Bleak Day Turned Beautiful

Some days, I just know from the start that it is going to be a long day. That's how I started how this morning. I knew ahead of time that Daniel had to work late, and I knew that I wasn't going to be able to take my car out at all today and those two things alone make for a long one in my books. So, I just already had in my head that the day would be one during which there are 120 seconds in a minute. I know this is a poor attitude for a Stay at Home Mommy to have, but I'm a Human Stay at Home Mommy, and sometimes my attitude is poor.

The first few hours of the morning, I just did as little as I could. I felt lazy and sloppy and dreadful of being inside alllllll day long. I allowed myself those few hours before snapping out of my funk. The kids were fine. I don't even think they noticed my foulness. They just played with each other and toys and with me just like any other day. While watching them play I realized they deserved more than my funk. So, I pulled myself together. I took a few minutes to get myself and London dressed, Dylan asked to stay in his PJs, and started my cleaning routine.

It wasn't long before I forgot why I felt so bleak at the start of the day. I wasn't even thinking of the dreadfulness that is not leaving the house all day long or Daniel working late. It was just our usually routine and two beautiful babes to share the day with.

Not leaving the house left more time than usual to focus on my kids. This little guy and I even had some quality video game time!
He's been after me to play his favorite game with him for quite some time, and I just haven't made myself make time. I'm a little ashamed to say that, but its the honest truth. And lets not forget about me being Human and all. The thing is that I'm just NOT a "gamer". I don't play video games. They make me antsy and sometime dizzy. But my little man loves them so! And obviously, my hubby loves them, seeing as how its his career to make them and all. My two boys bond deeply over their loves for the games. :) So, Dylan has been trying to talk me into playing this Legend of Zelda game with him and I have been dancing around it. I offer him arts and craft, a fun snack, some baking, a bubble bath, ANYTHING instead. I do bond with my little guy, really, just not over games. BUT I had all the time in the world today that even offering all those other great fun activities, we would still have time for the game. So, I buckled down and played.

Let me tell you, I still don't like video games. BUT seeing my little man in his own turf, was so neat. He knew SOOOO much about this whole world inside the game. It amazed me. Listening to him teach me about how to do this and how to go there, it just made my heart so big and full of pride and love for my boy. My bleak day turned beautiful right then.



London played sweetly around us while Dylan and I were playing the video game for quite a while before decided enough was enough. Seems my little princess isn't much on the gaming either. So, the three of headed for one our favorite hang outs, London's room. That is where there play table is at and they just love being in there. I love it because it has amazing natural light and my camera takes pretty good pics in there. And for the play time, of course.
While playing in there, my kiddos were full of laughs and giggles. Dylan loves jumping off the table (which is really low to the ground) and pretending to be a super hero. London is learning to love to TRY to jump. She is smart and only jumps while holding onto my fingers, thanktheLord. Sitting in that room full of sunshine and giggles, my day was not one bit of bleak but only beautiful.
After dinner, my sweet girl loves to help me mop. Its more mess to clean up, but its priceless. Another beautiful moment. And this smile, it could light up anyone's day.The kids took a long nap this afternoon against my better judgment. The normally go to bed at seven and eight o clock. But They both slept from four to six o clock, so bed time was not happening tonight. So after dinner, I needed to change up our whole routine. Searching for ways to stretch out the night, I was so happy when Dylan suggested bubbles. My mom had bought them some for Valentines. So, we broke them out out the kitchen floor where cleanup would be "Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy", as Dylan says. It amazes me every time we play with bubbles how much both kids just love them. We played with them for half and hour and both kids would have sat ther for another hour, I'm sure. They squealed with delight trying to catch them, blow them back up in the air, and they both had so much fun blowing the bubbles themselves. Even though the bleakness had long left my day, I was just overwhelmed at the beautifulness of those moments in the kitchen with my babes. They play so well together and love each other so much.

My heart is so full of love for these two mutchkins. They make my days just beautiful.

A LOVE(LY) Weekend

This Valentines Weekend was so nice!

We started the weekend off Saturday with a visit from my Mom. She brought Valentines happies for the kiddos and my favorite homemade soup for lunch. The kids are always so excited to see their Grammy and they loved all the treats she brought them.
London's favorite thing was this little purse

Dylan loved all his treats, but his FAVORITE thing Grammy gave him was his new Avatar costume that she made for him. It AMAZING. Pictures of that to come soon. She was able to stay and visit for a good little while, and we so enjoyed her. My bestie came over for a little a bit while my Mom was still here too, so it was fun to have two of my favorite woman together at once.

Sunday morning we had a Valentines breakfast before church. I picked up the cutest heart shaped donuts at walmart, which I was SO excited about because now I didn't have to cook heart shaped pancakes! Then I made some chocolate covered strawberries and dyed the apple sauce pink. It was a really cute (and SO EASY) breakfast and I think the family really enjoyed it.

I usually go overboard with treats and presents on holidays, but honestly our kids still have Christmas gifts that are unopened, so I took it easy this year. And you know, they didn't care!They were as excited as could be.

London was most excited about her Teddy, I think. Our girl LOVES stuffed animals and baby dolls.
I dressed Dylan in his red sweater for church. He looked so handsome! He has a Valentines shirt to wear, but I didn't think it was dressy enough for church.

London wore this cute little outfit that my mom made for her.

Dylan was SOOO sweet and kept telling London "Happy Valentines!" My little boy just melts my heart!

After church we had lunch at Jason's Deli. I wanted to avoid the valentines crowds as much as we could, and we love Jason's so it worked out well. After lunch, I had to work a quick two hour shift at my little part time job (Oh, what I do for a discount on cute kids clothes!). Daniel and the kids dropped me off and did a little running around and then played at the mall's play place. I was so happy that they came into town with me. It was nice that they were there when I was done with work.

London fell asleep on the way home (at about 5pm). We woke her up when we got her out of the car, but she was SOOOOOO fussy and just miserable, so we decided to let her go back to sleep. I tried to get her to eat first, but she was not having it. I just knew that she would wake up at midnight and then not go back to sleep. She did wake up, but she went back to sleep somewhat quickly.

So Miss Priss didn't get to join us for valentines dinner, but it was so yummy and cute! We had little slider burgers that Daniel and I cooked together (which is one of my favorite things). We topped the with swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, and onions. To. Die. For. We also had valentines cupcakes and little cheesecake bites. Yum and Yum!

Dylan gave two thumbs up to it all!

After dinner and a little bit of play time, we tucked Dylan into bed and had a little time to ourselves. I ran a hot bath for us and lit a couple of candles. (Don't worry this is going to stay PG. haha!) I can't think of anything nicer than soaking in a hot bath with my favorite person in the world and having great conversation, cuddles, and kisses. Then we cuddled up in bed and watched Big Love. It was a great night. My heart could have exploded, it was so full of love and happiness.

Happy (Early) Valentines!

To me, valentines is a day to make an extra effort to show those who you care about how much you really love them. I'm quite the sentimental gush, so this is the perfect day for me. I don't get into the whole exchanging of big gifts, but I love small simple ways of showing thought and love.

We did some extra fun with our kids this year. On the night before first day of February, we put out these little mailboxes that the kids and I decorated. Each night since then we have left a little love note to each kid and a small treat. Its nothing big, but both of the kids have LOVED checking their mailboxes each day.

An example of the things they have found is bubble gum (for Dylan), stamps, suckers, and fruit snacks. There were other things, but I can't remember off hand. But we would put one treat for each of them every night and a little note with something we love about each of them. Its been a lot fun and something that we will do every year from now on.

As for Valentines Day itself, I plan to cook a very pink and heart shaped breakfast. Then we'll go to church, lunch, and get our weekly yogurt. I have to work for a couple of hours in the afternoon but plan to be back home for a special dinner (not sure what yet) and a yummy dessert.

There wont be any dates for Daniel and I this weekend, but we are a A-OK with that. We'll just spend this weekend loving each other and our babes. And I plan an early bedtime for them on Sunday. ;o)

The Great Snow of 2010

We woke up to a wintery white day this morning. The forecasters said we would get 5 or more inches today. I'll be honest and say that I thought they were wrong. They were wrong last time. Maybe I was just hoping that they were wrong, but either way... they were right.

We got lots and lots and lots of snow today. At 6pm I went outside and measured 5 inches! For Texas (or MS where Daniel and I grew up) that A LOT of snow. Its still snowing now at 9pm and they say it will go until midnight. No school tomorrow! Dylan wouldn't have had preschool tomorrow anyways, since its Friday, but this means Daniel's office will be closed! YAYAYAY!

Back to our snow day. Dylan, as always, looooved playing in the snow. He just gets this huge burst of energy and runs around like a crazy kid! haha! He had so much fun play "snow tag" (he came up with that one on his own, because he's clever like that) and having snowball fights. London in the past has not been fond of the whole snow experience for more than the first three minutes or so of being out there, I think because the other snows that we have had (FOUR this year!) have been so windy and painfully cold. Today was not windy at all though and Miss Priss LOVED being out in the snow. Her favorite activity was to eat the snow. haha! Thats so my girl!

Daniel and I realized that somehow with the four other snows that we have had this year, we still had not made a snow man. So, my wonderful hubby got busy and made us a nice size Frosty. We decided to go with a MRS Frosty, complete with great shades and a bow! haha! The kids loved her. Dylan even gave her a big ole kiss! :)

Hair 911

Today has been one hair crises after another here in the Hilburn household. I started out with Dylan wanting his hair to be done in this goofy hairstyle that he does sometimes (I wish I had a picture, I'll try to get one tomorrow) for school. I mean, it really looks GOOFY, or as he would say "gooby." Call me mean or prideful (Dylan picked mean), but I'm not letting him go to school with crazy hair. Its out of pride, yes, but also out of love and protection.

Dylan didn't care one bit what my reasons were though. All he cared about was that I was forcing him to wear his hair all nice and neat. And this is how the conversation rolled:

Dylan:"But mooooommy, Link (a video game character that he is crazy about) wears his hair like this!!"

Mommy:"Well, I'm glad you like Link's hair, but you are not Link, you are Dylan, and Mommy gets to decide how you wear your hair until you are 10 years old" *I realize that this may or may not be realistic (okay probably is not) on my part, but its what came out. All moms have moment like this, right!?!

Dylan: "WELL, When IIIIIIII'm a teenager I'm not going to listen to you and how you want to do my hair."

Mommy: "*Sigh* I know"

Dylan: And IIIIII'm going to go to school by myself and you aren't going to take me.

Mommy: "*Sigh* I know"

Dylan: "AND my hair will be the way I say. Not how you say!"

Mommy: "I know. But for now, lets have a nice attitude and let Mommy make sure your hair looks nice for school, okay?"

My sweet Dylan turns around and gives me a big hug. Crises over. And he went to school looking charming. Much like this:

Well, Miss Priss could not let Brother be the only one with hair drama today. So she decided that she would go find a tub of Boudreaux's Butt Paste, some how get it open (still not sure on that one, must have been open already) and put half of it in her hair. This stuff is THICK and water proof. Not kidding. I really shouldn't have stopped to take a picture because that just gave her an extra second to make more of a mess. I washed her hair 5 times. Five. And that stuff was still in there. It wasn't as bad, all of the glops were out, but definitely still there. I had to quit because London was crying sooo hard. I honestly thought if she didn't calm down she would throw up. So, she walked around with super greasy hair for a bit this afternoon.

Daniel actually had the idea to put peanut butter in her hair and then wash that out with soap. I knew that trick worked on gum, and honestly was ready to try anything. So, I rubbed her sweet little head down with some peanut butter, sat her in the bath, let her play for a bit while it had time to set in, then shampooed, three times. THREE. She HATED it all three times and was crying so hard when I was done. Most of it came out. Her hair is just oily now. I'll have to wash it again in the morning. I gave Miss Priss a big piece of apple to chew on and cuddle up with her until she was happy again. We watched Toddler's in Tiaras while we cuddled. I couldn't believe how much she was loving it. And I was loving her loving it! haha!

And also, I happen to be having an awful hair day too. No joke.

Here is hoping that tomorrow is much better (hair)day for us!!

Old Friends

Today, my girl friend of many years came to hang out with the kids and I for a bit this afternoon. It was an extra special treat. Bonnie and I met in 7th grade and became (pretty much) instant BFF. I was devastated when her family moved from Mississippi to west Texas the summer before 9th grade. We stayed in contact via phone calls (thank goodness for the free long distance move!) and yearly visits through the first couple of years of high school. Then, we both became more involved with school, boys, local friends, etc... We never ended our friendship, we just didn't nurture it much at all. When I became pregnant in high school, Bonnie was one of the few girls who didn't throw me out like some bad Chinese food. Even though she was not geographically near me, she supported me and loved me.

As we got older and our lives got busier, we don't talk on a daily, or even monthly sometimes basis. There are times we've gone half a year with out a phone call. There has even been a time that we didn't have real conversation for a year. But the thing is, as soon as we are together, its like we were never apart. She is the kind of friend that is effortless to be around. And those are the best kind, in my opinion.

I'm so, so, SO excited because Bonnie and her sweet hubby are moving into our area really soon! I can't wait to be able to do lunch, coffee, shopping, whatev soon. In fact their being in town today had to do with the move down, kind of.

This is a pic of Bonnie and her hubby, Tyler, with London when she was about 4 months old.

A Predictable Post

We had a really nice weekend. It was pretty uneventful, but that's not a bad thing! And really, it was pretty much the same as the past few have been. So, instead of writing a whole post recapping each day, I'll just leave it at that! Feel free to back track 4 post to read about what last weekend was like, and that's pretty much what you'd get for this weekend too. haha! I'm not complaining though. *smile*

And you know what, today was pretty much the same as last Monday! hahaha! I'm not sure when my life became so predictable, but whatev. In case you missed the excitement of last Monday's post, our day looked like this: lunch with Daniel on the way to see my mom, hang out with my mom all afternoon, have dinner with her, come home. Oooh. The last part varies slightly, as last week I went to work for a couple of hours before coming home! Yep. Either way, all of that makes for a great Monday. I don't even mind that its so predictable. In fact, I can appreciate the predictability. I love my life. I love my little family. I love our routines and traditions. I almost love being predictable.