070. Scrapbooking

Ever seen Kindergarten Cop? "The Arnold" has to go from the rough-and-tough world of being a cop to a completely foreign world of Kindergarten teaching? This is really how foreign scrap booking feels to me. There are words and tools associated with this past time that I am completely not familiar with. It was for this reason (and a few others) that "Start and finish a scrapbook project" is on my list. I wanted to do something outside of my comfort zone. I have not given this goal any more thought until Liz called me up last week, telling me that she wanted to help me with number 70. Seriously, my heart started beating a little faster. My palms got a bit sweaty, and my stomach kinda turned. I was so nervous. I have seen scrapbooks. They are beautiful. Every color is precisely hand-picked. Each piece of paper is placed just-so and cut with such detail. I do not have a creative vision, people. I can follow directions better than most. I do best when working within a set of parameters. Scrap booking definitely goes against my genetic make-up. BUT, it was on my list. Liz was (naively) volunteering to help me, and offered her scrap booking resources (that rival the inventory of most craft stores) for me to use. She even had an idea for my scrapbook that would be "easy and low-maintenance." How could I say no?

Liz pulled out all the stops and reserved us for a "Scrapbook Night" at the local scrap booking store. They were staying open until midnight, I believe, for those wanting a night out. I stopped by her house, to do my "shopping" from her massive collection of "stuff" (I am still not familiar with all the right terms, here) and then we headed out. We scrap booked from 7:30 to 11:00PM! It actually was pretty fun. Though I definitely made choices (with MUCH hand-holding) and picked out many of the things that went in the books I made, Liz did the majority of the creative work. I could not have been more thankful. And, she really did provide me with a great scrap booking idea that I am looking forward to continuing in the future!

Her idea was to scrapbook two pages for every birthday the boys have. I sort of did this in the boys' baby books, those only go to 4 years old. This way, I could keep up with them through 18 years, if I wanted. Then I could pass them on to the boys for them to keep. We managed to finish both books last night! And, I must say...they are ADORABLE!!! I am so loving this idea! While I don't see myself starting any other scrapbooks, or picking this up as a hobby, I do think I can keep up with these two once-a-year projects that will make a special memory book for the boys (and for me) down the road! I have already loved flipping the few pages to see just how much they have grown in one year.

So, though few of you may care, out of sheer pride and excitement, I wanted to show you pictures of the pages we did last night.

Liz, thank you so much for a fun WONK night, and teaching me something new. You were a real trooper and are a wonderful hand-holder! I had a great time!

Wordless Wednesday: A Morning at the Park

Thanksgiving: A Recap

This was our very first Thanksgiving away from family. Every year we have been able to get together with at least one side of our family, if not both at some point during the Thanksgiving weekend. Not this year. And while there was a tug at my heart for being with those we love, we also knew that none of this was by accident. God had planned for us to celebrate this Thanksgiving quietly at home with just the four of us, and we were not going to let that go to waste. We had a great time hanging out, relaxing, watching some football, and creating some memories and traditions that we hope to carry through each year, regardless of where we are, or who we celebrate with. Here's the recap:

I started at about 9:30 in the morning with cooking the turkey. Since it was just the four of us, we just used a little three pound turkey breast. I made two new recipes this year and both were ready to go in the oven right after the turkey. I used my bread machine to make homemade rolls, and the pecan pie I had made from scratch the day before was waiting and ready to eat after lunch. While I cooked, Josh played around with the boys, and was in charge of taking pictures. It was a beautiful day, so they spent about an hour of their time in the backyard. By 1:15 we were ready to chow and I even got to use my china! (Yes, even Zach had a plate!) We finished just in time to watch the Cowboys kickoff! The boys napped, and Josh and I watched the game (I was also reading Harry Potter #5) and just relaxed! After the boys were up, and we had a bit of dinner, we watched Toy Story 2 (even after asking multiple times if Zach would rather watch a Christmas movie...TS is VERY big right now!!)


In all, we had a very calm, relaxing day where we could truly reflect on our blessings. All day Zach would say, "IT'S THANKSGIVING!!!" When I would ask him what he was thankful for, he would only reply, "My Max and my Lucy." for the longest time. I finally coaxed, "Mommy, Daddy, Me, and Christopher," out of him later! HA! It was sad not being with our family, but I think God gave us this time to be together as a small family and enjoy this time alone. We are, after all, already on the countdown to major family time in December!! We can't wait! Thanksgiving would have not been nearly as easy if we did not know we were coming down in three weeks! I sincerely hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving with your families and were able to focus on your blessings.

Now for a few pics:

Chris playing hide-and-go-seek:

Where I spent the morning, (and what Josh calls, my "good side")

Tiny turkey keeping warm in the microwave

The spread:

Even though we had the tree up before Thanksgiving, we put ornaments up Thanksgiving day...Zach was a great helper!!

Boy watching Toy Story 2 (and also a glimpse at the tree behind them, and the shelves we put up on either side, so we'd have a place to put stockings!)

Thankful Thursday

Thought it would be fitting today, of all days, to stop and reflect a bit on what I am truly thankful for right now.



1. I am thankful that I did most of my "cooking" yesterday. Most everything just needs an oven, today. That's it!



2. I am thankful that I got my Christmas trees up before today, so that we can relax and enjoy each other's company today (and maybe a football game or two!)



3. I am thankful for God's provision. He has given us exactly what we need. No more, no less. We have a roof over our heads, food in our tummy, and a God who is good.



4. I am thankful for two boys who God has allowed me the privilege to raise. I have learned more about myself, and about God through these two little angels than I have in my whole life!



5. I am thankful for our upcoming trip in a little over three weeks that will take us to our families for a three-week-stretch. We are so thirsty for our homes, it is crazy. God is good, and has provided us a nice long stretch of time to enjoy everyone for Christmas.



6. I am thankful for my upcoming girls' trip to New York City for my birthday! How exciting to get to spend New Years' Eve in the big apple doing all sorts of girly things!



7. I am thankful for a husband who is willingly and excitingly sending me on this girls' trip. He has said all along, that when we go, he wants me to "do it right." He also has never complained about the bill this trip has created! :)



8. I am thankful for a "Mom's Class" that has helped me find the right Godly path for me to be on as I parent my children. God has taught me many things about parenting through this class. I love going every single week to get something new and share in the joys and frustrations of parenting with these women.



9. I am thankful for our year in Arizona. God has (and still is) truly taught me so many things that I know I would have never (or had a much harder time, at least) learned had we stayed put, and stayed comfortable.



10. I am thankful that the boys are in such a sweet and tender phase with each other. I know this probably won't last for long, so I am determined to enjoy it while it is here. Zach is especially patient with Chris, and is no longer yanking toys out of his hand (for the most part). He is always giving Christopher hugs, kisses, and encouraging words! It is precious!

I know you all are so thankful too. I've been reading on your facebooks or blogs about them. If you haven't shared yet, please do. I love seeing what blessings are going on in other people's lives. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday

16 Months

Today, in honor of my baby turning 16 months old, I thought I'd tell you 16 fun facts about Christopher James Richards!

1. He weighs over 23 pounds!

2. He has 8 teeth...4 on top, 4 on bottom

3. He LOVES to eat. He is by far our easiest eater in the house. He'd much rather be eating what we're eating at all times!

4. His best friends are Zach and Max. Both of these guys love Chris, too, and both can be mean and bossy. Regardless, Chris is 100% devoted.

5. When we pick Christopher up from anywhere (nursery at church, babysitting, etc.) he ALWAYS screams with sheer excitement, "DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!" no matter who is picking him up. He does know how to say Momma, but apparently it is not the first thing that he thinks of when he is "rescued."

6. He has acquired a sizable vocabulary. His favorite words/phrases include, "Tay-Too" (thank you) "bye bye" "sis?" (what's this?) "Peas" (please) "Mo" (More) "ooh ooh ahh ahh" (sounds a monkey makes) "bay-bee" (baby) "Bee-ah-bee-ah-eeee" (B-I-B-L-E) "Bi-buh" (bible)

7. Chris is starting to get frustrated when he can't do something, or express himself. This has resulted in tantrums, lately, which we have been mostly laughing at. Maybe it is because they are so tame in comparison to Zachary's, but he just gets so red in the face, screams at the top of his lungs (okay, that part can be less than humorous) and sometimes tries to bang his head on a nearby object. He is usually easily calmed when we divert his attention.

8. When Chris goes into Zachary's room, he goes for one of two objects: A giant stuffed giraffe or a sock monkey...without fail.

9. At bed/nap time, Chris will pull his two nearest lovies (he has three) close to his chest, roll over on his tummy, and tuck his legs up, with his feet crossed at the ankles. He wiggles his bottom around until he's comfy, then drifts off to sleep.

10. When he wakes up, Chris rarely cries out. Instead he hangs out in his crib (unless he's hungry or thirsty) and waits for someone to get him. This often leads to long nap times, since it is hard to tell when he is awake!

11. When we go to get Chris out of his bed, the first thing he always says is, "BOO!"

12. Chris's form of kissing, is to bend over until his head is in front of the person giving the kiss, and waiting. This must come from us bending him over, for Zach to give him kisses on his head for the longest time. At this point, he knows no other way. When we tell Chris to go say goodnight to brother, he walks over to Zach, puts his hands on his knees, and squats down, so Zach can kiss his head. It is too cute!

13. One of the only things that will calm Christopher down long enough to let me change his diaper is reading a book. Yup, he is already reading a book during his "bathroom time!"

14. After dinner every night, when Chris gets out of his chair, he runs to the bathroom, shouting, "Baf, BAF!" wanting a bath. Sadly, he's a second baby, and we definitely don't do baths every night!

15. Chris loves to sit in your lap. If you are sitting on the floor, chances are good he will bring the toy or book he has over to you, turn around, slowly back up, then PLOP into your lap. It is adorable!

16. Last, but not least, Chris has piercing blue eyes, and dimples that melt my heart each and every day.

Christopher, you are such a joy in my life. I am honored that God chose me to be your Mommy. You have such a tender spirit, and loving nature. You are getting so incredibly big, so incredibly fast. Love you, Little Bit! Happy 16-month Birthday!

Christopher, today at his first dentist appointment:

Saying cheese:

Rapid Fire

* No more poop consumption, but apparently the fertilizer worked, Chris cut another tooth this weekend!
* Made a new recipe last night. Actually rolled lasagna noodles. It was fun, AND yummy!
* Had a SUPER weekend with the in-laws in town. Their stay is never long enough. Of course I took a grand total of zero pictures!
* Celebrated LIZ's birthday Saturday night with a Bunco party. It has been so long since I played Bunco. We had lots of food, and lots of fun. Happy Birthday, LIZ!
* Got to look at the stars with Josh's telescope this weekend. I actually saw the rings around Jupiter, and a couple moons, too! It was really awesome!
* Starting the Harry Potter series. Somehow, I've managed to not read any up until now. I have already finished the first book! Shouldn't take me too long to get through them all!
* Zach started telling jokes this weekend. His first (and only) joke goes like this: Knock Knock (who's there) Peanut Butter (Peanut Butter who?) PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICHES!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! He cracks himself up!
* Our Spa Day is booked for NYC. Only 50 more days until we leave!
* Only 40 more days until we head to TEXAS!
* It was exactly one year ago today that the movers came and packed up my house in Texas. I have been emotional all day. Can't tell if it is sadness or joyfulness out of all God has done for us since then. Maybe a bit of both!
* Tomorrow, the kids, and I, and LIZ are going to visit a cow farm, where they make dairy products. It should be pretty fun!
* LIZ was offended that I didn't mention her by name in this post so I am trying to make up for it here in this post. FORGIVE ME LIZ!
* I bought a $180 coat for $45 on Saturday. Made my day.
* I am so excited for Christmas I can hardly stand it. I've already been shopping (online, and in the stores) and will definitely not be able to wait for Thanksgiving to begin decorating and putting the tree up. I think I am making up for the lack of decorating/celebrating we got to do last year.