Fire Up, Buttercup.

She Loves Horses

2009-05-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

Cowgirl Rosa Jane loves horses and they scare me. Lots of things in life scare me, so I guess this is just one more thing in the great scheme of things that Elenor Roosevelt said, "You must do the thing you think you can not do." And sometimes that just means simply putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next thing!

Natural Light Headshots Save the Day! (Austin Corporate Photographer)

2009-05-08T16:35:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, stars align and pathways are cleared to help a fella out. This handsome guy was just nominated for CFO of the Year in Austin. I highly think he deserves it and can't wait to hear the future goodnews that he was also crowned CFO of the World. Good Luck, Man!

Motherhood round 3

2009-05-07T20:02:00.003-05:00

{photo by Lisa Woods.}
Man, I've been thinking loads as of late. Wondering why I can't blog like I used to. I think it's because my perfectly malleable daughter has come into her own. She picks out what to wear and she has very strong opinions about what to do and not do and when to do it. From ages of birth to two, most everything was hunky dory and going my way. Now, I have to be creative and manipulative and it's just plain draining.

Now, I can see that my weaknesses have shaped her almost as much as my strengths. I pray each day that things will be different, that I'll do better and quit taking the easy route. Some things never change though. I'll keep praying and asking God to turn our weaknesses to strengths. That the big lessons will take heart and that at the end of the day she'll know how very much she is loved being just who she is. Motherhood is an amazing journey. Some days we are high as a kite in love and others we're at each others throats to take a nap or clean the house.

She tells me, "I still love you even when I do the wrong thing, Mommy."
I love her all the time. To infinity and beyond. Weaknesses and all. God only knows what I'd be with out you. Thanks and glory to Him for all the miracles in our lives.

Inspired to Blog

2009-02-19T07:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, Linda Anderson, spoke to us at Mom2Mom. She usually speaks via recorded dvd sessions, but on this day she was LIVE and IN PERSON. Linda is AMAZING and I love her to death even though I don't *really* know her. But when she speaks, I feel at peace and I just know the words of God are flowing from her heart and mouth and it's the most amazing thing to be in her presence. She talked about a lot of things yesterday like where is your head most of the time in your daily life -- it is focused in the future and writing that great amazing novel or more applicable to me is becoming the brightest and shiniest star photographer or are you on the hamsterwheel focused on the daily events that consume and never seem to end -- sure the kitchen is clean in this moment, but fifteen minutes later disaster zone. Whew!

I know I've been so busy with my part-time photography job that I've been neglecting this blog and I started to get sad that there's no evidence in journaling about what's been happening in our lives... so I vow to do better. Small snipets and daily overhearings. Rosa Jane is funnier than ever, even if she does seem to be obsessed with a mini-dvd player and playing Cinderella from start to finish over and over again... seriously, I think it's three times a day when we're home. So I'm trying to be more conscious and out the door.

I can't tell if it's a marked improvement over what she used to do with the Litte Mermaid, which was to watch it over and over but she was constantly hitting the fast forward button so it was over as soon as it started.

At any rate, she's princess obsessed and has to have princess light up shoes. She received non-itchy princess dresses - a blue one and a purple one - for Valentines day and she was super excited about them.

We bought a new Toyota RAV 4 this week and I'm really enjoying the new found space. I can drive for miles and miles now which is sweet relief from the imprisonment I was feeling with the Passat Lease agreement.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2008-12-30T16:59:00.001-06:00

IMG_8267e
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

Love from all the Roedners

The Week after Christmas and Anticipating Change

2008-12-28T22:51:00.002-06:00

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!!

And Life Goes On...

2008-12-03T15:29:00.001-06:00

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.

So-called Creative

2008-11-07T14:15:00.002-06:00

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?!

Wish You Were Here

2008-10-27T09:37:00.001-05:00

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.

Rainbow Face

2008-10-21T20:55:00.001-05:00

IMG_0856
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

What's Down There?

2008-10-18T12:39:00.001-05:00

IMG_0827
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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....

Funny Rosita in a Purple Coat.

2008-10-12T08:36:00.001-05:00

IMG_9955
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Officially Three and Dressed to Kill.

2008-09-27T09:08:00.001-05:00

IMG_8026
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!

Next?

2008-09-26T14:37:00.003-05:00

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!

"I'm the Birthday GIRL!"

2008-09-25T11:58:00.001-05:00

IMG_7088
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Stinker

2008-09-13T20:10:00.001-05:00

IMG_6697
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Girls on a Beach

2008-09-06T08:45:00.001-05:00

IMG_9729
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Happy Labor Day, Y'all!

2008-09-03T09:39:00.001-05:00

IMG_4867
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!

carly may weigh just 4 lbs, but think again if you want to mess with her!

2008-08-28T08:38:00.003-05:00

carly may way 4 lbs, but think again if you want to mess with her!
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

My newest infatuation!! Meet Carly and Chloe. Chloe "refrigerator" and Carly "bird". I love'em!!

The Sweetest Friends

2008-08-28T08:34:00.001-05:00

treasured friends
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Markers Outlawed

2008-08-24T07:48:00.002-05:00

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Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

Here's the reason markers aren't allowed in our home. Stay out, Markers. You ain't invited!

First Love

2008-08-11T09:46:00.001-05:00

IMG_0216
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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...

kid trooper

2008-07-29T13:57:00.002-05:00

kid trooper
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

welcome to my world of toddler craziness.

2008-07-10T21:37:00.001-05:00

welcome to my world of toddler craziness.
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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?"

happy belated birthday, america!!

2008-07-08T12:26:00.001-05:00

IMG_2624-2
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Past the Point of No Return

2008-06-17T11:54:00.001-05:00

IMG_0675
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

All my friends

2008-06-08T09:49:00.001-05:00

00033 birthdays-8125
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Chocolate River Movie

2008-06-02T22:24:00.001-05:00

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...

RJ and Crab, the wooden armadillo

2008-05-30T09:58:00.001-05:00

IMG_0846
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

When asked what we should name the armadillo, RJ promptly responded, "Crab."

And so it is.

This is for Robby.

Eyes on the Kid and the Dog.

2008-05-26T09:12:00.001-05:00

IMG_0203
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Baby Clothes

2008-05-19T19:30:00.001-05:00

IMG_9903
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-05T14:07:00.001-05:00

IMG_9260
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!

Playing Hoops on the Ranch

2008-05-02T15:25:00.001-05:00

IMG_8171
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Oh, It's a Good Day on the Horizon!

2008-04-30T21:22:00.001-05:00

00033 birthdays-7171
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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...

our lovely de-leafed, clean deck

2008-04-25T09:03:00.001-05:00

our lovely de-leafed, clean deck
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

At home with three bluebonnets

2008-04-23T16:35:00.001-05:00

00045 homebluebonnets-6987-2
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

We celebrate the little things we do have.

Bigger than Ever

2008-04-22T11:38:00.002-05:00

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!

Fun Times!

2008-04-15T11:39:00.001-05:00

00042 50RJHank-286
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

the must have shoes for a trail blazer

2008-04-14T00:49:00.001-05:00

the must have shoes for a trail blazer
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Miss Biggest Personality

2008-04-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

kewpie doll
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!

I Think I Can

2008-04-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

00040 Sloan Blues-89
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!

Adversity

2008-04-08T09:17:00.002-05:00

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.

Hanky Surprise

2008-04-03T15:53:00.001-05:00

Hanky Surprise
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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....

Check out my updated Web site

2008-04-03T13:11:00.005-05:00

www.faux-toes.com

YUM! Silly Girls in the Wildflowers

2008-04-02T15:20:00.001-05:00

silly girls
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

so much fun had this morning with Kate and RoRo in the bluebonnets. Click on the picture to see more....

BIG Bubble Magic

2008-03-31T22:14:00.001-05:00

00039 RJBUBBLES-5039
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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...

Red loves Purple

2008-03-30T15:51:00.001-05:00

00038 Siena-1222
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Scary Business

2008-03-30T14:51:00.003-05:00

going her fastest ever
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

Finally Uploaded

2008-03-25T15:18:00.003-05:00

the decisive moment - cartier bresson
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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.

The cost of things

2008-03-24T15:41:00.001-05:00

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...

Crabs and spiderman eggs offer a valuable lesson in economics.

After the new 'do!

2008-03-24T10:18:00.001-05:00

cousin bonds run deep
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

Six Easy Steps for an Easter to Remember.

2008-03-24T08:02:00.007-05:00

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.

Beautiful

2008-03-19T17:56:00.001-05:00

00035 Carole-0545
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!"

Spring Break with a Teenager

2008-03-19T08:44:00.001-05:00

inflicting pain from unusual poses makes for real fun photographs.
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

It's all fun and games and moving heavy objects for this teenager who happens to be my lovely niece. After making sure she was good and stir crazy by keeping her homebound while I obsessed the very best place for quick access to paper clips that I never in a million years use, we went to the mall for a photo adventure on St. Pat's day.

Check out the fun.

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! I spied a bluebonnet!

2008-03-14T15:43:00.001-05:00

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! I spied a bluebonnet!
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!!

the girls

2008-03-14T14:59:00.002-05:00

00033 SB-0194
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

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!!

If you like hopping two year olds, you'll love this video.

2008-03-13T15:37:00.003-05:00

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.

lesson for the day

2008-03-13T12:50:00.003-05:00

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!

Pictures for Friends and Family Only

2008-03-12T22:35:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-03-12T15:15:00.003-05:00

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.

RJ the Train Rider

2008-03-11T22:41:00.002-05:00

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

2008-03-11T17:59:00.002-05:00

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.

Silence isn't golden

2008-03-10T10:53:00.003-05:00

For those of you who are addicted to Kristen's inspiring words and photos, this has to be a tough time. She and the Peanut are spending a few days with Aunt C, having some lakeside fun. It's exceedingly quiet at the Roedner Ranch. Even Hanky, who keeps good distance from me most days, keeps trying to get into my lap. Like I say, exceedingly quiet.

Have courage, Kristen fans. She will be back and reconnected to the Information Superhighway on Wednesday...

friends again

2008-03-06T08:57:00.002-06:00

We hadn't spent time with Kate and Amy in a long, long time. It was a long time overdue and lots of fun.

Happy Belated Birthday, Amy!

Love, all your friends at the Roedner Ranch.

chatty kathy, but can you understand her?

2008-03-05T17:00:00.001-06:00

Rosa Jane Tells a Funny Story from obkb2000 on Vimeo.

Happy Engagement Anniversary!!

2008-03-03T19:27:00.002-06:00

Seven years ago on a fateful night, Sweet Donr asked for my hand in marriage. Tonight we celebrate with chinese take out.

Tonight's fortune?

When the moment comes, take the first one from the right.

Woe to be

2008-03-02T19:55:00.002-06:00

A girl with long curly hair on a windy, windy day. All pictures taken with a lensbaby.

Schooled in the Boot Store

2008-02-27T10:03:00.008-06:00

Two weekends ago Diana from Seattle came to the Ranch to play and work. She taught me so much and helped me to see more clearly. As a treat to her and all our guests, we like to take them down to South Congress or SoCo as people in the Know call it to browse a little piece of Heaven on earth in a store called Allen's Boots. You've never seen so many gorgeous boots in your whole entire life. Sometimes a pair will grab hold of you and will refuse to let go.

Diana was supposed to be the one to buy boots. I didn't go in thinking I needed boots, but after being at a wedding over the weekend where these classic Texas women wore boots dressed up, I will acknowledge there was a slight need in my life for black boots. I found these fun boots that looked like they had little flowers on them, but it was really the design of the lizard skin. Art is life.

I was getting ready to put them back because there were lots of reasons in my mind NOT to get them. One, there are other things I need like a new computer and always another camera lens, not to mention our older daughter's college education to pay off. I have my priorities straight. Two, the color was something I thought I'd never in a million years own: a two-toned boot, nevermind that it was double-whammy white! But Don came over and told me I had to have them. That I'd come back next time and they'd be gone and they are really perfect for me.

That's when it was time to look around the store at my accomplices (Don, Rosa Jane and Diana) and count on my hand all the times I thought I'd never do/be a part of something and life wonderful life turned out blissfully to the contrary:

1. I never thought I'd married an older man, just ask Seebug how much Hell I gave her for marrying a cute boy a mere 8 years older.

2. I never thought we'd get pregnant. Well, after months that added up to years and years of trying, I never thought we'd get pregnant. Maybe that's why when we did finally affirm (to my credit, I did take two pregnancies test upon suspect, but both came up negative) we were pregnant we were already 20 weeks along. Bliss that we were halfway done and we didn't even know it! Never mind the fear we live in NOW, knowing that we could get pregnant! Ha! My, my how quickly the tables turn!

3. I never thought my friend Diana from Boston who moved to Seattle would make it down to visit us. Sometimes as much as you love a friend, you can't help but think that wish of coming to visit is nothing more in reality than a pipe dream.

Three for three. I think it's time to recalibrate. So I listened to Don and I am grateful for the extra push. I know boots don't make the girl and I know true happiness lies within, but damn, it sure it nice to don some sweet-looking boots that make me giddy happy and will for years to come, even if they are two-toned white. Maybe that's the funniest part of all.

Roses are red

2008-02-25T07:59:00.002-06:00

We love to get invites to eat and meet new friends!
Check out the pics from Autumn's house last night.
Good times and lollipops after dark!

I'm Ready to Throw Down

2008-02-22T16:54:00.001-06:00

_MG_9204
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

any one that would like to compare Oprah to the devil. I listen to her XM radio program whenever it is possible and always learn something new and insightful. Over the last several months I have picked up books that have greatly affected my life and my point of view. I am eternally grateful. I am a Christian and I try to live my life as Christ has taught, but I have always struggled with that. I never could get a grasp on how and would always get distracted by worldly things -- be it the person that just cut me off in traffic, or the rudeness of a fellow customer at the grocery store, etc, let alone my constant companion inside my head with negative self-attacks. I just couldn't let stuff go. But now, thanks to the Power of Now, I am realizing that all my internal thoughts are just my ego doing it's best to "Edge God Out," as Dr. Wayne Dyer put it so eloquently. Oprah is starting an online night class Monday nights in March and I can't wait to participate. I hope you'll join it, too. It really is going to create A New Earth with those that are spiritually enlightened. Down with the ego. Up with Oprah and Living your Best Life here on Earth where there's enough love from God through Jesus to make the world go around.

Here's a photo of my inspired reading these days. Pick up these books and change your life TODAY!

I'm on My Way to Making New Mistakes

2008-02-22T09:07:00.003-06:00

I'm on My Way
I'm on my way from misery to happiness today
I'm on my way from misery to happiness today
I'm on my way to what I want from this world
And years from now you'll make it to the next world
And everything that you receive up yonder
Is what you gave to me the day I wandered

I took a right, I took a right turning yesterday
I took a right, I took a right turning yesterday
I took the road that brought me to your home town
I took the bus to streets that I could walk down
I walked the streets to find the one I'd looked for
I climbed the stair that led me to your front door

And now that I don't want for anthing
I'd have Al Jolson sing "I'm sitting on top of the world"

I'll do my best, I'll do my best to do the best I can
I'll do my best, I'll do my best to do the best I can
To keep my feet from jumping from the ground dear
To keep my heart from jumping through my mouth dear
To keep the past, the past and not the present
To try and learn when you teach me a lesson

And now that I don't want for anything
I'd have Al Joison sing "I'm sitting on top of the world".
= The Proclaimers ala SHREK's soundtrack

Tears and love and stating that I've learned an important lesson. She really wasn't like the other girls. I have to remember that. So let February be the month of love and March be the month of return to old schedules, peace and tranquility.

I am AMAZED by the calmness in my head as I live in the moment during the morning routine and usual craziness to get out the door on time. When I live in the moment of "What do I need next? Oh yeah, RJ's shoes... Let's go get them! Now what? Oh yeah, breakfast. Let's go get it! Now what, and so on and so forth" I have actually been in my car 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Can you believe that? Frantic stress of thinking of a million and one things makes you LATE, while just living aware, makes you early or on time. I choose to live in the moment any day, but especially today!

"I need all my Kids!"

2008-02-21T08:06:00.006-06:00

Ever since Thanksgiving, Rosa Jane has been playing with the Little People Nativity scene Honey gave her. She calls all the people and animals "my kids" and often says, "I need all my kids!" To think of putting them away for the season seems like a torturous thing for a mother to do to her kid. Every day, Rosa Jane seems fixated on finding all her "wise mans."

From time to time, some evil mommy who shall remain nameless will come about in a flurry tossing everything this way and that way until all is put away jumbled, but out of sight.

On Sunday, Rosa Jane was looking for baby Jesus and sorting though a green basket twice as big as she is through all her favorite toys that she had forgotten she had. (Imagine that!) As she is sorting she is encircling herself in piles of favorites. I was like "oh, my goodness! that's EXACTLY what I do, when it comes to sorting out closets or my "in basket" or just about anything. Then I get overwhelmed by all my favorites being out in plain view so I quickly toss them back in the closet or basket and push and shove the door closed until next time I am brave enough to open the door. Then next time all my favorites will rain down on my head so I never forget them again. I don't recommend this to any one with a husband or roommate she loves. From the look on Donr's face, I know this to be a trying experience.

This is my great Ah Ha! moment. Let's see if I truly have the power to babystep towards change and actually do something with these so-called favorites.

All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

2008-02-19T13:24:00.003-06:00

1. I could pay some handyman guy $200 to come to my house to "weatherstrip" my doors, or I could be proactive and close the already weatherstripped doors more tightly.

2. I could hire some boy to come help me train my too-smart-for-his-britches dog and become totally stressed out about not having the time to correct all my dog's bad behaviors in the moment and in effect create a MORE devilish dog, but ask yourself, as a mother of a crazy handful two year old daughter, WHY?

3. I could change up my schedule completely and drive myself over the edge insane with so much structure a girl like me can hardly breathe.

4. since I have foolishly spent money on the aforementioned disasters, bartering is my new way of life. In exchange for photographs, I now have deliciously and miraculously clean carpets -- look no further than Heaven's Best -- all you people out there. They cleaned out nasty cat stains that have been with the house forever (previous owners). I now have a personal decorator and confidant and inspirer. This woman, Alicia Autrey at Decoratorforhire.com has CHANGED my life, y'all! I bartered with my neighbor for her like-new stationary exercise bike and with Ms. Deborah for Kindermusik classes for my musically inclined daughter... and the list goes on and on! I mean Honey came to visit and gave us that Kitchen Aide Mixer we always wanted.

So I've learned some hard lessons since the beginning of 2008. I thank all those sweet people who have helped reassure me, wipe away my tears and encourage me to keep on a keeping on finding balance in my life. Motherhood is like walking on a tightrope. Sweet Donr is my catch net. Thank you, love.

Now, time to get back to "doing the right thing." I'm not so sure blogging counts, but it sure does help me clear my head.

Like Mother Like Daughter

2008-02-13T08:59:00.003-06:00

spikeandgang
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming,
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
So much to do so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow
- Smash Mouth

My two yr old has become fascinated with the big green ogre, Shrek. She loves the "All Star" theme song sung by Smashmouth. A couple of times we have been out and about and a serendipitous moment occurs -- the song blares in the background. RJ will say, "SHREK!!" When I listen intently, I concurr she is right.

I have always loved this song, too. It is such a positive song that it inspires me to "get my game on, go play!"

There are so many strong memories attached to this song, too. It reminds me of Nashville and laughing with Sally. It reminds me of Jackson Design and their inspired ad campaign that led to Spike and the gang. And my debut as a Cover girl, Rachel.

I think I love listening to what has become the shrek song as much as Rosa Jane does. She's started to sing along even when it is not playing.

The power of music to transport to another time and place is magical. I am happy to go along for the ride to my shining glory days and 15 minutes of fame.

MAMA

2008-02-12T07:31:00.000-06:00

Okay, of the mamas out there, who caught themselves with tears a-streamin' down her cheeks as Kanye West sang his heart out to his passed away mother?

As I worry about how much time I'm spending or not spending with my daughter... I have to remind myself I ain't working no nightshift to make ends meet and even if I was, there's Kanye to sing about how much love is still there. The song was not about abandonment or feeling unloved.

To each his own way. March to the beat of your own drummer.

Be in the moment.

2008-02-08T12:50:00.001-06:00

5d 22mm
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be. it's easy.

There's no room (in your home that) you can't change for two weeks to see if it works.

Do one thing that scares you a little bit each day.

Live authentically. Break through shells. Strip through your facade of reasons why things can't change for you right now. Right here.

Don't forget how special you are and all those in relation to you -- your family, your neighborhood, your community, your state, your nation, your planet. What will you do to make it better?
I'm slow-roasting beef and taking baby steps when shopping for groceries. I'm enjoying the process and looking for ways to improve upon someone's day.

This way of living rocks my socks off. Try it for just one moment. I bet you can't stop. It's like an open bag of Lay's Potato Chips. The real ones.

You Shoulda Been There

2008-02-03T20:05:00.001-06:00

00026 libertyfeb-273
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

This image looks so effortless. Brett was squawking. Uncle Pat was lifting up Aunt C so she could do a herky to get everyone to laugh.

I guess my camera really was pointed the wrong way. ;-)

A Weekend of Heritage in Food and Sparkly Attire

2008-02-03T19:55:00.001-06:00

00026 libertyfeb-178
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

For Christmas, Honey gave Caren and me promised Lebanese-cooking lessons. I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while. It was originally a weekend for just the girls, but the town's library held a benefit ball and so we brought the boys and the kids in tow. The guys stayed with the babes during the day while the women spent the day in Tammy Haddad's home kitchen. We made kibbe nie (raw beef/cracked wheat mixture), fried kibbe balls, stuffed grape leaves and cabbage rolls with hashwee. It was so fun and such an insight to how women bonded over spending three hours in the kitchen. I can't wait to find our local international food market and see just how good my notes were.

We are currently accepting donations for a heavy-duty kitchen aid mixer with the meat grinder attachment. ;-)

Check out the pictures of the cousins. I edited the ones that spoke the most fun. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

And the Crowd Goes Wild . . .

2008-02-01T15:55:00.001-06:00

00024 RJ2y4msaturday-157
Originally uploaded by ..Kristen...

After a teary goodbye on *my* part to the old school and quiet chants from the peanut of "i want ___ (insert name of old school)," She seemed to want to stay home today and I was dubious of how today and the start of her new school would play out. So on the drive this morning, I asked her, "Do you like to play outside? Yes, she said. Do you like to play with friends? Yes, she said. Do you like to make crafts? Yes, she said. Well, you're in for a treat!, I said, Because today is a great day to do all these things and more!

When we arrived in the parking lot, I said, "Look at all the happy kids skipping into school!" I could feel her own excitement building as she gripped my fingers tighter as we walked right into her classroom. A classroom where friendly mothers greeted me and introduced themselves and their children. RJ headed straight to all the cool toys on the otherside of the room. I ventured closer to her and she gave me a little hug, then she was off playing again.

The teacher's report, "she is a natural." She acted like she'd been there all along. When she saw me, she came running to the door and gave me a big hug. Not like whew! what a relief you're back, but more like "Gee! I love you!! So great to see you! Let's go see Honey now." She fetched her bags and that was that. In the car it was, "I wanna come back here tomorrow."

So the best part of my day? The second hug I got. She's never really done that before. The worst part of my day? Packing for our short trip. Sally sent me some 101 reasons we should plan goals. On my short list: Make packing fun and less stressful.

On a day like today

2008-01-28T12:42:00.002-06:00

In this photo set, you can almost taste how much fun it is to be two. She wakes up and the first thing outta her mouth? "Time to go play?" But play sounds more like "p'way." And yes, that is totally adorable.

Her favorite color teeters between purple and red.

Her love for Baby Angel and Baby Sara seem unfaultering. Ever since Baby Princess lost her clothes, she's no longer the talk of the town.

happy birthday to me. happy birthday to RJ.

2008-01-24T20:03:00.002-06:00

I missed UPS yesterday b/c they delivered totally off schedule... so i had to stay home ALL day on my day to run errands for fear of missing the ups man again. Wouldn't you know he showed up at 10 til 6. Nevermind, I have a new lens at last. Check out the pictures from Rosa Jane's 2 years and 4 month birthday. Which means it's my 34 year and 4 months and 1 day birthday. Rosa Jane tried to steal my thunder saying it's HER birthday. I said, get used to it honey... we'll be sharing our birthday for a long, long time to come.

To Catch a Predator

2008-01-23T14:12:00.000-06:00

Okay, not really a predator because we're talking about a squirrel, but still I wanted to catch him. He found a nook & cranny in our home within which to call his own. I did not like this, sam I am. With all that scratching, it made me think he was creating a hole and soon we'd have him fall onto our floor. Me no likey squirrels. They're real squirrely after all. And can't be trusted.

Sally will appreciate this -- I called our local version of a Trapper Jack.

He came last week before the real cold spell and we've been sitting with an empty trap on our roof for the past week. Today "trapper jack" took away the trap without catching the varmit, but instead closing up the hole.

I'm trying to figure out if this makes me feel. I expected to catch a squirrel AND have the hole closed.

I wanted that squirrel "to go live on the farm. with wide open spaces." Dead, whatever. I wanted the peace of mind knowing he was gone. I'd happily have eaten him myself with some dumplins. That's a southeast Texas delicacy. Yum, delish!

Instead, the trap is gone and the hole is closed.

What would you do? Should I call Trapper Jack to come back and get me my token squirrel?

An Interview with a Very Sweet Girl

2008-01-23T13:19:00.001-06:00

A conversation with Rosa Jane from obkb2000 on Vimeo.

Embracing Motherhood

2008-01-23T13:17:00.000-06:00

Untitled from obkb2000 on Vimeo.

RJ's first encounter with a lobster.

2008-01-22T21:34:00.002-06:00

RJ's first encounter with a lobster. She calls them "monsters."

The Great 2008 Shake Up

2008-01-22T17:20:00.000-06:00

We're getting ready to embrace motherhood full on every day every afternoon for the rest of my life and beyond. That's right... the days of full-time (8:30 - 5) childcare being available on two days a week is about to go bye-bye. In exchange, I'm ready to embrace community and neighborhood and 4 hours on three days a week. I'm terrified that I'm going to go crazy, but I'm excited about all the fun we're going to have together.

She's excited about her new school and so am I.

Live In Technicolor

2008-01-21T12:59:00.002-06:00

As we were leaving our mom group last week, one mom rolled down her car window to ask me, "Does your daughter dress herself, too?"

I replied, "Unfortunately she has only me to blame at this point in her life."

She said, "oh, my 2.5 year always insists on dressing herself and today she is half-princess/half track athlete." She then added, "I've never met a mother who could dress her daughter in such a fun way."

Despite growing up with a mother who likes matchy-matchy, we like lots of color in our house. After being schooled by the great fashionista Robyna, there is no such thing as too much color.

two of my favorite people

2008-01-20T22:31:00.002-06:00

eating popcorn in the late afternoon. we went to the salt lick for the first time yesterday after our morning at the gym. what a truly great day!

How come?

2008-01-15T16:11:00.000-06:00

How come the mere mentioning of wanting to run a marathon has completely catapulted me as far away from the treadmill as I can get?

Seriously. I don't think you could drag me to the treadmill at this point. It looks and seems completely unappealing and over-rated.

Ain't That a Kick in the Head?

2008-01-15T15:36:00.002-06:00

Right after Christmas, we took down Rosa Jane's crib and she's been sleeping in her big girl bed. At first we still dealt with random crying in her bed in the middle of the night and having to go to her. A couple of mornings I came into her room and couldn't find her, but could hear her wimpering. She was UNDER her bed with no covers in a cold room.

Then one morning at 5am, she discovered that she could get out of her bed and come to us. What a more pleasant way to start the day -- the sound of pitterpatter on the hardwoods and the occassional bump into one of her misplaced toys on the floor. I thought this was a pretty good deal and it has become her recent habit to come into our room in the 6ish hour to awaken us.

Over the weekend Rosa Jane woke up twice during the middle of the night and came into our room. This meant near sleepless nights for Don and me. I couldn't figure out what was going on.

I started my usual projecting, second-guessing what could I be guilty of this time while trying to do my best parenting my little precious peanut. Maybe she doesn't like her bed. Maybe it's too uncomfortable, too hard and we need to get a new mattress for her. I kept these thoughts to myself, but it was definitely a chant in the back of my head.

Last night as Don was putting RJ down for the night, he had a little talk with her about how if she wakes up, she can just roll over. Roll over and pull up her sheets and get all cozy again and fall back asleep. It must have worked because when she came into our room at 6:30 we praised her how proud we were that she stayed in bed all night. She beamed.

This morning I noticed while brushing her teeth that she has three new 2 yr old molars busting through her gums. That explains the sleepless nights!

Just when we think we have all the answers, we forget to check the most obvious of places. Parenting is tough and I always feel like a huge dunce when the problem is so simple and yet so over looked.
Forgive us, Rosa Jane. We're doing the best we can.

baby angel makes her so happy.

2008-01-10T23:10:00.002-06:00

baby angel got her name after the nativity scene's angel. i love that my daughter listens to people's names and names her baby dolls after people she knows and the names really stick time after time.

here are some funny things coming from the lips of the babe:
"bless you, daddy" after hearing don sneeze in kitchen upon returning from his "fast walk." don went in her bedroom to check on her and she was curled up, face down still in bed just barely awake.

"they're not doing it." after the teacher said, "Rosa Jane, you don't have to clean up after the other kids. Let them do it!"

"thank you mommy for this delicious dinner" after we all sit down to eat whatever i pulled together at the 11th hour.

"i wanna watch barney."

A shout-out to Granddad

2008-01-04T12:55:00.000-06:00

A Special Message to Granddad from obkb2000 on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday, Granddad!

2008-01-04T09:08:00.002-06:00

Everybody loves Granddad. Especially when he doesn't mind giving the kids the window seat and he takes the "hump."

There has been a real reversal in how the elders are treated in the family. Here we have evidence of Granddad being pushed to the middle. At Christmas dinner, the grandparents had to sit at what was once reserved only for the kids -- the card table. All of this and global warming? What is the world coming to?

The Scars of our Parents

2008-01-03T10:43:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I took Rosa Jane to the good doctor to get her last in the series of flu shots. She cried briefly as a delayed reaction. The nurse and I were so proud of her. She recovered immediately and didn't want to leave the office. She wanted to stay and play a while. Everyone at the office was like, "Wow!" Bring her back anytime. ;-)

Last night over dinner, RJ told Daddy about going to the doctor and how brave she was. Don told the story of the first time he remembered getting a shot and asking his mom if it would hurt. She said it would feel a little bit like a tiger bite.

Good luck with that.

Here's Rosa Jane robbing the cradle. She just loves the baby Jesus.

2008-01-02T17:05:00.002-06:00

While in Richland we got to see the birthday girls, Tori and Taylor. The girls had a lot of fun making faces with each other. Check out the photos for more.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T14:59:00.002-06:00

Come see the fun we had in Richland with Brett and his two costumes received from Santa.

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

2007-12-26T18:05:00.002-06:00

We've had a wonderful Christmas holiday. From travels in a packed to the gills car to the live nativity with goats, donkeys and rabbits. We came back late last night and Rosa Jane has been obsessed with her newest baby so tenderly called Baby Angel. Honey and Granddad babysat while Pixie, Donr and I went to see Juno in Humble. I LOVED that movie and I think I cried 5 buckets, while Donr cried 3 buckets and the Pixie cried none. We've been watching marathon back-to-back episodes of Friday Night Lights on DVD. It's the best thing on TV. Right next to the inspiring The Biggest Loser.

I'm thinking about my new year's resolutions -- like really keeping my Journal of Gratitude, having a goal of running a marathon, or at least 10 miles straight.

What about you? How will you make 2008 great?

Christmas Is Coming!

2007-12-20T08:29:00.000-06:00

The goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny. A ha'penny will do. If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God Bless You!

The Pixie arrived last night and the Peanut is overjoyed.

I can't believe Christmas is just five days away!

Santa 2007

2007-12-14T10:17:00.002-06:00

If I hadn't forgotten that Santa was going to be appearing live at the library yesterday, then I would have dressed RJ up in her christmas wear. Still, we waited in line and I told Rosa Jane that she would soon see Santa Claus and she could tell him what she wants for Christmas. She said she wanted, "Big."

I think she meant she wants to be big? Who knows. She was happy until it was time to sit in his lap and then I guess she had flashbacks to last year and got this worried look on her face.

She kept saying, "I no like Santa."

But she didn't cry and he gave her a candy cane.

Cowgirl Rosie Shops for Western Wear

2007-12-14T10:08:00.002-06:00

I've posted some old shots that have been sitting in the camera for a while. This was taken while Willard and Robyna were here shopping for cowboy boots. I said, "Let's try these red boots on, Rosa Jane." She had them on for two seconds and said she wanted to try on her crocs.

I guess she didn't like the fit, which is way too sad.