Being 2

On this episode of Being 2, you can see that emotional swings are normal....

A Bumps and Bruises Slumber Party!

Here are Gage and Ella about a year and half ago...such sweet faces!

My friend from college, Janelle, came over on Thursday night with her little girl, Ella. We had such a good time. We used to live about 10 mins from each other, but since we moved and they moved, it is more like 50 mins. Not fun! We were both pregnant with our firsts' together and even used to have "doggy playdates" before our babes were born. I was thankful that they were willing to make the drive out here and spend some time together.

We started off by taking the kids to the pool...total bummer that we both forgot our cameras! They did good, except Gage hasn't learned how to stand back up in the kiddie pool when we falls. So, you see a tod face down in the pool, thinking he will stand up, but doesn't. Not to fun. I also learned that taking 2 kids (Gage and Jillian) to a pool alone is a lot of work! My mom will be joining me next time! Gage and Ella did have fun and enjoyed the ride in the new mini-van!! Halla!

We ordered pizza for dinner. Ella enjoyed eating the cheese off the top and then licking the sauce off, while Gage was more about getting down to business.

For their viewing pleasure, we watched Little Einsteins, AKA. "Leo", and they were helping Rocket blast off!

After dinner we took the tods out for a rabbit hunt! Here they are running down the sidewalk.

We got to see several rabbits, 2 of which ran into this backyard!

Then came the bumps and bruises portion of the evening. While we were out walking, Gage manage to trip on the sidewalk which was lined with stones. He landed, face first, on the stone and you can see the line going up and down his cheek. He also has a mark on his eyebrow. I felt so horrible! Then Ella managed to fall and bang her knee pretty hard. Janelle picked her up and kissed it. Then, in a poor, pitiful voice, Ella says, "All better". It was sad and so sweet!

What slumber party is complete without a little pj dance party! No affection was show, as you can see at the end of the video!

Janelle and Ella, thanks for coming to play with us!

Report Card...

Buy new mini van...A+. Today I officially crossed over to the dark side. I am a Mini-Van Mama!

Work out with new trainer...A+. I met with Tracy, my new trainer and it was good. Well, if you mean good as in, I am totally out of shape, every muscle in my body was trembling with weakness and I can only do ONE, UNO, YES ONE sit-up, then yea it was good. Lord, help me tomorrow.

Buy book for blog book club...A+. I did buy My Sisters Keeper at Super Target. If you want to participate, go head and buy yours now. It is a bit long! The goal is to read it by the end of June.

That's it.

Catching up on Random Cuteness!

Where to begin? There has been much happening at our house. Everyday is full of some random form of cuteness. Let me begin with Jillian. She, alone, is adorable. Throw in all the new clothes I bought her from Old Navy and watch out! Here she is in her favorite position...on her tummy with her thumb in her mouth. She is sporting her super cute shorts from ON...I just wish they had a matching mommy pair!

I know she is thinking, "Seriously mom, are we going to be twinkies?"...only if they had my size sweetie! Mommy can't fit into a 2T.

On my blog titles, I says, Life with two babes and the random thoughts that follow. This would fall under the random part. As I have said in a previous post, our neighborhood is FULL of bunnies...not the cute white bunnies they sell at the fair, but Peter Cottontail kind. When I take the kids for walks at night, I stop counting after 5. So, we were in the backyard one day and my mom jumped and let out a gasp. I thought, Oh my, there must be a mouse or frog or something. No, it was a TINY bunny. Here it is...

Seriously, it was smaller than Gage's size 5 Croc. Now, I am not a fan of the wild bunny, but ya'll, this thing was cute! I had to check on it through out the day to make sure it was ok, which it seemed to be.

Then came the next day. I was out to pick up our car from the dealership as it needed a new belt. Well, when I came home, this tiny bunny was sitting right next to our front door. I know the following will sound crazy, but, I will admit my insanity. I was scared of the bunny. Linsey and nature don't really go together. Give me a dog and I will take care of it. Keep your birds, lizards, insects, reptiles and rodents away. Please...Thank you! I have to call Dave because I don't want to open the door (one because I am scared, but I said it was because I don't want it to hop inside). We finagle ourselves in the house and I call my brother. He refuses my offer to have him come over and take the tiny bunny to another lawn, so I call my dear neighbor, Cindy. I think, maybe her hubby will come over and relocate the bunny. Five minutes later, Cindy and her daughter, Channing, are in our front yard with a Pampers diaper box, lined with a towel and gloves. I had no idea that Cindy was such an animal lover. She is the bunny whisperer. She nursed (literally, she fed the bunny kitten milk from a bottle) the bunny until it was healthy enough to eat grass and the tops of strawberries. See, when it was in by our front door, it wasn't looking so good, it was shaking and wet and lethargic. So, they gave her some much needed fluids, love and a good dose of self-confidence and set the bunny on its way to overpopulate the neighborhood! Thanks Cindy! How random!

Back to Jillian...She has been making the cute faces where she scrunches her nose up and gives you a big gummy smile. Observe...

To conclude the random cuteness, please enjoy the following videos of Gage!

Here he is eating his first corn on the cob. I didn't think he would like it, but he loved it! Also, you get to see how he doesn't like to bit food, but rather have you pull the excess off for him! Geesh!

(Please excuse Dave saying, "I'd like to bang her!" He was quoting The Office!


What do you think? Can I send this in to, America's Got Talent??? What a juggler!

Bachelorette...SPOILER ALERT!

I love this show. Have I told ya'll that? I am living vicariously through DeAnna...although I would really not want to be in her shoes. It was another good show, although not as amusing as the first. Here are a few things I have a problem with. First, why are they not showing footage of what is happening in the house? I want to see what happens when they are hanging out, eating breakfast, watching tv, playing games. We saw ZERO of that this time. So, ABC Editors, if you happen to be reading this, please work on that for next time! Second, why do they not have a shower curtain? Are guys really that open with each other? I know they answer, most of them yes, but seriously? I think that is a bit extreme.

Ok, now on to the guys!

I love Graham! I am so glad that she had this fairy tale vision of their date together. He is a hottie, but can't fly a kite worth a zip! I thought it was good of DeAnna to ask the hard questions and really pry these guys. I don't think it's weird that he hasn't had lots of serious relationships. He seems open. Just because you date a lot of guys doesn't mean you are more open or know what you want any more than someone who hasn't been around the block as many times. Maybe he has less to compare too and is more of a blank slate. I really like him and hope she keeps him around for awhile!

Seriously, what hasn't he told her about his son? I am wondering what happened to his wife...wait, I am going to look at his bio on the ABC website...That was a waste of time. It tells where he is from, his age and occupation, no dirt.
This guy oozes STDs. He seems like one of those guys who thinks he is really hot and a great guy in bed, but is really just a gross guy who sleeps with a bunch of drunk girls. Not a fan...hate that she picked him. I hope she washes her hands after she is around him...
DeANNA...DON'T EAT HIS FOOD!
I like Ron, but not for DeAnna. I think he has too much experience and history for her.
Did I mention that I LOVE Graham???
I felt bad for poor Twilley. They just don't work together. He can't get his words out. It shouldn't be that hard!

Until next week...

Blog Book Club

How fun does that sound?!?! I am starting a blog book club. I read books pretty fast, so I will try to give advanced notice as to which book I will be reading next. (Side Note: If you haven't read Twilight by Stephanie Meyers yet...READ IT! See previous post for more info.)

Here's how it will go. The book for the month of June is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. They are even filming a movie based on the book starting Cameron Diaz. Toward the end of the month I will post some questions based on book and hopefully we can get a good discussion via the comment section of the blog!

Here is a short synopsis of the book! Hope it is a good one! Let me know if you are interested.

Pray for Stephen Curtis Chapman's Family

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080521/TUNEIN/80521174/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

Blown Away

If you don't know what I am talking about, all I have to say is...David! I was blown away by the American Idol Finale. What a show. Although I skipped through most of the group singing which unfortunately included awkward dancing by the contestants, I loved the performances with the "real" singers. By far, my favorite moment was when my sweet David Archuletta sang with my beloved ONE REPUBLIC. I became a fan of ONE REPUBLIC when their song was played on So You Think You Can Dance a season or so ago. It was on my MySpace page and is currently on my blog playlist. I have never seen the band play, but was pleased. However, when David A. came out to sing...oh, I got chills. It was amazing. What happens when the American Idol finalist is a better singer than the recording artist??? I don't know, but it was amazing. I will be buying both Davids' cds when they come out!

I didn't even care who won (albeit it wasn't the one I voted for ALL night long). I was proud to see them both up there, living their dream. There parents must be so proud.

On another note, I went car shopping today. I love our Lincoln Navigator...AKA...Navie, but it is a bit hard to get the babes in and out of. So, I looked at the Chrystler Town and Country. Yes, I am crossing over to the dark side...I will become a Mini-Van-Mama! Although I am not to excited about that title, I know I will love the ease the car will give me and the family. We are also going to look at the Toyota Sienna and the Chrystler Pacifica. I will keep you posted!

Go Davids!!! Can't wait for the next season of Idol, which starts in January!

Out of my blogging bubble

Whatever funk I was in that was preventing me from blogging has vanished. I am back! We had a great day yesterday. It was hot here, my mom's car said is was 106, but I think it was in the 90s, but we spent the first part outside. Gage's cheeks get so red! I don't know what I am going to do with him when it really is 106 outside! I did buy him a little sprinkler spray guy, so we'll see if he likes that tomorrow! Hope you all are well...don't forget to vote for AI tonight!

Jillian playing with Grandma in the shade!

Gage showing his tongue! He thought it was fun posing for pictures and then looking at them in the camera! What did we do before digital?!?
What a face! I love the hat too! The strap totally makes it work!
RED CHEEKS! We will have to spend a lot of time in the water this summer!

After getting all sweaty, the kids had their first bath together! Gage is dunking her hand in the cup to clean it off! He is so sweet with her.

Bachelorette

The Bachelorette premiered last night. I loved watching Trista on the other bachelorette and am now excited about DeAnna's turn. I didn't watch the London Bachelor, or where ever he was from, but I did see the one with Brad from Austin. I still can't believe he didn't pick either girl, but they seem to be moving along just fine. I will try to post each week with my thoughts on who will make it the farthest. Time will tell!

I love Graham. Super cute! I think he is going to make it very far!
Did she seriously keep Twilley???

I would have much rather seen her keep Chandler! I thought he had potential!

I think Ron is another one to watch out for. I know he is divorced, but we don't know why. I have a feeling he will open up and turn into a good catch. We'll see...

I don't know about Jason. At first, when he was talking about his son, I thought he was GREAT. Then, as the night went on, I wasn't so sure. I can't pinpoint what it is, but I think he has some issues, maybe anger, maybe jealously. I think she may keep him for awhile, but he will cause tension.

Those are my predictions! Did ya'll watch?

So You Think You Can Dance...

What do you think? Can I send it in to the auditions?

No down time...

I obviously haven't posted in awhile. My mother's day was nice. We were in Corpus with Dave's family. When we got back on Tuesday, we were exhausted. Wednesday Jillian had her 6 month checkup. She is great. She weighs 15lbs 11oz and is 26in long. Her head is measuring at 17, so pretty much she is about average on everything. The 5 vaccines she received wiped her out a bit. Thursday was grocery shopping and today is random things.

I had great ideas in my head about sitting down and emptying the contents of my brain in the blog, but that never happened. Once the kids were in bed I was eager to watch/vote for American Idol...YEA DAVIDS! Then last night was The Office and Grey's. I told Dave that if Jim didn't proposed to Pam then I would throw the remote at his head like a frisbee. Since he has already suffered one brain injury, I didn't want to cause another and with held the remote throwing. I am bummed though! What is up with Pam thinking Toby is cute? Grey's was good. I can't wait for her and McDreamy to get back together and Chang to get some heart surgeries.

I have been reading all my blog buddies blogs. I was on Steece's Pieces earlier and came across this website. Originally I wasn't a bow girl, but I just spend $40 on them so, Jillian, get ready for some bows! Sorry this post isn't very original or thought provoking, but it is the best I can do.

My weekend will include my neighborhood bunco tonight! I hope I win some $$$. And a baby shower on Sunday. Seriously, my town is multiplying like bunnies (which I had two of in my backyard last night). I hope you all are well and would love to hear from you!

Gage and Gracyn

Above is a picture from Gage and Gracyn's first playdate, which was about 2 years ago!

How sweet are those faces!?!?

What a great playdate. Our friends from our old church came over yesterday, Angela (the mom), Gracyn (2years old) and Grady (8months old). We have know them since BK (before kids!). It is so great to have friends whose families grow as your own grows. That is exactly how we are. Gage and Gracyn are only about 6 weeks apart. Grady and Jillian are just a couple months apart. How fun is that. Angela and I have tried a few times to get together for a playdate. We don't live that far away, but after we had the newest babies, things got crazy! Either one of the kids was sick or something got in the way. So, it was very exciting that we were able to have this spur of the moment playdate. Gage had a bit of a shy streak at first. He only wanted to sit in either my mom's lap or mine. After lunch he started to warm up. I made some yummy recipes from Deceptively Delicious! I made the chicken nuggets and mozzarella sticks. Doesn't sound healthy does it? Well, what we really ate was chicken, mozzarella, SPINACH, CAULIFLOWER, and BUTTERNUT SQUASH! It was so yummy! Angela was inspired to go buy the book! See picture below for dessert. I will post that recipe soon.

Here are the tods...all grown up! I was making a funny face to get their attention on the camera. I think they were trying to copy me, hence the open jaws!

There were lots of hugs and kisses to go around!

Gracyn is hugging the Rock and Roll Elmo! She is a good climber!

Gage is checking out the buttons!This is Grady. It is so funny. If he saw the camera, he put on the cutest smile...EVERY TIME!

So cute!

We are trying to wind them down from the madness! They are watching "Leo", which is Little Einsteins.

The moms! If you can't tell, it is a lot of work having a playdate! But we had so much fun! It is great getting together with moms who are in the same place as you...or just finished the phase you are in. You can gain a lot of insight and support from each other!

Here is the dessert. Check back soon for the recipe!

Enjoy the videos of the TOD MADNESS!