The Last Week Plus

In our news, we became members of our church Sunday morning. It felt wonderful to be introduced before the congregation, to be greeted by families introducing themselves to us, and to then be invited to lunch at one of the family's homes. We, and the two other couples who also joined, enjoyed a fabulous lunch and blessed conversation with a darling family, whose little boy is 5 and has Wendy's extroverted personality! We are excited to have a church family at last, and we're looking forward to serving and growing among our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Last Friday, Lincoln had his 1-year well child appt. He is in the 95th percentile in length (31 and 1/4 in.), 70th percentile in wt at 25 lbs, and his head is in the 95th percentile (49 cm). He received a great assessment. He's on track, and we don't take the wellness of our children for granted. We know what a blessing it is to have healthy children. Praise the Lord!
Below are two pics of the kids wearing James' Aggie caps during the big game, which my mom and I sort of ignored, as we don't feel one iota of football mania. I did have fun, however, watching the kids in their goofy enthusiasm over the caps!

Recently we visited dear friends, Shannon and her handsome boy, Jackson! Wendy was at school. We took the boys down the street in Jackson's wagon, and oh my goodness, Linc just loved it!

When at home, the kids have a lot of their play in our tiny kitchen. Why? I don't know. Wendy's room is STUFFED with toys, the living room is overwhelmed with toys, but they prefer to party in the cold, boring kitchen! Lincoln, like his big sister as a babe, loves to play in the fridge! Of course, I have to limit the minutes he's permitted to let the cold air out!

"Mmmmm, a nice cold beer."

Do NOT worry! It is NOT open! Still, the germs, I know, I know.

And...guitar concerts given by the oh-so talented princess performer, take place, in, you got it. The kitchen.

Over the holidays, I picked up a pink, and a blue, kid straw cup at Hong Kong Market, and you'd have thought I'd just given the kids the most incredible new toys! They spent a good hour or so having the time of their lives playing with these cups together! Just cold water inside of each. It was so stinkin' hilarious.

"Oh, dees is good watah!"

"I'm gonna get Sister now..."

Oh, a kiss. Sweet!

Sippy Time!

Looking a little bit mischievous?

Oh, Happy Day! Note to self. Next year, skip the presents. Just load up on these $1-some odd cents cups!

"I have more water in mine than YOU have in yours! Nanny nanny boo-boo!"
"Mom, did you know these things are the bomb?!" (Do I need to get my kids out more?)

I think he's going to be a ham.

We've gone to the kids' museum twice lately. More recent was a visit to celebrate a little girl's first birthday, however I didn't take my camera. Below are pics from our random visit, which saved an otherwise boring day. Wendy is wearing a hospital smock from the "ER." They are enjoying the train table with the other kid.

While exploring "Mrs. Giggle's Garden."

Sweet girl. She loves the rocket ship, she came to tell me.

Digging around. Very, very busy.

She made a friend there. Finally, New Years Eve, we could not get a babysitter, but that was just fine because Tony called! He was on his way back home after visiting his girlfriend's family for Christmas, and so I made spaghetti, and we had a fantastic time just hanging out and talking! It was unexpected and totally nice.

Katie's Pics~ Linc's B-Day Party

Here are Katie's pics from Linc's birthday party, and obviously, hers are far superior to mine, which is why I am so thankful she was there and with her camera and mad, crazy skills! I love this first one of my big ole 1-year-old boy! He IS huge, wearing some 3-T tops if they are short-sleeved. He's big overall, but his arms haven't caught up, and his legs, oh my, they are relatively short! It's his girth and head that are so substantial! Anyway, I found this gorgeous sweater for his special day while shopping with both kids and James at the Houston Outlets. I love this and similar colors on both kids.

His first birthday cake. He was simultaneously interested in the balloons overhead, and smeared frosting all over the strings and balloons, and as he went to town with the stuff, man, oh man, did he make the typical mess, and that frosting stains skin!

"A tasty and FUN treat, Mom!"

I adore this pic of Wendy chatting up Karen. In the background are my aunt and uncle.

Our family. Taken Dec. 26th, 2010.

And here are a few pics my mom recently got off of her camera at their house, and forwarded to me. Wendy and Hattie play so well together! How awesome that we have a built-in friend for her that simply comes with our family! They are only 2 months apart!

And I am thankful that there is now a newbie boy, who will no doubt be a buddy for Lincoln. Right now, he's still a new 'un, but in a year or so, they will be more or less the same in "baby years." "So, Ben, lemme tell ya how it goes around here. If you want a ba-ba or your rear is chafed, just scream, got it?"

And finally, I like this pic I took because the adults in the background are carrying on as usual while Linc explores some of his new birthday presents.

I have a bunch of new stuff on my camera now, so stay tuned...

Happy New Year!!!

I found these outfits, which I think are so gorgeous, at Hong Kong Market in Houston, and I got one size larger than they wear now, because Wendy would like to be Kai Lan for Halloween. Then it occured to me to go ahead and snap a few pics in celebration of the New Year! However, the Chinese New Year is to be Feb. 3rd this year. Anyway, it's okay. Here are my two tykes, wishing all of you a blessed 2011!

I was astonished that the hat actually fits Linc right now! His head is so large, it's hard to find caps for him.

I think the lady was telling me that this outfit is really pajamas. Should be as they are so silky and comfy!

"Happy New Year!"

Below are several additional posts. I've finally caught up completely! One New Year's resolution checked!

Monkey Bizness

While visiting Houston, I took Wendy out on "special occasions" so that she could escape the stuffy grown-up environment, burn that kiddo energy, and so that I could focus on her a bit. I looked online and found a play place called Monkey Bizzness, and I'm not sure how to spell it. Bounce houses galore! Wendy had a ball, and I played around with the various settings on my camera and am proud of the pics that resulted from my experimentation!Her face is elongating now. She's looking more mature. Where is her round, pudgy baby face going?

I love her baby teeth when she smiles with a parted mouth.

She is such a dear girl. I love her with my whole heart, and I have big hopes for her life to be one that glorifies her Heavenly Father as she uses the gifts He's given her at every opportunity.

Maybe she could become a Christian motivational speaker...er...or comedian?!

She always makes a friend wherever she goes...

And she brings out the monkey in 'em all!

It looked like fun. I wanted to sneak in and play with her, but I hadn't paid for myself, and I wasn't wearing socks. Humph!

So, if I lived in H-town, I would do a birthday party at this place. Reasonable price list. Check it out if you live there and have little ones.

Houston Children's Museum Day

On another "special occasion," I took both kids to the Children's Museum. Um, phew!!! I hadn't a stroller, this place had three levels, was ENORMOUS, and I had to chase my runner and my crawler, who often rushed out in opposite directions! Still, they had an incredibly fun day, so it was worth my exhaustion!While making her own gingerbread house, I held Linc on my lap (get this, this CHILDREN'S museum's "Kid Cafe" has NO highchair! There are no "baby-holders" in any of the craft rooms, so we moms with babies had to struggle to keep their grabby hands out of the materials!) So, that said, I was helping Wendy when all of the sudden, all of the moms at the table burst out with laughter. Linc had seized the sugar paste bowl and spreader and was GOING TO TOWN!

Linc is a very conscientious grocery shopper. He checks all the labels' expiration dates.

Yes, I am quite proud of my fine young man. He is so advanced, he's already completed driver's ed, and he has been made an honorary law enforcer! Here he is on the job.

"Hey, I think I see somebody illegally parking!"

"Lemme check my rear view mirrors. I think that dude behind me is too close. He needs a citation."

"Oh I am sick of this song. Let's find some good country."

"And here we are! Dunkin' Donuts! Everybody out!"

Learning together...

In "Mexico," Linc became nearly permanently attached to this beloved, however cumbersome, paddle.

Heavy it was, but stronger is Linc.

As he toured around on all fours, this paddle banged into every wall, every fixed piece of furniture, even bonked him in the head once or twice, but he refused to give it up.

You'd think he'd be walking by now, as this sort of activity is commonplace, but no, he is content to be a floor grazer.

I ask you, what makes something like this paddle a pacifier of sorts? In what way is this awkward tool comforting? I really don't get it and that's what's so dang-darn funny about my Linc.

Wendy in China....

The museum was fantastic, thoroughly educational, and I will surely return, and return, and return.