Rhodes in Texas

Gotta Love It

2012-01-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

You know it's going to be a great day when you wake up to hear your 18 month old saying "poop" over the baby monitor.

Sick Child

2012-01-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

I got a call from daycare Friday afternoon - letting me know that Landon was sick to his stomach. Landon's been bullied at daycare this week - nothing very serious, but enough to make me want to find the bully! Bryan and I talked to Landon and tried to explain why kids bully other kids, and how he should react. Anyway, I thought his stomach ache might be related to that. As it turns out, he was really sick.

We got home and he was acting normal. Then all of the sudden, he runs to the bathroom. Sure enough, vomits everywhere. Kenzie follows us in and she starts copying Landon making gagging sounds. About 10 minutes later...the sickness comes out the other side. Then he starts complaining of chills. Landon went to bed at 6 that night!!

He was okay the rest of the weekend, still having a few issues with stomach stuff. But then he got a horrible cough and could barely talk. His nose has been running non-stop. We kept a bucket for him to use to throw up...sure enough, Kenzie picks it up and pretends to gag.

Thankfully tomorrow is a holiday and Bryan can stay home with Landon.

Christmas 2011 - Part 3

2012-01-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

After presents at my mom's, we cleaned up and headed to my Granny's house. More delicious food. We sat and laughed - Kenzie was ready to eat again, we pulled out the old high chair that we used when we were kids. So many kids have used that chair.

After lunch, and plenty of dessert, it was time for presents. The great-grands get to hand out presents and then we wait for everyone to settle down before opening. I LOVE watching the kids open presents. Everyone's talking at once, laughs, screams of joy, yells of "thank you" everyone in motion. We're so blessed to have such a big family.

The big hit was a chair shaped like a football from GJ and Grandpa, given to Landon. Kenzie, however believe's it belongs to her. Landon also got a Foosball table which he was dying to open right then and there.

After the presents, the little kids (anyone still in school - and Shiloh - ha) get to open their Love Stockings. These are special stockings not from Santa, but from Granny and Papa. I loved seeing what little treats were in my stocking when I was little. Now, I get to watch Landon and Kenzie open their's.

Sometimes we have time to stay and play cards, but today we just sat and visited. We missed having GJ, Grandpa, Ty and Tanner with us this year. Uncle Ronnie took Dad's place and was soon napping in the LaZboy.

Grandkids (minus Ty, Tanner, and Travis)

Christmas 2011 - Part 2

2012-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning we had Christmas with my mom and sisters. Everyone came over for breakfast - which worked out great and will probably be the new tradition (replacing the old tradition of dinner on the 23rd.) Bryan cooked breakfast tacos, mom made pigs in a blanket. It was all delicious. It was soon a blur of wrapping paper and laughing kids.

E!! She always tries to hide in pictures, Cousins - waiting to open presents.

Dark picture - sorry. More waiting.

My eyes are closed - like 80% of my pictures. Kenzie wasn't too sure about her horse.

Landon - happy to have more toys!

Kenzie getting Grammy to read to her.

We got great things from everyone. I love being able to have Christmas with my sisters. Love seeing Landon with all his cousins. Kenzie asking everyone she sees for more "pop-pop."

Christmas 2011 - Part 1

2012-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

The holiday's always, always go by way too quickly. I want more time with my family!!

A snow storm was supposed to move into New Mexico/West Texas on the day we originally planned to leave. Christmas with my mom and sisters is always on the 23rd (since we have 1000 Christmas's to do) Since it looked like the snow and freezing temps would be coming in Thursday evening we left a day early. Unfortunately, we had to drive through horrible storms in the Houston area - but luckily our Mr. D loaned us a 400x4888 foot tarp - not kidding, this thing was huge, but it worked perfectly for wrapping up our luggage. (We put a platform hitch on the back of the van and load it with locking Rubbermaid...nice, huh?)

It was a long drive, stopping several times to rest, but we made it to Lubbock in time for some breakfast at my sister's new house.
Side story - Landon woke up in the middle of the night needing to go to the bathroom.
Me: "Put on your shoes and Dad will take you in."
Landon: "I can't find my shoes"
Me (thinking): Seriously - we so left town with out shoes - Landon had been playing in the van while we packed/loaded and we never grabbed shoes!!!
So, once in Lubbock, we stopped by Academy and got Landon new shoes. He's already up a size from Thanksgiving!

After checking out my sisters new house, we made our way onto New Mexico, still thinking we'd be seeing snow soon. Turned out the storm was moving slower than expected and Mom's Christmas' would be Saturday morning. But it was great to be out there early - have I mentioned I love spending time with my family? LOL.

Since the snow was coming, my younger sister decided to stay in town at my mom's too. We had great fun laughing and visiting.
Bryan and I made cookies on Friday - it was late and we used a different icing recipe, which I guess everyone wasn't thrilled with - I ate probably 50 cookies over the next week.

We decided to make Friday night "our" Christmas - so Landon and Kenzie, Bryan and I opened presents that night.

Landon got sky-lander for the PS3 - and was SO excited. Kenzie got a baby doll. Bryan got a Kindle and I got new Vera - I'm hooked! Bryan and I both got new gloves from the kids - excited about mine - they have the tech finger, so I can use my phone while wearing them.

The kids got a Disney Christmas story book...I love this picture. Grammy reading to them - I love how Landon is rubbing Kenzie's head. And Bella - sitting sound asleep beside Landon (since all they did was wrestle all day!)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

We traveled out to Florida for Thanksgiving. We usually leave on Tuesday night, arriving sometime Wednesday. This year we were able to leave a day early, getting to spend an extra day with family.

We got in to Tallahassee early the next morning, as the kids were waking up. Thankfully Grandma and Grandpa took over and Bryan and I took a long needed nap. The kids were right at home, playing and having fun. Landon LOVES to ride the tractor when he gets there, and his second favorite thing is to catch squirrels! Kenzie wanted to be outside the whole trip and begged Grandpa or Grandma to take her out every chance she had.

This trip was great because Landon got to spend a lot of time with his cousins. He even stayed the night!! I couldn't believe it. Kid's came over to Grandma's house and we played outside for hours.

Football stars

Sharing the "chair"

"Cheese!"

Who knows what's going on here.

On Thanksgiving, we had a late brunch. Bryan and I were signed up to run in the Turkey trot, but Bryan hurt his back somehow on the trip out and decided there was no way he could run...fine by me, as I snoozed the alarm and went back to bed.
Brunch was delicious. Monkey bread, pastries, juevos rancheros, breakfast casserole, all so good. We spent the afternoon scouring the black Friday ads, coming up with a game plan. Bryan, myself, my sister-in-law and my niece hit the stores. We stopped at Wal-Mart on our way to Target - it was a mad house - literally insane. I've never seen such a sight. We didn't need anything there, so we left quickly and headed to Target, the line was already around the building. We got in line and waited. And waited. And waited. Got inside easily and got everything we needed. Bryan's sister, however got distracted by a TV - LOL - and missed her opportunity at air mattresses. We went back by Walmart after that and it was a ghost town. Creepy how different it was. Then we dropped off my sister-in-law and niece and Bryan and I went to get a few hours of sleep. Woke up and hit the stores again. Snagged a few more good buys.
On Saturday we had lunch with the rest of the family at my sister-in-laws. It was delicious. Bryan bought an infrared turkey fryer and the turkey turned out wonderful. We visited with Bryan's aunts, uncles and grandparents. Another fun day. Time for the Gator game!

Bryan and his Grandpa Purvis.

It's always over so quickly. Landon was sad to say good bye to Grandma, Grandpa and his cousins. I really wish we lived closer to family, Landon loves being around everyone.

Bryan's aunt Diane, his cousin, his mother and Grandmother

San Antonio Marathon - Part 1

2011-11-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

Leaving hotel to walk to Expo

Bryan trying to figure out map on his phone to get us going in the right direction.

Kids drinking hot chocolate on the riverwalk.

Kenzie clearly upset about the fight at the Alamo - or just mad because she wanted to drag her blanket on the dirty ground.

Family picture in front of the Alamo.

Bryan resting on "history"

Jill and I - Kenzie was too shy for the picture.

Landon and Kallie - cheesing it up.

Landon took over the camera here. Waiting outside expo...

Elvis' Rocking It

Kenzie drinking some juice after she ate 12 cups full of tomatoes

Bryan and Landon on the river by The Guenther House

Cinnamon roll from The Guenther House

Kenzie copying Kallie eating a sticky bun from The Guenther House

San Antonio Marathon Trip - Part 2 (Seaworld)

2011-11-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2011-11-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from Halloween. The kids both had parties at their schools on Friday, so instead of wearing the Angry Birds costumes all day - they went with their Tech stuff. Pretty cute (although Kenzie did NOT want her picture taken.)

A friend hosted a pumpkin carving party - thankfully she didn't force us to carve (LOL - j/k S) which meant Bryan and Landon carved the pumpkin together. Landon was pretty grossed out by the inside part.

Kenzie and Landon were great at Trick or Treating. Kenzie was so happy to get candy from people, she'd just stand and stare, I guess hoping they'd give her more. Landon wanted to go to every house in the neighborhood - too many house. Our friends met up with us and trick or treated, although her kids were tired, and were done way before Landon even considered stopping.

Bryan had on the green pig shirt. I'm sad we never got a family picture of all us. The costumes turned out great, Landon was so proud of his black bird. After trick or treating, we turned our lights on for kids to stop by - Landon wanted Bryan to go out to the street and tell everyone that there's "Halloween going on in here" - he was disappointed that he'd missed handing out all night.

Best Friends

2011-09-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

They love each other...and they love to aggrivate each other. I'm guessing that's the way most siblings are.

Open House

2011-09-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Too Cold

2011-09-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

As you all know, Landon has zero body fat. ZERO. Now that the temps are back in the 60s in the mornings, he's freezing. Here's his outfit this morning as he left for school.

I know the gray and black socks make a great statement with the yellow shorts and green jacket. How about his nicely combed hair? Mother of the year award, I'm telling you.

Go Gators

2011-09-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from this weekend. Kenzie let me put a headband on her for a few seconds...she ripped the bow out, but left the band on.

Then the boys were playing PS3, and she HAD to have a controller too.
(Notice Landon's favorite attire - no shirt.)

Kenzie and Bryan watching football.

Kenzie saying "cheese" for the camera.

First Week of Kindergarden

2011-08-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Landon was very nervous the first morning. Bryan and I both went to class with him. He was okay when we got there...he knew a few of the kids in his class from daycare. There was another boy there crying that he knew, Landon went over and gave the kid a hug. By the time we got everything situated, Landon started tearing up. He didn't want us to leave - that breaks my heart. He has a great teacher, she told him to walk around with her and help her. (He told us later that he stopped crying because he got to walk with her.)

He rode the bus to daycare and Bryan got off early and picked up both kids and took them to McDonald's. Landon was so excited to tell us all about school and riding the bus.
The next day, Bryan and I took him again. We waited in the hall by his classroom since it wasn't open yet - the teacher came in from the gym with all the other kids, and Landon, once again cried when it was time for us to leave. Ugh.
But then after school - he's so happy - telling us everything that was new, so happy about music class.

On the third day, just Landon and I went - it was early, so we went to the gym, where all the kids sit in lines according to grade level. Landon didn't see anyone he knew, and started crying again, asking if I could stay with him. Finally, a girl in his class came and sat with him.
After school - he went on and on about how AWESOME PE was! He loved. He told me every detail of the gym. And he said lunch was awesome too (he's been taking a packed lunch since day 2.)

The fourth day - all night before he kept saying he was nervous and he didn't like going to the gym in the morning. We talked it through and decided he should take a book to read. So, day four, get to the gym (oh! he wanted to do the kissing hand in the car, so no one would see...) and he sees his new friend - he slowly walks over and asks me if I'm sure he can read the book he brought - I say yes (and hope that its true.) He's fine - no crying!!

The fifth day, we got there before his new friend, and the teacher in the gym starts calling out (over the PA) "who's a friend of Landon?" - Really , not helping here. I take him to the end of the line and tell him to save a spot for his friend, but he's already bawling. I left him crying.
Of course he comes home again, telling us how great school is and how much he loves it! Just want to get over this morning stuff. Of course this week, everything is different and they get to do activities in the morning - computer class, library, science, art...so hopefully Monday morning goes much smoother.

Pictures

2011-08-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Landon and Kenzie before school, enjoying the cooler temps.

Kenzie eating powdered donuts - this is her new way to say "cheese" when she sees a camera.

She moved on to kolaches.

Landon hiding from us. He loves to take his shirt off as soon as he gets home. I think he makes it feel like an "older" kid.

Kenzie playing in yard while Landon jumps.

Eating Pizza

2011-08-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Kenzie eats well. Way better than Landon ever ate (or eats now!)
We had pizza - she loved it. She wanted all of her pieces in a bowl...then she wanted to slurp them down. Too funny.

We sold the glider to a friend - Bryan brought it downstairs last night - Kenzie was so mad he was moving her chair!

Before we start school...

2011-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Landon starts school on Monday. I can't believe it. Bryan and I went to the school yesterday for Parent Orientation. His teacher seems really nice and super excited. Being kids of teachers (both Bryan's mom and my mom taught for years and years...) we know the "other side" of teaching. Landon's class room is super cute - you can tell she's put a lot of effort into the room. (Something my mom worked on every August.)

Today Landon got to meet the teacher. We took in all our supplies, met the teacher, found his chair and then went on a school scavenger hunt to find different parts of the school. We met the music teacher and the art teacher. Found the gym, the cafeteria, the computer lab, art room, music room, bathrooms, nurses office and library. Neat way to introduce the kids to the school.

After that, Bryan, Landon and I went downtown to the Children's Museum. Lan (and Bryan) had a great time. It was super hot and I'm glad we convinced Landon to go there instead of his original choice - the zoo! Way too hot for the zoo in Houston.

After that we stopped at Sam's to try to find a snack Landon could (would) eat at school. We ended up with chex mix and babybel. Bought some Z-bars, but he pretended to vomit so that's on the no list for now.

Can't believe he'll be starting school on Monday - where did the time go??

Sick baby

2011-08-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

My poor girl does not handle teething well, at all.
She's been very fussy, poor baby.

Here's one of her better moods this weekend - at Space Center Houston.

And last night - she wanted to help Landon play Toy Story on the PS3.

I have this pillow...

2011-08-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

My cousin always does these "I have this..." blog stories. Here's one of mine.

I have this pillow. My Grandma sewed everything when we were growing up. I can't tell you how many dresses she made - for me, my sisters, my cousins, mother, aunt. She made so many beautiful things. I can remember summers of shopping in fabric stores, pinning patterns, cutting out fabric and sewing. I was SO blessed to get her sewing table - you can barely see it in the back corner of this picture - along with her sewing machine which I love to use.

The picture below is Landon holding a pillow Grandma and I made. She had so many old buttons!! She sewed them on this scrap of fabric - actually the fabric was a furniture fabric remnant. Then I sewed the pillow, and she stuffed it. I love this pillow. I have several other remnant pillows - but this is my favorite. I love knowing that she picked out the buttons, and she sewed them on. I miss her so much, but am so blessed she gave us so much to remember.

I have this pillow...

Pink and Green Waffles

2011-07-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

Bryan made us waffles! Yum! Landon requested green. Bryan decided to make pink for me. Of course, then Landon wanted both colors!! We have so much fun with food gel! (kenzie's over there enjoying some milk.)

Dentist Visit (landon)

2011-07-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Landon went to the dentist!! He did so well! Of course, the hygenist was awesome, talking to him the whole time, explaining everything, making it all seem so cool. She was really great. They took x-rays, cleaned up his teeth and informed us he has 4 (3 small, 1 good size) cavities. Yikes! Well, we knew about the one cavity - we could see it. So we'll be going back to get them filled. I'm hoping he does just as well at the next visits!

Loves her dolls

2011-07-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Kenzie LOOOOOOVES playing with her dolls.
She spends hours taking her baby in and out of the stroller.

While the boys just do this...

7 years later

2011-07-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

At the end of the month Bryan and I will be celebrating our 7th anniversary. 7 years! Strange how it can seem like just yesterday, but also feel like we've been together a life time. Seven years with my very best friend. And we still do everything together. We IM each other most of the day, text back and forth and spend our nights and weekends together. Yes, we each do other things we enjoy. But we're lucky to enjoy doing the same type of things, and doing those together. I love him so much, and, though I sometimes forget or take it for granted, I'm so very blessed to have him.

At Sharon and Tom's pond, 2004 (above) and 2011 (below)

Kenzie's 1 Year Checkup

2011-07-06T07:03:00.001-07:00

Kenzie weighed 21.14 pounds, and is 28.5 inches tall. That puts her in the 58% for weight, and 24% for height.

She does NOT like being examined. This probably goes along with her hating to have people in her personal space. She's only 1, and already has the "do not hug me" gene. She got two vaccine shots, and a TB test. She cried, but we were able to get it done, and she passed out in the car as soon as I got her buckled in.

4th of July

2011-07-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

For the 4th, we headed out to New Mexico, taking my neice home. It was a nice drive out there in the middle of the night - we listened to an audio book and the kids slept most of the way. We arrived in NM around 6am and didn't get much rest after that.

We packed the weekend full of events - lunch with the family at Leal's, dinner and swimming at my cousins, shopping in Clovis, fishing at Nana's, church, 10K race, french toast breakfast, etc...

Landon loves visiting his cousins and it gets harder and harder to come home. Especially since we returned without Emma! Felt like we were missing a child.

Bryan and Kenzie enjoying the pool

Uncle Gary throwing Landon, while Luke waits his turn.

All the cousins!

Kenzie and me - trying to stay dry.

Kallie and Abby

Sunday Best - July 3rd

Landon with my sister's new puppy - Bo.

Bryan and Landon - still a monkey

4th of July fishing

Bryan and Landon fishing

Schlitterbahn

2011-06-28T07:56:00.001-07:00

Thoughts from Landon

2011-06-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Landon asked to go to Bryan's office. I told Landon that Bryan had to move to back to his old office. Landon asked why he had to move. I said that they probably didn't have money to pay for the newer building.
Landon says, "or maybe someone had a cow."

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On the way to volleyball, Landon asks, "mom, how do old people pray?"
(no clue where that came from...)

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Landon was looking at my wedding ring and told me it was getting loose (I've told him before that it won't come off.)
Landon: Why is it getting loose?
Me: That just happens sometimes when my hands get cold.
Landon: Oh, its because you're getting old (I freely admit I have wrinkly old lady hands...I do, seriously.)
Landon looks up at my hair (which hasn't been colored in a few weeks.
Landon: Yep, you're getting old - I see all that white hair.

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Landon: What if everyone was born grown up...and then we had to turn into babies? And no one could eat healthy food. And then all the babies would be driving cars.
(He assumes that healthy food makes you grow up big and strong...so "obviously" not eating healthy food makes you grown young like a baby - wish that was true.)

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Every time I get Kenzie's hair wet in the tub, Landon starts cracking up and saying that she looks like a boy. He thinks it's so funny.

Happy Birthday Kenzie!!

2011-06-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

Well, after a week of not feeling well, Kenzie is finally starting to cheer up (and have less diaper issues - thank goodness!)

We postponed any kind of party for this weekend since she had been so sick. But she was doing much better on Sunday, so for dinner we headed out to New York Pizzeria, thinking we could get her a magnificent cake there. Ended up skipping dessert there and picking up a small strawberry cake at HEB. But by the time we got home, she was ready for bed.

She opened a present from Mr. Danny and then we sat her down for cake. She was excited about the candle, but was NOT happy about me trying to get her to eat the cake. In fact, she just cried and screamed when I put some on her fingers, and then in her mouth.

No point torturing the poor girl with cake (I know, right?!) so I cleaned her up, and took her up to her bed - laid her down and she was asleep before I even walked out the door.

Bryan is planning on making her a special cake this coming weekend - and then we'll give her presents and "celebrate." Is it wrong that we postponed her first birthday? LOL. If we hadn't, she be eating a BRAT cake (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.)

Glad she's feeling better - and luckily we had family in for the week to help take care of her.

Kenzie Paige - 1 year Old

2011-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Things Kenzie enjoys

following Landon
hiding her paci's all over the house
the tv remote
opening cabinets - especially the one with my mixer in it
unrolling toilet paper
watching the fish
putting toys in the toilet
saying da-da
being outside
watching someone open her snack containers
crawling under the pews at church
say da-da (serioulsy - loves it)
she can say pretty, dada, mama, landon, bubba (her nickanme for landon), kenzie, jill (just learned this), emma, da-da-duh, cat, this
she can drink through a straw - and loves it
going to bed in her crib - without being rocked to sleep
taking a bath
drinking bath water
climbing up the stairs
pulling everything out of drawers, purses, bags, boxes

Doesn't enjoy:

her sippy cups when their full of cold milk.
landon putting his arm on her car seat
rocking to sleep
rafts at the waterpark (although she loves the water)
mom leaving the room

She has her moments, but we've been blessed with a second child that's really good. It's crazy how different she is from Landon, but at the same time so similiar. She loves her brother and he loves her (and loves to torment her! - He's so ready for her to be able to wrestle him!) She loves seeing someone she recognizes. I love that baby girl - she's beautiful and wonderful and I'm so glad she's ours.

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-13T08:11:00.001-07:00

Memorial Weekend

2011-06-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

I picked up Landon early from school on Friday and we went to see Kung Fu Panda 2 - it was cute and I had a good time spending quality time just me and Landon.

My sister, brother-in-law and niece came out for the weekend - my niece will be staying for the month of June - she's going to watch Landon. Kip and Jill came out for the mud run - which turned out to be a great event. Kip came in first in his heat, even after some crazy stuff with his "team." It was definitely interesting...Jill and I are ready to sign up for the next one!

We went to the pool one day - but it was too cold - overcast and windy and Kenzie cried pretty much the whole time we were there.

Jill and I (and Landon) did the Astro's run on Monday. All hills! I had no idea. And am pretty sure I will not register for it again, ever. It was an okay run - just not what I expected. Landon did the kids run and was so happy to get a medal. We hung out there for awhile, got our free tickets (for the week Mom and Jill come back) and then took Jill/Kip to the airport. After that, it was long naps for everyone.

Landon was very excited to tell me (several times) that he wouldn't be getting in the car this morning since he didn't have to go to school.

Kenzie didn't seem to mind that brother wasn't in the car - but I know she'll be looking for him this afternoon.

Catching the bad guys

2011-05-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Last night, Landon and his friend had a great convo...

Mason: I wish there were no parents, so we could do whatever we wanted.
Me: If you didn't have parents, you wouldn't have any one to buy you toys!
Mason: We could steal the toys!
Me: Well, then you'd be in jail for stealing.
Mason: There wouldn't be any jails
Me: Then all the bad guys would be free - and they might try to get you.
Landon: Well, I'll be the policeman!!
Landon: Wait, how do you even learn to be a policeman
Me: You have to go to the Police Academy
Landon: Well, I already know how to catch bad guys. First you need a net...

Random Thoughts

2011-05-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Bryan is in California for the week...
Kenzie starting running a fever on Tuesday. She felt warm when I picked her up from school, so I gave her some tylenol. Miss Cole watched her while I played volleyball. Kenzie slept in her lap the whole time I think - which ended up being a lot longer than expected since our ref showed up 30 minutes late.
I kept her home from daycare, she still ran a fever, and I didn't want them calling which would mean I'd have to keep her home two days.
She did well, she's not eating food at all. I'm guessing teeth - this is pretty much exactly how she was when her bottoms ones came through. The top ones have been so close for EVER.
After school yesterday, Landon thought he could jump on a ball. A very large ball. Needless to say, he couldn't. He fell on his neck, and wouldn't move his head at all. I started getting nervous about it. Tried to call Bryan to see what to do (remember - he's in California in meetings all day.) Finally text our friend (chiropractor) to see if he was still at his office. He wasn't, but said he'd come by.
I called Mr. Danny to come over to help watch Landon (he wouldn't walk at the time.) So I could take care of Kenzie. Danny kind of freaked when I told him Landon hurt his neck - understandable, since he has fused metal in his own...
Dr came by, checked out Landon - who at this point was bawling cause he didn't to be checked out. He finally let Max work on him, He was able to adjust his neck.
Kenzie finally went to bed...only to wake up at 12 and stay up til 3. I tried everything. I can't even remember now how she finally went to bed.
We all three slept in my bed last night, after that. She woke up again at 5, I gave her a bottle and then she was still fussy, so she watched Mickey Mouse until she fell asleep (yes, I realize I'm letting a 10 month old watch TV.)
Landon woke up sore, stiff, but surprisingly didn't ask to stay home from school (Thank goodness cause I'm almost out of vacation now.)

On a different note, Kenzie is completely weaned. That decision was made for various reasons. I do miss nursing her, but am SO relieved to not be pumping at work anymore. I have a small supply still in the freezer, we're using that and soy formula now, which she is doing fine on. She hasn't nursed in over a week. But last night, I noticed some pain - think I have a clogged duct. I planned on taking a hot shower or bath when I got Landon to sleep, but I fell asleep too, and then by the time I realized that, K was awake again. Trying massage and warm heat today.

I'm sure today will be better than yesterday...

Walking and Kindergarten Registration

2011-05-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Kenzie's been "walking" for a while. She'd take steps here and there...and then remember that crawling was WAY faster for her. She's walked using things for about four months now...but this weekend - oh wow. That girls was walking everywhere. She's still a little unsure...and it takes her a while, but she's choosing to do it instead of crawl. Last night in the kitchen she took 15 steps!! All the way down the kitchen to get to the fridge magnets. Insane. And I know she's just going to get faster and faster.

Tomorrow we're registering Landon for Kindergarten. He's excited to see the school. I'm SO nervous. But I'm trying my hardest not to let him see that. I really don't want him to be nervous like I am about things (but, I know he already is that way.) We have all the documents ready. Can't believe it's time.

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T11:02:00.001-07:00

For Easter this weekend, we took a quick trip out to West Texas / New Mexico. We packed up the car on Thursday night and headed out. The kids fell asleep pretty quickly, while Bryan and I took turns driving. I haven't driven much in a long time, but got it all in on the trip out there. Right outside of San Antonio we started seeing lightening. After bringing up the radar and seeing a huge red blob in front of us, we pulled over at a rest stop and waited it out for about an hour. We then continued on to Midland, arriving around 6am. Bryan and Landon went and got in bed and slept a couple more hours, while Kenzie and I visited with Grandpa and GJ. Kenzie wasn't too sure about Daisy (jack russell) and then proceeded to SCREAM when Daisy licked her toes. Landon and Bryan eventually woke up; Landon played in the yard with Daisy until they were both exhausted. Then it was back in the car for a short trip to Dimmit for some Muleshoe baseball.

The Dimmit field is out in the open...with a huge mound of dirt behind the bleachers. The kids had a grand time climbing the "mountain" and sliding down it. The girls had put on sunscreen so every time they came back to the bleachers, they were covered in mud. We had a fun time trying to catch everything when it would blow over. Alex was able to catch my route 44 tea before it almost spilled all over another lady. Kenzie wasn't too sure about the wind, but finally got down and played.

After baseball, we drove back to Muleshoe for Leal's. Then back on to Portales.
Saturday morning, we got up and headed to Clovis to shop with Jana and family. We stopped by the bakery (this is the fifth time I've tried to go to the bakery and it's been closed! So sad.) Bryan found some baby chicks at Tractor Supply - he got 10 of them. Bubby's going to get a rooster or two and raise them with the turkeys.
After getting back from shopping, we went over to spend some time at Granny Foster's. Kenzie was a little better with Shiloh -and really wanted to pet her. Landon had fun with all the old toys.

After that, it was time for Kallie's birthday party. They grilled out at Mom's house. Delicious meal with fresh avocados and tomatoes...and a very purple, very sprinkled birthday cake. House full of family, everyone having fun, talking over each other.

Sunday, we all put on our purple and headed to church. Landon went with mom since we usually run late. After church, we went over to Nana's for lunch and egg hunting. Lunch was Delicious. We had ham, turkey, dressing and gravy, green beans, salad, orange salad, New Potatoes, and rolls. Cream puffs and Easter cookies for dessert! After lunch, the adults hid eggs. Kenzie got to go out first. She was delighted to find three eggs and stopped to play in the grass. Next out was Luke and he took off on a run. Then Landon headed out, next the little girls, finally the boys.
The big hit for the last few years has been confetti eggs. Luckily this year Walmart carried them and everyone got a couple dozen. No one escapes the confetti! After the kids get tired of chasing each other down to break eggs on their heads, they head to the grownups to smash a few. Our little cousin Luke didn't really care about the difference of a confetti egg or a real hard boiled egg, so you had to watch out when he tried to smash one on you.
The boys played catch in the back by the barn, then a little bit of soccer while we sat inside and visited some more. The trip always goes by way too quickly. As everyone headed out to church for the evening, we packed up at mom's and headed home. I hate leaving, especially after Landon has such a good time with his cousins.

Crawling "UP" the slide!

2011-04-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

My little dare devil!!

Sleep

2011-04-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Since I just posted yesterday about getting no sleep....

Kenzie went shopping with me and Miss Cole. We got home later than normal...Kenzie was barely awake (9:30ish) She devoured a container of carrots and then nursed and fell asleep. She woke up at 2, nursed again...and didn't wake up until 7:15!! Not kidding.

...and the teeth still haven't come through. But, man are they close.

Rough Nights

2011-04-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Last night was...hard. Kenzie's teeth haven't come in yet...they're just sitting there, bulging under her gums. That in addition to a transitioning rooms at school, has left her not so happy.

Luckily - Landon doesn't hear a thing at night. Kenzie went to sleep around 8, exhuasted from her new room. Bryan and Landon went to volleyball, so I had a couple hours to myself. (why didn't I just go straight to bed?!) Ended up going to bed around 10:30. Kenzie woke up at 11, cried and fussed until 1:30. Bryan and I even swapped off. I hate not being able to sooth or comfort her. Its so hard when they can't tell you what they want/need. She woke up again right before 3, then again at 4:30, 5:30 and was up for the day at 7. Yay (not.) Of course, when she wakes up in the morning, she's as happy as can be. Ready to play and talk and read books.

She did better this morning when I dropped her off. I put her down by the toys and sat for awhile (versus yesterday when one of the workers took her out of my arms - not good. She doesn't even like Bryan to do that.) Maybe those little teeth will come through, or whatever is bothering her will pass. I don't like to see my baby crying.

Challenger Park

2011-04-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

We did Yuri's Night 5K at Challenger park this weekend. It was so beautiful, we decided to head out there again on Sunday with the Lunds.

The kids had a great time playing on all the playgrounds, walking the trails, finding shells by the water...and just running around. It was beautiful again, low humidity, no bugs, perfect park weather.

Beautiful Weekend

2011-04-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Landon resting outside while Kenzie plays.

Kenzie braved the cold water. She wasnt' this happy when she sat down!

Reading

2011-04-16T18:22:00.001-07:00

Kenzie loves books! She'll sit forever and look through books. Landon was the same way.
She's getting so brave at walking, taking a few steps at a time before dropping to crawl.
She still only has two bottom teeth but wants to eat everthing.

Bath Time

2011-04-13T18:12:00.001-07:00

The kids love taking baths. Our friends gave us these great fizzies that change the color not the water. Lan is excited every night to luck a new color. Kenzie is just happy to be in the water.

Goodbye to our friends!

2011-04-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

L and K had a going away BBQ/Crawfish boil.
The kids had a great time tormenting the crawfish. Fun day, but sad event. We'll really miss them.

Happy Birthday Landon!

2011-04-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Remember this little guy...

Not Your Typical Houston Morning

2011-04-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Thrush

2011-04-04T19:52:00.001-07:00

Can't you tell how sick she is? Ha. Took her to the dr on Tuesday foe thrush. She still has some patches in her mouth and a rash in her diaper area.
Then starting Friday night she syrted running a fever. She's snotty and her eyes are weepy. For the most part she's still happy. She's been snuggling more even with dad.
She woke up in the middle of the night last night with another fever jabbering deliriously.

Birthday

2011-03-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hallee giving Landon a big birthday hug (She cleaned the ring off her cupcake and told me she was going to put it in her jewelry box so she could think about him all the time.)

Landon and Master Yoda watching cartoons

Boys playing in the sprinkler

Snack time!

Landon's request was dinner at Double Dave's.

The boys helping Mark with the fence.

5 Years Old!

2011-03-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! My little boy is 5!

We had a wonderful week / weekend / birthday. Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes came in for the week (I had training downtown.) So Landon enjoyed a whole week at home with them. (Kenzie went to school on Monday and Friday.)

The birthday party was on Saturday - Ben 10 theme. We rented a jumper and cotton candy machine. It was a bajillion degrees out (87? Record High that day.) So the kids were pouring sweat after 5 minutes of jumping. Saturday was a blur. I had testing of an upgrade that morning, with a go / no go decision at 10, pushed to noon.

Finally time for the party. Bryan made a Ben 10 cake and cupcakes. We had snacks and cotton candy. And lots of friends. It finally cooled off and we all enjoyed visiting outside (while the boys watched NCAA basketball inside.) The kids went between jumping/sliding outside to playing toys inside, then back outside, back inside. They all seemed to have a good time. Landon got great gifts, and was so excited every time he opened one. I love seeing that face.

On Sunday, Landon requested a trip to the zoo. The Lunds joined us and we sweated it out there til almost 2:30. Then Mason came over and the boys rode bikes, played in the sprinkler and jumped on the trampoline.

Monday - his birthday, I took cupcakes to school for his snack time in the afternoon. Apparently, that's all the kids had been talking about during the day so they were very excited to see me come in with batman and scooby cupcakes. After school, I dropped him off at the Lund's to play for a while. While at Target, I got a call saying to come there quickly, Landon had fallen off the back of the truck. They were playing in the bed and somehow he slipped.
He cut his head (about an inch cut) and nice goose egg. And a nice bruise on his leg. Their neighbor is a PA at the ER, he came over with medical glue and fixed landon right up. After that, Landon requested Double Dave's for dinner. We took Mason with us and then went back where the boys "helped" build the fence for a while.

Bryan hasn't put the pictures on Shutterfly yet (I'll post them when he does.)

5 Years and 9.5 months

2011-03-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

The kids when in for well baby's (I'm pre-dating this post so it will show up closer to the right date) the day Bryan flew out to California.

Landon knew we were going to the doctor, and when he woke up he informed me that he had swords in his throat. (This happened the last time we took Kenzie in...)

Kenzie's 9.5 month check up, she weighed 20 lbs 3 ounces and was 28 inches. She had to get one shot, and she cried, but not for too long.
Landon was 40 pounds and 44.7 inches. And he had strep. He ASKED the dr for a shot (he didn't need any immunizations, which is lucky because he was running a fever and couldn't get any.) She agreed and he got the shot, which I think he regretted the next 15 minutes.

We took Kenzie to school and on the way, landon threw up all over the car. Yay. Luckily, he had a change of clothes at school, so I gave him a wet wipe bath, changed his clothes and we headed to Target to get Kenzie's cough medicine and some Tylenol for Landon to help his fever.

He slept in the buggy most of the time at the store. When we left, he decided he was hungry, so I stopped at McDonald's. As soon as the chicken nuggets were in our car, he threw up again, just from smelling them. After that, we went straight home, and he slept most of the rest of the day...

Thank goodness he asked for the shot. By 9pm that night, he was already better. The fever was gone, his throat didn't hurt so bad, he was able to eat. The next day, I kept him home but he was bouncing off the walls! Crazy.

And then, thankfully, Bryan came home.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2011-03-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Rodeo Time

2011-03-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Picking

2011-03-12T18:54:00.000-08:00

Afternoon at the park

2011-03-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

We picked up Mason after school and headed to the park down the road.
The boys had a great time swinging from the bar and monkey'ing around. Kenzie had fun just watching all the excitement. It was a little windy, but still beautiful. (Nice because the mosquitos aren't out yet!)

Sunday Best

2011-03-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

Practicing Ben 10 Cake

2011-03-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Kenzie's First Concert

2011-03-03T20:39:00.001-08:00

Kenzie was out cold for her first concert (Sugarland)
She woke up as we were walking down the stairs to leave.

Necklace

2011-03-02T19:22:00.001-08:00

Candace Kane Designs
Love it!

Weekend Getaway

2011-03-02T06:48:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Continental we were able to make a quick trip out to New Mexico. Before we left, Landon had told Bryan that the only reason he was going was so he could miss school and get away from Miss Bona (the big kids teacher - she's not a happy person.)

Landon has played non-stop. Our first stop was Leal's for lunch. Then we headed to the baseball field to watch my nephew play Varsity ball. They had a double header (we had missed my niece's basketball game earlier that morning.) Landon and his cousin discovered a huge mound of dirt. Taller than them! That kept them busy. We split up before the second game started. My sister and I went to another small town to watch her other son play basketball. On the way to the gym Landon asked if there would be any dirt there.
After basketball we met back at Leal's with friends. I think there were 25+ of us - but they were able to seat us close together and there were lots of laughs.

Sunday we woke up to a beautiful morning...but by the time church was over the wind was already gusting. Sustained 45 mph for most of the day with gusts up to 75. Pulling up to Nana's house, Landon asks if it was picture day. Think he was worried about standing out by the pond in the wind. Kenzie ran a fever all through the night. She had slept almost all day Saturday. She wasn't really fussy much but definitely wanted mama.
My sister got a call from a neighbor who said one if the fires was headed for their land. My brother in law had already been called out to work the lines. She took off to try to get the horses out. Luckily for them the fire turned on itself at the highway and burned itself out. (Kenzie's teeth appeared!!)

Monday, mom and I had planned to do some shopping. My sister called, her daughter had been sick through the night so they had stayed home. She drove over and we went for coffee and chocolate at my cousins house. It was nice to sit and visit for a while over a k-cup.

After that, we went by the University book store (too bad Bryan doesn't read my blog, because there's a visor I'd like from there.) My mom was going to have another cousin to watch in the afternoon, so she told my sister and I to go on to Clovis. We went by Joe's (great pair of black and fusia boots, that I didn't buy...) and Gebo's and the bakery (which has been closed EVERY time I've driven over there!) We came home with just a pair of jeans for Bryan (which end up being the wrong size.)

My other sister came over after she got off work and we had dinner at the house - which included fried green chillies. Soooo good. We visited for a little while, watched some of the Bachelor and then the kids were out.

Tuesday, we woke up, packed up and headed to Lubbock. We saw another big fire outside of Littlefield, and then winds were up again. Not good. We got to the airport 45 minutes before our plane was scheduled. Thankful for a small airport, we were the only ones checking in luggage and going through security. Plane ride was easy. I'm blessed with good children. Kenzie fell asleep as we were taxin'ing in to Houston. Bryan picked us up and we headed home. Landon was SO happy to see dad.

It was a nice, short trip. Perfect (well, it would have been better if Bryan had gone too...) But I got to see family, and see some of the kids play ball, see my cousins, aunts and uncles, and didn't miss too much work.

Here's an idea...

2011-02-28T16:51:00.001-08:00

A man at my stepdad's work owes my neice money since she washed his tires. She was complaining to my stepdad about it so he called the guy and handed over the phone.

They went back and forth for a while then we hear my neice say, "Here's an idea, how about you open a coffee or lemonade stand..."

Then she hangs up on him.

A tooth!

2011-02-28T10:38:00.001-08:00

We have a tooth. Wish I guess explains the fever she's had for the last two days.
The second one on the bottom isn't far behind.

Stunt Woman

2011-02-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

Went for a walk around the hood - Kenzie cried about being buckled in, so I let her out for a bit...here she is performing for us.

(not sure of the date)

Dawn

2011-02-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

Landon asked me to sing him "Lullaby" Braham's lullaby has always been the song I sing to him. He usually sings with me.
Tonight he asks, "what's dawn?" (Pleasant dreams until the dawn)
I say that it's when the sun comes up.
Lan, "Well why don't you just say that. It would make more sense."

Pet

2011-02-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

Landon REALLY wants a pet. (Not happening.)

This morning he told me that if he had a cat he would keep it away from me (I'm allergic.) He said he'd keep it in his room all the time.

He thought about that for a little while, then said, "That's not a good idea, because it would probably break all my toys."

Perfect...I don't even have to convince him not to get one.

Sunday Best

2011-02-20T13:19:00.001-08:00

Bicycle

2011-02-20T13:17:00.001-08:00

Landon's started riding his bike again (now that the weather ia nice!)
We discovered he needed the next size. So we made a late trip to Toys R Us and found a "ka-pow mongoose"

Bry started putting it together this afternoon.

Let's make a deal

2011-02-17T08:20:00.001-08:00

Last night, after I had gotten Kenzie to sleep, Landon was sitting on the couch watching a movie on his "phone" (droid tablet.)

He clapped his hands and I said, "Lan - don't clap, sister is sleeping."

He pauses his movie and says, "Mom, let's make a deal."
Me: ? (LOL)
Lan: "If I clap one more time, I'll turn off my movie."

Bahhahaha...I told him it was okay if he clapped again, just to try not to.

Valentine's Party

2011-02-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's!

2011-02-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

Crawling

2011-02-12T19:38:00.001-08:00

Really, really crawling

2011-02-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Kenzie's been moving for some time now, more than a month.
But now I would say she really, really, really crawls. She's all over the place now. No more can we set her down in the living room with some toys and expect her to stay there while we do something else around the house.

And even funnier, she crawls, with one leg sort of under her. Just like her cousin and some of her second cousins. But it doesn't slow her down. That girl can move.

Also - she pulls up on EVERY THING! And then, THEN, she walks around the living room...from couch to chair, to toy, to walker. She's crazy. She's learned how to "gracefully" fall down to a sitting position.

A whole other stage of life...crazy how fast they grow up. Especially when you don't want them to.

Siblings?

2011-02-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Long weekend, and a sick baby

2011-02-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

With the big "storm" coming in, they pretty much shut every thing down in anticipation. I worked from home on Thursday, fully expecting to have to get the kids after lunch before the 'storm' came in.

Well...no snow. The "storm" didn't come through until middle of the night Thursday, and froze everything. They shut down JSC on Friday, and we had a nice stay home day. The L's picked up Landon from school and dropped him off Thursday evening. We all had some coffee and hung out. Then Friday, every one came over and we just bummed around the house. Played Wii and ate Pizza.

On Saturday, the L's took Landon to gymnastics and then kept him while Bryan and I took Kenzie to the Dr. She has double ear infection. Which explains why she's been so clingy. Sunday she hit an all time low. She was crying and basically screaming (I know, I should have taken video to prove this.) As long as I held her, she did okay, most of the time. She wouldn't take her paci and didn't want to eat much. Poor girl.

Bryan and I are both coming down with something too. We woke up not feeling well, drainage, sinus pressure. Guessing we have colds. Bryan volunteered to stay home with the kids. Hoping he manages okay today.

Exhausted!

2011-02-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Landon fell asleep like this watching cartoons. Think he was a little tired?

Cleaning Up

2011-02-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Landon "was" helping me clean up - then he thought of a better idea.

Little Jeans

2011-02-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

First Sleep Over

2011-01-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

We had our first sleep over on Friday. Our friend's daughter had tubes put in her ears on Friday morning. After a long day with his mom and sister, M got to come stay at the house with us. He packed up a little suitcase (it was so cute.)

They played PS3 for a while, jumped on the trampoline, and then played with every single toy upstairs (or at least the room looked like they did.)

We only had one incident (a toy princess amidala or leia - argument over which one it was.) Other than that, the boys played great together.

We put them in bed, and moved the baby monitor to Landon's bedroom. They whispered and giggled for ever. Bryan finally went up and sat in the room to keep them from talking and they were asleep in less than five minutes.

The next morning Bryan offered them donuts and kolaches which they refused, so Bryan made them green waffles. Then it was time for gymnastics. After gymnastics they were ready for donuts. Boys. M's family picked him up from the donut shop (they were passing by.)

Then it was time for another birthday party (I think we have one every weekend til april!) It was at a park - Lan played hard. After the party, we had an early dinner. Landon fell asleep on the way home, at 5pm. He slept until 7am the next morning!!

Like a new puppy

2011-01-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

Kenzie loves to eat paper. LOVES it.
It's like a new puppy...you can't leave anything out. Newspaper, books, tissues, wetwipes - nothing!
At the grocery, she'll chew all the coupons if she can grab them.
Changing her diaper, she'll grab the wet wipes out of the box.
She crawls to the kleenex box and starts pulling them out.
Any type of paper.

Kenzie's 7 month (6 month check up)

2011-01-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

Not really surprising, (just like Landon's 6 month checkup), we got Kenzie's 6 month checkup when she was 7 months.

The surprising part - at 7 months, they weighed the exact same!! But Landon was 1.5 inches taller - which is why he was in the 30% in weight and Kenzie is the 65%.

She weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 26 inches tall. She wasn't really sure about laying naked on the scales...and started crying when I moved too far away (she's really become a mama's girl.) She did okay with the shots, cried a little with both of them. Luckily we'd had time to nurse in the room before the dr got there, so that helped.

She's growing up too fast. She now pulls up on anything she can find. If she's sitting and you try to reach for her, she'll grab your hands so she can pull up and walk. She LOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEESSSSS to walk. She'll stand on her own for about 5-7 seconds before she tries to reach for something...and she's gotten really good at standing at one toy and moving to the other.

She isn't "crawling" but she'll go up on one knee, scooch a little and roll down, then back on the knee, scooch, etc. She can get to anything she wants.

She has really become a mama's girl. Bryan hardly gets to hold her. As soon as she sees me, she starts pushing off of him, trying to get to me.

OH!! We have this little dinosaur we bought for landon - it has holes for balls that you put in and then the balls roll down slides...she figured out the slide really fast. She was putting all her toys on them and pushing them down. Then she discovered Landon's mini skateboard ramp and realized her toys would slide down it too.

Landon's growing up too. I can't believe how big he is...still skinny of course - since he won't eat anything. He's ready for his birthday and for kindergarten. He loves playing the PS3 with his dad or wrestling Dad on the trampoline. He's still so good with Kenzie, giving her toys, playing with her. Its awesome to see them together. He still loves my hair and although he sleeps with all his ducks, he still on occasion asks if he can have my hair.

He has lots of friends at school - they all hug every time they see each other or leave each other. But his best friend is Mason. They're inseparable. I think if they could live together they would do it. They play pretty well together, very few arguments - which they can usually resolve themselves. Luckily they'll be going to the same school next year (whew!) Lan also loves Mason's sister, Emersyn. She's a doll and loves chasing the boys or getting them to chase her.

Lan told me this week he has a girlfriend, but it's a secret and he never told anyone. It's a girl in his class. He tells me, "mom - she always says my name. And she always hugs me." LOL...too young for that!

Both kids are great, healthy and well behaved. We're very blessed!

Morning Routine

2011-01-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

Working on a new morning routine.

Previously, Kenzie would stir around 4-5, I would nurse her in our bed and go back to sleep. She would then stir again around 5:30-6:30, when I would let her nurse again so she'd fall back asleep. But the last set could contain anywhere from 1- 5 nursing sessions, depending on how quickly she went back to sleep and how soon she woke up, etc. Not any effort on my part, she's laying there, I'm laying there, I'd just let her eat...in hopes that we could both go back to sleep....

Now...I nurse her when ever she wakes up around 4, then we both go back to sleep. I have my alarm set so that I can get up early (6am, but tomorrow it will be 5:30) so I can get up and watch DVR'ed Kathie and Hoda (which I became addicted to while at mom's house.) Curl my hair, and put make up and maybe get dishes done, or toys picked up. When Kenzie wakes up, this time, instead of nursing and letting her go back to sleep, I take her into the living room with me, letting Bryan (and Landon - who has been sleeping in the lay-z-boy in our bedroom) keep sleeping.

She can play and I get to enjoy more time with her...and then by 7-7:30ish, she's ready for breakfast, which is now cereal and a veggie or fruit. And Landon wakes up now at 7 and has cereal also (YAY! - that's a huge accomplishment.)

I'm still adjusting the timing of everything. But I think its going to work out. I'm not any less tired, since I wasn't getting quality sleep for that last hour, hour and a half anyway.

After more of these type of mornings, we'll be able to get our nighttime routine in place. The most important piece of advice I've read so far is that, yes, routines do help kids...but always, always, always be flexible in your routine. There's times when life happens and it doesn't care about your 'routine' or what time you give the kids a bath, or what time you lay them down. And that's okay. Enjoy a night with the kids...let them stay up a little longer, go out for dinner, whatever...make sure that you aren't so strict on your schedule that you or your kids can't function any differently. Because I guarantee you, something, sometime will change that schedule. And if you've been flexible, you and your kids will be able to enjoy a deviation.

P and F

2011-01-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning (in pictures)

2011-01-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010 Pictures

2011-01-03T23:45:00.000-08:00

Kenzie's beautiful blue eyes. She's light up everytime she saw a camera. Already posing!

Landon and Kenzie with Granny Foster. (Landon wasn't happy he had to take a picture.) Notice he's wearing his Texas Tech jersy with Tanner's number.

Tradition at my mom's house. Decorating home made sugar cookies. (Which I ate for the next week.)

Kenzie going for a ride. Cousin Cora loved pushing K around in the walker.

Grandpa and Kenzie chilling at Granny Fosters.

Landon helping entertain Kenzie at Nana Sharon's before Christmas Eve dinner.

Some of the cousins checking out Brocks new iPad.

Rhodes Family in pink and black - day after Christmas

Landon was so excited to get "snow" the day after we flew in. It didn't snow much and didn't last long, but it was just enough for him. (He really wanted more...but that didn't happen this trip.)

Rhodes Family at Granny Foster's on Christmas Eve

Update on the kids

2011-01-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, have I been horrible about blogging! Guess I could go back to my Facebook posts and see what I've done for the past two months.

Landon is growing up so quickly. He'll be 5 in 3 months! I just can't believe it. He's still around 37 pounds and about 45 inches tall. He's so skinny, it's crazy. He hardly ever eats, and if he does, its just a corn dog. Or one package of fruit snacks. Yes, this is our (parents) issue and we need to deal with it...but that's not going to happen today.

Mackenzie is growing so, so, so fast! We spent the last two weeks in New Mexico. That little girl wants to pull up on everything. She thinks she needs to be standing/walking all the time. What she doesn't realize is that she can't walk by herself! She'll lunge forward from sitting to get in a crawl position, then she tries to get her leg under her so she can stand up. Crazy! She can crawl backwards now and turn in circles. And walk backwards in the walker. Won't be long now.

I love seeing the kids together. Landon is so good with her. He kisses and dotes on her all the time. And he always wants her to sit by him, or watch him play. She loves him just as much. Her little face brightens every time she sees or even hears him. She gets the biggest smile on her face.

In the past month, she's started to want mommy. If she sees or hears me, she does this little fake whimper thing, wanting me to pick her up. And if anyone is standing, she puts her arms out begging to be picked up.

She says her name (what we call her) "kay, kay" - that was her first word(s). She says da-da and goya (like landon) and a sort of crying 'ma...ma...ma..." when she's sad. She doesn't associated those "words" with anything. She just likes talking.

She's chewing on everything she can get her little hands on. There's got to be a tooth there soon.

Landon has made a best bud. He and Mason are inseparable. They're really good together, never any fighting. So nice to let them go play and not worry about any one getting feelings hurt, or some one getting hurt or mad. They have the same mind set and are both good kids. Its fun watching him make a best friend.

I'll have to post a Christmas update separately. Just way too much to type.

Blankets for Christmas

2010-12-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

here are the blankets I made at Christmas (I'm pre-dating this blog post.) For some reason I didn't get a picture of the one I made for Jill.

This is Burl's (Jana's husband) brand for his cattle. Turned out great. I did Kip's Brand for theirs, with a black and white fleece.

This was for Jane and Dad (for Texas Tech.)

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

2010-11-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

Bryan and I had lunch at Perry's (yum!) for his birthday!
Happy Birthday Bryan - I love you!

Mackenzie Jabbering

2010-10-22T07:41:00.002-07:00

Cereal

2010-10-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie is 4 months old today. Every parent with more than two children know this, but it's just crazy how different she can be from Landon.

We started cereal two nights ago....and she LOVES it. LOVES, LOVES, LOVES IT! She wanted to eat more and more. I started out with just a small amount, but I'm telling you, she could have eaten a whole baby food jar size bowl. I don't think we're going to have any eating issues with her like we did with Landon (who still won't eat anything new.)

Sibling Interaction

2010-10-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

On the way home from school today, Mackenzie was exhuasted and just barely awake, but she started fussing.

Landon says: "Mackenzie (in his sing song voice) remember you're a good girl, and good girls don't cry. You don't want to be a bad girl. You want to be a good girl. Mackenzie...Kenzie...you're such a good girl."

Took all I had not to crack up.

October Update

2010-10-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

The kids are wonderful - as I'm sure every parent says about their own kids. But, we are blessed, cause Landon and Mackenzie truly are really great kids. I think maybe God knew I couldn't handle more than that.

Mackenzie has been rolling over. She loves it. And Landon thinks its hilarious. He pulls her to her stomach so she'll roll over again. Then he just cracks up and it starts all over again.

They're both doing "okay" with sleeping. Landon has been coming down to sleep by Bryan int he middle of the night - luckily a promise of a Star Wars book from the school book fair has put a temporary stop to that, and he's been in his own bed all night for three nights now. Mackenzie's night waiver. Last night for example, she slept from 8:30 to 4:30 (AWESOME!) The night before she went about 6 hours and then another 5 hours. But the night before that, she ate every hour from 2:00 on...Am I exhausted? Sure, aren't most parents (doesn't even matter the age of their kids!) But she's a great baby, not up crying, screaming, so I'm SOOO not complaining. I'll deal with her unusual hunger if that's all I have to deal with.

She's eating three 5 ounce bottles at school now. And then eats again a couple times before bed. Landon's still a picky eater, and won't eat Tuesdays (Ravioli) or Fridays (fish sticks) of every other week. he's doing better at home. He's tried crab and cereal and steak. LOL.

Mackenzie loves her Landon (bubba.) She cracks up just when you say "Bubba." She watches him all over the room. Landon is ready for her to be mobile. He was excited when she was rolling over because he thought that meant she got to move up to the next classroom (with Mason's sister.)

Landon is still loving gymnastics. His bff Mason goes now too, and they're both really good. He's really in to Ben 10 and is going to be Spider Monkey for Halloween.

Sorry, its been so long since an update. I'm just enjoying being a mom.

Oh! And Bryan - man, oh man. He had Monday off, so he changed his brakes. He had the back two tires off and somehow (with a hammer) sliced open his finger trying to get a lug nut off. he had to try to clean it up and bandage it and then put the tires back on so he could go to the doctor (after he ate lunch, of course.)
She decided not to do stitches, she was afraid she'd introduce more dirt into the wound. So he has butterflies and antibiotics. It still looks horrible. Other than that, he's doing good.

Football Saturday

2010-10-04T13:01:00.001-07:00

Kenzie loves, loves, loves watching football.
Landon just loves jumping on Dad and doing flips on the couch.

My Sweet Girl

2010-10-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

Purvis 65th Anniversary

2010-09-27T13:10:00.001-07:00

Why you shouldn't try to boil playtex nursers

2010-09-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sweet Girl

2010-09-24T07:42:00.001-07:00

Guns Up!

2010-09-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Time for college football!!

2010-09-04T13:24:00.001-07:00

Landon's words of wisdom

2010-08-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Random things from Landon this week:

Story 1
Landon: I wish I was God.
Landon: And I wish Mason was God too.
Me: What would you do if you were God?
Landon: I'd make everything good....and I'd go bowling.

Story 2
Landon and I were playing with Mackenzie and I said: "Landon, you sure do love your sister"
Landon gets in Kenzie's face and says: I love you sister, but I'm not going to marry you. I'm not going to marry no one.

Story 3
We were all getting out of the car after church on Wednesday. I was sitting in the back seat with Kenzie and Landon. Bryan opens his door to get out and Landon says, "I'm going out the front" but Bryan shuts the door, not realizing Landon is climbing into the front seat. Landon says, "Actually, I'm going out the back"

Story 4
Landon had silly bandz on his arm when I picked him up from school one day this week. I told him to go back into class and give them back to who ever they belonged to....he tells me, "Hally gave them to me and she told me to wear them til I die."

Goofin' around

2010-08-23T07:01:00.001-07:00

Lan thought it was hilarious that Mackenzie was sticking her little booty in the air, so he wanted to copy her.

First Day of School

2010-08-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie started school today. 9 weeks old. And, of course, she already was doing great. Landon was so excited for her to go to his school. He was talking to her on the way, telling her she could make new friends and learn to crawl. (Hope he's not dissappointed this afternoon when she still can't crawl.)

We left her in her crib, laughing and smiling. And I didn't even cry!!

Sunday Best, August 22

2010-08-22T06:58:00.000-07:00