Birthday cupcakes

A precious boy I know is going to be 3 tomorrow?!?!?  THREE???  

When?  

How?  

Really?  

Three?  

There's a lot to catch up on, but tonight, it's all about this sweet boy helping to make the cupcakes he will share with some of his friends tomorrow.  Just the two of us in the kitchen!  What fun!  (Sadly, Dad missed out because he is the new drummer on the worship team and they had rehearsal tonight!)

We will have a family dinner tomorrow at Taco Villa (Owen's choice), presents from Mommy and Daddy, and a birthday party Saturday with a few family members and friends.  
 

I never knew a heart was capable of this much love. 

Looking back...

A few hours old...

1 year old...

2 years old...

 and now...3 years old.  

Love you LITTLE MAN!!  We are so grateful for you and your sweet little life!!  We are blessed beyond measure.  Happy Birthday!!     

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Prayers

This is just a "document-so-I-will-remember" post.  It's after 12:30 (which I consider the middle of the night) so it's going to be a brief one.  Shocking, I know.

First of all, a few pictures of God's most precious gift to us.

Today, he's 2 years, 8 months, 2 weeks, and 6 days old.    

We are in a stage of "I want to do it all by myself," so as much as possible, we allow Owen to do things (wash his hands, open the door, sweep the back porch, pull up his underwear and shorts, put on his shoes, etc) all by himself with nearby supervision.  The most recent action to add to the list is PRAYING!  Yesterday and today, at mealtime and at bedtime, Owen has said, "I want to say the prayer all by myself."  We normally hold hands for prayers, but these Owen-driven times of praying include him linking his hands together in front of his bowed head and closed eyes.  (So incredibly cute, in case you need that confirmation!!)  Last night in bed while Grammy was here and this evening while sitting in the living room with us and Gramommy, Owen prayed this prayer...all alone...and the only prompt was the word "Now."

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
May angels guard me through the night,
and wake me with the morning light.

God bless Mommy, Daddy, and Owen,
Grammy and Papa,
Gramommy,
Grandpa,
Olive and Shelby,
and all of our other family and friends.
Amen.

(This has been our nightly prayer for a LONG time, so he hears it exactly this way over and over again.  Afterwards, we add specific prayers from that day's events, a person or people that need prayers, and just prayers for us to be good parents doing what's right and best.)

I kid you not, this child of God did not miss one word.

Not.
One.
Word.

If you can even imagine the power and beauty behind a 2-year-old's prayer, you will know how heartwarming and genuine it is.  It would have been easy to cry from being so proud of him, but it is so much easier to smile and watch the peace of God radiating from the grin of a precious toddler.  I could not be more amazed at what this little boy has given/shown to us and to the world around him.  Kindness.  Manners.  Love.  Respect.  Humor.  Curiosity.  How can a 2-year-old have so much to offer already?     

Our prayer for him is that he is raised knowing and loving God, relying on God to guide him, and setting his heart on Godly things.  If this is the beginning of something bigger...a seed, if you will...then Austin and I are doing something right.

As if the aforementioned prayer wasn't enough, tonight, he wanted an 'encore' prayer.  We linked our respective pairs of hands and listened.  It went something like this:

Dear God,
Thank you for this day.
We love you Lord.
Amen.       

That pretty much sums it up.  Thank you for this day.  We love you, Lord.

Amen.

Owenisms

After yesterday's post, I wanted to note a few of the more hilarious things Owen says or has said recently.  I swear, we have a child not lacking in humor!

• A few months ago, Owen started saying "What do I smell like?"  Of course he meant, "What do I smell?"  It was cute while it lasted, but now, he'll say it correctly.  Just this morning when we were outside playing, he said "I hear a lawnmower.  What do I smell?"  I told him he smelled grass and then he went on playing.  

• In the last couple weeks, Owen is into asking for one more of something, and then one more, and then one more...you get the idea.  Without really paying too much attention, we must have been trying to put a stop to it subliminally by saying "Here's one last fill-in-the-blank" instead of just "No, no more!"  What Owen decided to concoct in his sweet little head has gone something like this:

Owen: "Can I have one M&M?"
Austin or me: (hands him one M&M without saying anything)
Owen: "Can I have one more M&M?"
Austin or me: (hands him one M&M) "Ok, this is your last one."
Owen: "Can I have one last M&M and no more after this?"
Austin or me: (in disbelief that he put it all together that way) "Yes, son." (and then gets up to go put M&Ms away)

• A few days ago, Owen asked me a question.  I have no idea what the question was, but as I started to answer him, he said "I'm sorry, but I don't have no idea what you are talking about."  I kid you not!  I looked at him strangely and said, "What do you mean?  I just answered your question."  He looks at me shaking his head and says again, "I'm sorry, but I don't have no idea what you are talking about."  Oh my goodness.    

That's all I can think of now, but I am sure more will come to me.

Mother of a 2-year-old comedian,
Carianne

The neglect is killing me...

Here I sit.  Overwhelmed after months and months of neglecting the blog.  Ashamed that I can't make time to do something I love to do.  Saddened by the number of pictures that haven't been taken and the number of things Owen has said, done, and experienced that are gone from my memory and not recorded anywhere.  What once was the ideal scrapbook and keeper of all my thoughts has gone as far back as you can go on the back burner.  I know I will never catch up on resizing and uploading pictures, and because of that, I am quite sad.  On a pink-lined post it note to my right, I see "Things to blog about" and on that list, there are 24 things.  I believe I made that list in March.  Other than Owen's 2nd birthday party in November, a Christmas craft in December, and his last day of Little Wings in April, there has been ZERO activity.

I have thought about going back to November to start from there, but instead, I am starting with a quick June and July update ~ minus Father's Day, classes update, job update...sheesh.  I will go back and fill in the blanks if I can.  When I can.

Owen's engine collection continues to grow.  Austin and I celebrated anniversary #8 last week, but since neither of us wanted or needed anything gift-wise, we chose to spend what we would have on gifts for each other on an accessory for Owen's train table.  It's not pictured here, but it's called Tidmouth Shed.  It's a little 5-door garage type playset where Thomas and his Steamie buddies rest their pistons at night.  We love the collection as much as Owen and were excited to add to it last week.  Grammy has given him several engines recently, some in the mail, some as surprises planted around her house, and others as bribes so Owen wouldn't cry during his most recent hair cut in Odessa.  (The bribe worked for half the haircut.)  God has a real sense of humor giving us a kid with a TON of hair and a dreadful fear of haircuts.  :(       

 

 Look at that big, handsome boy.  LOVE him to pieces!!!

On June 9, Owen went to Jacen's Curious George 3rd birthday party at Rock Solid Gym.  We forgot the camera and only managed one cell phone picture.  Mmmm. Cupcakes!     

On June 14, we went to the Science Spectrum with Owen's second cousin, Taight.  (Taight's dad and Austin are first cousins.)  They had a fun time playing in the various areas.  We went to the SS a few times last year when Owen was approaching two, so now that he's a year older and more interested in everything, we bought a year-long pass (good from June 2012 through June 2013).  We've averaged twice a week this summer so this trip with Taight was one of those times.  Needless to say, buying the pass was money well spent!  Of course I didn't have my camera this time either, so the cell phone came in handy... again!  

 Taight and Owen at the water table

 Here's what SIX Owen's would look like.  That's a whole lotta cute, wouldn't you say? 

 

Straight for the produce in the "Market."  He knows what's best!  

On June 16, Owen went to Abi's 3rd birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese.  Abi and Owen were in the same class at Little Wings so it was fun to get to see some of his cute little classmates there!  We had never been to Chuck E. Cheese before, and although there were several games Owen's not ready for yet, we all three had a good time!  We remembered the camera this time!  

 Abi, the birthday girl! 

Austin, my sweet little arachnophob, helping his little boy kill spiders with the laser gun. 

 

Up high in the play equipment.  Of course he wouldn't go up alone.  Thanks to Abi's teeny tiny little mom who crawled into entrance to help him up.  

Several weeks ago, Austin and I got Owen this little inflatable pool with spraying giraffe and slide.  At first, Owen would have nothing to do with it, but once he warmed up to the idea of having a little fun in the hot sun, he had a great time.  We have used it a couple times since this, so it should be getting some good use throughout these hot summer months!  We put him in a Little Swimmer diaper the first time in the pool, just because we have an entire unused package, but since these pictures, we have just put him in his little swim trunks and a white tee.  (Hooray for being completely potty trained the past few months!!) 

 

 

 

 

After our yummy 4th of July breakfast this morning, of which there are no pictures, we took Owen's new kite out for a test run.  He picked it out at Academy the other day!

I know you may be curious about our breakfast...so here's what we had!  Fruit and marshmallow kabobs on toothpicks (strawberry pieces, blueberries, and marshmallows) and pancakes with red sprinkles and white chocolate chips.  Wal Mart was out of blue sprinkles.  :(  Tonight, we are going to our friend's house for a cookout and fireworks.  Because bringing hamburger buns is not that exciting, I just took a dessert called Carmelitas out of the oven.  Mmmm.  I've tasted them before and loved them so I hope mine are just as good.  Caramel, chocolate, heavy cream, oats, brown sugar, butter...what's not to like!?!?!

Happy 4th of July everyone!!
Carianne

Our days at Little Wings

When school started in the fall and I went back to work full time, we needed a place for Owen to spend his days.  It was a challenge for many reasons.  Where to look?  How much was too much to pay?  Curriculum-based or playtime-based or a mixture of both?  Driving distance?  Who could possibly care for him as well as I did!?!?  Germs and illness.  Yuck.  It was (and sometimes still is) very hard for me to have him away from me, but I know God is looking out for us and guiding our decisions.

Little Wings Christian Learning Center is run by two very precious ladies...Melissa and Loraine.  They are conveniently located between home and work and housed within CityView Church.  In August, within two minutes of meeting Melissa, looking around, and hearing about what they do at LW, we were sold.  Play, sing, read stories, paint, draw, crafts, learn, nap, and eat snacks/lunch!!  Wow!  We signed Owen up the next day and began preparing him for his "school days."  Lunch box, nap mat, and backpack were first on our list!  All this is not to say it was easy to drive him there on the first day, walk him inside, leave him there, and drive away.  It was not easy at all.  There are still days I feel like crying when I take him and drop him off.  What am I saying -- "feel like"?  There are times I just can't stand it and cry myself to work.

The arrangements we made early on had to include another person in Owen's day.  You see, LW is open Monday through Thursday from 8:45-2:45.  Since Austin and I both have to report to work earlier than that and don't get out of work until about 4:30, we needed some supplemental help.  Plus, what about Fridays?  Enter Andrea Ontiveros.  Andrea works with the babies at LW.  Her son, Ty, goes to LW as well.  We were told by Melissa that Andrea had another toddler that she would bring to and from LW in addition to watching her before and after "school" and all day Friday.  We called Andrea, met her, and gave it a couple days -- a trial run.  Owen was happy.  We were pleased.  The combination of LW and Andrea was affordable.  That was then.  This is now.  God is so good.  The LW staff and directors, Miss Tanji (his teacher) and Miss Andrea have been HUGE blessings in our lives.  We have new friendships and lots of trust in these people.  They have never let us down and we are so grateful for who they are and what they stand for. 

Andrea told me about a month ago that she and her husband decided that she would be leaving LW on April 30.  He got a good promotion, she was going through a hard time with a situation at LW, the PDO is moving facilities from its current location to a location FAR south of town, and her son is going to be starting school in the fall.  She will continue to watch kids in her home during the month of May and plans to do the same next year.  She told me about this so we could decide if we wanted her to watch Owen along with a couple other kids.  Our answer was yes for several reasons:  1.  Andrea LOVES Owen and cares for him a great deal!  He makes her laugh.  She talks to him and asks him questions.  She plays with him and all the kids she watches.  She keeps me informed about things that go on while he's with her.  2.  There was no way for us to get Owen to and from LW during their hours.  3.  LW is moving quite a way from where we live and where we work, so even if we could get him to and from LW, it would be very inconvenient.  4.  We will be saving anywhere from $100 to $200 a month because we will just be paying Andrea.

Four very valid reasons that influenced our decision.

Owen will be at LW this week and Monday and from then on, he will be with Andrea full-time.  I cried last week when I thought about all he will be missing out on.  I could cry this very minute thinking about it all again.  I nearly cried when I talked about it to Miss Tanji the other day.  It is a very emotional time and I don't quite know how to deal with it.  As great as Miss Andrea has been, Miss Tanji has been equally great!!  We are going to miss her soooooo much!  She and I text often about Owen and the happenings of the day.  I let her know if he's not feeling well and if there are any special instructions or situations that involve her attention.  She is so caring and loving and helps Owen in so many ways.  She has been an incredible help as we have been potty training Owen.  She keeps me informed and up to date with everything and I always appreciate the time she takes to make sure I always know what's going on.  Maybe that's the part that is the hardest.  I know Owen will be well cared for, but he will be missing out on that teacher/student/class stuff that I have enjoyed watching him be a part of.  He talks about his friends and asks if we are going to see Miss Tanji, and when we drive by CityView, he says "Is that Little Wings?  Do I go there?"  All this time, I have loved it, but knowing things are going to change soon is hard on my heart.  I am overwhelmed with so many feelings.  Sadness for having to leave Tanji and "school".  Gladness for the good experience it has been despite my initial disgust of having to have Owen spend days away from me.  More gladness because he will still have Andrea to watch him and give him attention.  Relief at the financial break. Gratefulness for what a good year it's been.  Appreciation for the librarians I have worked with who allowed me to sneak away from time to time so I wouldn't miss out on LW events.  Above all, thankfulness to God for weaving LW into our lives when He did.   

As we prepare to say goodbye to Little Wings, I know that it's going to be a long week.

Here are some pictures that capture a few moments of Owen's time at LW.  

 1st day of Little Wings 

August 22, 2011 

21 months old 

He loves his monkey nap mat!!

 Look at my big boy! 

 Preparing to make Halloween treat cups for Owen's LW friends!  

Goldfish, Nemo fruit snacks, and Skittles.

 Happy Halloween from Owen! 

 The day of the LW hayride.  

I had some time beforehand to play with Owen and his friends in the gym. 

 

Run, Mommy!

 

By hayride, they mean blankets in the back of a trailer being pulled by a Suburban.  Ha!  

It was loads of fun...hay or no hay! 

 

 One of my all-time favorite pictures

 This is Owen and his friend, Presley!  She is the other little girl Andrea watches before and after LW hours.  She is also leaving LW next week but I am thankful she will still be with Owen each day.  

They are so sweet together when they get dropped off with Andrea in the mornings! 

 

This was picture day in November.  

I can't remember the situation exactly, but something gross -- a cross between vomit and spit up -- caused me to have to go back home and put Owen in a new outfit.  I know he wasn't sick, but I can't remember what the deal was.  The picture of him in the front seat was me waiting for Andrea to show up after I had been home to re-clothe the boy! 

(He does not sit in the front seat, but since we were a few minutes early, he came up front to play!)

 Andrea, Presley, and Owen all ready to go inside.  

 Have you ever seen anything so cute?  My word!!! 

 I am so in love with this boy and that sweet face. 
Heart-melting! 

(The spacing is off here because my image was not cropped correctly.  There is a white space under the photo that never got cropped so my caption got pushed down.)

 This was Thanksgiving lunch.  

Pretzels, fruit, cheese, ham, juice boxes.  

All the parents signed up to bring something.  

I have taken several things for the kids on various occasions, but this time, I think I took pretzels and dessert.  

 Thirsty! 

(Somewhere in all the festivities, I missed taking pictures at Christmas!  I know there was another lunch, but I must not have had my camera!  What a shame.  At least I have lots of Christmas pictures from home activities as well as Christmas crafts Owen made at LW!)

 

If you know anything about us (and if you read the previous post), you know we are a Thomas-loving family.  This boy has engines, engines, and more engines.  He knows the songs, the name of each engine he owns (as well as names of those we have yet to get), can quote bits and pieces from his cartoons/movies, and thinks we live on the Island of Sodor.  :) Ha!  He watches something Thomas-related a couple times a week, but he has done that for soooo long that much of it has been memorized.  I guess it's the same when words of a book get memorized as a result of repeated exposure.  I say that only so people reading this don't think we let Owen's brain rot in front of the television each day.

Anyway!  These Valentines were sooo cute.  I found the digital file on Etsy!  Once we had the card design sent to us, I just printed them on regular paper (4 to a sheet) and cut them out.  A quick hole punch and they were ready to join the twist tie to close the baggie up.  

 Happy Valentine's Day -- I Choo Choose You! -- Your friend, Owen

 All the bags had Nerds, Bottle Caps, Laffy Taffy, and either Teddy Grahams or Cheez-Its. 

March was class picture month!  

 

 This is Owen's Monday/Wednesday class of friends. 

LtoR  Cami, Cohen, Owen, Miss Tanji, Abi, Adler, Lincoln, and seated in front is Britton.   

 

His Tuesday/Thursday class has 

LtoR: Adler, Owen, June, Miss Tanji, Briley, Britton, Lincoln, and seated in front LtoR are Cohen and Ethan. 

 This is Owen's class heading to the gym for the Easter egg hunt. 

 Cohen and Owen -- on a mission! 

 Owen got busy!  He ran all over the gym and had a blast!  

 What a load! 

 My handsome little egg hunter!  

                  The one-and-only, Miss Tanji.  God bless her for being everything Owen needed in a teacher this year.  We love you so very much, Tanji! 

I am off to figure out exactly how I am going to hold it together this week.  

Good night all,

Carianne