From Son Up 'Til Son Down

My friend, Becky, posted a blog about doing 12 loads of laundry in a day! I can't say I've ever had to do that much but as soon as ol' Bessie kicks it, I told Justin we're getting one of those huge washing machines and dryer! It's been said that "Mothers of little boys work from son up 'til son down!". How true! So many kids today miss out on the fun of romping through the backyard, never having dug for worms, searched for frogs or covering themselves in head to toe mud while playing football with their brother. Even though it makes for some extra laundry - I wouldn't change it for a thing! They're only little for a little while and I have a feeling that the days they were the most dirty will some of the ones most fondly remembered...

Our Animal Friends

Sunday was a cold day for us compared to Saturday! We even had snow and a touch of sleet Sunday afternoon. It was the perfect day to curl up in a little ball and take a "cat nap". It's hard to believe Cleo is almost 12 years old.

As you can see, Skywalker is one fat little pig now. He'll be 2 in June. I have to admit that I love hearing him "whistle" for food and attention (mostly food!).

We also enjoy feeding our birds and squirrels. Unfortunately, the birds don't get much with the squirrels we have around here. Today we made three pinecone bird feeders (with peanut butter and seeds) and strung them to a tree in the front yard. Within thirty minutes, a big, fat squirrel was hanging upside down pulling them up to him, enjoying quite a feast. The birds did get some seed from the ground. Luke and Blake love watching them all.

Snow Much Fun!

We finally got what we've been asking for - SNOW! It started to fall around noon and has been drifting gently down all afternoon! Luke and Blake had to have a romp in the snow after lunch. It was funny watching Luke pull Blake on the sled and then I pulled both of them down the little slope in our front yard dumping them out on top of each other at the end of the ride each time. We collected snow and made "snow ice cream", drank hot chocolate and warmed up under blankets. I told the boys that I believe one of the best parts about a snow is the feeling of coming back in and snuggling up in a warm blanket. Hope you're making warm memories in this cold weather...

Bob and Larry - I Can't Believe It's Really You!

Justin had to work today but I still try to do some fun things with the boys when he has to work weekends. Luke and Blake had a chance to meet Bob and Larry from Veggie Tales today at the grand opening of a new Christian bookstore in the area. I couldn't believe how crowded it was! The line was long, wrapping around the store but moved fast. As soon as Blake caught his first glimpse of Bob and Larry he began jumping up and down, pumping his cute little balled fists with a huge smile on this face! A store employee said, "Doesn't that make it all worth it?" As you can tell from the pic Blake was one excited boy! Even Luke was thrilled to meet the famous tomato and cucumber he has watched since infancy but tried to play it "cool" now that he's a "schoolager"!

Lil' Cutie

Just as Justin tells me that Luke is a lot like me - Blake is a LOT like his Dad! He's a smart little fella but it's his charm that will help him succeed later in life. Blake always has to have one more kiss and one more hug. He loves to play with his "guys" and stuffed animals. We have a hard time keeping his beanies clean (he likes to take them everywhere!). He almost always wakes up with a smile and even though he may cry and beg Luke to "share" he reminds him often that they're "best brothers". Cutie...

Little Preacher

Justin tells me that Luke is a lot like me. I mentioned that to my best friend from high school, Valerie, and she said "Stubborn?" Whoa! I like to think of it as passionate - dedicated! Stubborn? Well - maybe sometimes... We joke around that he's like a little teenager.

He loves getting comfortable in his sweats when he gets home from school but lately he won't go to church without being outfitted in a coat and tie. He admires the ushers in their suits and does his best to get Blake in the same attire. Handsome little man....

Veggie Tales

Ok. So our Superbowl Predictions stunk! At least we had fun! Luke is still proudly sporting his Cowboys gear at school. The lunch lady told him today he wasn't allowed to wear it and I told him to tell her at least we made the playoffs! It's all in good fun...

Usually at the start of the year, it's a time to make "resolutions". Well we really haven't made any resolutions but are shooting for a few life changes. The boys and I have been eating healthy with veggies and fruits for years. Don't get me wrong - they love candy just as much as the next kid. But I have to say that I usually don't hear much complaining about having a good supply of fruits and veggies. Luke pops cherry tomatoes down his throat like most kids do grapes. This year, however, Justin has vowed to lose weight and eat healthy! He is doing a great job and I'm very proud of him! When I met Justin he was maybe 150-160 pounds. Well - let's just say he's much more than that now. I've seen him make these promises before but he's really putting forth effort this time as well! Some of you know about our friendly little bet - if he doesn't lose the 25 pounds by June - he has to take ballroom dancing lessons with me! If he does - we're going on a road trip to see the Yankees play - not really punishment for me but a big reward for him. So - cheer him on! We have two beautiful boys who want their dad to be strong and healthy! Have you had your veggies today?!

The Rise of the Romo Empire (and Superbowl predictions!)

Everyone in the family was polled for their Superbowl Predictions. Here are the results:

Dad predicts the Dallas Cowboys over the New England Patriots
Mom predicts the Kansas City Chiefs (in memory of Brian!) over the New Orleans Saints
Luke predicts the Dallas Cowboys over the Baltimore Ravens
Blake predicts the New Orleans Saints over the New York Jets

We've picked all our games leading up to the big day so it will be fun to watch!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year friends and family! It was back to work today! I had to jump start my car. So - either that means I have a pretty run-down government car or they gave us too much time off. I know the answer but I'm not going to say!

New Year's Eve was quiet for us. We watched "the ball" drop from the comforts of our family room couch while the boys were fast asleep. Perhaps when they get older we'll celebrate on a larger scale. My parents were scheduled to visit for the New Year holiday but couldn't travel as they're recovering from being sick. I don't really believe in "luck" but I do believe in tradition and fun. Therefore, we burned a Bayberry candle on New Year's Eve and Day. Justin's grandmother believes if you do this that you won't run out of money during the year. My grandmother always served cabbage on New Year's Day for "good luck". I had planned to make cabbage rolls if she visited but decided on black-eyed peas and cornbread which pretty much hold the same meaning. We choked down the black-eyed peas (next year I'm cooking them with pinto beans!) but all the boys LOVED the cornbread. I grew up eating what I thought was the best cornbread in the world but have not been able in ten plus years to get Justin eating it. He always wants "sweet" cornbread. I finally found a recipe he loves as well as the boys. Like to hear it? Hear it go...

"Justin's Sweet Cornbread"
2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 box butter cake mix
5 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 butter (softened)

Mix all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown on top and toothpick comes out clean from the middle.

Enjoy! And, yes, this is bad for you!