My AMAZING husband

I have to brag on my incredible husband!! This weekend, Dawson willingly and happily took care of our beautiful children so I could get away with my mom and sisters for a girls' weekend. It was so much fun! And I was so appreciative to him, especially since many men aren't brave enough to take on this intimidating task. However, it was the treatment after I got home that overwhelmed me. As the evening was winding down, I was on the phone with a friend, and I noticed Dawson walking back and forth to our room, seemingly trying to hide things. I was curious, but Dawson is not unaccustomed to strange behavior. :) Anyway, when I get off the phone, Dawson comes in, turns off the t.v and all the lights, and leads me to our room. (don't worry, i am editing) I walk in to our room full of candles and "spa music" and then realize he made me a bubble bath in the bathroom! He even straigthened up the bathroom, so the mood wasn't ruined by the piles of clothes and toys!! The rest of the evening included a foot rub while I was in the bath, as I told him all about my weekend. And then a full body HOUR long massage after the bath. It was heaven!! I kept thanking him and asking him why he was giving me such royal treatment, and he said he just wanted to welcome me home. Anyway, I know this is sappy, and maybe too personal to be blogging about, but I just wanted to tell the world what an awesome husband I have!

Lipstick and the bedside table!

So, I hesitated a little bit in writing this particular entry because of it's questionable nature. But I figured my mother-in-law doesn't really read this, and I think the only man who might occassionally see it is Dustin (who I think knows me well enough not to be shocked by the following material), so here it goes. A few days ago, Ellie found some old lipstick in my bathroom drawer and proceeded to give herself a make-over while Mommy was in the other room. It was cute, so I didn't get too upset. But then this morning, she got into something a little different. It was about 8:30am and I was typing at the computer, looking for campsites at Somerville, and I heard Ellie spitting behind me. Well, I turn around and see her with the KY Jelly bottle in her hand, and gook all over her face. Apparently, Ellie thought this jelly she had found on the bedside table was somehow related to the grape kind in the refrigerator, and she had squeezed some in her mouth. It wouldn't have been so bad if this hadn't been the KY WARMING gel....ya know, the kind that is supposed to tingle, but actually burns like the dickens. Needless to say, my baby's tongue was on fire! I quickly grabbed a big glass of water and poured it down her, while wiping her tongue profusely. She seemed to be fine. And I couldn't help but laugh hysterically, while trying to answer Caleb's questions about the questionable jelly. It was a great Mommy moment!

Fun Times

Our little cowgirl! Ellie is enamored with Bubba's horsie right now. She loves wearing his boots and his hat, and going for an afternoon ride. Of course, she's very Hollywood too, so she needs her shades, even indoors.



And then there's the mud monster! Now, I will say that Daddy was the one who was supposed to be supervising this child while he was in the backyard. But I'm also not the kind of mama who minds dirt and mud. So, I thought it looked pretty cool when he walked INSIDE to show me this new look. Personally, I think that it is way better for a kid to be outside playing in the mud, then to be cooped up in the house watching Disney channel (which, oh my gosh--that damn disney channel is about to drive me crazy!!! I hate those stupid shows and Caleb loves them!) Please forgive the vulgar language, but I have very strong feelings about it. :)

God Bless Burger King

O.K--so we are officially now on the "one income budget" and well, it sucks. It basically means we can only afford the bare necessities(and of course, by 'necessities', I mean cell phones, cable, internet and a variety of groceries--so I completely recognize that these aren't really necessities and i should just spend some time in Uganda or Haiti and I would have a much different perspective....but I'm speaking of "American middle-class necessities") anyway, and so this means no eating out or trips to Target. I have had a little bit of a hard time adjusting to this way of life, but at least I have been trying. Of course, until yesterday. Now, I have completely justified myself because I believe that pregnancy cravings should trump any and all logical thinking. Right? If you want a large bowl of ice cream for breakfast, then you should have it. Or, if your craving fast food, then it's o.k. to spend money reserved for your utility bill. :) So, I had been craving a yummy, greasy hamburger for days. And I had overlooked this craving for many meals, and instead eaten the leftovers in the fridge, or the can of refried beans in the pantry. But by Sunday night....my strength had dwindled and I found myself driving to Burger King. I had NEVER eaten a burger from this place, mainly because I didn't grow up with Burger King, so I just always opted for Sonic of McD's. But oh my gosh....Burger King has changed my life!!! If you haven't already, you have got to go out NOW and buy their new Steakhouse burger. It is life-changing! It was soooo good!!! So, I know this may be the pregnancy hormones talking (or typing) but I'm trying to tell you this is the best burger ever. God bless Burger King!

Our boring life of joy and happiness

Well, there is not a lot to report here at the Skow Hacienda. "Stay-at-home Mom" (which by the way, I HATE this title....so I've got to come up with something better) life is not the most "exciting" thing that's ever happened to me, but definitely the best thing. I am loving being with my kids. They are so beautiful and so funny. So, I just wanted to share a few recent pictures.

Yee Haw!!!

Summer Fun

I don't know why I always think that Summer will slow things down. Summer is fun, and even sometimes relaxing, but nothing about it is slow. The days seem to go by so quickly, and especially when we are traveling. This past weekend we got to visit our best friends in Dallas. We had a great time, talking and swimming. The kids had a blast in their pool. Caleb is becoming a good little swimmer, and Ellie is just a water bug. She has no fear--which of course multiplies my fears. Here are some cute pictures of the water babies. (The cute blonde is my best friend's son....destined to be Caleb's lifelong best friend :)


Both of the boys had Spider man goggles.....so cute!

I couldn't ask for a better daddy for my children......he is amazing, and a great swim coach! :)