The Grand Floral Parade

We have decided if the weather is going to be nice, we are going to be there. We are going to sit pretty much where we sat for the Starlight Parade by the library at 11th and Taylor. It should be a good spot for it once again. It may be a bit sunny, but sunscreen will be plentiful! If anyone wants to join us, you are more than welcome to!!

Parade Week Continues!

We have made it to the middle of the week and to the Junior Rose Parade. I wasn't sure if I was going to try and go by myself with the kids, but it just so happened that Auntie Erin wanted to go also, so we took the kids for a fun afternoon. On the way and when we got there it was overcast and perfect parade weather. We lathered up with sunscreen and started to enjoy the parade just in time for the sun to shine down hard. Auntie Erica's sister-in-law brought some umbrellas and let us borrow them for the kids, so even though they were hot, it could have been MUCH worse! It was a fun parade with candy throwing and everything for kids, so the kids enjoyed it, although they seemed to be most excited about the slurpees afterwards! (Poor Celeste was so hot she couldn't smile - funny girl!!)

The Starlight Parade

Last night we decided to go to the Starlight parade because the weather was actually nice and warm and we knew the kids wouldn't complain, so we enjoyed the beautiful weather and great company of not only our family, but friends and strangers alike!

Playing in the street after it closes is lots of fun.

Gordon and Grandma hanging out!

Celeste and Daddy

Eddie and Daddy!

Celeste jumping roping during the breaks in the parade.

Kyle's glasses were a HUGE hit!

Our Group

Gordon fell asleep during all the noise!

Eddie watching the choo-choo trains in the parade.

Eddie got to jump rope and then got embarrassed when everyone started clappping for him!

We had a great night. We may be going to the Grand Floral Parade this coming Saturday depending on the weather, so we'll keep you posted. We'll let you know where we are sitting if we are going to make it!

The Joy of Motherhood

I was asked to speak in Young Women yesterday about the joy of motherhood. Right after I was asked on Friday the baby started screaming and Eddie wanted something, but wouldn't talk to me so he was just crying. The thought of joy was NOT on my mind, but the more I thought, the more I realized just how much joy I really am blessed with as a mother.

Whenever my kids come up and put their arms around my neck and tell me they love me. When my kids are playing together and not fighting! (I particularly like when they play house and call each other "hun". It gives real perspective on how Kyle and I treat each other!!) The kids also like to have "dates" at their little table and talk about their day.

The first time Celeste felt confident riding her bike with no training wheels was so special because she just shined. The first day riding the school bus was another sad, but oh so happy day of accomplishment. Eddie learning to put his own socks and shoes on was his proudest moment. When the kids help each other unload the dishwasher - yes, the two year old unloads the dishwasher and he loves it!!

I have so many thoughts and blessing with being a mother. Gordon smiles at me and sometimes only me so easily, that I can't help but be grateful that I'm his mom. Is there anything better than sticky hands around your neck and a little voice saying "Mommy, I wuv ou!"

A Sweet Moment

Early Sunday morning at about 3:30 Gordon woke up. He didn't really want to eat, he just woke up. I picked him up and layed him on my chest to get him back to sleep, but he wasn't interested in sleeping right at that moment. He looked over at the night light and started cooing and even laughed. Then he looked up above my head and smiled and cooed some more. I knew he was seeing someone there and was talking to them by this time and just watched his interaction. He cooed and smiled back and forth at the two spots for a few minutes then looked right into my eyes and pointed his hand at me and smiled. He then looked up above my head one more time and had a serious look on his face and then looked back at me and closed his eyes to go to sleep.

I realize that some may not see this as anything special, but to me it was. I have to thank whoever that angel was for letting me have such a special experience with my baby and then helping him go back to sleep without any problems. I've always believed that babies can see angels, but this was the first time I have watched my baby actually interact in a real way with one.

Just thought I would share!

Mom's Craziness

I was just thinking the other day that I should really post more often because my kids can be so darn funny at times. Well, today isn't one of those days, but the story is funny none the less and any mother can relate.

This morning I got up and got Eddie dressed while Gordon was still sleeping. Eddie got his clothes on just fine but when I went to put his socks on, he didn't want them. No problem, we just have to get them on before getting Sister from the bus which was a few hours later. Then GoGo woke up, so he was fed and dressed, but his diaper wasn't very wet, so I knew the flood would be coming!

The morning progressed with no problem whatsoever and then it was time to pick up Sister from the bus. Eddie's socks go on and I go for his shoes just in time for him to get both socks off within seconds. I put them back on and threaten to leave him home (he knows this trick though) so that doesn't work. I put the first shoe on, the other sock comes off. I get the sock back on, he takes off the first shoe as I'm putting the second shoe on. We do this two more times before I break him and he keeps his shoes on! Then it's time for Gordon to get ready to leave. Sure enough, the fountain erupted and he's soaking wet! It is now five minutes past the time we normally leave for the bus stop, so let's hope the bus is late today! I get Gordon changed with dry clothes and ready to go just in time to find out Eddie took off one shoe and hid his coat. We frantically get the shoe back on, the coat on and we might as well take the car to the bus because more than likely we'll have to drive to the school to pick up Celeste! Like I said - crazy!

I still must say that it is totally worth it. I wouldn't trade my crazy days for anything - well maybe for a not so crazy day!

Two Months Old

Yesterday Gordon turned two months old. He is getting bigs and chunky as you can see in the pictures! I am happy to report that he is finally sleeping well at night and has found his eating and sleeping schedule - yea!!! He still likes to be held more than be put down, but he is learning that Mom can't hold him all of the time. I am also happy to report that he doesn't spit up if I eat chocolate, although that may not be a good thing for me!! We are sure enjoying him though. He is smiling and talking to us. We took him to the roadster show in the baby sling and he wasn't at all happy until he was sitting up and could see the cars, so we may have another car crazed kid on our hands!!