Samuel & Cooper

3 month update!

2011-07-25T11:12:00.004-05:00

I should really come around here more than every 3 months. After all, the hope is that one day my boys will read this and know all about their childhood. I figure between this and the ridiculous amount of pictures I take, we will have it covered. But a picture, while worth a 1,000 words, can't replace the words. And I find myself at a loss to even put words out here sometimes. Maybe it's because I have two very active boys that love my attention. And when they go to bed at night, I want to have some me time. Selfish? No! Needed? Yes! But Dave keeps telling me to update this blog, and I keep telling him I'm going to retire it. He still wins.

Cooper:
Cooper is 3 and still has a mind of his own! He must do everything himself and will even go the extent of recreating a scenario, just so he can do it himself. Example, this morning he wanted to get me my umbrella and his brother got it first. He took that umbrella and put it back where it was and then got it for me. He does this often, with drinks, his b's (blanket), toys and pretty much anything else he decided to do himself. His famous words are "I don't need help!" I actually love this about him! He's very independent. I just wish the independence shared a few more hugs and kisses. They say kids are different, and in the aspect they really are. I have to tell him I'll wipe the kiss of just to get one! And hugs, I steal those. I don't really wipe the kisses off and never give his hugs back either. He loves going to school and has some good friends already. Cali and Brock are his bff's. We call them the 3 amigos. We go dancing and to the water park with them often. They are so cute together! And, to me this is weird. But I have a 3 year old that is obsessed with mustard!! I love this boy more and more everyday!

Sam:
Sam is a very grown 5 year old, that still (Thank GOD!) needs his Mommy :o). This summer he has had some firsts, that to me keep reminding me that he's growing up. He went to Church Camp (it wasn't overnight - but it was every night for a wee) and loved it. He showed a lot more confidence than I had ever seen. He is swimming and is going to start playing soccer next month. He's also going to start kindergarten next month. OMG!! Sam enjoys his role as a big brother, and I see him setting a good example for his brother. I don't have to wipe off kisses or steal hugs from him. And he seems to know when I need one too! Sam, does not like mustard. He loves ketchup and ranch (mixed together).

Family:
We have gone on a few trips. One was a weekend trip to Dallas so I could get my In and Out Burger fix and then we also went on a real family vacation. We spent a full week together along with my sister and her family and my parents. AWESOME is all I can say. I want the boys to have these memories. They had a blast swimming and eating chips whenever they wanted (that was my mistake, I said on vacation you can eat chips whenever and they took that literally - I actually did too).

I'm going to try and stop by more often. I'll post some pictures soon!

Samisms

2011-04-16T15:23:00.003-05:00

As we are seated a local Pub:
"Where's the drink menu?"

To-Go Bag:
Mommy: Sam go up to the counter and ask them for a to-go bag.
Sam: You need to two bags Mommy?
M: No, just just one.
S: But you said two go bags. But you want one go bag.
M: No I need one TO-go bag.
S (at the counter): Can I have a one go bag?

Prom:
M: We are going to take pictures of you cousins Ricky and Justin before prom. Lindsay will have on a pretty dress and Justin is bringing a date too!
S: What's it's name? Because it's never been at Aunt Terri's before.

3 is FUN!!

2011-04-03T07:38:00.003-05:00

Cooperisms

2011-03-19T19:16:00.002-05:00

Grills - Girls
He - He or She
I want Daddy - Mommy made me mad
I want Mommy - Daddy made me mad
Him - Him or Her
You're not nice {insert name} - I didn't get my way

I have a feeling 3 is going to be an interesting year for us!

Goose and Maverick

2011-03-06T07:49:00.002-06:00

Should I be Concerned??

2011-03-06T07:46:00.001-06:00

I can't seem to keep the SI Swimsuit Edition away from Sam. It's gotten so bad that I have had to tell Dave to hide it...

This is the picture he keeps turning to -

True Story. The end.

Cooper's First Trip to the Dentist

2011-03-06T07:42:00.003-06:00

I was unsure how this would go but he did awesome! He wasn't sure what to think about the big chair, but Big Brother bravely stepped up and showed him how it was done! In fact Big Brother wanted his teeth cleaned again. We didn't see him get his teeth cleaned the first time because, sniff sniff, he didn't need me to go back with him!!

All in One Breath...

2011-03-01T19:01:00.002-06:00

Why do we have toenails? Does Dr. Sood make us have toenails? Is God a puppy? I think God is a puppy?

-Sam Williams

Just Ready for this to Melt!

2011-02-12T07:43:00.002-06:00

Mountain Climbing...Sorta

2011-02-03T15:18:00.003-06:00

Snow Much Snow!

2011-02-03T15:15:00.001-06:00

Snow Angel

2011-02-03T15:14:00.000-06:00

As a Mom of Two Boys I've Learned..

2011-01-30T07:18:00.001-06:00

That I'm asking for trouble if don't buy two of everything....

Sleeping with Bubba

2011-01-29T07:07:00.002-06:00

Sometimes Sam thinks it's a good idea if he shares the bed with his brother. Cooper on the other hand is never a big fan of the idea. Note Cooper sleeping as close to the wall and as far from Sam as possible.
Despite the bed sharing these boys are still the best of friends. I'm always a little proud of their brotherly bond, especially when we will be out playing and they still choose to play with each other first! I hope they will always be the best of friends.

To the sun, the moon, the ground and back.

2011-01-18T17:53:00.003-06:00

That's how special Sam thinks his teacher is.

I'm thankful, I mean truly thankful that Sam has an awesome teacher. I think she is pretty great too.

But, I'm jealous too.

Cooper's Potty Funnies

2011-01-16T07:31:00.002-06:00

Funny #1:
Siting on the potty playing is harmonica.

Funny #2:
Singing "Potty get out of my tummmmy, potty get out of my tummmmmy"

Funny #3:
This one not so funny - but stubborn. Standing there trying go standing up like big brother for 15 minutes. Within 5 seconds of finally sitting, he goes.

Cooper is my stubborn, independent child! Wouldn't want him any other way!

They Have More Fiber Now..

2011-01-09T17:38:00.003-06:00

So Apple Jacks have moved to the healthy list now.

The Joys of Kids..

2011-01-09T17:35:00.002-06:00

All this within 15 minutes of being awake.

Coop Cool

2011-01-09T17:34:00.002-06:00

He's so cool, it doesn't even matter that his fly is down.

Potty Training 201

2011-01-07T19:49:00.002-06:00

I will admit Potty Training 101 was much easier. I wish I could have repeated the course, but apparently I passed. So, this one brings some challenges. But - there's no turning back now!

It all started on Wednesday. I received a phone call from Cooper's School. Expecting it to be your son has a fever, come pick him up. To my surprise it was Cooper! He called to tell me he went poop in the potty! I was so proud! And every cubicle around me was too (love the cubicle world). And now let me bring you to 5:00 PM, I pick up Cooper and he's in underwear! He ran out of pull-ups at school. So I decide, what the heck - LET'S DO THIS!

Wednesday was the last time Cooper wore a pull-up.

In Potty Training 101, you don't have much extra work. The kid does most of the work. Potty Training 201 - on the other hand. More work. And by more work I mean LAUNDRY. I think I have done 5 loads of laundry since then, mind you I'm working 10 hours a day. But it's okay, its worth it..because there's now turning back now.

Tonight we achieved a milestone.
Cooper: I have to go potty
And we ran to the bathroom and he went potty!

Yay!!

The Crush...

2011-01-02T07:58:00.001-06:00

Sam asked me to read his card from his teacher twice. And at the end of the second time he said:

"it said loooove!"
Huge smile included.

Mixed Emotions...

2011-01-01T18:17:00.003-06:00

I was sad that Cooper fell off the chair and bumped his head...

I felt better because he wasn't very hurt...

I was beyond happy that I actually got to hold him for more than 10 seconds without him wanting to get down. Bonus, he even rested his head on my shoulder.

I don't want my babies to grow up!

2010...A Year In Review -Through My Camera

2011-01-01T07:02:00.012-06:00

Mom started the year turning 33...
Grandparents visited..
Sam was in Elizabeth and Taylor's wedding..
Cooper turned 2!
Brotherly bond grew stronger than ever!
Sam played his first season of soccer..
More Love..
Kitchens were remodeled..

Numerous visits to the splash pad..
Went to the lake...
Ice Cream was had...
Sam turned 4!
Mommy and Cooper Dates..

Bumps were had..
Pancakes were ate for dinner..
Trips to the zoo..
Sam started Pre-K
There's the love again..
Camping in the backyard..

Sam did a jog-a-thon...
Fall trips to the Pumpkin Patch...

Watching Cousin Justin pay football!
Rooting for Huskers...
Buzz and Batman stopped by...
Mom took Family Pictures....

Fun visit with cousins!
Christmas fun!

Does The Sleigh Stay On The Roof?

2010-12-31T14:54:00.001-06:00

This is what Sam asked me as we were getting ready to take a nap. I answered, yes.

Sam: So Santa brings the carrots back up there then?

Just a few funnies...

2010-12-19T07:50:00.003-06:00

Sam: I wish it could be Christmas all year long and we never have to take down our Christmas Decorations.

Me: I don't.

Cooper: Shhhh....Sam you are going to wake me up.

I know there are way more, and when they say them I think how funny they are. So funny that I could never forget what they said. Well, I forgot.

Brothers...

2010-12-19T07:47:00.000-06:00

Brought to you in 3D

2010-12-19T07:45:00.002-06:00

Christmas Showing..

2010-12-19T07:42:00.001-06:00

Decking...And Christmas thing doing....

2010-12-19T07:40:00.000-06:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T20:27:00.002-05:00

Batman aka Sam

Buzz aka Cooper

Cooperman!!

2010-10-03T14:31:00.003-05:00

Cooper is better told in pictures, I chose some that show so much of his personality! He is such a fun kid!
We are working on potty-training -but he's pretty much letting us know that this will be done on his terms!!

Since You've Been Gone...Sam

2010-10-03T08:12:00.004-05:00

Oh wait, that's me that has been gone. For tooooo long I may add!

Sam started PreK back in August. It's been quite the adventure, for me - not him. The first day brought some tears (that was both of us), that day was torture! I took the day off and kept Cooper home with me for a distraction. I think most of the day Cooper was looking at me like - MOM your are crazy. And then when I picked him up he told me he had a GREAT day and has been excited to go back ever since. Thanks Sam!
I have also found a few opportunities to find out how he is doing.

Way #1: Email teacher to ask about how to fill Sam's lunch ticket, throw in at the end - how's he doing. Response: He's doing awesome! He's a joy to have in class.

Way #2: Back to school night. The teacher had asked for a dollar for some project. I didn't have a dollar, but I got in line anyway. When it was my turn - How's Sam doing, he tells me he never plays with any of his friends (basically needing to hear he wasn't a loner). Response: He plays with his friends, he's doing great.

Way #3: This one could be classified as a Mommy Faux Pa - I saw Sam's teacher at Target (SCORE she knows where to shop) and said Hi, how's your Saturday...and then it just came out - How's he doing? Response - He's doing great he is a well rounded child the type you want to have at least one of each year!

I'm convinced, he's doing okay. But I can't wait for Student Teacher Conferences in a few weeks, I'm going to ask her how I'm doing!

Sucker...

2010-07-30T16:46:00.002-05:00

Sam: Moooooooooom, I'm all done pooping.

Mommy: You can't start prek until you know how to wipe your own bottom.

Sam: I do, at school. But you do at home.

Mommy: How long have you at school?

Sam: A long time. This long (big arms).

Cooper and His Posse!

2010-07-22T07:38:00.000-05:00

Look Mom, No Cavities!

2010-07-22T07:37:00.002-05:00

Sam LOVES, yes LOVES, going to the dentist!

Muscle Man!

2010-07-22T07:37:00.001-05:00

Come Here Often??

2010-07-22T07:30:00.003-05:00

Wow, I just realized it's been about 2 months since I stopped by. I keep thinking I should retire this blog so I don't feel guilty for my lack of updates. But, then again - I have some cute pictures and what I think are clever sayings to post. So I guess if it takes me 2 months to do it - so be it!

So, what's been going on around here? Sam is officially registered to start Pre-K at the "big school" and he should he did turn the big 4! I love this kid, what can I say! The things he can come up with just amaze me!

Cooper, officially acting like a 2 year old is Mr. Personality! I love him! He is stubborn and mean, but the sweetest boy you will ever meet. Seems funny that I can say that all in the same sentence but it's true. If you know him - you know it is!

Brotherly bond is stronger than ever! They really are best buds, just what we hoped would happen. They love to play and miss each other when they aren't together. My favorite time is at night after they go to bed. I hear them in their laughing and talking. Melts my heart, I can't even be mad that they won't go to sleep - it's just too sweet!

Well, I haven't completely got over my writers block, so I will just post some pictures and hopefully write more later. Thanks for sticking with me!

Story. By, Samuel Williams

2010-05-23T06:50:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time I had a balloon. Mommy let it fly away. I miss my balloon so much. It's probably with God. No, it's with Santa he's higher than God. I miss my balloon.

Sleepy

2010-05-15T15:18:00.002-05:00

Soocer Season Number One

2010-04-25T07:04:00.004-05:00

In a nutshell - Sam had a ton of fun. He loved his Coach and enjoyed going and running. Sam is so sweet natured that he had trouble kicking the ball. Why? Because "Mommy I don't want to kick the ball away from them, they may cry." So sweet!!!
I also learned even at 3 year old soccer, you already have crazy sport parents! Sometimes the games got a little intense.
Our team of 3-year olds got creamed got each time! You don't keep score at these games, but believe me - we got creamed :o).
By far, his favorite part of the season - the team party at the park! We are going to wait a little while before we do another sports activity - but can't wait for it!!!! So proud of my Sam!

Some of My Favorite Cooper Phrases

2010-04-25T07:02:00.002-05:00

Go in Time Out Sam!

O-Tay Mommy.

Okay, I be right there.

I wuv you mommy.

Group hug.

Alright Mommy.

Cooper's 2 Year Stats

2010-04-20T20:11:00.002-05:00

Weight: 33.6 pounds - 94%
Height: 35.5 inches - 76%

He had a good appointment. The doctor gave us some advise on biting, which was he knows he can get away with it at school. UGH! We have to catch him the act at home - and hope that is brother will tell us he did it :o).

Brothers!

2010-04-17T07:25:00.001-05:00

Strike A Pose..

2010-04-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

Eyes..Nose..Mouth!

2010-04-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

The Beautiful is Gone

2010-04-01T19:31:00.002-05:00

Our flowers are dead, the babies ruined them. The beautiful is gone.

This was what Sam told one of his teachers about the flowers the class planted on the playground.

Later that day that teacher told another teacher about the conversation. She let her know that the baby that ruined them was his brother.

:o)

Two!!

2010-03-30T19:35:00.003-05:00

Today you are TWO!

Here you were ONE!

And two years ago you entered the world!! Couldn't imagine it without you!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Cooper Jakob!!

Soccer

2010-03-20T16:22:00.001-05:00

Today soccer consisted of running and letting the ball roll right by. When I asked why he doesn't kick it he said "they don't kick it to me." Silly - you are suppose to kick it away from them. He also enjoys making his friends laugh out there too. I even saw some hugs during the game.

The Grandparents are coming next weekend, I think they are going to enjoy watching one of Sam's games!

Buds!

2010-03-18T21:21:00.003-05:00

I love how close Sam and Cooper are. This is a picture of them at school, Sam always goes to the window when he is outside to say hi. Saying goodbye is never easy though. Today when I picked them up both of their classes were playing outside and they were playing together. I hope they love each other like this forever!! Sniff sniff...

Remember..The Best Is Yet To Come...Dessert!

2010-03-12T21:35:00.001-06:00

Anothe Wedding Picture....

2010-03-12T21:33:00.004-06:00

Future Beckham??

2010-03-12T21:31:00.003-06:00

Who Couldn't Be Happy With These Kids??

2010-03-12T21:30:00.002-06:00

Doing the Duck Dance

2010-03-12T21:28:00.003-06:00

Da na na na na na na. Da na na na na na. Da na na na na na na quack quack quack quack.
insert tune to The Chicken Dance

Come Here Often?

2010-03-12T21:06:00.002-06:00

Oh, hi. Yeah - I am back. It's been over a month. Geeeeeesh!

What's going on in the Williams' household. Well, let's see. Cooper will be two in..wait for it...18 days. He is so smart for his age - and I am totally not saying that because I am his Mom. He can count to ten in English and Spanish. He knows his primary colors - red, green, blue and yellow. He also talks in full sentences, sometimes you may not understand him, but I hear the pauses that make the words he is saying sentences.

"I did it"
"No Sam"
"Where is Daddy"
"Sam? Sam? Sam?"
"No, Mommy do it"

Cooper loves to do everything himself. In fact, tonight we went to Target (it was some Cooper and Mommy time - I will let you know where Sam was in a minute) and Cooper wanted to put the cookies on the thingy that you put your groceries on before checkout. Well, I tried to help him and he yelled. He got them up there and I moved them and he yelled. I gave them back and he put them back. We were okay after that but the guy behind me had a smirk on his face. The same guy whispered something to his wife as I tried to convince Cooper to put on his jacket because it was raining and Cooper WOULD NOT put it on. He didn't wear it. No idea what the guy could have been saying. I am sorry, sometimes it is easier to pick my battles. We parked close.

So anyway, yes, he likes to do everything himself. Cooper is a little rough, I always want to tell him to be a lover not a biter. For awhile there we had bite reports almost everyday! I was like I so have that kid. He's getting better and is really a sweet boy. He still has his blonde hair and blue eyes and I promise that makes up for anything else. I love when he runs up and gives me kisses and says "I love you Mommy, drive safe" every morning before he goes to school. Speaking of school, he is in the two year old room and doing great.

Sam started soccer and is learning to listen to his coach, kick the ball and play on a team. He seems to enjoy it. Tonight was extra special because he just went with Daddy and they had an ice cream cone after.

Sam is a very simple and complex kid (yes I used both of those words to describe him). He likes things in order and scheduled. If we go off of his schedule - we have issues. Change is not his friend. But we are working on that and I think he is getting better. The thing about Sam is just have to be upfront with him. He wants to know why, when, where and how for EVERYTHING. But if you tell him something like at soccer you listen to your coach, run and kick the ball. He repeats it and says okay. And when he gets there that is basically what he does.

Sam has tried to push his limits by talking back. He doesn't quite get it.
Mommy: Sam, go put your toys away.
Sam: No, YOU put your toys away.
or
Mommy: Sam go potty.
Sam: No you go potty.

So yeah, he doesn't quite get it. But what that means to me - he is quick with a comeback. That will come in handy one day.

Sam will be 4 in July - can NOT believe that. He is ready to "be bigger". I am not ready for that. I make sure to ask him if he will always love me as much as he does and he always says "yes."

Dave and I have been working like crazy! We are trying to get in shape and eat better. BORING. But that may explain why I am never on here. We are also getting ready to start some home improvement projects. Busy Busy!!!

So there is my update. If I would come on here more often I would probably have so much more to say. I am going to make a point to try and update at least once a month.

Look...Up in the Sky!

2010-02-01T20:54:00.002-06:00

It's Cooper Man! Ask him his name and he'll tell you the same :o)

Always Room For Dessert

2010-02-01T20:46:00.002-06:00

Cooper is going through a "stage." He will not eat dinner but always has room for dessert! I guess I shouldn't let him have dessert if he doesn't eat dinner. But I think he is too young to understand that concept.

Right?

Din-Da-Saurs

2010-01-25T16:53:00.002-06:00

Mommy: Cooper, did you bite your friends?
Cooper: Din-Da-Saur bite
Mommy: Did Cooper bite?
Cooper: No bite Din-Da-Saur
Mommy: Cooper no bite either
Cooper: Smile

GQ

2010-01-24T11:30:00.001-06:00

Yesterday...

2010-01-19T06:59:00.003-06:00

I was picking Sam up to go to the dentist and peeked in Cooper's room. Let's see the teacher was holding his hand and down at his level pointing her finger. One of the other teachers walked out and I asked if Cooper was biting - we have been struggling with that.

She said:
"No, he was just being a bully as usual".

Love my Cooper!!

He's Just Not That Smart

2010-01-17T06:59:00.001-06:00

Sam: Santa is smart enough, but he's just not that smart. He didn't get me a Tonka Bike.

(really he did, but it is in Daddy's trunk - oops)

Trip To The Children's Musuem

2010-01-17T06:57:00.002-06:00

Meeska Mooska!

2010-01-08T19:47:00.002-06:00

Thanks Great Grandma!

My Time as a SAHM - Complete

2010-01-03T15:35:00.002-06:00

Well, my bout as a stay at home Mom is done. And I think it is bittersweet for all of us. Okay maybe for me and Sam. Cooper, probably more bitter. I am pretty sure this is the first time I have took a week off just to be home with both boys. Most working Mom's know, the first year or so of life you have to save your time off for sick kiddos. That is getting better, so I was able to do this. My vacation started on 12/24/09 and finished today. I survived and so did they! I also drank a lot more water than I have been and they watched a lot more tv than they have. Dave also got spoiled by coming home to a cooked dinner.

We also spent time with G&G Ciarrocchi who came down for their annual Christmas visit. We were also joined by Tulsa's first blizzard during that time too.

We took a trip to the mall, which was a success! I didn't even bring the double stroller and Sam did awesome. Cooper did too, well except for when I tried to get him to try shoes on with an empty stomach. We ventured to the food court after that and both boys sat unassisted (meaning no highchairs) and ate their lunch. Wow.

We also met Daddy for lunch at Ollie's. Ollie's is a restaurant that has a train theme. So the boys enjoyed that. Cooper loved saying "chug a chug a chug a choo choo." Daddy goes their for lunch at LEAST 2 times a week. So he was treated like a regular. The boys had a cinnamon roll and shared a few bites. OMG - YUMM-O.

We spent one day at home because Sam wasn't feeling well. Took him to the doctor (couldn't not go on my time off) and they are starting him on medicine for asthma. They said it should be temporary! Let's hope.

After that recovery Daddy took the day off with us on New Year's Eve. I gave into the hype and watched the first of the Twilight movies for New Year's Eve - I know wild and crazy!!

The only disappointment was our trip to Build a Bear Workshop on Friday. That was something I had been looking forward to doing the entire time I was off. It was definitely more for me! I don't think the boys have touched their Fireman Bears since we got home :). Oh well.

Pretty much since then we have all just been hanging out. Very fun! I thought by the end of this time off I would be ready to go back to work. Not so much. I mean, I am not going to go and quit my job, but I truly enjoyed my time. Sam has amazed me with how helpful he is and Cooper has really taken to being a "Mommy's Boy."

Well, guess I will go hang out with the boys. Happy New Year!!

Future MVP

2009-12-29T20:24:00.000-06:00

As Said By Sam

2009-12-29T17:08:00.003-06:00

"Is that a good idea?"
"I got out of the car perfectly yesterday."
"I just have one question, Mommy. Okay, Mommy are you listening?"
"I don't want to eat dinner if you give me that green stuff (broccoli)."
"I love my little brother, I want to sleep in his bed."

21 Months...in a few days

2009-12-28T16:02:00.003-06:00

Cooper will be 21 months in a few days! And I haven't been doing my Mom duty and keeping everyone up to date. EEEK!

Inherited the gift to gab from Mommy and Brother
Likes to crawl in bed with Mommy and Daddy before brother wakes up
Wants to do everything his brother does
Completely Lovable!
"Mommy come here", "Help", "I did it!" and "here Mommy" - Just a few phrases
Independent
Loves trucks and cars
Jumps with help
Loves COOKIES, but hates dinner
Thinks art is cool
Can point to arm, back, leg, tummy, elbow, mouth, nose and eyes/ears (he points to his ears when we say eyes)
Can nod his head yes
Tells us what he wants

Chapstick please....

2009-12-28T16:01:00.002-06:00

All I Want for Christmas is a Leafblower

2009-12-28T16:00:00.002-06:00

Santa had it kind of easy this year :o)

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

2009-12-28T15:57:00.003-06:00

A very cliche tradition.
I am trying to come up with a "Williams Family Tradition" at Christmas. It's kind of difficult as we came from two very different ways of going about the Holiday. I started one, which is having Dave read "Twas The Night Before Christmas", but who doesn't read that?
I am going to keep trying....it may take a few years..but I am gonna try.

More Happy Pictures

2009-12-16T19:04:00.000-06:00

Blue

2009-12-16T19:03:00.003-06:00

Well, what did you expect?

2009-12-16T18:43:00.003-06:00

I will admit, I am kinda of crazy about schedules. I have always been this way, we must plan. And anyway, any baby book or website will tell you kids like it to. My kids are no exception to the rule. They have a routine and by golly we are good at it. Now, this means that we have to be home by 7:00 PM every night, including weekends - and any afternoon plans need to be before 1:00 PM or after 3:00 PM. But for the most part I have happy kids who take naps and go to bed pretty good. So, why would I have expected a magical trip? Why would I have thought that taking them out of their routine and driving 3.5 hours, walking around shopping and not having a "house" to go to would have been so great? Because of course a 3 year old and 1.5 year old would be like:
Cool MOM and DAD! This is awesome - we get to be in the car in our car seats and then we stop eat lunch get bundled up to the point we can barely move our arms and walk around in the freezing cold. And when you figured out that wasn't a great idea, we yet again get in the car and drive to a REALLY fun place, or so you said. We couldn't go because we drove around around the parking garage and saw way too many people to make it worth getting out. We drove by a HUGE tree with fun looking toys all around it and fountains. And then we get an early check in to our hotel that has a ton of doors and you can run in circles around the room and slam the doors. So fun! Who needs a nap - lets just keep going. Then take us BACK out in the cold and walk a mile decide it's time to eat and find out we have to wait 45 minutes when all we want is McDonalds....This is SO FUN! Now we will walk a mile back to the Hotel while you threaten to call Santa every two minutes. Bring us back to the hotel room and say we are eating cereal for dinner. Then we decide to go back out and eat dinner (not cereal) at the place right near our hotel because Mom was sad that we had to eat cereal.
I chalk this up as a rookie mistake and next year they will go to their Aunts house! Sam fell asleep finally - at the dinner table! You appreciate your parents soooo much more when you get older and have your own kids :o). With all that happen, the good thing is we had our adventure as a family and we have memories of it! I only took happy pictures! When we woke up to drive home, we were all smiles again - but couldn't get out of there quick enough!!

Here We Are In Texas...

2009-12-11T19:22:00.002-06:00

We spent our, sniff sniff, last Thanksgiving in Texas this year. Grandma and Grandpa are moving to a warmer place. Florida.

Christmas Show

2009-12-11T19:19:00.002-06:00

This year both of our boys were in the Christmas Show. Cooper's class did jingle bells, he practiced by shaking everything. And when he got up there he shook those bells like a PRO!! He loves his friends and teachers at school. We do too :o)

Sam's class did Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. They started practicing in August!!! Sam was ready to perform. He sang the loudest in his class and got up and spoke in the microphone..twice. He still continues to perform for us. His stage? The couch.

Our Tree is THIIIIIS Tall

2009-12-11T19:18:00.000-06:00

Treats!

2009-12-11T19:16:00.002-06:00

Cooper loves to call trees, lights and anything else Christmasy "Treats". He is a treat to me this year that is for sure!

And..Let The Holiday Season Begin!

2009-11-29T16:13:00.001-06:00

Just Being Silly

2009-11-07T07:18:00.002-06:00

You Break It, We Fix It!

2009-11-07T07:10:00.001-06:00

Handy Manny has become a favorite show at our house....

He Is So My Son!

2009-11-07T07:08:00.002-06:00

Sam: What kind of truck is that?

Mommy: UPS

Sam: Oh Mommy, did he bring us some clothes?

Mommy: NO, we are on a budget and Mommy doesn't shop.

Sam: But I NEEEEED a firetruck shirt.

Expanding Vocabulary & 18 Month Stats

2009-11-07T07:03:00.003-06:00

Pumpy-kee-patch = Pumpkin
Sam = Sam
Hot dog = Mickey Mouse
Manny = Handy Manny
Touchdown = Touchdown Huskers!

Grand Finally!

"I want a book."

Weight: 30 pounds 95%
Height: 32 inches 50%

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T06:47:00.002-05:00

The Pumpkin Tradition

2009-10-21T20:17:00.004-05:00

It never fails. Every year at the Pumpkin Patch, we along with all the other Mommies and Daddies are hoping for the most awesome Fall pictures. We all have our cameras in hand trying to get that perfect pose of our child/children with a pumpkin. You can tell that most kids are even dressed in pumpkin patch attire. Mine were, you just can't see it because they had to wear jackets. I didn't catch that perfect pose this year. In fact, I don't think I have ever caught that perfect pose. I wonder, whatever happen to going to the Pumpkin Patch to buy pumpkins? Children these days will never have to try to hard to keep a memory, I am sure their parents have a picture of it for them. I know I do.

With that being said, here is my "photo shoot"

Since You've Been Gone...

2009-10-21T20:02:00.003-05:00

Oh wait, I have been gone. I wonder if I still have any followers. I sometimes consider stopping my blog, but that is just nonsense. I hope that one day my boys can pull this blog up and show their kids what they were like. So if it is sporadic at times, then it is.

Cooper was baptized last weekend, I am glad we survived the service. If it were anyone else's kids I would have smiled and thought awwwwww, sweet peas. But it was mine, and I thought I was going to pull my hair out. In the end we accomplished what we wanted. But not without a fight. The Pastor will normally hold the child in front of the Congregation, he opt'd out with Cooper. Hey, we warned him. That boy has independence and determination like you wouldn't believe. He will never let him tell anyone it can't be done. I admire him for that. Yes, I admire my one year old :o).

Sam

2009-10-10T13:02:00.003-05:00

Sam: Mommy, I want to be Santa for Halloween.
Mommy: But I already bought you Flash.
Sam: So, I changed my mind.

I believe Sam is obsessed with Christmas. Originally he wanted to be a snowman, but I changed his mind. Now, Santa.

Pretty Lucky!

2009-10-07T11:33:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I was lucky enough to get away. Away = No kids, husband or work. All of which I enjoy, but a break is good.

Let's see, I slept in and watched what I wanted on TV. When I went out for dinner all I worried about was what I wanted to order and did not have to feed anyone else. I also discovered there is so much more at the mall then I remember and it reminded me why I love shopping. I walked on the beach and got some sun by the pool.

Best of all, I got to spend time with my Sister and Gramma (that is not a misspelling, she spells her name that way)!!

I recommend this for any Mom! But, warning when you get back reality sets in again and your kids are more worried about what you got them than seeing you.

I love my hectic life! For real!!!!!!

A Few Things You Should Know About Sam

2009-10-07T11:29:00.001-05:00

Sam loves to make anyone laugh! The picture above demonstrates that.

We have real conversations. Heck, he probably knows more words than I do!

Whenever his brother is throwing a fit, he is quick to come to his defense. "His mouth probably hurts Mommy!"

He loves Target, I did good.

He understands that clothes that arrive on the front porch were ordered from the Internet.

He only likes to find the letter "S" when they hunt letters at school. However, yesterday he offered to find C.

A Few Things You Should Know About Cooper

2009-10-07T11:24:00.002-05:00

Above, is Cooper's concentrating face. He does this when ever he is thinking. So, basically he does it often.

Cooper also for the longest time called every beverage juice, even milk. Now he calls every beverage milk, even juice.

Cooper always called me Daddy and Dave Daddy. Now he calls Me Mommy and Dave Mommy.

Funny kid!

Can You Resist That Smile???

2009-09-25T20:48:00.004-05:00

So, what has Cooper been up to? Well, now that he is a year and a HALF, a ton. Life is busy in our house. Cooper is trying (and succeeding) keeping up with big brother. He has added so many new words to his vocabulary. Here is a highlight of my favorites:

Cacker (cracker)
Mulk (milk)
Juuuuush (juice)
Git Down (I want up or down)
Drive Safe (drive safe)
Iloveyou (I love you)
Peeesha (pizza)
Wyatt (wyatt) - still trying to figure that one out
Unkey (monkey)
Mine Mine Mine (it's probably Sam's but I want it)
Shoes (shoes)
Geeets (treats)
Mommy (Mommy or Daddy)

He also started running which is a site to see! Adorable. Kisses now come in the form of a fish face and and a smack sound; rather than an open mouth hitting your cheek. Cooper, I must admit is not as much of a Mommy's boy as he is a DADDY'S boy. He wants to be Daddy's best buddy. But funny thing, when his Daddy leaves he yells Mommy. He use to call us both Daddy?? Maybe a little confusion.

Dinner, not high on the priority list for Cooper. Well, unless it is chicken nuggets, corn on the cob or pancakes. Sometimes we can sneak a corn dog in there. We think he is okay, not starving.

Naps are down to one and it isn't without a fight. But he still goes to a bed like a pro. When we say ready for night night he grabs his "b" (blanket) and heads to his REALLY BIG BOY bed. Cooper sleeps on the bottom bunk of the bunk beds he shares with his brother. Last night; however, I found him sleeping soundly in the hallway. Almost wonder if he sleep walk. Dave use to sleep walk. I still sleep shop (or at least that is what I tell Dave).

Cooper is in ahhh of his big brother. I love their little relationship. They really take care of each other. I hope they stay the best of buds for a long time!

Here in a week or so we have our 18 month appointment. But I can tell you his weight, 31 pounds. His brother, 33.

:o)

They Are Probably Updating Our Status

2009-09-25T20:46:00.003-05:00

I Should Really Teach Them To Update This Blog

2009-09-25T20:43:00.000-05:00

Filler

2009-09-09T18:53:00.002-05:00

To keep you coming around while I try to think of something creative to post.

There Was a Car on the Grass

2009-08-28T20:51:00.002-05:00

Sam: Mommy, are we going to drive on the grass?

Mommy: No. We don't drive on the grass.

S: Lawnmowers drive on the grass.

M: Yes.

S: Firetrucks drive on the grass.

M: Sometimes.

S: Uncle Rick drives on the grass with two wheels.

M: He does?

I Don't Care if It's a One Seater

2009-08-28T20:48:00.003-05:00

After this picture, Sam decided to climb out the window. Cooper decided to also, only the car toppled over with him. Thankfully no one got hurt.

Cooper has the funniest personality! That boy does not care who you are or how old you are you better not mess with him. And if you don't want to share then you better just be ready to run :o).

But he also carries his blanket around the house and sometimes even takes it out to dinner, to the store or school.

Transition

2009-08-24T17:55:00.002-05:00

In an effort to maintain my reputation of "impulse shopper", we bought the boys bunk beds over the weekend. We got a really good deal on the bunk beds themselves, but may have been suckered into over priced colorful mattresses. But enough about that....

We are also redoing the colors of the room, which Dave began last night. Which met that Cooper couldn't sleep in his crib. We took the mattress out and put him and Sam in the toy room. The picture above is how I found Cooper when I went to check on him. Hope he stays on his big boy bed!

Give Credit When Credit Deserved

2009-08-17T14:50:00.002-05:00

Today Cooper came into the kitchen to throw a wrapper away. I said "good job Cooper", and Sam responded from the other room:
"I told him to do that Mommy".

Boo Boo

2009-08-17T14:49:00.000-05:00

I discovered Cooper knew a new word.

After yesterday's ordeal at Urgent Care which consisted of 3 attempts to give and IV and one shot he had 4 bandaids.

When Cooper got home he would come to me as he discovered them and say "boo boo" and have me take them off.

So that is the new word boo boo.

Brotherly Love at It's Finest

2009-08-17T14:27:00.002-05:00

Let me start this story with Saturday afternoon. I took both boys up to a bounce place to meet a friend and her son Caleb. This place had jupiter jumps galore and across the street was a McDonald's. Sam saw that right off and told his friend Caleb he wanted to go there after they jumped. Sam and Caleb had a blast and Cooper just wondered around the place checking it out. But wasn't quite himself. When I picked him up toward the end he was burning up! I thought wow that is some major teething we got going on. We headed to McD's and each boy got a happy meal. I don't think any of the boys ate; Sam and Caleb because they were too interested in other things and Cooper because he looked like a pathetic little sick boy :o(. We left.

Fast forward to Sunday morning. Cooper woke up with a fever despite the Motrin we were giving him around the clock. Then he refused to eat blueberry muffins. We got him to drink a capri-sun but he threw it up (along with some milk that must have been in his tummy). YUCK. I decided with his high fever and that he couldn't keep juice down we needed to go to Urgent Care. They opened at 9:30, we got there at 9:35 and it was PACKED! It took Cooper throwing up in the waiting room at around 11:00 to finally get called back. They had no rooms available so we were put in a room with a nice cozy recliner, a VCR (yes they still make those) and a lot of books. I know, I know what does any of this have to do with brotherly love?? Well, when the nurse came back to take Cooper's vitals she said they needed to go weigh him. Sam and I stayed while Dave took Cooper. Cooper did not like getting weighed (I don't either) and was screaming. Sam promptly got up and said I will go make sure he is okay!!! I stopped him. Then the doctor came in and had to listen to Cooper and made Cooper upset and then asked for symptoms. We gave them. Apparently left one out, because Same said "Mommy don't forget to tell her he wouldn't McDonald's". The doctor said she wasn't sure what was wrong but they needed to do a chest xray, an IV, flu test, strep test and some lab work. Cooper was balling and Sam had a look of concern while we waited outside the room while he got the flu and strep test. I decided it would be best to take Sam home for a bit. Sam wouldn't talk the drive home and then wouldn't eat when we got him. He started crying and I asked what was wrong and he said "my Cooper". I said well let's get some clothes for him and go back. Sam then proceeded to get Cooper's favorite books, a toy saw (he said Cooper needed it) and one of his favorite b's (blankies) since Cooper threw up on his own. . Dave said it was going to be awhile so I called Sam's Elizabeth to come watch him and while we were waiting we brought brother his stuff. They still hadn't go the IV in Cooper when we got there and couldn't draw any blood either. Poor guy probably felt like a pin cushion. We dropped the stuff off and I took Sam home. When I got back Cooper was laying with his Daddy holding on to that saw for dear life. Sam must have known that the saw was the best thing.
We got home and Sam was so happy to see his brother, who thankfully did not have to get the IV because they couldn't find a vein. Instead he got some anti nausea medicine and Tylenol which brought the fever down and helped him drink something without throwing up. Later that night Sam started running a fever too and I said he needed to drink juice. Cooper promptly got up and brought Sam his capri-sun he was having earlier.

I had to blog this memory!

Football and Swim!

2009-08-15T10:58:00.000-05:00