Christmas

Wow, really what is there left to say? My boys are extremely spoiled and I am loving every minute of it. Even through the hardships of this year, we managed to make it a wonderfully exciting time. Santa came and left part of a cookie--his belly got too full from eating the rest of them. Toys abound and excitement filled the air. It was even better when I got to work on Christmas Day and got the opportunity to leave. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance. Who cares about time and a half when you get the chance to spend Christmas with the boys (even the 42 year old one.).

Anyway, I hope everyone's Christmas was as good as it could be. Love to you all

Renee

Things around here lately are status quo. The boys are as busy as ever, keeping me on my toes. Ryan always has something interesting to say and Alex is actually running around the house now. Even in our little home he comes up missing at least once a day. I have to keep the bathroom doors closed because he loves to pull out the toilet paper.

Ryan is getting totally excited about Christmas and Santa Claus. Although I don't think he quite understands about Santa bringing presents while he is asleep he is all about the gifts under the tree. And I have to say it truly excites me when he wants to tell me the Christmas story. I almost cried the other day when he was telling me what he learned about Bethlehem, the star, and the three wise men. He understands about Mary and Joseph traveling on a donkey and Jesus being born in a manger. I love that his little mind has started to wrap around this. He even went so far as to say his "prayer for God" the other night. He thanked God for sending Jesus so that we could have Christmas. My heart was filled with joy as I realized how much my son is beginning to understand. I pray this continues for the rest of his life.

Speaking of life, just a little interjection on behalf of a family in Mississippi. I grew up in a small town where every person knows the other. On Friday, a young boy, Landon Burt, from my hometown drowned very unexpectedly. His parents were my high school principal and Acteens leader in the Church. Although I have no doubt in their faith, this holiday season, and many more to come, will be very difficult. I pray for them and his brother David that they can find some peace during Christmas.

Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas and Holiday Season,

The Phillips Family
Renee, Mike, Ryan, & Alex

Today we had Ryan's 5th birthday party. It was a blast. Seriously, I'm not sure what I was doing inviting kids to my house. It was non-stop noise from the boys (and one girl) playing with cars and animals. The theme was Transformers (imagine that). I made a Barricade cake using a Nascar pan. I think it turned out pretty good and Ryan liked it. That is the big deciding vote anyway.

I'm so amazed by him these days. He is so smart and some of the things he says just blows me away. The other day I had asked him to pick up Alex's cup from the floor. When I thanked him for doing that he promptly said, "It was my pleasure" Seriously? Did that really come out of my son's mouth? I was a little shocked, but pleased nonetheless. He's not perfect, but I think over the last five years he's turned into an okay kid. He takes his vitamins every day without complaining. He plays well with others (including his baby brother). And he even says his prayers every night, and lately one of his own. His own prayer to God. I love that the most.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful child. God truly has given me such a precious life to raise. I love you big boy. You are my heart.

It's been forever since I've really had time to sit and type. Today is Ryan's fifth birthday and I am overwhelmed with emotion as I remember the day of his birth. I had waited with anticipation for so long to hear him cry. Oh how great it was the first time he took a breath. The days and weeks passed until we started counting years. He was no longer an infant. Now he is a young boy and my heart just beams. He is so smart and such a lover and enjoys cuddling. I can't thank God enough for allowing me the opportunity to raise such a wonderful boy. I just do the best I can and let God take care of the rest. Happy birthday Ryan. Mommy loves you. You are my heart.

Happy Birthday

My baby is one and it is so bittersweet. I love my children and watching them grow is such a pleasure. But knowing that I will never have anymore like this it's a little sad. I just pray they grow up to be good Christian men then I know I will have done my part. This weekend was the party which was so fun. Alex put cake everywhere, just like he should've. Here are just a few pics from the event.

Long time

Yes, it's been a long time since I've been able to blog. The stresses of two children and a full time job some times takes it's toll. We've been well, except for the occasional stomach bug and runny nose. The kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Alex turns one in a matter of days. Where does the time go? Here are just a few pictures from the past month.

Ironman pics

Here's a few pics from the big race. My husband is AWESOME!!! What a great job.

Ironman

Pics to come later, but MY HUSBAND IS AN IRONMAN!!! It took almost the full time to accomplish, but he did it. He swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, and ran (mostly walked) a full marathon 26.2 miles. I haven't felt that much elation since the birth of our children. What an accomplishment. I am so proud of him. Hopefully I can post some pics Monday or Tuesday.

On the move

Alex is growing by leaps and bounds these days it seems. It's hard to imagine where the time went. He's now cruising around everywhere and getting in to EVERYTHING. I love watching him explore new things--my bathtub as of late. He's so funny when he turns on the water. His excitement just builds and he can barely stand himself. Needless to say he's pretty much a water baby. If he could just play in the water for hours on end I'm sure he would do so. This clip I took on Saturday afternoon. We had been to the gym and while I was in the shower I kept hearing an odd noise. Yes, it was my son turning the water on and off. What a mess.

The boys

The weather was absolutely beautiful the other day, so I got outside and took some pics of the boys while they played. They are quite adorable if I do say so myself.

Pictures

I promise only a few more

More pics

Just a few more pics from the trip

Mississippi trip

Ryan loved the slide

what a happy baby out in the sun


This past week I took the boys and headed to Mississippi. Yes it was crazy and a very LONG trip, but it was worth it in the end. We had a great time visiting with family and going to Geyser Falls. Nana and popaw were so excited to see the little man on the move, sort of. The house is not childproof so it was a little challenging at times, but that's okay. I took lots of pictures so I'll just post a few of my favorites.

a few good pics

The little man

Mr. little man is just so much fun these days. We've been trying lots of new foods--his favorite as of late are waffles and blueberry muffins (made without egg). He is also pulling up on everything in sight, but refuses to crawl for some reason (Ryan didn't crawl until 10 months). We went today to Lebanon to spend some time celebrating Tyler's 6th birthday. While the older children played with water guns and the slip and slide, we put Alex in a bucket. He had a great time playing with his toys in his own little world. Very cute I must say.

So proud

I don't talk about my husband much because this blog is pretty much dedicated to my children. But today seems to be the time to mention how proud I am of him. He has been doing triathlons since before we were together. I remember watching the first few thinking , "Wow, this is cool" (Understand I think it's cool, but I have no desire to do so at this point in my life.) Anyway, since he's not working, he trains about 3-5 hours a day while the kids are in daycare in preparation for the Ironman Louisville in August. This past weekend he did one of his regular 1/2 Ironman distance ones in Muncie, Indiana. The weather was horrible. It stormed and lightening was striking as he finished the swim portion. The entire bike ride was in a downpour and then it cleared up and got hot for the run portion. Amazingly enough, it was his best time by far at this race. He did AWESOME!! At the rate he's going he will be able to do the full Ironman in about 12 hours or less. That's a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on a bike, and a full (26.2 miles) marathon. And yes, that is all in one day!! I can hardly wait for the day to see him cross the finish line. How cool to be able to say that my husband is an IRONMAN!!! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as this day is quickly approaching on August 31, Labor Day weekend. (This picture is from last year at the Memphis in May Triathlon)

My baby boy is growing up so fast it seems. I took him this morning for his 9 month check up. He weighs 18 pounds 5 ounces and was 28 1/2 inches long. He's just a little smaller than Ryan was at this age (21 pounds and 29 inches) but I'm sure he will catch up just fine. He is babbling non stop and is starting to pull up on things. He doesn't seem to want to crawl, but I have no doubt it won't be long. What a fun age!!!

Biter biscuit

With the little man teething so hard these days, I give him anything I can to gnaw on. He really enjoys the biter biscuits. I usually have to find a huge bib, or like this day just undress to his diaper. He was so cute I had to post pictures. Then of course it's off to the bath with big brother. They are so cute together. I hope as the years go on the two will be close.