Spence Walking

Spence is now walking. He's gotten considerably better the past week.

Go Ahead and Read It, You'll Get a Laugh

I know many of you like to send forwards. I have to admit, I rarely read these. Someone has to actually tell me, "Hey, this is a really good one. You'll get a kick out of it." If you send those that say, "Send this to seven people and you'll be blessed," or "If you love God you'll pass this on," don't send it to me! I'm pretty sure God doesn't measure our love by how many e-mails we pass on! Brian is not a forward sender, but he has sent me a few and added the message, "Read this. You'll like it." Or something like that. The other day he sent one called "For Lexophiles (Lovers of Words)." I did enjoy it, and wanted to share some of the funniest ones with you.

• Police were called to a daycare center where a 3 year old was resisting a rest.
• The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
• A boiled egg is hard to beat.

This one is in honor of Brian, and his love of the budget!

• You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

And this one is for me. To dye, or not to dye?

• When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Hope you got a laugh. Now, if you love me you'll send a link to our blog to seven people in the next 30 seconds! You'll be blessed if you do! Ha!

Dancing Withdrawals

Last night was the finale of Dancing With the Stars. I thought Mel B was the better dancer, but Helio was one of my favorites also, so I'm happy with the outcome. Come next Monday, I might have DWTS withdrawal symptoms. I'm not sure what they might be... Maybe I'll be walking down the aisles at Wal-Mart and break into the Viennese Waltz. Or I'll start buying only clothing covered in sequins. Possibly I'll get some paddles numbered 1 through 10 and score Coleman and Spence on everyday activities. Whatever happens, I'm sure I'll survive. Anyway, they'll be back next year!

An Introspective Look at the Holidays

OK, I've almost let an entire week pass since I've last posted. I know the suspense of not knowing what's going on in our lives has you on the edge of your seat! I'm afraid I have no exciting things to share at the moment. Maybe that's good. My sinus infection is clearing up nicely. Finally, after two months! Brian and Spence seem to be feeling good. Coleman woke up cranky from his nap yesterday, but he didn't want to admit to feeling bad because I had promised a trip to the library. While at the library he informed me that his ear hurt. Brian took him to an after hours pediatric clinic last night and he was diagnosed with an ear infection. So half of us are on antibiotics now. We're just trying to break in our new insurance!

Last night Coleman was feeling better and was actually running around being silly. I told him he was a goofball. He said, "No, I'm not a goofball. Spence is a goofball. I'm a hoot." I think Nana told him he was a hoot once way back when, and he has never forgotten it! He usually says he's two hoots!

I just realized I didn't write anything on Thanksgiving. I'm going to be honest here. Sometimes I get kind of irritated with holidays that try to make you focus one day out of the year on something we should focus on daily. Take Thanksgiving. It is wonderful to give thanks. But shouldn't we be thankful every day? I know, it's a good opportunity to spend time with family and eat a huge meal and not feel guilty about watching parades or football all day. Maybe it helps people who usually aren't thankful realize all the things they have to be thankful for. Ok, ok. Keep celebrating Thanksgiving. And now we're entering the Christmas season. The thing that irks me about this time of year is the commercialism and how Jesus is taken out of it. What is everybody celebrating??? Santa? Presents? Surviving the mall? I am not completely innocent here. I've been talking about Santa, buying presents, and taking on the mall myself. So why am I so bothered? Am I a scrooge? No. I love this time of year! I love the decorations, the pretty gift wrap, the music, and the shopping. I just want to keep my focus where it should be - on Jesus. He is what it's all about. Our pastor pointed out that this is a wonderful time of year for sharing Jesus. There are so many ways, from starting a discussion about the true meaning of Christmas, to inviting someone to a church musical. So no more bah-humbug for me! I'm excited about this time of year! Sure, others may be in it for the parties and presents (and hey, those are fun), but I know it's about a baby born in a manger who came to save the world! Will I have the guts to tell others that though? I hope so! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wow, and I thought I didn't have anything to say today!

God's Favorite Magazine?

Yesterday my stubborn streak finally came to an end. I had enough of being sick so I went to see my doctor. Last month I went to a clinic and saw a nurse practitioner. My cough did go away, but the congestion, sinus pressure, and sheer miserability (I know that's not really a word) had gotten to be more than I wanted to deal with. She gave me a stronger antibiotic. I'm praying that it will knock this out!

I made my appointment with the doctor, then called to see if the teenage girl across the street could babysit Coleman. She already had plans, so he had to come with me and Spence. I brought books, cars, snacks, and promised if he was good we'd go to McDonald's afterwards. When we were called back to the exam room, I was pretty nervous about Coleman being in there. At his doctor's office, he loves to open the cabinet doors and drawers, play with the sink faucet, and switch the lights off and on. We walked in, and I looked in the magazine rack. There right in front was an Automobile magazine. I told Brian it was as if the Lord had put it there! Coleman sat and looked at it the whole time we waited. (By the way, why do they call you from the waiting room to the exam room if they are going to have you wait some more? Oh well, it worked out great this time.) I think I may subscribe to this magazine and keep it on hand for such occasions as this! So I witnessed God's provision through a car magazine. Strange, but it got my attention!

And not to leave out my youngest, he has been taking 7 or 8 steps at a time. He's pretty wobbly, but he's getting around!

Jump Some More, Coleman!

Yesterday we drove out to the country for a birthday party. It was for our friends' three year old son, Keller. They've been gone from our church for almost two years now, but we stay in touch and either go to their house for a Saturday or they come to ours. Coleman and Keller play together so well. Keller has a 6 year old sister, and she played really well with the boys also. The highlight of the party was the dinosaur bounce house similar to this one.

Even Spence enjoyed sitting inside and bouncing around. Brian and I enjoyed catching up with our friends. So fun was had by all! Coleman ate cake, chips, fruit snacks, and drank at least two juice boxes. Then he bounced some more. Do you see where this is going? Let's just say that nothing says, "Party over!" like puke in the bounce house. It was about 7 p.m. and the kids were still bouncing strong. Keller's sister stuck her head out and said very daintily, "Coleman threw up." Then Coleman ran over to the net, grabbed on, and yelled, "I PUKED!!!" We figured that wasn't the first time the bounce house had been puked in. I mean, little kids, lots of cake, snacks, juice, and jumping. What do you think? But of course, a little vomit doesn't faze Coleman, so he was sad that we had to leave. Hopefully Keller and his family will make it to Coleman's birthday party.

Today's funny:

We were eating chips and salsa with dinner tonight. Coleman had been dipping his chips and eating the salsa. Then he said, "I don't want this hot sauce. I want some warm sauce." I'll have to teach him that the Tex-Mex term is "mild."

Thank You for Singing Dogs and Big Rigs

This is the birthday present that Uncle Brent and Aunt Andrea sent to Spence. It is very cute and sings many adorable songs. I know them all and they are stuck in my head for hours at a time! Watch out Brent, I'm about to start calling and having the puppy leave messages for you while you're at work! Head and Shoulders anyone?

Coleman is having the best time with it. He dances around and every song concludes with a 360 degree spin that ends by landing on his knees. And me, well, I'm counting to ten to the tune of "La Cucaracha" these days. I'm thinking about choreographing an authentic Mexican dance and teaching it to the boys.

The boys are in to lots of games now. This morning Spence and I sat on the floor and started rolling the soccer ball back and forth. Then Coleman decided to join in. When Spence rolled the ball to him, he squealed with excitement, "He rolled the ball to me!" Coleman decided to name the game soccer ball sit down.

I'll leave you with something funny Coleman said the other night. Spence and I go in Coleman's room after bath every night and I read Coleman a story and Brian reads Spence a story. Then we switch and each finish our respective kid's bedtime routine. This night, Coleman chose a book about big rigs and construction trucks. When I finished the last page, he closed the book and said, "A-men!"

One Is Silver and the Other Gold

Remember that rhyme that goes, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold"? I was thinking about that this afternoon because I got to spend today with an old friend. New friends are great, but there's just something about an old friend. We've been friends since first grade, so that means (hold on while I do my math) we've been friends for 25 years! Isn't that amazing? One thing that I think is so special about our friendship is that it isn't just based on the "hey remember back in high school when..." stuff. Sometimes we reminisce, but we talk about our lives now mostly. We both have families and stay at home. Our kids love playing together. We don't have to do anything special when we get together (except eat!) and we have a great time. So thank you for staying my friend throughout the years Candice! It means so much that we can still get together and pick up like no time has passed. And you are my Harleton connection. I just realized I didn't get any stories from back home today! Maybe next time. And remember, I have pictures of all your hairstyles throughout the years, so be nice to me!

Conversing With a Toddler

Sometimes Coleman and I have odd little exchanges that I think I'll want to remember and share with the grandparents and others who might like a little two-year-old humor every now and then. So here's one from awhile back (Actually September. Sometimes I start writing, then I decide not to post it for some reason.) I had pulled Spence up off the floor and he started "dancing." So I held his arms and we danced for a while. The only song I could think of with the word dance was Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance With Somebody. So of course I started singing it.

Coleman: What's that song?
Me: That's a song that was popular when I was in Jr. High.
Coleman: What's Jr. High?
Me: That's when you're at a bad age and you have really poofy hair.
Coleman: I don't want poopy hair. I have poopy hair in January.

Tonight will mark a milestone at the Piks'. This will be the first time in Spence's entire life (1 year and 5 days) that I will not put him to bed. This will most likely be a problem because both me and my, how can I say this politely, boobies will be gone. He's never gone to bed without nursing. Our Sunday School class is having a girls' night, so Brian's in charge tonight. Please pray for him, and that Spence will take his sippy cup!

Is the Birthday Finally Over?

The birthday celebrations have ceased! I think Spence's birthday lasted for 8 days. It started November 3rd with ice cream and ended November 10th with his party. I'm so exhausted from it all that I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

Since he wouldn't get any cake until Saturday, I made chocolate chip muffins on Wednesday. They were quite messy.

Friday night we went to Build-a-Bear Workshop. Spence made a dog and we named him Fuzzby. Coleman wanted to make something scary, so he chose a dinosaur. I told him to choose a name, and in English please! The dinosaur's name is Puso the Computer Player.

And yes, the Elmo cake turned out great! It even tasted good.

Coleman was super excited about the party. He even got a few presents.

Red Food Coloring + Icing + 1 Year Old = 1 Big Mess

He'll Always Be My Baby

I had expectations to have an amazing post yesterday for Spence's birthday, but it just didn't happen. I feel like I've been busier lately for some reason. I don't think more is going on, but it seems like it. Seems like more laundry, more junk piling up, more dirty dishes in the kitchen, more toys everywhere. And as I type I'm adding another thing! Spence's Elmo cake is in the oven. The boxes of frosting mix and red food coloring are sitting on the counter. Oh, this could be a mess. We'll see how it turns out. I promise to post a picture, however it looks!

On Tuesday night I was thinking about one year ago when my labor started. We started timing contractions about 8 pm and checked into the hospital about 10:20 pm. Spence was born the next morning at 4:20 am. I cannot believe it's been a whole year!

I felt bad because I left Spence at daycare all day on his birthday. Wednesday is the day I teach music at our church's preschool, so he and Coleman go to daycare and I have a few hours of free time then pick them up a little after 5:00. He didn't know the difference though! When we got home I made chocolate chip muffins and put a candle on his. All was forgiven!

I'm ready to get him off of baby food, so I've been trying new foods. He spits out creamed corn and sweet potatoes, but he loves dog food. If I forget to close the laundry room door, he gets into Maestro's food. Coleman agrees that this is nasty, so he must have forgotten about the dog poop he ate when he was about Spence's age. I made a casserole Wednesday night that Spence loves. It's ground beef, tomato soup, salsa, cut up flour tortillas, and cheese. Sounds strange, but he can't get enough. I'm not sure if I should take offense and assume he thinks it tastes like dog food or not.

Tomorrow Nana and Poppa are coming to see the birthday boy. We'll go to Build-a-Bear Workshop and make stuffed animals for Spence and Coleman. Coleman is already telling us he wants Spence's animal. Then Saturday we'll have a party with cake (probably edible but most likely deformed) and presents. Coleman has some presents to open too. We'll have pictures to share soon!

Odds and Ends

Yesterday was a strange day. I think it was a combination of things:

1. The boys are still getting used to the time change. Coleman was up and at 'em at 6:50! And Spence's eating schedule is all off. He was ready for dinner around 5:00, which is pretty early for him.
2. I'm finally on antibiotics and Claritan D for my sinus/allergy/cold/whatever. I'm coughing less, but I was in a total funk yesterday. I couldn't get motivated to do anything.

There was probably a third thing, but I can't remember what it was. Coleman was doing some strange things yesterday as well. Well, maybe they weren't strange for him, I just happened to have the camera handy and was able to capture them! See the pictures at the end of this post. Anyway, I previously alluded to a comment Coleman made the other day in Macy's as we walked by the intimate apparel, specifically the bras. Here it is:

That's where nipples go!!!

Yes, we got some looks. But one has to understand what our son sees on a daily basis. As any breastfeeding mother knows, baby eats 10 to 12 times per day in the beginning. Then there's the pumping you have to do. These can be some interesting sights for a 2 year old. I hope he's young enough that he will not have memories of this! I have some funny memories to cherish though.

And in the role of consumer advocate, I have an alert to share. Last night, in the funk that I was in, I could not decide what to make for dinner. The boys and I were roaming the aisles of Randalls (a local grocery store that I use only for convenience since it is quite pricier than other stores) looking for ideas. I was looking at the prepared meals in the refrigerated section and came across something new. Chili's and Macaroni Grill now have some of their famous menu items for sale in the grocery store. I like Chili's fajitas, and I've bought other fajita kits before and they were good. Plus, we'd spend more than $8 if I went through a drive-thru somewhere. It was just heat and serve, and then BARF! I am going to write the company and tell them they should be ashamed of selling this dog food under their label! I'm also going to ask for reimbursement or a gift card to Chili's for some real steak fajitas.

Strange Happenings at the Piks

If Coleman were in charge of snack time...
I should know better than to leave the box of crackers within his reach!


I guess this is his happy place.
(in the kitchen cabinets)

32 Is the New 25!

Maybe I have a few more gray hairs, I've recently purchased some Dove Pro-Age body wash and lotion, and I can't remember where I put... uh, whatever it was I was looking for! I'm not old though. It's strange how my perception of "old" changes as the years go by. The thrill of a birthday isn't what it used to be, but I'm grateful to have been blessed with another year. It's just not a childlike anticipation anymore. Now I anticipate my boys' birthdays and enjoy planning parties and buying and wrapping their presents. Actually, this is probably my best birthday ever. You know why? It's my first birthday with all my boys. Last year, even though I tried to coax him into arriving for my birthday, Spence was not here. I stared at the full moon and ate Mexican food, but he stubbornly just stayed curled up in his little safe haven. It's good though since he gets his own birthday. And this year Coleman is so much fun. We have the most interesting conversations and he says the funniest things (I could insert a comment he made in the intimate apparel section of Macy's, but I'll save that for another time). And there's also Brian. I am so blessed that he loves me. So I'm older than I was yesterday, but it's all good. I've stopped to count my blessings, and well, I don't think I can count that high. Know that I count all of you as blessings in my life. And just realizing all that God has blessed me with makes this a happy birthday.

My guys took me to dinner last night. Mexican food just like last year, only this year I had no excuse for eating enough for two!

After dinner we had ice cream. This is the same Baskin Robbins we took Coleman to for his first birthday, so this was an early birthday treat for Spence.

As you can see, he thoroughly enjoyed his ice cream.

And I enjoyed some whenever I could get it away from Coleman. He's a mint chocolate chip lover like his Mommy.

This is a family picture Coleman's Sunday School teacher took of us this morning.

Halloween!

Carving a pumpkin with Daddy

Our Halloween tradition is going to our church carnival. This was Coleman's third year and Spence's first! Actually, Spence attended in utero last year. It was exactly one week before he made his grand entrance! Here are some pictures of my little football player and pirate.

Spence the Pirate and Coleman the Texan

We finally talk him into putting on the helmet.

Spence wore his pirate hat for a whole 2 seconds!

Just try to rip this Crunch bar out of my hand!

Mmmm, tootsie roll in one hand, sucker in the other!

Spence's eyes are opened to a whole new world - one where candy flows free!

Wyatt, Coleman, and Spence at the bean bag toss.

Will, Wyatt, and Coleman

And just in case you were wondering what Spence and I looked like last Halloween:

My shirt says "Bottom of the Ninth."
Get it?