More to come... I promise

New look, new found inspiration?? At least that's what I'm hoping for. Ever since I started Facebook, I've just been lazy (I should say lazy-er) and have just been posting pictures there and haven't been spending time blogging. My intentions are good so bare with me... all 3 of you who still check in! :)

Luke turned 2 today!! I'm working on a post about that sweet little boy so stay tuned!

"Of all the things I have to play, I'd choose my brother any day"

So, I never thought this day would come, and although it's happened gradually, I am just so thrilled to say that Grant and Luke love playing together... and it's not just for a few minutes at a time!  I want to document this momentous evening we had.  Most every night after supper, I let the boys go outside to play.  Some nights I go out with them, some nights I just leave the back door open ( I can see them and hear them well) while I clean the kitchen .  Most nights they play for a few minutes, then someone screams, gets hurt, tattles (I wonder who does that), or just wants me out there with them to entertain.  Tonight was different!  Mike was working tonight so I let them out while I kept the door open while I got some cleaning done.  I kept on waiting for the screams.  No screams.  And, I actually heard some laughter!  They were playing SO well together and for so long!  When Luke came in with dirt all over his face I said it was time for a bath.  Usually they love bath time but when I mentioned it, they both darted back outside for another good long play session!  Hallelujah!    And let me tell you, this whole having someone to play with thing couldn't have come at a better time for my super needy 3 year old.  Grant has never been that great at playing by himself and tends to be attached to my hip most of the time, wanting me or Mike to entertain him.  Yes, these first (almost) couple of years have been trying at times with my 2 little ones so close in age, but now I'm seeing the light and am glad that they are finally buddies.  Of course this doesn't mean that I haven't loved the precious baby years and I AM sad that they are over, but I think I'm ready to be entering this stage of their young lives.  Since Luke can't quite communicate all that well yet, their inside play includes LOTS of running, jumping, screaming (happy screaming.. you mothers of boys know what I'm talking about) and laughing.  Grant basically bosses him around, but Luke doesn't mind.. just yet!  I know it won't be long before Luke is able to voice his opinions too.

Luke does not like Grant in time out, so he keeps him company!  Oh, and btw, Luke is also spending some time in time-out these days!  I need to get a picture of that.  Although, he doesn't stay there long enough for a photo opp! ha!

I know Grant doesn't look too sad in this picture, but he was.  

Here are some pictures I dug up of the two of them over the past couple years.

Early day brothers:                           Thought Luke needed a pair of sunglasses on

Little Redhawk Day and surprise guest

Friday morning we headed out early to Kingsville for Little Redhawk Day.  I think I blogged about it last year... oh, maybe I didn't, I can't remember... but it's a fun morning planned for the "little redhawks" in the squadron that included rides in the simulator, walking up to the control tower, checking out the inside of the T-45 and a visit from the firemen and of course, the fire truck.  Grant was the first one to help "squirt" the fire hose.  The morning ended with a pizza party and a big temper tantrum from my tired Luke.  

When we got home I put both boys down for a nap and although I had a lot to do, since we were having friends over for supper, I still couldn't resist taking a nap myself.  I must have fallen asleep immediately since I was woken up from a deep sleep by a knock on the door in my bedroom, which leads out to our back patio.  No one ever knocks on that door so I was a little startled.  I figured it was a neighbor that didn't want to ring the door bell, but still, it was strange.  As I opened the blinds I saw my mom standing there!  My mom said I had the strangest look on my face as I was trying to process it all and make sure I wasn't dreaming.  I really would have never guessed my mom would have done something like that.  She said she knocked on the front door with no answer and she didn't want to ring the doorbell in case the boys were napping (smart thinking Mom) so she decided to go to the back.  She knew we were having company that night so she didn't think we would be gone anywhere, at least for long. She DROVE all the way from Pensacola!  Poor thing, even had car trouble in LA and had to leave it there to get fixed.  Thankfully Enterprise picked her up and she got a good deal on a rental car. The boys were thrilled to see her when they woke up from their naps and we had such a fun weekend.  Unfortunately it was a short trip and she had to leave this morning after lunch since she has to start teaching again this week.

July 4th Parade

I'm so excited to say that we'll be heading to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade this year in NYC!  Since it's right around the corner, I figured we'd better get some parade practice so we decided to drive over to Kingsville, TX (about 45 min. away) for a 4th of July parade.  I know it is a small town but really didn't know what to expect.  And, hey, some small towns have great parades right?  Our day started out early since the parade started at 9.  We were out of the house by 8.  Half way down there I asked Mike if he remembered the folding chairs.  "No", he said.  Great.  Mike said, "I figured I'd just put them on my shoulders so they could see over the crowd."  I, being the more practical one (ha!), knew that we would need some chairs.  We called some friends who lived in K'ville and asked to borrow theirs.  So, we stopped by and got them on our way to the parade.  As we got closer to the parade starting point I'm not seeing very many people or cars.  We parked super close and thought we were lucky.  When we were making our way to the main street I look around and see only 2 other people, a father and his son, sitting on a nearby curb.  AND, we were only 1 block from the starting point!  I could see the police cars and motorcycles, who were the ones to lead the parade, so I knew we were in the right place.  So, we set up our chairs and got ready.  Let's see... I think I can remember all that we saw.  First the police cars & motorcycles going SUPER slow and had their SUPER loud sirens blaring.  Then I think there were a couple of policeman on horses.... a fire truck or two... then there were some of the locals with kids riding bikes, some people showing off their dogs, kids in decorated wagons... then there was Grant's favorite, a truck with some of the students from Mike's squadron (GO VT-21 for being the most original!).  Then there was a few people handing out snow cones and to wrap it all up, a little old train.  From start to finish it was, no kidding, 12 minutes long!!  I wondered where they got the 9-11 time frame from.  Mike said it was maybe the time that that the parade participants started and finished.  Call me crazy for thinking I would be watching the parade for 2 hours!  To the poor little parades defense, it was raining pretty hard that morning and cleared right before parade time.  So, that might have been why people decided to pass.  But on the other hand, everybody else probably already knew how lame it would be from past years.  Oh well, it was funny and we made some memories.  Here are some of the pictures from THE event of the year...






Sorry this picture is blurry.  I just pulled my camera out and it was all fogged up.

Let's back up

I'm coming out of my blog neglect (probably just for today so don't get too excited) and decided I'd take some time to do a new entry, or two.

Guess I should back up to my trip to Pensacola.  The plane ride was not very fun but I think it could have been worse.  Thankfully it wasn't that long.  We had a 30 min. flight to Houston, a short layover, and then the trip from Houston to P'cola was about an hour and a half.  Luke was very squirmy but I could manage him and he didn't scream... too much!  We were in P'cola almost 3 weeks and really enjoyed ourselves.  My parents, both of my brothers, and both sets of my grandparents are all there so it was great spending time with all of them.  

Grant especially enjoyed spending time with Jake and Alli.

Jake making Luke laugh SO hard.  btw, this is the same high chair my brothers and I used as babies.

My brother, Nathan, got to spend a lot of time with the boys and definitely wins uncle of the year.  He is GREAT with them and they boys love him.  Side note.. now that I'm talking about Nathan, I'm thrilled to say that he is now a Daddy!  His daughter, Anna Sophia was born on Monday, the 14th.  I don't have any pictures yet (just on my phone) but I will post as soon I get some.  They are all home now and doing great.  This is my first niece and the boys first cousin!

The boys with Dado (my Dad)

This photo of Grant is not the greatest but I want to remember how balloons were the most popular "toy" of the trip.  Shortly before we left, Luke started to love playing with balls.  When we got to Pensacola my mom had some balloons from a party she recently had.  Luke immediately went crazy over them and they kept him thoroughly entertained the entire trip. Actually, they still do to this day. We have a house full of balls and balloons.  He calls balloons "moons."  I should have gotten a picture with Luke and his "moon" but this was the best I got.

Here's Papaw popping Luke's toes. He used to do that to all of us grandchildren and although it hurts like crazy, we always laughed and wanted him to do it over and over again. I'm so glad my kids get to enjoy their great-grandparents.  

Cry Baby

That's me.  I've been crying a lot here in the last couple days.  No, I'm not pregnant.  But, it is my kids' last day of Mother's Day Out for the summer!  I should be crying over the fact that it's going to be a LONG summer without much time for a mommy break... but no, I'm crying because I am going to really miss the wonderful, loving, Christian teachers my kids had this year. And, I know Grant will miss all the sweet friends' he has made.  I'm sure I wouldn't be such a mess if they were going back in the Fall but they won't be.  As much as I have loved the program they have been in, I'll be switching them to a MDO at our church.  I hear the program is exceptional and they'll be in classes with some of their friends from church.  It was a tough decision to make but thankfully 3 year olds are adaptable and he'll be fine.  I, on the other hand, am having a more difficult time.  Is the grass really greener on the other side??  I'm really not that emotional so my reaction to all this is really strange.  I think I was the only mom with tears in my eyes when we were saying our good-byes!  

Here is Grant with his teachers, Mrs. Rebecca and Mrs. Teresa.  He LOVES them.

Here is Grant's best friend Pete.  He talks about him all the time.  We're definitely going to stay in touch with Pete so the boys can continue to stay friends.  I think this picture is precious how Grant is holding on to him. : )

Here is Luke with his teachers, Mrs. Victoria and Mrs. Kathy.  They are angels and Luke loved them from day one.   Only a couple tears were ever shed while he was there.  He was the only boy in the class with 6 other little girls!

Here are their Spring pictures that were taken last month.  

                                                                   Luke at 17 mo.

Unfortunately Mike was out of town on Mother's Day but we celebrated the night before he left, on Thursday.  I choose to eat at the Cracker Barrel.   I hadn't eaten there in so long and I was craving some yummy southern cooking.  

On Mother's Day I had a friend over from my squadron whose husband was also out of town and she has 2 boys the same ages as mine.  We had a fun time.

Tomorrow morning Mike is taking me and the boys to the San Antonio airport to catch a flight to Pensacola to spend a few weeks with my family.  I'm really looking forward to the time with my family but I'm DREADING the flight.  I'm probably a little crazy for even attempting it but it will be worth having all the help once I'm there.    So, please say a little prayer for me tomorrow afternoon.  I have stocked up on tons of snacks, new books, toys and activities for the boys.  We've even got Grant set up with some ear phones his size and Mike downloaded some music for him to listen to on my ipod.  He seems excited about that.  And, of course, just the thrill of the airport and airplanes will hopefully keep him happy.  Luke is the one that is going to give me fits.  I'm expecting the worse so maybe he'll surprise me.

This is just a funny picture of Luke.  He's wearing the hat to a penguin costume I bought recently.  He loves wearing it and says "quack quack."  I guess anything with a beak is a duck to him.  When I get back I'll give a Lukie update.  He is now 18 months and is something else!!

"I'm in the Lord's Army" Texas style!

Yesterday Grant came home singing the "Lord's Army" song that we all sang as a child.  Well, now that we live in TX apparently the words have changed.  This is how it went...

"I may never take a walk to Mexico, ride a donkey nice and slow, eat a cheesy taco... but I'm in the Lord's Army, yes sir!"  

Important Info

Since Grant is about to reach the weight limit of his convertible car seat (40 lbs) I've been doing a lot of research on booster seats and which ones are best etc... During my research I found this heart wrenching story about a 3 yr. old boy who tragically died in a car accident while in a booster seat. This accident happened in 2005 and since then the boy's family has been working hard to raise awareness regarding how unsafe booster seats really are. Apparently this U-Tube video has reached millions but I had not seen it so I thought I just had to share it. Warning.. this video will make you cry but it's definitely worth seeing if you have young children. Since adult seat belts are not designed to protect little bodies, even if the seat belt does work properly (and they are wearing it correctly), in the event of an accident there can still be severe internal damage, just because of the seat belt.

This boy's family has also created a great foundation for families who are not able to afford these pricey car seats. The website is www.kyledavidmiller.org.  There is also a lot of other good info. on that site as well.

Update:
I think I've compared and read every customer comment out there on these bigger 5 pt. harness car seats! I think I might have found a good alternative to the pricey Britax models. It's fairly new so when the video was made, Britax and only a couple other brands made a 5 pt. harness for up to 65-80 lbs. It's called a Graco Nautilus 3 in 1. Customer reviews were all excellent and has the same features, and then some, as the Britax models. The only difference is that it goes up to 65 lbs. in the harness and not 80 like the Regent. I like the fact that it's not nearly as huge as the Regent and that it looks more like a "big boy booster seat." It's sits lower and also has a good size attached cup holder and a side compartment for toys, snacks etc.. It also meets and exceeds the same safety standards/tests as the Britax models and is half the price! Plus, we've always had Graco car seats and have been very pleased with their product. I hope this helps!

My chatterbox

So Grant is non stop talking these days.  Most of the time it doesn't bother me but sometimes I just need a few moments of peace.  Tonight when we came home from church he was just jabbering away and I was trying to get Luke to settle down.  I told Grant to be quiet and he said, "but God gave us mouths to talk with... so why can't I talk?"  How dare me take away the God given privilege of his ability to use his voice! : )

Air Show

This past weekend was the annual air show and Grant was so excited about it.  I think I've mentioned that he LOVES airplanes.  He was most excited about seeing the Blue Angels fly, which is the biggest attraction at Navy air shows.  Although, he loved it all.  I loved watching him look at everything, taking it all in.  He didn't like the noise so he didn't like taking off his heavy duty head phones.  We went on Friday afternoon for a little pre-air show demo that was reserved for family and friends.  The weather wasn't that great and so I didn't take any pictures of the planes in the air.  The Blues did their low show, which was great, and Grant was in heaven.  He'll be talking about it for months, I'm sure.
Luke testing out his ear plugs.  I was amazed at how long he kept them in.  
 "WOW, look at the Blue Angels!"

Daddy's airplane 

 Sharing his sucker.  Maybe this is why he stayed happy for a while!
We went back on Saturday for the real show and stayed a few hours.  I was surprised at how well Luke did despite being so tired.  The weather was perfect on Saturday, not a cloud in the sky.  Since Mike's Dad is a pilot, Mike grew up going to air shows and I think they are just as exciting to him now as they have always been.   I know he loved seeing the excitement in Grant's eyes this year.  I'm glad he'll have 2 little buddies to enjoy them with him for years to come.  

Taking a break to have some fun
Seeing the Blues this year was particularly neat because Mike knew several of the pilots.  One was in his old squadron and a couple of them he went trained with, at some point.

                                             Happy Luke
             Not so happy, get me out of this stroller, Luke