Is It Because You're 2?

Is it because you're 2 that...
You must always change your mind, even if it is away from what you really want?
You have decided you will change your own poopy diapers?
You have to do EVERYTHING by yourself?
You have stopped napping at school?
You pretend you don't know your alphabet game when we are watching, but secretly know all the answers?
You have to take a toy with you to bed every night?
The wind, lightning and thunder have started to scare you at night?
You have to have what your brother is playing with, even if you don't like that toy?
You don't understand that if you would just listen to what we say you would most likely get what you want?
You throw the best of tantrums?

You are becoming the funniest guy I have ever met?
You are learning so much every day?
You have started telling us how much you love us?
You ask for bear hugs and kisses every day?
You make sure that Bodey is happy?
You love to do the happy dance and the poopy dance?
You can make the world smile with you?

Booker, I would do these two years all over again and can't wait to see what the future years have to bring us.

New Camera Pictures!

Christmas Pictures

And Booker Says, "Merry Memmis!"

The Feezell family had a wonderful Christmas this year. It was really fun to get Booker all pumped up, and even more fun that he "got" it this year. I can't wait until next year when Bodey does too! Christmas Eve was pretty laid back. I got up and made biscuits and gravy and then we just hung out. Then we went over to Dusty's parents house for crab legs and steak (a gift in itself!). When we got home we told Booker that this was the night that Santa was going to bring him his presents while he was sleeping. He hurried up and closed his eyes and said, "Momma, I sleeping." Lights out. When he woke up, we told him to go wake Bodey up so we could see what Santa brought us. He ran into Bodey's room and said, "Bodey, Merry Memmis!" And they were off to see what Santa brought. Long story short - TOO MUCH! But, my dear husband really put some thought into what he got me this year. I finally got my dream camera (yes, Nickie, the same one you got!). I got the Canon Digital Rebel XSi. Needless to say, all I have been doing is playing around with it. I just love, love, love it and really want to take a class to learn how to use it... because right now, it is way smarter than I am. I'll post Christmas pictures later, right now I'm going to bed!

WARNING!

The following picture may catch you off guard!
No, this is not a hallucination. What you are viewing is my livingroom carpet freshly shampooed, for the second time in less than a month! Now, don't get any ideas. The rest of my house is still the pits, but I wanted our livingroom to be clean before, well, before the tornado hits it Christmas morning. I know there may be some of you out there that thought that it was such a waste of a great product for Traci to get a steamvac. But, look at me go! Let's just be honest though. One of the real reasons I love to use it is because I am weird. I love to see results like the kind I see after doing this. I absolutely love to see all the gross dirt it pulls up! I know, disgusting, but hey, it keeps me going!

Christmas Cookies

For Christmas Booker and Bodey each made us a "jar of cookies." They decorated a jar full of all the ingredients to make cookies (except the eggs, vanilla & butter). I just thought it was so nice for them to have made something at school to bring us for a gift. Booker was so proud of his. So, Sunday night we decided to let the boys help make Christmas cookies. As I was turning back and forth from the bowl to the cookie sheet, I noticed that every time I would turn away, Bodey would stick his fingers in the dough and "test" it out. I pretended that I didn't see him because it just cracked me up. Then Booker caught on and they experienced the true reason that mommy loves to make cookies. Not for the finished product, it's all about the dough.

One Shot

It kind of bothers me that I only have one shot at this time period of my life. Yet, it is a time I have dreamed about since I was a little girl. It is the time of my life that is flying by way too fast. It is my time to be a mom. Internally, I am constantly worried about working my kids’ childhood away. Sometimes I think I am selfish for working and not being at home with them. After all, it’s really only about 17 more years until they are on their own. Then there are days (sadly enough) that I feel successful at my job and like I’m just beginning to learn so much and that I have so much more to learn. And, there’s always the issue of money. Dusty and I could probably be ok on just his salary. That is IF I stayed at home (literally) all day long with the kids. I could never do that! If I were a stay-at-home mom, I would be out spending money all day. Money that I’m not bringing in. Then I would feel guilty, like I’m not contributing to support my poor spending habits. Then I’m sure I would be sitting at home writing a blog about the fact that maybe I should be at work instead of at home with the kids. Just can’t win, I guess.

Tapping Tapping Little Elf

Tonight was Booker and Bodey's 1st Christmas program. It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I was a little emotional... just a few tears in my eyes. Their class performed together, which was nice to get them both out of the way at the same time. Booker did really good, he stood in the line and performed his little songs. Bodey, well, he just sat down. That's all he did. It was precious. Booker spotted me and yelled, "Mommy!" but he never tried to come get me. Reese's class went shortly after the boys' and Booker was so excited for her. "That's my Reesie! Go Reesie!" I am just so happy that their school does this. It just made my heart melt. Side Note #1: Sorry the pictures aren't very good. My flash wouldn't reach the stage at all, and I did some photo editing on them so you can at least see them, but they are pretty grainy. Side Note #2: Please excuse Booker's extremely chapped lips. He won't stop licking them. Side Note #3: I hope the little girl, Riley, next to Booker is his girlfriend someday. I just adore her!

What Can Santa Do For You?

I've decided that Santa does not only exist around Christmastime in this house anymore. Yep, he is going to be a bribe tool around the clock. For some reason Booker just would not go to sleep tonight. Normally, it's not a problem. But, tonight he just kept crying/whining "mama, mama." There was nothing wrong with him. We found toys that he wanted to sleep with and we sang songs. But still, every time I left the room he just howled, "mama, mama." The last time I went in there (after about 20 minutes of this) he said, "Mama, I wike Santa." I told him that Santa won't bring him the toys he wants for Christmas unless he quits crying and goes to bed. "Ok, mama." The end.

Bodey's 15 Month Stats

Height ~ 33 inches, 95%
Weight ~ 26 pounds, 7 ounces, 75%
Head Circumference ~ 18.5 inches, 55%

Grampa Mike & Gramma Jenean

The boys got to spend a week with their gramma and grampa from Alaska! It was so nice for them to get to enjoy each other. I'm pretty sure they wore my parents out though. I am so fortunate that they came down to visit us, I don't get to see them very often. They were soooo much help with the kids and around the house. This was only my dad's second time to see Bodey. They were great buds. I think the boys are wondering where their live-in playmates went! Hopefully we get to see them again soon!

Ode to My Carpet

Oh Carpet, you have had it pretty rough the last few days. But, those days are over.

Booker is having a bit of trouble going poop on the toilet. He knows when he has to go, but he just "prefers" to go in his pants. It gets a little frustrating to say the least. So Dusty and I were trying really hard to bribe him in any way to go on the toilet. I guess we pushed him the opposite direction and he became afraid to poop and afraid to tell us. So, Saturday (while I was out completely enjoying my kid-free time) Dusty heard Booker in his room during his nap. Booker had decided to hide his poop. No, not just hide the fact that he pooped, but actually physically hide his poop. Dusty entered to find poop all over Booker's hands, the carpet, the trash can, the desk, and the dresser. He used a bottle of carpet cleaner to try to clean it up, but when I got home I could still smell it. I went out and bought another bottle of carpet cleaner, but I just wasn't fully satisfied. I knew we were going to have to rent a carpet cleaner. So mom and I headed to Walmart to rent one. Apparently, they stopped renting them "3 or 4 months ago." Like I should have known. So, mom to the rescue. She asked me if I wanted a carpet cleaner for Christmas! Well, of course I do! I honestly haven't been this excited about a Christmas present since my engagement ring. Does that mean I'm getting old?

Oh yeah, and then yesterday my dog, Harley, decided to go outside and eat poop and then come back in and barf it all up... on, you, poor carpet.