The simple things in life

I am so glad that CJ, at 11, still gets excited about the simple things. Yesterday, Trevor was outof town for a business meeting. When Trevor goes out of town, which isn't often, we eat tacos for dinner. Its mine and CJ's favorite dinner, Trevor hates them, so we save those for the times he is gone. Like I said, that isn't often, so when he's gone we indulge!

CJ has been looking for a book at our local library. I finally took him and wouldn't you know it, it was checked out. So, we reserved it and they called 2 days ago to say it was in. So, yesterday morning I told him, "When I get home today, we'll go the library to get your book."

He was so pumped. Before I left for work he said, "Today is going to be great Mom, not only do I get my book, I get to eat tacos!"

I laughed about that all day.

I think its great that in his mind books and tacos = a great day!

See how happy he is eating tacos! YUM!

Hollister update:

He is potty trained! We did have an "accident" in the tub last night though. But even he knew that was nasty, so hoping that won't happen again! No need to expand on that.

He has another ear infection and on antibiotics AGAIN. We're hoping to get this taken care of.

His "bumps" are gone, not sure we really ever knew what they were, but we treated them. This was him at the Dr.'s office last week. He is such a ham, he took my camera out of purse and said, "take my picture mommy". Hmm... think we have created a monster! But, heck, who can resist that face!!!!

I LOVE LOVE

I absolutely LOVE being in love. I love the idea of love, always have. It has gotten me in trouble sometimes and it has led me down the wrong path other times, but it has never derailed me for long.

I have been lucky to be loved by numerous people in my life. No, not just boys or men. I even mean my parents. I can honestly say I have never doubted their love. Even when I was in elementary school and wrote a check from their account for books in red pen or in high school when I disappointed them for something stupid or silly, or down right bad, and college when I bounced a check (knowingly actually) but told them I made a mistake. (Hey, I think I just ratted myself out again) Or in my early 30's when I called them at 2am in trouble... no need to expand on that...
Trust me, my list could go on and on... the point is the same, no matter what, I have always felt the love of my parents.

I've been lucky to have friends that have shown me love. I have loved and been hurt by love. But no matter what, I have always believed in it.

Valentine's is a made up holiday, I get that. I know its commercial, I know we should show love everyday, but I don't care, I love Valentine's Day.

As a mom, I have truly learned about love. I love my boys, more than I ever thought possible. Trust me, they drive me nuts, especially the pre teen one right now, but God, I love that kid. I love being a step mom too. I am lucky, that kid is the easiest step child to love and funny thing, there's nothing "step" about it in our home. Oh and that little Hollister. He has brought this family so much love and even when I am cleaning up his "accident" in his underwear, he says, "I sorry Mommy", how do you not LOVE that?

I think it goes without saying I love my husband, but of course I'll say it. I love that man. He has taught me more about love than I ever thought possible. Marriage kind of love is hard. It doesn't come as easily as Mommy love. Maybe for some people, but not us. I am not ashamed to admit that. Our love is strong though and it feels good to love and be loved back like that.

So today, I was able to visit with my family and show love and feel love. Then my boys and I spent some time loving each other while we made cookies.

Like most men, my hubby hates this day, but he knows its important to me. We don't make a big deal about it, but its the little things. He had surprises when he came home today and I did too. The funniest thing is, we both bought each other chocolate covered strawberries. We LOVE those, no matter how much we are trying to eat healthy and stuff. There is always room for chocolate covered strawberries!

The boys and I made cookies before dinner and decorated afterward.


Both of the boys rolled their cookies. Surprisingly, CJ had a blast. He was very excited about making his own cookies. He is still a "boy" sometimes.



Hollister enjoyed the icing part. He instructed me what to "write". Funny thing, he didn't like the icing on his fingers, when I told him to lick it off, he said, "no that nasty mommy". Oh, he will come to learn that is the best part!

The finished product!
All of our cookies were lips, except one. CJ made his own heart. I am also in love with kissing, but I won't expand on that. LOL

And of course eating them is the most fun!



I hope you felt love today. I hope you feel it everyday I hope you show love daily.

I LOVE that you read my blog. Those of you that leave comments, I LOVE you even more! (hee hee)

No more "four eyes"

No, we have never called him that, I am sure someone has, but not us.
CJ got contacts!

CJ with his contact stuff. If you look closely you can see the contact on his finger!

His glasses broke and he asked if he could have contacts. Lucky for him the eye Dr. saw him the very next day and viola! glasses gone.

hammin' it up with his broken glasses. Isn't he so sad? LOL

Right now he wears his contacts to school and his "broken glasses" at home. He'll have a fixed pair of glasses in a few weeks and not have to be so hillbilly, but for now, it works!

He can take the contacts out on his own, but I put them in before I leave for work. It isn't the easiest process because having never worn glasses or contacts, I didn't really know what to do. Luckily I have a co worker that has a son who has worn contacts for years, younger than CJ, and she talked me through it the first time.

Contacts? Isn't that a grown up thing? My baby is growing up!

Hodges Update

Okay, what is going on? I haven't blogged in a week!

Well, I've have been busy this week. I started a new workout program, it is hard core. I love it, but it is time consuming.

Trevor celebrated a birthday this week. He now has less than a year before he's 40! We celebrated with a date night last weekend, which was fun. It's not often we get out, just the two of us. Thank God for teenagers across the street. LOL
Then on his birthday we went to dinner with the kids and had cake here at home.

At 39, he needed help blowing out his candles.

Hollister is still working on his potty training. He is doing really well at day care. No accidents this week at all! At home, he does well for the most part, but sometimes gets lazy. We have even ventured out and he hasn't worn a diaper. Today was the first day he had an accident though. But, I have to admit, it has been okay. The first week was really tough, but each week it has gotten better.

CJ and Kendrick are both good as well. CJ is in trouble half the time and the other half not. I am hoping he grows out of this stage soon. Kendrick continues to be missed and we talk to him almost everyday.

Hollister did get a haircut today, finally. He was beginning to be a mop head. The bad mommy in me forgot my camera. He was all smiles during his haircut too. Dang missed photo/blog op.
But, here's the before and after pictures.

The before picture is his "bad guy". The mouth piece if a Darth Tater (potato head dressed as Darth Vader) piece and his sword is a knife sharpener. Yes, I know, we won't be winning any parents of the year awards!

The after picture; yes he has some red bumps on his face that we are quite sure where they came from or what they are. We'll be headed to the Dr. Monday morning to check it out.

That's our week... hope all is well!