Checking In...

We are only a few weeks into January, but I feel a life time has happened since New Year's Day!  How is that possible?  Well, we've been quite busy and I thought I'd share some things we are doing.

Justin - up to something, we all know!  He is researching his next purchase for another rental property.  Yes, we can't seem to get enough of being landlords and want to find another jewel in OKC.  This has been his focus since before the holidays and I think we have finally found *the one*.  Not to be confused with the property that was barely more than a shack with three cats living (and apparently peeing) in it.  That was a no-go.

Me - The blog.  We've had an OKCMB playdate, contributor meeting, business meetings with local businesses, and the beginning workings of an event that I can't wait to share!!!  I've also been Pinterest recipe trying, cleaning, re-organizing and playing with my babes.  I really should hire a maid to actually clean my house once in awhile...but that's not likely to happen any time soon.

Haylie - She is really into practicing her letters, singing the Days of the Week (complete with tongue clicks), watching movies, being sassy, acting like a mother-hen to her brother, picking out her own outfits (please tell me you don't think I'M picking those out...), reading and praying, bouncing off the walls, loves to make phone calls on my phone, spelling words/reading, building blocks, being a big helper, and trying to sound like an adult while talking...all while chewing gum.

Jace - This kid is getting bigger every day!  And for good reason - he will be two in less than two weeks!! Wasn't he just born??  I'm in the beginning stages of planning a Thomas party because...well...he LOVES that train almost more than Haylie does.  We started him young but at least we don't have to buy anything since we have almost every Thomas thing made.  He also loves our cat, "BOO-ing" at any and everyone (you know you've made it into his good graces when he BOO's at you), wants to "GO!" every morning (he is so disappointed when we have a day at home), is obsessed with having fans, lights, humidifiers and radios on   but must have doors, drawers, cabinets and windows SHUT properly at all times.  He likes to go to school - which is interesting because he is very clingy to me, but I attribute his love for school by having awesome teachers. When he doesn't want to be put down, he yanks his legs up so he is in a little ball so you literally can't put him down without rolling him on his head.  He likes to eat ALL meals on my lap or running around the kitchen until he decides to take a bite - it depends on his mood really.  He is starting to tell us "No" when we ask him to clean up, eat, or basically do anything and that usually ends in a spanking or two.  When he cries, it's amazing how much liquid comes out of that kid.  He can be soaking wet from tears and drool well within thirty seconds...but we love his spunk and cute personality that is shining through more and more each day.

Now that you are caught up on us, let me know what you are up to!

Interview with Haylie

I absolutely LOVE this stage with my 4 year old.  Yes, she is spunky, sassy and a great "talk-backer", but she also says the most random stuff and is very sweet to her little bro.  The innocence is still there and conversations with her make my heart full.  I want to chronicle her sweet spirit so I asked her some questions the other day (found online from another blogger but eek! I can't find their site to link to) to see what her answers were.  Here they are!

What is your name? H-A-Y-L-I-E (thanks for spelling it out for me)
When were you born? I don't know.
How old are you? Four.
Who is your mommy? You.
What does Mommy do?  Well, you sure don't clean up. (WHAT!!!)
Who is your daddy? Right there (pointing to him)
What does he do? He goes to Chesapeake.
What is your favorite color? Pink and PURPLE!
What do you want to be when you grow up? An engine!
What is your favorite food? Cantaloupe
What food do you not like? Green beans (which is false, but I think she panicked.  It's definitely potatoes.)
What is your favorite animal? A pig.
Where do you want to live when you grow up?  I don't know.  Can you think about it for me?
What does your Daddy say?  Good night, I love you.
What does your Mommy say?  Good night, I love you.
What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
What's your favorite movie?  Monster's Inc.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Vanilla
Where is your favorite place to eat? Braum's
Who is your favorite person? Jace (insert tear here)
Who is your best friend?  Liesel
What is your favorite book? Jesus Calling (this is a big recommendation from me!  Get this for your kids!)
Who is your brother? Jace
Where did he come from? Your belly.
What is your favorite thing to do? Play blocks.

Well, some of these answers are totally off the wall for her and some answers are in the moment.  Such as favorite movie - that changes every 5 seconds.  And favorite food?  I'm pretty sure cantaloupe isn't even a top 5.  Oh well, I love seeing her answers and will hope to ask her these questions as she grows up.

I started to ask Jace these same ones and his answer every.single.time?  "Shoon."  Followed by giggles.  Silly boy!

New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year!!  I am so excited about what 2014 could bring.  The excitement of the fresh start, the goals that are set and just not knowing what's going to happen.  Although I don't like to make goals for myself, since I tend to never follow through, I wanted to make some goals for myself and my kids to see if we can make it happen.

Me -
1. Be more active.  I'm not going to say "lose weight" or anything cliche like people tend to do.  While I did have my husband move our treadmill in our bedroom in hopes of motivating me, I want to simply be more active and healthy.  Maybe run a few more 5Ks, but to overall stay in my size of clothing or go down one.

2. Work hard on OKC Moms Blog!  We just started out in November so we are just beginning. Hopefully 2014 brings lots of fun events and plans our way.

3. Pray more.  Enough said.

4. Branch out.  There are lots of places I'm learning about through OKCMB and I want to go experience them.  Instead of sticking within my 4 mile radius, I want to explore (with my kids) and do more fun things on a day to day basis.

Haylie -
1. Work on that haircut.  Hair takes time, yes.  But I'm ready for it not to be at the Dora the Explorer stage.  The bangs are apparently staying around for awhile, but hopefully the other parts that were in a mullet cut will grow super fast.

2. Start Pre-K!  This isn't a goal as it is more of a reality, but my little girl is growing up and I am excited for her to try new things!

3. Ride a bike with no training wheels.  This girlie LOVES to ride her bike...the one she has now she calls a "wobbly bike" with her training wheels, so we will work on that come spring.

4. Read more.  She is getting really good with Stage 1 books, so we want to encourage harder stuff!

Jace -
1. This is a doozy - get rid of the paci!!!  He is rarely without one these days and loves to shove his thumbs in them.  This might be a difficult stage but it needs to happen (hey, I didn't say soon, we have a whole year!)

2. Also when the time is right, transition to a toddler bed.  I'm not trying to rush this considering what happened last time we tried...so if he seems ready, this might be a good year.

3. Turn 2!  This is also a reality instead of a goal, but one I am really looking forward to.