This is going to be a bit melodramatic, but bear with me - those who know how much Kendal and I love animals will surely understand!
Last week was pretty terrible for our family, but I am so glad my parents and sister were in town to help us with all the drama. On Monday, our fiesty family dog of 5 years, Maggie, attacked sweet Jackson while Kendal and I were at work. Unprovoked, out of the blue. We've had issues with her in the past (very type A, dominant dog) but always hoped she would love the kids and protect them. Unfortunately, this was not the outcome. My sister literally pulled the dog off of Jackson - he was bitten pretty badly on his face but thankfully it was not worse. Kendal and I are so grateful to Anna for her quick action - I can't imagine what would have happened if she had not been so brave. My parents acted quickly in grabbing and loving on Jackson and simultaneously calming down a frightened Carlisle.
Kendal and I immediately took Jackson to the doctor, where he received a bunch of stitches in cheek and face. We are so grateful for our doctor and friend, Aaron Ward, who was completely calm and collected despite a screaming child and bawling mom. Kendal stayed remarkably calm as well, and just held Jackson as he cried.
So, our Christmas photos feature Jackson with stitches! We had to make the very hard decision to put Maggie down after what happened - we hated to do it and I still cry over the decision but it was the right and safest thing to do. Jackson has been wonderful with our other dog, Gabby, as well as Nana and Papa's maltese so thankfully he's not transferring this experience into a fear of animals. He has always been so trusting and loving with animals so we're relieved he is not too scarred by this experience. Praise to God that Jackson is safe and recovering quickly. These precious children are truly Kendal's and my whole world and we are so thankful that the Lord has protected them this past week.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Looking A Lot More Like Christmas...
I should so be in bed, but I'm just too keyed up! Our friends Meghan and Erin Hawkes hosted a fab "Tacky Christmas Sweater" party tonight - such fun, thanks ladies! Kendal graciously stayed home with the kids while I went to the party, it was a great break with great friends. Now, I'm home trying (frantically) to finish up some Christmas gifts as my parents and sister arrive tomorrow. So, no better time to procrastinate and post some recent pics!
Wednesday was a big day! Stealing a celebration idea from some friends (Emily and Mary Elizabeth), we decided to commemorate the twins' half birthday with cupcakes! I baked "Texas size" cupcakes (you know, the really big ones) and cut them in half and sent them to school with the kids. They had a good time, I think! I am having a very time accepting that my babies aren't really... babies! They're 1 1 /2 and full of life and surprises! Carlisle is definitely our talker (she says the typical "uh-uh-oh" and loves to call everything a "baby" while cuddling her stuffed animals. She can also now say "Bubba!" in reference to her sweet bro). She loves to dance (Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show is a huge hit), can spin pretty darn well and loves to sit in your lap to read a book. Surprisingly, she's a more laid back - I expected total drama queen, but not so much (yet!). 
Jackson Camper talks his own precious, elaborate language and loves to blow huge, elaborate kisses. He loves television as much as Sissy (oops!) and is always running around. His favorite word is "choo-choo!" so maybe the railroad or at least travel is in his future? He's rough and tumble and loves to tackle you with a big hug and smile. He has a little temper and will run to the corner when he's mad, but he recovers quickly and is really a happy fella'. They both are pretty good eaters, with Nutrigrain bars, pretzels and grapes among their favorite snacks.
On Thursday, the kids' school had their Christmas party. The "big kids" performed a few Christmas songs - our kiddos will be up there next year! We then had a nice holiday party and got to spend some time with the kids' friends and their parents. We've been so pleased with our daycare! In January, the twins will "move up" to the toddler class - yikes! I'm a little terrified - they will be in a real "classroom," no more high chairs, they feed themselves lunch (as best they can) and no more naps! What happened to my babies?!
Kendal noticed something funny on Friday morning... Some sweet friends from church brought the twins Christmas gifts - boy and girl gingerbread beanie baby dolls in tin buckets. Kendal gave the kids their gifts and, within seconds, Jackson was banging the tin buckets together in loud, sheer glee while Carlisle had taken the dolls and was gently playing with them. It's so funny to see the "all boy" and "little princess" traits developing totally naturally in the kids. We rear them exactly the same, but they are totally taking on traditional roles - but they play together great, too! We're wondering if we need to "shake things up" a bit and give Carli some loud trucks and Jackson Camper some dolls so they can relate to the opposite sex, too! I'm all about equal opportunity, for sure.
Okay, back to work... or maybe to bed... Hopefully Mr. Jackson will sleep through the night - he's had a terrible time with night terrors and tonight is my "shift" with him should he wake up... Ugh. Sweet dreams, Jackson Camper! And Merry Christmas to all my friends out there :)
Wednesday was a big day! Stealing a celebration idea from some friends (Emily and Mary Elizabeth), we decided to commemorate the twins' half birthday with cupcakes! I baked "Texas size" cupcakes (you know, the really big ones) and cut them in half and sent them to school with the kids. They had a good time, I think! I am having a very time accepting that my babies aren't really... babies! They're 1 1 /2 and full of life and surprises! Carlisle is definitely our talker (she says the typical "uh-uh-oh" and loves to call everything a "baby" while cuddling her stuffed animals. She can also now say "Bubba!" in reference to her sweet bro). She loves to dance (Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show is a huge hit), can spin pretty darn well and loves to sit in your lap to read a book. Surprisingly, she's a more laid back - I expected total drama queen, but not so much (yet!). 
Jackson Camper talks his own precious, elaborate language and loves to blow huge, elaborate kisses. He loves television as much as Sissy (oops!) and is always running around. His favorite word is "choo-choo!" so maybe the railroad or at least travel is in his future? He's rough and tumble and loves to tackle you with a big hug and smile. He has a little temper and will run to the corner when he's mad, but he recovers quickly and is really a happy fella'. They both are pretty good eaters, with Nutrigrain bars, pretzels and grapes among their favorite snacks.On Thursday, the kids' school had their Christmas party. The "big kids" performed a few Christmas songs - our kiddos will be up there next year! We then had a nice holiday party and got to spend some time with the kids' friends and their parents. We've been so pleased with our daycare! In January, the twins will "move up" to the toddler class - yikes! I'm a little terrified - they will be in a real "classroom," no more high chairs, they feed themselves lunch (as best they can) and no more naps! What happened to my babies?!
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| From Collages |
Kendal noticed something funny on Friday morning... Some sweet friends from church brought the twins Christmas gifts - boy and girl gingerbread beanie baby dolls in tin buckets. Kendal gave the kids their gifts and, within seconds, Jackson was banging the tin buckets together in loud, sheer glee while Carlisle had taken the dolls and was gently playing with them. It's so funny to see the "all boy" and "little princess" traits developing totally naturally in the kids. We rear them exactly the same, but they are totally taking on traditional roles - but they play together great, too! We're wondering if we need to "shake things up" a bit and give Carli some loud trucks and Jackson Camper some dolls so they can relate to the opposite sex, too! I'm all about equal opportunity, for sure.
Okay, back to work... or maybe to bed... Hopefully Mr. Jackson will sleep through the night - he's had a terrible time with night terrors and tonight is my "shift" with him should he wake up... Ugh. Sweet dreams, Jackson Camper! And Merry Christmas to all my friends out there :)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Countdown to Christmas!
This morning, I'm home with Jackson Camper - he was up until 5 a.m. (yes, all night!) with a yucky, hacky cough. So, we're hanging out at home while sissy is at school. I thought this was a good opportunity to post some recent holiday pics. Can't believe Christmas is only days away - so exciting! I know Kendal will be thrilled to stop the onslaught of holiday music around the house, though ;)
On Friday, we received a big box of toys from Uncle Owen (my dad's brother). It was filled with music instruments for the kids - one step closer to our family band! I grabbed a few pics of Jackson playing with the new toys - he loves them!
"Look how many teeth I have!"
I also took a few quick shots at church yesterday. We found these "matching" outfits during our Black Friday shopping spree at the Gymboree outlet (my new fave place to shop!) and I just love them. I am hoping they will last through Valentine's Day! I look forward to the day I can get BOTH kids to look and smile at one time, but in the meantime, here are some fun candids. They literally took over the front of the church after the service - typical preacher's kids! The little girl playing with Carli is her buddy Isabelle Elkins - she's about to turn ONE!
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| From 2008-12-15, Fall 08 |
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| From 2008-12-15, Fall 08 |
"Look how many teeth I have!"
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| From 2008-12-15, Fall 08 |
I also took a few quick shots at church yesterday. We found these "matching" outfits during our Black Friday shopping spree at the Gymboree outlet (my new fave place to shop!) and I just love them. I am hoping they will last through Valentine's Day! I look forward to the day I can get BOTH kids to look and smile at one time, but in the meantime, here are some fun candids. They literally took over the front of the church after the service - typical preacher's kids! The little girl playing with Carli is her buddy Isabelle Elkins - she's about to turn ONE!
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| From Collages |
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Ugh. I am so dang tired today and am about to head off to bed (yes, it's only 8PM but Jackson had night terrors last night so, late night!) but wanted to post a few things before I turn in. Kendal and I are so blessed to have a wonderful group of friends here in Arkadelphia. From the very first days we began setting up our home here, we met people who have become some of our dearest friends. It's amazing to share the day-to-day family-moments and I'm-covered-with-a-kid's-snot (and worse)-moments and anxious-moments and God-moments and laugh-until-you-cry moments with these friends. It feels like they are some of our first "grown-up" friends as I edge ever closer to the big 3-1 (Kendal's already hit it, haha).
Right now, Kendal is with a group of our guy friends at their monthly "Theology on Tap" gathering where they discuss God over brew. Sounds crazy, but it's pretty deep. Tomorrow, the girls and I have our bi-weekly Bible study and I can't wait to spend some time in discussion and prayer with them. We've also been so lucky to have several new women join our group lately and it's been so much fun learning about their lives.
Front: Mary Elizabeth, Amanda, Laura, Meghan
Back: Me, Leslie, Michelle, Karen
@ Amanda's "Baby's On the Way!" Celebration Dinner
It's also been such a blessing to have Kendal's parents (and whole family!) just two hours away. We realize this more and more as the kids are growing. Nana and Papa have been a HUGE help when we've needed help with the kids and an overall sanity check :) Nana came up last weekend to help watch the kids and even helped put up the tree! Carlisle and Jackson Camper only knocked it down twice before Kendal got smart and tacked it to the wall with fishing wire... It's secure now! (NOTE: Kendal corrected me this morning and said it was actually "tree-putter-upper-error" on my end and NOT the kids who knocked the tree down twice. J&C - sorry for calling you out :)
On Sunday, the kids participated in the annual Christmon Tree celebration during church. All of the kids in the church line up and bring special ornaments (or "christmons") to the front of the church. Of course, I was worried about how the twins would do. Carlisle was amazing - our babysitter and literal Godsend Meaghan walked Carli down and she walked down slowly, stopping at each row to check out the folks in the pew. Such a lady! Jackson Camper... not really his thing. He and I paced the church lobby before he "went on" to run out some of his energy, but no such luck. I carried him down and he squirmed the whole way, but we made it! Below are some photos I took of the kids before church started. Their bestest buddy and "third twin" Will is in the photos - we are in so much trouble with these crazy (and cute!) three! If you can't see the twins outfits, we managed to find matching nativity outfits for them - many thanks to eBay and a persistent GanGan for finding these perfect togs! It's not easy finding something with the nativity on it... at Christmas... seriously!
We also got to enjoy some early Christmas presents! My parents and sis are coming up for Christmas this year (we can't wait 'til they get here!!) and - to tide us over - GanGan and Big Daddy (my parents) sent us a big box of Christmas goodies: crafts, kids books and a beautiful mantle decoration. We wondered how long it would take the kids to find the box of peanuts...
Right now, Kendal is with a group of our guy friends at their monthly "Theology on Tap" gathering where they discuss God over brew. Sounds crazy, but it's pretty deep. Tomorrow, the girls and I have our bi-weekly Bible study and I can't wait to spend some time in discussion and prayer with them. We've also been so lucky to have several new women join our group lately and it's been so much fun learning about their lives.
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| From Fall 08 |
Back: Me, Leslie, Michelle, Karen
@ Amanda's "Baby's On the Way!" Celebration Dinner
It's also been such a blessing to have Kendal's parents (and whole family!) just two hours away. We realize this more and more as the kids are growing. Nana and Papa have been a HUGE help when we've needed help with the kids and an overall sanity check :) Nana came up last weekend to help watch the kids and even helped put up the tree! Carlisle and Jackson Camper only knocked it down twice before Kendal got smart and tacked it to the wall with fishing wire... It's secure now! (NOTE: Kendal corrected me this morning and said it was actually "tree-putter-upper-error" on my end and NOT the kids who knocked the tree down twice. J&C - sorry for calling you out :)
On Sunday, the kids participated in the annual Christmon Tree celebration during church. All of the kids in the church line up and bring special ornaments (or "christmons") to the front of the church. Of course, I was worried about how the twins would do. Carlisle was amazing - our babysitter and literal Godsend Meaghan walked Carli down and she walked down slowly, stopping at each row to check out the folks in the pew. Such a lady! Jackson Camper... not really his thing. He and I paced the church lobby before he "went on" to run out some of his energy, but no such luck. I carried him down and he squirmed the whole way, but we made it! Below are some photos I took of the kids before church started. Their bestest buddy and "third twin" Will is in the photos - we are in so much trouble with these crazy (and cute!) three! If you can't see the twins outfits, we managed to find matching nativity outfits for them - many thanks to eBay and a persistent GanGan for finding these perfect togs! It's not easy finding something with the nativity on it... at Christmas... seriously!
 |
| From Collages |
We also got to enjoy some early Christmas presents! My parents and sis are coming up for Christmas this year (we can't wait 'til they get here!!) and - to tide us over - GanGan and Big Daddy (my parents) sent us a big box of Christmas goodies: crafts, kids books and a beautiful mantle decoration. We wondered how long it would take the kids to find the box of peanuts...
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| From Fall 08 |
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| From Fall 08 |
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| From Fall 08 |
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Breakfast with Santa
This morning, I took the twins to their first Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by our local Junior Auxiliary. All the way to the school, the kids and I talked about the nice man in the red suit they were about to meet. I told them all about Santa's Christmas Eve journey, the toys he brings good little boys and girls, etc. They seemed excited and ready to meet him and share the Christmas joy.
Here is the end result:
Here is the end result:
Friday, December 5, 2008
Fall Photo Shoot!
Several weeks ago, our dear friend Meghan Hawkes took some family photos for us. I was determined to get some shots in the beautiful Arkansas fall leaves before they all fell. Easier said than done, but we found a perfect yellow tree in a friend's yard we used as a backdrop. Meghan also managed to get my favorite red trees in a few shots - they ring Ouachita's campus and are incredibly gorgeous during the two autumn weeks they are ablaze!
Our thanks to Meghan for spending time taking these fun photos. I only dream of having a fourth of her talent! If anyone wants to order any photos (talking mainly to grandparents here!) let me know and I'll put you in touch with Meghan. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Our thanks to Meghan for spending time taking these fun photos. I only dream of having a fourth of her talent! If anyone wants to order any photos (talking mainly to grandparents here!) let me know and I'll put you in touch with Meghan. Here are just a few of our favorites:
So Much to be Thankful For...
I am hopelessly behind in posting, so am going to try to catch up just a bit tonight. We are now in the midst of the Christmas season (I could not be happier!) but I do want to reflect on our wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We were able to drive down to Shreveport on Tuesday evening for a longer-than-usual stay. On Wednesday, Kendal and his dad fished at the lake while Ms. Julia Claire, the twins and I got busy with Thanksgiving preparations. I got to help make Bebe's famous "Cracker Salad" as well as the cornbread dressing - it was a huge responsibility, but I think everything turned out okay! I also spent several hours during the twins' naptime pouring over the Lands' family albums. I tried to scan in a number of old photos for us to keep - photos are my favorite family treasure and I'm so happy that the Lands (like my parents!) documented so much of their kids' growing years.
Thanksgiving day was wonderful. The weather was nice so we took the cousins outside to play for a while, hoping that would lead to a nap later but no such luck :) The meal was wonderful and the kids really enjoyed both turkey and dressing. That evening, our best-est friends and god-twins (George and Abigail) came over for a much-needed visit. The kids have all grown so much since they were last together over Labor Day and it was so much fun to watch them interact and play together. It was a drama-free, twin-filled night!
The next morning at 4:15 am, Ms. Julia Claire, Shannon and I set out for some holiday shopping. Ouch. Wal-Mart was a complete disaster and an experience I wish to forget due to crazy crowds, but once we got to Target all was well! I got a great dual DVD player for the car for a steal, so we're looking to get the kids on the road soon to test it out! We also picked up tons of cheap DVD's and finished out the twins' Christmas shopping (and more!). And, of course, a Sonic run for Diet Coke and breakfast burritos was in order! We had such a good time and I love this holiday tradition! Yes, we are absolutely crazy but we had fun so that's what really counts!
Thanksgiving weekend, we were able to celebrate the marriage of some wonderful friends, Margaret and Marc, with their friends and families. Kendal was honored to lead the wedding ceremony and we had such a wonderful time celebrating with them throughout the weekend. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Doose!
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| From Collages |
Thanksgiving day was wonderful. The weather was nice so we took the cousins outside to play for a while, hoping that would lead to a nap later but no such luck :) The meal was wonderful and the kids really enjoyed both turkey and dressing. That evening, our best-est friends and god-twins (George and Abigail) came over for a much-needed visit. The kids have all grown so much since they were last together over Labor Day and it was so much fun to watch them interact and play together. It was a drama-free, twin-filled night!
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| From Collages |
The next morning at 4:15 am, Ms. Julia Claire, Shannon and I set out for some holiday shopping. Ouch. Wal-Mart was a complete disaster and an experience I wish to forget due to crazy crowds, but once we got to Target all was well! I got a great dual DVD player for the car for a steal, so we're looking to get the kids on the road soon to test it out! We also picked up tons of cheap DVD's and finished out the twins' Christmas shopping (and more!). And, of course, a Sonic run for Diet Coke and breakfast burritos was in order! We had such a good time and I love this holiday tradition! Yes, we are absolutely crazy but we had fun so that's what really counts!
Thanksgiving weekend, we were able to celebrate the marriage of some wonderful friends, Margaret and Marc, with their friends and families. Kendal was honored to lead the wedding ceremony and we had such a wonderful time celebrating with them throughout the weekend. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Doose!
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