Another Holiday Preschool Party

Today was Lincoln's Valentine's Party for preschool. Remember how fun it was back then to make the box and get Valentines from all your friends, not to mention all the sweets.

Being the little brother, Lawson gets all the party perks, too...

Lincoln and his BFF Abby, who he still says he is marrying one day.

Lincoln and his box he made at home all by himself...

Swim Lessons

The boys are in swim lessons currently, and are doing great. Every Tues and Thurs for the month of Feb. The only problem is Lawson's class is at 5 and Lincoln's at 7, so every tues and thurs of this month we have to spend a whole 3 hrs up at the community center! Haven't heard any complaints from the boys though, they just love to swim.... Here is a video of Lincoln during class tonight. He is in Level 2, meaning the kids already know how to swim and the coaches help them improve the technique and form. They have to swim all the way across the pool and back. Pretty good for a five yr old, I think... And wait until next week when I post a video of Lawson... He is swimming too!!!

the big flop

I heard all about this today, so I just had to watch this clip... It's Joaquin Phoenix's interview with David Letterman. Apparently he is high on drugs... it's pretty sad, and David Letterman is getting really upset at him...

Interested in watching, if you haven't already...
Click Here

xoxoxo box

Thank You Aunt Jen for the great Valentine's Day Goodie Box we got today. It really made the boys day... Lincoln couldn't stop kissing his new musical toothbrush, and well let's say the cookies you made didn't last long.... and the candy......

winkle winkle wittle staw

Lawson really does know how to say his abc's, but he always gets a bit nervous when asked and tends to skip big chunks of the alpabet. Here is a little "singing" video for his grandparents out there.

Printable Coupon For You

Friday's Fan?? Here is a printable coupon.

Not valid on Valentine's Day and expires March 1st.

Print and Enjoy.

Valentine's cookies and message, just for you!!!

Today was Decorate Valentine's Cookie Day at our house....

And a little Valentine's video message for you....

Saving the World, One by One

We had a speaker at MOPS about Green cleaning, and safe cleaning. Since hearing her and doing my own research, I have decided to go green with my cleaning (as much as I can). I'm taking this in smaaalll steps so I don't get overwhelmed. But I have to say, once you change a couple of things it gets kind of addicting and more and more things seem to change.
Yes I made my decision, so that we can do our part to "Save the World" so it will be a better place for our children. However, my main reason to implement this was for the safety of the boys and myself. OMG I did not realize how very harmful all the cleaning supplies were that I was using. Cancer causing.... The amount of cleaning I do every day, I am sure to do some damage to myself if I don't make a change... And more importantly, my boys do a tremendous amount of cleaning and I want them to be using the safest cleaning agents as possible. So, to make a very long story short, this is what I have started doing...
1. Bon ami (www.bonami.com). I'm in love with this stuff... It's cheap, and works great.... with no harmful unnecessary chemicals. You find it in the grocery store right next to those cans of ajax. This is a great thing for me to sprinkle in the toilet and let the boys scrub... I use it on everything....
2. Cleaning bathroom and kitchen with vinegar mixture and hydrogen peroxide.
3. Borax (find it in the laundry detergent section). Directions on box, but can be used as a multi purpose cleaner on everything....
4. MicroFiber

I know a lot of you out there have already gone green so share your suggestions!!

Cheers

Last night, we had Cara (college friend/roomate), Mike, Ryan, Maddie, and Tori over for dinner and playtime. Enjoyed our time together... The kids had so much fun together.

Reading Buddie's

Warning, this video isn't an exciting one, just a sweet one. You will witness why I like to have 2 boys so close in age, they are best buds now (99% of the time). This morning as I am rushing around like a mad women to get out of the house on time, I go into my room and they are sitting on the lazy boy and Lincoln is reading to Lawson. They do this all the time. Lincoln loves to "read" books to Lawson and Lawson loves having Lincoln "read" to him. They didn't know I was watching, at 1st, you will see when they notice. Anyway, thought I'd video this for them to watch later...

Cheap Night Out

Can't afford to go out for Valentine's dinner???

Here is a coupon for you to take out your sweetheart!

In need of a laugh today???

Please, Please, Please watch this if you want to laugh today.
It is titled "I love Jesus but I drink a little". (the Ellen show)

Click on Here!!!

Lost Perspective

Only if you are a LOST fan, click HERE

Regis

This is the photo I entered in the Regis and Kelly Beautiful baby contest.

I think he might win.

How can they not pick him???

more than a Mommy

We had a Date Night Tonight, we met my friend Darla and her husband Jim for dinner and then for desserts. It was great. The silly boys (and Emily, their daughter) were just next door to us having their own fun at Adventure Kids.

Today Lincoln told us "You are better than a Mommy, and you are better than a Daddy".
awwwww....

Awana Club

Lincoln was in Awana last year, and now that Lawson is 3, they both are able to go. They go to Awana at the church Nanny and Dave attend while they are here. It's about 1/4 mile or less from our house, so it couldn't be more convenient. We literally could walk. Lawson loves it b/c he can finally do something like this. He comes home singing all the bible songs, so cute. He wears his little cubbie's vest with pride. And for the rest of this year, Lincoln and Lawson are in the same class until next year when Lincoln will move up to Sparks.

If you aren't familiar with Awana, look it up, it's great. It kind of is like boy/girl scouts where they wear the vest and get patches for different things... but for things like memorizing bible versus, etc... Kind of like a Vacation Bible School all year round. They make religious learning fun... with songs, games, crafts,etc... ]

But I do have to admit that are schedules filled up and we can't add another thing!!

Clueless, Me??

Isn't it horrible that I have no idea who is playing in the Super Bowl tomorrow?

Life has changed!

But sure enough I'll be watching it to see the cool commercials, and the half time show.

By the way, anyone know who is performing the half time show?

Two Ice Days

What do we do when we have 2 Ice days in a row, where the town is closed and we stuck at home???

1. The boys played outside in the ice

2. Lots of puzzles

3. Warm long play baths

4. Board Games

4. Arts and Crafts, starting Valentines and finishing Lincoln's Valentines Box for school.

5. Inviting neighbors over to play

6. Cooking/baking

7. Computer time

8. Piano homework

9. Lots of chores, lots of hugs and kisses, lots of singing/dancing, lots of warm drinks, lots of playtime!!!

10. Never once has either of them turned the TV on for 2 days. Wow!! We actually love staying at home...

Our Cowboy

We love our little cowboy!!

Today, Lincoln had his 1st piano lesson. He did surprisingly well, he loves to learn! Boy, does he have a lot of homework for the week.... No musical talent will have come from me!

Castaway

Lincoln had his cast removed today. The bone is still healing, so still no physical activity for 4 weeks. His skin is raw and peeling, and he is stiff and sore. Other than that, it will just get better day by day. He has some at home physical therapy exercises to do. Wow, that was a long 4 weeks. Here's to hoping for no more broken bones. Ever.

So here is his "getting his cast off video". Warning that it is a bit long winded, and he is in his silly just before bed mood.... But you will enjoy it....

Static

Can we say "Static..." ????

Remember those childhood days when going down the slide caused us to get staticy hair?? Well, Lawson climbs up the outside of the slide, but he still get the static!!!

(It was too nice of a day (70's) not to spend a couple of pre-nap hours at the park today)

Upcoming

In July we will be on this ship! Headed for Cozumel. We will be having a family reunion/celebration of Dad's 60th... This will be our 1st ever cruise, so of course I am very excited. New development on the vacation is that we have decided to go as a couple, and leave the kids at home safe and sound... We haven't taken a childless vacation yet, so this will be quite an experience!!

Growing Boys

Well Check Stats:
Lincoln:
44 inches
42.6 lbs

Lawson:
38.5 inches
32.4 lbs

We have some (Healthy!!!) growing boys!!

No Bird

Sorry Lincoln, no pet bird for you!!!
According to my poll the vote was 1 for and 9 against. And I was the 1 for!!!
At least I tried!!!

Our Fave Toys of the Year

Here are some of the boys (and mine) favorite toys they got this year. (off the top of my head)

Hyper Dash
HoneyBee Hop
(these 2 are GREAT for active kids... hours and hours of active fun)

Blink Card Game (same idea as Speed or Spit we played as kids). It's a quick quick game and Lincoln and I loooove playing this. I go one handed too, since he is...

Pixo's: For someone Lincoln's age who has patience and concentration. Lincoln LOVES making these, and I don't need to help...

Zingo: (Bingo)... Both boys can play this and LOVE it...

Hungry Hungry Hippo has gotten a lot of use at our house, and oldie but goodie...

Martian Matter: Lincoln and Lawson love creating and dissecting the aliens.

Fisher Price Kid Tough Walkie Talkie's

Leap Frog Leapsters: These aren't new this year, but they did get new games. The Leapsters have been our all time favorites. Both the boys and mommy and daddy love these things!!!

Thoughts to get offf my mind before bed....

Next Friday, Lincoln will get his cast off. He (and Me) is so excited!!! Lately it has been driving him crazy, he says it feels like there are fire ants under his cast, it's so itchy. And the sponge bath thing is getting kind of old.... We are just ready for him to be able to return to his normal activities. An arm cast at 5 yrs old is kind of a bummer....

Had to get Lawson's hair cut today to even up his own hair cutting experience.

Nanny and Grandpa Dave will be leaving next week. We will miss them so much, it's so nice to have them around. We wish they would settle down near us....

Nanny and Grandpa D took the boys to McD's today for playtime... They stayed and played for about 3 hrs!! Thanks guys, then they took a 3 hr nap... It was great (I napped too).

Ron has been officing (apparantly thats not a word according to my spell check..) from home, in his new upstairs office, so that has been a pleasant experience.

Other than that, I'm off to bed!!

Quick Video of Lawson

It's a Taylor Day Today

One of Lincoln's Bestest Buds spent the day with us, and boy did they (and me) have a fun....

It's nice to have another girl in the house once in awhile...

The Happy Couple

My "silly" husband.....

A Mothering First For Me

So....This is what I found today...

A certain somebody decided to chop a chunk out of his hair.

I won't mention any names (LAWSON).

It came right off the top of his head, I didn't realize how long it was there....

Funy thing is, he did a great job.

Swing Time

How can we spend the whole day today outside playing, it's 75 degree's. Perfect. Actually Lawson and I were outside playing by 6:55am (still in our pj's). It reminded me of a summer morning. We will head out to open gym at Win Kids this afternoon then go watch a HS Basketball game. Good Times.

New Bird???

Poll on left... Should we let Lincoln get a new little pet bird in his room???

New Testament

One of my few New Year's Resolutions, is reading the New Testament for the New Year. This is actually something my church is doing as a group, and we have been given daily readings and Pastor Kevin will post his thoughts each day on his blog pertaining to the readings.
Of course, I have read the New Testament in the past, but am excited to read it again since I am understanding the Bible much more nowadays...

More of my resolutions to follow shortly....

I've got to go cuddle up under my electric blanket and catch up on my Matthew readings.

What is your New Years Resolution?

McSlides

A 5 yr old just can't enough of the slides at McDonald's...

Even if they have a broken arm (shhhh don't tell his dr I let him do this...)

Piano Lessons and More

Lincoln can't be on the soccer team this season, because of his arm... We will put him back on the team in the Fall, if he is still interested....

So, I arranged him to start taking piano lessons. He met his new teacher yesterday, and she will come over tomorrow to check out our piano and just to get to know Lincoln a bit. Then when he gets his cast off, they will begin weekly lessons. He is pretty pumped up about this!!! He already has been practicing to impress his teacher....

Lawson will continue this semester with Win Kids.... And I am also going to register him for swim lessons now that he is 3. So by the time swimming season gets here he will be good and ready to swim in the water. He already taught himself how to swim last summer....

Ron has started his new traveling position. This week he is in Pittsburg, Cleveland, and New Jersey. So far he likes it (it's day #2!!). His upstairs attic to office conversion is done and it looks great. It's even complete now with office furniture: desk, filing cabinets, and bookshelves... You should come over and check it out!!!

Today I got a hair cut and highlights... Boy was I overdue for that!!! Wish I could have done that before the holidays... but better now than never. I just finished the book Light on Snow by Anita Shreve. I really enjoyed it: it was a quick and easy read, you should check it out at the library. Now I am reading the new Wally Lamb book, The Hour I First Believed. His last 2 books were on my favorite all time reads (This much is true, she's come undone...).... I love how he mixes psychology with family history with humor with Faith. I really enjoy his style... But this book is huge, it's over 700 pages.... just started it while I was getting my hair done....

The Whole Gang

Here we are, the whole gang at the Houston Family Christmas party.

For some more shots of the get together, go to Courtney's post.

Happy 3rd Bday

Just three years ago, you entered our life. And nothing has been the same since, in a good way of course. You were such an easy newborn. You slept all the time.... You took 2 four naps, and slept through the night.... God new what kind of baby I needed at the time... I was packing and unpacking moving from Houston to Dallas...

In honor of your 3rd Birthday, here are 3 things that I love about you...

1. Your, big blue eyes, how can it not be???
2. Your determination and persistence. You get this from your father. You never give up...
3. Your cute sense of humor.... he he he... Including your laugh and the sound effects you make.

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY LAWSON SAWYER!!!!

The Big 3

Lawson's 3rd birthday is tomorrow (Jan 6th). We had his home/family party tonight since Ron will be out of town tomorrow. He got a game boy, now he won't have to try to steal Lincoln's all the time....

Happy Birthday LaLa

Happy Sweet Sixteen to my neice Lauren. I can't believe you got a CAR for your birthday, and that you can actually drive it!!! You are like the daughter I will probably never have.... Hope you had a great day, and a great 16th year. Don't forget to make good choices, and you left here without us having "our talk".....

Come back soon and Happy Birthday once again....
PS.... Also Happy 30 something Birthday to brother in law Mark, today.... AND Happy Anniversary to Tom and Courtney a couple of days ago....

The Birthday Song

Happy Birthday Lincoln and Lawson!!!

Birthday Swing

The boys got to swing (really high) at the birthday party, while their friends threw foam blocks at them....

Big Bday Bash

The boys big birthday bash at WinKids has come and gone. There were about 35 kids there, and of course the boys had an absolute BLAST. Lincoln having the broken arm didn't effect how much fun he had! They came home and opened up their ton of gifts...

Aunt Jen, Auntie Sue Sue, Lauren, Nanny and Dave also were in town to help them celebrate!! We had a very fun and eventful weekend with our out of town guests.

I'll be posting more pictures of the party soon, but here are a couple of the boys...

Happy Ann

Amongst all the other recent celebrations, today is Ron and my 6th year wedding anniversary. Just 6 yrs ago from today, we were married in an outdoor wedding (70 degree's)

in Boerne Texas.

I was smothered with gifts for some reason this anniversary, Thanks Ron!!

Happy Anniversary to the world's greatest Hubby. It's been a great 6 years....

Happy New Years

We hope everyone had a great (and safe) NYE celebration, and New Year's Day. Our was great, Nanny and Dave treated us all to a meal at Macaroni Grill.

I'm really looking forward to 2009.

I think it's going to be the best year yet. Having a 5 and 3 yr old is going to be a complete blast.... They totally crack me up...

They are growing up too quickly, we need to squeeze as much quality time in as possible....I can't believe Lincoln will be in Kindergarten next year (and Lawson in preschool....)

I need to sit down and write out my new year's resolutions...

(Sue is coming in tonight, Jen tomorrow, and the Lucek's on Saturday. For the boys bday party..)

Mom aka Nanny aka MIL

The boys LOVE their Nanny..