Krippendorf's Krib

Lukey vs. Blue Marker

2009-08-06T21:42:00.001-07:00

The marker won....

Summer Hiatus

2009-08-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, my blog has been on a summer hiatus. Not intentionally, but out of sheer laziness....I have been busy eating Popsicles on the back porch with the boys, swimming at Memaws, going to the Bahn and the beach or enjoying a hot summer bar-b-que. Will report back with lots of pictures soon. I'll leave you with a pic straight from the sharks mouth. ;-)

P.S. I wanted to put out a prayer request for my dear friend, Melissa Niland. Her father passed away very suddenly yesterday. Please pray that she and her family find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

God is good.....

2009-06-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

Meet my newest nephew, Carter Wesley. He was born to my sister in law and brother in law, Melanie and Cody. He is now the youngest of their 3 boys!!! Isn't he adorable? He is already showing that he is an old soul, looks like he is contemplating the meaning of life in this pic. HA!
Welcome Carter! We love you!

Summer Loves

2009-06-07T09:22:00.001-07:00

I'm in love with this Victoria's Secret dress! Perfect for summer and what girl wouldn't feel awesome in this?! The crochet detail and empire waist really seal the deal for me. So flowy and comfy, no need to worry about any of those unwanted bulges and lumps showing. This dress is the epitome of femininity!

Ok, this Nine West shoe is what my shoe dreams are made of! So sassy and some bling to it too! The heel is not so practical for a stay at home chasing 2 boys, but hell, I'll find a place to wear these beauties even if it kills me!

And look at this, they come in another pattern. So fun!

I love this hanging plate display. I just got a new bedding set with chocolate brown, blue and white in it. I think this will go great hanging over my bed with chocolate brown hanging ribbons. Don't ya think?! Here is my new bedding below....

Well, these are my current summer crushes. I haven't purchased any of them yet(except the bedding) because of their high prices, so it may just end up being an unrequited summer love. We'll see....=)
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This Will For Sure Embarrass Them When Theyre In High School

2009-05-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Romeo and Juliet....Barbie and Ken...Fred and Wilma...Tim and Faith....Tom and Katie...Landon and Cali....

Cali, you told Landon that you were going to marry him about 3 years ago, when ya'll were two. Landon accepted and it has been a whirl wind preschool romance ever since.....

You two are quite mature for your ages being that you have already discussed topics such as children, pets and where you will live. I'm so happy to hear that I will be blessed with 4 grandchildren, I'm not so happy about you naming 2 of them Levi and Tex, but hopefully in 20 years you will change your minds. I also have been informed by Landon that he is going to buy his future wife 2 chihuahuas. And that they would like to live in a trailer behind either of their parents homes. But just recently Landon upgraded their housing status and said he would like to make a home for him and Cali in good, ole Rockwall Ranch....how sweet. haha! And if I remember correctly, Landon gave Cali her engagement ring out of a quarter machine on her 4th birthday at the bowling alley. Does my son know romance or what?!

It has been hilarious seeing these two precious kids plan for "wedded bliss". I would be all too lucky to get sweet Cali as my daughter in law....Cant wait to see what these two kids think of each other in high school!

The End of a PreSchool Era....

2009-05-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

SCCHHHOOOOOOOLLLLLS OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!
I cannot get that song out of my mind! And I'm not even the one who is out of school.!!Landon had his last days of preschool last week. It makes me very emotional for many reasons, one being that my baby, my firstborn, will be in kindergarten. I just cant wrap my head around that. I'm not ready! Stop the clock, people!
Another reason, is that Landon will be leaving behind all his preschool friends. He has become so home at his preschool, I wish I could take all his friends and stick them in Landon's elementary school. Not to mention, I have made great friends with the moms at the preschool, but thankfully, Luke will begin 2 year old preschool there, so I'll still see some of them.
They celebrated their last day of school with "Splash Day" and I also have some pics from their "Annual Spring Fling", where they perform in the chapel and have a carnival afterwards.
Lukey getting in on some Splash Day Popsicle fun.

Popsicle Time!

Dylan and Berklee...some of Landon's buds

These are so cool right? They need these in adult sizes!

Landon and Luke on the wiggly waggly train at Spring Fling

Landon and Luke waiting for their balloon animal from the "Creepy Clown" aka Coach Jim

Lukey hammin it up in Memaws glasses

Nerd!

Last performance as a Preschooler

Some of my Fave Candids....

2009-05-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

We just took our 2009 family pictures this last week. While taking pictures with two active and energetic boys is never easy, I'm always so thankful that I will have precious and hilarious moments like these captured forever....

Movin on Up.....

2009-05-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

September 2008

May 2008

Just wanted to post a picture of Landon with his preschool teacher, Mrs. Remmler, in September 2008 and now at the end of the year, May 2009. Doesn't he look just all grown up now? Oh, my heart is breaking. I have an almost kindergartner on my hands. How is that possible? I'm supposed to be the mother of preschoolers forever. I don't think I'm ready for elementary school yet! ha!

Last But Not Least

2009-05-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

This is Mammy(my mother in law). My boys call her Mammy and so do I because I cant call her Melody, certainly cant call her Mrs. Krippendorf and calling her mom is just weird(Seriously, don't you think its weird when people call their in laws Mom and Dad? I do) ...So, I call her Mammy, its fits perfectly.
Mammy is very special...
She raised a mighty fine boy whom I'm now married to. She loves my boys " to the moon and back" as she often tells them. She makes the worlds best sweet tea. She always has candy or treats in her purse for her grand babies. She tickles and roughhouses with my boys until they laugh themselves silly. She gives great gifts!(ha!) She makes great tacos. She's fun to shop with....
But most all, she is always looking out for us and loves us!
We big puffy heart you, Mammy! Happy Mothers Day.

Once again, I'm late....

2009-05-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of me with my mom. Isnt she so pretty?=) My mom is special for many reasons..NONE of these reasons being that she still babies me when I'm sick, lets me lay on her couch when I'm exhausted from chasing my crazy boys, cleans my house when she babysits my boys, cooks my family dinner when I'm having a bad day...nope, I'm a grown woman, I don't need my mom to do any of those things for me. HA!HA!
Mom, you do so much for not only for me, but for my boys. Landon and Luke love their Memaw! You have always possessed that unique source of comfort that only a special mom can give. I big puffy heart you, Mom!
P.S. I also love that you make me the best cups of green tea ever!

This picture to me is why Mothers Day is so special to me. I simply could not be prouder of these two little boys. Landon and Luke, I cannot believe God blessed me with two such handsome, loving, hilarious, entertaining, and healthy boys. What did I do to deserve you two? I sure don't know, but I will spend the rest of my life thanking and praising Him for the gift of my two precious sons. I love you, my crazy boys!

Show Us Where You Live Friday-Living Room Edition

2009-05-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are again. Once again, one of my fellow and favorite bloggers Kelly from Kelly's Korner is hosting this Fridays "Show us Where You Live-Living Room edition". So here it goes!

Rock arch that leads you from the living room to our master bedroom to the right or powder room to the left.

The sofa I nap on(hee, hee). I love my pillows, from a closer look, they have blue, tan and green circles on them...

I'm trying to go with a whole green/blue color theme....

Cool frame I got from Gruene Market Days.

I LOOVVEEE my rug!

Full view of fireplace.

Full view of living room sitting area. Those big windows give a great view of our backyard!

Belated Easter Pics

2009-05-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our wonderful Easter. It was nice because we attended the Easter service at 6:30 on Saturday night and then headed over to my in laws house to hang out and so Mammy and Papa could give the boys their baskets. So, on actual Easter morning we got to take our time, drink coffee and watch the kids discover their baskets and hunt for eggs without the fear of being late for church. We then headed over to Memaw and Papa's house(my mom and dad) and had Easter lunch with my sisters and their families. Landon was an avid egg hunter this year...Luke was more about taking his time and eating the candy out of the eggs as he found them. Then it was off to take a well deserved nap after stuffing ourselves and hunting eggs all over the yard. THEN, we headed into La Vernia for another Easter celebration on Larry's side. We were tired but MAN, we are so blessed when it comes to having a dedicated and loving family.

Luke would rather play with his basket than hunt eggs this year.

We are the worlds worst family picture posers. We couldn't look at the camera simultaneously if it was worth a million dollars! Sheesh, look at me even!

Another example of our wonderful picture taking cooperation. SIIIGGGHHH..

Lukey just woke up and is wondering what all this Easter stuff is about...

Landon is stoked! Aren't their Pottery Barn baskets cute?!

Twas the Night Before Easter....

Show Us Where You Live-Kitchen Edition

2009-05-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well, over at one of my favorite blogs, Kelly's Korner, she is hosting a Show Us Where You Live Segment-Kitchen Edition. So, I thought it would be fun to join in since I love my kitchen and I love looking at other peoples kitchens. So here it goes...

The view out of my kitchen to the living room.

My horribly messy pantry.

Double oven, which is the best thing ever!

Breakfast nook. I will soon be painting the area underneath the chair rail a brown/tan color.

View of my whole kitchen from the living room.

Love my canisters!

My stove top.

Part of the bar.

My bar stools that I love!

More Deco on the bar.

My kitchen is the favorite part of my house! Not only can I see into the living room, but I can also see out into the backyard from my kitchen, so keeping an eye on my boys and cooking dinner can be done easily. I decorated in a Palm tree theme, if you have any ideas for the tops of my cabinets, let me know. I went to Garden Ridge Pottery and found no Ivy's or plants I like to put up there. So suggestions please!!!!

Hope you enjoyed your tour into my kitchen. I'm about to make Tex-Mex lasagna in it! Yum!

He Has Risen

2009-04-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

"The great gift of Easter is HOPE - Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in His ultimate triumph, and in His goodness and love, which nothing can shake." Basil C. Hume

Wishing everyone had a Blessed and Happy Easter.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite pics from last years Easter....it is a picture of my Landon and my niece, Ashytn and they are VERY upset that the Easter egg hunt and fun is over....cracks me up!

What we have been up to....

2009-04-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have been a blog slacker and not blogged in awhile. Spring Break has passed and Easter is around the corner. Can you believe it?!!! I cant!
Spring Break was fairly uneventful. The only trip we took was to Mason, TX to see my one of my very best friends in the world, Jennifer. Oh, how I miss her! Anyways, her and her family just renovated a house built in the 1930's and we went to check it out and visit with her. Of course, we picked the ONE day that the heavens opened up and poured buckets of rain, hail and tornadoes on us. And of course this all happened while we were on a trailer being pulled by an ATV in the middle of ten-buck-2(Jennifer's hubby works
on a ranch in the middle of 10buck2 and was showing us around)with 7 screaming, terrified children...I take that back...6 screaming children...Luke loved every minute of it and was laughing like a deranged hyena amidst
the chaos(he will give me gray hair). We made it out alive, I was certain lightening would strike the trailer we were in but God heard our prayers and we made it off the ranch safely. Drama seems to follow Jennifer wherever we go...were a dangerous combination, I guess. =)
Last week was extremely busy with T-ball games, we had a rehearsal dinner at our house and then a wedding(not at our house) the next
day. Landon was the ring bearer in this wedding and man, he looked handsome. He did an awesome job and made his momma and daddy proud. I will post pics soon. =)
Luke was the poster child for the "Terrible Two's" last week and now it's official...I have earned my Motherhood Patience Badge. Whheewww. I dont think Luke and I will ever be allowed back into Hobby Lobby ever again but atleast I stood my ground and think I may have broken thru to him...
"Extreme flopping, flailing and screaming in aisles and damaging inventory
= grande spanking in backseat of car in parking lot of Hobby Lobby".
Ahh! Thankfully, this week he has returned to my sweet baby boy. I love you, my crazy Lukey.
P.S. Not sure why my whole post in underlined and in blue but I'll just roll with it.....;-)

Pitcher Perfect

2009-03-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

I just happened to be browsing a favorite blog of mine and came across one of her old favorite posts from another woman's blog...funny how you find something of so much substance when you least expect it....Here is the link...read it..its worth it...=)
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/05/past-and-pitcher.html

Turkeyloaf and the Cake

2009-03-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been on a little health kick. When I say little, I mean little. I enjoy my food, so a girl can only sacrifice so much....Anyways, my sacrifices include the use of red meat in the majority of my meals, I have been using ground turkey.

So, tonight was meatloaf or rather, turkeyloaf. I had a healthy meal planned out, turkey loaf and a salad for Larry and me and I threw in some mac and cheese for the kiddos. I must say my turkeyloaf turned out good, everybody scarfed it up. And you wouldn't believe the lack of grease, none! That has to be good for the ole arteries!

But the Party Rainbow Chip cake and icing was calling my name from the pantry....I have no WillfreakinPower. I made the Party Rainbow Chip cake and almost ate the whole canister of rainbow chip icing before the cake was even finished baking.....which left me with a slightly naked cake...ooooopps....

Needless to say, turkeyloaf and mass amounts of Rainbow Chip icing DO NOT MIX. I polished it all off with a big glass of whole milk. Yup! I'm healthy!

Going Green...in my own way....

2009-03-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

In honor of St. Patty's Day tomorrow, I may just go purchase these little beauties .....

Target $19.99......Love them!

I miss surgery....

2009-03-15T12:31:00.001-07:00

Landon had surgery this past Monday to correct his trigger thumb. Trigger thumb just means his thumb never extended to full extension, it just sort of always hung out in a bent state. So the doctor just had to make a small incision to release the tendon to its full extension.

Landon's form of trigger thumb was also congenital meaning he was born that way and he inherited it from his daddy. Larry had to have the same procedure done on both his thumbs when he was little.

Anyways, Landon showed know fear going into surgery. He was chipper as could be and was so excited to put on his "Cool" hospital gown and "Chefs" hat as he called it. He was super stoked when the Doc came in and drew a happy face on his thumb.

Then came the silly juice they gave him to relax him before they took him in. He was hilarious. Mammy had 3 eyes and he was "imaginationing"(as he said) all kinds of silly things......

Then they wheeled him off with a huge silly grin on his face leaving his momma and daddy to sit in the waiting room to worry. But he came out just fine and we were headed home. Later on the day when I was tucking him in he tells me, " Mom, I miss surgery. It was so much fun". I had to laugh.....

It certainly wasn't fun for Larry and me!

Rainy Day

2009-03-13T08:51:00.001-07:00

We played hookie today and stayed home outta the rain. My plan was to enjoy a quiet day at home with the boys...playing games, watching TV, etc. What was I thinking.... That could never happen! I have 2 boys running around in their underwear COWABUNGING, jumping off the couches, and chasing our poor dog....SIIGGGHHHH ....=)

Highlights from Lake Tahoe

2009-03-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Larry, Landon and I took a wonderful trip to Lake Tahoe. Sweet Lukey stayed behind to be spoiled by his grandmothers. This was Landon's first time seeing snow and my second! How sad is that? Larry and I both commented on how lucky our kiddos are seeing and experiencing all the snow activities Tahoe has to offer at such a young age, I was 27 the first time I ever saw snow, not because I was a deprived child, but people just didn't take vacations like this back in the day it seems....at least my parents didn't....
We enjoyed our one on one time with Lando immensely. Since he will be starting kindergarten next year, this was a perfect opportunity for one and one time with him. He basked in all the attention. I'm so proud of the sweet, friendly and bright boy he has become. He loves life and jumps at any new experience with enthusiasm. I wish I could it bottle up and take it myself!!!
We went dog sledding the second day we were there. What an experience!! We kicked back and let those tiny dogs pull our "vacation buffet eating" butts for almost an hour and they didn't even seem winded. The landscape was beautiful, air was crisp, but the odor in the air was foul. Our dogs had the runs. They just would run and poop at the same time. Landon thought it was the most hilarious thing in the whole world. The driver explained these 40 lb dogs were on a 4000 calorie a day diet, so when they had to go, they had to go(mid stride and all). All I could think was that I wished I could be on a 4000 calorie a day diet! That's like 20 quarter ponders in one day! Heaven!;-)Landon also got to "mush"(direct the dogs), I added a pic of that below.
We also went snow tubing, made snow angels, threw snow balls and ate at the best place in the world, Heidi's! Landon got to drink the worlds best hot chocolate there! And mommy got to spend 2 hours at the spa getting massaged and detoxified! AHHHHHHH, I love spa treatments!

My favorite thing right now

2009-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love it right now when I hear Luke yell in his adorable voice,

" Bubba, R you?"

Bubba is Landon and what Luke is saying is, "Bubba, Where are you?!". He is right on the brink of joining his baby gibberish with the English language. My baby is growing up too fast!

It's been awhile since I blogged. We just recently got back from a wonderful trip to Lake Tahoe. I will be posting a blog with pics of our fun soon!

It was bound to happen

2009-02-08T19:47:00.001-08:00

Landon decided to experiment his barbery skills on his own head with kiddie scissors. This picture doesnt do it justice since I took it with my phone. It is very choppy and ragged due to the dull blades on the scissors and it almost looks like a really bad version of a reverse mohawk. Nice one, Lando! =)

Luke's Birthday Pictures

2009-02-07T20:52:00.001-08:00

Luke had a fun-filled party at the NB Childrens Museum. Enjoy the pics! We love you, Luke Hunter!!!

10 Random Things about Luke Hunter

2009-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

1. I love your chubby little rear and your short, chunky legs....nothing can get a smile on my face faster than seeing you take off in your birthday suit when we get ready for bath time.

2. Your run is a mix of a crazed lobster and the Tasmanian devil. I cannot figure it out, but its hilarious.

3. At bedtime, I will tell you its time to "go rock" and you will immediately go sit in your rocking chair and wait for me to rock you to sleep. You love to rock with your momma.

4. You love boots. And not just your own boots, you're always tromping around in your daddy or Landon's boots.

5. Your voice is kinda raspy, but still has that baby sound. And when you really get to jabbering you sound like a mix between an old German man and a Japanese nail lady....

6. You love chips... especially Cheetos! And you will raid the pantry until you find a bag of chips to munch on.

7. You are the Master of all Fit Throwers. All other 2 year olds should bow down to you because you take the cake, buddy. I have had people step aside in mass groups and stare/giggle as I haul you out of Wal-Mart kicking and screaming.

8.You have an endless amount of kisses always ready for me. All I need to do is pucker my lips and you are smacking one on me. I love it!

9. You are a mommas boy and I love it.

10. Your pick your nose constantly and even worse...sometimes you eat it. Ick! Boys! Any tips on how to remedy habitual nose picking?

Luke Turns 2, Pics Coming Soon

2009-01-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't posted in awhile. It's weird, how I actually feel guilty about that. I have no idea if anybody even reads my blog, so why the guilt?
Well, Luke turned 2 this past Saturday. He had a fabulous birthday party at the New Braunfels Children's Museum. We celebrated with a John Deere/tractor theme. I will post pics ASAP. I love my camera, but it requires film, so I have to take it to get the CD. I know, I'm old school still. Not really a fan of digital or maybe the digital is not a fan of me because my pis are always blurry when I use the digital.
I digress...
Ok, so Luke is a happy 2 year old...hmm..cant think of anything else to update you on except were gearing up for a trip to Lake Tahoe in less than a month...I simply cannot wait! Were taking Landon with us, Luke will be staying behind to be spoiled by both Memaw and Mammy. Larry and I went to Tahoe last year and it was the best vacation ever...gambling, scenery, busting my butt and embarrassing myself on the slopes, breakfast at Heidi's, our little coffee bar we found, snowmobiling up the mountain and almost getting frost bite on my butt(serious)....I LOVED IT! We cant wait to share it with Landon except maybe not the frostbite part. I'm gonna attach a pic of Larry and I posing on our snowmobiling trip where the almost frostbite occurred.
Ok, so tomorrow look for Luke's 2 year post and pics!!!

Pillow Crush

2009-01-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

I totally want this pillow from Kirkland Homes! It's on sale for 12.99! If anyone is near a Kirklands, pick me one up and yourself one too! ha!!!

Whoever Smelt It Dealt It...Not so true as we found out...

2009-01-19T19:03:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, I went to lunch with Landon, Luke, my mom and sis to see my great aunts. These 2 fine ladies are my late Memo's two younger sisters. It was so nice to see them and share stories about my grandma, whom I miss so badly. And if there is one thing I'm positive about, we all miss Memo's cooking. We all wished we could duplicate Memo's famous roast, chicken noodle soup, homemade bread, mmm, mmm.... And it seems to be hereditary since one of my great aunts still owns a bakery, oh man, her cream cheese kolaches are the best!!!!
Well, we all met at a little hamburger cafe in Bracken. Small little joint, but it happened to have a room off to the side that had just cleared out and was perfect for the large group we had. As my boys and I get back there, I notice a FOUL odor in the air. Man, was it bad, not the least bit appetizing. Then I realize that our room is connected to the bathrooms. The only other people back there was an older couple and they had an equally disgusted look on their face from the smell.
Well, the poor smelly man makes his walk of shame from the bathroom and right as he passes us, I guess my dear, sweet Landon finally noticed the smell because he bellows, " Man, who farted back here!!?"
The man hightailed it out of there and we all burst in to laughter!
Even the couple in the room was very amused with Landon's candor. But what can you say, kids say it like it is...so watch out next time in you re in a public restroom!!!

Here is the link to the hamburger place went to:
http://www.brackenstore.com/
Very charming and great food! Huge hamburgers!

Chupacobbler

2009-01-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, so, pretty much every night my hubby and Landon lie in our bed and watch Animal Planet together as they drift off to sleep. Just sort of became their bedtime ritual. I usually straighten up the house and wait for the little man to go to sleep, so I can transfer him to his bed, it easy and hey, Animal Planet is educational, right?
Educational..yes...but also a tad bit scary...
I'm washing the dishes while I'm waiting for Landon to drift peacefully off to sleep while watching puppies being born, etc on Animal Planet when all of a sudden over the sound of the garbage disposal I just turned on, I hear Landon bust out of my bedroom and ask" Mom, have you ever heard of the chupacobbler? It just sucked this little girls whole family's blood!!!! And it sucked hers too, but the police officers made her feel better"
I'm assuming he means the urban legend, the chupacabra and I go to see that my beloved Animal Planet is showing a show on supposed urban legends called "Lost Tapes".
Here is the link:http://animal.discovery.com/fantasy-creatures/chupacabra/history.html
Kind of interesting for an adult to watch, not so much for a 5 year old.
So much for Animal Cops and Meerkat Manor at bedtime. Time to switch back to a bedtime story instead.

Christmas Pics

2009-01-07T19:57:00.001-08:00

Well, I said I would post them....Here they are.

What 2009 Will Bring

2009-01-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are in a new year, the feelings of optimism, anxiety and excitement all mingle together for me.
-Landon will start kindergarten in the Fall of 09'.
-Luke will start preschool.
These 2 things together nullify my job as a stay at home mom during the hours my boys are in school. I'll be free, as some will think, but I think I may be a little lost as well. Who am I when I'm not taking care of my boys 24/7? I guess I will find out in 2009.
-Larry and I will also hit 8 years of marriage in 2009.
Wow, high five for us! It has been 8 years of ups and downs and all arounds, but the up moments have made us a happier and more bonded couple and the down moments, only stronger as a unit. Marriage, in my opinion, is never a simple one step equation with an even whole number for an answer, its like long division, you keep on striving forthat whole number but sometimes you get remainders....
-2009 will be the year we decide to have or not to have a 3rd child.
I'm leaning towards yes and Larry says no. Marriage is about compromise, so if we meet in the middle, where does that leave us? I don't want a puppy!!! So 2009 will lead us in the right direction , I hope.
-We will be meeting a new niece or nephew in the middle of 2009 via Cody and Melanie.
And if anybody knows the history of my husbands side of the family, boys are prevalent, so it will be fun to see if a little girl arrives.
- I will turn 29 in August of 2009. Which means I am only 1 year away from 30!!! Yikes! For some reason, 30 really makes me feel old. My husband and all my friends are in their 30's and all seem young still to me but I feel like if I AM in MY 30's, then I'm just ancient. I believe this stems from me always being the young one in my group of friends...oh well....

We rang in the New Year at my house.
We invited friends and family to our house and it was a blast. Larry was my first kiss of 2009, Landon was my 2nd and I snuck into Luke's room later and gave him a smooch while he was sleeping....I'm a lucky girl.

P.S. I have been lazy with posting pics, but I will post them soon!!!!=)

Post Christmas Blues

2008-12-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

Siiiggghhhh....its over. Back to the real world ....a new year will begin...there will be no excuse for drinking eggnog or eating ungodly amounts of chocolate covered cherries, the store wont have out all the really cool, holidayed coffee creamers(peppermint mocha was my favorite this year), I cant threaten the boys with Santa watching them when they misbehave, no more 24 hour Christmas music on 101.9. Total Bummer.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We were so blessed, not only in gifts, but in valuable family time and hilarious memories and traditions that will be remembered for years.

I will post pics as soon as I get them.

P.S. I need to go on a diet. I ate my weight in tamales,chili, ham, queso, cookies, fudge, toffee, stuffed jalapenos, egg casserole, apple pie, truffles...you name it....I ate it. =))))

My Favorite Day of the Year...Christmas Eve.

2008-12-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

It is Laura's official favorite day of the year...Christmas Eve. I love the magic in the air, the way the kids cant sit still and keep on asking, "When will Santa get here?" and "How will he fit down the chimney?". It's a day to enjoy with your family, to eat, to laugh, to give, to receive and most of all, to celebrate His birth. I will always get chills when I hear "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night".

We're off to early church, then my late Memo's house to see my mom's side of the family and then to Melanie's house to hunker down and have some more family time. Mel, will you have the coffee ready for me since I will be up all night playing "Santa"? Tomorrow is the big morning!!!!

I wish everyone a blessed holiday and may your Christmas be a happy blending of sharing times, caring times and moments of love. I'll leave you with some pictures from Christmas 2007.

My Baby is 5

2008-12-19T01:13:00.000-08:00

Our Landon Chase turned 5 years old on December 10. Like we all say..where did the time go? We are so proud of the sweet, caring little man he has become. He is very proud of his five-yearoldness....he has been declaring it to random people in the grocery store, gym ,all, etc.
We will be walking along, minding our own in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and Landon spots a person he sees as an open target and he will almost shout, "Hi, I'm Landon and I'm five. " It would be a great pickup line for most men, if they were as cute and it seems to be a hit with the older ladies. ;-)

Landon had a hunting themed party at our house. He was very excited to get a John Deere Gator for his birthday. The kids had a blast riding the Gator around, jumping in the jumpy castle and hitting the world's worst pinata rendition of a hunter man(that thing was kind of scary, see pictures attached)...

Dont get me a penguin turtleneck for Christmas....

2008-12-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?Wrapping paper, but I enjoy wrapping the first 3 presents and then I get really sloppy with it!!!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, but someday when kids are older we will do a real tree

3. When do you put up the tree?Usually the Sunday after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? I procrastinate, but I usually force myself on January 2, such a depressing task

5. Do you like eggnog? I would take a eggnog bath if I could.....;-)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Man, so many, the Barbie Dream House, the Huffy Bike that rocked the pink and mint green color pattern

7. Hardest person to buy for? No doubts, all the men in my family.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Melanie

9. Do you have a nativity scene? a Snow Buddies one

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail them! It's always so exciting to go out to the mail box and get a card.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?Hmmm, , I do remember getting a penguin turtleneck from my mom when I was like 8 and hated it. I even remember taking it back to Mervyn's with my mom.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Lampoons Christmas, the best!!!!!!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I was early this year, I started in early November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?Don't think so

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Where do I start? Um, everything!!!!

16. Lights on the tree? clear

17. Favorite Christmas song?O Holy Night by Martina McBride or Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home, but one day, when the kids are older, I want to rent a cabin in Tahoe and have Christmas there!!! Wouldn't that be awesome!!!?

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donor, Blitzen, and Rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? All on Christmas Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Nothing,except when it is like 75 degrees on Christmas day, I hate that!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Blue and Silver

BZZZZZ...Busy Bee

2008-12-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't posted in awhile. We have just been really busy lately with Christmas around the corner and it seems everybody I'm related to has a birthday this month. Can we say the "PO House" after buying all these gifts, caz that is where we will be!!! haha!
Luke came down with RSV about 2 to 3 weeks ago, so that was a bit of a struggle to get him well again. They need to add to the list of symptoms of RSV: extreme hissy fits and irritation. He was a grump, but I couldn't blame him, I know he felt awful!! My poor Lukey...
Landon turned 5 this past Wednesday and well, I just cant believe it. I mean he is almost out of the toddler section!!! There is no 6T!!! 5T is it and then I will be a mommy who has to shop for her boy in the big boy section forever!!! Where has the time gone?!!! Was it really 5 years ago we brought home that long, skinny baby with the wrinkles on his forehead ? Was it really 5 years ago that I entered the world of extreme chaos, sleepless nights, spit up, and poopy diapers? What a journey! I wouldn't trade my worst days of poopy diapers for the days when I was free and childless.
I took the boys to see Santa today. What a Disaster!!! Luke is not down with the Man in Red, AT ALL! We managed to get a picture where Luke looks somewhat sane. I couldn't tell if he was terrified of Santa or just plain mad at him. He was giving Santa quite a fight. Landon was all about Santa, he hopped on his lap and started rattling off his Christmas list like he has been practicing it for months. It always an adventure with my boys!

Thankful...Grateful....Blessed....Fortunate

2008-11-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for:

My beautiful, healthy boys who have opened up my heart to a whole new meaning of love and joy

My husband who works his butt off to provide for our boys and me and somehow has mastered the art of driving me crazy and making me love him all the more for it!!!

Our families who support and comfort us in times of need. We(Larry, me and the boys) would be lost without them.

The women in my life who I can share my womanly secrets with. And with whom I still giggle with like a bunch of schoolgirls!

I am beyond thankful for guardian angels.

For my strong, healthy body even though I always complain about how fat I am. =)

For my husbands successful business that he has built from the ground up.

For my happy childhood that inspires me to give my children the same and more.

For my 24 hour, round the clock job as a domestic diva. =) It pays well. =)

For coffee because it is what puts the pep in my step in the morning.

For all the yummy food I ate today, my thighs are thanking you as well. =)

The list could go on and on....I lived a blessed life....I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and lots of turkey! I sure did!

Garden Ridge Pottery Madness

2008-11-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Why is that when I go the grocery store for milk, I end up coming out with a $200 bill and every food known to man but NO MILK?
Well, I did this in Garden Ridge Pottery today. I went in simply to find some ivy plants for the tops of my kitchen cabinets BUT I walked out with a blow up Santa airplane for the front yard, some bathroom wall art, a picture collage frame and a Christmas wreath..no ivy. Never even looked for ivy.
I got so swept up in the Christmas deco, the ivy was quickly forgotten. And if you ever are bored on a Saturday night alone with the kiddos, take them to Garden Ridge Pottery. We had so much fun. We stayed for 1.5 hours, going up and down the aisles admiring all the holiday decor. Landon tried to sneak half the stores deco into the cart and Luke was so enthralled with the 20 ft Santa they had on display, I think he may have gone into a trance...

He Aims, He Shoots, HE SCCOOORRREESS!

2008-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Well, this weekend was Landon's last soccer game, and I'm a bit sad. Landon really did enjoy it alot and I enjoyed watching him progress from tripping over his own two feet to scoring goals and kicking assists to his teammates. He did a wonderful job this past weekend and scored 4 goals!!!!

Landon finally got the trophy he yearned for all season. Man, has he been proud of that trophy!!!!

Here are some pics from the last game....Go Yellow Jackets!

Indian Names

2008-11-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Well, Landon came home from school today proudly bearing his "Indian" name, Flying Bird. It seemed fitting for him.
Soooo, we decided to give every member of our family an Indian name.
I chose Dancing Doe. Hey, I like to dance and I am so oh so delicate and feminine like a doe. HA! I kid!My decision was more based upon the fact that when I think of a doe, I think of a doe with her spotted babies...so that would be me, except my kids don't have spots. ;-)
Larry chose Fighting Buck. I guess he would have to be a buck, since I'm a doe. And don't bucks fight for their woman, just like my hubby would do? ha! Plus, I don't think he could have chosen another animal, because he totally has buck fever....his mind never veers much from hunting these days(I am rolling my eyes).
And last but certainly not least, was Luke's name. I think his was the best representation for a personality via Indian name. Luke is the one and only, Fierce Fire Ant. Luke is the sweetest, loving little baby, but if you light that fire, you best watch out, he's after you and he will land his stinger(aka teeth, nails, headbutt) on ya! We love our fiery natured Luke!!!!

I am way overdue on posting pics. I will have pics from the Pumpkin Patch, Halloween and Landon's last soccer game soon!

A Real Quick One

2008-10-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today, out of the clear blue, Landon says to me, " Mommy, God is a good guesser."
And I say, "Well, how so?"
Landon answers, " Because when he guessed that you could be my mommy, he was right. You're the best mommy for me!"
I was so taken aback. Such innocence, but so wise....It was a priceless moment.

Who I am

2008-10-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

I love my family.
I love trying different lotions.
I love clothes, shoes...I REALLY love them
I love the smell of vanilla and sugar cookies.
I also love the smell of a mans ball cap, the smell of a man....

I smell my hubby's shirts in the dirty laundry pile because I like the worn off scent of his cologne.

I believe I am married to the man I was destined to be with.

I love my hubby's dimple.

I love that my sons both inherited that dimple.

I love getting pedicures and massages.
I am as girly as can be but have no shame and will talk about anything and everything.
I love Bud Light Lime and Sister Creek Vineyards Muscat Canelli.
I Love sauerkraut and mustard.
I Love working out and feeling that tired sense of accomplishment in my muscles.
I Love going out to eat and trying different food.
I am not picky!
I love to read, one of my first passions.... I have put that on the back burner since having my children.
My children are my true passion.
I am a better person now that I am a mother.
I feel a kinship with other mothers that I know they feel too.
I love anything paranormal.
I love LOST!
As a child, I had a huge crush on Patrick Swayze.
I love book stores.
I am becoming obsessed with coffee.
I have a soft spot for children, old people and dogs.
My relationship with God is tangible when I look into the eyes of my children. If I can love them that much, think of how abundant His love is for us?
Chocolate ...also one of my passions.
I have a temper that sneaks up on me and explodes.
I cry when angry...which really sux!

I will never be a morning person. NEVER!

I would love to visit an old plantation home or anything historical and possibly haunted.

One time, on the way home from a trip to A&M, my friend and I stopped at every historical marker because I made her.

I secretly think I have psychic abilities.

I would love to go on a tornado chase.

Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are the 2 creepiest movies ever!

We survived a weekend in close quarters!!!

2008-10-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we went to the beach a couple of weeks ago with my whole family. We stayed in a 3 bedroom beach house. By "we", I mean, my mom and dad, my older sister and her family of 4 , my brood and my lil sister and her boyfriend.

Needless to say, it was a bit cramped but it was so nice to spend the night in close quarters with my family. I haven't spent the night under the same roof as my sisters since I got married!! It was a blast from the past to be able to sit up late and talk with my sisters. We had some rather interesting conversations? Didn't we, Brooke? ;-)

Anyways, the beach was prettier than I had seen a TX beach in years! No seaweed! Woo-hoo! We visited the Corpus Christi State Aquarium and that was so much fun. We got to pet stingrays, get splashed by dolphins and see an underwater show. Landon and Luke were very entertained . I have patiently been waiting for my sister, Brooke, to send me the pics from the aquarium..its been 3 weeks, I have given up. But I do have pics from the beach and the beach house of the boys and their cousin, Ashtyn aka Miss Thang.

The Stars are Aligned

2008-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it is Fall and with the change in the season, I cant help but notice the changes in my children. Not only in their individual personalities, but in how they interact with each other. I think they may actually be starting to like each other, lol! They have always had their brotherly love, but man do they fight!!!! But over the past few days, I have seen a difference.

Instead of screaming and crying coming from the playroom, I hear giggles! Instead of Landon chasing Luke and Luke screaming, Luke wants to be chased and they fall to the ground in a non -combatish heap. Instead of them fighting over the same toy, I caught them actually playing with a toy...GASP...together!!!

I'm not sure if this is a phase or the stars are aligned perfectly, but I can say the mommy in me beams to see my boys enjoying each others company. I'm so blessed to see their brotherly bond grow right before my eyes.

Tractor Bend

2008-09-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a busy week. At Landon's preschool, they ask that all the 4year old classes to make a float for the school "fair parade". After much debate we decided on a tractor/construction/Krippco float. Daddy and Landon had some fun bonding time as they sat out on the back porch and created this mini construction site on wheels.

Landon had to walk his float through gym for all the other kiddos and parents to see. It was so cute! Although, Landon did lose a wheel mid-walk, but hey, he is my child, something like that was bound to happen. I attached a picture of the wheel incident, along with some others from that day. We are so proud of him! He is getting SO big way too fast!!!

As for the title of this blog, Landon chose to name his float "Tractor Bend". No idea where the kid came up with that, but its original. =)

DislIKe IKE

2008-09-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am, trying to blog and I have absolutely nothing to blog about. Everybody is anticipating the landfall of big, bad Hurricane Ike. We had a trip down to Port A planned for next weekend, so I'm assuming that Ike may wipe out the beachouse were renting. I'm a little agitated about that. BUT not nearly as agitated as all those poor evacuees are. Yuck! Let's all hope and pray that Ike powers down to a Category 1!!!

Otherwise, the boys and Larry are great. Were looking foward to the holiday season so rapidly approaching. I looovvveee this time of year. I do believe I love the anticipation and excitement BEFORE the holidays than the actual holiDAY itself.

Ok well, I'll leave you with a few pics from this summer .....go stock up on water and toilet paper in case Ike knocks us for a loop!!!! And dont forget cookies and maybe a bottle of wine, too! =)

It's been awhile...

2008-09-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am again, posting my third blog! We had a great Labor Day weekend which just so happened to be my 28th birthday weekend. 2 years from the BIG 3-0!!!

Anyways, My hubby gave in and bought a 17ft bass boat he has been wanting. We woke up at the wee hour of 6 in the morning and were on the water(Lake Dunlap) by 7! We had a blast. The boys just love to sit back and enjoy the ride. We did nickname Luke"Captain" because he insists on sitting on Larry's lap so he can "drive" the boat. We attempted to bass fish but lets just say the small space and one fishing pole for 2 eager boys....we were about to have a brawl and someone was bound to go overboard. ;-) So, we stuck to cruising around Lake Dunlap and played the "If I lived on the lake I would want that house" game. Well, Larry and I played that game...

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Labor day weekend!

First Day of School Jitters and Laughs

2008-08-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well, today was Landon and Luke's first day of school. And I must say it went wonderfully. I am so very blessed that my boys are surrounded by wonderful and dedicated people at First United Methodist Day School in NB. What can I say...I feel the love when I drop my kids off.

To sum it all up, there were a few tears on both boys parts in the morning, but I picked up two very happy boys later on in the day.

While the boys were in school, my very good friend,Melissa, and I went fabric shopping in Austin. We also snuck in a FABULOUS lunch at the Gruene TeaRoom. That spinach/artichoke dip is to die for!!!!

Anyways, I digress.....Melissa was with me when I went to pick up Landon from his class room. Might I mention, that Melissa in an adorable, petite lil thang and everytime I look at her I silently regret the Pilsbury dough batch of chocolate chip cookies I ate the night before. Ok, well a "woman", I will kindly keep her anonymous, asked Melissa if she was Landon's big sister. Say what????!!!! Ok, this woman KNOWS I'm Landon's mom, so that would mean she thinks I'm Melissa's mom!!!! Say what? Again!!!! I'm about to be 28, next week and Melissa is 27!!!! I have never laughed so hard in my life. I cried, I laughed so hard. Melissa and I were rolling. But If anybody thinks I'm looking a bit old, please tell me!!!! Girl needs to know these things. Sheesh!

All in all, we had a great day, even if it ended with Melissa telling me, " Bye, mommy".

Oprah Watch Out!

2008-08-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well , I have a myspace account, a facebook account and now my very own blog. Before you know it, I may very well have my own TV show. haha ;-)
Anyways, this is my way of letting everybody know the daily/weekly/monthly(depending on how faithful I am to posting) happenings of my Krippendorf Tribe. Landon is 4.5 years now and is getting ready for his last year of preschool, but he will be going to preschool everyday of the week. Which is a huge change for him(and momma) since he is used to going only 3 days a week. With school on the horizon, we just took him to Sea World and he has now converted his bathroom sink into a "ski show". My creative little guy. =)
Luke is going on 19 months and is feisty as ever. He has taken up biting as a new hobby and is currently terrifying all the occupants of the household with those newly grown fangs of his. Biting aside, he has momma and daddy successfully wrapped around his chubby little finger. He will also being going to "school" or Mothers Day Out, but only one day a week. I will enjoy my break but I'm going to miss my little ankle biter. ;-)
Ok, so this is my first official blog. Go me! Hope you enjoyed it.