"Pat-A-Cake, Pat-A-Cake"

It's Christmas Eve, and we've got some baking to do! We are doing Christmas cookies for Santa and a birthday cake for Jesus. Before we started, you asked, "Is Jesus going to come down from the sky to the party?" Just precious! You and Kylie helped mix up the cake batter and helped with the cleanup (licking the beaters, that is), and then it was on to the real fun-the decorating! Mommy had bought all kinds of sprinkles and decorating frosting for yall to use. You and Kylie really did some fancy stuff, and Me-Me had to get a little squirt of icing on too. You were a little heavy handed with the red, green, and white nonperiels. Hope Jesus likes a crunchy cake! The cookies for Santa were equally as beautiful. Mush had to throw in her artistic touch with a bikini made from marshmallows on one of her cookies. Santa really liked that one! Happy Birthday
Jesus!

"All Aboard The Polar Express!"

Ok. Here's the deal. When I booked these tickets, I, a) didn't realize that the train station was almost three hours away, and b)had no idea that on December 23, there would be an outbreak of huge thunderstorms, including tornadoes, all along our driving route. That being said, we surprised the kids with a ride on The Polar Express!! We didn't tell them until right before we were ready to walk out the door, and they quickly got dressed in their PJ's (Nina and I too!-Daddy had to work, so Nina filled in) and loaded up two cars and headed west. We were only about 15 minutes into the trip when the deluge of rain started. When I say it rained the entire time, I mean it. Finally after a little over three hours in the car in the driving rain and tension, we arrived at the Palestine, Texas State Railroad Depot. Between the six of us, we had one umbrella (great planning, I know), and it was still pouring down rain. So we hauled butt through the parking lot and into the station, with just about 10 minutes to spare. We were drowned rats, but we had made it. The coaches were decorated with garlands and bows, and the smell of hot chocolate wafted through the train. We found our seats, and shortly after, the conductor came for our tickets. "All Aboard," he shouted. Unfortunately, after our long, exhausting ride over, Landon was over-tired and over-hungry, and a complete "yes/no" grouch. Kylie had a stomachache, but we were going to have a good time dammit!! The chefs came around and passed out hot chocolate and cookies. They sang the "Hot Chocolate" song and danced through the aisles. We all sang Christmas carols on our way to the North Pole. When we got there we picked up Santa Claus. He got on the train and handed out beautiful, silver bells to all that believe! We travelled back to the station and piled back into the cars and travelled quietly, exhaustedly back home. As Mush put it, it was the best, worst idea ever!

"Starstruck"

Tonight was your Christmas performance at school. You were a bell ringer, but not a real effective one. You get a little starstruck on stage, looking around, zoning out. It was so funny how Mrs. Weiss would point to each ringer, and every time she got to you, she would have to point and point and point before you would ring your bell. You would snap out of you daze and ring it like there was no tomorrow. You sang along with most of the songs, most of the time. Joseph (Nathan) had a meltdown and Mary (Sophie) lost her headdress. What do you expect of three year olds!?

"Feet Firsts"

You found your feet today Shelby! You've had them for 5 months now, but rarely are they uncovered from socks or jammies, but today they were free, and today you discovered that you had these interesting little things. You were so cute; checking them out and, of course, trying to eat them!

"Sittin' Pretty"

Shelby, you're 5 months old now, and you can sit unsupported! You and JuJu have been practicing a lot. We don't get too far away, because you're still pretty top-heavy, especially if you look up. But your core is getting stronger. You think you are hot stuff, too! It won't be long before you are sitting for long periods of time (hopefully!) and playing with all your toys.

"A Pirate Says 'Argh!'"

Today at your school, Landon, was your Pirate Party. It had to be rescheduled from Friday because of all the damage from the "tormados." (We had some pretty strong storms move through the area Thursday afternoon.) Everyone looked so cute in all their pirate gear, but I'll have to say you were the cutest, of course! Before yall went down to the actual party, there was a feast to be had: cannonballs (black grapes), pirate swords (carrot spears and zucchini rounds), pirates on a ship (celery boats with peanut butter and raisins), sail sandwiches (triangle shaped PB&J) and pirate fingers (white chocolate and pretzel sticks). Then it was on the fun! The moms in the PTO had put together several games and activities, that yall rotated through. There was a treasure cave, a sand dig, and even "walking the plank." With each game there was a slew of "pirate booty" to win. A great time was had by all- ARGH!!

"Halloween Fun"

It's Halloween, and this year we had three pumpkins to carve. And you know we can't just carve pumpkins.. NO! We did fancy pumpkins. With all the appropriate tools and patterns, we got to work. Opening them up, scooping them out, and cleaning the insides is certainly the most fun and gooey part. In one of our pumpkins, the seeds had actually started to sprout! Landon, you're not quite big enough to be trusted with a carving knife, so you scooped and "cut" some of the cutaway pieces, while Mom, Dad, and Nina did the real artwork. You insisted that Daddy do a mummy, Nina do a witch, and Mommy do a ghost. So we did what we were told. And they turned out beautifully! Then it was inside to have a quick Halloween supper of Mummy Dogs (hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls) and then get ready for trick-or-treating!! So you donned your spider suit again, and Shelby her Miss Muffett dress. We've never been trick-or-treating in JuJu's neighborhood before, but we got tons of candy- the good stuff too-CHOCOLATE!! We even had quite a fright as we walked up to one house which had mechanical ghosts and ghouls. Shelby pooped out on the way home, and you were pretty worn out too!

"Mmm, Mmm, Good!"

Shelby, you are almost five months now, and since you've been giving me a little grief waking up more than usual at night, I decided to go ahead and start you on a little cereal at night. DeeDee brought home some organic rice cereal, and the stage was set. Rubberized spoon so as not to hurt your little gums? Check. Cereal mixed up with warmed breast milk? Check. Bouncy seat aka feeding chair? Check. A too small bib for the anticipated mess? Check. Camcorder? Check. Still photography? Check. The entire family (with the exception of Mush and Papa) there to watch you take your first bite? PRICELESS! You handled it like a pro, too! Not a single drop on your bib. And you loved it!

The full bowl of cereal - I thought, "She'll never eat all this!"

The first picture, you look a little concerned, but then you got into the groove!

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And here is the EMPTY bowl! Little piggie!

"Trunk or Treat"

It's Halloween time, and at our church, we have a little family get together called Trunk or Treat. People who want to hand out candy decorate the hatchbacks or trunks of their cars and line up to dole it out. This year, since we have two kiddos, we thought it would be perfect if you went as a "set." It was very convenient since Landon, you wanted to be a spider. What goes better with a spider than Miss Muffett (that's Miss Muffin to you Landon)! So Shelby, that's you. Y'all looked so cute together. We loaded up on candy, and then went to check out some of the games. Landon, you golfed and fished for more candy, while Shelby watched. We had to go over to the Pumpkin Patch, where a lot of the pumpkins had already gone to their homes to become Jack-O-Lanterns. We picked ours up then. There was a hayride, which was very muddy and mosquito-y, but Fall just isn't Fall without it. It was a great prelude to Halloween night when we will go Trick-Or-Treating!

"Let Me Toot My Own Horn"

I wanted to send some cute Halloween snacks for your class, Landon, so I let you help me pick from some clever cupcake ideas. You chose the skeleton ones made from Necco wafer, Good and Plenty, tic-tacs, and white jimmies. They were a hit with your class! Here they are.

We also had a bake-sale with the rummage sale at your school, and I decided to do these mummy ones. They both came out so cute, if I do say so myself!

"Ride 'Em Cowboy"

The cutest little cowgirl in all the world!

Tonight Landon, went to his first state fair and rodeo with Poppie and JuJu. But first we had to get outfitted. You can't go to the rodeo without boots and a hat, so Mommy and JuJu went to the western store and found some gear perfect for the occasion (Wow! That was an experience, in and of itself!) Once yall finally made it from the parking lot (the handicapped spaces were the farthest ones from the fairgrounds), you were not taken with the rides and all the lights, the carousel, or even the many food booths featuring cotton candy and funnel cakes. Oh no. What were you excited about? The new cars on display throughout the fairgrounds. Y'all then went to one of the barns and got to pet sheep and goats. There were also camels, a white tiger, an elephant, and a crocodile on display. JuJu made you ride the pony, because she was living vicariously through you, although you could have taken or left it. In another building there was a Mini Cooper that you could win! Of course you had to get registered. In the Agriculture building, you got to dig in mulch for root vegetables and make sand cookies. Next was the cow barn, and you got to pet all kinds of cows. "Pet her JuJu, she's soft," and "Don't step in the poop!" were some pointers you gave out. You were very impressed with all the chickens and roosters too. By now, you were getting hungry, so you and JuJu and Poppie dined on the classic state fair corndog and funnel cakes. Then it was off to the rodeo! You tried to say the Pledge of Allegiance ( you've been learning it at school), and watched the Grand Entry. The bull riding was up first, and that was pretty exciting. You also got to see bareback riding - you were very concerned when one of the cowboys fell off and had to be carried off on a stretcher. You watched trick riding and steer wrestling. About halfway through, you announced, "I ready to go," and that was that. Cowboy, you are not.

Make a Smilebox postcard

"Sorry About the Cake"

Today was Me-Me's 89th birthday. She specifically requested a cake from Julie Anne's with lemon filling, and easy on the frosting. So JuJu got it ordered, and picked up, but then she dropped the ball. She left the cake in the car while she ran a "few" errands. It was an 80 degree day. Needless to say the cake didn't fair very well. When she opened it once she got home, not only did she smash the top, the cake had also started to slide. We chocked it up as best as we could and by the time it was ready to serve, there were a few additional hits to it. Some little finger scoops of frosting were missing too. Although, now, not much to look at, it still tasted delicious!!

Poor, poor cake..

89 years young!

"Bubble, Bubble, Double Trouble"

I busted out the old Gymboree bubbles tonight for Landon and Shelby. I love them; they are glycerin based and don't make a sticky mess or burn little eyes, should they get in them. Shelby, you were in awe of the hundreds of little irridescent orbs floating around you. This was the first time you had ever seen bubbles. Landon was right there in the middle of it too; blowing them for you and catching them too. He then had to get in his bathtub and insisted that Daddy join him. It was bubbly fun for everyone!

Your face here is priceless!

A little cross-eyed trying to see all the bubbles

Brother getting in on the action.

I love the look on Landon's face in this one!

Yummy fingers...

Brother had to get in his tub then...

Daddy had to join!

This bubble bath stuff is great!!

"Exercising in the Exersaucer"

Shelby, this is a hard time for you as far as entertainment goes. You can't quite sit on your own, and your attention span is VERY short. You tire of everything quickly. So we decided to add yet another piece of support equipment to Poppie & JuJu's already "overcrowded with your stuff" living room. We managed to find Landon's old exersaucer in one of the 3 storage units that we currently have, and JuJu cleaned it up so it's good as new. You were not really sure what to think when we plopped you down in it. But it wasn't too long before you got the hang of it. Of course, Brother had to be right there showing you what to do and taking his own pictures. As with just about everything, with the exception of being in Mommy's arms, you were over it pretty quickly. Oh well, you'll learn to love it. And as for now, it's just one more thing we can cycle you through during the course of the day!

Here's Brudder in Poppie's shoes taking pictures.

"Cool Cars"

This evening, we went to Asbury Motor Club's car show. It had been rainy all day, and was even misting when we were there, but you were determined to go check out the cool cars. There weren't nearly as many as the last time we went, however, there were some pretty neat ones. "Corbettes" still are one of your faves, and we got to see a Ford Shelby up close and personal. When we got home, it was so cute-you got all your "big" cars and lined them up and opened all the doors, hoods, and trunks, just like at the car show!

"Red River Revelin'!"

It's Fall in Shreveport, and with Fall comes the Revel. The Revel is an art festival that has been going on for 30 years now. Mush and I grew up going to the Revel, and this year you and Shelby started. This week had been so rainy, and it just so happened that Thursday, Daddy' s off day, had no rain, but it was 92 degrees and 92% humidity! We decided to tough it out, because Saturday was supposed to rain too. So we took the modified chariot (we changed Landon's seat to the "jump seat," and Shelby graduated to actually sitting in the stroller-so big!) and met Nina downtown to check out the "festibal." We grabbed a bite to eat first. Hamburgers, nachos, pork sandwiches, and the traditional funnel cake was fare of choice. Shelby ate too-good ole' momma's milk! Then we headed over to the Children's Art Experience. Along the way, we quickly checked out the wares of the artists. A booth that caught Daddy's eye was an artist who crafted handmade wooden toys, including rubber-band shotguns. Y'all had to have one! Landon, you and Nina created an awesome sand art bottle, complete with googly eyes and wild yellow mohawk hair. Next was off the Brookshire's mini mart. We know how much you love pushing those little carts at fake grocery stores-this was no exception. We practically had to bribe you to come out, so we could go check out the rest of the activities. The geological society had a "mock dig" that you really enjoyed. Red river dirt and tiny treasures buried within makes for lots of good, dirty fun! You unearthed all kinds of cool rocks. Shelby, you had a good time too. By this point you were just waking up from a little snooze. Riding like a big girl in the stroller really wears a girl out! We then headed over to the painting station where Landon got to paint on a real canvas. What a masterpiece! Now Shelby, you were getting a little hot and restless, so we decided to let Brother have one more romp at the grocery store and then to get his face painted. The Revel has moved up a notch in the face painting world. We were able to choose from all kinds of fancy designs. Landon, you picked a dinosaur, and it turned out so cute. And then we had to leave because Shelby had had ENOUGH! It was a great time and a tradition that we will definitely continue with you kiddos!

"Four Months"

Ok, I've said this before, but I cannot believe that you are already four months old, Shelby. You are such a precious little baby and have such a personality already. You have a great disposition, except when your tummy hurts, but who could blame you. You're quite the little chunk weighing in at a whopping 13 pounds. You still LOVE your brother; your face just lights up whenever he's around. In fact, he's the one who has really gotten you to laugh out loud multiple times. You are so close to being able to sit up. When you're propped in the "crack" of the couch, you do pretty good sitting up. The only downside to being four months, is the fact that you are a strong-willed bonafide sleep-fighter! Until now, you were pleased as punch to be mummified and put in your bed, awake. You would drift off to dreamland just gazing at your mobile. Not anymore. You want to be rocked or held or in your swing to fall asleep. But whatever; you're my last baby, so if you must be held (hee hee), then so be it! We just love you so much Shelby!

"Heartbroken"

After a week and a half of being with DeeDee and Papa, we had to make our journey home. It was a tearful goodbye. "But I gonna miss you, DeeDee," were words straight from your heart that could melt anyone's. I assured you we would be coming back to visit very soon, and DeeDee and Papa would be coming up soon. Still, it was not enough to stop this:

"Meet the Great-Grandparents"

On this trip to New Orleans, Shelby got to meet the great-grandparents. Mommaw, DeeDee's mother, has been living with them recently, so she got to spend a good deal of time getting to know you, Shelby. She was a great entertainer when Mommy was busy, and she would just eat you up.

We also drove down to Houma, so you could meet Mamaw, Daddy's dad's mom. She was so excited to meet you too. Daddy had already told her so much about you. Pawpaw was there too. He's a man of few words, but I think he thought you were pretty neat.

Mamaw had a little white bonnet made for you that was too cute for words. You weren't too sure about it at first!

But look how cute you look with it on!

"I Gotta Fish, I Gotta Fish!"

One of the activities on our agenda while in Kentucky was to take you, Landon, on your first fishing excursion. You, Shelby, Mom, Dad, and DeeDee all headed to the banks of Barren River Lake to watch Daddy, I mean, you catch your first fish. You watched with such admiration and attention as Daddy baited the hook with those slimy worms. Then he showed you how to cast it in the water and just what to watch for. After a little while of watching and waiting, you grew disinterested, and were off to explore on your own. You really liked how the water lapped the bank and your shoes, and before we knew it your feet were soaking wet. Daddy showed you how to "skip" rocks across the water, and then it was your intent to do the same. You found all sizes of broken shale-like rocks to try to skip, but mostly just throw into the water. And then, what do you know, Daddy got a little nibble on the line. He quickly called you over to help him reel it in. It was a tiny perch, but none the less, it was your first fish! You were so excited and proud. When we got back to the cabin, you couldn't wait to tell everyone your fish tale!

"Kentucky Fun"

Our first full day in Kentucky was warm and cloudy. After breakfast, DeeDee, Mommy, Shelby and you went to the little park there on the campgrounds. There was a beautiful view of Barren River Lake and plenty of play equipment and SAND! You got to meet two new cousins, Kyle and Devon. Y'all had a great time getting to know each other. You were quite fond of Devon; you thought she was pretty cute, even though she is your cousin. We discovered Kyle shares your love of cars. DeeDee made roads in the sand, and you and Kyle assumed the same position and began rolling cars. Y'all climbed on the monkeybars and slid down the slide. Shelby enjoyed the breeze from her stroller. It was a great way to spend the morning.

"Shelby Gets Her Wings"

This afternoon, we headed to the airport to begin our journey to the annual Mallernee (Papa's side) family reunion held at Barren River State Park in Kentucky. Papa drove up with most all of our luggage, so our load was lightened up significantly. Even still, we had several carryons, all equipped with life essentials like extra changes of clothes for Landon and Shelby, snacks, and gripe water. Landon is a seasoned pro, and with Daddy's iphone, he was set. This was your first flight, Shelby, and we were all a little nervous. The flight was about an hour and a half, and for the first 45 minutes or so, you slept. Then you woke up with a very dirty diaper, and the challenge began. We all know how small airplane bathrooms are. Ok. Try changing a poopy, screaming baby in one! Fun. When we got back to our seat, we were almost ready to start the descent. That wasn't fun either. With the pressure changing constantly, your little ears were starting to pop. I tried to nurse you, but you were so uncomfortable, you wouldn't calm to suck. I tried to get you to suck on your passy, but that didn't work either. Finally, you did settle a little, only to start up again as the pressure changed again. I felt so helpless; there was absolutely nothing I could do for you. I could not get you off that plane fast enough. You were so glad to be done with that. You did get a little certificate with plastic "wings" commemorating your first flight. Worth it? Hmm.

You look a little worried.

The calm before the storm.

"Riding Around in My Automobile"

DeeDee got a new car! It's a Mercedes convertible, and she calls it her "baby." It's cadet blue with ivory leather interior, and oh so cool! You couldn't wait to take it for a test ride. So on a 90+ degree day in New Orleans, we hooked up your's and Shelby's car seats (it was a tight fit, and even tighter when the top was up!) and took it for a spin. With shades donned, you were the ultimate in coolness. Your carseat is big, so you sat up extra tall. People couldn't help but notice you and didn't hesitate to float you along with a friendly wave. Oh yeah! The car has two doors, of course, and certainly not condusive to motherhood and carseats. But DeeDee was quick to let me know she wasn't the mother; she is the grandmother. She loves her new toy, and the boy does too!

"You Pooped Where?!?"

Okay, so I mentioned you were potty-trained. I didn't specify what potty. Tonight we got a funny surprise. I was bathing Shelby, and you came in the bathroom and announced that you pooped in the cat box! I called JuJu in to help me handle this situation, as your sister was sudsy in the tub. And sure enough, there in the litter box, was a fresh little boy terd! You were so very proud. I tried very hard not to break out in hysterics; I literally had to look away, so that my laughter would not encourage you to do it again!

"Book It"

I don't know who was more excited, Mommy or Landon, when the first Scholastic Book Order came home from school. Book orders were always something I loved to do when I was in school, and they really haven't changed all that much. We sat together and looked through to see what selections we would make. You wanted to get every single book, but after some negotiation and final choices made by Mommy, we placed our order online (that is about the only difference from when I used to do them!). We cannot wait to bring them home and start reading.

"Park Perfect"

Shelby made her first park appearance today with Mommy, Nina, and Brother. You looked so cute in your little orange and white gingham dress. You were a little underimpressed, however. You and Mommy strolled around and watched Brother and Nina play. Landon, you had a great time with your Nina. You LOVE spending time with her; what's not to love? She is always is right there in the middle of the running and the sliding and the swinging and whatever else might be going on. She's like a big kid herself and you absolutely adore that.

"Success!"

After weeks of bribery, coercion, threats, tears, and downright obstinance, Landon IS FINALLY POTTYTRAINED! You had been tee-teeing in the potty with no problem, but #2 was a different story. It wasn't until we stopped all the pressure and hype that you decided pooping in the potty wasn't that bad. You were so proud of yourself too! And just in the nick of time to start preschool; WHEW! The funniest thing, I think, is the fact that you need "a little pribacy!"


BIG BOY UNDERWEAR!!