I Wonder

I wonder, why is it that other people's lives seem so fascinating, but when it comes to updating my blog - I've got nothing! Yet, it seems like I'm constantly on the go and don't have a minute to myself. Surely, I should have something to write about!

Let's see, B is as active as ever. He is loving preschool, but continues to cling to me almost every time I drop him off there. Once I leave, he is fine. Going to school has definitely had a positive effect on him. He let's us read to him now, he asks about letters and numbers, and is obeying quicker (for the most part). He is an awesome big brother and Gracie ADORES him. He loves going on nature walks with his Pops in the afternoons.

Gracie is growing like a weed and learning new things every day. I wish I could freeze her at this age for a year and enjoy her sweet baby-ness. Actually, I wish I could have frozen her a couple of months ago as she is now crawling fast and getting into things! She has such a sweet disposition and we're praying that she keeps it into her toddler, preschool, and (most importantly) TEEN years! She loves watching Brennan and squeals with delight when he talks to her and plays with her. She is already drawn to girly things (purses, jewelry, etc.). In fact, I've given her an old purse filled toys to play with and she loves it.


As you can see from the picture, we now live in a gated community. Which I've found is only effective if an unnamed 4 1/2 year old doesn't open them and let the baby escape. Ask me how I know...

Can You Guess?

I picked up B's Halloween costume yesterday. Can you guess what he will be this year?

Gracie will be wearing her big brother's hand-me-down monkey costume, I think. I haven't actually tried it on her to see if it will fit. I'll add that to today's agenda!

And since we're already playing a guessing game, can you guess what B is doing in this picture?

If you guessed "Painting a birdhouse made out of recycled materials that his Daddy built for him using a kit we picked up at Patuxent River Appreciation Days" - you'd be correct! In fact, his Daddy won a nomination from B for "Father of the Year". He had a blast with that little project. Unfortunately, if Josh is waiting on a "Husband of the Year" nomination, he'll be waiting a little longer. He set B up with this project right before he left for work. Guess who was left to supervise and clean up the mess? If you guessed the future "Wife and Mother of the Year" (aka ME), then you guessed right :)

SURPRISE!!!

I'm actually updating my blog! I was going to wait until the one-year anniversary of my last post, but I had a few extra minutes tonight after folding all of the laundry :)

We've been busy the past 11 months. I am going to try to update more frequently now. You know, for my non-Facebook friends...all two or three of you!


Brennan started preschool last month. He goes three times a week for two and a half hours. He seems to like it and we've noticed some positive changes in him. For instance, he actually lets us read to him now! He's a cool kid and he keeps us on our toes.


Gracie is the sweetest little thing on the planet. She adores her big brother and loves watching him act like a giant goof ball. She isn't crawling yet, but we're not encouraging that type of behavior. We want her to stay in one place for as long as possible! She says "Momma" now, she waves hello and goodbye, claps her hands, and has the best belly laugh.

Here are just a few, random pictures since I haven't posted in almost a year...

Princess Gracie - 8 lbs. 12 oz, 21 inches

B played soccer. He hated it, but it's a cute picture!

My sweet angels

It's a...

GIRL!!!

Brennan was very excited to find out that a baby sister will be joining him in February. Everything looked great during the ultrasound and she was quite active - which seems to be a trend with my children :o) Maybe she'll have a chance at keeping up with her big brother.

Today, I am 21 weeks pregnant. I can't believe that I'm more than halfway to the finish line!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

I don't know about you, but I am so glad that the hot, humid, hazy, mosquito-infested days of Summer seem to be behind us. I am not a Summer person (in case you couldn't tell). I'm much more of a Fall/Spring type person. Cool, crisp mornings/evenings and warm days with cool breezes. Yes, that's my type of weather. We've been spending lots of time outdoors - which I don't mind doing now that the mosquitoes have disappeared. We even had an impromptu bon fire on Saturday night. Unfortunately for Brennan, we only had mini marshmellows so we couldn't make s'mores.

Speaking of, not really but I needed a transition, Brennan has learned how to ride his balance bike (video/pictures coming soon). A balance bike is a two-wheel bike without pedals that teaches kids to ride without training wheels. Three weeks ago he would only attempt to ride it if we made him, and now we can't get him off of the bike! He calls it his "motorcycle".

Here is a video of Brennan enjoying the gorgeous Fall weather at the park on Friday. Enjoy!



In other exciting news, I'll have my 20-week ultrasound next Wednesday (9/30) and we will hopefully find out if we're having a girl or a boy.

Sunday Evening at The Hixson's

My guys hanging out on the couch this evening (in between wrestling and building towers with bristle blocks). By the way, the pelt on the wall is a wallaby from Sydney, Australia (from Josh's Aunt Cassandra and Uncle Graham).

And here I am relaxing in B's Tonka Truck chair :o)

Reunited and it feels so good!

Josh and I playing with my new laptop last night.

Josh was able to come home yesterday. It was a long day with lots of ups and downs, but in the end he came home and that's what is important. There is going to be a lot of adjustments and there is a whole new set of rules, but things are starting to feel much more normal (if there is such a thing as normal).

In other news, my body has decided that it is exhausted and I am not battling some sort of sinus ailment. I feel good for the most part, but I have a lot of head congestion. I guess if I have to be sick, at least it's now when Josh is home to help with B.

Answered Prayers

B and Josh, May 2008

We learned yesterday that Josh will be able to come home possibly as early as Monday. We decided that instead of waiting and petitioning for the judge to reconsider the sentence, our best bet would be to request in-home detention (house arrest). This situation will allow Josh to still carry out his sentence but he'll do it from the comfort of our home where he can help me care for B and take care of things around the house. He'll have to wear an electronic ankle bracelet equipped with GPS so he can't go more than 1000 feet from our home - except to go to work. I especially like this stipulation since I have a lot of work I need done around here! Kidding -- kind of!!

While this whole situation is far from "ideal", I still stand firm in my belief that God works all things for good. He doesn't want us to hurt and go through hard times, but He does promise to use those hurts for good. I can attest to a lot of the good that has come out of this less than ideal situation. And while I'm admittedly apprehensive about the weeks ahead, I am also so excited to see the amazing things God has planned for my family.

So if you think about us this week, please pray for an easy transition for my family, especially for B.

Happy Mother's Day

I know most of you are probably thinking this very same thought with Mother's Day quickly approaching - but I'm fairly certain that I have the greatest mother on the planet. Not only did she give me life (which I hear wasn't easy due to umbilical cord complications during my birth!), but she has taught me about life. Not by words, but by example. She inspires and encourages me on a daily basis. She is beautiful inside and out. She is my best friend and biggest fan even when I'm least deserving of love and admiration. I am so blessed and I thank God every day for her. While it's nice of Hallmark to give us a day to honor our mother's, I think my mother deserves a celebration every day.

I love you, Momma!