Pete & Repeat Were In A Boat...

Tommy has been  repeating the same 3 phrases A LOT lately.  He is often letting us know he is sorry, thankful, and that he loves us. That is, in addition to making it clear to us that he has no interest in counting from 1-4, but is skilled to boast the number 5-9 and what noises trains make.

All of Tommy's "Thank yous", "I love yous", & "I'm sorrys" warm my heart at how sweet of a guy he can be.  He even says thank you to your thank you.  (He doesn't quite know "your welcome" yet...)  In fact, just the other day I was getting on to him for doing something he wasn't supposed to.  I took away his toy and sat him on time out, at which point he took a breath between wails and said through his tears "THANK YOU".  Though I'm thinking he might of been so upset and didn't realize he wasn't saying I'm sorry.  When he tripped on his brother's seat, he turned, hugged Johnny, and said softly "I'm sorry".  And the abundance of hugs and kisses that go along with his repetitive exclamation of I love you brings one of the greatest feelings a Mom could ever have.

It just makes you wonder... What would the world be like if all of the grown ups used these phrases more often and freely?  Just three simple little phrases.  I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this planet would be a lot more friendly, less stressed, and willing to help those in need instead of only looking out for #1.

I know, personally, I'm going to make an effort to use these phrases more.  You?

Mmm Mmm Good...

First of all.... What exactly do you do when you suddenly have a craving for Taco Bell, but yet the meat for lasagna is thawing?  Such tough decisions!  Whatever will I DO?!

Second:

Do you feel as though half of your arteries clogged up just by looking at this photo?




Really?




Probably because THEY DID!


See, the thing is, I'm having a really hard time here. Do I post my secret recipe for the world to see?  Do I share my hints, tips, & secrets?  Such a challenge!

It really is the best fried chicken ever, though. It even won the award for the best fried chicken ever. From who? Doesn't matter. But it's the best. Ever. Hands down. Period. I'm not just saying that because I'm biased either.

Maybe I'll make a decision as I layer my lasagna tonight and post it while it's baking... or not...

Merry Christmas! Also Happy Anniversary, New Year, Birthday, & MLK!

For most people, the day after Christmas brings a halt to the insanity that has everyone running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Not in this home! No sir, we don't like to keep things boring around here. Since Bobby & I met in person and married in the few days after Christmas, our anniversary falls the day before New Year's Eve. Add to the fact that our daughter's birthday lands smack dab in the middle of January (usually around Martin Luther King Jr. day) and you've got one busy, tired family. We love it all though...

This last week, however, Bobby & I took a break. We sent the 2 little ones to my Mom's for 2 days and locked ourselves in the house. We slept like we've never slept before, ate delicious food, and played Rock Band for hours. (Who doesn't love that game? Seriously?!) I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was to have time alone where we could talk to each other, goof off,  and both of us eat at the same time.  I believe every parent should take one of these "getaways" at least once a year, with a 2 night minimum, if possible.

On that note, I'm so blessed to have a husband who takes the time to do something so valuable for our marriage and sanity.  I'm even more blessed to have parents who love my children and take them for a few days.

Now, let's see if I can lay low and stay off the radar until mid-February... Yeah, right.

(Photo of Johnny included simply because he's a doll!)

Clean

There's just something about a good rainfall that makes everything seem whole and pure.  Kind of like the feeling after a good cry that was long coming.  A release to allow all that has been penned up to let loose and clear out.  The exhaustion that comes with it is both inevitable and welcome.  Some of the best slumber is that which takes place during a storm.  Laying with your eyes closed, listening to the thunder in the distance as the rain hits the window.  Whether napping on a couch, bed, floor, car seat, desk chair, or bench... it's destined to be calming.  If there's a chill in the air, even better.

I'm so thrilled for the rain we are enduring now and for the remainder of this week.  I only hope that everyone is safe that is out there driving in it.  It seems Californians never know how to handle this odd spectacle that is water falling from the sky and only happens about 3 times a year.

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new
emotion
I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
I want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you

So baby talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

Here comes the rain again
Raining in my head like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new
emotion
Oooooh
I want to breathe in the open wind
I want to kiss like lovers do
I want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you

So baby talk to me
Like lovers do

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new
emotion
(Here it comes again, here it comes
again)
I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
I want dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you

Looks Like I've Done It Again..

I'm really lagging in the blog department lately, I know. Since I'm camped out on the couch with a cold, I thought I'd pause the DVR and put some of my thoughts out there as I haven't in a while...

Expect sporadic blogging to be taking place...