leaving a legacy

Boogers

2012-01-21T15:39:00.001-06:00

Mommy: "We're going to Brookshires."

Brady: "Ewwww. I don't like boogers."

HAHAHAHAHAAA! The sad thing is -- he picks his nose ALL the time.... so I know that's not exactly true. ;)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2012-01-19T18:47:00.001-06:00

Tonight, we went to Raising Cane's for dinner. Chris is out of town and when he's gone -- the easiest dinner plan is the BEST dinner plan.

Kennedy insisted on saying the blessing. I was impressed.

Her prayer: "Dear God. Thank you for this wonderful -- WON-DER-FUL day. Thank you for my school and that I can go learn things there. Thank you that I have food and water and a home. Amen."

What an impressive prayer.

Of course anything that big sister does, Brady must follow. So he asked to pray.

"Dear Jesus. Thank you for this day. And thank you for God's lunch. Amen."

:)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Love.....in a burnt waffle

2011-12-18T19:51:00.001-06:00

Once in a while, the kids entertain themselves in the morning since they typically wake up before chickens. Brady has started climbing on the couch with the iPad.

I am truly grateful for those mornings because he usually climbs into bed with me and I, in my groggy sleep-induced coma, pull him into bed not realizing that I've just invited a sweaty little wiggle worm into bed with me.

So, on those mornings when Kennedy and Brady wake up at the same time -- she can turn on the TV and Chris and I get a few more minutes of sleep, which seems to more and more precious this time of year.

On a particular morning last weekend, Kennedy tip-toed into our room and was quietly sniffling as if something had upset her. This isn't out of the ordinary since the kids are getting along SO WELL these days. (insert sarcastic tone here). So when I asked what was wrong, she quickly mumbled some words that sounded more like a high pitched animal was squealing. After she finally calmed down, she said she broke a plate. A plate?! I didn't hear a plate fall and break. She further explained that she tried to make us waffles in the microwave. Then, the smell hit me. Burnt plastic.

Afraid there might have been a fire in the house, I leapt out of bed and ran into the kitchen. No fire. Just a horrific smell. And this......

This is what it looked like from the bottom. Yikes.

What we finally learned was that Kennedy had turned the waffles on HIGH for FIVE minutes. She had also poured cereal with milk and gotten both of us string cheese. How on earth could we possibly be upset over something minor (burnt plate and really, really awful smell) when she had done something so selfless? She gives of herself constantly. And wholly. It's the most wonderful trait my sweet girl has.

Oh -- and that smell? It lasted for three days. The whole family smelled like we had survived a house fire. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Driving

2011-11-23T23:39:00.001-06:00

Driving lessons start early in our family. :) Brady had a blast steering the wheel. He did a pretty good job! Impressive...... for a 3-year-old. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Snaggle

2011-11-21T23:58:00.001-06:00

Snaggle-tooth pancake for my sweet snaggle-tooth little girl. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Front tooth = two hour ordeal

2011-11-18T22:10:00.001-06:00

It took two hours.... lots of tears... three paper towels soaked by slobber and a little blood.... and several pep talks -- BUT her fifth tooth (and first tooth on the top row) finally came out. And SHE pulled it herself!!!

This time, she wouldn't let me touch it. I tried a few times, but she kept having a panic attack. So I told her we should wait and let it get looser. The she'd cry. She reeeeeeeeally wanted it to come out. So then she'd wiggle it. We went round and round for TWO hours. But when it finally came out, her face lit up in sheer pride of doing it herself.

Mama was super proud, too.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Slurping Spaghetti Night!!

2011-11-16T22:35:00.001-06:00

I had a wild idea up my sleeve tonight. And what an awesome dinner it turned out to be! Slurping Spaghetti night at the LaPierre house....officially a new tradition.

The kids literally dug right in as soon as I put their plates down. It was AWESOME.

The only rule? All spaghetti noodles must be slurped. Messes allowed. :)

Mom and dad got in the action a little bit --- but photos of the kids were WAY cuter. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Halloween 2011

2011-11-06T21:37:00.001-06:00

It's not Halloween without some crazy outfit or costume. This year, I threw on this hysterical mohawk (courtesy of Mr. Orman, Susie's sweet daddy). We have this running joke about my hair.

Of course Chris decided to try it on, too. HAHAHAAA!

Deanna, her sister-in-law Amber, and the girls came over for trick or treating fun. Our wigs are fabulous!

And the house looked fun, too! A little "caution" tape to give it a crime scene feel.

And WHAT is Halloween without a trip down to Aunt Susie and Uncle Ford's house?

The kids collected 9 pounds of candy. NINE POUNDS!? We threw out half of it. Funny how the candy we used to eat as kids seems so gross now. I used to love sweet tarts and sour candies. Blech!!! It's a good thing the kids' bags of candy weren't full of chocolate!!

My little dragon and the vampire princess had a great time!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!!

2011-11-06T21:12:00.001-06:00

SNEEZE! :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cousins!

2011-11-05T21:52:00.001-05:00

What a great little evening with my kids and my nieces. I say "little evening" cause it was less than an hour! My sweet sister went on her first date night since the birth of her FIRST child. Bless her heart. When she was in Little Rock, she didn't trust anyone to keep Lauren. (I don't blame her...). And then Catherine came along about six months ago.

So Aunt Jen decided it was time for a date! (I was not taking "no" for an answer).

Corn dogs, Capri Sun drinks, skittles and The Lion King. What more could they ask for? :)

Looking forward to many more date nights.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kennedy's First Concert

2011-11-02T10:42:00.005-05:00

I knew she was extremely excited about going to the Taylor Swift concert when I found a note when I was in her room. ((Speak Now is the name of her tour))

See, I wasn't so sure she wanted to go when we gave her the tickets for her birthday this summer. Her reaction was honestly kind of disappointing. I thought she would jump up and down, scream with that high-pitched sound I know she's very capable of.

But instead, we got a lackluster reaction. More of a... "Oh, ok thanks."

I explained what a concert was, but still - a blank look on her face.

Fast forward nearly two months..... and she's talking about the concert with her friends, planning her outfit, listening to her Taylor CD regularly. And just a few hours before the big event.... I found this:

Now THAT is the kind of excitement I was hoping for. Her best friend came with us, so it was girls night out.

We (somewhat) patiently stood in two separate lines to get their souvenir t-shirts in the right style, color, and the minute they had those shirts in their hands, they threw them on over their perfectly-styled outfits. Who cares, right? IT'S TAYLOR SWIIIIIIIIFT! I can't remember how many times I heard them scream that. :)

Just when I get bogged down in the daily routine, something happens that makes me fall in love with my daughter all over again. This.Was.That.Night. She stood in her chair the ENTIRE concert and sand EVERY word to EVERY song. She was so happy. And you couldn't wipe the smile off my face either.

Summer 2011

2011-11-02T10:37:00.001-05:00

I have so much to catch up on from the summer. I cannot believe how fast time flies!! It was a crazy, busy, fun-filled summer and now Christmas is just two months away! First, birthdays for my sweet babies!

We celebrated Brady's birthday with an outdoor park party with a train theme. To say that my sweet son loves trains would be a huge understatement. He LOOOOOOOVES trains. Every time we see one on the tracks, he yells: "Momeeeeeeeee! It's a traaaaaaaaaaain! Choo choo! All aboard!"

We played in the water park, slid on all the slides, had snacks, opened presents (the overwhelming hit was the "Mater" bubble blower from Aunt Dee). Do you see that face? My child loves trains.... AND Cars. :)

...and of course -- CAKE! Isn't this an adorable cake? Scratch that. Isn't this an ABSOLUTELY adorable little boy and his adorable cake? ;)

I just can't believe that he's already three. As a two year old, he has been the most loving, snugly, adoring little boy. (Side note: Since he's almost 3 1/2 now, I will say that those sweet tendencies are being taken over by rambunctious and rough behaviors. More on that later).

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby Boy!

And then there's this sweetie pie. Wow... 7 years old. SEVEN!? How is it possible that seven years have passed? I blinked and she started second grade this year. I think her birthday this summer was just what she wanted:

Girly.

Skating.

Friends.

Pink & purple.

Perfect.

We spent an afternoon "practicing" for her skating party because she wanted to be able to go around the rink without any fear. I don't blame her. I thought I was 13 again putting those skates back on. WRONG. I immediately fell flat on my butt and COULD.NOT.GET.UP. I little teenage kid had to help me.

Thankfully -- since it was just me and Kennedy practicing, she wasn't embarrassed by me. But she did laugh hysterically. I laughed, too.

I looked like an idiot.

On PARTY day, however, we were both prepared. Her closest friends from school, summer camp, and the neighborhood came to her party. And you know Kennedy doesn't shy away from attention. She enjoyed being in the spotlight.

Even her sweet cousin Lauren (assisted by Nina and Aunt Tracy) joined in on the skating fun! Thankfully, they live in Louisiana now, so we'll be able to see them more often. Yay!!

And it's not a birthday party until we sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl! Cake, pizza, party favors and more skating.

What an awesome day she had.

Even Aunt Susie came to skate! I am so grateful that Kennedy doesn't get embarrassed by me (or my friends)... YET. I know it's coming, but I'm enjoying being able to act silly until then.

The big gift for her? Her new BIKE! Purple, of course. Her sweet daddy went with her and picked it out with her.

I think he had just as much fun as she did.

And THIS picture -- I'm just throwing in for fun... cause it was the BEST picture of the summer. My with my niece on my shoulders. Kennedy on her Aunt Kelly's shoulders. We had an AWESOME time with our Maine family this summer. :)

103 pairs of shoes

2011-10-20T23:06:00.001-05:00

103 pairs of shoes. That's how many Kennedy and I collected for our annual Birthday Project.

I am so proud of her for *finally* embracing the idea to include a charity/community project with our birthdays. I think having me collect shoes with her helped. I also think spending time with The Hub's Family Serve project helped her realize that there REALLY are people who don't have homes, clothes, shoes, food, etc.

(I think she thought I was making it up...)

Rather than mail these shoes, we decided to put them to good use in our own community. On Thanksgiving weekend, The Hub hosts a meal for the homeless and we are giving to let them pick out some shoes.

I hope it goes smoothly... she is such a sensitive soul and I truly hope Kennedy can be filled with joy giving to others through all her hard work.

I am SO proud of her. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Grandma Faye

2011-10-13T06:28:00.001-05:00

She is 86 years old... and for the past 30 years, life has been tough. Just when her and grandpa were getting ready to enjoy retirement -- life was turned upside down. Both of them were shot... Grandpa in the face.... Grandma in the neck and arm. It was a horrible experience for our family.

The injuries to my grandpa would eventually lead to his death, but it took 15 years for him to succumb to them. He was never the same after the shooting and grandma, after recovering from her injuries, would spend the next 15 years taking care of him.

Taking care of one of my kids when they're sick for a few days is exhausting. So I cannot fathom spending 15 years doing that.

After his death, she eventually moved into a patio home and spent her days visiting with neighbors, going to church functions, and trying to make the most of her time. She even dated a couple of men. But after her favorite guy, her dancing partner, passed away -- Grandma started to slip into a dark place. Soon, her health began to slip... Alzheimer's set in... she began to lose weight... And it seemed as though her time of true joy was coming to an end.

On a routine doctor's visit about a month ago, she casually mentioned to her doctor a knot in her chest that had been bugging her. Breast cancer.

Cancer has NEVER been a part of our family history, so we were all quite shocked. Unfortunately, chemotherapy or radiation are not an option for her because of her frailty. She is taking a drug that is supposed to slow the growth of the lemon-size tumor, but that's all that can be done.

PET scan results are due back this week to show exactly where the cancer has spread. We haven't been given a timeline, but no matter if it's next were or next year -- I hate to see her suffer..AGAIN. Her doctor says this will not be an easy road and she will likely not die peacefully in her sleep. For a woman who has been in emotional pain for the last three decades, I truly wish..PRAY.. that this would not be difficult for her.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Missing Roscoe

2011-09-23T14:57:00.001-05:00

Who knew.... that after a year without my Roscoe, I would still get emotional about him.

TWICE this week, I've shed a little tear when he came up in conversation.

I miss my buddy......

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lunch date

2011-09-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

EVERY day, Kennedy begs me to come have lunch with her.

Every.Day.

I try to go every other week. Granted, I work from home. But I still work. And inevitably when I leave the house is when my clients want (translation = urgently NEED) something.

Today, I was able to sneak away, pick up her favorite Quiznos sandwich, and meet her in the lunchroom for a midday date.

It was perfect. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Missing Daddy

2011-09-14T23:29:00.001-05:00

Chris says he's "the mean daddy" who never has the kids run to him after they get in trouble. Well, yes - he is the "discipliner" of the house, but I like it that way.

(OF COURSE a mama doesn't want to punish her kids. I, however, do have a temper from time to time... )

But back to daddy...

So when either of the kids run to him with excitement, it truly melts his heart. He LOVES it.

So with Chris out of town this week in New York, they have been asking for him regularly. And today, when I picked up my sweet Brady, he looked at me and this is exactly how it went.

B: "Mommeeeeeeeeeee! You pick me up and not daddy?" (puzzled look on his face)

Me: "Hi Brady... yes, that's right. Daddy will be home tomorrow."

B: "Oh. Ok."

And when I looked at his behavior sheet for today, the notes from the afternoon teacher said... "Cried for daddy." When I asked her what happened, she told me that when he woke up from his nap, he cried wanting his daddy.

Okay, see Chris? Your son ADORES you..... always. :)

2011-09-12T14:49:00.001-05:00

I am so happy my sister moved home.

Wait. Scratch that.

I am ecstatic my sister has moved home!!

I still don't think "ecstatic" is a strong enough word. We haven't lived in the same town since 1995, which was my last year of high school. We just missed each other during our days at Tech. And then we both began a moving extravaganza that took me to Maine, Boston, and Dallas and Tracy to Texarkana, and several cities in Arkansas.

Now, my sweet baby sister is home. And that means lots of snuggles for my sweet nieces....

....including slobbery kisses with Catherine....

...and play dates with Lauren.

My sister, brother, and I didn't grow up around cousins. My mom is an only child and all daddy's family was in Florida.

So I am so happy to see that we are (almost) all in Shreveport again. Tim, who just started grad school this year at Ole Miss, won't be home for a while.....if ever. But maybe in a few years, after he's married and has a kid or two -- the big sisters can start our persuasion campaign. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

9 - 11 - 2011

2011-09-11T22:59:00.001-05:00

Neither of my angels were born yet. Chris and I were living in Dallas. I was working as a news producer at Texas Cable News, getting ready for the newscast that afternoon.

I will never forget seeing the coverage of the terrorist attacks from September 11. How could I possibly forget when I stayed in the control room for 16 hours producing news coverage that day?

It's the "Pearl Harbor" of my generation.

And yet my sweet son, who would be born 7 years after the attack, came home from school with this artwork on Friday.

Such sweet innocence.

Never. Forget.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Silly Muffins

2011-09-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, you just gotta make some silly muffins on a Saturday morning. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Football Day at Legacy

2011-09-09T20:34:00.001-05:00

2nd grade!! Isn't she a cutie???

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Girls are Like Apple Trees

2011-09-08T12:23:00.002-05:00

My sweet Kennedy.....

You MUST remember this. Wait for the right one to come along.

He will have a LOOOOONG way to climb because you will be at the very tippy top of that apple tree.

But the wait will be worth it.

I love you,

Mom

Finger paint

2011-09-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

I have a feeling that I'm going to look back on these pictures one day and miss getting these masterpieces sent home . . . .

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

First Rehearsal

2011-09-03T17:31:00.001-05:00

First rehearsal for Nutcracker ..... and we now know that Kennedy is the tiniest angel in the bunch.

......but, in the words of my friend Deanna, she is the most precious. Absolutely. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nutcracker

2011-09-02T23:02:00.001-05:00

To say that I'm a proud mama hen would be an understatement. My brave daughter decided she wanted to audition for the "Nutcracker." We heard the Moscow Ballet was coming to perform the ballet and allowing local ballerinas to audition for the cast.

Kennedy and I watched a few clips online and I gave her the option to audition. She jumped at the chance. I wanted to make sure she knew that not everyone would be cast... and that it's not like recital. Dancers would be asked to perform for the Russian ballerina and our dance studio owner and (according to the studio manager) selected based on their performance, height, hair color, etc. Sounds BRUTAL for a 7-year-old, but she understood the process and seemed ok with it. Even hopped out of the car once we got there and shouted, "LET'S DO THIS!"

She got her number, I signed the release, and as her fellow dancers filed in -- the nerves set in. ((I was nervous hours before we got there)). She had a panicked look on her face and said, "Mom - what if I don't make it?" My heart melted.

I wasn't sure what to say. I wanted to reassure her. I wanted her to feel confident but not cocky. I wanted her to have fun but also try hard. I wanted to tell her that there will be lots of times when she'll be disappointed in her life, but we gotta press on.

Instead I held her sweet cheeks in my hands, looked in her eyes and told I loved her no matter what.

She stood up, walked into her audition and an hour and half later -- she emerged with a HUGE smile on her face. She was cast as an angel.

No matter if she was cast or not, I'm proud of her for auditioning! It was a very gutsy move for my sweet second grader. She amazes me more and more every day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dance -- 5th year!

2011-08-30T23:44:00.001-05:00

Tonight, we started Kennedy's 5th year of dance. WOW! Time is truly flying by.

I am so incredibly proud of her. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kennedy

2011-08-28T23:29:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, I swear I stop and wonder how on earth I will be able to raise a child with the insane amount of spunk, sass, and reckless abandon as that of my sweet Kennedy.

And then, out of NOWHERE, she brings me to tears with the most amazing spirit..... and then I stop and think, what did I do to deserve this blessing?

Let me set the stage.

She asked me to go on a bike ride with her tonight. Did I want to go? No. It's Sunday night and all I want to do is lay on the couch. But when he asked, she said it would be great exercise for the both of us. She's right. So I changed clothes and off we went.

We decided to race. Ok, SHE decided to race. I agreed to try to keep up. Her new bike she got for her birthday allows her to ride REALLY fast. I was struggling to keep up!

So as we rode around our neighborhood, we decided to cross Swan Lake and go into the cemetery. It sounds morbid, but it truly is beautiful and extremely peaceful. When Kennedy asked to stop and look at this one area of graves, we stopped. I have no intentions of hiding death from her. She knows that things and people die, but there were quite a few questions.

"How do we actually get to heaven?"

"Is Jesus there?"

"What is a soul?"

And Kennedy always remembers that Mrs. Amber is buried there. So she asked if we could go to her grave. She's been there before, so we hopped back on our bikes and pedaled to her resting place. On the way, more questions.

"Momma, I don't remember how Mrs. Amber died. Can you tell me again?"

I reminded her that it was cancer. She asked what cancer was, why it was called cancer, if there was a way to treat it, and if everyone who had cancer died. I quickly reminded her that Pepere had colon cancer and survived!

After answering each of her questions, my daughter completely blew me away.....

"Momma, I would like to take a piece of paper and have some people sign it and give me money so I can ride my bike and raise money for cancer."

Yes. You read that right. What I didn't know was that she saw something on TV about a girl who took pledges for a 30-mile bike ride to raise funds for cancer research.

But whether or not she saw it on TV, she decided to take action. Will she follow through? I don't know. But my heart was exploding with love and admiration for this sweet girl.

God knew what he was doing when he blessed us with a spunky girl who has the MOST loving heart of anyone I know.

:)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Toenail time!

2011-08-20T08:38:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mama-Daughter Day

2011-07-26T21:27:00.001-05:00

My Dearest Kennedy,

Saturday was a day just for you and me. We had an AWESOME day.

I hope when you get older, you'll remember days like today where it was just you and me, running a few errands, picking up last minute supplies for the school year, having a little lunch, laughing, turning up the radio and singing to the tops of our lungs.... being a inseparable mother-daughter-duo.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bubbles and my babies

2011-07-25T20:18:00.001-05:00

The most prized possessions in this world.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-07-25T18:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Kids,

If you're not willing to look stupid, nothing great might ever happen to you.

Take risks.

Love,
Mom

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Love Sundays

2011-07-24T21:39:00.002-05:00

I love Sundays...

I mean, L-O-V-E Sundays.

Wake up a little later than usual... wander to the couch and lounge for a bit.

Quick shower.

Church. :) Love our church. It's crazy busy with our volunteer shifts, but I still love it.

Lunch.

Home for more couch-time, snuggles, snacks, more snuggles, TV shows, naps, even more snuggles, mindless internet surfing... and maybe a few more snuggles.

Perfection.

Wrestling with the kids

2011-07-18T06:42:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite thing to watch on Saturday mornings. It's kinda become a ritual.

It usually starts with one of the kids leaping on top of Chris and the wrestle-fest begins. Both kids can hardly contain their excitement as their daddy falls on the floor, which signals their invitation to start wrestling.

Sometimes he'll lay real still and quiet as if he's hurt and the kids tip toe up to him knowing he'll probably jump up and scare them. And everytime -- he makes them squeal (half spooked, half excited).

What a sweet daddy they have.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A sweet night

2011-07-12T23:22:00.001-05:00

The bedtime routine is usually hectic (that's a nice way of putting it) because one or both of them don't want to go to bed. And they both DRAG out teeth brushing. Read two books instead of one. Don't turn the light off. Whining. Complaining. You get the picture.

But tonight, there were some pretty precious moments between me and my sweet babies. Chris had put Kennedy to bed and I had just finished reading to Brady. I turned off B's lamp and was about to lay down with him for our usual good night snuggles when the light from re hallway got brighter. We had a visitor.

(Shhhhhhhh!!! Don't tell Chris!)

It was my baby girl! She wanted to kiss her brother goodnight. So we invited her to join us for some snuggles in Brady's bed. I laid in the middle with one kid wrapped in each arm. It. Was. Fabulous.

We took turns telling each other what we loved about each other. We gave out LOTS of hugs and nestled ourselves under the covers. I smelled their freshly-washed hair and kissed their sweet little heads.

I don't always remember to enjoy the little things. And once I do, I realize how QUICK time flies by. Before I know it - they won't want to snuggle with me. They probably won't even talk to me when they're teens.

So I closed my eyes and soaked up every second of our snuggle time.

It was THE perfect night.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

LaPierre Performer # 2

2011-07-09T14:21:00.001-05:00

If we thought that we only had one performer on our hands, we were so very wrong.

Little man hopped up on the fireplace today and announced that he was singing "Old Mac Donald."

Last night, I was snuggling with him when he sang two songs and after finishing said, "Momma ... say 'yay'..."

He wanted me to cheer for him!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kennedy and Uncle Matt

2011-07-04T22:31:00.001-05:00

Someone loves her Uncle Matt.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Warning: a little cheesy

2011-07-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Last week, Brady brought home this plant he planted and grew at preschool. It's nothing fancy... just a sweet potato vine.

But the more I looked at it sitting in my kitchen window, the more I loved it. I couldn't figure out why. Each day, Chris and I give it a little drink of water. And each day, I notice it has grown a little more.

After cleaning the kitchen one evening, I moved the milk carton plant off the window sill to wipe off the dust when I noticed it left behind a black mark on my sill. I was immediately frustrated because it looked like black marker. But that all faded as I looked on the bottom of the carton and read what was written: 6-13-11.

It suddenly all made sense. The vine was planted the day after Brady's birthday. It has grown and reached up toward the sun, looking for light and love... just like Brady.

And the milk carton wraps the whole package together. If it were any other container -- it would have been a cute little school project, but it wouldn't have the character and youthful feeling that the milk carton does. Kids drink from these tiny milk cartons at school, so it's perfectly fitting that this young plant, eager to grow, be housed in this adorable milk carton.

So here it will sit - in this carton on my kitchen sill under my careful watch - until it's ready to be transplanted to a bigger pot. And the thought of Brady ....uh, I mean, the plant... growing up and moving to the next phase of life makes me stop and appreciate every precious moment of today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lemonade stand

2011-06-29T07:29:00.001-05:00

When your daughter says she wants to put up a lemonade stand -- even if you try to convince her that it's insanely hot outside -- you gotta just bite the bullet and do it for her.

Except for this sweet girl, she only wanted help getting the supplies together. She wanted to do the rest. She made her own sign, organized her own table, prepared a money pouch for making change, and then patiently waited for customers to drive by.

I never anticipated her dedication to this lemonade stand to last as long as it did. I thought surely she'd get bored with waiting in the blistering heat. Nope. She would jump up each time a car drove by and point to her sign or hold up cups of lemonade and smile that sweet smile that only Kennedy can do.

Soon, neighbors and random folks in our neighborhood started stopping for a nice glass of lemonade for the bargain price of $0.50.

She had 14 customers. Earned $7. And was by far the happiest kid on this planet.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Soccer camp!

2011-06-26T22:33:00.001-05:00

Another summer activity for Lil Bit -- SOCCER!! Five days for three hours a day!! Whew!! But lucky for her, it wasn't as hot as it could have been.

Kennedy was with Kaitlin (left) and Skylar (right) all week. Kaitlin plays for a competition soccer team in Dallas. Yikes! This was serious business!! :)

So Kennedy put her game face on and dressed head toe for her World Cup team's country -- Italy. She was named Woman of the Game on the last day of camp. I think her Italian-inspired outfit (and her British-accented cutie pie coach) gave her the extra drive she needed to play just a little harder.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Books!!

2011-06-24T07:19:00.001-05:00

When soccer camp was cancelled one day this week, I decided to take K to the library for another round of checking out books for summer reading.

I set up my computer to get a little work done while she cruised the stacks. She asked the librarian for help finding books on craft projects and dancing.

I left her to cruise alone, but after 15 or 20 minutes had passed -- I went to check on her.

This is what I found:

Talk about a proud mama moment. She selected nine books to check out. Let the summer reading continue!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

#1 Dad

2011-06-22T11:02:00.001-05:00

Father's Day 2011.... proudly wearing his #1 Dad paper tie, made in church that morning.

My babies LOVE their daddy. They beg for him when he's traveling for work... they jump in his lap when he's sitting on the couch....

The like to take a quick nap while snuggled up in his arms....

They love to go out and have one-on-one time with him... Kennedy had a Date with Daddy night last week. She felt like an absolute princess.

He is a pretty amazing dad. I am truly blessed to have him.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Soccer Camp

2011-06-22T06:34:00.001-05:00

This week, we're getting our soccer on at the British Challenger Soccer Camp. Kennedy gets lessons on her technique from the true "futbol" experts.

The coaches are awesome... and are teaching more than just how to dribble and pass. Each team is vying for points in the World Cup competition over the course of the week. Kennedy's team is Italy. At the library yesterday, she was looking for Italy on the globe and asking questions about the country. So we checked out a book about Italy!

Soccer camp + geography lesson! :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Good Southerner

2011-06-22T06:23:00.001-05:00

Lesson of the Day.....

A good southerner always offers the furniture delivery guys something cool to drink on a stifling hot summer day. . . .

Even if they are hours late.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Family Heirlooms

2011-06-05T19:43:00.004-05:00

The thing about family heirlooms is that while they may be extremely precious items to pass down from generation to generation - it usually means someone has passed away. In my recent experience with receiving family heirlooms, no one passed away (thank the good Lord) -- but my Grandmother's health is definitely declining. Our dear old Faye Ingram is living in an assisted living facility for Alzheimer's patients. Her poor mental health seems to be declining more and more each day. She's my only grandparent left, so this is very hard on the entire family.

So as my parents started to clean out my Grandmother's house to prepare to sell it, they came across some items they thought us "kids" might like to have. Some of it wasn't worth keeping... most of it I'd never seen before. But there were a few things that were antique looking that came from my Great Grandmother that I decided to keep.

My mom and Grandma called her "Burr" -- no one knows where this name came from -- but her given name was Mae Harper Morgan. She's from Ringgold, Louisiana - a small town in Bienville Parish.

She died some time in the mid-80s, so I don't have any real memories of her. But my mother adored her. Apparently she collected small porcelain pieces, tea cups and other nick knacks on her travels across the United States. I wouldn't imagine that a woman from such a small town would travel across the U.S. in the 1940s and 1950s. But she did. And she collected "stuff."

I'd never seen these pieces before mom brought me to Grandma's house to look through the things they found. As mom and I looked at these mini pitchers and cup/saucer sets, I wished I had memories of my Grandmother using them for special breakfasts with me and my sister. I wish I could recall sipping orange juice out of the small cup while my Grandmother made pancakes. Unfortunately, I don't have those memories because it's not something we did as we grew up.

However.... I have decided that it is my mission to create such memories with my kids and grandkids. I love traditions. So it's time to make our own.

One tradition we've already started is making pallets on the floor for movie night. So it makes those nights even more special to be able to use quilts and afghans made by the women in our family. Since I started crocheting blankets, I've come to appreciate the time and dedication to this art. It truly is an art. It takes time, patience, and more time.... oh, and more patience. :)

I don't know how to make a quilt, but these beautifully crafted blankets will forever be cherished in my eyes. With the mind-numbing hustle and bustle of this generation -- I'm afraid this will be a lost art over the next few generations. "Burr" made these gorgeous pieces, except my Grandma recently told my mom (when asked about the history of these blankets) that the grey one - seen below on top of the kids - was made by "Burr" and her mother, which would be my Great Great Grandmother. WOW.

(Kennedy and Brady -- when you read this as adults, you BETTER still have these blankets. They are so very important to me.)

The amazing details of the stitching around the pets of these flowers is so beautiful. There are a few imperfections here and there, but that's what gives these heirlooms such character.
This pink and green one has definitely been used and is starting to fray in some areas. It was likely made from material that will not hold up to the rough-and-tough nature of my young kiddos. They don't just lay still with blankets. They wrestle with them, carry them over their heads to pretend to be monsters, make forts out of them. So this particular one will be for snuggle purposes only. :)

This brown afghan is Brady's new addition and the blue/green afghan is now Kennedy's. My kiddos LOVE blankets. Even in the 100 degree heat of a Louisiana summer, they like to be covered up. I don't blame them. It's very comforting.

Love our Library

2011-06-01T10:31:00.002-05:00

Our first activity of the summer (other than going to the pool, of course) -- was to make sure sweet girl kept reading this summer. So we went to the library and she got her ......

.....VERY OWN library card!!! She was so excited because it has HER name on it. After we got instructions on use of her shiny, new card -- we wandered the stacks. She's just like her mama. She picks books based on the cover. If it's cute on the outside, it's bound to be good on the inside, right?

We plan to go every two weeks to make new selections and keep reading all summer. Hopefully she won't lose this card?!!!!!

First swim of the season

2011-05-30T19:32:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Memorial Day Project

2011-05-30T19:29:00.001-05:00

You KNOW you have good friends when you decide to do a backyard project and they jump right in and don't think twice about it. (Truth be told, it was both Eric and Ford who told Chris they wanted to start working on our back yard... it's very bare).

So my job was to stain the wood (Chris and I dis this before the guys came over) -- AND to keep the beverages coming.

They worked non-stop from about 11:30 until 7:00 or so. Our back yard is starting to have character! Here it is before:

Fabulous grass, but that's really it. And now, we have three beautifully crafted beds, with hearty (and heat tolerant) plants. The best part? Ford added lights, so at night - it looks absolutely amazing. Wanna see?

We need to stain the fence to match ... and then the pergola is next. LOVE it!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Playing Beauty Shop with Papa

2011-05-20T21:35:00.001-05:00

He was such a good sport about it.

Both my munchkins "attacked" Papa a few weekends ago. They decided it was time to play "beauty shop."

Papa was the victim.

Bless his heart. I'm not sure if the finished product was what he was looking for.... but the kids had a BLAST.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More Silly Faces....

2011-05-19T02:13:00.001-05:00

...just cause we like to make 'em. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Perfect dinner

2011-05-14T23:14:00.001-05:00

The weather was unseasonably cool today. We had plans to go to the water park, but at 60 degrees -- we decided against it. But it warmed up enough to have an outdoor dinner tonight.

The kids love it when we do this. Nothing fancy....just Johnny's pizza on paper plates.

But it sure made for two happy kiddos!

Sweet sister

2011-05-14T23:09:00.001-05:00

My sweet sister has been home a lot since she had Catherine. Home sick? I think so. But I'm ok with that... cause that means she's FINALLY ready to move home.

And I am excited about that. :) I always thought I'd be the last to move home. Turns out -- I was the first.

But after you have another little angel like this, it makes you want to be closer to family. Who cN blame her? We're a decent family. ;)

Raising kids with my sister would be a BLAST. Yes, we have our differences -- but we'd be able to hang out more... shop together.. exchange babysitting each other's kids for date night.

I've been patiently waiting for this for a while. :)

Lessons from daddy

2011-05-14T23:02:00.001-05:00

Chris: "Brady, who is the greatest speed metal band of all time?"

Brady: (looking completely confused).. "..Ummmm .."

Chris: "It's Megadeath, Brady. Can you say Megadeath?"

Brady: "Mega...desth."

Chris: "That's right. And don't ever forget that your daddy taught you that."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T23:27:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day is my favorite day of the WHOLE year. More than Christmas... more than my birthday... more than Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Easter, Kwanza, MLK Day, etc, etc, etc.

It's the penultimate because the greatest gifts of my life are my children. Yes, the can frustrate the hell out of me sometimes. But at the end of the day, I am extremely blessed to have a vivacious, bubbly, sweet-spirited little girl .... and an energetic, loving, snuggly little boy. One of each and the best daddy and the world to share these gifts with.

Of course, "Muffins with Mom" is a great way to start the weekend. My little man brought me a muffin and we shared a cup of juice.

Kennedy's 1st grade class hosted a Mother's Day Tea. We enjoyed a cookie and lemonade sitting on a blanket outside.

And look at the sweetest hand-made gifts. Is there anything more heartfelt than a handprint on a gift bag or a Mommy Coupon Book (good for items like doing the dishes, taking out the trash, cleaning room, etc) or a picture frame decorated by such sweet little hands?

No doubt -- Mother's Day is MY favorite day....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mudbugs

2011-04-17T20:43:00.001-05:00

What an awesome weekend.

Mudbugs game with the whole family. Yard work. Church. Pizza night. Snuggles. All just what we needed to recover from a hard week.

By far -- the Mudbugs game was the best. Brady was amazed with all the action on the ice. He cheered, danced during the music, and -- on a hysterical note -- was frozen in fear of the giant mascots walking around the stands.

Chris tried to explain the game to Brady.... the first of MANY sports talks. So all weekend, Brady kept saying, "We go see 'hawwww-keeee' game!!!"

And what's a "hawwww-keee" game without concession stand food??

Oh... and Kennedy learned a new word at the game.

HAHAHAHAAAA!! :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Falling in love with Brady

2011-04-12T22:07:00.001-05:00

Tonight was one of those nights where I looked at my sweet son and absolutely fell in love again.

After a nice walk around the neighborhood where we pointed out ducks, a ladybug, and a huge dog like Marmaduke -- it was bath time and then snuggle time.

I crawled in bed with my sweet little man and we started our normal routine. Brady requested his usual song - Old MacDonald - and we sang together.

And then, as we laid there nose to nose, I asked Brady if he knew who loved him. He quietly said, "Mommy!!" I asked if he thought mommy loved him a little bit or a whole lot. His eyes got really big and in his sweet voice, he said "A whole LOT, mommy!!"

We laid there with our faces right next to each other and whispered how much we love each other.... until my angel fell asleep. After he dozed off, I laid there with him breathing on my cheek and watched him sleep.... and I fell in love again.

It was by far the highlight of my day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Things Kennedy says....

2011-04-07T14:57:00.001-05:00

My daughter is HYSTERICAL. She says some of the funniest things and has been this mini-comedian since she could talk. Ok. So it's not as much "humor" as it is adorable silliness.

Today -- she was full of one liners.

1. "Mommy -- I'm not mad at you, but I have to tell you that you accidentally just littered..."

2. "Mommy? If I sang like this - would you think it's beautiful? LA LA LA LA LA LAAAAAAA!"
Me: "Yes honey. You always sing beautiful. It's different, but beautiful."
K: "I think it's attractively wonderful."

3. "Momma -- my friend says S-L-U-T isn't really a bad word."
Me: "Oh YES! Yes it is, missy. We do NOT use that word under any circumstances."
K: "....oh..." (she pauses and thinks for a second. "Ok. Then how about we list all the bad words we know? You go first!"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Soccer team!

2011-04-02T15:13:00.001-05:00

Go Pink!!! :)

Kennedy has loved playing spring soccer this year. She wants to play again in the fall. So glad she's enjoyed it!

And Coach Brian has been awesome!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Brady and his shenanigans...

2011-04-02T15:06:00.001-05:00

Graciousness..........

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Quiet time

2011-04-02T14:40:00.001-05:00

I am sitting in the living room, alone without a single sound except the hum if the refrigerator in the kitchen. Brady is napping (against his will); Kennedy is playing outside; Chris is in New Orleans for his birthday/golf trip. The dryer just buzzed loudly that my sheets are done, but instead of jumping up to put them back on the bed -- I am sitting here.... in the cool, quiet room... sun shining through the windows, Zoe at my feet. And for once, I am enjoying this.

I hate to sit still. I don't really like the quiet either. I'd rather have the TV on, my computer in my lap, kids playing around me -- I just like activity in general. I like to be busy ALL.THE.TIME. Today was no exception....

7:00 am -- Brady up
7:30 -- start packing "stuff" for K's 10 am soccer game
8:00 -- shower for Mom while B plays (Would have skipped shower but didn't get one yesterday....AND B comes in bathroom and starts banging on the shower door. Yay me!)
8:30 -- breakfast for B while I dry hair
9:00 -- pack car, pick up K who spent the night at a friend's house
9:15 -- head to soccer park, but tank on empty. Fill up QUICKLY!
10:00 -- soccer game + one trip to the potty + one trip back to car for K's Gatorade.
11:00 -- game over. Our team won! Everyone's hungry....
11:30 -- Lunch at Cane's
12:00 -- Need a few things. Stop at Target. Brady's impossible to manage at this point. Pop his hiney at least twice. Threaten many more.
1:00 -- home, unload soccer stuff, lawn chairs, groceries. Unload bags inside. Kennedy darts outside to play. Brady pitches a royal fit when I tell him he needs to nap.

So it makes sense why today, as I juggle entirely too many things, I am enjoying the silence. Because I'm sure ANY minute now -- a kid will need something........

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mommy?

2011-03-31T23:11:00.001-05:00

"Mommy? Are you done working yet??"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Goaaaaaaaaaaal!

2011-03-27T19:20:00.001-05:00

Kennedy has never been a rough-and-tough kind of girl. She never liked to get her hands dirty; never liked to play in the dirt; never touched anything "yucky."

She's been in dance for almost four years -- you know, the very girly, indoor activity? This spring, I signed her up for soccer. Partly, for exposure to team sports; partly for exercise; partly to rough her up a little.

We had her first game WITHOUT a practice. Huh? Yeah. For the girls who'd played before -- no big deal. For Kennedy -- well, let's just say that at the first kick, my sweet girl ran all the way to the goal .... but it was the wrong goal. Oops! (I laughed so hard!)

But over the past few weeks, she's truly developed her skills. She gets to do the corner kick, throw the ball into play when it goes out of bounds, and calls for her teammates to pass the ball to her.

I wasn't sure if she liked it, but this weekend -- she got the ultimate confidence boost.

SHE SCORED HER FIRST GOAL!!! Chris and I squealed in delight and absolute joy in Kennedy's accomplishment. And just a few minutes later, she blocked a goal attempt from the opposing team!!!

We are SO proud of her!! Looks like adding soccer to her activities was a good decision.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kennedy's Tremendous Spirit

2011-03-25T21:48:00.001-05:00

Sometimes on Friday nights, we go out to dinner to wrap up our crazy week. Tonight -- we went to a catfish place and had hush puppies and boiled shrimp.

Kennedy and Brady were their typical chipper selves. We were laughing and talking; Chris and I were enjoying a beer. Kennedy was telling stories, being silly - as usual. Tonight, there was a moment where my sweet daughter amazed me.

She took out her coin purse, with 5 $1 bills and some change inside, and asked if she could pay for dinner.

I stopped dead in my tracks. My SIX year old girl wanted to pay for dinner. Wow.

I explained that she was EXTREMELY generous, but $5 wouldn't quite be enough. She asked how much dinner would be. I told her about $40 to $50. She gasped... and seemed crushed that she didn't have enough. She said, "But mommy -- I have $5! It's not enough, but can I at least pay $1.07?!"

I'm not sure where she came up with $1.07, but we let her leave the money. And we left a note for Jared, our waiter.

I hope Jared was just as inspired by Kennedy as I was. Hopefully he'll pay forward. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Silly

2011-03-24T23:12:00.001-05:00

Life is entirely too short. Sometimes, you just gotta be silly. :)

I'm not sure whose the bigger kid between the three of us....

But being silly with these two sidekicks is one of my very favorite things to do. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

When Chris makes me laugh

2011-03-21T13:40:00.002-05:00

When Chris makes me laugh, it is absolutely the highlight of my day. He knows when I'm stressed out. He knows when I'm not feeling good and need a good pick-me-up.

So about a week ago, he went to give the kids a bath ... and all of a sudden, the kids came out of the bathroom like this.

I could NOT .. STOP .. LAUGHING.

A little pajama switcheroo! The kids thought it was hysterical, too. I am so blessed to have a husband who takes a few minutes out of one of the frustrating times of day (bath/bed time routine) to make me laugh. :)

Soccer Dad

2011-03-19T04:21:00.001-05:00

This is Kennedy's first attempt at soccer. She has had a few games and practices, but here lately -- everything has been cancelled because of weather or lack of players from the opposing team.

At practice this week - our coach had to leave for an event for his daughters. And the assistant coach was a no-show. So he asked Chris to fill in. What a natural.......

He was patient with the girls (who showed up).... doing drills, giving pep talks and advice, and demonstrations.

Seeing him in that environment just melted my heart. He would be an amazing coach. He coached young boys baseball in Maine before I met him. I hope he's able to do that again here in Louisiana.

Meanwhile, Brady wasn't feeling so hot. So we just laid low and snuggled and made faces and took pictures.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Zoe

2011-03-16T09:51:00.001-05:00

In the last couple of weeks, I have noticed something.

Zoe has worked her furry little self into that place in my heart where Roscoe used to be. I will *always* have a place in my heart for Roscoe. He was with me during some really tough times in my life.

But I think it's taken this long for me to realize that it's ok to love Zoe the same way I loved Roscoe. I guess deep down I felt like I was betraying him.

I can tell Zoe loves me by the way she puts her head in my lap.... the way she follows me all over the house... the way she jumps up on her hind legs when I walk in the door. I still consider myself her step-mom, but step-moms can love their babies just as much as their first moms. :)

I am so happy Zoe joined our family. She is the perfect addition to the LaPierres.

(ps. Chris is just as smitten with her. I can tell by the way they play together after the kids go to bed...)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fabulous hair

2011-03-13T20:35:00.001-05:00

I'm a bit if a hair snob. I like my hair to look good. I pay a small fortune for cut and color. And I truly prefer to have a stylist trained at Toni & Guy do my hair. I know, I know. Silly, but I'm unashamed. It's my only indulgence. I don't get my nails done; I don't get massages; I don't get beauty treatments. Just...hair.

I've been through PLENTY of bad hair do's. I bleached it platinum in college. When I was broke after college, I dyed it brown. But I always likes it to be somewhat "fixed."

When I was little, I had medium-long hair... but VERY fine hair. So as Kennedy gets older, I am amazed by her locks.

Absolutely adorable.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Time with my B...

2011-03-05T20:32:00.001-06:00

I haven't had as much time with the kids this week as I would like. And having two to try to make up that time with is very difficult. Each kid wants to do something different. And one gets jealous when the other gets time that the first one desperately wants. It's one struggle (of many -- that I'm certainly willing to deal with) of having two kids.

So when Kennedy was invited to a sleep over at one of her favorite friend's house -- it seemed like a fantastic solution. Kennedy won't get jealous and Brady will be sick of me tomorrow and I can hang with my sweet girl.

So Brady and I had a Mardi Gras parade in the living room....

It is Mardi Gras you know!! One of my ULTIMATE favorite times of year. We went to the parades last weekend, but opted to stay home this weekend. ((Good choice 'cause it was VERY cold and rainy!))

We donned "beeeeeads" and silly, blinking glasses and hollered "Happy Mardi Gras!!!"

We snuggled and watched movies.... (even Zoe joined us).

Oh... And dinner? Mint Oreo Blizzard.

We had a fabulous Saturday.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monkey on My Back...

2011-02-14T18:43:00.002-06:00

There are very few disadvantages to working from home. VERY few...

But I will say that when there's a "snow" day - the work goes on for me. We've had two already this year in Louisiana (insert laughter from my Maine family)! Usually it's just icy, but as you saw already from the previous pictures - there really was snow accumulation on the ground. And around here, if there's anything in the ground - school is closed.

So imagine the "fun" I had trying to work with two kids at home.

At one point, I gave up trying to talk on the phone and just answered emails, but this cute little visitor kept coming back.

So - I flipped on the web cam:

Adorable? Yes.

Distracting? You bet.

But absolutely hysterical.....

Poetry Contest

2011-02-10T10:23:00.004-06:00

My heart is exploding with pride this morning. My sweet baby girl got up in front of the ENTIRE 1st grade, including parents, and recited a poem for the American Heritage Poetry Contest. Did I mention she had to MEMORIZE it?

I bought her a Betsy Ross costume, for a little extra flair. She did an AMAZING job!!! I couldn't be more proud of her!

Right before the assembly started -- I went over to her seat, gave her a quick hug and "good luck"... and she looked at me and said, "Mama - I'm not even nervous!" :)

Here it is on YouTube...

It's not important that she won in her class. What's important to me is that she put I'm the work to memorize it and marched up on that stage, grabbed the microphone and said her poem in front of hundreds of people.

Yay Kennedy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Naps

2011-02-06T17:33:00.001-06:00

I love naps.

L.O.V.E.

Truly love. Particularly Sunday naps. After church... and snuggling with Kennedy.

I always feel rested after I wake up. When Chris travels, I don't get enough sleep (mainly because I don't like to go to bed without him, so I stay up way too late)...

Chris sets me up with my favorite pillows and my ultimate favorite blanket (a quilt I quietly took from my mom's house that I always snuggled with when I was a kid. Shhhh! Don't tell her I have it!!) He closes the blinds, turns on the fan, tucks me in, and I settle in for the ultimate Sunday event.

So why, I ask, do I always feel so guilty? This is my thought process:

"I want to lay down. I reeeeeeeally want to sleep, especially with my blanket. Gosh - I kinda feel bad about taking that blanket. Nah. I don't really. I love it. But, I should be doing other stuff around the house -- like laundry, working on getting more business, picking up all the toys in the living room. Or I could be crocheting. I have Kennedy's blanket to finish, Brady's blanket to start. I really shouldn't nap..."

Guilt. A mother's guilt is non-stop. Chris has to *make* me lay down. I don't think I would lay down if he didn't make me. I'm so glad he does. It makes me feel just a *little* less guilty. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Snow Day!!!

2011-02-06T16:47:00.001-06:00

For the second time this year, we had a snow day in Louisiana. This go 'round, we got several inches and it was enough to actually play in it!! As long as I lived in Maine - I don't remember building a snowman. But yesterday -- I built a Louisiana snowman!

The kids helped for a little while, but lost interest and went in the yard to do their own thing.

It was a fantastic day filled with lots of special treats......

....and snuggles to keep warm...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Girls and make-up

2011-01-22T16:30:00.001-06:00

What are Saturday afternoons good for?

Nail polish.... And make-up.... And hair spray .... And lotion... And perfume... And lots and lots of giggles.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Things Kennedy says....

2011-01-22T08:34:00.001-06:00

Typically, my "Things Kennedy Says" posts are funny. She is hysterical and says the funniest things.

But this morning on the way to the Upward basketball game where Kennedy cheers, she completely caught me off guard.

Here is the conversation in the back seat between Kennedy and Skylar:

S: "Where is your dad?"

K: "He's in Mexico."

S: "Why? What's he doing there?"

K: "He's giving stuff to the kids there. They don't have much stuff."

S: "Is he giving it or selling it?"

K: "He's GIVING it. I love my daddy. He helps the world."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Year with Zoe

2011-01-19T23:23:00.001-06:00

It has been a year since Zoe was dropped off at our house for a trial run week. I think it's safe to say she's a LaPierre now.

It took a few months to adjust to her extreme hyper activity, but it turns out -- puppy Prozac is just what she needed! (Don't we all need a little Prozac every now and then!?)

She still has moments of pure insanity..... But Kennedy adores her. Her friends have taken a liking to her, too.

Yes - she annoys Brady every now and then when he wants "Zoe off couch, mommy!" But he loves on her and gives her scraps of food off the dinner table when Chris isn't looking....

And yes - she may follow me everywhere I go around the house... (and I mean everywhere!! Bathroom, office, upstairs, kitchen... She must be by my side if I'm moving around) BUT -- can you resist that face?

And when I finally settle down at night, she nestles in for a nap.

Or maybe sprawls out on the floor showing off her "fine China."

No matter how you look at it -- we are so happy to have Zoe in our family.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Honor Roll

2011-01-18T23:50:00.001-06:00

Straight A's!! My sweet girl is so smart. She may be a sassy little thing, but she can buckle down and get serious when she wants to. She was honored at school today for her second nine week report card of all A's AND she met her Accelerated Reader goal. That means she read a predetermined number of books, took a test on each book, and accumulated the points to reach her goal!

And to celebrate -- I took her to her favorite ice cream shop for a scoop. What good is a free coupon if you don't use it right away, right?

The funniest thing is she picked a flavor called "Love Potion #31"... it was filled with raspberry flavors and chocolate chips.

As she devoured it on the way home, my witty little daughter looked at me with love in her eyes and said, "Oh yeah. This love potion is definitely working on me! ....... Wait, what IS a love potion?"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Reflections on 2010.....

2010-12-31T16:20:00.005-06:00

I blinked and this year was over.

I remember last New Years Eve - getting ready to go to Eric's house for a small get together of friends. We called it "Let the Games Begin in 2010." It was a low-key, wine-drinking, Wii-playing kind of night.... :)

That was before Eric and Leann were married. Now they're happily hitched with a baby boy on the way, due in February.

It's funny how much can change in a year. Last year, Brady was a tiny little one year old. (Okay, wait.... he's never really been tiny). Now, he's talking more, loves to count, point out colors, and regularly asks to "talk a Nina" on the phone.

Kennedy was a pip squeak in kindergarten. Now, she's a sassy first grader who I can tell is going to give me a run for my money. Her sass can only be matched by her mama... and that's the problem. She's a mini-me. Yikes. Jumping shirtless on the neighbor's trampoline.... taking a quick squat to pee in the field next to our next door neighbor's house... these are things you don't expect a six year old to do. Yet sweet Kennedy has shamelessly done both these things.

Chris got a promotion this year... And I took a completely different job working from home so I could have more time and be involved with the kids and their schools. It's been a very busy year and I expect it to only get busier in 2011 with sooooooooooooo many babies being born.

We'll get a new addition to the Skinner family..... NO, NOT ME!! My sister is having another little girl. And I'm getting my very own adhoc goddaughter when Susie and Ford welcome a little girl from Columbia to their family.

Lots to look forward to next year!

As far as 2010 goes, it was a very good year. The hardest part was losing my sweet puppy Roscoe. I think of him often and even tear up every once in a while thinking of all that we had been through together. But with the addition of Zoe, life goes on in our house. Our family has completely fallen in love with her.

Overall, we were extremely blessed this year. I am thankful for my healthy family, fantastic friends, good jobs for me and Chris, two entertaining and lively kids, and the most loving husband a girl could ask for....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My heart is already warm.

2010-12-18T10:31:00.001-06:00

This morning, we are on our way to do one of my favorite things as part of the holiday season. We are delivering a box of food to a family in need. We did this last year as part of The Simple Church missions, which is Chris' volunteer job at church.

So we're pulling into line to get our address for the delivery and I said, "Oh... This just warms my heart!"

Kennedy's response: "My heart is already pretty warm."

We all laughed so hard. And then, just when I think she doesn't "get it" -- she takes put her coin purse, pulls out $2 and says she wants to give the family some of her money.

I love how big her heart is.......

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Crochet

2010-12-14T01:20:00.001-06:00

With the inspiration of my nanny in mind (my great-grandmother on the Gardner side of my family) -- I taught myself how to crochet. ((Okay, okay. That sounds like I just figured it out on my own. I watched YouTube repeatedly!!))

One of my favorite blankets is an afghan that my Nanny made. And since my mom won't hand it over, I decided to learn how to make my own treasures. But before plunging into a massive blanket, I started small. A tiny scarf.

I picked the perfect shade of purple yarn for my sweet girl. When she realized I was making her a scarf, she squealed in excitement! She asked everyday if it was ready. Finally last weekend, I finished it. She wore it around the house that morning, but when we were finally ready to leave for church -- she didn't have it on. I asked why she wasn't wearing it, she replied very matter-of-factly... "I just don't want to."

So much for the excitement.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Update

2010-12-08T19:40:00.001-06:00

It's been way too long --AGAIN -- since I've written here. I only thought I would have more time with my new adventure. Unfortunately, I am busier and more stressed. I am hoping that once I really settle in - it will be calmer. The thing about sales is that when I'm not working, I'm not getting paid. Soooo -- I work ... constantly. At a salary job, it's no big deal to take a break, have a few slow days.... no biggie cause the checks keep coming. Ha!

Thanksgiving flew by and now we're just a few week from Christmas.

This is my favorite picture from Thanksgiving. All the grandbabies. :)

Our house is decorated and ready for the holidays.

And we started the Elf on the Shelf tradition this year. "Sparkie" has been hiding all over the house!

Oh... And I taught myself how to crochet.

Just the usual insanity!!!! :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Things my kids say.....

2010-11-20T14:54:00.001-06:00

Scene: Chris is playing in the living room with Brady. Kennedy and I are sitting at the table.

She looks at me, and referencing her brother, she says: "Daddy should be careful. Brady has a clemency to bite ."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

In love

2010-11-09T21:26:00.002-06:00

I totally fell in love with my son again tonight. From time to time, one of the kids will do something that simply brings me to tears. Tonight, it was Brady who stole my heart.

After running to me when I picked him up from school, he gave me the biggest hug... EVER. You know... the kind where you wrap your arms really tight around someone's neck? Then in the car on the way home, Brady innocently looked and me and asked, "Mommy, daddy cooking?"

Note to self: MOM. MUST. COOK. MORE.

Honestly, I think he said that because Chris cooked last night and I kept telling him that daddy was cooking. Mmmm hmmm... Yes, that's my story. :)

Then, when I asked for a kiss tonight... I got a bonafied, REAL lip smacking kiss. You know how when kids are little they put their mouth to your cheek and just go "Mmmmmaaaaah!" There's no smack... just a sound effect.

Well tonight, I got smack. It was THE sweetest moment of my day.

Kennedy's BFF(L)

2010-11-08T21:43:00.001-06:00

Kennedy has totally bonded with a new friend, Kaitlin (seen here on the far left at 50s day). They play together, write notes to each other, they want to start a Book Club together.

Of course, it helps that her mom is wonderful. She's real. Very easy to talk to.

This week, we had Kaitlin in the car and they were discussing their friendship status. They decided they were BFFL. Best Friends. For. Life.

Sweet.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Halloween!!

2010-11-07T23:59:00.001-06:00

I love this time of year. It's getting cooler. The holidays are approaching. And winter snuggles are THE best.

Halloween kicks off the fall and we had a blast this year. Brady was just as much into Trick or Treating as Sissy.

She chose a ninja costume. B wanted to be his super hero Buzz Lightyear. I (reluctantly) decided to not coordinate their costumes this year. Turns out, it was best for everyone. No pouting!! Yay!

Our Hardy friends joined us for the neighborhood trick or treating. Dads stayed home and watched the game and drank beer... uh, I mean -- they passed out candy to the kids in our neighborhood.

The adults had a party, too! Midway to Mardi Gras party was 70s. Us girls and our husbands (who were very good sports) were the kids from The Brady Bunch. Can't you tell? Cindy, Marsha, and Jan? So fun....

And our porch needed some decor as well. Carved pumpkins and Kennedy's clown pumpkin from school. And yes -- those are deer antlers coming out of the head. Kennedy got those on her trip to the camp with Nina and Papa.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My life now

2010-11-07T22:06:00.003-06:00

What a whirlwind this past month. I will upload photos from Halloween, Kennedy's 50's day at school and some other goodies... (now that I have a new camera battery charger).

My mom and sister have commented that I am just as busy, if not BUSIER, now than I was when I was at LSUS. Well, yes. I think it's true. The reason is that now, time is money. Being on a commission basis means ... no work = no pay. Having a salary allowed me to have a little downtime and it wasn't that big of a deal... cause I'd still get a paycheck. :)

So, if a client says they're interested in coming up with some gift ideas for their employees - I try to get back to them the same day, even if it's after "business hours." If I don't help them, they'll go somewhere else and I'll never get their business again!!

I am happy to report sales for the month at $50,000+!! Of course that wouldn't have been possible without leads from Jean.

So here are some misconceptions about working from home:

1. It's easy.

No... it is not easy. I don't feel like I want to sit on the couch now... but I do feel like if I don't take a shower first thing in the morning - it won't happen. There have been several days where I look up and it's 3:00 and Kennedy is coming home from school .... and I never even washed my face. There is just SO MUCH work, that I have to get cleaned up first thing.

2. I have more time now for other things.

Well, I make time. I could realistically just work round the clock, as I imagine many sales folks do. But I sign up for stuff at Kennedy's school, I volunteer to be the parent on the field trip. I agree to be Room Mom. ... because that's the reason I took this opportunity. I could fill my day with sales, but I force myself to step away. But I don't have much spare time... as you can tell from my very limited blog entries...

3. You can set your own schedule.

Yes... that is true. I do set my own schedule. But there is not a regular routine like before. I knew that I had to get up every day at a certain time, leave for work by a certain time, I'd work out certain days of the week, get home at a certain time, etc. Now - it's up to me. That takes TREMENDOUS will power... which is why I am not working out as much as I'd like.

Things are different since Chris and I both work from home now. We see a lot more of each other now, which has been good in some ways... and an adjustment in other ways. I do truly miss the daily conversations with co-workers at the office, particularly seeing my BFF every day and knowing every detail about each other's days. That has been tough to deal with..

But there is more time now for snuggles, more time for me to spend at Kennedy's school, I have been able to cook (a little), we play outside in the evenings more, I get to help Kennedy with her homework....

So while the transition has been bumpy, I think it's all worth it.

Random Recent Photos....

2010-10-17T21:40:00.002-05:00

Our little Brady at a birthday party....

Cousins at the park!!

"Hey Mommy! Are you coming?"

Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyy... I snapped this picture of Kennedy at Old Navy. She was just too stinkin' sweet-looking. I'm not sure why she wanted to pose with this dog, but I just couldn't resist taking a quick pic.

Field trip with Kennedy and Mrs. Clark's class to Papa Simpson's Farm!

Fourth Half Marathon

2010-10-10T22:15:00.001-05:00

I coached my dear friend Scott through his first half marathon today. It was my fourth and, by far the most fun race.

Maybe it's because there was no pressure for me to finish within a certain time.

Maybe it's because someone else was relying on me to help him through.

Either way, we had a great time. Okay... Let me rephrase that. I had a great time. I hope he will look back on it (after the achy knees and tender muscles heal) with satisfaction.

Congrats Scott!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Tyler, Texas

An update... finally

2010-10-09T12:20:00.004-05:00

So much has happened these past two months. I have no decent pictures to show for it because in the midst of this big transition in my life, I lost my camera battery charger. So, I promise to make up for it with a ton of photos this fall. It's going to be a busy one, but I'm excited about the changes underway.

I haven't had a chance to write because I have been working my way out of my dream job at LSUS into a work-from-home sales/marketing job. (Huh? What? Why, you ask?) One word: my kiddos. I am getting choked up right now just typing this.

Okay... here's the deal folks. I'm a working mommy for sure. I could NOT be a stay at home mom. I do not have that gift of patience. I like working. I always have. I always will. BUT - these past 18 months, and even more intensely these past six months, I was working 50 to 60 hours a week on the university's website. It was the largest project of my career, by far. I had many meltdowns, but she is a BEAUTY. She launched and I can honestly say that it was one of the proudest moments of my career. In fact, most of my "proudest career moments" have come from my job at LSUS.

So why leave?

Because with this job, I was on call non-stop. I rushed around like a mad woman in the morning to get everyone ready for work/school. When I got home from work, it was a mad dash to cook dinner. MOST nights, Chris cooked because he works from home. Then, 30 to 45 minutes of time with the kids before bath and bedtime routines and in the bed they went. For some moms, that's not a big deal... but I grew up having my mom at home everyday when I got home from school. She chose the stay-at-home mom route, which meant she was always there for us. I have always wanted that, but wasn't sure how.

Then at a dinner party for our dear friend Scott, I sat across the table from my college sorority sister Jean. I had mentioned to her about a year before that if she ever needed help with Cayenne to keep me in mind. She owns Cayenne Marketing.... AND Painting With a Twist... AND is opening a "Twist" in Bossier in 2011. Apparently she always remembered that I said I was willing to help her, so we began talking about me coming on to manage most of her existing accounts since "Twist" was taking up so much time.

After a few weeks of discussion with her and Chris - I decided that while I did NOT want to leave my dream PR job, I DID want to have more time with my kids. So, I bit the bullet and turned in my resignation. It hasn't been an easy transition. I gave four week of full-time notice at the university and reluctantly agreed to work part-time a second four weeks to help train my replacement. (Remember me? The one who can't say no? That's me...)

So I started Cayenne part-time while I wrapped up LSUS part-time... launched the university website, packed up my office and headed to my card table desk for this new challenge.

It is not luxurious. I do not have tech support. I do not have an administrative assistant to process paperwork. I don't have maintenance assistance. BUT - I do have this.............

Two pint-sized assistants willing to answer the phone for me, scribble all over my notes, play with my post-it notes, and reinforce this not-so-easy decision. It has been a VERY bumpy ride, but I know it will be worth it.

I've already been able to go with Kennedy on a field trip with her class, coordinate a project for her teacher Mrs. Clark, and cook dinner once or twice. (Hey - it's a slow process, okay?)

So to our family and friends who keep up with us via this blog, I apologize for not updating as frequently as I like. I will do better going forward..........

What's going on?

2010-09-19T17:07:00.001-05:00

It has come to my attention (thanks to my sweet mother-in-law living in Maine who regularly checks our family blog for updates) - that I haven't updated in a looooong time. It's been almost a month since a quality update about what's happening in our lives. And there has been A LOT happening.

I am leaving LSUS. I'm starting a new adventure, which allows me to work from home. Right now - I'm doing both jobs. Kennedy started her fourth year of dance - this year, she chose jazz! She also had to switch teachers because if overcrowding. Brady is talking more and more everyday - and frankly.... he won't STOP talking! Chris and i started volunteering at our church, which we love!! I'm still in grad school, signed up and then dropped a sign language class with my friend Deanna after realizing that I had just a feeeeew things going on. I tend to overcommit myself. (My family is saying to themselves, "Uh huh!!")

So I promise to update on all of these things this week.... Ummmm, maybe next week.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T22:28:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Been Missing

2010-09-12T23:09:00.001-05:00

Yes..... It's been a while since I've posted, but life has been crazy.

An update is coming soon. I promise...........

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wordless Wednesday (with the BFFs)

2010-08-25T12:20:00.000-05:00

Prayer for Kennedy

2010-08-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

God protect my baby this school year.
Bless her as a student, a leader, and as a Godly friend.
May she be bold for you....
May she be your hands and feet to her friends and to those who don't know you each day.
Your loving hand be on her always.
Amen.

Last person......

2010-08-19T13:46:00.002-05:00

I just might be the last person on the earth to buy one of these things. But I am going to give it a whirl. I've been a Blackberry user for years now and I had decided to go with the new Blackberry Torch. But I am curious about this little gadget. There are so many things I have been accustomed to with the Blackberry. But as Susie reminded me, I'm a Democrat. Change is good.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T13:05:00.001-05:00

(Sometimes, Papa has to just give in and play hairdresser...)

May I Present........

2010-08-16T14:52:00.002-05:00

...the Royal Duchess, Susie Stinson! Yay Susie! My BFF was selected to be in the royalty of the Krewe of Justinian XVII! One of the perks of having a friend in the royalty? Parties!

With Chris out of town for the Red Sox game, I asked my favorite "guy guh" to escort me to this very high end occasion! We had an absolute ball!

And all of the duchess' best ladies were given masks to make sure we were dressed for the Masquerade Bal. We all looked very festive while we drank, danced, and celebrated the upcoming Mardi Gras season.

Deanna Hardy and me...

Shelley, Susie, and me... besties!

What a Fun Age

2010-08-15T15:43:00.001-05:00

For all the hype you hear about the "terrible two's" - there is soooooo much more that is fun at this age. Brady learns new words everyday - probably trying to keep up with his sissy.

Just in the last week, he started looking at me with the sweetest eyes and says: "Mommy, I hold you." My heart melts E.V.E.R.Y. time. I immediately scoop him up. He never wants to stay wrapped up in mommy's arms too long, but that's okay... I'll take every second I can get.

This weekend with my birthday, he enjoyed repeating "Haddie Buuuday!" over and over and over. Anything he sees that is colorful that might, possibly be birthday related - he points at it, squats down a little bit and shouts.. "Haddie Buuuday!!!"

And once he got the hang of "Happy Birthday" - and heard the happy birthday song a few times, he started pointing to birthday things and says, "Haddie Buuuday HOOO HOOO!"

We figured out that he's trying to say "..to you.." - and we laugh and laugh and laugh.

Having a boy has been so much fun!

Summer is Over....

2010-08-14T14:32:00.000-05:00

Depending on who you ask in he LaPierre house, you'll get a myriad of responses to the phrase... "Summer is over." Kennedy, while exhausted from all her summer activities, was somewhat ready to get back to a routine. Brady, of course at daycare, didn't miss a beat. But Chris? He was ready for the return to normalcy (whatever THAT is) in the LaP's house.

It's not that he didn't enjoy Kennedy being home with him some weeks during summer break. It's just that he, bless his at-home-working-heart, was... well, trying to WORK. She didn't understand that daddy couldn't be interrupted every 10 minutes.

Sweet girl started first grade last week and, so far, loves it! She is sandwiched in between two boys (ewwww... yuck!) because they sit in alphabetical order. So it looks like she won't have to worry about getting in trouble for talking!

And since she has to wear a "borrrrrrring" uniform, she can add her own unique style with some hot pink, sparkly shoes. Work it!

And what a perfect opportunity to welcome the new teacher, Mrs. Barton, back to school with a little "treat" bag of Rice Krispie treats!

It's going to be a great year!

Big kids = big beds

2010-08-11T08:56:00.002-05:00

Since Kennedy is starting first grade this year, we knew the REAL homework would begin. And while I love our home (love, love, LOVE it) - the only downside is the small bedrooms for the kids. They're not TINY, but they don't have a lot of room for furniture. Once you fit a double or queen bed and a dresser, there's not much more room to play.... or put in a desk for homework. So we decided to get Kennedy a loft bed. You know... the kind that has the bed on top and desk underneath?

So we surprised her with this bed and she gladly helped her daddy put it together. Chris said she was a big help and he even let her screw in some of the pieces. She LOVES to help.

With Kennedy's queen bed now available, we decided to move it into Brady's room and skip the toddler phase of his bed and go right to the big boy bed. The ONLY reason I thought this might work (meaning Brady staying in bed) is because he gladly slept on a double bed with Kennedy when we were on vacation.

It seems strange to me that he (who just turned two this summer) went straight from a crib to a queen bed. But folks - let me tell you, it was the easiest transition. He does not get out of bed! Now, I must confess that he doesn't go down EASILY ... with ME! With Chris, he lays down, says "Night night, Daddy" and talks himself to sleep. With me, it's all tears and "Mommy, sleep here. Lay down." I have to get Chris in there every time.

But as much as I'd love for him to go right to bed, it's sweet knowing that he still wants his mommy. At least one of my kids does!

And so as Kennedy starts first grade and Brady moves up to a big boy bed, I'm happy about the contentment of my family... but I'm also watching them grow up soooooo incredibly fast. Could I please slow it down a little?

In lieu of gifts.....

2010-08-09T12:55:00.002-05:00

For Kennedy's birthday party this year, I wanted to try something different. My sweet (slightly spoiled) daughter has everything she could ever want ... and YET - on many occasions, she asks for more. No matter what store we're in, she wants me to buy her something. We could be in a TIRE store and she'd ask for a pack of gum or candy.

(I suppose this is my fault because I like to buy her things now and then. But I guess I have been doing this too much lately. Shame on me.... )

So to help teach my daughter to have a giving heart, we decided to take a card from the Arnold playbook. I gently encouraged Kennedy to select an organization of her choice and on the birthday invitations, we asked that in lieu of gifts, her guests bring an item to donate.

At first, she was confused by the gesture. I had to explain that there are people out there that don't have toys. At this statement, her face dropped. She couldn't believe that there were people who (**gasp**) didn't have toys! That's all it took. My sweet girl understood what she needed to do. So we brainstormed together to determine WHO to donate to.

...School supplies for kids who don't have money to buy them...
...Basketballs to the YMCA...
...Baby supplies to the Providence House...
...Sports equipment to Rock Solid...

"Rock Solid?! Oh yes mom!! Pleeeeeease!"

Kennedy has spent several weeks at Rock Solid this summer, which is a non-profit, Christian-based camp for kids. They swim, play basketball, soccer, do craft projects. They do not sit in front of the TV or watch movies; they are not left to sit in a room with nothing to do; they play, play, and play some more. She LOVED it.

So we asked our guests to bring sports equipment like soccer balls, basketballs, or sunscreen, hula hoops, and bubbles.

Then, Kennedy and I packed it up and brought it to Shelley McMillian, who is one of the most amazing women I've met. She has such a sweet spirit and loves the kids who come to her camp. She is a dear friend of my mom's, which makes her even more amazing in my eyes.

I am so proud of Kennedy for taking on this idea and embracing it with all her little might. I think that giving heart is well on its way!