Griffin

I can't get enough of this kid.

It is what it is.

What face is that?  Griffin's "I'm Tough" face.

And then his sweet as ever face.  Don't you just want to kiss it?

I do.

He is my little people watcher.  Always checking out what everybody else is doing.

Griffin and Jack - these two boys couldn't be more different yet the are so similiar.

I LOVE THESE TWO.

I don't know how else to describe the love I have for them.

They know exactly how to push my buttons BUT

they have the cutest little giggles and know how to make me smile.

Sharing

Do you remember growing up always being told "SHARE!"

Well, I am constantly trying to teach the same lesson at my house "SHARE!"

After days and days of "that's mine" and "he took it away" or "Griffin's not SHARING" and "Scoti drank all the juice" or "Jack took the scooter" I begin to question if my kids are slow learners.  Maybe I need to change the word SHARE to SHOOBY or VROOM because really?  They don't give a what.  I am pretty much talking to myself.

Until I wake up the other morning, stumble into the kitchen and see this

Griffin and Jack managed to scoot two bar stools over to the counter, climb up with their blankies, sit down and SHARE a box of crackers with each other. 

Do you see it?  Griffin is handing Jack a cracker!  They are SHARING.

Makes my heart proud!

Griffin is leaning over making sure Jack doesn't need another cracker.  He is taking care of his little Cracker Jack (that's our nickname for Jack)  They are the best of friends.  Griffin loves him so much, he takes care of Jack, teaches him NAUGHTY things, pulls him up the ladder because Jack is just a little bit to small to make it.  Griffin will not go ANYWHERE without his Jack.  Man, I am so lucky to have these little boys.

Don't let this kid fool you with his sweet little innocent half smile...he is full on NAUGHTY!

Kinda like how he shouldn't have been in the pantry getting the crackers??!  And climbing on the stools??!  Oh yeah, and eating crackers before breakfast!?!

 But, we are learning to  SHARE!  WEEHAA!!



Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas!

2010

Why does it always seem like we wait forever for the HOLIDAY season to get here, then once it's here, it's OVER? Just. Like. That.  Even thought the season comes and goes so quick, I still love it, enjoy it, miss it, and wait for it to come around again.

This year our family did a little something different.  Around Thanksgiving we sat the kids down for a Family Home Evening.  During our lesson we talked about the real reason we celebrate Christmas.   The birth of Christ was much different than a the birth of a child today.  For Christ was born in a manger, not a hospital.  Mary and Joseph delivered the Christ child alone - no doctor, no nurse.  Baby Jesus was a gift to the world.  A gift like no other, for He would bring peace, joy, and eternal life to this earth.

We then proceeded to tell of the Three Wise Men who traveled for many years to find the Christ child.  They had THREE gifts to give Him.  Frankincense, Myhhr, and Gold.  Baby Jesus did not receive these gifts at birth.  It was many years later the Three Kings found him, then did Jesus receive them. 

This year, we did the same.  Each child was to receive THREE gifts.  And ONE gift from Santa - because the fun and excitement that Santa brings should be enjoyed by all children!

I know many of you have heard of this idea, and I was told about it from a great friend!  Thanks Tara!  I do have to say, our Christmas was much smaller this year but much more meaningful.  I truly feel my children had a new respect for Christmas.  They were even more excited this year than in years past because they had to really THINK and PONDER what they wanted.  Since they only got three gifts, they knew they needed to put what they really wanted and needed on their list.  Not just every toy they saw on T.V. that looked like fun.  Without a doubt this will become a tradition for the McRae Family!

Christmas Morning.  Growing up in my family, all the kids would sleep in ONE room Christmas Eve.  My kids have taken on the tradition without any encouragement from me.  I guess it's a known thing with kids....they all LOVE each other a little more during Christmas!  See!?  Can you just feel the LOVE!  Aren't the so stinkin' cute!?

Me and the Grifster.  He insisted on a picture with EVERYONE!

Mike and Griffie.  He just loves his picture taken!

The kids trying their BEST to be PATIENT while we make sure Santa came!

All Charlee wanted was MAKEUP and NAIL STUFF!  She makes me slightly nervous.  What six year old doesn't want toys, or dolls?  My daughter.  She wants big girl stuff!

Cooper!  I LOVE this kid!  I told Santa PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.  No more video or computer games.  Cooper needs something else to do with his time!

Griffin is ever so sweetly modeling a pair of pajamas.  But he's taking after his big brother with NO SHIRT!

Santa brought Griffin a BIG WHEEL TRIKE!  I think I had more fun with this than Griffin did!  He is now catching on that this toy is pretty freakin' awesome!

I hope each one of you enjoyed your Holiday Season as much as we did. I hope you all felt the Spirit of Christ in your hearts and homes. This time of year brings such joy and happiness, may we carry it with us throughout the NEW YEAR!

Griffin, Jackson & Brody

I have this really cute friend Kesha and she took the little boys' TWO year old pictures for us last week.  Can you believe these little stinkers are already TWO?  I can't... but they are!  These little boys are best little buds.  They all have different personalities but love each other so much!  Just thought I would share some of the cuteness with you...

I don't think they really knew what was going on here...they all look a little confused!

Griffin, he's my little lover boy.

I love this kid!

I know he's thinking..."Hum, how far can I throw this rock that's in my left hand?"

Love those big brown eyes!

Once again, my lover boy!

Little Jack, he is so stinkin' sweet!

I think he started to panic a little...his head being stuck and all...

This is Brody pouting, he lays down on the ground.  At least he isn't kickin' and screamin!

Jack kept trying to hide from the camera, this is a little peek!

My Morning Run

This morning I took Griffin on my run with me.  I usually dislike having to take him because that means I have to push him in the jogging stroller and that means my run is ten times harder than just running alone.  But, it is a good workout, especially when running hills.

I started at 7:00 am (this is early for me) but the air was so cool and smelled so good, not sure why but I knew it was going to be a good run.  Do you ever just find that pace, you know, the pace that feels so good....you can just run FOREVER?  That is the run I had this morning.  It is those runs that have made me addicted to running.  I would have kept going, but I told Cooper and Charlee I wouldn't be gone long...I didn't want them to get nervous, you know!

Now, there was MANY a runners/walkers this morning and as we would pass I would smile and say "Morning!"  After about the third person, Griffin must have caught on because every other passer by he would yell out "MOWNEE!"  I wish I could see his little face has he shouted MORNING to them all. 

Wouldn't it just make your day to see this cute face at 7 in the morning shouting MOWNEE to you?

And, on a selfish note: 

I love those sweet little moments when my kids show they have some manners!!!

The Little Boys

Griffin, Jackson & Brody have got to be the cutest little boys on the planet.  I know you all have cute boys too, but I hate to break it to ya, these boys top the charts in cuteness.  Especially when the three of them are playing together.  Like this...

Cracker Jack, The Brodster, & Fiffie

Doing what boys do best....throwing rocks!'

I Am In BIG Trouble NOW!

Yeah, so Griffin can officially CLIMB out of his crib. It was quite the experience!! I had put Griffin down for a nap but he didn't fall right to sleep. He was in his crib talking to himself when all of the sudden his voice got louder. I peaked my head down the hallway and noticed his bedroom door was open. Uh, that's weird? Who opened his door? I asked Charlee if she went in his room and she assured me she DID NOT! I walked down the hallway and into Griffin's room only to find....NO GRIFFIN! He was not in his crib, he was not in his room....WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HE? I could hear him, but I could not see him. So strange???? I turned around and pushed the bathroom door open all the way and THERE HE WAS, playing with the tub toys. WOW! He was magic, because certainly he didn't get out of his crib ALL by himself!

About 20 minutes later, I once again laid Griffin down to take his nap. This time I thought ahead! Tammie hid in the closet in Griffin's room before I put him down. Within THREE minutes that little stinker had once again CLIMBED out of his crib! But, now we know how he did it! He is not magic at all! He has serious MONKEY TOES! My little man managed to wrap his little toes around the slats in his crib, throw one leg over the top, pull the other leg over, hang his body down and let go, landing on his well cushioned bum! He then pulls the door open with his chubby little fingers and walks out grinning from ear to ear.

Now, what 13 month old can do this? My little 13 months old Griffin can! Cooper nor Charlee EVER climbed out of their crib. I am in serious trouble!

Griffin's Birthday Party!

Griffin had an Ocean "ONE"derland party for his first BIRTHDAY!!! I know, I know...it is silly and maybe a little weird, but hey, it's his FIRST BIRTHDAY!!! I looked and looked for something fun and different to do for his party and then FINALLY, there is was! Because seriously, how much fun is an ocean wonderland? Well, in case you were wondering...it is really FUN and so cute and super easy to put together!

Griffin and his SUPER AWESOME FISHY cake!!!
The confused look? He wasn't quite sure why we were all smiling and singing to him!

I made this cute 3 tiered cake holder out of an oatmeal box and cardboard that I covered in paper, ribbon, rick rack, paper fish and underwater plants! Turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself! Oh, and a little spray paint....because spray paint is my new best friend!!!

With my other children on their FIRST birthday, I would make a cute cake in hopes that they would be so excited, smile and take a great big chunk and start eating. But to my disappointment Cooper and Charlee wanted NOTHING and mean NOTHING to do with CAKE! So, I made Griffin his cake having no expectations of him wanted to eat it. But, much to my surprise.... HE LOVED IT!

Griffin snatching the first STARFISH off his cake! He is putting it in his mouth! (I am holding my breath...waiting for him to spit it out!) YAY, he likes it!!

He kept eating......and eating.....and eating....until

He looked like this! And the whole thing was GONE!

Wow, who would have known that the 3rd child would FINALLY eat the cake?!?!? Now, not to TOOT my own horn, but I make some pretty darn SCRUMPTIOUS cake and some mighty YUMMY frosting. So, I am pretty sure I know why he liked his cake!

Matter of fact, when he was done picking up as much cake has he could with his chubby little hands, I look over at him and he is licking the tray of his high chair! He couldn't get enough of his mama's DELICIOUS OCEAN "ONE"DERLAND cake!

The Muffster (a.k.a. Kathy, my big sister) with Hope and Sam! Notice they are sitting underneath the AMAZING ocean wonderland...with smiles on their faces!

I have to take a moment to brag because I MUST say, I have the most WONDERFUL family. Seriously! Think about this....between the months of July and August we have 13 birthdays in our family! Yes, I said Thirteen! That is A LOT of birthdays! And somehow we manage to celebrate ALL of these birthdays! I know sometimes it seems overwhelming and we eat a lot of CAKE, but we do it! And WHY? Because that is one of the reasons WHY we have families! To celebrate and be together! Anyway....just thought I would let them all know I LOVE them! Thank you ALL for ALL you do for me!

Happy Birthday Griffin!

Today is the day! My baby turns ONE! I can't believe how quick this past year has come and gone. So many things have happened and Griffin has grown into a miniature little man! He such an adorable little guy with a happy personality. I am so grateful Griffin joined our family, he has been such a blessing and joy!

My Little Griffin Man!

A Total Mama's Boy!

Loves To Eat...Everything! Lucky Charms Are His Favorite! Thanks Aunt Engor!

Never Wakes Up Sad...He Is ALWAYS Happy In The Mornings!

Can Say Hi and Bye Bye!

Likes His Bottle...It's A Comfort Thing!

Thinks Cooper and Charlee Are Pretty Funny!

As Discovered The Toilet....YUCK!

Likes To Play The Wii With Cooper. He HAS To Have A Controller TOO!

Doesn't Seem To Mind Bumping His Head On Things...Gotta Love The Helmet!

Can Go Up and Down The Stairs! Only Occasionally Falling Down Them!

Takes A Great Afternoon Nap!

Laughs At Me When I Tell Him "NO!!!"

Has An UGLY Face He Makes And It's Only A Face A Mother Could LOVE!

Figured Out How To Throw A Tantrum. Today Actually!

Can Walk, But Still Thinks Crawling Is Faster. Won't Take Long To Figure Out He's Wrong On That One!

Misses His Daddy and Can't Wait To See Him!

Griffie, your mama sure does love YOU! I can't imagine our family without you. You make me smile all day and amaze me constantly with how much you know! You are such a happy guy, hardly ever sad, and so content, so pleasant! Your smile makes my day!

Just So Cute

Just A Little Flashback....

Okay! So I am in my bathroom blow drying my hair, Griffin is at my feet playing with whatever is in the drawer. I look down to see Griffin holding my flat iron with the biggest, happiest smile ever! It was then that I experienced my FLASHBACK!!!

When Cooper was around two years old and Mike was gone to Basic Training for the Army, my little man Coop LOVED my blow dryer. He carried it around the house, played with it, took naps with it (it was then I cut the cord off!) and even had to take it in the car and to the store...sometimes even daycare! Kind of strange, and I am totally happy he grew out of the phase!

I know I have a picture of it somewhere.....???

Is my little Griffin going down the same path...Only with the flat iron instead? If so, I had better go buy a cheap one cuz he AIN'T carrying my Chi around!

Griffindor....Little Man!

My little Griffin man is growing up! I think he wears his helmet very well. Doesn't he look FREAKY cute? I mean seriously, doesn't that smile just melt your heart? I think one thing I love about his helmet is the ANGRY EYES he gets. When the helmet slips a little, it pushes all the chunky from his forehead down towards his eyes. He looks like he is super mad, but then he smiles and it is to funny! I haven't been able to catch that look yet on camera, but I am trying!

Griffin has mastered going down the one stair in our house! He doesn't do it the right way, oh no! He heads down head first! Sometimes he falls, but the helmet protects his little head and he just continues on his way! I sure am going to miss that helmet when it is time to say goodbye!

Mission Accomplished! He is safely down the stair and now climbing back up. It never seems to bore him, and I don't quite understand!

This picture is just because....This is what he looks like when he gets his ONE hour a day without his helmet on! I have to put socks on his hands because if not...He just scratches and scratches his head until it bleeds. Poor little guy, can you see all the read marks on his forehead? The helmet causes skin breakdown, plus all the sweat, YUCK!!!! He reminds me of a little cat when he paws at his head trying to scratch, I can't help but laugh at him every time! He even will lay his forehead on the carpet and rub it back and forth while he is rubbing the back of his head with his little hands! So cute!