Merry Christmas to all!

These are a few of my favorite things...

The look on Henry's face and his messy hair when I go get him after he wakes up.

Aubrey's love for dance and her fabulous sense of style.

Baby Blues

"feet jammies" (as Aubrey calls them), with snugly toes inside.

and just for a laugh...

Like father

Like son.

Conversations with Aubrey

I think it's safe to say that Aubrey has a very curious mind and a pretty decent vocabulary these days.  There are days when it cracks me up, and others when it frustrates me!  Here are some of the latest conversations.

1. Aubrey has been into her Cinderella book lately.  She is obsessed with one scene in particular. One would think that the sweet little girl would love seeing Cinderella in her beautiful dress, or like the birds and mice.  Oh no, not Aubrey.  Here is a conversation we have on a regular basis.:

"Mommy, read the page where Cinderella's stepersisters rip her dress to pieces.  That's not nice.  Why they rip her dress?" 

And some follow on conversations.

Aubrey: "Mommy, where does Cinderella live."  

Mommy: "Where do you think she lives?" (way to throw it back at her, huh!)

Aubrey: "Oh, maybe Colorado."

Mommy: "Really, I thought she lived in Florida.  You see, there's this magical place....." you get the rest "and she lives in a big castle at Disneyworld (of course).  Maybe one day we'll take you there and you can meet her."

Aubrey: "Oh, OK.  OH AND MOMMY.  I want to see the stepersisters too.  They live there?"

Mommy: mmmm "No, honey.  I don't think so."

Aubrey: "Why?" of course.

Mommy: "I don't know. They just don't."

Aubrey:  "Mommy, I want stepersisters like Cinderella."

Mommy: "No, Aubrey, I'm pretty sure you don't.  You have a brother and he's nice."

Aubrey: "Well, I want a brother AND stepersisters.

The end.

2. Moving on.  We have an Elf friend around here lately (if you aren't familiar, check out Elf on a Shelf.  She really gets it this year. Part of the story involves naming your Elf.  

Mommy: "Aubrey, what should we name our Elf?"

Aubrey: "Oh, maybe Fancy Nancy."

Mommy: "OK, I guess."

a few days later...

Mommy: "Aubrey, what's the Elf's name? "

Aubrey: "Uh, maybe Cinderella.  Or MAYBE STEPERSISTERS!!!"

Of course, that is the one that stuck.  What is that all about! I have asked her why she likes the mean "stepersisters" (by the way, that wasn't a typo.  That is what she calls them and I love it), but she doesn't seem to be able to tell me.  

3. Another thing that just tickles me and drives me crazy...

We have always told Aubrey that she has to hold hands when we are in the street or a parking lot.  So the other day we are starting to cross a street and I tell he to hold my hand. Her response...

"No mommy.  I'm already holding hands.  See, I'm holding my own hand."

Sigh.....

4. At breakfast...

Aubrey: "Mommy, why Henry doesn't have any teeth?"

Mommy: "Because he's a baby."

Clearly not good enough...

Aubrey: "Mommy, why babies don't have any teeth."

Mommy: "Well, because they don't really need them.  They drink their dinners.  But soon, Henry will have teeth.  That's why he's starting to eat other foods."

Aubrey: "My babies don't have any teeth either...(pause)...cuz I have milk in my boobies."

Mommy: "Oh really, since when?"

Aubrey: "Uh, since yesterday."

And you thought you were having a bad hair day...

Poor little Henry as some hair issues.  I guess when you come out with a full head of the stuff, you're bound to lose a lot since you spend 90% of your time rubbing your head around on the bed or floor.  And rub his head he does.  I've watched him in his sleep sometimes just thrashing his head back and forth at warp speed.  Not sure if he's trying to scratch it or what (he does have a bad case of cradle cap to go along with his eczema), but at least he doesn't wake up when he does it.  The bad part is he has rubbed off most of the hair on the sides and back of his head. That leaves him with one heck of a comb-over.  A little toupee for my little man.  I've been told I should cut it, but I just can't bring myself to do it for fear of leaving him with a mohawk.  Also, Aubrey had no hair for two years, so it seems just weird to take a 6 month old for a haircut. Anyway, I still think he's pretty darn cute, don't you?

Frustrating... but worth the lesson

Do you know how hard it is to get two kids dressed in their Christmas best (which also involved making a hair bow at the last minute), load them into the car, drive to the mall, sit them on Santa's lap without tears, have them both look at the camera, smile for the camera, walk through the mall with a 3 year old running loose (chasing her 3 year old friend), eat lunch, and get home for naps... all in a two hour window? Well, it's pretty much impossible, but I did it today (minus getting the smiles) and I was so proud of myself... that is until I got home and realized a few hours later that I had NO idea where the two photos I paid way too much for of Santa with my non-smiling children (darn right pouting in Aubrey's case) were. Of course, because they stick you with a crazy price for a picture, they let you take your own photos if you have a camera... and luckily I did. But I'm still peeved that I lost the pictures somewhere in the mall.  Not to mention it creeps me out a bit to think of who may have the pictures of my children.

So, I just sat down to load the photos of dear ole Santa onto the computer and remembered I hadn't loaded the bazillion photos I took of the two kids the other night, again, all dressed up in hopes of "the" photo for our Christmas card. Well, turns out those are missing too. Then I remembered my camera telling me I needed to format my card when I was taking a few photos before the whirlwind trip to the mall. I didn't realize at the time that I hadn't emptied the card yet... so format I did. AGH.

What did I do to annoy the photo elves. I just need ONE good photo, I don't need one more photoshoot. I've already had to wash the Christmas outfits twice. Come on already! Thanks Alice for the beautiful dress.  We're certainly getting our use out of it :).

However, I have a huge smile as I picture my successful trip out of the house today, and as I picture my sweet little babies all dressed up. It is the moment that matters and I'm trying to remember that these days. I sometimes get so caught up in taking the best photos, that I don't actually enjoy what is happening. Is it all for the camera? I'm guilty of that for sure.  A good lesson this holiday season. Enjoy your loved ones, have FUN in the moment, and capture it in your heart. If you get the photo too, it's gravy.

Santa looks about as miserable as the kids.  Poor Aubrey was almost shaking.  She was so excited to see Santa, but I'm not sure she actually knew what that meant!

Taken just moments before Henry spit up down the front of his shirt

Star crossed lovers?  Henry and his girl, Jane Ann

1/2 a year down

Yep, Henry is 6 months old. How did that happen? Seems like I say that every month. He's becoming less of a newborn everyday (although you wouldn't know it from his sleep schedule lately)! He is rolling over both ways, reaching for toys, chewing on everything that comes near his mouth, eating solid foods, and smiling and laughing A LOT! He is still a happy little baby despite having his first cold and battling the eczema. His red, cracked, dry skin comes and goes, and I think I have determined it doesn't have much to do with what I eat (yeah for cheese). I'm still keeping my diet fairly bland, but indulge when the urge arises.

I mentioned that he is rolling over. The minute you put him down on his back, he flips right over to his belly... and then gets M-A-D that he is there! How can he forget how to flip back over over???? It makes going down for naps no fun, and has added to some nighttime shenanigans too. Good times.

We went for his 6 month check last week and he has slowed down in the growing department a bit. My 50% child is now down to 10% in weight. He's still 2 lbs larger than Aubrey was at this age and she is just fine, so I guess my little guys are just peanuts.

Anyway, we love him, of course, and love to show him off. So here you go.

We are thankful!

We have so many things to be thankful for, not the least of which is family. My parents just left after spending nearly two weeks with us. What a wonderful time we had! They were able to park their Airstream in front of our house, which gave us just enough extra room. Aubrey loved playing in the "trails." On Thanksgiving day, my brother and his family made the trip to town too. It was the first time in two years that ALL of us were together. We enjoyed great food, and some warm weather which allowed the kids to play outside. Aubrey had a blast running around with her cousins, especially since we didn't make her take a nap.

To top it all off, Brian's parents will be arriving today for a visit on their way from WI to South Texas, where they spend the winter months these days. We are truely blessed to be surrounded by family... although we sure do wish they were all a little closer!

The "trails"

GiGI and Grandad with all the grandkids

The cousins, and Scout

Aubrey loves playing Dr. these days.  Maybe one day she'll follow in her grandad's footsteps.

All dressed up...

... with somewhere to go!!!  It doesn't happen often, so I thought I would capture it on film.  Brian and I had a great day yesterday attending my friend Mandy's wedding.  It was a perfect day and a beautiful wedding!  Congratulations Mandy and Shane, and thanks for letting us share in your happiness.  (Thanks mom for babysitting!)

Not a lot of bloggin'

I have been slacking a bit lately on the blog.  I can't give you any specific reason other than Henry seems to be requiring more attention and Aubrey's tantrums have reached an all time high.  Are the two related? Most definitely.  Can I figure out how to "fix" it? Maybe, but right now it seems impossible.  Add the fact that I feel a little under the weather and this is what you get... a short note with photos instead.  Isn't that why you check this blog to begin with?  So, here is what we have been up to lately...

Lunch time x 2.  I'm not really ready for this, but I guess he can't have a liquid only diet forever. 

Can she really be so sweet and well behaved in public, and so "spirited" at home? At least it's not the other way around, I guess.

What happened to my living room?

Henry really loves the saucer. I'm glad Brian pulled it out of storage.  I didn't think he was big enough yet, but he does great and it really helps entertain him when I need it most.

Aubrey sure does love Henry.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'.

Oh, the biggest news of all....

We are staying in Austin!!!

Brian accepted a job offer last week and will start shortly after graduation in May.  So, if you know anyone looking for a great house in Fort Worth, let us know.  We need to sell it quick so we can find something here.  I have a feeling all of our spirits would be lifted if we weren't tripping over each other in this house.  

Happy Veteran's Day

First of all, thank you to those of you who have served this great country in the armed forces, or in support of them.

I feel bad I didn't even realize it was Veterans Day until a friend at playgroup told us why her daughter was not in school. I have been pretty wrapped up in my own world lately, so I guess it shouldn't surprise me that it slipped under my radar. I'm not sure when I last watched the news, or read a paper. Pretty ironic considering my job in the military was to know ALL the news, all the time. I suppose it's a lot like my friends who played sports at a competitive level. Once they stopped competing, they pretty much stopped playing all together. I suppose that if you can't keep yourself in tip top shape, or spend hours a day analyzing information to produce intelligence, you feel like you shouldn't do it at all... otherwise you just get frustrated and disappointed at your current level of performance. Ok, so that's a pretty sorry excuse for my lack awareness, but give me a break... I had to clean up yet another diaper mess gone wrong today.

So, in honor of Veteran's Day, I thought you would get a kick out of these photos of yours truly and my hubby. My memories of my time in the Navy are bitter sweet. It was seldom easy. I was often lonely, under-appreciated, and frustrated, but it was an amazing experience. I traveled the world (and a lot of ocean), made some life long friends, met and married my true love, and did more for the betterment of my country than I ever imagined I would. I had never before felt such honor and pride like I did the day I took that oath. It is indescribable. Anchors Aweigh my friends. 

(Lucky for you I don't have any digital photos from my time at OCS or commissioning, although they would be the most amusing of the bunch). 13 weeks of "fun" didn't do a lot for my girly girl looks (although I did have a great set of abs!) These are really out of order, but it's late and I'm too tired to fix them. Blogger is not user friendly in that department.

Dec. 2000. Intel school graduation with the Director of Naval Intelligence.  Notice my short hair... this was eight months post OCS.  Oh yeah, it was even shorter.

April 2002. Ensign no more. LTJG Goolsby.

Who needs "Maverick" when you have "Monkey?"  Move over Tom Cruise.

There really is something about those boys in uniform.  Lucky for me, I didn't have to wear mine that night.  It just isn't the same on me.

July 2001. Riding in a C-130 for 8 hours back to Virginia Beach from a training detachment in Montana.  Not so first class.  No potty and no peanuts.

Cruise 2002. Sitting in a Mig-21 in Croatia.    

Cruise 2002. Transiting the Suez Canal.  Not a lot of room to spare on either side.  Plenty of room in my size XL shirt.  Was it too much to ask for something a little more fitted?

Cruise 2000, the pre-Jill years. Sexy legs there honey.  

Home sweet home for more months than I care to remember.

CVN-73, the USS George Washington

Deep in thought in the Ready Room, advising a pilot... ok, so I was helping with a crossword. Petey needed a lot of help.

Taken from a SH-60 helo as I was leaving the GW for a one night stay aboard a Canadian destroyer. 

Taking a joy ride in a T-34.

Jeny and Avery's visit no. 2

We are so lucky to have had two visits from Jeny and Avery since Henry's birth (if only Bob had been able to come too). The girls had even more fun playing together this time since Avery is walking and is able to keep up with Aubrey. They also napped at the same time, so Jeny and I were able to visit more and spend some time loving on Henry. Thanks again Jeny for making the trip! What a special birthday present for Aubrey.

Big smiles for Jeny

What a difference a few months makes.  Take a look at how much they have grown!

January 2008

July 2008

November 2008

.

Aubrey's Birthday Fair!

We celebrated Aubrey's 3rd birthday today. How can she be 3? A few months back, I asked her what kind of party she wanted to have. She thought for a second and then exclaimed "a stick party." I kind of blew it off, considering she often throws out ridiculous answers just to be silly. For instance, when asked what she would like for lunch, she sometimes laughs and says "trees and rocks." So, I asked her a few more times over the following weeks. The answer was always the same... "a stick party mommy." So, I thought and thought about how I could make this work. What is a stick party anyway? She said "we play with sticks, we eat sticks." Hmmm. And then the lightbulb... food on a stick. We will have a down home fair!

We had a great evening with friends (although we missed having family come). Our friend Jeny and her daughter Avery even came to town from Virginia (gotta love free flying when your husband is an airline pilot). I would never have been prepared without her help!!! Thanks Jeny. The kids seemed to love the bean bag toss, pin the nose on the clown, corndogs and of course, cupcakes on a stick! Thank you to everyone for helping Aubrey celebrate her big day.

She was worn out tonight and very grateful for her special day. Her words... "mommy, I had too much birthday!" (which means she loved every minute of it).

My invaluable helper, Jeny.

Jack and Amy

The birthday girl in her special shirt... a little overwhelmed at first.

The McHorse clan checking out the games.

Avery waiting for her grub.

Classic fair food.

Henry enjoyed some love from Mia.

The party was hoppin'.

So excited for cake.

The cupcake pops were a hit too! (Of course, mine aren't nearly as cute as Bakerella's)

Thanks for helping Beth and Mia.

Sweet Caroline.

Alivia and her daddy.  Look at him eying her pop!

A VERY happy girl and and very tired mama.