And......

I stole this fun post from THIS lovely lady. Go check her out... she's awesome. I am always a sucker for a little Q&A.. if you throw in a before and after post too, I am a follower for life.

Ima be gettin real with you peeps on Monday so brace yourselves. If you feel so inclined copy and past this little Q&A. It is always fun to know the basics that don't usually get discussed in post... OR maybe that is just me and my blog stalker ways that like to know the deets. Either way......

A. Age: The big 3-0 baby creepin up on 3-1. My body does not agree that 30 is the new 20.. just sayin
B. Bed size: King.... we like our snuggly time, but when sleeping happens it is all business and not touchy
C. Chore you hate: Sweeping the endless amounts of doghair... it never ends
D. Dogs: 1 Golden retriever; she's 9 and a sweet rescue.
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee and yogurt. Got to have my daily probiotic. 80% of you immune system happens in your gut. If you want to keep illness at bay eat your yogurt. Alright my nerdy side will subside for now.
F. Favorite color: Grey or Gray.. I always misspell it
G. Gold or Silver: White gold or silver. I am not a yellow gold gal
H. Height: 5'7 on a good day... bad day 5'6 
I. Instruments you play: I can break it down with Mary had a Little Lamb on the recorder and if that doesn't count then I whistle
J. Job Title: John's wifey and Crewe's momma... OH and I cannot forget Wrapping Queen
K. Kids: 1- Crewe man and he is 2
L. Live: Lubbock, Texas
M. Married: September 10th, 2011
N. Nicknames: Lex, Lax, Maey (Mommy), Babe
O. Overnight hospital stays: Appendectomy and then birthing the babe
P. Pet peeve: Going to bed without it being made. I have been know to make the bed 5 minutes before we get in. What can I say.. tangled sheets annoy me
Q. Quote: How about bible verse, John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
R. Righty or Lefty: Lefty
S. Siblings: 3 sisters, 1 from the same mom and dad, 1 half sister (dads side), 1 step sister (dads side)
T. Time you wake up:  Whenever the babe wakes up... like 10:00; although, I really need to change it. I am realizing how much I could get done getting up even at 8, which is late to most people.
U. University attended: Abilene Christian University
V. Vegetables you dislike: I am a veggie girl, so I can't recall any dislikes
W. What makes you run late: I say Crewe, my husband says my hair (he's probably right)
X. X-rays you've had: Ultrasounds for the babe and dental
Y. Yummy food: Carbs... Chips, pasta and bread would be my perfect meal
Z. Zoo animal favorite: How about Sea World animal.... Dolphins for sure.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra... ra-ra-ra-ra

Every year my expectations for the excitement of Christmas grows and grows, but it is the way it grows that is surprising to me. I get less and less excited for the presents I am going to receive and more and more excited for the wonder and excitement the season holds in Crewe's eyes. 

 

My motto is, it is never too early to start traditions and even though I know he still doesn't really understand everything that this special time of year holds, he will. The thought of getting to create all these little traditions for him makes my heart do back flips.

 

When I think back on my childhood there are so many things that hold such a huge place in my heart for this time of year. Moments I am not sure my parents even remember or realize where so significant to me.

 

For that and that alone it is my goal to be intentional. I know there are going to be things that "stick" with Crewe that I might now even remember happened, but will bring him the warm fuzzyies. And lets be real... warm fuzzies rock!

 

 

By the time my babies are grown it is my goal to have ALL the ornaments on my tree homemade ornaments by them... so we started this year with this little gem. I will never be a DIY blog. As much as I want to post "how to's" on all these projects I forget.

 

 

Momma really dropped the ball on not having any Christmas jammies clean so we settled for fire trucks.

I die..... birthday cake? Check... tool belt? Check...
The weirdness of my babe is so me and I love it! My little multi-tasker.

I had visions of grandness in my head when it came to playing in the snow. Crewe had other visions.

And poor baby was not okay that sister popped his ball... the ball that he has not even noticed was in the backyard for the past 3 months.

Block stacking and car racing trumped snow playing 10 to 1 anyway. It was much warmer inside playing with blocks next to a fire, so in hindsight he had the better plan.

Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright!

  Oh and as a Merry Christmas. I will mail a sample pack of some of my most loved products to the 1st person who knows what my title is from. Too easy? Probably.

SANTAAAAA!!!

Say my post title like Buddy the Elf and it is so much more funny.

 

I grew up in this town and somehow in my 18 years of living here... never went to Santa Land. How that is possible I am still not sure but none the less, my kid will experience this place every.single.christmas. It is magical, even at 30.

 

It was a perfect weekend outing for Daddy's return.

 

See for yourself.

 

 

Crewe was definitely more entertained by the ramp, steps and dirt... that he ate as he tumbled down the last step. Meh... boys will be boys.  

 



Kind of magical, right?

 

And nothing is more magical than the true meaning of Christmas and I always want my boy to understand and enjoy Jesus.



Cool or creepy? The verdict is still out.

My man ended up bribing me, so we ditched the 2 hour long line at Santa Land and paid $20 for THIS at the mall. Well played hunny, well played. Santa looks disgusted, I look REALLY happy and Crewe never hides his emotion.

 

My husband thought it looked like, I passed gas, it scared Crewe and disgusted Santa.

Hahahaha! It kind of does! Hmmmm....

 

 

Sweet boy ended the night shakin his groove thang while daddy planked!

 

 



Day of Silence

Transparent

Friday was a very bittersweet day for me. As I woke up for the day thrilled that my husband was coming home after 2 long weeks in Wisconsin... I was completely heart broken upon hearing about the news of the sweet lives that left this earth too soon and so tragically.

 

I am a thinker by nature and events like these rock me to the core. I mull them over in my head to the point of tears and feel like I cannot escape them.  In trying to understand any of it, I am only left where everyone else is left... with no answer and not much comfort.

 

My brain desperately wants an answer to the "why" of the tragedy, but at the same time I just want to completely escape from all the pictures, reports, motives etc..... and go on as if it never occurred. I want the safeness that the world felt the day before the tragedy, because to me it felt safer.

I want those babies to be back in their warm bed, with their loving parents and siblings rooms away, and their sweet eyes full of wonder with all the world has to hold. The world seems a bit colder since Friday.

 

As we learn to move forward and this becomes a memory for most, becaue it will. Our lives will begin to feel normal again... the sadness will fade. The lives of those families are forever changed. They will have to find a new normal in a world that is not near as joyous, hopeful or wonderful without their loved one.

 

This is the first major tragedy of this nature since I became a mama and it has a whole different meaning to me. It really makes me fearful, which I have a post coming on why we are not called to live in fear, but none-the-less fear creeps in when tragedy strikes.

It is so easy to be consumed by something this tragic, but I feel we serve the victims so much more by using our God given abilities to bring light into a fallen world.

 

This is not going to end with a pretty bow on top because I really do not know how to end it. These are just some of my feeling right now. If any personal good has come out of this for me (which I understand this has nothing to do with me) it would be that I was definitely slapped in the face with the importance of living an intentional life.

 

 Intentially loving

Intentially accepting

Intentially stepping out of our comfort zones

Intentially listening

Intentially playing

Intentially sharing God

 

 

With that being said I am taking a break from social media for a while to truly focus on my family without the distraction of the news, facebook, instagram etc. I do intend to continue blogging as this is my way of documenting my babes life. but all the other mambo jumbo needs to be silenced for a while.

 

To the families that lost their babies and loved one. Your children will never be forgotten by America. Their sweet faces are forever etched on our hearts and it is my prayer that the acts of heroism that happened on Friday will be what is written about in our children's history books when this tragedy is remembered.

Day of Silence

I know all of you share my sadness over what happened yesterday. As a mother - I can't FATHOM how those parents must feel. I hope you will all be praying for the people of CT. They need our prayers.


<img src="https://sites.google.com/site/megoblogdesign/files/sandyhooksupport.png" />
On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,
The Blog World

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.

Crewe's 2 year post... grab the kleenex

 

This was intended to be posted on his actual birthday; however, I have proven to be a complete amateur at parenting a toddler by myself, so I am behind on life in general.

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My sweet sweet boy,

How has it already been 2 years since you came into our lives?!?! In your short 2 years you have grown into the sweetest, caring, most loving little toddler, with some strong will mixed in there. It seems like just yesterday I was an overwhelmed new momma wondering how in the world I was capable of keeping another human being alive, let along raise them to be a good person. Today I am overwhelmed at the amount of love my heart can hold and ache, the good ache, for someone else.

I remember taking a shower at the hospital after you were born and wanting to jump ship. I wasn't sure I could do it and the thought of not being the perfect mom to you was too much. Little did I know  you would teach me how to be your momma and we would learn one day at a time.

 

 

You and I have grown so much together and I adore that you love me as much as I love you. I love that I will always be your very first best friend (along with Daddy and Sophie of course).... and hope that I can always stay as perfect in your eyes as you see me now. Daddy and I say often that we wish we could just keep you at this age forever and I pray every night that you will always hold the song in your heart that plays so loudly now.

One of my all time favs of these two!

You are so nice to everyone you see and are constantly walking up to people in public telling them Hi. You will continue to say Hi until they acknowledge you. You pretty much steal everyone's heart that you meet.

 

 

I love seeing your heart the older you get because it makes me feel like Daddy and I are doing something right in being your parents and role models.

 

The way you run up and hug my legs tight, while cramming your nose into my behind, or the random kisses that you give us without being prompted, the way you love the broom and vacuuum more than any toy we own. Those melt my heart the most.



 I remember a month ago I was rocking you to sleep smelling your sweet fleeting baby smells on your head and I whispered to you that YOU make me a better me and you do.

 

Your little personality is contagious. I love the coy smile you get on your face when I tell you not to do somthing... Or when I start counting to get your attention, you finish the numbers before I can get them out.

You are a very cautious little boy in a new situation, but warm up as soon as you see others having fun. It's like you know you are missing out.

You are a very smart boy, but have always done things at your own pace. Daddy and I try to make it a point to just talk to you, not so much to force you to learn something, but we will spell your name for you or name things when we are out for a walk or in the store and days later you will just start repeating it. It blows are minds the way you are absorbing things these days.

Some of the things you love right now are all things cars, animals, your bottle, paci, mommy, daddy, Sophie, Mickey Mouse, playing "ready, set, go" with Daddy, being scared, flashlights, the color purple, cherry tomatoes, cream filling of oreos.

 I can tell your attention span has increased a lot lately as you will sit in our laps and read book after book. You go in spurts of having a favorite book that you want to read. You can spell your name thanks to Daddy and know all of your body parts including your teetee.. again thanks to Daddy. You have been saying "Santa Clause is coming to town" for months and give the best "squeezes". Sometimes I will take you to Toys R Us and just let you play with all the toys for a couple hours. It is heaven to you.

 

Some of the things you are not so fond of.... large crowds cheering (you cry every.single.time), any motorized ride on toy that they have in malls or at the front of stores, being told "no touch", your pediatricians office, Santa Clause or any human dressed up as a character for that matter.

Momma and Daddy have been working so hard on growing our marriage and our faith. We don't ever want you to question how much you are loved, who you belong to and that we will stay together forever. We want to be the best example of love for you and always want you to know that you belong to Jesus, so that nobody comes along in your life and makes you question where you belong.

 

I will leave you with this sweet boy....

"Not everyone is going to like you and not everyone is supposed to and if everybody likes you and everybody understands you and everybody includes you.... You are not standing boldly enough for Christ. When Christ is in you it sets you apart.

Lonliness is not an indication of abandonment it's and invitation to intimacy with the one who knows you better than anybody. It may be costly to do Gods will, but be confident in his reward."

- Steve Furtick.

                        Newborn                                        1 year old                                       2 year old

I adore you kid! Like hardcore love you!

And in true momma fashion... I forgot to get candles so we improvised with a match. You were happy.

Happy Birthday my 2 year old.

If I am being honest

I have had an immense amount of mommy guilt lately... from the amount of time my kiddo has spent watching Disney Jr. to the fact that we are not having a huge bash for his birthday... or a bash at all for that matter. We are going to celebrate Crewe here at home making a day JUST for him, but not having a party.

 

It didn't bother me for the longest time because he is only 2, but as the day has crept closer the guilt stings a little more. I know who guilt comes from and it is not from God, so I will recognize that.... Saturday we will turn off all electronic devices and just gladly celebrate our boy.

 

 

If I am being honest... our family is gearing up for Daddy to be gone for 2 whole weeks. That might not like seem much to most, but for this momma (who has only spent a max of 3 nights away from her man and maybe 3 nights alone with my kiddo) it is taking preparation for my heart. I don't like being away from him for that long.

 

 

Side note: Just in case any psychos view my blog.. I would like to let you know that we are the proud owners of a semi-automatic, 2 shot guns, a rifle as well as a pistol and I am a good shot, so if you come a knocking and I see you at the door.. I will drag you in :-) Doesn't get more honest than that, right?!

Moving on.....

If I am being honest.... I am going to give myself and Crewe a whol-lotta grace the next two weeks and if anybody is in need of a play date we are available. :-)

 

If I am being honest.... tonight we were sitting on the couch eating pizza and John looked at me asking if I ever ate certain foods that I really couldn't taste until they hit the back of my tongue to which I laughed and said "Honey, only YOU would ever notice that, let alone be disappointed that the other 2 inches of your tongue do not get to taste it". Daddy and his food. Love him and the fact that our sweet boy is just like him. 30 years from now I will sit on the couch, read this and laugh hysterically

If I am being honest... my goal is to have all 15 doors in our house painted black, by the time my honey returns. Pretty much a door a day. I am super excited about this project... so in true Alexis fashion I will neglect everything else in my life and paint doors.

 

 

I will leave you with proof that we have a mickey problem in our house.

Mickey on the phone and t.v.
 

Have a great weekend!