Excerpts From Week One In The Adventures Of learning To Self-Feed...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

He was actually doing great with the spoon... right up 'till the point when I started recording him! Kids love to make liars out of you! Oh well... I am happy to have gotten one of his 'growls' on camera. What do you expect... he's full-blooded Bulldog!

And since we are on the topic of food... here's the rundown on Wyatt's birthday. Since the 14th was on a Monday, we waited until the following weekend to celebrate with family. I couldn't help but feel a little conflicted about doing it on a day other than his actual first birthday. I told myself 'Dude, he's one and he doesn't even know what's going on' and that 'I need to quit being so firggin' OCD about pointless crap' I mean, I know he won't remember it or anything, but I still felt like I was cheating him somehow.

Adding to my guilt was the memory of Allie's first birthday party. We threw her a huge Luau (on her actual birthday, no less), complete with lays and awesome decorations and tons of food and guests. It was awesome, and so memorable! I think I'm just worried that I'm becoming 'that mom,' the one who tries and tries but just can't keep up with her second baby as well as she did with her first. I'm realistic about it... it has to happen to some degree since time obviously gets divided with two, but I just don't want Wyatt to look back at pictures and feel like he was overlooked. Besides, having a birthday that just happens to follow the chaos of Christmas can be a problem in and of itself.

I think part of it might be that I feel a little selfish having returned from the ski trip only one day before Wyatt's birthday, which suddenly made me realize that I hadn't even planned a party for him. Or maybe it's just the fact that I can hardly believe my baby boy is already an entire year old. Anyway, needless to say... I'm already trying to think of something great to do for his second birthday! I just hope time doesn't fly by quite as fast...

Well, enough of that... on to the pictures!

Wyatt wisely chose Johnny Carino's for the occasion and it was a darn fine choice if I might add.

Here he is after dinner with his homemade... er... Publix cake.

Alright, time to loose the shirt and get down to business...
Here you see his first attempt at feeding himself with a utensil other than his bare hand. Now that's what I call concentration... meticulously watching said utensil for any sudden or unforeseen movements, and guarding against potential miscalculations by the untrained operator (which could prove to be catastrophic...) Wyatt quickly notes that the hand is much quicker and far more efficient...He also notes that he loves him some CAKE!!

A little bit of Park City in our own backyard...

O.K., first off a rant. Sorry, but I GOTTA VENT! I want you all to know that I had worked long and hard on this post last night. I actually had it completely done. Finished! Complete! I went to click 'Publish Post' and it told me it was 'unable to do so at that time'. No problem, right? I'll just hit 'back' and re-try it, right? WRONG! When I hit back to try again... the handy-dandy little 'auto-save' feature obviously had some issues of it's own and none of my post had been saved. No, wait... I take that back... it saved the FIRST TWO SENTENCES OF MY POST! That's it! Let's just say I took it about as well as Katie took her 'rainbow cookies burning in the fires of Hell' In fact, I do believe I quoted her little rant verbatim. Yeah... I was a little mad. So, it was lost. And I had to start over. But not last night. Today. Because last night, well... I was honestly afraid at what I might do if I stayed within punching distance of the computer.

Whew... sorry for that, but I had to voice my frustrations towards Blogger and it's 'Auto-Save' that is not-so-much 'auto' and only 1/4589th 'save' A word to the wise... click 'Save Now' from time to time and save your frustrations for more important things. Like scorched cookies.

Anyway... back to the post. The Georgia snow has come and gone, and so have my dreams of keeping the blog up to date. I have been trying for days to find the time to post some pictures from our ski trip, but yeah... that ain't happened. Fortunately for me, Mother Nature seems to have given me a free pass and allowed to kill two birds with one stone. (Sorry about your birds, Mother Nature...)

So, first... our ski trip. Several years ago, some friends of ours decided to plan a ski trip each year in January. Well, this worked great until we all started having kids. First it was Erin, then Jennifer and I the next year, and finally Dawn. We managed to go three of the past five years, and the husbands even managed to finagle a guys-only trip once. Not too shabby considering there are nine kids between the four couples. Anyway, the first year we went to Lake Tahoe, then Banff, Canada the second, and this year to Utah. We look so forward to the trip each year and we always have a blast! Not to mention that it is nice to have some 'kid-free' time with our friends.

Now to the pictures...

Day One: We started off our trip at Park City. (This was my favorite!)

Here we are waiting in the she ski rental store...

The girls... Erin, Me, Jenn, and Dawn (What do you want to bet that she is actually smiling under that mask?)

This was the view looking down on to one of the restaurants on the mountain. Here you see two half-frozen Richs, looking a bit rough at the end of the first day.

Day Two: The Canyons. This place was also really nice, but a bit of warning to the newer skiers (like myself) who don't have the skills or the sheer stupidity required to do the crazy, thrill-seeker slopes. There were no green trails present at this resort. (Even though the 'effing web site clearly stated that there were...) So if you're coming lookin' for the bunny slopes, well... you'll just be S.O.L at The Canyons. The blues are great and pretty manageable if you have some experience, though.

Jennifer and Alan on the sky car up to the resort.

(Left to Right) Some Random Snowboard Guy, Jenn, and Erin on a ski lift. (Bottom Right) Two random and lost-looking skiers. Brad looking at a trail map while Jennifer feels the effects of altitude sickness. I felt so bad for her... she felt terrible that day!Day Three: Alta (and yes, the sky was really that blue... it was gorgeous!)

The view form the top...Here we are in front of our condo on the last day... sad to be leaving, but so excited to return home to our kiddos.

And speaking of which... being that we are the most thoughtful, wonderful, loving, and caring parents around... we brought the kids back the best surprise we possibly could... SNOW! Well, so the snow came a few days after us, but who cares. The kids loved it!

Here is my little Snow Princess... just slightly happy about getting to 'play in the snow like Caillou'! (B.T.W., does any other mom out there happen to hate that whiny, bald headed little cartoon freakshow as much as I do? And what about his parents... total jobless pushovers with never-ending patience who totally allow the brattiness? Anyone?? Well... maybe I just have some deep-rooted Caillou-hate built up. Maybe I should look in to some therapy...) So where was I? Ah, yes! Allie, my beautiful Snow Princess...

Finally getting to try out her new snow boots...

...and loving the prints they leave behind.

Here she is trying out my latest, greatest invention! It's a snowball maker! This fabulous little creation lets you make snowballs without ever laying a glove the snow! Because, really... who out there likes cold, wet gloves??? O.k., so it's a measuring cup. (which I've heard is used for cooking, which it that thing where you prepare meals yourself at your own home. Needless to say that little cup got more action that it's seen in awhile. I'm just not much of a cook!)

Figuring Wyatt was too young to enjoy the snow, I kept him inside while Allie played on the back porch. However, when he saw her outside... well, let's just say he would have no part of that. He went straight into tantrum-mode and totally freaked at the idea he was not included! So I bundled him up and let him go out and play with too. My bad, Wyatt! Excuse the heck outta' me... Who am I to underestimate you? Here's my handsome little Snow Monster, hamming it up as usual. The hat lasted almost as long as the snow itself, which was gone in no time.

Well, that's it. Consider yourselves almost up-to-date. I still have to post the pictures of Wyatt having his first taste of birthday cake. But, you know... I'll get to it. Sometime.

For my precious little Birthday Boy...

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We're OFF!!

Hello everyone! Well, it's been awhile once again. Long story short... the kids got the virus the day after after Michael came down with it. Which, if you are following the natural chain of events means I got it as well. I was the sickest of all... it took me almost 9 days to completely recover, which thoroughly sucked. But, I'd much rather it be me than my one of my babies so I guess things work out for the best. Still sucked, though. Anyway... sorry I have not read any of your blogs lately. Just know I am having withdrawal, so I'll do my best to catch up on them soon, I promise!

Anyhoo... in better and drastically more exciting news.... we are leaving first thing tomorrow for Park City, Utah for our long awaited Ski trip!! WooHoo!! We are going with all of our closest friends and sans kiddos, so there should be some good times and plenty of great pics to follow!

While I am really exited, I am having a surprisingly hard time leaving Big Al and Dub. Most days I would kill to get an afternoon away, let alone score a whole night to myself. But when it comes down to it, it just gets...well...strange for me. This is the first time I have been away since Allie was 9 months old. Today we had the sobering task of updating out Will and preparing the power of attorney. I tell ya, all the 'what if' details just made me cry like a baby. That coupled with the fact I could greatly benefit from a bottle-and-a-half of Xanax with a Valium chaser in order to board a plane calmly makes for a tearful day... but I'm sure I survive. No jokes though... I friggin' hate to fly! I always have. Funny considering my brother-in-law is a pilot, and a darn good one at that. Nothing personal... love ya, Chris... but planes... not so much. The noises, the recycled air, the engine failure, o.k., enough of that.

So... we're off! We'll be back on Monday, and with any luck I'll be fully intact with no sprains, broken bones, concussions, or stories of having my life flash before my eyes as the plane spiralled wickedly out of control... Hmmm... just where is that bottle of Xanax????

Y'all have a great week!!!

Basically, the month of December in ONE SINGLE POST!

Grab a drink and a snack and make yourselves comfortable, folks. It's gonna be a long one.

It's the post you have all been waiting for!! (Well, at least the post the grandparents have been waiting for...) CHRISTMAS!! Since I have been a total slacker over the past month when it comes to blogging, I am just going to post tons of pictures and let them do the talking. 'Cuz lets face it... the pictures are the best part anyway!

I'm going to do my best to get all this in somewhat of an order.

First, we had a party at my parent's house on December 16th. This was for my mom's side of the family. We all brought a covered dish and there was tons of seriously awesome food like Honey Baked Ham, turkey, rolls, green bean casserole, and my specialty...baked macaroni and cheese. It smelled soooo good... but I was so strong and resisted it all!!! Even the Godiva Chocolate cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory! And that my friends, took some friggin' will power if I do say so myself!! After dinner, the adults played a super-fun game we made up to hand out the white elephant gifts while the kids each got 'real' presents to open.

Here's Allie waiting as patiently as a three year old can wait...

After dinner she and Kate wasted no time and dug right in...

Here's Michael's look of 'yes, I do take a genuine interest in all things Care Bear' as Allie shows off the 25th anniversary bear and DVD she just opened. He was quite proud of himself since he was the one who picked that gift out for her. (Yep, she totally has him wrapped around her little finger!)

At first Wyatt thought he would rather cruise around the gifts than open them...... but after a little help from Cole he soon got the hang of it The result... one happy boy! He was so glad to get his first big boy toy. His baby toys were getting a little boring for his taste, and Allie's dolls and princess stuff are just not suitable options for guy who exhibits macho qualities, like himself!

Allie shows him how to work his new truck

My happy boys...

Next, Granny had a surprise for all the women. She gave each of us a beautiful wind chime that she had made herself out of silverware and beads. The silver belonged to both her and her mother, my great grandmother. They were absolutely beautiful and sounded so pretty. I can't imagine how long she worked to get them all made! I love anything handmade... especially if has sentimental value like the wind chimes!

Now off to Christmas day. Michael likes to be home Christmas morning so the kids can wake up in their own house. I guess it's kind of our tradition, but I think it's a good one.

Here's all the presents Santa left... Allie's loot......and here's Wyatt's. Turner made sure to give it a thorough inspection first. We added his truck in so it didn't look like all got was boring ole' clothes.
Next the kids opened their wrapped presents. Allie got some Care Bear pajamas, which I might add, are now a favorite and considered proper attire for all day wear. Sometimes we parents have to pick our battles, right???I give you the people's exhibit A. The p.j.'s went into immediate action and were paired with the pink guitar she had asked Santa for repeatedly for the last two months.

At this point Wyatt is an ole' pro at the whole present thing. He went straight to his stuff. Too bad I... er... 'Santa' was a total looser and didn't bother to read the box that said 'adult assembly required'. Dub was a good sport though and played with everything else while mommy put it together.
After all the presents were opened and each toy had its four minutes of glory, the madness of Christmas officially began. Both families live in Georgia, which is great... but makes holidays totally hectic.

My family is an hour and a half away form our house. Michael's is an hour away from my parents house, and then it's an hour from his family's house back to ours. To try to make things fair, each year we try to spend the majority of time with one family and then travel to the other family's house for a short visit. Then, the next year we switch. Ya still with me??? It's the best we can do. We try to stay on the same rotation as Michael's sister and her family who come every other year from Texas.

This year it was my family's turn for the 'biggie', so most of the pics are from their house.

Mom (aka Moo-Moo) made us each a scarf and some mittens to match! Allie loved hers just a little bit!

Here we are showing them off...Here's Dad, as happy as a kid on Christmas!And now I have a confession. Well,... you see... my mom... well,... my mom is a hooker. A rug hooker, that is. She loves it and is very, very talented at it. She hooked my sister and I each a rug for Christmas. Here is Pam with hers...

And here's mine... it's a portrait of Turner! I took a picture of him with it so you can see how amazingly similar they are! Man, I LOVE ME SOME HANDMADE PRESENTS!!!
Yes, I realize this one needs some explaining...

Last year about a week before Christmas, the mail truck that delivers my parent's mail caught on fire. The mailman was able to save some stuff, but most was lost completely. The crazy part was that the USPS never bothered to tell anyone. They simply delivered the charred remains of letters and scorched sections of boxes. The gift that my mom had ordered for my brother-in-law was totally melted and black! It was only after my dad called to report it that they got the whole story. Way to go, snail mail! That's what I call dependability. So this year, my dad jokingly burned the packaging of Chris's present.

Next comes Michael's family.

New house... new presents to open!

Wyatt loved the singing , rocking puppy on a sleigh.

And Allie liked her new Doctor's Kit

She made Dr. Poppy test it out right away.Michael showing a little gratitude gangsta' style for his new ski hat. We can't wait to leave for that trip!!!

Sadly, this is the only picture I have of my poor Mother-In-Law. (Sorry Nancy!!) Things were hectic and We all were totally exhausted. I meant to take pictures of the kids with Nana and Poppy and Uncle Jon-Jon but my brain just quit. This picture was the result of Jonathan sticking two bows down on the ottoman right as Nancy went to sit. Classic! She had no idea!!
After she finally found out, she actually moved them to another choice spot a bit north of the belt... I tried to snap a picture of it, but I was not quite fast enough. Dang! It would have been for you, Katie and read a little something like this... "You like my bows? They're real. My bows." I'll be more on my game next year...

Finally, I leave you with this little jewel of a picture...

'What's a guy gotta do to get a little supervision around here?'

Yep, there's just no denying what happened here. It was one of those situations where I thought Michael was watching Wyatt, and Michael naturally assumed I was watching him. I knew there was trouble when I found Michael enthralled in a T.V. show and the house was eerily quiet. It was one of those quiets where you just know something is up. I dashed down the hallway and Michael bolted from the couch and we began the semi-frantic search for my mischievous little guy. We found him in Allie's room consuming the last of about 10 pieces of foil-wrapped chocolate from a goody bag her Sunday School teacher had given her. Yep, foil and all! Whoopsie. (Note to self: in the future, check kids rooms for hidden baggies of candy, food, or other consumables.)

Well, you've reached the end at last!! Sorry for the marathon-post. It took me days to type this little novel. And, to top it all off, Michael woke up with the Flu this morning so the interruptions were... um... slightly multiplied. I could say 'I told you so' and bring up the fact that he was 'just too busy to wait the fifteen minutes at the doctor's office' for the nurse to give him the shot, but me being a loving, caring, forgiving wife... well, I just won't even go there.

Oh, and tomorrow is my birthday!! WooHoo!!

A little Post Christmas Dance Session

Hi everyone! I promise my hiatus from blogging is almost over. I'm going to try my best to post all of the Christmas stuff later tonight, but until then I wanted to post this little video. It's for Chris mostly... (you'll hear why) but I thought everyone might want to see what the kids were doing while Michael and I tried to find a place for all the new stuff Santa brought. Naturally I missed all of the really cute action while searching for my camera, but you get the idea.

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