Here's Owen playing tennis. He almost beat us in bowling the other night too! He bowled a 100! I have a feeling that soon I'll be the underdog.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wii
So Brandon and I are always amazed at how Owen knows how to work our phones and play games that we ourselves don't quite understand. The other day in the Apple store in Birmingham, he picked up an iPod touch and just started playing some hang gliding game...he was occupied the whole time we were shopping. Anyway, it's really cute to me that he can play the Wii. The Nichols gave us a Wii Nintendo gaming system for Christmas and it has been a blast. Who knew 30 somethings would enjoy video games this much. We were like kids setting it up. Brandon has played it daily...it's hilarious. He's been trying to scope out a deal on MarioCart, one of his favorites from the old skool Nintendo.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A hug for Santa
Christmas morning was wonderful. We got the kids up around 6:30 since we heard Owen starting to move around in his bed. Owen walked into the living room and spotted his loot and took off running. He said, "Bakugans? Transformers?"...He was thrilled and almost didn't believe it was all there. Lane immediately started playing with her girlie toys and it was funny to see them stay in their respective Boy/Girl areas. We set up the computer in the living room so we could skype with the Nichols. After all of it, Owen asked me if I could get Santa to come back so he could give him a hug and tell him thank you. It was really sweet. He keeps asking though...and I think he thinks Santa is avoiding him...=)
We hope everyone had a sweet Christmas like we did. Seeing Christmas through our childrens' eyes really reminded us of the miracle all of it is. Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy the pictures.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Owen sings
I wanted to post this because Owen is so reserved when he is around other people. It's him singing and at the end he is just cute. This is how he always is at home, but is a mild mannered man when out in public =). This is from a couple months ago. I love him.
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Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Countdown
The first thing that made it feel like Christmas was when the kids sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" and gave their Christmas gift to Jesus. Lane refused to give up her bag of coins...kinda funny actually, it fits.
About 2 weeks before Christmas, Lane decided to run into her room with a string of Christmas lights. She single-handedly brought down our 9 foot Frasier Fur. I was so upset that it was on the front porch for a week. Today, when we were in the car and Owen was singing "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer", she was singing "Christmas Tree fall down"...now I can laugh about it, but it took til now, honestly =).
We went to Anniston/Oxford, AL to spend time with Brandon's family for Christmas. It was bittersweet because we could spend time together and slow down, but were also sad that they couldn't come to our house. With Grandmama going thru chemo treatments, it was better this way. Here are some pics from our visit there this week.
This year Owen has been into every action figure ever made. He went from Power Rangers, to Transformers, to Star Wars, and now Bakugan. It's been interesting to follow his ever changing ideas of what Santa should bring him. Finally when we wrote Santa a letter a couple weeks ago, he was set on Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Transformers, primarily Optimus Prime and Bumblebee! So we'll see what the big man brings him =) WE ARE SO EXCITED to wait for Santa this year. Both of the kids have the cutest reactions to surprises now.
Tonight we made cupcakes for baby Jesus' birthday and left 2 for Santa. We also left carrots for his reindeer. Owen is pretty excited, Lane just keeps eating the icing off of her cupcake and asks for "more, pease".
This is at Priesters on the way home from The Nichols'. We stop there pretty much every time we travel. If Murphy is with us, we let him walk him. It's sweet.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thankful and Lane's Birthday
With all of the different things going on right now, Brandon and I weren't able to pull off a big birthday party for Lane, but she had a great birthday with so many people that love her around her all weekend. The Nichols' came to be with us during Thanksgiving, so on Thanksgiving night, we had cup cakes in honor of Lane's 2nd birthday. Whenever she sees cakes, she says, "YAY, Party!"...it's very sweet. Here's a slideshow of the 2 years of Lane...
Although Thanksgiving was very different it was probably the most thankful I've ever been. The past few months have been very hard so I've realized that I'm thankful that today I'm tripping over my children because they need me every minute of the day, because tomorrow, they'll be grown. They are beautiful, healthy, and happy.
I'm thankful for family and health...I never understood when people would say they were thankful for their health....this year, I get it.
Probably something I realized to be thankful for this year is the friends that I know God has placed in my life, "for such a time as this".
Every year, if you ever asked me what I was thankful for, without hesitation, I would say Brandon....that's still the case. Sometimes, hard times strain relationships, but it has only made Brandon and I closer and our marriage stronger. Recently after reviewing our budget and upcoming expenses like Christmas, property taxes, etc, we agreed and we were thankful that all we had to worry about as a couple right now was money...it's probably the least of concerns a couple could have when you really think about it.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Pumpkins and Halloween
Our trip to the pumpkin patch makes it officially fall. The kids enjoyed it and we got to carve pumpkins again like last year. The kids pick out their templates online. Chris always picks a cool one. His is "Master Yoda", Lane's is a glass slipper, and Owen's is Batman.
Halloween was cute. It's funny to me how easily they catch on to what to do and say when candy is involved. Lane was a poodle and Owen was a Power Ranger. It was a lot of fun.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
First out of town conference
Brandon was invited to speak at the Alabama Academy of Radiology's fall meeting. (Which I try to appreciate, but it makes me feel old and I don't take to that well.) I am extremely proud of him though. Anyway, we got to stay at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa in Montgomery. The view was beautiful and it happened to be the weekend of a 1/2 marathon that was taking place downtown right by our hotel. It was exciting. The night we arrived there were all sorts of bands set up on the streets and several blocks were barricaded from traffic, letting us roam around downtown Montgomery very easily. We ate at a little Thai restaurant at Union Station, by the river and enjoyed dancing in the streets afterwards, my favorite part. The kids were so great! I was so thankful that they slept incredibly well with us all being in the same room. They went to bed just like bedtime. While Brandon was at the conference, the kids and I went up to the rooftop pool and played. We could look over the terrace to the street and see the finish line for the marathon going on that morning. It was a lot of fun.
After Brandon spoke we went loaded in the car and headed to Oxford, AL to see Brandon's parents for the afternoon. The kids love their Grandmama and PawPaw!
Here is the brochure for the conference. I'm so proud of him. See his name at 11:00!
Loving on PawPaw
playing together in the hotel
Dancing in the streets...the best!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Race Car Bed
I had finally made a decision and wanted to get a race car bed for Owen. It took me a couple years to finally commit. Well in true Maurita fashion, I only wanted a certain red race car bed that had a toy trunk in the front and a fin on the back. I only had about $100 to spend, ok, actually I had no money to spend, but poor Owen had been sleeping on a mattress in the floor since June. He was perfectly fine staying in his crib honestly, but June was a rough month for me and I needed some distraction.
So on June 20th, the day my oldest and incredible brother, Ricky passed away from cancer. I came home at the end of that day, just wanting to rearrange something, anything. So literally, at 8pm (bedtime), I had Brandon move his crib to a different side of the room and bring in the mattress from Chris' room. Owen was completely fine with the change. He had no problem swapping. The greatest thing was that the next morning, I heard him on his monitor making noises with the springs on his crib and saying "mommy?"...kinda like, "um, can you come get me?". So funny because he could have just walked out of his room. When I went in that first morning, he was literally hanging off of the mattress on the floor, reaching over to the bottom of his crib to make that noise. It was like he felt like he wasn't supposed to get up from the mattress. I love it, I'll remember it like that, always. We actually got the race car bed from craigslist in October. I was thrilled. Below there's a video of how silly happy he was.
Here's some pics of the process.
last pic of his room with a crib
shooting spiderwebs because he loves his new blanket
One more beach pic...
I had to post this for you all. This is Lane's swimsuit pose. Not exactly the most poised, but certainly the most sassy. She's very proud of herself...crazy thing! Gotta love it!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Shrimp Festival
We went to the Shrimp Festival this year, and it was fun. Chris, Brandon, and Lane all ate Shark and Alligator on a stick. Crazy. There was a kids area and they shot a candy canon. It was funny. We saw John, Julia, and John John there. The picture of Owen ready for the candy canon with his hands out in front of him cracks me up. I love him.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Beach Vacation
I'm back tracking a little because I haven't posted pictures in awhile. This September was Brandon's first scheduled vacation since February so we were ready to be beach bums. It was our first family vacation this year to just spend time together. We stayed at The Wharf in Orange Beach and had a great time. Our nephew, Chris was able to come with us for the weekend, so Brandon and I took the chance to eat a late dinner together at Louisiana Laginappe. Yum.
The Wharf is a condo on the channel in Orange Beach, so it's not on the beach, however it has a big "beach-like" pool area, complete with sand, palm trees, hammocks, music from rock speakers, water slides for the toddlers, and even a snack bar....it was great. I loved that it was also connected to a new shopping center and movie theatre. It's also right on the Foley Beach Expressway so the big outlet mall is only 5 minutes down the road. (You can see where my priorities are when I'm on vacation =)
Anyhow, it was wonderful. We spent a lot of time in the lazy river. We saw several little water frogs in the rocky areas and the kids were thrilled. Owen and Lane have these funny swim suits that let them float and swim by themselves. Lane won't let you touch her when she's in the water, so its helpful. She loves the water and is giggling the entire time. She's a thrill seeker. She was first to attack the water slides, and when the jets in the lazy river would sweep her thru faster, she would laugh hysterically.
The evening strolls on the piers and seeing the big Blue Heron and pelicans were so nice. Lane truly thought she could catch them. Oh! One weird thing was, in the middle of the night, the first night, I could have sworn I heard an owl, hooting. I thought it was my imagination. Then 2 nights later I heard it again. I mentioned it to Brandon and he had heard it and we both thought it was our imagination =). We never saw it, but think that there may have been an owl on the neighboring porch. We were on the top floor and the building was pretty much vacant. So the rest of the week, I was hoping I could catch it on our porch or something and take a picture...it never happened. So funny! It's one of those things I'll always remember. So random to hear an owl at the beach.
Our last night there when we were heading back upstairs from one of our walks the lights wrapped around the tree trunks were lit up and Owen said, "Mommy, Daddy, it looks like Christmas time!!!" We got a kick out of that, we were surprised that he remembered what it was supposed to look like.
That evening we also saw 3 dolphin. It was right at dusk when they feed in the shallow water. They actually came about 8 feet from the dock where we were standing. It was awesome.
Here are some pics from that week. Plus the one of my and my daddy about 30 years ago.
- These are the old post from the scrapbook website I have. www.thenichols.aboutmybaby.com
Wed, Nov 11, 200911:57 PMLane is talking and saying the funniest things. She can say, "What doin?", "Can I set dere?", her newest addition is "Mommy take!" and "Mommy do it!". These are always in protest to Brandon helping her do something. It's kinda funny.
Owen is my sweetheart. He told me the other day, "Mommy, I love you all the time, you make my heart happy." AWWWWW. He actually daily will say something incredibly sweet like that in some form or another. It's the best!Comments:Add a comment: - Edit DeleteMon, Oct 26, 200910:53 PM
We had a very busy summer and hate to see the beach weather leave, but we made the most of it wiith 2 trips to the beach during September and October. It was our last chance to completely relax together as a family. Lane was swimming with her floaty suit all over the place. She loves the water. Owen is the much more cautious big brother. While Lane climbed the water slide ladder all by herself, Owen was just fine playing with his Buzz Lightyear on a patio chair. Lately they have been playing so well together. A few months ago she was going thru a phase where she just wanted to play in the same room and he wanted to play together. But lately the are always giggling and playing together and having conversations. It's really fun to watch. Owen recently got a racecar bed. I was very excited to find one on craigslist. For about 6 months he was in the floor on a mattress. He didn't care :-). The truth of the matter is that his mom wanted a race car bed more than he did.
Last night we carved pumpkins. That was fun. I'll post pics soon. Love all of you.Comments:Add a comment: - Edit DeleteWed, Sep 16, 200910:17 PM
This evening we went to the Guy Harvey Grill that is on the Marina near our condo. After dinner we walked by the boats and Owen spotted a school of mullet! He wanted to pick them up and take them home. He called them "mullets". I have a picture I'll post..there was a bunch!
I thought of a couple more things Lane can say.
This morning I put on a new swimsuit cover up and she looked at it and said, "Pitty" (pretty).
Sometimes, she'll pat her chest and say "Pitty", then touch my face and say "Pitty". So sweet.
This morning after Brandon put on her bathing suit and picked her up to walk out the door, she said "Water?". She was asking if we were going to the water =).
One of my favorites is that she calls flowers "flow-fee". Love it! I remember when Owen called dogs, "hush".
Oh, the other day I bought Owen his last pair of little boy red keds tenny shoes. A size 10 is the last size they make for boys and that's what he needed. With that realization I bought him 2 pairs of overalls =).Comments:Add a comment: - Edit DeleteTue, Sep 15, 200910:18 AM
Okay, time for an update! Right now we're at a very deserved Beach vacation! From our balcony Owen Got to see 3 speed boats that were cruising thru the channel. They lined up at the end of the channel, then took off! For a little boy who loves anything to do with transportation...he was beside himself! Both of them have enjoyed playing in the sand and playing for hours at the pool. Lane napped in a hammock with Brandon the other day. What a life! :). They are so big that they are sharing a bedroom! I feel like they are teenagers in there. :(
Owen enjoys singing his abc's and playing his letter games on the computer. It's very crazy to see him use the mouse of a computer or laptop.
Laney-bug is growing fast. She is 22 months going on 22 years old. She is saying so much. Here are a couple things she says.
Mommy hold me (she says this all day:)
okay or k
thank you (she actually pronounces this pretty well, it's cute!)
Owen
on = shoes / lights
off = shoes off, lights off
too,too (she says this a lot. It means she wants the same
thing Owen has...food, toys, etc)
down
eat
2,2,3,2(that's how she counts)
2,2, go! = 1,2,3 go!
There's a bunch mote I can't think of right now. I'll update more soon!Comments:Aunt Mysti: My babies are growing up!! I can't wait till I can see them! I'm so jealous of the beach by the way.Baba: I miss them so much. Give my precious ones a big hug for BabaAdd a comment: - Edit DeleteFri, Jul 17, 200911:01 PM
Wow, it's been since April since I've updated this website. Owen and Lane are doing well and getting so big. My favorite thing now-a-days is how they will hold hands in the car. Owen asks, "Do you wanna hold hands, Baby?" while holding his hand out, her response is "hann?" and she reaches for his and the know it's sweet so they smile. Just the other day, they held hands for 10 minutes. They were watching a movie in the car and I think they both just relaxed.
Owen says the funniest things lately like, "I just wanna eat ice cream cuz it makes me grow stronger mom." I like when he says "I'm just right behind ja (instead of you)" or "I told ja" He's 3, but still talks like a toddler. I have to translate to most people, but I'm perfectly okay with that. His current hobbies are Kung Fu ("HI YA!). He jumps off of the couch and immediately does an awesome front roll. And, he is sometimes Clark Kent ("Mr. Clark"), Superman, or SpiderMan ("Spiderweb").
Lane is hilarious. She will repeat just about any word you ask her to say. She is such a girl and has so much to say about nothing...but her voice is precious. She loves the water and we have to put a floatie swim suit and arm floats because she won't let us hold her. She thinks she has it under control.
Hope to update more soon...Comments:Aunt Mysti: Aww...I love it! They are too precious.Add a comment: - Edit DeleteSun, Apr 12, 20095:29 PM
When I talk to Owen about Easter, I told him that when Jesus died for him, after he died he flew up to the sky. He said, "Like Superman?". I said, "Yep"...then he said, "Jesus, fly up to the sky and save the day!". Too funny!
Comments:Add a comment: - Edit DeleteTue, Apr 7, 200911:01 PM
Lane can say, Go, More, Me, Nose, Dada, (that is usually, Mama too). She is a sweet little mess!
Owen is almost 3 and is very sweet. I love when he says, "I wub you mommy" =)Comments:Elaine: they just get so big so quickly. Love you all, Kiss the babies for us. Mema Elaine and GrandaddyAdd a comment: - Edit DeleteThu, Feb 26, 20099:15 PM
God reminded me why I'm here with my kids today. After turning off the light and saying our prayers, Owen said, "Mommy, YOU make me happy!" It was completely out of no where and the sweetest thing I've ever heard.
Comments:julia: that is so sweet im sure he ment it toLinda: They are growing,,,Brandon, Jane.... Enjoy them at those ages. Glad you're doing doing all these photo memoirs, it's very enriching to watch when they're grown and the two will enjoy to watch them too. Thanks again for sharing. Love to all, Jun and LindaBaBa: You have some very special kids and they have a very special Mama and Daddy. And I am very blessed to have all of you in my life.Add a comment: - Edit DeleteTue, Feb 24, 20098:00 PM
Just a few minutes ago, after reading books and singing songs (she hums with me)...I laid Lane down for the night and she smiled at me and said, "Byyyyeeee" (That was her bye bye...she's got a southern drawl about it =). It was so sweet.
Comments:julia: i always thought she had the sweetest voiceAdd a comment: - Edit DeleteTue, Nov 11, 200811:17 PM
Lane has 1 more tooth poking thru. It's just barely peaking out. She's a mess now a days. She's into everything. Her favorite is eating dog food and spashing in his bowl.
Owen has been talking alot more lately and it's very sweet.Comments:Jun and Linda: Hi Brandon, Jane,
Lane will be a year old soon. Thanks for sharing all the photos and videos. Not sure when we'll be over, but we sure will not miss seeing you all. Love, Jun and LindaAdd a comment:
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