1. I cannot tolerate artificial sweeteners. The commercials that compare Diet Dr Pepper to donuts, cookies, cake, or some other dessert just tick me off. Diet drinks just taste like nasty chemicals to me. Yup - I can taste Splenda too. YUCK!
2. On that note, I have a difficult time drinking a full can of "coke" (any type of soda) in one setting. 99 times out of 100, I'd much rather just have water.
3. The exception is Dublin Dr Pepper! I can slam back one of those no problem. YUM!
4. I love music - any type of music. However the two I listen the most on the radio are ol' school R&B (think 80s/90s - 107.5 FM) and Christian. Try combining Chris Tomlin with some LL Cool J... "you placed the stars in the sky, and I'm gonna knock you out - HUH..." (OK, that's just wrong!)
5. I am blood type O negative - the "universal donor" - therefore get calls from Carter Blood Care often.
6. In addition, I am CMV (cytomegalovirus) negative, so my blood is the only type that can be given to preemies in the NICU. (We have no idea how I am CMV negative, as I went to public schools, was a pediatric nurse for almost 5 years, and a public health nurse for 2 years before having kids of my own!)
7. I carried my twin boys (in utero) up the Notre Dame Cathedral Bell Tower and then hiked over to Sacre-Coeur. (Whew!)
8. I have lots and lots of Titanium in jaw/mouth from a HUGE craniofacial surgery in December 2001.
9. I love Colorado and the mountains, but hate being cold!
10. A doctor once separated my mom and I for questioning, thinking that my parents were abusive since I showed up one week with bad whiplash and the next week with a concussion and extreme bruising from my face down to my hips. I mean, why's it hard to believe that a young lady tried to ride a steer and then fell off of a horse running full speed the next weekend?! It's all really funny now...
11. I've gotten into leeches while hiking in the Himalayas (India)!
12. I have an irrational fear of snakes. Nope, being in India in 2002 when it wasn't the safest time to be there wasn't scary at all... but don't even get me anywhere the snake house at the zoo!
13. One of my few regrets is not trying out for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders when I had the chance.
14. Another regret is not becoming a Thespian.
15. Part of the reason (for both) is that I was PAINFULLY shy and insecure about myself up until recently.
16. I have an weird gift of remembering lyrics - especially obnoxious jingles/commercials. Anyone remember the McDonald's menu song from 1989 (the little records - yes RECORDS - that you received in the mail)? I do - every word of it.
17. I have seen Rocky Horror Picture Show (the live, participation ones - not just the movie) multiple times. I still remember most of the audience participation part, since I have that kind of crazy memory.
18. About the only thing I am "intolerant" of is "intolerant people."
19. I make up ridiculous nicknames for my kids. Crazy names such as "Jakey Juice" for Jacob, "Queso" (or "Cay-so") for Caleb, and "Gabril Goo" (spelling intentional - said "Gay-bril") for Gabe. They all have stories behind them, most of which were created in a sleep deprived state.
20. I took Ballroom dance lessons before Dancing with the Stars made it cool. I got pretty good too! I'd LOVE to pursue it again now, but my "partner" (Jon) isn't on board! :-)
21. I am certified through the Radiant Child Yoga program to teach kids yoga, but have never taught a formal class.
22. I find dry, stupid humor, like Napoleon Dynamite and "Your Mama" jokes very funny!
23. I am glad that I get to stay home with my kids, but I REALLLY miss being a nurse.
24. If I wasn't married with kids, I'd probably be in the Peace Corp or a nurse in a third world country (most likely India).
25. I am addicted to Sprout's Farmers Market. I love that place!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
"That fat dude who wants to eat my cookies?!"
In December, we found that Jacob is cool with Santa, but Caleb is definitely not. If Jon held Caleb - not me, but JON - then all was fine, but no body better DARE try to put him on Santa's lap! We took the boys to Bass Pro Shop on Black Friday to get out a little and see Santa, and we found this out LOUD and clear. Caleb was fine and happy in line and walking up, but when he turned to actually SEE Santa, he bolted. Jacob shook Santa's hand, waved "hi," and even blew kisses. In attempt to actually get a picture with all of the boys and Santa together, Santa held Gabe, Jon held Caleb BEHIND Santa, and I knelt next to Santa with Jacob. By the time we figured out the logistics of that, Gabe decided that he was tired and had enough. Here was our result:
Wow - is Gabriel ever ticked off?! Notice his tight hold on Santa beard (which was his real beard, by the way) - OUCH! So we didn't get a prefect picture with Santa, but won't this be fun to show the boys in several years?!
Wow - is Gabriel ever ticked off?! Notice his tight hold on Santa beard (which was his real beard, by the way) - OUCH! So we didn't get a prefect picture with Santa, but won't this be fun to show the boys in several years?!
Itty Bitty Stinker!
I really suspected that Gabe was/is smaller than the boys were at his age, but it was confirmed on December 18th at his 4 month appointment.
At 4 months, Jacob was:
18 lbs. 7 oz. (97th + percentile) & 27.25" (97th + percentile)
Caleb was:
17 lbs. 15 oz. (97th percentile) & 26" (90th percentile)
.JPG)
Jacob and Caleb at 4 months
And Gabe was (drum roll, please):
13 lbs. 14 oz. (30th percentile) & 25" (50th percentile)
.JPG)
Gabriel at 4 months
I still cannot figure out HOW Gabe is so much tinier than his TWIN brothers! Not only did he not have to share womb space and had more time to grow in utereo, but he also did not have to share "Mommy milk" with a brother. I guess he just got smaller genes.
But what he "lacks" in size, he definitely makes up in strength and energy!
He can sit up with very little support,
can bounce like crazy in his Jumperoo,
can hold his head up high for long periods,
can stand well with little support,
as well as roll from his back to tummy and tummy to back.
He loves to imitate his big brother (God help me!) by squealing and "talking" back to them, smile, and laugh. Gabriel is such a good, sweet little guy.
At 4 months, Jacob was:
18 lbs. 7 oz. (97th + percentile) & 27.25" (97th + percentile)
Caleb was:
17 lbs. 15 oz. (97th percentile) & 26" (90th percentile)
.JPG)
Jacob and Caleb at 4 monthsAnd Gabe was (drum roll, please):
13 lbs. 14 oz. (30th percentile) & 25" (50th percentile)
.JPG)
Gabriel at 4 monthsI still cannot figure out HOW Gabe is so much tinier than his TWIN brothers! Not only did he not have to share womb space and had more time to grow in utereo, but he also did not have to share "Mommy milk" with a brother. I guess he just got smaller genes.
But what he "lacks" in size, he definitely makes up in strength and energy!
He can sit up with very little support,
can bounce like crazy in his Jumperoo,
can hold his head up high for long periods,
can stand well with little support,
as well as roll from his back to tummy and tummy to back.
He loves to imitate his big brother (God help me!) by squealing and "talking" back to them, smile, and laugh. Gabriel is such a good, sweet little guy.
December 2008
NOTE: I am way behind on blogging between Christmas Parties, MOPS, McMoms, church, seeing family and friends, and all of us being sick YET AGAIN (vomiting/diarrhea, then sinus infections for Caleb and I, an ear infection for Jacob, Jacob getting a BAD rash from Penicillin on Christmas night, Jacob still having an ear infection, and then vomiting/diarrhea AGAIN). So I thought I would go back and hit a couple high points rather than recapping all of December like I have done in the past.
If you want to check out all of our pictures for the month, however, see:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aggiefrog/December2008#
Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and great start to 2009!
If you want to check out all of our pictures for the month, however, see:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aggiefrog/December2008#
Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and great start to 2009!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
November - A Quick Recap
Blogging has taken a backseat to, well, LIFE here lately. Our world hasn't really slowed down yet, and I am beginning to think that it might not until the boys start school. Or, maybe even 18 years when they go off to college...
Since we are half way through December, however, I thought I would backtrack for a moment and recap November.
We started the month (November 1st) with a playgroup, since "Da-da" was gone hunting for the opening weekend of deer season with his dad, brother, and nephew, Tyler.
November 4th, Election Day, was a beautiful day (on many levels - but I am meaning weather wise), so the boys and I took "Nan" (my mom) to the Southlake Town Square for her first time, including a visit to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch. I sported my Obama '08 shirt, the boys wore their matching "USA" rompers, and I shockingly got several POSITIVE complements in ultra-conservative Texas.
November 8th Jon and I went to the Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma game. We had a blast getting away together for a few hours, but YIKES - not a fun game! ;-) We had lunch at Wings N More (my favorite) before the game, and met Jackie Sherrill afterward.
The weekend of November 15th, Jon went hunting again, and this time was able to replenish our freezer. Since he was alone, he had to hold the camera out to get a picture. ;-)
November 16th, Jon and I had another night out together to see the "Beale Street Blues Boy" himself at the Morton Meyerson - yes, B.B. King! It was AWESOME. I swear, if I live to be 83 years old, I will STILL never be as cool as that man!
Right after that night out, we got the "tummy bug." Haha - "tummy bug" is such a nice, polite way to put what we went through. I mean, I thought we were dying. HOWEVER, it somehow escaped Gabe, THANK YOU GOD! It lasted well over a week, and was a nightmare.
I have no pictures from that time and, trust me, you should be GLAD for that.
On November 22nd, Jon went solo to the TCU vs Air Force game, while I watched the recovering boys.
On November 26th, we were all finally well, so Jon took the day off to take us to the Zoo! It was our first time to go with all three of the boys. We did get a few looks with our mega-stroller in tow, but we just pretended that we didn't see them, and pushed on.
The boys had a great Thanksgiving with their families and managed to make it through the day with relatively no nap. But, they were good. Probably because they knew that if they smiled sweet, they could bribe a grandma into giving them something good to eat!
We did venture out for just a bit on Black Friday, going to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa (I need to scan that picture still) and walk around a bit. I love this picture of "Da-da" and his boys checking out a "Man's Wonderland" of hunting and fishing equipment.
We went to Chick-fil-a after Bass Pro to grab a bite to eat and play.
That Sunday, we went to Jon's Gran's house for a nice visit and great lunch.
On November 29th, we kicked off the Advent Season with our "Lighting the Flame" event at IBC.
And checked out the awesome lights at the Southlake Town Square immediately after.
Which brings us to December...
Somewhere in the midst of all of that, the boys got to try a Krystal's hamburger for the first time.
We had a few friends come and visit, one (Kelley) with a daughter born August 20th (two days after Gabe), who helped us fill our stroller for a walk to Bear Creek Bakery!
Gabe got really good at sitting up in his Bumbo seat...
... and attacking his animals...
... and, well, just getting even cuter (if that is possible)!
We are also keeping up with our MOPS group at Irving Bible Church. PLUS I finished Christmas shopping before December 1st, so all of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. (Other than the few that I helped Santa get, which are in the garage.) We (I suppose I should say it like it really is - I am...) are making our annual Seastrunk Family Book through Blurb, which is taking LOTS of time (especially since I ran into a big problem midway into the project), but it is a huge hit with the family, so I am pushing through.
I think that is all... but there are A LOT more pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aggiefrog/November200802#
Perhaps life will slow down so that I can give a better update in the future. (At least I can keep hoping!)
Keep looking out for more updates from us when I get a free moment...
Since we are half way through December, however, I thought I would backtrack for a moment and recap November.
We started the month (November 1st) with a playgroup, since "Da-da" was gone hunting for the opening weekend of deer season with his dad, brother, and nephew, Tyler.
November 4th, Election Day, was a beautiful day (on many levels - but I am meaning weather wise), so the boys and I took "Nan" (my mom) to the Southlake Town Square for her first time, including a visit to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch. I sported my Obama '08 shirt, the boys wore their matching "USA" rompers, and I shockingly got several POSITIVE complements in ultra-conservative Texas.
November 8th Jon and I went to the Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma game. We had a blast getting away together for a few hours, but YIKES - not a fun game! ;-) We had lunch at Wings N More (my favorite) before the game, and met Jackie Sherrill afterward.
The weekend of November 15th, Jon went hunting again, and this time was able to replenish our freezer. Since he was alone, he had to hold the camera out to get a picture. ;-)
November 16th, Jon and I had another night out together to see the "Beale Street Blues Boy" himself at the Morton Meyerson - yes, B.B. King! It was AWESOME. I swear, if I live to be 83 years old, I will STILL never be as cool as that man!
Right after that night out, we got the "tummy bug." Haha - "tummy bug" is such a nice, polite way to put what we went through. I mean, I thought we were dying. HOWEVER, it somehow escaped Gabe, THANK YOU GOD! It lasted well over a week, and was a nightmare.
I have no pictures from that time and, trust me, you should be GLAD for that.
On November 22nd, Jon went solo to the TCU vs Air Force game, while I watched the recovering boys.
On November 26th, we were all finally well, so Jon took the day off to take us to the Zoo! It was our first time to go with all three of the boys. We did get a few looks with our mega-stroller in tow, but we just pretended that we didn't see them, and pushed on.
The boys had a great Thanksgiving with their families and managed to make it through the day with relatively no nap. But, they were good. Probably because they knew that if they smiled sweet, they could bribe a grandma into giving them something good to eat!
We did venture out for just a bit on Black Friday, going to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa (I need to scan that picture still) and walk around a bit. I love this picture of "Da-da" and his boys checking out a "Man's Wonderland" of hunting and fishing equipment.
We went to Chick-fil-a after Bass Pro to grab a bite to eat and play.
That Sunday, we went to Jon's Gran's house for a nice visit and great lunch.
On November 29th, we kicked off the Advent Season with our "Lighting the Flame" event at IBC.
And checked out the awesome lights at the Southlake Town Square immediately after.
Which brings us to December...
Somewhere in the midst of all of that, the boys got to try a Krystal's hamburger for the first time.
We had a few friends come and visit, one (Kelley) with a daughter born August 20th (two days after Gabe), who helped us fill our stroller for a walk to Bear Creek Bakery!
Gabe got really good at sitting up in his Bumbo seat...
... and attacking his animals...
... and, well, just getting even cuter (if that is possible)!
We are also keeping up with our MOPS group at Irving Bible Church. PLUS I finished Christmas shopping before December 1st, so all of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. (Other than the few that I helped Santa get, which are in the garage.) We (I suppose I should say it like it really is - I am...) are making our annual Seastrunk Family Book through Blurb, which is taking LOTS of time (especially since I ran into a big problem midway into the project), but it is a huge hit with the family, so I am pushing through.
I think that is all... but there are A LOT more pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aggiefrog/November200802#
Perhaps life will slow down so that I can give a better update in the future. (At least I can keep hoping!)
Keep looking out for more updates from us when I get a free moment...
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Advent Conspiracy
I read a few interesting things today:
The average American family spends $800 on Christmas gifts for every year, but only 9 minutes playing together on Christmas morning. * Yikes! *
Also, research shows that over indulged children are less able to cope with stress, often lack self-control, and are at risk for becoming self-centered and depressed. From a spiritual stand point, materialism shifts our priorities from heavenly things to earthly things.
The solution?
I ran across a website - and movement - about a month ago now called the Advent Conspiracy. I meant to post it a while back, but, well, you can see how much I've had time to blog here lately!
It is a very simple, yet difficult concept:
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
A cool thought that I've had - in addition to my FAVORITE of helping provide clean water to third world countries mentioned in the video - is to host a baby shower for Jesus! How cool would it be to have a baby shower, as all women LOVE ohhhing and ahhhhing over baby stuff, and donate all the items to a local pregnancy resource center?! Just a little spin on a traditional Christmas party.
I think Jon and I are pretty good about overspending, not just at Christmas but all year. We really try not to spoil our children with material things - not because we feel that we can't, but because we fell that we shouldn't. (On the other hand, I have somehow managed to spoil rotten not just one or two, but THREE kids with being held! No kidding, one of Caleb's first phrases was "up, please" - meaning he wants to be held.) We really encourage family to "take it easy" as well. I know how much the family loves to spoil them rotten, but the boys already have more toys than any child should have, so more toys would be a waste. I mean "waste" on so many levels:
* Financially - We feel it is a better move for us to add to their college fund than buy them lots of cool new stuff. I guarantee that in the long run they would rather be put through collage debt free than have another Little People set!
* Space - We feel that we are blessed with a great house, but it's definitely no mansion. My goodness, with three kiddos, there is only so much room for unnecessary STUFF!
* Resources - Here's where my tree huggin' nature comes into play... what in the world happens to all of these toys - especially the hard plastic ones - when your kiddos stop playing with them? They will most likely sit in a landfill for years... and years... and years... This is another reason I highly encourage Craigslist and buying/receiving hand-me-down toys from family and friends. Trust me, I LOVE the plastic Step 2 products - they are fun and durable - but that stuff will be around forever! That is also a benefit in that they can be wiped down well (God bless the Kirkland brand sanitizing wipes!), so you can easily buy them from a stranger!
I could go on and on... but Gabriel is about to need me soon...
But quickly, another pet peeve, while I am on it, is people buying something impractical just because they "have to" buy something for a particular person. If you feel that you HAVE to get something, why not get something from the heart, something meaningful, even if it doesn't cost a lot?
Just a few thoughts to ponder.
I need to post a blog soon recapping our crazy November... but I want to post about some cool things going on to provide clean water to our world soon!
The average American family spends $800 on Christmas gifts for every year, but only 9 minutes playing together on Christmas morning. * Yikes! *
Also, research shows that over indulged children are less able to cope with stress, often lack self-control, and are at risk for becoming self-centered and depressed. From a spiritual stand point, materialism shifts our priorities from heavenly things to earthly things.
The solution?
I ran across a website - and movement - about a month ago now called the Advent Conspiracy. I meant to post it a while back, but, well, you can see how much I've had time to blog here lately!
It is a very simple, yet difficult concept:
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
A cool thought that I've had - in addition to my FAVORITE of helping provide clean water to third world countries mentioned in the video - is to host a baby shower for Jesus! How cool would it be to have a baby shower, as all women LOVE ohhhing and ahhhhing over baby stuff, and donate all the items to a local pregnancy resource center?! Just a little spin on a traditional Christmas party.
I think Jon and I are pretty good about overspending, not just at Christmas but all year. We really try not to spoil our children with material things - not because we feel that we can't, but because we fell that we shouldn't. (On the other hand, I have somehow managed to spoil rotten not just one or two, but THREE kids with being held! No kidding, one of Caleb's first phrases was "up, please" - meaning he wants to be held.) We really encourage family to "take it easy" as well. I know how much the family loves to spoil them rotten, but the boys already have more toys than any child should have, so more toys would be a waste. I mean "waste" on so many levels:
* Financially - We feel it is a better move for us to add to their college fund than buy them lots of cool new stuff. I guarantee that in the long run they would rather be put through collage debt free than have another Little People set!
* Space - We feel that we are blessed with a great house, but it's definitely no mansion. My goodness, with three kiddos, there is only so much room for unnecessary STUFF!
* Resources - Here's where my tree huggin' nature comes into play... what in the world happens to all of these toys - especially the hard plastic ones - when your kiddos stop playing with them? They will most likely sit in a landfill for years... and years... and years... This is another reason I highly encourage Craigslist and buying/receiving hand-me-down toys from family and friends. Trust me, I LOVE the plastic Step 2 products - they are fun and durable - but that stuff will be around forever! That is also a benefit in that they can be wiped down well (God bless the Kirkland brand sanitizing wipes!), so you can easily buy them from a stranger!
I could go on and on... but Gabriel is about to need me soon...
But quickly, another pet peeve, while I am on it, is people buying something impractical just because they "have to" buy something for a particular person. If you feel that you HAVE to get something, why not get something from the heart, something meaningful, even if it doesn't cost a lot?
Just a few thoughts to ponder.
I need to post a blog soon recapping our crazy November... but I want to post about some cool things going on to provide clean water to our world soon!
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