The Caswell's

Jack-Jack and Duck-Duck

2009-05-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

My sweet little Jack-Jack has had a rough go of it since day one. Because of all his tummy issues, he spent the first 6 months of his life, a little "disgruntled." However, now, he is the most layed-back, go-with-the-flow kid, and laughs at EVERYTHING!! I would have never imagined that, after all the screaming that took place initially. Now, don't get me wrong, when he does get upset, you better believe that he is going to make some noise and let you know about it, but other than that, he is just SO SWEET!!!! During all his screaming times, I told Mark, "How am I ever going to know if he is teething, because he screams all the time?" Also, Hudson was such a SLOW teether, that I didn't even expect any teeth before 9 months. Well, guess what, Jack has now cut two teeth, and there are two more coming, and I never knew it. AND, he is only 7 months old. He has been a little fussy over the past week or so, and he has been constantly chewing on "Duck-Duck," as noted in the pics. So, the other day, he put my finger in his mouth, bit down, and sure enough, there were two teeth. CRAZY!!! I felt like such a bad mom for not even being aware that he was teething. Poor kid got no motrin or anything. He is going to be a TOUGH ONE!

Dallas World Aquarium

2009-05-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we had a "family day" and went to the Dallas World Aquarium. None of us had ever been, including Mark, who grew up in the metroplex. Let me just say it was AWESOME!! So awesome, that we are going to get a family membership for the whole year. It is set up by different levels. The first level is the rain forest, then you work your way down to the bottom of the ocean. Hudson was just beside himself. He has a favorite book that has all the tropical animals in it, and when we walked into the rain forest section, he said, "Oh look, a multi-colored toucan!" This was one of the creatures in his book. Jack was just totally enthralled by all the beautiful animals and fish. When we finished we went to the the busiest Chick-fil-a in the nation, which is in Downtown Dallas. It really is the busiest in the nation, but by far the best service EVER. It had a 4-lane drive thru, and a HUGE eating area. It was great!! Then we all came home and crashed. Such a great day making memories. Here are some pics from our great adventure...

Easter Pics

2009-05-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Our sweet friend Bee, who keeps the boys on Tuesday and Thursday, takes the BEST pics. Here are some of the Easter pics she took for us this year. Most of them are action shots, which will probably continue to be that way, until the boys are 20. Hope you enjoy!! I sure do love my BOYS!!!

Blogging Marathon

2009-05-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well... Here I go again! I have the best intentions with keeping up with my blog, but then I don't, and I have to do major catch-up. SO, stay tuned for a marathon of posts, as I try to update you with what has been happening in our little world.

A Day Out With THOMAS!!

2009-04-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our wonderful Nana and Big Daddy, Hudson was able to experience something amazing in his two-year-old world this past weekend. He was able to ride, "THE THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE!" Hudson LOVES Thomas!! He can name every single engine on the Island of Sodor, along with every number and color of each engine. He is OBSESSED! The day out with Thomas was just awesome. Even, sweet little Jack enjoyed it. He sucked down his bottle as we went for our ride. Hudson also got a chance to meet Sir Topham Hat, although he freaked out when he got up close. It was so great to see his excitement as Thomas pulled up to the station. Just one of the incredible things you get to experience as a parent, the JOY and EXCITEMENT through a child's eyes. Thank you Nana and Big Daddy for such an awesome time!

ABC...As Easy As 123...

2009-04-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hudson and I did a really fun little project, so I thought I would share. He is absolutely crazy about letters and numbers, so... we decided to make an alphabet book. I used construction paper to cut out each letter of the alphabet. Then, I took all the white sheets of paper that he colors all over and glued one letter to each page. Hudson ran around the room laying all the pages next to each other exclaiming, "Wook at all dease wetters!!!!" (i.e., "Look at all these letters!!!") He was SO CUTE!! Then we went through all of my Parenting magazines, and looked for something that started with each letter. We cut out the things we found and glued them on the back of the page that corresponded with each letter. Then, I laminated the pages, punched holes, inserted binder rings, and "TA-DA!!" A very cool alphabet book, that he "reads" several times a day. I think we are going to do on with numbers (1-20) next. Here are some pics from our crafty day!! Enjoy!

Fertilizer? Humidifier? Same thing...

2009-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Hudson had as rolling again a few weeks ago, with his non-stop narrating. Mark had put some fertilizer down in the backyard because we were about to get some rain. Well, Hudson, our outdoor boy, really wanted to go outside and play on his fort. I had to explain to him that we needed to wait until it rained because Daddy had just put fertilizer down on the grass, "and we never play in fertilizer." He actually seemed okay with this response and we found something else to do. Later that evening we were getting ready for bed, and Hudson was talking about his humidifier, "Pete, the Penguin." Oh yes... we have names for our humidifier. Hudson has Pete the penguin, and Jack has Fred the frog. (Hudson sometimes asks to pray for Pete. It is hysterical! My prayers go something like this, "Thank you God for Pete as he keeps our room so moist.") Anyway, the next morning, Hudson got up and came downstairs and immediately looked out the window and said, "We can't go on the grass, it has humidifier, and we never, ever play on humidifier. Those four syllable words are tough! What a silly boy!! Love him!

My Baby is 6 Months Old!!!

2009-03-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Oh how the time flies. My baby boy is now 6 months old. I just can't believe it. At times, it seemed we would never be at this point, but now that we are here, I just can't believe it. Jack is so precious, and so unique. I love how I have fallen in love with him, and how the things I love about him are so different from his big brother. I remembering thinking about these things before he was born. I am so crazy about Hudson, and wondered how I would be able to love another little boy, if he wasn't Hudson. But that is where God is so amazing. The fact that he gives us such amazing little miracles to raze, and the capacity of love that he gives us for these little miracles is just mind-boggling!! Here are some pictures of our ENORMOUS little man. We had his 6 month appt. today. He is in the 97th percentile across the boards. 28 1/2 inches long and 21 pounds!!! He is just such a JOY!!!

UPDATES!

2009-03-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well.... I almost don't even know where to begin. I feel like my reasons are always the same for not keeping up with my blog, but I guess it is just where I am at right now. Thankfully, both the boys are sound asleep right now, so I thought I would try to hit the highlights on what has been happening in the Caswell house for about the past MONTH!!

First things first, in keeping with the tradition of last February, everyone in our house has been sick from the beginning of February, until just about a week ago. I am sure we can thank the 40 degree changes in temperature every other day for that. : ) Both Jack and Hudson had ear infections and upper respiratory junk. Mark had a pretty yucky cold, and lucky me, I got bronchitis. I don't think I have had that since I was 12! Anyway, we spent most of the month at the doctor.

Jack is continuing to do better with his bouts with colic. It has been a long road, but I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. He still has good days and not so good days, but we have learned to take it one day at a time, or more like one hour at a time. He is so precious, and has the CRAZIEST hair I have ever seen. His pediatrician told him it looked like the Donald Trump combover. There is just so much of it. He laughs at everything, and is just about sitting up on his own. He cannot keep his eyes off of his big brother, and sometimes I think he is going to jump out of my arms just to get to where Hudson is playing.

Hudson continues to have us rolling!!! He just says the funniest things ALL the time. We have officially started potty training, and that has been hilarious as well. I never thought I would be singing songs that cheer my toddler on to taking care of business. Oh but I am. Complete with a little dance! Hudson thinks it is great and will sing these songs of praise throughout the day, even when he isn't on the potty. He has also become very obsessed with things that you can and cannot eat. For instance, when he sits on the potty he says, "You don't eat poo-poo. That's nasty." I am glad he is got that one figured out! He is still CRAZY about Thomas the Tank Engine, and LOVES to color. He has started making H's for his name. He is also really into numbers and letters and books. And, like most little boys, he ALWAYS wants to be outside.

Well, I am going to try not to make this post like reading a novel, but I am thankful I had a little time to catch you up on our craziness!! God Bless!!

Bubbles & Cars

2009-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Here's another precious one. Oh the voice of a sweet child. God is so GOOD!! Thank you for such a precious blessing.

Jack Gigglin'

2009-02-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

Everyone has been a little "under the weather" at our house, but sweet Jack is still smiling and gigglin'. Mark caught this on video yesterday, and I HAD to share. I hope you laugh right along with him. God continues to bless us in SO many ways.

My Little Heartbreakers

2009-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of my little Valentines. I hope that you all are spending this day with those you love most!! Have a blessed Valentine's Day!

An Update From The "House of Testosterone"

2009-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hudson "going to the North Pole."

Jack in his Bumbo (or bimbo as Hudson calls it)

Jack in his warm winter suit. "So Cute!"

Sweet little Jack

The boys!

My sweet sister-in-love, Molly, bought me the most hilarious book for Christmas, called "House of Testostorone." It is one mom's account of living in a house with 4 boys (her husband and three kids). It is HILARIOUS!!! Even though I just have 3 boys (Mark, Hudson and Jack), I think I still qualify as living in a house of testosterone. Okay... so it has been quite a while since my last blog, but let's just say it has been pretty insane here at the Caswell house. Our sweet Jack has had tummy trouble from day 1 and it just continued to get worse and worse. He continued to scream more and more, and sleep less and less. He went to see the GI doctor twice, and now, after 4 months, we have discovered that he is lactose intolerant. So, we switched him to a lactose free formula and problem solved. Wish I would have known that 4 months and no sleep ago. His temperament, however is a "little" different from his big brother, and he puts up quite a fuss when you lay him down for a nap. Let's just say he throws a serious fit, and then he gets over it and goes to sleep. With Hudson, we could just lay him down wide awake, and he would put himself right to sleep. Good thing Hudson was the first. : ) : ) Hudson has had a string of viruses for the past couple weeks, and he has not quite been himself either. But, such is life with 2 under 3. I have some cute pics of the boys to post. Even in the midst of craziness, they are still so stinkin' cute.

Baby Bear

2009-01-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Oh our little Hudson had us rolling tonight. When Jack was born, Nana bought Hudson a "baby" bear from Build-A-Bear. It was complete with its own diapers, bibs, bottles, rattles,etc. Nana gave this bear to Hudson when we brought Jack home from the hospital. I thought it was going to be great, but I was DEAD wrong. He just looked at the bear and looked at his Nana and I like, "what do you want me to do with that?" So, baby bear just sat in his room, occupying a space on his bed, until recently. He has really decided that he likes baby bear. We check his diaper often and give him his bottle and blankie. Hudson is just as concerned about baby bear as he is Jack. Today however, Baby Bear became an extreme distraction during nap. I could hear Hudson over the monitor saying, "You need a bottle baby bear", "Baby bear is trying to poop", "poop baby bear", "I change your diaper", "patty cake-patty cake bakes man, put it in the oven for Jack and me." So, being the intelligent mom that I am, I head upstairs and tell Hudson that baby bear is trying to sleep, and if he keeps talking baby bear will not be able to take his nap. Hudson looked at me, an in all seriousness said, "But baby bear's eyes are open, he's not sleeping." How can you argue with that? What stuffed animal did you ever have that did not have his eyes open. I am supposed to be smarter than my 2-year-old son, but today he definitely won. The saga with baby bear continued at bedtime, as Hudson continued to talk to and play with baby bear instead of sleeping. So Mark went up and told them that if the two of them did not go to sleep, baby bear would have to sleep somewhere else. When he came down and told me what he said, we both just cracked up. I told him what I had learned earlier, that baby bear could not sleep, his eyes were always open. Oh what a mess. : ))

Blessed to be a Mommy!

2009-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

I must admit, most days I really do feel completely whipped, but also so completely satisfied. Being a mommy is by far one of the most amazing, gratifying, intense, and wonderful things I have ever experienced. I am just in awe that the creator of the universe would allow me the privilege and responsibility of raising two precious boys with Mark. Whether I am dancing around the room with Jack, trying to relieve all his crazy gas, or playing Thomas with Hudson, the adventures never stop. By the end of the day I pass out the minute my head hits the pillow, but I am so blessed. Blessed to be a Mommy, and blessed with two precious boys.

More Fun Holiday Pics!

2009-01-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures from our blessed Christmas time. Enjoy!

"Bright eyes"

Let's go for a ride with Thomas.

Thomas' Driver

Our smiling baby boy!

"Rolling the dough."

"Conductor Hudson"

"Getting messy"

"Hudson frosting one of Aunt Molly's sugar cookies."

"Happy Birthday Jesus" (Our seminary Daddy said we should put three candles on it for the trinity.) : )

Happy New Year & The Cotton Bowl

2009-01-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

The New Year began with a visit from my mom and stepdad and a trip to the 2009 Cotton Bowl. This was our Christmas present from Mimi and Papa, and it was AWESOME!!! Eventhough our Red Raiders did not show up for the second half of the game, it was great to be there. It was also a wonderful day for Mark and I to enjoy each other, minus our sweet boys.

"Get your guns up!"

"Me and my Stepdad"

"Happy Couple!"

Merry Christmas (Belated)

2009-01-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Well.... I have finally had some time to blog!!! What a fun, fabulous, and crazy holiday. We had some awesome family time over the past couple weeks. I will try to fill you and give you some pics to see what happened at the Caswell house. We spent a few days before Christmas with Nana, Big Daddy, and all our aunts, uncles, and cousins. We had a blast, and Hudson absolutely adores his 7 -year-old cousin Sam, and his Uncle Chris (Sam's) dad. Hudson got a really cool pick-up truck (thanks Nana and Big Daddy), and lots of cool "Thomas" engines, and some great pjs and books (thanks Grandaddy & Mima.) Jack continued to have tummy trouble throughout the holidays, but his sweet little smiles, giggles, and cooes kept us going. He turned 3 months old on Christmas day and is just growing like a weed.

We started some new traditions at our house, like making peppermint bark (Hudson got to crush the candy canes with his toy hammer) baking sugar cookies with "Chef Hudson" and making a happy birthday Jesus cake, complete with candles and song. Most of all, we just enjoyed being together as a sweet family of four. God has richly blessed us with beautiful children and extended family, and a wonderful church to serve at. What a great 2008!

Longings of Christmas

2008-12-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

I read a devotional from www.crosswalk.com on Monday, and it was just too awesome not to share. This particular devotion was from the Girlfriends in God entitled "Longings of Christmas." It was written by Gwen Smith.

The key verse was "Better one handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and striving after the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6(ESV)

Christmas is such a JOYOUS, BUSY, and EXPENSIVE time of the year. Can I get and "amen!"? There is a story about a family who is going through a tough financial time and they cannot afford to buy their children the very pricey things on their wishlists. The father has been talking with is seven-year-old son about their spending limitations this year, in hopes that it will diminish his son's expectations of Christmas. Nevertheless, his son is determined to get a very expensive electronic toy. The boy talks about it non-stop for several weeks, and finally has an epiphany, and exclaims to his father that he does not have to worry about the cost of the toy, because he has decided to ask Santa for it.

I know several times in my life I have longed for something like this little boy. I cannot stop thinking about it. The problem is that the "things" I long for are just "things." King Solomon referred to this in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes as "chasing after the wind." I am hoping that I am not alone in this, and that some of you can relate exactly to this.

During Christmas, especially, longings can distract our contentment. So, this year, I choose to want to want Christ more. I want to be completely satisfied in him. I don't want to be hindered or distracted by all the "things" of the holiday. I want the attention to be His, and I want to focus on being His.

There is an old hymn written by Charles Wesley that is perfect for setting our longings during this season and year round on Him.

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"

Come, Thou long expected Jesus. Born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us. Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation. Hope of all the earth Thou dear. Desire of every nation. Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver. Born a Child and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever. Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone. By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.

The last line of the devotion reads like this " The purposed love-mission of Jesus wrapping Himself in flesh and clothing Himself in humanity was for us to be reconciled to the loving heart of God the Father. Hope came as a babe in a manger and will be returning soon to take us home. Now THAT is something to long for!!!!"

My prayer for you this Christmas season is that your longings will be heavenly and eternal, not fleeting and temporary. Merry CHRISTmas!!

Bathtime Cutie

2008-12-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of our little man just after his bath. He was just smiling and cooing. He really loves bathtime! I especially love his chins.

Holiday in the Park

2008-12-13T08:35:00.001-08:00

Last night we had the pleasure of attending Holiday in the Park at Six Flags in Arlington. Oh what fun it was. If you have never been, you must put it on your things to see list. Hudson had a blast. Jack was a little trooper and took in all the beautiful lights and then he fell fast asleep. Hudson rode a couple rides in Looney Tune land and was most impressed with the model train exhibit and riding the large steam locomotive that went around the park. He talked about it the whole way home and then passed out the minute his head hit the pillow. Nana and Big Daddy treated us to this AWESOME event, and we are so thankful. Nana and I enjoyed some FABULOUS hot chocolate as we left the park. When we asked what the secret was to their delicious hot chocolate, they told us that they used eagle brand milk, instead of water. YIKES!!! Definitely not on weight watchers, but well worth it! : ) Here are some pictures from our super fun visit.

Mommy, Nana, and Passed-out Jack

Daddy, Hudson, & Big Daddy checking out the model train exhibit.

The train exhibit, complete with Thomas.

Hudson riding the big rig in Looney Tune land.

Daddy and Hudson watching the ENGINES!!

Christmas Jack

2008-12-06T07:13:00.001-08:00

I just had to share some pictures of our Christmas cutie! Jack is doing awesome! We are officially sleeping through the night, and he just smiles and coos all the time. We are so blessed with 2 amazing boys. Thank you God!!

Countdown to Christmas

2008-12-05T18:38:00.001-08:00

Hudson has had such a blast counting down the days to Christmas with an AWESOME advent calendar that his Mima made him. Everyday he gets to open a really cool car box and pick an ornament that corresponds with the date. Then he hangs it on the day on his calendar. Every ornament is something special. The past few have been an engine, a cement mixer, and a dump truck. He thought that was SO COOL!! The final ornament is the nativity, the true meaning of Christmas. This is going to be such an awesome thing to share with the boys each year. Thank you Mima for such a special gift!

"Here is number 4!"

"I can do it all by myself."

We Love Nana!!

2008-12-03T15:11:00.001-08:00

To say the least, it has been a very trying week. Jack has had some serious issues with colic and formula. Nana came to the rescue, and we are so thankful. She came out and helped me through a couple of sleepless nights, listened to me when I felt like I was losing my mind, and loved on and played with the boys. We are so thankful for all of our grandparents (Big Daddy, Grandaddy & Mima, Mimi & Papa) and our NANA!! We love you!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUDSON!!

2008-11-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

Our sweet boy Hudson celebrated his 2nd birthday today. Where has the time gone. I just can't believe he is two. He is such an incredible ball of energy and just brings such sheer joy to our lives. We are truly blessed and thankful that God has given us the opportunity to raise him. Here are some pictures from his birthday invitation. He had a "construction" party. It was SO.... much fun. Thank you God for Hudson!!

"Hear Bell???"

2008-11-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly, Hudson had another hilarious thing to say today. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, Hudson is "NUTS" about The Polar Express. He has the entire movie memorized. I am not kidding. He is especially fond of the scene when the little boy receives one of Santa's bells as the first gift of Christmas. Well... we started decorating the tree yesterday, and Hudson was loving every minute of it. He would pick up every ball ornament, hold it to his ear, and say "hear bell?" followed by "don't hear anything." He was just sure that every ball ornament was a bell. What a trip... :)

Tagged: Top 8

2008-11-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine recently tagged me with my "top 8" lists. I have never been tagged before, so here goes nothing.....

8 TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH:

"This one is tricky, as I don't get to watch much tv."

1. College Football

2. Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives

3. Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee

4. 24

5. College Basketball

6. HGTV

7. "umm " "?????"

8. ????

8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:

1. Saltgrass

2. Pappaduex's

3. On the Border

4. P.F. Changs

5. Olive Garden

6. Chick-Fil-A

7. Chili's

8. Carraba's

8 THINGS THAT HAPPENED TODAY:

1. Completed my first ever Gingerbread train with Hudson's help. ("Definitely not as easy as they look.")

2. Said "goodbye" to my Daddy and Stepmom (aka. Mima and Grandaddy) : (

3. Put up more Christmas decorations

4. Vacuumed and did laundry

5. Wrote some reports for work

6. Loved on my boys

7. Changed a zillion diapers

8. Drank some hot chocolate and put my feet up (at 9:30 pm)

8 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:

1. Watching Hudson on Christmas morning, and throughout the Christmas holidays.

2. Thanksgiving with my family.

3. After Thanksgiving sales!!!!

4. Watching our sweet Jack grow.

5. Watching Hudson and Jack become buddies.

6. Christmas with my family.

7. Having Hudson potty-trained.

8. Getting back in shape and loosing the baby weight.

8 THINGS ON MY WISHLIST:

1. Going back to Hawaii with my family.

2. A diamond and sapphire anniversary band

3. A new coffee pot

4. A date with my husband

5. Starbuck's gift card

6. Consistently sleeping through the night

7. A treadmill or exercise bike

8. A "girls-only" shopping trip in NYC

8 PEOPLE I TAG:

1. Darlene G.

2. Courtney

3. Jenn Bankhead

4. Kristen

5. Alberta

6. Mom

7. Janice

8. ?????

Mommy's Socks

2008-11-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Well... Our sweet little Hudson had us rolling again today. My Dad and Stepmom were in town this weekend (because we had Hudson's b-day party). I will post more on that later. So, since we had help, we decided to put up the Christmas tree and other decorations. This was a great idea because I have no idea how we would have done it with Mark, myself, a toddler and an infant. : ) Anyway, as I was getting in the Christmas spirit, I put on a pair of Christmas socks. They were red sweater material, complete with Santa and Mrs. Clause (very cute). I guess that is what you wear when you become a mom. Hudson really liked them. Later on we were eating dinner and Hudson was admiring the stockings hanging by the fireplace. He looked at everyone at the dinner table and said "Mommy's socks." It was hilarious. He thought Mommy's socks were hanging from the fireplace. I guess he thinks I have REALLY BIG foot. Kids are the best!!!

Say What?!?!?

2008-11-14T03:20:00.000-08:00

YIKES! Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. It has been one crazy week. I started back to work this week on very little sleep and very much caffeine. The first day was difficult, but the next day was easier. I am only working two days a week, and right now, my clientele is so low, that I am barely doing that (sigh...) Anyway, I knew at the beginning of the week what I wanted to blog about, but now, it is 5:15 am on Friday, and I just got Jack back down to sleep, as well as Hudson (sigh again...), so grab another cup of coffee and here we go.

In my relatively short time as a mommy, I have learned that so many wonderful, beautiful, and HILARIOUS things can come from the mouth of babes. I have also learned that along with that, some pretty funny things can come from the mouth of mommies. So, here are just a few of those things I thought I would never say, and those things I dearly LOVE to hear. Enjoy!

Things I Never Thought I Would Say:

1. "Yes, your engines can watch you while you eat."

2. "Please stop sticking chicken up your nose."

3. "We can't eat the furniture."

4. "Engines are not for eating."

5. "Look! A backhoe loader, a digger, and excavator! (Oh yes, I now know my construction equipment well)"

6. "Please don't pee-pee on the carpet."

7. "Please stop running your cars, engines (you fill in the blank) on the wall."

8. "Crayons are for paper only." (Loved the white crayon on the brown walls.)

Things I LOVE To Hear:

1. "God made trees, birds, clouds...." (The list just goes on. Thank you Carla and FBCA Children's Ministry)

2. "It's a GREAT DAY!!" (always said with such enthusiasm)

3. "Have pizza party watch Polar Express on engine blanket?"

4. "Kiss Jack's toesies"

5. "I yuv you."

6. "Daddy working hard."

7. Say pears (prayers) for Nana, Big Daddy, Grandaddy, Mema, Papa, Mimi."

8. "Mmm... more beans please." In response to his first M&M.

Fun With Two

2008-11-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

A Look At Month 2 with 2

As I was looking through some recent pics of Jack on iphoto, and I was able to compare a picture of Hudson in his second month, with Jack in his second month. I thought it would be fun to do a comparison each month and let everyone see how much they favor each other. I think they both look very much like their Daddy, and you can definitely tell that they are brothers. You be the judge...

Jack's 2nd Month

Hudson's 2nd month

PIZZA PARTY!!!

2008-11-06T18:57:00.001-08:00

We have started a new "tradition" in our family, so I thought I would share. Hudson thinks it is SO... MUCH FUN!! We love watching him get so excited. Every Friday or sometimes Thursday night (depending on Daddy's work schedule), we have a pizza party at our house. Sometimes we order pizza, but most of the time, I make it (this helps with the "budget"). Then, we spread out Hudson's big Thomas the Tank Engine blanket and eat pizza and watch a movie. Hudson's favorite movie right now is The Polar Express. So for about the past 5 Fridays in a row we have watched that. We are little sick of it, but Hudson is not. I am sure by Christmas, we will have the entire movie memorized. Now, almost every night when I put Hudson to bed he says, "Have pizza party on Thomas blanket and watch Polar Express?" So we have started teaching Hudson the days of the week, so that he will know how many days until the pizza party. This has been so much fun for our family, and I hope that it will be a sweet memory for many years to come.

The Caswell Family 2008

2008-11-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so yesterday we attempted the impossible.... A family photo, with all four family members present. It was a disaster, so of course, I thought I would share it with you. Jack was fabulous and ready to strike a pose at any moment, Hudson however had a different agenda. He screamed from the minute we started the photos until we got in the car to go home. He had a few moments where the tears and snot stopped, but not many. Our very dear friend Bev White (whom Hudson affectionately calls "Bee") was taking the pictures for us at her house. Bee's husband (whom Hudson affectionately calls "Dude") is one of Hudson's most favorite people on the planet. Since we were at Bee and Dude's house, Hudson was only interested in playing with Dude and nothing else. Bee was very patient with all of us. In the end, we got some GREAT pics of Jack, but not too many with Hudson. I am sharing some of the drama that unfolded in the following pictures. : )

Trick or Treat

2008-11-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Well, this year's Halloween experience was so much fun!!! Hudson had a blast, and rightly so, because he was Thomas the Tank Engine (his favorite thing on the planet). Jack was a "friendly ghost". (Big brother calls him that.) We got to dress the boys up twice because our church had their fall festival on the Wednesday before Halloween, and it was a blast. We took Hudson last year, but he wasn't even walking, and didn't know what to think of it. This year we could not keep up with him. He ran around saying "wear Thomas costume and get candy." On the way home from the festival he said repeatedly "That was so fun!!" When we told him he was going to get to put on his costume again on Friday and get candy, he was just beside himself. So, on Friday we hit the streets of our neighborhood with Thomas and the friendly ghost. Jack slept through both events, but Hudson LOVED IT!! We gave him his first piece of candy mid-way through the trick-or-treating. It was a Twix. After his first bite, he said, with great delight, "CANDY!", and then continued on his hunt for more. We are just so blessed, and had such an incredible time as a family during all the fall/Halloween festivities. Here are few pics from both nights.

This I Know

2008-11-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my son Hudson is quite the verbal little fellow, and today he had me rolling, so I had to share. I was changing his diaper, and he has a bad little diaper rash, bless his heart. Anyway, as I was wiping, he was getting very upset, and I was calmly telling him, "I know, it's almost over." Well, he started repeating what I was saying, and then started quoting "Jesus Loves Me." He said, "I know, I know, this I know, for the bible tells me so." It was awesome!!! I will post more later about our trick-or-treating, and first taste of candy. But, right now I have a screaming baby to take care of. : )

BLESSED WITH BOYS

2008-10-29T04:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back, and with pictures!! I am afraid that this blogging might become an addiction. What fun!! Anyway, as most of you know, I am know the mommy of two precious boys, and have always been blessed with an amazing, Godly husband. So, know, I am officially in a house full of boys. At first I wasn't sure if I would be crazy about this idea, but know I know it is just as God intended. I am so blessed by all three of my boys. God is so good and knows exactly what we need, and when we need it. So, below are some bragging pics of my AWESOME boys!!

My First Blog

2008-10-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Okay... So here goes nothing!! I have officially entered the blog world. I am a little unsure about what I am doing, but I really wanted to have a convenient way for all our sweet friends and family to keep up with our crazy life. I have so enjoyed keeping up with friends and family through their blogs, so I have taken the plunge. My goal is to post a blog at least once a week. I think that is a good goal considering I am a mother of two under two. I will even try to get really "techie" and post pictures as well. Things are a little "CRAZY" in our world right now, but I have told myself I just have to take it one day at a time. Jack and Hudson are both growing like weeds. Hudson is a little under the weather right now, and it has been a little difficult keeping his germs away from baby brother. He has been so precious with Jack, and we are so thankful. Jack has started to make some longer stretches at night, but still has his nights were he likes to chow down a lot. I am getting ready to return to work two days a week, and Mark is extremely busy with seminary and youth ministry. We are really loving being a family of four, and thank all of you for your prayers and support along the way. That's all for now, but stay tuned for more in the coming weeks. : )