Goodbye 2013!

There have been a few years we were glad to see the last off.  We had some challenges and stresses in 2013, but overall, it was a good year.  Or at the least, a year of acceptance. 

We came to terms with Daddy-o's diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson's. We were blessed with a wonderful supporting reaction from his work and unconditional love from family and friends. We still don't like it.  If we could, we would wish it away.... But considering everything, we are very blessed.

Cuddling watching our New Year's eve Star Wars movie.
Oh, how times have changed.

We said goodbye to good family furry companions. We miss our furry companions terribly, but are learning to enjoy this in-between time without the downsides of pets.

We have re-established long-lost or damaged relationships. Ended damaging ones.

Unlike Bubita, Bubeaner is completely enthralled by Episode IV.

Through it all we have grown closer together. Learned to love each other more every day acknowledging our weaknesses and strengths. And above all remain always aware and grateful to our many blessings.

So we wish everyone a wonderful new year. Bring it on 2014.

Longhorns and Messiness

Life with children is never dull.  However, it is rarely tidy.  It is a constant, never-ending battle against clutter and messiness.  Pre-kids Daddy-o and Momma were used to a clean, clutter-free home life.  We both inherited serious OCD tendencies.  Even when Bubeaner joined us, there was only a slight change to home life.  Bubita made it more challenging, but we were still able to keep a decent home life.  Having two toddlers.... Yeah, we have learned that things are never going to be the same.  It has taken a little more work to relax and learn that things are never going to be as clean as before.

LEGO are entrancing. Kids of all ages love them.

Momma always swore she would never have toys through the entire house.  We set out a specific play room to confine the toys.  However, we soon learned kids want to be near us and in the middle of all the activity.  Little by little toys have started to invade every room in the house including the previously "sacred" Daddy-o's office.

Unfortunately, they have realized that the floor makes a better platform for their creations.

We have not given up completely.  The Bubeaner and Bubita are actually pretty good at picking up and helping clean up.  The OCD tendencies are strong in these two. However, they are kids.  And kids need to play. And as long as they continue to help with the cleaning, we can live with a bit of a mess.

One of Bubita's newest past times is applying make up on Momma.
We did learn eyeliner does not make good blush.

Daddy-o is a die-hard Texas Longhorn.  He has tried to indoctrinate the kids into loving the Burnt Orange.  And it was working.... Until the kids started spending more time with MeMeliann and uncle Gary; both are HornedFrog fans. Much to Daddy-o's deep chagrin Bubeaner and Bubita both claim to be Horned Frogs and love wearing their purple and white.

Mrs. S found DisneyJr for Bubita.
We lost her until Sofia the 1st ended.

However, they are occasionally willing to wear burnt orange for Daddy-o.  Tonight was one of those nights.  The entire family went to a friend's home to watch the Longhorns play in the Alamo Bowl.  They were the only little ones.  However, they did a pretty decent job behaving.  A big reason was the two papillon puppies at the home.  They were sweet and playful with the kids playing chase and slobbering them with puppy kisses.

Sandy, our 13-year old cocker spaniel, died back in July. We all miss her terribly, especially the kids.  She was their constant companion. Wherever they played, slept, or ate, she was always there.  We have been considering a new companion.  Daddy-o wants a lab; Momma wants a boxer. However, something became very clear after having seen the kids playing with Grandma's JackAttack during Christmas and now with these two papillon puppies.  The kids need a little dog. A dog they can both handle and that won't overpower them. A lab and a boxer may yet join our home in the future. But it looks like a little doggie is in our more immediate future.

Bubita and her new furry friend. 

Sadly for Daddy-o, the Horns lost.  But the loss was more bearable since we were in such good company. How bad can you feel when you are enjoying amazing BBQ from Pecan Lodge? Those ribs were jaw-dropping good. And there was also nice strong coffee, yummy pecan pie and vanilla ice cream.  It was a long night for the Bubeaner and Bubita. But a good time was had by all.

It looked like the puppies enjoyed the extra attention too.

We are Back!

We are back!

It has been way too long. And actually it took me several days to even figure out what my login and password was for blogger.  Amazing considering updating the blog was almost a daily event at one point.  We are grateful for the wonderful memories saved because of those posts.  And recording future memories is the reason we are back.  Life with 2 young children was more challenging than we ever expected.  As a dear friend recently said, expectations sure change after the second one.

Bubita (3-years old), Momma, and Bubeaner (5-years old)

Life has not gotten easier, not has it slowed down.  However, we are hopeful that we now can manage a daily update again. Although in the time the last 2 paragraphs were typed Bubeaner attempted to take crafting supplies to the playroom, Bubita started unwrapping a neighbors present, and both are currently attacking Daddy-o.  Yup, it will be challenging.

Our first stop for lunch at a Denny's on our trip yesterday.
Not the wisest choice; no food poisoning thankfully.
We should have gone with DairyQueen as Daddio wanted.

Our little family has undergone some changes in the last 2-3 years.  It would take too long go over them all. So we are just going to start from this weekend and update as things come up.

On our trip, yesterday:
Yelp! To the rescue for our dinner choice.  

It was messy eating, but delicious!

We were able to spend the weekend with both sets of grandparents and just returned late last night.  The kids did an amazing job through the 12-hour drive.  They are actually really good travelers. Of course, the DVD player did not hurt. (We have given up on the "no-TV" for them.  Live and learn...or survive, as the case may be.)

We did venture out once today for nourishment.
We cleaned out the fridge before vacation.
Ms.-I-Don't-Need-A-Nap was out cold before we left the neighborhood.

Today we were little heathens and had a PJ day recovering.  The kids LOVE pj days. Unfortunately, it also means they have a lot of energy.  Right now, they are wrestling on the floor. But at least, we are back.

We are BACK!!!