Ruby's Ruby Red Kitchen

Ruby's Nana and Papa got her this cute kitchen for her birthday when she turned 2. Tracy is my hero because today she spent time putting it all together for me!

Here's the kitchen "Before"

...and "After"

Ruby absolutely L.O.V.E.S it! Thanks Nana and Papa!

Aunt Tracy Visits the Midwest!

My awesome sister-in-law Tracy is here with us a few days visiting from Florida and we couldn't be happier! This morning we went to the Homestead Park (yes again... we go there a lot) and played all morning. Ruby spent a lot of time "going on an adventure" in the jeep.

Lucky for Tracy, she is here for the best weather the midwest has to offer! Sunny skies, a cool breeze and temps in the 70's. GLORIOUS! Kinda like Florida in the winter I suppose.

Ruby was very interested in pointing out the goose poop on these rocks.

We miss you Aaron!

Cooing Clara

Clara has so much to say lately. I love the sound of her little voice co-co-cooing away. Thought you might enjoy hearing it too.

Cox Family Reunion

Here are a few of the million fun pics from the Cox Family Reunion over the weekend.

So great to see everyone - but we really missed Christopher! He's studying in New Zealand for this semester, check out some of his pictures at chriscoxphotographer.com!

"I Have Buttons!"

"I have buttons!" is what Ruby was saying as she put lumps of cottage cheese all over her shirt the other day.

Once I cleaned her up we went back to the Homestead Park and played with rocks and water for awhile.

washing rocks

putting rocks down the slide

walking through the puddles on the rocks

getting water to wash more rocks

hunting for rocks

Morning Hair Tamer

I'd like to give you a quick glimpse into what our mornings look like on most days.

Yes - Ruby has ASTOUNDING morning hair. She either swirls her head around on the pillow a thousand times each night or plays with the light sockets. I'm guessing its the first one because she has never shown much interest in outlets.

Thankfully, there is a product called "Morning Hair Tamer" by Suave that really works. It can be used on wet or dry hair and smells delicious. It's not sticky or gooey and once it's combed thru Ruby's ringlets look nice all day.

I'd love to know what products you recommend!

Crappy Pictures

I found a new funny blog to add to my favorites. It's mundane stories about parenting illustrated by crappy pictures. HA! Check it out HERE.

In Papa's Office

After the 5:00 service at Granger on Saturday night, we got this great picture of Clara and her Papa Beeson. I love it.

My Dad also took this picture of the cousins in his office between services. I think it perfectly captures the lovely craziness of childhood. Lydia looking out the window, Ruby hugging Clara, Clara just trying to survive. It's so fun.

Here's a better look at Ruby squishing/loving her sister.

Why Her?

I'm so excited! My Aunt Becky's new book "Why Her?" is now available on Amazon, Kindle and probably some other places too! She wrote it with her 3 daughter-in-laws; Lisa, Rhonda and Lizzy, and I can't wait to read it!

"Three years ago, while on a vacation with extended family, my three daughters-in-law and I were talking about the relationship difficulties so many mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law have. We figured at least part of the reason for that could be attributed to the fact that a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law love the same man-one tends to see him as someone she should help protect, and the other perceives him as her protector. Such very different viewpoints are a set up for relationship issues. So, we wondered out loud, "Why do we all get along so well?" The four of us are Christians and that certainly lays a wonderful groundwork for the potential for good relationships, but we are not similar in personality or passions. And to say our tastes in music, literature, fashion, politics, or childrearing are varied would be an understatement-but get along, we do! In fact, we truly love each other. So, we did what in hindsight seems impossible-we four women wrote a book! Well, to be more exact, we wrote two books in one! Lisa, Rhonda, and Lizzy's side of the book is entitled "Why Her? You, Your Mother-In-Law, And The Big Picture." My side of the book is entitled "Why Her? You, Your Daughter-In-Law, And The Big Picture." Our book isn't a "how to" book, but a "why to" book. We chose that emphasis because we think that if a woman knows why a good relationship matters, she is better equipped to design her role in her relationships in a way that can make those relationships better. We hope you will find the book to be helpful and an entertaining read! -- Becky Hunter, co-author of "Why Her?"

Friday at the Park

It's been such fun spending a few days with my family this week. Ryan was on call Thursday thru Sunday night, so we figured this was a good time for me to make the drive back to Granger with the girls. They did great in the car for the long rides - but you should have seen the shenanigans when I had to stop for a bathroom break. WHEW! Let's just say, a double stroller will not fit in the bathroom at Taco Bell... so "someone" had to pee with the door open while one baby was screaming and the other one was excitedly squealing about the possibility of getting to eat a quesadilla. We were a scene. It was awesome.

Luckily, I was motivated to continue on the journey when I thought about all the fun we would have once we arrived.

Ruby and Lydia had the time of their life. These two cousins are giggle boxes when they're together. Here are some pictures from Friday night when Aunt Gela and Lydia met us at the park.