Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

We have about 1/2 an inch of snow on the ground, and apparently that is enough to warrant getting all the gear on to go outside. Fine with me! This boy needs some time outside running. Jason went out with him, and they engaged in a little game of football. Looked like a scene from the Green Bay Packer's football stadium, minus the 22 massive men decked out in football gear.

We've been busy, busy, busy the past couple of days. Yesterday Corwin and I were busy making Christmas sugar cookies for all his friends and church teachers. He enjoyed every step except the decorating. He was game as long as all he had to do was put the sprinkles on, but he didn't last long. Thanks to Daddy, Mommy wasn't left high and dry to decorate the nearly 60 cookies. (Next time I'll cut the recipe in half.)

Today, while Corwin played outside, I spent half the day in the kitchen making caramel corn, snowballs, and chocolate-dipped Ritz peanut butter crackers. Then, Jason and Corwin came home with a slew of sweets from the neighbor. Ugh. We're swimming in brownies, Rice Crispy Treats, etc. 'Tis the season for indulging, I guess.

We will celebrate Christmas as a family Monday night. I'm excited! Everything is wrapped and waiting to be revealed! Every year seems to be more fun. Then, Jason works half a day on Tuesday, and we're off for nearly two weeks. I'm... anxious, I guess. I'm always ready to go, and more than ready to come home. And, hopefully we won't have to rent a U-Haul to get all the stuff home. Every year we end up having to leave half our treasures behind to be delivered at a later time. We really need everyone to cut back, but... that ain't happenin'.

Anyway, we'll be busy until after the new year, so you probably won't hear from us until 2010. We hope you all have an amazing Christmas, and remember the reason for the season! Remember the reason for every season, Jesus Christ!

A Baby-Sittin' We Will Go

Welp, the boys and I took a road trip last week. (That's why you haven't heard from me in several days.) My sister-in-law had to go back to work 3 days last week, and she has yet to find childcare for Jack, so I offered my expert services. It was a sacrifice, but someone had to do it. And I loved every minute of it.

We left Monday and came home Friday. Now, his parents warned me by telling tales of him being fussy, but I question the validity of their stories. Jack was an angel!!! I suspect it was because his Aunt Amy was there, and he loves his Aunt Amy. His Mommy and Daddy attribute his good behavior to the Prevacid he was prescribed Monday morning. But, I know the truth, and I'm broadcasting it on my blog so all will know... Aunt Amy works wonders!

He also was able to survive his older, crazier, less quiet and careful cousins. There were some close calls. Owen went from wanting to pull his feet off, to loving on him, to vigorously bouncing him in the bouncy seat, to whacking him on the head with a toy. Corwin, too, wanted to bounce him, entertain him with toys 2 inches from his face, and constantly monitor him in the swing.

I LOVE this picture. These boys are one year and one day apart. Isn't it amazing how much growth and development occurs in a year?

Aunt Toot-Toot thought it'd be a great idea to construct a gingerbread house one night. Hmmm.... It was interesting, alright.

And, here's the finished product. Umm... we found Owen eating the gingerbread tree, thus the missing top half. Owen was not pleased that we had all that sugary goodness and were not allowing him to partake of it. He was quite angry when he'd had a taste, saw that it was good, and it was quickly taken away. He was quite cranky after that.

Here's another shot of Jack, happy as a lark under Aunt Amy's expert care.

We enjoyed every minute of it! I'm not sure which I enjoyed more, my days with Jack, or the evenings with Kerrie and Jeremy. I am blessed to have such good in-laws!!! I wish I were closer so we could do more together. I'm also incredibly thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my children. I saw how hard it was for Kerrie to be away from her baby all day, just to spend a few precious hours with him in the evenings. Unfortunately, right now, there isn't much else they can do. Jeremy is in the process of planting a church, and she has to work right now. I'm praying (and they are too) that that will soon change, and Mommy will be able to stay home more with Jack. Most mother's hearts are at home with their children... and there's no better place to be.

Okay, off that soap box. We're glad to be home, and the recovery effort has begun. Today, Santa Clause came to town. Corwin told him he wanted a football helmet, a Hot Wheels track, or a Transformer. (Whew. Santa is prepared for one of those requests.) Owen... well, he wasn't so sure about the guy. He didn't want to sit on his lap. He'd stand by him and look at him, but he would not sit on his lap.

It won't be long, and we'll be cleaning up the holiday mess. I love Christmas and all the joy it brings! We've wrapped a slew of presents today, and addressed cards. It's the most wonderful time of the year! I'm so thankful for a Savior who came to this earth so that I can have life abundantly and eternally. Oh, what a gift!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Not Me Thursday

Okay, here goes....

1. I did not get an opportunity to go to the grocery store one evening without the children, accomplish what I'd gone to do, then drive around town for another 10 minutes just for the sake of some "me time". I would never, ever, EVER be that selfish! (And, 10 minutes might be stretching it, since the town which I live in is teeny-tiny. I was wishing for 10 minutes.)

2. I did not do the above activity while eating a Ding Dong, and driving by the local fitness club, which I was scoping out. Again, I am the picture of self-control, and did not use this opportunity to purchase something I often forbid my children to consume. Had it been fruits and vegetables, it might have been me.

3. My oldest son most definitely did not go to the store with his Batman mask on. Oh, no! Not my child! He is always a picture of perfection, especially in public. (The mask didn't make it through the doors, just in the parking lot. He was afraid the store people might call the cops on him if he were dressed like Batman. Oh, wait... that never happened.)

4. I did not attempt to get the boys' pictures in front of the Christmas tree, get frustrated, get stern with them, then say, "Smile!" Wouldn't that be odd of a mother to do to her children? Subject them to torture, then tell them to act like they like it? That would be cruel, really. That's why I would never do such a thing.

5. And, finally, I did not come around the corner, find my baby boy on the couch, and him eating my Christmas ornaments. No, my house is completely child-safe. No harm will come of my child because of my negligence. Uh-huh. Not me.

Walking

Owen is now choosing to walk instead of crawl.

Good Food, Good Company

This morning the washing machine is chug-chugging, and luggage is scattered around the floor of our laundry "facility". The recovery effort has begun.

Tuesday after school, we immediately headed to Rogersville for Grandma and Grandpa's house. And Corwin could not wait!!! He knew that Ethan, Emerie, and Eliza were there waiting for him, and the fun times would begin!

Thanksgiving Day was spent with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa, Aunt Pammy, Uncle Gary, Lindsey, David, Brooke, and Cousin Silas! The food was superb, and the family time was even better! And, the day was not complete without the annual trip to Bass Pro Shop.
.
The rest of the time was spent playing and working. Grandpa, Uncle Shelby, and Daddy spent all that time cutting wood. They had their work cut out for them with two century-plus-old trees. Every night the men snored all night from exhaustion. But, the kids had fun! Owen loved all the sticks and grasses, and especially Uncle Shelby's Kubota RTV (glorified golf cart). The weather was pristine, and the kids played hard on the wood pile.

Here's a picture of our future wood cutters. It won't be long before Ethan and Corwin are required to do more work than play. This picture includes about half of the wood that was actually cut. They didn't even get to finish the largest tree. The chainsaw wouldn't go through it, it was so thick. Saturday was spent splitting the wood with a hydraulic splitter. This proved to be just as exhausting as the chainsaw work.

But, now we're home, and it is all behind us. Jason is glad to be home; glad to go to work and rest a little. :) It was a good time. I am so blessed to have a great family whose celebrations center around Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us. I am equally blessed to have married into such a family. It is truly because of Him that we have hope, peace, and are loved.

Vroom!

The chug-chugging sound you hear in the background is my washing machine. :)

The "booden-booden" sound you hear, is Owen.

What Are You Thankful For?

I am thankful for FINALLY getting to meet my new nephew, Jack David. He is a sweet little thing! Corwin thought so, too. Owen? Well, he wasn't sure what to think. He wasn't all that fun, anyway. :)

We spent last weekend celebrating an early Thanksgiving with Jason's family. His cousin, Jake, is joining the Air Force next Sunday, and thus the early celebration. It was an excellent weekend with amazing weather, super food, and even better company.

Sweet boy!

He's pretty sweet, too!

Jason got a very small deer one morning. Now, I'm exploring the world of cooking venison. My first attempt will be tonight. This should be interesting.

Corwin, trying to be a good big cousin.

Owen received some early Christmas and belated birthday presents. Seems like every time we see that Texas crew, they shower my children with gifts. Can someone tell me how to put a stop to that?

Here's Owen enjoying his early Christmas present from Big Cousin Jake. And, here's Corwin seeing how fast he can go without making Owen go air born. Or, maybe he's trying to make Owen go air born. Either way, he has been successful. Ugh. Big brothers can be a pain in the rear sometimes!

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Today was a tragic day for the Morris boys, and nearly as devastating for their Mommy.

Immunizations. That is the politically correct term for SHOTS, NEEDLES, and PAIN!!!

Owen had his 12-month shots and Corwin had his "Kindergarten" shots. The age window for kindergarten shots is 4-6 years. I thought it'd be a good idea to get the two boys' shots taken care of at the same time. I'm not convinced that was the best plan of action.

I began to prepare Corwin last night for what lie ahead. Attempt to reason #1: If he wanted to go to school, he had to get his shots. His answer: "I don't need to go to school. I've got plenty to learn in my school work book." (This is a workbook we have that introduces colors, numbers, writing, etc.) Attempt #2: You have to get these shots, or you might get really bad sick. His response, "Well, if I get sick, you can just take me to the doctor, and he'll give me some medicine that I can put in my mouth that will make me better." Hmmm.... Okay. Attempt #3: Owen needs you to get some too so he doesn't get scared and back out. Corwin: He'll be okay. He's had them before and done just fine. Corwin is a hard one to argue with. He's too smart.

Finally, I said, "Well, we'll see what the doctor says. If he says you don't need them, then we won't get them." That seemed to satisfy my son and, at the same time, pushed the blame off of me and onto Dr. Russell. Yes, I'm a chicken. Bawk-bawk!

So, Corwin was brave and strong, until the needle was an inch from his leg, then he decided to tell everyone within a 10-mile radius that HE DID NOT WANT A SHOT!!! PLEASE! PLEASE! DON'T GIVE ME ANY SHOTS! The nurse tried to calm him because his legs were so tense and hard as a rock. Finally, he weakened a bit, so she stuck him and told him to say the magic word over and over, as fast as he could. "Bingo." So, he "Bingo, bingo, bingo, bingo-"-ed through five excruciating immunizations. When it was over he and I both were crying. Owen got his two shots with only a whimper.

But, it wasn't over. They then sent us to the lab for a blood draw to check hemoglobin and lead levels. I did not want to go through the drama again. But... doctor's orders. This time, Corwin marched in there, told the phlebotomist he was going to be tough, and began to impress her with his gallantry. He cried right before they stuck him with the needle, then watched as the vile filled with his thick, red blood. The phlebotomist was amazed at his courage! She said he was the youngest patient she'd had that sat by himself and endured the torture. Most want to sit in Mommy's lap and proceed to scream the whole time. Owen, again, endured like a pro. He made a face when they removed the needle, but that was all.

So, now I am exhausted--emotionally and physically. It took all morning to get those pesky sticks done. But, I'm so glad it's done and over with for a few years. Maybe next time Corwin will be big enough to really be tough. But, then it'll be Owen's turn to be four and terrified. Ugh. The price of parenting.

Football Practice

Corwin was out playing football this morning, and decided to use Owen for practice. Owen enjoyed it...for a while. Then, I came in and had some fun editing a couple pictures. Enjoy!

Trick or Treat! Smell My Feet!

GIVE ME SOMETHIN' GOOD TO EAT!!!

Miscellaneous Happenings

I have several things to update you all on. We have been sick for the past 5 days (Corwin, Owen, then me), and I'm just now getting to it. So, here goes:

Owen turned one on October 20th. We just had a simple celebration at home, just the four of us. We'd celebrated earlier with my family, and had plans to go to Arkansas and celebrate with Jason's family. So, we didn't want to make a fuss, but didn't want it to go ignored, either.

Corwin got his first Caravan patch at church the other day. He was quite proud to hold the Bible for the entire congregation to pledge to.

Then the boys carved a jack-o-lantern with Dad. Corwin refused to touch the yucky stuff inside!

But, Owen didn't care!

Here's the nearly finished product. Why Dad chose the ugliest side of the pumpkin to carve, I'll never know. Looks like our "Jack" has some kind of skin disease, or something.

Owen did his share of carving, as well.

My Cup Runneth Over

Jason's sister gave birth to my second nephew on Wednesday, October 21--the day after Owen's first birthday. I cannot explain how full I feel! I remember the feeling I felt when each of my nieces and nephews were born, and it is indescribable. The feeling doesn't dull with each birth, either. My only complaint is that I've not been able to be there when it has happened. EVER!!! So, I've been feeling sorry for myself because I've not been able to hold Jack David, or hear him cry, or feel his hand curl around my finger. I'll admit, I've even shed some tears over my sad situation. (I've done this all four times, now.) But, I am hopeful that we will see him very soon.

Just a note to Kerrie and Jeremy:

I am so proud of you guys! I've prayed that God will bless your home, and He has faithfully answered. I've seen you two as high school sweethearts, a young married couple, faithful ministers, and now parents. I'm amazed at where you've been, and where you are now. God is going to use your family in a mighty way! I love you guys, and am praying for you. And, I really love this baby boy that I've not even met yet!

A Year Ago Today

So, where was I a year ago today? Lying in a hospital bed, epidural in, waiting for Owen. He was born around 3:30 p.m., after an agonizing hour of pushing. It sure would've helped if he'd been facing face down, instead of face up. "Thank you," to Dr. Nielsen and his amazing suctioning skills.

When he was placed in my arms for the first time, all I could think of was how much he looked like newborn Corwin. Almost identical! Strong, healthy, good head of dark hair, blue eyes, and screaming! He was beautiful! He still is beautiful.

Now he doesn't look so much like his brother. Mom says he looks like I did as a baby, and I looked like my Dad. So, there you go. I finally got my stamp on a kid! He doesn't act like his brother, either. Corwin was always going, always into something, always talking. Owen is more studious, even-tempered, and easy going.

He will sit and study an object for 30 minutes! He likes to "hear" the object, feel it, and try to fit it into something (anything). We've found TV remotes in his ball-popper, train toys in the toilet, toy animals in cups and Tupperware bowls, cars in laundry baskets. He likes to fit things together. I'm constantly taking pens and markers away, because he likes to take the cap off and on, off and on.

He is a pickier eater. He loves sweets, and refuses eat what's in front of him if he sees something he'd rather have. And, he's always ready to eat.

He's a cuddler. He'll crawl up to you, stand up, and put his head on your leg and just sit there. When you get him out of bed, his head almost always goes directly to your shoulder, and he'll pat your back.

He's a smiler. Always grinning (unless Corwin's bugging him). Very sweet natured. Very pleasant. You never hear him cry (unless Corwin's bugging him). Good sleeper. If I could have more just like him, I would. But, the risk is too great. :)

Happy Birthday, Big O. It feels like yesterday that you were still in my belly, and I couldn't wait to meet you. I'm a very blessed Mommy.

October-Ness

Well, here we are. October is half-way over. The leaves are changing, and fall baseball is over. I love fall. The only thing I don't like about it is that it is the precursor for winter. And winter I do not like. It's too cold.

Last week was the annual family fishing trip. This is where several "branches" of my mom's family gather at the lake in pursuit of the white bass. Some years are more successful than others, and we can assuredly proclaim this year more successful than last. But, it was far from the years prior where the men would come back with their live wells brimming because they had caught the legal limit. Nevertheless, they enjoyed trying, and we did have enough for the long-awaited-for Fish Fry. (I should know because I got the privilege of frying most the fillets).

While my family was here ("here" being the Lake of the Ozarks, which is about 30 minutes from my house), we celebrated Owen's first....birthday. That's even hard for me to type. My baby will be one on the 20th. So sad. He's not a baby anymore. Anyway, he wanted to touch the candle, instead of blow it out.

But, there was no mistake about the purpose of that cake. The boy LOVES his sweet stuff.

Here he is, post celebration, showing Mommy a leaf. You would be correct to assume that that leaf probably went straight to his mouth after I captured this image.

Here he is the next day, keeping warm with Grandma around the camp fire. He didn't want to sit there. Most of his day he spent playing in the dirt and rocks and getting filthy. He is a boy, after all. (By the way, that's my great Aunt Betty in the background.)

Corwin and Silas were busy, busy. At this particular moment they were constructing ... something. Corwin, yes, has his baseball helmet on. I'm not sure why. At least I didn't have to worry about him falling and getting a head injury. Whew!

Here's Owen doing his own constructing. I'm sure he was not welcome to work with the big boys. Look at those blue eyes and adorable cheeks! That's my boy!

Not Me...Tuesday!

1. I'm so glad that I did not find my baby eating -- rather sucking -- toothpaste the other day. I've taught my 4-year-old to carefully place the cap back on the tube (certainly not in the bathtub), put the tube back in the cup (definitely not on the floor) so that his brother doesn't suck on the open end of the Fresh Mint Flouride Crest Toothpaste. I'm so glad that didn't happen to me.

2. I also am so glad that I didn't find my 4-year-old doing the "underwear dance" again while he was supposed to be putting on his clothes for the day. Thankfully, he grew out of that silly stage long ago. I would be aghast if that were my child. How strange and inappropriate.

3. I'm so glad that I don't find my baby boy eating off the floor after he just finished a meal! Ha! As if there were anything on the floor for him to eat, anyway! My house is always clean and tidy, and I am a stickler for germs and disgusting habits.

4. I would like you all to know that I am not spoiling my children. I certainly did not buy my child a store-bought Halloween costume (an astronaut, in fact), because I am extremely frugal and do not waste money on frivolous things such as that. After all, how long are they going to be able to wear it, anyway? I am a Super Mom and will hand-make a costume he will love, will look great, and cost under $5 (made with things found around the house).

5. I certainly didn't raid my son's piggy bank for money the other day. And, I do not currently owe him $30. I am always prepared when going grocery shopping. On that same note...

6. I did not go out to eat with the church ladies the other night and forget all form of payment. I, again, am fully prepared and sharp as a tack. I did not have to request money from my friend and pastor's wife, to cover my expenses. I would never be caught in a predicament such as that.

7. Finally, I was not told by our pastor that my son bossed the kids on the way home from the Pumpkin Patch the other day. I was not informed of his "coaching" and warnings of "telling your Mommy when we get back!". That would not be my child. Oh, no, no, no. I have taught him to be polite and pleasant at all times, and he is sure to obey that instruction.

Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled...Pumpkins?

Yesterday Corwin and the Caravan Kids (church scouting group) went to the ol' pumpkin patch. It was a gorgeous day, and the kids had a ball!!! They also remained safe and uninjured. This is our third year going to the Meyer Pumpkin Patch, and every year it gets better and better.

Does that say he's close to 4 feet tall??? No way! My boy's growin' up.

Here he is trying to find the "biggest one ever!" And I'm trying to make sure we don't have to buy every pumpkin on the lot because he thinks he has to pick each one up.

His favorite activity: the hay jump.
I wish I knew how many jumps he made.

Here he is riding "Bertha". I think he rides "Bertha" every year.
He likes being in the last car of the train.

Feeding the goats, getting goat slobber on his hands, then proceeding to wipe that goat slobber all over his clothes. Hmmmm....

Making a "corn angel" in the grain bin.

Riding with Mrs. Sheila (his Sunday School teacher) on the hayride to the pumpkin patch.

Mrs. Sarah was telling the kids how Jesus wants us to be like a
Jack-O-Lantern.

Reeking havoc in the pumpkin patch! Again, Corwin had to test his strength and pick up all the "biggest pumpkins ever"!
(His words, not mine.)

It was a good day, but now it's time to go home and rest.
(Yeah, right!)

What I Want to Be When I Grow Up

My son is a very, very happy boy. We went to Marshall's this morning to look for Daddy a pair of shoes, and went strolling through the kids' department, when we saw this....


...Yes, folks, an astronaut costume. Well, the helmet is actually a police motorcycle helmet, but he thought it'd work as an astronaut helmet. Anyway, we--obviously--had to get it. I kinda had to get it myself. I must admit, I am proud of this space phase he's going through. We've learned a lot about our solar system, space exploration, etc. I'm not one to spend a lot or make a big deal about Halloween costumes, and fortunately this one was quite affordable, but I was willing to splurge on this one.

He's played in it most of the morning, with my bed being the space shuttle. (So much for making my bed this morning.) He still aspires to be an astronaut someday (or a trash man), so maybe this will spur him on in that direction. By the way, when he becomes an astronaut, his name will change to "Astronaut Neil Armstrong," apparently. I asked him why he couldn't be "Astronaut Corwin Morris," but apparently that is impossible. So, if another "Neil Armstrong" appears in space news in 20-30 years, you'll know who it is.