As you all know, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. At least once, I wanted to throw out into the universe what I am thankful for...
*My loving husband, who works very hard to provide me and my children the best possible life and who loves me despite all of my many many flaws.
*My sweet loves, Landen and Lana, who I love to the moon and fill my life with an incredible amount of joy. I am blessed to be their mother.
*A healthy pregnancy and inside baby, who keeps me awake at night with reassuring kicks. I can not wait to meet you and find out if you are to be Jude or Leya.
*My family, especially my parents and sister who are ever supportive and my home away from home.
*My friends who come through when I need them, and who I can always count on for an ear, a laugh, and a good dose of reality.
*Love- lots and lots of love. I am grateful to live everyday feeling loved by so many and am grateful to have so many people to love in return.
*And so much more...Life is good. :)
Happy Thanksgiving!
"It don't take much lookin' to see what I got cos it shows...I'm glad all over." The Beatles
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Family Christmas Photos 2009
Every year we head to Portrait Innovations for their holiday package. Can't beat a Christmas photo package for $10 right? We were a bit nervous about how Lana would do since this past June when we attempted family photos she just cried and cried for whatever reason. Then when my friend Melanie took pictures of the kids, Lana did well for only a short time before deciding she had enough and refusing to pose with her brother. So we thought, "Oh well...we'll try to get one good family picture and if she slightly cooperates, then also one of her in her birthday dress (my baby girl is going to be two in a few weeks...the post with those pics is coming up next).
Naptime, bath time, and plenty of sweets later we head to the studio expecting the worst from sweet, sweet, super stubborn and impatient Lana, and the best from Landen.
Here's some of the day's results. You tell me how you think the kids did...
Camera hams...yes! Extremely cooperative...yes! Happy loving siblings...yes!
Happy Holidays from all of us!
"Dear Prudence, let me see you smile. Dear Prudence, like a little child..." The Beatles
Naptime, bath time, and plenty of sweets later we head to the studio expecting the worst from sweet, sweet, super stubborn and impatient Lana, and the best from Landen.
Here's some of the day's results. You tell me how you think the kids did...
Camera hams...yes! Extremely cooperative...yes! Happy loving siblings...yes!
Happy Holidays from all of us!
"Dear Prudence, let me see you smile. Dear Prudence, like a little child..." The Beatles
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sisters and their Babies
My friend, Melanie, came over last month to take some photos of Landen, Lana, and my Godson/nephew. I love how they turned out and hope you do too! Enjoy!
This was the last shot but I think my favorite. It showcases our kids perfectly: Landen...always happy-go-lucky, Lana...she's our drama queen, and Ryan...calmest little baby ever (Note to Gaby- enjoy this while it lasts!).
Melanie started with baby Ryan for his two month photos.
Then my very very very photogenic son, Landen. Seriously the camera loves him and he loves it right on back.
He is all about Power Rangers these days! I'm totally okay with this since I loved them as a kid too!
Then my sweet girl. This is exactly what she does when I ask her to say hello to anyone. How innocent does she look?
Lana loves her filthy little baby and is the very best mama to her.
Result of asking her to smile... ;)
And her sassy face! I will be sad when she stops doing this!
Lana decided she was done after her time and refused any more group pictures but I do love this one of Landen and Ryan. He is so ready for another baby in this house. You can call him a professional big bro!
I've said it before and I'll say it again....We Flores women make some beautiful babies!
"What you need is more than beautiful. Something that can be truly wonderful. I know just what you should do, let me give my love to you." The Beatles
This was the last shot but I think my favorite. It showcases our kids perfectly: Landen...always happy-go-lucky, Lana...she's our drama queen, and Ryan...calmest little baby ever (Note to Gaby- enjoy this while it lasts!).
Melanie started with baby Ryan for his two month photos.
Then my very very very photogenic son, Landen. Seriously the camera loves him and he loves it right on back.
He is all about Power Rangers these days! I'm totally okay with this since I loved them as a kid too!
Then my sweet girl. This is exactly what she does when I ask her to say hello to anyone. How innocent does she look?
Lana loves her filthy little baby and is the very best mama to her.
Result of asking her to smile... ;)
And her sassy face! I will be sad when she stops doing this!
Lana decided she was done after her time and refused any more group pictures but I do love this one of Landen and Ryan. He is so ready for another baby in this house. You can call him a professional big bro!
I've said it before and I'll say it again....We Flores women make some beautiful babies!
"What you need is more than beautiful. Something that can be truly wonderful. I know just what you should do, let me give my love to you." The Beatles
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My Wonderful Son
Neil is at class tonight and so the kids and I built a massive fort with every throw pillow and couch cushion we have. While hanging out inside it reading books by flashlight Landen just told me...
"Mom, you have big eyes and they are beautiful. And you're so pretty. And I love you a lot."
My heart is melting.
"All you need is love..." The Beatles
"Mom, you have big eyes and they are beautiful. And you're so pretty. And I love you a lot."
My heart is melting.
"All you need is love..." The Beatles
What are they thinking?
This crosses my mind whenever my kids say or do something funny, or just outright not good. Here's a couple of their snippets...
Snippet 1: Lana has been fighting her nap lately. Big time. But not like Landen did and just cry. She plays. Happily. She sings. She takes toys to her brother to play with her (they still share a room). She keeps him awake. Then nap is skipped and later in the day she is a mass of meltdowns. So I have been getting a bit frustrated with her not cooperating at nap time. So last week I went in and told Lana, "If you don't stay in bed and take a nap I will have to separate you." Which of course I meant put the kids in different rooms so Landen could nap and I know taking Landen away from Lana is a bit of a punishment for her. That's not how Landen took it though. He jumped up and with a very worried look and voice and said, "Mo-om! How are you going to separate Lana? She needs her arms and legs!" I couldn't help but laugh at what he was thinking!
Snippet 2: Yesterday I can only imagine that Lana's thought process went something like this..."Hmm...I'm supposed to sign my name on my picture with the. marker like Landen. This color's pretty. I hate pants. There. Off. Think mom'll notice? I know, I'll color my legs with this marker to make it look like I have on pants. Pretty! The fridge would look pretty orange too. While I'm at it I should make the floor pretty too. Uh-oh. Mom doesn't seem to like it."
Ironically while she was doing this I was cleaning up the family room. Should have just kept an eye on her instead and saved myself some work. Yes it was a washable marker and it came off easily from everything but her legs. She looked like an oompa loompa standing in time-out while admiring her legs.
I love these two and every little thing they do and say. And I'm sure more of these will come as I remember them. So stay tuned...
"Try to see it my way..." The Beatles
Snippet 1: Lana has been fighting her nap lately. Big time. But not like Landen did and just cry. She plays. Happily. She sings. She takes toys to her brother to play with her (they still share a room). She keeps him awake. Then nap is skipped and later in the day she is a mass of meltdowns. So I have been getting a bit frustrated with her not cooperating at nap time. So last week I went in and told Lana, "If you don't stay in bed and take a nap I will have to separate you." Which of course I meant put the kids in different rooms so Landen could nap and I know taking Landen away from Lana is a bit of a punishment for her. That's not how Landen took it though. He jumped up and with a very worried look and voice and said, "Mo-om! How are you going to separate Lana? She needs her arms and legs!" I couldn't help but laugh at what he was thinking!
Snippet 2: Yesterday I can only imagine that Lana's thought process went something like this..."Hmm...I'm supposed to sign my name on my picture with the. marker like Landen. This color's pretty. I hate pants. There. Off. Think mom'll notice? I know, I'll color my legs with this marker to make it look like I have on pants. Pretty! The fridge would look pretty orange too. While I'm at it I should make the floor pretty too. Uh-oh. Mom doesn't seem to like it."
Ironically while she was doing this I was cleaning up the family room. Should have just kept an eye on her instead and saved myself some work. Yes it was a washable marker and it came off easily from everything but her legs. She looked like an oompa loompa standing in time-out while admiring her legs.
I love these two and every little thing they do and say. And I'm sure more of these will come as I remember them. So stay tuned...
"Try to see it my way..." The Beatles
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Gymnastics
Like I said before, the kids began gymnastics yesterday evening. Landen's class is first and he did so well. The coach was very happy with his listening skills and he was ready and willing to try everything. He is the only boy in his class in a sea of little girls in pink. Okay not really a sea of girls...more like 5, but it is a funny sight to see my Spider-man shirt wearing little guy with all the gals. He doesn't seem to mind though. The coach is very professional for leading such little ones and is great at keeping them in line and paying attention. Yesterday they did the balance beam, hung from a bar, somersaults, and did a "spider-walk" which was Landen's favorite.
In case you are wondering, this is a spider-walk...
I thought it was fun to watch the kids do that.
Lana's class is after dinnertime and I get to stay with her the whole time. We have taken this class together before but this time around they have all new coaches that seem to be much more into teaching the skills. Landen and Lana both have the same coach this time. As usual I can't take photos while leading Lana through the class so all these pictures are taken by Landen and he did his best. :)
Here she is on the trampoline being silly for the coach (in a gray shirt).
On the spring board...
Climbing up to do a somersault...something she would do that whole class if we let her!
Lana loved her class and did really well for not having had a nap that day. She does need to work on waiting her turn though and true to form she is very easily distracted. That's my girl!
4 more weeks of classes while Neil is at his own night classes. Should help the kids not miss dada so much on Monday nights. :)
"Ev'ry day we'll be happy, I know..." The Beatles
In case you are wondering, this is a spider-walk...
Landen Gymnastics Spider from Melissa Alcorn on Vimeo.
I thought it was fun to watch the kids do that.
Lana's class is after dinnertime and I get to stay with her the whole time. We have taken this class together before but this time around they have all new coaches that seem to be much more into teaching the skills. Landen and Lana both have the same coach this time. As usual I can't take photos while leading Lana through the class so all these pictures are taken by Landen and he did his best. :)
Here she is on the trampoline being silly for the coach (in a gray shirt).
On the spring board...
Climbing up to do a somersault...something she would do that whole class if we let her!
Lana loved her class and did really well for not having had a nap that day. She does need to work on waiting her turn though and true to form she is very easily distracted. That's my girl!
4 more weeks of classes while Neil is at his own night classes. Should help the kids not miss dada so much on Monday nights. :)
"Ev'ry day we'll be happy, I know..." The Beatles
Monday, November 2, 2009
...And the Award Goes to....
Me! Sometimes I feel I deserve a reward for all that I do in a day. So be prepared for a full-on toot-my-own-horn blog post!
Today started off wonderfully with Daylight Savings Time totally working in my favor. The kids woke up at the exact time I've been trying to coax their little body clocks into and I was able to get breakfast on the table for all four of us before Neil headed into work. Toot!
After Neil left and breakfast was eaten (mostly by the dog...grrr) the kids convinced me to play hide-and-seek. As a kid I was always the smallest of...well...just about everyone so I have always rocked at this game. I am happy to announce that at 22 weeks pregnant, I still rock at this game and was able to stump my children every time. Seriously, try this game as an adult oh and did I mention I am 22 weeks pregnant? Go Melissa! (Sidebar...I even stumped Neil a couple weeks ago.) Toot!
Then after lunch (ate mostly by the kids), for some reason my children decided not to nap. After a good hour of giggling and all kinds of movement coming from upstairs I asked Landen if he and Lana rested their grump away. With an affirmative from him I allowed them come back downstairs where the playing continued. I helped myself to half a cup more of coffee at this point and read piles and piles of books to my sweet loves, silly voices and all. Landen sure does love my Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk voice. Toot!
THEN today was the first day of fall gymnastics for both children. Landen at 4pm, then back home to get a yummy home made chinese dish on the table for dinner in the little bit of time Neil is home on Mondays, and then back out to Lana's Parent/Tot class at 6:15. Both kids had a great time and I managed to keep up with Lana. I even got a couple compliments from the coach and another parent for how well behaved Landen is and how pretty Lana is. I always have to smile at how my free-spirited daughter gets commented on her looks instead of behavior. ;) Anyhow...Toot!
Back home for snacks, cuddle time, and bedtime at 8. Without a single protest! TOOT!
How exhausting does my day sound? Here's a better question...how wonderful does my day sound? Answer is VERY! I guess that's my reward. :)
"And in the evening she still sings it with the band." The Beatles
Today started off wonderfully with Daylight Savings Time totally working in my favor. The kids woke up at the exact time I've been trying to coax their little body clocks into and I was able to get breakfast on the table for all four of us before Neil headed into work. Toot!
After Neil left and breakfast was eaten (mostly by the dog...grrr) the kids convinced me to play hide-and-seek. As a kid I was always the smallest of...well...just about everyone so I have always rocked at this game. I am happy to announce that at 22 weeks pregnant, I still rock at this game and was able to stump my children every time. Seriously, try this game as an adult oh and did I mention I am 22 weeks pregnant? Go Melissa! (Sidebar...I even stumped Neil a couple weeks ago.) Toot!
Then after lunch (ate mostly by the kids), for some reason my children decided not to nap. After a good hour of giggling and all kinds of movement coming from upstairs I asked Landen if he and Lana rested their grump away. With an affirmative from him I allowed them come back downstairs where the playing continued. I helped myself to half a cup more of coffee at this point and read piles and piles of books to my sweet loves, silly voices and all. Landen sure does love my Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk voice. Toot!
THEN today was the first day of fall gymnastics for both children. Landen at 4pm, then back home to get a yummy home made chinese dish on the table for dinner in the little bit of time Neil is home on Mondays, and then back out to Lana's Parent/Tot class at 6:15. Both kids had a great time and I managed to keep up with Lana. I even got a couple compliments from the coach and another parent for how well behaved Landen is and how pretty Lana is. I always have to smile at how my free-spirited daughter gets commented on her looks instead of behavior. ;) Anyhow...Toot!
Back home for snacks, cuddle time, and bedtime at 8. Without a single protest! TOOT!
How exhausting does my day sound? Here's a better question...how wonderful does my day sound? Answer is VERY! I guess that's my reward. :)
"And in the evening she still sings it with the band." The Beatles
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween Fun Part 3
Trick-or-Treat!
Despite the cold the we headed out in search of some treats with our neighbors last night. Landen was much less shy this year and excitedly ran up to each house with lights on. Our sweet little neighbor Chloe was so excited she mostly ran everywhere giggling, and Lana was a bit more timid and waited patiently behind the bigger kids for her treats. :) All three kids got tons of candy and had lots of fun.
You're never too old to dress up. Excuse my sweater and jeans but did I mention it was cold?
"Is anyone here?"
Lana and Spider-Man...who we learned she is terrified of the hard way.
If you're wondering, I've been very good about not dipping into the kids' candy...I have the four bags that I bought for trick-or-treaters here, that I didn't have to a chance to hand out since we weren't home, all to myself. Mwahahaha! ;)
"The band begins at ten to six when Mr. K performs his tricks without a sound..." The Beatles
Despite the cold the we headed out in search of some treats with our neighbors last night. Landen was much less shy this year and excitedly ran up to each house with lights on. Our sweet little neighbor Chloe was so excited she mostly ran everywhere giggling, and Lana was a bit more timid and waited patiently behind the bigger kids for her treats. :) All three kids got tons of candy and had lots of fun.
You're never too old to dress up. Excuse my sweater and jeans but did I mention it was cold?
"Is anyone here?"
Lana and Spider-Man...who we learned she is terrified of the hard way.
If you're wondering, I've been very good about not dipping into the kids' candy...I have the four bags that I bought for trick-or-treaters here, that I didn't have to a chance to hand out since we weren't home, all to myself. Mwahahaha! ;)
"The band begins at ten to six when Mr. K performs his tricks without a sound..." The Beatles
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