Some Fun Out In The Sun

Today is my Friday off so the kids and I went over to Merrick and Jimmy's to hang out with mom, dad, Corry and Drew. The kids had been asking to go outside this morning so after lunch I stepped outside to check out the weather situation. It is beautiful out right now. So the kids were given the OK to go out and play. I took a few pictures that turned out pretty cute. Hope you enjoy!

Here are some close-ups

Ms. Calyn swinging

Ms. Corry

Mr. Drewski

Mr. Max squeeling and swinging

And here are some of the action shots from this morning. The kids were having a ball!

Cors and Drewski swinging

Calyn and Max holding hands and swinging

Calyn getting a little help from Papa Bob when climbing up the slide

Corry ordering food from Calyn

Our little peeping Toms.

You shouldn't say that......

Ever since mom had the conversation with the kids about junk food and she explained to Calyn that too much junk food makes you tummy big Calyn has not only become the food police but she also has become overly aware of statements that may hurt people's feelings and this is why....
The other day I was taking a shower and Calyn told me that my tummy was fat and I needed to stop eating N and N's (aka M&M's) I told her that when she said things like that it hurts peoples feelings and makes them sad. Oh the brutal honesty of a 3 year old.... (does anyone know when the excuse I just had a baby no longer applies?) Anyway the other day I was going tinkle (two pretty pictures of me in one post I know TMI... ) anyway, I was sitting there and Calyn said oh no mommy you forgot to put the potty seat on. I told her that I didn't need it that mommy was big enough that she would fall into the potty. To that Calyn said "ummmm mommy you shouldn't say that" I said say what? She said it's not nice to say someone is big it might hurt their feelings. So now anytime someone says the word big, fat, stupid etc... even if you are not directing it at a person but an object you are probably hurting someone or some thing's feelings.
I guess I would prefer that she is overly sensitive rather than not caring at all if she hurts your feelings or not.

We are looking forward to a busy weekend this weekend. Olech and Lindsay have bought their first house so I am sure they will keep us busy moving and unpacking. I will post pictures of their new house sometime this weekend.
Talk to you all soon!

Pictures from the weekend

I don't have any pictures of the new car yet but I will try and get some soon. Matt works out after work and doesn't get home until after it gets dark. Since the car is black I am not sure that you would be able to see much. I will try and take one in the daylight soon.

Anyway here are some pictures from last week and the weekend

Sweet little Calyn

Max climbing Merrick and Jimmy's stairs

Our visit with Arete and Grant

Tortilla face Calyn

Max lost the battle with the biter biscuit

Max standing at the red bar

Calyn and Max standing together

4 little monkeys sitting on the chair (this was the best I could do) I think I should have taken the picture before I gave them the string cheese.

A busy weekend for the Paynes

Hi everyone!
Our weekend started Friday night when we met our good friend Arete and her friend Grant at Pappasito's for dinner. They were in town for a wedding. We had a great conversation and had live entertainment provided by Calyn. It was great to see Arete and nice to meet Grant as well.

Then Saturday after gymnastics Matt got a wild hair that we should go car shopping. The intent was that we were not going to buy anything just look and see what kind of car/suv suited us. I should have known better. You guessed it.... we got a car. It is a used Infiniti FX35. It is black with tan leather interior and in PERFECT condition. The person that owned it before us leased it and obviously took great care of it. We bought it from the Infiniti dealership so it is Certified pre-owened with all new belts, breaks and a 100,000 mile warranty. We are loving it. Calyn even asked this afternoon if she could sleep in it tonight. :)

This afternoon the kids were invited to Tyler Frankenfields birthday party at The Little Gym where they take gymnastics. The kids had a blast and guess what??? Max was standing at the bar by himself. He was holding onto a red bar and stood there for quite a while. It was great!

I will post pictures soon. I just haven't had a chance to get them off my camera and onto the external hard drive yet.

Talk to you soon

Hide and Seek & Random Pictures

One of Calyn's favorite games lately when daddy gets home is Hide and Go Seek. She loves it. It is funny how she is afraid of the dark but will hide in a closet for minutes at a time giggling all the way with the lights off.
She doesn't quite get the concept completely. She knows that you count to 10 while mommy or daddy goes and hides but what she doesn't understand is that she isn't supposed to say "ok now I'll hide and you go count" and then gets in the spot you were just hiding in while you are still standing there. Of course Matt and I play along and look everywhere for her before actually finding her. She is too funny.

We found out tonight that Max is to meat sticks as Drew is to pumpkin seeds. If you don't know what I am talking about, it appears that meat sticks make Max gag. I can't say that I blame him. They smell like Vienna Sausages (or dog food). Blech! Disgusting! I am sure we will try them again. They say to try everything 3 times before really deciding if they like it or not. In my opinion, they stink (literally)

OK here are some random pictures that have nothing to do with the above posts. I just thought you would enjoy some pictures

She sure looks happy about something doesn't she? :)

Max all decked out in a cute little outfit

Calyn last Saturday morning before her performance at Gymnastics

Max with a funny concerned look on his face.

Max is 9 months!!

Max turned 9 months old on Sunday. I can't believe our baby is 9 months!! In his short life he has accomplished so much.
He had a doctor appointment yesterday. Our little man is weighing in at 15 lbs 11 oz (too small for the percentage growth chart). Off the top of my head I can't remember how long he was but I do know he is only in the 2nd percentile in height. I will have to look at his paperwork to see exactly how long he is.
What matters is he is proportionate, has meat on his bones (it doesn't look like he starving) and he is going up in his curve and not down. He is a happy little guy who is right on target with his physical development. He didn't have to have shots yesterday just a little blood draw to test his iron levels which came back normal. I would say we have ourselves one happy, small, perfect baby that is growing up way too fast.

Little Gym Show Week

Today was show day at The Little Gym. We got to go in the gym and watch and take pictures of the kiddos doing some of the skills they have learned over the last several weeks.
They did so good and didn't act shy in front of everyone. It was wonderful. I took so many pictures that I put together a slide show (about 2 minutes). I do have to confess that I have more of the girls than I do of Drew (we didn't get to Drew's show until there was about 20 minutes left) but The pics of him that I did get were good ones.

I have taken the music off of my blog for the next several days so that you can hear the music on the video.
I hope you enjoy

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Food Police

If any of you read Merrick post the other day about my mom talking to the kids about junk food and what it does to your body you will appreciate this story.

If you have not read that post let me give you a little background before I start my story so you too can appreciate it too.
Last week the kids asked mom why she could not get in the bouncy house (weight limit is 70 lbs) Mom told them it was because she weighed too much. The kids wanted to know why she was too big so she explained the affects of eating too much junk food and how it is always better to choose healthier things to eat. Calyn asked what junk food was and mom explained it was M&M’s (one of Calyn’s favorites) and things like that.

Since this whole Junk Food Conversation it seems that Calyn has become my mom’s personal Food Police.

Yesterday my mom had made herself some veggie soup. Calyn said “Grandma Chebs what’s in that bowl? Is it candy?” My mom said “No it’s soup” and Calyn said “Grandma Chebs, remember the bouncy house…”

So if any of you out there are looking for someone to follow you around and analyze everything that is going into your mouth I have a 3 year old that seems to be pretty good at it. She doesn’t charge much just maybe one or two of those M&M’s you might be eating.

Here is another funny Calyn story from this morning. When it comes to food Calyn always has to have something in each hand. This morning Calyn had a chocolate donut in one hand and a donut hole in the other. Mom said Calyn started to say Grandma Chebs I am missing something in this hand when Calyn realized that she already had something in each hand. Calyn stopped herself mid sentence put the donut hole under her chin and then said Grandma Chebs I am missing something in this hand.

Happy Wednesday!

First off I want to say Congrats to our friends Holly,Todd and Tyler Frankenfield on their new baby Drew Frankenfield. He was born today 8 lbs 3 oz and 20 i nches. I can't wait to meet him!!!

I am really having fun with this new camera. I am so happy I decided to splurge on myself with it! I have had so much fun just snapping away. Here are my favorites from today.

Calyn looking deep in thought but in reality watching American Idol

My favorite of Max so far.

The Monster Did It

Calyn is going through a phase right now where she lies. Luckily she is still at the age where it's still pretty easy to tell when she is telling a windy. I know in time she will get better at it but for now. It's easy to tell when she is blowing smoke... Here are a few examples.
Max usually sits in his high chair and eats fruit puffs while we all eat dinner. The other night I got up to put my dishes in the dishwasher when I heard Max start crying. I asked Calyn what happened to Max and she said Cozmo (our little schnauzer) reached up and ate all of his fruit puffs (she said this while chewing and standing by Max's highchair).

Last night the kids were in the bath and I was sitting right there. I bent down to get a towel and I heard the sound of water hitting the floor. I asked why the floor is all wet and Calyn said "I think Max did it. She said this while holding a pink Eskimo Joe's cup in her hand. I said Calyn are you lying to me? and she said "no momma, I'm pulling your leg" (that is much better right?) It was at that time that Calyn and I had a discussion about lying.

My final fib story. Calyn has a pop up Twas the night before Christmas Book that she loves reading (I know Christmas is over) A mouse on one of the pages was partially ripped off and I said oh no what happened to the little mouse. Her response? "The monsters did it last night" Of course they did what was I thinking?

Look what I can do and much more!!!

I have a lot to include on this post. I hope you don't mind.
Max had a busy day on Friday. He FINALLY pushed through a tooth. He has been working on them for a really long time! But now officially he has a tooth! Not only did he get his first tooth, he also took his first crawling steps. He has been inch worming and Army crawling for awhile now but now he is officially on the move! Here is a little video clip.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Friday after work we went over to Merrick and Jimmy's for Crown and Coke night. I took advantage of having all 4 kids together and a new Camera. Here are a few pictures from Friday

Corry is really hard to get a picture of (she gets camera shy) but once she started letting me take some pictures we got some GREAT ones! Here is my favorite.

Drew has such a great smile! Here is one of him swinging (with a little chocolate on his face) in Merrick and Jimmy's backyard



Here is a serious Calyn swinging

And Mr. Max swinging

And a great one of Meghan

It was chilly this morning but Calyn insisted on going to the park. So we all bundled up and headed down to the park. Max looked like a little blue marshmallow he was snuggie warm except his little face. Poor little guy. Calyn on the other hand didn't even notice the cold. She was having fun and I don't think was ready to go. Here are some fun pictures from the day.

The New Camera is Here!

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around for a while! Things have just been busy. Great news for Tom! He is up, doing a little walking, eating and talking. Taking it easy of course but doing well. I am sure he and his family appreciate all your prayers!

With my Christmas money this year I treated myself with a new camera (and lenses to go with it) It is the Canon Rebel XSi. I have only had it for about 24 hours but I can already tell that I am going to love it! The picture quality in itself is amazing! I haven't had time to really sit down and study what all the buttons mean or even 1/16th of this camera's ability but I am anxious to learn. I can't wait for a weekend with a day like today (it was beautiful outside today!) to take the kids to the park and play with it. I have enjoyed just pointing and shooting at the kids the last two evenings. Here are some of the shots I captured.

Happy Calyn

Mr. Max taking a bath

Calyn taking a bath
A smiling Max

Calyn Deep in Thought
Cute little Max

I still have a lot of experimenting with lighting, filters the different lenses and everything but I just love how clear the pictures are compared to my old pictures plus it snaps the pictures so much faster. I have yet to get the back of a head! That in itself is amazing with a 3 year old and an 8 month old!

Please say a prayer for Tom

My morning started out like most mornings. I woke up cussing at my alarm at 4:47 this morning (I can't just set it for 4:45 like normal people... a little OCD maybe?) Got up brushed my teeth, fed the dogs, cleaned up poop in the living room (thanks a lot Lexi!) grabbed my stuff and headed to the gym. I did my work out (30 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes weights). I went in the locker room and took my shower and dried my hair. Right after I turned off my hair dryer, I heard someone in the gym say "Has someone called yet?" I thought that was odd but didn't really think about it until I heard the sirens. I quickly got myself dressed and went into the gym to see everyone just standing around. A coworker of mine, Tom, had passed out in the men's locker room. The lady that works in the office next to me, Cathy was in the gym still when Dave (Tom's good friend) came out and asked if anyone knew CPR. I must have been drying my hair at the time or I would have responded too. I just took the class right before Christmas.
Another guy at Cathy's command went to get the defibrillator. Cathy is a small woman in her mid to late 60's didn't feel she would be strong enough to give compressions so she instructed Dave on what to do Cathy gave the breaths. Tom was breathing on his own at first but soon was not. The machine did have to shock him. The ambulance responded VERY quickly and soon they had Tom on a stretcher headed for the hospital still appearing to be unconscious.
It was very hard to see him like that on the stretcher. Tom is a great guy. I sure hope he will be ok. Please say a prayer for him and his family!

I started this e-mail earlier and since have gotten word that Tom had to be resuscitated 3 times on the way to the hospital. He has already undergone surgery. He had a blood clot and 90% blockage in one of his arteries. At the time I received this news he still had yet to gain consciousness from this morning. Again please keep Tom and family in your prayers!

Happy New Year!

Ok I know I am 4 days late with that but what can I say? I have enjoyed my week off of work and have only on rare occasions cracked open my computer. Needless to say it has been wonderful! Tomorrow we will be back to the grindstone. Although I dread being away from my babies again, getting up at 4:45, exercising and eating right I know it all needs to be done. Sigh... I guess you could say back to reality!

We had a great week last week. My Aunt Marta, Uncle Gary and Andrew were down for the whole week, we ate, we drank, we talked, we shopped, we rang in the New Year, we bawled our eyes out at Marley and Me and we enjoyed the company! We always hate it when family has to leave! We had such a great time! We are hoping that Andrew will get an internship here in The Woodlands this summer. I know my fingers are crossed!

Calyn is 3 for 3 in ringing in the New Year. So far every year Matt and I have taken an Authentic New Years kiss photo with her. I swear if we would let her she would stay up all night.

Max made it until 10:00 then crashed. We had to take his New Year kiss photo before he went to bed.

I hope you all had a great New Year! I wish you all the best in 2009!