Monkey see, Monkey do!

Owen is starting to copy everything he sees us do!  He speed crawls to the kitchen to "help" me load and unload the dishwasher.  He offers a round of applause at pep rallies, games, when Daddy comes home and even when he hears the studio audience doing it on Oprah :)  He would almost prefer Emma's sippy cup over his own.  Today he even stole a Caprisun right out of her grasp and stared drinking it like a pro.

He grabs my phone, a toy phone, or a tiny calculator and immediately puts it up to his ear and starts to babble.  Today when my phone rang he actually put his fist up to his ear.  He knows what to do!

Here he is in deep conversation......

He immediately puts a hair brush (and hair bow or hat) up to his head.  It might be some time before he actually needs a brush, but at least he knows what to do when the time comes :)

Pitiful Pooch

At breakfast on Saturday morning we noticed that Roxie's right ear flap was extremely swollen. She has a history of ear issues (which is evidently common in dogs with floppy ears). I called one of my Okie friends Alicia (she graduated from OSU vet school a couple of years ago). She told me that it sounded like an aural hematoma and that was most likely caused by shaking her head.  She assured me that it wasn't an emergency but that it would only get bigger and more painful. 

First thing Monday morning I contacted our local vet and scheduled surgery for Wednesday.  Roxie was so excited to get to go in the car but her mood quickly changed when she realized what was going on.  I put a leash on her but she managed to slip out of her collar.  She immediately tucked in her tail and sprinted back to the car and jumped in.  I finally chased her into the back seat and had no choice but to lug her 65+ pound body to her specified kennel.  I wasn't kidding when I told Dr. Appling that she doesn't know she is a dog :)

The vet called late Wednesday afternoon with an update.  She said that surgery went well and that she was also able to give her annual shots and clip her nails (sounds like a spa treatment to me)!  She said that it took her awhile to warm up but that she is a sweetheart.  She said that she had the ear bandaged and that she looked like a unicorn (too bad I didn't get a photo)!  As long as she doesn't mess with it too much she won't have to wear an Elizabethan collar.  She kept her overnight for routine observation and I picked her up today.  I heard Roxie's happy whimper as soon as I opened the car door.  I think she was ready to go home :)

We are so thankful for some a wonderful vet and most of all for a healthy pooch!  Roxie is such an important part of the Smith household. 

29

With a roller coaster of thoughts and emotions I turned 29 this week.  Like I have told many people, this is my last "welcomed" birthday as I am already dreading the big 3-0.  There's just something about the leap between 29 and 30 that gives me goosebumps.  It sounds so "grown up" and surreal.

Although I shared my special day with JV game day, Coach Smith made it very fun and memorable.  We celebrated with my in laws last weekend and with my parents tonight.  On Thursday I was thankful for each phone call, Facebook message, card and gift.  I am blessed beyond measure with sweet family and friends. 

I plan to enjoy my last year of being in my 20's.  Time flies when you're having fun....

Bell Reunion

Our annual Bell family reunion is held the first Saturday of each October.  This year we had a new location and enjoyed the company of family members both young and old.  I joke that I retired from the organizing committee this year (I usually pick out and set up the decor, paper goods, etc. but this year was someone else's turn!) 

My grandmother "Memaw", Uncle Billy and cousin Rebekah traveled in from West Texas and we enjoyed visiting.  Upon our departure Billy said "Give me my annual hug".  It was actually more like a semi annual hug and I'm sure we will see them at some point over the holidays.  Emma talks about Rebekah (age 10) ALL the time and it was a sweet surprise for them to get to visit.

My cousin Hannah was visiting from Missouri.  Chass, Hannah & mysef are just three of thirteen Parmer first cousins (we missed the rest of you!!)

 Here is Memaw with four of her children (Aunt Kay, perhaps we can photo shop you in!) 

Owen and cousin Anaiah are exactly 9 months apart to the day and seemed to enjoy their first reunion experiences.  More than anything I wanted to get a decent photo of Memaw with her three great grandchildren but most of you know how challenging it can be to get three kiddos age 3 and under to cooperate at the same point in time :)  We will try again another day. 

You learn something new every day....even about your own family!  I finally have a claim to fame!  Evidently one of my kin folk (Logan Henderson) stars in a popular show on Nickelodeon called Big Time Rush and even made a one time appearance and Friday Night Lights.  He is also in a boy band and you can click to hear his music!

The great outdoors

 We are so thankful for the recent weather changes.  Both kids love to be outside so we have spent a lot more time in the backyard lately.  I love how well the photos below capture their little personalities so precisely.  Enjoy!

My favorite things

I am so glad that October is finally here!  Not only is this my favorite time of year but the Smith schedule is packed full of fun festivities.  Here is a list of some of my favorite things about Fall (in no particular order):

I can dust off my trusty crock pot and use it all kinds of for stews and other comfort foods.  They make the house smell great and dinner time is so easy!!  My in laws gave me a book called "365 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes" for my birthday tonight and I can't wait to try them all :)

The temps finally cool off.  Although these are listed in no particular order, if they were this one would be near the top of the list!  I dream of this all Summer long and in my pefect world it would never exceed 85 degrees. 

I can put away the swim suits and sun dresses and bring out the long sleeves and sweatshirts! 

I can walk around the house in cozy fuzzy socks!  I have quite the collection, even some with toes!

Halloween (and candy)!!  Yes, I am "that mother" who starts planning the perfect costumes in mid July.  We got our them in the mail this past week and will have several different opportunities to wear them throughout the month.  Stay tuned for future posts with pics of the kids' costumes!

This month starts our busy birthday time of year.  In fact, most of our extended family birthdays fall between Oct - Dec!  I love, love, love celebrating birthdays and party planning.

I love candles.....especially warmer scents.  I used my coupons and stocked up at the Bath & Body Works sale this week.  I got Frosted Cupcake, Cinnamon Clovebuds and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.  We also got our first Scentsy burner and love it!!

The Baylor homecoming celebration is always fun!  The parade is the oldest in the country and is always special to me.  I can recall attending them when I was itty bitty.  The student organizations make the neatest floats and it is a huge deal on campus.  I'm looking forward to taking Owen for his first one later this month :)

I love pumpkins.  I have had one on our front porch since mid Sept :)  I am not a fan of carving (too messy) but love using them for decoration.  I look forward to our trip to the pumpkin patch to gather more!

There is just something special about Starbucks hot chocolate :)

Sweet deals!

I love a good deal and want to share a couple with you.....

Snapfish is offering a twenty page 5X7 Everyday Photo Book for just $1.99 with FREE shipping!!  What a great ad inexpensive Christmas gift idea!  Use code babybook at checkout.  This offer expires on 10/31.

October is National Book Month and National Cookie Month!  Great American Cookie Company is hosting a "Reading is sweet" event all month long.  This Friday, Oct 1st, you can stop by any store and receive one free chocolate chip cookie between 10am an 2pm.  Furthermore, you can donate a new or gently used book all month long and receive a free cookie of your choice in return!!  Learn more about it here.