The Hokansons

Blueberry Boy

2011-11-17T18:51:00.001-06:00

Mrs. Beauregarde: But I can't have a blueberry as a daughter... How will she compete?

Veruca Salt: You could put her in the county fair!

If we'd let him, Gray would eat blueberries all day, every day!

Little Lion Man

2011-11-12T19:51:00.001-06:00

We started off the night right... a Cranberry PUMPKIN Apple snack!

Then it was off to join the gang.

We of course made a stop by the Gs and took a pic with Little Red Riding Hood, The Big Nice Wolf, The Tin Man, and Tinkerbell

After several almost-shmeltdowns, we discovered that Little Lion Man just wanted to travel in style with his best bud.

Although several trick-or-treating attempts were made, mostly Gray was just curious then uninterested.

Thanks Evans Clan for a super, second Halloween!

feeding fun

2011-10-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

I feel like so many of my posts contain the words Mr. Independent but that's my Gray.

This week we have started independent eating with a spoon. Needless to say, he loves it.

Hope you enjoy the pics as much as he enjoyed the yogurt.

As you can see, I have my work cut out for me big time but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Gray's Day at the Park

2011-10-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

play ball

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

soccer that is.

oh his grampa john and gray's hispanic side in general will be so proud.

and he's off! to the world cup... set high expectations for our kids right?

SMASH cupCAKE!

2011-10-25T06:27:00.000-05:00

one.

2011-10-24T19:18:00.001-05:00

Way to fall down on my job as mommy blogger and not have the star of the show's big one year celebration post on his actual birthday. One week later... whatever :)

We celebrated on Sunday the 16th and so many of our family and friends joined us! With a low key, lazy backyard party, we celebrated 365 awesome days of growth and learning and laughs.

Momma made all sorts of goodies. Cloud jello, funfetti cake dip with animal crackers, lemon buddies, lemon cupcakes, lemonade, and Grandma Lynnie made her famous spicy bean dip... DE-LISH!

Carson (Gray's cousin and birthday twin) helped open up all the sweet gifts.

Chris and I could not be more blessed with little Gray and we can't wait to see what year 2 holds!

Here's where we were just a year ago...

Walking

2011-10-11T16:53:00.000-05:00

This was one of the first days he walked but here he is... our 11-month walker.

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, did you see the preview title and think I was gonna say the whole alphabet? Fear not.

2011-10-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

A-Z About ME

(as inspired/copied from Annalee)

A. Age: 25

B. Bed size: Queen. I sleep slightly diagonally so my poor husband only has a little corner to sleep in... perhaps we should get a King.
C. Chore that you hate: hate, hate, hate unloading the dishwasher and putting away clothes. love, love, love vacuuming... especially on a rainy day.
D. Dogs: Saywer (aka Death Breath, Crazy Dog)
E. Essential start to your day: pressing snooze a minimum of 3 times
F. Favorite color: grey and green, not together though
G. Gold or Silver: silver, the brassy nature of yellow gold does an amazing job of making my pasty skin look even less desirable
H. Height: 5' 2''
I. Instruments you play: iTunes and extremely basic went-though-my-emo-teenage-stage-and-learned-3-chords guitar
J. Job title: teacher, problem solver, peace keeper, entertainer, and momma
K. Kids: Gray Michael and 48 others who I spend 8 hours with every weekday
L. Live: TX
M. Mother’s name: Marlene (did you know that on Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knoppe's mom is named Marlene too... weird...)
N. Nicknames: Les, L, Lez, L-bo

O. Overnight hospital stays: a long 4 days for G's birth
P. Pet peeves: people who can't get of their phone even when a real human is present and attempting to communicate with them, dirty mouths (clean it up with Orbitz (you know you were thinking it))
Q. Quote from a movie: "Hi, I'm Bob. Can you knock me out... Just punch me in the face."
R. Right or left handed: right
S. Siblings: Ross, Santi, Amanda (basically), s.i.l. Carrie
T. Truth or Dare: depends on my mood. probably truth... let's be honest.
U. Ultimate Vacation: one where I can sit and read a few good books and look out onto a beautiful scene... you know, basically not Houston
V. Vegetable you hate: a lot of them. disguise them in some sort of casserole and I probably won't put up a fight
W. What makes you run late: my inability to accept that it does take me more than zero minutes to get ready... oh, and remember that kid I have... him too
X. X-Rays you’ve had: back (after screwing it up in gymnastics in middle school), teeth
Y. Yummy food that you make: most recently: toffee dip, break and bake cookies, lemon buddies for G's first birthday
Z. Zoo animal: crackers

A Lazy Day at the Park

2011-10-10T08:30:00.001-05:00

This little guy loves to swing. He giggled the whole time.

He also loves the slide. Gray went down by himself on Saturday and we were all so proud.

We are thankful for the better weather lately and the newness of everything through our sweet son's eyes.

Funny Face

2011-10-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

Teefers!

2011-09-27T21:26:00.000-05:00

Gray officially has all 4 front teeth in!

So... Teeth brushing time begins!

Thankfully he's quite good at it.

Mr. Independent.

Chase

2011-09-25T20:45:00.000-05:00

simple math

2011-09-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

gray = good

gray + dada = better

gray + momma = better

gray + dada + momma = the best days of our lives

Googlie Sea

2011-08-29T04:16:00.000-05:00

Gray has quite a few books... and by "quite" I mean hundreds.

We love to read in this family.

Just like all of us, G has his favorites and one of those is Googlie Sea. It is the most ridiculous idea. Take pics of real animals and then put googlie eyes on them... therefore terrifying shark simply becomes a lovable goofball. Chris has voices for the different sea creatures and G just eats it up.

In the end you find that there is a dog in the sea and he has made them go all googlie eyed because he doesn't belong. Love it! Classic? It is in the Hokanson household!

sometimes it's ok to be a...

2011-08-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

hot mess :)

Day (not-as-good-as-momma's-but-will-have-to-do) Care

2011-08-08T19:15:00.000-05:00

Today Little G went to Day Care for the first time and we both survived.

I didn't even cry. Promise.

Neither did Gray.

We snuggled and played when we got home because man did I miss that little goober.

Please note the cheerio stuck to his foot.... crazy kid. :)

Funny Story: G was quite easy to spot when I got there seeing as how he was the only white kid in his whole class. Three cheers to growing up in a diverse environment!

9 months looks a little something like this...

2011-07-26T09:12:00.000-05:00

Tons of SMILES! No wonder he sleeps so well, he's exhausted from smiling and giggling so much.

READING books. Like Mother and Father, like son. G loves being read to and this one, Googlie Sea is one of his favorites. In fact I will do a whole post on it later.

Taking in the view in my STROLLER. As long as we're moving, he's fine. Stop, and all is lost.

PLAYING with toys. The noisier the better. Also knobs and those boingy things (official name) on the back of doors at the bottom. Doors: open, close, open, close. Who knew that could be so fun?

CHECK UPS with Dr. Lange.

20 lbs, 5 oz (47 %)

29.38 inches (84%)

18.5 inches Head Circumference (91%)

and...

a viral infection and ANOTHER double ear infection, hello again antibiotics

My FIRST HAIRCUT! July 18th, 2011, when Aunt Amanda made a surprise visit, Mom decided G was looking a little too Bieber-ish. Enter, clippers. One minor ear snip... I mean really, what's a first haircut without a little injury?

SOUND SLEEPER! Praise Jesus, thank the Lord! (and cry it out method) ;)

Although he's been a great sleeper for a while but it was clearly seen when he slept a straight 12 hours EVERY single night in Costa Rica. Way to go champ!

Happy Birthday Papa John!

2011-07-25T21:10:00.000-05:00

I love you and I loved getting to spend my 1st summer with you!

Happy 54th!

costa rica picture roll: beach edition

2011-07-20T18:56:00.000-05:00

cause i'm not really in the mood to write. :)

Jaco, Costa Rica

B is for

2011-07-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

BEACH BUMS!

June 21, 2011

Galveston, TX

What's better than a day at the beach?

Chris, Lynn, Gray and I ventured out a few weeks ago and and enjoyed some fun in the sun (shade).

For about the first hour, G just looked around at his strange surroundings until he finally felt comfortable to start familiarizing himself with the sand, salt water, and seaweed (putting directly into mouth).

We had fun relaxing (the beach is not quite the same with an 8 month old). ;)

Gray even ate his first beach-Cheerios. You know, Cheerios with a little sand mixed in.

Lol. Oh, the beach. :)

cute carter and coupons!

2011-06-29T08:02:00.001-05:00

This is Gray's BFF, Carter. They hung out in a previous post, remember?!

Well this is them 6 months later. Way more aware of what's going on around them, way more mobile, way bigger, and way more fun! Sorry about all the blurry pics, these boys are always on the move!

They shared toys and watched Preschool Prep together (more about that later) while their Moms chatted about life and couponing. Happy to report that Carter's Momma is now an officialy Coupon Queen :) It was a great weekend trip and G and I can't wait to do it again!

G slept the whole way home. Playing hard makes this little guy all tuckered out.

mirror, mirror on the floor

2011-06-28T20:02:00.000-05:00

...who's the fairest, little boy?

Gray has recently discovered... HIMSELF. He loves to look at that cute boy staring back at him... and who can blame him?! As you can see in the bottom pic, he's giving himself a kiss. So sweet!

picking the right one

2011-06-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday, Chris, Gray, Lynn and I went to Matt Family Orchard to pick some delicious blackberries. They were enormous and juicy and I think it is suffice to say that we went home with the appropriate amount of blackberry juice on our fingers and lips... at least I did. :)

It was a gorgeous day, albeit a little hot you know, with the DROUGHT and all. Thankfully the fruit was plentiful and we each picked almost a full bucket.

Hopefully, some jam and baby food will be made with these.

Gray supervised from his stroller and let us know when we had been in one place too long by fussing at us to move it.

I went home to have a coffee date with a friend while Chris and Gray hung out with Lynnie and the dogs.

Gray also met his new best friend, Max. I'm not sure he realizes Max is a 100 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback and about 5 times his size... and I'm not sure he cares. (As long as he'll watch Diego with him and occasionally lick his hands and face.)

Mom Rule #27

2011-06-11T05:17:00.000-05:00

No matter how many bright, fun, educational, loud toys you buy them, they will always love the dog's toys more.

just one of those days

2011-06-10T15:41:00.000-05:00

So in the chaos that defines being a parent, I guess I shouldn't be so surprised that my day has been a bit on the hectic side.

As many of you know, I'm an avid couponer and thankfully I just got my binder back in order (perfect timing cause we were running low on everything) so I was set to go to the grocery store. Enter Randall's with my giant a** coupon binder (GACB), Gray, purse, and grocery cart cover. I love my son completely but he is become a less cooperative coupon shopping companion with each trip I take. So picture an 8 month old climbing up the side of his mother while simultaneously squealing and drooling everywhere. Yeah, we were those people. Finish trip thanks to the fact that I am shoving puffs in his mouth continuously while also watching my transaction to make sure everything goes right. ($102 down to $51... not great but pretty good)

Drive home to a whiney baby (literally) and leave all the groceries in the car to quickly put G down for nap. Walking down the hall to his room I feel a gooey, warm sensation and freeze. Doggy diarrhea. Grrrrrrrr. Then I don't know what to do. Do I keep walking and trapse it all into G's room... the floors that he crawls on and then puts those poo infested hand into his mouth?!?!? Ahhhhh! While I'm having this dirty poo dilemma I am, of course, STILL standing in the poo. I decided on a partial hop/make my steps as big/few as posible. Doesn't really help. It. Gets. Everywhere. Eventually got G down for a nap/screamfest while I scrubbed the floors with tears in my eyes. 1 bottle of carpet stain cleaner and the rest of my Glade carpet freshener later and we have a house that smells of citrus, fresh linnen, lemon chicken (in the crockpot) and just the slightest scent of liquid poo.

All that said, I was super stressed and upset about it all but knew that blogging about it would make me feel just a little more in control. Sigh. Thank goodness for crockpot dinners already ready and for my amazing blender that will make delicious margaritas tonight.

first of many firsts

2011-06-09T17:55:00.001-05:00

Although it started coming in last month, this little tooth is finally officially in.

It's sharp, crooked, pearly white, and perfect. :)

(Please excuse the black raspberries smooshed into his eyebrow.... sometimes his Daddy doesn't have the best aim while feeding this wiggle worm.)

Adios Ancillary

2011-06-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

I will surely miss this crew.

Especially our very formal PLC meetings and our very stable schedule. JK! ;)

I will miss them though for sure and our field days, and fun days, and their willingness to help out, and our... we'll call them "flexible Fridays", and their sense of humor and their laid back nature. This past school year has been great and so fun! I hope the best for all of them and hope that my team next year is as easy to get along with and work with as these guys have been.

Blessings and have a great summer Yvonne, Ronnie, Apryl ;), Judy and Ben!

A is for

2011-06-06T17:41:00.000-05:00

AUNT AMANDA!

What can be said about this awesome lady?

Let me break it down for you...

1-3 months

Well, she lived with me for a month when I was just born. She even got up with me all through the night and would give me sweet hugs and kisses even though she was tired. She helped my Momma tons and would go get her yummy smoothies since that was all she could eat. She bought me lots of cute outfits, bibs, shoes, special shampoo, and jammies. (Even a cute panda hat!)

4-7 months

Aunt Amanda was my full time (M, W, F) babysitter for the Spring of 2011. We would play all day together and then usually both nap too. ;) She worked with me on eating solids, sleep training, crawling, dressing cute, drinking from a bottle, and dancing! She kept a bib around my neck all the time because she said I drooled too much. I say she just didn't drool enough. You try growing a whole new set of teeth! Jk, love you. We went to Antique Shows together and out to lunch and I even got to watch her graduate college!

Which brings me to the next phase in my timeline...

7 months +

My Aunt Amanda just started a new adventure last week, Teach for America. My Momma is a teacher and now my Aunt is going to be one too! I know she's a good teacher already because she's taught me tons! I know she's going to do so well and make such an impact on those kids lives... I mean I REALLY know she will.... otherwise there's no way in the world I would have let her leave.

Love you Aunt Amanda!

-Gray

PS: Make good choices and don't do anything I wouldn't do.

1 more day!!!

2011-06-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

I canNOT wait for summer! Tomorrow will be my official last day at Milne as I will be working at a new school next school year. I'm super excited about it but will miss the past two years and the people that made them awesome. The best part about this summer though is that instead of being all hot and pregnant and miserable, I get to hang out comfortably, in the AC with my favorite little guy.

A few quick updates for 7 months. Man, it has been an eventful month!

On Sunday, May 22, Gray started clapping at Patty Cake and those hands haven't stopped since. Any time you say "yay" or he's proud of himself or you smile at him, those cute little chub hands start banging together.

On Monday, May 23, Gray started officially crawling, not belly on the floor dragging but real crawling. Holy cow, has this rocked our world.

Two days later, on Wednesday, May 25, Gray started teething. Bottom right and man that thing is coming in sharp. Also, although he's been doing this for a while, when he's not smiling or sporting a binky in his mouth, the bottom lip is sucked in and no where to be found.

Friday, May 27, 2011 (as if we didn't have an eventful week already), Gray started pulling up like he never wants to touch the ground again. Hence the baby gate... now the licking... the pole licking I can't explain.

Overall, I would say I have an adventurous and impatient little boy who wants to know about everything around him that instant. He is a little explorer and loves people watching and I know I'm slightly biased but I'd venture to say he's a pretty special little 7 1/2 month old.

Let our summer adventures begin!

you decide

2011-05-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

What should the caption for this pic be?

I mean, it's super cute but I'm pretty sure I've used all the synonyms for adorable already.

Thank You

2011-05-16T22:39:00.000-05:00

Thank you sweet boy for making my day. It was not a good one until I got home to your sweet self. I love how your smile and squeals make all my frustration fade. Love you more than anything.

-Momma

coupon class

2011-05-13T22:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick couponing lesson and a little glimpse at my stock pile. No, I do not have it insured and nothing I have is a 40 year supply like some of the crazy couponing hoarders. Everything in moderation.

Walgreens:

This is a good example of using a coupon with a clearance item. This item was free! Woohoo! I love couponing. I give them this little piece of cut out paper that I got for free and they let me walk out of the store without paying... magic!

Side note: Always know your store's coupon policy. Walgreens will just adjust the coupon down to the price of the item whereas, Walmart just changed their policy and they will actually give you the overage meaning that I would have had 26 cents off whatever I had left in my cart.

This is a great deal right here. First of all, just the razor is usually about 10 bucks but the razor and the razor + creme + holder pack were the same price on sale... always get the one that gives you more bang for you buck. So, $9.99... I use my coupon and pay $4.99 and get $4 in RR with my receipt. I turn around and buy bottle liners that usually cost $8. I use my $4 RR and then a $1 coupon for playtex liners and end up paying only 3 bucks for the bottle liners.

See?! It's a lot of math but once you get the hang of it you'll be shocked at how much you save. Also, good razors are something to stockpile because they are crazy expensive and they don't expire.

{Register Rewards (RR) are a long coupon that will print after you pay and are good toward your next order. You can split up transactions and use the RR 2 seconds later on your next few items.}

The loot!

So I ended up splitting it into 2 transactions and spending about $12 out of pocket (OOP) and I saved.......... $28! What always shocks me the most is how much stuff would have cost. That little pile would have cost me $40 if I wasn't a smart shopper... it's crazy how little things add up to big bills.

This is a little bit of the stockpile. Stuff we use all the time... dog food, wipes, paper towels, diapers, kleenex, ziploc baggies, etc.

More stuff we use. All that toothpaste was either free or cost me under a quarter.

Best part about a stockpile is that you don't have to run to the store when you run out of toothpaste or toilet paper or dog food... just a quick trip down the hall.

A little bit more. See all the razors... that is something you should never pay full price for again. All above were purchased for $1.99 or less including 2 that actually made me money. :)

Enjoy and Happy, SMART Shopping!

Don Draper

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

For those of you who watch Mad Men, you will appreciate the intense side part.

my new wheels

2011-05-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have been so blessed to have little cousins who are just a little bit older than me so I can use their stuff when they outgrow it. However, my dad has been trying to take me on jogs with an umbrella stroller so my mom intervened. She hopped on the computer and Craigslisted away until she found me some new, appropriate wheels. Woohoo! Here we are at Terry Hershey park going for a little jog. Thanks mom and dad!

-Gray

a lil' messy

2011-05-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

As you can tell, this kid likes to eat. However, I do believe he wears about as much as he eats when his dad feeds him.

I've been making all of Gray's food. It's super easy and a HUGE money saver. Bonus, I know exactly what he's eating and what goes into it. I just make it and freeze it in ice cube trays (about an ounce/cube) and then move the frozen food into labeled freezer bags. Easy peasy!

cry baby

2011-05-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

So last week we took G to the doctor convinced that he had some sort of tummy issue that was keeping him up and causing him to wake a million times a night. It was not a bizarre thought considering this kid has the most sensitive stomach ever and he used to sleep through the night before he got sick (double ear infection) and had to take all those meds that can mess with your tummy. Anywhoo, this first time mom was convinced and just needed some direction.

Enter, Dr. Lange. Prescription, benign neglect (he seriously wrote it on Gray's write-up report). He said it's totally a behavior thing and he just wants to cuddle. While that sounds adorable and sweet, I don't want to cuddle with anyone at 3 in the morning... I want to be sleeping.

So, that night (Tuesday) we started cry it out (the Ferber method). I basically consists of letting a child cry themselves to sleep (parent going in to comfort occasionally) in order to learn that night time is for sleeping and to learn how to fall asleep by themselves. The end result being sleep for the whole family and a more independent child with good sleep habits.

Chris and I gave each other a pep talk and prayed.

Tuesday, cried for 1 hour and 5 minutes

Wednesday, 50 minutes

Thursday, 30 minutes

Friday, 10 minutes

Saturday, 0 minutes of crying.

What a wonderful Mother's Day gift!

Easter Sunday

2011-05-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Easter 2011! We went to church and sang my favorite worship song "In Christ Alone." This song brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart every time I hear it. Later, it was off to lunch an Gramma Marley's with the Millers and the Hokansons. Yummy food and great conversations were had. Hope your Easters were just as wonderful! Can't wait to hunt eggs with little G next year!

What a snazzy kid!

little ladron

2011-04-29T06:20:00.000-05:00

who me?

yes, you little G

you have been stealing all of mom and dad's sleep time.

last week it was because you were sick but now... come on goober.

night time is for sleeping... you know this.

C and I are hoping this is just a growth spurt and his sudden urge to hang out with us in the middle of the night will soon cease. love him always though... i mean, how could you not love that face? :)

just being a boy

2011-04-28T08:16:00.000-05:00

This Monday we went to our cousin Connor's baseball game to cheer him on. He did great! The Bears beat the Sharks 9 to 8. It was nice outside and the company was great!

As you can see from the pic, Gray takes his sports watchin' seriously.

working hard...

2011-04-21T05:48:00.000-05:00

or hardly working?

A few weeks ago little G came to visit me at work and I can admit (during lunch) I was not working at all but enjoying my cute kid and showing him off. I told Chris that I maybe talk about our son too much at school seeing as how when I walked down the hall carrying him all the students waved and shouted "Hi, Gray!" He's an A.A. Milne celebrity.

Seeing this little one makes my day go much faster :)

Bad Hair Day

2011-04-20T06:30:00.000-05:00

This little guy LOVES LOVES LOVES his bath.

Thankfully he gets so distracted playing with his ducky and Zapp Hall cup that he doesn't even notice when I play with his hair.

Bath time is always a mommy duty (daddy puts him to bed) and it is seriously my favorite part of the day.

Poolside

2011-04-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Last Friday we went to the swimming pool for the first time this season and Gray's first time ever.

Considering that the boy takes after his pasty mom and dad, we had to keep about 90% of his body covered with clothes. That's ok, he didn't mind. He loved it and kicked in the water for a while before hanging out poolside to dry off.

Please notice the binky... yes, it says 'bonito'. Keeping him in touch with his latin roots/ they were on sale at Marshall's and we are always in need of binkies. :)

Say wahhh?

2011-04-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Little G isn't feeling well. Stuffy nose and teething.

He pretty much has this look all day and at night we had 4 in the morning snuggles because he couldn't sleep.

Pray that this passes quickly and that he gets back to his chipper self soon!

Beiber-iffic

2011-04-17T19:48:00.000-05:00

Coupon Crazy

2011-04-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I've been crazy forever but only coupon crazy for about 4 months now. I'm slowly getting better and better but you will probably not see me on TLC's extreme show.

So, as mentioned before, I'm crafting/hobby ADD and I figured... hey, why not have a hobby that saves me money? Thankfully, this one saves me so much $ that I can actually do the other ones too.

A couple of things...

No, I do not buy items my family doesn't need.

No, it is not all junk food crap.

Yes, I'm ticked about Kroger changing their coupon policy.

Yes, couponing is a commitment.

Allow me to introduce you to my other child (no, not Sawyer),

my coupon binder.

Although she doesn't have a name (yet), several times I have put her on my passenger seat on the trip to the grocery store and my car automatically (because of her weight) turned the airbag on and beeped because the seat belt wasn't fastened... I think that makes her family.

Here is my most recent purchase including 6 bottles of concentrated formula, a dozen Eggland's Best eggs, wheat bread, milk, a cantaloupe, 2 boxes of cereal, various cleaners, 2 deodorants, 2 gallons of nursery water, 3 sparkling grape juices (free), 3 tubes of toothpaste (free), 2 mac and cheese sides, 2 Ziploc tupperware sets, 2 cartons of OJ, 3 boxes of pop tarts, fresh ground beef, 1 Swiffer Duster kit, new Jello temptations (free), rice, pasta sauces, 2 rolls of Seventh Generation paper towels, 3 bottles of dial hand soap, 2 bags of coffee, fresh cookies from the bakery, 2 Febreeze air/fabric fresheners and 2 room scenty things, 2 bags of Dove chocolates, Hormel deli meat, and a bag of romaine lettuce hearts.

$175.08 down to $69.83... works for me.

{PS-those 6 Similac formulas alone (at $10 a piece) would cost what I paid for all of that}

60% savings though... not even close to my best.

A few months ago I could have walked out of HEB spending 69 bucks and only have 3-4 bags to show for it. Although couponing may not be for you, I love it and can't wait to get even better.

Behind the scenes...

2011-04-14T09:30:00.001-05:00

How do you describe the twice a year, crazy event that the little town of Warrenton, Texas has come to call the Antique Show?...

You don't.

You can't.

These pictures will try.

No, I do not know Bud nor am I related to the Zapps.

Chef Jim.

I give the orders in this kitchen... so I guess that makes me his boss... :)

Do you see the stacked-food-carrying-talent? Grill- Michael, Calling- Cheryl, Bread- Karen, Drinks- John. Ah, all is right in the kitchen.

Shrimp plate and 2 tenderloin sandwiches... Can you cut those in thirds please?

Beer Garden

Gray says, "Oh Aunt Amanda..."

Shoppin'

No.

This is the designated break room, aka Karen and Jim's bed.

Closed for this year but see y'all in 6 months!

This was little G's first of many and he took it like a champ. However, he didn't sleep on an air mattress that had to be re-inflated in the morning, eat his weight in kettle corn and cinnamon rolls, or spend a week cleaning the kitchen smell out of his clothes... so I don't know if this one counts ;) Next year little buddy.

It's Wednesday guys...

2011-04-13T09:55:00.001-05:00

you're halfway there... you can make it!

Grandparents Galore

2011-04-12T09:45:00.000-05:00

Gray is so blessed and loved. He has 11 grandparents!

Gramma Marley, Grandma Lynnie, Grandpa Marty, Papa John, Abuela Rocia, Great-Grandma Ann, Great-Grandpa Buddy, Great-Grandma Kitty, Great-Grandmama, Great-Grandbud, and Great-GREAT Granny!

Gray says thank you in advance for all the awesome adventures y'all will have together and all the wisdom and knowledge you will give him.

lazy saturday

2011-04-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we spent a wonderful afternoon having a family picnic. Even on the weekends when day to day life stuff has to happen (laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc.), it's great to just take a 2 hour vacation :)

the boy likes to BOUNCE!

2011-04-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

a Gray panda

2011-04-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

Life has been so busy this past month with the Antique show and Spring Break and Book Fair and you know... life. Here are some much needed updates for all of little G's fans.

G now eats solids and he loves them. His current diet consists of formula, oatmeal, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, prunes, avocado, mango, and very soon, bananas. He eats 3 meals a day and an afternoon snack and eats with such gusto you would think we're only feeding him once a week. We haven't had any issues with him not liking something... he is a "good eater" aka a chunky monkey. ;)

Sleeping through the night again. PRAISE JESUS! However, there are some not so great bedtime habits that need to be broken. Whatever... my answer is "This summer." This summer I can do it when I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn and work all day... I'll figure it out then. :)

Gray defnitely is starting to show prefernce with who he is with. He will still let anyone hold him but he gets frustrated when C or I leave even just the room.

The kid has more books than most school libraries. Love that!

G likes to bang his right arm up and down... In the bathtub, on his bumbo tray and while playing.

Gray found his boy parts the other day while in the bath. Poor things got sqeezed to death before I could find a way to hide them from him.

When he drinks his bottle (need to get a pic of this) he places both hands over his eyes with his palms up as if to say, "Ah, at last... this world is just too much." So dramatic.

He is very good at rocking on all fours and rocks himself from a sitting to tummy position.

Can't believe my little guy is almost 6 months old!

Can't wait to get to know him even better!

in the famous words of larry boy...

2011-04-07T14:58:00.002-05:00

"If my lips ever left my mouth, packed a bag and headed south... that'd be too bad... I'd be so sad. If my lips said Adios, I don't like you I think you're gross... that'd be too bad.... I'd call my dad."

Even though this a blurry pic and G's eyes are closing, this is his new favorite trick. He sucks his lip up under his gums and looks like a little old man. Makes me laugh every time. The best is when you can get his to smile while he's doing it because he looks ridiculous. Oh, I love being a mom... admiring the little quirks of my little boy.

if you're silly and you know it...

2011-03-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

then you must be part of my family ;)

story time with gray

2011-03-23T20:36:00.000-05:00

SB2011

2011-03-22T06:49:00.000-05:00

Our Spring Break 2011 went a little something like this...

Monday- major cleaning day at home, aunt amanda came to hang out with her favorite little man, mom's back hurt so she spent most of the day sitting on the couch with the heating pad, gray and mom did a little modern reading on the ipad, attempted rice cereal

Tuesday- road trip to college station with grandma lynnie and grandpa marty, a little maroon apparel shopping, gray's first aggie baseball game

Wednesday- visit gramma marley at the office in snazzy clothes, hung out with aunt amanda at beck's prime, aunt monette came for a quick visit

Thursday- st. patrick's day, brunch with the ladies and little buddies, gramma marley babysat, mom and dad went to dinner at russo's with the gilgours

Friday- road trip to warranton, tx, home of zapp hall and delicious funky chunky chicken salad sammies, dad helped gear up for the spring 2011 antique show (so fun!)

Weekend- dreaded going back to work and all of us not being together during the week, relaxed and read books, went to a latvia reunion party, couponed and watched harry potter with aunt kim, gray and mom went on a major coupon trip ($90.38 down to $31.14, and less than a dollar per item) :)

and now... back to work and real life... which honestly and thankfully, isn't really that bad ;)

books galore

2011-03-21T19:23:00.000-05:00

spring breakin' all the rules

2011-03-21T18:49:00.000-05:00

Rule in the Hokanson household...

Do not bother Mom while she's sleeping! Broken.

We started rice cereal last week and two words... colossal fail. (Yes Chris, I'm using fail as a noun... get over it.) Constipated and gassy from about 2 am until 8 am for FIVE nights... so much for a restful break.

Sigh. We'll try again in a few weeks.

No worries.

i'm into older women

2011-03-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

All the ladies love me...

even the 100 year old ones!

Say hello to my GREAT-GREAT Grandma, Granny.

Last week my sweet Granny fell and broke her hip. Despite being 100 years old (almost, but 100 sounds way more impressive), she recovered well and continues to do so. Even so, please keep her in your prayers.

We actually have a lot in common...

We both love to nap.

Walking is a little difficult for both of us.

Teeth... who needs 'em.

We love each other.

So, from 1911 to 2011, a lot has changed but thankfully family is still family!

snuggly saturdays

2011-03-12T11:36:00.000-06:00

silly sleepy baby snuggling sweet spring breakin' mommy.

love.

Spring Break...

2011-03-11T06:36:00.000-06:00

makes me so happy!

Up, up, and AWAY!

2011-03-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

She's not a one trick pony, y'all!

2011-03-10T08:38:00.000-06:00

Let me introduce you to my awesome Aunt Kim! I have many amazing aunts (how did I get so lucky?) and she is definitely one of them! Not only is she Momma's couponing partner in crime, my Sunday church and hang out buddy, my babysitter, but she's also quite comfy. :)

Love you Aunt Kim!

-Gray

Happy Wednesday!

2011-03-09T06:34:00.000-06:00

Hope your day is filled with fun and silly moments!

We're Sittin' Pretty

2011-03-08T20:47:00.000-06:00

A Gray Day

2011-03-03T14:16:00.000-06:00

Play.

Sit around.

Work.

Shop.

Sleep.

It's exhausting being this cute!

abandoned post

2011-02-27T14:47:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the moratorium on posting... work. It's sucking the life out of me to the point where the thought of finding my camera, finding the card reader, loading the photos, writing the post and actually posting it makes me so tired that I fall asleep in the middle of the thought. But alas, a post...

Here's my cute 4 month old!

Look at those cheekers!

I believe this is Gray sign language for "I would like a bottle to be placed here, Mom."

Stats:

Height- 26 inches (84 percentile)

Weight- 15 lbs. 10 oz (64 percentile)

Very healthy and happy 4 month visit. The only issue is naps... long story... another post.

We've also learned a few tricks...

Gray LOVES LOVES LOVES his toes. Didn't you know... toes are the new thumb!

(Also, look who else was having some back play time... Needy McNeedy, Sawyer.)

Tri-podding King

Other fun things:

In the past week Gray has started craning his head back to look at who is holding him.

He loves pretend falling.

He thinks Daddy is hilarious.

He reaches out one hand to touch your face when you're holding him (SO SWEET!)

LOVE this kid! Everyday is just a little bit funner (yes funner ;) )!!!

-Momma

cred is due

2011-02-14T12:37:00.000-06:00

There is no way in the world I would be who I am today without 2 things... God and my family.

I was blessed to have been born into a super one and then doubly blessed to marry into a super one!

Everyone has helped out so much and has been so giving. I love that the people in my life are like that because I believe it is absolutely true that you are who you surround yourself with. Eveyone has something that I would love to grow in and be better at.

Mom- You are always there to comfort... in sickness and in helath... for richer or poorer, ect. :)

Lynn- You are so supportive... of your kids, family, any stranger that is soon to be your friend ;)

Amanda- You do things that you aren't required without need for recognition.

Chris- You tolerate my crazy :)... so patience.

Karen, Cheryl & Grandmama- Your love language is giving and you do it well. Time, money, recognition, praise.

Annalee- You are an excellent listener.

Mel- Your faith is almost tangible.

Deela-You're hilarious and you're always thoughtful in all that you do.

Kim- You are loyal... to your family, friends, baby Gray, and Sawyer ;)

Jenny- You are crazy about Christ and you say it.

and everyone else in my life (including God ;) )easily fits into at least one of these catagories! I love you all so much and all that you do. I truly could NOT do it without you.

Here's a few picks of G when Karen gave up her Thursday to watch him :)

I am crazy blessed by our awsome God!

SUPERlittleMAN!

2011-02-10T08:06:00.000-06:00

Oh I just love him!

Don't you?

Here are some baby G updates...

Gray sleeps through the night (can I get an amen) about 12 hours without feeding!

Napping... not so much a few cat naps here and there.

He loves smiling, especially at Mom and Dad.

He rolls over (front to back) pretty often now... love the shocked look on his face each time like 'How did I get here?'

Spends his Sundays at nursery 'Sunday School' then hanging out with Mom and Aunt Kim.

Has been on several couponing adventures with Mom. (So far this month we've saved over $200 buckaroos!)

Hair is coming in well but sticks straight up. (see above pic)

Can't wait to start eating solids because he's downing 6-8 ounces a feeding now.

Woohoo to my little 3 3/4 month old!

Love you,

Momma

I'm in LOVE!

2011-01-31T11:46:00.000-06:00

With couponing!

This was my first time and I had a blast! Can't wait to get even better at it! Saved $20 with coupons I loaded onto my card and $22 with MCs.

The tally:

The loot:

The face:

RV=$111

OOP=$69

$42 saved

3 bags of dog food, shampoo, conditioner, 2 toothpastes, 6 individual frozen pizzas, 8cans of veggies, 4 tubs of wipes, 2 12packs of dishwashing tabbies, break and make cookies, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, crystal light, 3 boxes cereal, detergent, popcorn, yogurt, and a cake mix. Can't wait to organize it all and start my stockpile :)

was I really gone for 3 1/2 months?

2011-01-27T21:09:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the temporary hiatus. It's because (drum roll)...

I returned to work last Friday...

and it's like I never left...

First class back, a kid lost his first tooth.

Yesterday I had 3 kids throw up during lunch duty... stay away from the mystery meat.

Today I was doused in applesauce (it even got in my shoe).

sigh.

I don't hate working but MAN am I rush home to my sweet Gray... no more staying late for me.

Speaking of....

Gray is officially 3 months old (and some change)!

Love!

him!

SO!

much!

resolution

2011-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

This is the motto to my 2011.

So many times we intend to do something

...send a thank you letter

...send a sympathy card

...go visit that relative more often

...remember birthdays in enough advance to get something, even if it's just a card

...actually sit down for family dinners (not in front of the tv)

...volunteer for community service hours

...meet the neighbors

...get involved in that bible study

...give that person a call just to let them know you care

...get together with that old friend you're always meaning to arrange a date with

and so many of these and many more things NEVER get done.

So this year my goal is to actually do them!

Enough with the lame excuses. Even with working and a baby, none of that is impossible. It might not be the most convenient thing to do a the time but it might be the best thing to do.

In doing these things I think it will lead to loving the people around me even more, better use of my time, and feeling more like the person I want to be.

Win, win, win.

Here's enjoying a few minutes with Dad.

And here's to more moments like this. :)

itza happy birth-aday

2011-01-14T15:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Adelaide and Jim!!!

Thanks for letting me join in the fun!

Although I couldn't share in eating Adelaide's Smarties/'farties', I feel as though I not only celebrated Jim's stand-alone but mastered it!

Love you guys!

Happy 3rd and 53rd to the birthday twins!

Guy Talk

2011-01-13T11:28:00.000-06:00

Gray and Uncle Ross having a "guy talk" conversation.

My first day with Aunt Amanda

2011-01-10T20:50:00.006-06:00

Everyone, guess who is now guest blogging for me?!? My Aunt Amanda!

Today was the first day that she came to hang out with me and we had SUCH an eventful day!

FIRST, Aunt Amanda was stuck in the cold and had to wake up mom to be let in to the house.

THEN everyone woke up and I ate some breakfast but for some reason I didn't have any poops! So I played and napped and ate and played and napped and still no poop! Yikes! I was a fussy boy by this time.

FINALLY as I was eating I EXPLODED! Aunt Amanda and mom cheered for me, changed my diaper and we got to go on a walk with Sawyer!

WHILE we were on our walk Aunt Amanda was looking down at me and accidentally let go of Sawyer's leash, luckily he didn't run away and we all came back inside.

OBVIOUSLY after getting rid of all that poop and going on a tiring walk, I needed some more food so Aunt Amanda was giving me a bottle and she squeezed the bag....a little too hard and the bag exploded all over me and my boppy and my aunt. So we had to change clothes...for like the 1 millionth time!

LASTLY, after watching Aunt Amanda fail at the Wii Fit and mom fold cloths, I was EXHAUSTED...

I'm so glad I got to spend the day with two of my favorite ladies...I can tell Aunt Amanda and I are going to have a lot of fun adventures in the future.

Stay tuned!

Love,

Gray (and Aunt Amanda)

save a buck or two (hundred)...

2011-01-09T13:59:00.000-06:00

So I know I have told several of y'all about this wonderful thing called Amazon Mom and Amazon's Subscribe and Save Store but here are the details all spelled out for you. Individually they are awesome but when their powers combine... (I am Captain Planet?)... Anywhoo, it's awesome.

So go to Amazon and sign in or create an account if you don't have one.

AMAZON MOM

Search Amazon Mom:

Click the link Save with Amazon Mom:

Sign up and start saving! It's automatically applied then when you're signed into your account... no codes or anything. Free 2-Day shipping and Amazon Prime benefit for FREE! Just the free Prime is already $79 a year in savings! If you're already a Prime member, they will give you the option to cancel your membership and give you a prorated refund. You will receive FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime for the first 3 months of your membership. For each $25 you spend within a single order in the Baby store, they’ll grant you an additional month of Amazon Prime shipping benefits. You can earn up to one year from the date you joined Amazon Mom.

$25... That's less than one months supply of diapers, so free benefits for a year! Also, it's not just for moms; Dads, grandmas, aunts, etc.

Alrighty, you're halfway there... Now for subscribe and save!

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE

Search Subscribe and Save on the Amazon website.

Now this is NOT JUST baby stuff. It's anything from printer ink to coffee to diapers to pet food... anything that you have to buy regularly. It's an extra 15% off and free 2 day shipping. You also automatically receive a new shipment of the item in intervals you select--every one, two, three, or six months. At my house we have diapers every month, wipes every 2 months and toilet paper every 6 months. It's great. And, if your supply is too low or too high you can add a shipment or skip a shipment.

I know it sounds complicated but it's really not. In your account, you can always manage and change (diaper size) and cancel subscriptions (see pic below). Super easy.

So for all of you out there with the need to buy diapers...

This is the one I get but there are tons more brands and sizes of course.

So, $41.99 for 228 diapers ($.18/diaper)

minus 15% for Amazon Mom

minus 15% for Subscribe and Save

$29.39 for 228 diapers ($.13/diaper)

(Disclaimer: I am not a math person but another great feature is that they do all the math for you and put it next to the total cost. Ex: per diaper, per ounce of coffee, per roll of toilet paper, per cup of dog food, etc. It's nice to know how much you're actually spending on each wipe, diaper or roll.)

That's a huge savings considering the average baby goes through at least 2000 diapers a year... HUGE savings! So let's say you use one pack a month.. that's almost $12 in savings a month x 12 months... $144 dollars a year and it's sent straight to your door... perfect!

So there it is for all you money savers... a virtual Sam's/Costco delivered to your door.

(The Subscribe and Save Store on Amazon is in Beta (meaning they're just getting it up and running) so if your shampoo brand or toilet paper brand isn't on there yet try again in a few weeks because they are constantly adding things)

BONUS: Who the heck doesn't LOVE getting packages delivered to you?!?... Gray and I love it!

BONUS BONUS: I'm now friends with my UPS guy ;)

finding that dang thumb!

2011-01-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

Can't quite get it yet but working hard at it!

bon voyage aunt carrie!

2011-01-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

Today my Aunt Carrie leaves on a mission trip for 11 months! Man, am I going to miss her! Mom and Dad say she's going to help lots of people and tell them how much Jesus loves them. I am so excited for her and can't wait to hear all the stories she has to tell when she comes back. I'll probably have a lot of stories too!

Love you Aunt Carrie and I know this year will bring great things for you! Thanks for being my Aunt and for loving Jesus.
Love,
Gray

Chris and I are also so excited for Carrie! We love you girl and you will be in our thoughts and prayers all year!

i love youuuuuuuuu!

2011-01-06T21:37:00.000-06:00

My days could not be better spent than with this kid :)

Mom

2011-01-03T09:55:00.000-06:00

It's still weird to me... Chris and I say all the time how crazy it is that we're parents. Five years ago we had just started dating and now we are happily a family of three.

One thing that still catches me off guard all the time is seeing or hearing the word 'mom'. To me that word has always meant Marlene Gilbert. It's strange that the word 'mom' will always mean me to my sweet little Gray. I'm getting more and more used to it though and holding on to all the coos that sound like 'mom'. Can't wait to hear him call me that. In the mean time though....

Gray's mom,
Leslie

Grandbud Jr.

2011-01-02T21:55:00.000-06:00

So in case you haven't had the viewing pleasure of the back of our little guy's head...

We call him our little old man with his cute horseshoe.

When I took him to the doctor for his 2 month check up, Dr. Lange said "Oh and REALLY don't worry about his hair loss. I promise it will grow to look normal. It really will. It won't stay that way. It's normal. You just have to laugh at it when they're this young."

And so we do.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:38:00.001-06:00

2 Month Stats

2010-12-31T05:57:00.000-06:00

Here are the BIG boy's stats this month:

Weight:

12 pounds, 9 ounces

70% percentile

Height:

23 3/4 inches

78% percentile

I love you.

-Mom

Oh, the holidays are....

2010-12-30T17:46:00.000-06:00

a time of stress.

a time for decorating.

a time for family.

a time for sharing.

a time for crafting.

a time for remembering how lucky we are to be blessed with great friends and great families.

May you all have a blessed New Year and enjoy the holidays!

Twas the Night Before Christmas: Apartment Living Remix

2010-12-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through MY home,

not a Sawyer was stirring, not even a moan;

The stockings were hung by the bar stools with care,

in hopes that Mom would remember to stuff stuff in there.

Baby Gray was all swaddled and snug in his bed

while Mom tried to get more than one page read.

And Mom in her jammies and Dad in his too,

Had just settled in to watch Big Bang Theory, Season Two.

When out on the porch there arose such a racket

Dad sprang from the couch and grabbed his Apple jacket.

Away to the peep hole, he flew so fast,

He tripped over Sawyer, but got there at last.

The moon shone so bright on the carport and ground

But we still didn't know what was to be found.

When what to our wondering eyes should appear

But three teenage boys and a cooler of beer.

With their hats all askew and their pant hung so low

We knew in a moment, away they must go!

More deadly than fire, Mom's death stares they came,

She stared and she shooed them and Dad did the same.

"Now, go boys! Now, go boys, right home to your Mamas!

Enough of your dumb, adolescent drama."

To their feet they arose and off went the rest

"Crazy Lady!" they mumbled as they scurried and left.

Later that evening, when all was just right,

Again we awoke and oh what a sight.

We ran from our room only to see,

Santa shoving lots of stuff under the tree.

His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

He had a broad face and a round little belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I screamed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

"We don't have a chimney! How DID you get in?!"

"Why, the back door of course. It's been unlocked since who knows when."

He finished his work while we stood there in shock

And as soon as he left, we made sure it was locked.

Out the window we watched as he got in his sleigh

We stood there and hesitantly gave him a wave.

We heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

"Merry Christmas to all and to Y'ALL a good night."

and so much was left unblogged...

2010-12-21T06:30:00.001-06:00

here is a smorgasbord of photos and stories that were made into a blog post in my head and yet never seemed to make it to the computer.... hmm, how EVER did that happen?? oh yeah, i have a baby. here's some moments of his sweet life to catch up on.

cuddling with Uncle Ross before bedtime

Carson being a big girl and a sweet, sweet cousin

hanging out with his GREAT, GREAT grandma

to the left, to the left...

watching football with Dad

praising Jesus

meeting the Guindis

birthday brunch for Great Aunt Josie

Adelaide the babysitter

bonding with the one and only Grandbud

chillaxin' at the garage sale with Aunt Carrie

lovin' on Becky

That's all for now.

Oh, don't be sad busy baby boy! More adventures to come :)

Gramma Marley Lovin'

2010-12-20T11:49:00.002-06:00

Dear Gramma Marley,

I love you so much! I truly enjoyed our 'chat' the other night! I was trying to tell you thanks so much for hanging out with me a few nights ago so Mom and Dad could go to the drive in movie on a date. I'm not saying I'm high maintenance or anything... but I think they deserved a break ;) Can't wait until OUR next date and that yummy Christmas dinner Mom says were having at your house!

Love,

Your Favorite Grandson,

Gray

T-WOnderful Months

2010-12-18T21:30:00.001-06:00

That's right! This kid is now a big ol' 2 month old!

Yes, I'll do the stats and pics in a minute but first, 2 months... yikes! While I am so grateful to have a job that I love and co-workers that are so great I really do miss them, I don't want to go back. I always kind of figured I might like to stay home at some point but the desire hit hard and it's not going anywhere. I can't believe that I've been gone from work for 2 1/2 months... it seems to have just flown by. Please keep me in your prayers as I return to work in 2 weeks. Ok, now on to the good stuff!

Stats:

-blue eyes are starting to show specks of brown

-starting at 5 weeks you started blessing us with that sweet smile

-you started sitting in your bumbo this month and you love it.. most of the time

-you are wide awake and pleasantly alert right after your morning feeding

-your uncle ross is like a human laxative for you... i think it's just that you love him and feel so relaxed around him ;)

-you have crazy old man hair... sparse on top and horseshoe in the back

-you now love LOVE LOVE bath time!

-you are determined to be a thumb sucker

-at 8 weeks you started sleeping in your crib at night. woohoo!

-you like to be upright all the time unless you're on the changing table 'talking'

Let's end on a highnote! God has answered some big prayers for our family lately. Thank you Jesus for all the little blessings and the big ones.

who is this kid?

2010-12-16T13:21:00.000-06:00

who is this kid

who SLEPT 7 hours STRAIGHT last night in his CRIB?

who is going 4 HOURS between day meals?

who is basically STANDING?

who SMILES all the time at his mom and dad?

Oh, right!

That would be GRAY!

snuggle bug

2010-12-16T05:57:00.000-06:00

one of my favorite boys to snuggle with

makes a rough day all better.

Dancin' Baby

2010-12-15T11:30:00.000-06:00

milk drunk

2010-12-15T09:57:00.000-06:00

and hungover...

my bff

2010-12-13T20:23:00.000-06:00

Last week I got to go see my bff, Carter, again. We do all the things that normal guys do.

like...

makin' faces at the camera

kickin' back

ignoring our mom's telling us to look at the camera

stickin' our tongues out

staring at cute girls (they happen to be our moms but it's ok at our age)

attempting a baby fist bump

finally taking a good pic for our moms

see you soon buddy!

love,

gray

Mr. Independence

2010-12-12T09:33:00.000-06:00

Gray has grown so much in the past week that I can't believe it! He is wonderfully flexible, laid back, soooooo cute and recently, enjoying some independence.

Gray at 7 weeks

God picked the perfect one for me!

seriously?

2010-12-08T17:37:00.000-06:00

that's it?

yes!

get ready for a super easy recipe that will leave you asking "seriously? that's it?"

Coke-B-Que

Need-

A pork or beef roast

1 Liter of Coca Cola (must use the real stuff... no diet)

BBQ sauce of your choice ( I use Woody's)

Directions-

Put the roast in the Crock Pot.

Cover with Cola.

Forget about it for 6-8 hours on Low.

Pull meat out and shred. Mix it with a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce.

Done.

We ate ours on little French loaves.

I have no pictures of it but since no post is complete without a pic...

Enjoy!

Both ;)

bloggin' with my buddy

2010-12-07T10:53:00.000-06:00

Here are a few things that have changed since having a baby...

I count my day in 3 hour increments.

My shampoo and conditioner are now one... who has time to do both?

A walk can be considered 'an outing' for the day.

I have even more sympathy for those mothers whose kids are having a meltdown in the store.

I kiss a boy a million times a day.

Here are a few things that haven't changed...

I shower daily... that was my promise to myself before having Gray.

I decorated for Christmas... albeit much more slowly.

I go to Hobby Lobby weekly... it was Gray's first outing.

I live for nap time... mine and his.

"people don't forgive you when you break their baby" -kevin

2010-12-05T07:35:00.001-06:00

We were so happy to have my cousin Kevin here for the weekend! He came all the way from Virginia to meet the newest, coolest little guy. Growing up so far distance-wise from that part of my family, I didn't get to see them as often as I would have liked. Every time we would get together though, I always remember hanging out with Kevin more than anyone else. We were kind of like those friends that you don't see for a long time but then pick right back up where you left off. I'm not sure how you accomplish that type of relationship but I am so glad we did.

Anywhoo, he was hesitant about holding Gray... but just look, he was a pro.

just hangin' out

2010-11-30T15:53:00.000-06:00

with my favorite,

strong,

6-week-old!

i love this little guy!

yesterday...

2010-11-26T21:47:00.000-06:00

YES, I may have worn a wrinkled shirt.

YES, my pants may have still been damp but I wore them anyway.

YES, I may have sucked down several cups of coffee and any caffeine I could get my hands on.

YES, I may have sprayed pumpkin on my white shirt and not realized it until we were already in the car.

YES, I may not have planned it out and needed to use our host's oven for approximately an hour once we arrived.

YES, I may have switched Sawyer and Gray's names more than normal.

YES, I may have forgot if I had shampooed my hair so I shampooed it twice.

YES, we may have been in a minor car accident (everyone is fine)

YES, I may have had a total meltdown at one point.

sigh.

all of that said, I need to state that I am still thankful. so thankful.

for lives well lived ;)

for blessings

for family

for friends

for grace

for my wonderful little family

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

texas travelin'

2010-11-22T06:30:00.001-06:00

the boys

Ready to go to Warrenton... Sawyer thinks he's coming too.

Sorry buddy, only one crying pooper in the car at a time.

This past weekend we took Gray to Warrenton for the first time.

We had tons of fun celebrating Michael's big 4-0! Gray was kind enough to sleep through most of it and not stress out his momma.

Here are some highlights:

Thanks for letting us have so much fun on account of you Michael!