tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74346234020706648142024-03-05T01:28:23.083-06:00The Browns - Blah, Blah, BlahI never thought I'd be starting a blog, but becoming parents quickly changes your views on a lot of things. Parker has thrown us for quite a ride in the first few days of his life and this seems like the most logical way to share our drama with the rest of the world. Here's to hoping that our life becomes more blah, blah, blah soon!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-13029495743693122892011-12-11T19:11:00.001-06:002011-12-11T19:11:26.323-06:00Clime, ClimeClime is toddler for "climb" and it's one of Parker's most favorite verbs at the moment. Example A:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5685043269734296930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaxi9BTzFLwX8qcmYSSiNAC6Em9RMLWqJN19QjnAJUj8CRXD8Rec0i31bHwa1INDUYC6z-qaBFdQU3PKCmm1vMO55wVhqHYdB95STvTLYThopSsNDfZRqpCD7qt9R0vONGbKY7KxFfXs/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Example B:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5685043273300507282'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2yT71Ulh_mLwoEK1hn7yw_AjFkYWaWlmY1Q3CFl24X24dGAPld3FQ1Zr2P4W31gCMV3PXfcaJGSqt-rax5D7CyUdrIfaLUjDfqKnT0P1QNxiRaZOjgUe2iPdYmAH2Xpspp4TeVIvK4A/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Example A was taken last Monday hours before he fell flat on his back out of the grocery store cart. Yes, I got mom of the year award for allowing my child to stand in the basket because it was 5:30 at night and he refused to sit correctly and wear the seatbelt.<br /><br />No one saw his swan dive and no one seemed to notice his hysterical screaming. No blood, no goose egg, no dialated pupils, or nausea. We came home (without dinner) and he got a dose of Tylenol. He was no worse for the wear and went to bed by 8pm. I snuck back in his room at 10pm and poked him a few times to make sure he was alive. He didn't act like he even remembered the booboo the next day. I guess in the instance it's a good thing that hardheadedness runs on both sides of the family!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-91633415478016046092011-11-14T21:15:00.001-06:002011-11-14T21:15:10.634-06:00Day 9 of Thanks - 2011I'm thankful for songs that randomly come on the radio and take you back 12 years to your freshman year of college with no warning. Tonight, I heard "Back that *ss Up" and I was back in the Shirley dorm at TCU borrowing clothes from my Kappa pledge sisters and getting ready for a Thursday night at The Aardvark!<br /><br />Great memories with Jaclyn, Kirsten, KJ, Maggie, Abby, and Schwaller!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-4519626741480094822011-11-14T08:45:00.001-06:002011-11-14T08:45:34.960-06:00Day 8 of Thanks - 2011I'm thankful for my three parttime jobs that allow me to be home on nights and weekends with my family, yet still be involved in science and schools during the day!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5674862694640729922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOmDVvx-K3kiNCDK53gMl9OkugLw3nOQv3afWrDAgatpSHHG-VDFQVl5k90igIopsTpVhmW4DokS0puhmi2TlzPYaWmxwThYc4CWVSqbVDeYn1UKXIcA72-ESTw6iggGjKgzXZFkPhu8/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-86776351299628918112011-11-11T20:58:00.001-06:002011-11-11T20:58:06.546-06:00Day 7 of Thanks - 2011Tonight I'm thankful for date nights with my favorite little guy. We ate at Central Market on the patio and listened to two guitarists play the Eagles. He had fruit and chicken tenders and I had Mongolian beef. Then we shared some lemon sorbet for dessert!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5673938205097811426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3fp3qUWqeEP-yAClnOVM09LWsbfpwCHa3kD145hixExhFrC_TlhVdJKt7CxfFbXk_F-nZhAOMKvhSza0GJF3gS6LYfOK4XRrGFWbMtZbGehHGFuBbRHZ-gGCqIEY4s70rJUM0Z2MZH8/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then tonight he was ready for storyline with mommy!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5673938203910684450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2RM8wTS3gDkEeN8H_B85lkiuowPkeo2NFLE2kEjsHbbMYaMrPmxYmvDuVSopKCkD6qP7IgOOyApJ4Dris27lleh_hO440HpsOIaMh7yDFwi6mYqwtFhlZXVWK0FXBNWLsazZ3i6SODA/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-25537537013613407702011-11-10T21:08:00.001-06:002011-11-10T21:08:00.991-06:00Day 6 of Thanks - 2011I'm thankful for smiles and "cheese"!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5673569677810537586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbmQUZKQNY7lAVUDh4OMGjHAgT9Zop06TJnT7O-6TVBAis3sIZj-E2q0wuWTJLvnpXnB7JVnqIdrQ4wBKKlrs43K4tqNFF65SqNFtKs6w1HwcO-OLs0G4l3eQ-8Z-QBtVsd6K5Lc13iQ/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-34257630628702498862011-11-06T20:02:00.001-06:002011-11-06T20:02:15.876-06:00Day 5 of Thanks - 2011Today I'm thankful for hilarious laughing so hard you can't breathe antics between Benton and Parker. The only thing better than laughing that hard myself, is to hear it from Parker.<br /><br />I don't have a picture of the goofiness, but here is Parker two seconds after he was head-first in Jack's food bin. I had a good laugh at his expense!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5672068393255416642'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7BR-rNKbThwCvnRIdHzm-P4-e6gSkC993omo4ocqoNobWE6TvBnJNH_L5jZDuj9bgLON9PtN74UdCnakKKNAb6PNthO1o7rvmEmPQz11wgK2uif0JJdk-WmRA6VufXq9P3AcFRJm9xY/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-1234522832848808142011-11-05T17:47:00.001-05:002011-11-05T17:47:22.192-05:004th Day of Thanks - 2011I'm thankful for college football and Saturday afternoon dates with my husband! Thanks to grandparents for babysitting! Go Frogs!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5671647081368262706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S6oyNIJt6w7Xrv-HeOjgjNNr6skpPkVuhNLwtvLw4sYsQv4siwjx7XfJs3SkgB5l6XCJdXbhoCHPYFLDqadlMMCbI4QvKwTor6Ms-wZ4lRZr4nUIt7Vh-vPknKjoUZsy9H_DsWvQCI4/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-43876413400627888732011-11-04T22:03:00.001-05:002011-11-04T22:03:50.070-05:00Day 3 of Thanks - 2011I'm thankful to be the mother of a boy and enjoy all of the dirt, mud, grime, and giggles that go along with it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5671342075697903522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDa2Lhw9LbzMycbnbNhLteb30Ig1XiI7pPaIfpgxsqBsr7sSRk9oVRNT6vAr_NNNRAZb1aD_XVNxArmUQixmWiuJaaGKB1pJf-JXaL10FERZckzb1VuGMz2AwfOB8mN8YOFX99CXdwcA/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5671342087612608882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6KgtFZXoCv-lYFw3MRs1ksdqHvpKvxha15JMtwY0GHmPbZEArtF_HocWGTGncr_0Gyg26uHiZ2AELL7EnPaNV4oyoLQmRLyZOC8w8Sl1HXMU9D1ZeyaoS3AwNOwBJpr2DlQgb0PtDlk/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-36020494118908623532011-11-02T21:38:00.001-05:002011-11-02T21:38:54.063-05:00Day 2 of Thanks - 2011Today I'm thankful for my sweet husband who is the best daddy to Parker. The three of us have so much fun when we're all home together - going on 4 mile walks, playing earthquake on the couch, giving laundry basket rides, chasing each other, and the list goes on. Life is good!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5670593492848106850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya-EEaC62mmLXxpKSUE91KKA9Y5o470Af9I_siaP9qbTWg8XS0SQ_VLrEIMQ7yIQ7hj96aHGAVnbxpR7k5bV6hKxILmREHsy8kxfT7tDrh-pGFhXVXiDwTOQOKPctwPkHs7O6T8sW9u4/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-22375460325715136112011-11-01T08:31:00.001-05:002011-11-01T08:31:24.669-05:00Day 1 of Thanks - 2011Today I am thankful for my amazing mother who has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She gives selflessly of her time, money, and other resources to take care of those she loves. I'm sure she's already crying at this point while reading, so I'll keep going...<br />
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She has spent the last several weeks taking care of my grandmother, literally around the clock. Its so hard for me to not be in Wichita Falls to help. We have always talked on the phone everyday, but now we talk at least three times a day so I can get updates. We are all so blessed to have my mom in our lives and she is the perfect role model for me to aspire to as a mother. Parker loves his Nona too!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-122759569746404752011-10-31T22:46:00.003-05:002011-10-31T22:46:45.954-05:00Halloween 2011I have been quite reflective the last few days about how blessed I am to be Parker's mom. A friend pointed out that I often call him, Parker Brown, without even realizing it. I guess that means he'll learn his whole name faster than the rest. He has been such an easy baby, but he is even more of a joy lately now that he can communicate with words and phrases. I'll wait until next week to make my brag list of his 19-month old words, but there are more and more each day!<br />
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We had a great second Halloween tonight. His costume was the hit of our block and he loved saying "Tink You" to everyone as he passed out candy to trick or treaters. He was not a fan of the hat and beard earlier this afternoon - the best part of his costume - until he realized that people would tell him how cute he is and give him candy if he kept it on. He went to Benton's aunt house for a trial run and performed perfectly on cue. Then to our surprise, he made our whole cul-de-sac and would have gone farther. We'll need to remember to get out tennis shoes on for running next year!<br />
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Mom - seriously, its hot and I'm wearing a full suit made of fleece and you want me to wear a cone hat and beard too?!<br />
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I wanted a Travelocity Gnome shot with the suitcase, so this was not quite what I had in mind....<br />
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We have perfected our "cheese" face!</div>
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So proud of himself in the car on the way back home!</div>
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And a shot from Halloween 2010 - not a buzz cut, but all of his hair had fallen out and I think he only had his four front teeth at 6 months.</div>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-61766844865311710502011-10-11T21:24:00.004-05:002011-10-11T21:24:52.558-05:0018 Months Old and in NOLA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took Parker on his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first trip to New Orleans</span> this weekend. We met my parents on Saturday and brought Parker's babysitter/nanny, Liz, and her boyfriend along for the fun. We were lucky enough to end up with an extra seat on the flight to New Orleans, so instead of being a "lap infant", he got to be a big boy in his own seat!</div>
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We ate lunch out by the lake at our new favorite restaurant, Castnets. We all had huge fried shrimp poboys and Parker loved his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first shrimp poboy</span> too! I'm sure we have started him on cajun food early, and it won't be his last poboy!</div>
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We also had a baby in a bar. (Name the movie, "Look - you have a baby in a bar!"). His <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first trip to Pat O'Brien's</span> and his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first Shirley Temple</span>. He had a sugar high after eating about 6 cherries. Here he is eating celery from the chicken wings that Pops ordered.</div>
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I would have never thought that I would be pushing a stroller down Bourbon Street, but we did and Parker had a great f<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">irst trip down Bourbon Street</span> waving at strangers, pointing at lights, yelling Wow!, and doing other cute things to get attention. </div>
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We stumbled upon a Harrah's Casino parade for all of their elite gamblers. There were 8-10 Mardi Gras-style floats and everyone was throwing out beads. Parker was in heaven collecting beads at his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first parade</span> and has been wearing them non-stop ever since. They were the first thing he wanted when he woke up in his pack-n-play!<br />
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We took a quick sprint through the Aquarium. This was his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first trip to an aquarium</span>. He was tired and not very patient, but he liked seeing all of the fish and he has perfected making fish lips. Notice all of the beads he's wearing the next day. We even had a woman ask if she could take his picture because he looked like a mini frat kid with he madras plaid, new balances, and gob of beads.</div>
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My mom came and met us at the Aquarium - it was impossible to keep up with him and the stroller by myself.<br />
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Plus, she's learned how to bribe him and always carry snacks for him in her purse. This day she had graham cracker goldfish.<br />
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He also took his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first ferry ride</span> to Algiers and back, then to the Gretna Music festival on the other side of the Mississippi River. Sara Evans and Tracy Lawrence played while we were there, so I guess we can count it as his f<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">irst music festival</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first concert</span>.<br />
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We met my dad at Cafe Du Monde yesterday so Parker could try his f<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">irst beniget</span>. He was still full from our huge breakfast at Mena's Palace, so he wasn't really excited about powdered sugar. But Pop's cell phone is always a hit.<br />
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Parker has a new obsession with buses, particularly school buses, but any conversion van, metro bus, or trolley will still get his yelling BUS for hours. New Orleans has a great trolley system with red trolleys and we've never taken advantage of them before. Yesterday we took Parker on his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">first trolley ride</span> down the Mississippi River from Cafe Du Monde back to our hotel by the Convention Center. When we got off, Parker kept saying "more, more", meaning that he wanted to ride it again.</div>
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I promise that Benton was on this trip - Liz took lots of pictures with her good camera, so I'll have more NOLA pics later!</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-44541265960468739242011-09-27T22:13:00.000-05:002011-09-27T22:13:31.555-05:00Cabo Trip - September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMiQXKZ_2j-7WOoOCiEL1b2lTaGjw0rMnOK1uAvSV95R_AfQ7WHc857PTF_ceXVxUO99LHbRZCCHvoXRKz9qy69kFy3o0qG574P656bQ6xWEogaziyX5kxvLklBRfIa9PhPa8Yujl9Eo/s1600/DSC_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMiQXKZ_2j-7WOoOCiEL1b2lTaGjw0rMnOK1uAvSV95R_AfQ7WHc857PTF_ceXVxUO99LHbRZCCHvoXRKz9qy69kFy3o0qG574P656bQ6xWEogaziyX5kxvLklBRfIa9PhPa8Yujl9Eo/s320/DSC_0944.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had a much-needed long weekend to Cabo San Lucas a couple of weeks ago. We went with the Haneys and had a great time sunning, fishing, eating fabulous Mexican seafood, and we had the best massages ever! I didn't catch a fish - although I had a big Dorado that flipped off and broke the line about 25 feet from the boat. Better luck next time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqnVtbxPwWxqYSN62m6T5uaJ2GVHwtrZemMDS7wd029nhm7Pf8_LjxdVFZeY1WaZJYZawu68TEVEqNxP9DN2as84QjBD3u48oFoIetdllbEPc7KNw53dwk6ttB2LMT6xs2PI29hyWDHQ/s1600/DSC_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqnVtbxPwWxqYSN62m6T5uaJ2GVHwtrZemMDS7wd029nhm7Pf8_LjxdVFZeY1WaZJYZawu68TEVEqNxP9DN2as84QjBD3u48oFoIetdllbEPc7KNw53dwk6ttB2LMT6xs2PI29hyWDHQ/s320/DSC_0940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz1yAB9kxAW6UgoroDyRp_G12QuQxRbR78Er_LSDYhaKeymR29mP2ipbj-gSl4A0FOES48xPnJK9CZ8w4eBn6kLi68uiKHisW10KsyGGs3SKGqa_Bo7MNoQ4r_yWeQbiuniKrcpmZAwc/s1600/DSC_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz1yAB9kxAW6UgoroDyRp_G12QuQxRbR78Er_LSDYhaKeymR29mP2ipbj-gSl4A0FOES48xPnJK9CZ8w4eBn6kLi68uiKHisW10KsyGGs3SKGqa_Bo7MNoQ4r_yWeQbiuniKrcpmZAwc/s320/DSC_0975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-12148490726264530212011-09-27T21:55:00.000-05:002011-09-27T21:55:02.127-05:00Parker's First Zoo TripWe went to the Fort Worth Zoo last Saturday with the Haneys. I took tons of pictures, but these are my favorites. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxrJSlddn4zNLzStLE9rGyYBSQOekHyosVtxuBXjajdYZooRn9CAy3MpYUP3kl8Nf8-BKuK9NNPjVRK_A99KaS78Ugh-GCo-SvPbtki7NzJqL8nDEE45bxdr3uTLW1gWTywG9c9mACks/s1600/DSC_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxrJSlddn4zNLzStLE9rGyYBSQOekHyosVtxuBXjajdYZooRn9CAy3MpYUP3kl8Nf8-BKuK9NNPjVRK_A99KaS78Ugh-GCo-SvPbtki7NzJqL8nDEE45bxdr3uTLW1gWTywG9c9mACks/s320/DSC_1049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-82075216937484338342011-09-09T18:42:00.001-05:002011-09-09T18:42:40.137-05:00Parker's First Day of PreschoolYoung Toddler Class at Stringfellow at FUMC. He had a great first day, walked in and began playing with no meltdown, didn't want to come inside from the playground, surprised his teachers with how many words he has, and danced like a champ during music time. Wow, time sure does fly!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5650509472299058178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWy-PqbWbbK6xtIZvX4wpP6U1GGYNLR21dg-SVB0Y0nh8C-UGmlBXmtV7rRsiPuyuwQyUgRhyphenhyphen_7y5nqebHtiNihQxXXezyhLxDVShU_4db1nUhzX98QbMEN2BDrtwilIpUd1VPrrZjAE/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-86408435212608762222011-08-20T20:25:00.001-05:002011-08-20T20:25:30.479-05:00Saturday's Laundry Room Re-doLet me start by saying that there was nothing really wrong with my laundry room, except that it's the only room in the house that we haven't painted. It was a boring eggshell white color with a cheap tan rubbery mat from Target. I do like the mirror I have hanging over the sink, otherwise there were a couple of potted plants and crosses on one wall.<br /><br />I don't have time to be as crafty as I would like and after a while I get in a creative funk that can only be cured with a project. I usually have to do projects like this when Benton is out of town because he lacks creative vision and doesn't trust me not to screw up the house. <br /><br />Not that every project is a success - like the bathroom I painted in our old house when I was 9 months pregnant. Paint job was sub par, but it was the electric blue that sent Benton over the edge. He was as nice as he could be with his critique, but I had a hormonal meltdown anyway.<br /><br />So here is today's project. Credit for the idea is from my mom - pre-Internet. She used liquid starch and fabric on our bathroom back in the early 1990's. I had been planning to find a hip chevron pattern to put on the backsplash of our laundry room. I figured this was a safe place for experimentation since almost no one sees it anyway.<br /><br />Chevron must be cooler on blogs and Pinterest than in real life because it was hard to find a pattern. I wanted one color with white, not a Missoni multi-color, and the only one I found was a sunshine yellow with white.<br /><br />So I switched to a tan and white print with Tiffany blue parrots. It's a great transitional print since the hallway is khaki and the bathroom and guest room next door are blue. It was regularly $17.99/ sq. ft. at Hancock Fabrics, but it was on sale for 40% off.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5643114220846368130'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKfl09zfvkPizt8TFpakr53mRHty-EdEiHDaTrWBt7bIzccUXCWWdbTrXxuM68SjPmcbqn-6eu7POVyAaGSqU4LrWoQGzcLfcWmuHFKI5x-RiVupFaXivnqHkHOxoThtMVEXzQgfk6U/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I bought 3 yards and began measuring out the fabric on my kitchen floor using the tile to help me cut straight lines. If you're going to try this - add half and inch to your vertical and horizontal measurements. If you know me, you know I'm mathematically challenged anyway and you'll want the room for shrinkage. Plus, if your measurements or cutting aren't perfect, you need extra to trim off, rather than a gap that's too short.<br /><br />I tried to cut a hole for the outlet before putting the fabric up and my measurement was off. After that, I just put the fabric up and then cut holes where I needed them.<br /><br />After the fabric is cut, put the first piece in a bucket and pour undiluted liquid starch on top of it and soak it until it's entirely wet. Squeeze it slightly into a ball so that it's really wet but not dripping. Stretch it out over the wall starting in a corner so you can get your lines as straight as possible.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5643114267413885842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEZmvmzJOuoVGBRc_02gT6DvzmL5_l8NRLew1gTUNAxytarK6erjiLG6AyP1SbsvlvXRN2EWYFwcP6MQibPLJBN1PaGk8Gv1wzAIVtUDLSb2P_ysQ9c8WyJ6lgG8SdG0RYfkxRJToA8k/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />You may be a really great measuerer/cutter, otherwise, pick one side to be your straight side and let the other side have your overhang you can fix later with a straightedge razor after it dries. Starting in your first corner, put push pins every 10 inches or so (you'll remove them after it dies). Smooth out the fabric and stretch it flat across the surface. That's it!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5643114273978275298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0cNejYr9LYYnEKYm0LL7rc7SfLxExHrUXIt_Xeihg5BWlu1dijSj2lo4i9MAA87HaOLDIeRXoQisli4smNIRg8bdxcSPFxZ99XLHr9ap_a2IneAjPmHNad-8sh92d-gb9-Gn1B7BauU/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was harder to make sure the pattern sort-of lined up, but a solid color would have been the same as paint and I wanted a wallpaper look and feel. I ended up doing more wall than I planned because I had fabric left over and I loved the way it looked. I went back and bought 3 more yards and another bottle of starch this evening. <br /><br />Someone asked on Facebook how I did his with a toddler. I did the prep work while Parker was awake and he wasn't much help. He tried to walk on the fabric on the kitchen floor, stole the tape measure, and tried to hold the scissors. I did most of it during his 2.5 hour nap this afternoon, but I will say it was much easier to do this with Parker than painting or wallpapering - yikes!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/103626990811869816654/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5643114274415110386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgqPxE5byyhA11PwHqCZiOmC4LJ_UHkZLBtbyE68KYzAXDsuY-l_VhtpeXDH5agg298rRLcjGElMo_jOYSG7LnybH-_2_3GBqwHZ3LkhrtIFIuT_nhdAAMS2wKDuvZ_6EbjAR21hueqE/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tomorrow's project is to paint a chevron pattern on a rug for the floor, so stay tuned!<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-55022514689120344222011-08-16T14:27:00.000-05:002011-08-16T14:27:26.371-05:00Parker's Baptism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0f6IQcMDBoeChbmU1qBZo1N_IIuX7v-bAIDhZP7FY53e1Nd62bGIPxvjw9OmPjLp89zIyPa2r2i5X-NYt7nwHYL0M_rSVG9w0L2VmyGmshYOw-4BShVEgoxuNMkUGX9k3u2YMpraS9w/s1600/DSC_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0f6IQcMDBoeChbmU1qBZo1N_IIuX7v-bAIDhZP7FY53e1Nd62bGIPxvjw9OmPjLp89zIyPa2r2i5X-NYt7nwHYL0M_rSVG9w0L2VmyGmshYOw-4BShVEgoxuNMkUGX9k3u2YMpraS9w/s320/DSC_0730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We had Parker baptized at First United Methodist in Coppell by Rev. Dennis Wilkinson this past Sunday (August 14, 2011). We had both sets of grandparents present, along with Julie & Brad Gossett who are also members at FUMC. Parker wormed and squirmed through the first ten minutes of the service and then did fine during the baptism ceremony. At one point he started pointing out to the congregation saying dada, dada, dada and Benton tried to hush him. Dennis just said Parker was saying amen to what he was saying. We don't have any pictures from church since cameras aren't allowed in the sanctuary, but here are a couple after our lunch at Joe T's. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrCSa5gzjiUeP-CPGony3OM-J6IAQjAxgnDXplFzSi6JnBHMcgejYx9a7meNQBnJsyXcV_K-G1L3-iPXwSdUHyfaToDXUEyfMEFxAFE_uRxgbfF_GNvQ9jiLUKIe59yUHIqjySgWvZfs/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrCSa5gzjiUeP-CPGony3OM-J6IAQjAxgnDXplFzSi6JnBHMcgejYx9a7meNQBnJsyXcV_K-G1L3-iPXwSdUHyfaToDXUEyfMEFxAFE_uRxgbfF_GNvQ9jiLUKIe59yUHIqjySgWvZfs/s320/DSC_0737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEUw-DPEVQBLEF3Wh2NJZL8AwjK9kELQgUaoSCdvgA7-ER8vgTAj4DK4XfMChL9hw7q6hZHhtHeOHD_t-yi14qXxRTtfYSlNWK2nsMnENEp7e7XYbcTsBf4RGj2RA5wW00T2tOcULNUI/s1600/DSC_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEUw-DPEVQBLEF3Wh2NJZL8AwjK9kELQgUaoSCdvgA7-ER8vgTAj4DK4XfMChL9hw7q6hZHhtHeOHD_t-yi14qXxRTtfYSlNWK2nsMnENEp7e7XYbcTsBf4RGj2RA5wW00T2tOcULNUI/s320/DSC_0741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj6__XkN67FO7de1WpfqOvR6kpfFyfvI3wbBIZTYHGxiNdOQisn8tw6ogqy3XINdZIz9X3wPL1PCKXKwGvkZb-7CkCTQa0Zy-Ztwo2MkuhDbAetUjff1OANy5-YoyL_FkZV0_TXGWz0Q/s1600/DSC_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj6__XkN67FO7de1WpfqOvR6kpfFyfvI3wbBIZTYHGxiNdOQisn8tw6ogqy3XINdZIz9X3wPL1PCKXKwGvkZb-7CkCTQa0Zy-Ztwo2MkuhDbAetUjff1OANy5-YoyL_FkZV0_TXGWz0Q/s320/DSC_0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE8X8XDE5B63d_IYzbeVoAVOm0a41DgFIQpU4K3PPn8Ep7oeL3Yb4AVGXYXnsL93ectHKRNDapI3yFlpqHXnReAZQU3vKqVf_-qr6aLmW4TLwbrzhwLr6y6UGf3bLuQxClCXhOdl4ze0/s1600/DSC_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE8X8XDE5B63d_IYzbeVoAVOm0a41DgFIQpU4K3PPn8Ep7oeL3Yb4AVGXYXnsL93ectHKRNDapI3yFlpqHXnReAZQU3vKqVf_-qr6aLmW4TLwbrzhwLr6y6UGf3bLuQxClCXhOdl4ze0/s320/DSC_0743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It occurred to me that this was our first church ceremony to participate in as a family of three. I felt grown up to have joined a new church (still love FCC where I grew up!) and to begin our lives in a new congregation. We haven't started Sunday School or any other activities yet, but Parker will be starting preschool there one day per week in the fall. I'm so glad we have finally found a church home.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-14871216495564258682011-08-16T14:12:00.000-05:002011-08-16T14:12:59.738-05:00Parker is 16 Months Old<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuzFF4I5dksGR6BbduCSlGK7hY16rkRcMUhBdZgiPhuMnWZ9WcYd4y6Hx3V5B6rbc4KzprZod608c6cPa8V7omgMjVxeekTBbe7ioyszHlopwsgzGxLLZ8kGHiJR79OeYhh1gGR0mnB8/s1600/DSC_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuzFF4I5dksGR6BbduCSlGK7hY16rkRcMUhBdZgiPhuMnWZ9WcYd4y6Hx3V5B6rbc4KzprZod608c6cPa8V7omgMjVxeekTBbe7ioyszHlopwsgzGxLLZ8kGHiJR79OeYhh1gGR0mnB8/s320/DSC_0720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m a bad mother and missed the 15 month update – actually, I was busy being a good mom and there wasn’t a great time to pause and type an update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parker is now napping and Benton is out of town, so this is a good time to catch up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1BQ6aK7sQFBq78BdTr8CVNqBXLOB9LClhhuDCf487PbtQZ9hsosb0vOr1v3VTSA_3rQR3jQXb-c7rDgavQXKzSpN4EGu9Qty4WxLdNZ14Ey8Qn4REZYCQC0iv97H9RzCXbne0qONAwA/s1600/DSC_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1BQ6aK7sQFBq78BdTr8CVNqBXLOB9LClhhuDCf487PbtQZ9hsosb0vOr1v3VTSA_3rQR3jQXb-c7rDgavQXKzSpN4EGu9Qty4WxLdNZ14Ey8Qn4REZYCQC0iv97H9RzCXbne0qONAwA/s320/DSC_0728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">At 16 months, Parker is a hot mess – both literally and figuratively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re breaking heat records with almost 50 days of over 100 degrees. Not that this is news to anyone, but I want to document it for posterity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was born in September of 1980 in Austin, Texas, and my mom always told me how the Summer of 1980 was the hottest on record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soooo glad that I’m not spending the Summer of 2011 pregnant, but its still been miserably hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So hot in fact, that its too hot to go to the pool, run errands, go to the park, walk with the stroller, etc….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to the hot mess. Benton asked me at 15 months if the “terrible twos” can hit early. I told him that I think its just going to get worse for the next 9 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parker still climbs on tables, chairs, up cabinets, on ottomans, on beds, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has no fear about sliding off of any of these objects either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fear also applies to the swimming pool – he loves going down headfirst on the slide at the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We took two weeks of mommy and me swim lessons and I’ll admit that it was pretty worthless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, it was great bonding and I worked out from 9-10 each morning then we booked it downstairs for our group of 4 toddlers in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parker did not like being told what to do and when to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No splashing or kicking on command for this stinker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he did love jumping off the lilly pads and the best part was eating a full brunch by the pool afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did pick up some things to work with him on, but we won’t be taking another set of lessons for another six months or even until next summer!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Other developments at 16 months include an expanding vocabulary and a lovely high-pitched scream when he doesn’t have a word to express himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be a happy scream, scared scream, or mad scream, but they all sound like nails on a chalkboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His words now include momma, dada, Jack (says it constantly, normally without the ‘K’ sound), pops (as in barbeque pop chips or my dad), nana, wawa (water), aqua (his first Spanish word), da (down), uh (up, or uhhh figure out what I want you to do), ya (yes), and na (no), bleh (blueberry), waff (waffle).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When in doubt, he will point, whine, or grab your finger, or literally pull your legs where he wants you to go so he can tell you what he wants.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3HQV7aOtXdXG7iPswUcEnzqhueUHGy9ysklr5Ct8RaO4fiK9cC6Ca9QbGdUZ03lzG6suVIKQP3x3abeB6QACzFH8HQC5D2mszvuxKAyP0LYlodX1ASwAS2vt0LO1cVe0RU1BV_pjvqs/s1600/DSC_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3HQV7aOtXdXG7iPswUcEnzqhueUHGy9ysklr5Ct8RaO4fiK9cC6Ca9QbGdUZ03lzG6suVIKQP3x3abeB6QACzFH8HQC5D2mszvuxKAyP0LYlodX1ASwAS2vt0LO1cVe0RU1BV_pjvqs/s320/DSC_0725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>Playing with Olivia Gossett</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Its been so fun to figure out that he really does observe so much around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He notices planes that fly overhead, he wants to see what is on top of counters, he watches lights and ceiling fans, and is curious about what is in closets, cabinets, under beds, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which basically means that he is into everything all the time = hot mess.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFCpnePLDLHkeSdDMIE6Hssd10mdkuQRFIxOpCIrAcxvd9NX6lE9APZwSuxwY6EQCir0kOFHTrG01VnRNbKnMObADlvRLSyl1oBvtwVIbNisw2jNmJrcgvFe1shFEttRe30DznkPOx74/s1600/DSC_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFCpnePLDLHkeSdDMIE6Hssd10mdkuQRFIxOpCIrAcxvd9NX6lE9APZwSuxwY6EQCir0kOFHTrG01VnRNbKnMObADlvRLSyl1oBvtwVIbNisw2jNmJrcgvFe1shFEttRe30DznkPOx74/s320/DSC_0721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment--> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-49796539708435446332011-06-29T19:17:00.001-05:002011-06-29T19:17:58.777-05:00Joyful in JulyI have been absent from the blog world for the month of June because I have been working every week. It has been a great reminder that our family needs me at home part time - working full time for one month was enough!<br /><br />I finished up work for the month today and will return to playing the role of Parker's mommy. It has been a hectic few weeks, but we have all survived with the help of our babysitter, Elizabeth, both sets of grandparents, and with some quality father-son time. Benton was a great father before, but he is an AMAZING daddy now. He has a great confidence about parenting that can only come from being on your own while your wife spends 8 nights out of town in one month. Can't say enough how proud I am to be his partner!<br /><br />With all this said, I'm returning full force to mommy world in July. I will be working out 4-5 times a week instead of 1-2, I will be working on my tan in the toddler pool (otherwise known as the pee park), and I will be blogging about things that bring me JOY. check back each day in July for a joyful event, moment, item, etc.<br /><br />Until then, enJOY your life!<br /><br />KAB<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-79212785932049247652011-06-02T09:47:00.001-05:002011-06-02T09:47:43.548-05:00Backyard LilliesHere is a sample of what I have blooming in my backyard this week. So fun to have new varieties pop up each week!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613633986527010002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0rRVCpAqKRUjsSFpKSJk_b-ZO-0-jcwrDFaA2J5pPjhVFANrt2xKIMP1sy75ydsSavXac93gyyiZ1ATJ4hYppvupBFugb0_t1BpymUY8u66mUGBU1s9GnfP_4oqd63SCX4Z62dJoldE/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634005945129986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija2ZjUsnx1xJL_pDT_oIBPo0w4xA4kqmgP1iJnMiRPxCFdG0aW_5Gwi0PzmbfIeNagAZB_Tv7OFRaWZU1BtaC9LvhO4lSB17bS0s2z8GtuyQpOLJkwO4ypQMNx1Qb4n_7Bx2eGQT82Oc/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634020020582706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNosvoybvkU3XC9nE34qA1_MjfUuZCvyl_OuR9mQlzx80Vgl4M9yKbaXhgzhEMAK14TT4QnBD3soY9k852Sg1gm3MK6bnx1r2HIOWopFTuACKTzP2jmNAcffPUdheC5YFqYt0IU-Ljue4/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634042666100850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmZolgz7Za45xkLaHuI8fSczPyLaz_MM-VzDlBjDOp0OvLTsItqgDSWfs8Pta2Gpfu9g4Z2ZWCPYf7HnaXzhl0k5PBHDDFmVCii2rB2zSIoaNnx_gveVI8OYicm29KdgnWLzZ_cMgKE0/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634061531841906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS1ZxcDP5lEt7JyBVYAOTykiuRGj9RE6I3YG0qpuruep-JYTGe1QDET8JuIRZUD4u-QASMXi35d4K_CPvAkoHxwmgVpWLsv-1PdG3eI3oKlJV1cfnAxl_w0_g0HdWTFi4pSXVOSDLI80/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634074296974114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSMiwWJzrufPo8yiLAt0vb2qz6vM_UXtpH6jyTojrb8LO5nxjqfQDtgiaS6RjYv1EQZmsjYBPF2Sxr_ip7XeyZhvMlbbIgL80edo5AAdpVYQsi0N5bPRBW36HI_beL7SzN0wvZGGudZ8/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634095816276242'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGx8fSpygODHsdjGnLp6vMrfCG4qMCtjyyNz67TAjQrvYroz1rgFyyLuPvKKCwl5dhPZkWpYx467CQNHzl1rLLIlvmkfdgQ22PwpI8vqwF_0PgJzUHUTOVqZqbb49HdBDqgqqgyg3UaWY/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634105723027362'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ1xF7WRm0SjxtBbjOqo7sDekpWJq_F_XH9e9uodqmV9wIOsnECXy3pKfJ4E5GqZhXhCrzJW4RDRATDvbJ3sIR3BLTXc5ifLBwmHlxvxvtjPlrW_HzBpfRo1FUGjmdXpNyAPw1bLWp0U/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We tore down the fence dividing the backyard from the driveway yesterday and will have a new gate installed across the back. Didn't realize how many landscaping projects it would generate!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5613634179912681234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vVhZyMp3qcd1po3-xR3sjkBqAC3FkuiutYlCA97lBwSNQ4T1MgvGbNomX73GLB48eUyZmi8VXUXlIkVNoT5Cvx0vbo5xi2YnsisdHzJUkc6oj13rx-GGGGKYGDwbDgjZ0i9y-czon1Y/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Note: that is not our suburban in the background, although I'm sure Benton would love to have one like it for hunting!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-70793258037374570632011-05-25T20:11:00.000-05:002011-05-25T20:11:13.733-05:00Taos TripWe took a quick get away last week to Taos and stayed with family. Parker was a trooper making the trek in the car. We stopped overnight in Amarillo on the way there, and made it all the way back to Wichita Falls for the night on the way back. The weather was yucky the first two days we were there, but it ended up being nice and we were able to shop and do some sightseeing. Here are a couple of shots from our trip:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bDuPalQGQ2Mbz9FfCyGfTPqRE_uBuuHsZg1Lpi9QJK5t_nK0uZLhE8qKR98b8WqXQhs2kdsjVBi3L3DxJh-_s3umOJ8TeecQ9lASh_xhHfRrBx4atQ_VS7qDvWzvd1ZQqMseVZjwRuA/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bDuPalQGQ2Mbz9FfCyGfTPqRE_uBuuHsZg1Lpi9QJK5t_nK0uZLhE8qKR98b8WqXQhs2kdsjVBi3L3DxJh-_s3umOJ8TeecQ9lASh_xhHfRrBx4atQ_VS7qDvWzvd1ZQqMseVZjwRuA/s320/DSC_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-76797647123311937642011-05-20T20:38:00.000-05:002011-05-20T20:38:51.789-05:00Is Your Life Worth Living?This is really an optimistic post, even though the subject makes you think you need to jump off a bridge - so please keep reading. Since I first met Benton over ten years ago, his motto has always been, "You can sleep when you're dead". This motto applied at 3am when I wanted to go home and he wanted to find another party, and it applied at 8am when I wanted to sleep in and he was ready to start his Saturday. <br />
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Now, on vacation, some ten years later with a 13-month old, the same motto still applies. We spent the day trying to wear Parker out after he woke up at 5:45am Taos-time. We played at Kit Carson Memorial Park, saw the bridge at the Rio Grande Gorge, watched snow flakes at the Taos Ski Mountain, ate lunch at the Taos Cow, cruised in the stroller around downtown Taos, ate gravel at Eske's Pub, had guacamole at Orlando's New Mexican cuisine, and had our first aqua dump in the tub. It was such a long day and Benton and I are both worn out, BUT I can say that we did as much as we possibly could in one day in the mountains. We lived life to its fullest and Parker was worn out after our day of sightseeing. I can say we were good parents today that spent quality time with our child. We laughed, we ate, he cried, we drank, and the day was good. <br />
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How did you spend your day?<br />
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KABKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-65961981161085916892011-05-13T22:15:00.001-05:002011-05-13T22:15:17.115-05:00Running RamblingsOkay, so I might start to admit that some days I really love to run - and today was one of those perfect days to run. My mom watched Parker while I ran this morning in Wichita Falls. The weather was cool (low 60s) with a 10-15mph wind, low humidity, and not a cloud in the sky. The terrain was exceptionally flat and because of the drought, I didn't have to worry about running through high grass. It was also kind of nice to run through my old neighborhood past the Catholic church and school, past the convenience store and the car wash, took a water break at the grocery store, and then reminisced about where my friends all lived when we were growing up (Britany, Julie, Hayley, Tina & Tim, Kami, Jeff, John, Micah, & Geoffrey). I planned to run 4 miles, then maybe 5 miles, then an hour - or whichever came first. I kept the same pace throughout, enjoyed the view, and didn't have to worry about breathing, pace, blisters, calves, or pushing a stroller. It was pure bliss!<br /><br />I ran 5 miles in 56:17 and could have gone farther - my first 10K is within reach. Coincidentally, today marks 5 months that I've been running. My initial goal was to add one mile to my max each month, so I'm still on target. I plan to do a 10K (6.4 miles) in June/July and then I may push for the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on December 4th. Still don't see a full marathon in my future, but who knows?!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-4822571830645849722011-05-13T21:59:00.001-05:002011-05-13T21:59:45.988-05:00Rodeo the PianistParker went to visit my maternal grandmother, his great-grandmother, for the second time today. He teetered all around her house and loved playing with her broom and fan cord. Then he played his first piano. Too cute to see his bang away and then clap for himself. Gran loved it so much, she asked him for an encore and he sat in her lap to play. Great memories to tell him about someday!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5606401049362049474'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif53L_c3haKBN_3v9LRkUMo82XhHxBbnN1H8-3PR3d4U9ldKjgxXj_dpt2z_2r2SfBZHg741qUWBqGHDtdb15uek6BKrpRDtfTcPjpsWyPr2kG6vauN35hwM5bajzqSUrk-3CeOnQzZrc/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5606401060985618530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeIxmjYM_UPYORLR2juDSjV6Nr4XPcE92yPJuiwD3GEGdUWen_SOrWucjuFRKswYHZ9_oSadePwUNn_6iQX5pkZzZQzNCDqUuctk6c0hSwxvdINtq_Iqj329JAhxgnYmsYzkd1skpT9M/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5606401074238233666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpRUzVpfJdPEwn96IuTUecdrz4jXXIwnCyjDbDGJGbJyMaeAo-9oaIpEVjG3JmFg63hXaekb1P-bmDDmnE1LStpl8yXCjoI7CfmcW_o0-uz97-7wxEWDPHprniN_7hsUBhh5DObY2LCc/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5606401110868755026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7u0FjxAV9hs_fE_nMqBWHB-jRpWwovRx3M7H6W4CU8M65I9XuM2AJfjlh6z03ySD6Tkfg0RFE4SXANcTevBWP-B_5UhTKonjpPw_nLhYnh9154dhf1Xq8GSULTGDSkzXPruRVuZo8Nk/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5606401127134538562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfMy1qn5r9uruQu8lgp_aNif1rbc0XBgXbbvIHkz7uejrjrdkLOaqxhNqDSu1XNNDjel_PllJd7oNBYPqMIbbfsSvJ075UROtDLPF8Wpx41wQK5qPq7Ja69Gs1MtM9eZh5f36VnaCM4/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7434623402070664814.post-11995211464091452642011-05-13T21:51:00.001-05:002011-05-13T21:51:48.626-05:00Rodeo the GolferI promise we're not trying to force Parker into taking up golf, but his favorite toys are plastic sets of golf clubs from Wal Mart. He has three sets - one for our house and one at each grandparent's house. Golf clubs are perfect to use as walking sticks, whacking poor Jack, stirring Jack's water bowl, stirring the toilet, and splashing in the tub - among other cool things!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/kapplingbrown/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCO7D9-ehwqLaIA#5606399083665266482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCegWm-AV3mNi5mRmBPxQWC4feuwEGGTBggWUSgOcAArCzGkLAZGN1n1RKMtAF0XuxQ231QEjh3O4cyWk5qpYVbFO1B0e1dDzr-3-wfT_C73aDhG6o-MZxZ3QpZxB3XYAlXl9Jhdy2T-g/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025704007965285021noreply@blogger.com0