2013 is going to be a good year. I can feel it. And I know a lot of people laugh at resolutions, but I firmly believe in them. If you don't have any goals, you certainly won't reach them. Anyway, here is my first draft of my resolutions, or goals, for 2013. In no certain order.
Get fit. Like really fit.
Drop 15-20 pounds.
Play the guitar again/more.
Plug into something- find a group or cause I'm passionate about- commit to it and make a difference.
Stress less.
Travel more.
Do something amazing. Shockingly good. Maybe at work. Maybe with aforementioned cause.
Begin my 2nd authorial endeavor. (Start 2nd book).
Be bold. Speak truth. Put myself out there. Be a leader.
Know God more.
Laugh more.
Hurry less.
Move!
Love Bennett, Holden and Davis with all of my heart.
Be more compassionate.
And that's all for now. More to come. Looking forward to a new year and FRESH START.
12/30/12
12/28/12
Sweet Boy
Davis has said so many sweet things over this holiday break. I need to write them down (type them) so I can remember them. He is such a dear. He melts my heart.
On Christmas morning- I heard his feet pitter patter down the hall- and then I heard him pause...I thought he would say something like "Santa came!" or "Look at all the presents!" but instead he said, with a deep sigh, "The living room is SO beautiful..." And this he said simply to himself as Bennett and I were still scurrying out of our bed.
The other night, I was putting Holden to bed, and I had just explained to Davis that I wanted him to wait in the living room until I came back out. I'm rocking her, and her door is pushed open, and there is Davis, looking sheepish. "Davis. I want you to wait outside while I rock Holden..." Davis didn't skip a beat and said "I want to sing upta bupta to her..." and then he quietly and gently came over to the rocking chair and started 'twinkle twinkle' right at the upta bupta part. "Upta bupta world so high. Like a diamond in the sky..."
Yesterday, after going to the gym, he said "Mommy, I want to go to Old McDonald's because I'm bery hungry. Can you take me there?"
He also looked over and saw Holden all cozied up in her car seat, covered in a cozy pink blanket. He said "Mommy, can I have that blanket?" I said no, that Holden needed it and that he had a very thick coat. "Mommy, can I SHARE that blanket?" Again I said no, and that she needed a blanket. "Can you get me a blanket, mommy?" I don't have one for you, I said. He paused, stuck out his bottom lip and very sincerely said "That makes me bery sad, mommy..."
Today, on the way home he was talking so much and he said "When I get big (this is the new thing- talking about when he gets big) I'm going to have a big mawn mower and I'm going to be strong and brave and it's going to be hot and woud and you are going to touch it and it's going to burn your finger." I said "Oh, that's sad. I don't want to get burned..." and he then said "I will protect you. I will hold you in my arms."
I also asked him why Haley (a little friend in his class) was crying today. "Haley was crying because I was not done with my snack and she didn't have a spot..." to which, I said "It's hard to wait, isn't it?" "It's hard to wait if I'm opening presents" he said.
He also likes to caress Holden gently and said "I'm being bery nice to you. I'm being bery gentle..." in the sweetest, quietest voice.
I adore him.
On Christmas morning- I heard his feet pitter patter down the hall- and then I heard him pause...I thought he would say something like "Santa came!" or "Look at all the presents!" but instead he said, with a deep sigh, "The living room is SO beautiful..." And this he said simply to himself as Bennett and I were still scurrying out of our bed.
The other night, I was putting Holden to bed, and I had just explained to Davis that I wanted him to wait in the living room until I came back out. I'm rocking her, and her door is pushed open, and there is Davis, looking sheepish. "Davis. I want you to wait outside while I rock Holden..." Davis didn't skip a beat and said "I want to sing upta bupta to her..." and then he quietly and gently came over to the rocking chair and started 'twinkle twinkle' right at the upta bupta part. "Upta bupta world so high. Like a diamond in the sky..."
Yesterday, after going to the gym, he said "Mommy, I want to go to Old McDonald's because I'm bery hungry. Can you take me there?"
He also looked over and saw Holden all cozied up in her car seat, covered in a cozy pink blanket. He said "Mommy, can I have that blanket?" I said no, that Holden needed it and that he had a very thick coat. "Mommy, can I SHARE that blanket?" Again I said no, and that she needed a blanket. "Can you get me a blanket, mommy?" I don't have one for you, I said. He paused, stuck out his bottom lip and very sincerely said "That makes me bery sad, mommy..."
Today, on the way home he was talking so much and he said "When I get big (this is the new thing- talking about when he gets big) I'm going to have a big mawn mower and I'm going to be strong and brave and it's going to be hot and woud and you are going to touch it and it's going to burn your finger." I said "Oh, that's sad. I don't want to get burned..." and he then said "I will protect you. I will hold you in my arms."
I also asked him why Haley (a little friend in his class) was crying today. "Haley was crying because I was not done with my snack and she didn't have a spot..." to which, I said "It's hard to wait, isn't it?" "It's hard to wait if I'm opening presents" he said.
He also likes to caress Holden gently and said "I'm being bery nice to you. I'm being bery gentle..." in the sweetest, quietest voice.
I adore him.
12/20/12
Sweet Little Tiny
Holden is such a sweet little tiny. She is in a mommy-mommy-mommy phase all of the sudden. Meaning, if I leave the room, or she thinks I have left the house, she starts to cry. It's so sweet...but at the same time, I hope it doesn't last long. I don't want her to feel sad when I can't be there AND it makes me feel horrible. Davis didn't really go through a stage like that, really. He loves me, but he's always been pretty independent.
Holden is sooooo sensitive too. Today we went to "the jum" (the gym) with Carrie, Porter and Mary Mae. First of all, Davis rough housed and literally almost laughed his brains out the entire two hours, with Porter. He is in such a fun stage- thinks everything is the most hysterical thing he's ever hear or seen. Anyway, Mary Mae pushed Holden at one point. It didn't hurt. She didn't even fall. And even if she had- the gym has padded floors. But I could see it in that instant- her mouth opened- her head dropped back and she started to GASP for air. It hurt her feelings so badly- she cried for a good twenty minutes. Couldn't pull it together.
I hugged her, shushed her, held her, tried to give her her bottle...and then I was like "come on sister. suck it up." She never wants me to put her down. She follows me all over the house. She REACHES so high for me the second I walk in in the morning. Love her so.
And because I love her so, I'm going to post a few more bootie shots, and a little snapshot from this morning. I know it's ridiculous, but I can't get over the junk in her trunk.
Holden is sooooo sensitive too. Today we went to "the jum" (the gym) with Carrie, Porter and Mary Mae. First of all, Davis rough housed and literally almost laughed his brains out the entire two hours, with Porter. He is in such a fun stage- thinks everything is the most hysterical thing he's ever hear or seen. Anyway, Mary Mae pushed Holden at one point. It didn't hurt. She didn't even fall. And even if she had- the gym has padded floors. But I could see it in that instant- her mouth opened- her head dropped back and she started to GASP for air. It hurt her feelings so badly- she cried for a good twenty minutes. Couldn't pull it together.
I hugged her, shushed her, held her, tried to give her her bottle...and then I was like "come on sister. suck it up." She never wants me to put her down. She follows me all over the house. She REACHES so high for me the second I walk in in the morning. Love her so.
And because I love her so, I'm going to post a few more bootie shots, and a little snapshot from this morning. I know it's ridiculous, but I can't get over the junk in her trunk.
Her little pout kills me in this picture!
12/18/12
I'm Ba-ack...
Back from the trip, back from the pitch...I think it went well, really well. But you just never know. I missed my girls christmas exchange last night, which was a bummer, but going on this trip was a good opportunity for me.
Poor Bennett, he ended up having to take today off because Davis wasn't feeling so hot yesterday...so he had both kiddos all day while also trying to get some work done. I fully expected to come home to a wrecked house which just sounded exhausting after traveling and rehearsing late into the night. But when I got home, everything was picked up, candles were lit, and there wasn't a thing for me to do. Buddy was speaking my love language. It meant a lot to me.
Anyway, this whole post is random. So here are a few random photos I have to share. No rhyme or reason, no certain order, just things I've happened to capture in the craziness.
I will say that I am trying to wrap work up tomorrow and START MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! Yep, that's true. On the 19th. I've never been this late. Oh well! We decorated our tree tonight and it's just so pretty. The effort of a real tree, with lights, is fully worth it.
Oh also, Honey bought Holden Stuart Weitzman baby shoes. They are the CUTEST things I've ever seen. Should I be concerned that my 11 month old has Weitzmans and I don't? She is going to live a charmed life. I can tell.
We hit Cuatro's and Highland Lanes last Saturday- so fun. Who knew Carrie was such a good bowler. I think she's going to join a league. Ha.
Poor Bennett, he ended up having to take today off because Davis wasn't feeling so hot yesterday...so he had both kiddos all day while also trying to get some work done. I fully expected to come home to a wrecked house which just sounded exhausting after traveling and rehearsing late into the night. But when I got home, everything was picked up, candles were lit, and there wasn't a thing for me to do. Buddy was speaking my love language. It meant a lot to me.
Anyway, this whole post is random. So here are a few random photos I have to share. No rhyme or reason, no certain order, just things I've happened to capture in the craziness.
I will say that I am trying to wrap work up tomorrow and START MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! Yep, that's true. On the 19th. I've never been this late. Oh well! We decorated our tree tonight and it's just so pretty. The effort of a real tree, with lights, is fully worth it.
Oh also, Honey bought Holden Stuart Weitzman baby shoes. They are the CUTEST things I've ever seen. Should I be concerned that my 11 month old has Weitzmans and I don't? She is going to live a charmed life. I can tell.
We hit Cuatro's and Highland Lanes last Saturday- so fun. Who knew Carrie was such a good bowler. I think she's going to join a league. Ha.
We basically took turns napping on and off Sunday- all four of us. Yes, the busiest time of the year, and maybe the most behind I've ever been- and we're napping.
Lately both Davis and Holden are really into playing in the bath- together. And if you don't put her in right away- she just hangs out by the tub- sort of grunting, trying to let you know how much she wants to get in with him. And as she does this- I just can't help but adore her little body. She is soo tiny- short and small- but I'm noticing, girlfriend has a bootie. Love it.
I love this pic and I feel like the perfect, most honest caption is this:
"Oh. I want to talk on the phone in the bath tub..."
(The phone, by the way, is a brush)
(The phone, by the way, is a brush)
Nikki snapped this pic of Davis yesterday he was just not feeling so great...but I know having Nikki and Honey over to see him made him feel much better.
And this- showing Holden the ropes in Nikki's car. I feel like this picture of Holden sort of shocked me. She looks like a real little girl- like I feel like I can see a little bit of what she is going to look like. It's weird when that happens.
12/14/12
Tubes are in.
Work week is done.
Best in Show is on.
Wine bottle is open.
I will sleep well tonight.
But I will say, my heart is broken over the shooting.
I don't even have words.
Best in Show is on.
Wine bottle is open.
I will sleep well tonight.
But I will say, my heart is broken over the shooting.
I don't even have words.
12/13/12
When it Rains...
It pours.
Today, I went in to work, expecting to give a presentation and get a lot of work done.
I got an email in the morning from the head of new business, asking me to give him a call.
I gave him a call and he asked me to go be part of a pitch team on Monday. Yes, Monday.
I said "Well sure, but I have absolutely no idea about the brand or anything like that..."
He said "That's alright. Not even sure what we need you to do yet- just need you to go..."
Then he said "Our last rehearsal before we leave is tomorrow morning at 9."
I said "Oh yeah, about that. My daughter is having a medical procedure...I don't think I can be there."
He said "Totally understand. We'll figure it out Monday. When we get there."
OKAY.
So I spent the small breaks in my day trying to learn about the brand, the competition, the consumer...and figure out what my role might be. On Monday.
And then I realized that I would be out of the office Monday and Tuesday- and about a billion things need to happen between now and Tuesday. Just at work.
And right when I started breathing again- I got an email.
"Hi Sam, this is so and so at Davis' school. Can you come pick him up? He has diarrhea again- and can you please keep him home tomorrow?"
So without getting into too much detail- this is the THIRD time I've had to pick him up for what I call "mystery diarrhea"...I call it that because I HAVE YET TO SEE IT. I emailed her back said that his Honey would get him (Thank God Honey was here) and that this was the third time they had sent him home for mystery diarrhea and that if he didn't have it tonight- they could plan on seeing him back in the morning. And did I mention that he had his first week of school in underwear- with ZERO accidents?? This boy isn't running to the bathroom over diarrhea. This boy isn't sick.
And ma'am, we have to take my baby to the hospital in the morning to go under anesthesia and have tubes put in, which I'm a nervous wreck about, and at that same time, I am missing a meeting I really should be in so I don't embarass myself in front of the CEO and my peers and these people I will meet for the first time, not to mention, that I have one list a mile long at work and one list a mile long at home that I will never get to because I'm about to be out town, unplanned? I don't have TIME FOR MYSTERY DIARRHEA LADY!"
Okay, I was kinder than that. But that is what I was feeling.
So that's why I'm up right now working...and probably will be until we get ready for the hospital at 6:00 a.m. ZOINKS.
But really I'm in okay spirits. These are total 1st world problems. I get it. Just thought I would share this moment in my life. One day I will laugh. If I don't lose my shit and go crazy first. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding!
Peace out, blog friends.
Today, I went in to work, expecting to give a presentation and get a lot of work done.
I got an email in the morning from the head of new business, asking me to give him a call.
I gave him a call and he asked me to go be part of a pitch team on Monday. Yes, Monday.
I said "Well sure, but I have absolutely no idea about the brand or anything like that..."
He said "That's alright. Not even sure what we need you to do yet- just need you to go..."
Then he said "Our last rehearsal before we leave is tomorrow morning at 9."
I said "Oh yeah, about that. My daughter is having a medical procedure...I don't think I can be there."
He said "Totally understand. We'll figure it out Monday. When we get there."
OKAY.
So I spent the small breaks in my day trying to learn about the brand, the competition, the consumer...and figure out what my role might be. On Monday.
And then I realized that I would be out of the office Monday and Tuesday- and about a billion things need to happen between now and Tuesday. Just at work.
And right when I started breathing again- I got an email.
"Hi Sam, this is so and so at Davis' school. Can you come pick him up? He has diarrhea again- and can you please keep him home tomorrow?"
So without getting into too much detail- this is the THIRD time I've had to pick him up for what I call "mystery diarrhea"...I call it that because I HAVE YET TO SEE IT. I emailed her back said that his Honey would get him (Thank God Honey was here) and that this was the third time they had sent him home for mystery diarrhea and that if he didn't have it tonight- they could plan on seeing him back in the morning. And did I mention that he had his first week of school in underwear- with ZERO accidents?? This boy isn't running to the bathroom over diarrhea. This boy isn't sick.
And ma'am, we have to take my baby to the hospital in the morning to go under anesthesia and have tubes put in, which I'm a nervous wreck about, and at that same time, I am missing a meeting I really should be in so I don't embarass myself in front of the CEO and my peers and these people I will meet for the first time, not to mention, that I have one list a mile long at work and one list a mile long at home that I will never get to because I'm about to be out town, unplanned? I don't have TIME FOR MYSTERY DIARRHEA LADY!"
Okay, I was kinder than that. But that is what I was feeling.
So that's why I'm up right now working...and probably will be until we get ready for the hospital at 6:00 a.m. ZOINKS.
But really I'm in okay spirits. These are total 1st world problems. I get it. Just thought I would share this moment in my life. One day I will laugh. If I don't lose my shit and go crazy first. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding!
Peace out, blog friends.
12/11/12
A Little Behind...
We've been meaning to get a christmas tree- this will be our first year having a fresh tree vs. using our metallic blue tree as our main tree. We have always wanted, and planned, to be fresh tree people when we had kids old enough to remember the unforgettable evergreen smell. But as we're a little behind on getting said tree, lighting said tree, and decorating said tree, I'm thinking a metallic tree is almost as good.
I can't get with the fake evergreen trees (except yours, nanny!)- but I certainly do like a red, silver, green or blue tree. I brought a red tinsel tree to Davis' class room and it's starting to look so loved with all of the handmade ornaments and paper chains. Anyway, it's 14 days until Christmas. And we need to get cracking.
And I'm behind on booking Davis' three year well-check.
And I'm supposed to have made an eye appointment for myself because someone small and hairy broke my glasses, and an appointment for my car before the recall on the part expires, and of course I need to address all of our christmas cards.
And oh, yes, there are those 15 pounds I still need to lose. Can't forget those.
And when we do an end of year recap on our Bennett family planning from 2012, the majority of the things will remain unfinished. Some will even be unstarted.
That's hard for me. But I think the hardest thing about it is that all of those things haven't suffered because I've just had SO much time to do other things. That certainly doesn't feel like the case...because where did this year go? Holden is about to be one. How?? And man, for some reason, Davis being potty trained, and Holden turning one, makes my heart hurt.
So yes, I'm a little behind. And if I could get one thing for Christmas this year...it would be a little bit more time.
I can't get with the fake evergreen trees (except yours, nanny!)- but I certainly do like a red, silver, green or blue tree. I brought a red tinsel tree to Davis' class room and it's starting to look so loved with all of the handmade ornaments and paper chains. Anyway, it's 14 days until Christmas. And we need to get cracking.
And I'm behind on booking Davis' three year well-check.
And I'm supposed to have made an eye appointment for myself because someone small and hairy broke my glasses, and an appointment for my car before the recall on the part expires, and of course I need to address all of our christmas cards.
And oh, yes, there are those 15 pounds I still need to lose. Can't forget those.
And when we do an end of year recap on our Bennett family planning from 2012, the majority of the things will remain unfinished. Some will even be unstarted.
That's hard for me. But I think the hardest thing about it is that all of those things haven't suffered because I've just had SO much time to do other things. That certainly doesn't feel like the case...because where did this year go? Holden is about to be one. How?? And man, for some reason, Davis being potty trained, and Holden turning one, makes my heart hurt.
So yes, I'm a little behind. And if I could get one thing for Christmas this year...it would be a little bit more time.
Sweedie Kids
A couple more pictures from our reunion on Sunday.
So cute in their coordinating yellow/chartreuse. It's really awesome how Holden's hair is getting so thick on top. Just on top. :)
Davis and Remy having a little jam session at Nikki's.
Aren't her curls the best?
Aren't her curls the best?
Oh and as mentioned, a friend of ours started this hat company called Sweedie Kids, and Holden is now one of their first models...on Facebook. Ha. Here are some pics I took yesterday- trying to keep her little ears warm. Note the progression...
I don't know about this hat.
Accessories are a girl's best friend, you say?
What? I could be the new face of Sweedie Kids?
It's growing on me...
This hat is ROCKING. MY. WORLD.
How did I ever doubt it?
Also, I just want to say that yesterday Bennett said something like "Gosh, she is cute. I mean, how did she get that cute? The rest of us aren't that cute..." And the funny thing is that I responded like this "What do you mean- none of the rest of us are that cute??? Davis is that cute!" Total mom response. I mean, what I should have said was: "What are you trying to say? I don't know about you, but I'm that cute. I think she looks like me." Ha. Oh humility.
Unrelated, but I also just want to make a note that with Davis, anything that happened in the past is/was "last day". "Last day I spilled that milk on the counter." "Last day I went to the pool at the YMCA." I love it. Happy Tuesday.
12/9/12
What Will I Do?
With all my extra cash now that Davis is POTTY TRAINED? I can't believe it and honestly, I feel a bit bittersweet about it all. It feels like the biggest milestone to me. Bigger than breaking the binky, bigger than the big boy bed...
He has been dry since Wednesday night- including at night...which I wasn't really even pushing for. I think he was just ready. We waited until he was ready- and it was super simple. I'm so glad...and I'm also a bit sad. But it is what it is.
This weekend was a good one- so many fun things.
Friday night I went to sleep early- so nice after a stressful week...
Saturday night, after hitting up Academy (see pics below), Bennett and I got dressed up and went to have dinner and drinks at Ranch 616. We sat outside and drank Ranch Water and shared oysters and shrimp. It's really been a while since we've been on a date like that. After that, we met up with a bunch of friends at a Christmas party, which was also really fun.
And then today, we hung out with our cousins from my dad's side all day. About a month ago, my cousin Tina, shot us a note and said they wanted to come see us. It was so nice.
And tonight- goodness gracious, Holden and Davis were so tired, they were both in bed, sound asleep by 6:00 and 7:30 respectively.
This week is going to be another crazy one. I have to take tomorrow off to stay with Holden (our nanny is out of town), then Bennett is taking Tuesday off...tons of work to catch up on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and then we're having Holden's tubes put in Friday. I'm ready for a new year.
2012 has been a tough year. A growing year, but a tough year. And OHMYLORD, a fast year. It kind of breaks my heart that Holden will be one in a month. UGH.
He has been dry since Wednesday night- including at night...which I wasn't really even pushing for. I think he was just ready. We waited until he was ready- and it was super simple. I'm so glad...and I'm also a bit sad. But it is what it is.
This weekend was a good one- so many fun things.
Friday night I went to sleep early- so nice after a stressful week...
Saturday night, after hitting up Academy (see pics below), Bennett and I got dressed up and went to have dinner and drinks at Ranch 616. We sat outside and drank Ranch Water and shared oysters and shrimp. It's really been a while since we've been on a date like that. After that, we met up with a bunch of friends at a Christmas party, which was also really fun.
And then today, we hung out with our cousins from my dad's side all day. About a month ago, my cousin Tina, shot us a note and said they wanted to come see us. It was so nice.
And tonight- goodness gracious, Holden and Davis were so tired, they were both in bed, sound asleep by 6:00 and 7:30 respectively.
This week is going to be another crazy one. I have to take tomorrow off to stay with Holden (our nanny is out of town), then Bennett is taking Tuesday off...tons of work to catch up on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and then we're having Holden's tubes put in Friday. I'm ready for a new year.
2012 has been a tough year. A growing year, but a tough year. And OHMYLORD, a fast year. It kind of breaks my heart that Holden will be one in a month. UGH.
Just snacking. In her cute sweater and skinny jeans. She's so stylish.
At the BEST PLACE ON EARTH! Academy. Davis gets so frustrated if we don't take Holden out of the cart and let her ride with him. It's so sweet.
Every girl needs a pink and purple Barbie jeep!
Davis and his sweet cousin, Ronan!
12/6/12
Down the Tubes
So Holden had been on two different antibiotics when I took her in for a 10 day check in on her ears...this was Friday, as in less than one week ago. Dr. Frank took a look and said "Her ears look great!" So that was that, and we went on about our business.
Fast forward to Monday- Holden started to show signs of congestion, red eyes, runny nose, etc. Because it is cold and flu season, I figured she just had a cold. Fast forward to Monday night when she was up all night with a fever and then to Tuesday afternoon when my nanny called and said she had a fever of 104 and was shaking...
We took her back to the doctor and he said her ears were infected again...so after meeting with an ENT, we're probably going to have to put tubes in. Here are some things I didn't know about this procedure:
1) The whole procedure is 10 minutes long.
2) Most kids don't even have irritation following the procedure.
3) The tubes are the size of one of the letters in this font. Tiny.
So anyway- it's actually a good thing since she won't have as many ear infections. AND, she is already feeling better again due to the meds she is on now. 3rd antibiotic.
Aside from that- yesterday Bennett got a call from Davis' school asking him to come pick him up because he had diarrhea. And they said he couldn't go back today either because so many kids have been sick and it has started with diarrhea. So, he's at home with Honey, and he doesn't look or act sick at all. Lucky duck.
P.S. He stayed dry all through the night last night. :)
Fast forward to Monday- Holden started to show signs of congestion, red eyes, runny nose, etc. Because it is cold and flu season, I figured she just had a cold. Fast forward to Monday night when she was up all night with a fever and then to Tuesday afternoon when my nanny called and said she had a fever of 104 and was shaking...
We took her back to the doctor and he said her ears were infected again...so after meeting with an ENT, we're probably going to have to put tubes in. Here are some things I didn't know about this procedure:
1) The whole procedure is 10 minutes long.
2) Most kids don't even have irritation following the procedure.
3) The tubes are the size of one of the letters in this font. Tiny.
So anyway- it's actually a good thing since she won't have as many ear infections. AND, she is already feeling better again due to the meds she is on now. 3rd antibiotic.
Aside from that- yesterday Bennett got a call from Davis' school asking him to come pick him up because he had diarrhea. And they said he couldn't go back today either because so many kids have been sick and it has started with diarrhea. So, he's at home with Honey, and he doesn't look or act sick at all. Lucky duck.
P.S. He stayed dry all through the night last night. :)
12/4/12
The Garcitas Ranch
We spent Thanksgiving at The Garcitas Ranch. It's really such a charming place- with cool houses and bunk houses, a lovely pool where you can get some sun, huge stretches of space, giant trees, and handmade swing sets and toys built years and years ago. There are also ponds with alligators in them, horses, cows, scorpions, and even snakes. I guess these things are all part of Texas ranches. Some of the features of the ranch I like more than others. Ha.
The best part of the Garcitas Ranch is the group of people. Davis has some of the most interesting relatives...they are this interesting mix of born and bred Texans, with inherent interest in the world and the people that inhabit it. There are art collectors, full-time travelers, ex-mayors of Aspen, ranchers, authors, full-time pool players, etc. But most of them have seen and been a part of such interesting things- so it's always fun to catch up with them.
The other great thing about the Garcitas Ranch is hearing Bennett tell stories from his childhood, all centered around the ranch and the things, buildings and people that still reside there. He says that NOTHING has changed there. That it's truly like stepping back in time. And so it's fun to hear those great stories- but also to see little Davis reliving some of them.
The best part of the Garcitas Ranch is the group of people. Davis has some of the most interesting relatives...they are this interesting mix of born and bred Texans, with inherent interest in the world and the people that inhabit it. There are art collectors, full-time travelers, ex-mayors of Aspen, ranchers, authors, full-time pool players, etc. But most of them have seen and been a part of such interesting things- so it's always fun to catch up with them.
The other great thing about the Garcitas Ranch is hearing Bennett tell stories from his childhood, all centered around the ranch and the things, buildings and people that still reside there. He says that NOTHING has changed there. That it's truly like stepping back in time. And so it's fun to hear those great stories- but also to see little Davis reliving some of them.
Bennett's aunt Missy is the hand working the koozie puppet. She is awesome. I feel like she has some stories to tell. We usually like to talk about what we're reading. I need to send her some books.
This is Davis' 1st cousin, Nikki. She has the sweetest curly brown hair, and a clever older sister named Riley.
Bennett's cousin, Diane. Loud and SO FUN.
Davis was always just a step behind these big kids...but that didn't hold him back. He would have chased them to the ends of the earth.
And don't worry about this one. She had fun too. Smiling, as always. Did I tell you she is getting her 2nd tooth? It's on the bottom, so now she has a pair.
I took this picture because look how TINY she is. Can she please just stay this way forever?
Davis and his cousin, William.
This year we did an afternoon picnic at Bennett Park. The park is gorgeous- and it is land Bennett's grandfather gave to the state.
I think it was really special for Bennett- and that makes it really special to me.
12/3/12
Home Tour and Christmas Cheer
Here are the aforementioned pictures. Enjoy!
Davis gives Ho Ho a hug and a kiss every day before school.
My mom made that little snowman in college.
I put him out every year.
I put him out every year.
Red and white snacks and treats for the party.
What's christmas without these little taffys? My grandma, GayNell, used to always have these when we would go to her house at Christmas. Just smelling them was like a step back in time.
A shot of part of my living room. See those little christmas cards affixed to the mantle? Send me yours and I will feature it there. :)
Our room, all nice and tidy.
Another shot of our room- love that Lightning McQueen made it in the pic.
Davis' Christmas! That's what he calls it. "Mommy! My Christmas falled down!"
Marijoy's Noonday display.
So much fun. And a great way to spark some holiday cheer.
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