The Ludlows, Lately

Jaebriya say what?

2010-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

As the mother of a Xander, a Hylan, and a Declan, I get my fair share of, "What was that name again?" "How do you spell that?" and "Did you make that up?" I, of course, did not make up any of their names. Xander is short for Alexander. We found Hylan on a headstone in a family cemetery, and Declan we got from the movie, Leap Year. So there you have it. My children's names are pretty normal, even spelled normally. These next ones...not so much.

Shandarrian
Phylishia (made funnier bc her middle name is Lesha; go ahead, say it together.)
Markeicia
Demond (yet another variant of demon or devil; parents, you're just sealing your child's behavior fate when you give 'em a name like that)
Shaquerrioma
LaTavia
Tykeiaria
Kizavian
Johnique (similar to one of my personal faves, Uniqua)
Kentravis
Lazariah (if you want to give your children a name from the Bible, just do it straight folks)
Lamarquice
Teshuihna (I'll give you a dollar if you can pronounce this one and have the child say you're right.)
Rakegyn
Roquesia
Dajai (middle name Jai, uh-huh)
Pren'Dejia

There you have it, my annual name list, but I have one last one to add. While I was in the hospital I was discussing names with a nurse when she gave me these two. There were two cousins born close together. The first was named Tequilla which is pretty common. I even went to high school with one, but can you guess what the next baby was named? Margarita? No, too easy. Champagne? uh-uh. They named that poor little baby TeVodka.

Something they're not quite getting

2010-03-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Xander seems to think Jesus won't be resurrected until this Easter. I think it's kind of funny bc we've explained things to him before. Maybe an Easter FHE will clear things up.

Hylan continues to call Xander Hyney. Many months ago he reffered to himself and Xander both as Hylan, or Hy-yan, but now he's still Hy-yan, but Xander is Hyney.
Hylan has also started saying No thanks when he doesn't want something, but he also says no thanks when he's just plain telling us no. It's the rudest No thanks I've ever heard but then I laugh. I'm a terrible disciplinarian.

They are both so funny all the time. Almost everything they say is hilarious. I wish I could remember everything. Maybe after our time on Earth, we'll be able to look back at whatever we want. That would be totally awesome.

poopy snow boogers

2010-03-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

SNOW on the second (or first, i'm not sure) day of spring is poo poo poo.

Reasons this shouldn't have happened:
This is Mississippi (and way in the southern part too)
Yesterday we had the air conditioner on
It's spring!
I told Than not to plant anything in the garden yet, but he did anyway, that booger

Only reason it's a good thing:
The swelling in my hands, wrists, and feet is down today.

explanation

2010-03-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

I should have probably written more of an explanation for those pictures. Well, those two little babies are firsts for my brother and sister. Oliver was born on February 3rd and weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. The dr. told poor Jodie that she needed a c-section. I feel her pain. Luckily she recovered quickly. Oliver, however had to spend 9 days in the NICU. Apparently, very large babies often have underdeveloped lungs. He's doing great now though. Than and I travelled out to Idaho to see Cliff, Jodie, and Oliver. We had a wonderful time replaying memories that we had there together and got to spend time with some great friends and my fantastic little bro.

Just two days ago on February 27th, my sister and her husband welcomed Dawson. I actually got to be the one to take her to the hospital after her water broke. Well, Than drove. David was in Louisiana working, but he made it a couple of hours later. My little lucky duck sister was only in labor for 6 hours and pushed for 10 minutes. She broke our family c-section curse! Well, Dawson weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. There was more than a three pound difference between my two nephews!

So far my parents have four grandsons, and we're having another boy, so that makes five. This will probably be my last, but I'm going to spend alot of time trying to convince the dr. otherwise.

Hmm, I don't even remember what the other pictures were. Oh well.

a few pictures, not many bc blogger is slow

2010-02-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

newest nephew, Madeline and David's baby, Dawson
second newest, Cliff and Jodie's baby, Oliver

our family during one of the two big snowfalls this year; we had several smaller snowfalls, crazy year

Xander and Hylan in Pawpaw's chair

playing mariocart on the wii

I shouldn't complain but...

2010-01-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

There is an understandable worry among many lds parents about what their children are or will be learning in school. There should not be a worry about what they learn at church. I happen to have known Xander's primary teacher since she was born (she's a bit younger than my little sister). She's always been active, but she's also always felt a need to impress everyone she's around outside of church. I like her, and I don't think she would teach anything wrong to my child, but I have to wonder when she posts on Facebook her support of gay marriage and her obsession with lady gaga (ew) and her many nonmember boyfriends. GRRRRR. While I was growing up, I specifically remember times that I was taught the wrong things at church by members who were not following church standards or who thought they were outdated. WTC?! My parents taught me so well that this didn't affect me. I went home and told them what I was being taught. What if my children don't do that? What if I am not teaching them well enough. Xander's only three. I can't cover everything, and I doubt he'll ask. I'm just getting over worried. I'm just aggravated bc of one of her recent posts.

It's been a while

2010-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Family Updates

Than is back in school after a nice, lengthy Christmas break. This semester seems like it might be a little tougher, so we decided he'd take fewer credits this semester. He also has a grumpy, tired pregnant wife to deal with. :) Oh, and he is currently re-reading the Twilight Saga. Hehehe. I love my sensitive man.

Xander is learning more and more every day. He is getting pretty good at substraction and loves to pretend. Lately he's been a ghost every day or something that growls and has claws. I'm not sure what he's supposed to be. He loves watching out for Hylan and has kept him from making it to the street when I wasn't quite fast enought to catch him. His favorite tv shows right now are Curious George and Scooby Doo and his favorite games are WAR and Go Fish. He has also taken over family prayer. Someone else gets to say it about once a week. He loves Primary and Family Home Evening.

Hylan is a big big boy. He is wearing clothes that Xander wore just last winter. He says new words and sentences every day. He's extremely happy most of the time and pretty laid back, which is convenient when your older brother is a rough one. He loves to play with balls, sticks, and car. He recently gave up naps (for the most part). His favorite show is pretty much any cartoon, but he loves Curious George and Dinosaur Train the best I think. He also loves to play Hungry Hungry Hippos. For the most part, he's just a doll, but he is also the most destructive child I've ever seen, but you can't get mad at him bc he's so darn cute.

So far I've kept up with my New Year's Resolution to have FHE every week. It's not always prepared as well as I'd like, but we always have a lesson and activity. Mostly I've been busy trying to entertain the boys while I sit or lie down.......too much tv for them for sure. This baby is not giving me the nicer 2nd trimester that they say you're suppose to have. If anything I feel worse, but hey, I get a baby out of it. I've felt a few tiny movements, but nothing like I felt with my first two by now. I still think it's another boy.

My brother and his wife are expecting a baby boy any day now. I will be flying out to Idaho for a few days to help out. Than might get to come out with me too. I'm really excited. It will be my first nephew (or niece for that matter) on my side of the family. My sister is expecting a boy in March. We're pretty excited for that too, of course.

Well, that's what's going on with us.

#3

2009-12-29T19:35:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know yet, Ludlow baby #3 is on his way. Today was my hear the heartbeat appointment, but the doctor couldn't find it. We had a scary few minutes, but the dr. did an ultrasound, and the baby was doing fine as far as he could tell. Even though baby is too small to tell the sex, Than and I both kind of felt like it was another little boy.

Halloween pictures

2009-10-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

2009-10-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

Xander pooped in the potty! All it took was bribing him with the science museum.

funny!

2009-09-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't visited this website, you should. It is stinkin' hilarious.

www.peopleofwalmart.com

Update from last post

2009-09-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Xander only has one sticker left before he gets to ride the train. He will only poop in diapers, but I'm totally okay with that for now. He goes to the bathroom all by himself otherwise.

To poop or not to poop; it's not a question for Xander.

2009-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness, where to start. Well, as I mentioned before, Xander potty-trained super easy. He peed in the potty just fine after one accident on day #2. He told us when he needed to go. Everything was fine. He wasn't so sure about pooping, but he did it two or three times then he had an accident and has since refused to poop......at all! He won't even go in a diaper. We've given him laxatives. He can hold it with the laxatives in his system. He just asks us to rub is tummy while it hurts, but he won't use the bathroom. We've read stories to him while he's sitting. We've bribed him. We've stopped talking about it. Than gave him a blessing. We did an enema after the first five days and three doses of laxative. After another five days and failed meds, we did a liquid suppository. It's been three days since that. They hurt him so much. We explained why we had to do it, but he just refuses to go. I'm at my wits' end. I don't know what to do. He's in pain on and off throughout every day. He must have to use alot of energy to do what he's doing. Today I set up a chart in the bathroom, so after ten poops he gets to ride on the Amtrak. I also made Than a chart, so he can compete with him. Hey, it got him to eat vegetables, so maybe a competition will work. I doubt it. He really likes to go against everything we tell him to do, so I'm trying telling him I don't want him to go. He told me today that he would poop in a diaper, so I put one on him. I could tell he needed to go, but he still didn't. I'm just so frustrated.

I'm pretty sure you dont',

2009-08-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

but in case you care to read the rantings of an lds southern stay-at-home mom who happens to be too interested in politics and government, follow my new blog at www.valerievents.blogspot.com

Big Week

2009-08-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Xander is potty-trained except for his near complete lack of pooping. :) We've even had to give the poor boy a laxative. We're not sure if he's holding it on purpose or if it's just coincidence.

Than and I got to go to the temple on Wednesday and make a whole date day out of it while my mom watched the boys.

Than started school on Thursday and is feeling a little overwhelmed, but I think he'll be fine once he gets into the swing of things.

Hylan slept through the night last night. Hooray! (He gets up in the middle of the night sometimes and roams the house in complete silence, so we're super excited about him not getting up....not to mention that we got to sleep.)

A bit of small news

2009-08-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Xander is potty-training right now. I wasn't really in that big of a hurry bc he seemed to fear the toilet, and I don't mind changing diapers that much, but I finally decided it was time. We put underwear on him Wednesday evening. He had one wet accident on Thursday and has been clean since. Only one problem has occurred: fear of pooping in the potty, but he finally did today. I thought he was going to hold it forever. I know you really don't want to know about this. It's more of a funny reminder for myself. That's our news this week on Xander.
Favorite toys: a net that Grandma and Grandpa got for him a while back, a pair of tongs, and trains

Hylan is talking more and more. He finally started saying Pawpaw which has made my dad super happy. No Mimi yet though. He's obsessed with Barney and likes to throw everything. His terrible 2's stage has begun I'm afraid, but he's just so cute when he's being bad. Xander can't get the best of him anymore. Hylan fights back and now starts alot of the scuffles. They play great together most of the time though.
Favorite toys: DVD and CD cases and trains

Favorite activities together: wrestling on the bed and jumping on pillows.

Pictures on my blog. What??!!!

2009-08-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of what we've been up to lately. Cliff and Jodie came for a visit, and we've been up to lots. Sorry that they're all mixed up. Xander petting the alligator while during the swamp tour.
A big alligator. We saw tons.

"Super Xander!" He likes to yell that when he jumps, and he jumps off of everything.

They got to help paint their new room. This was actually in the closet.

I just thought this was a nice size comparison of our boys.

He still hasn't gotten a haircut. 18 months old in just a few days.

This was what my mom said when I told her I wanted a picture of her holding the gator. "Ugh, we had these when I was little." Yeah, her dad worked for the government, and they had a few pet baby alligators.

Hylan has no fear. He grabbed it all over. It was nice though.

during the water balloon fight at church

Yes, he did shoot me right after this.

There's Than. He was so excited. I love him.

Cliff and Jodie eating a funnel cake at the exchange club fair.

Our family after fair night #1

Xander will only clean up using tongs (aka pickers).

An old chest of drawers I painted for the boys. I know it's a little crazy looking, but they like it.

Xander and I are in the corner. This was on the roller coaster. He loved it!!!

I love Hylan's face in this picture, and Uncle Cliff is pretty funny too.

My parents' clan...3 children, 3 in-laws, 2 grandchildren with 2 on the way. I know it looks like I have one on the way, but it's Madeline and Jodie.

This is when Xander sent them to their room. X and H have since moved in there. Uncle Cliff and Aunt Jodie went back to Idaho. :(

?

2009-08-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

Xander has been spending more than his fair share of time in his room lately. Tonight we walked down the hall to find him holding Cliff and Jodie hostage in their bedroom. He said they were being punished. We still don't know why.

Questions about primary

2009-07-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are serving in primary, have recently, or have kids in it right now:

Do the kids only sing the songs for the program all year? Do they ever get to sing anything else? That's what's happening in our primary right now, and I feel the kids are missing out, but maybe it's like that everywhere. Please comment and let me know what your primaries are like. What about classroom decorations?

Lots of happenings

2009-07-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

1. Than is starting school full time in about a month. We have no idea how we'll pay for everything (really, pay for ANYTHING), but we know it will work out somehow.

2. My mom made it through yet another surgery. She had her thyroid removed , along with the tumor that was on it. The surgeon seems to think it wasn't cancerous after all. So, the biopsy was wrong? What? I think they should have to pay for the lifetime of medication she is now going to have to take.

3. My grandmother is now in an inpatient hospice facility. We will probably lose her in the next few days. I'll have an entire, probably rather interesting post on her in a few days.

4. Happy news. My brother and his wife are expecting a baby and will be visiting at the end of next month. Hooray! My sister and her husband also just found out (yesterday) that they too are expecting. Everyone is guessing that they'll both have girls.

Wonderful Day

2009-07-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Independence Day was really fantastic this year. We usually don't do too much, but Than loves to grill, so we had steak, salmon, burgers, hot dogs, corn, peaches, and garlic bread, all done on the grill. The boys played in their pools all day. I ran into a friend whose husband just got home from Iraq. I was so happy for her, and it was great to meet him. It really was a great day to remember and celebrate what a wonderful country this is ..............................................................................until that little tree incident, but that's okay. I'll remember the good parts of the day.

Than and I have joined the ranks...

2009-07-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

.....of drunken rednecks...except we weren't drunk of course. In my defense, I tried to stop him, but there is no stopping Than once he gets his mind set on something.

Now let me tell you this. Together, we have cut down several trees in our yard. It's probably not the smartest thing to do, you know, cut down huge oak trees, but we've done it successfully. I've held a rope and pulled them over before.

So tonight we decided to take down three little ones right in the front. We need some firewood, so I thought, what the heck. The first one came down with no problem. We cut it up and hauled the logs to the backyard. Then I started to really look at the second one. It was leaning at about a 30 to 35 degree angle toward the road (and power lines , yay for safety on our part). I mentioned this to Than about three times, but he decided he could do it.

He could not. After a few minutes of trying desperately to get it to fall the way we wanted, it fell on the power lines and knocked out power to our house and several around us. We did get it off the lines pretty fast though and got it to fall to the side. We got the power company out after about a half hour or so. They asked Than if he'd cut the tree. He said yes. They said our power should be back on in a few minutes. They were right.

I'm calling Monday to see what kind of bill they will be sending.
I'm not sure Than learned his lesson.
Me: "So I guess we won't be cutting down that last tree."
Than:"Naw, I can do it, no problem."
Yippee Skippee am I excited for that one.

I know you've been laughing. I'm not offended. I'll laugh about it myself after the bill is paid...hopefully.

Funny Xander

2009-06-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Irrational fear: band-aids

Funny quote today: I can't go swimming. I don't have wings like a fish.

Favorite activities: having everyone spell everything, counting everything, going everywhere and not staying home, playing with Hylan

NC Vacation

2009-06-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

These are a few highlights from our vacation.

Xander
riding a train
waterfalls
riding other rides
the golfball rollercoasters at the science museum
chickens at the petting farm

Hylan
the entire petting farm
ferris wheel
all the ball stuff at the science museum
fish at the aquarium
extra junk food

We all enjoyed getting to see Uncle Troy, Aunt Robyn, and Marisa. Xander told us how much he liked them as we were walking around wal-mart last night. Mama enjoyed Biltmore Estate above everything else. Than, Xander, and I did a grape juice tasting while we were there. I ended buying three bottles. Than and I went shooting with Troy...lots of fun. We loved seeing all the natural beauty that North Carolina has. I especially loved the craggy gardens in the mountains. Oh, and we also got to see bears in the wild. That was pretty exciting. I will try and post pictures. If you would like to see some now, try this. www.facebook.com/valerie.ludlow I'm not sure it will work, so let me know.

I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH

2009-06-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

I really can't get enough of crazy names. Maybe you can, so just don't continue to read if that is the case. I will try to make this my last "names" post.

Okay, to begin: I'm sure you've heard about George Foreman and naming nearly all of his children George or some form of the name like Georgette. Egomaniac maybe? Well, recently I've discovered that this strange practice isn't all that uncommon.

-A certain man named Kobie has one son named Kobie Jr. and another son named JaKobie (they have different last names; I guess one kept the mother's name). His daughters don't have his name, but they are worth mentioning.....Kamyra and Ku'Nyria. BTW, Mr. Kobie goes by the name Nu Nu.
-Twenty years ago my father taught the son of someone he played football with in high school. The man's name was Andrew. His son's name was Andrew. Jump ahead twenty years. Andrew Sr. has gotten divorced and remarried (and since divorced again). He has another son twenty years younger than the first. What do you think his name is? Yep, Andrew.

Alright, now I have a nice list taken mostly from birth announcements. Sorry for any repeats from a previous post.

-Zachiaya -Sen'Torrance -GVontae -CorDarius -Enijah
-Rhontundra -Kartayrious -Kimyreon -Jakden -JaTarion
-NaYanna -Enysia -Tyliyah -DaMarkus -ZyKireah

*I did NOT alter any spelling, capitalization, or punctuation to protect the stupid.

Just some pictures

2009-06-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Xander playing on our wood chopping stump

Xander after he got caught creating a mud puddle for Hylan

the best shot we got. Hylan has such a great smile, and we didn't get it in this picture

Hylan got covered by bubbles by his big brother. He liked it.

Than and the boys after our train ride. That's our train in the background.

Chuckles

2009-06-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

My mother is on a major family history kick right now. It's been really interesting learning about people even she never met. She's done a little traveling, finding records and talking to people. She's also visited some cemeteries. The boys, of course, come along when I go on the trips. Maybe we've been hanging out in cemeteries a little too much, and this is why.

On our way to Magee to pick up Than, Xander point out the window and says, "I want to go play over there." I wasn't really paying attention to what was around us, so I looked where he was pointing. I said, "The cemetery?"......"Yeah, the cemetery. I want to play over there."

Okay, so my son would rather hang out in a graveyard than his sandbox. Oh well, I'll worry about that another day. Today it's funny.

Okay, one more round

2009-06-03T12:29:00.001-07:00

of what I consider funny names. Okay, here we go!

Recently arrested for murder in a drug deal gone bad, we have TYQWAN.

Twin sisters: PRECIOUS JERRICKA and PRECIOUS JOHNAYA. You read it right folks, they have the same first name.

A possible play on the name Lazarus, we have LAZERIC.

Here's a not so great rhymer: KAGINA (maybe she has a brother name KENIS)

Titles and Sweet: PRINCESS, DIVINE, MISTER, COMMANDER, CZAR

Nicknames based on head shape and used tas their everyday name: SPOON, PUMPKIN, PEANUT

Other nicknames used as everyday names: BOO, POOH, POOKIE (In white families it seems like everyone has an uncle mike or you now of some other common names. In black families, usually there are all three of these)

A couple extra: KENYATTA, KEOSHA

If you think these names are funny, please look up Shirley Q. Liquor's song, Who Is My Baby Daddy? I wish I had a link for you. It is hilarious.

The Good and the Bad

2009-05-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

The GOOD:
Xander had an awesome birthday. He loved every minute of it except being sung to. We had a little family party at home. He had a train cake and got mostly transportation themed gifts. After the party, we took the Amtrak to McComb. Aunt Mad and Uncle Da came with us, so it made it extra special. Xander wanted the train to slow down a bit though. He still loved it. The McComb train station has a huge antique train, so Than and the boys climbed all over it. The rest of the day was filled with other fun. He likes telling everyone about how he got to ride the big train.

Hylan has been saying more words like dog and keys and Sally and making the tongue clicking noise to call her. His sleeping habits have somewhat improved, so he's happier, and we're happier. He loves playing outside, and throws a fit every time someone walks out the door, and he can't go. He has the most infectious smile, and everyone who meets him instantly falls in love.

Today we got to pick blackberries. Xander actually picks one or two every day that are ripe, but today there were lots of ripe ones. It was pretty exciting.

The BAD:

My mom found out that she has thyroid cancer and will have to have her thyroid removed. Luckily though, they don't do chemo with thyroid cancer, so she may not have to have any further treatment after the surgery. The worst case scenario is that she'll have to take some radioactive pill and stay away from everyone for a week.

Than has to work Saturday. He had to work Memorial Day too. I'm just upset.

About two hours ago I kept hearing a car horn. It sounded kind of distant, so I didn't really worry about it....then our dog started barking which is kind of weird. She's really not much of a barker (anymore). I thought another dog was just in the yard or something.....then Than walked into the kitchen and there was a car pulled right up to the house in between two of our cars(okay, our driveway is pretty long, so it's not like they had just pulled over or something).......then Than saw a woman run across our front yard and jump onto the hood then a man got out. They were like arguing or something and yelling up at us through the window. We were just so confused. We have no idea who they were. We called the police, but they left before the police had a chance to send anyone. We figured they were out there for at least ten minutes, walking around our yard and hanging out in our driveway. They didn't look drunk or like they needed help. It was bizarre and scary. I can't go to sleep. Maybe they were the ones who have been stealing from us and were mad that we had added some locks. This was a good neighborhood until the government stepped in and forced the apartment complex down the road to lower their prices because there weren't enough minorities living there. Ugh, I'm just so angry. What if these people come back and break in? What reason could they have for being in our yard, outside of their car? None.

Funny Names

2009-05-19T11:24:00.002-07:00

I went to high school with some crazy-named folks. Okay, I hope this doesn't sound racist, but some black people like to make up insane names for their children. Often they are pronounced totally different from what you'd think. I like to find these names in birth announcements, my dad's class roll every year, and the arrest reports. Here is just a small sample of my recent findings.

Orlandas
Undray
Latrez
Demon (I'd bet this one is pronounced Duh-mon)
Casnacita
Panaquad (puh-no-quah...middle syllable short o sound) I went to high school with her. Her siblings and cousins have much funnier names, but I just can't remember them right now.
Charlickia
Chavaqua
Tequilla

2009-05-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

AAHHH

2009-05-18T15:03:00.001-07:00

Xander: (licked me) "I yicked you, Mama!"

Me: "Why did you lick me?"

Xander: "You dood."

yicked=licked
dood=good

That was Xander.

This is Hylan.

...screaming his lungs out because the only thing that will make him happy right now is turning the lights on and off. He even turned down a powdered donut and my phone. My Smylin' Hylan is now Hylan the Handful.

Picture update

2009-04-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures for those of you without a facebook or who don't look at it very often. They are way out of order, but here you go. Enjoy.

Hylan decorating an Easter egg

Xander hunting at the Primary egg hunt

the kids and me waiting to hunt

Xander decorating eggs

Hylan hunting

Hylan attempting to eat with a spoon. He does better with a fork.

Xander with the train he made from cars. Btw, the binky is still gone, just an older picture.

the cupcakes I made for the primary egg hunt with a couple that Than and Xander made

All of my boys in the box after we got a new refrigerator

my favorite flower bc it smells like candy

My little reminders

2009-04-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry if some of my posts are a bit boring. Sometimes I write here to make sure I remember to write things down for the boys later.

For example:

Today I was out swinging the boys and I was singing the I'm feelin' HOT HOT HOT song. I don't remember the title right now, but you get the idea....then Xander and Hylan copy me. Xander wasn't a surprise but hearing Ha Ha Ha come out of Hylan's mouth sure was. It was so cute. His favorite words right now are uh-oh and uh-uh. Hylan has been getting better at using a fork lately too. That means total self-feeding is just around the corner. Hooray!

Tomorrow is story time at the library. Xander has been doing better and better. He sits and listens to the stories. Sometimes he tries to pick out books for the librarian to read. It's so nice that she's patient and usually gives in at least once or twice. Xander's birthday is next month, and he is well aware. He tries to convince us that he's already three but then just goes into how he's "getting a Percy for my birthday in May."

These are a few of their favorite things

2009-04-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Xander
no longer having to take a nap
wrestling with Hylan, Parker, and Davis
sneaking his lawnmower inside
saying his alphabet, getting to the end, and replacing Z with F, and laughing
telling me he's not crazy but a wildman instead
ramen noodles
being read to
running around naked
cuddling with Mimi
the new sandbox
Daddy swinging him high since Mommy can't go as high

Hylan
saying new words like dog, bite, and dada
candy
poking Mommy in the eye
belly-buttons (aka pookas)
dogs
pretending to give Xander a toy then yanking it away
pretending to read
finding out how things work and are put together
begging Pawpaw for food, no matter what it is
Daddy coming home from work

I didn't get a picture but visualize. I walked into the bathroom to find Xander trying desperately to hold on to one of Hylan's legs as Hylan is desperately trying to reach into the toilet to splash around. As much as Xander bugs the poo out of Hylan, he still tries to protect him, and that makes me happy.

Binky no more

2009-04-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, today was the day I've been dreading. We took away Xander and Hylan's pacifiers. Actually the Binky Fairy took them and gave them to the new babies at the hospital and left gifts for the boys. I really hated lying to them, but it needed to be done. We don't even have Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny at our house.....and no, I don't feel I'm depriving my children of anything by simply not mentioning them. Other people do, so they can make up their own mind.

I digress. Xander cried for about an hour. He got over it and hasn't asked for one since. He took a nap without it. He is now in his room trying to go to sleep. I'm pretty sure he would already be asleep, but his nap was late today. I really can't believe how easy it's been with him. Something said in conference made me realize I could pray about this, that Heavenly Father could help Xander get through it.

Hylan has kind of cried himself to sleep twice today, but I think he'll be okay soon. He didn't understand the binky fairy. He did like getting gifts though. Oh, big news about Hylan. He is walking all over the place. He took his first steps on March 1st, but he just wouldn't get going until about three or four days ago. He actually ran away from Xander today. So exciting!

My mom was the real binky fairy. I was home for the beginning of everything. I helped Xander through his tears but then I had to go pick up Than in Magee, and my parents, my wonderful parents watched the boys for about six hours while Than and I got some much needed time to ourselves. Mama took care of fairy gifts. Daddy rocked Hylan (the one time he didn't cry to sleep). There was no long car ride for them today. It was the perfect day to get rid of those binkies.

Easter is my favorite!

2009-03-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

It's nearly two weeks away, but I'm excited. I love Easter. It's Spring; there's lots of candy deliciousness; fun crafts; decorations; and of course the remembrance of the resurrection of our Savior.

The big Primary get-together is the day before Easter at our Primary president's house. She has a nice big yard out in the country, perfect for kids to run around and hunt eggs. I suggested that she have the big kids and little kids hunt in separate areas, and she actually took my suggestion! I noticed there was a problem last year with the older ones being too rough and the little ones not getting many eggs. By golly, my little boys and the other little ones are going to get to hunt eggs too.

I also get to make whatever goodie I want. I'm going to make adorable Easter cupcakes...so excited that I have somewhere to take cupcakes, so I'm not just making them at home for nothing but to add weight to my hips. Than got put in charge of grilling burgers and hot dogs. Yay for Than being married to a primary teacher! He doesn't mind. He loves grilling.

Than and I made paper machet (sp?) eggs yesterday. Xander and I are going to paint them tomorrow, and I found an egg dye that I think Hylan can actually use. I'm excited.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate for a Happy Easter. Cross your fingers.

Oh, I forgot something

2009-03-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

It may seem silly to call the police because of food being stolen, but I did it anyway. I felt like our home was invaded. They moved stuff around and went in the garage and laundry room. I don't feel safe anymore. I'm buying new locks. I am locking up everything I can. I'm afraid for my children. I think I've moved from the angry phase to the genuinely scared phase. They could easily come in our house next or one of our neighbors' houses.

I'm angry today, and I don't care what you think.

2009-03-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have had a couple angry days, angry at the world in general. Well, to tell you the truth, I'm angry at the world alot. I have a really hard time with constant injustice and stupidity, but the past couple of days have been extra angry. I'm working on it.

1. My mother is working for the 2010 census right now. She got hired as a crew leader which pays more than a regular worker. When she got to the workshop they told her along with the whole room that they had hired too many people and that some of them would be assistants. Later they said some of them wouldn't have jobs at all. The boss was a black woman who didn't even understand how to do the job. She said, out loud, who she had picked to be her crew leaders (BEFORE THEY TOOK THE TEST THAT IS SUPPOSED TO, BY SCORE, DETERMINE THAT). She picked the five black people in the room, one of whom was late every day and slept the entire time; the other of whom didn't even come to the last two days of the workshop...when the test was given. Luckily my mother did get an assistant job but a couple of the competetent hard workers did not, just because they weren't dark enough.

2. Our dog who never gets in the road was hit by a car and died yesterday. The speed limit is 30, plenty of time to see a dog or cat. I have never hit one and I've been driving down this road for ten years. I watch for them. People go up and down our child-filled street at 60mph. I've almost been hit getting the mail. I know I shouldn't, but I look to see who the speeders are. They are not the old white people who have been made out to be the villains in our current world.

3. This is silly, but I had a dream about that stupid little kid who stold Than's scriptures and my cd's out of our car while we were giving him a ride home. I have continued to be nice to him, but we refuse to give rides anymore. I don't really like driving in the ghetto anyway.

4. Than has customers who always buy food from him with EBT (food stamp) cards. Now, if you need to use them, that's fine. I really don't have a problem with that, but when you use four different ones with four different names on them, and you are the only one living in the house, I have a problem with that. It's fraud. It's stealing from the government, and you are what's wrong with this country. These are the people who voted for Obama in Mississippi...just had to throw that in there. This has happened to Than along with his coworkers on more than one occasion.

5. We have had bikes stolen out of our back yard and a skilsaw stolen off of our porch (yeah, I know we shouldn't have left it there, but that doesn't give anyone the right to steal from us. ). We saw an African American child riding one of our bikes.

6. Last night, in the middle of a really bad thunderstorm, like really bad, over $200 worth of food was stolen out of our garage freezer. We had just bought it and put it in there the day before, so we are not mistaken. We don't have the money to replace that food. That was our food for the next two weeks. They probably have a food stamp card and make more money than us. Thanks alot jerks. Oh yeah, they didn't just steal "real" food. They also stole quite a bit of ice cream and other sweet products Than had gotten for free, so don't play the hungry card. It won't work.

I like you

2009-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Growing up, my parents almost never or possibly never said I love you to us. We never really noticed because we knew they loved us. They didn't have to say it. Than and I use the phrase more often but maybe we've been slacking off lately. Xander tells us that he likes us but in a very loving tone of voice. It just sounds so sweet. Several times throughout the day I hear, "I like you, Mommy." He also likes Daddy and Baby (he still won't call Hylan by his name) and Mimi and Pawpaw. We're pretty sure he means love although he also "likes" Tina and Sally, our two dogs, and Wal-Mart and Taco Bell. He says likes in a different tone though. I really love my little fella.

A New One

2009-03-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've decided I have a new pet peeve. Televisions in grocery stores. I don't get it. They make me nervous. Why have a television screen right in front of the Pringles advertising flowers? Does that make sense? It was also a terribly formatted ad. It's just distracting. There was a four foot tall screen right above the meat section. The bottom of the screen was lower than eye level. I felt like I was in some futuristic dumb grocery story movie.....like a big head was about to start talking to all the robot shoppers.

S.L.U.T.T.Y.

2009-03-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

I spent four hours today trying on dresses. I hate shopping. At least it was without children for the most part. Than was wonderful enough to drop me off at a few stores and take the boys to petco and best buy and wherever else they went. I could not find a single modest dress...four hours, five stores, nothing. All the hemlines were two inches higher than last year. All the sleeves were gone, the necks were too wide, and the backs were out. I finally settled on a knit dress from old navy under which I have to wear a tank top and over which I have to wear a cardigan. It's one crazy looking outfit, but I'm twenty pounds lighter than I was this time last year, and I needed something new. I want the modesty trend back.

Mama times

2009-03-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

"I like squirrels. I like their fluffy tails. Squirrels eat acorns." "I play with my hair like Daddy." "Let me eat first!" "I want blue cupcakes." Xander has become quite the talker...finally. We love it, and it just adds to his hilarity. Life really is just one big improv show for him. He has a hard time making a mean face without smiling. Hylan is following in his footsteps and now makes the mean smiley face. He still has trouble sleeping. It got better for a while, but he got sick a couple weeks ago and has gone all the way backwards. Sometimes he wakes up about every half hour. Otherwise, he is a very pleasant child. Hylan could play in the sandbox all day if I let him. Well, he could stay outside playing with grass, leaves, acorns, and rocks all day. I'm so grateful for my boys.

Oh, and I gladly made the blue cupcakes.

I'm not that immodest.

2009-02-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

Xander sure thinks so though. I sat him down at the dining room table today to do a little coloring/drawing. First, he drew Pawpaw then Mimi then Daddy then Mema. I was nowhere to be found. He then drew me on the next page, but I looked a little different, so I asked Xander what I was wearing. He told me "unnerwear". Okay, so maybe I'm not so into pajamas. I just can't sleep in them, but maybe I should try.

Really though, I don't walk around in my underwear.

mini-update from this morning

2009-02-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

A couple of hours ago I got back from a most awful trip to wal-mart, and what do I find on the dining room table? A wonderful bouquet of roses and daisies (my fav combo and tradition since 2004). I sent Than a text really quick to thank him and of course he denied sending them. He fessed up eventually. I love him. He works so hard and such long hours. I don't think he knows how much I appreciate him. Hopefully, the Fun Dip and sausage casserole will let him know.

Hooray!

2009-02-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hylan now sleeps through the night in his own bed! It's a miracle. We are all much happier people. Than still swaddles him to get him to sleep better. It takes him about 5 hours to mind, then I wake up, unwrap him, and he goes right back to sleep. To celebrate, and hopefully relieve some back pain, Than and I are getting a new mattress! I'm so excited.

Have any of you ever seen the show Between the Lions on PBS? Well, I really don't like it. It just happens to come on right after Sesame Street, so sometimes the boys watch it. It's a bunch of clips that are supposed to flow together but don't at all. One of the recurring clips is called Cliff Hanger. For some unknown reason, Xander is terrified of this cartoon. I have to change the channel or turn off the tv every time it comes on. It's a mystery. I just had to do this.

Yay me! I made my first pretty cupcakes two days ago. I made blue and yellow flowers. I have to say they were pretty cute, not quite worthy to take them for anything but still very cute. I baked and decorated during naptime, so I wouldn't get any "help" this time. Xander got to decorate one and eat FOUR after his nap. Hylan may have eaten a little cupcake paper too. Oopsy.

I've also finally started cooking on a regular basis. I still don't like it, but it makes Than happy. Too bad he doesn't like sweets. I like making those. Oh well, maybe the more I cook, the more I'll like it too. Doubt it, but I'll keep trying. I'm going to make him heart shaped breakfast in the morning. I'm excited. The boys and I are cardmaking today too. Fun fun.

Wet sand under my fingernails

2009-02-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

I just really love being a mama. Right now, Hylan is digging through the couch, like really really digging, while Than keeps him from climbing over the back of it. I won't tell you what he's found so far. I'm not the best housekeeper. Xander is asleep now, but I got to build castles with him in the sandbox today. I even sat on the ground! Shocker! The weather was so nice, and we took advantage of it. I just can't believe how much they can change in a matter of days. Hylan is a face-maker now. He's always been pretty laid back and just kind of went between blank look, smiles, and angry face. Now he has many in between. Xander has finally started using I instead of me at the beginning of sentences. I winked at him today, and he told me it was yucky. We also made a quick trip to Home Depot today where the boys must always ride in a car buggy. They hold onto and turn the steering wheels the whole time. They play and laugh with each other and play peek-a-boo. Well, Xander does and Hylan laughs at him. I love them. I love that I have two boys who get along so well with each other. I love that I have a husband who loves them as much as I do. My life is happy. We have fun together.

What we're up to

2009-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hylan hates having his diaper changed more than any baby I've ever changed, and he's really strong, like really really really strong. He flips over and crawls away; he kicks; he grabs; he thrashes. I am not strong enough (or maybe it's my tiny hands) to hold up both of his feet at once, so it's kind of a one at a time thing. He's been sick on and off for about six weeks, so he has not been happy. He says Mama when I walk into a room. He still says bye bye and likes to wave to us as he is pushing his cart. He really thinks he's going places. When my dad came home from work today, he looked up at him and said Pawpaw. He stands on his own, but just won't take that first step. We are looking forward to his first birthday in two weeks. Oh, and his favorite activity is hiding things in Than's shoes.................well, really putting blocks, pacifiers, and other small objects in shoes, cups, buckets, whatever.

Xander loves things that go, trains, helicopters, school buses. He is a little computer whiz, but I'm not sure how I feel about that. He is learning to read. It's my mom's idea, but as long as he has fun, I don't care. His language is definitely catching up. He is still addicted to the pacifier, and I don't know what to do about it. I think he may have a nervous breakdown without it.

We don't have an active nursery leader, so Than and I have pretty much been missing half our meetings each taking turns because our children, at least together, are unmanagable in church. This past Sunday the Primary president watched the two nursery kids, so we got a break. She loved him. I wish he would act as well for us. My mom said I was always good everywhere but church. I guess I'm getting my payback. I'm not sure about Than. I think everything well-behaved in our children came from Than.

Than and I got to go on a mini-date this weekend. We went to dairy queen and got blizzards. It was great. When we came home, we watched Fireproof. It was a bit cheesy but really good. We both recommend it.

I must be B.A.D.

2009-01-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

I just think this is funny. A few minutes ago we were giving the boys a bath. Hylan was out and Than had him, so I was watching Xander. Than came in and asked me what channel ABC was, and then we talked for a couple minutes before I realized that Xander was, over and over, saying B.A.D. B.A.D. I think he must have heard us spell that a few times lately. Uh-oh.

Christmas.....one day I'll get all my pictures on the ccomputer.

2008-12-25T19:40:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas I'm sure was much like most of yours. We spent it with family, opened presents, and ate goodies. Xander and Hylan's gifts pretty much centered around trasportation, and they loved it. We've had cars and trucks and trains and buses being wheeled all over the house today. They also got in a great game of chase. I loved watching them play together and glad that Hylan is tough enough to handle his older brother. Our family(Mama, Daddy, me, Than, Mad, and David...Jodie and Cliff couldn't make it down this year) played Scene-It Seinfeld and we watched Fred Claus during the calm times. See next paragraph

Oh, we also had our traditional sausage casserole for breakfast, thanks to Than. He was such a great help this Christmas...as he always is. Since my mom is still not up to par (She's been home a week and is feeling better every day) and my grandmother doesn't leave the house much, I got left with all the cooking and gift buying for not just my family but my uncle and his kids and grandkids. Note: This was sprung on me about three days ago by my grandmother. I've been a mad woman. I would think I was done then she'd send me out to do more. I almost strangled her, but that's another story. :) These are relatives we see only once or twice a year. It's always a bit uncomfortable, less so now that we have children but it's still weird. We are literally forced into having this event every year. This year was the best though.

Our Christmas Eve was nice and calm. We watched Luke II (we couldn't find our copy of the Nativity). Xander insisted that we watch it twice because he wanted to see more of baby Jesus. We didn't open any presents. I wanted to try having a more Christ-centered day and then a play day. I think it worked out okay.

Well, it's all over now. We had a good time. My children are asleep and my husband's watching Wall-E. I'm taking a break for a couple days and looking forward to next year........and my spa day that Than got me for Christmas.

Hockey Rocks My Socks!

2008-12-14T19:33:00.001-08:00

I decided to tag along on the boy scout outing to a hockey game on the coast. We even took the boys along. It was awesome. I knew I loved hockey before, but I really love it now. Xander and Hylan especially loved the Wolf mascot. Xander shook his hand and gave him five. He told my mom today about the big wolf. They both held their pucks on the way to church and on the way home. We might just make hockey our family sport of choice. One last side note...Hylan loves waving bye bye, but he always waves when we say night night because Xander has to wave to everyone when he says night night. It's adorable.

Snow!!!

2008-12-11T14:42:00.001-08:00

It snowed here today. It was actually the second time this year (it snowed in January). It's nearly five o'clock, and there is still a ton of snow on the ground. That has never happened during my lifetime in Mississippi. My dad and Than got a snow day, so we were all home. We took the boys out in it. Xander told me it was too cold but he liked the way it looked. He's not much of a winter child. Hylan seemed to like looking at it but didn't like the cold.

My mom missed it, but she is doing much better. They moved her out of ICU the day before yesterday. I made videos and took plenty of pictures for her. I will post those in a couple of days.

All the snow made me think back to my time in Rexburg.....freezing my patookus off, the sparkling white and stillness right after a good snow, my roommates and I trying not to track all the wet and yuckiness into the Cornerhouse, Than and I dating and getting engaged, and Than making sure there was salt everywhere while I was pregnant so I wouldn't slip. Oh, I love the snow.

Quick updates

2008-12-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

My mother is doing about the same. She is still in ICU hooked up to antibiotics and all sorts of stuff. She is feeling better, and the doctors are still trying to avoid surgery. I won't give you details because medical stuff is icky. Everyone is hoping all the stuff they're trying will start working better once the chemo is better out of her system. I miss having her to talk to all day. I only get to see her once or twice a day for half an hour. I didn't get to go today, but I got to talk to her on the phone. Poor woman is bored out of her mind without the grandkids around.

Hylan has learned how to wave bye bye and say it at the same time sometimes, give five, say dada, and clap. He also throws him arm up in the air when we walk past pictures or something else he wants us to point at and talk about. It's really cute. He has also gotten pretty fast cruising around the furniture, and he gets into absolutely everything. I'll think the floors are clean, but then he'll have something in his mouth. Luckily, it's usually a cheerio or something. I have gotten a couple of Xander's stickers out of his mouth though. Yikes.

Xander is my happy helper. He likes to keep things clean and put away dishes. He is able to "read" more words every day. I guess he just recognizes them. He likes for me to write down everyones' names in our family and write other words that he likes. Today we built a wal-mart and a taco bell out of mega bloks. We even had cars out front. It was bunches of fun. Hylan was the Godzilla and knocked the buildings down (oops). His language is still a bit delayed, and it's frustrating for him, but he improves all the time. He finally made the switch from awu or abu to water (well, almost water. it's really close) this week. We were sad and excited at the same time. He said a great full sentence today while we were building.

Than has somehow found more time to spend with all of us lately...thank goodness for holidays and weekends. He still works long hours, but we are slowly getting more and more used to it. He enjoys his job and often times has some great funny stories when he comes home every day. People will tell him anything, sometimes while wearing nothing. Yeah, he gets grossed out. Today, one of his customers sent him home with a deer roast. We've never had deer, so we're excited.

Wow, I've been blabbing for a while now. Sorry for no pictures, haven't uploaded any lately. Thanks for reading. :)

And the cuteness abounds

2008-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

New cute things:

Xander has to go to bed with every blanket we own on top of him. We do this, let him fall asleep and then remove most of them. He also wants to eat, not regular tacos anymore, but blue/green/pink/white/yellow.....tacos. It's pretty funny. He has finally reached his automobile phase, especially after spending so much time on a plane and watching other planes at the airport. He like planes, trains, buses, and semis. He does not like boats. Counting to three doesn't work anymore. He just wants to count with me.

Hylan is finally cutting teeth (we think). He always has his hands in his mouth. He would rather use that than anything else. Although his new scream is less than cute, he still has the cutest wrinkled-nose smile in the world. He laughs at everything now...toys, swinging, his reflection, Xander, everything. He tried to climb but can't quite yet. He wants more than anything to be a big boy with his brother.

Well, last weekend my brother got married. It was just lovely. We are so excited to have Jodie in our family. They are really the cutest couple. I've never seen Cliff so happy.

One last thing, my mom is in the hospital right now. She got her next to last chemo treatment on Tuesday, and Wednesday woke up with horrible abdominal pain. My dad took her to the doctor this morning, and she was admitted. They think she has diverticulitis. She is on IV antibiotics. If you could mention her in your prayers or put her name in the temple if you go, I'd really appreciate it. I usually don't like to post like this, but I'm a bit worried, especially with her lack of immune system and all. Thank you.

Food Obsessions

2008-11-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

I just think this is funny, so I'm sharing. Xander is absolutely addicted to and obsessed with Taco Bell. He looks for the sign wherever we go. Yesterday, he had a taco for lunch and one for dinner (homemade taco for dinner). Oh, and they have to be soft shell. Than had to take his truck back to Magee tonight, and we drove to pick him up. Magee is a little over an hour away. Xander chanted "Need Taco Bell" all the way there. He did not get a taco today. He had already had dinner. It makes me laugh. I'm just glad tacos are only 89 cents.
Hylan's current food love is popcorn. We break it up into little bits, and there is nothing he loves more.

Taco Bell, no Popcorn, Taco Bell, no Popcorn.......I can hear it now.

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

My big-boy robot. He loved his costume. I think it will be a dress-up now.

My little lion

Some cookies my mom mixed up, Xander and I cut out, and I quickly decorated. Not my best work, but they sure were yummy.

Hylan likes to ride on Daddy's shoulders. Than enjoys it too, even though he doesn't look like it in this picture.

All of us in front of our trunk

My sister's dog, Leo. He was actually the boys' favorite part of the trunk or treat.

Xander getting some candy. He had finally warmed up to it by this time.

Before we went. They actually smiled at the same time!

For Halloween, we took the boys to a Trunk or Treat at the other ward in the county. Xander was very hesitant, but started getting into by about the last three cars. There were two or three he wouldn't go near because either the people or the trunk was too scary for him. We decided to participate and we, with some help from my sister and brother-in-law, decorated our trunk and passed out candy. I took the boys around, and Than manned the van. Here are a few Halloween pictures.

A Pleasant Day

2008-10-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Xander's fits haven't been quite as bad the past couple of days, but they are still quite frequent. I have gotten better at handling them and diverting his attention. I went with my mom to Jackson today to the wig and hat shop. Xander thought it was pretty neat, especially the light switches low enough for him to reach. Oh well, the shoplady was nice about it, and she gave him an empty box and bag to play with. I don't know why, but he enjoyed them.
A little later my mom got a soda and let Xander have a little. You know those little buttons on the top of the lid. Of course, he loves to push those. What child doesn't? Anyway, today I heard him counting one, two, fee, fo. He was counting the buttons. He usually doesn't like counting; he just likes to tell you the name of the numbers when he sees them, so I was pretty excited. My mother also got some popcorn and a cookie. She shared with the boys. Hylan actually unzipped her purse and got one of the cookies out. It was pretty funny. Hylan really enjoyed the popcorn too. I think he might turn into an addict like Than. He got crazy happy eyes when he saw the popcorn. We had a nice day out, even when Xander saw the Wendy's and Taco Bell signs and said those words over and over all the way home (an hour's drive). He's growing up so fast. He also loves Wal-Mart signs and trucks. Mall-Mart tucks are the best.

Xander!

2008-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Lately I have had to fuss at Xander...it seems like all day every day. I try every technique I can think of. He doesn't do anything I tell or ask him to do, when not long ago he was the most obedient two year old anyone had ever seen. I try and choose my battles....situations where he could get hurt easily or when he is too rough with Hylan. Well, I digress. He does have his very cute moments though. He has started noticing school buses. If he sees one, all I hear is, "Ride school bus, mommy!" That lasts for about ten minutes at least. It's loud and a bit irritating but just so stinking cute. I have to explain that he's not old enough to ride the school but yet. He can ride it when he's five, but right now he's only two.

He cooks every day. He wants to cook all day...he has thrown quite a few fits kicking on the kitchen floor this week because he hasn't been able to continue cooking after I or my mom or Than was done. He couldn't stand that all I did was put in some chicken fries for lunch today. He wanted to cook! When it's not cooking it's, "Pay awu, Mommy!" which translated is play in the water....the kitchen sink with measuring cups and bowls. We let him do this fairly often, but now he wants to play as soon as we wakes up. Too bad he doesn't understand. I try not to fuss too much but just find him something else to do. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't. We are prepping for a higher than normal water bill.

I love my little Xanderman. He drives me nuts, but he is wonderful. I can't imagine my days without him. I miss him every time I go out without him (I miss Hylan too, of course). I just keep telling myself that he won't be two forever and I want to shout for joy and cry at the same time.

Tid-bits

2008-10-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, I think Xander has officially outgrown his sandbox. He still enjoys it though.

Xander has an array of toys that he sleeps with at night. These are two of his favorites, and they are always kept together. Frog and lizard are a pair.
This is the first Jack-O-Lantern we've had since I was pregnant with Xander. He thought its guts were yudty (yucky). It's supposed to be a redneck. Maybe you'll be able to tell better once he's lit up....maybe not.
Than and I went on a date this weekend. We went and saw Eagle Eye. We were both very impressed.
There's our sweet little Hylan. He's been rather sick this week. Three trips to the ER and one to the pediatrician. Three blood drawings, two shots, and one catheter later, he is doing much better. We will find out tomorrow exactly what the problem was.
He's getting so big. He loves balls, cars, and dogs. Those things can really get him moving. He's trying to get to his Aunt Maddi's dog Leo in this picture.

A few other things from the past week. Than fixed the toilet and the sink in the bathroom. I'm pretty sure he did some more handy work that I just can't think of right now. We had a nice laugh about having to go to Home Depot five times in one day. Luckily, it's right down the road. I made an entire meal with vegetables and everything all by myself. Sadly that is an accomplishment. Than loved it. I actually have been cooking alot lately. Xander has been talking more and more in full or almost full sentences. He still uses one word and two words though. He can recognize and name A-F of the alphabet. Hylan and Xander have been having screaming contests lately. It's no fun for me but lots of fun for them. It's really cute. Hylan has also learned to shake his head and thinks it's just hilarious. I can't believe he's 8 months old already.

The Swing that Than (and his dad) Built

2008-10-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Than's parents have been in Louisiana for the past few weeks doing hurricane clean-up and repair. Lucky for us, they were right near by, and they have gotten to visit us. Mike kindly asked if there were any projects around the house that we needed done, so we found one. Than needed a little help getting a swing built for the boys. We all ended up missing some of conference, unfortunately, but Xander and Hylan now have a great swing that Daddy and Grandpa built, and we all spent a great day outside in the cooler weather. My dad even did some yard work. It's been a good day. Oh yeah, the talks I did hear were wonderful, and I heard some things I needed to hear. Buckle down tomorrow.

This is how it started.

This was the end result. I love how it turned out. The swingset isn't crooked, just my picture taking and the yard are. We have also lowered Xander's swing. Hylan was asleep at this time and tried it out a little later in the day.

These are just some pretty flowers that are blooming in our yard right now. Yay for October in Mississippi!

Ole Brook Festival

2008-09-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the Ole Brook Festival. It's mostly a flea market with lots of carnival type food and live music, but it's so much fun to go. The weather was perfect. This was our town's 150th anniversary. We ate greasy food together. Even Hylan got some. We looked at all the booths, but nothing was that appealing this year, except for some dachsund puppies, but Than told me no. :( We did bring home the best kettle corn ever though. Last night, was the Outdoor/Wildilfe Expo. Xander got to pet a baby alligator and a snake. Hylan petted a turtle. Xander also got a free t-shirt supporting a local politician. It's cute. All in all, we had a great weekend.

Updates

2008-09-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

So, updates...

Than and I are once again seriously considering him going back to school. I still don't know if it's the right thing to do, but it almost seems like our only option. We've given ourselves to the end of the year to make a decision.

My mom has completed three of eight chemo treatments. She's doing really well, and the doctors expect her to be totally fine when she's done.

My little brother is getting married in the Columbia River Temple in November, so our entire family is flying out. Somehow, we have come up with the money to go. I have no idea how, but we're excited...except for the 5 hour flight with Xander and Hylan.

Xander knows his colors, shapes, and most numbers (0-10). We didn't know he could recognize numbers until we jokingly told him to turn to a certain channel with the tv remote, and he did it. We have since learned how much he knows. I'm pretty sure he can recognize a couple letters too.

He also said his first prayer a couple weeks ago. "Pray, eat, pray, eat, Amen". He currently enjoys calling me Valerie and Hon because Than does, wrestling with Hylan, and being read to while he turns the pages.

Hylan started scooting today. He's been trying to crawl, and he's been able to get around pretty well, but today he learned a more efficient method. He looked pretty happy. We were excited. His current favorite activities include: laughing hysterically at Xander, tearing up paper, and eating baby snack puffs. He is also now fitting into 12 month clothes. He'll be seven months old tomorrow.

We survived Gustav!

2008-09-02T18:14:00.001-07:00

Well, it wasn't as bad as they thought, but our little town ended up being one of the hardest hit in the state. Lucky for us, we were without electicity for less than a day. Alot of other people probably won't get power for several days. Baton Rouge has been a very hard hit area. I'm hoping that the temple didn't flood again, but it's possible. We actually had a friend get married there last Thursday...good thing they didn't wait until Saturday. They wouldn't have been able to get to the temple bc all southbound roads were closed. It's been a very interesting experience. Brookhaven has been trashed in a sense. Louisiana folk don't seem to care too much about littering, so they do it everywhere. Wal-Mart was actually closed today.
It was a bit of an adventure also. We got out a propane lantern, played a couple board games, and got out in the weather a few times because were were stir-crazy. Xander and Hylan loved the wind and rain. Hylan was very interested in it falling on the windows. Xander enjoyed finding out what was battery-operated and what was connected to the wall while the power was out. All the canals and ditches are full or over-flowing. This area hasn't seen this kind of rain in a long time, not even with Katrina. It's actually been kind of neat. Than couldn't work, so I had him home for a four-day weekend... I loved it. Oh yeah, and we got a date in some how. My brother and his fiance babysat for us while we went out. All in all, not a bad weekend.

I let go a little

2008-08-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

My big boy is camping right now. I can't believe I let Than take him, WITHOUT ME!!! I am a nervous wreck right now, but I'm sure Xander is having fun. Than asks me before every scout campout if he can take Xander, and I always tell him no. I figured that 2 years old is old enough now. I also just couldn't take Xander's hurt feelings today. He has been glued to Than since the day he was born. I am not exaggerating. Of course, I gave Than a long list of instructions and made him promise over and over again to watch him every second. I still can't believe I did it.

I just felt like writing a little today

2008-08-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me apologize for never posting pictures on here. If you'd like to see pictures, just check facebook.
Well, lately, amazingly, my life has felt a little less stressed. I don't know how...between my mother's chemo, Xander's new tantrums, and Hylan not sleeping. My mom has been handling it well so far...one treatment down, seven to go. I seem to be doing a little better with more responsibility around the house...it's more like my own house. My grandmother is (surprisingly)loaning my parents money to make it through while my mom can't work. I'm almost glad she can't right now. No more daycare for a few months. I'm getting to spend more time with my children. I get to take Xander outside more and read to him. I'm not completely exhausted by 3 p.m. anymore. It's fantastic.
Also, my boys are so dang adorable. Xander has started talking alot more. Today, he called me Valerie because he heard Than do it. He also told me, "I want a book" while we were at the store. He calls Hylan Hybaby. Hylan just laughs at him all day. I love watching them together.

Ludlow family reunion

2008-08-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

I would love to give all the details of everything we did and everwhere we went, but I won't. It's probably only entertaining to me anyway. I will mention a few of my favorite moments and why I love my life...Xander blowing bubbles with his cousins, Than's crawfish boil, Hylan finally rolling over consistently, getting to hang out with Rachel and Matt, going to Matt's [suprise] wedding, Xander's unquenchable thirst for otter pops, Hylan's discovery of his screaming happy voice, and my favorite part of the reunion was my four-wheeler ride with Than through the mountains of central Utah. Yes, it's true; my favorite moment was with only Than, not with his whole family or even with our children, just me and my honeybun. I really love him.

I need to vent a little

2008-07-22T11:46:00.001-07:00

For the most part, I love my life. I have a wonderful husband and two great children. I'm even kind of used to not having my own house right now. I can overlook a lot. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I just can't this time. For the past ten years my parents, my brother, my sister and now Than and I have given rides to a particular family in our branch. We never complained even though they have a car. We've given rides on Sundays on Wednesdays and activities on Saturdays...the Sundays ended about three years back, but it's been every wednesday with few exceptions for the past six years. A few weeks ago, the mother of these five boys told a friend of hers (we are assuming) that we could give her son a ride home too every wednesday night. He just happens to live fifteen miles out of town, down a very dangerous road. Mutual ends at 8. We made it home at 8:45. We live five minutes from the building. We had to get gas in order to take people home. Okay, well, we could even deal with that. BUT, one of those boys who we have been nothing but kind to stole my entire CD collection (it was only about 20 CD's or so, but they were mine). I noticed the next morning when I went to grab one. Today, we discovered that Than's mission scriptures (which he only uses at church and leaves in our car bc of limited space in our room; he uses another set at home) also disappeared at the same time. Than told the branch president we would no longer be giving rides. He didn't give him details, but I wish he would have. I had gotten over the CD's. Most of them can be replaced, but Than's scriptures that he used on his mission can't be. They have stolen from my family and other people before. Oh, we have given them tons of stuff. There was no reason to steal. We even could have gotten them a set of scriptures. I am beyond angry.

2008-07-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

I help my mom run a home daycare. Honestly, I hate it, like really hate it. I want to be able to spend my days with only my two children. There are so many things I want to do with them that I don't get to do. Today I left the main room and took Xander and Hylan with me. All the others were throwing fits at the same time, and I had to get out. We went to mine and Than's room and just played on the bed. It was wonderful. Hylan isn't much of a laugher, but everytime Xander touched him or rolled on or got in his face, he laughed hysterically. I hope they continue to get along that well. I look forward to more of those moments with my two boys.

Our Fabulous long weekend

2008-07-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderfully relaxing day Friday. Than had the day off, so we got a few things done around the house and watched a movie. Saturday, we took the boys to Lake Lincoln. Than and Hylan stayed under the shade of a tree, and Xander and I splashed until we couldn't splash anymore. I heard Bish and Beash all day which are Fish and Beach. It's a really good thing that Hylan isn't that great at rolling over yet because Than had him laying on top of a picnic table. FUN FUN.

Bite vs. Lick

2008-06-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

One of the children that my mom takes care of is a biter. She is a really bad biter...will pretty much go after everyone for anything, even if their hand just gets a little close to her mouth. She has gotten all the babies at some time or another. She's only gotten Xander one good time, but I think he finally forgot because he saw her going after someone, and we guess he thought that she was licking them. He is now a licker. It's gross but hilarious. He licks me; he licks Than; he licks Hylan...and laughs the whole time. At least he's not biting.

2008-06-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we had family pictures taken. We just went to Sears. Professional photographers cost too much, and I don't know anyone who takes pictures that I like. I may try my sister or her mother-in-law. We'll see. I really wanted a good picture of my two boys together, but that didn't happen. We did get several fantastic ones of them apart though. Xander hammed it up for the camera. He's been really shy lately but not for the girl taking the pictures. He wanted to be in every picture. She even let him press the button and take some. It was really cute. Hylan really liked her too and smiled like crazy.

Sidenote: Than got a big raise, but it's still not enough for us to move out... :( It's alot closer though.

I need to load some more pictures onto the comp, but for now, I'm just going to write. Xander's newest favorite activity is watering the garden. It's a very pathetic garden, at best, but he enjoys playing with the hose and spraying the plants. He ends up completely soaked every time. We also tried fingerpainting for the first time. I think he liked it. We kept his work and put it on the wall (it has since fallen down). It will be back up soon, but he likes to point out his and my handprints.

Hylan has rolled over a couple of times but doesn't get much floor time because of the home daycare and a rough older brother. He prefers to be where he can watch everything. The walker/bouncer is a life saver. He is such a happy baby. He smiles at us even when we're not looking at him. He just loves people.

Bye bye to the taurus

2008-06-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today, we sold our car. It stopped running a couple of months ago, but we just found someone to take it off our hands. It was the first car that Than and I owned together. We had a lot of great memories in that car... in Idaho, Nevada, Mississippi. We're happy to be rid of it, but it's still sad. Our BYUI parking sticker was still in the windshield. You could still see "I love Than and Xander" on the inside of the windshield where I had written it in the fog on the glass. I'll miss seeing that. Oh well, at least we got a little money that will help fuel our minivan this summer. I'll still miss that old ford taurus.

Night night, Dada.

2008-06-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

If you read and remember my first post, you know that Xander doesn't talk much. He only says a few words, but he has been trying to talk more and has said a couple new things. I just got him some play-doh, and he held it up while he was playing with it and said bay-doh or pay-doh or something like that. I was excited. I think that's the first time he's said a word in reference to an object. He also grabbed my dad's hand and pulled him toward his room and said "my room". Yay for two word phrases. And finally, tonight, he said Night night Dada to Than. Than teared up when he told me. He doesn't get to hear him talk much because he's at work so much, so he was pretty excited. Also, my mom just read a book about smart children who are late talkers, and Xander fit it almost to a T. We knew he was bright and social and happy, so we didn't get why he wasn't talking. I'm probably just worrying too much. That's what I do. Silly me.

Joy

2008-05-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have exciting news that has nothing really to do with me or my family. My husband's friend Darren was sealed to his wife and son this morning...oh, and the son that Tamara will be delivering any day now. Than's mom told us this afternoon. We were so happy for them. It was a complete shock because Darren hasn't been active in the church for years, but apparently he's come back along with his family. I'm just happy about the whole thing and wanted to share with everyone. I only wish I had pictures of them at the temple today.

"Don't Cut Your Hair"

2008-05-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

You'd think by the title of this post, it would be about Xander, but no, it is about Than. Than hates having his hair even an inch long. He'd like to shave it bald. I won't let him of course. His hair looks so much better a little longer. It's still clean-cut. He looks in the mirror and sees the shaggy dog. I don't know what to do with him. Usually, he'll hold out until I feel like cutting it because I'm pretty good at it, and I cut it just the right length (for me). Well, two days ago, he went into the bathroom and cut his own stinkin' hair. I couldn't believe he did this. It looks awful, AND HE DOESN'T CARE!!! He thinks people don't pay attention to hair. He is wrong. He won't believe me. We are looking for a new job here, people. I love him, but that just gets on my nerves.

A Fun and Feverish Weekend

2008-05-26T20:34:00.001-07:00

Well, this weekend started out great. We took Xander and Hylan to the aquarium in New Orleans. Xander loved it, mostly staring and pointing. Hylan actually really enjoyed it too. I couldn't believe it. He tends to get fussy kind of easily but he loved looking at the water and the fish. He stayed quite content almost until the end. Luckily my mom was there, and she took care of him while Xander played in the children's activity area. It was a great day. Oh, and Than got to experience a little of that horrible city. We drove him down Bourbon Street. It was my first time seeing junkies. That probably sounds horrible, but we did get to hear a little jazz (coming from bars). The boys were asleep.

The next morning, I woke up with mastitis, yet again. It hit pretty hard this time, and I am still not recovered. Than came home from church early to take care of me. We also celebrated Xander's 2nd birthday Sunday afternoon. By this time, Xander had developed a nice little fever. Hylan had a little bit of one. There were no other symptoms, just a fever. He still enjoyed blowing out candles and being sung to and opening his presents. He's doing better now. He even went swimming today and sat in the water. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but he hasn't sat down in water in probably a year. He has just refused. It has made for some very dangerous bathtimes. So that was our holiday. Full of fun and fever.

Blogger illiteracy

2008-05-22T16:38:00.001-07:00

So, to those of you who have commented on my blog, I thank you. Hello. Unfortunately, I do not know how to comment. I think I've gotten a bit spoiled by facebook. I'd appreciate a little help. :) Thanks so much.

My first post

2008-05-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally decided to blog...a little. What's happening now? Well, Than is still working for Schwan's, and we are still living at my parents'. We thought we would be gone by now, but that hasn't quite happened. A couple of weeks ago, Than and I decided that he would go back to school. We would take on the extra debt and everything. While going through the process of deciding whether he would go for a graduate degree or just get another bachelor's we talked to a few people from BYUI. They encouraged him to just shoot for jobs based on one of his minors from there, so that's what we're doing now. We are looking for an IT job. Hopefully that will lead to something, and we can all get out on our own.

As for our children, Xander is turning two in a week. He is some character. He loves cooking and playing outside. Many a tantrum as come from going back indoors. He has learned how to trick Mama and Daddy and gets a really big kick out of it. We don't like it quite as much. He still prefers gestures and noises to words, but he is starting to talk a little bit more. He actually said a three word sentence a couple of weeks ago. "Where my mama?" No sentences since, but there is hope. I think he is happy not talking because he communicates so well without language. I am trying not to worry. My mom says I was a late talker, and I guess I believe her. Hylan is three months old and loves his big brother, even when Xander gets right in his face and gives him "head hugs" and kisses. He is starting to smile all the time and is actually trying to sit up already. It's nuts. He still won't sleep without being swaddled. We figure that's okay for now. We love our little fellas.