Stretching

A couple days ago after Trent, Hudson & I got home from running (Hudson likes to look at books or scenery in his stroller while we jog), Trent & I were both stretching. We looked up to realize that Hudson was trying to imitate our every move. I grabbed the camera to see if I could get a little on video. He repeats lots of words we say and mimics our actions. It makes me all the more aware of the huge amount of influence we have in his life.

Merry Christmas!

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord..."

Merry Christmas from snowy Texas! That's right, it was 71 degrees here on Wednesday, started snowing Christmas Eve and we had a white Christmas. The 3 inches recorded Thursday at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was the first measurable Christmas Eve snowfall since the National Weather Service began keeping records in 1898. According to the Weather Service, it has snowed on Christmas Eve only a couple of times, but not enough to officially measure.

We enjoyed a warm and cozy fire on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning! This picture is from first thing Christmas morning.

On a Christmas walk by our house today

***I posted a copy of our Christmas card at the top of the blog, but we actually just got 12 free cards from Shutterfly. They went to parents, grandparents and mostly older family family members. We loved getting Christmas cards (thanks to everyone who sent one!) and will maybe pick back up sending them out next year. 

Duck Drama

While at the lake a couple days ago, a little girl shared some bread with Hudson to feed the ducks. Hudson was ecstatic about it, so we decided to take a little video, but then things went south quickly. 

Some Texas Sun

While most of our family and friends are enjoying a thick blanket of snow, we are taking in some beautiful days in the 60s. We are not missing the snow and instead enjoying running around outside and playing without getting really bundled up. For us, all those sweltering days were worth it.

We spent the afternoon at White Rock Lake yesterday. There was a sailboat race while we were there.

watching some ducks

Playing in his church clothes

How You'll Normally Find Hudson These Days

Hudson is normally either playing with trucks...

or carrying a truck or two.

And he's generally happy.

An Early Christmas Present

I'm a little embarrassed that I'm posting a picture of a plate of food here, but filet mignon does not get made in our house very often. It is a huge treat! For Christmas, my sister and brother-in-law sent us a gift box from Omaha Steaks. Even with my poor meat cooking skills, the steaks still tasted delicious. What a fun gift idea!

Last night we tried "Spicy Filet Mignon with Grilled Sweet Onion" from Cooking Light, twice baked potatoes and roasted asparagus. We have a couple more filets and some other steaks left. Does anyone have any good steak ideas/recipes?

Food Boxes

This weekend we got the privilege of helping about 600 volunteers from our church pack a few thousand food boxes for people in need this holiday season. It was a great family activity as their were lots of ways kids could help out. Our family added boxes of macaroni and cheese to the boxes on one of the assembly lines.

A limited view of the production. There were 3 assembly lines.

In addition to adding food to boxes on the assembly lines, some people worked at special projects, like writing cards to the people/families who would be receiving the boxes or making ornaments for them.

Our family worked directly with Brian & his sister, Jenna (pictured below) on our task. Hudson loved being a big helper and handing the boxes of macaroni to Trent or Brian to then add to the box.

This is a neat high school girl, Jenna, that I've gotten to know a bit in Dallas. She loves kids and is a great singer.

Zach's dad was working next to us and Zach and Hudson enjoyed playing together. Zach is one of the boys I teach in preschool at our church once a week.

Breaking the Chill of Dallas

Last weekend, as the temperature was steadily cold in Dallas, we decided to make use of our fireplace. Trent & I have lived in 3 homes since we've been married-- Czech Republic, St. Louis, Dallas. From looking at the list of places, we would not have guessed that warm and sunny Dallas would be our house with a fireplace. Anyways, Hudson was amazed at the fire (from a distance) and has not stopped talking about it. At last 30 times per day over the last few days he has mentioned the "fireplace" or "fire" and always adds "Dada" before or after his word about the fire. Hudson and Trent built the fire "together" while I was making dinner. So, it seems like it was a special father and son experience. 

Once it was built, Trent and I enjoyed reading, drinking tea and eating cookies in front of the toasty fire after Hudson went to bed.  

Trent's excited because he thinks Hudson's fascination means he has a future camping partner. I think he sounds like a pyromaniac running through the house, smiling and exclaiming "fire fire" all day. :)

June 4, 2010

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

This is my due date for baby #2!! We are absolutely thrilled at this little miracle that God is forming together even now in my womb. I spent the first trimester not overly excited about this little blessing as I was much sicker this time than with Hudson. I stand in awe of the women who are sick the whole time and carry on thankful for the baby that's growing within them. I, on the other hand, was miserable and spent the majority of my time not feeling thankful. My selfishness became so apparent. 

Trent and I have been referring to this baby as "poppyseed" for the time being. When we found out I was pregnant (at 4 weeks along), the trusty internet said the baby was the size of a poppy seed. We have our big ultrasound on Jan 4th (the day after our 6th wedding anniversary) and are planning on finding out the sex again.

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments." Psalm 103:17-18

 

We're Going to the Gator Bowl

After WVU's win over Rutgers Saturday and Cincinnati squeaking by Pittsburgh, the Mountaineers were offered--and accepted-- an invitation to the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL. Better yet, it looks like the 3 of us are going to get to spend New Year's in Florida cheering on the Mountaineers with my family.

The Harder Side of Traveling

As you know from my previous post, we had an awesome time visiting family and friends in WV last week. We were so glad that we got to go for more than a week, especially since we're staying in Texas for Christmas. But, we are learning that there is a harder side of traveling with a kiddo in tow. 

Hudson does not sleep well outside of our house. He thrives on his schedule and routine we stick to at home, but gets cranky when his routine is thwarted. I don't blame him. I go downhill fast without the amount of food and sleep my body is used to getting. He also got a cold soon after we got there (maybe from taking his pacifier out of his mouth on the plane, rubbing it all of the tray table and putting it back into his mouth...gross I know, but really whatever keeps him quiet and content on a plane). I felt horrible bringing a sick child to houses full of family, especially because there were 2 new little cousins there (one only 1 week old!). 

The first day when we got back was rough with lots of disciplining as we had to remind him that he doesn't call the shots (mean mom, I wouldn't let him eat chips for lunch), not getting his pacifier outside of his crib, etc... While we're away, it seems that he gets to whine and we all cater to his desire whatever it might be. 

He's back to his mostly lovely self here again. I wish family got to see what he's like at home after being well-rested, eating normal meals and knowing the rules. Maybe he'll travel a little better next time or maybe we'll be better parents of him while on the road. Whatever the case, it's a small price to be able to visit with ones you love.

Thankful

We have so much to be thankful for this year. We got back last night from over a week of visiting with family and friends in West Virginia. I took a few pictures, but they certainly don't highlight all the great people we got to see and fun times we had. 

Thanksgiving with Trent's immediate family...can't see everyone in these pictures

A kid's table

Nana asking Hudson & Zoey where their bellies are

Hudson & his cousin closest to his age, Zoey. They played well together.

Hudson loved sitting on the four wheeler. I was a strict mom and only let him sit on it, not ride it. He didn't know the difference though and loved steering.

with Uncle Chad, Jack & Andrew

Trent with his first cousin's on his Dad's side (all but one are there)

the great-grandkids on Trent's Dad's side of the family...can you find Hudson

Hudson & Grandpa (my Dad)

with my Dad & stepmom

Hudson built his first big tower

Hudson loved this kitten. My stepmom and I thought we could get a nice picture of Hudson & the kitty in front of the tree, but this is the best we came up with.

A huge highlight of the week was when Trent surprised me with a night at Stonewall Resort. Hudson stayed with Trent's parents while the 2 of us enjoyed our night away. We got married in the lobby of Stonewall and had our reception in a ballroom there. It was fun to reminisce of the start of our marriage. I also worked at Stonewall for the first year after I graduated college.

The only picture that we took (& it's not a great pic) was when we went hiking on one of their hiking trails after a bountiful breakfast at their main restaurant, Stillwaters.

Relaxing in Morgantown

Hudson & I have spent the weekend at my Dad and Stepmom's house. It has been absolutely lovely! We all raked leaves. Hudson loved helping by picking up leaves and putting them in a bin. There are also some cats here and boy does Hudson love to cats. He pats them a little, but mostly just loves going on hunts for them and squeals in delight when he finds one.

The picture above is of my dad and Hudson. My dad read Hudson a book and he got so excited he spilled his cereal on my dad's lap.

We're heading down to Trent's parent's house today. Trent is leaving Dallas today with his brother & they're driving up here. They should be here tomorrow! We can't wait to see him!!

Labor Day

Trent's parents just sent us some pictures from when they visited us over Labor Day. So, I thought I'd post some. 

At White Rock Lake not far from our house. The lake has a 9 mile trail around it and we go often to run or walk. There are also some playgrounds, which is a great treat for Hudson after sitting in the jogging stroller for awhile. 

We were both able to run in a 5 mile race since Trent's parents were here to watch Hudson. It was great fun! When we're both in a race, I love when it's an out-and-back, so I get to see speedy Trent run by. Trent got 3rd overall and I think I got 3rd in my age group (if I'm remembering correctly).

Hudson & Papaw

Trent's mom took us out to a neighborhood theater while Trent's Dad watched Hudson. We were surprised when we got home to find a birthday cake & balloons for us (Labor Day is right in between our birthdays). Hudson loved playing with the balloons!

This is actually from the summer-- Trent with his dad and brother.

also from the summer, but was too fun not to post

also from the summer, but since he loves this tractor and took it to church with us this morning & was trying to secretly get it into his crib at naptime (which I acted like I didn't notice and he is now sleeping soundly with his beloved), I decided to post this picture too

also from the summer, this boy just has a passion for anything that goes

We are going back to WV for Thanksgiving and will get to see lots of family next week! We are super excited and looking forward to meeting 2 new nephews (one was just born on Sunday!) as well as seeing all of Trent's family and my Dad & Stepmom. Unfortunately, we won't get to visit with either of my sisters. There are now 19 people in Trent's immediate family (with still more on the way) and I think we'll all be together! How fun. In his extended family (just grandparents, aunts/uncles & 1st cousins), there are 61 on his dad's side and 38 on his mom's side. We'll also get to share Thanksgiving with most of them!

Hudson & Hudson

Last night Trent & I watched another little boy named Hudson. It was so fun to watch how they interacted with one another. Our Hudson scowled at the other Hudson a fair amount when he was playing with his toys or sat in my lap to read a book. It's a hard lesson to learn to share. Thankfully, he did stop giving him the evil eye after a bit and seemed to be okay sharing. The other Hudson seemed delighted to have lots of new toys to play with. We were delighted to have him over. By the way, this Hudson's mom's name is Emily and his dad works at the church with Trent!

Since the last post was about the WVU game, I thought I'd say we did watch the game. I was surprised that it was as close as it was. For anyone else that watched it, we were also surprised by the overturn of the call to give Cincinnati the 2nd touchdown. There did not seem to be indisputable evidence like is needed to overturn a call on the field. Oh well. 

Let's Go Mountaineers!

We have our game day shirts on and we're ready for the WVU vs. Cincinnati game tonight. Actually, we are normally pretty optimistic fans, but Cincinnati is ranked 5th right now and looking hot, while we have not been looking so hot. We'll see. We will be cheering the Mountaineers on from Texas though.

What John 3:16 and the ABCs Have in Common

Hudson is learning both of them! He loves to practice the hand motions of John 3:16. They go over it at church every Sunday in his nursery class and we do it at home often. The only word he says of it is "God", so he often says it several times during the verse. He also will walk up to Trent and I and say "God" meaning I want you to practice my verse with me. 

He's so focused when he practices the ABCs.

ABCs continued...listen for Hudson's "w"...it's so cute. Hudson does give a little fist-pump at the end. 

Feast Your Eyes...

...on one handsome little boy! We finally got a new camera and loved snapping lots of photos of our cutie yesterday. Don't let the jeans and sweater or jacket fool you, it's been upper 70s/low 80s, blue sky and sunny everyday this past week! We just went to the playground early yesterday morning and later last night when it was cooler. 

wanting to try the big kid swing after watching an older boy on it

he's saying "cheese" here

He often counts "1, 2, 3" before going down the slide. The words aren't clear, but you can really hear the intonation of the counting (& realize how we often say it with the same intonation.)