Not me! Monday

To start off with... I AM NOT up way too early on this first morning of my Christmas break watching "Cars" with Reese. I AM NOT enjoying him playing with his blocks and hitting any and everything off of his baseball tee. I DO NOT and AM NOT enjoying these moments with my son, even though theycut my sleep short.

I AM NOT excited about having my mom here for 3 days. I NEVER enjoy her time here and I ALWAYS wish she would head home!

I DID NOT let Reese have juice after dinner last night only to have him NOT tee-tee through his diaper and onto his sheets because he was on juice overload.

I AM NOT excited about being off of school for TWO WHOLE WEEKS! I mean, I AM NOT excited about not grading papers, not getting to shove my lunch down my throat in 15 minutes, not getting to see the darlings who don't stop talking when the announcements are on. In fact, I LOVE to remind them over and over that the six weeks is drawing to a close and they have to stay for tutorials to get caught up. I AM NOT excited that two weeks of no school means TWO WHOLE WEEKS with my sweet Reesey!

There you have it....all the things I am HATING to think about and the things I AM NOT looking forward to...

There are 4 days to Christmas!!!

Christmas takes on a whole new meaning with a child....while Reese isn't old enough to understand Santa and the story of Jesus, it is so fun watching him take in "Shesus" and "Claus" and beginning to see the wonder and amazement in his eyes.

We started off December with Christmas Lane at the State School. We let Reese get out of his car seat and sit in my lap as we drive through. It's so fun to hear him point out the figures he knows and to hear him say "Aweshome" in excitement at the really great displays. About 3/4 the way through, you can park and get out and go inside to an inside display and to see Santa. Reese of course produced a screaming picture - and my mom sat with him to try to get him to stop screaming. Our picture this year is comical! Here are two pictures of Reese looking at the insde display of Disney figures and the Santa scene...

Garrett and I are starting traditions with Reese, ones that we want for our family from here on out. We started with Christmas cookies. Reese helped me cut out some sugar cookies. He really enjoyed using the cookie cutters and "poosh"ing the cutters in the dough.

I iced the cookies and then we decorated them. We made snowmen, trees, candy canes, and gingerbread men. We decided to decorate snowmen as a family.

Our Rasor family of snowpeople.

I have a serious child. He is very inquisitive and uses every moment he is awake to study something. He is always looking, always studying everything around him. Therefore, he makes serious faces almost always. Now, don't get me wrong, he laughs those deep belly laughs all the time, but he is very much a serious child. We've been working with him on saying "Cheese" when someone wants to take his picture. Sometimes he does it, and sometimes he won't. This night, he was all about the "cheese"!

And with having an inquisitive child, I have a child who tends to get into things he shouldn't. So, while I'm cooking or cleaning up the kitchen, it's nice to have his magnetic alphabet and numbers out so he can stay in my sight. He LOVES his "nas" and loves for me to write equations for him.... he must know I like solving equations (come on guys, I AM a math teacher!). This night, he again is working on "cheese"!

We had our Rasor Christmas this weekend. We headed to Midland to see his Nana and Bobo/JBo/Reese hasn't decided on a name yet". I thought I left my camera at home, so I didn't get any pictures of Reese opening his presents, or him playing with Noble, or "Coco" (Lola). Then, we decided to head to Starbright Village and Garrett found my camera in Reese's backpack. So, I got pictures of our last 2 hours in Midland.

One thing I always get sentimental about is my dad not ever getting to be a grandfather. I know in my heart Reese would've adored my dad, would've loved every moment they were together and I get emotional thinking of the times Reese will miss having his PawPaw there. Of all his grandparents, PawPaw was the first one Reese said. With all that being said, if I had to handpick another grandfather for Reese, I couldn't pick a better one than Garrett's dad. He is so excited to see Reese, ALWAYS! He is a big kid himself, and so they are perfect friends! When Reese and Jimmy are together, there is always giggling, and so I think these pictures of Reese with Bobo are so fitting because in all of them, Bobo is grinngin from ear to ear (and most have his eyes closed)! Thanks Bobo and Nana for being so great to us!

Reese got some Clippo blocks from his Bobo and Nana yesterday. From the moment he got up today until we put him to bed, he played with those blocks! WHAT A GREAT GIFT!!!

Not Me Monday

I found this, and decided I wanted to participate. Here is my Not Me Monday list...

I DID NOT spank my son for peeing in the middle of the living room floor. Never mind that we ran to the "pawwey" after he said "rurry! rurry! rurry!" and he sat and then got up and ran away.

I DID NOT yell out his full name as I swatted his bare little behind so he wouldn't do it again, even though he didn't know better since he would normally have a diaper on!

I DID NOT cook a delish new recipe tonight that my husband fell in love with!

I DID NOT give my son some extra Cheez Its because I wasn't ready to fix his supper

I DID NOT continuously feed my son snacks so he would stop crying on the trip home yesterday.

I DID NOT hug and kiss that little boy a few extra times this morning because he slept late for me!

I DID NOT do any of these things.....what DID you NOT do?

Fab K....

is giving away blog makeover on her Creative K site. Head on over and enter to win a free blog makeover!

I just love.....

Saturday mornings when I get to lay in bed with my boys, enjoying dinosaur cinnamon toast and homemade chocolate milk....

It's just good for the soul.

Telling the truth never hurt anyone...

I got this idea from my friend Kelly and I really liked it, so I am following her lead...

Things I'm not crazy about....

I tend to gripe at Garrett when he doesn't do things my way. Even though his way might be perfectly fine, I don't like it if it's not my way.

I'm obsessive about the bed being made. So much so that we have to make hotel beds. Yeah, I know.

I don't always answer my phone when I see you call. Sometimes, you just don't feel like talking.

I'm not easy to please. I'm picky about everything - EVERYTHING.

I'm not open to new things. I'm not open to change.

I don't let people in so easily. And I'm sad about this because I missed out on a great friendship possibility (from near) by keeping my heart to myself.

I don't like to vaccuum or sweep, but I sure like to gripe at Garrett for the way he does them.

I gripe still when I think my sister gets more.

I get tend to blow up. Sometimes over very silly things. I let things "fester" inside me and then boil over at very inopportune times.

I am a planner. I want to know what, where and when several days in advance and if I don't and you just happen to "pop" in, I'm NOT happy about it - not one bit.

And as for "popping" in, I need about two weeks notice. Seriously, what if we have plans?

I'm a jealous person. Well, I am.

And selfish too.

Garrett is 100 times more patient and nice than I am.

However, there are somethings I'm proud of:

I spend quality time with my son daily. Even if it's just a craft we do together, or stopping at Starbucks for "Cay" on the way home, I cherish those times with him.

I go to church. It feeds me spiritually and emotionally and I pray it is doing the same for my son.

I make my husband dinner 5 nights a week.

I try very hard to be the best wife and mother I can be.

I'm a planner. (Hey, it can be a good thing too)!

That felt good - try it yourself!

The two most amazing gifts...

Three years ago yesterday, we buried my dad. It's not easy, and I don't know if it will ever get easier. Thanksgiving and this time of year is so hard without him; for he is so much of our traditions.

Thanksgiving is happening here in Abilene this year, at my house. Earlier, the living room was full of us all - cousins, aunts, uncles, soon to be fiancees, babies, my sister, and mom...when, here comes my mom with an early Christmas present for my sister and I.

I open up the card and immediately see the words "These last 3 years...." and I know what is coming. I am not ready to relive this, and especially not in front of everyone. As I begin to open the box, I see my dad....

Let me interject here and tell you how my dad LOVED Texas Tech. We buried him in one of his Tech dress shirts with his favorite Tech hat and even played the Fight Song at his funeral......

What I see inside that box is something I'll cherish forever...my mom took all of my dad's Tech clothing and had it made into a blanket for my sister and I. In the middle a "catch" phrase he used to always say to each of us...The tears overflowed, from us all...for he was right there in that room with us all. I look at my son who is taking it all in and I say "Reese...PawPaw" and he starts patting the shirt that has a basketball and says "Mamma...PawPaw".

I will forever and always be wrapped in who my dad is, who he was, and what he is to me....and now, I can wrap my son, my family in that same man...

I know many of you can't even begin to understand what I am talking about - what I feel, the emotions and heartache that are part of each and every day, but thank you. Thank you to those of you who have prayed for me, who have loved on me, told me you were thinking about me, written notes of encouragement, held my hand, given your shoulder, wiped away the tears. Life will never be the same, the hole will always be there, the void will wait for me until each morning comes. But I am loved, and I will make it...and will one day see him again...

I have been given two gifts in my life that are gifts I will never forget - gifts that mean more to me than money could ever buy. The Christmas before my dad died, he went out and bought my mom, me, my sister and each of our husbands a piece of jewelry engraved with a note from him. I was with him when he was looking for my mom - and I told him some things I liked, not even knowing what he was doing. When I opened mine that Christmas morning, I saw that he remembered and that mine was different from anyone's...that is my first favorite gift...the second gift came tonight.

Love you daddy, always and forever.

Britney

I am a huge fan of Bebo Norman - always have been. I don't buy many CD's these days, but I really for some reason was dying to get my hands on his new one. I like so many of the songs, but am captivated by the song "Britney".

A lot of people have heard of the song, and so if you have, feel free to move on. I wanted to know a little more about this song - the reasons behind it, why he wrote it, was it really meant for her...

I was then forwarded a YouTube video of it - it's not Bebo's video, rather someone who took the song and put it to clips of Britney's life. It really is a very moving video.

I do agree with it. I think the public and its fascination with Britney, in part, has caused her downfall.

I can't figure out how to post the YouTube video, so here is the link....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Q_wVfGAfA

So it's been awhile.....

My friend, Leslie, has a button on the side of her blog that says something like "30 posts in 30 days" and I thought about trying that, but as you can see, I would've failed miserably. I haven't even posted pictures of my sweet cowboy from Halloween....I know, I know...total slacker!

I'm trying to recall what's been going on since I last blogged and honestly, I can say not a whole lot - which can always be a good thing.

My sister and brother in law moved here last weekend. They are officially Abilenians. They are holed up in an apartment until they find a house and let me tell you I hear their pain on junky houses that are on the market...been there, done that, 5 months ago.

My mom came in town this weekend to help them with some house decisions (my mom is so good at that - she helped Garrett and I too!). So, we had a great weekend of family and mom, which is ALWAYS a great thing. Thanksgiving is going to be at my house this year - and over 25 people are coming...and at first I was nervous, but then realized I am so blessed to be able to have 25 people at my house to have a meal. Our old house would've been crammed packed and I'm so blessed to be able to have a home where we can all spread out and just enjoy our time together. So, on Saturday morning as we were all awake at 6 am due to my sweet son, mom and I start discussing the holidays and we decide to go ahead and decorate for Christmas.....

Ok, I know, a little premature, but think about it...Christmas is the most fabulous time of the year. You get to have your home looking so beautiful for about 5 minutes and then it's time to take it down. So, this year, I will get to enjoy my Christmas decorations for 6 fabulous weeks! I am totally stoked, well, except that Reese thinks the ornaments are balls and is getting lots of spankings for that....

I have always wanted a front window so that my tree could be there and when you drive by at night people could see it. And I'm happy to report, my tree looks amazing in my front window.

So other than that, we've all been sick, Garrett was gone last week for work, and I'm back to not being in love with my job. Life....what a gift! I'm just relishing these days with my 20 month old who continues to amaze me and grow so much everyday.

Here are some pictures of lately...please, enjoy!

My most perfect cowboy at Halloween...."Reese, what does a cowboy say?" "Haw Haw"!

We went to the carnival at church with the DelaGarza's...Yasmine and Rheauna were 'Fifi the poodle". Rheauna learned to walk just that Monday night, so it was fun. Also, neither of the kids (Reese or Yasmine had been allowed to eat popcorn until that night - thanks to my husband). It was a hit....and they shared, pretty well!

I went ahead and tried to get a "photoshoot" for our Christmas cards. It didn't come out as I want, so I think I'll have another one later this week.....but, here are some of the best ones we got!

And, while my mom was here, she wanted a Christmas card with her boys so we had a little photoshoot with the boys. We had been outside dancing around like freaks, trying to get the boys to laugh. After about 80 pictures outside, we came inside but the light was dwindling so the next thing I know, my brother in law picks up a lamp to use like a photographer would use those big crazy lights.....we got a GOOD laugh for a long time about that one!

And for those of you who know my mom, you understand this is so classic Tammy.......

She just didn't understand that she needed to look at me the whole time and we would try to take care of the boys looking at us......here she is laughing because my sister was doing a semi pole dance for the boys just to try to get a smile....you can tell my mom was the only one who thought it was funny!

Batman had his friends over......

I'm tired, I feel the onset of a sore throat and I'm cranky from a horrible day at work. So, this is a quick update....

My mom sent Reese the most precious Batman Pajama set in a little Halloween Treat Basket. It is the cutest thing you have ever seen with a cape on the back! And, yes, he is eating a cookie in these pictures. Every night when we put on hig PJ's he says "Pee Pee". He is recognizing when to go, he just can't always make it happen. If he does go Pee Pee in his potty he gets a few M&M's. Well, we are out! So he got a nibble of a cookie tonight because he PEE PEE'D IN THE POTTY!

And the second set of pictures is of this past week when Yasmine and Rheauna came over. Their cousin was killed in Iraq just over 2 weeks ago and they came over during the Prayer Service the night before the funeral. We had a great time together - as always........Be in prayer for the De la Garza, Fernandez, and Flores families. This hasn't been easy and it won't be easy. Marcus, the soldier killed, lost his dad right at 2 years ago, so this family has gone through some major loss in the last 2 years. Garrett and I went to his funeral and it was amazing to see so many people respecting him in they way they were.......

A little game we like to call.....

NO SLEEP!

Our sweet, sweet son has always been a good sleeper. He's not so much a napper, but nighttime has always been such good sleep for us all - FROM DAY 1!

Fast forward to 2 weekends ago when we went to the State Fair. Hotel sleep is a little tricky. He sleeps in a "big boy" bed, so we try to allow him to do that at hotels. We have to go through the whole process of pretending we are going to sleep so that he will go to sleep and after about 30 minutes, we can turn the TV on, read a book, lay out clothes for the next day......

Well, we did that. And two hours later, every piece of clothing was out of all the suitcases, all his toys were on the floor, a whole roll of toilet paper was unrolled, I could go on..... So finally, at 11:30, Garrett took him down 5 floors to the car and drove him around for an hour. He finally went to sleep.

Ok....two weeks later = tonight. Garrett was out of town working tonight and didn't make it home until after Reese went to sleep. Well, he usually spends about 30 minutes every night talking/playing until he finally tucks himself back in.

Let me point out that when one of us isn't home at bedtime, it is so hard to get him to go down. Garrett and I are both part of the nighttime routine and he knows and expects that.

So, after about 45 minutes, he was still chatting away. By this point, I heard his lawn mower go off, his horse go off and I heard his "Seek and Say" books being read. Next thing I hear is "Mamma?" I look towards his door and he is sliding his CD under the door.

Garrett gets home an hour after I laid him down, and went in to try and get him to go down. By this point, he has started to undress himself. Garrett and I talk about his trip, I play on the internet a bit, read some of my book and I start to hear crying. This is now 2.5 hours after bedtime. We both look at each other and say "Is he hurt?"

We walk in there to see PILES and PILES of clothes on his bed - he went ahead and cleaned out his dresser drawers for us, sweet kid.

I tell Garrett to put him in our bed with me. Immediately he starts in with "Ju Ju". We get him some juice, turn off the lights, cover him up and then the screaming of "NO" starts.

So here we are 3 hours after bedtime and he and Garrett are on another one of those car rides....I'm just wondering how long it will take to knock the kid out!

Oh and, in case you are wondering, he will still be up at 5:00 am. It doesn't matter what time he goes to sleep, 5:00 am is the official wake up call!

And if you are wondering - the kid is wide awake.....not even remotely close to sleepy!

Night night to all.......well all except the Rasors!

******Oh, and PS. I really HATE HATE it when people jump on the UT bandwagon. I mean, how lame? Here are my thoughts on that...if you LOVE LOVE LOVE a school as much as you claim you do, then why didn't you go to school there? Was it because you couldn't get in? Was it because you were scared of the "big" school? Don't like Austin? What? I just don't get it - my dad used to call these people "bandwagoneers"....and let me tell ya, they are everywhere. Really, this could quite possibly be the biggest pet peeve I have! And what's even worse than that? People who blog about it - about how much they adore their Longhorns, about their #1 ranking, about how amazing they are.....AGAIN, IF THEY WERE/ARE SO AMAZING, WHY DIDN'T YOU GO TO SCHOOL THERE??????? These are the same people who whine and mope when they lose. Lordy....

The Poomba Pa

We took Reese to the "Poomba Pa" on Friday night. If you notice, he is wearing his new "boos". We've had drama with the boots, but finally found a pair that fit and ever since, he wants to wear them EVERYWHERE. He's pretty cute - I'm not biased. Here is a sampling of our pictures - I took over 60 in the span of about 30 mintues!