Love from all the Roedners
Tuesday, December 30
Sunday, December 28
The Week after Christmas and Anticipating Change
I can hear you. I can hear you ask, "Why don't you write any more?" And the answer is things have been crazy busy in the Faux-Toes department getting everybody's holiday photo on for size. And taking care of Amy's twins on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then it was the week before Christmas when running errands becomes a cruel joke of survival of the fittest. It is the hardest thing to keep focused on the real reason for the season. It's easy to get caught up in the wrapping paper and tape and ribbons and bows. Not to mention the bank account. I don't know how we would have gotten through Faux-Toes crazy season if Don hadn't been home these last few months. Soon everything will be changing in our world. Don goes back to work after seven months at home. Seven months in the eyes of toddler is as far back as she can remember. I'm excited for change but I want to do better, be better and set some attainable goals: Like real weekly dinner planning and working out on a regular schedule to be fit and have energy and lose the weight that's found it's way to my hips over the last stressful time. I have joined Beachbody as a Coach to add accountability on this front. Would love to have you join me on the path to fitness. Ask me how! I have big goals for my Faux-Toes business, too. We're planning a shoot tour and hopefully my sidekicks will be able to travel, too... Houston, Dallas, Nashville and Boston. Other locations are under consideration. So if it seems like an overhaul on goals and ideals, well it is... but after 2008 and the craziness that ensued... it's the least we can do for 2009. I'm taking tips and recipe ideas for homecooked dinners. So post your ideas now... don't be shy! :-)
Here's to what is sure to be the most amazing year yet! Hang on to your hats!!
Wednesday, December 3
And Life Goes On...
As a celebrator of life and individuality I enjoy spending time around the family during the holidays. I try to savor every minute with what are now our elders, which is really my parent's generation. I lost both sets of grandparents years ago through debilitating disease like Alzheimer's and Parkingson's. But seeing my nephew who looks just like my grandfather, it begs the question if he also acts the same. I'm dying to *really* know how our grandparents and so on and so forth acted as a child. I don't know if it's just me, but I'd love to have seen the toddler President George Bush. I just think it would be hilarious and so telling. So insightful to the person they are today. My grandmother with Alzheimer's lived with us during my tumultuous high school years. She'd always ask me if I was really going to wear my hair (longer on one side)like that, and if I was really going to leave the house in that outfit. She also always wanted "a little bit of color: on her dinner plate. which meant she really wanted some kind of brightly/artificially colored Jello salad concoction on her plate. I think of her often and feel sad that I really never did "know" her b/c by the time I was of age to know her, she'd already lost most of her personality. Still I was thinking of her this morning as I dressed as brightly as a rainbow. I wonder if she also loved colorful clothes and if I got that from her.
I like to think so. Happy Thanksgiving... belatedly, but with a very full heart.
Friday, November 7
So-called Creative
These so-called creative hair salons for children crack me up. Who do they think they are foolin' anyway? I have no idea because I'm on to them like white on rice. They have play-cars/airplanes for chairs and tv's mounted on the wall blarin' some silly "child" show. And all the hairdressers I've ever seen seem to have no sense of humor nor creativity when it comes to getting a child to do what they want. They want the child to look down, but hey, isn't that Dora playing on the big screen on the wall over there? Who wouldn't want to watch that rather than look at their boring old knee that hasn't changed in ever so long.
Here's my daughter this morning: I left her bed-head tangles in tact and so the lady is combing and combing and pulling and pulling and meanwhile RJ is shirking and leaning farther and father away... as far as she can without actually leaving her chair and the lady says, "honey, I need you to sit up." It's hilarious. RJ was quite the trooper and as always I'm super proud of her. It's just funny to me that no one seems to look around and see what's actually happening. That's odd to me 'cause I could size the place up in 2 seconds flat. This is why I usually just take RJ to a normal salon.
Who needs all the distractions that they can't enjoy anyway?!
Here's my daughter this morning: I left her bed-head tangles in tact and so the lady is combing and combing and pulling and pulling and meanwhile RJ is shirking and leaning farther and father away... as far as she can without actually leaving her chair and the lady says, "honey, I need you to sit up." It's hilarious. RJ was quite the trooper and as always I'm super proud of her. It's just funny to me that no one seems to look around and see what's actually happening. That's odd to me 'cause I could size the place up in 2 seconds flat. This is why I usually just take RJ to a normal salon.
Who needs all the distractions that they can't enjoy anyway?!
Monday, October 27
Wish You Were Here
I wish you were here sitting next to me as Rosa Jane flitters this way and that way talking in non-stop run-on and on and on sentences saying the same thing over and over and over again until some how you can interject that you understand. It's so hard not to crack up at her. I just adore her so.
Tuesday, October 21
Rainbow Face
We went to the pumpkin patch where RJ picked out the perfect rainbow art for her face. She was so stinkin' thrilled with it. Her friends quickly followed suit.
Today Don dropped RJ off at school and a boy whom he did not recognize came up to them and said, "I'm glad Rosa Jane is here!"
What a sweet thing to have heard. I love that our little girl is well-loved by her friends. Love is what makes the world go around. And speaking of love, the reindeer and i just celebrated our seventh year of wedded bliss with the best sushi we've ever had in our lives. And it's just down the street in Austin-town.
Today Don dropped RJ off at school and a boy whom he did not recognize came up to them and said, "I'm glad Rosa Jane is here!"
What a sweet thing to have heard. I love that our little girl is well-loved by her friends. Love is what makes the world go around. And speaking of love, the reindeer and i just celebrated our seventh year of wedded bliss with the best sushi we've ever had in our lives. And it's just down the street in Austin-town.
Saturday, October 18
What's Down There?
We went for a hike this morning in the woods near our house. It was glorious! The perfect company. The perfect 63 degree weather. The perfect place to be. Before we knew it, we'd hiked too far for the kids to walk back to the car so Don had to run ahead and meet us. While we were waiting, I introduced the kids to a riveting game of Rocks, Paper, Scissors. Is it any surprise now that they are three, they no longer want to use two fingers for scissors? I let them use their three and it was no doubt their favorite thing. I kept pulling out my Rock and crushing them. Sometimes I'd be paper just to shake it up and give them something to cut. They loved it. I loved it. We came home and had the perfect breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. Listening to James Taylor.
For sure, this was a morning to remember. Now, if only she'll take a nap before we head to the pumpkin patch this afternoon....
For sure, this was a morning to remember. Now, if only she'll take a nap before we head to the pumpkin patch this afternoon....
Sunday, October 12
Funny Rosita in a Purple Coat.
It's 70 degrees here -- chilly!! So we donned our coats and drank our morning drinks on the front porch. I was watching Rosie flutter this way and that way, just dying to go get my camera. She's now at the age where I have to ask if it's okay. She was saying, "no" i don't like my picture taken... and then we said, "come on, do it for William! the ones you love love seeing new pictures of you. trust us."
And so she did these for William. Lucky for us he's coming over for dinner tonight.
And so she did these for William. Lucky for us he's coming over for dinner tonight.
Saturday, September 27
Officially Three and Dressed to Kill.
Pow. Pow! Admit it. You're dead. On the floor writhing in pain at the sight of such cuteness meeting your eye.
Ha.
I'm kidding.
These will make RJ's official three portrait pictures. Now if only I'll get them printed. The clothes are by Matilda Jane. Stinkin' adorable!
Ha.
I'm kidding.
These will make RJ's official three portrait pictures. Now if only I'll get them printed. The clothes are by Matilda Jane. Stinkin' adorable!
Friday, September 26
Next?
What a crazy time in the world it is. I mean, I'm just floored. I'm floored by IKE. I'm floored by the actions of the White House. I'm floored by the candidates for President. I'm floored by the market and economics of it all. I feel like for years we didn't know what to say about politics or the state of the world. We were caught off balance, perhaps. And then terrorism, and the war, and Bush, and Hillary Clinton for goodness sake, Katrina, Rita, and now Obama and McCain and Palin?! How can we not discuss it? It is just beyond me not to. And I'm the last person in the whole wide world that ever wanted to get into a discussion about politics. So, like I said, it's a CRAZY time. I keep hearing John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change." I feel like it's a-changin' alright. Hold on to your britches, my friends!
Thursday, September 25
"I'm the Birthday GIRL!"
We had a great time yesterday celebrating with a few friends. There was only one incident that required ice as a result of a head-on collision. Good times for everyone. I love parties.
Saturday, September 13
Stinker
I do love that she lets me take her picture. Even if she gives me the hardest time doing it. It always strikes me how other kids always want say "show me the picture!" from the back of the camera. But RJ never says this. She just doesn't care. Oh well. I adore her and am so happy to have caught her days before she turns three for the first and only time.
Saturday, September 6
Girls on a Beach
I couldn't find these pictures forever... and alas, here they are. Rosie plays with her friends Ashley and Kate minutes before everyone departs to avoid Edouard.
Wednesday, September 3
Happy Labor Day, Y'all!
We're back from a super fun time with family over the long weekend. Good thing the Biggest Loser is starting soon. I could use some serious inspiration to get rid of the 10 pounds I've packed on this summer. Enjoy the photos of cousins galore!
Thursday, August 28
carly may weigh just 4 lbs, but think again if you want to mess with her!
carly may way 4 lbs, but think again if you want to mess with her!
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...
The Sweetest Friends
Theirs is such a treasured friendship! Amy and I had a wonderful lunch last week catching up on all that August has brought us and the girls played and played on the platform stage. They sang songs loudly and played ring around the rosie. They laughed and giggled and held hands. It's magical to watch their friendship grow.
Last week, RJ played at Kate's house and they rode on the tricycle together laughing all through the house. I wish I had a video of that! But they were still doing it when Don and I arrived post our bicycle ride-date.
Riding bikes in hill country is so much fun and hard work... if you aren't going 30mph downhill you're sweating your butt off trying to make it uphill.
Last week, RJ played at Kate's house and they rode on the tricycle together laughing all through the house. I wish I had a video of that! But they were still doing it when Don and I arrived post our bicycle ride-date.
Riding bikes in hill country is so much fun and hard work... if you aren't going 30mph downhill you're sweating your butt off trying to make it uphill.
Sunday, August 24
Markers Outlawed
Here's the reason markers aren't allowed in our home. Stay out, Markers. You ain't invited!
Monday, August 11
First Love
It was inevitable. We'd send Rosa Jane to school and she'd find some cute boy to bring home to meet the parents. We've been talking about W for days and days and weeks and weeks now and finally last night his family came over for dinner. We had a great time watching the two love birds. Click on the picture to see more...
Tuesday, July 29
kid trooper
Yesterday Rosa Jane went with me on a location scout, but ended up getting a bum knee when she fell down and scraped it to pieces. Not that she liked posing for me before she got hurt, but it was a real double whammy when she was.
From this photo, you can see she picked out her own attire: stripes. It "don'ts" matter that they don't match. It cracks me up to hear her say "don'ts" and then I think we should live in a trailer.
She is also wearing her super fast shoes that she loves so much.
We're getting better at connecting and therefore minding. The terrible two's aren't that bad, you just have to have a pocket full of toddler currency. Whether that's a promise for chocolate milk or a viewing of The Incredibles.
From this photo, you can see she picked out her own attire: stripes. It "don'ts" matter that they don't match. It cracks me up to hear her say "don'ts" and then I think we should live in a trailer.
She is also wearing her super fast shoes that she loves so much.
We're getting better at connecting and therefore minding. The terrible two's aren't that bad, you just have to have a pocket full of toddler currency. Whether that's a promise for chocolate milk or a viewing of The Incredibles.
Thursday, July 10
welcome to my world of toddler craziness.
Oh, My Word! Is my daughter a handful these days or what?! 110% Pure crazy. Unstoppable. Darling husband insists this is just a phase, but I don't know. I'm trying to keep my cool and keep things interesting. But it's hot and summertime and things are a bit stressful. It sure would be nice if she'd play along with what we think is fun and games.
Alas, it's her world and if we try to ignore her much longer, I'm a feared our whole house will be destroyed by markers, stickers and play-doh.
'Cause Rosa Jane says, "I gonna write yo' name. See, mommy?"
Alas, it's her world and if we try to ignore her much longer, I'm a feared our whole house will be destroyed by markers, stickers and play-doh.
'Cause Rosa Jane says, "I gonna write yo' name. See, mommy?"
Tuesday, July 8
happy belated birthday, america!!
That's just the way things seem to be at the Roedner Ranch... a day late and a dollar short.
But it rained yesterday and we were so grateful. After urging Rosa Jane, I finally convinced her it would be fun to run into the driveway, out where we'd surely get wet, and give each other a kiss while we laughed and laughed. Kissing in the rain is one of my favorite things to do. Fun, indeed!
The pixie has come and gone. She brought lots of sunshiney brightness as she always does and the world seems a little bit dimmer after she leaves. While she was here, we watched a parade, ate tons of barbeque, partied for the donr's birthday, fed the animals back at the exotic zoo and cheered on the finalists at wimbledon.
My favorite time was the time spent on the front porch watching the birds and explaining the intricacies of dove-identifying.
But it rained yesterday and we were so grateful. After urging Rosa Jane, I finally convinced her it would be fun to run into the driveway, out where we'd surely get wet, and give each other a kiss while we laughed and laughed. Kissing in the rain is one of my favorite things to do. Fun, indeed!
The pixie has come and gone. She brought lots of sunshiney brightness as she always does and the world seems a little bit dimmer after she leaves. While she was here, we watched a parade, ate tons of barbeque, partied for the donr's birthday, fed the animals back at the exotic zoo and cheered on the finalists at wimbledon.
My favorite time was the time spent on the front porch watching the birds and explaining the intricacies of dove-identifying.
Tuesday, June 17
Past the Point of No Return
Satellite radio and seeing what's playing is one of my favorite things. I just heard one of my favorite songs by Hal Ketchum. That takes me back to cruising around on cheap gasoline in a hot, roof-down jeep around the small town of Liberty.
Boy, today times are different! I used to be worried about mileage on my car, now I'm worried about filling the tank to make it down the hill to take me to my destination of choice, preferrably a swimming pool to quiet the howling of scorching hot dog days of summer that hasn't even officially started. Someone want to tell that to the Big Man upstairs sharing these past ten days of temps over 100?
The tables have turned on Roedner Ranch. Don's taking some well-deserved time off and thankfully, I'm working session after blessed session. I really love the opportunity to capture new friends at camp and friends anticipating a new baby or two.
All in all, this is a great life. I have my favorite people next to me and a ever growing web of friends and family with which to live and laugh.
Boy, today times are different! I used to be worried about mileage on my car, now I'm worried about filling the tank to make it down the hill to take me to my destination of choice, preferrably a swimming pool to quiet the howling of scorching hot dog days of summer that hasn't even officially started. Someone want to tell that to the Big Man upstairs sharing these past ten days of temps over 100?
The tables have turned on Roedner Ranch. Don's taking some well-deserved time off and thankfully, I'm working session after blessed session. I really love the opportunity to capture new friends at camp and friends anticipating a new baby or two.
All in all, this is a great life. I have my favorite people next to me and a ever growing web of friends and family with which to live and laugh.
Sunday, June 8
All my friends
It's hard getting everyone to look at the camera when there's so many friends altogether. ;-)
We're having lots of fun playing with Kdogg. click on the picture to see more of our adventures in Austin.
We're having lots of fun playing with Kdogg. click on the picture to see more of our adventures in Austin.
Monday, June 2
Chocolate River Movie
Chocolate river from obkb2000 on Vimeo.
Don caught Kristen and Rosa Jane watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check out Rosa Jane's reaction to the very idea of a chocolate river. And then look how serious she gets when she realizes it IS a river of chocolate and she asks "He's going to fall in it?"
As you can see, RJ is all about mimicry these days. She can't be a big girl fast enough (she insists that she's five). She's also about making sure everyone follows the rules...
Friday, May 30
RJ and Crab, the wooden armadillo
When asked what we should name the armadillo, RJ promptly responded, "Crab."
And so it is.
This is for Robby.
And so it is.
This is for Robby.
Monday, May 26
Eyes on the Kid and the Dog.
This is one of my all time favorite things to do with my Peanut in the backyard. We're playing frisbee with Hanky and RJ is running back and forth chasing her one frisbee that's exited stage right.
The funniest thing is watching the kid and the dog. Sometimes they'll nearly collide and they always squeeze their eyes closed as if they don't want to watch it themselves. Good thing I'm the witness that's laughing my head off on the sidelines. I know this says something about my personality, but I'm not sure what. I'm watching and laughing with my eyes wide open.
The funniest thing is watching the kid and the dog. Sometimes they'll nearly collide and they always squeeze their eyes closed as if they don't want to watch it themselves. Good thing I'm the witness that's laughing my head off on the sidelines. I know this says something about my personality, but I'm not sure what. I'm watching and laughing with my eyes wide open.
Monday, May 19
Baby Clothes
We've been sorting out baby clothes to hand down to friends and Rosa Jane insists that's she's not too big to wear this 6-9mos outfit. Couldn't get the back snapped, nor could she really walk in the skirt. Hilarious.
It's amazing how much she loves her old baby things and wants to try them all on.
In other news, we're potty trained and have been so for about a month. It's a huge event in the world of toddler-dom. I just haven't felt it was necessary to detail every lovin' story here of our successes and failures. I will say that Dora, Shrek and My Little Pony's played a huge roll in motivating the kid.
It's amazing how much she loves her old baby things and wants to try them all on.
In other news, we're potty trained and have been so for about a month. It's a huge event in the world of toddler-dom. I just haven't felt it was necessary to detail every lovin' story here of our successes and failures. I will say that Dora, Shrek and My Little Pony's played a huge roll in motivating the kid.
Monday, May 5
Feliz Cinco de Mayo
Oh, Man! What a week it has been. We headed into the weekend facing some bad news in the technology department. The MyBook we bought from Costco to backup the computer that crashed right after our move two years ago totally went the way of the doodoo bird. That's right. All the information went up in smoke, too. So if you can think of anything monumental that happened between the years of 2003 - 2006 in the Roedner home, well, it's all gone byebye. That includes snippet movies of the peanut and all those thousands and thousands of photos. All that's left really are the videos we share on Vimeo and the photos we store on Flickr. Sure it's not really a back up, but at least they are accessible?
The good news is I have CRS (can't remember s***) disease and can't remember what all was on the drive without looking at it.
Now we're patiently awaiting a Drobo which is supposed to make all my backup problems of the past disappear in a flash.
In the meantime, I've done some pretty stupid stuff around the house... like mixed my own Oxyclean mixture and left it out on the counter. The solution fissed out of the container over night and wrecked our hardwoods by the sink. And when we had company coming over and hot margaritas, i put the glass bottle in the freezer to quick chill it. Guess who forgot about it and was reminded sweetly by her darling husband three days later.
Bring on some good news!
The good news is I have CRS (can't remember s***) disease and can't remember what all was on the drive without looking at it.
Now we're patiently awaiting a Drobo which is supposed to make all my backup problems of the past disappear in a flash.
In the meantime, I've done some pretty stupid stuff around the house... like mixed my own Oxyclean mixture and left it out on the counter. The solution fissed out of the container over night and wrecked our hardwoods by the sink. And when we had company coming over and hot margaritas, i put the glass bottle in the freezer to quick chill it. Guess who forgot about it and was reminded sweetly by her darling husband three days later.
Bring on some good news!
Friday, May 2
Playing Hoops on the Ranch
This morning was perfect for hanging out on the porch watching the kids run and jump and laugh and play. It seems just as our group of friends has grown closer, summer approaches and new groups will form. I think each of us is kicking and screaming a little bit about that.
I'm quite sure we didn't pick up that behavior from our toddlers.
Being in the country reminds me again and again how much I love the solitude of it and cringe when I think of my kid going to big public schools. I certainly don't want a private alternative... Just more rural, perhaps. But then I wouldn't see my new 'city' friends and that wouldn't be any good at all.
Enjoy the pics.
I'm quite sure we didn't pick up that behavior from our toddlers.
Being in the country reminds me again and again how much I love the solitude of it and cringe when I think of my kid going to big public schools. I certainly don't want a private alternative... Just more rural, perhaps. But then I wouldn't see my new 'city' friends and that wouldn't be any good at all.
Enjoy the pics.
Wednesday, April 30
Oh, It's a Good Day on the Horizon!
I'm feeling happy: I got a raving review from a recent client and I finally solved my outlook/webmail issue and can receive and SEND messages from outlook. this has been a long time coming, people. Some three months it has been.
Tomorrow I'm not to be disturbed. My friend Kristen and I are chilling at the Lake House Spa all day long. It's scheduled to be at least 90 degrees poolside. That's perfect in my book.
Thanks to my kids and darling husband for the gift cert to the spa at Christmastime!
The photo is of said kristen's daughter, sophia, at her birthday party this past weekend. Check out the rest of the photos on flickr when you have a moment to browse...
Tomorrow I'm not to be disturbed. My friend Kristen and I are chilling at the Lake House Spa all day long. It's scheduled to be at least 90 degrees poolside. That's perfect in my book.
Thanks to my kids and darling husband for the gift cert to the spa at Christmastime!
The photo is of said kristen's daughter, sophia, at her birthday party this past weekend. Check out the rest of the photos on flickr when you have a moment to browse...
Friday, April 25
our lovely de-leafed, clean deck
I finally got around to spray painting our patio furniture lovely colors. Laurie made a new dress for Rosa Jane. And I found the perfect inspiration for our guest bath... check out the pictures on flickr.
Wednesday, April 23
Tuesday, April 22
Bigger than Ever
I swear she's growing up right before my eyes!
The good news is she still takes naps. The bad news is she has trouble going to sleep and staying asleep at night and all the fun in the world during the day makes up for it..
I've been feeling under the weather since two weeks ago, but finally I have "visited" the doc and got some meds on the way. Hooray for being on the mend!
Tuesday, April 15
Fun Times!
This the fun that I want to remember for always: my kid laughing her head off at our manic frisbee chasing dog.
It hands down makes all the chaos of barking dog, crying baby and the knock at the door all worth it.
It hands down makes all the chaos of barking dog, crying baby and the knock at the door all worth it.
Monday, April 14
the must have shoes for a trail blazer
As soon as she wakes up, she must put on her shoes. Just like this. She always needs help with the plaid one.
Simply hilarious.
Simply hilarious.
Miss Biggest Personality
Don picked up RJ from school on Thursday and told the teacher that RJ talks about her all the time and how much we appreciate her efforts to make her school such a fun place for the kids.
The teacher told Don that RJ has the biggest personality of any two-year old she's ever seen. She loves that RJ is so helpful when it's time to clean up. Other kids will throw mismatched toys in bins and RJ will come along to straighten them out. If the teacher wants the kids to wash their hands, she'll tell RJ to do it first and 5 of her friends will flock around her.
When I took her to school on Thursday we were running later than usual, so when we walked into the classroom, two of her favorite boys, Jake and Will, ran up to greet her. The other classmates were in the far corner and couldn't be bothered.
After dinner on thursday we went shopping for the next size larger fast shoe for RJ. We find one New Balance. Lavendar. and Super Fast looking. And one casual shoe, like a Ked in pastel orange, purple and pink plaid. RJ put on one of each as hasn't taken them off since.
Mismatched and cute as a button!
The teacher told Don that RJ has the biggest personality of any two-year old she's ever seen. She loves that RJ is so helpful when it's time to clean up. Other kids will throw mismatched toys in bins and RJ will come along to straighten them out. If the teacher wants the kids to wash their hands, she'll tell RJ to do it first and 5 of her friends will flock around her.
When I took her to school on Thursday we were running later than usual, so when we walked into the classroom, two of her favorite boys, Jake and Will, ran up to greet her. The other classmates were in the far corner and couldn't be bothered.
After dinner on thursday we went shopping for the next size larger fast shoe for RJ. We find one New Balance. Lavendar. and Super Fast looking. And one casual shoe, like a Ked in pastel orange, purple and pink plaid. RJ put on one of each as hasn't taken them off since.
Mismatched and cute as a button!
Friday, April 11
I Think I Can
I love the way Sloan baby is taking charge and going after what she wants in this photo. What a way to live!
I like this poem my late Granddad left behind on is work desk. It's now on my workdesk, too.
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not -- you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't, it's almost certain you won't.
If you think you will lose, you have lost.
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of your mind.
If you think you're outclassed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the one who wins,
is the one who thinks he can!
I like this poem my late Granddad left behind on is work desk. It's now on my workdesk, too.
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not -- you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't, it's almost certain you won't.
If you think you will lose, you have lost.
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of your mind.
If you think you're outclassed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the one who wins,
is the one who thinks he can!
Tuesday, April 8
Adversity
Facebook led me to a friend with whom I had lost touch. Come to find out she's been dealing with huge stuff over there in her world. In January she gave birth to a precious son with down syndrome, her second child. In reading her blog I've been awakened to her point of view and I just can't let go of it. She's so strong and courageous. I admire Jennie very much.
This morning, I dipped into Starbucks for an extra special grande iced mocha. I browsed the discount section then something led me over to the bulletin board. There I read about a sweet employee who I may or may not know, but she recently was diagnosed with a brain tumor and of course she has no medical insurance. She's a Starbuck's employee.
I told Don I was blown away by the news of the Texas polygamist story in recent news and he said, "Why? That's what the whole David Koresh thing was about, too, years ago." Oh, yeah, selective memory on my part.
Here's some good news. RJ likes me to watch Sesame Street with her in the mornings and today we learned all about the violin. When I read the quote, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" My response is to play the fiddle.
Every day we take baby steps and get ever closer to blossoming into our fullest potential.
Growth through adversity. That's the theme for today.
This morning, I dipped into Starbucks for an extra special grande iced mocha. I browsed the discount section then something led me over to the bulletin board. There I read about a sweet employee who I may or may not know, but she recently was diagnosed with a brain tumor and of course she has no medical insurance. She's a Starbuck's employee.
I told Don I was blown away by the news of the Texas polygamist story in recent news and he said, "Why? That's what the whole David Koresh thing was about, too, years ago." Oh, yeah, selective memory on my part.
Here's some good news. RJ likes me to watch Sesame Street with her in the mornings and today we learned all about the violin. When I read the quote, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" My response is to play the fiddle.
Every day we take baby steps and get ever closer to blossoming into our fullest potential.
Growth through adversity. That's the theme for today.
Thursday, April 3
Hanky Surprise
These days you just never do know what you'll find when you come home from running errands. Over the weekend, we came home to find Hank had chewed into a plastic bag of confetti colored dots mistaking it for food. That was the start of his mistaking ordinary objects for delicious food. Today I came home to find this devoured tin of canned chicken salad. What a strange dog he is! I'm just thankful he limits his surprises to the edible things that are relatively replaceable and not bigger more valuable objects, like leather couches. Don't give him any ideas....
Wednesday, April 2
YUM! Silly Girls in the Wildflowers
so much fun had this morning with Kate and RoRo in the bluebonnets. Click on the picture to see more....
Monday, March 31
BIG Bubble Magic
Rosa Jane and I were admist our own love fest today leaving Target. I asked, "Do you love me a little bit or a lot, Rosa Jane?"
Her reply, "I love you BIG."
Oh, and that just melts my heart. We've got this kid on our hands that lives BIG. Is there a better way to live really? I just don't think so...
Her reply, "I love you BIG."
Oh, and that just melts my heart. We've got this kid on our hands that lives BIG. Is there a better way to live really? I just don't think so...
Sunday, March 30
Red loves Purple
And Rosa Jane loves both. After church today we went to the Little Buckaroo's craft event benefitting the American Cancer Society.
Down with cancer. Up with face paint and purple eyebrows.
Down with cancer. Up with face paint and purple eyebrows.
Scary Business
This week has been trying. For several weeks now RJ has had trouble gagging and choking at meals. I couldn't figure out what gives. After a couple of really frightening experiences, I decided to take her to the good doctor.
The doctor pointed out that Rosa Jane's two-year upper molars are coming in. I guess they were hurting her so much that she wasn't chewing as well as she should. That would explain why she kept saying, "I no like it!"
She was following the recipe of swallow-and-choke method of eating. And we all know that ain't no way to breathe. So, I'm chopping up her food into tiny over-protective particles and not taking any chances.
I think I told y'all a friend of mine from high school lost his two year old to a choked-on grape. I know good and well that any attempt of trying to control every situation and every possible outcome will never work and be plain exhausting, but thinking briefly that the good Lord was trying to take my kid... well, I just couldn't hack it and had to do something.
I'm glad we went to the doctor, I don't think I would have come up with the simple, common sense answer of teething on my own.
Why IS that?
I LOVE this kid. Keep breathing and shining, little one. Keep breathing and shining.
The doctor pointed out that Rosa Jane's two-year upper molars are coming in. I guess they were hurting her so much that she wasn't chewing as well as she should. That would explain why she kept saying, "I no like it!"
She was following the recipe of swallow-and-choke method of eating. And we all know that ain't no way to breathe. So, I'm chopping up her food into tiny over-protective particles and not taking any chances.
I think I told y'all a friend of mine from high school lost his two year old to a choked-on grape. I know good and well that any attempt of trying to control every situation and every possible outcome will never work and be plain exhausting, but thinking briefly that the good Lord was trying to take my kid... well, I just couldn't hack it and had to do something.
I'm glad we went to the doctor, I don't think I would have come up with the simple, common sense answer of teething on my own.
Why IS that?
I LOVE this kid. Keep breathing and shining, little one. Keep breathing and shining.
Tuesday, March 25
Finally Uploaded
Some funny pictures of running this way and that way and overall being happy go-lucky preschoolers on spring break on the lake. Ah, such is the good life: all you really need is to put on your puddle jumpin' shoes.
Check out the set on Flickr.
Check out the set on Flickr.
Monday, March 24
The cost of things
Brett wants the CRAB and all the spidermans. Too bad Granddad was doing the negotiating and ended up costing Brett two spidermans to get his crab back.
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...
Six Easy Steps for an Easter to Remember.
Step 1: Allow your kid to eat her weight in sugar just prior to having to sit still and quiet during a rural Texas church service.Nothing can contain Rosa Jane's tickle box being overturned by silly cousin Brett, also on noted sugar high.
Step 2: Let the Easter Bunny bring Brett a plastic crab, but tell him to watch out, because "RJ will step on it if given the opportunity!"
Step 3: Allow kids to roam the egg hunt playing field without permission to pick up said eggs in attempt to occupy children while lunch is being prepared.
Step 4: Allow the adults to indulge in wine, the best handmade/homemade Kibbe ever and leave the kids alone in the other room with scissors.
Step 5:After the eggs are hunted up, and the count is on for how many precious spiderman eggs Brett has in his possession, let Granddad be the arbitrator between Brett and RJ. "How about one spiderman egg for your Crab, Brett?" Happiness for oh, about 15 seconds. See attached pictures.
Step 6: Let Granddad renegotiate the crab/spiderman ratio for Brett. This time he says, "Rosa Jane, will you take TWO spiderman eggs for the crab?" Rosa Jane is no dummy. She knows spidermans are worth way more than some silly crab and now she has two!
Poor Brett, on the other hand, just can't be pleased. Despite the lovely lock of hair he cut from Rosa Jane when no one was looking.
Wednesday, March 19
Beautiful
Sunday night dinner with friends makes the quickly approaching Monday morning go down easier. Perhaps it's like a spoonful of sugar helping the medicine go down. Either way, we had a wonderful time at Sophia's and Rosa Jane wailed like we've never seen her do before when it was time to go.
Check out the pictures... there's even one of RJ "looking pretty dumb with her finger and her thumb in the shape of an L on her forehead!"
Check out the pictures... there's even one of RJ "looking pretty dumb with her finger and her thumb in the shape of an L on her forehead!"
Spring Break with a Teenager
inflicting pain from unusual poses makes for real fun photographs.
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...
Check out the fun.
Friday, March 14
Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! I spied a bluebonnet!
As if you really needed one more tiny reason to be fired up for life.
Here is reason #1,000,459,366:
It's bluebonnet time in Texis! Grab yer boots and cowboy hat and get to frollicking!!
Here is reason #1,000,459,366:
It's bluebonnet time in Texis! Grab yer boots and cowboy hat and get to frollicking!!
the girls
we went on a little hike today. just the girls and me and the trusty camera. we had so so much fun listening for birds and running as fast as we could. towards the end, i heard the magic words, "i'm tired!"
hahaha so they had great naps and i got to work on the computer. my most favorite!
i didn't have the courage to put these behind the lock and key. they're public. i'll probably make the rest of the photos on flickr public, too. i just like sharing too much.
enjoy and watch out for turtles!!
hahaha so they had great naps and i got to work on the computer. my most favorite!
i didn't have the courage to put these behind the lock and key. they're public. i'll probably make the rest of the photos on flickr public, too. i just like sharing too much.
enjoy and watch out for turtles!!
Thursday, March 13
If you like hopping two year olds, you'll love this video.
It's so very elusive to get a two year old to act natural on video. I've so been wanting to get her singing along with Smashmouth's All Star because it is one of the little things that makes me so happy... hearing her sing, "she was lookin' kinda dumb with her finger and her thumb in the shape of an L on her forehead" at least her version in toddler-speak. so last night after dinner she requested some dance time to her favorite song and I thought it would be the perfect time to catch a tiger by its toe. I didn't get her singing as much as she usually does, but this hopping bit is purdy hilarious and she does sing my favorite line. So enjoy my friends.
This is Funny. Kinda from obkb2000 on Vimeo.
This is Funny. Kinda from obkb2000 on Vimeo.
lesson for the day
today, at school drop off, i asked rj's teacher what she loves the most about working with this age group. i asked her because there is a sincere part of me that would adore working with children all day. she hesitated and kinda looked at me like i was crazy for even asking the question. she said it was a hard age because there are so many in the group and she feels like she's changing diapers all day. and there's no changing table because 2.5 - 3yrs are supposed to be toilet trained so that makes diapering an unnecessary challenge. or maybe i should step up RJ's toilet training so she's not so much of a burden.
regardless of what i can do at home, it made me sad that she said that... instead of thinking of their faces, she's thinking about their asses. but then she did add that she had some fun interactions with them.
don't be thinking about the asses, people. there will never be joy in asses.
go forth and prosper!
regardless of what i can do at home, it made me sad that she said that... instead of thinking of their faces, she's thinking about their asses. but then she did add that she had some fun interactions with them.
don't be thinking about the asses, people. there will never be joy in asses.
go forth and prosper!
Wednesday, March 12
Pictures for Friends and Family Only
All this freedom of public photo sharing has been real fun, but as of late I've received some sketchy email requests from people who want to use my images for their own means. My only response is to take all my images and put them under lock and key. You can still see them, you'll just have to create a flickr/yahoo account if you don't already have one, and then you'll have to ask to be my friend. When I recognize you, you'll be added to my list and will be able to see all my cards. Sorry for the inconvenience, but a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do.
brett, you're funny!
i have the best husband in the whole world. he's allowing me to change up the rooms in the house. how exciting is that?! thank you, everybody!!!
also, today I was shown what true love is. well, reminded. there are always reminders everywhere.
my cool cat city friend autumn invited us to the dog park with her & her clan -- two pups and two girls. people were kind to say hank is "so alert" while playing frisbee. there are no two ways about it. the dog is MANIC about the frisbee. totally fixated. and won't ever give up. so we're throwing and throwing the frisbee and then i decide to throw it in the lake. oops. it starts to sink and hank is pretty much ignorant when it comes to deep water and frisbee-love, so he's pacing looking for it. i'm ready to call it a wash. let's move on, people. nothing to see here. but sweet friend autumn rolls up her sleeves and pant legs and wades into the ice cold water to get my stupid dog's frisbee back.
i needed my camera. this was love in action.
i've sensed this same love from my own mother towards hank bob speckled pants. the woman has no love for dogs, but somehow he still gets embroidered towels with his name on them from her on Christmas day.
so lots of love happening everywhere from all angles. from the love remembered on our anniversary to right now in this moment.
this is a grand and magical life. i am so pleased to be a part of it. thank you.
Tuesday, March 11
RJ the Train Rider
Fun times on a train! Check out the rest of the pictures. RJ is really growing like a weed. She sings "All Star" all the time. Today I was teaching her to sing Cheap Trick's "I want You to want me. Didn't I, Didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?" You should hear her sing it. It's purdy darn cute.let's go down to the river to pray
This is Richland in all it's glory. We arrived just in time for sunset and a delicious fried shrimp dinner. Sunday we took off for Palestine and a train ride on The Little Blue Engine That Could. It all depends on how you think.I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.
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