Life's Little Adventures

The Summer of ......Illness??? Looking back, I can define some of the summers of my life by a title.  The Summer of Dating Stephen, The Summer of Being Pregnant with Daniel, The Summer of Being Pregnant with Natalie, etc.  If I had to title this summer, it would be The Summer of Meningitis...and other illnesses.  Who knew our medical bills would be so expensive when we were just starting to pay our deductible! In case you don't know, I developed spinal meningitis earlier this summer. I am thankful that it wasn't bacterial, but it's still been a rough ride.  We've also had ear infections, colds, and various viral infections.  I think our insurance company hates us at this point.  Pass the tissues, please :)

Taking pics of the kids is always a fun adventure. Today's funny comes from the JCPenney portrait studio. Daniel told the photographer "I have my sister, my MawMaw, and my Gena". Not only am I last, I am now an equal.

I'm an oilfield wife. This basically means that my husband leaves our family for weeks at a time to provide for us so I can stay home with the kids. Is it hard? Yes. I always look so forward to the days that he comes home. Sometimes during the time he's away, I get so lonely that I don't think I'm going to make it. It makes me appreciate single mothers and their struggles much more. Being the only parent for two weeks is enough for me. I'm always proud of my husband and his sacrifices, though. I always try to send pics, funny stories, videos. I pray that the kids' milestones happen during the time he's home. I can't imagine not seeing my little ones for weeks at a time. Which leads me to the reason for this whole blog. I  am so thankful that I get to be here for all the sweet moments. Natalie loves mornings and once she has had her breakfast, she is the sweetest little girl. She crawls in my lap and gives me the sweetest two-tooth smile. She still has...

Before I had kids, I was the queen of "keeping up".  I networked and talked on the phone all of the time.  I'd call this friend to check on their weekend. I'd call another friend to ask about her dog/cat/fish/car/house. I'd even call to share the latest gossip. Spring forward a couple of years, and I'm lucky to talk to my friends once a month. Just a quick call to catch up on how the kids are doing, the issues we're having with life, and we always end with promises to get together soon.  Those get togethers don't really happen like they once did, but that's ok.  I still love my friends dearly, and one day we'll talk on the phone.  Until then, a quick text message will have to do. 

So a lot has happened since I last blogged. I think that's going to be a pattern.  Let me catch up: At the first of October, we welcomed the most fabulous little girl into the world. Natalie Jolene was born at 12:31 pm and she's had us wrapped around her little finger ever since. Daniel loves his "Sissy", but he doesn't really know what to do with her yet.  Daniel the day his sister was born Mommy and her Nat Bug Trying to adjust to life with two kids under the age of 2 has been really interesting.  Wait, let me rephrase that....life with two kids under the age of 2 has been really HARD.  They're either both crying, both needing a diaper change, both fussy, or both needs attention. Bath time is the absolute worst.  I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, though. I love being a mommy more than I love anything else in this world.  I never imagined I could love anyone else as much as I love my kids. From the moment I saw both of their little ...

Almost five months since my last blog post?? No way!!  Ok, I'm a super slacker, but I have a big reason...well, two reasons.  Reason one: a very active 1 1/2 year old.  Man that kid can get around! I barely have time to breathe!!  He is so much fun and I'm amazed everyday at what he has learned.  How do kids get so smart?  Reason two:  Baby Foreman 2 will be here in October!  This pregnancy has been completely different from my pregnancy with Daniel. I have been sick since day one and I definitely haven't felt like blogging.  We are finding out tomorrow if it's a boy or a girl.  Everyone is asking what we prefer - our honest answer is "either". If it's a boy, Daniel will have a little brother and a built in best friend.  I do, however, worry about our grocery bill when they're 14 or 15 years old.  Sheesh!!  If it's a girl, we will have one of each - I will get to experience bows and dresses and I won't know anything ab...

So my dad is a man of few words. He usually takes everything in and doesn't say a lot.  This makes bonding hard to do with Big Wayne. Last weekend when he asked if I wanted to go to an auction with him, I jumped at the chance.  A little father-daughter bonding time never hurts.  My mom agreed to babysit so off we went on a Saturday morning. Riding in a truck with my dad is exciting -  I talk about everything and he usually just agrees or disagrees. We I talked about land, trailers, his upcoming business venture, Daniel, the weather, dogs, and food.  I ran out of topics so we just rode in silence for awhile.  I was worried what I had gotten myself into. When we got there, I saw a different side to my dad. Gone was the solemn, quiet man.  His eyes lit up. He talked about everything. He told me how the auctions worked, we compared notes on items up for bid, prices, people at the auction, and food served. He opened up to me about work, family, his dogs,...