Fat Cat Sat

Fat cat sat on mat.
Fat cat sat on map.
Fat cat sat on mop.
Fat cast sat on cop.
Fat cat sat on Pat.

This was the first full page Dylan read tonight by herself in her reading lesson!!!!!  We are working a few minutes most nights out of the week to get ready for kindergarten!!!  She is so ready to go.  I on the other hand can not believe we are fast approaching this time!  She will be 5 in about 1 month and that totally blows my mind!

We put her on a bike at Toys R Us the other night just to see how she would do.....and she road that thing all around the store like she had been doing it for years.  Most of the time I forget all she is capable of...but she constantly reminds me of how big her heart is. 

What a joy to be her Mommy!

Dylan & Mason

Allright.....I realize that the reality that Mason and Dylan will marry is almost impossible.....But when I look at these two together I can not help but wonder who the Lord has designed to fit with them so perfectly. 

I found this sweet poem and thought of these two. 

Father....bless Dylan and Mason & their sweet friendship.   We pray that your hand would cover their future spouses.....and the journey they will each take getting there.  Thank your for their kind hearts and the works you are already doing in their lives.  Amen



Lord I know there is someone,
In this world for me
Keep him safe from harm,
And from temptation help him flee

Make him a leader,
Who can guide me through the years.
Give him a loving arm to hold me,
And to dry all my tears.

Mold him to be a father,
As you have been to me.
Always keep him by my side
A right arm forever he’ll be.

Cause his love for you to grow,
And a true doctrine let him know.
And in his life forever,
Let your light always show.

Place him in the ministry,
So more can hear God’s word
And when the trials come,
Help us praise you Lord.

Give him a compassion,
Toward those who are orphaned
And to such as these,
Our home will always be open.

Finally Lord I ask you,
Help him keep himself
Because a Christian man like this,
Is valued above great wealth.

Pictures that just make you smile

Well....it is official...neither child looks like me.  Jude looks like Uncle Shea and this picture of Dylan is the spitting image of her Dad at this age. 

These pictures totally capture each personality.

Enjoy!

Fall sickness is upon us!

Let's see....we started this month off with Jude's ear infection...followed it up with Dylan's croup/ flu and another ear infection for Jude....followed by the flu for Jude....and now we have a stomach virus floating through the house (Jude currently has it) and now Mommy is showing symptoms!

I love fall...it is my favorite season, but every year I manage to forget the sickness that comes with it.  I am hoping we will all be well by this weekend.

Dylan is all set to dress up and get candy as Penny (from Bolt) and Jude will be her trusty sidekick Bolt (the super dog).  Should be fun....hope we are well enough to do it.

All that said, I look at the pictures of the kids and think yes....I do have the cutest kids in the whole wide world (especially while they are both napping!)

Hope everyone stays well!!!!!! KJ

What a difference a year makes

One full year later.........
Let's see, this week Dylan learned how to snap her fingers, she read her first two sentences in  a book (a new book)  she memorizes all of her other books so I can not tell what words she really knows in those!  She just got over the flu/croup, she can whistle (sort of) and she weighs 32 pounds.  Her newest thing is trying on words.  For example today was "Daddy you are ruining my life and I love you".  While carrying Jude "Oh Mommy he is so confused," "It is just so simple Mommy, just work harder."
We went to the fair and she rode all the kiddy roller coasters and begged for more!  No fear this one!


Jude this week has been up no less that 2 x's per night for the past 3 weeks.  Started with an ear infection, turned into the flu, and now is cutting a tooth in the front and a molar as I figured out yesterday.  Jude finally hit 20 pounds this week.  At his 1 year appointment her was in the 30% for height / 8% for weight / 3% for head size out of 100%.  He took 5 steps to mommy this week and he learned how to clap (Monday).  He eats EVERYTHING!  Loves chicken salad, humus, quesadillas with guacamole, beans, olives, tomatoes, salmon this cottage cheese....seriously! Oh his favorite toy is Dylan's pink doll house!


Things I have learned this year....I am not patient, I will never get a full night sleep again, I could not do this without Matt, ........I would not want to do this without Matt, even if the kids did sleep I would still get up to check on them to watch them sleep, my patience grows more and more everyday....bottom line, I love my life..... every sleep deprived day of it!

Dylan & Mason

This poem totally describes these two little best friends!

You and I are friends
You laugh, I laugh
You cry, I cry

You scream, I scream
You run, I run
You jump, I jump

You jump off a
bridge, I'm going to
miss you buddy:)

Field Trip & House guests

Dylan had her first field trip last week to the fires station.  Her whole class went and I got to go with her to take pictures.  They sat in the fire truck, played in the station house, slid down the fire pole....had a great time.  Dylan slid down the pole saying "I can do it...I can be brave...I can do it!"

Our friends Andrea, Kevin, and Grayson arrived back from New Zealand and will be staying with us for a little while.  Grayson is 18 months...which is great for Jude.  Dylan keep saying..."oh, Mommy now Jude has a friend!"  She is busy showing off and acting silly for our guests.

Last night Matt and I went to the U2 concert and had a wonderful time.  Fall is hear and we are setting into a good schedule.  Already looking forward to the holidays!

Sitting Pretty

Monday we started the week of getting Dylan's hair cut and taking Jude for his first hair cut.  Dylan told me last Thursday night it was time for a hair cut and she wanted it short.  I  of course like it long because it has such pretty tendrils the longer it gets...but she wanted it cut and thought Jude needed one too.  

Jude sat still in his chair and was calm, patient, and every bit himself....just going along for the ride.  Dylan did great too.  She loves her little "bob" haircut...so do I, but it makes her look soooooo much older.  Not sure I am ready for them to grow up!  I can not believe my little girl will be 5 years old in a couple of months!  She is so precious and so full of life.  My two little blonde's!!!!  Too much fun!

Happy Birthday Jude

Happy Birthday sweet sweet boy!

Words can not express how your presence has filled up this house.  I tried today to remember what life was like before you were with us....and honestly I can not imagine it.  I can not imagine my world without your smile...the one that only your big sister Dylan can get from you when she wakes you up in the morning.  I can not imagine a car ride without two little giggles in the backseat of my car.  Dylan's sweet prayers would be void of thanking God for her baby brother, Mommy's left arm would be empty while toting sister on the right side.  I can't imagine only having Dylan's pink blanket to look for and missing her efforts in helping me find your blue one or your paci.  Who would I get sloppy kisses from, now that sister is 4 and she no longer gives those sloppy ones?  Who would make your sister shine with love the way you do? 

What about our time together?  At night when I put you to bed....our peekaboo time, giving big hugs, hiding Mommy's head under the blanket. Your Daddy is full of pride when you take off for the door once you hear his voice.

My heart aches with joy that you are here bringing so much life to our family.  The best thought of the day was  that I do not have to remember or imagine a life without you, because God gave you to us and in return we dedicated your life to Him.  He will bless you as he has blessed your Daddy and myself with the gift of you and Dylan.  There is no prouder Mommy today on your very special day of the role you play in our lives.

You are a joy my little precious son...and I am so happy that today you are one.

I love you....Mommy

Here it is.....

Well.....I am laying here next to my sweet little girl who is fast asleep in Mommy's bed, preparing myself for the emotions of tomorrow...Jude will be 1 years old!  I just remember this time last year and all the preparations taking place.  Dylan had just started school and it would be her first day of "extended day", my Mom had her schedule and was ready to take over, and Matt and I were excited! 

I remember the first words out of my mouth when he was born were "he looks like my Dad'.....those must have been good drugs I was on because clearly he is the spiting image of Matt!  It is so amazing how I remember almost every detail of this time last year, yet months 1 - 12 are a complete blur.  It is different with two.  And I will say, it  has been a journey having a boy and a girl.  With the exception of 1 friend, most of my close circle of friends have  same gender children....and while it is fun.....there are challenges. This is my second and most things are more relaxed because I have been here before, the truth is it is like being a first time parent (to a different gender) all over again.  These are big difference people!!!!!! 

I can not wait to wake up tomorrow and sing to Jude with Dylan and watch him look at amazement with his big beautiful blue eyes and sweet dimple.  I am in awe of the relationship they have created in 1 short but very fast year.  Well....we will see how I hold up tomorrow!

Jude's Dedication and First Birthday Party

I am  standing all by myself!

Yummy cake!!!!!

Dylan's sweet prayer

What a beautiful weekend!  We dedicated Jude in our back yard (just like Dylan) and then had his birthday party.  Mom & Jerry brought shrimp up and we had a shrimp boil, cake, crafts for the kids.  The kids decorated boxes, made bird feeders (pine cones), and their own candy bags. 

The dedication was beautiful.  Poppy and Mike read scriptures representing all of the Grandparents, ....we had all of the men there read a prayer over him, Shea and Pagett were blessed as the Godparents, and a charge to Matt and I reminding us that we are giving back to God the wonderful gift of Jude that he blessed our sweet family with.  Dylan was the best....she pryed over her brother asking "Jesus teach Jude to love you, teach him to walk, and teach him to not pull my hair."  It was amazing to watch her sweetly place her hand on Jude and draw from what Christ has placed in her heart.  We were so proud of her and her patience in getting ready for the party and her maturity this weekend.

My heart is so full today as a remeber this special time.  Jude was an angel...LOVED his cake...loved his gifts....not a peep out of our sweet happy boy.  He has such as easy going personality.

It was amazing to habe all of those we love so dearly there and we missed those who could not be there. 

What a gift god has given me in my little family.  I stand amazed!

Jude's first Day of School

So Jude went to his First Day of School and had a great day!  Dylan was so excited to pick him up.  She west to the door and said "Buddy it's sis, come on let's go home!"  His "Big Brothers" Miles and Mason were there too.  Mason helped drop him off and Miles went to school with Jude.  What fun to share this day with our friends.  

Dylan did not want to go to school today; however, when I picked her up she told me that she had a blast and wanted to go back tomorrow!  Good thing.  

Since Jude did cut his teeth yesterday we all did sleep through the night!  Hoping for a repeat tonight.

Sleep well...we are hoping too!

Welcome to our life

So.....we have finally set up a blog sight to keep everyone updated on life. I decided this would be faster that our website that has not been updated in FOREVER!

Last night Jude cut two more teeth...maybe we will sleep through the night tonight! I also found him standing in the middle of the front living room standing up by himself contemplating taking that first step alone! I just can not believe he will 1 a the end of this month. He has started waving bye bye, giving kisses, showing you his stinky feet when asked, and eating everything! He likes quiche, black olives, all fruit....things he does not like....shrimp, carrots, lunch meat.

Dylan started school today (next year will be kindergarten), and she loves her new teacher. She can pretend all day long. She will memorize and entire movie, tell Matt and I what lines to say, and then we re-enact parts of the movie. She is my night owl! We will hear her until 11:00 p.m. sometimes playing with dolls in bed. She is working really hard on earning a real dog. I rather like the pretend dog that goes everywhere with us. We have to open the back of the car to let our "pretend" dog out of the car where ever we go and she makes sure he stays right with us in the grocery store. She still does not like the new house. She told me the other day she wanted to go back to the old house. I told her there were new people living in it and she told me that was okay she would go live with them!!!!! Nice!

Matt has started school (getting his MBA). He has traveled a bit this summer so I am ready for that to end. He does not really travel, so when he does I feel it. We are still trying to finish up the renovation and painting of the new house, but we love the neighborhood and our neighbors. We are excited the kids will be growing up here on Overwood Road.

Well...it is time for Jude to go to bed....so I will end our first blog. This is our life and we love it....we always say we have the very best family in the world.....can't wait for tomorrow!