Don't pass out- I've been blogging!

I've been doing lots of catching up on the blog! Have you seen them? Click on each title to take you to the blog!

Labor Free Weekend (part 1)

Beach Fun (part 2)

Birthday at the beach (part 3)

Happy 2nd birthday!

Goodbye

Are you ready for some football?

Singing her heart out

Oh, and guess what, I've crossed the 200 posts mark! Go me! I know, most of them are about my kids, but that's what moms do. I know the family is enjoying seeing the kids since they live so far away. I hope the rest of you are enjoying it too.

Singing her heart out

The girl loves to sing, but this was extra special. She's being going to children's choir, led by her kindergarten teacher no less, at chuch while I've gone to adult choir. They've been working on some songs about people in the Bible, and she's been practicing at home. Even Jacob has sorda learned a couple. Finally, last Sunday night, they got to perform on stage. Please ignore the red-eyes- I'm too behind in blogging to take the time to fix them.

"Jonah, Jonah, did not obey God immediately. Jonah, Jonah, down in the depths of the deep blue sea."

"You better lean-a, lean-a, lean-a, lean-a, lean-a to the right, don't lean-a, lean-a, lean-a to the wrong, stay away from sin or you might fall in"

They did a great job! We were so proud of her, and she was pretty proud of herself. Now, they're starting to work on some Thanksgiving songs. I'm glad she's enjoying it so much!

Birthday at the beach (part 3)

Woohoo! Jacob's party was at the beach house, with immediate family and a few family friends. It was just right! Since his current love is Thomas the Train, that's what we went with for the theme.

He loved seeing his Thomas cake and showed everyone who'd listen to him "Thomas cake".

He did not like everyone singing Happy Birthday to him. However, he thought his cake was wonderful, until it got on his hands. What a hoot!

We loved having everyone there to celebrate! My parents, Kevin's parents, Kevin's sister and her family, Kevin's two best buds from childhood and their families.

Jacob sat with Grandpa just long enough for a picture, then he was off and running again!

Beth and cousin Gracie couldn't sit close enough. They sure love each other!

Present time! Of course, I think tissue paper would have been exciting on its own, even if there weren't present underneath.

So many fun new toys! A tricycle, a sand table, a HUGE Thomas tent, more Thomas toys, handsome clothes and shoes (really, he loves getting new clothes) and much more!

After an early, early morning, the fun party, skipping nap to play at the beach, that was one worn out little boy. Moments after Yaya gave him a paci and sat down, he was asleep. What a great birthday party!

Beach Fun (part 2)

So, the first post of the beach weekend was from Mom's camera. My mom is a great photographer! These are from mine. Different perspective, different moments.

First night out to the beach. Jacob is just amazed by the water and sand. It didn't take long before he got wet.

A rare picture of my parents together, since my mom is usually behind the camera.

It still amazes me that a year after Hurricane Ike, this is what it looks like. Not only on the beach but on the mainland as well. Houses next to each other at different phases of construction- totally rebuilt, partially rebuilt, looks like the owners haven't even been back. Kevin and I took a walk down the beach, and this was the case everywhere. Amazing.

Jacob loves his new Thomas train set, especially the battery-powered Thomas! Thomas has since had his 3rd battery installed, he's played with so often!

Popi read Beth Jacob's new book about kisses, then he lucked out on some kisses.

On Saturday night, the ice cream truck came by. Of course we had to get ice cream! This was Jacob's first experience. Beth doesn't remember hers- she was about 2 the last time she had ice cream truck ice cream. Jacob didn't like the one I picked for him. Beth didn't like hers either.

So, Yaya let Beth have hers, Jacob like Beth's, for a moment.

Beth was full. Jacob then got Yaya's ice cream. That turned out to be his favorite. All I can say is thank goodness for the outside area and water hose!

Monday morning, it was tough to pack up to head home. The beach was so much fun! In packing up all the groceries, we couldn't pack the ice cream. Darn! It had to get eaten, before lunch. Popi and the kids didn't mind that at all!

Great memories were made at the beach! Jacob keeps telling me about "Friday, Popi and Yaya" and he loves the "surfboard" in the bathtub (a small foam-board that goes to some bath blocks). Beth wants to live with Popi and Yaya forever so they can go to the beach every day.

Are you ready for some football?

I know, the first game of the season was a week ago. I told you I was behind!

Kevin's folks came up to watch the Cowboys beat the Buccaneers. We had a fine lunch of pizza, followed by the annual ice cream cake from Marble Slab (YUM!).

A little play time with Grandma and Grandpa.

It was a good visit and a great start to the season. Let's hope they keep it up!

Goodbye

Since Jacob turned 2, it was time to get rid of the pacis. His ped has been telling me since about 15 months to start getting rid of them. We'd dropped down to just naps and nighttime, but now it was time. Kevin and I knew it was coming, but Jacob didn't. Now, this boy loves his pacis, let me tell you. When he sleeps, he has one in his mouth, one in each hand and at least one more in his bed (we'd cut it back from about 8 a couple months ago). We knew this wouldn't be an easy task. I snipped the ends of a couple of them, and he immediately didn't want those. I can't blame him for that. Thing is, he knew where the good ones were.

This week has been horribly rainy. We decided Thursday night to get out of the house and head to the mall. Just like we'd done with Beth when she was 2, we were going to BuildABear for Jacob to make a paci puppy. This was his first trip to BAB, and he wasn't quite sure about it all, but he went along with it. He picked his puppy and waited his turn for stuffing.

Finally, his turn for the puppy stuffing. He didn't like the sound of the machine at all and stayed at least 3 feet from it. He did WAY better than I thought he would putting his pacis inside the puppy to keep them safe. There's one paci in each limb and a few in the belly. You can squeeze and feel them inside.

Puppy was all stiched up and ready for a bath and brush then some clothes. Beth hasn't been in this store in almost 3 years, so she thought her own Paci Puppy needed every outfit there. She did get to pick one outfit, pink of course.

Puppy (Jacob's name for it) was dressed and ready to go. In the car on the way home, he squeezed the pacis. We talked about Puppy keeping his pacis safe since he was a big boy and didn't need them. Jacob couldn't understand why I wouldn't get his pacis out. They were "stuck". He was getting tired and wasn't liking this at all. Oh, it's looking like a long night ahead!

Kevin put Jacob to bed, with his puppy. It wasn't working. I'd kept one "just in case we regret this" paci out. Once he had that, he fell asleeep. Okay, so the idea was good but the reality wasn't. It worked for Beth. I think because she was a little older and had already stopped taking a paci for naps (she'd been at daycare). We'll get there with Jacob. Soon. I'm not wanting to tell the ped next week that he still has a paci. Maybe it can get lost. Hmm, I think that may be what we have to do.

Happy 2nd birthday!

To my sweet boy,

It's hard to believe you're already 2 years old. I still remember the day you arrived, like it was yesterday. What a day that was! I should have known it would be a sign of things to come- you do things your way, on your time, at the speed of light. This last year has been so much fun with you!

You are really coming into your own. You have such a big personality! You're adorable, and you know it. You have every lady in the nursery at church charmed. They all want to take you home. You are hilarious! Your facial expressions, your laugh, your silliness, all make me smile. "Oh my gracious!" You know what you like and don't like, and certainly let us know- "no like it". You have so much to say lately. I never thought you'd stand a chance to talk with as much as your sister talks, but you hold your own just fine. Oh, and the songs you sing! What fun! Jesus loves me, Zaccheus, B-I-B-L-E, Jingle Bells and Leana-Leana (from Beth) are your current favorites. You have quiet, shy moments too, but not often. You want so much to be big "I do it self". But when you need help, it's usually pretty sweet "Need you, Mommy". I hope you always need me.

Now that Beth is going to school, I'm really enjoying spending time with just you. I get to see more of your personality. You're learning so much every day! You know all your basic colors, thanks to your favorite treat M&Ms. You surprised me when you counted to 13 the other day. I guess you have been listening! We're working on learning shapes and letters, but you only (it seems) listen for a moment. You love books. Your favorites are ones about animals, trucks or Thomas right now. It's fun to hear you make all the animal noises. Oh, what noises you can make! It's absolutely a boy thing to make noises like that, because I'm not as good as you. I enjoy building blocks with you and watching you work so hard to see how tall you can make your tower. We have so much fun playing together!

You amaze me with what you remember! Now that your vocabulary is expanding, you relay stories. "Joe, silly, that, hahaha" or "Bonnie's house, poopoo under table". Yep, under the table is your private space. We'll work on the potty training this year. Sometimes you tell on yourself "Push friend". When you get in trouble, you know what we're going to say, because you've heard it before. By the end of time out, you're telling me "Sorry, obey Mommy, no-no hit Bem (Beth)". You recognize your friends, your nursery teachers, and some of Mommy and Daddy's friends.

Most of all, I love what a sweet boy you are. You love to snuggle with Daddy to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You love to give me kisses and "nuggles". You LOVE your sister. I think your favorite part of the day is when she gets home from school. As soon as the door opens, you shout "Bem's home", run to hug her and pull her away to play. You are empathetic when a friend is upset, always willing to give a hug or pat. You adore babies, wanting to check on them and "pet" them. I love in the car, when you just start to say "lu you Mommy, lu you Daddy, lu you Bem" or "Lu you SOOOO much".

And, I do, my little peanut, I love you SOOOOO much!

Love, Mommy

Labor Free Weekend (part 1)

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in more than 2 weeks. Sorry, it's been a little busy. Between vacation, catching up from vacation, JBF and real life, I can't keep up. I'll get there. For now, I hope you enjoy this!

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For Labor Day weekend, we managed to do as little work as possible and as much relaxing as we could. That's the way to go! About a month ago, Kevin decided we should rent a house for the weekend in Galveston, invite my parents to join us and enjoy the beach. Sounded great to me! Of course, from the first mention, my parents wanted in on that. I grew up around the beach (my dad was/is a surfer) and have great memories of beach house weeks during the summers. I couldn't wait for my kiddos to experience it! Kevin hadn't been on the visits "home" with the kids and I, so I was excited for him to see how much the kids love the beach.

When we first made the plans, it seemed so far off. Then, suddenly, the week was here. Jacob knew "Friday, Popi, Yaya, beach". We picked up Beth early from school and got on the road (for a very long, 6 hour drive). Not long after we got checked into the house, Popi and Yaya arrived. Hooray!!!!! Let the fun begin! We got unpacked, Beth used every drawer in the dresser for her small amount of stuff. Mom brought a pre-made Kings Ranch for dinner- YUM!. Then, of course, off to the beach, soaking in the hour we could before sunset. It took a little bit, but not long, before both kids were no longer intimidated by the ocean. Good stuff!

Saturday morning, the kids and I were up early (Popi too). And by early, I mean before sunrise. Geez! That's okay, I could understand the excitement. Sunday was an "up with sun" kinda day too.

Saturday was party day. Jacob is almost 2, so we hosted a small party for him while at the beach. We invited Kevin's parents and sister's family, a couple of Kevin's go-way-back buds and their families, then of course my parents. After the party, we spent the afternoon at the beach. Don't worry, party and birthday details will get their very own post. THIS post is about the beach. It was lots of fun to have Kevin's buds stay too. It's been a long time since we've hung out.

There is always so much fun to be had at the beach. I know, Galveston isn't the prettiest beach, but it was still plenty of fun. There weren't a lot of waves, but the kids had a blast boogie-boarding and surfing. Even Kevin gave the surfboard a try.

Lots of playing in the sand! Jacob didn't like having his hands and feet covered in sand, though. Not that he could totally wash it off, though, so some of his snacks had a bit more grit to them.

Lots of swimming! Beth was quite the water bug. She even turned into a mermaid named Elizabeth, who could put her head under the water and swim with her legs together like a mermaid tail. Jacob was content at the water's edge, looking for shells, "swimming" and trying not to get splashed in the face (when the adult currently in charge isn't paying attention- hehehe)

Hooray for Popi and Yaya being there with us! We loved that they experienced all the fun with us. We really appreciated that Kevin and I could escape, just the two of us, whether it be a trip to Walmart or a walk down the beach or hanging out on the beach while the kids/grandparents napped at the house. Oh, and thanks to shutterbug Yaya for taking lots of great pictures.

And, of course, there's a whole lot of nothing. Ah, that's the good stuff!

So much more fun captured on my camera, plus the party, will require a couple more posts, so as not to overrun this one. Those, plus lots more, coming soon. Really.