We spent a marvelous weekend at the farm with Weezie and Papa Lynn. Tons of fun! The weather was absolutely beautiful. Perfect for us to get some much needed outdoor playtime, but yesterday reality struck and we realized that the weather isn't always perfect in Oklahoma and that we must return to the hustle and bustle of our regular lives, so we jumped in the truck and started heading back up I-44.
Arriving in Tulsa shortly after lunch time, we decided to stop at one of our favorite little cafes to grab a bite to eat. It was nearly 1:00 and the church crowds were out in full force. We didn't have to wait for a table, but the restaurant was crowded. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long for our food and were chowing down on some yummy home cookin' in no time.
Toward the end of the meal an older couple who had been sitting near us started to leave, but the gentleman decided to stop by our table first. He tapped me on the shoulder....
Him: Excuse me, ma'am?
Me: Yes, sir?
Him: We just wanted to stop and tell you what a well behaved young girl you have. She has been just about perfect since you came in and we wanted you to know that.
Well, you should have seen how big and puffy Dustin's and my chests got with pride.
Me: Why, thank you sir! How nice of you to notice that, well, yes, actually we ARE the world's perfect parents and we have raised, quite possibly, the most perfect child since Jesus himself walked on this earth.
Okay, so maybe that was all in my head. Of course, Dustin and I were very gracious and praised KJ on what a good girl she was and how other people had noticed what a good girl she was. We then quickly finished our meal and headed back out to the truck. Talking about our plans to head to the furniture store to find KJ a brand new big girl bed.
Once in the truck she promptly stuck a pin in the pride balloon Dustin and I were carrying around as she cried and whined and threw a fit because we wouldn't let her play on the ipad. Kids. They sure do keep you honest, don't they?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
UPDATE: Confession Number 47: I'm Torn
Editorial Note: There is still time to enter the giveaway of my super cute Hootiemomma baby and children's gift items over at Nix9to5. While you are at it, just go ahead and visit my Hootiemomma Etsy store! The deadline for entering the drawing is TONIGHT, Jan. 26th at 11:59pm.
Back last summer I wrote to you, begging for parenting advice, concerning our decision to send Kennedy to a private preschool a couple of days a week. A recent post about the same topic (sort of) from my friend Megan over at Sorta Crunchy got me thinking about our decision, the outcome, and what we were going to do this coming fall. I thought an update...and another call for advice....was in order.
Thinking back on our concerns last summer, each of them either hasn't been as issue or has been replaced with something new, which, I think, is story of our lives for the next, oh, forever. Here is a run down of the concerns I had last summer and where we stand with each of them:
Potty Training: This one has taken care of itself. While you all know about the issues we have from time to time at home ( has gotten soooo much better in recent weeks), we have NEVER (knocking on wood) had an issue with this at school. Not once. Whew!
Nap time: This is one we still struggle with. They don't nap at KJ's school, which is totally fine. She doesn't always need one, but, more often that not, she falls asleep for a short cat nap at some point between getting home from school and dinner. Unfortunately, this results in a very cranky girl when she wakes up. We are torn between a very cranky girl waking up and a very cranky girl who is overly tired. We've learned to live with this for two reasons. The first is I'm not super excited about giving up nap time completely before Baby Brother Cole gets here. I think I'll need it for momma's sanity this summer. The second is that when we make the transition to public school, they still nap or have "quiet time" in the afternoons. So I'm not too worried about preparing her for life without quiet time.
Social Interaction: This has been as great as I expected it to be, but comes with it's own set of issues. She is a very social girl and we have had discussions about when to talk and when to be quiet more than a handful of times. You can tell that she is a young three in her class with this issue. Her maturity to be quiet when the teacher is talking just isn't there, yet. I recently taught her how to pinch her lips shut with her fingers when she is told to be quiet and the report from school yesterday was that she sat there looking like a duck for much of the day. On the flip side, I'd rather have this problem than an extremely shy child. Of course, if you know Dustin and I....we are going to have a little social butterfly. Our kids are just going to be wired that way genetically.
Mommy Guilt: Yep. This went out the window within a few minutes of seeing her interaction with her teachers and the kids at school. She loves it! I would feel guilty if I weren't sending her. As for me, the time apart has made me a better mom on the days we are together. I rarely have to take Kennedy to Wal-Mart with me (which we both despise) and we can spend time playing and having fun the three days of the week she is home.
So, now Dustin and I start asking ourselves the next question: What to do next fall? She will be old enough to go to the full day, public prek program, but I think we both agree that none of the three of us are ready for that. So, the question is, what are we ready for? How many days a week is going to fit her perfectly in her current school and what is going to adequately prepare her for full time, public schooling the following year? As my friend Nicci posted last time, I understand that her educational future probably isn't solely balancing on the question of how many days of preschool she attends at the age of 4, but I do think it sets the "mood" for her future learning. So, I'm throwing it back out there to all of you. What is your best advice in regards to schooling?
Back last summer I wrote to you, begging for parenting advice, concerning our decision to send Kennedy to a private preschool a couple of days a week. A recent post about the same topic (sort of) from my friend Megan over at Sorta Crunchy got me thinking about our decision, the outcome, and what we were going to do this coming fall. I thought an update...and another call for advice....was in order.
Thinking back on our concerns last summer, each of them either hasn't been as issue or has been replaced with something new, which, I think, is story of our lives for the next, oh, forever. Here is a run down of the concerns I had last summer and where we stand with each of them:
Potty Training: This one has taken care of itself. While you all know about the issues we have from time to time at home ( has gotten soooo much better in recent weeks), we have NEVER (knocking on wood) had an issue with this at school. Not once. Whew!
Nap time: This is one we still struggle with. They don't nap at KJ's school, which is totally fine. She doesn't always need one, but, more often that not, she falls asleep for a short cat nap at some point between getting home from school and dinner. Unfortunately, this results in a very cranky girl when she wakes up. We are torn between a very cranky girl waking up and a very cranky girl who is overly tired. We've learned to live with this for two reasons. The first is I'm not super excited about giving up nap time completely before Baby Brother Cole gets here. I think I'll need it for momma's sanity this summer. The second is that when we make the transition to public school, they still nap or have "quiet time" in the afternoons. So I'm not too worried about preparing her for life without quiet time.
Social Interaction: This has been as great as I expected it to be, but comes with it's own set of issues. She is a very social girl and we have had discussions about when to talk and when to be quiet more than a handful of times. You can tell that she is a young three in her class with this issue. Her maturity to be quiet when the teacher is talking just isn't there, yet. I recently taught her how to pinch her lips shut with her fingers when she is told to be quiet and the report from school yesterday was that she sat there looking like a duck for much of the day. On the flip side, I'd rather have this problem than an extremely shy child. Of course, if you know Dustin and I....we are going to have a little social butterfly. Our kids are just going to be wired that way genetically.
Mommy Guilt: Yep. This went out the window within a few minutes of seeing her interaction with her teachers and the kids at school. She loves it! I would feel guilty if I weren't sending her. As for me, the time apart has made me a better mom on the days we are together. I rarely have to take Kennedy to Wal-Mart with me (which we both despise) and we can spend time playing and having fun the three days of the week she is home.
So, now Dustin and I start asking ourselves the next question: What to do next fall? She will be old enough to go to the full day, public prek program, but I think we both agree that none of the three of us are ready for that. So, the question is, what are we ready for? How many days a week is going to fit her perfectly in her current school and what is going to adequately prepare her for full time, public schooling the following year? As my friend Nicci posted last time, I understand that her educational future probably isn't solely balancing on the question of how many days of preschool she attends at the age of 4, but I do think it sets the "mood" for her future learning. So, I'm throwing it back out there to all of you. What is your best advice in regards to schooling?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Confession Number 81: I'm A Giveaway!!!
You've read about my friend Nicci over at Nix9to5 before. We taught together for a few years, then were neighbors for a few years after that. During the whole process we became great friends and moms. This week she is celebrating hitting a blogging milestone with tons of great giveaways. She has already thrown out a children's cookbook, a Scentsy gift set and some lovies for your little love and she has lots more.
Well, today she has a very special giveaway. ME! Okay, before I scare all of you off she isn't actually giving away me the person, but she is showcasing Hootiemomma, my baby and children's gift line and Etsy shop. Since I know you are all dying to get your hands on some Charla Matthews originals, get your bootie over to Nix9to5 and enter the giveaway right now! Also, there is a little special something, something in it for EVERYONE that visits Nicci's blog. So, what are you waiting for?!?! Get over there right now and get ya a little piece of heaven.....ME!
Well, today she has a very special giveaway. ME! Okay, before I scare all of you off she isn't actually giving away me the person, but she is showcasing Hootiemomma, my baby and children's gift line and Etsy shop. Since I know you are all dying to get your hands on some Charla Matthews originals, get your bootie over to Nix9to5 and enter the giveaway right now! Also, there is a little special something, something in it for EVERYONE that visits Nicci's blog. So, what are you waiting for?!?! Get over there right now and get ya a little piece of heaven.....ME!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Confession Number 80: A Change of Heart
I'm not your typical girl. I'm not your typical romantic. It made more sense to me after I did a brief study on Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages. While a lot of my friends found that their love language is Receiving Gifts or Quality Time, mine is Acts of Service. I show my love to Dustin, and others, by doing for them. I love cooking for my family and friends. I love helping out a friend in need. I also feel the most love when others are doing acts of service for me. My friends laugh when I say that one of the sexiest things Dustin can do is to empty the dishwasher or give KJ a bath. That boy puts away the laundry and katy bar the door!! I don't relish in receiving flowers, although they are great on occasion. We don't lavish each other with gifts, although I don't hide the fact that pregnancy, labor and delivery come with a price best paid in jewelry.
Dustin thought he had totally hit the jackpot when, during our first Valentine's Day together, he found out that I really despised the holiday. If my memory serves me correctly we didn't buy each other anything for that first Day of Love and that tradition continued until only a few years ago after Kennedy was born. Still, after 8+ years of marriage and another year of dating, we have never gone out to dinner on V Day. I have never wanted to fight the crowds, fall into the commercial trap of one day with my dear husband being more meaningful or important just because of the date on the calendar. I guess you could say I was an Anti Valentine's Day. (Who knew that was turning into a money maker, also?)
Dustin thought he had totally hit the jackpot when, during our first Valentine's Day together, he found out that I really despised the holiday. If my memory serves me correctly we didn't buy each other anything for that first Day of Love and that tradition continued until only a few years ago after Kennedy was born. Still, after 8+ years of marriage and another year of dating, we have never gone out to dinner on V Day. I have never wanted to fight the crowds, fall into the commercial trap of one day with my dear husband being more meaningful or important just because of the date on the calendar. I guess you could say I was an Anti Valentine's Day. (Who knew that was turning into a money maker, also?)
Over the last couple of years, though, my heart has started to change toward the holiday. On KJ's first special Valentine's Day we bought each other very small gifts, and as she has gotten older we have fallen into the trap of everything "cute" about the holiday. Who wouldn't fall in 'love' with this set up from Pottery Barn kids?
What momma of a little girl can resist all of that pink and red as soon as you walk in the door of Hobby Lobby? Who can turn their nose up at doing a cute craft with hearts and doilies with the special little someone in your life? And who in their right mind (besides Nicci @ Nix9to5) doesn't like the chocolate that comes with the day?
So, yes, I've had a little change of heart. Dustin and I even have special dinner reservations that night. Maybe I'm a bit of a romantic after all.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Confession Number 79: We Are Having Fun
The little snow storm that came through yesterday morning covered us with a nice thick blanket of the white stuff and as much as it prevents us from getting around and doing everyday activities, it helps us to slow down a little bit and enjoy some nice family time. With not many people getting out and about to stop by the bank yesterday, Dustin came home early to take Kennedy out to play in the snow. We started in our own front yard, sledding down the small slope....
She was having so much fun! Of course she quickly realized going back up the hill wasn't nearly as much fun as coming down...
Our friends, soon to be new neighbors, The Morrows came down and got us to go sledding behind the golf cart up at their grandma's house. I have to say, I've sled behind a four wheeler. I've sled behind a farm truck. A golf cart? That was a new one for me, but it worked great! I guess it is sledding, Grand Lake style. Kennedy took it slow....
Hannah and Jackson were a little more daring....
We had lots of fun spending time with each other and with some great friends. Miss Megan even shared her delicious chocolate chip cookies with us. So worth getting out in the cold!
With area schools out again today, I sense a lot more fun in the snow in our future. I guess all this white stuff does have a silver lining.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Confession Number 78: Here We Go Again!
Editor's Retraction: Dustin came home for lunch yesterday and said, "you make me sound like a slave driver!" in response to a comment I made in yesterday's post on how the house wasn't going to be spotless when he got home. In his defense, I would like to clear the air. He, in no way, shape, or form requires a spotless house. Actually, our house is never spotless, even if I did spend the day cleaning. Oh, and that load of towels I said needed to be done? They are still sitting in the hamper in the bathroom. Yay for productivity!! Ha!
January has hit again, and as I speak, fine little icy snow flakes are falling outside. Dustin has already measured 3" of the white stuff in our front yard this morning. I have to say, if I'm going to be stuck inside because of the weather, this is what I want. It truly looks like a winter wonderland out my back windows. It is simply beautiful, although I feel terrible for the little squirrel running around from tree to tree. I sure hope he has a stash of nuts somewhere! Maybe I should throw him a pecan. Or an almond. You think squirrels eat almonds?
I haven't moved too fast this morning, sitting here in my big fluffy robe with the fire going, half caff coffee in hand. It is just kind of a slow day, although I do have high hopes for at least getting that pesky load of towels washed. I'm nothing if I'm not ambitious. I am planning a little Toy Story, Wii playing and, of course, snow playing. But then what? Chances are we'll be stuck inside tomorrow, too. So, what to do then? Here is my plea to all of you parents out there...What are your favorite snow day activities? Once you can't watch another movie and you have exhausted all of the video game playing there is, then what? I'm sure DHS would frown on me locking KJ outside. I promise I would throw her a nut. Of course, she might have to fight the squirrel.
January has hit again, and as I speak, fine little icy snow flakes are falling outside. Dustin has already measured 3" of the white stuff in our front yard this morning. I have to say, if I'm going to be stuck inside because of the weather, this is what I want. It truly looks like a winter wonderland out my back windows. It is simply beautiful, although I feel terrible for the little squirrel running around from tree to tree. I sure hope he has a stash of nuts somewhere! Maybe I should throw him a pecan. Or an almond. You think squirrels eat almonds?
I haven't moved too fast this morning, sitting here in my big fluffy robe with the fire going, half caff coffee in hand. It is just kind of a slow day, although I do have high hopes for at least getting that pesky load of towels washed. I'm nothing if I'm not ambitious. I am planning a little Toy Story, Wii playing and, of course, snow playing. But then what? Chances are we'll be stuck inside tomorrow, too. So, what to do then? Here is my plea to all of you parents out there...What are your favorite snow day activities? Once you can't watch another movie and you have exhausted all of the video game playing there is, then what? I'm sure DHS would frown on me locking KJ outside. I promise I would throw her a nut. Of course, she might have to fight the squirrel.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Confession Number 77: I'm Being a Stay at Home Mom Today
I took a shower this morning and slid into some super comfy black lounge maternity pants and a grey t-shirt. My feet went back into the new grey slippers I bought myself for Christmas. My hair is still a mess and my make up has remained in it's bag. At least I took the time to brush my teeth before kissing Dustin off to work. You see, KJ and I are staying home.
Since moving into our new home my stay at home mom routine has changed drastically. There are chores to be done, errands to be ran and appointments to go to. It seems like I'm always too busy doing everything else to do what I quit my "job" to stay home and do, which is to spend time with Kennedy. To love on her and play with her and watch her grow and learn. Our new routine works for us on most days, but there are times when we just need to slow down and have a play day.
That is exactly what we are doing today. We've shared a yummy breakfast and danced to the Mickey Mouse theme song. Later, we are going to do Valentine crafts and puzzles and this afternoon we'll decorate some cupcakes I had thrown in the freezer. At some point we'll get her letter sack done for school tomorrow and we might even get dinner fixed for tonight. So, honey, I'm sorry, but the house won't be spotless when you get home and the laundry probably isn't going to get done today (except for maybe the towels we NEED washed desperately), but I'm spending the day doing exactly what we wanted me to do almost two years ago when we made this decision: Being Mom to our daughter.
Since moving into our new home my stay at home mom routine has changed drastically. There are chores to be done, errands to be ran and appointments to go to. It seems like I'm always too busy doing everything else to do what I quit my "job" to stay home and do, which is to spend time with Kennedy. To love on her and play with her and watch her grow and learn. Our new routine works for us on most days, but there are times when we just need to slow down and have a play day.
That is exactly what we are doing today. We've shared a yummy breakfast and danced to the Mickey Mouse theme song. Later, we are going to do Valentine crafts and puzzles and this afternoon we'll decorate some cupcakes I had thrown in the freezer. At some point we'll get her letter sack done for school tomorrow and we might even get dinner fixed for tonight. So, honey, I'm sorry, but the house won't be spotless when you get home and the laundry probably isn't going to get done today (except for maybe the towels we NEED washed desperately), but I'm spending the day doing exactly what we wanted me to do almost two years ago when we made this decision: Being Mom to our daughter.
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