Jason, Tina, Jackson, Cooper and Kaylee

January!

2011-01-30T19:36:00.001-08:00

Snow in Frisco!

Jackson's SECOND loose tooth!

Cooper turns 4!!

Riley gets a DOC Band to help round out his little noggin.

We're Still Alive!

2010-12-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my last post was 6 months ago!! I've got four really cute excuses for being so busy though!

chunky monkey

2010-05-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

in other news...

2010-05-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

i meant to get these pics of kiki up sooner... this was last month when she started to crawl mid photo session!!

Gradjamatation

2010-05-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Jackson's had a great last year of preschool, and we are so proud of everything he's done and learned. We love Ms Sandy and everyone at Pville Community Church Preschool. We will miss you all! I can't believe Jackson is moving onto the next stage of childhood, I am so excited for him and sad at the same time. He is such a little man in the making right now, but every once in awhile I still can see his baby face.

Our Littlest Man

2010-05-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Riley Christopher Lavender

Wednesday May 19th, 7:58 pm

8 lbs 4 oz 20 in

Transportation Parade 2

2010-04-30T19:52:00.001-07:00

This year was team Mom and Jackson, and we built a Camo Fighter Jet!! Jackson drew a control panel on the other side of the windshield, and did the custom paint job. He wrote on the front of the windshield "COOPER COOL JACKSON". Very cool.

This Should Make Up for Neglecting the Blog...

2010-04-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Up to Speed

2010-03-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

We have been so crazy busy lately!! Here's what's been going on...

Biggest news right now is that we are selling our home, and on the lookout for a bigger one! We've put an offer on one we like and are just waiting to see how it all plays out. Wish us luck!

Jackson: Is about to earn in brown stripe belt ( pics soon )! He is so excited, I can't believe he has been doing Tae Kwon Do for almost a year now! Another big accomplishment is that he has started early reading. I am so proud of him, and am amazed how fast he learns. Jackson is really into art right now and will draw and create for hours.

Cooper: Just had ear tubes put in and adnoids removed, so we are anxious to see how his speech and hearing will improve. He was so brave for the surgery! We are still potty-training: some days are great, others are great for diapers... Recently he mentioned "Baby Ri-ee", which I wasn't really sure if he understood. Also he wants to style his hair into "spikes" every night, and makes sure "Bubba" thinks he looks cool.

Kaylee: Starting to squawk and be noisy when the mood strikes! Still teething away, but no little pearlies that I can see. A big accomplishment is that she will now sleep in her crib unswaddled. Kaylee prefers to have her face totally covered by her little silky blankets when she sleeps, which freaks Mommy out. She is sitting up and thinking about getting on her hands and knees. She likes to say "dabdabdab" and shake her head "nononono". She has been doing great with her breathing and eating lots lately. Kaylee has figured out that if she shrieks at her brothers they will pretty much do anything she wants. This leads to lots of rounds of The Pick Up Game!

Riley: A big guy!! He keeps measuring well over his age, but the Dr. doesn't think he'll too much bigger than Cooper. Hope he's right! He is very healthy and active, and we can't wait to meet him!

Happy Day!

2010-01-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

Our little puppy dog guy is three! When he was a born he had a fairly good amount of dark fuzz on his upper arms and ears. He also was VERY drooly starting at about three months. As he got older his, um, wild side emerged. He was constantly running into things, tripping over his own feet, eating who knows what off the floor, and looooved to play in the dirt. Actually, Cooper is still very much the same, just bigger and way more talkative! He is one of the most stubborn people I have ever met, and also one of the most loving, kind and funny. He can make you lose your cool one moment, and want to snuggle the next.

Cooper, I am amazed at how intense you are- you accomplish exactly what you set your mind to. I love how you bring such silliness and spontaneity to our family. We are always laughing when you are near. I love that you can be so gentle and need lots of moochies, and also want to wrestle and play swords all within about 5 minutes time. You struggle between being a big and little brother, but adore your brother and sister. Cooper, you are "my best bud"!

Love,

Mommy

One Word...

2009-12-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Riley!!!!

Wednesday=Reveal Day

2009-12-06T20:15:00.001-08:00

This Wednesday we will be finding out what our little Riley will be wearing home from the hospital in May- pink or blue! Here is the consenus as of yet:

Jackson- "Definetly a sister!"

Cooper- " Huh? No, kiki the baby"

Kaylee- shares Cooper's sentiments and looking for a new agent

all Grandmothers- "Hopefully a girl to be close to Kaylee"

Jason and Tina- "So where will the second crib go exactly??"

Check back soon!

In the backyard

2009-11-19T14:08:00.001-08:00

Kiki at 5 Months!

2009-11-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

Five Things at Five Months:

*you love to suck on your toes and thumb

*still love to be swaddled

*you are so giggly!

*gets mad if Mommy walks away

*totally a Daddy's girl

Riley at 12 weeks

2009-11-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

Better Late

2009-11-13T18:56:00.000-08:00

I didn't really get any good trick or treating pictures, but I did manage to torture all three into posing in thier costumes! Cheese!

Cooper the Dragon, Kaylee the Strawberry, and Jackson the Ninja

The Rumors are True!

2009-11-02T11:23:00.001-08:00

I think most everyone has heard through the grapevine by now that YES we are expecting a fourth baby this May!! We were a bit shocked at first because we did not plan it, but feel VERY BLESSED! I am about 3 months pregnant and Kaylee is almost 5 months old, so whip out the calculators- just shy of a year apart! Our house, and lives, will be very full indeed!

Baby Riley @ 8 weeks

Sorry Starbucks...

2009-10-02T19:37:00.001-07:00

Every year around this time, Starbucks starts whipping up their delicious Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I could have three a day. Unfortunately for Starbucks, I have found this recipe (click on picture).

At Three Months...

2009-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

You are such a little doll Kaylee! Here's what you are up to @ three months...

*You've been rolling over for a month now!

*You smile all the time and "talk" the most when having your diaper changed

*Only Daddy can make you laugh

*When irritated, you make a sound that can only be described as "girly"

* Your brothers are absolutely wrapped around your finger

*You are in awe of your brother's nonstop motion and noise

*Kiki McGee is your nickname. Sorry.

*VERY drooly already! Teeth?

*You like to hold and lick your little satin lovey blankets

* The swing is still your favorite place to snooze

First Day!!

2009-09-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Getting all handsome and such...
Blankie? Check.
Can Do Attitude? Check.

Daddy and his boysPerfunctory First Day Pic

How Kaylee and I spent the day... The scene at 7 pm- can I get an Amen?

A Prayer

2009-09-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Preschool starts September 9th at nine a.m.

Amen.

The New Do

2009-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

A change, prompted by hormonal hair loss, a.k.a thank you Kaylee. She's totally worth it!

2 Months

2009-08-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

cute as a button, and...

...totally adored...

Summer Bugs

2009-08-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Jackson has been bringing me a variety of creepy crawlies this summer, mostly rolly-pollies- a.k.a pillbugs. He even had a whole "jungle" of them until he realized he hadn't "watered" them in a few days. Life lesson...

Cooper stepped in a fireant mound and his little fat foot got even more fat. So painful! Everyday he'd want me to inspect his "boo-boos" and count them.

We've had a cockroach or two and I HATE them so much I can't help but scream when I see them. Jackson thinks this is hilarious and will now randomly scream out " Mommy, cockroach!" The first few times I came running with the raid...

So when Jackson yelled from the backyard to "come look at this bug", I was a little hesitant. But when I saw this dragonfly just hanging out, I ran to get my camera!

Yummy

2009-08-03T21:19:00.001-07:00

click here for recipe !

This is so fun! I need an excuse to make this! Kaylee's 2 month birthday? Cooper being 2 1/2? School starting soon? Yes, yes, and yes...

Late and Not Perfect

2009-07-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

That is pretty much the standard of everything I do these days. So as not to dissapoint, here are my late and not perfect Fourth of July Family Pictures.

Cooper was crying. Kaylee wasn't crazy about the grass touching her.

Cooper is bailing. Kaylee decides life outside the womb is really not all it's cracked up to be.

I tried to get creative here. I actually really like the fact that you only see chunky toes.

"Moooooooooooommmeee! Kaylee just pooooooooooooped! "

"It's just one more kid"

2009-07-15T10:47:00.001-07:00

I've heard that phrase from many a seasoned mommy while preparing for the arrival of Kaylee, our third. "One to two kids is hard, two to three is just one more kid..."

Well, Jason and I had a moment while driving our brood around one day. Our Tahoe is FULL with that one more kid!

Kaylee's First Photoshoot

2009-07-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

I've been so excited the whole time I was pregnant with Kaylee to try out my new camera and take pics "like the pros". So fun!! If only the boys would cooperate this well...

2009-06-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

She's Here!!!

2009-06-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, Kaylee DID have other plans, fortunately they happened to be on the day we expected her anyway. Just a little bit sooner start... She is an angel that is adored by her big brothers and absolutely blesses our family.

A Date

2009-05-30T19:43:00.001-07:00

Unless of course Kaylee Grace has other plans, we are all set to welcome her to the big world on the 12th of June. The whole pregnancy she has been on the "petite" side and measuring quite a bit smaller than her brothers. Then last week she decided to get into gear and gain a full pound since the appointment the week before. Whoa little girl! Slow and steady!

Her bedroom is pink now. She has window treatments. Little dresses and bloomers are washed and hung according to size. Blankies are folded and diapers are stacked. Cooper is officially moved into "The Big Boy Room". And I've got her birth announcement ready to send out. Just gotta fill in the blanks!

Can't wait to meet you little ladybug!

Tae Kwon Do Graduation

2009-05-19T20:25:00.001-07:00

We are so proud of Jackson for working hard on his moves and kicks, focusing on his listening, and working on his goals for becoming a black belt ( someday!! ). Tae Kwon Do is a family activity, we are learning, and requires lots of participation. Even from pregnant Mommies. Tonight he earned his orange stripe belt and sparring gloves. He is very proud of himself, which is the whole point! Congrats Big Guy! Thanks to Papa Ronnie and Papa Badger for coming and to Ma for watching Cooper!

Focus!

Sparring Stance!

"Punch! Punch!"

"Get Back!"

Tiny Tigers

Mom and the Orange Striper

Papa Ronnie

Papa Badger

36 Weeks

2009-05-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Typing that sends me into mild panic attacks about an unpainted baby's room, unfinished babybooks, dirty baseboards and Jason's nonstop work travel. But then yesterday at the Dr's, we saw Kaylee's little smooshy button nose and the hint of a tiny ear. Exhale...

Transportation Parade

2009-04-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated reveal of his "Speedboat" for the Transportation Parade. He was the only one with a sea faring vehicle and was pretty proud of it!

Dear Daddy,

2009-04-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you are getting our emails all the way in Japan, so we thought we'd try to update the blog in case you can get online at least. Maybe you can leave a comment here!!

Standard Daddy time tickle session before you go...

Hide and sneek!

Addicted...

Dr. Winepole bandaging the piggies.

Typical...

We painted waves and put aluminum foil on the prop!

Thanks Dad!

Looking at "Dada Big Truck"

Thirty-Something

2009-04-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the belly, nearing countdown till the big day. Kaylee is still VERY active despite theoretically running out of room. I have completed a few projects for her room, but the walls are still blue, so it doesn't feel like I've accomplished much. What have I accomplished?
*Her closet went from empty to fully stocked with PINK!
*Bought a package of newborn diapers, along with pull-ups per the norm.
*Registered at the hospital. For the third time. Wow.
*Took the boys to the dentist before dental hygiene is forgotten due to sleep deprived parents.
*Steam cleaned the carpets.
*Timed Braxton-Hicks contractions.
*Stopped cleaning and ate a bowl of ice cream.
*Painted my toes. I think.

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2009-04-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

As you can see, there are plenty of those things to go around when it comes to grandchildren in our family!! I think a little girl right in the middle of all that is going to be fun to say the least! Here is the crew after some hard core Easter egg hunting...

Never Enough

2009-04-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

I am soon approaching needing a second external hard drive...

Tae Kwon Do

2009-04-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Did I spell that right? Anyway, that is what Jackson has been up to and he loooooooves it! A little unsure of himself, we are hoping he will have FUN and try new things while gaining confidence. And it never hurts to have a few tricks up your sleeve in case of "stranger danger" he says!

2009-03-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

( click for a bigger image! )

Found these pics from last summer while attempting to clean out my hard drive. I just had to scrap them! I remember that day was so hot, and the boys pretty much spent the whole day in the kiddie pool. They also ate their weight in popsicles, and streaked naked around the house in between swimming. This summer will probably be more of the same, but another kiddo in the mix! Craziness!

First Photo Shoot

2009-03-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

So I got a really great camera from my really wonderful husband and it has been quite a process trying to figure out all the dials and knobs. I still don't know what I'm pushing half the time, but today I decided to just go for it. With the help of Aunt Peace to wrangle stray children, I was able to play photographer... So if there is some chance a real professional is looking at these, don't laugh!

Aaaaand the belly pic to go with it...

2009-03-11T18:51:00.001-07:00

Sono Pics!

2009-03-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

Here are Kaylee Grace's sono pics from last month and just the other day. She is very healthy and ACTIVE. Jackson has been enjoying feeling her kick, and wants to tell her things. He also is adamant that her "other names" are Butterfly and Ladybug. Cooper is not very interested in talking about the baby or my belly, but he does like to point out that HIS belly is "mall" and MY belly is BIG...

20 WEEKS

25 WEEKS

This is why I take my camera everywhere...

2009-02-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Mood Swings

2009-02-02T19:21:00.001-08:00

Ah, two. Welcome.

How do you install one of these??

2009-01-28T19:38:00.001-08:00

Cuz I am going to need to know pretty soon!!!

There was no mistaking the big reveal today at our sono appointment, girl for sure! We are so excited know a little bit more about our little one.

Jackson's Line

2009-01-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Lately, whenever Jackson says or does something he's not supposed to he has a line that he likes to use. It comes in handy.

Mommy: "Jackson stop picking your nose!"
Jackson: "I'M JUST TEASING!"

Daddy: "Jackson don't head butt me in the stomach!" (playing dinosaurs...)
Jackson: "I'M JUST TEASING!"

Cooper: "NO NO NO MINE!"
Jackson: " I'M JUST TEASING!"

Coopa T

2009-01-19T20:05:00.001-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to our rambunctious, curious, fun loving little man! You are such a joy in our family and you bring such energy and laughter to our house. Sometimes we look at you and see our little baby carrying around his silky blanket(s). But more and more we see a little boy full of ideas and words that you are so excited to share. We love that you are totally and completely you, Cooper!

Buddha Belly

2009-01-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

The belly has made an early and pronounced appearance this pregnancy!

Christmas Play!

2009-01-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

Jackson was part of the choir of angels in his preschool play. He is in the middle of the middle row. He didn't see us and looked lost and worried most of the time, but I think I saw his lips mumble a few words here and there. Love it.

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

We spent our Christmas this year in Ruidoso, New Mexico and it was SO FUN!! We made lots of memories and just enjoyed each other's company. The boys love the snow but it was so windy on the Ski Apache mountain we decided to drive back down to the bottom to the tube park. Jackson was looking forward to ski school, but once he hurled himself down a hill in a tube he was hooked. Cooper was fearlessly following of course...We saw lots of deer by our cabin and went for a hike and a herd ran right past us. Jackson was concerned that Santa would forget that we were in a cabin instead of our home. But while Daddy was loading the boys in the car for church "Santa" must have made his stop at the Lavender cabin. The look on their faces when we got back was priceless!

Baby Number Three

2008-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted too much about our little bun in the oven, because we've had a bit of a rough start with lots of wishing and hoping. Our 12 week sonogram appointment, was one of the first times I didn't hold my breath. Things are great! The baby looks perfectly healthy and my progesterone levels finally decided to get into gear. So now the big question is "boy or girl"?? We won't know until after Christmas ( put away your credit cards Grandmas!! ), but are feeling extra blessed this Christmas to have such grace from above.

6 weeks

7 weeks

9 weeks

12 weeks

Treasure Chest of Kid's Sites

2008-12-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

Over at Rocks in My Dryer, is a compiled list of great parent recommended learning/activity sites. I added her button on the left under "Munchkin Schtuff "to get to the list quickly. I may be able to get a few moments of peace when Cooper is napping and Jackson isn't following me around the house saying " I'm booooooooooored. "

P.S. The loud and cheery Christmas music is for Jackson and Cooper's enjoyment. They start boogeying when it comes on and I can't help myself.

2008-12-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

Just realized I put everything in the wrong order, scroll down...

Chuy's Parade

The boys were excited to share toys ( just not at home and with each other... ).

2008-12-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Playing in the leaves

Last week of November

2008-12-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

Fell behind on the blogging, so here's what we had been up to that last part of November (!) .

Dinosaurs @ Zilker Park

Thanksgiving @ "Nannypapas" House

Thanks Nanny and Papa for a wonderful feast!

The only way to do it really...

" A big piece! "

" It'll cure what ails ya"

-a stuffed turkey tonic-

Thankful

2008-11-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

Look at the baby!

2008-11-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

Jackson just caught sight of the little baby ticker to the left and said "Mommy look at the baby! It's not a little ball any more, it has legs and is like a really baby. It's not as big as a tylenol anymore! "

Zilker Park Rocks!

2008-11-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jackson doesn't know we're going yet!!

Circus Day

2008-11-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

Mimi treated the boys to a day at the circus a couple of weekends ago and it was so much fun, even I felt like a kid again!

{ Sorry I am just now posting this Mimi!! }

My belated Halloween goodies

2008-11-09T13:00:00.001-08:00

So I know most people already have out the Christmas tree, but I happen to really love Halloween so my stuff is still out. Coupled with the fact that I have been pretty yucky feeling everyday until about noon, I got a late start getting all my new projects finished and displayed. So I am keeping it just a bit longer! I DID throw away our moldy pumpkins though.

I actually got it done much earlier than this, but never took a pic til now, when I am finally taking it down... I am thinking of doing a "Thankful" one this month. And Christmas time will be fun. This could get out of hand...

I found this cute pumpkin guy at Hobby Lobby's last chance Halloween section and the Spooky sign at Michael's for very cheap!

The last thing I got done was these fabric pumpkins. I did sew them, but let's just say the glue gun really saved the whole project... I think these are Thanksgiving appropriate so I don't feel too bad about leaving them out. Plus the blond one on the end tends to go with everything in my house.

So maybe now that I've gotten it out of my system I can start thinking about turkey and shopping and Santa. Maybe...

A sigh of relief

2008-11-07T13:30:00.001-08:00

That's what I did when Jason was home safe and sound, and we were all under one roof again. Amen.

Aaaaargh Me Maties!

2008-11-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

Far Away

2008-11-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

Jason has been gone for almost 2 weeks now, traveling for work. He is in Cuba, on Guantanamo Bay, and can't call/email in or out. So, since I don't have any recent pics of him I thought this song would be perfect. I kinda broke my one word theme thingy to describe him...Well maybe not. He IS what home means to everyone in this house. Safe, loving, steady. Home.

Overboard on the Tickers

2008-10-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't choose between CUTE and educational. Jackson wants to know aaaaalllll about the baby, so I thought the one on the side would be a great way for him to see the changes. And the turtle, well, it's just darn cute. Sorry for the overload of pregnancy info!

3 + 2 = 5 Grandsons for the Schillers

2008-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've waited a long time to meet these little guys!! Good job Jared, your sons are precious!

Ryan

Pierce

Hopeful

2008-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

That is the best word I can use for myself right now. I am trusting God knows what He is doing, thankful for my friends and family, and hopeful for this new little life inside.

Exuberant

2008-10-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

It took me awhile to think of one word for Cooper. He is all emotions at any given moment. And every one of those emotions he lives out to the fullest! He puts all of his energy into whatever it is he's focused on and does not want to be interrupted or helped. He plays with abandon, but doesn't want to be left alone. He shrieks with anger and pouts for a kiss. Toys with danger while clutching his blue silky. Wouldn't it be great to just BE what we felt and not what we felt we need to be?

Introspective

2008-10-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jackson seems wise beyond his years some days. Caring and thougthful. Loving and giving. He wants to know everything about everything, from God to pillbugs. I wish I knew more grownups like him.

Embarazada!

2008-10-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right! We found out we will adding another little Lavender to our family!

Scrappin' It

2008-09-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Jason took Jackson all day Saturday for a "guy day"- breakfast at the Shady Grove downtown, tailgating at U.T. and exploring our friends ranch in San Marcos. Cooper got to hang out with Aunt Peace, and totally wear her out. I got to go and scrap for 6 hours straight. So fun hanging out and talking/eating/scrapping. Thanks Karen for being such a great hostess!

And one more project that I didn't around to finishing ( did I mention the talking and eating ? ), but here is a sneak peak...

Extreme Makeover- Wreath Edition

2008-09-25T21:41:00.001-07:00

Not long after Jason and I were married, his mom treated me to one of her custom wreaths. She is known near and far for her wreaths! It was fun going to Hobby Lobby together and picking out all the stuff. She went home and put it all together, and I got to hang it on my door! I love it. Thanks Sandra! It has been on my front door (s) for probably the last 6 years during fall/halloween. It has seen quite a few trick or treaters...

After being enlightened with the Nester's tips ( yes I am obsessed ) and P.O.O.P.I.E awareness, I felt it was time to revamp my trusty wreath. It was overloaded with P.O.O.P.I.E offensive materials and it was getting a bit droopy... I don't think I could ever pull off one of her wreaths, but I can drool.

Before: Remember, we are examining the WREATH. I think Jackson had a poopie of his own going on...what's up with that expression?

( I'd just like to note that if you look closely, my fingernails are painted.

So much spare time then! But we are looking at the wreath! )

After: Same 6 year old P.O.O.P.I.E. picks from Hobby Lobby-just all stuffed together. I added the pumpkins, nest, and a feathery looking thing. Probably spent about $5. Yes!

The Munchkins

2008-09-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

I suspect a few Grandma's might be needing a sugar fix...

2008-09-12T20:28:00.001-07:00

Love this idea from Martha Stewart and the Glitter Lad y. So many projects, so little time...

P.O.O.P.I.E

2008-09-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

According to the Nester, that stands for People Opposing to Objectional Pretend plants In the Environment. Say that ten times fast... Go to her site to get the whole story!

Anyway, the point is OBJECTIONAL, not pretend. She is all for fake flowers and such, as she advocates craftyness, not being broke.

So here is my P.O.O.P.I.E project, I am just hoping it is more on the "fake can be great" side than objectional...

Could it be??

2008-09-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

Is fall around the corner? This morning we played at the park and my car said it was 82'. What? AND there was a breeze! It is now 1:30 and 88'. I loooove fall. The kids can spend hours digging and running with out the danger or heat exhaustion or dehydration! It's the little things...

Not to mention I get to get out all my fall decor. I have so many new cute ideas thanks to my blog surfing at crafty sites. Here are a few sites with autumnal inspiration:

Cute Fabric Pumpkins here @ Sunshine In My Soul. I wonder if I can skip the sewing and break out the hot glue gun??

Candy Corn Garland @ Susie Harris Designs. Yummy-I mean cute!

Spooky Skull @ Joys of Home This made me laugh, so quirky!

Halloween Garland @ Lemon Annie. I can use up my Halloween scrapbook stuff that I hoard. Check out her Pumpkin Tower too, a great family project!

Boo Pumpkins @ Bless Our Nest. Very clever, digging out my sharpie marker...

Now I just need to find the time to do all this!

Raindrop

2008-08-25T15:04:00.001-07:00

I caught this after one of our brief rain showers.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-08-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Jason and I spent a relaxing weekend celebrating our 8th anniversary. So J, if you are reading this, I love you!

10 Reasons I am Smiling:

1. You support all my ideas and dreams and are interested in them.

2. You are so selfless, and are always trying to find ways to help me and others.

3. You are my favorite travel partner and subway navigator. I love our adventures!
4. You love the boys so much and are the "fun" one.

5. You are so ambitious and fearless.

6. We have the same sarcastic, slightly bent humor. We can watch Scrubs together.

7. You are always up for trying new things and are spontaneous.

8. You work so hard to give us a wonderful life.

9. You let me put my cold feet on you in the winter.

10. You think I'm funny. Don't lie.

Paging Dr. Winepole

2008-08-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jackson informed us that he will be a "baby doctor" one day and that he will not be known to us as Dr. Lavender, or even Dr. Jackson. His new moniker will be Dr. Winepole. I think it may actually be spelled Whinepole.

A New York Close Up

2008-08-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Just love all the little hidden things in NYC...

Stinkin' Cute

2008-07-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Back to NYC

2008-07-27T12:44:00.001-07:00

Jason had some business with Dell and Best Buy in NYC, and I weasled my way to going along. It was great to just take it in this time, since we had already done all the "must see" places. We spent alot of time in Central Park, and I went to mass at St. Patrick's. I went back to the Met and got a great view of Manhatten from the roof top. Of course I forgot the camera... Walked some of the Brooklyn bridge. Gawked at the library. Strolled Greenwich. Can't wait to go back, good to be home...

VBS, Toddler Time and the 4th

2008-07-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Jackson on the last day of his Veggie Tale themed VBS. He had a blast!

Toddler time was a great chance for Cooper and I to play together while Jackson was at VBS

Fourth of July at Pflugerville Lake with our friends the Hensley's

You make my heart sing!

2008-07-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

What a cheap summer looks like

2008-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

Gas is crazy. It's a 100 degrees. My summer spending budget is on a diet. Soooooooo, that means good cheap fun for us. I have signed up Jackson up for swimming lessons, and Cooper and I go to a "toddler playtime" once a week. Other than that, it's either free or we aren't going! We went downtown to the Natural History Museum ( free besides parking! ) to take a look at the fossils ( he knew ALOT of them ).His vacation bible school starts next week and that is free, minus bringing snacks for the grownups. We are regulars at the library. I haven't braved the free movie day at the theater yet...

The hose. It's the equivalant of a cardboard box ("we have all these toys... ").

Shaving cream- a trick from from my nanny days. Possibly a whole hour of contentment!

Growing things. They like to check the progress- the sunflower is taller than the fence! Pumpkins taking over the yard!

Buliding "forches". I once caught Jackson reading to Cooper.

Two more months to go! Have anymore cheap ideas for me??

There's always grandma's house!

IDHTBPTBB ( It's the next big acronym people! )

2008-06-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

I love this woman's creativity, and even more than that I love that she does it full of shortcuts, and some might even say, mistakes. And that she shares how she does it, instead of leaving us drooling and puzzled and jealous. Go to her site, and try not to get that decorating bug.

Thanks Nester!

She is asking everyone to add a link to their blog with pics of their homes, full of her motto " It Doesn't Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful ". That was really annoying to do, making all those letters bold.

So here are my beautiful imperfections, in my home and in my heart:

Of course I think my children are perfect. But still...

Jackson is going on strike when I pull out the camera. Hey, it's what moms do!

My little Tornado, living up to his name even in subconsciousness.

My neat freak husband seems to think this doesn't count. Where is the lysol?

Quite possibly the worst painting ever, BUT my husband's late grandfather did it, so it is staying. In his office. In the corner.

A mess of wires and "USB", whatever that is. But I think I hid it pretty well.

The mess above was all for the sake of this, and HD reception, whatever that is. I would have preferred an armoire, but it's all about compromise, right?

And let's not leave out all the little "touch ups" around the house that will probably be left untouched for a few more years.

And the mess that happens thrice daily. It's either a messy baby or dirty dishes. Usually both to be perfectly honest. Oh yes, we are one of those families.

Happy Birthday Scooty!

2008-06-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

Jackson had a great spiderman birthday party this weekend.Every day for about the last month he's asked if today was his birthday. And he has told anyone within earshot all about the spiderman theme. We had every spiderman themed product in our living room and almost every gift had Spidey on it. Let's hope he doesn't see any previews on TV for the Hulk movie! If only grown-ups could get so excited about our birthdays! His real birthday fell on Father's Day this year, so that was extra special. The boys made one of those garden paver stones with their footprints squished in. Cooper's are almost as big as Jackson's!

June is an extra busy time of the year for our family. So let me just give a little shout out to everyone else who is celebrating something this month! Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday! Congrats Grad! Best Wishes Upon Your Engagement!

Hope that covers everyone!

Jackson= Dinosaur Encyclopedia

2008-06-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

It's amazing and scary at the same time. This kid is absorbing facts like a sponge, and also slipped words out of Daddy and Mommy's mouths-usually when driving if ya catch my drift... He can tell you the names of several dinosaurs, whether or not they ate plants or meat, what kind of teeth they had, what an archaeologist is, etc. We have poured over several books from the library, and it's all he wants to read. I have to go over and over the big bang theory. And I don't really know how to explain that one. "God needed to make more room for people???" While we're at it, can anyone give pointers on theology for a 4 year old? My kid is already smarter than me! I'm grasping at straws here people! Whatever notions I may have held about possibly maybe perhaps ever home-schooling just totally went out the door.

A prayer for patience

2008-05-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

I seem to not be as patient during "the toddler years" this go around. Sorry Coop man...

Cleaning sticky PB&J, mashed banana, and crunched goldfish off the kitchen floor three times a day just isn't as cute as it seemed when Jackson did it. And that's three outfits a day and at least one bath a day.

Teething and the grumpiness that goes along with it is grating my nerves.

The experimental screaming at unhuman decibles and pitches has me a bit on edge.

Not to mention the constant climbing, falling and tripping. Therefore subsiquent crying, bleeding, and bandaging.

The temper tantrums are professional! Complete with hitting others, banging of the head, and feet flailing.

And all the while, Jackson is clamoring for attention by:

a) dumping out a bag of cookies on the couch

b) drawing on himself with a pen

c) hitting/pushing/pinching aformentioned already grumpy toddler

d) discovering the skill of lying about hitting/pushing/pinching

e) yes there's an "e" and yes it's for all of the above

I need patience. I need a nap. I need a housekeeper. I need to thank God for my precious Tornado and Trouble.

Amen.

Wildflowers

2008-05-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

There weren't very many bluebonnets this year, and even if I had found a large patch, I think we waited too long for them to still be in bloom. So we found a field with these wildflowers everywhere. I am still itching, but I am glad. Framing these cuties...

"Happy Muzzer's Day"

2008-05-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

That was what Jackson greeted me with this morning, waking up after sleeping in. Thanks Jason. The boys all headed off to Lowe's to pick up flowers for us all to plant together. Seems to be our tradition. So I headed downstairs and found this.

I got to take a shower in peace ( other moms of the toddler age know what I'm talking about! )and flip through a magazine quietly. When the guys got back we had tacos and burritos here,

then came back home and planted this.

Love my guys.

And you can do cool things like this

2008-05-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

I just had to add this onto my photoshop post. Nanny, this is for you!

A few of my favorite things

2008-05-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Photoshop and Strawberries. When subtly combined, perfection. Now where's the cool whip...

I love playing with photoshop, sometimes it helps me look like I a) have a really great expensive camera or b) know what I'm doing with a really great expensive camera. Shhh!

You know you do it...

2008-04-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Lick the bowl! Jackson and I had a great time being obnoxious. Yum.

Peace goes to Prom

2008-04-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

That's what Jackson calls my little sister, his Aunt. Her name is Tiffany. I have no idea where peace came from. But it will always stick.

Saturday was her senior prom. sigh. I remember her as a little chubby baby. Changed a few of her diapers. Got mad that I had to share a room with her. Painted her toenails. Still do that last one. She is beautiful, don't cha think?? Her boyfriend David thinks so for sure.

Birth Verse

2008-04-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

I thought this was neat.

I have conquered the pot roast

2008-04-25T21:13:00.001-07:00

Since being married ( almost 8 years people! ) I have tried every imaginable recipe for a good "meat and taters" type pot roast. It's the kinda guy Jason is. And they have always turned out dry, chewy, grey, and just gross. No matter what. Even with Pioneer Woman's help. Bad. My neighbor told me about the roast she makes that is "to die for". Okay whatever. Roast, green beans, and- fajita seasoning. The really cheap brand that comes in a huge container for $1.99. The kind your husband would grab if you told him to stop by the store and pick up some fajita seasoning...and you would say "not THIS brand". That's the one.

Place in roast in pan ( the old fashioned oval roast pan with a lid ), sprinkle the roast with fajita seasoning ( generously ), dump in 4 cans of green beans, add enough water to cover roast and cook covered in 350 oven 1 hour per pound of meat.

Perfection! Jason asked for me to make this again, and this rarely occurs. He will either wolf it down to feel full and avoid really tasting it, or he will heap his plate with all the side dishes. The meat just fell apart and was so juicy and tender. I added some red potatoes and carrots in the pan and they were just right too. Even Jackson ate it, and Cooper deemed it gummable. This is big news people!

I know this is a really boring post, but that's how good this was. Blog worthy.

Time with Nanny & Papa

2008-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

The boys love spending time with their Great-Grandparents. To Jackson they are one entity: Nannypapa

Lyndhurst Gallery Beige

2008-04-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

where the front living room w/ new color meets back of house with darker color

in pictures the new color looks white still next to the darker color

new entry way light

Whaddaya think? Going to have to wait on carpet and furniture. The credit card it nice and toasty...

April!! I need your decorating advice! This is about as far as I can get on my own...

Lavender Loving Bees

2008-04-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

These little guys are almost impossible to take a picture of!