05.17.2010
GIRL! My brother and his wife are having a girl. They're going to name her Kensie Grace. She's due to arrive sometime around October 5. Congratulations Derick and Leann!
Monday, May 17, 2010
First Steps
05.13.2010
I still haven't managed to get a picture of Megan on her feet but last Thursday, she took her first steps! I helped her gain her stance and then her daddy coaxed her to come to him - and she did!!! Now, if Megan's anything like Andrew, she may not take another step for six more months, but I had to share this proud (and bittersweet) moment.
I still haven't managed to get a picture of Megan on her feet but last Thursday, she took her first steps! I helped her gain her stance and then her daddy coaxed her to come to him - and she did!!! Now, if Megan's anything like Andrew, she may not take another step for six more months, but I had to share this proud (and bittersweet) moment.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Our Blog
05.10.2010
I have been blogging since Andrew was born. For 4 years I've been updating family and friends with pictures and stories about the kids. When I started this "family" blog site, I was very interested in sharing more about our family as a whole rather than just the kids. I also thought I'd do more blogging about my personal thoughts and feelings on other issues. But somehow, I've failed at that as most every entry is based solely on my kiddos. They are, of course, the center of my being. But, I do have ideas and thoughts on other topics. And there was a time when I really enjoyed writing and thought this blog would be a good outlet for that. So, what happened? I really don't know. I guess life happened. Maybe I'll have a chance to work a little more at meeting my original goals for this site sometime soon.
I suppose what I do here really hasn't been "blogging" at all. It's been more of an online scrapbook. And I often look back at Andrew's blog to compare his development with Megan's, so I certainly don't regret the time I've put into my online entries. But I do wish that perhaps I had shared a little more of my personal reflections.
So, what's on my mind?
Facebook. It drives me crazy. And, I think I might be addicted to it. I probably log onto my account 20 or more times a day. I'm often amused by what people have to say. And a lot of times I'm super aggravated at what people have to say, or how they say it. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who use "a lot" as one word. I wonder how some of these people were ever allowed to graduate from high school. I know I'm not grammar-perfect, but come on.
And then there's those people who feel they can say whatever they want to on their status updates. Quite frankly, I think they can too. After all, it's their status. But many times I've seen a simple comment turn into a screaming match with their so-called friends. One friend posted an opinion on the recently-passed smoking ban in NC restaurants and a few minutes later things blew up. It seems smokers don't want the government telling them they can't smoke. Later, someone posted a comment about President Obama not supporting the National Day of Prayer and like wild fire, verbal fights broke out everywhere. And what did I contribute? Nothing. I was too chicken to be a part of the controversy. But what I would have liked to have said is that I am thrilled about the non-smoking ban. I no longer have to go into a restaurant and watch my husband have a mini-stroke if thinks he smells cigarette smoke from 12 tables away. And I really don't care if President Obama doesn't support a National Day of Prayer because I don't need the government to tell me when I should pray. I just don't get why people don't want the government to tell them when to smoke but do want the governement to tell them when to pray.
Now, these are just my opinions. I do wish President Obama supported a National Day of Prayer. I also wish prayer was still allowed in schools. I wish drugs, bullying, and violence weren't. (Yes, I know it's against the rules to take drugs to school, but you know what I mean.) Perhaps a future blog can discuss my fear of sending my sweet innocent boy to school.
So there are a few of my thoughts. Fascinating, right?
I must go now. I need to check Facebook and see what's happened in the 5 minutes it's taken me to write this.
:)
I have been blogging since Andrew was born. For 4 years I've been updating family and friends with pictures and stories about the kids. When I started this "family" blog site, I was very interested in sharing more about our family as a whole rather than just the kids. I also thought I'd do more blogging about my personal thoughts and feelings on other issues. But somehow, I've failed at that as most every entry is based solely on my kiddos. They are, of course, the center of my being. But, I do have ideas and thoughts on other topics. And there was a time when I really enjoyed writing and thought this blog would be a good outlet for that. So, what happened? I really don't know. I guess life happened. Maybe I'll have a chance to work a little more at meeting my original goals for this site sometime soon.
I suppose what I do here really hasn't been "blogging" at all. It's been more of an online scrapbook. And I often look back at Andrew's blog to compare his development with Megan's, so I certainly don't regret the time I've put into my online entries. But I do wish that perhaps I had shared a little more of my personal reflections.
So, what's on my mind?
Facebook. It drives me crazy. And, I think I might be addicted to it. I probably log onto my account 20 or more times a day. I'm often amused by what people have to say. And a lot of times I'm super aggravated at what people have to say, or how they say it. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who use "a lot" as one word. I wonder how some of these people were ever allowed to graduate from high school. I know I'm not grammar-perfect, but come on.
And then there's those people who feel they can say whatever they want to on their status updates. Quite frankly, I think they can too. After all, it's their status. But many times I've seen a simple comment turn into a screaming match with their so-called friends. One friend posted an opinion on the recently-passed smoking ban in NC restaurants and a few minutes later things blew up. It seems smokers don't want the government telling them they can't smoke. Later, someone posted a comment about President Obama not supporting the National Day of Prayer and like wild fire, verbal fights broke out everywhere. And what did I contribute? Nothing. I was too chicken to be a part of the controversy. But what I would have liked to have said is that I am thrilled about the non-smoking ban. I no longer have to go into a restaurant and watch my husband have a mini-stroke if thinks he smells cigarette smoke from 12 tables away. And I really don't care if President Obama doesn't support a National Day of Prayer because I don't need the government to tell me when I should pray. I just don't get why people don't want the government to tell them when to smoke but do want the governement to tell them when to pray.
Now, these are just my opinions. I do wish President Obama supported a National Day of Prayer. I also wish prayer was still allowed in schools. I wish drugs, bullying, and violence weren't. (Yes, I know it's against the rules to take drugs to school, but you know what I mean.) Perhaps a future blog can discuss my fear of sending my sweet innocent boy to school.
So there are a few of my thoughts. Fascinating, right?
I must go now. I need to check Facebook and see what's happened in the 5 minutes it's taken me to write this.
:)
Learning to walk....
is exhausting.
05.07.2010
Megan has been pulling up for a long time. And just recently she's begun standing up independently for a few seconds at a time. But put her in her walker, and this is what she does!
Mother's Day
05.09.2010
Looking back, I'm not sure I've ever understood the importance Mother's Day. It's one of those holidays that a lot of people say was created by the greeting card industry. I don't know that I've ever felt that way, but now that I'm the mother of two, I very much think Mother's Day is a necessity. As a mother, I know how hard it is to juggle life when you're completely responsible for the survival of little people. And I know how important it is to feel appreciated. And though it would be easy for me to argue that mother's should be appreciated EVERY day, I am glad at least one day out of the year has been designated to say "thank you" to our mothers.
So, to my mother - thank you. Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is and for always showing me that you love me no matter what I throw your way. And thank you for loving my children as much as you love me. You've taught me a lot about the kind of mother I want and need to be for my kids and I strive every day to measure up to your example.
And to my mother-in-law, thank you. Thank you for teaching William the importance of family and God. And for teaching William the value of appreciating what you have and working hard for what you want. And thank you for being a wonderful, loving grandmother to our children.
And to my God, thank you for allowing me the privilege to be a mother. For blessing me with two wonderful children, and allowing our home to be a happy one - one that's full of laughter and learning, smiles and surprises.
Now this Mother's Day weekend may not have been full of praises and gifts for me, but I do know I'm appreciated. I love the flowers, candles and cards my sweet family picked just for me. I loved the dinner out with my loved ones. I'll admit I would have loved all this more if William hadn't had to work, but I love each day and each moment I spend with my children. The greatest honor that has ever been bestowed upon me was when I became a mother. And there's nothing that makes me happier than watching my kids have fun.
So on this Mother's Day, we went to church, had lunch with my mom and dad and then took the kids to play at the park. They both enjoyed being in the fresh air. Andrew loved the slides and the sand. And Megan loved her time on the baby swings. And once Andrew was good and dirty we set off to have dinner with Daddy before he went to work. For me, it was a perfect day. Any day that allows time to enjoy my kids is perfect.
Happy Mother's Day to you all. Here are a few pics from our day:
Looking back, I'm not sure I've ever understood the importance Mother's Day. It's one of those holidays that a lot of people say was created by the greeting card industry. I don't know that I've ever felt that way, but now that I'm the mother of two, I very much think Mother's Day is a necessity. As a mother, I know how hard it is to juggle life when you're completely responsible for the survival of little people. And I know how important it is to feel appreciated. And though it would be easy for me to argue that mother's should be appreciated EVERY day, I am glad at least one day out of the year has been designated to say "thank you" to our mothers.
So, to my mother - thank you. Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is and for always showing me that you love me no matter what I throw your way. And thank you for loving my children as much as you love me. You've taught me a lot about the kind of mother I want and need to be for my kids and I strive every day to measure up to your example.
And to my mother-in-law, thank you. Thank you for teaching William the importance of family and God. And for teaching William the value of appreciating what you have and working hard for what you want. And thank you for being a wonderful, loving grandmother to our children.
And to my God, thank you for allowing me the privilege to be a mother. For blessing me with two wonderful children, and allowing our home to be a happy one - one that's full of laughter and learning, smiles and surprises.
Now this Mother's Day weekend may not have been full of praises and gifts for me, but I do know I'm appreciated. I love the flowers, candles and cards my sweet family picked just for me. I loved the dinner out with my loved ones. I'll admit I would have loved all this more if William hadn't had to work, but I love each day and each moment I spend with my children. The greatest honor that has ever been bestowed upon me was when I became a mother. And there's nothing that makes me happier than watching my kids have fun.
So on this Mother's Day, we went to church, had lunch with my mom and dad and then took the kids to play at the park. They both enjoyed being in the fresh air. Andrew loved the slides and the sand. And Megan loved her time on the baby swings. And once Andrew was good and dirty we set off to have dinner with Daddy before he went to work. For me, it was a perfect day. Any day that allows time to enjoy my kids is perfect.
Happy Mother's Day to you all. Here are a few pics from our day:
Friday, May 7, 2010
10 Months Old
05.07.2010
What a joy it has been to watch my baby girl grow and change in the last 10 months. And though I do wish I could freeze time and keep her a baby forever, I've enjoyed every minute of it.
At 10 months, Megan...
I've finally posted Megan's 9 month pictures if you want to check them out.
What a joy it has been to watch my baby girl grow and change in the last 10 months. And though I do wish I could freeze time and keep her a baby forever, I've enjoyed every minute of it.
At 10 months, Megan...
- spends a lot of time standing on her feet. She pulls up on anything that stays still long enough to allow her to do so.
- has stood independently for several seconds many times.
- is in a phase where she doesn't like to eat. Sometimes it's all I can do to get 2 bottles and 2 jars off food in her for one day.
- still doesn't sleep through the night, and it's exhausting.
- takes her sock and/or shoes off the first chance she gets.
- loves to mock you. If you lean your head to one side, she does it too.
- only uses her paber (pacifier) at night. Sometimes she'll root around in her crib to find it and soothe herself back to sleep.
- is beginning to like her walker a little better.
- is eating very small quantities of table food. She loves mashed potatoes, rice, bread, bananas - pretty much anything we've given her.
- loves, loves, loves her big brother.
- rarely cries. If she does, she's hungry, sleepy, or needs to be changed.
- will be celebrating her big brother's 4th birthday in a couple of weeks.
- waves bye-bye.
- walks holding on with both hands.
- sits down from standing position.
- really wants to feed herself with her spoon and makes a real mess when she tries!
- likes to play peek-a-boo.
- reaches for her mommy when someone else is holding her (LOVE it!).
- is excited to see her daddy when she hasn't seen him in a while.
- is becoming more vocal - and is super cute when she babbles.
- swings herself in her swing - no batteries needed!
- enjoys the outdoors.
- loves pear and apple juice and can drink from a sippy cup.
- is a love bug.
I've finally posted Megan's 9 month pictures if you want to check them out.
Dollywood, Trip #3
05.04.2010
We headed out for our third trip to Dollywood last Tuesday. I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do, but here are a few pics from our day:
Andrew with his usual, "happy to be shopping," expression.
Andrew taking a break from all the shopping fun. (I found some GREAT deals at the Carter's and Children's Place outlet stores!)
Taking a ride with Papaw.
Megan being cute - like always! She did get to ride the train, where she fell fast asleep in Mommy's arms. And she continued her nap on her first carousel ride.
The bumper cars are still Andrew's favorite - and the trick with putting his tennis shoes on helped with the quarter inch height issue we ran into last time. I can't even remember how many times Andrew rode the bumper cars this time.
Another one of Andrew's new favorites - his first funnel cake. Oh, and his new Thomas hat Papaw bought for him.
Neena went with us too but she's not a fan of being photographed, so I don't have any pictures of her. I took a few with her camera of her with the kids but I don't have a copy of those yet.
We haven't discussed when we'll venture back to Dollywood. Kid's Fest is in June so I'm sure we'll take Andrew back for that.
Caroline Rose
05.02.2010
Caroline Rose Hoffart, our youngest niece, was baptized on Sunday, May 2. We know God has great things in store for her and are so excited to watch her grow and learn about the mighty power of God's love.
Big Sister Ella (our precious Goddaughter), Richard, Julie and Sweet Caroline
Toy Store
05.01.2010
There's a new toy store in Skyland (or is that Arden...who knows?). We're always looking for something new to expose Andrew to and while a toy store might not be to his greatest benefit, it sure is a lot of fun! I loved the little shopping carts that were available for little kids to push around. And Andrew took right to one until he saw the Thomas the Train table. It was all I could do to convince him to leave that corner and when he was finally willing to step away, he found what he called the "game table" and spent a lot of time there too. William and I took turns walking around the store so we could explore some, and Megan was most patient with her big brother and the fact he wasn't at all interested in leaving the new toy store. We did finally convince him he was time to go. And Andrew (knock on wood) has never begged for a toy or cried when we he told him "no," so thankfully there was no scene to be made.
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