McNew Family Happenings

16 Weeks...more to come.

2011-06-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

Gah! I have a ton to post! But first, new Mcnew #3. He/She is doing great! We got to take a peek and get an opinion of what the doctor thinks. I'm not sold so I'm not sharing, but do not distress dear friends-the wait is only 3 more weeks! My blood pressure is under control with meds and my headaches are being treated as they happen but I will probably have to see a neurologist soon. Cameron is now bent on a baby sister. He does not want a "stinky brother." Kei now is in the brother seat. I think mostly because he gets picked on and he's realizing he's going to be a "Big Brother" himself. The headaches are stupid insane, but I've really seen my Father's provisions in this and I think in a way they help me stop and rest. It's been NON-STOP! However, I have only been getting them on mostly convenient days. The house is disgusting but now that work and school are over, I can start working on it. I have a lot to do in the boys room to make it big enough for three. EEEE! I think we will repaint my precious Pooh stripes either way but mostly if it is a girl. I also have to give credit where credit is due. Adam has been so wonderful to me. I've never had such a hard time in a pregnancy...Cam's was no picnic during the first trimester but this is something else. He has taken care of me and his boys and he's been so helpful around the house and even manages to sneak out with his wife for some much needed quiet time.

We have finshed and survived Kindergarten with the most wonderful teacher.

My next sister graduated college from UNT! Woo Sis!

My baby sister "gradymutated" from good ole White Oak High!

And I'm pretty sure we found a church to become members.

I keep all of my pictures on my laptop and it's crapping out. I'm working on transferring everything to my desktop so when that is complete I will share some pictures with you. Love you all and I pray for you often! TTFN!!! Woo hoo hoo hooooo!

New Post for New McNew

2011-04-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

So...as you can see we are expecting McNew #3! I'm about nine weeks along and we had our first ultrasound last week and so far so good. We weren't trying for a girl or anything. I just thought I wasn't crazy enough. :) This will be the last though-God willing.

Adam has been absolutely wonderful! I nearly lost it taking out the trash and he was trying to sleep in and gear himself towards his night shift. I had to get this trash OUT! He got up and did it! Wish it were always like that, haha. I've never been as squeamish as I am with this one. What kind of child will it be that the smell of detergent makes me want to gag, yet a hot dog sounds so very appealing?! The headaches are back full swing but fortunately I have wonderful boys who let their Mama rest.

As far as the boys go, Kei says he wants a sister but he really doesn't seem to care or know what's going on. Cam on the other hand has a question everyday! When we first told him he grabbed my belly and said, "Be a brother! Be a brother! BE A BROTHER!" Now he thinks it's a sister. I think it's in part because everyone keeps saying they think it's a girl. He picked a name though-all by himself. Lindsey Rose. Isn't that sweet! I actually kinda like it except I had a dog named Lindsey growing up. On the other hand I had a dear friend with the same name and she was the awesomest! Either way, it's the only name we've come up with. I'm not sweating it yet as I have plenty of time.

So there it is! I'll try to behave about posting. I'm quitting every thing so I can be at home, obviously. Back to square one. :)

Cleanest window seal in all of Texas

2011-03-25T11:08:00.002-05:00

So yesterday Adam offered to clean the bathroom for me because I wasn't feeling good. I should just suck it up because I never feel well anymore, lol. BUT...he offered and who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? He neatly laid paper towels in the window seal and sprayed them with bleach.

The bath tub is atrocious. It's horrendous. It's vile. It's MILDEWY!!!!

I've NEVER been the kind of person to let it get out of hand like that. I guess I am now. So, yes, it needed drastic measures. I came home from Cameron's tee ball practice (is it tee ball or t-ball?) and noticed those paper towels were still there. Ok, in all the years I have worked with kids you'd think I wouldn't have this-thing-with paper towels, but I do! Wet, soggy, flimsy tissue or paper product of any kind gives me the willies! So my loving Aunt cleaned it up for me. :)

The point? Well, that was the ONLY thing in the bathroom that got cleaned. In fact, the rest is covered in cleaning supplies and the rubbish from the shower! He meant well, but at least I now have the cleanest window seal in all of Texas!

2011-03-22T17:55:00.001-05:00

Wow...I really think it's time to update things. Maybe that will be a goal. So much fun stuff to post since forever ago and chances are I haven't followed your blog either. Grateful for FB but missing the blog scene. Love you guys.

but wait...there's more

2011-03-22T17:39:00.002-05:00

"Juuuuuuuuice!"

I'm sure poor Simon is thinking something like "Kiss my fluffy tail!" Unfortunately, he was the practice target with new flash. Sorry Simon.

Jasper-olie! He's officially ours! He was a rescue a few months ago and my neighbor brought him home and asked for my help. We all fell in love and thought Samson could use a play buddy. The sad thing is Samson attacked my sister (nothing awful) and bit her leg. We couldn't have him in our back yard with our boys. It's just Jasper now and life is great with my sweet puppy! Don't you love his ears!

I have no clue what he was saying but we were about to play Super Mario Bros. Yahtzee! So fun!

That is indeed my 3 year old sitting in a box, eating a hot pocket watching tv. Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. I wish we could find more seasons :( The boys fell in love with this show over spring break.

New toy

2011-03-22T17:23:00.002-05:00

So...these aren't in order and I honestly don't care nor have time to place them as such, but the gist of it all is my new CAMERA!!!! Adam said that if we could find him a truck for less than $4500 I would get a dSLR! Y'all, let me tell you....that truck was $3400! So who got a camera? ME! A Nikon D3100 and the stinker got me a lense and a flash! Woo hoo!!! So my subjects are:

This is our friend BJ Lancaster and this is his and Lauren' s sweet baby girl, Kairi. (Spoken Kyree). This is actually dork night at our house and little Miss was pooped!

Adam teaching our son which mini's (yes-a lot of dork speak going on, so bear with me) are evil, neutral, good, chaotic....blah, blah, blah. Cam was of course interested in getting to play with the toys.

...and this is how Kei took it all.

One of the mini's for the dork's delight. It was just a cool picture. I didn't have my flash yet.

Here's the big guy putting his Dallas Stars decal on the back of his new truck. It must be a man thing similar to christening or something.

Until next time....

Outta commision...

2010-11-29T17:03:00.004-06:00

This is my darling 3 year old, Keiler Aiden. He is such a cheeseball. You know what they say about those cheeseballs-they never fall far from the table. Whatever that means. He is just like his daddy though. Just. Like. Daddy.

Yes, this is my five year old playing football! His team, the Packers, were runners up in this years super bowl! Adam asked if he should build a trophy case when Cam recieved his very first trophy. I figured we'd find somewhere to keep it.

Cameron turned 5 this past summer and you know what they say about cheeseballs? They like Mario Bros. too. Just. Like. Daddy.

Speaking of cheeseballs, here is the crusty 30 year old one! Like the dice? Yeah, it's because he is 30 and STILL plays DnD. Mmmmm hmmmm....

Maybe someday God will show me grace and favor and give me a darling little girl who is sure to be a cheeseball as well and...Just. Like. Daddy. But at least she should be cute! (hehe! Just. Like. Mommy.)

Well, since my desktop has been out of commision, it has been incredibly disheartening to even take pictures with no where to really store them. Call it the OCD in me. Even though there are plenty of pc's in the house, I love the software used to organize and name them on my computer. Hence, no blogs. But since we are entering the best time of year I have decided to hunt down my info and log in. Maybe I will even do a little blogging. ;) My love to those of you who do check in periodically (since you are more than likely family) and I will try to post a couple of pics. Until then. Hope you enjoyed the few to tide you over.

Random in January 2010

2010-06-08T08:36:00.004-05:00

They really are their daddy's boys.
Nerds.

Aunt KayKay fixed Kei's hair all big boy pop star like and it was so sweet! I have cut it all off for the summer but I bet we will grow it back out since he has a gorgeous head of hair.

So Cameron is showing off his rainbow shoes. We went through a period of loving rainbow. My grandmother taught me to crochet this past summer. I am so glad I got to spend that time with her and learn to do something she loved. I am crazy about it. It is relaxing and so much fun! I haven't gotten to in a while but I really like looking at the yarn and playing with new stitches. Right now I'm working on a cell phone case and an afghan for me this winter.

Yeah, that's Samson. He's so rotten. We can't bring him in often but he loves it when we do. Can you tell by the mess?

I went in to check on the boys one morning and I see Kei in their with no diaper on. I grabbed the camera and woke them up. Cam's comment: "Mom, there is butt in my face!" I couldn't help but die laughing even though we aren't allowed to use that word here.

I wish I possessed the ability to pass out anywhere. He must get it from his dad. He has been much easier to get into the big boy bed than Cameron.
...and a big fat for instance.

Memaw

2010-02-17T15:35:00.006-06:00

"So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." I Cor. 15:42-44

"...so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven." I Cor. 15:49

I like that..."It is raised in glory". Memaw we will miss you and we will see you again.

December 2008

July 2009
October 2009

Christmas finally

2010-01-05T09:59:00.013-06:00

Now that we're a full month past Christmas, of course I figured I'd post some pics. Keiler has more hair than I know what to do with. I hate cutting it though. He's wearing "My Brother is the Naughty One" tshirt. They both have em so it's fair.

It would appear that my veggie hating 2 year old is indeed raiding the veggies. Nope. He found the chips. Although Cam finally likes tomatoes now!

Kay Kay making Happy Bday Jesus cupcakes! YUM!

No, we never get our pictures professionally done, but I am so grateful for digital technology and catching these most awesome moments. I'm also grateful for Best Buy. Adam has won many things we would not ordinarily have owned. God is so Good!

I love me some redheads!!

Kei is picking out Santa's milk mug.

It was so cold so I didn't actually go out into the yard. Cam is feeding carrots and celery to the reindeer. They must have liked it because no one got reindeer poop in their stocking this year!

Okay, if I don't have the most awesomely creative family anywhere! Vicki took the one the boys broke and added color and added a couple of snowmen to it so that Kei got one and one extra...just in case. :) It's also still out (Jan. 28th) bc I just love looking at it. It's wintry enough, right?

I love it when I have clean house pictures! I'm a severe Christmas junkie. Our tree in the living room.

My aunt's tree in the dining room. I'll never go with just one tree again. The boys had a little one in their room as well.

We went to see Santa Land and it was a bit much for a couple of boys. You like the old ladies in back, in snuggies crocheting???

If you know Adam you know why me and the boys had to get him Ironman cologne. Available from Avon of course!

Score for Heather and Josh on the I love Video Games tshirt.

The boys got to get each other one present. So Cam got Kei a football and Kei picked out the nerf-type guns. He really picked it out too.

Cam LOVES his animal book Grandma! We look at it daily. He likes the bugs of course. Not Mommy's favorite pages.

The kids crack me up with the Screature from Aunt Erin and Uncle Scott! Too funny. They enjoy spitting water at all the unsuspecting aunties.

Scott and Erin, I don't know how you find out about some of these toys but I need to know! This monkey game is almost as fun for us adults as it is the kids!

"SO SOFT!"

Santa didn't deliver on the candy this year, he decided to cut back. The kids lived though.

Santa brought Gator Golf and it's only been played once per the rules. The rest of the time...Hockey pucks and sticks.

Grandma! I wish I would have taken a better shot of that awesome bag. I carry it around everywhere to keep my crochet habit, I mean project, in. It's PERFECT...You've also made die hard Ulta eyeshadow fans out of a few girls around here too.

This was SOOOOOOO COOL! Once again Daniel and Vicki outdid themselves. Everyone that walks through our door comments on it. I love homemade stuff and this was just cool.

The best for last. Cameron asked to say the prayer for our dinner and I don't think I would have done better. You just can't top this kind of honesty and innocence.

Random

2009-12-03T10:08:00.003-06:00

Here are some random pics from phones from last year. Cam is so ready to ride the big yellow bus!

Dear Santa

2009-12-02T12:39:00.007-06:00

We're getting ready for the Christmas season decorating the house, looking at lights, reading the Christmas Story and of course making a Christmas list. This is really the first year that Cam has really had a list. Not too bad for a four year old, but some of his wishes are definitely big boy wishes and it kinda makes me sad my baby has grown so very fast. He also included his brother which was absolutely darling.

Dear Santa,
I tried to be good this year. I am sorry for not being good all the time. Keiler was being good for a little boy. I like you because you have a funny hat. I will try to be good and listen to my mom and dad. May I please have some toys? The toys I would like are:

Bunk beds with Thomas sheets for me and winnie the pooh sheets for Keiler
Garbage truck legos set
Rocky the robot truck
Color changing cars (for Keiler’s car track)
Nerf blast gun
Star wars light saber
Little legos Helicopter Transporter
A blue camera (tough kid)
Hungry hungry hippos(for Keiler), Gator Golf (for me), Connect 4 x 4, Guess Who, Uno Attack, Trouble, New candy land game (Sweet celebrations 3D) Saucer Scramble
Tonka Wheels Pals Garage (for Keiler)
Toy Story video game and more video games
Basketball, football and soccer ball(for Keiler)
Trackmaster Thomas and Friends – Spin and Fix(I really want that and the new movie)
A toy gun like Natalie made from Pops

I’ll share all of this with my brother and Natalie. It’s okay if I don’t get all of these toys but the toys I would like most to have are: Gator Golf for brother and Natalie and the Thomas Spin and fix.
I promise we’ll give you cookies and milk and leave food for your reindeer. I love you and thank you for being nice. I want to pet your reindeer.
Love
Cameron (and Keiler)

Now Santa has already picked the Thomas fix and spin, Hungry Hippos and Gator Golf for the kids so he was on the ball this year. If only Mommy and Daddy would now...

OH!

So while I was grocery shopping this weekend, Adam and Cameron were putting up the lights. Before bed that night Cam asked me if he could go out into the garage and look at the Thomas fixer!!!! HOLY PETE!!! What was I going to do?! So I asked him where and he tried to get over there but was hard with the door shut and so I told him we'd look in the morning when there was light out. Great. My kid is 4 and I already blew Santa. Nice. I told him he probably found stuff in our goodwill pile with toys and clothes we were giving away. I said it was old boxes over there (and it was! Just not that one;) ) and probably he was just imagining things because he wanted it so bad. When they were asleep I trash bagged it and hopefully hid it even better. HOPEFULLY.

The next morning the first thing he wanted to do was go look so I opened the garage door to take out trash and let him look around. He couldn't find it and you know, you just can't argue with good ole' four year old reasoning. "MOM! Santa must have taken it to his workshop! It's gone, like magic, it's gone!" He went on and on and I said he must have been really wishing for it to imagine seeing it. Nice, huh? He's been so funny about the whole thing and you can imagine how relieved I was that his first and only thought was Santa.

2009-12-01T11:39:00.002-06:00

There is so much to blog about and I have sorely neglected this, but I don't think anyone checks this anymore...right? Email me or comment me if I should keep it.

As far as note worthy events:

Congrats Scott and Erin on their new bundle of joy! I'm so excited for you guys and your new endeavor into parenthood. I hope you find the blessings that I do every single day.

Funny:

So last night Cam pushed Kei and he fell over. Then Kei gets up and hugs his big brother and hands him a toy. So very forgiving and sweet. I ask Cam how that makes him feel. "Your brother loves you even when you are mean to him. He loves you so much and you should treat him nicely. So, what does that make you want to be?"

Cam replies, "An alien in a costume to scare him and then play with him."

I was thinking along the lines of "good big brother" but clearly I'm not a 4 year old boy. They really do get along great. Especially at bedtime when they should be sleeping.

It's been an eventful month. We're having fun with the Christmas season. My children and Adam are the best gifts-EVER!

Halloween, Halloween, Trick or Treat...-Dora the Explorer

2009-11-03T12:22:00.009-06:00

Well this year, we were just gonna enjoy the season. I have some things coming up so we weren't able to get the kids costumes. We've been doing fun stuff all month like painting pumpkins! Grammy and Pops got them Thomas and Friends Halloween dvd, Grandma and Grandpa got them some popcorn and goodies, and we got them some dum dums and other treats. We watched some of disney's halloween specials and Pops comes to hang once a week and he treated the kids to a Jack o Lantern Pizza from Papa Murphy's. YUM!

Okay, then these costumes magically appear on my front door step! Thank you Aunties Heather and Kayla and Uncle Josh! As you can see we had fun!

We found this trick or treating. Nice shot of tigger huh?

July Backblog #4

2009-10-15T10:13:00.008-05:00

I'm working on it. So here is July. Then I'll work on this Halloween.

We went to the Longview fireworks show this year.

We always eat pizza there so we can get a good spot and get there early. Kei got to have his first soda pop...root beer!

They had more fun with this than it was practical. That's saying a lot.

I have no idea what is on his face. I've been baking a ton now that I don't work so it's something chocolaty!

Wake up Bubee!!!! We went to stay with Oma and Opa for a week this summer to cheer Oma up since she broke her arm. The kids had a BLAST! Got good and worn out too. Hot summer for sure.

Opa and Cam boxing. I'll have to post a video of the boys game of pretend boxing. They take turns getting KO'd and counting. It's so funny.

Yep, the kiddos definitely had fun with their Oma and Opa!

Mrs. Rachel gave me these swimsuits which have been WONDERFUL since our pool is still too deep for the kids. Kei's little hiney is so cute in it too!!!

Meet Samson! Uncle Josh found him earlier this summer and after calls to the humane society and an add in the paper we got to keep him. He's so good with the kids.

Found this fellow in the boys swingset. Kinda neat. It's fun, these toddler and preschooler years; Everything is an adventure.

I forgot to post this in June's backblog. Adam and I- 7 years!!!

Kei got too excited about bath time. Actually, he fell in and it didn't seem to bother him in the least.

Kei's Second

2009-09-15T10:51:00.009-05:00

So Sunday was Kei's Second Birthday! We went out of town for my cousins wedding shower and since Oma is in the hospital again we decided to do his little party there to help cheer her up.

It was still kinda crowded just for a handful of people but it was fun. I'm so glad Kei let us share this with Oma!
These were brownie batter cupcakes. They were so awesome if I say so myself. Iced with homemade cream cheese icing. Can you tell I'm loving being at home? Cam helped decorate. We made things in parts since we were traveling but it tasted fine even if it didn't look awesome.
He was SOOOOO cute with the candles! I think he was a little bit surprised it was for him.
Uncle Josh helping with cupcake duty!
He just wanted to play with "Dos" so we let him sit on the floor and make a huge mess.
He was making me clean up his mess from EVERYTHING. After we got the icing off, he then sat on his cupcake and got brownie goo everywhere, lol.
I think the nurses were a little upset about the cupcakes with Oma's diabetes, but they were fab and have been taking such good care of her! She did only take a couple of bites, then it was all out war over the leftovers, huh Aunt Vikki? Haha.

It took Kei some time to open his presents. I forgot how fun it is for a little bitty one to do this. He was so excited about every little part of the whole thing. Big brother was a little impatient, he just knew he was going to love sharing with Kei.
Kei LOVES "Bubee" and even let him help with unwrapping and playing.

This was just so cute. He got excited over the wrapping paper. He'd tear off a little peice and hand it to Aunt Vikki saying "loo!" Like, "Look! Isn't this the coolest!"The crew. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa too for being so cool about us not doing a big party at home and thank you for the truck and I'm posting pics of that tshirt!
After every gift he opened he got up to show it to everyone, mostly Aunt Vikki. He was so happy!
So he got lots of Thomas and friends stuff. He likes the big boy stuff but that's bc of big brother.
He's thanking Aunt KayKay for his Nelson at the Quarry set. You should have seen the track we made in the living room yesterday ya'll!

He actually got to open one on his own!Cameron decided his brother needed a big engine and he picked out Emily. We had to remind Cam though that it was for his brother, but he really has done well. It's really the first time that Keiler has gotten his own things that Cameron has wanted as well. Sharing motivation.
So we ransacked the joint. You can see the color changing hot wheels and let me tell you-they both LOVE those!
Since we drove in that morning he'd only gotten in like a 30 minute nap. We also spent majority of the day in the car. He was a little bit cranky.
...but I did get a smile.

So on Kei's actual bday we were headed home and since it was rainy we decided to stop and eat at the McD's in Jacksonville. The have a really cool indoor playground. It's a little big for Kei but he still loved it. They even had hotwheels in the happy meals. We seldom eat out so a happy meal in itself was a big deal.I'm not sure what he was saying, but he looked mad. He was just being silly though.
He got to playing this little piano with his hiney eventually. Didn't get any good pics of that unfortunately.

He was waiting for Bubee to come down the slide. He calls Cameron that and that is of his own doing.

Haha! I saw this shirt and thought, "oh that's cute." It was just a tshirt and a cute one, but I died when I saw the cape on the back later! That is the funniest thing! He was super cute playing in it today. I wish I could have gotten a better shot of him sword fighting with Cam. He'd place his legs so that it looked like he was about to take off.
So a huge thank you to everyone who got him stuff for his birthday. It was fun time and we love sharing it with you all!

June Backblog #3

2009-08-13T13:16:00.006-05:00

This may not stay up for long. I was a bit hesitant to post this but it turned out so cute, er, cool. I made this and framed it for our Stars fanatic Dad. Adam really liked it and it was fun to get to do this sort of thing again. I haven't really gotten to since I 've had the kids. You'd think now is perfect timing. Maybe when Cam starts school.

So we drug out all of our Stars stuff- which isn't a lot so we did the best we could- to make the player pictures for Adam's spread.

Out of order but for the sake of the post, moving on. I was playing with my camera and I had fun with this feature. Need a faster camera so bad.

Kei was less than cooperative for the shoot. He DID NOT want to hold the stuff or for sure wear that stupid hat.

He's pouting because I wouldn't let him have another chocolate cupcake.

This is the picture I used in the project. I at least got one shot of him smiling and I'm pretty sure it's because I'm jumping around like an ape.

Isabelle-a.k.a Izzy or IzzyBell, got to come and play with us some this summer too! It was fun and I think she liked it too? Whatcha think Mrs. Laura? lol

Kei loved having his friend come and play. He was a bit rough- we're used to the man hugs around here.

Oh, this. I could not decide if I wanted this pic or the one I used. Cam's explanation of his expression, "This is my hockey player face" made it hard to choose. Hey, I think he's got a bit of a Zuby face goin on myself.

Yeah, see? Not HAPPY. At ALL.

And because I loved my Mother's Day questionnaire I did it for Adam too.

1. What's your dad's name? Adam
2. What does he do? He goes to work and helps his friends.
3. How old is he? I don't know...15?
4. What does mommy call him? Adam
5. What is his favorite color? He likes blue and yellow at work, but he really likes black like me. He really likes rainbow.
6. What is his favorite food? He likes apples and peas and carrots too.
7. What is his favorite movie? He likes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Up and he likes
daddy's show. (Mythbusters)
8. How many brothers and sisters does he have? Um...He has a lot!
9. Where does he like to take you for fun? The park and fishing.
10. What would you like to tell your daddy for Father's day? I love you and I like your hugs!

It is just amazing to me the things they notice. Like the fact that he wears blue and yellow to best buy or that he helps people there. I can't wait to do this with Kei! Well, yes I can.

I'm so behind, but at least still working on it. Hugs to you all!!!

May (Backblog #2)

2009-08-12T16:58:00.002-05:00

This was, as some of you know, Kay's senior year! She's actually headed off to UNT (University of North Texas) in just a couple of weeks. So I decided to post a couple of Pictures of her senior prom. I thought she looked absolutely gorgeous. I even got to do her makeup!

We have a friend that Cam just adores and he has quite a few tattoos. So instead of going bonkers every time Cam sharpied himself to blackness I decided to let him use his WASHABLE paints...hmmmm...he hasn't tattooed himself since. Must not be as much fun when you are allowed to do it.

Yes, that is Kei playing World of Warcraft. He logged in all by himself. His daddy was so proud.

Mother's Day

2009-08-11T14:30:00.003-05:00

Okay for backblog #1 I'm telling you about the most wonderful Mother's Day I've had yet!
It's full of action, adventure, romance and food. Haha. Seriously, it was a crazy day. I was woken up by Cam with some orange juice and Adam followed with an omelet I doubt I could forget! Forget any kind of presents because breakfast in bed is the absolute best! Adam took care of the daily chores while I enjoyed the kids and I made me and Aunt Vikki shrimp and asparagus risotto for dinner. I also decided to make a Sopapilla cheesecake for desert to share with my mom for her mother's day gift. I decided to go outside and play with the boys while it baked and the most random thing happened. A squirrel fell out of the tree and landed on ME!!! It scratched down my chest and that kind of hurt but more than anything it scared the life out of me! Of course the kids are laughing hysterically and what could I do but laugh? What are the odds of that happening?! So we come in and Adam had bought me the most amazing chocolate cupcake EVER! Seriously, EVER! I'm still trying to crack that recipe and when I do I'll let you know.
I of course recieved all the cute school crafts that I'll miss this year since we aren't putting the boys in school and I really couldn't handle working there either. One of the things I got was a Mother's Day Questionaire. It was so cute!!

1. What is your Mom's name? Effie
2. What does she do? pushes me on the swingset
3. How old is she? 5
4. What does daddy call her? Effie
5. What is her favorite color? Grey
6. What is her favorite food? Carrots and pickles
7. What is her favorite movie? Little Bear
8. How many brothers and sisters does she have? 3
9. Where does she like to take you for fun? Kid's Station
10. What message do you want to send her for Mother's Day? I love you!

Okay, I have to give it to him he did pretty good on a bit of it, but grey? Really? I could even see where he'd think Little Bear was my favorite given it was all we used to watch. The only reason I can think of the carrots and pickles answer coming from anywhere is possibly I over act eating my veggies to entice the wee monsters to eat theirs. Who knows? I love that I'm only 5 too. Hey, 5 is older than 3. I did the same thing for Adam on Father's day.

I'm not 4!

2009-07-26T08:38:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was Cameron's 4th birthday! So he wakes up extra early and we have this conversation:
"Good morning Cameron! Happy Birthday!"
"It's not my birthday."
"Yes it is."
"No, I'm not 4 yet."
"You turned 4 in the middle of the night.'
"But, I'm not tall."
He really looked sad and didn't believe he was four since he hadn't grown taller than me. He got over it pretty fast because he saw me working on his cake.
Aunt Vikki bought him cheese pizza for dinner and then when the grandparents got here we had a small family party. I thought about inviting friends from school this year, I just am still not ready for that all out party experience. He got lots and LOTS of Thomas and Friends train track stuff, lots of books, and a new bike! Oh and sort of a dog. I owe you a lot of back-blogs.
So after presents his aunts and him put up his new bridge and train tracks and played with all of his new trains. Then played a round of hockey with brother with the hockey stick pops made him and stayed up extra late watching his new movie Jungle Book with daddy and reading his Thomas book with me. He is so amazing. It's amazing the things they learn and how they grow, how their personalities develop. I have two teenage sisters so he's picked up quite a bit from them but things I would have never thought about. He's great at sarcasm and loves to "just kid" like when he's telling me no and man, this kid can tell you stories! His imaginary friend, Grekk, just had a birthday too. He's older than Cameron, but they still play fine. Anyways, Grekk got a dog, Claude. He's a little puppy unlike our big puppy and he's black and white. Cameron has quite a vivid imagination. He's really grown to appreciate his little brother and they play really REALLY well together now. I'm nervous about the temper (which he undoubtedly learned from me) but so excited about how he's changing and growing more and more into a great little boy!
On to the pictures! The grandad's did the photos this year so thanks guys!

This was not my first year to make a cake but to try and go all out...it's been a few since I've decorated cakes, but Cam liked it none the less.
He was ready to get to the presents part.
Little brother picked out Scarlowey...Needless to say he thought it was for him.
Okay, we have these Winnie the Pooh (Kei's obsession) cups and Cam BEGS for Eeyore.

My dad made this for Cam bc he loves to play hockey. It's nearly been banned as an outside toy-twice.
These are the Thomas tracks from Grandma and Grandpa. I'm glad he likes these rather than those high end train pieces or he probably wouldn't have any.
Brother was keeping it safe until Cam figured out what it was for.Cam got a picture clue. He figured it out pretty fast. I should have made it harder.

We didn' t do party hats so we got him these goofy glasses. I forgot to give them to him at the party though.
Our first game of indoor hockey. Kei did pretty good as Turco. Cam kept saying "I'm Mo, I'm Mo!" Turco is the Stars goalis and Mo is Mike Modano for those of you who aren't up to speed on NHL or all things Dallas.
"SCORE!"

2009-05-20T14:04:00.003-05:00

Thanks Jessica for reminding me that I haven't posted!!! YES! It's gone. Today is a week without the cast. ( I got Emry's adorable announcement the other day too! Thanks! Such a gorgeous baby!) This video was at the park where it all began a month and a week ago. I had some nerve going to the park, huh? We just had to celebrate. He's doing really well. We go back in 3 weeks for the doctor to make sure it's still healing well. I actually called this morning because he's still walking funny, but they said he would do that for a pretty long time. He's very careful with his leg. Not too careful, but careful for a 20 month old. He's not been as brave. He did climb in the middle of the table today. He's still slow of course, but he's bending his leg more naturally now. BATHS are the BEST! He was so happy to have a proper bath. I have that video on the camcorder so who knows when you'll see that. Cam was excited telling everyone that his brother's cast was gone. The next week when we went back to school he informed his teacher that Keiler Aiden's cast was still gone. I have the cast and I have to say at first it was like I was holding a piece of my child and it was really weird. Like that should have been on him still. It was remarkably clean inside, lol. I just knew we'd find all sorts of surprises in there. It was a surprisingly drama free experience, but I don't recommend it for anyone, haha.

This was actually a week after he got the cast. This was the new norm. This was how we did outside time. Pull the baby around and everyone takes turns.
I tried to take a good picture of how filthy his cast was. This was last Wednesday, before it was removed, obviously. It got pretty dirty, so I'd scrub it with a rag and dry it. You can see around his thigh and foot how the white cloth got really dingy.
He got a sore on his foot from his cast and trying to walk. I never bandaged it because he wasn't supposed to be walking. I figured it would be good discouragement but it wasn't. He just kept walking. The cast got very worn from him crawling and being a 1 1/2 yr old boy!
He had lots of fans! I was surprised at how many people wanted to sign his cast!

This was at the park. It's really short and you'll see why, but it was so neat to watch my baby try and walk again.

Can't keep a good boy down

2009-05-12T19:52:00.004-05:00

So tomorrow is SUPPOSED to be removal day for Kei. I am trying to not get over excited because it could very well stay on longer. I've been pouring milk with nesquik down his throat hoping the extra calcium will help build bones. I have prayed diligently and now the rest is in God's hands. I'm ready for my child to not have to be limited anymore. Ready for him to run, play in the dirt, eat messy meals, climb on things, and take baths like a normal 20 month old boy. Did I say I was ready for him to take a bath? lol. He's been SUPER! He's even walking. Of course he's not supposed too, but that's exactly what he does.

These two are such brothers. They like the same shows, so they will sit there and suck their fingers. Both are into Pooh (thanks Aunt Heather and Uncle Josh) and fight over Kei's Pooh Bear. He's pretty nice and shares quite a bit though. I've been trying to keep Kei in front of the tv in hopes he won't walk as much. It helps some, but not as much as it needs to.
So this was actually right after he got it on. It seemed like this would slow him down, but...nope.
He played and was so happy to not be in pain even.
Didn't take him long to try and figure out how to get vertical again. I mentioned he was walking. He looks like a crab when he walks. I have a video and of course I still have no idea how to hook all that up. BUT! School is almost over so I should have more time to look into that.
So if you can't walk, you scoot around on your cars. It worked until it actually became faster to walk in the cast.

Before we go in I'm gonna try and get some good shots of his cast. He's ruined a couple of pair of my favorite socks but I tried to keep that cast covered. IT'S FILTHY!!! I can't even begin to imagine what we'll find inside the thing when it does get taken off. He's a boy.

Funnies

2009-04-16T21:08:00.004-05:00

Cameron will say the funniest things and do them. The other day I was laying in bed with Kei because his tummy was upset. My aunt stayed home from work that day so I had Cam stay in the livingroom for rest time with her. He knows how to work the dvr and I didn't think I'd fall asleep so I just handed him the remote. Of course I fell asleep too. About an hour later Cam walks in and I keep my eyes shut hoping he'll leave so he won't wake up Kei (this was Monday...he'd been up a lot of that night with diarrhea and vomiting). Cameron walks up to the bed and says "Mommy." Then exhales loudly in my face with minty breath. I keep my eyes closed because I hear Kei rustling and then Cam says "Mommy" and exhales again. Only that time he drools ALL OVER my face. EWWWW! LOL! I'm kind of shaking but he doesn't notice and starts to wipe or smear the minty slober EVERYWHERE! By this time the comotion woke up brother and I couldn't really hide my giggles anymore. He was showing me he brushed the "plaquey germs" off his teeth.

Today he informs me that I needed to clean the bathroom. "Mom, you need to clean this bathroom. It's nasty." I clean it every Friday and if I get lucky to think about it, I'll wipe the potty down midweek to avoid such comments.

One of my personal favorites: "Mom, I can't sleep in my room. It's a nightmare." Wonder where he's heard that one. We're working really hard on trying to teach him to clean up his own messes but he's figured out the deal. If he says brother made X messes Mom cleans those up so..."Mom, Keiler made the whole mess." Yeah, right. It's possible, totally possible, but the impossible thing would be Cameron making NO mess. So now we tag team and race so we can get outside faster or have a popsicle or make cookies. Kei is getting the hang of picking up so there is some healthy competition there.

Saturday, Adam was getting Cam ready for bed and over the monitor I hear a hard, long sigh. "Daddy, it's been a hard day!" Adam dies laughing and shares the statement with me. Kids.

I've taken a few more pics of my rugrat rebel so I'll post those. Thanks to all our family that's helped Kei through these first few days. He's figuring it out and we even caught him on the coffee table...I better quit typing and get in there, lol.

Broken

2009-04-16T20:37:00.005-05:00

So we have our first broken bone with the boys. It happened a couple of days ago at the park. Kei was sitting in my lap on a slide when his shoe caught on the side and pulled his leg down and under mine while we went down. I thought at first his hip was dislocated, and he was less than cooperative with our pediatrician. We went home and muddled through the night...still having stomach issues with a bad stomach bug. He hardly slept and could not bear weight at all. Pops was the first to notice his swollen ankle. Of course at the doctor's office his whole leg was swollen so it was hard to notice that until later. We went back yesterday and that is when our doctor and his wonderful staff suffered the screams of my child and found the break in his tibia. We went directly to the Orthopedist where they confirmed the break and casted his whole leg. I was surprised in his almost sudden change. He seemed happier and not near as in pain. He slept the whole night...yes, the whole night and woke up happy and finally able to stomach real food. He got to get out today with Daddy and Grandpa and brother. He is pretty frustrated about being stuck in the floor but he's already figuring out how to crawl around. We'll go back next week to x-ray his leg again to make sure it's healing correctly and then another 3 weeks in the cast. Gonna be a whole new normal around here for the next month. You've seen his eating pictures and now we can't give him proper baths, lol. Fun, fun! I'm thanking God though because this could have been so much worse. Here are some pictures from last night after we got home. He was pretty pooped out.

The Aunties had to sign his cast of course. Cam doesn't really understand what is going on. He's a little frustrated that life isn't going on as normal. Fortunately lots of family have pitched in taking him to the park and outside so things are somewhat normal.

A while...and then some.

2009-02-24T16:38:00.011-06:00

So here is the McNew home as of late. Well, sort of. Sorry for not posting. Kei is in a whole new level of disaster making and Cam is as well.

We'll begin with self feeding.

He makes the funniest faces.

Uncle Josh's and Aunt Kayla's birthday party.
Cam was trying to help bc he wanted to play in the box.
"Take on me...take me on."
I'm not really sure why Daddy decided to draw on his son or why he chose to write this in non washable marker or even why he chose to do it at all. We had fun trying to get it off. Cam had no idea what it said he just thought it was hilarious that daddy wrote on him.
This picture is dubbed as mommy's revenge, lol.
Kei and Daddy do a LOT of this.
Our first Popsicle! I love these because they are so small and the kids think they are a fun dessert.

I have a Wiggles addict in the house. He gets completely still to watch this show. He'll even find the remote, bring it to you and start dancing and gibbering about Wiggles. Needless to say we've had to severely limit his intake, lol.
Just as much a kitchen as a jungle gym.

Cameron's ingenuity always strikes me. Sometimes it can be so simple and sometimes I get frustrated trying to get everything apart. This happened to be one of my most favorite inventions because he shared with his little brother.
His favorite show (other than Little Bear) are the Modern Marvels on History Channel of the world's biggest machines. Lately we've been watching Mighty Machines like nobody's business. Our truck and car books are the most read and he's always building something with his legos. Thank you Mrs. Jolene because they are a lifesaver!
Aunt Vikki working out on the wii with her personal trainer.
I'm still trying to figure out how the kid has chocolate on his knees.

See, lots of Daddy time. Every morning he gets up and lays in bed with daddy to watch an episode of the Wiggles. Daddy's boy for sure!
Yeah, this was gross but that's what boys do.

Christmas Pt. 2

2009-01-27T12:41:00.006-06:00

Our best friends were in from Louisiana and this is Isabelle. Kei had fun having a friend over I think.

I just thought it was cute how they all were playing with the kitchen...Cam is deciding what to order.

Andy and Adam.Kei, Andy, Izzy, Laura, me, Cam and Adam. I wanted the babies together to show how TALL Izzy is. She's about two months younger than Kei.
The kids just weren't all that interested.
At least we got one good one in, lol.
I hate that this was blurry because Andy's and Adam's faces were soooo funny! So THAT'S how you feel, is it?
Woo!

hehe, I caught her sneaking a treat. Of course, I was totally okay with it and thought it was so cute! So excited I caught her face!
This is the horsey Kei got for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa...He FINALLY started riding it last night! I'm so glad he isn't scared of it anymore.
This is a blanket Kei got and Cam got those jammies (his new favs) from Aunt Heather and Uncle Josh. They are watching The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh also from Heather and Josh.

I know...it's taken me long enough. But here they are. New Years next!

Christmas

2009-01-05T12:50:00.007-06:00

So of course now that it's the new year...I'm still posting weeks late, but hey-better late than never, right? So We had a good Christmas. We spent the morning with my family and went and saw Adam's dad and stepmom that night. It was a LONG day! I'm still tired, lol. The boys had a blast! Kei still wasn't too interested. He got a couple of blankets and a Winnie the Pooh and was pretty happy with that. He LOVED some toy guns Cam got from his Grandma and Grandpa. Adam got to hook up his new toy and I got LOTS of lotion and smell goods for sheets and home.

We have this book called Twas the Night Before the Night Before Christmas. So, for fun, we camped out the night before the night before Christmas by the tree and watched Cam's favorite movie Polar Express.
Kei put out the cookies and Cam fed the reindeer and we were ready for bed!
"I want to see Santa." So I promised Cam I'd try and video Santa. IDK, if I'll get that posted. Still trying to figure out the camera, but Santa DID come and I got him about to come in, but the battery died...lol. So inconvenient. I turned the camera on as soon as I plugged it in, but he was already gone. Shucks! He did leave a letter though.
He brought the boys a 50's diner! They love it! Cam asks to eat in the big diner all the time.
The only thing Cam really asked for was a big fire truck and Santa delivered even though he wasn't going to do more than the diner and the toy box.
We got Kei a ball popper and he LOVES this thing. I just hate trying to find the balls so he can play with it. Worthy investment moms.
So for graduation, Scott sent Adam a silk robe....this is his distinguished look. He wears the robe ALL the time! His favorite pairing is with his fav tshirt that says "Sexy Time" on it. Goofball.
Grammy and Aunt Vikki waiting for the kiddos to get started.
Uncle Josh was having an okay day :)

So Heather got Kayla a Twilight survival kit to get her through college. Rosalie's necklace with the Cullen family crest was included.Kei and Cam love soft things and blankets and pillows are their favorites so Aunt Nat hit the mark with this Cars super soft fleece.
And so did Heather with Winnie the Pooh and new silkie blankie...We could still use a few more. J/k.
Cam's favorite gift was prolly from Aunt Vikki. He was SO excited about his Thomas the Train track set.
Natalie got Alice's choker from Heather. You see a trend here?

I was so excited that Grammy and Pops got Cam candyland and chutes and ladders! We've been having fun with the new board games!Yes and I got one too! This is Esme's bracelet!
The boys both got racetracks from Uncle Scott and Aunt Erin! They have so much fun with them...Okay, so do me and Adam, lol...We hook them all up in the living room and have a blast!
"Mr. Tomato Head!" that is what we got Cam. We only did one gift bc the family always goes all out on these boys. So did Santa!
Pops making sure Kei doesn't hurt himself in all the mess.

These are no where NEAR all the pics, but for the sake of time and so I can get New Years and other cute photos posted this will be all. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. Thank you to Grandma Sylvia for the goodies and books! We LOVE Shel Silverstein. We are working on getting all of his books! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for all the goodies. The boys are so funny with the light guns and really like the books too! I think Santa is going to have to bring another bookshelf next year. We really like books...a lot. Haha Grammy for the Don't Wake Mama book! I thought it was funny and Cam got a kick out that and the Aliens Love Underpants.

Graduation

2008-12-21T11:02:00.006-06:00

Yes, he finally did it! It was such a fun and exciting day! Special thank you to Grandpa for the pictures! And also to the family who did come thank you for making it a special day for Adam!

Kei, didn't do too hot during the ceremony. Thanks Aunt Vikki for taking care of him so I could video the ceremony.Adam shaking hands with the president of UT Tyler.

This was their guest speaker and he was a hoot! Gave hugs to all the graduates.
Love that smile! It says, "I'm done!"
Cam thought Daddy looked a little funny in his dress.

Lunch at our place after ceremonies. Pops, Josh (sort of)and Adam.
Carrie and Vicki.

So, since it was actually Aunt Vikki's 40th we did a cake for her too. She's done so much for us these past couple of years.
Adam's cake. Not close to what I ordered, but still cute and the right colors!

Cam had to cut the cakes. He's so very independent.
Picture time. The weather was gorgeous! Very windy though.
Adam and his second family :) Pops (Buel), Uncle Josh, Adam, Aunt Vikki, Grammy (Tami) Natalie, Kayla, Cameron and me. Wee man was taking his nap. Too much excitement.

Grandma (Vicki), Adam and Daddy/Grandpa. The proud parents.
The other proud parents! Grammy and Pops.
The proud grandparents! Carrie and Papaw was sick this morning but sent his love. Hope you like the pictures!

2008-12-12T07:26:00.006-06:00

So of course my aunt gets them matching jammies they must be subjected to a small photo shoot! I think they are starting to favor each other more.

Kei is finally coming around to our bedtime routine of reading stories. He wasn't as interested as Cam was at this age, but that's okay. It is so much fun to sit there with them even if it's just a mini Bible story.
I can't believe I caught this on camera! Cameron very rarely hugs his brother. It's amazing to watch them grow together and learn to love each other.
Of course we got Aunt Vikki in on the shot! Thanks for the jammies Aunt Vikki!
This was the morning of the day of doom for Kei. He took a few pics and then busted his head on my desk to the left. All that came out of that though was a line bruise across the little sore on his chin you see in this picture.

We went to the store after that and when we got home, Kei tripped and scraped his head on the concrete. This was followed by a night of throwing up. His little body did not like all that head banging he did. There was a small bruise on the other side of his head from the desk incident and the photo really doesn't show how awful it ended up looking. Not a good day for us...not a good day at all.A couple of days after Thanksgiving we put the tree up. Normally Saturdays because Adam always works black friday. I hate that day. But then we get to decorate the day after and that is a lot of fun :)
Cam putting the first ornament on the tree! It's a little Polar Bear of course!
Kei thought the lights and beads and garland was AMAZING!
Yeah, see...beads.
Kei helped Aunt Vikki with her tree in the dining room. It's fun to have two trees in the house!
We did Thanksgiving with Grandpa and Grandma and our cousins so on Friday we had a Birthday dinner for Pops with all our leftovers! What a FEAST! The festivities proved to be a bit much for our little Cowboy fan. He crashed in the floor while watching Chipmunks!
Before the crash. I thought it was cute that Kei sat down with his big brother. He trys to do everything like his big brother :) Sometimes it goes the other way though.
Cam is wearing, yes, a football "helmet" and throwing his "football." That is an Easter egg. Good form if I say so myself.
Kei just looking oh so big boy.
We got his curls OFF this time. Of course Daddy liked it but I love the curls...they'll come back :D

Finally!!

2008-12-10T11:02:00.004-06:00

I'm so very proud of my husband! It's been a rough three years but we've made it. Adam has worked so hard to achieve this and words cannot express my gratitude for his sacrifice and commitment to not only school and work, but his family here. He has two boys and a wife who love him so very much and are so excited to have him home more now!

I would also like to thank family and friends (especially Aunt Vikki) for your support and prayers through this period. Aunt Vikki, we are so grateful for our home and your help. We love you and thank you for taking care of us so we could take good care of our boys. You are still stuck with us until Adam finds a job though :D

If you happen to be in town, please stop by like the announcement says for the open house!

Thanksgiving Feast

2008-11-23T21:20:00.005-06:00

Thursday was our Thanksgiving Feast at school. I dressed the boys up for kicks and grins and because it's just fun to dress up my little guys from time to time. Cam looked so handsome :) I love this shirt Grandma Vicki!So goofy!
Kei had the grouchies this morning so the only smiles we really got were if I was holding him tickling him.
See-grouchies!
Doesn't he look so sweet! Cam got this from a friend and didn't get to wear it all that long. Kei's got a while on it.
It was really hard to get him to take a serious smile.
We're having lots of fun this fall. It's the first time we've really been able to talk about the changing seasons and what goes on.

I still have to get the pics from the camcorder so I'll have those super soon.

What happens when Mommy takes a break...

2008-11-13T16:23:00.004-06:00

You know, kids are worth every ounce of trouble and destruction they may bring. This is what happens when I take breaks or get occupied doing other things around the house. Laugh, go on. Remember, I'm gonna be cleaning that peanut butter up for a LONG time.

Yummy sour cream... this was last night, but I still wasn't watching him.

Kei just looks like an orangutan to me.

We had mexican food last night and Kei liked it...not so sure his shirt did though.

So....
Adam and I got the new WoW expansion pack and while we were loading it and looking at it I let Cam have some peanut butter and those 100 calorie pack oreos. He's pretty responsible as 3 year olds go. I thought he could handle it for a few minutes at least. I was SOOOOOOOO wrong.

Any bets on how long this is gonna take me to clean up? I'm not really sure how the cars fit into his scheme...I'm not really sure what he was even thinking. Somehow I don't think he would know either.

"Mom! I cleaned up the living room! I did my chores!" No, really. That's what he said. I'm sure Adam taught him this one. Just cover it up with a towel and somehow that means "It's Clean!"

Birthday gifts...

2008-11-12T14:07:00.006-06:00

Being cute at dinner time. Kei is very entertaining at the table. I wish he would talk but his smacking sound for food is too funny. He sees your food and smack, smack, smack.

Cam has rota virus. Fun, fun...he's been just laying around for almost 5 days now. I finally took him to the dr. to be told to pretty much keep doing what I'm doing. Oh well. He's worth it! He was really excited that Simon decided to lay down with him. You like his tag. I wonder if he'll ever outgrow that or his thumb.
Simon is laying with me!!! Simon is really good with the boys, but he really doesn't snuggle with them at all. What a treat for Cam.
I subconsciencely dress me and the boys alike. Yesterday was brown day although you really can't see my shirt. I don't mean to do it-in fact, I didn't even notice until about dinner time last night.
Since we went to the dr. instead of nap Cameron had an early bedtime. 6!!! I carried him to bed and changed him into his pull-up and he didn't budge. He did wake up about 7:15-bathtime-because he peed out of his pull-up. Way to go mom... Oh well, he was back in bed and asleep at 8. Quite a quiet night.

All these photos were taken with my birthday present! Adam got me a new camera...It's adorable! White with pink polka dots. I really had a great birthday. Adam took me to dinner at Olive Garden and the boys got me some cute pink jammies with different colored polka dots! 27 ain't that bad :) I love you guys. Thank you for making my birthday a special day!! You guys are the best gift ever!

2008-11-03T09:33:00.005-06:00

Hello! Yes, it's been a long while. A LOT has happened since the last post. I have to admit though, it's not as fun posting without pics. My camera has failed me. BUT Adam got a really spiffy camcorder at his Best Buy retreat in Miami and it takes pretty good pictures!

First, Kei is getting ALL of his one year molars at once! We've had a rough weekend but he's all grins now. He ran pretty high fever and found it pretty hard to sleep. We're giving him Tylenol before bed now and that seems to be doing the trick. The slobber is out of hand though.

He's just so happy. He's content to just hang out with brother, play with his trucks, get into the trash and any other gross thing and snuggle! He is my cuddler for sure!
Cam has got allergies right now. Lots of coughing but he's doing really good other than that. He's starting to eat more veggies, YAY! He's learning a few sight words and, the, of and he knows trucks like nobody's business! We're are addicted to the Tonka books. I picked out a shirt for Kei for Christmas and it said Bulldozer on it. I showed it to Cam and he said, "That's not a bulldozer- that's a excavator!" He was right, and I can't believe I didn't notice, but we're keeping it.
SOOOOOOOOOO...One of our good friends was at the Halloween football game, Jacob. He was doing one of his many jobs as EMT there...I think. So Cam got an upclose and personal tour of the ambulance! Mr. Jacob even let him wear some fire gear! Lemme tell you- the kid was on cloud nine! He even got to play with the lights!
Kei wasn't feeling good but just to show you how snuggly he is, he has only met Jacob 3 or 4 times but wanted to be held and snuggled sooooo bad! I was a bit jealous. He was snuggling with anyone who'd hold him- including an adorable little girl who I've never seen before in my life. Anyone but me that is.
So we did Chunky monkey and Pirate this year. Thanks to old costumes and Rachel who gave us Brooks costume from last year. Cam really played it up...well some, with some help from mommy. Ahoy there mateys! He LOVED his pirate "tickles." Daddy did a full out beard Halloween night for the game. BTW, the football game was Kayla's senior night! We just couldn't miss it. Plus the boys did Halloween with my mom and dad and the girls at the bandboosters carnival (which they loved and I loved because I got a whole night off) and they had parties at school. We just showed off to a few neighbors first. Special thanks to Grandma Sylvia for the treat bags and the card that was oh so true!Daddy and his monsters.
Kei's party at school. He had no problem eating an entire cookie. One of the mom's was totally shocked. He's the smallest in class.

This is Cam's class! It's a really big class for 3 year olds, but Mrs. Gayla and Mrs. Rebekah are awesome!These kids got almost too much stuff. I'm gonna have to give some of it, er, a lot of it to my sisters. I didn't go all out on the "tickles" like daddy.
Also, thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the cute cards! Cam knew exactly what he wanted. A cement mixer to put his candy in. So he got a toy tonka mixer that mixed nerds, skittles and other things that were no fun trying to get out. Kei got a baby tonka truck set so he could be like brother and have his OWN trucks! Cement mixer included of course.

My Big Ole Little Boy

2008-09-29T13:03:00.003-05:00

12 month Checkup
9/24/08
Height: 29 1/4 inches
Weight: 20 lbs. 9 ozs.

We ARE growing! Almost too fast for my taste, but he's still such a little squirt! Keiler is a very persistent child. When he gets something in his head, by golly he's gonna do it! I love that even though it can mean trouble. He absolutely adores his big brother and that is finally going the other way around too. Cameron is always trying to show little brother how to tee tee in the potty (btw, Cam is sleeping in his underwear from time to time now!), sing our Good Morning Sunshine song to baby bro in the morning, play with him before bed and throw toys in Kei's bed so he can play AND he prays for his little brother in almost all of our prayers! It's so sweet to see them become little buddies. I just hope when we decide to have the next one that it goes the same. Keiler still isn't talking a whole lot, but this kid CAN MOVE! I talked to our pediatrician about my concern for his lack of conversation but he said that both boys behavior is very typical for first born and second born.
Some cute Kei-isms:

A la la- I love you
Bubba/tac- Cameron...Tac took me a while to figure out....
Mommmmma-I'm starving, feed me!
Dada-ok, I'm sure you can figure that one out
buh bye-that one too
ni ni-night night

Kei is a bottomless pit most days...although he's finding that he doesn't care much for veggies and things with course textures. He wasn't so picky before so this is a little bit frustrating. He's very healthy, vibrant and his smile just lights up a room or house! His laugh is so contagious and his curls-Absolutely precious!
Here's some cute pics of recent developments/events or just for the sake of being cute.

Playing in the sand box is OH so fun!

Kei had his first stomach virus late last month. This was at midnight-ish after a bath. That was a LONG night. He's quite a Daddy's boy don't ya think?

I don't think I'd be all that crazy to have those fingers in my mouth either Daddy. Kei was sure having fun though.

Kei really likes Oreo cookies.

No, at this point he hasn't had another haircut. I have a hard time parting with those sweet little angel wings. He got one just the other day though, so I'll post some pics...eventually.

Hurricanes and Birthdays

2008-09-15T09:39:00.011-05:00

Kei wearing big bro's present...I got a little out of order.

Cam was truly surprised (ahem) about getting a gift from Heather and Josh.

He got the Dallas Cowboys hat and jersey tee.
He's hauling baby brother to the festivities...he knew he was going to get to help open presents. :)

YAY! New clothes. Despite having Cam's and another friend's little boy's stuff (who was born the same month) nothing fits my little squirt!

Some decor for those bare bedroom walls! They matched perfectly Aunt Vikki! Duh, huh?

Kei LOVES his ball popper from Aunt Heather and Uncle Josh. Can we say SPOILED?

He started to get the hang of unwrapping.

K, both boys really like this toy. The only down side is that the gears come off-which is cool-but they get lost. Constantly.

I'm so hungry.

What's this?

/golfclap. "You clap halfheartedly, clearly unimpressed."

What is this goop?

So I had to help him out since all he was doing was playing; I think it helped.

Hey. This isn't bad.

YAY!!!! This stuff ROCKS!!!

Gimme more!

Cameron had to get in on the action.

Do you remember the Smurfs theme song?
la, la, la, la, la, la
la, la, la, la, laaaaa...

This is so much fun!

MORE, MORE, MORE! Who cares about a tummy ache!?

The cake turned out really pretty!

I had them put a collage I made with a picture from every month. The little car and trains were from the party set we used.

But in the end...it was all eaten...or destroyed.

Notice how all the window shots look dark? That's bc of Ike...No one came to the party because we were in the middle of a tropical depression. Nice. We still got everything done before electricity was lost. It was about 2 in the afternoon here.

Kei and Aunt Vikki being silly.

Our yard was pretty ransacked. That's okay though, Cam helped clean it up.

It took a full day of mowing, hauling and raking to get it in order, but worth it because the kids couldn't play in all that mess.

Oma and Opa playing on their gift to the boys.

This was the morning after the bad weather...Amazing! It was in and out and left gorgeous days behind!

Keiler Aiden is ONE!

2008-09-15T09:11:00.004-05:00

Things I've learned in my second "first year":

Baby slobber dissolves the ink off of Scrabble tiles
Bubbles in the bathtub ARE made from toots (thank you Cameron for that one)
Size really doesn't matter (even though you are small you are loved in a very big way!)
Wii and PlayStation games do not like the previously mentioned baby slobber
Sand is no fun in diapers
all kinds of new words: sloller-slobber and brudder-brother
that sharing to a big sib is pretty one sided
that a older sib WILL blame a 8 month old of hijacking his "punjelly" sandwich and eating it (of course I found out that it REALLY did happen!)
that even though they come from a swim in the same gene pool they could not be any more similar than that
It's just as much fun the second time around as it was the first if not better! Something about having an older brother to laugh at and keep up with makes the second one just as wonderous as the first.

3 Whole Years!

2008-07-30T20:57:00.010-05:00

So Saturday we celebrated Cam's 3rd birthday! Well, he got to celebrate on his birthday too, but we had his family party on Sat. Friday Aunt Vikki and Aunt Natalie took him to Kid's Station (where they let him in free!) and they let him pick his own birthday lunch. So what'd he pick? Taco Bell of course! Just like his Daddy! We had chicken nuggets for dinner (thank you Aunt Kayla!) and of course we sang Happy Birthday over a teeny, Cameron sized cake. Now why didn't I do anything? Because I was in the backyard with Adam building the....well, you'll see! Cam got some work books and some awesome Little Golden books from his Grandma in Utah! He's been doing surprisingly well with them and it's nice to have new reading material before nap and bedtime, lol. He loves counting! He must get that from his dad too, because that's so not me.

So we went with dump trucks and diggers of course. Kei looked pretty spiffy in his party hat!
Yeah, we stuffed our faces with awesome hamburgers and hotdogs! Thanks Adam for grilling!
That's my mom, aka Grammy, and Heather!
KayKay of course and even Pops managed to make the celebration despite being in a LOT of pain! Thanks Pops!
Just so you know (in case it's not pretty obvious) that is Josh's mom, Becky Feller. So to clarify, it's my sister's mother-in-law! Isn't that cool! Josh and I graduated the same year so I knew his mom anyways, but it's neat how we're all a family.
Cam had no idea what this present from NatNat was for!
And you couldn't see his face, but he was clearly wondering why we were singing Happy Birthday to him and I had his dump truck and no cake.
Then he saw the candle and it was okay.
It took him a minute to figure out that you could eat the "dirt" cake. The gummy worms were kind of a give away.
So he served himself!
Oma called to see if he'd gotten his present yet, and he hadn't but he was ready to see what was outside.
He had fun eating "dirt" cake.
He wanted to fix everyone else's, but we left that to Kayla.
Keiler thought it was yummy stuff too. He was wearing his dump truck outfit for the festivities.
We DID give him a real spoon, but...
So this is what he got from Oma, Opa and Aunt Vikki. Adam and I spent all of Cam's actual birthday putting it together. I'm quite handy with a powerdrill if I do say so myself. It was fun to build and even more fun to watch him enjoy it.
He got his first big boy race track from Mrs. Becky! He LOVES it! He drags it out almost everyday! He's finally got a use for all those Hot Wheels cars, lol.

This is the sandbox! I was so excited when Daniel and Vicky, aka Grandma and Grandpa, volunteered to build it! I had no IDEA that he was going to get a construction themed one! He really enjoys it!
We so have a kid-friendly back yard now! We've been going out everyday and I'm so happy that Cam wants to! He's not a park in front of the tv kinda kid.
It's got a mini picnic table under the slide and yes, that is a swing for little brother!
And he likes it very much too! Now what on earth am I gonna do for HIS first birthday!?
We let Cam open the presents outside which was difficult but I'd been telling him that he could go outside as soon as he ate cake and he was going to hold me to it.

These are all courtesy of Grandpa. I have more from my aunt's camera that I'll post later. Ours is still on the fritz.
Grandma letting Kei get his feet dirty! He absolutely loved it!
Clearly.
Okay...to explain this face. My sister got Cam the Chipmunk Adventure DVD! It was one of my most favorite movies as a kid. Since Cam likes the new Chipmunk movie she figured he (and of course I) would like it.
I think we all got the kid some sandbox toys. I have to trade them out and take some out before we play.
My sister's friend Jaime (sorry if I didn't spell your name right!) playing with party poppers, lol. And yes, we got a pool! Thanks Aunt Vikki!

I think everyone enjoyed playing in the sandbox!

First haircuts and other nonsense

2008-07-17T20:48:00.008-05:00

Whew! It's been such a busy week. I don't look forward to the next one slowing down any as my first baby turns 3!! Blink and here we are! So here what's been goin' on lately in pics as I'm sure you've all been dying to see! Here goes!

The fourth in the backyard. Cam didn't want to go in! The sparklers were a hit!

We let Kei come out for some of the action, but by the time it was even close to dark enough he was exhausted. Isn't it darling how he sucks his 3 fingers?
Cheesy grins! I love it when they get new teeth, but it makes them look oh so grown up.
Our last night with our little wavy curls. He just couldn't hold out. Besides, Daddy is pretty darn comfy!
So I got a little out of order, but oh well. He's such a happy baby!
Sniff, sniff! His little angel wings...
He cracks me up with his grins. He's doing some really cute stuff now. I'll post those pics soon.
Fortunately Cam doesn't have too much that can't be shared or choked on. What will I do for Kei's first?
Now his sad faces are the most, well, sad. He DOES NOT like getting in trouble or being told no. He just falls apart. That bottom lip just pokes out faster than you can say, "but I love you!"
Ok. We've been doing some serious yard work. When we moved in I was very pregnant and up until now I haven't really had time or the energy. Well Cam is getting some pretty spiffy outside stuff and my Aunt Vikki got a pool so we had to get busy gutting the overgrown beds and whatnot. I was helping Adam and I realized Kei had gotten really still...I guess my back is snuggly.
Doesn't he look JUST LIKE HIS DADDY? They were just being silly boys. Cam's tongue is orange because he got a popsicle for pooping! I haven't mention potty training in probably a month. So I started my job at Angel's Academy and I went ahead and put Cam in underwear. Ever since then he's done ALL of his business in the potty!!! We're only wearing pullups at night! YAY! He doesn't even pee in the pool! He always comes in about to bust! He's doing super good and I'm so blessed for a fairly easy potty training experience.
I love his smiles too. Now that he's only a few days from three I'm really noticing all the boyish things about him. It is so wonderful that he's growing and healthy and smart, but I do miss some of the baby chub and words. Cochit-chocolate, punjelly-peanut butter and jelly (although it's just what we call it now, but he can say it right) and others. Although I love it when he says thanks or no "fanks."
Grammy came to see her grandbaby get his first haircut. We went to Head's First out in good ole WO. Miss Jeanne got the honors! Although I'm not so sure you'd call sucker drool an honor, but we'll get to that.
So here is Miss Jeanne doing her amazing thing! I'm sporting my new coif from her as well. This was Kei's first sucker and he was not letting go for much except the occasional "What are you doing?" look at Miss Jeanne.
Those long bangs! If I ever have a girl, I hope she gets her brother's hair! Anywho. The sucker. It was butterscotch and he LOVED it! He "slollered" (another Cameronism) everywhere! Sorry Miss Jeanne!
I had to hold my hand under his face to catch some of it. You can see I didn't do all that great of a job though.
Kei and Miss Jeanne! I think either he really likes his new do or he has a crush!
This little puppy almost got kidnapped while we were there. He was so friendly and Cam thought he was the best...so did Adam.
I think this t-shirt was custom made for Cameron Adam. And this picture says it all.
Thanks Aunt KayKay! It could not be more perfect! It perfectly explains the tears and why my child is sitting in time out in the grocery store.
This did Adam's ego good... I just have to laugh everytime I see this shirt! For some reason Cam pulled off the whole Ladies Man look, but Kei just seems to shy for it to work, but to me that's even more Adam. The more you get to know him the more you hear, "I'm SEXY." He even bought a t that says "Sexy Time" on it. Gee whiz! Do you see what I have to put up with? Anyday!

We Love You Scoochers

2008-07-08T12:21:00.008-05:00

January 18, 2004 - July 7, 2008

We recently had to tell our furry family member good bye. Scooch had chronic problems with urinary tract infections and this last trip to the vet proved what a toll they'd taken on our poor Scoocher Moocher. Surgery was an option, but they weren't sure what state his kidneys were in or if he'd even make it through. It's weird to not see him laying around the house already. It seemed very real last night when I left the door open and no Scooch came to snuggle. We'll miss our kitty and resident dog very much. We all loved how he fetched and when he wasn't lazing about he was VERY playful. We even managed to teach him to speak when we were playing. I can't imagine not finding my hair bands all over the house. It was hard to not see him as his playful self lately. So, here is a little tribute to Scooch who will be very much missed.

Just a couple of days old Scooch, Simon and sibs.

Scooch has the "tear drops" under both eyes. He always looked so sad.

I guess you can imagine why we named him Scooch. He had the hardest time of all trying to get around.

He was such a cute kitten! Such a wee fluffball!

This is just to show how tiny he was. He was up to 14 lbs. I believe, at a previous checkup!

This cat could sleep ANYWHERE!

Those big eyes! He was always ready to play!

This was about when he started to get his fluff and more personality.

We're wondering how Simon will do without his brother. So far he's been getting stuck in the boys room which is a Scooch trademark. I'm not sure if he's looking for his brother or not. They've always been close brothers, snuggle buddies and playmates.

They were just so cute!

This is what I meant by the hair band statement.

Scooch was so good with the boys. He was even better as a baby!

One of the rare moments that Scooch and Willow were snuggling. He usually found great joy in tormenting her throughout the house.

He caught it!

He was good with the boys and he liked to sleep in Cameron's bed. Cameron thought it was fun and doesn't understand that Scooch isn't coming home.

We'd find him about anywhere!

Watch out bugs.

He still kept those little "tear drops."

6 Years and 9 months

2008-06-26T12:26:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's the picture. My camera is still not repaired. I've taken it back a couple of times, but I think I'm just going to have to get another one. UGH! This is how I found the little guy though. All tuckered out under everything in the room.

As for the nine months-which is how old Kei is now! I didn't post on his actual nine month b-day because I forgot to schedule his nine month well check. We did it yesterday and my lil shrimp is growing, but still a little shrimp.

He is 27 1/2 inches long - about 20th percentile. He weighs 17 lbs and 3 oz. which is only in the 5th percentile. I had a hard time believing that one. You should see this kid eat. He's bottomless! His head is 17 1/2 in around - 25th percentile. I don't think he looks all that skinny either. He's just got a monstrous metabolism I suppose. Our pediatrician said he looked great other than the runny nose he's got from cutting the fourth tooth on top. I did decided to try him on formula again. This is about where I dried up with Cameron and I'm feeling like that's going to be happening here soon so since it's been a phenomenal failure in the past I figured he'd have to get used to it. I bought the off brand soy with all the added stuff and he LOVES it AND he doesn't stink like formula! He takes one bottle a day and more if I need to go somewhere during a feeding! Freedom never felt so sore!
He is such a wiggle worm, he does it in his sleep. So for nine months here's our little guy! Kei is so precious. He is a snuggler and loves to be held. He also has incredible hand-to-mouth reflexes. I never realized how good I had it with Cam back in the day. He almost never put anything in his mouth. Kei on the other hand...if you can see it, you can taste it. Vacuuming has never been so necessary. He's more shy than Cameron and definitely more reserved around others. He's for sure a Momma's boy. However, he has a wild streak. If the gate is open, watch out world there he goes. He's a fast lil booger! These two could not be more different and it's amazing to be their mom!

As for the six years...well Adam and I just celebrated our 6 th anniversary! I can't believe it's come and gone. I can't believe all the things we've crammed into those 6 small years. As I get a little older the time passes a little faster all the time. We didn't do much. We just went for ice cream, dinner at Cheddar's and saw Get Smart (which was so funny) then went for some coffee. I also happened to snag the first chapter of Breaking Dawn!!!! WOW!!! On our actual anniversary Adam took me to a late breakfast. I'd love to say things have been peaches and cream, but the fact that we got to celebrate an anniversary is a miracle. We're always so busy and we've had a rough year. Adam is nearly done with school! One last semester and he has to finish up the rest of this summer semester. He wants to go ahead and get his masters over with but I've pleaded for him to give me some time here. He is doing really well in his supervisor position with Best Buy and he's really enjoying it. I'm not enjoying the hours so much, but I'm so happy that he's finally doing what he loves! Some have asked if I'm going to finish school now that he's almost done. No, not right now. I'm working part time at a mother's day out and the boys go with me. Other than that I'm going to focus on our children and Adam. We do plan on having one more in a couple of years and then I will probably go sometime after that. I'm so glad that I have Adam and that he's the one who wants to put up with me! This might just be unbearable with anyone else! We'll have many more years for things to calm down and have more "us" time. Until then I'll stay up as late as he does and get up when the boys do, lol. I love you Adam!

Dallas Trip

2008-06-25T21:26:00.009-05:00

Look at me! I'm soooo happy!

Kei was in a super good morning our first morning there. He's a little sunshine in the mornings!

Aunt Heather is going to love me for this! She names all her duckies, so Heather, forgive me since I have no idea what their names are. Heather, Kei and duck.

Cameron kissing duck 2. He was just being silly!

"Hey, guess what?! I love you!" IT's one of the cutest sayings Cam has. My favorite current one is "Hey! I've got a great idea!" It's usually the idea he's been trying to sell you on for the past half hour.

Gotcha! Kei rolled all over this thing for 30 minutes.

Me and the boys stayed with my sister and brother while Daddy went to Best Buy supervisor training. We swam and ran errands with Aunt Heather.

Me and my baby blue eyes.

Cameron used to absolutely love being in the water. Not so much now. He totally freaked. I'm guessing it's because we moved into the house and didn't have the wonderful apartment pool last year. Here's aunt Heather trying to get him to relax...Don't you love that face?

Aunt Heather and baby Kei making big splashes.

"Dallas...STARS!" Cam showing off some muscle in Uncle Josh's shirt!

Yes, the boy is wearing shorts on his head.

Cam and I were playing this game with Aunt Heather earlier and Kei picked it up and actually started playing with it how we had been. Cam LOVED that his baby brother was playing with him.

Then Cam wanted to hold it with his "bruder" while I jumped.

Since Adam had to go home early, me and the boys stayed a bit longer with Heather and Josh so we had to ride back in their car. Don't I look soooo comfy squished between two car seats?

Aunt Heather and Uncle Josh took us to the Dallas Zoo (Thank you guys!) so of course the first thing we had to do was play!

Have to show off some of uncle Josh's photography skills. Cam like the big cats.

How 'bout this wildlife?

...and this?

Yes, the giraffe is licking the building.

Did you know emporer penguins got this big? I didn't.

I have never gotten to see a gorilla before so this was pretty neat.

Cam's giraffe was hungry, lol!

Cam thinks his hotwheels shades are so cool.

Cam is really warming up to the whole big brother thing. He loves Kei except for the "slollering" part.

This was taken barely 10 minutes after the previous picture. I'd say he was pretty tired!

Family Vacation!

2008-05-30T11:07:00.006-05:00

So it's been a long time since I've posted. In that time:

Kei has learned to pull up
Kei has started 3rd foods and table foods
he's started crawling on his hands and knees
Cam is starting to play with Kei
I've decided to start back to part time work
AND we went on a family vacation to San Antonio

Whew! That's a lot! I've been so busy I've really not had the time to get any coherent thoughts even together. So we did go on vacation and so here are some pictures! We had a great trip and because of naps we didn't get a whole lot done, but for a first vacation we really did get a lot done.

Kei making some silly faces. He was so tired during the Sea World day.
Uncle Max was one of Cam's favorites.
It was absolutely mad. We went May 18th thinking it wouldn't be bad. I could not have been more wrong. We did, however, get to see the Shamu show. Kei DID NOT like the splash zone...AT ALL!
After every show we would put Kei back in the stroller and he would crash.
We got to see the penguin exhibit. I think Cam was a little disappointed they didn't dance like in Happy Feet.
Yeah, we had some seriously tired boys. Aunt Vikki got Cam a Shamu doll that he "splashed" us with the rest of the trip. He LOVED being splashed by the way.
We got Kei a cute little bitty walrus. His eyes were as big as Kei's.
Cam showing off his red tongue.
We rode the trolley the whole time. That suited Cameron just fine. Although trying to get Kei's stroller everywhere was a pain.
We went to the San Antonio Children's Museum. Cameron had lots of fun. They really had a lot of interesting exhibits but mostly for older children. Cameron was not at all interested in listening to the stories.
Bubble rig was neat.
I'm not even sure what this was, but both boys thought it was neat.
Everything was connected so Cam turned the wheel and Kei looked at the pretty circles.
Cam was crazy about the excavator. He did this most of the time we were there.
Kei just crashed everywhere and anywhere poor little guy. He did super good.
We walked most everywhere and ate great! We were on our way to the Rainforest Cafe and had to stop so Cam could feel the "blowdryer."
Cameron and Aunt Vikki on the river tour. We all really enjoyed the boat ride. It was nice and comfortable considering it was mid nineties the whole time we were there.
Kei got a kick out of just being out of the stroller I think.
We had a great time although I felt like I needed a vacation FROM the kids after it was over. They were great and we so couldn't have done this without Aunt Vikki! I wouldn't have gotten a hot dinner if it weren't for her holding Kei. Oh, this trip is when I discovered Kei was ready for solids. He ate so much while we were gone and hasn't quite quit yet.

2008-05-16T15:50:00.003-05:00

Spring Picture

2008-04-23T16:30:00.005-05:00

This is Cam's Spring portrait. Chris Pearce did their pictures this season and I was so happy! Doesn't he look like a little boy?

Creepy and Crawlers

2008-04-23T10:54:00.003-05:00

Still no pictures. Sorry. I do have some exciting news though. Kei is crawling! Not hands,knees and belly off the floor but two out of three ain't bad. He's actually scooting along very well and can get to about anything he wants now. That means really watching what Cam has out. Unlike Cameron this one puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. Cam gets so aggravated sometimes when Kei gets a hold of his toys. "Das slaw mommy!" Slaw-slobber. He's eating really well and that's another major difference. He eats just about everything I put in front of him. Those little bitter biscuits and foods like that I can't give him because he devours them. Cam would suck on them and get about halfway done before getting bored, but Kei bites and chews until he gets these chunks in his mouth that choke him. We're gonna start the sippy cup soon.

As for the creepy...Last night we were in the boys room playing and Adam snuck up on me and scared the bejeebers out of me! Cameron thought that was absolutely hilarious and high-fived his daddy and said, "Good job!" Nice, huh? So Cameron left the room and I figured he'd try and scare me but I was busy running my mouth to Adam, who by the way did not warn me that Cam was behind me, that he actually got me good! So he starts heading out the door again and as he's heading out he says, "I'll be right back, I'm gonna get you!" Well at least he warned me.

Potty training is at a stand still. He is no longer having wetting accidents in his pants and he's not pooping in his big boy underwear, but he's not pooping on the potty still. He holds it in and saves it for when he's wearing pull-ups. He will tell me he has to poop, but he won't do it once he's on the potty. So any suggestions?

We're planning our family vacation to San Antonio next month. We'll be doing the River Walk and visiting with some of my aunt's friends from there. we're of course going to Sea World and hopefully the Children's Museum. Adam and I hope to see an IMAX movie. We've been to something similar, but haven't been to a real IMAX. It's really close to where we are staying.

Also, thanks to Heather who came and stayed with us last week helped me organize a routine for the day. It's been really hard to establish a full blown routine with two who are so very different, but I guess I just needed an objective opinion on what was going on here. So things are running smoother around here and I'm not near as frantic. Thanks sis!

That's about it for now. I'll hopefully dig up some pictures to post for kicks and grins.

"Be Quiet! I mean it!"

2008-04-15T15:16:00.003-05:00

Yeah, you never exactly know the things you say until you have a toddler. Some of the things out of that baby's mouth just absolutely surprise me and crack me up.
Last night we were sitting having dinner and Cameron kept pointing at me and saying, "I mean it mommy, I mean it!" He gets a firm voice and looks me dead in the eye. So I start to explain to him why it's rude for him to talk to his mommy like that and apparently I was talking too much because he interrupts and says, "Be quiet! I mean it!" So everyone at the table quiets immediately, I'm sure to hear my response, but I was laughing so hard. I couldn't even try to hide it. Adam made it sound like I was crying-which I was but not because I was hurt. Cameron thought I was crying too and kept saying, "I'm sorry mommy." "Is mommy sad?" I felt bad but I just could not quit laughing at him. Everyone thought it was so funny. I have a tendency to be a little long winded with my explanations. I come by that honestly, huh Dad? Cameron simply didn't want to hear it and he meant it!

Oh, my camera is messed up...again. So I don't know when I'll know something about that. Till then I'm working on getting videos uploaded from my camcorder.

Wasting yet more valuable time!

2008-04-10T11:34:00.003-05:00

I saw this on my friend, Jessica's blog. It was so cute. This is so true of me! I DO feel compelled to use smileys- A LOT! Huh, Laura? ;D Although I do notice I do it and really try to lay off.

Okay, NOW back to work!

2008-04-09T18:40:00.000-05:00

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're Jacob Black - You were raised to believe that family and community is the most important thing in life. You are also a fun-loving person who sometimes can see life a little too amusing and have trouble taking things seriously. Over all, you're a loyal and excellent friend to have.
Take this quiz!

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Twilight

2008-04-09T09:09:00.005-05:00

Thank you sooooo much to Jen and Jess for recommending the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer! Me, my aunt and my little sisters and a few of their friends have been reading the books. I don't think any books I've owned have gotten more worth out than these.

This December the movie comes out and I'm super excited! Robert Pattinson is Edward Cullen and I could not have imagined him more perfectly. He was Cedric Digory in HP Goblet of Fire.

Perfect, huh?
I also came across a movie poster. I think Kristen Stewart will be an awesome Bella!

Keiler at 6 mos and "The Pudding Incident"

2008-04-07T10:04:00.005-05:00

Yeah, I'm one of "those" moms. The ones who feel compelled to dress their children alike. I guess it's because they are SO different, it's kinda nice seeing them have SOMETHING in common. Can you tell Kei's hair is getting more red? "Das good chocolate puddeeng!" He's a messy eater on his best days, but I don't really know how he managed this. Adam said he gets it from me. Okay, I AM pretty messy when I eat.

I've wanted one of those Bumbo chairs forever, but at 40$ it's just not practical. So I did this with Cam and it worked. It's even better now, because I don't have to worry about Cameron's hot wheels all over the place. I stick Kei in the basket and he's good to go!

He never has bed head so I had to post this. He's been a sleepy head today.

He's actually doing pretty well sitting up with just a little support, but he'd rather roll ALL OVER CREATION.

Digital memories and the messy boy

2008-04-04T10:16:00.005-05:00

Yep, he's a finger sucker! Isn't he cute sleeping?
Kayla made this t-shirt in art! Isn't it amazing? Cam's new thing has been wearing "Daddy's shirts" and other over sized t's.

So I have a couple of things to get to.
First, most of you know that I LOVE keeping record of the boys through video and pictures. I'm not very good at scrap booking and to be honest mine look terrible. I have given it up and basically just put everything in a book. It's in a box now, but it will go into a book (someday). Well, Cameron has broken my camera...again. So it's at the manufacturer getting repaired (hopefully). So I've been using this time to try and figure out how on earth to get my videos from my (I could use a few bad words here, but it's just not healthy) Sony Digital Camera Recorder. Honestly I don't see anything digital but the zoom. I am really hoping to get a new camcorder...A REAL digital one. Honestly this wouldn't be so bad if the software was more user friendly and the camera cooperated with my OS, but it never has and I suspect never will. I have about 2 3/4 years of tapes to get to family and place in my fire safe box. Upon seeing my near meltdown Adam got me Dazzle. It's a DVD Recorder but it also captures from whatever device you want through S-Video cables or the regular audio/video cables (even VCR so I hope to even get my wedding and honeymoon transfered). I was super excited. So the software is pretty complicated, but for what I'm doing it's easy enough and the quality was so amazing! It was so much better than the USB cable that came with the camera. So I hope to post cute clips on my youtube, after I figure out how to compress and all.

Anyways, that's what I'm working on and why I don't have any pictures.

On to the messy boy. So anyone else with a two year old have a major issue with messes? I'm not one to get bent out of shape over spilled milk, but Cameron is getting a wee bit ridiculous. Within two days he: dumped out an entire box of cheezits on his brothers floor blanket, got into some leave in conditioner and sprayed it all over his toys, found my bleach bottle and was cleaning the windows! (that was totally my fault. I forgot to lock the cabinet! Fortunately all he ruined was his shirt and not his eyes!!!) He dumped his popcorn all over several pieces of furniture and sprayed water from his water bottle on it, dumped out a bowl of cereal and was playing in it and I'm sure there was more, but it's been like that. One huge mess after another. I acknowledge my share in it. I do let him eat in the living room in the morning and I do let him sit on the floor for snack, but he's never made a mess before and it gives me a few minutes to do things around the house. My problem wouldn't be if he ACCIDENTALLY knocked over his cereal, but he's been doing all of this on purpose. After one or two mornings of sitting at the table, he's gotten to where the messes aren't as bad or frequent, but man he's a messy boy!
We're also going through bedtime stuff again. Like a little jack in the box he keeps popping out of bed. It's not as bad where we're staying up until 11 and 12, but still, shouldn't we be past this point? Although now he's figured out "I'm sorry mommy" and it's just precious. It's really hard to follow through with punishment at that point. He's really got a sweet spirit for being so very wild! He's such a good boy in public for the most part and I don't ever get complaints from school. Oh, potty training. I HATE pull ups! It's easier to keep him in the diapers at night. He still isn't pooping, but he's trying to help clean himself up now, lol. It's pretty nasty. He's also discovered his amazing ability at "pee in the sticks." That is that he can go outside and tee tee. Nice, huh? My fault again. He was NASTY, DIRTY and I didn't want him going into the house so I told him to go pee in the yard and he now wonders out there just to use the bathroom! He's getting over the novelty some, so like all things with him, it's just another phase. I'm really liking the Little Bear phase! I try to keep him from watching it over and over because it's the one show I really enjoy.

okay, well that's it for now. I'll try and keep you up to date on the videos. I try to keep up with this.

Easter!

2008-03-26T09:06:00.009-05:00

Yes, I know, I'm behind. What's new?

We had fun this Easter. My sister, Heather and her husband, Josh, came in from Dallas and my grandparents, Oma and Opa, came in from North Zulch. Yes, it IS a real place its right there by College Station. Daniel and Vicki, Grandma and Grandpa, also came to visit Sunday.

Other than a little drama we had a great time! My Aunt Vikki got something in her eye while we were playing badminton Saturday. We thought she scratched her eye up pretty good, but Adam remembered something similar happening to one of his sisters and the rogue object was actually still in the eye. Sunday when things didn't seem any better my grandparents took her to a medical clinic where, sure enough, they removed the little nuisance from her eye. She was MUCH better after it was all over!

We had garlic stuffed chicken, steamed broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, oven fries and cheesy garlic biscuits for lunch and it turned out pretty good. Thanks Heather for helping me cook all weekend!

I had to wake him up from nap to dye eggs. He wasn't too happy with me until I pulled out the cookies.He really enjoyed dying eggs! It was fun, even Oma got in on the action.
Cameron got tired of using the dipper and I think Aunt Vikki was trying to save her table.
The guys watched basketball ALL DAY! Cameron (once he woke up) was in a silly mood.
Cameron's football! He's my little jack of all trades.
If it's near that baby's mouth, it's going in it. Keiler adored his Opa.

Little bunny tails! Thank you Aunt Vikki for the little outfit!
This was Kei's Easter basket. I know, I just couldn't figure out what else to get a 6 month old that has his brother's toys already.
Cameron got more Tonka trucks and a view master. He loves it! We tried to stay away from a lot of candy this year.

This thing has been pretty useful. At bedtime (since both boys share a room) I nurse Keiler after Cam's story time. So Cameron sits in bed and looks at other books and his new view master. He is actually staying in bed for the most part.
Easter egg hunt!
Kei just watched his big brother. I really wish Cameron would pay a little more attention to his little brother, but all in due time I'm sure.
"Das a football egg mommy!"
Oma, Opa, Uncle Josh and Aunt Heather.
Keiler Aiden does the silliest things with his tongue!
The rest are family pictures and I think I have already told you who everyone is. I have more that I will post in a separate post of the grown up egg hunt. That was funny!

Play in Cameron's room

2008-03-23T22:31:00.004-05:00

It's kinda like a rite of passage. You walk in the door and if you are lucky you will be invited into Cameron's room. You are officially not going anywhere soon! Cam has this thing where he wants people to go to his room and play. He'll read books (his current favorite is Smelly Socks), make you play with his Corvette or Aston Martin hot wheels (yes, he calls them by name) or act silly! My parents spent Easter in Oklahoma with my Uncle Les and Aunt Birdie (I love that name too!). So we had them over for dinner which I burnt-nice. Cam and Pops had a blast! We just had fun despite the somewhat edible food.

Yeah, so I STILL haven't finished the room. Ignore the unfinished wall and focus on those briefs!
That's Grammy!

Keiler was so tuckered out by the activities that night. He barely woke up for second dinner as we call it. He's my little hobbit! He just recently went in for his six month check up and he weighs 15 lbs and 8 ozs. and was 25 3/4 inches. He is so tiny! I think it's just precious. These two are so different! Cam was usually in the 75th for weight and 90th for height, but Kei is about 15% percentile across the board.

Going to the zoo

2008-03-19T19:33:00.005-05:00

I figure I could write an all out description of our trip, but really we just had great family time. We enjoyed the perfect weather, the kids and other families around us, and the fact that it wasn't just insanely busy as it tends to be this time of year. We went to the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler. We went to the park for our picnic lunch afterwards, but it was so busy we didn't get to play.

Okay, I have to tell you some of this. Cam was in awe of the birds in the Bird Walkabout where they fly freely, until a couple flew right over his head. He promptly did an about face to head out the entrance. It was quite a chore trying to get him across the pen to the exit.

He liked the fox cause he had red hair like him.

He was TRYING to grab the goats tail. Thank heavens for sanitizer! He LOVED the goats!

School Easter Party and other things

2008-03-14T15:23:00.006-05:00

Sweet baby faces!
We've been cleaning the garage and yard up. Cam was helping feed the kitties.

Kei got to jump around in the garage while we worked. Some people have all the fun. :D
I think Kei's tummy is as big as Cam's now. He is finally down to 4 nursings a day! He eats babyfood breakfast and dinner.
Daddy playing around after a hard days work!
He's so cute! He's so snuggly. He wants attention and to be held all the time. He's SO different from Cam. I can easily see him being the more sensitive of the two.
Cam at school on the play yard looking for eggs.
He got tired of looking and decided that his froggy easter basket wanted to swing.
Forget lunch...Give me ICING!
That was GOOD icing!

Daddy with his boys! I was proud of him to show his affection publicly to his boys. It really touched me.
"Kei, stop it!" Cam talks to his brother like this all the time! It's hard to explain to a 2 yr. old that his brother doesn't understand all of what he's doing so he doesn't get into trouble like Cam does. This time they were playing and everyone thought it was funny! Go Bananas little monkey!

Let it snow!

2008-03-07T09:20:00.005-06:00

Snow is so rare round here. Now that it's March it's just down right bizarre, but we went out to play and I've deprived you all of pictures long enough. Here ya go Pops!

Potty training...2 1/2 weeks

2008-03-02T01:03:00.003-06:00

Cam did great today! I only had him go to the bathroom first thing this morning and he went nearly the whole day by himself and only asked for treats a couple of times! He even "went" in his pants and put it in the potty. I couldn't believe how well he did today. So I guess he's getting the hang of it. I haven't even been monitoring his drink intake and he drank A LOT today. We had our first kool aid.

Yesterday he wasn't feeling well and fell asleep on the couch in his big boy underwear. We checked him every so often, but he ended up sleeping for about 3 hours and never wet the couch! He got up and went to the bathroom as soon as he told us good morning, lol.

So overall it's going really good!

In other news: I got my camera back! So I hope to post some pictures soon and Kei can get up on his knees now and he even kicked forward a couple of times. My babies are growing so very fast. I'm definitely having one more!

Potty training...week 2

2008-02-25T21:36:00.003-06:00

Thanks Jen for your encouraging words and sorry I haven't posted on the subject in a while. We've actually had a couple of mentionable moments, but I've been a little ADD this past week. (Mostly watching him, lol.)

So about 10 days in (and several poopy pants later) Cam finally pooped in the toilet! (I hate using that word, but it's kinda where we're at right now. ) It was exhausting! In talking to some other friends I've found that this is the hardest part of toilet training. With Cam, I basically have to watch him like a hawk for signs of "going." (There, that's better.) He'd initially tell me he had to "go" and I'd take him in there. Well, two books later and every verse known to man of "Happy and you Know it" I got kinda tired sitting on the counter watching him play. My goal was to get him to relax and hopefully feel comfortable sitting there. I think he was a bit too comfortable. So I finally got him down. Just five minutes later he comes in again having to "go". I didn't wait near as long this time and he didn't want me to leave-totally understandable. I was trying to do all I could to get him to go because 1. I was tired of soiled undies and 2. he gets so upset when he does go in his pants. Not but a couple of minutes later I see him out of the corner of my eye and his face is all red. I hauled out of the chair and grabbed him and parked his little tail on the toilet where he successfully "went" in the toilet! We screamed and cheered and gave him a special treat. I was fully confident that like potty-ing once he did it, he would be fine and go again. I was so very, VERY WRONG. Yesterday was the first day since that he "went" in the toilet. Today he "went" in his pants again. I can't get mad at him though. We dump what we can in the toilet and wash our hands. He says, "Sorry, Mommy" the whole time. I know he doesn't mean to, but for some reason when he sits on that toilet he just can't for whatever reason. So I'm watching him for any sign. I was nursing Kei today when he did it the first time and we were outside playing the second, so he probably didn't even know he had to go then.

The potty-ing on the other hand is going great! He's finally to the point of going on his own and I don't check every 20 minutes. I'm still kind of watching his drink intake, but other than that, he's so eager to get M&M's he takes the initiative. I have to say watching him is amusing. He sometimes starts looking around and shoots it behind the toilet and goes "Oops!" and sometimes he pees all over his shirt. It's so funny. Today he said, "Look, I made bubbles! It's yellow!" I couldn't help but just laugh at him. He also "draws". I don't know what else to call it, but I would compare it to any other guy writing his name in the snow. Haha! Little boys!

In other news:
Kei is a regular roly-poly and eating 2 meals a day now. This is the frustrating part of nursing. I think I'm going to call my doctor because he seems hungry all the time. Once I start reducing feedings I don't think I make much milk for the feedings we do keep. It's not like just doing away with the supply for the one meal, it's taking away from the rest of the day it seems. He's FINALLY starting to laugh, but it seems painful for him. I'll try and get a video up.

Bedtime is getting better all the time. Cam is finally staying in bed. I'm not wearing the carpet in the hall out anymore lugging him back to bed 30 times until 10 pm. Although now he wakes up before dawn. I'm so spoiled.

Potty training...Days 3,4, and 5

2008-02-17T16:49:00.002-06:00

So, Thursday started out a lot like Wednesday. He had a couple of accidents, but was still trying to go. That evening when Adam came home from work he took Cam to the bathroom and lo and behold, he went! In fact, he didn't have a single accident the rest of the night. Well, I take that back, he did poop his pants and was very upset about it. I know that will be a whole different issue.

Friday, much to my surprise, he woke up with a dry diaper. We took it off and he went to the toilet. He didn't have a single accident the whole day! I was so very proud. Not bad for the fourth day. Miss Laureen came to visit and cheered him on and I think he liked that after he got over his embarrassment. It was so funny. Laureen came in to visit us and have lunch, and since Cam did so good I tried to get him to tell her that he tee teed in the toilet. When I said that though, he put his hands over his face like, "MOM! I can't believe you just told her that!" It was hilarious. I've NEVER seen him get embarrassed. He blushed and everything. It didn't take him long though to want to show off his newly acquired skill. We had fun with Laureen that day and I even got to sit down and have just good ole girl talk! He wore the same pull up from nap time to bed since it was still dry.

Saturday, I wasn't too hopeful, thinking he was just showing off, but once again he woke up dry and went to the bathroom. This was also our first outing since potty training began. I was a bit nervous, but I put him in a pull up thinking he would for sure dirty it. He didn't! He even tried to go to the restroom there at the party. I was just so shocked. This whole experience has stunned me. We went through another day of being accident free until after dinner. He is having a very hard time with the pooping. He seems alarmed. I bought special treats for that, so maybe if we could at least get a couple under our belt he'll feel better about it.

Today, so far so good. We had to go to the store this morning and we tried before we left and he was dry when we returned and used the bathroom then. I was worried about using the pull ups so much. He seems to be okay, but I do give credit to the underwear for getting him started. It's so nice to only have to change one kids diapers now, lol.

Potty training...Day 2

2008-02-13T21:32:00.004-06:00

Well, today went as well as can be expected. We got up and ate breakfast and I put a pair of underwear on Cam and a t-shirt. I didn't want to burden him with extra clothes or myself with extra wash. He did good. I asked him about every 30 min. if he needed to go potty and he said no. The last time I asked was about 1030 and I was thinking, "Does this kid ever pee?" Well, 10 minutes later, my question was answered by a splashing sound on the carpet. He stopped playing with his 'car transporter' and looked at me. "Go! Cam, hurry!" So we hit the hall running to the potty and he gets very frustrated and upset: "I can't." After a small upset I told him it was perfectly okay, he's still learning and it's going to take time and messes. He was much better after I got him another pair of underwear. I guess he thought he was going to have to keep the wet ones on. Not 10 minutes later he finished what he started. So back to the bathroom and more consoling. I didn't have anymore underwear so i just put on a diaper which was okay because he ended up going with his daddy to work. (He loves going to Best Buy.)

This afternoon he finally got the courage up to try again. I went and bought underwear(some cute ones too) and pull-ups with the cool feel. He didn't even bother with those. So hopefully tomorrow it will be better with real undies. Anyways, he tried one more time this afternoon. He stood there for like 5 minutes. I was standing outside because he told me to leave. He was very happy when daddy came to help though. Alas, nothing happened.

Finally it was bath time. Adam usually gives him his baths if he's home so he was with Cam. I was talking to Mom and Cam runs into the kitchen, chocolate all over his smiling face: "I did it Mommy! I did it!" So another round of cheers and claps. I guess today wasn't a total loss. However, his daddy won't be here at all tomorrow....what's a girl to do? :D Maybe he'll go at least twice.

I tee teed in the toilet.

2008-02-12T21:30:00.003-06:00

Well, I haven't done a post in a while. I went to see my friend Laura and her darling new baby girl in Louisiana and left my camera there :( We had a blast even though between all the kiddos we didn't get too much time to just visit and eat chocolate like I hoped, but it was great to get to hold Miss Isabelle! I've got some pictures posted on MySpace so swing by and I'll post more when I get my camera back.

Well...
The real reason I'm blogging is because Cameron just went "tee tee in the toilet"!!!!!! I'm so proud I could just pop! I haven't pressed the issue. I had one day during Christmas where we put big boy pants on him and tried it out and I told him it was okay if he wasn't ready, but I'd like for him to see if it's something he liked. My mom used M&M's with us so I have a small bowl in the bathroom for extra incentive. Well, it turned out a disaster and the candy has been sitting there since.

Last summer he seemed interested, but nothing ever happened. We couldn't get him to go in the toilet or even tell us. So we just let him accompany us to the restroom and flush and wash hands. Then Kei was born and the issue was dropped altogether. He seemed to be okay wearing the same diapers as his baby brother.

Lately I've begun to wonder if I wasn't going to have to make an issue of it. He hasn't even wanted his diapers changed. So, tonight of course just caught me completely off guard. After bath we went to his room and I was getting his jammies out and he said he had to go tee tee in the toilet. I didn't expect anything because he does this often thinking that he will get M&M's for just standing there. My cell phone rang and he was flushing the toilet so I just left him there playing-at least that's what I thought he was doing. I walked back in there and he's standing against the toilet peeing! I about had a fit! I could not believe it! He knew he had to go and he did it all by himself. I wasn't even in there! Of course he got his M&M's and we told Daddy and Aunt Vikki and Grammy. I made the biggest deal about it! He even tried to go again but was frustrated: "I can't go." So we explained to him about how your body works and he instantly wanted a big glass of water, lol. So, tomorrow we're going to go get big boy underwear and really start the whole potty training adventure!

2008-01-29T13:07:00.000-06:00

Cam and Kei enjoying their wagon.

Gig 'em! Opa got this for Kei and he can finally wear it.

Oh my!

Cam is all excited because it was snowing...We're such Texans!