Two houses

So the other day I was driving in the car with Logan and he starts to tell me about how God lives in Heaven. We get on the discussion that God can also live in our hearts.

L: But how can He live in two houses at once?
M: Well honey, He's God. God is everywhere and He can live in everyone's heart at the same time. That's just how awesome and powerful He is.

Fast forward two days...
We are at Tommy and Debra's and she is stretching her chest, where there is pain like a pulled muscle or some tension. Logan notices...

L: Oh Grana, that's where your heart is.
D: Yes Logan, that's where my heart is.
L: Jesus lives in your heart and He also lives way up there in Heaven (pointing up). He has two houses ya know.

Oh how I enjoy his literal sense and how he just "gets it" right now... so many questions to come in the future though! Isn't it neat how God calls us to have the faith of a child? Raising kids of my own, now I'm beginning to see why!

Friday Funnies- Because I Love You

Sorry for skipping last week... it's been a little busy around here!


Our son has become quite the manipulator and I don't even know that he knows how manipulative his words sound:

L:Mommy come play trains with me.
M: Hold on a minute honey, let me finish the ________.
L: But I need you to come play now.
M: Why?
L: Because I love you. (very serious here)

L: (In the bathroom and Jeff is helping him) I want mommy to come help me.
J: Why?
L: Because I love her.

L: Mommy I need you to help me with my shoes please.
M: You know how to do your shoes. Why do you need my help?
L: Because I love you.

These are just three of the many examples!!!
Really, it's very hard to turn down his requests when everything has to do with how much he loves me. Pretty precious I think.

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Riding his bike around the block the other day, I was following with the stroller. Many times he would get to going slower and say, "I can't do it!" and we stopped to have a talk.

M: Logan honey, you CAN do it. I have seen you and I'm so proud of you. Sometimes you will get stuck and you just have to say, "I can do it!" and try extra hard!
L: Ok mommy. Don't worry about me. I can do it! (oh, my heart was melting!)
We ride a bit more and I am continuously praising him from behind. "Way to go Logan," "Yay big boy," etc... Everytime he would slow down or come around a corner, he would yell, "I can do it! I can do it!" and then "Yay" when he made it! After awhile I guess my praising slowed down a bit because he really was doing so much better.
L: Mommy!!! (Yelling while trying to keep his head turned forward)
M: What, honey?
L: Say it!
M: What?
L: Say it?
M: Say what?
L: Say I'm so proud of you Logan!
M: Oh, I am SO proud of you Logan!!! You're doing a great job!

Oh how important it is to praise these little ones so that they can continue to say, "I can do it!" and "Don't worry about me mom!" I'll never stop worrying I guess, but it is sweet that his confidence is being built, right? These are moments that make me love my job even more!

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Doing a puzzle at the kitchen table, Logan dropped a puzzle piece and Dylan quickly picked it up and ran off.

L: Oh, no! Dylan took my puzzle piece. Dylan Grace, don't you ever do that again!!

hmmm.... wonder where he's heard that tone before?

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For school, Logan had to bring show and tell for objects that started with O. We did so by collecting items around the house and putting them into a show and tell bag the night before. I go to wake him up that morning for school and the first words of out his mouth...
L: Hi Mommy. Octagon starts with O too! (very excited!)
M: Um, yes it does. And good morning to you!
L: So we need to take the octagon off us my puzzle and put that in the bag too.

Really??? was he dreaming about the letter O or thinking about it so much that it had to be the first thing discussed that morning. I don't know about you, but my brain doesn't work that way when I get woken up!

and then I thought I'd take him to get cookies for that day's snack. I gave him the choice of Oreos or Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

L: I want the Oatmeal Raisin ones. I need to count them first.
standing in the aisle counting each one in the container- we realize we will need 2 packs
L: But mommy, some kids might not want the raisins, so we need to get plain oatmeal too.
M: (thinking, ok kid, whatever you say! who can argue with that thoughtfulness?)

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We are going to the dentist on Monday, so I'm sure there will be more to come next week. Pray for us please-- it's his first time... I know, apparently I'm a little late on this... oops!

5 Months!!!

I think I say this every month, but really???? 5 months has passed since Ryan was born!?!? I think that's just crazy talk, but just in case it's reality, let me update you on our little fella!

First of all, he is the sweetest thing and quite an easy baby! I am SO thankful that the Lord answered my prayer to spare me from the grips of another colic baby and I am thankful each day for the peace and comfort Ryan seems to be filled with! Onto where he is right now...

a whopping 22.5lbs!!! Yes ladies and gentlemen, our 5 month old weighs more than most 1 year olds! Everywhere I go people comment about his size and his cheeks... I mean really, you can't miss them!

Along with wearing 12mo clothing (still some things fit that are 9, but we're just trying to get the most use out of them at this point!) here are some other things he does/enjoys:

-jumping in his jumperoo
-tummy time (big improvement)
-watching mommy cook from his high chair
-eating (as if that's surprising!)
-playing pattycake
-standing holding our hands
-sitting up (on his own for a good 30+ seconds)
-reading books in mommy's lap
-holding his own toys
-eating his fingers (here come the teeth!)
-being held!
-sitting in his bumbo seat (mommy likes this one!)
He is quite the chatterbox, always cooing and waving his hands around. You can sit face to face with him and talk back and forth for minutes at a time which, I assure you, is quite precious! He hasn't rolled over yet, although he has made some full effort attempts at rolling from back to tummy (not the usual way to roll first) and I'm pretty confident he will achieve that way quite soon!

We have started with baby food, doing the homemade thing this time around. We are yet to try something that he doesn't enjoy, and though we still have lots to sample, success has been found with carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, cantaloupe, banana, and avocado (his favorite!). He is really getting good at watching all that's going on around him, following us from one room to the next.

His favorite thing to do is watch Logan!
Here he is watching him build Lincoln Logs with Grandpa:

The "newness" of baby brother has NOT worn off for Logan one bit and Ryan doesn't ever seem to mind!

Happy 5 months to our sweet baby! We love you Ryan!

Friday Funnies

Well, it's Friday once again... here are some conversations that we've held this week!

We've been making smoothies as an afternoon snack and I'll admit, one day we were out of bananas and the other fruits mixed together made one tart smoothie. So the next day...

Me: When we get home bud I'll make a smoothie for us to share.
L: No mom, let's just go to Sonic and get a good slushy. You don't make very good ones.
M: Well, I know yesterday's wasn't so great, but I bought bananas and I promise today's will be better.

Me: Sonic ones aren't very healthy anyway. We need to make ones that will build your bones big and strong.
L: Mom, I don't eat bones. I'm not a dog!

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I made spaghetti the other night with mushrooms... something new.

L: What is this in my schetti?
M: Oh, it's a mushroom.
L: I don't like mushrooms.
M: Well, you don't know that so I want you to try it...

We then had a short ordeal to get him to taste one, in which he did and then proceeded to spit it out in pure disgust. So, the next night when we had leftovers....

L: Mommy I want schetti for dinner. Please don't put marshmallows in it this time.

I had to think for a moment... oh, marshmallows=mushrooms! :-)

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Logan has been experimenting with the real meaning of the word proud. Most of the time when he uses it, it is used correctly, but...

M: Logan, please put your shoes in the basket like you are supposed to.
L: Ok mommy. I'm proud of you for telling me that.

huh???? maybe we need to work on it a bit more!

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Me: Who loves husky? (his stuffed animal)
Jeff: Nobody does... (teasing)
Logan: Yesbody!!! Logan does!

Is 'yes'body a word if 'no'body is? Maybe we should contact Webster!

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Hope you're having a blessed week!

Friday Funnies- The first of 2010

I'm in the kitchen cooking and Logan comes in:

L: (whispering like it's a secret) Mommy I have to tell you something.
M: Yes (a little worried)
L: Ryan stinks!

Yes, literally... he had a poopy diaper!

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Logan's about to go to bed. He tells Jeff he has to go tell me goodnight first.

L:Mommy, I have a couple of things to say.
M: What's that honey?
L: I really don't think I should go to bed. I think it would be a better idea if I just played with my trains quietly.
M: Well, that would be fun honey, but it's really a better idea to go to bed.
L: Ah man. Ok. Goodnight.

(If only it was always that easy to convince him that his idea wasn't as good as mine!)

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Logan's eating some almonds at the table while I'm making lunch.

L: Oh my goodness mommy, almonds come with instructions! (very excited voice)

I was a bit confused so I go over to the table... he was reading the back of the bag, ya know, the "instructions"!

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So my goal of 2010.... to start writing these things down, because each week I sit down to write these and my mind goes blank!

Christmas Part 2

We packed up the van and left nice and early on the 26th to get to Gordon for the Strain/Grace Christmas. It was the first time in a long time (longer than I've been a part of the family anyway) that we were able to get ALL the siblings, cousins, etc. together for a holiday. Muna and Papa were so thrilled to have such a full house and we really enjoyed ourselves!

On Christmas Eve that area got roughly 8 inches of snow. There was still enough there to play in when we got there two days later!

Snow Fun!

Throwing a snow ball at me, while I'm taking the picture!
What a precious snowman... his first ever!
Pecan eyes and a carrot nose... and we did add arms later!


Margaret, Jeff's cousin's little girl, just turned one and we finally got to meet her. How cute is this little red head?

Logan was quite fond of her

And she was quite fond of baby Ryan
Her trademark pose... she did this every time she got up!
Precious!!
Baby smiles!
Five of Tommy and Debra's favorite people!
Opening their calendar--
I love giving these as gifts each year!
Jeff and his Papa... the only grandson!

An attempt to get a picture of the three great-grandchildren
You can see how successful that was! :-)

After lunch and dinner there we headed to Graham for the next two days. We arrived late at night, but that wasn't going to hold off any present opening!

The first thing he saw... the new John Deer tractor!
Rode it into the kitchen and then had to attach the trailer!

Once we convinced him that it was too cold (and way too late) to go outside and really ride it, we got on with the rest of the presents.

This is the "please just let me open them without having to look at the camera" smile!
Sing-Along on DVD... after the VHS tape had seen its better days!
Pure excitement... more Gorilla mountain pieces!
His words, "Oh wow a saber-tooth tiger!"

Again, memories of my childhood, playing this game!!
Logan calls it "Very Hungry Hippos!"
When we played the next morning, Ryan was very interested
Watching his big brother


Tummy time for Ryan
Never alone for too long
Precious kisses
and hugs!

The tractor was for the boys to share in the years to come and here's Ryan finding a good place to sit.
Along for the ride!

Don't worry! We didn't really let Logan drive him around! It was way too bumpy and the tractor really does go quite fast! Good times ahead for those boys though!

Jeff and I headed home on Monday and Logan stayed with Grana and Papa until Saturday. From what I've heard, very little time was spent away from his tractor... no matter how cold it got! I'm thinking they're getting their money's worth with that one! And I'm pretty sure he thanked Grana and Papa for it at least 100 times that weekend!

That's how we wrapped up our holidays! As you can see, it was full of excitement, great family and lots of quality time together! How blessed we are!

Christmas Part 1

So, I'm trying to get you caught up with how we wrapped up the year. Christmas began for us on Christmas Eve at my parents' house. We ordered pizza for dinner and then opened presents.... and WOW, it was a little insane, but I can assure you that Logan didn't mind.
Take a look at the tree BEFORE we arrived!
Don't worry...
that's not all for the boys. It's for Jeff, my brother and me too! :-)


Logan and Uncle Mike
All the boys in the office playing trains.
And this is how we play trains...
all of them lined up together,
which makes turning and not derailing very difficult!

And then we started opening presents and in the words of my brother, Logan was "high on life!"

Happy about Stuart Little!

Ever seen a bigger Lincoln Log set?
Oh, the memories of playing these with my brother!!!

His first fitted cap... and it's OSU!

An entire Toy Story gift bag:
movie, character figurines, a Buzz shirt, Buzz and a blanket!

And this is when it got really exciting!
Sir Topham Hat...

and Duncan!

Seriously, he probably would have been totally satisfied with these two things. I wish I had had a video camera because he was jumping up and down in excitement!!!


We tried to get some of Ryan as I opened his gifts, but he was pretty much done for the day!

The boys got matching shirts... very fitting!
And a squishy truck...

but as you can see he was falling asleep sitting there!

Later that evening, after the rest of us exchanged presents (while Logan was in the office playing trains) we took Logan outside for his gift from Uncle Mike. It sure was cold, but he didn't mind one bit!

A new "big boy" bike with training wheels!

Can we say "happy"?!?!

I forgot what they used to call this... "riding duo"??
Anyway, I think Uncle Mike was a little big to do any real peddling!

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Christmas Day

We got home late on Christmas Eve and really hoped that meant Logan would sleep a little later. Hey, you can hope, right?? Well, he didn't!! Up bright and early we made our way down for the gifts from us and Jeff's grandparents.

I have to say, I LOVE watching this kid get a gift! He gets SO excited over some of the littlest things and is always so appreciative with thank yous galore!
I mean, really, look at that face!
There was a bag of 5 dinosaurs
and he got this excited over every one!

Very seriously, saying, "I think I know it's something special!"
Opening his 3rd gift from us

His big gift, from Muna and Papa, Jeff's grandparents.
Cranky the Crane!!

Ryan in a basket, with Logan's new husky
And, don't worry, Ryan got a present too!
A new jumperoo!


Trying to figure out the pieces and the sounds


After playing, lunch and a nap, my parents and brother came over for our full Christmas dinner. My dad fried a turkey and it sure was delicious!

All the guys in the garage
Little Santa... he's got the cheeks for sure!

Logan got a big wheel from Grandma and Grandpa!
Again, the memories of being a kid and now my kid having the same toys!

Logan and Uncle Mike

Mommy and Logan

Ryan got a Radio Flyer Racer
Ummm... maybe not yet, but I'm sure it won't be long!
Until then, Logan thinks it's cool! :-)

Some attempts at a family photo!
Not nearly as painful as the Thanksgiving attempt and there was no crying this time, so that's definitely an improvement! I thought they came out pretty well!

A couple extra holiday photos:

We left bright and early on the 26th for Gordon and then Graham to do our Christmas with Jeff's side. That's going to have to be a post of it's own though as this one is already in the race for longest post in history of blogger! So, stay tuned for "Christmas, Part 2"

ALVIN!!!

The week of Christmas, I took Logan to see his first movie. He had never seen the first Chipmunks movie, had no idea who they were, but my friend Mandy was taking her kids and invited us along. So, my mom watched Ryan for the day and off we went!
Just FYI: I have never seen a movie on opening day,
but for my son....

This kid LOVES popcorn!

Logan with Johnny, Hana and in the dark, Mandy and baby Lila!Yes, Mandy came with all three of her kids and I got my mom to watch Ryan. I'm just not quite as easy-going as she is I guess... or is it bravery???

We had such a great time! He did so well for his first time and though he did start to get fidgety after the first hour, he didn't even get a nap that day, so I have no complaints!

Well, since we've been off the Friday Funnies for the last couple of weeks, let me share something funny he said after the movie. We were getting ready to leave and I said to Mandy, "Wow, he's hyper!" as he was running around the lobby of the theater.
Then I said, "Logan, get over here right now."
His response, "But mommy, I want to be a hyper!

A Visit from Aunt Maureen

At the beginning of December, my Aunt Maureen came to visit. We had a fabulous time with her and I'm so glad she got to spend some good time with the boys. She was even in town for Logan's school Christmas program, which was such a blessing!

My aunt and me

Since she was here, she wanted to give Logan his Christmas presents early...
lucky boy!
This toy is AWESOME and he loves it!
It teaches him how to write his letters and draw shapes, is easy to take along with us and he really enjoys it. They played for quite some time once we got it out of the box!
Aunt Maureen and Ryan

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The night of the program

Logan waiting with his classmates before going on stage

This is pretty much what we saw from him the whole time.
He did sing some, but he was very interested in all that was going on around him and all the kids on stage with him. It was entertaining for sure!

And no, this is not supposed to be a picture of anyone else, but if you look closely you can see his blue pant legs and his hands down at the other kid's knees!
That's right friends, he decided at some point
that he wanted to sit down!
Oh, the actions of a 3 yr old! Haha!

Pictures after the program

With Aunt Maureen, in front of his art work on the wall.

Aunt Kelley drove in for the night just to watch this!
What a great Aunt she is!

Oh how he loves his Grandma!

And this just might be the cutest thing of the night.
These two just enjoy each other so much... Logan has talked about Lilly since his first day of school.

Grandpa stayed home with Ryan that night
because he had RSV. So sad he missed the show,
but what a great Grandpa and Dad he is!

Playing with his Christmas stacking blocks...
so simple and he loved them this year!

Anadarko Christmas

In early December, Jeff's company held an amazing Christmas party for employees.
Here is the only picture of Jeff and me from that night.
Of course, it was on the night of the Big 12 Championship game (crazy game by the way!) so we spent most of the night in the sports bar area watching the game, but the food was awesome and there was plenty of entertainment. We got to see Roger Creager perform and though we didn't choose to participate in the casino fun, I'm thinking we may next year!


The following weekend, the company held a Christmas party at their offices for employees and their families. We have never gone before, but I can assure you we hope to go every year from now on. They had SO many different activities, many that appealed to older ages too. Logan had a great time- even though he would NOT go near Santa!

Decorating Cookies
Eating that yummy thing... oh how mommy wanted one too!
The boys in front of the tree...
taking these was quite an experience!


They even had a balloon artist and Logan chose a dog on a leash.
There was even a DJ and his assistants were elves!
So fun!

We feel very blessed that Jeff works for such a great company that treats their employees and their families so well. Praise God for this providence He has given us!

November in Pictures

I'm a little behind on postings,
so here is our November (with limited captions)
so I can get caught up.

Thanksgiving #1
Jessica's family!







Start of a movie
a little into the movie! :-)


First Haircut-
Not From Mommy

Before

During

After

Carousel Reward

Aunt Rachel's Visit

Sweet smiles!

'Pump it Up' Fun!



Thanksgiving #2
Jeff's Family

Makes me laugh...
The Strain and Grace men... and boys!

She made that yellow blanket... what a great moment!


Just precious!
4 generations!




Awww...

Meeting Lucas Todd
Which one's older???

Mixed Fan Shirt...
Gig 'Em+ Hook 'Em= Love 'Em Ya'll


Bedlam Gameday-
Wearing the Brighter Orange

Visiting Santa

Logan not real sure about this
but if brother will

A good picture, and then he was down!
Ryan alone
Then this was as close as he'd get!

Well, that was November... as brief as I can be!

Lowe's Build to Grow

Totally free bonding time!!
Love it!

Made a garage with Grandpa

A gingerbread house with Papa and Daddy


ummm... not sure! but he has fun!

He also made a pet treat holder this past Saturday with daddy,
but sorry, no picture!

If you don't know about this program, you need to try it out!
They give them an apron to keep and wear each time and then when they complete a project, they receive a patch to sew onto the apron. Logan has a great time, it's free and mommy gets some time at home alone with baby on Saturday mornings.
Check your local Lowe's... ours is every Saturday at 10:00am!

Moments that make us smile...

I walk into the room and this is what I see...

thankfully my camera was on the shelf right there!!


And... how cute is this?
Watching a movie with Grandpa!


And there is no coaxing for this... we see this 1000 times/day!
Sweetness, mostly because it's so genuine!
Pure joy!
I love this kid!

Holding his own bottle!!

Friday Funnies

Now that I'm doing these every Friday I am noticing how quickly each week goes by-- Crazy fast!!

Now onto the purpose of this post... to hopefully make you laugh and realize how absolutely awesome it is to be a mommy all day and listen to the things that come from a 3 yr old's mouth:

So, we are washing the van (yes, I know, the weather is not for washing cars, but my life is SO much better now that my car is not dripping dirt when it is raining!) and Logan is riding his bike around as if he is Thomas the Train... singing the theme song! I am on a step stool cleaning and then drying the roof and each time he comes to me he says...

"Trouble on the tracks! Move outta my way!"
Me: Ignoring him until he says please or excuse me
L: Finally realizes why I am not responding and says, "Excuse me, but you're in my way!"
M: I get down and let him pass.... with no response from him. SO

M: Logan, when someone does something for you, you are supposed to say thank you.
L: Thank you mommy
silence for just a moment and then...
L: Mommy, when someone says thank you, you are supposed to say you're welcome!

Don't you love being taught manners when that is in fact what you are trying to teach?

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Watching the Longhorns Volleyball game in the National Semifinals:

L:Mommy, all those people on tv are wearing Hook 'Em Horns
M: Yes, honey, that's the TX game on
L: That's not the Texas game (thinking that it is not football)
M: Yes it is honey, it's Longhorn volleyball
L: Oh, it is Hook 'Em Horns. Longhorn lollipop!

Obviously my kid has never heard of volleyball!

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Ryan has been sick with a respiratory virus for the last week and keeping Logan at a distance has been challenging to say the least.

Me: Logan, please don't kiss your brother's face. He is sick!
L: He's not sick mommy, he's beautiful!

4 Months!

WOW! I cannot believe this little fella is 4 months old already!

He is such a joy and I'm loving how much more he is interacting with us.
Stats: 18lbs 8.1oz, 27 1/4 inches long
He is off the charts in size and wearing 9 months clothing already!
Some pictures of our growing boy!

In his bumbo:

In his doorway jumperoo
Just chillin'


Some great things I love...

-The way he now follows us with his eyes wherever we go
-How easily he will go to anyone and sleep anywhere
-The way he nuzzles his face into his lovie when it is time for sleep...like it's just the way it's supposed to be
-How calm he is when Logan is "bothering" him...
or at least doing things that would bother me!
-His talking... he is such a chatterbox and I just
wish I knew what it is he is trying to say!
-His easy-going nature... he really does just go with the flow
and that has made life with a new baby so pleasant.
-How turning on the mobile immediately calms him
when he wakes up fussing.
-When he is eating and stops to look up at you... gives a huge grin with that bottle just sitting in his mouth-a true precious moment, that I happen to have on video!


Again, something I have said many times, is that Logan is such a great big brother. He always wants to be with the baby and is very sweet when he talks to him. He pretends that he can understand his chatter and conversations between them usually go something like this...

L: Oh, brother. What do you want to watch?
R: cooing
L: Mommy, Ryan said he wants to watch Oso.
Right brother, you said Oso?
R: more cooing

L: Oh, baby boy, that's a good choice.
Mommy can you put Oso on for Ryan please and I will watch it with him?

I mean seriously, it doesn't get much cuter!!!!
Here is a photo and video of them in Ryan's crib together. Sometimes I can get 5 minutes to myself in the mornings or afternoons while Logan reads to, sings to, or just lays with the baby.



Ryan honey, you've brought so much joy into our home and into your brother's life. I always wondered how he would react when you arrived and all my hopes have been far exceeded. We love you so much. You are one tough little guy, having already battled swine flu and now rsv in your short life. I pray that we have a healthy holiday season with you as you continue to grow and bless our lives. We love you!