ButterBain is three!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!!

Just like every other mother on the planet, I am stunned at how quickly my time as a mother of little-bitties is flying by. While I don't feel particularly nostalgic about midnight feedings, diaper changing or nursing bras, I am acutely aware of the need to enjoy these days since they are numbered.

And, next year for the right-after-Christmas-birthday, I think we'll do a donation to St. Jude or some other charity. I mean it...he'll be old enough to understand that blessing other's is a worthy cause, plus he'll already have TONS to play with considering Santa will have just paid him a visit.....

I've got a year to try and sell the idea anyway-

Lib

Traveling circus

He's touching me.

Stop touching me.

I'm hungry.

I'm thirsty.

I have to pee.

Are we there yet?

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Another day, another story,
Em

The Christmas Story - Remix

Two very different stories about the meaning of Christmas.

I was quizzing Number 3 about the true meaning of Christmas and asked him, "Whose birthday is on Christmas?" His (classic) response, "Merry Jesus!!!" So of course, from that day on he has returned the traditional "Merry Christmas" greeting with his own "Merry Jesus!". His version of The Christmas Story: "Mary and Joseph were on a donkey. Then they had a baby in that manger. Then the bad man yelled, "LOOK AT MY LIPS!!! THERE IS NO ROOM!" You really have to hear Number 3 scream that part to get the full effect.

My most memorable Christmas was without a doubt the year I was 14. I was the typical teenage girl filled with the usual teen-angst, constant backtalking, phone glued to ear at at times, perpetual eye rolling, etc. By Christmas, I guess my parents had had enough. I turned over some ridiculous list a mile long of all my Christmas "demands". A funny thing happened on Christmas morning. I woke up to a beautifully wrapped alarm clock and a new set of sheets for my bed. THAT'S IT. Period. I remember calling all my friends to commiserate. They were equally shocked to not have been showered with all the gifts we "deserved". By the time my 15th birthday rolled around in June, I got a new car. I wasn't the model teenager after that, but I definitely got the message. Already wondering what challenges 4 teenage boys will pose...

Another day, another story,
Em

You might have noticed....

Our FABULOUS new logo!

All credit goes to my talented cousin Sophie Askew of Askew Design. (http://www.askewdesign.com) Here is where you, dear reader, imagine light, peace and all kinds of happiness flowing from the heavens onto her head, into her bank account, etc. Not only is she creative, but super patient as well...after many back and forth emails we are ready to unleash the logo on the world!

Coming attractions: note pads and fitted t's!

Hope your christmas wishes come true too!!

Lib

seriously

Am I the only one, who has to clean up dirty, overflowing potty water,a 3 year old's complete pee-soaked outfit (in public), AND throw up in one day?

Another day, another story,
Em

Classic Family Portrait

All seven cousins sitting on the stair.

One wails his head off,

No one seems to care.

*See Number 3 in group photo at bottom of page.*

Another day, another story,

Em

Reggie, Jr. RIP

Reggie, Jr., a black goldfish, died peacefully of seemingly natural causes this morning at his home. Reggie, Jr. Was a good fish just like his father, Reggie, Sr. Who passed away earlier this year in similar circumstances. A customary ceremony was held with singing and well wishing by Nos. 1-4 as he made his final journey back to the sea.

Maybe we just aren't "pet people". The list of aquatic friends who have preceded us in death is long. Reggie, Sr., the "gold" goldfish won at the fair (probably not the best start at life). Rose and Memphis, our beloved bettas. Cosmo before them. The cute little water frogs, too many to name.

Number 1 wants a dog more than anything. He has for years, but gave up asking about once Number 4 came along. He knows as well as I do, that we have PLENTY mouths to feed, heads of hair to cut, poop to clean, nails to trim, bodies to bathe and most importantly co-pays to pay! Maybe someday...unless of course there is a background check.

Another day, another story,
Em

Merry Christmas the Bains!!

This picture includes a rare bonus of our whole blended family - MainBain's daughter R! Hope your holidays are fun and relaxing and peaceful!

Lib

Happy Birthday Limabain!!

He turned 9 yesterday.

He is one of the sweetest, most generous boys around. At least twice in the last year we've had to coach him not to give all of his money away to friends and at church....

He's funny and artistic, and our family wouldn't be the same without his sometimes space-cadet quirkiness.

Love you Bain!

Lib

Save Now

Letters to Santa

Some of the highlights from their lists:

• Night-vision goggles (x3) when asked why..."because they are awesome!"
• Shew laces - keep in mind 'vision' was spelled correctly
• a 4-Wheeler
• a hat with some things over my ears
• A thing that you put motorcycles in - a garage,maybe??
• santa to fix my bike pedals
• a dirt bike
• a wii
• a cross bow - and they mean a real one

An my personal favorite from stringbain: a lottery ticket that will win!

Ho, ho, ho!

Lib

The Flip Side

Number 3 just peed on the stairs.

Another day, another story,
Em

Thanks and Giving

If you just pay attention, you can learn a lot from a 7 year old. During Thanksgiving, I sure did.

First, someone's weakness can actually end up being their biggest strength. Sometimes, Number 2's confidence and outgoing personality can be a little complicated . He never meets a stranger which is great for socializing, but he also says pretty much says whatever he is feeling without much filtering. That has made for many interesting moments through the years. But it came in quite handy when my Daddy asked "if anyone had anything they would like to say" at our family's Thanksgiving dinner. Without missing a beat, Number 2 was standing on his chair speaking up. "I do. I love my Nana. My Nana is so special to me. She is sweet and I love her." Might be my proudest moment yet.

Second, you love someone for who they are right now. Not who they used to be. Not who you want them to be. Number 2 has this gift. His heart is bigger and stronger than anyone I know.

Another day, another story,
Em