true words

I ready this today on a blog I frequent and ~holycanoli~ it sums up how I've been feeling some days lately. Through it all I'm trying to stop, breathe, and enjoy my oh so fleeting Christmas moments with my babies though...

"You don't need to test me. I'm watching you. And I hope that you were not watching me because you might think getting mad and losing your mind is the answer. Oh, wait - YOU ALREADY DO. Sorry. You might get that from me and for that I apologize. In fact, I apologize for the way I acted . Sorry for the yelling. Sorry for the lack of patience. Sorry for not taking into consideration that you are a headstrong little mynx and if you weren't - half your magic would be missing. I am not proud. I am not certain I will never yell again, but I know without a shred of doubt that those who have the biggest share of my heart - deserve more patience + love. For even when my patience is thin... my love is thick and truly."

via ilovelife

little big

Yes Elmo I KNOW my vest looks big but I'm taking my vitamins and you always need some growing room right?

a mid week hello

photo from Smitty Baby
One, I've been thinking I want to get Cohen a belt. No, not because he has trouble keeping his pants up (though his diaper does peek out the top of his knickers 90% of the time) but just because look how CUTE they are.

Two, I'm in the process of putting together a Christmas card/Birth announcement for Rett. I hate making that decision as though one insignificant paper card is supposed to encompass his little personality or something. That, or I'm just indecisive. And on the topic of Christmas, I need to get a stocking for the little guy as well. Seen any cute ones out there? Also, for some pretty Christmas tunes check out Dave Barnes' album Very Merry Christmas.

Lastly, our sweet second-born has begun to smile and it will melt you into a puddle right there in the floor if you're not careful. Scroll down if you want, but don't say I didn't warn you.

little man-o-lantern

WOW what a year will do!!




Yes, it's the same shirt. And yes, he wore it to school today. Reduce Reuse Recycle right?!
Rett's halloween pics to come...

costume sneak peek and who's who..

We took "Mini Jack Sparrow" aka Cohen the Fierce to a Halloween outing on Saturday with some of his friends. Here are a couple of pictures. Chris and I both opted to go sans earring as it may have been just a TAD too much.





Try to see if you can guess who is who:

a:


b:


c:


d:


e:


f:


answers: a: rett b: cohen c: rett d: rett e: rett f: cohen

family of 4

funny title for a blog post being that I don't actually have a photo of said family of 4. fret not, I promise to try and make it happen soon.



it's official! We are now a family of 4. It feels good. Ask me again after my mom leaves me here to take care of all these boys alone but for now... life is as it should be. Praise God for a healthy baby boy!!

John Everett "Rett" Carreker
Born Friday September 24, 2010
5:29 pm
8 lbs. 4oz
20.25 inches

His name is John after my dad, and Chris's paternal grandfather. Everett after my maternal grandfather. He has been a WONDERFUL baby so far. Cohen is excited about him at least from time to time and each day seems a little more convinced that he might be here to stay. Last night he wanted "brother" to sleep in his bed with him. Luckily I grabbed the camera for one of what will hopefully be MANY sweet memories to come for the two of them. I'll try to post more photos later but here are a few.

Mia made cupcakes for Cohen to celebrate his brother's birthday. (really I think the two of them just needed a plan to have cupcakes)

what cohen's been up to

he's learning all about the potty and is very excited but not many actual "events" occurring here in the bathroom just yet.

he's sleeping in his big boy bed and LOVES it! His daddy made it for him.

and overall just being silly. I swear his front teeth aren't as large as they appear in the photo below. Or maybe they are and I just love him so much that I couldn't care less! ;o)

it's not like I'm surprised...

I love Target and everything about it.
Look at these... gonna force me to be that girl who pulls out the sweater and cords WAY to early. Emily, if you can buy punkins, Can I wear these?

unnecessary and wasteful

I found THIS funny article on Apartment Therapy and I chuckled to myself.

Questions:

1. Which one do I disagree with? (ie actually think IS useful)
2. Which one do I totally support? (agree that it is a waste)

Lets see what you think too.

ninjabread men

Hiiiiiyyyy-YA!
Now THESE are cute. I suppose now that I'll be outnumbered by the boys in my house I'll have to revisit my approach to teaching homemaking skills. Yes, my sons WILL learn to bake. Like it or not. Hey their girlfriends will appreciate the homemade cookies one day, right?

Can't promise I'll teach them how to remember to turn the oven off though as I've still not mastered that one me-self.

found this idea here

In case I forget to write a letter to Santa

My mom reminded me of something the other day...

I found something I hearted online and passed it along to her for a Christmas gift idea. Then she replied, "You know, you have a birthday coming up before that." Oh gosh she's right! I think with having a baby due in October and then Cohen's birthday in November I had completely forgotten. Oh my is it really happening? Are my children ACTUALLY making me less selfish? PLEASE let it be so.

Since then I've seen a few more things and I thought I'd pass them along. Not so I can get them as gifts. Just because the blog needs to be updated and I thought you might like to see these items too ;o)

Here goes...

French Bull

(Taylor, not sure if you've seen this company but I knew you'd love the name and logo.) I had seen their stuff around in different shops in town but found a link to their website and saw ALLL the stuff they have to choose from. I mainly want a picnic set. 1. because the weather is cooling off and I want to take my boys on a picnic. They won't appreciate the cute dinnerware BUT I WILL!

One Line a Day Memory Book

This book is so appealing to be because of all the things I didn't write down with Cohen that I hope to write down (Lord help me) with little brother. Its just one line each day. I can do it. I can. I swear.

Tupperware

I want some tupperware containers. Partially because I'm old fashioned and also because the $19.99 set of like 42 bowls with lids I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond are, well... not cutting it. I'm not sure the tops ever did fit the correct bowls and certainly cannot be located now that a (remaining nameless) 21 month old has rearranged the cabinet going on 500 times.
I would also like some of these strictly because I drank out of them, think they're cute, and fear they will stop making them one day.

Auburn Shirt

I need to replace the Auburn gear that I have had since college. After two babies and lots of sweaty armpits, suffice it to say they don't fit like they used to. I think I'd prefer the classics. Maybe this and this. Football seasons starts next week and while I REALLY wish for a trip to the plains I don't think that's in the cards this year. Next year though, get in the suburban boys we're taking a trip!! Cohen's gonna FLIP I know it.

That's all I can think of at the moment and this has been a really long post so I'm off to rest my weary body for a few minutes before crazy wakes up. We're napping in the big bed this weekend. It hasn't been too bad but I'm dreading the nights. Any advice?

Tootles.

Hello Mary Collins

My BEAUTIFUL niece has arrived. She's doing great and her mom was a CHAMP through a long delivery.

Mary Collins Tolbert
July 26, 2010 at 6:21pm
7 lbs. 12 oz
20.75 inches
brown fuzzy hair and mommy's dark eyes we think so far!

Oh I love her. More photos to come.

Where For Art Thou Rodeo

I debated taking Cohen to his first rodeo tonight. I just though he might be a little young to enjoy it.

he.

proved.

me.

wrong.



just try not to jump through the computer and kiss that face!

pickles and a niece (almost)

We picked 7 cucumbers from our garden last weekend. Seven. There are only 3 of us living in this house. SO, I decided to do the only logical thing and make pickles.

Mid-pickle-making, I get a text from my sister telling me she's going to the hospital because she thinks she's in labor.
Do I abandon half made pickles and head to Memphis? YES!! I wanted to but I waited to hear back from her later.

good plan. she got sent home.

What a bummer right? So, long story short, if nothing else happens between now and then, I'm going to get a little niece on Monday July 26! I can't wait to meet her and snorgle her face (see Erika for interpretation).

And the best news around OUR house lately is that Cohen finished swimming lessons! Yes, he swims in our pool without floaties or a life vest and he's 20 months old. I can brag, it's ok because he's my son and I'm P to the ROUD.

I will try to post a video of him soon. For now lets just say THANK YOU Mrs. Sara. You are our hero.

really?

I was browsing Wal-Mart.com for maternity clothes and behold...



unacceptable

Happy 4th of July

He loved the fireworks!! He also loved the glow necklaces and spinning light that his Mia and Pa had on hand... nothing quite like grandparents who think of EVERYTHING!

Aint no mistakin'

This boy is a Texan through and through!
(i beg you to disregard them massive spaghetti splatter adorning his shorts)

For the Kegs...

I thought I'd take a moment to tell you about our dear friends, the McKeaiggs, who are beginning the process of adopting a child. You might not be familiar with all it takes to adopt a baby but WOW... it's no simple task.

Kent and Emily are 2 of the most wonderful people ever. I wish you could meet them but at least you can see them below.
(Hers is wearing the stripey scarf and hims is right behind her)



they are caring.
they are cool.
they are thoughtful and kind.
they are amazing Cohen-sitters
And for the past few years have wanted desperately to bring home a child of their own to love, nurture, & raise.

They're well on their way I'm happy to report! After a HUGE garage sale and selling custom designed McKeaigg family T-shirts, they are 1/4 of the way to raising the funds needed to adopt. It's no small amount I tell you.



Well, Guess what? YOU CAN HELP THEM!

You can visit their website and learn a little more about their journey as well as purchase a (super cool) T-shirt if you feel inclined to do so.
www.kentandemily.com

If you've never been through an adoption process alongside someone, as I hadn't until now... I'd encourage you to read this blog entry from Design Mom I stumbled upon a while back. It really moved me. Mind you, it has NOTHING to do with Kent and Emily's story but really conveys the message that whatever manner your child makes his way into your home, your life & your heart... that child "is meant to be yours and yours alone"

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Cohen and His Brother

That's right. Little Brother is due October 12, 2010. Poor second born already getting the short end of the deal. Having been in utero for 24 weeks now, he FINALLY gets mention on the blog.

Blame this guy... he's been keeping me busy. But busy=fun 99% of the time~

Faces of Easter

at first the excitement was minimal. The look in his eyes said, Mom, there better be something good in this basket to warrant all this picture-taking nonsense.


Then there was mention of cookies and Elmo. He perked up.


After a few ooh's...


There was the light up spinning egg which created some buzz


But all in all I think he was pleased.

Hope you had a great weekend too!