Here we come 2014!

Our family is going through a lot of changes this year. I am very excited about it, looking forward to it. I feel like the little irritating piece of sand inside a clam that gets worked and worked until it becomes a pearl. I am so grateful for my beautiful family, Michael, Evan and Cora Grace. If I had my way, there would be more so we'll see. ;) 

We had a good 2013. Really good. Our favorite thing was getting to go home to California on a driving trip that I never blogged or posted pictures for (yet?). We loaded up our trusty CRV and took a week to stop in St. Louis, the drive through South Dakota was my FAVORITE, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Rexburg, Idaho for Cora Grace and my baby brother Isaac to finally meet (he was on his mission when she was born then went straight to school), Salt Lake City Utah to visit with and stay with amazing friends, a last minute stop in Las Vegas and got to see another great friend then California finally. It was great traveling with the kids, once we got to CA, we were there for a week, helping my parents pack up their house of 33 years to move. It was very rewarding to help alongside my brother Jesse. The kids cooperated perfectly at my parents house and loved jumping on their trampoline till their hearts content. Let's not forget all the cousins we got to visit with! Aunts and Uncles were everywhere and Cora even finally got to see the Ocean (she preferred the sand with cousin Adelle). Evan and Stewart made up for her by playing in the freezing ocean enough for all of us. :) On our way back to Tennessee we stopped at the Grand Canyon and it was so beautiful. I look forward to going back and taking more time there. We also got to go to Gatlinburg with the kids in December. I hope we take other trips this year, even for a couple days. Even more fun, we started camping this fall with the kids. We kinda got addicted going probably 4 times in a two month period? The kids LOVED sleeping in a tent, with Smokey, with mommy and daddy, Evan got to pee on trees! lol. We just had a great time being together, we just focused on enjoying each other and the moment. It payed off and we are going to focus in 2014 on doing more things like this as a family. Two of our camping trips took us down the road to Cedars of Lebanon State Park. The first time we went, I saw their lodge that they use for group parties, events and weddings. As soon as I saw these doors I knew we needed to take our Holiday pictures there, so we got dressed up on a cold cold day, set up the tripod and timer. All we did was press the button for the family shots! I took the rest and just love my hobby of photography, especially when we capture something like this. Here you go... Happy 2014: a year of JOY, positive changes- inside and out for all of us. Love to all.

These trouble makers love each other so much AND argue with each other so much! ha ha ha. Cora tattles with a smirk on her face, Evan is genuinely concerned about what trouble Cora get into. ha! Then they play together again like nothing happened.

Our Christmas/New Years Card this year.. in front of 'the doors'. Everyone loves my new boots. Me too! I got them through Zulilly! I will email you an invite if you ask and want to find unique finds. xo

I just love this slightly different shot with Cora hugging me that I couldn't leave it out. <3

Our babies, best friends. Evan is 5 now, looking forward to Kindergarten in the Fall. More like OBSESSED with Kindergarten in the Fall. Every night he asks if he can go to Kindergarten yet. Its so sad and sweet at the same time. Cora Grace will be 4 in JUNE! I can't even say 3 1/2 because she's such a big girl, acting 4. Both of these crazies have grown 2 inches since the summer. That is amazing.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park

I am LUCKY. My Heart is full.

I don't have a picture to show you but I can create it with my journal. God has been so good to me and my family. This is the busiest time of my life. Before having children, even though I had the best time with my husband, I was bored... waiting for them to enter and 'excite' my life. Oh, they're doing that alright. :) They also excite others lives, in good and in challenging ways. ha ha ha. I do remember sitting and daydreaming on the couch before kids thinking, 'I will never do this when they are here, there will be no time.' Thankfully, I am sitting on the couch as I type this and the Lord has provided these times so I can document it for my family. He's also given all he's given for my learning and edification as a neighbor, woman, wife and mother. I had to stop blogging months ago because I needed to focus on my family more. It was a good vacation. I feel like for the first time in months, I'm seeing the sunshine through the clouds of not knowing what to do. Don't get me wrong, I have had such fun days with my family especially the kids but with the background noise of "i need to do more, i need to learn more, i need to be more", hanging over my head. I now realize I don't need to put so much pressure on myself and I'm not sure how I got there anyway because it's not like me.
Evan does not like to go to day care. He and Cora Grace only go 2 times a week but it's at the end of the week. I have come to some conclusion that this doesn't work well for him. I reluctantly put them in day care in the first place as I had always planned to be a stay at home mom. As reality showed me they would have to go, I resolved myself to see the positive in it and chose a daycare that also did some education as I saw my son so eager to learn anything you teach him. He was 2 1/2? when he started and already knew his alphabet, upper and lower case letters, home phone number and address. I hoped the teachers would see this and build on it as I had no clue what I should teach him - i was afraid of telling him too much so he wouldn't be bored in Kindergarten once he got there (I'm not worried about that anymore). I feel I was a lazy parent after that, assuming they would teach and cultivate his brain those academic things, instead, it was day care. He had fun doing crafts and getting read to etc but he was scratched and bitten every week for months, thankfully he wasn't bothered by this so we didn't demand action or anything. Academically his "report cards" didn't acknowledge the things I knew he already knew either. I brushed it off as they got him on an off day? Later when he moved to a new class, he experimented in the same behaviors shown him. "OH JOY!" Not only there but at Church as he began Sunbeams. It has been a lot of challenges with his behavior since then but through it he remains, smart as a whip, sweeter than nectar, great with Cora especially, loving to those who show him sincere love and interest and he's been very helpful with anything we ask. As a parent we see his energy, yes, but we see those sweet things so it's very confusing to hear the challenges he has had for the past year+ at day care and at church (running out of his classroom, tantrums, talking back). 6 or so months ago, he started having tantrums in various forms for the first time ever to express his dismay for something. We have been so confused! It is also frustrating to hear people judging him that don't know him and I'm afraid, my defence of him, made it worse because I was focused on correcting them, rather than showing Evan the love and attention he was crying out for. "I don't LIKE day care, I don't want to go there." and "I don't want to go to church or daycare". He started saying they were "dangerous", when I asked what that meant, he said they were "too loud", I've asked what that means and he says, "they are noisy". Well, he's right about that! lol. I've never been to a louder primary before but I couldn't believe it bothered him for real. I thought it was an excuse, as he's a very smart/wise kid, perceptive to his surroundings. Daycare, is 21 kids in class and his classroom is also the hallway for 2 other classes so there's lots of noise and even more distractions. Recently Evan received his first warning and they only get 3 before being expelled from the day care, 2 calendar weeks but only 4 days later, even though "he actually had a really great day today... till his teacher left for the day (at 5p)". By the time I came to pick him up that day at 6, he had a 2nd warning. UGH! He doesn't get it, doesn't understand the repercussions or his actions, doesn't know what it means that he could be kicked out of his school/daycare. THIS is the point that brought me and Mike to our humble knees. We just love this kid. We know his potential and we know that God sent him to us for us to be the ones to fight for him and encourage his potential. We are all created in His image so we know Mike and I can do more for Evan and we know, even at just 4 years old, Evan has more he can do for himself and more he can understand even at this age. A wise wise friend and fairy godmother recently expressed to me that Evan may be my, get on my knees child and I realized, I hadn't really been there. She was wise and the spirit knew he could use her to get through to my walled up heart where I shut everyones opinions out, to protect my innocent child. I got on my knees and am still there and there is already progress. I am seeing loving guidance from my Heavenly Father and I am remembering to thank Him for his hand in turning our heads. I feel very optimistic for Evans near future because I decided to trust my Heavenly Father - go figure. I just got caught up in the fluff of life and I'm mad about it so I'm now channeling that same energy to being proactive for Evan (and Cora Grace). So, if you see Evan and he's having a hard time, please, give him love, give him attention, don't analyse and dissect him just treat him as Christ would. Forgive me for being a sub-par parent and influencing some of his bad behaviors too. I'm working on myself in the process and it's a lifetime commitment.
I am grateful for a husband who loves and supports me and our family in whatever we need. He has been very busy with his professional life and church obligations yet he gives to our family freely and completely and sometimes I don't realise it as I should. I love you Michael. I just love that Evan, he takes my breath away. Mike and I STILL check on him after he's gone to sleep to marvel at him, that he's ours and that we even have a him to check on. Cora Grace is still a joy, she is INDEPENDENT and so loving and accommodating, a future mother already. Strangers and friends alike still comment on her cuteness and I hope she keeps that spirit forever. Even my puppy Smokey who's got to be 13 now? is the sweetest dog, letting the kids bother him, loyal still to me even though I abandoned him 4 + years ago for a brown eyed human baby :). What I'm "lucky" about is not really just my family but for the gospel and being able to communicate with a loving Heavenly Father when I feel dispare or when I am feeling carefree. I'm lucky He lies in wait to love and guide me when I'm ready to come to him or have forgotten to check in and guess what, he forgives me. I am lucky. I am lucky to have listened to his promptings and together with Mike, steered Evan in a more positive direction for the past two weeks and today at Sonic, waiting for our food got the unexpected exclamation from Evan, "Mommy.... I love you and Daddy." It's not unusual for him to say that to us but today, it felt like a trophy for loving him better than before and not giving up on him like others around him have. I love learning and look forward to what's next for me and my family members. It's refreshing to type again. I miss it, as has been said before, I hope I'll be back soon. xo Lila

PEZ

Tonight I was enjoying my favorite Christmas gift aside from Michael buying me a great necklace I LOVE, wireless headphones to watch TV with once the kids go to bed. With our cozy home and light sleeper Cora, it's hard to have 'me time' to get my 'Bachelor' or "Big Brother' or "Parenthood' etc on. Evan veeeerrrrrrry rarely wakes in the night but tonight woke around 11p? and wanted to cuddle. As I said, I was in "me time" so I encouraged him to cuddle with daddy. ;). Once settling him into cuddles with a very willing daddy, I went about tidying a few things before back to my show when I noticed the kids (empty) Snowman Pez dispensers and refill near by propped up on the kitchen counter. (similar to this)

I know how my children love to rummage through the house before we wake up and even though I shouldn't be encouraging it... I did what any self respecting loving parent would, I filled each Pez despenser with 5 pez each for them to find in the morning. Evan's is all white where as CG's face is clear. I wanted to encourage sharing so after doing my 'elfing' I went to Evan in our bedroom to help clarify without giving away my secret plot, who's is who's so they hopefully give eachother their own pez (we'll see!). I asked Evan which pez was his, he seemed confused a bit so I suggested that maybe the all white one was his and the clear faced one was Coras. He agreed and went on to elaborate on the details describing his own as "all white in the face and body and coras is all white body but a 'glass' face."lol. but then he warned me, "they are on the counter top (then wagging his finger back and forth), but don't look in them because you will be surprised that there is nothing in there. There is nothing in there, so don't look at them (still wagging the finger)" Mike and I just always look at each other and laugh, not wanting to slow the free talk for fear we will lose out on a jem like this conversation about pez. I wouldn't be surprised if I got in trouble in the morning when he finds these. He's a rule keeper once he understands them so he may think it's bad to have candy at all much less in the morning. On the other hand, he may eat it and never tell me. ha ha ha.

What love is...

when you go to check on your 3 year old after he's asleep and he wakes up a little when you kiss his forehead. you tell him you love him and he whispers back, "can i have a little bit of water?" :)
[after water and a potty break...]
after that, he insists to please read him a story. he wouldn't take no for an answer and couldn't be persuaded to be told a story from memory either. lol. we read "Dimity Duck", his first favorite book as a baby. he had it memorized then even though he's rusty now. it was a nice moment with evan. I'm going to try to document these this way more often. <3

A Tribute to a friend

These are all the pictures I could steal from the Internet of my friend Mehgan Porter. I would like to call her my friend, even though that's a stretch. More accurately, I could say I am an admirer of hers and a friend to her Mom. Mehgan is only maybe 32 years old, the oldest of 6 kids and after battling stage 4 colon cancer since the fall of 2010, died tonight surrounded by all her immediate family in California. Her mom emailed everyone just now with the news. Just last week their family was told Mehgan had 6-8 weeks left. I know they used this week wisely to help her know their love for her to make her transition smoother.  I can't go to sleep without documenting my own feelings about it all.
Her mom, Mari, was my Young Women's leader in my youth. I even got to babysit their then, 3 kids a couple times. When I became an adult, we became friends and when Mike and I were living in California with my parents, Mari was my Visiting Teacher (the best one I've ever had in fact) and Aldric was our home teacher. Mari has been sending updates on Mehgan's set backs and triumphs for the past few months and I'm so grateful as we were really able to help pray and send our love and support. The kids even sent a 'hug' to her of their hand prints to help cheer her up after a round of especially tough treatments.
Mehgan accomplished much in her life that I am aware of. Somehow, she had alluded marriage-maybe cause she was sort of a no nonsense tom boy lol but she is, what I know, so smart-hard working, passionate about life and her family, funny and kind among many other traits I'm sure. I'm not sure how long she practiced but she worked hard and earned a law degree and passed the bar. She was working as an Attorney at her diagnosis I know. I was told she also enjoyed helping her dad Aldric Porter work on the films he was working on. She got to go to the North Carolina set for Hunger Games for a month or so and on her blog said she loved the experience. I think she also wrote her own screen play, finishing it up despite her treatments. I don't know what it was about or if it's intended for t.v. or film but I admire that she was dedicated to write.... Anyway, I want to remember her here on my journal so I don't forget that I loved her and love her family so much. Her parents have always been generous with Mike and I with their friendship and our hearts hurt for the earthly life they have lost but are grateful to know they are at peace that she isn't suffering anymore. They have an amazing resiliency in this hard time, including their understanding that she is in a perfect place, free from pain, with loved ones and because she had a strong faith in God, they know she is with him too.

"She brought out the best in all who knew her, and she will continue to inspire us to be our best selves. We know she is being joyfully welcomed by those who have gone before, and is wrapped in the arms of our Savior, who will easily say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." - her mom Mari"

This is an article I found written about her this year: http://www.californiaysa.org/featured/it-doesnt-take-much/
I'm sorry I will not be able to go to the services but I have a great mommy who will send our love and report back to me on what will be, I'm sure a beautiful service this Saturday. Bless you Porter Family, we are praying for your peace. xo Mike & Lila


Ruffie

After a failed attempt at taking Easter pictures, I just wanted to document Evan with one of his current obsessions. At Christmas, Grandma Jennie gave him this dog (I believe it's called 'Sparky'). It yips, 'walks', sits and does a back flip. Cool huh?! I definitely thought so... not so much for Evan (or Cora Grace). He would screeeeeam for us to turn it off, run from the room it was in and hide behind a wall or couch. Finally about a month ago? he started getting curious after his mean mom occasionally forced it on him. He loves it now! One Friday for daycare, Evan's class was asked to bring something that started with "R". I'm sure they meant for you to bring a pet "R"ock or a "R"ainbow but I decided then and there that the dogs name was now "Ruffie" so Evan could go share him and the name has stuck ever since. lol :). I love being sneaky.

Now Evan will sleep with Ruffy, plays with him every day (till he gets in trouble) and wants him in the car and outside with him. So, thank you GJ, you're the best.

Bunny Neighbor

Today I went in the back yard to get the sprinkler ready for some 'SUMMER' (even though it's definately Spring!) fun for the kids before naps. Something caught my eye in the grass... an Easter egg! Upon closer inspection I saw it was from "Bunny Neighbor" next door. :) They obviously threw the treat over our fence, one for each baby. I grabbed the camera then the kids to document their reactions to this unexpected gift! They were so excited and looooved their m&m's. It helped them take a wonderful nap too. :) Thank you "Bunny Neighbor" (Tonya), you are the sweetest and made our day with your thoughtfulness. :)

Cleaning out clutter and Catching up.

I am preparing Mike to accept the fact that we will be adopting again. :) (no we are not signed up and he's reading this all right now, plotting how he can get me to stop saying such things. ha ha ha) When we were first married, yes we had no clue to an extent but, we wanted a big family - 6 kids. After all the years of aging, infertility, adoption stress and not preparing enough monetarily, it has deterred only one of us from our original goal. :) Not me :). Annnnnyway, in order to have another baby there are many things I know need to happen but there are also a few things I want at the same time. {no order} 1. we need to save up money for an adoption (between $10,000 and $13,000 dollars, easy right?)and I want to have a yard sale soon to benefit it. 2. I need to de-clutter and organize my space so we can all fit in our 1100sf home. 3. I'd want to move to a bigger home before we do paperwork, otherwise you have to do your home study all over with your new address. costly and time consuming. I can't afford to take more time than it's taking to even convince the daddy right now! lol. 4. I know I need to be on a budget so we can scrimp and save for the possibility of a down payment (as WELL as the adoption cost) 5. It may be time for a minivan... more saving but I'm in mourning over the thought of not having my CRV. I just love love love that car! I just don't like having to take so many cars when we go out with friends so a minivan is such a convenience and I've always wanted one or a huge passenger van. No, I'm not kidding but would still miss my CRV.
There are more things on my mind but right now I've been trying to give the kids more attention. After my recent post where I was stressed out about what was said about Evan, I am happy to report he is thankfully the same, smart, beautiful, inquisitive, energetic, toe walking, funny, sweet and loving son & big brother he's ever been. I have planted my feet firmly in trusting my parental skills to be smart about what he needs and how I can help him. I don't think he needs anything but continued confidence in him, love and positive attention so he's going to have that. Thank you to everyone who silently or physically commented, sent emails, called or talked to me about it. I get in my own world and forget what wonderful, caring friends and family I have to lean on when I'm having a hard day. . . More about Evan; I finally decided to bite the bullet and potty train him for real about a month ago. As reported, he started pooping in the potty and I decided no diapers after that, I knew he could do it. He's slept through the night with a dry diaper for about a year now so that wasn't a concern but just in case, he got a pull up for the first time for the first 2-3 nights then we ditched that and he's only been in underwear. Mike and I are just so impressed with his self motivation to go potty and through the night! I really have to give some credit to day care for this. They are very consistent with asking the kids to go potty and they have little baby toilets so you can imagine the motivation to use their own size potty. :) I wish we had one! Anyway, he only recently wet the bed two nights, got a pull up the 3rd night, wet it then the next night we had him sit on the potty more consistently before bed and 'get it all out'. That was the ticket and he's off and running again with dry nights (knock on wood). He cheerfully wakes us up almost every morning at the inhuman hour of 830am (LOL), bouncing and chanting "MOMMY!" or "DADDY, can I cuddle with you?" He has his favorite green blankie and maybe a stuffed animal with him then he nestles in between us. He cuddles and strokes our hair, softly pleading to watch "Wonder Pets" most days cause that's the show Daddy has recorded on 'his' TV. He loves watching Madagascar 1 & 2, Charlotte's Web (as of this week), Toy Story 3 and I can count on him to do anything for me so he can watch his movies. Sometimes he gets to earn 30minutes of watching, sometimes he can watch the whole thing, either way, he has turned our new couch purchase into his own lounger. lol :). Now that it's sunny out we have been out almost every day and no, I haven't brought my camera. Evan is very very happy about this weather. Oh, and Daddy is his 'best friend". Whatever. ;). Still calls Peppermint Pattie's "Your Momma" and I'm not trying to stop him. he he he.
Cora Grace is a straight up mess of love. She is wild. You go to get her from her crib jail in the morning and she's standing with her hair all crazy till you start walking towards her. Next she drops int he crib and does tactical moves to avoid you picking her up as she giggles. :) hilarious. As soon as you get her out of the bed to change her diaper she is feverishly signing 'milk' but saying "Mihhhlol. I'm not kidding, she really tries to pick you up. Cora is wild, she chases Evan, let's him chase her, pulls his hair (sometimes at his request), helps me give love smacks to Evan's booty (oh it's so fun!), prefers mommy over daddy :), still tries to flip backward when you hold her on your lap. She tries to go anywhere Evan does and nothing is cuter than when she puts her rain boots on then stops around the house or chases some bubbles outside... with her pig tails in. :)
Mike has waited for this weather  to turn so he could begin his long awaited love affair with our cluttered garage. He's been on a mission to finish a bunch of projects and it's paying off nicely around here. I've been going through old papers and cards from when Evan was born. It was so nice to reminisce old friends words from before I was married even, about what they think of me and ... I'm still the person they described. Instead of feeling like I am immature for being now, like I was then, I think I was ahead of my time, then, in some senses. :) (hope that made sense). Anyway, it made me feel good and I want to feel good. So... I've been cleaning out those old boxes and cleaning up crevices and cracks around the house so we can build a bigger pile for our Yard Sale. {btw, if any of you have old stuff around the house you'd like to donate to the sale, let us know, we'll be happy to arrange to get it from you} It's not an 'official Adoption yard sale' but believe you me, all proceeds will go towards our children if I can't win Mike over to the dark side to consider #3.
Anyway, I'm grateful Mike has been so successful in Real Estate and pray that continues. He is working so hard for our family and excited about what he does. His hard work in the garage has trickled into the house as well and I'm never going to be mad at that. Lately I've had a stronger desire to be more on top of things in our home so getting his help is encouraging that I can do it too.
I'm doing really well at Tangerine so that is great. I have many projects ahead with helping plan our Inaugural "Tennessee" FSA conference in April then doing hair for a United Way Runway Fashion show our salon is heading up for May 5th. Let's not forget how delinquent I have been in capturing my family in photos so I need to be getting my camera out again to dazzle you all with my hobby. In closing, I just want to say, I'm not quite out of a funk I've been in but there have been many friends, family and even strangers lately who have really perked me up, showing me things about me I didn't yet know about myself and I'm excited about my new found information. I am no fan of feeling sorry for my/yourself, especially cause I know we could all do better if we would rely on the Lord for our self esteem, love and guidance in all things. That is just it, I've been relying too heavily on myself lately. The faster I go back to leaning on Him, the faster I'll be back to 100%. I can't wait. :)

"F-Score" Personality Test

Recently my salon all took this personality test. It's "What makes YOU Facinating?" by Sally Hogshead. The Facination Score (F-Score) reveals your two primary 'triggers' and your dormant trigger (you're least likely to apply to your personality and behavior) that help you facinate others.  It was really interesting, fun and spot on for me. I think Mike was happy with his F-Score too. Please go to the site to take your own "Facination Advantage Test".

Lila:  YOUR PRIMARY TRIGGER: POWER

You are a natural leader.

WHO YOU ARE: Confident • Goal-Oriented • Influential • Opinionated • Decisive

HOW YOU FASCINATE:

» You influence others with self-assured ideas and action.
» You energetically tackle big goals, giving you the potential to motivate large groups.
» People instinctively look to you for cues of how to behave.

POWER TRIGGER LEADERS: Rupert Murdoch, Bill Gates, Arianna Huffington, Jim Collins

HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR POWER TRIGGER:

First, recognize that your primary ability to fascinate is through your natural use of the POWER trigger. Now it's time to learn exactly how to develop your natural ability to use POWER to persuade, influence, attract, and inspire everyone you encounter.

YOUR SECONDARY TRIGGER: PASSION

You quickly create warm emotional connections.

WHO YOU ARE: Expressive • Intuitive • Social • Impulsive • Enthusiastic

HOW YOU FASCINATE:
» You captivate others with your vibrant and attractive style of communication.
» Your approachable and transparent style makes you an "open book."
» You intuitively understand ideas and feelings of others.

PASSION TRIGGER LEADERS: Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo da Vinci, Tom Peters, Jim Carrey, Jack Welch, Nicholas Sparks

HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR PASSION TRIGGER:

PASSION is one of the most immediately fascinating triggers. With PASSION as your secondary trigger, you capture widespread attention through colorful words, ideas, and actions. Now it's time to understand how to develop and apply that style of communication, so that you can more strategically persuade and inspire people throughout your job and career.

Based on the 75,000 people who have taken this same test, we've developed our matrix of 49 Personality Archetypes.

Here is YOUR personality’s fascination archetype:

POWER + PASSION = The Ringleader

You are The Ringleader.

You are:

• Motivating
• Vigorous
• Compelling

Now that you've discovered your personality archetype, it's time to find out more about your archetype's unique strengths and weaknesses. Soon, we'll be offering our new premium Fascination Advantage Report. This customized, in-depth Report gives a clear, practical, and 10-page guide to your style of influence. Inside, you will learn how to:

» Harness your fascination advantage
» Capture respect and command attention at work and at home
» Avoid potential personality pitfalls
» Attract new customers and build a following
» Surround yourself with the key people you need to succeed

Get a first look at the other 48 fascination archetypes, including The Velvet Touch, The Anarchist, and The Bullseye. Click here to go to HowToFascinate.com.

Mike: YOUR PRIMARY TRIGGER: TRUST

You build loyalty through consistency.


WHO YOU ARE: Stable • Dependable • Familiar • Reliable • Comforting

HOW YOU FASCINATE:

» People increasingly respect you over time, because you consistently deliver.
» You're constant in your words and actions.
» In a confusing and stressful world, you influence decision-making because you're dependable.

TRUST TRIGGER LEADERS: Sam Walton, Norman Rockwell, Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln


HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR TRUST TRIGGER:

Because of your primary TRUST trigger, people rely on you more than they do on other personalities. Now it's time to learn exactly how to activate your natural ability to create TRUST. By understanding and applying your main triggers, you can better shape decisions and inspire people at work, making sure your messages are heard and remembered.

YOUR SECONDARY TRIGGER: ALARM

You prompt deliberate action.

WHO YOU ARE: Perfectionistic • Reliable • Routine-Oriented • Careful • Rational

HOW YOU FASCINATE:

» You incite immediate action by keeping an eye on potential negative consequences
» You are sensitive to the demands and expectations of others.
» You set high expectations, and establish the structure for others to follow through.

ALARM TRIGGER LEADERS: Rush Limbaugh, Simon Cowell, Ann Coulter, Genghis Khan

HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR ALARM TRIGGER:

You earn influence by watching the details, in order to protect your beliefs with your natural ALARM trigger. Now it's time to learn exactly how to develop your natural ability to protect others and your beliefs, so that you can more efficiently shape decisions and direct action.

Based on the 75,000 people who have taken this same test, we've developed our matrix of 49 Personality Archetypes.

Here is YOUR personalitys fascination archetype:

TRUST + ALARM = The Good Citizen

You are The Good Citizen.

You are:

• Observant
• Modest
• Preventative

Now that you've discovered your personality archetype, it's time to find out more about your archetype's unique strengths and weaknesses. Soon, we'll be offering our new premium Fascination Advantage Report. This customized, in-depth Report gives a clear, practical, and 10-page guide to your style of influence. Inside, you will learn how to:

» Harness your fascination advantage
» Capture respect and command attention at work and at home
» Avoid potential personality pitfalls
» Attract new customers and build a following
» Surround yourself with the key people you need to succeed

Get a first look at the other 48 fascination archetypes, including The Velvet Touch, The Anarchist, and The Bullseye. Click here to go to HowToFascinate.com.

Take it too and tell me what you are. :)

so sad and so stressed out

I have been so overwhelmed in the last couple months. {hence the no posting and barely using my camera} When you dream of being a mother (for instance) you imagine, throwing your kids in the air, hugging and loving them, watching movies together while cuddling, going to play mini golf, playing sports, chasing butterfly's and puppies... not... Talking back 3 year old, sneaky 21month old, working mommy, busy daddy. That's not what bothers me the most. In the new year I was 'cocky' thinking, not only did I feel Evan was great at 2, turning 3 in October hadn't really hit any hitches either. (i don't consider his activeness a problem, even if it's tiring sometimes) No sooner did I think that when the new year came and so did many unforeseen changes with unforeseen reactions. Evan had moved up to the 3 year old class at Day care and graduated from Nursery at church to the big kids primary class, Sunbeams. The day care move was wonderful for the first couple months till my favorite of his teachers, the attentive one, moved to the night because of her school schedule. At church he had a whole new group of leaders and teachers to 'direct him' plus tons more kids to be distracted by. His 2nd? week in Primary, my friend came to tell me that Evan tried to bite someone! I couldn't believe it. he has NEVER tried to bite, ever. As a matter of fact, we were so happy that when he kept getting 'boo boo reports' from day care because he was being bitten, we were glad it wasn't the reverse. I attempted to handle it right away and as far as I know, he hasn't done that since. That was a Sunday of course, well, Thursday at day care, he had a new teacher to replace the old for day time and that evening, Mike got a report that he did bite the new teacher! I was really upset about this. He'd never so much as attempted it before and to me it felt like he was on a rampage or something, even trying to bite me a couple days later. He has learned 'we don't bite people, we only bite food', thankfully (and there hasn't been any more reports of it). The week after biting the day care teacher was when Courtney called on a Thursday for us to meet her last minute in Memphis that Saturday/Sunday (only to not show up). That day I also sent Evan to school for the first time in underwear because he's been doing amazing on the potty front. He came home with 2 pairs of wet pants and underwear, now wearing a diaper. What the heck?! The old teacher was very reassuring of how vigilant they would be, when he came in underwear, knowing it was new for him. Whatever, I tried to get over it but hoped they'd be on top of it more the next time he came. Friday the day before we left for Memphis, I took him in a diaper because it felt like they weren't ready for him to be in underwear. When I got there, an old teacher I don't interact with was there and I decided to see if I could talk to her quickly about the wetting and be reassured he wasn't biting still (though the school is VERY good about sending home 'accident' reports on such things fyi). I was concerned that all these new changes in his 3 year old world were too much for him and I was feeling like a failure to recognize some 'sign' of what to do for the poor kid. So, I asked what happened that he came come in a 3rd pair of pants the day before. She attempted to explain that he's in "transition" (don't know what that means and didn't want to interrupt, then forgot to get clarification) and "not ready right now" to potty train. ???? I was so confused. 2 weeks before I was encouraged to send him in underwear cause he WAS ready. Anyway, she paused and said, "Can I ask you a question? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to....". Ummm... I said "Sure?" "... Have you ever had him... 'tested'". I asked, "for what!?" (proper peeing technique in day care? lol) "Well.... for ADD"? Ooooooh goodness. So Thaaat's it. He of course has to have ADD. I said, very pointedly "No, and he's not going to. He's only 3." She said she was only asking because he walks on his toes and 'used to' parallel play but now more group plays... and ... "I know he's adopted... so sometimes you don't know his health history... my son was diagnosed with ADD, now we're testing him for Autism".** I'm pretty sure my blood was boiling so bad for not only trying to give him a disorder that can't possibly be assessed at 3 (if so, all 3 year old would be ADD) and that she somehow thought it appropriate to bring up his adoption (as if she knows anything about it or him. THIS IS OUR FIRST CONVERSATION remember) at that point in defense of my sweet baby who YES has more energy that an army of children and also uses his words to tell you NO if he doesn't like something or want to do what you ask. (he doesn't always get his way or anything but I like my child to speak their mind cause guess what... I do!) I informed her that if she'd like I could call his birth mother right now and clarify any of her health concerns but yes, she walked on her toes, so does he. We quickly wrapped up our conversation before I could have any more reactions and on my way out, she said "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." (not the most sincere person you'll ever meet fyi, hence I never talked to her before) With the stress of leaving for Memphis and the disappointment of Courtney's no show and the swirling disappointment of the earth crumbling under my feet, I didn't 'report' this for 2 more weeks and she "apologized" when we cleared up a few things. Back to that day though, after I left the teacher and drove to work with my brain about to explode with thoughts, I pulled into my parking space after relaying the morning to Mike over the phone and I just prayed. I don't like to be defensive, I want to be open to whatever either of my children may need but I knew in my heart, this is not Evan. Except I'm not popularly opinionated and the world loves to diagnose babies with disorders. . . I started clearing my mind a bit after the prayer and thought, I wouldn't mind to have Evan observed to see if his behavior in a group like that is 'typical', much less, his behavior at home (again, I really can't complain about it, except he sure keeps me on my toes many days). I was early to work so I called a friend while I sat in my car. I knew her son was receiving some sort of behavioral therapy (lucky kid seems opposite of Evan, quiet and calm. What's that?! lol) and I trusted her to give me some direction if she knew, that I could consider to refer Evan to. All I needed was to open my mouth to her on the phone to then burst into tears about it all. I was having MAJOR feelings of parental inadequacy and was now VERY concerned about Evan's well being and whether these teachers at day care AND church were judging him on these new behaviors or what if they are thinking he's 'the bad kid'. You know what is inevitable there, he will be treated differently and not in a good way. No mom wants that for their child. No person wants that for themselves. My friend tried to be very patient with me and lovingly assured me she would ask some questions to qualified people to steer me in the right direction. I thank her greatly for that. I went to work with cried off make up and was SPENT at the end of the day for thinking about this all day. When I did go home, there was Evan. Cheering to see me, running for a welcoming hug, rambling off all the smart things he has to say and I about collapsed from shame of starting to doubt his abilities. I had started to believe these fears, I realized. In reality, he, in my mommy opinion is perfect (ly imperfect like the rest of us but it doesn't mean he needs to be labeled and set on a 'shelf' by anyone). I knew I could work harder with him. I was already successful in helping him not bit so I can do more.

Mike and I talk to him about 'walking on his flat feet', it's good for development of his foot as he gets older regardless. I will meet with his pediatrician soon for added advice. I just love Dr. Coleman. If he attempts biting, 'bad words' (stupid, shut up) or spiting, he gets soap in his mouth and he's really stopped! I love it. We've made good strides, Evan has championed potty training, only wearing a diaper/pull-up at night and it really makes a difference around here. (SIDE NOTE! Last night I was going potty (yes I'm a mom so the door is open for my quick stops) real quick when Cora Grace runs in, naked, and sits on the little potty as usual. This time she had a glimmer in her eye so I encouraged her to go pee pee... and SHE DID!! It was the cutest little pee pee you ever did see and she was SOOOO proud of herself, of course, we were too. I can't wait for summer, maybe I'll have no more diapers Whoo Hoo! The girl can't talk but she can tinkle a bit lol) Anyway... at church, it's a challenge for both kids because as a fact they NEED a nap but they go down at 1pm. Church this year is .... 1pm! :((((( Booooooo! The kids are miserable and therefore, Mike and I are MISERABLE. Even though both kids are now in classes for 2 of the 3 hours, I'm constantly worried if Evan is going to try to bite again or the fact he doesn't like to sit down or the other day I saw him rolling around on the floor in Primary! YIKES. His actual teacher used to babysit him for a couple months but that's no help cause he overwhelmed her then (he was 2 and boy and she had a baby girl, just younger than CG) and I'm sure her feelings of overwhelmment are worse now, poor thing. I have been working with him to see what works to motivate him to sit still or to be quiet and today after mentioning a little each day, I got it. He loves these "ABC 123" crackers from Kroger and asked for some on our way out the door to church. I said, YES you can have those IF you are very good and Choose The Right (just happens to be the theme of Primary this year) in Primary today so I can give them to you as a treat later. "TREAT" is a special thing to him so he didn't argue, I'm shocked actually. He understood and agreed. We talked more about on our drive while we listened to our Primary music CD. He was so sweet when we got to church, after dropping CG off at Nursery (he usually begs to stay there with her but not today), he took it upon himself to show me how he can be reverent and walk to class with me. He folded his arms all the way to Primary even with us taking a couple detours. (that's a lot to ask of a 3 year old brain). He loves to do things by himself and was very proud of himself. I was really optimistic. Problem was... his teacher wasn't in her class. I knew this would mess with his 'revernce' mojo so I sat with him in the 'holding room' for kids before their teacher arrives. That was it. By the time she got to her class, Evan's resolve had dissolved and he threw a GIANT tantrum when we were about to go in his class and I attempted to sit him down. I didn't blame him. Little ones need routine and order and his is shattered before he even comes with NO NAP! Now I was feeling frustrated cause I just knew, he would be judged and I could do nothing to help him. He'll have to prove himself. I just waited outside, hoping he would listen to his teacher and calm down. It seemed to work, he was quiet after she used keen skills to help him get distracted from his melt down, so I went to class. It was Fast Sunday so I hadn't eaten, I've been fighting a sore throat and was getting a major head ache by this time and now adding, worried about Evan to the list (and CG cause she's been coughing and runny nose for past 24ish hours and I gave her allergy med before church. I was mildly expecting to hear she was having a melt down). At the end of meeting 1 we were having a few minutes for testimonies when we all heard Evan's teacher yelling for him to STOP (obviously running from her. :( boo.) and "come here". I went out to try to help the poor (pregnant fyi) girl from having to keep chasing him but she's already got him. Still I asked her to stop for a moment so I could tell him that was naughty to run away and not mind her. I explained she has a beautiful special baby growing in her tummy and she has to be very gentle and doesn't need to run after him. I told him he needs to mind her and listen. He apologized for not listening and for making her run. In the break between meetings 1 and 2 about 10minutes later, I went to check if Evan needed to use the restroom. He did and when we came out there was a meeting in the hallway with Evan's teacher and the Primary President that they called us over to. Little did I know, it was about Evan and I am not happy about it. Here was worse than my fears of judgement. The President let me know they've called a special helper, just for Evan, in his class. I wanted to die. I was mad, sad, depressed, feel like a failure, disappointed for me and for him because this is all they get to see about him. The don't get to see he's started spelling words on his own (mom, dad, evan and cora), loves to sing, will repeat any word you say perfectly (that's hard!) and thrives in a smaller group and etc. I know what is said when you ask for a teacher for one child (of the 40+) in a Primary and it makes me sad, feel like I've failed him. I do know however, that Evan is a distraction, he needs to learn to listen to his leaders there and I can't hold his hand in all things, neither can his teacher control him AND teach everyone else. This has all been so emotional for me! I'm sure the leaders are doing their best in calling a special teacher but it hurts me. I didn't know what a burden he was for them (to this extent) and thought Mike and I were making great strides with him. Despite his run away routine and tantrum at the beginning of class, I had thought he did well, only to happen upon this meeting. I guess he was being very bad all day. :(. It's no use asking him, he has no idea what he does in class so all I can do is ask him to Choose The Right and be nice to his teacher and friends. Anyway.. the LAST thing I need and want right now is someone else to suggest Evan has ADD because I might just tear their head off. You really need to point any fingers at my children's inadequacies at me, the parent. I don't know what I'm doing, I'm learning. I rough house with my kids so they aren't the sit still kind. I'm sarcastic with them and we're all crazy. In times like this I just want to hide them away from judgement, 'keeping them safe' but they and I won't learn anything that way so I will try to be more open, less defensive and listen myself. My great friend Linda just posted on her crafty blog that as she's entered life with a 3rd child, she was impressed by the spirit to never cease in prayer (Moses 1:18) to Heavenly Father for guidance and reassurance. I'm so glad I read that tonight. It's one of those, "I knows" but I wasn't doing it well enough. I will try harder this week for more guidance in many things.

In closing I want to say I love Michael who is a WONDERFUL listener. He is not the type of husband to just take your side. We disagree a lot in fact but we always come to a united front after we discuss the matter. He patiently listened to my concerns on this subject as they arose and has given me very sound advice and encouragement (reprimanding when needed) and I'm grateful to him for that. I love you honey. To Evan, among other things, you are so funny and extra sweet and oh so smart. I'm so glad someone over heard you lean over to me in Sacrament today and say "mommy... I love you" and it gave us both a smile and calmed mommies troubled heart. Cora Grace, among other things: even though you fool people with your dimpled chubby cheeks, blond curls and blue eyes because we know the real rascal that you are, we love you so much for your sweetness and sensitivity towards others (even if it was you that pushed them down!), mostly your infectious hearty laugh. Mike and I are again, so lucky to have you both and blessed to be the ones to struggle to raise you in these last days to be righteous children of God. We are trying our best and learning new ways every day, Please forgive us for leaving some things out along the way.

Families are Forever. xoxo Lila/Mommy

** addendum: I want to clarify that I think the Primary are doing their job well, it just feels rotten as the parent to see and hear these things, that's what is stressful. I have been Ward Primary president twice and Stake Primary President. I know all too well, how these things unfold but that they also work out and have every confidence that this is hopefully an adjusting faze for Evan. He's young, he'll learn It's only March for goodness sakes. He's been there like 4 for 5 Sundays with illness and being out of town. Also Day care: one of the reasons, I think the teacher in question doesn't get along with Evan is he is one of the few, if not the only child in the  15+ class that is part time. Not only is he part time, he comes on Thursday. Every child that starts Monday gets their weekend jitters out and by Wednesday, they are firmly in a routine. I'm sure the MOST energetic child coming in on Thursday seems EVEN MORE energetic when he interrupts the now established routine. If that is the case, I truly feel for them but it's no excuse to attempt to 'diagnose' children you have no business assessing when you have no training to do so. Hopefully that's it. ;)

Father-Son Date

I'm behind... WAY behind... TOO behind but here we go.

Today was a busy day. It was my day off, normally hallowed ground for family time in my world. Our area had a Regional Relief Society Conference featuring Sister Allred of the General Relief Society Presidency in Madison TN (hour+ drive that felt like 20min in our packed van of fun women). The meeting was really great, the company was equally uplifting and I even got to see a few old friends I wasn't expecting to bump into. But that's not the point so I'll move on. Mike graciously encouraged me to go so I left the babies with him till I got back at 230p. THEN I had to rush home to get Cora Grace ready for a friend, Abigail's 2nd birthday party at 3p. While I would be gone I had encouraged Mike to think about taking Evan somewhere, just the two of them since that NEVER happens that we are apart like that. He reeeeeeaaaallllly wanted to do some 'spring cleaning' he had started this morning but I 'admonished' him to please take an hour break to take Evan to a playground and dinner.

A little back story, we had some terrible storms come through all of Tennessee (and surrounding states) on Friday afternoon and early evening. We needed to run some errands so as soon as we felt safe, we took off, planning to get the kids a burger or something. Evan saw "Old McDonalds" and begged to stop there. When we tried to, they told us they couldn't take orders for 30minutes (assumably from the storms knocking out power? we had no damage in our area thankfully, so I don't know what happened?). So we tried to explain to an expecting "old mcdonalds hamburger" 3 year old, it was 'broken right now' for him to try to understand-hopefully avoiding a melt down. :) Anyway, we left and got a burger for them elsewhere and he was fine. Today however, in Mike's Daddy time and after visiting a couple playgrounds with Evan, this was the continuation of that scenario:

Evan asked Mike, "is Old McDonalds still broken? Is it 'fixed' now?" and "Did somebody charge it?"

Anytime in our home something is 'broken', it means it needs new batteries or we need the cord to charge his beloved Spooka. So I guess he thought, someone might have plugged it in to juice it up. :)

He got to go INSIDE Old McDonalds (maybe his 3rd time, if that), sitting by the window the drive thru people pass (they waved to everybody. cute!), so he was thrilled but the best part was after he ate his kids meal, Daddy got them an Ice Cream sundae to share. :) Mike said he LOVED it so much, he had to ask him to slow down but that at some point, could tell, Evan was getting brain freeze cause he started shivering. Mike asked him if he was cold, Evan said "Yeah... I want to cuddle with you." Awwwwe! I just love that little guy (the big guy too). I'm so thankful Daddy took time to go out with just Evan, I'd like to do that more regularly now that Evan really understands where he wants to go etc. I can't wait for a Mommy-Son Date report. :) The End.

Sleeping Beauties

Sweet moments. I'm so glad the sun is out so I could take these pictures. It's not shown here but Evan is wearing UNDERWARE to nap! He's now up and didn't wet the bed. SOOoo excited, I believe it's his first time doing this, not for lack of asking. It was my laziness and procrastination. Look how big Cora Grace is. I need a neeeeeew baby :(.... :) he he he.

Memphis or BUST

{Evan learned to push this trike up the slightly inclined driveway and let go to let gravity take him back down. He had so much fun!}

*BUST*

This past Thursday morning, I was running around getting the last bits together before taking the kids to "school" ( I hate calling it day care cause I'd have to admit I've failed at being a full-time stay at home mom) when my phone rang. It was Courtney, Evan's birth mom who is 21. She excitedly explained she was going to be in Memphis this weekend (from Carthage Mississippi) to help a friend drop a dog off. She asked if we could come meet her there. I want to see her so bad and for her to see Evan, especially since we just got to see CG's birth family but I told her we really couldn't. I had to work Saturday till 4p and Sunday was subbing in Evan's Sunbeam class. Yes I was looking forward to it but also I know from experience how precious teachers are and I was a sub - so I know how much more precious that is. That mixed with the fact, I would be working late that Thurs and all day Friday, I would have little time to clean their clothes and pack etc. As she kept talking, hoping I could change my mind, she added, "I'm getting married too". WHAAAATT? I was literally using Mike's facebook the DAY before to see how she was doing and she was making all kinds of posts last week about how lonely she was and 'if only she had a boyfriend and could get married... it's all i want' etc etc. Meaning, she didn't even have a boyfriend last week or a few days before this conversation, based on her posts. YIKES. Anyway, I really thought I should try to go now but was very conflicted. I told her not to get her hopes up but I'll talk it over with Mike to see what if anything we can do. Mike he couldn't come but pointed out how much I had just said I wanted to see her and we never know when we'll get to see her again without having to go all the way to Mississippi. He thought I could make it happen even though it might be inconvenient last minute and all and I would need to get someone to go with me of course. I got to work and saw I had a cancellation at the end of my day. I blocked it out and called one of the most amazing people I know, Amber <3. :). Her parents live outside Memphis so if nothing else, we could go say hi. She arranged a weekend for her husband and 3 boys to live without her and agreed to come with me to meet Courtney and said we could stay with her parents. She is my best friend and her family is just an extension of our friendship. I haven't met a "Berry" I don't like. :). Anyway, I let Courtney know we were on and she was very excited. Not surprisingly she had no idea what her plans were for where she would stay or even how to get there exactly. She said she was just going to "find a little church somewhere in Memphis to get married". Wow. I have never wanted to be that... "spontaneous." It was ok, I figured we'd figure it out once we were there. Later I texted her to clarify some more things and she informed me 'they' would be going through Alabama to get married first and may leave Friday night after she gets off work (i didn't ask to whom or why cause I honestly didn't think she would follow through with it. I assumed they'd break up before then. It's her record to have a boyfriend for 3 weeks, they talk about marriage and break up within days. :(.). I didn't think much of it and continued my plans to meet in Memphis. I also made plans with her to take her picture with Evan and even her husband to which she was really excited. I told her that we'd be getting in too late to visit so could we please meet Sunday morning, she said yes. It was stressful to get everything together but I did it. Mike helped by making sure the kids napped early and finished packing everything for me before bringing the kids to me when I was finished. We picked up Amber in Franklin and were on our way. The drive was nice. I call Amber my girl husband cause she knows me very well and still somehow stays my friend. lol. I like to think I know her very well too so it's always a fun conversation. Anytime Amber and I can give each other our undivided attention, it's bliss and the kids really cooperated. CG hates to be in her car seat for very long so after about 2 1/2 hours she had absolutely had it. Thankfully Jackson was just ahead and we stopped at Chick-fil-A to stretch our legs and get a bite to eat. It helped but now CG was bonefiedmiserable children in the car. We are only doing this for YOU." she said "Yes ma'am but I've been calling and waiting for this lady to call me all day." I told her in a very frustrated 'mom' voice, "Than you should have called me to tell me that before I packed these babies up and drove all these hours. We are almost to Memphis Courtney!" She didn't get it. She tried to explain that the lady with the dog was paying their way. I understand they couldn't afford to come on their own but I told her she should have called me when she couldn't get hold of the friend. I told her that I know she doesn't understand what it's like to get (herself and) two toddlers ready for a LAST MINUTE trip or to then stick them in a car for a 4 1/2 hour drive but it was miserable. BUT we were willing to do it cause we were going to get to see her for a few hours for the first time in 3 years. Sheesh. I also told her how Amber had to put her life on hold to help me, (not to mention her parents were making room for 4 house guests and they work too so they are busy as well) I didn't even mention the money this was costing our family for no reason. She really didn't have any understanding of what she did wrong. It was so frustrating and silent on the phone. I love her like a sister and Yes, I would talk to my sisters this way (they would never be this inconsiderate) but at the moment she needed a 'Come to Jesus' moment as they say here in the South. Ugh... I'm just so bummed about it. Bummed that I have to admit to myself that she is this way, likely not to change soon but over time, she is definitely capable. I love her, I haven't given up on her, I look forward to seeing her in the future, even if it was next week but not seeing her this weekend was sad. Thankfully Evan isn't old enough to understand these things but this experience prepares me to protect him in the future. In parting on the phone, Courtney got serious and said she will make it up to me and will come to us the next time she has a chance. :/ We'll see. I'm at peace about it but I can still wish for a perfect scenario right? :)

If Courtney was reading this, we want her to know we love her and are very sad we didn't get to see her this weekend. We hope to see her soon and have a great visit.

In all, we had a great time with Amber and her family. I have been around them and also Amber updates me often on their goings on so it was good to see for myself what they were up to. It was also fun to see where she grew up so much of her life when she gave me the 30min tour of her town. We thank them for their love and hospitality. <3 xo

Funnies

Evan is at the stage of constantly asking questions about: what is that? are you talking to me mommy? where? can i have that? where are you going? can i come too? can i go outside? where is smokey? can i call grandma putsie? is cora asleep? do i have to go to sleep now? etc etc etc.

Desperate times call for desperate measures so, understandably I've resorted to being vague and sarcastic in my answers. That's what you're supposed to do right? ;) Yesterday, he asked me multiple times what my York peppermint patties was that I ate that afternoon. I answered "Your Momma". :) he he he? Anyway as the day turned to night, I found myself snacking again on (one of my very favorite treats) a peppermint pattie and again the questioning started.

"what is that? what is that? what is that?" ( i ignored him. i admit it)
"Mommy, may I please have some of your momma?"
Bah! ha ha ha ha  ha ha ha ha ha! worth it. :)
You know I gave him some btw. You just can't resist that, even though the kid needs no sweets. Especially at bed time. Oh well, he earned it! :)

This isn't 'funny' but, now that we leave Evan's door open, he wakes us up in the mornings by coming to "Here I am! Can I cuddle with you?". That is so sweet. THIS morning he came in after fooling around a little in the family room then was by my bed and he started to sing to me! Is that adorable or what!? He sang me two songs even. One I'm sure was ABC's, the other may have been rock a bye baby or likely, London Bridge (he busted out with that at Target yesterday and put a huge smile on the ear shot shoppers faces... and mine) or something. Either way, he's a heart melter that one is. I'm so lucky to get to finally be a mommy. These are the moments I dreamed about and hoped for the most. Though I couldn't imagine my son singing me awake! :) Blessed to be alive.

That and This

For Christmas Evan got a guitar from Grandma Jennie! Usually Evan is the possessive, jealous one of everything Cora Grace touches but the closer she approaches "2" (yikes), that curly blond haired blue eyed charmer is transforming... for the worse. ;) She kept grabbing at Evan's guitar and he's not always excited about sharing, especially something so special so what's a mom to do but go to World market and pick her up her very own one (to destroy). Little Lady is in heaven and siblings have great JAM sessions in Evan's room. I  try to get them to respect the instruments even though they aren't "Martin" guitars or anything. It's the principle. They have to sit down with them to play or I put them back up. They have been pretty good about following the rules until CG gets bored and gets up. Then all heck breaks loose and there's mass pandemonium. he he he. aka, Evan's good at follow the leader and is right on her coat tails so not to miss out on anything she is doing. :) Oh well. I said I "try" to get them to respect the guitars.

Next crop of pictures is around the house. I got some fairy wings on clearance from Target and both kids wore them for fun. Cora really kinda liked them. Evan loved them too... for a minute. :)

Entertaining the children with a few chips. Mean mommy only lets them have a few. My attempt to teach them it's a  treat and not an option as a 'side or meal'. lol.

Oh my goodness. I must discuss the computers. Evan has had his computer for at least a year. He has always loved it and even learned on it. My sister in law Nanci asked about getting this computer for Evan for Christmas and after I explained he had it, I quickly assured her it would actually be perfect for Cora so now we have two and the kids LOVE them!!! They could play for hours and do. Evan is the boss (for reals) and sets up their computers across from each other like battle ship. Next he presses the same buttons at the same time on each computer to give himself surround sound or something. :) We just love this gift too. So much that I got jealous and one time got my computer out to play with them. Now they can pretend to be mommy, editing all these photos and I can be them, enjoying each other and learning their abc's, 123's, item/animal etc sounds and music. Love it.

I made Betty Crockers Strawberry Pretzel Salad for Christmas dinner. Mmmm. I was inspired because even though I'd had it before, it had been YEARS till this Thanksgiving when my sister in law Jennifer made a raspberry one. YUM! I'd never made one but went to my cookbook and there it was. easy as pie. So here it is for you to look and drool over it's yummy goodness. xo

In the past couple months we've experimented with underwear. Just a note cause we're definitely still in diapers up in 'her.

Who's got 2 thumbs and a Neeeew couch/thing? I do! I have wanted something convertible like a futon since the kids were born, to put in their room. There is no adult seating and I'm getting way to old to get up and down from the floor. lol. Anyway, I found this at World Market on clearance. Whoo hoo! Evan posed in the store with it when we were trying to convince daddy and both kids demonstrated their cute siblingness when you put both arms down for overnight guests (from California?!). Just sayin'. :)