Daddy-Daughter Time

Watching B and Cory play together is one of the sweetest things around.  She loves the extra attention for her daddy.  You just gotta learn to play by her rules. Trust me...there are lots of them.
(gotta love first born children)

Daddy-Daughter Craziness

When I leave these two alone sometimes they create nothing but trouble. 

The other day when I stayed late at work this is what I came home to...their flippin' Bethany trick.

UP she goes...

And flipped back down.

Unique Dadda

The other day I read something on Facebook that made me sad.  A friend's husband wrote something along the lines of "Wife and Kid free this weekend! Here's to being a Bachelor." Then friends responded as they tend to do. One of the responses said something like, "...unfortunately I do have my son this weekend." 

Man! How does that resonate with you?  With me, it makes me feel so sad for the wives and children of those guys. Why would any man be happy to be away from the love of his life and away from his own flesh and blood.

I am so absolutely blessed to have Cory.  God must have known something I didn't when he was playing lil' match maker eight...no wait...nearly ten years ago.  He knew I needed a man that would be an active dad. A dad who knew how to change diapers, prepare favorite meals, give baths, do laundry and be true partner to me.  Cory is such a wonderful dad to these two lil' boogers.  I don't think I have ever heard him say anything in regards to being grateful that we aren't around. He actually hates being away from us all.  Perhaps Cory isn't like the normal guy. Okay. Actually, that isn't any new. Cory isn't your typical guy. 

And because of that I love him more than words can say.

Author in our Midst!

We have an author in our midst.  Cory has written three (well, four) books now.  This week, Cory received a proof copy of the third-draft of  "Light & Dark" in the mail.

Having read all his books, I've got to say "Light & Dark" is the best one yet.  I really think this one has great potential in being picked up by an agent & getting published sometime soon.  This is the second book he is making available to our students. Man, it is amazing to see him get students so enthusiastic to read and provide real, timely feedback.   I am just so proud of him for not only writing hundreds of pages of amazing plot twists and surprises; but I am proud of Cory for once he puts his mind to something, he sticks to it & produces quality work!

If Border's weren't closing...I'd bet good money saying he would've been on their shelves in the next five years!

C. David Milles

Man...another 11 days have slid by and I didn't post anything.  I apologize to all of my adoring, non-commenting readers and stalkers out there.  My goal is to blog at least twice a week, if not more often; but as life gets busy, blogging is one of the first things to be sacrificed (along w/ quality time w/hubby--don't even ask me the last time we actually had a date...).    I tell ya, balancing life as a working mama is tough. Working, spending quality time w/ the 2 kiddos, planning decent lessons, grading papers, keeping up w/ a clean house...that is all tough stuff. 

Plus, it is November.  You know what means, right? It is NaNoWrMo (National Novel Writing Month). 

Here is Cory's progress on this novel as of today:

This is Cory's second time partaking in NaNoWrMo.  Last year he wrote the book, "Redemption."  It is a cult classic at the building where we teach.  Cory only printed 4 or 5 copies of the book. These kids are having a blast reading it and passing it on to their friends, moms, cousins, etc.   Then, they get so excited to share that feedback with Cory.   I've had a couple people tell me that "Redemption" is their favorite book they've ever read.

As Cory is writing his 4th novel (yes, 4th), he is being the most elusive yet.  I didn't know Cory when he wrote his first nonfiction book on Christianity.  But with "Chupacabra" and "Redemption" Cory shared with me the basic premise of the story.  This time, I had to keep on badgering him for the names of the main characters. He is being VERY Lemony-Snicket-like!

I am proud of his progress on this book. He is nearly half-way done with this novel and while he is trying to maintain his progress on this goal, Cory is also a kick-butt dad, teacher and husband.  Cory still does 99% of the dishes, 85% of the laundry and 100% of dinner-Owen-induced-disaster-clean-ups.

Now...like I said he is a kick-butt dad. Look at them in their matching t-shirts.  

When the lil' stinkers are fussy, tired or just plain ol' crabby...he can get them chipper in no time at all. I tend to cuddle and love on them, but he is able to turn their mood around completely.  You really need to see them playing "Tigers" where two of them chase the third one around. They get crazy loud.  But is awesome not only to see how much the kids adore him...but he is an active dad.  He knows what makes these kids happy, mad, sad, etc.  He knows their favorite foods, shows, toys.  I see so many other dads out there that really don't know who their children are and what makes them run. 

Owen, Bethany and I are so blessed to have Cory in our lives. He is such a spectacular dad and husband.  I've always told my own father, "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy."  I am so glad that my children have this man to call "Daddy!"

Missing Daddy

Last week I experienced something that was one of the tougher aspects of parenting....

that is being a single-working-momma.

That is tough on so many different levels.  Perhaps, if I have the typical husband, it would be no problem. 

But Cory ain't no ordinary husband.   Typically, I do kid-duty in the evenings and cook dinner. Meanwhile, Cory does house/laundry/dishes duty.   It really does take two to tango take care of this house.

But last week, I was flying solo. That is tough stuff. I don't know how those other mommas with regularly traveling hubbies do it.   I am still wiped out from the constant motion and lack of sleep I accumulated while trying to maintain the house, entertain the kids and keep up with my grading/planning.

The kiddos did great without their daddy.  Perhaps the cutest moment occurred when we played a message from Cory. They couldn't contain their excitement hearing their daddy's voice.

I bet Bethany played the message a good dozen times before she accidentally erased it for good. 

The part I was worried most about handling without Cory was getting us ready and out the door on time. Man, I am a jerk.  I am such a pain to get up.  And he is a patient, patient person when it comes to getting my tushie out of that bed.  I am reluctant to admit this, but we totally managed to get out of the house, not only one time, but a few minutes early.  Now, if Cory finds out that I am capable of being responsible and getting myself out of bed, who knows what will happen. So lets keep that between us.

I am just so grateful to have such a wonderful husband  I knew it is cheesy but, really, absence does make the heart grow founder.  Think about it. Cory and I work in the same building. We drive to and from work together. We do everything together.  Sometimes you don't appreciate what you've got until he is gone and conferencing it up with all the Educational Gurus in Atlanta.  But having him gone and taking with him all the things that he does for us...makes me appreciate him so much more. I really don't know what I would do if I had a typical husband that just lounges around watching sports ignorant when it comes to things like how to operate the dishwasher.

I am just so grateful that we happened to meet in whatever class it was that one fateful day, oh so many years ago.

how to....

Is your husband about to have his 32nd birthday? And you don't know how to celebrate it? Well, good thing we've been through that exact same situation.

Here are 13 steps telling you How to celebrate your Husband's 32nd birthday:

1) Find a crazy recipe to try out on the husband for his birthday cake.

2) Enlist the help of your favorite 3 year-old to cook this awesome cake. Also...since the cake has SIX layers, you may also have to beg and plead w/ your neighbors to obtain more cake pans. Then, once you got their cake pans, you'll probably need to be envious of how cool those pans are compared to yours. Man, why or why did we register for the cheap ones 7 years ago????

3) Make the cake.  While making the cake totally impress the three year old with your ability to make white cake suddenly appear different colors!!

4) Bake the said cakes.  Remembering that since you are putting less cake mix in each pan, that your must be extra careful not to burn the cakes.

5) Start decorating and icing the cake.  While ripping the foil of the icing container, be sure to spill half of the container of the ground--right in proximity of your 1 year old, that away it won't be too easy for your to clean up when you are competing against the never-satisfied-hunger of a 1 year old.  Then just about die of laughter when the three-year-old comments on its poop-like appearance! :O)

6)  Finish decorating the cake. But first, be sure to ask the 3 year old what her Daddy needs on top of his cake and try your darnedest to fulfill those wishes...then step back and be disappointed in admire your work.

7) Make the husband pose with the cake. Then put up with it when he says that it seems like a silly tradition. But make him pose with the cake anyway because that what you are supposed to do on your birthday dab-nab-it.

8) Attempted a three-quarters family photo...but fail because you can wheel the high chair close enough...but they are still pretty cute anyway.

9) Put all the candles on the cake you can find. Of course, you don't have 32 candles. That's a lot. No one has 32 candles at their house. But put on the 10 magic-reigniting candles that you can find.

Then watch as the husband and three-year-old attempt to blow them out over and over and over again. 

 10) Slice up the cake and hear the husband's surprise when it is rainbow. Then...make him pose with the cake a second time (hehehe)!

11) Feed the Bitty Baby Boy a slice of cake.  Then as you admire his smile think, "forget the cake...I could just gobble him up and all his glorious cuteness!"

12) Continue to watch the 1 year old as he finishes eating the cake and proceeds to rearrange the remnants from his plate to the tray and vice versa.  He is just too funny.

13) Finally, give the husband his birthday present that you weren't supposed to give him b/c you spent a lot of money on his Father's Day present. But you know...what's a birthday without a present.

So there you have it.  That is best way I can think of to celebrate the 32-year-old husband's birthday. Hope you find this helpful!

Under his Influence

Somebody

is certainly

Daddy's Girl!

Potty Perks

Wii are using everything we can to get Bethany to see the value in using the potty.She's noticed there are some perks in being a big girl with the potty. Some of the perks include: candy, yogurt from McDonalds, and stickers.
One major perk is the Wii.
If you know anything about Bethany's Daddy. You know that is a pretty major deal! :O)

When Zombies Attack...

It isn't everyday that your 2-year-old learns to sacrifice her toys to the zombies...but when she does learn, you'd best tape it!

Happy Birthday Cory!

Happy Birthday Cory!

I know your day wasn't too exciting. But know that we love you with all of our hearts. It is very rewarding to see how much the kids love you. I never would've guessed just how great of a father you would be to our babies...but you are the greatest.

I love the fact that you've taken over the middle-of-the-night feedings & the fact that you aren't too macho to change dirty diapers. I love the songs you make up and sing to them. You are the greatest. SO, even though your day was hum-drum & you let Bethany pick where we go to dinner (of course, she picked McDonalds); I hope you enjoyed yourself on your day!

Reading Daddy's Book!

Mommy started reading Daddy's book to me while he was away. He just finished his third edit. There aren't too many mistakes to correct this time around. Plus, we love the changes he made. I am just grateful I don't understand the words Mommy is saying or I am sure I'd have nightmares!