St. Patricks Day - I got lucky!

My good friend Kimmie sent me a sweet gift! (I'll post the game soon, Kimmie! I promise. I'm so behind...) How creative!! I love it!

And I spotted a girl at the nail salon with the best haircut!
I had to copy her...

I risked embarrassing myself by asking her to take her photo - she was cool, even told we where to go to get it cut!

What a change! No more Drew pulling it out... Pace is a fan and that's what counts the most. He came to the salon with me that afternoon to get the new do. It's been 10 years since I've had it short... Hooray for change!

My sister Ashleigh had a crazy hair that day too and got her's cut! She looks great!! I'll post separately about my family's visit to Lubbock.
It was a wonderful week to say the least! Details coming soon...

Just For Laughs

For some reason I find this photo hilarious :)

(so does Sydney)

Thanks for being such a good sport, Syd!

PS - My husband brought me flowers today... :)
Happy spring, everyone!

Spring Break - here they come!

My beautiful family is coming here for spring break, arriving this Saturday - I CANNOT wait! I get to meet my sister's baby Roman for the first time... He's just 2 months younger than Drew. How fun is that going to be throughout our lives? :) AND my sweet husband is able to be with us for at least half the days throughout the week. He has a paper due the week after the break, but vows it won't be like a regular school week. Yippee! What more could I ask for?

I had to declare a major today....

At the last minute I decided to switch it from International Business to Finance. Makes more sense (ha, no pun intended). Finance is right up my alley, my passion pretty much. I'm excited to begin upper division core classes in the fall!

Which leads me to the new project on my plate, we started preparing for our semester abroad in Sevilla! (Incidentally, Tyler moved back to Utah... No more babysitting. Bummer)

Lots of time, energy, faith and patience, plus effort will go into this... 1. We have to rent a piso (apartment) over there for our family of four 2. Find people we trust to sublet our home (fully furnished, we have no intentions packing everything up for 6 months) 3. Get Pace's program and coursework approved (a project in itself) 4. Gain ample financing... we'll see how that goes. :) Anyway, we are totally stoked and believe this is what we're okay to do, that it will be awesome, a wonderful experience/adventure! Well worth the hard part that will inevitably come along with it :)

Other news...? I just can't wait for my Mom, Ash, Peter, and Roman to get here!!! Bummed Anthon (Ash's husband) can't come. Oh, and It's Ashleigh's birthday tomorrow (the 13th) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ash!!! Love you!! See you in two days!!

Woo-Hoo!

Yep, 100% on my Finite Math test! I totally love Business Math!! Completely useful, interesting and for the first time ever I get it! Hallelujah! I do belong here :)

Pace goes, "Don't get cocky..."
Yeah we know what happens when I get cocky...

Everything was going great then bamm!

I totally screwed up, forgot the guard wasn't on when I went to blend... Ooooh, sorry honey!! Hopefully it'll grow back fast, and I can redeem myself in about a week. (Can you believe he's gonna let me cut it again, ever?) At least you look really good in a hat... :)

Sugar High

Sydney loves chocolate.

Pace made brownies.

...Enough said.

She couldn't let us watch The Office. Have I ever mentioned how relentless she is when she gets something in her head (even though we just gave her a fresh sippy full of milk that she left sitting in her room)? Oh, and "Mer-man" means Ironman. She's a fan thanks to her boy-friends here, however not our favorite Sunday, 2-year-old watching movie. So sorry, Syd, but no, for the 100th time... [Couldn't get the videos to upload.... shame. It's so true of her nature, relentless. :)]

Nash: "I can fit my whole fist in my mouth - wanna see?"

On the other side of the spectrum.... Drew is still sleeping. I tried waking him up at 8 PM (he fell asleep at 4 today, totally tired). He hasn't been sleeping the best during the day lately which makes him grumpy, nor has he been sleeping well at night the past couple nights which makes me grumpy. So finally he's down, well fed and comfy, but I'm sure he'll wake up around 2 AM and feel like tap-dancing for me... Whatever, maybe I'll get some homework done tonight. Night! :)

("No flash photography.")

Stylin' for Church

I love his shoes - found them at Wal Mart. :)
Funny thing about Wal Mart, it's a love-hate relationship. I learned about their business tactics in my Econ class - sharks! Brutal in forcing companies to produce cheaper and cheaper goods (poorer quality, really), leads to offshoring (companies look for cheaper labor and move jobs overseas) Anyway, it's a big debate, both sides have their points on whether it's good or not... Random, I know. I just think it's strange to be among the 80% of consumers who disapprove of Wal Mart, actually dislike the company, yet still shop there... Anyway, cute shoes huh!

Just before church

We're helping Sydney learn to sit still in Sacrament meeting. Before we used to threaten her (when she didn't like nursery) with, "You'd better be good or we're taking you to nursery." Now it's, "Be good or NO NURSERY." That's what she lives for on Sunday - to play with her friends there. It works so far... For the most part. Some days she'll still have a fit to sit by her friend "Taylor!" during Sacrament meeting. It's relentless, and embarrassing when it happens. And sometimes she'll even yell for her Dad to take her to "Time out!" if you can believe it. He sits her butt in a chair in an empty classroom with her nose in the corner... It's supposed to be a punishment, but I guess anything is better to a 2 year old than sitting on a bench quietly (even with books to read) for too long. She can be QUITE a handful on Sundays but she is getting better!

Nash: "What up G?" He's throwing you gang signs... :)

A little father & son time...

3 Months Old Today!

Yet he wears size 6 months clothing... Super chunk, fat boy, handsome man :) He's just big, like his Daddy :) Well, like his Mommy, too, let's be honest he comes from not so small stock. And we love him!

Here are his "stats" as of late:

1. Motor skills an A+. He can grab my hair and hang on for dear life with the best of them! Yikes...
2. Holds his head up great! (Has for quite some time actually)
3. Sleeps through the night, 8-5, baby!
4. Eyes look as if they'll lighten up a little, stay blue like Sydney's - yay!
5. Toots a lot... Bowels seem to be in order, check check :)
6. Smiles and coos - we love it! Blows bubbles... He'll even laugh if you tickle him right when he's in a good mood!
7. Happiest when he's having his diaper changed. Enjoys getting naked :)
8. Loves to be in his swing, falls asleep there a couple times a day: once for his 3 hour nap in the morning and again at night after which we move him to the crib. (That means if we go on vacation anytime soon that thing is coming with us!)
9. He loves his family... Especially me (I've got milk)
10. Super fun as a baby! Can't get enough of him!

Happy 3 month birthday, Drew!

V-Day

It's out - I've been watching for it, and it didn't disappoint! My favorite songs are Crush, Barriers, & A Little Too Not Over You. I ordered it while buying Pace's Valentines Day present. I couldn't help it, I was too excited to wait and ask for it as a gift! Guess that's my Valentine's Day present :) Actually, I needed goggles and a swim cap (Pace offered to watch the kids so I could swim a couple times a week, sweet) and while we were out the other night he had me go buy them so I'd have them later when I swam... Anyway, Pace goes, "Well I guess my Valentines Day shopping is done!" Ha -we both laughed! It's hard for him to surprise me when I feel totally comfortable buying what I need/want for myself ...Not that I "need" a lot :) Anyway, Happy Valentines Day to me! :)


L->R: Braylen, Syd, Tyler, Tylen

Speaking of Valentines.... Sydney had the first "move" placed on her! I was watching my friend Crystal's little guys, Tylen 4 and Braylen 2 and while they were playing outside (I watched all this through the window - hilarious!) Tylen held Syd's hand as she smiled and looked at him, guided her over by the fence in the backyard, put her face his hands and tried to kiss her! :) Ha! So cute!! Sydeny just shyed away... Sorry, Tylen, give her a couple years... :)

He is really a cute kid! Plays guitar hero better than most adults, and the first thing he said when he came in our house was, "Ya'll have a nice kitchen!" This week he asked what Pace was studying all day at school. His next question was "What's a lawyer?" and as I responded he listened intently then said, "Well, that's kind of cool!" Smart, polite little guy... Maybe one day, ehh Crystal?? :)

I had to add this: A Valentines Day Conversation

Pace: (Getting out of the shower) Will you hand me a towel?

Gwen: Yes, and thank you for not using the one on the towel rack...

Pace: I haven't used it! (I've asked him not to lots before)

Gwen: Yes you did! It was wet and folded all weird!

Pace: Well I've only used it like once this month.
Gwen: Well that was two days ago, just please grab another towel, this one is for decor!
Pace: I don't get why you need it - who's gonna come in our bathroom and notice the decor?
Gwen: Some people come back here-
Pace: (Cutting me off) If they come in our bathroom they won't notice the decor they'll notice the stench from you going to the bathroom!
Then he smiles, "Happy Valentines Day!" and we both laughed really hard. I love being married :)

I Give Up

Figures, the day after I post the "all's well and happy in Lubbock" update I wake up with the start of a head cold and feeling rather crappy. Then the 2 year olds were acting up, and Drew wouldn't be happy unless I was holding and nursing him all day. Really different day. I thought, serves me right for spending so much time on the computer yesterday, and for relishing the time in a comfort zone... Today was better, though. I thought, "I give up". Tear my couches apart and jump on them. Run screaming through the house with Disney movies on both TV's, play behind the shed, where I have told you to not go a dozen times within the past half hour... Let 'em be kids. I'll clean it up later. And it worked, I kept my sanity. They did at least take their simultaneous 3 hour nap - hallelujah for that! Drew on the other hand...

I was desperate. Their napping is my only quiet time/study time/me time. I had to put him down. Luckily he enjoyed sitting up. We need a Bumbo...

Notice his tiny feet dangling in mid air - not quite big enough for the entertainment center

Yet he seemed content to sit next to me, upright in it. Thank you, baby! Oh, today was a better day, maybe tomorrow will be another improvement... And the cold is getting better, quickly I might add... Love those two year olds :)

Heads above water...

That's where we are currently, just maintaining order with our heads successfully above the water! Hence my lack of posting over the past month or so... Here's the life we live this semester in a nutshell (and I do mean nutshell):

Tyler is the name of the 2 year old I now watch full time. He is a blessing for my finding faith in the new year here. I wanted "more settling times", and believe it or not this cute 2 year old is the answer to my prayer. He plays at our house all day 5 days a week, and because his sweet mom pays me to keep him on somewhat of a schedule (a 2-3 hour nap every day) Sydney is learning to be on a schedule too! Amazing!! Plus she loves the company. They've been bosom buddies from the start and I love having him here too!

Drew weighed 13.5 pounds at his 2 month appointment. He's filling out and is so darn cute! He eats well, sleeps well, and just chills well. He smiles more now and I love his chubby thighs and ""rolly-polly" bum, so fun. The infant stage is better to me the second time around. A lot more enjoyable and far less stressful. I kind of know what I'm doing now :)

One evening I got to watch Hanna, our friends' daughter (Sydney calls her "Tanna" for Hanna Montana). Her dad helped Pace with a mock trial and Karris (her mom) had class. Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves. It felt a little like having twins... Thankfully, well behaved twins :)

I ventured out with all three kids last week - first time ever on my own with them. Believe it or not it was pretty fun! They listened to me, played on their favorite attractions at the Lubbock Science Spectrum, and left when I said it was time go, without a fight. Can't imagine my gratitude...

Pace - He is busier it seems this semester than last. My prayer is to keep order at home so he so he can study. So far it seems to be working :) Anyway, he loves being with us and we love him here. His mostly being gone is 1. Reality, better get used to it now cause it ain't gonna change once he's working, and 2. a good excuse to relish the moments we have altogether! Sydney got to play outside with him when it snowed here a week or so ago - what a treat for both of them!

I now attend Texas Tech! Two classes a week on campus plus one class online, perfect schedule. For the first time ever I like math! Finite Math, who'd have thought? Teaches you how to apply all those gay algebraic equations I thought I'd never use in real life... The online course is cool too, Public Policy and Texas Government... Again, I love learning and moving toward my goal!

So, in short, we're happy. Busy yes, incredibly scheduled absolutely, but definitely happy. Hallelujah for answered prayers!!

The Sydney we know and love

My personal favorite of the two of them...

And my favorite of Drew

That's more like it! My sister-in-law took these today - way better camera, faster shutter, and better feeling Syd. Thanks, Megan!

Still Here - Merry Christmas!

I've received some comments from friends thinking we've already left AZ - not true! :) We'll be here through the end of the year, don't fly home until January 1st. There's still time! We've just been laying low as little sicknesses come and go... 'Tis the season! Not to mention our baby just turned 1 month on Sunday = stay away, germs, and lots of people potentially with them. :)

To pass the time we did manage to take a family photo for our Christmas cards. Sydney wasn't too happy but at least we can see her face. These days have been trying for her. I feel for her, away from home, cooped up most of the time with Mommy constantly nursing a new baby brother under a blanket, unable to provide the constant undivided attention her two year heart craves. What a difficult adjustment! Then comes the acting up, coupled with sickness... It's just hard. However, a sweet woman in my ward back home spotted me flustered to the point of tears last month (wrestling a two year old, nearly a week overdue in pregnancy) and held me for a minute reminding me, "This too shall pass." Wish I could communicate the same to Sydney... This too shall pass, Syd... I just pray, to know how to help/handle/cope with her raving fits and seemingly endless (patience demanding) whining... Life is fun, Mommies & Daddies, isn't it? But I do feel for the kids. We're just figuring out what the heck we're doing here!

There are my thoughts as of late... Thanks for letting me vent, blog. :) Merry Christmas everyone! I'm more and more feeling the strength to focus on the blessings I enjoy, whether they be past, present or those I find hope for in the future... Bless us all, I pray! Again, Merry Christmas, everyone!

To Daddy

We arrived safe and sound in AZ last Friday ("Black Friday") but left our sweet Daddy behind. Pace's parents were great in that I could NOT have made the journey (2.40 hour plane ride) without them, although we did luck out and had two sleeping babies for most of the trip. Hooray! That's what I call a plane ride. :) This morning I gave Drew a bath and had some fun "family time"... This is for you, Honey!! We are missing you LOTS!! Cannot WAIT for next Tuesday (when he arrives) - best of luck on your finals!!! We're always praying for you. One down, only two more to go - you are doing it! We love you!

"Daddy, time out??"