Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Four More Days... and a New Perspective...

I can't believe that we're only a few days away from Christmas. This year has gone by so uncomfortably fast.
Ever since I've had kids, my feelings get so tender around this time of year. I think about Mary and all that she had to have gone through mentally during her trek to have Jesus. I think about our Heavenly Father and his love for his Son that he sent down to do what he did for all of us. I think sometimes, the latter hits my heart more. Mainly because I really don't think that I could have done it. I've had my Abraham and Isaac experience and I really struggled with what my choice was... anyway, it makes me even more grateful for our Heavenly Father and his love for all of us.

The boys wanted to go outside so badly today. We went through the timely process of getting them all dressed for the cold and they went on their merry way. As I watched them, I got all choked up. They see everything with so much excitement. The world is their giant play ground. While as they play, I'm constantly looking for what's around them that could or would hurt them. TOTALLY the Mama bear mentality.
I took my camera out and I got a few pictures that I love. I will forever look at those pictures and remember the joy they found running around in that watery snow. It wasn't great snow. We couldn't have built a snowman out of it, but they didn't care. They loved it all... I'm trying to find the good in the world every day. Most days I'm just wishing I could go back in time and my kids could grow up when I did... I hate that I think that way.... today gave me the opportunity to notice what I'm needing to change. To me, that's seeing the world through a child's eyes...even if through mine, there is a LOT more caution, I hope I can succeed at seeing the good around me and recognizing every day for what it is... a gift :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!




Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Current Happenings....

I have a few excuses as to why it's been such a gap in between posts. One, and the MOST stressful part of my last two months, was that our computer crashed. It was a joke. I had two weddings and eight family photo shoots on the hard drive. Luckily, I had backed them up. But still. It made me sick, still does, to even think about it.
Second, my photography business has kept me super busy... so doing anything but editing has been my life. I'm not complaining, just saying :)

So, since my last post, a Thanksgiving has passed....
The Applegate side of the family always has a "Gate Gang Turkey Bowl" the morning of Thanksgiving. It's ALWAYS a blast. It was quite a difference not having Cam there, but Dad's smack talking surly didn't ease up. I wasn't even a contender seeing as I let Dax and Wy bowl for me every other time. I think Kevin knew that I'd do that and took FULL advantage. He came in second, which is really first because Rich (my Mom's brother) doesn't count. He's a pro bowler and he wastes us all every time... anyway, Kevin was very pleased with himself.... we'll see how well he does when it's me against him... not him against a three and one year old.... :)
Here is the 2010 bowling picture....



Wyatt was SO excited about the whole thing...








My Mom and her Laurel class donated a Christmas tree to the Festival of Trees...so we went to go see it as well as all the others. I was pretty excited to show the boys all the trees...yeah, remind me to NEVER take them again. That was a JOKE. I will say there wasn't a tree that was dedicated to a newborn that died, that I didn't get choked up walking by. There were some really neat dedications. One tree went for 10 grand. THAT'S a lot for a Christmas tree, but at least it went to a good cause....




My Mom's tree decor and tree...



Dax admiring the Dino tree...

Probably the most exciting happening has been Wyatt's second birthday. Can you believe he is TWO?! I can't. It was SO FUN though. He could hardly believe all the presents were for him.

He had a Skate Board themed party. He loved the cake! He kept saying "MY skate board cake, huh Mommy."

The treat table....





Dax got a baseball helmet for his third birthday. Wyatt wore it a lot more than Dax ever did...but of course when he would wear it, Dax would decide he needed to wear it... Dubby got his very own helmet from Grandma and Grandpa Hair. He was thrilled!




Dax could HARDLY contain himself with joy at each of Wyatt's gifts. He even screamed out what we got him well before Dubby even got to it....

I think Wy consumed more sugar that night than in his two years combined...

My big two year old... where did the time go?!






He's had to sleep with his Tractor bike that Grandpa and Grandma horsey got him every night since his Birthday. He's also had to sleep in his "Racing Jammie's" (lightning McQueen pj's from Gram and Gramps alligator) The biggest fights come from who gets to ride the bike that Nina and Papa gave him and who gets to play with the remote control monster truck that we gave him..... After Dubby finished opening all his presents, Dax took Wyatt's face and said "I sure hope you will share with me Dubby"....and actually, he has been a very good sharer.... though, he's a lot more patient than I'd thought he'd be about it too.
That same night, during tub time, I asked Wyatt if he had a good birthday and he said "More Birthday" I think he enjoyed every second of his special day. Thanks to all who helped us celebrate!
We've been busy and happy all at the same time. I'm sure next week will only bring more memories to share. Until then......... ;)