?

Brennan has been sick for a few days with a fever of 100-103 or so.

Today when I woke him up so we could take Bart to work, he sat up, felt his forehead, and said, "Well, I guess my fever broke. My brain is cool."

Where the heck did he learn the phrase "fever broke" and how did he know how to use it properly???

Giveaways

I am in the process of contacting people to do giveaways. If you are interested in doing a giveaway on my blog, please contact me via email theremingtons@cox.net. I think it would be fun and it is a great way for your products and services to get more exposure. If you know of someone else who might be interested, either contact me and share their info or contact them and share mine.
Thanks for your interest.

I Am Now Rich

As I am sure you've noticed, there are ads on my blog, sponsored by BlogHer. BlogHer is a community for women who blog and they have advertisers who support us all with their ads. It's like a magazine, in a way...you see the ads, even if you don't rush out and buy the product. So, every time you click on my blog, I get a hit and that adds a few pennies to my pot o' money.

Today, I got my first check! For about two months worth of blogging I got a BIG FAT check for $35.45.

Sure, not a lot...I'm not really rich like my title says (unless you add the check to my Christmas money from Mr. Ronnie, then I have $85 and you know that's a lot of scrap paper which is what really makes me happy!) BUT it really excited me.

I love blogging. I love sharing my life with my family and friends. I love thinking of funny things to share. I love creating. In a way, my blog is my virtual scrapbook/journal. I love reading my friends blogs, keeping up to date on their lives...I miss all of you guys so much! I've made lots of great friends here in Omaha, but there is just something special about all my Louisiana blogging buddies. I love checking out the gazillion crafting, money saving, good mommy blogs out there.

So, this check for $35.45 is just an extra layer of icing on a yummy cake I'm about to devour.

I'd blog anyways, but getting paid for it is an awesome bonus. Plus, every time one of my posts gets on the "BlogHer Roll" on the right side, it really excites me. (I guess I should get other hobbies so something so small wouldn't matter!)

So, I'll try not to spend it all in one place...Happy Blogging.

And Suddenly I'm Almost Old...

Late last night I returned from a fun filled day of scrapbooking, eating, chatting with friends, and presents. I had a blast but I was very tired by the time I got home.
Well, when I got home, Brennan woke up to go potty and get a drink. I noticed his teeth for some reason...one of the ones on the bottom was crooked. I started to think he'd hit his mouth or something.
Then, I asked him to open his mouth. I wiggled...and the tooth wiggled back.
(Keep in mind I think loose teeth and lost teeth are some of the most disgusting things around.)
WHOA! I wondered aloud when did I become old enough to have a child old enough to be ready to lose teeth? Bart laughed at me and pointed out Brennan is 5 1/2 years old...prime tooth losing time.
But still, I sure didn't feel like an old lady until I realized my baby boy was about to lose his baby teeth and officially now and forever become a big boy.
Maybe I was just really tired from a fun filled day, maybe it's the last bits of baby hormones returning to normal in my system, but I sure felt OLD last night.

Guess Who Gets To Scrapbook???

That's right! ME!
Thanks to Stacy and Linda hosting a great Birthday Bash at their house. There are four in our "group" (I guess I am part of the group...I don't know how many emails and crops you must attend to be part of the bigger picture and not just "Diana's friend") that have birthdays in December, so they are hosting a crop at their house. They have an amazing basement with lots of scrapping supplies, tables, chairs, and FOOD! Last time I went to their house I forgot to bring a few supplies, but that was not an issue since they had plenty extras to share.
I thought I'd miss out on my tradition this year since we did not go home (I've scrapped with a few friends for my b.day for years now...I will miss you Jenn, Melissa, Burgundy {who just had a baby girl!}, Jeni, etc., etc.)...but then I got THE email and I have been planning ever since.
I love Bart and that he just KNOWS that I will be doing this at the end of December. He makes sure I have money to buy new supplies (well, I got the money this year buy did not make it to the store) and makes sure he can keep the boys. He's been sick since Tuesday and I was worried I'd have to cancel, but he's feeling a little bit better now so we are on.
What about Ethan, you might ask...well, he is coming with me. He sleeps a LOT and loves the sling, so I think I will be able to do a lot, even with him with me. I am already planning on not accomplishing a ton b/c of him, but being with friends and having a great time is just as good as actually doing something, right?
Check out the cake I baked...the one on the left is where my inspiration came from. (Cake pic. courtesy of some website) Mine is the single layer on the right.
Let me tell you...zebra stripes are harder then they look, or I am a bit too impatient and should have let them set for a few minutes before transferring them onto the cake. That probably would have been a good idea b/c then they would not have stretched and morphed so much.
Please don't look at my cake too closely. There are tons of flaws and I accidentally got frosting on the bow when constructing it. I really love the curlie parts on the bow, though. It makes the cake really fun.

It's an Italian cream cake with cream cheese frosting...and there is a LOT of frosting under that fondant. I think I will attempt to make a zebra cake again, if the occasion should arise, but for now I will be happy with mine.

Alright, Ethan is asleep so I better get in bed...LONG FUN day tomorrow and I need my beauty sleep.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

Originally posted on 12/20/2007

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Toy Maker,

Thank you so much for putting lead in our toys. It has made for some fun times, trying to figure out what could possibly harm my child. I especially like that we've all known for years that lead is bad, but for some reason you are just now doing something about it. That really is really going the extra mile.

However, that is not why I write you today. Today I write to discuss another subject, the enslavement of your toys.

I understand that you do not want for your toys to escape during shipping. I know that toys can be a bit naughty and switch boxes or hide in the back and try to run to freedom when the ship docks. I get it. But, what I don't get is the 5.2 million wires you use to confine these sweet, innocent toys. I think it is inhuman. There are better ways to tame a toy.

Santa came today, you see, and it took my husband and myself over three hours to open the various toys. I am still trying to get all the wires and tape off of one toy. Now, don't just say to yourself, "She bought her children too many toys. That is why it took so long."
Nope. We tried very hard to get toys the children would really enjoy for a long time, not just a quick happy fix. We didn't over indulge them. So, I am still wondering why my fingers have cuts all over them from the packaging you use to contain the toys.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that (generally) all the pieces are in one place and that I do not have to tell a crushed child that he will have to wait to play with his toy because it must first be exchanged for a complete toy. I have seen first hand how naught those toys can be, hiding under beds and in sandboxes, as if they don't want our children to be their masters. But, I am just tired of your enslavement methods.

So, for next year, please consider sedating all of the toys, and including an anti-serum with each toy, so that I can easily open the box and get my child playing. I believe sedation is a lot more humane than tying them up, so please, free the toys. Give them drugs to keep them quiet. Just stop using so much damn wire to tie every nook and cranny of my child's puppets and board games and race cars down.

Thank you.
J. R...a concerned consumer

Without A Shadow of a Doubt

I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that these boys of mine are definitely their father's children. (I mean, I know it anyways, but now I know that aliens did not sneak in and impregnant me in the night.)

Conversation overheard coming from top of stairs (after we pumped up the LSU snow sled this morning) as I check email.

B: Just get on and I will push you down the stairs.
J: Okay.
B: Hold on!

My interest is caught and the wheels quickly turn.

Oh, crap! Brennan is about to push Jackson down the stairs on the sled onto the ceramic tiles of the entry way!

Good thing I am fast as lightening and stopped that before it happened.

Yep, just like their daddy.

(The picture is Jack on the sled last winter. We will test it out this year on Christmas day when the "heat wave" of 36 or 40 degrees hits. Hope it doesn't melt the snow too fast!)



This is Bart sometime right after we moved to our new home, testing out his theory of sledding down the basement steps.

Our Winter Wonderland

This is Jack. Jack hates the snow, esp. when it freezes the snot coming out of his nose from crying about hating the snow.

This is Brennan. Brennan loves the snow so much he even loves to ROLL AROUND in it. (Keep in mind he does have on a snowsuit.)

These are my three sons. Inside, on the kitchen floor, happily playing in snow (or contently staring at the two big brothers who are acting strange).

Yep...that's how we play...inside with an outside "toy". Jackson seemed to enjoy the snow in the nice, toasty warm kitchen, as Mommy prepares hot cocoa and Christmas carols play in the background. (well, the cocoa and carols part is a lie, but everything else is the truth...honest!)

Church Christmas Party In Review

The boys ready to go and the snowmen united

So, there were lots of desserts...even some leftover, though I think the snowmen were the first to go. (Not that I care, I just think the kids liked them...Brennan only ate the candies and then threw the rest away! Wasteful child.) Side dishes...well, thank goodness the church provided yummy cheesy potatoes, green beans and rolls...the other stuff got eaten really fast.

**A side note about rolls**
If you are buying a large quantity of rolls, say 11 dozen...don't think you don't need a basket to transport them in the store...you DO!

Overall the food was very good (and warmer then at Trunk-or-Treat), somebody brought yummy potato salad (I love a good p.s.), there was lots of ham, and all the children were very well behaved...I bet they throw a fit when they realize all the color sheets they colored aren't hung up on Sunday, though! (Maybe the color sheet elf will have magically hung them all up!)

As for the program...do we have to have a program? Is that required? Can't we eat, chat, and leave? I guess it was okay. I was just tired, Ethan was hungry, and Jackson had reached the end of his "being good" rope, so I could have done with just dessert and then dashing out as they said "Amen" to end the evening. (Yep, I helped set up and abandoned ship before clean up time. I am THAT girl)

Now don't mark me down as the girl who always finds something wrong...I thought it was an overall pleasant experience, I enjoyed visiting with a few friends as we all struggled with our children and I loved the desserts...there was this carrot cake stuff that was awesome, along with a chocolate pie thing that was yum-o, just to name a few of the choices. Overall an alright experience. If I'd remembered to play the Christmas c.d. Bart had made I think it would have been even BETTER, because it was a really great c.d. Oh, well, there's always next year.

The angry snowman. For some reason I feel like he is French...or a Democrat (just kidding!)

Coupon Giveaway!

Go here to win $140 in coupons from Mom Saves Money (one of my real life friends!)

Church Christmas Party Still A Go

Despite the winter storm that blew through last night, leaving snow and ice everywhere and causing schools to be canceled, the Benson Ward Church Christmas Party is still on! (Which is good, b/c I think I'd go stir crazy just sitting at home all day!)
Good thing, b/c I have 25 snowmen waiting to be eaten, an apple pie waiting to be baked, and a mac-n-cheese recipe by Paula Deen waiting to be tested in the crockpot.
(My snowmen really look like these, though I made a few with "O" mouths, one with a mustache and mean eyebrows, and a few with frownie faces b/c they don't like being snowmen).
Check back tomorrow to find out my reaction to Christmas Potluck '08!

Pigs In A Blanket

For those of you who were part of the "newlywed" crowd in the early 00's, here's a recipe just for you. I think I made this any time anybody hosted anything that required potluck. One particular party held at my house holds the memory of Nicole eating about 10 of these things!

Pigs In A Blanket

1 pack (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast
1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
2/3 cup warm milk
1/3 cup warm water
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons shortening, melted
1 teaspoon salt
3 2/3 cup all purpose flour
hot dogs

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in the milk/water; let stand for 5 minutes. Add egg, shortening, salt, remaining sugar, shortening, and enough flour to to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down, divide into 10 portions. Roll each portion into a 5 in.x 2 1/2 in. rectangle and wrap hotdog around; pinch seams ends to seal. Place seam side down on greased baking sheet; let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.

Those are the official directions. Here's what I do:
Put all ingredients (I don't heat up the milk, I just make the water as hot as the faucet will allow, I don't melt shortening...I use vege. oil instead, I add all the recommended flour) into the bread machine you got for your wedding and never use.
Put on DOUGH cycle and sit back and relax, taking a moment to congratulate yourself on registering for the bread machine.
When it's done, get out the hot dogs (I might do one pack, I might do two, you can really stretch this recipe and make WAY more then 10) and decide if you want full blown dogs or mini dogs. If mini, cut the hot dogs in half or thirds or whatever you desire. Hey, maybe you want to use lil' smokies...knock yourself out.
Form a small amount of dough in your hand into a rectangle that looks about the right size to cover the dog. (Generally, if full sized dog, a little bit bigger then your hand) BTW, if you want to enclose the dog, go ahead. If not, leave the ends open, like in the picture. Cover, mush the sides closed, place in glass greased baking dish. I don't know why, but mine turn out better if baked on glass, not a cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 like the official directions say, then cool and enjoy.
Sometimes I'd use butter spray and spray a little on the top of the dogs. Sometimes I'd make a few dogs and use the rest of the dough to make rolls, a small loaf of bread, cinnamon sticks or rolls, whatever. I just love this dough recipe.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

This is Jamie with adorable baby Jack. She is a great mommy! I mean, check out the ubber cool hat she got for him to wear at Thanksgiving! (I wish my kids had hats like that!)




This is Jamie with Brennan (she was there when he was born, so I guess they have a connection)

This is Jamie and Jessica at Mike Anderson's in Baton Rouge last summer.

Jamie's birthday is today, mine is 12/31...we both turn 29! Though at a certain point in our friendship Jamie thought my birthday was in July, b/c of a Shania Twain concert we attended in New Orleans. (another post, another day)
Let me tell you, few friends are as amazing as Jamie girl is. At random moments throughout Ethan's pregnancy I'd discover a package with goodies on my front door (no small task since she's in FL and I'm in NE). I think she knew how much support I needed to get over my dread of "another boy" (another post for another day...) and she is just great at showering one with love and gifts. I love them all.
Jamie is great to vent to, share fun facts with, and just hang out with. It kills me that we have so many miles between us, but trust me, I am in the middle of planning a BIG operation to get to visit her with the boys this summer. It's gonna be HUGE!
So, Happy Birthday Jamie! I hope you planned yourself a GREAT party!

I LOVE YA!

Cute..but a pain in the boob

You heard me.
He's cute, he's cuddly, he even smells great in between baths...
BUT...
He's a real pain in the boob.

First, I get mastitis.
Now we've both got thrush.
Thanks baby.

I love you, too, and am planning an equally heartfelt gift for you for Christmas.

Snow Update

Jackson is a true southern boy. He played in the snow for about ten minutes then was ready to come in.
Brennan, on the other hand, has been MIA since he got home from school at 4!

It finally snowed.

Oh.
Joy.
Am I supposed to be happy about this?
It's not like in southern Louisiana, where it warmed up quickly and all the snow disappeared.
No.
This snow is here to stick around...for a long, long time, getting grosser and grosser as each child, animal, mailman walks through it or pees in it (I hope the mailman doesn't, but Brennan did last year! He did get in trouble for this, but I have to laugh a little and blame that one on the grandparents) or shovels more dirty snow on top of it.
Welcome Winter. There is no all you can eat buffet and we don't offer turn down services, so feel free to check out as soon as possible.

I am thankful...

I am sitting at the computer, checking emails, and I hear the weatherman's voice say, "It's currently 5 below 0, with a windchill of negative 20. Make sure if you go outside you bundle up."
Really?
I just thought it was me being overly southern this morning as I drove Bart to work and shivered.
I am thankful for weathermen who are able to state the obvious without feeling silly about it.

Following the Signs

Friday the boys and I went to see Santa at Regency Park before getting Bart at work. We passed a store I like that had a 40% off sale price sign out front...my kind of sign. It beckoned me inside, and I listened. I am not one to ignore signs, think of all the people's in the scriptures who ignored signs. None of them ever had a good outcome.
So...
I got a cute pair of dress pants and a pair of jeans because I followed that wondrous sign...thank goodness I bought the dress pants because today is COLD and I was NOT wearing a skirt to church. Right now it is 6.8 degrees (-14 with wind chill), according to weatherbug.com. Tomorrow's predicted high is 10, and Tuesday's is 16.
So, what do you think? Is it okay to wear dress pants to church? Who set up the rules that you had to wear a dress to church? Do you think it is disrespectful to wear pants if you are a lady? I understand how that used to be all women wore, but we wear a lot of things now, so I think you girls should follow me as I wear gaudy thick and warm tights under very warm pants to church on Sunday's and together we will NOT freeze off those lazy leg hairs that got missed in the hurried shower taken as a baby screams, a husband reads (his lesson he must teach) and two little boys knock at the door.
Waddaya say? Should we make a new sign for church? One that says, "Nice dress clothes" accepted.

Green Popcorn Balls

When I was young, I guess four or five, and we lived in Utah, my mom was in the hospital on her birthday, which is today, Dec. 13. Someone took me to a church activity or something where we made or were given green popcorn balls.
Well, being the kind hearted child that I am, I gave that popcorn ball to my mama as a present. I think that is the most infamous present my mama has ever gotten for her birthday, but we'll have to let her tell us for herself. I think it'll win, because everybody in our house has heard the story of the green popcorn ball a time or two.

Happy Birthday Mama! I love you and I am so glad for all the times we get to spend together. I especially miss you now that you have such a fun toy to play with! :-) And you've got ALL the accessories, too!
My mom is a jack of all trades. She can sew like a mad woman (she made the boy's blessing dress, their quilts, my wedding dress, TONS of cheerleader and flag team uniforms, suits, everyday wear...the list goes on and on...), bake cakes like nobody's business, plays many musical instruments, plans elaborate parties at the drop of a hat, stays calm under pressure, has many medical issues but doesn't let them slow her down, rides a motorcycle, and pretty much can master any skill she decides to take on in a relatively short amount of time.
I am so thankful my mom was able to come to Omaha to participate in/witness the birth of Ethan. Gross as childbirth may be, she seems to not mind. Me, I'd rather not know where babies come from. I really enjoyed our time together and can't wait for this summer when we get to do it again (not the labor part, the spending time part...I better NEVER have a labor part again!)
So, happy, happy birthday. WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA CUPCAKE!

9 Years Ago Today...

Nine years ago today, my parents, Bart and I entered the Dallas Texas Temple in the wee hours of the morning so that Bart and I could be married for "time and all eternity". (Read links to find out more about LDS temple marriage if you are interested)
It was cold, a bit rainy, and overcast, and the outfit I was supposed to wear that morning had met a terrible fate (he, he!) but we entered the House of the Lord with smiles on our faces as we knelt across from each other and become one family.
In the nine years I've been married to Bart, I've learned a lot. In honor of our ninth year of marriage (and because I am feeling blah from having mastitis {though the meds. are starting to help a lot!} and we aren't going out on a cool date that I can blog about like we did last year) I'll list the top nine things I've learned from being married to Bart.

1. NEVER sit down on the toilet without first checking the closed shower curtain.
2. ALWAYS remind Bart to stop seasoning dinner BEFORE he thinks there is enough.
3. LAUGH often, and together...not just at each other.
4. LSU sports overrules all other t.v. selections.
5. FAITH and PRAYERS will help overcome even the toughest of obstacles.
6. Have FUN...try something new.
7. It's necessary to be silly...otherwise Bart will start to think something's wrong.
8. TOGETHER we are a strong team.
9. I've learned I sure married the right man...I'm so glad I fell for the "Tattooed Pierced Freak" with his bright yellow "chic getter" shirt and crazy haircuts!

So, thank goodness I only applied to LSU. What would have happened if I'd followed all of my friends and attended LA Tech? I might still be searching for my Mr. Right. Bart, I love you and thank you for all you do to make our family what it is.

One more thing I've learned...Bart+Jessie=cutest darn kids around!

Celebrating Christmas

This year we are not going home for Christmas. This will be the first time in my 28 (almost 29!) years that I have not been around my family on the holidays. Same thing for Bart. But, with the addition of baby Ethan, we decided to drive to LA right now would be crazy, even if gas is only $1.49 a gallon!
To help ease the ache of missing all our family and friends, we decided to celebrate Christmas a little bit every day. No, we're not doing Chrismukkah with 8 days of presents and then one big day of presents, we're just doing small things each day. (Man, I sure do miss the OC!)
On Monday, Dec. 1 we had an FHE and wrote out something to do each day on a countdown. Now, we haven't done all of them in the order we created, like Friday Bart worked late, so instead of baking cookies, we drove around and checked out Christmas lights after he got off. We baked cookies last night. So, we are flexible, but we are making sure we do one thing every day.
If you are not feeling "the reason for the season" and feeling a bit "bah-humbug", maybe you could copy our idea. So far it's brought a smile to our face at least once a day and it's given us many opportunities to talk with the boys about Christ, Santa, and everything in between.



make sure you press mute on the slide show.

Ethan's One Week Photo Shoot

Ethan's pictures were taken by Kim of Dusek Photography. If you are in the Omaha area, I highly recommend using her services. Her photos are great, she's quick and inexpensive, and you'd be helping a stay at home mom out. Just make sure you mention my name when you go! :-)

Create-A-Book

My friend, Kristen, is selling these adorable books.

A great gift for any child is a book. Personalized books let your child be the the star of the story. They will want to read these books over and over again. Kristen is now a Create-A-Book dealer and can make and sell these books from her home. If you are interested, check out her website at www.booksandcds4u.com Sign up for the club and receive updates on specials, new products, and coupon codes!

You can also earn discounts and even free books for hosting a home party (playdate or MNO) or a virtual party. Leave me a comment if you are interested in hosting one and I will pass your info on to Kristen.

I saw some of the finished products last Christmas when she and her mother had a kiosk at the mall and let me tell you...they are cute and perfect for the baby or child who has a little of everything already!

And an FYI as to who Kristen is...this is her daughter, so you know the profit she's making is much appreciated.

Learning

We're always learning.
Brennan is learning to read (doing quite well, imo), Jackson is learning to use the potty, and Ethan, well, he's learning the difference between day and night (thus me posting right now when I want to be sleeping but I am waiting for him to fall asleep).
Me...today I learned where the phrase "Freezing my a** off" came from.
Sorry folks, I am not always Molly Mormon, especially when it is 18 degrees outside, I have on no hat or scarf, my gloves are thin, and I have to load the car with the groceries I just purchases while Ethan sleeps away in the nice warm car. Praises and thanks sent Emily's way for keeping Jackson for me. She thought I needed a nap...I knew I needed groceries more. Either way, it was appreciated and I'll be waiting to return the favor.
As the winds blew and my lips froze...I learned (by the power of deduction) that the poor Mormon's crossing America who had to stop at Winter Quarters until spring founded the phrase, with the help of the local Indians and fur trappers who wandered into this part of the country.
Now, I am sure it is colder other places, but after feeling as if I could very possibly lose my ears to frostbite, I feel confident in saying the phrase originated here...in the windy city of Omaha.

While I'm at it...why didn't "they" say, "Freezing my flabby stomach off"? That would just be great and if it were true, I'd brave the cold and shed the skin of motherhood.

Taste The Rainbow

Today Brennan was a very nice big brother. His school is selling candy canes for 0.25 cents each as part of a club fundraiser. Brennan asked for two quarters so he could buy one for Jackson as well.
Awww, what a sweet brother Brennan is.

And...what a sweet Jackson. You literally might want to eat him up.

When he was done, he held out his hands and said, "I a rainbow now Mama."

In other news, Ethan went in for his two week check up...he is still 22 inches long but weighs 9 lbs. 15 oz. Holy Cow!!! He is sleeping well all days, some nights. Other nights cause me to turn into zombie woman. Thank goodness for the kindness of friends for bringing such yummy meals...one less thing to worry about on those days I am running on fumes and having a touch of the "baby blues". I wore non-maternity jeans today, so that cheered me up a bit, but a lack of nap due to some bad planning of appointments took my cheer, threw it out the window, and replaced it with this tired, achy boob monster.

Shakin' Your Booty To Get Some Christmas Spirit

Brennan currently refers to all things Christmas as "The Christmas Spirit". All of our neighbors beautifully decorated homes have it, the inside of our home has it, songs have it, stores, t.v. shows and movies, etc.
So, without further ado...Harry Connick Jr. to bring you some booty shakin' Christmas spirit. (Sorry it is kind of cut off at times, youtube isn't always the best for quality)

And now for a sleigh ride to prepare for the snow that I just know will come. (argh!)

And finally...because he's hot, he's from New Orleans, and we all need to shake our booty's to lose what we gained on Thanksgiving...

Ethan is Blessed

Last Sunday, Nov. 25 (I think) Ethan was blessed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was less then one week old, but we wanted to do it before my parents left.
Ethan was a very good baby and slept through the entire blessing/service. Ethan wore the same dress his brothers wore (yep, we are old school), which is a beautiful heirloom gown with lots of delicate, lovely lace. My mom made this for my family, and I am very grateful to her for her sharing her talents and time. The dress is LONG, as you can see in the first picture, and that is just how I wanted it. The bottom has a lovely monogrammed "R", so it can be handed down from child to child. Since only boys occupy this home, as long as my future daughter-in-laws don't have something already saved for future grandchildren, they can all use the same dress as well. If a future daughter-in-law does have something sentimental to her, I will do my best to persuade her to use our dress :-)
I am grateful my parents were able to be there and be part of this event. It was very special for us and I know Ethan will one day appreciate that his grands were there, too.