tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82419907806156246322024-03-04T20:47:42.788-08:00Just Danielledaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-71225792139090960622019-03-18T13:54:00.000-07:002019-03-18T13:54:16.963-07:00Letters to RexRex Allen,<br />
<br />
My baby boy. I just love you so much! You have grown so much it seems like since you started Kindergarten. I wasn't really prepared for it. You tried to sit on my lap yesterday. I was looking at your back and shoulders and realizing you weren't a baby anymore. You are a little man now. You barely fit on my lap. And you rarely want to sit there anymore.<br />
<br />
You are the sweetest boy I know. Last week I was in bed with a migraine for a couple days. On the second day you came in my room and told me "Mommy I really don't want you to go to bed early tomorrow." You love doing things for me when I'm sick. You love taking care of me.<br />
<br />
When I was pregnant with you, I didn't know how much I needed you. But you filled my heart completely the day you joined us. And now I can't imagine my life without you in it.<br />
<br />
You are such a big boy in a little body. You have such big feelings and emotions. You love your friends like something I've never seen. Your best friend Matthew was recently sick with the flu and strep and you were so sad about it. He had just spent the night at our house. You cried when we dropped him off at home the next day. You just didn't want your sleepover to end.<br />
<br />
Every time you see a sloth, you have to buy it for me. Even if it means spending your money on something for me. 2 times Daddy has taken you to the book store to buy a book and you spent your money on a sloth book because you knew I would like it. But it's not just me. Anytime you see something green you tell me we need to buy it for Granny. Anytime you see something crafty you say Nanny could make that. You have the biggest heart.<br />
<br />
Sometimes your emotions are too big for your little body. We're still working on it. You're doing so much better about vocalizing how you feel instead of lashing out immediately.<br />
<br />
Right now you love your ipad, the computer, and playing the nintendo switch. You're in the top 10 on laps run at school. And you didn't want me to make a big deal about it. It was just part of your day, no big deal. But to me, you are a big deal baby boy! Everything you do is special to me!<br />
<br />
I love you so much and I hope you never forget it!daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-54389118771752719072019-03-18T13:26:00.000-07:002019-03-18T13:26:22.185-07:00Letters to LexiLexi Rosemay,<br />
<br />
You're about to turn 10 and I'm just not ready for it. You are the most amazing little girl I've ever met. <br />
<br />
Let me tell you about how you're the strongest girl I know. (Because one day I hope you look back on these blog posts and find things you don't remember.) You got your ears pierced about a month ago. You had them pierced when you were a baby, but then you refused to leave earrings in so the holes closed up. You knew it was going to kinda hurt, but you decided you wanted to do it anyways. And you did it while I was out of town! But, I knew all you would need was your daddy there and you would be fine. You were in charge of keeping them clean. I opened the bottle of cleaner every night for you and you cleaned them. So, after 3 weeks you asked if we could change the earrings. I got everything ready and we sat down. As soon as I touched your right ear, pus starting pouring out. I was horrified. You barely flinched. I told you we couldn't change them yet. Because I knew there was no way I could get that earring out without hurting you. I asked you if it had been hurting and you said that it had been hurting some, and down your neck some. I was in shock! There's no way that couldn't have been killing you! All I could do was say sorry. And then apologize over and over every day for the next week as we cleaned it. Thankfully in a couple days it was so much better and we were able to change the earrings out. I feel like I failed you. Sometimes you're so independent that I forget you're still 9 years old. I feel like I have a high pain tolerance, but you just blew me out of the water little girl. <br />
<br />
You're also the smartest girl I know. I'm already preparing myself to listen to you give the valedictorian speech at your graduation. I'm calling it now baby girl. <br />
<br />
And....you're the best big sister ever. Yes, you and your brother fight. Sometimes a lot. But, you take care of him so much. You are always there to remind him to get his coat on, and get his backpack ready in the morning. Even if he doesn't want to hear it. <br />
<br />
I love you so much Lexi. And I thank God every day for making me your mama. Me and your Daddy waited so long to have you, and there isn't a second that goes by that we aren't thankful for you. <br />
<br />
Love you forever baby girl!daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-35746794386896785682018-10-05T09:35:00.000-07:002018-10-05T09:35:35.697-07:00Lexi and RexMy sweet babies. I can still call you that. You're still my babies. Even though you're growing up more every single day. <br />
You've had to grow up a lot within the past year. Back in November, you had to go through me moving out of the house and wondering if your dad and I were going to get divorced. You had to spend your time with your dad, mainly wondering when and if you were going to get to see me again. And when you came to see me, I was staying with Nanny and Poppy so it wasn't really what you're used to. But you guys were strong. So very strong. And because you were so strong, you helped me and Daddy see what we needed to do. We needed our lives to be together with you. What it came down to was that when I closed my eyes, I couldn't imagine seeing anyone walking towards me beside you guys and your daddy. <br />
<br />
I know there are times that still aren't great for you. Times have been hard from going to daycare, to getting used to me being home all the time. I think we had a great summer together. We didn't get to do as much as I had planned on doing. But, we spent a lot of time together, and that means so much for me! I hope you guys had just as much fun as I did. <br />
<br />
I want to take a second to let you guys know that, I know there may be times when you hear me and your daddy raise our voices or argue in front of you. Though we try to keep most of that stuff away from you, I know it still can happen. No matter what you hear, and no matter what happens...we're together forever now. There's nothing here that's going to break us apart.<br />
<br />
So I also want to talk about my sickness. I think both of you know that my sickness is called "migraines." A migraine is like a really really bad headache. I've had this sickness for a very long time - before either one of you was born. So there are a lot of times when I can deal with the pain. You may notice me sitting with an ice pack. Or sitting in my chair with the diffuser and my smells running. But then there were times like yesterday. Times like I had to take some medicine and lay down. When I took my medicine and laid down, I was hoping I would be able to get up when you guys got off the bus. But, I put a note on the door just in case. Because I didn't want you guys to be shocked or surprised when you got home and I was in bed. And that's what happened. I wasn't able to get up. I wasn't able to get up when Daddy got home. But I was finally able to get up this morning before you guys went to school. I hope you can remember that. That as soon as I was able to get up, that I did. <br />
I guess my main thing in these letters to you is to just let you know how much I love you. And to let you know how much I am willing to do for you. And how far I push myself to try to do the things you need me to do. <br />
I love you guys so much! You are my life and breath. The reasons I get out of bed every single day.<br />
<br />
Always be good. Always be nice to the underdog. And always support those who can't support themselves.daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-3357249245101158682018-09-12T20:06:00.001-07:002018-09-12T20:06:29.124-07:00Letters to Lexi: September 2018My Lexi Rosemay,<br />
<br />
You are far more than I ever could have imaged just 9 short years ago. It seems like yesterday we brought you home from the NICU. Two new parents not having a clue in the world as to what we were in for. We thought we knew what we were getting into. But we had no idea. <br />
<br />
You are amazing. And sweet. And loving. And you have my tender heart.<br />
<br />
I very clearly remember my first day of 4th grade. I teared up. But I held it in. I remember my teacher asking my mom if I was going to be ok. She said yes. Because, like me with you, she knew I would be ok. While your brother didn't have a care in the world as I dropped him off in Kindergarten, you, my sweet girl, were teary-eyed. But, like my mama, I knew you would be ok. I knew that you didn't really need me. You were just unsure about yourself and how the day and year would go. You're already doing great. Acing tests and reading library books faster than you can check them out. You're like your daddy that way. <br />
<br />
I love you more than I can ever explain. I can only say that I hope you have a daughter someday so that you can know this feeling. <br />
<br />
You are amazing. Please promise me that you will never forget that.<br />
<br />daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-81656184258367269512018-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:002018-09-12T19:59:32.901-07:00Letters to Rex: September 2018Rex Allen,<br />
<br />
I hope you are able to read this some day. I hope this blog stays out there long enough for me to be able to share it with you.<br />
<br />
I can't believe you just turned 6! My baby! I'm sorry honey, but you will always be my baby. <br />
<br />
You started Kindergarten! And of course on your first day you couldn't have cared less when it was time for me to walk out the door. It was harder on me than you. I mean, it's not like I wanted you to cry. I'm glad you're happy and comfortable there. But part of me still needs you to need me. <br />
<br />
Yes that's right. I need you to need me. You're my last baby. My last baby....ever. My last baby I will ever send to Kindergarten. There was a time when I provided everything you needed. A time that seems like yesterday to me. A time when your daddy went back to work and it was just me, you, and sissy hanging out at home all day. And even more recent, a time when only I could understand you. Now your sissy has mainly taken over that roll. I still understand you more than daddy. But sissy understands you even more than me. I don't understand it, but I've heard stories that your daddy and your Uncle James were the same way. <br />
<br />
You're about to start your second year of speech therapy. But you've already lost some of the words and phrases and mispronunciations that you used to have. Things that I didn't know I would miss. <br />
"Big Boop Belly" will always be my favorite. I was reminded of the "Wahlburgers goo goo goo" video today. It almost made me cry. I know that very soon you won't say "Keacher" instead of teacher. You won't say "Dissy" isntead of Sissy. And unfortunately you probably won't call me Mommy for much longer. I know that big boys say "Mom." But I'm not ready. I'm not ready for you to not be my baby boy. <br />
<br />
I love you so much it hurts sometimes. <br />
<br />
My baby boy. You are growing up so fast. Please slow down. Because I still need you.daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-23179548896417270322018-08-01T21:56:00.000-07:002018-08-01T21:56:45.974-07:00Getting Ready for Back to SchoolI've been slacking a lot on this blog. It's kinda fallen by the wayside because of other things that have kinda gotten in the way. <br />
<br />
If you know me, you know I'm not huge on organization. I mean, I talk a good game....but then putting it into play is another story. So I'm going to be trying to make this school year less chaotic for everyone involved.<br />
<br />
So I thought I would start trying to blog more regularly. My first blog I'm going to focus on some small changes we can make to get back to school ready as easy as possible. <br />
<br />
The first item I want to talk about is this ten drawer cart. They come in colors or white/clear plastic. Whatever floats your boat. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPjtw3Wd2g-2QsAz81a4nt6MReqa0WJ4jigfSRQN1dS2Tn1M5A5OsHj8pHpXGOjF7eOz-ooVgpEzJN74keOO1FEUnT80MNAShVFrXcwth4jR1Tjp4e9yFtFWJZma00ggtOj_2M8O-xay2/s1600/cart.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPjtw3Wd2g-2QsAz81a4nt6MReqa0WJ4jigfSRQN1dS2Tn1M5A5OsHj8pHpXGOjF7eOz-ooVgpEzJN74keOO1FEUnT80MNAShVFrXcwth4jR1Tjp4e9yFtFWJZma00ggtOj_2M8O-xay2/s320/cart.PNG" width="316" /></a></div>
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Not the best picture, but this particular item comes from Michael's. But I've seen lots of other retailers selling them. It was very easy to assemble. And if you have a small car like mine, you can get it shipped directly to your house. What we do with this cart is each kid has 5 drawers. Their laundry day is usually Sunday. So when their laundry is done they put together a complete outfit (underwear, socks, pants, shirt) and put it in one drawer. They each of one drawer for each day of the week. We used this system last year and for the most part, it worked fine. Rex was 5 and still needed some assistance getting a full set of clothes in each drawer. But then when the kids wake up in the morning, they can immediately go do a drawer and pick out their clothes. </div>
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That saves SO MUCH time and stress out of my mornings. See, I'm not a morning person AT ALL. So the easier, the better. </div>
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Another thing we try to do is make sure all our jackets/hats/etc are on the hooks next to the front door. And our shoes will be organized by the front door. </div>
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We also started an "inbox" system for the papers that come out of their folders at the end of the day. Having an inbox gives the kids a specific place for them to put the papers and a specific place for me to look for papers. Then I can sort out what needs to be signed, returned, marked in my date book, and what can be thrown away. </div>
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I'm working on having a stress-free school year this year. Especially right at the beginning when everyone is going to be freaking out (mama's included)</div>
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<i>credit for the cart goes to michaels.com </i></div>
daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-51341698286069285192016-12-28T15:59:00.002-08:002016-12-28T15:59:59.326-08:00Letters to Lexi: 12/28/16Lexi Rosemay,<br />
<br />
I can't even tell you how amazing you are to me. You are strong, and beautiful, and smart. You are reading at least 2 grade levels above 2nd grade. You have found a love for math this school year. <br />
You have a beautiful singing voice and I hope you continue to love to sing. Music has always been my love, and I would love for you to enjoy it the same way I do. You love all kinds of music, including Dolly Parton, Reba, and all kinds of new country. But you also can rock out to Daddy's Christian or 80's music. <br />
<br />
You love your brother, but there are times when you just want to be by yourself...and he just won't let you. He loves you so much, and he just wants to be wherever you are. I hope you can always understand that and know how lucky you are to have each other. Last night you read bible stories to him until he fell asleep. It was the sweetest thing. <br />
<br />
I hope you always know how much I love you and how special you are to me. I hope our relationship continues to grow. And I hope one day we can be best friends like me and Nanny.<br />
<br />
I love you so much sweet girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-11378525717510658022016-12-28T15:42:00.001-08:002016-12-28T15:42:51.871-08:00Letters to Rex: 12/28/16Rex Allen,<br />
<br />
You are the most amazing little boy I have ever met. You say or do something every day that just amazes me. Your attitude is fierce, but your love is even more fierce. You know exactly when to lay the sweetness on me...usually when you know you've done something wrong and you're about to be in trouble. I keep telling you that your little smile will not get you out of trouble forever. <br />
<br />
You are so smart, but you just don't want anyone to know it. When you're counting or singing ABCs you don't want anyone to be listening to you. I'm constantly trying to catch you on video. Last week daddy was spelling your name because he didn't want you to know that we were talking about you. As soon as he spelled your name you said, "that's Rex." We were so shocked that you knew how to spell your name! You did let me take a short video of you saying it. You also read "Taxi" on the back of a car on tv. Who knew you could do that?!<br />
<br />
You love your sister so much. You want to do everything she does, and you want to be a part of anything she's doing. Even when she doesn't want you to. <br />
<br />
Your best friend at daycare is Matthew. Everyday when I ask you who you played with, you say "Maffoo." I love the way you say it, and I wish you would say it like that forever. <br />
<br />
You did get in trouble for saying "what the hell?!" I couldn't even believe you said it. But then you said "what the heck hell?!" so now I say that all the time. Everyone at work asks me everyday what you said the night before. They have never met you, but they think you are so funny. <br />
<br />
You love spending time with your family. You and Mattie are so close and I just love it. But you have also become really close with Blake. I can see the 3 of you getting in lots of trouble as you grow up. <br />
<br />
I hope you continue to be an amazing little man. Don't grow up to quickly, and always want to sit on my lap. I love you so much, my baby.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommydaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-83669495667114427402016-10-31T20:24:00.000-07:002016-10-31T20:35:48.289-07:00Reasons why my kids trunk or treat<font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the past week or so I have seen several posts about how trunk or treat is stupid and why we should just do the old school trick or treating like we did as kids. It got me thinking and asking myself why I choose that option. Here are some reasons why trunk or treat works for us. </span></font><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>1. Time </b>Let's face it. We are all running ourselves ragged. We feel like we need to do more and let our kids do more. When Halloween falls on a weeknight it makes it twice as difficult. Also in the time category is taking kids in and out of the car. It takes Rex approximately 7 years to get in the car. I can not imagine doing that repeatedly in the same night. </span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2. Safety </b>I know this has been brought up as being ridiculous, but hang with me for a second. I don't think there is anyone putting pills or razor blades in the candy they hand out. For me, safety on Halloween is more about knowing that my kids can't dart into traffic or get separated from me. </span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>3. Convenience </b>Where we live trunk or treat is really the best option. We drive 2 minutes from our house, park, and walk through a line of cars getting candy. It's a small town. There aren't always sidewalks to walk on. It's almost impossible to do trick or treating just by walking around. Everyone doesn't hand out candy. So you may have to walk blocks between stops. </span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yes, I want my kids to have all the great experiences I had. But it's a different world than it was then. You can't just throw your kids in the back of a pickup and cruise around town. We still make a few other stops to see grandparents, aunts and uncles. </span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard">As is the case with so many topics today, you don't have to choose one by bashing the other. Maybe when my kids are older, or if our town no longer does a big trunk or treat, then we will do traditional trick or treating. But for right now, trunk or treat is the better option for us. </font></div>daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-73628717481420986642015-08-25T19:02:00.002-07:002015-08-25T19:02:55.297-07:00Lexi and RexMy babies,<br />
<br />
I know I'm so far behind in my letters to you. So tonight you are getting a combined letter.<br />
<br />
You may not realize it now, but I love you more than life. That is something that you won't understand until you have kids of your own one day. <br />
You are my reason for living and breathing. You are the reason I get out of bed every day.<br />
<br />
Rex, you probably won't remember all my times spent in bed, because it isn't as bad as it used to be. But Lexi, I know you will remember it. I know you will remember sneaking in and snuggling up close to me and being my sweet little nurse. You have more compassion in your tiny little body than most grown adults have. <br />
I'm sorry that you have to remember that. I'm trying to do better and make better memories for you now.<br />
<br />
I know at times it seems like I'm so frustrated, and as Lexi has put it this week that I "don't like you." But that could never be true. I could never not like you. You will always be my babies. The babies I fought and struggled to bring into this world. And I will always always love you. I may not like some decisions you make, and I know we are going to have rough times as you all get older. But, I love you so very much. <br />
<br />
Lexi, you are the smartest girl I know. You have been in first grade for 3 whole days and you have already read your entire reading textbook. <br />
Rex Allen, you are my baby boy. I always want to be the lady in your life. I know someday someone will come in and steal you away from me. But, you will always be my baby. Since starting back to school (daycare) you have gotten so smart! I catch you all alone in your room singing your abc's. And you love to count. <br />
<br />
You both have my temper....and for that I am sorry! You will deal with that your entire life. And hopefully, soon, you will learn to tame it down. Mommy is still working on that one.<br />
<br />
I feel like I'm missing out on so much this school year already. I almost cried the first day when Rex wasn't in the backseat to tell me "no goo goo gains" at the railroad tracks. I miss being there to pick you up from school, Lexi. So you can talk nonstop the whole way home. I miss hanging out with Rex Allen all day, and being the only one that can understand his gibberish.<br />
<br />
I hope you know why I have to work, and be away from home all day. I hope you can understand that everything I do is for you.<br />
<br />
When things get rough...and they will...I will wish I could take all your pain away. And I probably won't be able to. But you can always know that you have someone who loves you no matter what! You could never do anything to take my love away from you. <br />
<br />
Mama loves you, my babies.daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-36104990975562696642015-04-08T20:25:00.002-07:002015-04-08T20:25:41.018-07:00Letters to Rex 4/8/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rex Allen, My not so little baby boy. When I ask you if you're a baby now, you always tell me no. Makes me sad. I want you to stay my little baby! Your personality is a force to be reckoned with. You can go from sweet to fit throwin' in 3 seconds flat. And each side is on opposite ends of the spectrum. When you're sweet, you're the sweetest boy I've ever met. Grabbing my cheeks so you can give me a big kiss. But, when you're mad....boy you are mad. I'm gonna go ahead and take credit for that specific personality trait, as your mama does have a bad temper. :)<br />
<br />
You spent a few months going to school with Miss Kelly and Mattie Marie. I think you really enjoyed your time there. Once you figured out that Miss Kelly was going to call your bluff and make your little butt sit in time out. But you're best friends now. Your language exploded once you went back to school. You talk so much now, and it seems like you are saying new words every day. You are throwing less fit....I think because you can finally tell us what it is that you want. <br />
<br />
You are all boy though! A little dirt or mud or anything gross never seems to bother you. One surprising thing is that most of the grandkids are scared of Pa at some point. Not you. You call his bluff every single time. And I think you have successfully broken down that old cowboy. He talks about you to everyone he sees. He plays and tickles and wrestles with you. He talks about how he can't wait to get you in the work truck with him and Poppy Rex. What a fun time that will be! <br />
<br />
You still love your Granny! You are a Granny's boy! I think I could drop you off at Granny's for a week and you would never ask when I was coming back. <br />
<br />
I love it when you wake up in the morning and start singing. Your version of abc's or wheels on the bus, or twinkle twinkle. I love to hear your little voice. You love to throw balls...so in a couple more years we will see if you will be ready for TBall. I'm sure your Uncle Tanner would really like that a lot. <br />
<br />
You're back to staying home with me, at least for this week. At first I was nervous how you would react to another schedule change. But you have surprised me. You really just go with the flow. Play a while, ask to sit on my lap for a while, and then back down. You still love to take Sissy to school and pick her up so you can see the school buses. You are all into cars, trains, big trucks, school buses, anything a little boy would like!<br />
<br />
You are growing so much every day, son. Please slow down! I want you to still walk up to me and say "Up Now" for a while longer. <br />
<br />
I love you more than you could ever imagine.<br />
Forever and ever,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
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daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-6512266582080622732015-04-08T20:12:00.001-07:002015-04-08T20:12:22.906-07:00Letters to Lexi 4/8/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
My dear sweet Lexi...you are almost 6 years old. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around that, as it seems like just yesterday you were still in my belly.<br />
Your personality comes out more and more every day. You have your own sense of style. You know what you want and when you want it. But, you have been like that from day 1. You have just a few short weeks until you will finish Kindergarten. You have changed so much over this school year. At the beginning you were so scared that the "paperwork" was going to be way too hard, and that there would be too much math and too many tests. And you have flown right through it with no problems! Your report cards hang on our refrigerator, as a reminder to us, and you, of how smart you are. I literally can't buy books fast enough for you. I thought at Christmas when I bought you some Chapter books we would have to read them together. I was wrong! You had read 1 of them by the end of the day, and read the others by the end of Christmas break. Sometimes I just can't believe how smart you are.<br />
<br />
TBall has started up again. And the coach and everyone just goes on an on about how natural you are at it. You have grown so much taller since last year, so you are throwing harder and running faster. I want you to be good at it....but mostly I want you to have fun. If there comes a day that you don't want to play anymore, then I will let you make that decision. I want you to do things that you enjoy...not just things that Mommy enjoyed. <br />
<br />
You still love going to sleep at Nanny's house, and helping her bake. We're waiting for the weather to get warm so you can spend more time out there. <br />You love animals, but mainly cats! <br />
You sleep just like your daddy with the fan on and all the covers over your head. Some mornings I can't even find you in there when I come to wake you up! <br />
<br />
Lexi, you will never know how proud of you I am. Every day you show me something amazing and new that I had no idea you could do. I know I'm not the best at it, but I'm working on showing you and telling you how proud I am and how happy you make me. <br />
<br />
You are my little tender-hearted girl. It breaks your heart when you get in trouble. You will just cry and cry until it all blows over. <br />
<br />
I love you my sweet girl.<br />
Forever and always,<br />
Mommy<br />
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daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-42585428326633941052014-12-31T19:49:00.001-08:002014-12-31T19:49:44.745-08:00Goodbye 2014Another year is almost over. How can that be possible? It seems like we were just about to ring in 2014! It has gone by so fast! But, I think overall 2014 has been a good year for us.<br />
<br />
I turned 30 in January. I don't really feel 30 if that makes sense. I guess I always thought by the time I was 30 I would have everything figured out. Ya know...organized home, mom with a planner and crafts and everything together. But, alas, that is not how 30 turned out. Oh well.<br />
<br />
Lexi turned 5 in May and started Kindergarten in August. It doesn't seem possible that my sweet little 5 pound miracle is in Kindergarten. And I hate to brag (no really I don't) but this girl is smart. She has always been smart. I used to call her baby genius. She was so scared to start Kindergarten because she didn't think she was smart enough to do it. But now she loves it. She is reading at least at a second grade level, and I couldn't be more proud of her. I love to see little parts of her personality start to grow and change...but it's still funny to see the things that stay the same. From the time she was born (4 weeks early) she has done things on her own time. She joined the world early, but didn't want to leave the NICU. She was adamant about using her preemie bottles up until the day she started using a sippy cup...which I had to hold like a bottle because she refused. She was content to sit on the floor and play with whatever she could reach. Crawling and walking just weren't priorities. She is the same today. Everything is on her time. She does not like to be woken up before she is ready. She stumbles out of the bedroom looking exactly like me in the mornings! I have to remind her over and over to get dressed, or eat breakfast, or brush her teeth, just so we can get out of the house in the mornings. She just does things on her timing.<br />
<br />
Rex Allen turned 2 in September. And let me tell you, I just don't know how that is possible. Seems like he was just my spoiled little baby who needed to be held at all times. But now he's my spoiled big man. I have always felt guilty about going back to work after he was born, but it was something that had to be done. I was able to stay home for a year after Lexi was born, and I felt like I knew everything about her. With Rex, I felt like all his bonding was with Jacob. He was Daddy's boy all the way. But me being home with him all day for 5 months has changed that! We have gotten to know each other. He has learned how to push my buttons, and I have learned how to interpret his gibberish. I feel like we get each other now. And he definitely melts my heart with that ornery little smile. <br />
<br />
In July I lost my job. I have felt every emotion possible about it. I have gone from feeling completely lost and broken, to feeling empowered and confident in new beginnings....and all the way back again. <br />
<br />
My health has had highs and lows. Botox completely changed my life, and then changed it again when I lost my insurance. <br />
<br />
I got to be there to welcome a new nephew into the world in April. And stand beside my sister as she married the love of her life in October.<br />
<br />
We raised money and walked to end Alzheimers in memory of my Grandma. And we still miss her every single day. <br />
<br />
Lots and lots of family time was enjoyed this year. This is something I can never get enough of. I feel like I thrive when I am surrounded by family. I never take enough pictures though, and should really make that a resolution for next year. <br />
<br />
I got to spend an amazing long weekend in Alabama this summer with some of my very best girl friends. It was a long drive, and per the norm, I ended up as red as a lobster. But it was so great. <br />
<br />
I have very close friends who have suffered extreme loss and pain this year. I wish I could take that away from them. I can only hope and pray that 2015 is a better year for them, and that their prayers are answered. At the same time, I have friends who have had their dreams come true, and their prayers answered this year. My heart couldn't be more happy for them. <br />
<br />
I have been wanting to post pictures from all our Christmas celebrations, but I left my camera at my mom's house last weekend, so I haven't been able to load any of them. I promise that is coming!<br />
<br />
No matter if 2014 was your best or worst year ever, I am praying for 2015 to bring all your greatest wishes!daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-56596261093243522962014-09-07T18:04:00.001-07:002014-09-07T18:04:27.636-07:00Letters to Lexi - 9/7/14Lexi Rosemay,<br />
<br />
It's hard to believe I'm writing these Letters to a big 5 year old now.<br />
<br />
You have been in kindergarten for about a month now. For some reason you were so scared to start school. Any time we talked about kindergarten you would cry and cry. Finally you told me and Nanny that you were scared to go because you couldn't do math, and you couldn't do lots of hard paperwork. I kept assuring you that you are very smart and you would not have any problems. But you were still scared.<br />
<br />
You started reading this summer. Last year in Pre-K you started reading a few words. You would see something on TV and read it. Me and Daddy were so amazed. But over the summer you just started reading and reading and never stopped. I can't take any credit for it because you did it all on your own. By the second week of kindergarten you were already talking about how you were doing math in class.<br />
<br />
Like I told your Bubba, you both have my short patience, and my big temper. Daddy is in for it with 3 of us in the house!<br />
<br />
I love being able to get up with you in the mornings and take you to school, and then being able to pick you up in the afternoons. Then we get to spend a couple hours just you, me, and Rex before Daddy gets home from work.<br />
<br />
Your favorite food is still peanut butter, but you are doing better about trying some other things. You love pizza and macaroni and cheese. You STILL eat string cheese like it's going out of style. And like Mama, you love chocolate.<br />
<br />
You can spot a Kia Soul (like Mommy's car) on the road from a mile away. I'm sure that makes your daddy happy. You are a technology queen, and can operate any device.<br />
<br />
You love kittens right now. You love to stay all night with Nanny and play with her kittens.<br />
<br />
Baby Blake is your favorite person. You are so sweet with him, and he just loves you so much.<br />
<br />
Lexi, I hope you always know how special you are. I hope that one day you can have a daughter, so you can know how much love I have for you!!<br />
<br />
I love you baby girl. Don't grow up too fast... Mama isn't ready.<br />
<br />
Love you,<br />
<br />
Mamadaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-49138086399128438332014-09-07T17:49:00.001-07:002014-09-07T17:49:09.753-07:00Letters to Rex - 2 years oldRex Allen,<br />
<br />
I can't believe you are 2 years old today!!<br />
You are such an amazing little boy. You pretty much do what you want, when you want. If our schedule doesn't match yours, you are gonna let us know all about it.<br />
<br />
Your vocabulary is getting better every day. You are using 3-5 word sentences all the time. <br />
<br />
Boy do you have your mama's temper. I was hoping that since Lexi has my temper, you would have your dad's... but I don't think that's the case. <br />
<br />
The funniest thing you do lately is in the mornings, if I don't give you what you want, and you get fed up with me, you beg to go night-night. It cracks me up!! You are a great sleeper. You go to bed at 6:30 and get up at 7 the next morning. You have been waking up a couple times a night because your cup is empty... looks like we have created another monster like your sister.<br />
<br />
I have no intentions of moving you out of your crib any time soon. You haven't made any attempt to climb out... and I don't want you getting out of a toddler bed and roaming around the house.<br />
<br />
You LOVE Mickey Mouse. You will sit and watch him so intently.<br />
You love dogs and have no fear.<br />
<br />
Shoes are your nemesis. We leave your shoes in the car, because if we put them on in the house, we won't make it out the door before you have kicked them off. You want to be barefoot!!<br />
<br />
You love taking sissy to school and picking her up. You can barely contain your excitement when you see the school buses. <br />
<br />
When you wake up you are such a cuddle bug. I can barely put you down in the morning to make my coffee. You just want to sit and snuggle for a while. And I love it!!<br />
<br />
Your best friend is your cousin Mattie. You get so excited when we see her. You love to play with her, and we all love to watch you interact.<br />
<br />
I love you so much Bubba Man!! <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommydaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-72510940949678889312014-03-25T20:03:00.000-07:002014-03-25T20:03:01.759-07:00Happy Birthday Grandma!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We took this picture last March. My sisters and I drove up to Enid, to visit Grandma in her nursing home. I didn't know this would be the last picture we took with her. <br />
See, she was only in this nursing home because Alzheimer's and dementia had stolen her. She was in relatively good health for an 89 year old. But she would forget things. She would forget to take her medicine, or sometimes she would forget that she was boiling water on the stove. And with the stories on the news about elderly people wandering away from home.... our family made the very difficult decision to put her in a home. I wish I could say that she liked it there, but she really didn't. She went from living on her own for more than 10 years, to now having a roommate. And having nurses fussing over her all the time. <br />
It was a long drive up there that day, but we stopped and got her some chicken strips from Arby's. She was already in the cafeteria when we got there. Sitting and eating with another gentleman. He was so sweet. She seemed really good that day. I'm thankful that I never witnessed her having a really bad day. The days where she tried to hit and kick not only the nurses and doctors, but her own family. She couldn't understand what was going on. She couldn't understand why we were "locking her up.". But that day was good. She got us desserts from the cafeteria. Told me not to get onto Lexi for playing the piano. She showed Lexi the little birds they have. And she showed us her room. We brought her some of her favorite snacks. And then we left. In my head I can see her standing there at the doors as they closed and we walked away. Just a couple months later, we lost her. She had a massive stroke and heart attack. She needed surgery, but we knew she wouldn't survive it. So the doctors helped her hold on long enough for family to get there to be with her as she passed. <br />
<br />
She would have been 90 today. I know we would have planned a huge party and invited lots of her family that she doesn't get to see much. I know she would have smiled and laughed.... and sighed when the kids got too loud. <br />
<br />
I miss her. More than I ever thought I could miss someone. And my selfishness is so angry that Rex and Lexi won't have memories with her. All I can do is tell them stories about her and Papa, and let them live on through that. <br />
<br />
Grandma, I'm so glad you're in heaven now. I'm happy that you have all your memories back. I'm happy that you are once again at Papa's side. And that you can hold your grandchildren once again. And that you can hold the babies I lost too soon. But I still wish you were here. I miss you. I miss you telling me to smile more. I miss you telling me to stop pulling my hair so it won't fall out. I miss driving in your car on the way from Cherokee to Beggs. I miss sleeping on the couch so you can have my bed. I miss that sigh you did when everyone was too loud. I miss how you hated sports and got so frustrated when everyone was crowded around the TV. I miss how much you loved babies. You would be in love with Rex and Mattie right now. You would be so excited to have Lexi read to you. I just miss you.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday Grandma! I hope you had a spectacular birthday in Heaven today. I bet it was amazing.daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-56314842439456461012014-03-20T22:36:00.000-07:002014-03-24T13:16:10.089-07:00Letters to RexRex Allen,<br />
<br />
What an amazing little boy you are! It seems like you learn something new every day. I can't believe you are 18 months old now! You are so different from your sister when she was a baby. Lexi just sat in one spot and played. Not you! You are going and going from the time you wake up in the morning, until the time you go to bed at night. I think I've said "NO" more times in the last 2 months, than I have said it in my whole life. As they say..you are ALL boy!<br />
<br />
One of your most favorite things to do is wrestle with your sissy. I have to watch you though, because you can really tackle her. <br />
<br />
Today we learned that you like grapes. Yum! <br />
<br />
This week you learned how to say "Bethy". - Bethany<br />
You can say please and thank you, but try to get away with not saying it, and just giving me your cute little grin. That grin is going to get you in trouble boy! <br />
<br />
You love looking out the windows. You wave to all the cars that drive by. I don't know if anyone ever notices you... but you are darn cute!<br />
<br />
Last weekend you got to see your "Papa.". I was so surprised when you started calling Poppy Red that. Generally we call him Poppy, and then call Papa James, Papa. But I guess you are going to be different. I'm sure he doesn't care what you call him, as long as you love him. <br />
<br />
I love you with my whole heart!!<br />
<br />
Mommy <br />
<br />
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<br />daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-70262303553745478922014-03-20T21:59:00.002-07:002014-03-24T13:17:13.922-07:00Letters to Lexi - March 2014Lexi Rosemay,<br />
<br />
I can't even begin to tell you how special you are to me. You are my biggest fan, my nurse, my little princess. You are everything I ever dreamed a daughter could be... and more! I hope you always know that.<br />
<br />
You have started your first year of tball. It is very exciting! So far we haven't had any games, only practices. But you are doing so great. I am more proud of you with every practice. Tuesday you got hit with the ball. I was so proud of you. You didn't run to me until your coach asked you if you wanted to. You cried. Did you know that Mommy wanted to cry? It was so hard for me to not run on that field and scoop you up. You are so brave and strong. I was afraid that you would be scared to go to practice today. But you weren't. And Daddy said you did so good. He showed me the videos of you hitting. <br />
<br />
Your personality gets bigger every day. You go from being a princess to being a tomboy all in the span of a few minutes. You like to get dressed up, but you also like to wrestle with your brother. <br />
<br />
You are doing so great in school. You usually have your 4 pages of homework done on Monday night. You seem to love your teacher and all your friends. And you are starting to read!! I can't even begin to tell you how proud that makes me. People have always said, since you were a little baby, that you are so smart. And now is your time to shine. <br />
<br />
You have been on spring break this week. And you have loved spending time with Daddy and Bubba all day. You guys have done lots of fun stuff. I hope you are making lots of good memories to look back on one day.<br />
<br />
I can't believe in a couple short months, you will be 5 years old! I can still remember seeing you for the first time after you were born. You were so tiny! We didn't really have any clothes that would fit you. We had to roll all your pants up. But you have caught up now, and it seems I can't keep up with buying pants that are long enough for you.<br />
<br />
You will always be my baby girl. I love you so much!!<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
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<br />daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-89339132512136560672014-01-22T22:01:00.000-08:002014-01-22T22:01:26.461-08:00Letters to Rex - January 2014Rex Allen, <br />
<br />
Where do I even begin? You are so different from your sister. You are constantly on the move. Climbing and destroying everything in your path. I remember when we couldn't wait for you to walk... now I just want you to slow down! <br />
<br />
Your tube surgery helped you so much. Within a few days you were taking steps and saying more words.<br />
<br />
Right now you can say: mama, dada, banana, cracker, thank you, I love you. We are working on Sissy and Lexi. She will be so excited when you can finally say her name. <br />
<br />
You go to daycare at the school. You love your teachers so much... and I think they like you a little too. 😉<br />
<br />
You eat from the time you get up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night. You will eat pretty much anything I give you. But some of your favorites are: bananas, pop tarts, cereal bars, chips, cookies, crackers, craisins, and dry cereal. <br />
<br />
The funniest thing you are doing lately is blowing your nose. You can really do it! But you scrunch that little face up and blow... it's just so cute. <br />
<br />
You sleep through the night for the most part. <br />
<br />
You don't have near as many teeth as what your sister had by this time. You won't let me feel around in there for very long, but I think you have 12 teeth total right now. You sure are drooling a ton... and BITING your friends. So I'm hoping this is just a teething thing and it will go away soon!<br />
<br />
Son, I love you so much! I was worried about what it would be like having a boy, after getting used to all the girly things. But it is truly amazing. Your smile lights up my darkest days. You will always be my baby boy! <br />
<br />
Love, <br />
<br />
Mommydaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-30353953905187324112014-01-22T21:49:00.000-08:002014-01-22T21:50:49.534-08:00Letters to Lexi - January 2014Lexi Rosemay,<br />
You are 4 years and 7 months old. Even typing that right now, I can hardly believe it. It's been a while since I have written to you, so I hope I can remember everything that has gone on. <br />
<br />
You are the BEST big sister! You are so helpful and you just love your brother so much. <br />
<br />
You are in Pre-K this year and you are doing great! You surprise us every day with all the new things you are learning. Of course you know all your letters and numbers. But now you are starting to put sounds together and READ! The first things you read were colors. You read the colors in a color by number book. Then last week you read us a book you made at school. Just a little bit more practice and you will be a great reader. This excites Daddy and I because we love to read too.<br />
<br />
You had a great Christmas. You were so happy with all of your gifts and told everyone thank you.<br />
<br />
Santa couldn't fit a goldfish on his sleigh, so Mommy and Daddy had to take you to buy one. We actually bought 2! They are orange, so we named them Pistol and Pete. <br />
<br />
You love the iPad, Luna (Lumia), your nab, and any phone you can get your hands on. You love to play games and watch Netflix. <br />
<br />
You are really into my little pony right now, so you got a lot of ponies for Christmas. But you also love to watch Scooby doo before bed. So that should make your cousins Adam and James very happy. <br />
<br />
You are the kindest little girl I have ever met. I joke about your attitude and how you are 4 going on 24, but it's not all bad. You can tell when someone is down and just needs a hug. You can tell when I don't feel good and you always tell me that I should go rest. <br />
<br />
I love you with my whole heart! My most beautiful girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommydaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-65982243520187316632013-12-24T23:25:00.000-08:002013-12-24T23:25:09.572-08:00Christmas EveWell, it's almost 1am and I'm laying here pretty much wide awake. <br />
<br />
Christmas snuck up on me once again this year, but I think we did better than last year. And next year I will aim to do better than this year.<br />
<br />
Christmas growing up was always so amazing. My mom worked her butt off to make sure we had a great Christmas every year. Even on the years when she told us that it wasn't going to be very good, it was always great. <br />
<br />
I remember last year being so sad when Christmas was over. I felt like we didn't do enough for Lexi, or anyone else. But this year I feel pretty good. I'm sure that will change by tomorrow night though. Kristin (baby sister) and I were talking about it tonight. How we felt so bad because our gifts were always piled up under the tree as kids, but they seem so bare tonight. Our kids are young enough that they aren't going to remember much. And they definitely have lots of aunts and uncles who will be giving them gifts also. There was an article going around this week, written by a mom explaining why she buys a lot at Christmas, and I thought it summed up my feelings pretty well. Basically I don't buy my kids everything they want. They get special things on occasion, and they most certainly don't do without. But I have to say no a lot. I don't have the money to buy Lexi an ipad. I would love to have a huge swinger in my backyard, but it just can't happen right now. So, on the rare occasion that I get to go all out, then that's what I do. <br />
<br />
I know it's more about the memories than anything. But I also know that Lexi is getting to an age where her friends are going to start talking and comparing gifts. And I never want her to feel left out!<br />
<br />
Today we enjoyed the rare treat of being off work on a week day. We did a little last minute shopping, ate lunch, and took naps. Then we made cookies for Santa. I don't bake, lol. So I bought the pre-packaged dough. Lexi got to lay it out on the cookie sheets and then put sprinkles and m&m's on them. Tonight after bath time, Jacob told them about the night Jesus was born. Lexi wrote a note for Santa and put out his cookies and milk. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow we will wake up and see what Santa brought! We always have lunch at my Grandma's on Christmas Day. There will be a few gifts there, but nothing major. My grandparents put money on a savings account for the kids on their birthdays and Christmas. Before we go we will have a discussion about thankfulness. Lexi is at an age where her personality and tastes are developing... and let's just say that she doesn't always have a lot of tact. She has always been good about saying please and thank you, but lately she makes it really obvious when she doesn't like something. I don't want to feel like I'm constantly nagging her, but we are trying to teach her about respect.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow evening we will go spend time with Jacob's parents. Then Friday evening dinner with sisters and cousins. Saturday afternoon Christmas with my brother and his family. Saturday night Christmas with my parents and sisters. Whew! That's a lot! <br />
<br />
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-41676367762354807832013-12-17T22:37:00.000-08:002013-12-17T22:37:28.094-08:00Christmas timeWell, Christmas gotten away from me again this year. my tree stands in the corner, undecorated. my decorations half unpacked. I don't know why this happens every year. I get so excited for the season, and then get overwhelmed with everything it brings. Trying to organize parties so that we see all sides of the family. Making sure Lexi has everything she needs for her class programs and parties. Do I have enough teacher gifts? Have I done enough this year? in my mind, the answer is always no. We should have baked more cookies and done more family things. We should have done more to make lasting memories. It's all just overwhelming. Hence the reason I am up at 12:30 am blogging about it. <br />
Speaking of blogging...I know I promised to blog more, and I'm trying to figure out how to fit that in also. please forgive any typos or grammatical mistakes, as this is my first time blogging from my new tablet. here's a list of what I want/need to do.<br />
<br />
*decorate tree<br />
*more lights outside<br />
*make cookies for the neighbors<br />
*put together goodie bags for the teachers<br />
*finish shopping<br />
*wrap gifts<br />
*Christmas crafts with my girl<br />
<br />
Surely I can make that happen. <br />
<br />
What are your favorite holiday traditions?daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-82763702216770304142013-11-21T00:52:00.000-08:002013-11-21T00:52:23.840-08:00Where have I been??I don't even know where to start. I don't remember what my last blog was about, or even when it was.<br />
I guess life just happened. My kids take up all my spare time. I rarely get on my laptop, and I hate to blog from my phone. :(<br />
<br />
So, short updates:<br />
Rex turned 1. We had an UNO themed party.<br />Pretty much all summer we battled with sick kids. Lexi would get sick, and when she would finally get better, Rex would get sick. Since August 29 the poor guy has had 6 back to back ear infections. Changing antibiotics every time. So we finally got a referral to get tubes. Of course this mommy was scared to let him go back, even for this very minor surgery. But our Pastor was there, he prayed with us, and stayed with us the whole time until they took us back to recovery. I was worried about how he would wake up because I have heard horror stories. But, when we got back there he was asleep. The sweet nurses had turned his glowbaby on next to him. She recommended that we let him wake up on his own because it's an easier transition. He slept for a couple minutes, then sat straight up in the bed and started clapping. They brought him some apple juice and he chugged that down. After 30 minutes we were free to go. By that afternoon you wouldn't have known he had surgery. He is 14 months old, and wasn't walking. Wasn't saying very many words. Within 3 days of the surgery he was taking steps. And now, 2 weeks later, you would think he had been walking his whole life! And saying so many more words!! I can't even begin to say how impressed I am with the tubes!<br />Lexi is in Pre-K. She has already started the whining in the morning about not wanting to go to school. But once she gets there, she loves it. She has 4 pages of homework for the week, and she usually does them all on Monday evening. Because she just loves to do the work. My next step for her will be getting her to read some sight words. She read colors to me out of a color by number book one day and I was amazed!! And she remembers everything! She notices everything. If I get a new shirt, she will be the first one to notice. Sometimes she wakes up in the morning while I'm getting ready for work. She is so sweet in the mornings. The first thing she says is "Hi Mommy!" We kiss and hug. And then she tells me how beautiful I look. She loves to mess around in my makeup drawer. And I even let her put on some light pink eyeshadow one day. Daddy didn't like that, and told her the next day that she couldn't do it. She was pretty sad. She is pretty independent. On the weekends, if she wakes up before Bubba, she gets her ipad and plays on it until the rest of the house is awakened by Rex's talking. He generally wakes up in a great mood also!<br />We started going back to church pretty regularly. We even joined the church, which meant for me to get baptized again, because I had not been baptized into a southern baptist church. They weren't saying my first baptism didn't count, just that this was a sign of my commitment to the church. We love it there. The kids love it there. Lexi is so upset if we can't go for some reason. She has learned some of the worship songs, and I love to hear her sweet little voice singing them. <br />
I'm still working for Chart. I love it. And I love my position there. Of course if the right opportunity for promotion came along, I would be willing to take it. <br />I got Botox injections for my migraines. It has helped tremendously. I also got FMLA to cover my time off for my migraines. Yes, they were that bad. I will go back in January for more botox. <br />My baby sister is having another baby, and I'm so excited about that. They are fairly certain it's a boy. For now we are calling him "Baby B." <br />
My sister that is 1 year younger than me is getting married!! We have all been waiting for that day! Her fiance is an amazing man that treats her like a queen. I couldn't be more happy to welcome him into our family. They've been together long enough though, that he's pretty much already family. He loves all of our kids, and spoils them like they are his own. I don't want to rush them, but I can't wait for them to start a little family!<br />Well, I think that should about catch you up. I still have some posts that I've been stirring around in my head. I just have to find the time to do it. But I will try to update more regularly....for the 2 of you that read this, lol!daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-60583220746847691762013-10-01T08:29:00.000-07:002013-10-01T08:29:00.014-07:00It's been a while...I know, I know...I can't expect my blog to grow if I never update it. So what has kept me away? One word...life. Life happens and there are only so many hours in the day to get things done. So this blog gets neglected. Starting next week (I need to be able to start on Sundays) I will have better things coming. For now, let's do a little catching up.<br />
<br />
Rex Allen turned one on September 7th! I can't believe my tiny boy is now a 1 year old.<br />
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We had an UNO themed party that I saw on pinterest. As soon as I saw it, I had to run with it. My mom made the cakes, my sister made the Happy Birthday Banner, and I threw everything else together. I'll do a separate post with all the pictures and details.<br />
<br />
On May 30, we lost my Grandma, my Mom's Mom. She fought a long and hard battle with Alzheimer's and dementia. She suffered a massive stroke and heart attack that day, and though the decision was hard, we knew she was tired of fighting. I still haven't been able to blog about her yet because the emotions are still so raw.<br />
<br />
My pain is overwhelming. On good days I can make it through half a day of work. On really good days, I can make it all day. On really bad days, I can't get out of bed. Pre-Approval for Botox injections is still tied up with the insurance. They have to approve it before I can get it done, because I can not pay out of pocket for it. It's been over 2 months now that I have been waiting and given the run-around. I'm about to give up on it all together.<br />
<br />
For the most part work is ok. There are obviously attendance issues because I miss A LOT of work due to pain. But, I have been there long enough that I qualified for intermittent FMLA. So many hours per year that I can use for my illness. It protects me from getting fired for my attendance. I'm not abusing it just because I have it. My end goal is to work 40 hours a week. There just are times when that can't happen.<br />
<br />
Lexi started Pre-K in August. She loves it. But she has always loved doing school work. She even gets to ride the school bus from her school to Daddy's office after school. <br />
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The Christmas season is approaching and I still have no idea where the money is going to come from. I'm going to be helping my mom out with some crafts, so she is going to give me a portion of the sales. <br />
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So hang with me. Share the blog with your friends. 'Cause there are going to be some great things coming up soon!<br />
daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241990780615624632.post-5267458167787476642013-05-28T07:46:00.001-07:002013-05-28T07:46:10.749-07:00Letters to Rex 5/28/13Rex Allen,<br />
<br />
You are no longer my tiny baby. You are a big handsome boy now! Next week you will be 9 months old. This first year is flying by! <br />
<br />
You can sit up now, but only if we sit you up. You haven't figured out how to go from laying to sitting yet. But you can go from sitting to laying without just tipping over. :) You are still army crawling, and it's the funniest thing I have ever seen. You mainly use one arm and one leg....it surprises everyone that you don't just crawl in circles! But when you are determined to get somewhere you can get along pretty quick. You also have learned how to pull up from sitting to standing. I haven't seen you do it yet. But Granny saw you do it. You eat your babyfood pretty good, when you feel like it. You want to eat food off of my plate, but you haven't really figured out how to do it yet. You sit up in the shopping cart and the highchair at restaraunts, and you think it's the coolest thing. <br />
<br />
You love to play with your cousin Mattie. You want to touch her face all the time though, and she really doesn't like that.<br />
<br />
Right now you have pneumonia. :( You had a snotty nose and a little cough for a while, but Sunday when you woke up I knew you were super sick. So we took you to urgent care. They gave you a breathing treatment while you were there. Of course we took pictures and posted them to facebook. You did it just like a big boy. You don't need the mask. Mommy just holds the machine close to your face and you just breathe in the steam. Sunday was so sad though. You barely smiled all day.<br />
<br />
You have that same sunshine smile that Lexi had when she was a baby. And you are always smiling! Everyone always comments on how happy you are. <br />
<br />
You haven't mastered sleeping through the night yet. Some nights you do, but some nights you wake up to eat. Mommy isn't worried about it yet. Once you turn one then we will start sleep training you. <br />
<br />
I love you more than life my little man!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommydaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16130275608271804999noreply@blogger.com0