Kyle and Kelsey

Kace and “Knoc”

2011-01-10T21:05:00.001-06:00

While I was home, my childhood best friend Anna was home at the same time we were. We arranged a play date for the boys at our old elementary school’s playground for the boys. I haven’t seen Anna in forever and it was great to catch up and watch the boys play. Kace was super shy in the beginning but it didn’t take him long to start calling Knox ‘Knoc"’. He still talks about “my friend Knoc” and I just laugh. He can say Knox, I’ve heard him, but I guess he just prefers ‘Knoc”. The boys were precious, far too busy to stop and take pictures or be in the same place at the same time.

Attempt 1

Attempt 2

Attempt 3

Toddlers are not very cooperative subjects. Hopefully there are more playdates for these boys this spring and summer when Kace and I are home a little bit longer. Loved seeing you and Knox, Anna!!

Christmas Day

2011-01-10T21:04:00.001-06:00

Christmas day, Kyle was off. Yay! The night before, Kyle and I packed, loaded, and had everything set to leave by 11 Christmas day and head to Houston. We were on the road at 9:30.

The three of us opened presents as a family before leaving. We’ve been home the last two Christmas mornings and I’m thinking that might always be the rule. I love waking up in our house, opening gifts, and having a little time with just us.

Checking out his stocking

Daddy, overly excited about new boxers

Kace and Kyle working some new puzzles

Yes, even Texas and Tucker get stockings with toys and treats inside.

I claimed the “Wife of the Year” title by presenting Kyle with a new flat screen TV for our bedroom and a Playstation 3. He was shocked by the PS 3.

My boys. Love them with all my heart.

We promptly ignored all the “stuff”, ate breakfast, and jumped in the car. 4.5 hours later, we were home. And there were more presents. This year, Grammy was here for Christmas and I was so glad. I haven’t had Christmas with her since high school, maybe even middle school, so I loved that she could be with us.

My sister gave Kace “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” book and the caterpillar. Kace LOVES it. He sleeps with it still and talks about his “ca-pillar”.

In one day, Kace managed to receive about 6 new puzzles, 6 new cars, books, movies, and the beloved caterpillar, among other things. We don’t spoil him at all.

Christmas Ducks

2011-01-10T21:03:00.001-06:00

Ok, so maybe that’s a little misleading. But, I shall combine two smaller posts (lacking in pictures) for one bigger one. Dad left Monday morning and we went to Kyle’s parent's house that afternoon for Christmas with his family. There were lots of presents, stockings, games, and laughing but I didn’t take pictures of that. I watched Kace. Baby boy was diagnosed with strep that morning and we took our highly contagious baby with us (after much discussion) so I photographed all his moves because he wasn’t allowed out of our sight.

Among other gifts, he got a giraffe my sister-in-law knitted and some new cars. But, the highlight of the evening was his dancing. Kace is obsessed with dancing. If there is music on, he’ll dance. Including when he’s strapped into his car seat.

His moves are down right hilarious. I’ll have to film it one day…

The next day was gorgeous and we wanted out of the house, but couldn’t/shouldn’t be near people. Solution? Feed the ducks. There’s a small pond thing near our house so we went there. The ducks are super friendly because the people who live across from the pond feed them daily. Some guy was practicing his speed boat racing while we were there and after Kace got over that, he was hooked on ducks.

We drive by this same pond every day on our way to the baby-sitter’s house and each time he starts shouting, “Ducks bread! Ducks bread! Ducks bread!”, followed by, “All gone? All gone?” We laugh. The only way to get Kace to leave/drop/come inside/finish something is to tell him it’s all gone. He’s one smart kiddo.

Christmas with Dad

2011-01-10T21:01:00.001-06:00

Dad and Jill came in town for about 3 days to celebrate Christmas. We had a low key weekend, going to Ice!, eating out, and exchanging gifts. I’m still missing their pictures, which included myself in them but here are a few of us opening gifts.

Two grown men trying to get one Fisher Price airplane out

From this day on, the first words out of Kace’s mouth each morning were, “Open presents?” He loved all aspects of Christmas this year and it was still too much for him to understand. We are thrilled to know what he’ll do next Christmas. Merry Christmas, baby boy!

Ice! at the Gaylord Texan Resort

2011-01-10T21:00:00.001-06:00

Yep, this will be a yearly tradition. My dad, Jill, and I took Kace last year and I don’t think he cared either way. This year, we thought he’d love it for sure, made sure Kyle could go, and headed out. Um, we were wrong.

The hotel, as usual, was gorgeous. It was simply decorated but so tasteful too. I want to go back this summer to see what it looks like “normal”.

Can he look any cuter?? His parka was huge but he wore it.

I love Peanuts – the cartoon, movies, the characters, all of it, so I was thrilled that this was the Ice! theme this year. I would have bet that Kace would like it and boy was I wrong. 5 minutes into the room, and he freaked out. Screaming, crying, carrying on, and just being embarrassing in general. Resolution? Remove him. The sooner, the better. Sadly, I took Kace out, and Kyle kindly took all the pictures for me so I could see what I missed. On Monday, we found out Kace had strep…

The talents these ice sculptors have is amazing. I am always fascinated by how much talent they have. So awesome! After we left, we met some family friends for lunch, and made the LOOOONNNGGGG, traffic filled drive home. I’m hoping we have better luck next year because I’d love to truly enjoy Ice! again.

Thanksgiving

2011-01-10T20:58:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving. In a nutshell, I was relaxed. Here’s kind of how things went… Kyle was supposed to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night. Then he only had to work 2 nights. Then 2.5. Then 2. Finally, 2.25. *sigh* I opted for Houston. On Tuesday, Kace and I flew to Houston (yes, I flew, alone, with a 21 month old. A 1 hour flight is better than a 4.5 hour car ride any day).

This kid LOVED the golf cart.

Mom picked us up at the airport and Kace instantly was her best friend. He LOVES my mom. My agenda was to read 2 of the 3 books I brought, shop a little, and relax. Graciously, my mom accommodated. We hit up Target, WalMart, and Kohl’s, our usuals, but the rest of the trip we stayed home. Kace enjoyed playing with Chip, Divot, and Tigger, and I loved having full-time help. Mom took care of breakfast so I could eat, took Kace outside, made him laugh, answered his relentless questions, helped with showers (no bath tubs at the Galveston house), everything. Love you, Mom!

My parents recently bought a boat for the bay house and on the one gorgeous, warm, day, we took it for a spin. Kace quickly learned to drive, honk the horn, and just climb where he wanted to be in general. He wasn’t a huge fan of going super fast but if I talked to him through the whole thing, we made it with no tears.

On the flight home, we got to Hobby Airport, checked in and I got a text saying our flight was 1 hour 15 minutes late. I was already flying during nap time and now it was delayed. Enter frazzled mom. My mom stayed with us, made friends with random strangers, and entertained the fitfull Kace. By the time I committed to leaving her behind, I was rested enough to handle him.

We had the pleasure of sitting at a gate pretty much alone so Kace could run and play as he pleased. We met our pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendants when Kace wondered over and more or less asked to see the lady’s phone, among other gibberish. But, remember the strangers Mom met? Turns out, she was flying with her toddler alone, too. We quickly set the boys down to play and watch airplanes. The pilots on a departing Southwest flight waved to the boys and even blew kisses!! MAJOR points in my book, Southwest! The boys loved it. No one on a plane wants to sit with a toddler so we quickly started saying we were together and got our own row, extra snacks, and quick service. Plus, I wasn’t bothered by her little boy and vice versa. Perfect flying situation if you ask me.

I’m thankful for….

daddy, mommy, Texie, Tuck, bert, my mouse, juice, blankie, milk, dog dog, cars, trucks, books, nae nae

I was happy to hit the ground in Dallas and be home again but as you can tell from the pictures, I had a great time.

Twins

2011-01-10T20:56:00.001-06:00

No, we aren’t having twins. Or even one baby. But, another 4th grade teacher adopted a precious, red-headed little girl named Kymber. I swore, at the time, Kymber and our baby would become fast friends. CISD broke apart our little family to make a larger one and while Kace and Kymber aren’t best friends like planned, occasionally we can get them together.

Amber and I wanted to shop so we planned a day and included the kiddos.

No, they aren’t related at all but look like brother and sister. Kymber is super shy and would just smile at Kace but after some time, she opened up and they became fast friends.

We got lots of stares, questioning faces, and many, “How old are they?” Watching people’s faces change when we give two different ages is hilarious. We ate, laughed, shopped, and rode the carousel.

Love you, Amber and Kymber! We had a blast!!

Family Pictures

2011-01-10T20:55:00.001-06:00

Once again, with much success, the fabulous Stephanie Davis took our family pictures. Trying to think Christmas-y when it was 80 degree outside was almost too much. We’re in long sleeves and sweaters, roasting.

After about 30 minutes, we had a couple last ideas and Kace had his own idea. What ensued was the most hilarious, I’m-hungry-hot-tired-thirsty-and-done fit that I’ve ever seen. All caught on camera. Priceless.

“Kace, sit down please”. “No!!!!!”

Temporarily happy to do his own thing.

More tears.

Turning his back on Mom and Dad altogether.

Finally, with the promise of food and juice, he sat down, took a few more pictures, and we got the last few favorites. I love my precious family and for under $100, I got pictures, a CD, and ordered new pictures. No complaints here.

Monthly Post

2010-10-19T21:29:00.001-05:00

**Caution: Picture Overload!!**

I might as well just post each month and quit saying I’m going to be a better blogger. My priorities are my family, I work 50 hours a week on a good week, and Kace doesn’t understand be still. And I’m loving every minute.

My favorite thing that we’ve done lately is go to the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm in Celina. The abundance of pumpkins was a little depressing but the weather was great, Kace could roam and pet animals as he pleased, food was CHEAP, and entry was cheap.

Fun at the park with Dad

Kace LOVES being outside but now refers to it as “potty”. We started telling him he couldn’t go outside just because the dogs did. They had to potty. Now, outside is a “potty”. Trying to undo that habit is taking twice as long. :)

Kace has mastered even more words and we are continually amazed at how incredibly smart he is. He is a sponge in every sense of the word and things that we don’t think he gets, he definitely does. His newest words include Texie instead of Texas, pizza, muffins (muffies), waffle (waffie), puzzle, pumpkin, soap, wash, and flower. He loves waving hi, bye, and blowing kisses.

He loves cars, football, touchdowns, balls of any shape, size, and color, and his daddy. He will go anywhere and do anything if it involves his daddy.

Most importantly, I’m clearly head over heels in love with my boys. I love that he’s communicating with us, although I prefer when it’s not in the form of screaming and hitting. He’s a saint 95% of the time. He shows us that he loves us and, as Kyle said, we must be loving him enough if he’s willingly returning it. I am in love with my family. That’s how my last month has been. :)

100 Things

2010-10-02T13:53:00.001-05:00

Ok, why not. Everyone else is doing it. :)

1. I am married to my VERY best friend.

2. He deals with me, thus equaling him to a saint.

3. We have the cutest, smartest 19 month old, Kace William.

4. I have two dogs, who each have their own dog bed, complete with a full size blanket.

5. That being said, I tell myself all animals are treated like ours are so that I don’t cry every time I think about mistreated animals.

6. I teach 5th grade and I love it.

7. Buying our house was the 2nd best financial decision we’ve ever made while married.

8. Refinancing it was the best financial decision we’ve ever made.

9. I won’t shower if I’m home alone and it’s dark outside.

10. If I get a shower, it’s a good day.

11. At this rate, I’m averaging less than 9,000 miles a year on my Explorer.

12. Because of that, I buy gas every other week.

13. I make it my goal to see if I can not leave the house for an entire weekend.

14. I’m taller than Kyle by a solid inch.

15. After I met Kyle, I then played the song Today I Met the Boy I’m Going to Marry to my friend. Never knew how true it would be.

16. I’m terrified of the dark and my heart starts racing if I can’t see.

17. I’ve cut out darn near 100 feet of lamination this year.

18. My job is a complete 180 from last year. I thank God for that every day.

19. I want 3 kids. On an off day, I want 4. Somewhere in there, I want to adopt.

20. I have the worst allergies and have finally decided, after suffering for the last 18 years, to see an allergist.

21. I love cheese.

22. I prefer everything “plain” – nothing to dip it, no ketchup, nothing mixed or set on it, just plain.

23. Kace is a picky eater. :(

24. I’m exhausted and will refuse to ask for help even though I’m drowning in my own world.

25. We honeymooned in Hawaii and promised ourselves we’d go back every 5 years. June 2011 is 5 years and I’m ecstatic.

26. I’m an avid reader of any murder/mystery book.

27. I enjoy reading blogs and don’t have enough time.

28. I want to be a stay-at-home mom.

29. I’m a flyer, not a driver.

30. I have one sister but my family quadruples is you had step- anything.

31. My mom is my best friend.

32. I buy anything that supports breast cancer research if I can come up with any reason that I might need it.

33. I hate cooking. The whole process – get 100 things out, make a huge mess, wait, eat, clean up the mess, repeat the next day – stresses me out.

34. I own over 10 cookbooks.

35. I’ve made Kace a few shirts. I have zero talent but I’m hoping to improve. I have ideas.

36. Tucker, our “noisy” dachshund, cleans his feet obsessively and aggressively.

37. We’ve replaced everything we hated about this house when we bought it. Except the carpet.

38. There’s no tile in our entryway right now. I said we’ve replaced everything, not finished everything.

39. Our back fence is currently supported by a huge beam. It no longer stands on its own and we aren’t ready to pay for a new one yet.

40. Kace barks or howls when he hears another dog do it.

41. He frequently says “choo-choo!” when there are no trains to be seen or heard.

42. If you don’t clear the remaining time on the microwave, I have to do it. It bothers me.

43. I despise cleaning but thrive on a spotless, clutter-free house.

44. I have a controlled obsession with giraffes.

45. I’ve lost count of the number of giraffes I’ve fed by hand, petted, or hugged by this point.

46. Texas was once abused and is TERRIFIED of fly swatters. We think that was his weapon of choice.

47. On that note, he spent 2.5 days not eating and hiding in his house because we used a fly swatter more than twice near him.

48. Kace loves eating with silverware and is relatively successful with it.

49. I’m not a fan of sweets.

50. Kyle is known to surprise me with random things for no reason and I love him for that.

51. I am a Philadelphia Eagles fan, Kyle loves the Washington Redskins, and we both ate the Dallas Cowboys.

52. I want to move back to Houston but I do enjoy Forney.

53. I love traveling and the whole process of planning a trip.

54. Kyle and I are going to Florida to see the shuttle launch in February. Can’t wait!

55. I’m driving my 3rd car since I turned 16. I’ll drive one until I reach almost 100,000 miles and then I’m done. I’m not a trade-in all the time person.

56. Kyle needs/wants a new car about once a year.

57. Kace sleeps with a giraffe named Herbert, or “Berty”.

58. I enjoy doing laundry but get really frustrated when I can’t get the clothes out of the dryer right away.

59. I can’t stand wrinkly clothes.

60. I bought Kace a pair of corduroy pants today and I’m ready for him to wear them.

61. We own 2 laptops and are known to sit on the couch together, “watch” TV, and each be on a computer.

62. I want to drive along the east coast in the fall.

63. I want to go on a cruise. More specifically, I want to take an Alaskan cruise.

64. I wish someone would follow us around and photograph all those “I-wish-I-had-the-camera” moments.

65. I think that’s called being famous and having paparazzi.

66. We have a long list of girls’ names but struggle to come up with one boys’ name.

67. I want another boy and then a girl. I feel stressed at the thought of having a girl next.

68. I didn’t like Kace’s name until I changed the spelling.

69. All our kids will have names that start with “K”.

70. I want to go sky-diving but won’t now that Kace has been born.

71. I know more about airplanes than I really care too but it makes my dad happy.

72. I want to rescue a dachshund.

73. Kyle is the most trusting person that I know.

74. I trust no one.

75. I want to go to Australia.

76. I make our bed every morning. Some things that I had to do when I was younger still stick with me.

77. We have 3 swimming pools for Kace.

78. I’ve been known to finish a book in a day.

79. If I’m reading, don’t hold a conversation with me unless you’ve made me put the book down.

80. We want Kace to be a rhino for Halloween and now can’t find a costume in his size.

81. I get baby fever when I see lots of tiny baby clothes and look back at Kace’s baby pictures.

82. I quickly get over it when Kace throws a fit, shouts “No!” at me, or has some other demand.

83. My sister and I look nothing alike.

84. We’re blessed with a baby who sleeps well. Let’s hope it happens the next time.

85. I only buy black, brown, or khaki pants and shorts to wear in public.

86. I can count on one hand the number of patterned shirts that are currently in my closet. I am a solid color only girl right now.

87. I can’t stick to a budget for gifts.

88. Christmas is my least favorite time of year with all the stingy, ungrateful people out.

89. I insist on eating turkey for Thanksgiving.

90. Kace has had surgery twice before he turned 1.

91. Getting tubes was the best thing we’ve ever done for him.

92. I only eat candy corn in the fall now.

93. Kace can count to three, and he knows five and six.

94. When he says “please”, it melts my heart.

95. Now that it’s nice out, I insist on taking Kace outside to play. SO much so, that yesterday, he asked to come inside.

96. I thrive on being organized.

97. I always have at least one list of some kind going.

98. It’s funny how the people that i grew apart from in high school because we did different things are people that I wish I’d kept in touch with more because we’re so alike now.

99. I hated high school and couldn’t have been happier to graduate and get out of there.

100. This was entirely too hard.

Let’s Rewind a MONTH!!

2010-09-13T21:16:00.001-05:00

Hello, my name is Kelsey and I am the WORST blogger ever. To say that life has been hectic, unscheduled, out of routine, and I can’t/don’t make time to blog. So much so that as I went to start working on this, I realized that I haven’t uploaded pictures since the first of August. Just call me “Mom of the Year”.

This is NOT our best picture but we have an identical one with a slightly bigger gash on Kyle’s forehead and it’s my favorite picture ever. So, we recreated it.

Let’s see, what HAVE we been up to. I “quit” my stay at home Mom job and I added 19 precious new faces to my life. This school year is off to a fabulous start. We have a new AP, he’s a man (LOVE working for men… and not in a weird, creepy way), and he and the principal are clicking right along. THANK YOU!! It’s nice to work in a place where one isn’t trying to outdo the other. My students are DELIGHTFUL. Genuinely good kids, we get lots accomplished everyday with them. It’s my first year to teach math and science and I’m so grateful I get to figure it out with a flexible, small group of kiddos. Basically, let’s take last year and go the extreme opposite. I’m a happy girl.

Mom’s lunchbox on heads… Pure laughter.

On the Kace front, we’ve battled an uphill battle with him. First, the baby-sit. I’m over a lot of my differences with her but I still have two issues. I don’t have total trust and he doesn’t sleep enough. Some kids can function on one 1.5 hour nap each day. Not Kace. He needs two 2 hour naps or one 3-4 hour nap otherwise we spend from 5-7 in the evenings crying and throwing fits. FUN TIMES! (NOT!!!!) Come to find out, she is/was WAKING HIM UP!! I kid you not. We have to have a seamless fit and this just isn’t it. So, we’re hoping to change at some point. I’m meeting a lady tomorrow that sounds good via email but we’ll see how it really goes. (As of 6:15 tonight, I hired a new baby-sitter!! WOOHOO!!!)

Kace had his 18 month check up and he’s a whopping 35” tall and weighs in at 28 lbs., 2 oz. He now has to stand up to be measured and stand on a scale. No more baby scale for us. He came home with an excellent bill of health, showing the doctor his ~~love~~ obsession with blocks and his vivid imagination. And then he got two shots. Which caused a fever of 102+ for 2 days, and enough diaper changes, outfit changes, and things coming from both ends to make everyone crazy. I actually called Kyle at midnight and made him leave work one night to come home and help me. It took a solid week to overcome all that and now he’s teething. See what I mean when I say uphill battle??

However, on a positive note, we all know that Kace loves cars. Last Thursday, I set him down in the garage, he closed his own car door, stepped up on the running boards, climbed on up, and proceeded to “drive” my car. He turns the steering wheel, bangs on the gear shift, “changes” the radio station, and makes “vroom vroom” noises. Getting him out of the car is a challenge and usually involves a bribe of some kind. Our solution, a Cozy Coupe. He LOVES it. He’s spent the last 2 days climbing in and out, drinking his juice, and eating snacks in it. He prefers to sit in it and pretend drive or push it through the house, rarely using his feet to make it go. Frequently, we hear “open please” or “close please” to help him with door.

Yes, he says “please” a lot now. I think he’s realized that I give him pretty much whatever he asks for if it’s followed with please. That will have to stop soon but for now, consider it reinforcing the desired behavior. :)

Hubby and I managed a date night through all this, watching The Other Guys, eating a quick dinner, and then sitting my a fountain in the cool night breeze with Lake Ray Hubbard at our backs. Delightful. Collin and Cheyenne, (yes I let the baby-sitter bring her boyfriend), kept Kace and managed to put him to bed with no problems. When we left, Kace was crashing his blocks with Collin while Cheyenne watched. Love leaving him home with no worries.

And lastly, we are ripping up our tile in the entry and guest bathroom. Currently, all that’s left is the guest bathroom but that requires the toilet coming up and no one can use that bathroom for awhile. It will be the LAST thing we do. But, I am SOOOOO happy that it’s coming up. We want to have a pattern in the center of our entry but we aren’t sure what yet. Decisions, decisions…

Other than that, we’re just hanging out, trying to stay not busy enough and let life pass us by. Thanks for reading. Now that I’ve blogged in the school year, I can hopefully keep it up. :)

A blog of randoms

2010-08-06T21:16:00.001-05:00

--I am full of random thoughts lately so I thought I’d ~~bore~~ share them with you.

--I’ve worked in my classroom two days this week. EXHAUSTING. I literally took everything done, moved it, put it up again, added more, and started reorganizing everything. I LOVE how it’s coming along but you can tell I’ve sat on my butt for 2.5 months.

--When we got Texas, we knew before too long that something was off. He was skinny, dirty, and TERRIFIED of my sweet hubby. Kyle would literally lay on the floor and talk to him in the sweetest voice and Texas would cower in the corner. Abused. Poor baby. We’ve loved him to pieces ever since and besides being afraid of men he’s never met, you can’t tell. Until recently. We were killing the flies, yes plural, that managed to get into our house and Texas started shaking uncontrollably. He didn’t eat for 24 hours. God forbid you show him the fly-swatter. We now think that was his “weapon” and we’re trying to get him eat again. He frequently shows up in our bed at night because he’s scared. Poor baby.

--I went and bought shirts, fabric, and Heat N Bond in an attempt to be creative. Kyle made me laugh when he said, “I can’t believe that YOU are buying craft things”. He’s right, this is SO not me but I want everything I see on Etsy so maybe this will help control that. And save us some money.

--I’m about to finish my 6th (maybe 7th) book for the summer. Gosh, I love being a nerd.

--Kace is shifting to one nap a day. Tear. We think he’s ready but it’s a struggle too. Some days, he still wants to sleep 2 hours after getting up but if he doesn’t nap in the afternoon, it’s a nightmare. I think this will be great once he gets it down. He’s a child that must have a routine so the transition is hard.

--We changed baby-sitter’s and I’m less than satisfied so far. Kace slept an hour the first two days which resulted in tragic behavior in the evenings. We hope it gets better but if not, we’ll be changing again. We’d have to.

--Kace is at the drag strip, I’m home alone, and my book is calling my name. Good night.

Center of my life

2010-08-03T17:38:00.001-05:00

This post is dedicated to Kace. I don’t do monthly “This-is-what-Kace-can-do” posts. Not that I don’t think that’s cool and will most likely regret that one day, it just didn’t happen. And frankly, since I didn’t start at month 1, I can’t start now. That doesn’t fit the OCD part of my life.

--Kace is 34”+ tall. Do you know what that’s like? If you have a 3 year old, you might. My TODDLER can reach EVERYTHING on our bathroom counters, open doors that have pull down handles, and knock things down that make me scream, which makes him scream, then we both laugh. :)

--He also weighs 26 lbs. and I’m getting biceps. :)

--Kace’s vocabulary is amazing. His current favorite words/phrases are “I touch?”, “Bye! I’ll call!” (not sure where he learned that one), “No. No. No.” almost always 3 times, “Go bye?”, “Outside?”, “Pool?”, “giggle giggle bites?” (We have no idea what he says really but it sounds like giggle giggle), “hot”, “Where Kace?” when playing peek-a-boo, “Boo!”, “ball”, “vroom-vroom”, and “keys”. This goes along with the many other words he says all the time. We’re learning, the hard way, that he can repeat most anything. :-/

--After I originally posted this part, he has now learned that when I ask for a tea, he should shout, “And Coke!”. It’s possible we drive through Sonic too much…

--He loves to sweep. If you dare open the laundry room door, he will run in there, dart between the washer and the wall, and come out with the broom so he can sweep. Today, we bought a Kace-sized broom.

--He understands so much, far more than he can communicate. We’re working on “yes”, “please”, and ”thank you” instead of just “no” to everything, even if he wants it. He babbles non-stop from the minute he opens his eyes until he goes to sleep. We don’t understand most of what he says but he knows what we say.

--Kace loves to “help” in his own way. He enjoys feeding Texas one kibble at a time instead of letting him eat out of his bowl. He shouts “House!” at the dogs when we get ready to leave so that they’ll go get in their crates. He’ll happily put anything in the trash (and pull out anything else he can reach).

--As of today, he still takes two naps a day. I know we’re getting closer to one nap a day (tear) but for now, still two.

--He loves bananas, grapes, strawberries, “hot hot”s or “dog dog”s (hot dogs) depending on the day, sandwiches, waffles, and yogurt. He knows that most of these things come from the fridge and if he bangs on the doors and shouts, “Nack"!”, we will open it and produce food.

All in all, I love the age that Kace is at. He is a complete joy, learns something new each day, and makes Kyle and I laugh constantly. I loved him when he was a baby, but the older he gets, the more fun I’m having with him. Love you, Pea Pod!!

EAA Oshkosh Air Show

2010-08-03T17:21:00.001-05:00

Many years ago, (think middle school), I used to attend this air show with my dad. You’re right, I’m not a big plane buff but my father happens to be a HUGE plan fan, including knowing how to fly planes, helicopters, owns a plane, and probably says “flying” in his sleep. :) It’s not that I don’t care about planes, but I can look at the ones that are painted cool, check out the war birds (always fascinates me for some reason), catch an air show and a snooze under the wing of a plane. But, I’m married to a man who loves anything with an engine and a toddler who loves shouting, “Vroom vroom!!” thoughout the house so this year, we packed up and flew north to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Little Pea Pod was a saint on both flights, rarely sleeping of course. We spent 7 days there, 5 days at the show (one VERY short day), caught an airshow, and listened to Kace shouted, “Whoa!” every time a plane flew overhead. Cute, but there are planes flying all the time. He did manage to get a few laughs from people.

I won’t bore you with pages of plane pictures (cause I have no idea what any of them are called) but here are some of the highlights of our trip.

Business as usual at DFW airport for this oversized toddler

Wearing shoes and pooping a giraffe??

“Kace, use the rail.”

“No, Mom, YOU use the rail”.

Peek-a-boo with Daddy

And then it was Daddy’s turn

Caution": Slide is slippery when fresh from pool

Loves pool time with Daddy

Um…. I just don’t think so, sir.

Crane helicopter

A piece of home

Hanging out in his stroller

Plane geeks :)

There are more pictures of Kace that are PRECIOUS of him watching the airshow and going home (we met a dachshund at the airport). Hopefully those can get posted soon. We had a really good time and Kace was fantastic for the lack of schedule that he had. I think we might do it again. Who doesn’t love 80 degree days and 60 degree nights?

Kace’s First Haircut

2010-07-18T20:59:00.001-05:00

After much debate, do I’s or do I not’s, and last minute doubts, we committed. I can’t say this was my favorite place but the lady was super quick and knew what I wanted when I didn’t know what I wanted. I think I left a satisfied customer and Kace left with a smile.

Baby boy’s curls… can’t believe they’re gone

Handsome as can be when it was all said and done. And yes, his hair is starting to curl some. Made this momma happy. :)

Our new deck

2010-07-17T12:37:00.001-05:00

We’ve lived in this house almost 3 years and have HATED the flagstone that lined our patio in the back. Don’t get me wrong, flagstone is pretty, but its purpose here was to keep the rain that poured off the roof from pummeling the grass. Last summer, we got gutters (FINALLY!!) and the rock became a useless, weed-growing, tripping hazard for small children. Hatred multiplied.

Kyle has mentioned on several occasions that he wanted to expand our patio but neither one of us were really interested in pouring concrete. While I was gone, he decided to remove and expand, and even found a home for all the flagstone he ripped out.

First, make a HUGE mess.

Then, lay out deck to make sure it fits.

Third, move all that rock into nice piles on the side of the house and get it ready for the other guy to pick up.

Next, provide Kace with fresh dirt that he can rake. And start considering the pros and cons of sod or seed.

Finally, the completed project! I think it looks great and he’s so proud of it. This fall, there will be tables and a fire pit of some kind for us to relax around. (I might be a little excited for cool weather!!)

Kace’s New Pool

2010-07-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Kace used to have this precious pool, with a giraffe head that curved around and he loved it. Perfect size to move, fill daily, and he fit in it perfectly Remember Tucker? The dog who can’t seem to behave correctly?? Lo and behold, we now own this monstrosity.

Tucker also has his own pool to bite and chew that he can’t pop holes in.

I think the new pool is a success. Now we just have to find it a permanent home, and the grass is not it.

Random Pictures

2010-07-16T22:32:00.002-05:00

** Below are multiple posts with lots of pictures! Please read!

They even go on to the next page!!**

Lastly, a few random pictures for you.

Kace and his cousin, Ethan

Steak N Shake

He has the sweetest face

Because 3 weeks of travel wasn’t enough for him, he’s taking my suitcase on another trip around the house.

Texas is camera shy

Sometimes, shoes just have to be put on in the entry.

Ready to go for a ride

Kace Feeds the Ducks

2010-07-16T22:31:00.001-05:00

Ducks roam the golf course in Pecan Grove and I promised myself I would take Kace. The night before we left, we did just that. He loves animals so I thought he would love this. And he did. Just in a different style that I imagined.

Explaining…

…and demonstrating the art of feeding ducks.

Ok, Kace, you do it. Throw it to the duck!

He ate it. No lie. Put it in his mouth, chewed, swallowed, and laughed while Mom and I died laughing.

Suddenly shy around the ducks

The rest of the time he had his own piece of bread, otherwise he would eat the pieces we threw before the ducks got them. Good grief… :)

Come on, Nana!

I’ll drive!

The love each other

Fireworks

2010-07-16T22:29:00.001-05:00

I left this post out because it needed its own. I am the mother to an amazing child who sleeps like an angel. Kyle and I have set off both the house alarm and smoke detectors and he’s slept through them. Fireworks should have been a walk in the part. “Should” is the optimal word. Early bedtime from the lack of napping during the day and he was out for a solid hour and a half. Then, as I was seated with a beer in my hand, the screaming started. If you’ve ever watched, you know the Pecan Grove fireworks show is not silent and they shoot practically in my parents front yard. Thus, fireworks looked like this.

I talked him through the whole thing.

As one went up, we watched and said, “Boom!” and what color it was.

When nothing was shooting, he’d sit up straight, but as soon as the streak shot through the sky, he flung himself back against me to get his ears covered.

I got to watch the fireworks and Kace enjoyed it, too.

Perfection. And yes, his PJs are unzipped around his waist. He sleeps in long sleeved footie PJs and it was 90 degrees out.

Houston, there are no problems

2010-07-16T22:28:00.001-05:00

As I have every summer since I got married, I spent time with my momma. But this time, we brought another person with us. Mom and I flew to Atlanta and drove my Grammy back to the great state of Texas. We promised to do this at Stan’s funeral and we did. We shopped, swan, ate, swam, went to the beach, ate, and swam some more. I love every minute. Picture overload follows below.

He rapidly became her biggest fan

Floating in the pool (a little challenging when his ears have to stay out)

So, Mom coaxed (really, she just said his name) Tucker into the pool and in a fit of jealous rage, two of her anti-swimming dogs jumped in too!! The FUNNIEST thing we’ve ever seen. And they climbed up there on there on, she didn’t put them on her.

Best friends. Beautiful brides. Boy moms.

“I touch?” Phrase of the week

Reading with Grammy

Pondering life

As was the theme for the two weeks, this child wore as little clothing as possible.

High five

Trying on hats at Garden Ridge

He LOVES the Chick-Fil-A cow

Why do I think this will be my future?

The first night Kyle and I got back from our trip, this is how Tucker slept out of pure exhaustion. No modesty here.

Always ready to help Nana with anything

The first 4th of July pic isn’t our best but I LOVE his expression and how he’s standing. (Don’t tell Nana he was standing on her counters!!) :)

4 goofy dachshund obsessed with the pool cleaner

Mom and Grammy

Beach bound

4 generations

Lindsey and Grammy

Mother and Daughter – Best Friends

He has zero fear of sand, water, waves, any of it

Before we left, the tide was high and getting higher

It was a great trip, 2500 miles driven between Mom and I from Atlanta to Dallas to Houston to Galveston to Houston to Dallas to Atlanta and everywhere in between. I’d do it again next summer.

Phillies vs. Reds

2010-07-16T22:24:00.001-05:00

The whole purpose of our trip was to see this game. I love the Phillies so Kyle took me to see them play and since I’ve already been to Citizens Bank Park, we had to see them somewhere else. Cincinnati, here we come.

We ordered tickets on the lower level, behind first plate, my favorite place to sit. In talking to my dad, I learned that he knew someone who worked at Great American Ballpark and offered to contact them. The thing is, in the tourism/hospitality industry, it is a give/get/owe a favor industry. Don does something for Dad, Dad does something Don needs a later time or vice versa. The “favor” was, as we thought, new seats in the Diamond Club. Primo seats, field level, catered dinner, no charge for anything. Yes, please!

No zoom needed here

Shortly after we sat down, a sweet lady came and introduced herself, promised to get anything we needed, and that Don (the guy my dad contacted) would be down shortly. She returned 10 minutes later with reusable bags for each of us that included a UBER nice polo, vest, and hat for me and a polo, golf balls, and a hat for Kyle.

Thank you, Don!

We thought that was it. Then Don came. Great guy and handed us $300!!!! worth of vouchers for the gift shop at the ballpark (to go along with the $100 we were given when I picked up our tickets). Why? Because we had a little boy and he needed some Reds things, that was his reason. Generous man. :)

Phillies dugout

We watched the whole game, tipped our waiter nicely, never left our seats, Phillies lost (enter sad face – good thing I decided to wear a red dress to the game to look neutral and not my Phillies shirt), and then we shopped.

Looks like the Crandall “C”

Thank you, Husband!!

Darn you, Phillies

Did I mention we shopped??

Cincinnati

2010-07-16T22:22:00.001-05:00

I love my husband. Let’s just get that out there. But, I can want to harm him as well. We take a trip every year for our anniversary. Especially now with Kace, we need 3 days to ourselves. The original plan was to go to Hot Springs, AR before my mom and I left for Atlanta. She was coming here, going to keep Kace, blah blah blah, perfection. Until Kyle didn’t get off. And didn’t work to get off. ANGRY. I handle my anger in silence and a run of, “It’s fine”.

He redeemed himself and was just too precious. He found out where the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team were playing, researched hotels, attractions, costs, plane tickets, etc. and laid it all out for me. He could have booked the whole thing but forgot that he could call my mom and find out my plans. :) Needless to say, we took an amazing 3 day trip to Cincinnati and below are too many pictures. Love you, KDJ!!

Hubs sitting on a scale at the aquarium

Watching the thunderstorm roll in over the Ohio River, the view from our hotel room

Giraffes, my favorite part of the Cincinnati Zoo

After we took this picture, the lady at the cheetah show announced we should all drink lots of water and be careful in the humidity!?!?! It was 85 degrees, cloudy, breezy, and maybe 10% humidity. I wish that qualified as humid everyday here.

Took a riverboat ride on a boat similar to that but a little bigger

There’s a groundhog sticking out of that hole

Great American Ballpark, where we were headed that night

See the white line on the church? That’s the highest the flood waters have ever been in Cincinnati. The little white thing next to it is a pick-up truck.

On our way to Cincinnati… we’d been up since 4 AM

This plane made me squeal out loud in public

This was our rental car. No lie. When did Kyle and I turn 80?? He LOVED it and I was embarrassed by it the whole trip.

KCJ and KDJ with the Ohio River and Cincinnati behind us

Kyle, I love you for planning this amazing trip. Thank you, and I’m looking forward to many more. Who knows, maybe you’ll pull off the whole trip next time. :) Love you!!!

I'm here

2010-07-08T15:49:00.003-05:00

No, I haven't fallen off the earth. I'm here. Actually, since I've last posted, I've gone from Dallas to Atlanta to Dallas to Houston to Charlotte to Cincinnati to Charlotte to Houston to Galveston to Houston and Saturday we're going to Dallas, Sunday back to Atlanta, and Tuesday back to Dallas. Pictures, posts, details, stories are all in the works. Promise.

Swimming at Nana’s

2010-06-10T22:07:00.001-05:00

Last summer, Kace loved the pool. He would sit in his floatie at 4 months old and kick his legs and float around. He’s a little too big for a baby float and too small to “swim”. But, we put him in the pool and after some complaining, he enjoyed it. Hopefully we’ll be able to help him get used to his swim vest when we spend a long time down there and he’ll really have fun.

Tucker the water dachshund. He gets on the raft by himself and floats around the pool. His goal? To kill the pool cleaner and eat all the bubbles. It’s a daunting task but someone has to do it.

Kace and Nana

Then we put him on the float, which is liked.

And then the dogs joined him, much to his delight.

“Blow Aunt Lindsey a kiss”

Relaxing

Sweet Tucker Bear swimming like a champ

“Bye!”

Telling Daddy and I a story

Time to sweep up Nana’s patio

He needs therapy. This is all Tucker wants to do when he’s at Mom’s. And so she obliges.

Sweet Texas

This was the scene not 10 minutes after we hit the Westpark Tollway headed home. Completely exhausted from a great trip.

Galveston

2010-06-10T21:52:00.001-05:00

My parents bought a bay house!! AH!! My step-dad had one back in the day and has always wanted one again. Needless to say, after looking for quite awhile now, they found a cute little 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house on a canal that opens to Galveston Bay. You can sit on the deck upstairs and watch the storms build over the bay. Besides feeling like you need to shower 24/7, we had a great time. Kyle worked hard doing “little” projects around the house while Mom, Kace, and I played. (Mom, just realized there are no pictures of the 3 of us. How did that happen??)

Needless to say, Kace, Texas, and Tucker had no fear of the sand and waves and enjoyed running around this new place. (MANY pictures below.)

Pretty sure their noses were on the ground 95% of the time

Getting his “soos” on. Sweet face.

Ready, Mom! He proudly wore the hat, sunglasses, shirt, shorts, and shoes the whole time.

Best friends. Spitting images. Father and son. Loves of my life.

How can you not love someone who walks with such purpose??

No fear of the water

I love my precious family and it makes me happy that Kace will get to grow up going to the beach every summer and not just when we make it to Florida to see my dad. Makes my heart happy.

Happy beach baby

Kace and Nana

Checking out his chair

He wore that ridiculous necklace thing for a good 30 minutes.

Taking his stroller for a walk

Thanks, Mom and Rory. We had a fabulous time.

Fun Outside

2010-06-10T21:29:00.001-05:00

Kace absolutely loves to go outside. He moves the blinds at the back down and says, “Side? Side?” If your answer is no or you ignore him, he cries. Take him out, and this happens.

I love him.

9 months of reflection

2010-06-10T21:13:00.001-05:00

No, I’m not pregnant or anything that has to do with 9 months in that way. 9 months of school. 9 very LOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG months. Looking back on what I deemed a terribly shitty year, I learned many things.

--Trust no one.

--If your principal lacks in personal communication skills, that can make for some fun situations.

--Lower elementary teachers are whiny little bitches. Maybe this isn’t true everywhere but it’s true here.

--The only people you need to survive are your team members, your family, and God. No one else.

--Lunch as a trio in one of our rooms is far better than lunch in the lounge with 1st grade.

--Most of the people I had to “privilege” of working with this year are back-stabbers. This was the year of “tattle to the principal to make myself look better”.

--Apparently, it’s better to not have an opinion than to voice one.

--My husband is the most amazing sounding board, lamination cutter, ignorer of the shouting wife, and supporter I could have ever imagined.

--If you win money for the school district, you will be reprimanded for it, not praised.

--Lack of knowledge on the administration’s part.

--Zero discipline from the office can make your team stronger.

--Friday morning assemblies are Friday morning miseries if you teach upper elementary.

--Friday afternoon bus duty is survivable.

--When you take off 15 days throughout the year, 13 of them being for your sick son, your boss will eventually start calling him “Kace”, not “Cason”. No biggie… we got a good laugh out of it.

--Fake is the best overall word to describe the members of our staff.

--I appreciate all school holidays even more.

--I am coming back for another year. (WHAT?!?!)

After everything, our principal is FINALLY trying to form relationships and do some little things that go a long way. After our assistant principal resigned, I didn’t have a single stress headache. Headaches for 8 months, 5 days a week, and they are gone. Pure joy. I have high hopes of how to make this next year work, with less tears and less drinking.

The littlest love my life

2010-05-23T12:57:00.001-05:00

Riding on his dump truck that was supposed to be a backyard toy backwards

Ready to go to the baby-sitter’s house

Bleacher baby

Showing off his swim vest to wear at the beach house this summer

Yep, I can even nap in it

Not sure I can look any more tired

He walked around the morning that Mom left smiling these HUGE smiles every time she took his picture.

Baby boy and shorter hair

Suddenly, no interest in smiling with Nana

Ok, now I will

Eating puffs before bed on my couch

A strawberry and blueberry diaster

Cowboys Stadium

2010-05-23T12:48:00.001-05:00

Most of you know that Kyle and I each hate the Dallas Cowboys. It’s hard to live in Dallas and be against “America’s team” but we manage. This year our 5th grade field trip was to, non other than, Cowboys Stadium. We’ll never be able to afford to go as regular people so we got Kyle’s mom to baby-sit and off we went.

Cowboys locker room

The tunnel that they run through to get onto the field

The biggest screen I’ve ever seen

Standing on the field (Forgive the fact that I look pregnant. I blame it on the fact that someone nearly 6 inches shorter than me took our picture).

Sitting on the 50 yard line. Never going to get to do that again.

Would your husband volunteer to chaperone two field trips with 75 fifth graders??

The Ballpark in Arlington

Downtown Dallas

Life in a suite… Never going to sit here again

All in all, it was a good trip. We had a fabulous tour guide who did great with our kids and no one got in too much trouble. Can’t ask for anything better than that!

Love in the form of mowing

2010-05-23T12:35:00.001-05:00

Kace never left the window the whole time Daddy was mowing and happily ran outside when he was finished.

Mother’s Day

2010-05-23T12:32:00.001-05:00

Before I begin this post, I should show you this.

This is my “ghetto reading corner” as I called it. Notice that I’m sitting on an ottoman, the lamp is a paper towel holder that we’ve NEVER used with a heat lamp clipped on it and my feet are resting on a pink and white chair. I could have sworn we were a two income family, living in a nice house, and driving nice cars but we went wrong somewhere along the way. Tragedy all the way. But, I got a “reading corner” like I requested. Kind of.

So, it was no surprise but Kyle shocked me for Mother’s Day again. Last year, he worked nights all weekend and I was bummed but he amazed me the Thursday before. This year, he was home Saturday but I was working and then he worked Sunday. Friday morning at the assembly, he asked what I wanted for Mother’s day. My response, “I don’t know. Talk to Mom about it”. Fantastic. I might as well have said, “Who cares”. Anyway, he took advantage of my mom being in town and set out Friday afternoon to start looking. After MANY phone calls back to my mom, a long debate with himself over the leather chair or the one he bought, and a very generous salesman, I came home to this.

A REAL reading corner. The ottoman is one we got “free” when we bought our couch and had no use for it. Kyle found the matching chair at Macy’s and bought it for me. The dachshund pillows are from my mom and were the perfect accent to the chair (who cares that they match nothing else in that room). I was shocked and have loved sitting in there reading and working. My chair, my corner, and my inner-nerd is content. Thank you, Kyle!! You’re amazing!!!!! I’m glad you didn’t get the leather one.

Locks of Love

2010-05-16T14:29:00.001-05:00

The Friday before Mother’s day, I did this…

Split my hair into two ponytails…

Patiently waited through the fabulous speech our school nurse made…

Handed two of my students a pair of scissors…

And cut off 12 glorious inches of hair to donate to Locks of Love

Once I have a real picture of what I look like now, I’ll post that too. Nothing speaks about the importance of helping others than doing it in front of 400 kids. My 5th graders were THRILLED!!!! And I’m MUCH cooler and loving my short hair. (Notice how uneven it was… I promptly left school Friday and got a real hair cut).

Talented Nurse

2010-05-14T20:51:00.001-05:00

About halfway through the year, I realized how truly talented our school nurse is. Sadly, she’s leaving us at the end of the year and taking her amazing talent elsewhere. So, before she goes, I had her make us these for gifts.

Janice made this one for my dad.

This is for my Grammy. She was thrilled.

This one is my mom’s.

And finally, this one will be for Kyle’s mom.

Now, I just need one for me.

Random

2010-05-14T20:42:00.001-05:00

I’m pretty sure as I get the rest of the pictures off my camera, there will be another post of random pictures but I’m so behind I decided to take my chances and have two “randoms”.

It is officially summer in Dallas and baby boy looks so cute in shorts and a t-shirt. He’s wearing 18 or 24 month shirts but he can still wear 12 month shorts. The ones he has on are 24 months and needless to say, they’re HUGE, but precious.

While washing the pillows in the dog beds, Kace decided to check this one out. Texas was slightly confused.

Kyle does this to him a lot and he loves it.

We searched high and low for a solid fabric couch for Kace. We obviously failed. However, Toy Story is an acceptable cartoon movie so we got this for him. And yes, he had a major allergy attack that day and looks pitiful.

Me and my love

Having a good time before bed

A fun-filled time filler

2010-05-14T20:32:00.001-05:00

A while back we spent a day running errands around Rockwall and enjoying time as a family, something that seems so precious now as our schedules didn’t mesh for nearly a month afterwards. We were in-between things and needed something to wear Kace out so he’d sleep all the way home and be happy for the rest of the evening. Solution? The Harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard.

Hey, Mom, this is fun!!

There’s nothing around but grass and concrete and he’s thrilled.

No fear in venturing off alone

Best friends. Twins. Like father, like son. Makes my heart so proud.

The fit that was thrown upon leaving was also picture worthy but I’ll save him the embarrassment. :)

I'm still here!!

2010-05-03T19:58:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you think I've hidden my blog and then ran off. Not true. Somewhere in the last week, life hit fast forward and I'm RUNNING to keep up. Kyle has been off the last 2 weekends so we've been enjoying family time, TAKS scores are in and we're making adjustments for that, my mom is coming Thursday (YAY!!!!), and Kace is, well, a 14 month old toddler who NEVER stops moving. I promise I'm here and I promise to update this blog. Check back in a week.

Doesn't he look HUGE?!?!

Change

2010-04-16T20:32:00.003-05:00

We have decided to keep our blog private due to some people being a little too nosy for their own good. I'll try to explain more after everything is hidden. Shoot me a message on Facebook, leave a comment on here, or send me an email and I'll add you to the list.

kelsey.johnson@yahoo.com

Thanks!!

Bits and Pieces

2010-04-09T21:52:00.002-05:00

I need to vent, share, tell, celebrate, etc. This is that place. I'm not entirely sure how many people read this but I feel better thinking that someone does. So, here are the bits and pieces of our life right now.

--Shortly after Kace's first birthday, we opened a basic savings account for him. I had one long before I was aware of it so it was important to me that he had one too. However, we're obviously a two income family and can't throw money around like it grows on a tree in our backyard. I struggled with how to fulfill his savings account. I was blessed, BLESSED, and am very grateful to have gone through college on my parents' tab. (Thank you, Mom & Cheese and Dad & Jill... and that is NEVER adequate enough). Kyle and I know the reality of doing that for Kace - it doesn't exist. We can't put him through school on our dime as it stands right now. The solution?? $25 a week goes into his savings account. It's ok, you can laugh. When he turns 18, there will be $22,100 in his account. Um, wow. It makes us feel good that we can provide something for him, even if it just helps him buy a car.
--By the first of June, our credit card debt will be gone. We had a very minimal amount but I HATE debt. In all forms, and that includes our house. We know we want to travel and enjoy the summer but with Kace's tubes and his seemingly endless doctor's visits, things happen and the bill increases. So, we set a goal of this amount each week and we're sticking to it. It's WORKING. The bill is under $1000 and shrinking. Next task, pay off my grad school tab to my dad. If we stick wtih this plan, that could be gone by the end of the summer. Interesting...
--Kace is talking and learning up a storm. He knows his head, tummy, and nose every time. We're working on eyes and ears. His favorite word is "bye-bye" and says it to anyone who will listen. He knows what it means to go to bed and have a "ba-ba" and he will lead you to his room. He says the following words, clearly or in his own way: mama, dada, bye-bye, hi, ball, puppy, no, uh-oh, Nana, ba-ba, and more.
--Kace throws a fit when you bring him in after playing outside.
--I love spring. Cool air, gorgeous flowers, longer days, and summer is just around the corner. However, it isn't becoming to sit on the patio with my box of Kleenex and a margartia. For some reason, Kyle would just prefer to sit inside. :)
--Work sucks and I'm learning to accept it. My prayer is that I'm happy again and that I have peace with where I am. I hate being miserable. But, a huge turnover would speak volumes too. Just saying...
--Kyle got rid of Lois, his chicken. I think it had to do with a phone call where he innocently called to say he was coming home early and I said the "f' word more than 5 times. Something about a dog that continyes to mark the house because he's busy tormenting the chicken and won't be outside. Bad day. Anyway, I came home and the chicken was gone. She's playing on a farm with other chickens (really, that wasn't a lie) but I cried. He doesn't know that. I hate hurting him but we aren't set up for a chicken right now. I feel like he's sacrificed a lot for me to live here and I go and ruin the one thing he had. It still torments me.
--The gas tank on my Explorer is on the passenger side. On my first two cars, it was on the driver side. I've had the Explorer for 5 months now and still, just today, I pulled up, turned off the car, and got out only to realize I was on the wrong side. I swear, I make someone's day far too often when I get gas. I think the guy in front of me was struggling to contain his laughter. Kyle pointed out that they have an air on the gas gauge for a reason. Thank you, dear.
--I haven't seen my mom since February and I miss her. Mom, please come visit. I can't even take off to enjoy your being here but you can come play with Kace. :)
--Kyle took Kace to Cabela's today for fun. I got 5 pictures via text message of their fun. I love that those two are best buds and Kyle was thrilled he got to go with a happy baby.

Ok, that's enough for now. I hope this finds you healthy and HAPPY. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we (I) struggle to find happiness. At least the other 16 hours of my day are with a great family and support system.

My fairytale

2010-04-04T14:43:00.002-05:00

Lately, life has dealt us less than pleasant cards. There are a lot of stressors, none of which appear to be leaving soon. We can see the light at the end of some of the tunnels and some goals are quickly being met. We are hoping and praying that it continues this way so that by the time summer arrives, we can truly enjoy life.

However, there’s a part of our life that I love. Typically, I live a fairytale life. Even when I’m not in a good mood because of other things, I come home to two precious boys and two furry boys and they cheer me up.

Having a grand time crawling on the bed before surgery

Loved the little gown, complete with a opening in the back for your viewing pleasure.

Bath time with Daddy. Step 1, put washcloth on head. Step 2, Kace removes it.

Step 3, Kace tries and gets mad when he doesn’t succeed. Step 4, Daddy fixes it.

Step 5, eat washcloth.

It snowed about 3.5” in March over spring break. Better timing would have allowed us an extra day off. Just saying…

Check out the baby Jedi, complete with a miniature “light saber”. This is why my heart is so happy when I leave him at the baby-sitters.

And this is how he greets her oldest son in the mornings. Nothing but love for Tyler.

His hair is long enough for a mohawk.

Can you tell that one of his socks is darker than the other? Yep. He stepped in the water bowl.

Ready to party

Reading with Daddy before bed

My Easter tulips

Um, yes, the same foot is wet in this picture too. Clearly he loves water a little too much.

Kace and Aunt Lindsey

Kace’s Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-04T14:24:00.002-05:00

Let me set the scene for you. Last year, I’m pretty sure that Kace had an Easter. I also think that I was a brand new Momma and Easter came and went without notice. And by without notice, I mean I have NO memory of his first Easter. Sad, I agree. So, this year he still doesn’t understand Easter and I hate the idea of taking him to a church egg hunt. I mean, really?? He can’t “hunt” for eggs so they might as well say “Egg Hunts for Parents”. But, we can hunt eggs here.

My scene: Eggs in the yard. Baby with basket in hand. Kace digging the whole egg hunt thing. One happy family.

Actual scene: Kyle threw about 18 eggs in a 4’ x 4’ area in the front yard. No traditional hiding for this 13 month old. I have a basket, camera, sandals, and a baby in hand. Once we’re dressed, my goal is to take pictures. I truly thought he’d walk around the yard and want to touch all the eggs. He has to touch everything else that doesn’t belong to him. Well, I think the pictures speak for themselves.

My one “traditional” egg hunt picture

You want me to put the eggs in there?!?!

Yes, like this.

No, Daddy. Take them out.

Happy boy

Hmmm… There are 16 more of these in the yard but I’ll just stick with these 2 and annoy Mommy and Daddy.

Hey! What’s that down the street??

Actually going after an egg.

Oh, more grass to pull on.

Off with my eggs

All the eggs surrounding him we put there.

This is where he really lost interest.

Leaving the egg hunt area

At this point, he actually started telling us, “Bye!” But don’t you love those curls!!

One last attempt at a staged picture failed.

His interest in Kyle’s pick-ups, though, grew tremendously.

It wasn’t my ideal egg hunt but I loved it nonetheless. All the eggs rattled so that was fun for Kace but I think next year there will be much more interest. I hope.

5 years and counting

2010-04-04T10:44:00.002-05:00

On April 2, 2005, Kyle and I officially got together and we’ve never looked back. Well, I haven’t. Maybe I should check with him, lol.

Summer 2005

Beaumont

Beaumont, shortly before we got engaged

2 months before the wedding

Heidi and Danny’s wedding

Disneyworld, Christmas 2007

Master’s graduation, August 2008. Then, we announced we were pregnant.

Baby boy joins our family

Halloween carnival

At the Harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard

I love you, Kyle David.

“Hoppy” Easter

2010-04-02T12:48:00.002-05:00

Stephanie said that she would have bunnies and chicks for Easter pictures and I, of course, had to have some. I truthfully was concerned that there wouldn’t be very many good ones. Kace could have cared less for the bunny and the chicks but she amazed me again. Must be the reason I keep calling her to take more pictures.

I love having these over the traditional, (and scary), costume bunny in the mall. I think he looks freaky so I loved having real bunny pictures instead. Happy Easter, everyone!!

Tink, tink, tink...

2010-03-26T19:46:00.002-05:00

While I frequently refer to my job as "hell" and my bosses by equally weird names, the last 48 hours has changed my opinion. Slightly. In the smallest way. Microscopic. You get the idea.

On Wednesday, my PDAS window opened. For those of you that don't teach, you essentially get 1 (or 2) formal evaluations each year. Every other year if you work for a "normal" district. My first one was atrocious and really sent my year on a downhill spin. I have since built a mammoth wall, protecting all my emotions and venting to my close friends. Tears have been shed, ugly words said, things thrown, more tears, and LOTS of prayers.

At the first of March, an email was sent from our content mastery teacher asking everyone to meet in the library the afternoon before 4th grade writing TAKS for a prayer. Cool with me. Come to find out, my principal asked for the email to be sent from the CM teacher because she thought it would be perceived better that way. She's completely right but I also realized that maybe she does understand just how unhappy we are. And that no one likes her. And my heart hurt for her just a little. Tink...

So, my window opens and I'm terrified. This HAS to go well. She told me (or the floor, really) "Good job, Kelsey" when she left. I was in shock. She CAN give compliments. Tink...

Today, someone who shall remain nameless for fear that in a long circle this got back to the boss, told me that she was really pleased with my lesson and how much I had improved. She loved how I interacted with my kids "considering I've had such a tough year". Um, do you think?? First, you tried to screw me out of my job, made me miserable and fight for EVERYTHING and defend EVERY decision I've made, my son was sick for 10 weeks straight and I burned 8 personal days. In a matter of 8 days, we had two funerals and a surgery and now I'm out of personal days and being docked over TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS each day I take off. Yeah, you could say I've had it rough. And let's face it, the compliment... Tink...

My heart hurts for her in the fact that she is a crappy administrator (in my opinion) and has a HUGE burden to get this school off the ground and running and make it successful. The turnover this year, I fear, will be atrocious. Either way, she's putting a TINY crack in my huge wall. We won't ever be "friends" but I might learn to tolerate her. Let's hope for that.

In 5 school days, my kids take the reading TAKS. Pray for us.

Random

2010-03-17T13:44:00.001-05:00

Random pictures from our lives that are worth adding to the blog.

**Please scroll down… There are lots of new posts!!**

Kace obviously hates sippy cups.

Future football star

My precious family

My girls

Let’s face it, his daddy is his world

They love him too

Check out my new shoes!!

Hanging out on the fireplace and very proud of his accomplishment.

Kace’s Bathroom

2010-03-17T13:04:00.001-05:00

In our old house, we had a Texas themed bathroom and we did here until recently. With the arrival of Kace, we knew we wanted to re-do the bathroom at some point. Kyle vetoed more safari animals, which I was fine with and we ultimately did this on a whim. Gotta love Target. I love the bright green, blue, and orange and with some extras from Hobby Lobby, Kace is set.

I love everything about it and the bright colors make the room feel so much larger. Now, we need to get Kace bathing in here and no longer in our bathroom. :)

Study and Entry

2010-03-17T12:56:00.001-05:00

A little here and there is making our house look more and more like a home. We have 12 foot ceilings in the entry, which means a massive bare wall. So, Mom found this fabric that matched the colors in the kitchen and living room, we hung it on a rod iron curtain rod, and viola! No more bare wall.

I got this at the mall and it greets you when you walk in the house. It used to hang over the entry table until Kace started using the table to push around the house. Now the table is missing until he’s a little older.

I ordered this furniture on New Year’s Eve and it took WEEKS to get it but I love it and it was so worth the wait.

I found this on Etsy and had to have it. It ties in two of my loves.

There will be an update tomorrow. Our new couch is coming tomorrow between 4 – 8 PM. (Can I just say I really hate the 4 hour window thing??) We still have the couches from Kyle’s first house and while they have served their purpose and provided us with many naps, movie nights, and laughs, I’m thrilled about a new one. YAY!

Meet Lois

2010-03-17T12:44:00.001-05:00

Meet Lois, Kyle’s new chicken

She showed up one day after a small discussion about getting a chicken and now lives with us.

This is Lois’s tormentor, Texas. He spends most of his day outside nipping at her cage and squealing at her.

Kace think Lois is hysterical so that’s a good thing. I don’t really have anything to do with her. Let’s be honest, chickens really aren’t my thing.

When Texas is forced to stay inside because he has tormented the chicken too much, this is what he does.

He can go from heartbroken about not being outside to…

Ready to kill her from inside.

Kace’s Birthday

2010-03-17T12:33:00.001-05:00

Kace’s 1st birthday went off with a small bang. Because of the death of Kyle’s grandma, his actual birthday party was cancelled, rescheduled tenatively, and permanently cancelled when my grandfather died. Frankly, I was a little scared to schedule it again. So, my mom, Kyle, his mom, and myself had a miniature party at our house.

He loves to swing so we had to do that on his birthday

New bibs!! With a snap!! A parent’s dream :)

A book that talks to him…

…is a success.

The cake was not a total hit but it was enough to play in for awhile. And I got priceless pictures.

And we ended the night in Daddy’s boots

All in all, I think he had a good day. We’re grateful he was too young to realize that his party was cancelled and could just enjoy his day.

Kace’s 1 year pictures

2010-03-16T22:22:00.001-05:00

There has been a lot going on in our family but I’ll stick with the positive for tonight. Kace turned 1 and naturally, there were pictures. As is usual, he was quite the ham for the first half and had his hands in his mouth the rest of the time.

I think he is the most precious boy ever

Future CEO

In love with everything about him

She adores him and he loves her. Priceless.

Oh Kace, you bring more joy to our lives than we ever thought possible. Despite the roller coaster ride that has been our lives lately, I am grateful for taking the time to do things like this. Thanks again, Stephanie, for fabulous pictures.

Happy birthday, Kace William!!

2010-02-24T21:35:00.001-06:00

One year ago, this perfect “little” baby boy joined our family and forever changed our lives. He has made us happy, sad, angry, exhausted, frustrated, and broke. He has tested our patience, taught us unconditional love to a level we never understood before, and made us laugh until we cried. This angel of a boy has made for a roller coaster, whirlwind year that Kyle and I wouldn’t trade for anything. Kace William, thank you making our lives better. Happy 1st birthday, baby boy!!

February 24, 2009

April

May – This jumper was his favorite toy

June

July

August – drool was a constant thing for many months in our house

September

October

November

December

January

February 24, 2010

Not a huge fan of cake

We love you, Kace!!