I Could Hide It No Longer

Caramel Apple Dip from McDonald's.

The boys like the apples and I just failed to mention that they were actually called apple dippers. I would leave the dip in the bag and they ate the apples without suspecting a thing.

Until today.

Sage started opening his Happy Meal before I could unpack it for him. And he found the dip. And he opened it. As he was opening it, he expressed his great delight and told me it was yummy. I asked how he knew, thinking Drew had given it to him before. He said "I licked it off my finger and it tastes like candy!"

Apple dippers fate is now sealed.

5 Minutes From My House

Thank you Lord for keeping us safe.
Thank you Lord for keeping our possessions safe.
Thank you Lord for the reminder that our possessions are meaningless.
Thank you Lord.
Lord, be with the people who have lost.
Help me to help them.

Wordless Wednesday

Flash Flood

You may or may not have heard about the flooding in Houston today.

We're fine.

It's kind of hard to tell in the picture but the water was covering the door mat and centimetering it's way up the door well.

Drew and I were up at 5 watching it. He decided something needed to be done. First, he started pulling shoes out of the closet and thinking about what to stack the couch upon.

Next, he decided to get the hose and create a vacuum of sorts to get the water away from our door. He put on his poncho and broke the hose to get it off the spicket. Then he ran the hose down the sidewalk out to the street and started sucking the water out of the hose so it would run down and away from our house.

He's sitting by the curb sucking on the hose as a man out walking comes towards him. Drew is thinking he's coming to help. He gave Drew a strange look and just kept walking!

The water ended up receding.

I was so thankful to have a husband willing to get out and do something and to protect us.

I Miss This

These were taken April 4, 2008. More than a year ago. All of April I tried not to think about the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees in New Haven. We lived a block away. They were in full bloom for about a week and I would go walk down the sidewalk everyday to visit the blooms. And then the blooms would start to fall and the boys would pick up the petals in fist fulls and throw them at each other.

We took this family picture at the Cherry Blossom Festival. It happened that year to fall the same weekend the trees bloomed.

And now my mouth is watering thinking about Pepe's Pizza, pepperoni. Oh, you can't get pizza like that in Texas. We would walk there for dinner or Drew would walk carry out home. We lived so close that we could call 10 minutes before closing and they would take our order, knowing we could get it before they closed. We had many late night pepperoni pizzas while I was pregnant with Kolby.

The first time we went, was so funny. To us. They showed us our booth, got a high chair for Sage. It was one that clipped on to the table, the restaurant wasn't big enough for high chairs sticking off the end of the table. And then they left. No menu. We sat there talking and wondering what to get. The waitress comes back and asks what we want. We told her we hadn't seen a menu yet. In typical New England fashion, she just looks at us and points above our heads at the wall. And walks away. The menu was on the wall! We felt stupid. And she left us sitting there for 15 more minutes.

By the time, we moved away, they recognized us when we came.

Baby Weight Loss

Let's just get it out there. I haven't lost all the baby weight.

And I'm okay with that. Today.

I have about 5 pounds hanging around to get to my weight of when I got pregnant. I have about 8 pounds hanging around to get to my ideal weight. I have about 13 pounds hanging around to get to my goal weight and when I reach that goal weight, I'll be buying a new pair of jeans. A new expensive pair of jeans. From the outlet. If they fit right.

It's what I call incentive.

But it hasn't worked.

I had a goal of running a 5K. Today. I didn't run it. I haven't run that far since before I was pregnant.

I think I could do it, albeit veeerryyy slowly. Painfully slow.

I thought it would be so much easier. Not the losing weight part. The exercising part.

I haven't worried about the weight. My plan was if I was exercising, I would feel good about myself, eat less junk and the weight would come off on it's own.

I thought it would be so easy to get to the gym.

Or put Levi and Kolby in the double jogger and have Sage ride his bike.

It's not.

Levi doesn't love nurseries or child care. He just loves me.

Sage did well the first couple of times riding his bike. We went about a mile. And I spent a lot of it yelling "Ride faster!" "Come on Sage, you can do it!"

Oddly enough, most of my pants fit.

I'm not gonna sweat it. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, trying to get to the gym and telling myself it will only get better. It's just a short season of my life. Someday, I'll have time to work out more. For now, I'll do it when I can.

Date Night

He let me do whatever I wanted.

Shopping.

Drive through Panda Express.

And a girlie movie.

He ate avocado mixed with sweet potato while I ate orange chicken.

He slept through most of the movie.

I didn't offer him any chocolate ice-cream.

Levi and mommy's first date.

It's As Easy As 1, 2, 3

Macaroni and Cheese.

Confused? Let me start over.

I was preparing a delicious, nutritious meal for my family on Saturday. Lunch, specifically. Annie's Macaroni and Cheese to be exact.

Drew watched as I measured milk and whipped the cheese powder together.

He got a funny look on his face and said "Wait, you put milk in macaroni and cheese?!"

Y'all, he went to Yale.

Praying For Stellan

Stellan is in surgery this morning. Pray for peace for the MckFamily and steady hands for the surgeon.

We're wearing orange in honor of Stellan today. Go here to see others wearing orange and to get updates on sweet Stellan.

Product Junkie: Baby Edition

My new friend, Annalee from MOPS did this on her blog and I thought it was fun, so I did it too!

So, here are my picks of things I couldn't live without for my babies.



I didn't discover Mustela until I had Kolby and he had some problem skin. When I started using it, his skin cleared up. I had to rediscover it with Levi when the same thing happened. With the next baby, I'll just start using it from the beginning!





Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size Diaper Again, I didn't discover these until Kolby and we had two in diapers at the time and I got so sick of buying diapers. It was so stikin expensive. And Drew was in grad school. So, I decided to try cloth diapering. If my mom could do it, so could I! And seriously, these are probably the easiest cloth diapers you can use.




The BOB Dualie is our most favorite stroller. We got it not too long ago and have used it a lot. It pushes so easily, and I have a 42 pound 3 year old and 16 pound 5 month old, I can't tell who is sitting on what side when I push. I can push one handed and hold Sage's hand. This is the most amazing stroller. Drew and I both agree that this is hands down the best stroller we've ever owned. Sage and Kolby can both ride in it or Levi and Kolby or Levi and Sage, any of my boys can and will ride in it. It is so comfortable for them. Last weekend, we walked 2.5 miles with Sage and Kolby in it to pick up the van from Firestone. We had to sell our beloved Phil and Teds to get it and I can't say how happy I am with our new stroller.




Gumdrop Pacifiers are a new favorite. They are just so cute. And Levi likes it. I like that it is all one piece, no water can get in the nipple when I rinse it off. And I can get them in vanilla scent.

















This swing was given to us when Kolby was a baby. We had an ultra cheap one for Sage and it broke when Kolby was 3 months old. A family was moving and their baby was done with the swing so she said if I could come get it, I could have it. It has been the best swing that we've ever had. Kolby took a 2 or 3 hour nap every afternoon in it until he was 10 months old. Levi uses it now, for some naps and in the mornings when he gets up too early. I love it and would replace it the same day if it broke. Probably not with the exact model since it is now selling for $241 but definitely a Fisher Price swing.

Bravado! Nursing Bra. I nurse my babies so I need a nursing bra. These are my favorite. If I formula fed my babies, I would have a favorite bottle.



Baby Bjorn bibs are my favorite bib of all time. I find they work the best when the baby is old enough to start eating finger foods by themselves and trying a spoon. It catches everything and is so easy to clean up, I wash it like a dish. It's just the best bib ever. Kolby still uses one. Levi will start in a few months.








My Hotsling has helped me through many parking lots, malls, bathrooms, restaurants, MOPS meetings, etc.













My Ergo Baby Carrier has also saved my life. I got this when Kolby was 8 months old, 28 pounds, and still (unknown to me) 10 months away from walking. I did many dishes, swiffered, dusted, and kept him happy with him on my back. Levi started using this about a month ago. He has been to the mall, the rodeo, the Astros game, the children's museum and around the house. He falls asleep easily in it and looks so cute with his little eyes peeking out.






I love being a mom and I love products that make my life easier and I enjoy telling others about them. If anyone has found the perfect diaper bag or the perfect handbag, let me know!

Cake...It's what was for dinner

Saturday, I was preparing for our Easter dinner by making this rainbow cake. I thought it would be so fun and festive and springy.

It tasted great!

But, it didn't quite work. One of the 8 inch cakes didn't spread out all the way so when I placed in on top, after frosting it, it split in half.

I didn't want to serve it to our guests so I served it for dinner. With chocolate milk. Hey, it was organic! And maybe expired. It might have been in the closet from Hurricane Ike, last September. Drew thought it was a non-perishable item, like the mini bags of Oreos and packed them away. We were so prepared. Chocolate milk and mini bags of Oreos. What else did we need?






The boys loved it. And drank a second box of milk. And then I threw the rest away.

Awkward Encounters

In just the last week, I've had three awkward encounters. None of them relate to each other but they have all left me walking away from someone thinking, "What?!"

I'm sitting at Community Bible Study, nursing Levi. I had him under my nursing cover and this older woman comes up and starts chatting. I don't really remember what she was talking about, I was so distracted by how she was looking down my nursing cover. I was hoping she just wanted to see the baby. Then she started exclaiming how neat my nursing cover was with how you could still see the baby. The baby wasn't all she could see! Since he was under the cover, I wasn't at all discreet with how I was holding him or where my shirt sat.

Today we were at the post office standing in line to pick up a package. The wait is a post in itself. Just imagine, Levi in the hotsling, Sage jumping and me holding tightly to Kolby's hand. Oh, and Levi was screaming for about 7 minutes until he finally fell asleep. He had wriggled himself into the cradle position and wriggled his arm closest to my body hanging outside the sling. He does this a lot. So, this lady comes up to me and says "Don't you think his arm is hurting like this?"

I know my face did not convey kindness after she turned around. My stress level was through the roof. Did I mention that at one point I was pretty sure Kolby was starting to do number two in his pants (his underwear)? It didn't occur to me that someone else may have passed gas.

The post office line is not where I want to take my three boys. Ever. It is my most dreaded errand. I always avoid eye contact with the other patrons.

We were walking around Hobby Lobby and this man comes up to us and says "Do y'all know the Good News?" I looked at Sage, he looked at me. The man continues, with hand motions, "The Good News that Christ died for our sins, was buried and three days later, rose again?" I told Sage, "Tell him, yes we do!" We continued on looking for chalk boards to write our verses.

Kolby 3 years

42 lbs.

39 inches

Wear size 3, 4 even some 5T clothes

Wear size 10 shoe

Potty training in progress {doing a great job~accidents when no one takes you}

So loving to Sage and Levi

Loves to hold Levi~ you call him "Vi" or "Baby"

Adore Sage

Copies everything Sage does

Say's "Age" for Sage

Calls Drew, "Dew". All the time.

Can put on your own crocs

Can put on and take off your own shirt and pants

Learned to ride your bike! {With training wheels}

Favorite food: pasta

Prefers peanut butter and jelly over ham and cheese

Prefers carrots over broccoli

Quick to cry when told no or when Sage does something you don't like~ throws fits

Has two special blankies, green and yellow

Takes one blankie with us a lot

Used to say "Mine" when I would get the sling or Ergo out for Levi

Calls me "Mama"

Is a great helper

Kills bugs in the house by hitting them with your fist

Cleans up your own spills on the floor

Makes every sound effect

Lines everything up, blocks, cars, pizza toppings {a toy}

Is always ready for the next thing

Favorite Movie: CARS

Wears bar and shoes at night

Plays with cars and trains a lot

Asks "Why?" and doesn't wait for the answer

Makes me smile

Makes me laugh

Makes me pray

Baby Bunny

Afros, I mean Astros

Drew surprised us with tickets to the Astros Opening Night on Monday. He surprised himself as well since he got them from work.

We were all very excited to go. I had just told Drew the day before, I really like watching baseball live.

We got to our seats and realized that we were right behind a wall. A wall that Drew and I could easily see over. Sage could see fine if he was standing, which he willingly did. But, Kolby, well he could only see the wall.





He made do by standing on the chair.

Sage was his typical seemingly unimpressed, not excited self until after he had some ice cream. Then he couldn't stop screaming "Go Astros!"



In this picture, he is jumping and yelling. It was very amusing to see our typically quiet child be so demonstrative. I even took a video but won't bore you with it.

Here's proof that Levi was there. His first baseball game. He was in the Ergo for a while then got hungry then got tired. I took Sage and Levi to go find ice cream and he fell asleep. My plan worked perfectly!



Levi and I were apparently on the big screen during the Smile Cam. I had stopped paying attention because Levi was giving me such big smiles.

We had a lot of fun and had hopes to go to more games but they were diminished when we found out that to help save costs at the office, tickets will go to the people willing to reimburse the company the price of the tickets. Um, $200 for the 5 innings our family can last just isn't in our price range. Oh well.

Levi 4.5 Months

16.3 lbs ~ 97%

27 inches ~ 90%

Wears 3 – 6 month size clothing

Size small Fuzzi Bunz

Size 3 Huggies

Wakes up 1 – 2 times a night

Rolls from front to back

Rolls from back to front (although I’m not sure you’ve figured out you can)

Smiles at anyone who says hello to you

Laughs at big brothers

Watches big brothers from across the room

Chews on fist/thumb all the time

Drools like crazy

Falls asleep by yourself in the crib, or in the sling or Ergo, or in the car

Just discovered feet

Talks a lot

Wants to be with the family ~ if we’re eating dinner, you want to be held

Prefers to be held or have someone in your face

Giggles

Started a new cry with a little scream in it

Is the sweetest 4 month old boy I know

Always brings a smile to my and daddy’s face

Classic April Fools

UPDATE: Drew did not, is not going to lose his job. Thank you for caring about us! And sorry I did not make that clear.

Wednesday I realized it was April Fools Day right as I was about to jump in the shower. Drew was in Austin for a work conference and had been gone since Monday. I decided to send him a quick text.

"I'm pregnant!"

Almost immediately, I got back, "WHAT?!"

And I hopped in the shower. And giggled the whole time. Seriously, I couldn't stop laughing at myself.

Drew, however was not laughing. He was calculating where the next car seat would go in the van, if we had enough car seats, how old Levi would be, etc. Let's just say, he wasn't to the excitement phase.

I'm still giggling about it y'all.

He stepped out of his get to know you meeting to give me a quick call.

I had to decide if I wanted to keep it up all day or let him in on my joke.

I reminded him what day it was and he was so relieved.

About two hours later, I get a text.

"We were just told all employees hired in the past 12 months will be slowly let go over the next 3 months. There will be some severance."

My heart dropped into my stomach, I let out a deep breath. And texted him back.

"Not a funny April Fools Day joke."

And then prayed that was true.

What Sage Thinks About Me

1. What is something mommy always says to you? “Clean up your room. Just kidding. Go to the zoo.”

2. What makes mommy happy? “When I put stickers all over my shirt.”

3. What makes mommy sad? “When I’m mad.”

4. How does your mommy make you laugh? “By tickling me.”

5. What was your mommy like as a child? “Sage.”

6. How old is your mommy? “1.5”

7. How tall is your mommy? “7 inches.”

8. What is her favorite thing to do? “Bake.”

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around? “Watch television.”

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? “Cause your name was an easy name to say.”

11. What is your mommy really good at? “Driving.”

12. What is your mommy not very good at? “Playing games that don’t have directions.”

13. What does your mommy do for a job? “Clean the house.”

14.What is your mommy's favorite food? “Don’t know, you never told me.”

15.What makes your mommy proud of you? “If I win a war.”

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be? “Sam”

17. What do you and your mommy do together? “Play games and go to the beach.”

18. How are you and your mommy the same? “Cause we have the same hair.”

19. How are you and your mommy different? “Because you have a pony tail and I don’t.”

20. How do you know your mommy loves you? “Because she gives me a heart every Christmas.” {Um, I don't, maybe I should?!}

21. What does your mommy like most about your daddy? “That you call him Babe.”

22. Where is your mommy’s favorite place to go? “Heartland.” {Kids Church and I've never been}

Stellan Made the News

Go view Stellan's news story.

And the blog here.