Golly-Holly

Can it be?

2011-01-30T10:33:00.003-05:00

My boy is motivated! He is seeing his progress and is READING! We have completed 2 weeks worth of lessons out of the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. 17 Lessons to be precise. The boy is highly motivated and has wanted to do more than one lesson in a day. I gotta say, as I see the progress, I am highly motivated myself. I find myself excited to do more. I just can't believe how this program is working for us. One reason we have been able to do more than one lesson a day is that we have scrapped the handwriting portion of the program. Doing this really cuts minutes off the lesson. I figure we will focus on just the reading now and do a different handwriting program come fall. He is reading sentences! SENTENCES! It is awesome.

Robo Mom to the Rescue

2011-01-28T15:58:00.007-05:00

Alternate Title: The Boy's Day of Reckoning

I just wasn't going to take it another day. I sent him, rather dragged him kicking and screaming to his room for a 4 minute time out. He threw stuff at the door and screamed and cried and pretty much let me know that he was going down in a blaze of glory. His timer went off and I went in to give him another time out for throwing stuff at the door. He flipped his chair upside down and looked at me with angry eyes. I walked out. The timer went off after another 4 minutes, I took his chair out of his room and set the timer again...4 minutes...again. He is angry. I am determined.

While this is going on, my little one happily colored at the table. I am thanking God for her at this moment. I talk to Adam, he sends me a link to a blog he thought could help me. I ask him to look up Bi-polar disorder. I was convinced he has this. He is so Jekyll and Hyde sometimes. I quickly scan the article he sent. She said one thing in that article that made sense to me and I took the advice. I decided that I had to be ROBO MOM. Absolutely emotionless. He was out of his mind and I had to stay the course. It helped. Making the decision that his words would not hurt me and that this was the best thing for him propelled me on through the day.

After this first episode. He pulled himself together. It was 9am. We headed upstairs. I could see a change in him already. He was being the kind, sweet boy I knew. He even suggested that he clean the playroom so we could have more fun in there...WHAT?! I was not going to complain. What a great idea!!!

After an hour and a half of cleaning and mostly engaged play, I gave the 5 minute warning. We would be heading downstairs so my baby girl could have some quiet time in her room. (God bless her! She loves to read books quietly in her room!) Bryson and I would work on his reading lessons. And down we went.

It didn't take long for him to "challenge me" with a slight hint of discontent. STRAIGHT TO HIS ROOM FOR YET ANOTHER TIME OUT. Homegirl wasn't playin! We went into yet another cycle of time outs and more time outs for misbehaving during the time outs. He was going to re-learn to have a happy heart if it was the last thing we did that day. I am not kidding when I say he was in time out most of the morning. Being emotionless was the best thing I did that day, besides pray, Pray, PRAY.

It all becomes a blur at this point...but I will say. I won the war. By the evening it was, Yes, Ma'am, and mother may I?

I couldn't decide what to tell the school for his absence, so I just told Bryson to tell his teacher the next day that his mommy just wanted him to stay home. Of course, they pressed and he told me that he said, "my mommy wanted me in time out." I called to talk to the teacher and let her in on our day of discipline. She chuckled and said, "well I knew there must have been a major shake down because he was a different boy today. So well behaved and full of "yes, Ma'ams" Music to my ears!

I will be on him like white on rice until further notice. So far, our house is much happier and I can see the gleam in my big boy's eyes again. I got a note home today that said, "Great behavior today and lots of Yes Ma'ams."

A Never Ending Job

2011-01-28T13:18:00.005-05:00

In our house, we seem to have cycles of behavior. We can be rolling along and all is sunshine and rainbows, until...we have one bad day in a week. We brush it off as "everyone has a bad day now and again." One day a week turns into two and before we know it, we don't even like hanging out with our own son. Yes, you heard me. I don't like hanging out with my own son. Shocking, I know. You wouldn't like hanging out with him either, trust me. Simple tasks such as, "Go put on your sock and shoes." turns into SO MUCH MORE! Tantrums and screaming and throwing of items, hitting and furrowed brows followed up with "YOU ARE SUCH A MEAN MOMMY I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND ANYMORE!" Those words sting. I ain't gonna lie.

Let's back up shall we?

So my oldest boy (4 1/2) is sweet and kind and loving and has the cutest dimples south of the Mason Dixon. But, boy oh boy, he's got spunk!

Like I said, we were rolling along and all was wonderful with the world. Bryson was happy and content and loved working quietly in his room. I would send him to his room occasionally for quiet time and ask him to "read books in your room." He would come back and say, "well, I would really like to (insert a different quiet activity here.)" I would usually let him, "fine," I would say, "that is another quiet activity, have at it!" Or, I would say, "we are having cereal for breakfast," and he would come back with, "I really want oatmeal." I would say, "time to brush your teeth," and he would respond with, "but I am just going to finish this puzzle."

Do you see what was happening? I was letting him make appeals. Appeals are all well and good for the most part, except when the appeals start causing conflict. He was starting to appeal everything, EVERYTHING. Having the option to make an appeal comes with the understanding that sometimes my answer will be "NO, you need to do what I am asking right now." First time obedience. If he can handle obeying the first time and understanding that his appeal was rejected and continue on as normal, he can continue on making appeals.

That was not happening in our home. He was starting to think he was boss. "UM, not so fast there tiger!"

His teacher had been telling me about time outs at school. EVERYDAY. He was throwing tantrums. EVERYDAY. Something had to give. I was tired. Adam was tired. A change had to be made.

And then it happened. He lost it one day this week 15 minutes before he needed to leave for school. All out crazy tantrum. Lunch was packed, he was completely dressed. All because I asked him to brush his teeth. WHEW. I decided right there and then that TODAY WAS THE DAY. I called his ride to school and told her to skip our house today. Today was going to be "DAY 'O DISCIPLINE." I just wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I wanted with him in 15 minutes and I sure didn't want to wait til after school.

Tune in tomorrow, to hear how this day went down...

7 days in...

2011-01-23T14:37:00.003-05:00

Look at me, I am checking in; I am surprising myself!

Bryson has completed 7 days of reading lessons. So far so good. He has been excited and up for the challenge and is encouraged to know that if we stick to the program, we should be finished with the book (and reading) by his 5th birthday.

I am learning a lot each day as we complete each lesson.
1. Sitting still and on his bottom is not high on Bryson's priority list.
2. Bryson wants to skip ahead... a lot....
3. If there is so much a speck of anything other than this reading book on the table, a competition begins and the speck will win every time.
4. I need to wear protective gear. His arms and legs can flail up at any moment in time causing injuries to my eyes, legs or stomach. (My eye is still throbbing from the whollup I got today. See item 1.)
5. The lessons so far really do only take 15 minutes.
6. I can see progress.
7. I have hope.

So there you have it...one week down about 13 more to go.

This is a test

2011-01-16T16:32:00.004-05:00

On recommendation from my sister in law, I got a copy of Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. After reading the introduction, that took me back to my college school text books, it seems doable. The author has built me up and has made me believe I, too, can teach my boy to read. We have successfully completed the first lesson to which he responded, "that was easy." We shall see. To me, 100 and easy don't belong in the same sentence. Doing 100 things consistently has NEVER been my strong point. (Remember that ADD post where I promised to chronicle my adult ADD? I never posted a thing after that about ADD...case in point.)

I do plan to homeschool for kindergarten, so this is a test. Will we survive? We shall see. Don't bother checking back on me...chances are, I will never give an update.

Hello? Is this thing on?

2011-01-15T15:02:00.002-05:00

I am so tired of clicking on my blog to see that Munchkin sippy cup title. Quick follow up on that: They never did what they said they would do by calling me and giving me any kind of update. They did send me a "BE QUIET" gift of many Munchkin products. I am over it.

Life is happening all around me and it is a fun ride. Bryson keeps me on my toes and Mabry is deciding that she has opinions about many things and is beginning to assert them daily.

I think I have missed blogging, but I am not sure. I am here, checking out the waters and I just might jump back in. Don't hold me to it.

Just say NO to Munchkin Trainer Cups

2010-05-03T16:13:00.007-04:00

Here are a series of emails I have been exchanging with the Munchkin Customer Service. I do not recommend these cups with your little ones.

My 1 year old daughter recently transitioned from a bottle to a cup a few weeks ago. We chose your munchkin trainer cup with the soft silicone spout because it seemed the transition would be an easy one. Yesterday, as she was drinking her milk, I noticed she was chewing on something. I am sad to report that the soft no spill spout had broken off into her mouth. I am so glad I that I was sitting right there with her and caught this before she swallowed it or worse choked on it. This cup was brand new when we got it and had only been hand washed. We never put it in the dishwasher. I am not sure what caused the plastic piece to break off, but I do think it is a problem that you should look into. We will no longer be using your munchkin cups, and I now feel compelled to inform all of my mommy friends of this instance.
Holly

Thank you for contacting us, we recognize that customers like you have made Munchkin the company it is today, and we truly appreciate hearing from you. I’m very sorry to hear that the spout to your Mighty Grip trainer cup has torn.

So that I may better assist you, could you please confirm if your child was biting and/or chewing on the spout, before it tore?

Sincerely,

Amanda Maria
Consumer Relations
818-893-5000 x546
F: 818.893.6343
amanda.maria@munchkin.com

Amanda, The chances are very high that my 12 month old daughter was chewing on the cup. She is teething after-all, as are most children her age. I am unable to watch her every move with the cup, therefore we have chosen to go with the Playtex brand cup that has the valve on the inside of the lid instead of right there on the spout. The chance of something coming off in her mouth is reduced dramatically, I believe. Thank you for getting back with me so quickly. I am glad to know that you will look into your cup and hopefully make some changes. I don't want to cause any problems, just prevent them from happening in the future. Sincerely, Holly

Thank you for following up with me.

The Mighty Grip silicone spouts and straws are not designed to be chewed or bitten as this may lead to leakage or tearing. As such, we recommend that the product be discarded and replaced at the first sign of weakness or damage. This information is stated on the packaging and instructions for each cup. If you child was biting or chewing on the spout, which caused it to tear, then it may not be suitable for her.

Nevertheless, we value your input and work hard to make moms (dads) like you 100% satisfied with our products and I will be sure to pass along your concern for our Mighty Grip cups. Our management and product development teams are constantly reviewing our products to make improvements based on consumer feedback.

Sincerely,

Amanda Maria
Consumer Relations
818-893-5000 x546
F: 818.893.6343
amanda.maria@munchkin.com

Your email below states: This information is stated on the packaging and instructions for each cup. I have a Munchkin Mighty Grips TRAINER Cup in the package on my counter to go back to the store now. No where on the package does it say they should not be chewed on. If it stated this in the instructions that are INSIDE the cup, I missed that. I would not have spent money on these cups (4 in total) if it was clearly stated ON the package. They do say TRAINER on them which implies that these cups are meant to be used by children learning how to use a sippy cup. It also clearly states that these cups are for 6 mo+. Children learning how to use a sippy cup and who are 6 mo+ WILL be teething and are VERY likely to chew on them.

-Holly

Hi Holly,

I have pulled several samples of our Mighty Grip cups (all styles) from our warehouse and confirmed that the statement is on the packaging. I apologize that your Mighty Grip trainer cup does not have the biting/chewing statement on it and have informed our Quality Assurance department for their review.

In regards to the instructions, the statement is made as shown in the attached document.

If you have any further questions or concerns please let me know.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Amanda Maria
Consumer Relations
818-893-5000 x546
F: 818.893.6343
amanda.maria@munchkin.com

I don't mean to be a pain in the neck, I just wanted to show you the pics of the cup that I have here. I know the picture quality is not the best, but no where on my cup does it state that a child should not bite on the cup. I really do think your company should look at the wording on these cups. They should not be recommended as trainer cups. A child could bite the valve off all too easily. Once I open the cup and read the directions, I feel it is too late.

Holly

Hi Holly,

Thank you for providing me with pictures of the cup packaging.

I will forward these to our Quality Assurance department for further review.

Sincerely,

Amanda Maria
Consumer Relations
818-893-5000 x546
F: 818.893.6343
amanda.maria@munchkin.com

Top 10 (now edited with new info)

2010-03-17T13:52:00.008-04:00

It has been a long while since I have put any thought to this blog. I guess with Facebook, I feel that is all anybody needs to know about what is going on in my life. A quick sentence or two and some pics here and there. This is for my dear friend, Emily, who gave up the FB addiction a few months back.

Top 10 Happenings at the Hebert House:
Ten: I am working a very part-time job for HERI Jax. My job is to help coordinate standardized testing for local Homeschool families. I love it and it is just enough work to keep me busy, but I don't feel like I am losing my mind. I get to do it on my time and in my home. It is an answer to prayer because Adam and I have been thinking of homeschooling and this gives me first hand information straight from homeschooling parents.

Nine: It seems my prayer list is long right now. I have so many friends that are trying to have babies, have babies in their bellies, or have new babies to care for. They are topping my list. I am in constant prayer for my own children. It seems everyday I am bombarded with information about sick, hurting, dying children, and that can overload my brain. I am praying that worry will not seep in and destroy my joy in having healthy children. I also am in constant prayer for protection over them as they grow up.

Eight: We have lived in our house over a year now and I love it. It really seems like home to me. Every week Adam and I do something small to make it a more organized or beautiful home. This is the house my children will think back to for many of their childhood memories. I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood home.

Seven: I am doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred...I am sore.

Six: This has been the healthiest winter we have had in a long time. Bryson only suffered from asthma 2 times I think, and Mabry has only had one runny nose. Ahhh it has been great!

Five: Mabry is doing some sort of crazy army crawl, refusing to pick her belly off the floor. None the less she is moving and as a result has ended her up in "baby jail." Breaking news: Mabry has gotten her belly UP off the floor and has been crawling for the past 10 minutes.. A real crawl!
Four: As of this date, March 17, 2010, Mabry's sign language vocabulary consists of the following words: So big, More, All done, Eat, Dog, Elephant, Hi, "blow kisses", duck, milk, and book. Her verbal vocab consists of: Dada, doggy, kitty.

Three: Bryson is quite the ball player. He has been practicing hitting a baseball from a thrown pitch for a few weeks now. He is making contact with the ball on many of the pitches. He loves playing baseball with his daddy.

Two: Bryson has been introduced to Monster Trucks and Nascar. Both are all the rage around here.

One: I am planning my baby girl's first birthday party. Where in the world has the year gone? It is crazy. When I think about her she is still only 4 months old. She has gone from this:

to this:
So there you have it. My top ten.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T15:43:00.002-05:00

I love getting Christmas Cards, especially the ones that have pictues included.
Here we are with Santa. My scardy cat boy did GREAT, My laid back baby flipped out. Must have been opposite day.
Bryson has really enjoyed our Christmas tree filled with wooden toys. He plays with all the ornaments and hangs them back up. Just perfect for a preschooler.
I just love watching him play with our nativity. Just so sweet.

Watching Bryson decorate the tree was just so special. He was so excited.
I love this little scene.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

2009-11-25T14:31:00.005-05:00

With my mom's help, last week, I was able to deck my halls for Christmas. I wasn't too concerned that Thanksgiving hadn't arrived yet. The day was going to be spent just the 4 of us. So, we simply bought a 6 lb turkey breast and I halved all my recipes for a small celebration of Thanksgiving.

As it turns out, a neighbor of mine, who lives alone had no plans for Thanksgiving. So, I jumped at the chance to invite her to celebrate with us. I looked around my house and realized it was going to look a lot like Christmas feast instead of Thanksgiving if I didn't make a few changes.

I still had our Pumpkin from Halloween that was never carved. Bryson didn't want ours to have a face. I asked him so many times and he denied wanting to do it just as many times. I started with that. I then printed out some leaves onto construction paper and had him color them fallish colors. We wrote out what we were thankful for on the leaves and poked them into the pumpkin. I even left a few out so my guest can add somethings she is thankful for if she so desires. I am pleased with my ever so cheap Thanksgiving decorations.

I then used my wreath from the front door to spruce it up a bit, along with my cornucopia. Voila! Instant Thanksgiving Decor!

Today is Day One - Day by Day with ADD

2009-11-24T14:14:00.004-05:00

A while back, I wrote about having ADD. I have been off medication for a while now, since before I had Bryson. Lately, especially since I completly have my body to myself, I have been considering talking to my Dr. about taking medication again. I have honestly forgotten what it feels like to be in focus, not in a cloud, and able to finish a task, any task without ditractions. The time is right. I have two kids now, all the more reason for some help. Recently, it took me 3 hours to clean out the dishwasher and the longer it took me the more anxiety I felt about it. I would put one dish away and turn to take shoes to my closet or pick up a toy to put away or check my email, only to walk back to the kitchen and be frustrated that the job was left undone. I would think to myself, "GOLLY HOLLY! This is not hard, just one dish and then the next, FOCUS!" This went on all morning. So frustrating.

I made an appointment with my primary care. I went over my script in my head for days and days about what I wanted to say. For example: I feel like I am in a fog, I am unable to complete tasks before moving to the next. I have been unable to read and finish a book for the longest time. I am forgetful, frustrated, and have anxiety. I find myself checking email all day long or eating, because those are tasks that require NO thought whatsoever. It is a way to shut out all the out of focus feelings I have.

Did I say ANY of that to my Dr? Of course not. I didn't write them down. Instead, she asked me what my symptoms were and I couldn't answer her in a cohesive thought. All my words came out in a jumbled mess. I felt so dumb! I am no stranger to this feeling, but it is never a fun way to feel. All in all, I was an absolute "Poster Child" for Adult ADD. If she couldn't tell I had ADD, then she shouldn't be in medicine. She prescribe ritalin 15mg to start.

Today is the first day on my medication. I hope to keep an online journal of my journey as a mommy being medicated for Adult ADD.

I could hardly wait to take my first dose this morning. I took my pills at 7:30 and proceded to get ready for the day. I got Bryson off to school came home and got several chores done. COMPLETED without bouncing from chore to chore. I even had time to spare before I needed to leave again. My head feels clear...it is amazing.

As I am typing this now, I do have a bit of a headache...I am going to take some Ibuprophin and see how that goes. I am hopeful, prayerful, and excited to be the best wife/mommy I can be. We shall see how it all unfolds.

Beauty and the Branch

2009-11-22T20:32:00.005-05:00

A dead tree fell into my backyard not long ago, and it was love at first sight. I saw potential in this gigantic tree. It was about 20 feet long, but it was the top 6 feet that called to me. I (by myself) got a hand saw and chopped that baby right off, hauled it into the garage and waited for inspiration to strike. Would you like to see what happened next? Check it out:

I spray painted it white, used plaster of paris in a milk jug to hold it up (my mom helped with this part, thanks Momma!)Wrapped white lights around some feather boas I had and added red Christmas balls. I love it. It is fun, whimsical and just what I needed. I have been wanting a second Christmas tree to sit in my living room and now I have one.

I also love that God sees this same sort of potential in us. I too was once dead and lifeless, and now made new because of His great gift.

Countdown to Christmas an Advent Calendar How To

2009-11-14T10:47:00.006-05:00

I have been wanting an Advent Calendar for a while. After browsing many catalogs and online stores I decided to just make one. They are just so expensive. I came across one on etsy.com that I thought was adorable and doable. The one on etsy sells for $40. I have made 2 this week and I love them. The cost for 2 was about $30.

Here are the supplies needed:

You will also need one 24 count muffin tin. Preferably NOT coated with teflon. I had to sand all the teflon off in order to paint mine.

Use a drill to make 2 holes in the top of the muffin tin for a ribbon hanger.

I sanded and painted one red and left the other silver. (The one that was for sale on etsy was not painted.)
I let that dry then coated it with Polyurathain.

See the blue lid in the supply picture? That was the perfect size lid off a Cleaning Spray Bottle. You will need to find something about 2 inches in diameter to make your magnet and paper circles.

I hot glued the papers to the magnets.

Laid out the paper circles to find the best order. I didn't want two greens together or two similar patterns together.

I then stuck on the number stickers, then used the red and green glitter glue to enhance the papers.

Last, I put my ribbon through the holes on top to hang.

Put candy behind each magnet for your little one to find each day of December. I am thinking of using the red and green Hershey's Kisses. In addition to the candy, I would like to find a Bible verse about giving or Jesus' birth to include with the candy.

Happy it is almost over...

2009-10-31T16:26:00.003-04:00

October that is...Adam and I go round and round about this crazy (non)holiday. I am so over all the ugly decorations that are often too scary for my precious 3 yo. I get tired of explaining that whatever they are are just "silly" guys. Just the other day I was letting Bryson watch a DVR'd episode of Sid the Science kid. I was in the other room folding laundry and all of a sudden I hear shrill screams. The show ended and live TV came on...low and behold it was an advertisement for NBC's Thursday night line up. The commercial had some sort of monsters on it that scared the life out of my baby. I am overly protective about what and how much TV he watches. I wouldn't even let him watch Charlie Browns The Great Pumpkin cartoon the other day only because it had been years and years since I have seen it. I couldn't remember the premise or what was on the cartoon. I feel the need to preview anything he watches. I want to guard his precious little heart as long as I can. He is only young once and he has a life time to experience scary things.

On to Thanksgiving! I am thankful for November all ready.

Everybody Else is Doin' It

2009-10-23T16:28:00.007-04:00

So I will too! Here are our oh so cute Pumpkin Patch Pictures. There are a few more I want to share, but Blogger is being a booger!

Say It Ain't So!

2009-10-08T14:39:00.003-04:00

My to do list is a mile long, this is in part because my 3 year old is (dare I say it?) out growing his naps? The naps that used to last for 3 hours or more at a time, the naps that I depended on to recharge my batteries, fold mountains of laundry, clean out the dishwasher for the 579th time in a week. Oh, how I will miss them...he is still required to stay in his room for mandatory rest time, but I am not fully able to recharge and get things done when he chirpity chirping from his room. He sings, and hums and reads and screeches and sings and yells out random sentences. I just can't relax when I know he will be sneaking out at any moment to say "Momma, I've got a question for you...I love to play Mario Cart." or do any other random act of sneakiness. I cringe when I hear him get too loud because his sister is sleeping mere feet from his room. Asking him to stay quiet is like asking me to solve any trigonometry problem...It just ain't happenin!

ABC Book

2009-09-21T14:42:00.007-04:00

I'd like to say it was easy as ABC easy as 123...but that would be cheesy. Or would it? Probably? I am a dork...moving on...

After a spending a summer working with Bryson on his ABCs and 123s, we have completed what we set out to finish. I have to admit, I had high hopes at the beginning, but I also know myself all to well. I am a starter of many things, but a finisher of none (or not much.)I am happy to say that I actually followed through and got it done. Here is our finished product. I am quite pleased with it. I hope that it is a book that he and Mabry can share and enjoy for a long time.

Click here to view this photo book larger

A Letter to a Dear Friend

2009-09-14T15:51:00.003-04:00

Dear Naptime,

I have come to expect you, enjoy you and think of you fondly. You come between the hours of 2 and 5. You are typically very prompt and I thank you for that. This mommy loves her quiet time to rest, regroup and clean. My son and new daughter rarely protest your arrival. What I must ask is WHY oh WHY do you wait for a day that my throat is scratchy, my eyes are watery and my nose is runny NOT to darken my door? Why on this day does my son who hates to sing anything feel it necessary to practice his ABCs at the loudest possible volume? My daughter who rarely cries decides today to find her voice and protest the bed loudly? Naptime, ole buddy, I'd love to see you here tomorrow at our regularly scheduled time. Please be on time and stay a while.

Love,
Your Biggest Fan
Holly H.
Mommy of 2

Got Milk?

2009-09-10T15:52:00.003-04:00

Last time I wrote, I was sad, down, depressed, sorry I was saying good-bye to nursing. Well, things have changed. My dr prescribed Reglan (after making me take a PREGNANCY TEST!!! That was scary and a whole 'notha story.) Reglan is actually an acid reflux medication that has a side-effect of increased milk in nursing mommies. Wierd? Yes...Working? Yes...I won't say that my milk is back to what it was, but I am still able to nurse at night and through out the day while still supplimenting a little with formula. Good-enough for me! I am happy with that for now and also feeling relieved that my once 4 month old, 13 lb baby is now a quite healthy 5 month old, 17 lb baby! I know, I just heard you gasp. It is crazy. She is in fact a chunky little monkey. So sweet with so many rolly polly ollies...Love it!

It is so hard to say goodbye

2009-08-26T21:24:00.003-04:00

My sweet little girl is 4 months now and I have loved every moment with her. She is sheer delight. I am totally enamored with her. Never in a million years did I think I could love another baby like I love Mabry. She is simply sugary sweet, all smiles and giggles. Oh, how I love her giggle.

But today, I am saying a sad goodbye to one of my favorite parts of being a mommy of a newborn. Tears are coming as I type...I am saying goodbye to nursing and wondering if I will ever have the chance to do it again with future children. Adam and I are pretty well set on just two babies. Oh, how my heart wants more, but my brain says no.

At Mabry's 4 mo check up she had slipped from the 90th percentile in weight to the 50th, which did not alarm the pediatrician. I had a sneaking suspicion that is was due to my milk supply. Mabry also once slept from 8pm to 4am and is now waking practically every 2-3 hours to eat. I have tried all that I know to do, pump, drink Mother's Milk tea and take Fenugreek. All which seemed to help for a while, but now we are back to nothing. It really is so hard to say goodbye, especially when it is not my choice. I chose to stop nursing Bryson at 10 months...I feel cheated, sad, frustrated, and to blame. (It is the hormones talking!) On the other hand, I feel a sense of freedom. But I am battling with myself. Freedom/Frustrated/Freedom/Frustrated etc...

So today I mourn, but my joy will come in the morning/mourning for no one has taken my sweet girl from me. She is still my gift from the Lord and there will be no less love in this house even with the lack of mommy's milk.

Sleeping Soundly

2009-07-22T14:20:00.005-04:00

I love the calm of the evening. Knowing that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start, another chance to be the best mommy I know how to be. I love looking at these sweet faces and praying safety and blessing over their sweet little lives. I love wondering what their lives will bring. I also love knowing that when they are in bed I am off duty until the next day. How sweet it is...

Big Canoe...Through My SIL's eyes

2009-07-15T14:16:00.002-04:00

Lazy is what I am ... here is my family's latest vacation...through the eyes of my lovely sister in law...just pretend I typed it. :) Love ya!

Bloggy Dryspell

2009-07-14T18:39:00.003-04:00

It is true. I am in a bit of a dryspell...not really having much of anything to say...Stuff is happenin' round here, I assure you...I'll get back you one day blog...I promise.

My "To Do" List

2009-06-15T15:41:00.002-04:00

Above are all the books that are on my MUST READ list. Where should I start? Have you read any of these? One of them has been on the top of the best sellers list for a long. long. time. . .I'll start with that one today and move on from there. I have started to read them all, but finished none. . .a reflection of my inablity to FOCUS!

This selection shows where my heart is at the moment. I desire to know God on a deeper level, I desire to discipline in a way that Honors God, and I want my home to be in better order so I can be a better wife and mommy.

Completly IN Focus

2009-06-08T15:11:00.003-04:00

Last week, my friend Amanda took some great photos of my children. She did an excellent job. She so perfectly captured each of their personalities. I will treasure these FOREVER! Thanks, Amanda!

My Sling and Swaddle "Journey"

2009-06-06T20:21:00.003-04:00

So I am now 6 days in to the Sling and Swaddle "journey," and I must say, I am having fun with it. I all ready knew that I loved the Miracle Blanket and now I am starting to really love my Hotsling. I have taken it to 2 birthday parties, and several stores, and have even used it around the house. I have been able to help Bryson in the bathroom with 2 hands AND hold Mabry at the same time. Pretty neat. The Hotsling is pretty easy to use, much easier than the directions let on. One look at the directions and I was ready to run the other direction. They looked complicated, but I figured it out with minimal frustration. Today I was able to sling her up with no trouble whatsoever.

I have also posted a NEW video of Mabry getting swaddled in her MB. Check it out here. It is very similar to one we have posted before, but the owner of MB liked it enough to send me another $150! PTL what a blessing! He has now paid me for 3 videos and from the sound of his most recent email to me, he will pay me for a couple more! SWEEEET.

If you aren't all ready, please follow me on Twitter I am way behind on my followers. . .not quite sure how to get more. Some girls all ready have in the thousands. Oh well. :0)

I might be crazy

2009-06-01T17:17:00.002-04:00

It is so uncharacteristic of me to be competetive in anyway. . .but here I go again. I entered another contest. I won the Miracle Blanket one so I thought I would give this a shot. . .I got nothing to loose but time.

I am one of 30 girls that have been chosen to tweet/twitter about being a mom all while using a hotsling and miracle blanket. You know I love me a MB!! My hotsling arives in the mail tomorrow. The goal is to get people to follow my journey on twitter. All you need is a valid email address and you can follow me.

What do ya think? Will you follow me? Will you ask your other friends to follow me? Would you blog about following me? (that might be asking for a lot, but if you love me you would do it. :)

ABC easy as 123

2009-05-29T14:29:00.007-04:00

This summer I have decided to try some "homeschooling" with Bryson to help pass the time. I am getting the inspiration from this website. We are focusing on a different letter each day. Each day we make the letter craft, talk about the sounds it makes, think of other words that have the same sound and read a page out of My ABC Bible Verses, Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt. Then we spend about 10-15 minutes on this site. So far, so good. All of this is possible of course because Mabry is such a great sleeper. Here are some pics of our recent creations. . .

We are both having a lot of fun with this project and it really reminds me that I do in fact love teaching. . .Yesterday I organized all my school supplies. . .I HEART SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

When we have completed the entire alphabet, I plan on making an ABC shutterfly book with all the pics. . .it should be fun!

Let's Compare Shall We?

2009-05-22T14:46:00.004-04:00

I can and can't get over this. . .my oh my, my child has grown.

I won!

2009-05-21T17:17:00.001-04:00

I won the Miracle Blanket Contest. . .

What would YOU do with the $500 prize money?

They Say it's your Birthday!!

2009-05-14T15:01:00.002-04:00

My baby boy turned 3 on Saturday. Unbelievable! Where does the time go. We had a Sprinkler Party in the backyard and he had a BLAST. This is the same party we have done for his first and second birthday. He always loves it so why mess with a good thing?? It was so much fun watching him have so much fun.

Miracle Blanket Contest Video

2009-05-10T21:39:00.003-04:00

Here is my first submission to the contest. Unfortunately I fumbled a little bit at the beginning, but the result is what the judges are ultimatley looking for. What do you think? Do I have a shot at $500?? Would you vote for me?

Free Frozen Yogurt

2009-05-08T08:08:00.002-04:00

Sunday May, 10 TCBY is giving Mom's free Yogurt. Nothing I like better than something that is FREE!

One Month-Today

2009-05-07T14:23:00.012-04:00

One Day

One Week

Two Weeks

Three Weeks

Four Weeks

Can you see a difference? I sure can. Mabry had her one month check up today. She is exactly 10 lbs (exactly 8 lbs at birth.) She still sleeps like a log. I am guessing around 21 hours a day. It is blissful to say the least. And she very rarely does this:

Hi Ho Silver-ware. . .AWAY!

2009-05-06T16:09:00.003-04:00

Cleaning out the dishwasher is one of those chores that has to be done daily, if not. . .Kitchen Chaos! I found out today that Bryson is quite good at sorting the silverware and it keeps him out from under my feet while I clean out the rest. Thanks little helper!

"Of Course I Am!!"

2009-05-05T14:28:00.006-04:00

Is how Bryson responds to any statement that he is a great big brother. I have been so proud of my first born in these 4 weeks that Mabry has been home. He is just so gentle and sweet and caring and kind and loving. . .it is almost sappy over here! He treats Mabry like a celebrity. Always wanting to know where she is and when he finds her he is kissing her, patting her, and telling her, "You are doing a great job not cryin' Mabry!" What a little encourager. When she does cry, I can expect to hear, "What's Mabry cryin' 'bout, Mommy?" at least a dozen times until she stops. It is fun being the mommy of 2. . .(so far. . .I realize things will get harder and you will be sure to hear about it here!) As of right now, I am loving that Mabry sleeps at least 21 hours a day. FABULOUS, I say!

Miracle Blanket

2009-05-04T14:11:00.005-04:00

Not long ago, I got a comment on my blog regarding this post. The comment was left on one of my more recent posts. It said this

Hello, please pardon the intrusion. I’m Mike Gatten, inventor of Miracle Blanket. Your blog was brought to my attention because of your mention of the Miracle Blanket. I can’t thank you and others enough for helping us spread the word because people just don’t believe us when we tell them it might be “this easy.” That's why word-of-mouth has been the biggest source of growth for us since day one.

To show our gratitude I'd like to send you a free Miracle Blanket. If you don’t need it for yourself you might give it as a gift or maybe a giveaway on your blog.

Please contact Susan in Marketing and let her know what color you would like.

Susan@MiracleBlanket.com or (214) 675.0539.

And again, thank you very much.

Mike

I was slightly sceptical at first, because in the post that I wrote about the Miracle Blanket I didn't even gush about it. Seriously, how many times in life do you ever just receive something for free without strings attached. After some research, I found that it was indeed true and with NO strings attached. My free Miracle Blanket came several days later. I gave it to my friend Emily who just had a baby a few days ago. (Congratulations! Emily. I can't wait to meet Charlie!)

A few weeks pass and I get another email directly from Susan at Miracle Blanket telling me about a contest that is being held. They want videos of babies being swaddled in the Miracle Blanket showing the calming effect of it. For complete rules go here. Adam and I are planning on entering as many times as we can. The first prize is $500, second is $100 and third receives $50. It is worth a shot. We have videoed Mabry being swaddled probably 5 times all ready with great success. She really does respond to the Miracle Blanket. If our video is chosen as one of the best, we will need your help. The judge will be the public, so I will be calling on all of you and your friends to VOTE FOR US!

The Miracle Blanket is just one of those MUST HAVES for new mommies. I am truly a believer in it. I could totally be a spokesperson for it...I just love it and so does Mabry! We didn't waste anytime introducing her to her new best friend. . .the Miracle Blanket.

PS: I did not nor do I expect to get anything for writing this post. . .I just wanted to share the latest Miracle Blanket happenings. They have NO IDEA I have written this post.

Who knew?

2009-05-03T16:16:00.004-04:00

Who knew that a baby can go to sleep without shhhhing, swaying, sideholding, allowing them to suck your finger for no less than 20 minutes? (Have you read Happiest Baby on the Block?)
Who knew you could put a baby down when WIDE awake only for them to fall asleep totally unassisted. . .with minimal or NO crying?
Who knew that a baby can sleep for hours and hours and wake up happy?
Who knew that a baby can practically sleep through the night at 4 weeks?
Who knew that a baby can be pretty content to lie on their back and stare at the ceiling for longer than 5 minutes?
Who knew that a baby doesn't have to spit up the entire contents of what they ate only to want to nurse again?
Who knew that a baby can actually enjoy a bath?
Who knew that a babies cry can actually be called tolerable?
Who knew that a baby can be completely calm when swaddled? (I Love you Miracle Blanket!)
Who knew that a baby could actually be relaxed and content?
Who knew that having a second baby would be way easier than expected?
Who knew that this mommy's heart could grow to 2x the size of Texas with the second baby?

CERTAINLY NOT ME! Mabry is the complete opposite from her big Brother. Content, Relaxed, and cool as a cucumber. She has her moments, but her moments are far more scalled back than Bryson's ever were(still are.) What makes me laugh is that Mabry can be screaming and it actually causes Bryson to stick his fingers in his ears. . .Bryson can scream like no body's business. Her crying is TAME comparatively!Bryson's screams could bring a house down.

I am thankful everyday for Mabry. . .what an absolute blessing and a complete answer to prayer. God is good!

No Wonder they are called GRAND!

2009-04-30T10:32:00.007-04:00

I love my parents! They were so wonderful to come stay with us right before Mabry arrived and continued to stay for 2 weeks after she came. They were a HUGE help, not only with Bryson but also with MANY chores around our new house. My mom helped me finalize Mabry's nursery. Here we are doing one of the many projects that put the finishing touch on her room. We laugh. . .ALOT! I love having a mom that totally "gets me." She, more than anyone else, understands the ADD brain that I have been struggling with since my childhood and that is such a comfort. She just knows me. I love that!

Here is my dad. . .handyman extraordinaire! He was so busy while he was here. He hung a total of 4 curtain rods, 1 towel bar, installed counter tops and shelving in my laundry room, straightened our garage, adjusted some curtains in my dining, living, and Bryson's room, helped my mom MAKE a bedspread for Bryson's room, hung shelving in Bryson's room, and cleaned the kitchen practically every night(I am sure there is more that is escaping me at the moment.) (Momma, I think he is a keeper!)

My mom made a bedspread for Bryson's room, and was the master mind to the sweetest little girl nursery I have ever seen. She also planned and cooked dinners, helped me keep the house straight,made 2 floral arrangements, created a scrapbook, decorated the guest room, and was available for a laugh at any moment. She also lit the fire under my dad so he would complete the projects listed above.

They are WONDERFUL. Grandmommy and Grandaddy Gregg also did so much for Bryson while we were busy with Mabry. Bryson absolutely adores them.

Thanks for all you did Momma and Daddy! I love you!

And now, The Rest of the Story

2009-04-27T16:22:00.002-04:00

Part 2

So, I get up to the room and have the IV started along with the petocin(sp??). . .my body takes over and I no longer need it. I start some pretty strong contractions and start asking for the epidural. (I am not a real fan of pain.)Unfortunately, the bag of IV fluids must be emptied before the epidural can be ordered. Contractions begin getting stronger and stronger where I am actually having to breath through the pain. PAINFUL! Finally, the bag is emptied the anesthesiologist gets to the room, the epidural is put into place and then I am ready to push. . .but my OB wasn't there yet. . .MORE BREATHING. . . I kept saying (quite possibly yelling) "This really hurts!!" MORE BREATHING. . .Mabry was more than ready to come out. . .MORE BREATHING. . . Finally the OB arrives and Mabry comes out in less than 10 minutes. I felt every bit of that. The Epidural didn't take effect fast enough. It finally kicked in moments after Mabry arrived. . .but not where one would think. My arms and face felt numb instead of what should have. . .I couldn't even hold Mabry for long for fear I would drop her. My arms had no feeling and my cheeks were equally as numb. What an odd sensation. Whatever! Mabry was here and she was beautiful. Love at first sight.

38 weeks and 6 days

2009-04-25T11:53:00.007-04:00

That is how far along I was when my dr saw the absolute desperation in my eyes.

Can you see it? I was miserable folks. Apparently I grow big babies that makes for giant bellies. Wanna closer look? These were taken the morning of April 7th.

That's right, no twins, just a HUGE BABY BELLY. I was at my wits end here. My feet were HUGE and swollen. Take a look, if you dare. . .and they only got worse the closer to the end I got. . . please don't judge me.

Thankfully, I now have ankles with actual bones that I can actually see. I am amazed that they came back after looking so hideous!

April 7th I enter my drs office thinking I am there for a routine weekly check-up. Praying for more however. She does the exam and asks the question I prayed for, for the week leading up to this appointment: "Do you just want to have this baby today?" It was as if the heavens opened and God gave me a wink. Hallelujah, my prayers had been answered. I didn't even think twice. I think I jumped up and HUGGED her right then and there. She sent me to the hospital and told me to tell them that I have been having contractions every 2-3 minutes and to act like I was in labor. I then had a moral dilemma. . .LIE to the HOSPITAL??? I was so desperate, however that I chalked it up to taking the medical advice of my OB.

Adam and I quickly drove to the hospital and did what she told me to do. . .(I will say that she did an exam on me that actually gave a few contractions. . .)Anyway, I get to the hospital and they hook me up to the "contraction machine" and the nurse notices that I am no longer having contractions. . "They must have tapered off," I say, hoping she is not going to send me home. Thankfully, my dr then comes flying in the door ready to break my water. PRAISE YE THE LORD.

I get sent up to my room and they hook me up to the petocin and into actual labor I GO! Hooray. My body actually took over and they were able to take me off the petocin.

***To be continued. . .Mabry is screaming in her bed. . .

A Promise

2009-04-16T10:51:00.002-04:00

I hereby solomly swear to get back to blogging as soon as I am . . .(*searching for a word here*). . .ready. Yes that is it, ready. I will get back to blogging as soon as I am ready, because I am able, capable, and do seem to have time to write this. . .I am just not ready to put much thought into it. . .so there. I will leave you with a few photos. Enjoy!

Love, A new mommy to 2!

Mabry's Nursery. . .It is finished!

2009-04-04T16:11:00.003-04:00

I am ready to unveil Mabry's nursery. Finally it has come to life thanks to so much help from my parents. I love the finished results. My friend Jill wasn't able to come up after all. . .she is in the middle of planning a wedding and a new life and got sick in the middle of that on top of teaching art full time. I don't know how she does it. My mom came up with the idea of using felt on the walls to add texture and a bold pop of color. It came out beautifully. She bought 2 flower lights from Ikea. . . the white above the changing table and a pink one above the chair for soft lighting during late night feedings or changings and that got us started. We then cut HUGE flowers out used spray adhesive to attach them to the walls. We also went to Hobby Lobby to buy the cute little flower hooks that we painted to coordinate with the bedding. The room simply makes me happy. Enjoy the pics! I will be sure to let you know when Mabry makes her appearance. . .SOOOOOOOOON I hope. We should be only days away.

Just for Fun

2009-03-27T13:18:00.002-04:00

Here is my Dad, Bryson and his cousin Joshua bustin' a move. . .Enjoy!
(Thanks Momma for a good laugh!)

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Psalm 139:13-16

2009-03-26T14:19:00.002-04:00

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Everyday of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Isn't this amazing? The God of the universe knew little me before I was born and loved me despite the fact that I would and still disappoint him time and time again. God's unconditional love is truly remarkable. I love knowing that he knows exactly who Bryson will become and loves him too. And, now here comes Mabry. . .God knows just who Mabry will be. . .I take comfort in this. I pray for my children to come to know our God in a real and personal way early in life. I pray that Adam and I can be parents who teach our children not only to act like a Christian, but to think like one too.

This verse goes on to say:
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me.

I love loving a God who thinks precious thoughts about me and my family despite all our imperfections.

Thankful that God Knows. . .

2009-03-22T20:57:00.002-04:00

Here I sit. . .huge and pregnant. . .let me repeat HUGE and PREGNANT!!! I will be 38 weeks on Wednesday and I am ready to have this baby TODAY! I could go on and on and list all the reasons, but just insert any typical "end of pregnancy" excuse here and you would be exactly right. I am feeling all of those things. Mainly, I am swollen beyond belief. . . mostly on my right side. That is where this baby wants to be all the time, on my right side. My right foot doesn't even really look like a foot anymore. It looks more like something straight out of a horror movie. Just full of fluid, YUCK.

Despite all those feelings above I am so excited to welcome Mabry into our family soon. This baby has been prayed for even before she entered my womb despite all odds. She is alive and well and I pray that she continues to do well. I am deciding now to stop worrying about when she will come, because what will that do? Worrying will not add a day to my life and certainly will not bring her here any faster. I am thankful that God knows the exact time and date she will make her grand entrance. I am thankful that He has given Adam and me another opportunity to raise a child up. I am thankful for all that have prayed for us. I am thankful. . . I am thankful. . .I am thankful. . .God is good and he knows. . .

Nesting continued

2009-03-07T22:32:00.006-05:00

I have spent the past 3 hours in the nursery and I already see progress. I have gone through all the clothes that my friends have GIVEN me. Hand me downs are great. I have so many clothes sizes NB-6 months. I have sorted, washed, and hung most of them up, set up my changing table and rearranged the furniture (that part probably wasn't the smartest idea to do alone, but a motivated girl was I! - Adam and Bryson were out for the evening and I wanted it DONE!)Here is the first glimpse of my chocolate brown and pink nursery. Next weekend my college roomie/artist friend, Jilly, will be up to paint something wonderful on the walls. I am so blessed to call her friend! What do you think?

First a reminder of how it looked just a few weeks ago:

Where it stands as of now:

Mabry's closet:

Which is making me miss this closet a whole bunch. . . That wonderful closet is not in our budget at the moment. . .I want ALL my closets to look that good. . .sadly, they won't for a long, long time.

May the Nesting Commence

2009-03-07T19:13:00.011-05:00

Until now, I have peered into Mabry's room feeling uninspired, too tired and just not ready to prepare her room. . .all that has changed as of yesterday and today. My two closest friends gave me a bag full of beautiful and thoughtful baby girl items including handmade burp cloths, handmade hair bows, sweet lovies (a kitty and giraffe) so that Mabry can be like her big brother who also loves a kitty and giraffe. They totally went over the top in the gift department, but they sure know how to make a girl feel loved. Just look at all the loot! Thanks Robyn and Lisa!

Today, I show up at a restaurant expecting one friend and my entire playgroup was there to shower me with gifts. What a great bunch of girls. We have been in a playgroup now for 2 years (or longer?? I am not sure.) They are really a fun and nice bunch of girls. I have so enjoyed their company every Wednesday morning. We have certainly had our share of laughs.

We have had a few come and go since this pic, but for the most part here we all were in June of 07 and we are still together. Check out our babes at one of our first playgroups. . .wow our kids have grown up so much!

Look at all the loot these ladies put together for me. . .they are so sweet and I just enjoyed opening all these gifts. You all are extremely kind and thoughtful.

I have also received some sweet necessary gifts from my sister in laws. My brother's wife Christa sent me the all important Miracle Blanket I absolutely could not have lived without this blanket when Bryson was small. She sent me a new one so I could start fresh. Bryson just about wore his out.
Adam's sister, Sarah, sent me an awesome new product along the lines of the Miracle Blanket called the Zoomby It is a swaddler for the car. Oh how I wished for something like this with Bryson so many times. Thanks Sarah! I can't wait to try it out.
My Mother in law sent me the matching valance and a pillow pack that matches my bedding. . .I am ready to GO! Let the decorating and nesting begin.

School Pictures

2009-02-26T15:20:00.004-05:00

Here are Bryson's first ever school pictures. His school had some made in the fall, but we had not yet enrolled. I had Bryson practice smiling for the picture for a few days before they were made. . .I guess it paid off. What do you think?

Gag!

2009-02-25T14:49:00.000-05:00

Insert gagging noise here.

"What Mommy?"

2009-02-25T14:22:00.002-05:00

That has been THE question the past 2 weeks that has near made me crazy(er). Followed by "say it louder," and "I can't hear you." Bryson says this after just about everything Adam or I say. It has been slightly maddening. I have been wondering: Could it be a ball of wax in the ears (I have been heating oil and dripping in his ears in hopes of a HUGE something to fall out . . .NADA) What about fluid? (I called the dr. and he said there was nothing they could really do if it was fluid except to monitor it. . .he suggested waiting a week or two to see if anything changes. NOTHING has changed.) Bryson continues to ask "WHAT" after everything and he has also been rubbing his nose quite a bit. I figured they must be related. I finally gave in and set up an appointment. We went today and sure enough, it is FLUID. . .both ears filled to the brim with deafening fluid. This provided a MAJOR insight to all, well, some of the misbehavior that has been going down at our house (It has been bad here lately folks, I am not going to lie, bringing mommy to tears more than once, bad.) He simply cannot hear through all that junk in his ears. We will be putting him on Zurtec (sp) along with some Singulair to clear him up. With this, I hope to put an end all the ignoring that has been going on. I thought Bryson was just ignoring me when I called him. . .NOPE. . .he just couldn't hear. Poor, Bryson. . .Poor Mommy!

On a side note: Last night, I was prepping him for the upcoming drs. visit. Telling him what to expect so he doesn't freak out. . .the scale freaked him out last time setting him on a scream fest the rest of the visit. NOT FUN. As I was telling him about the scale, and the lady who would look in his ears, eyes, nose, and throat. . .Bryson says to me. "I do NOT like it when the put a hole in my leg." Would you believe he remembered getting shots there so long ago, and then referred to it as putting holes in his leg? I had to laugh at that and then assured him. . .no holes tomorrow, I promise.

My Inspiration?

2009-02-24T10:11:00.004-05:00

My long ago High School friend, Sarah posted pics of her sweet Lyla's nursery a while back. She too, painted Chocolate Brown in a girl's nursery. I had forgotten that, and she reminded me of this yesterday. It not only confirmed that I have done the right thing, she also made me more excited about it. Check out her nursery. . .just splendid don't you think? Not at all predictable, but every bit beautiful. Good Job, Sarah!

The Nursery Has Color

2009-02-23T15:20:00.004-05:00

Yes, you heard it! The nursery in fact has color. I actually just bit my lip and made the hardest decision regarding this house so far. . .what color, what color??!! You all gave me a lot to think about. . .too much in fact. . .I may not ask you about anything ever again! Well, not really, I will ask, then get confused, then call my mom, then just go with what I was feeling at first. That is about how it went down with this nursery color. . .I even sat in Home Depot holding my bedding set out in front of me with the array of colors just beyond me hoping one would just say "USE ME!!!" That didn't happen, but I did meet a very nice lady who was very interested in what I was doing so she sat down with me to discuss. Funny how people have such opinions about color. That is why I had such a hard time making this silly decision.

So what color you ask did I go with? (Or do you really care??) CHOCOLATE BROWN! Yes, I did it. I went against what so many of you said (a few said go with it), but mostly I was getting raised eyebrows. BROWN in a girl's room? YES. . . brown. I figured it is a modern/contemporary color that goes well with the rest of my house. Many feared that is would make the room too much like a cave (I had this fear too), but when it comes down to it all I want my new baby girl to do in there successfully is S.L.E.E.P! And what better way to make it a sleepy haven then to make it dark. In addition, all the trim work,furniture and background to the bedding is white so that works for me in lightening up the space. I took a few pictures, but it isn't doing it much justice. I will post some when the room looks more pulled together.

In the mean time just imagine a cozy baby girl's room painted with what most girls crave. . .CHOCOLATE!

PS A HUGE Thank you to my hubby who took on the painting project all. by. himself! Good job, Babe!

What is the difference?

2009-02-20T14:44:00.003-05:00

I have a site meter on the bottom of my page. . .and I often wonder about the difference between visits and page views. Can you tell me?

It is that time again. . .

2009-02-19T23:04:00.001-05:00

Time to think about SHINE 09 the annual woman's conference at Celebration Church! So exciting!

Shine 2009 Invitation from Celebration Church on Vimeo.

Come Follow Me

2009-02-19T14:39:00.003-05:00

I have added the followers widget to my sidebar and I would love to see your smiling face there! Go to your dashboard and let me know you are reading my posts by becoming my follower. :)

Superbowl 09

2009-02-16T15:40:00.007-05:00

I could not tell you who won the superbowl, I cannot even tell you who played in it. But, what I can tell you is that we had a superbowl party and it was fun. I learned that my house can accomidate more people that I thought it would. By last count we had 9 couples and 15 kids here that night and it went really well. The kids all played well together in the playroom and there was enough room for the adults to mingle or sit and watch the game. I am still thanking God for this bigger house. We would have never been able to pull this off in Hideaway of San Jose!

Here I am making wings. . .notice the cute "homemade" apron. . .

Our backyard full of kids. . . just like I had pictured. I love this site.

The kiddos. . .look at em all!

And my favorite picture of all. . .my house full of people I love to hang out with.

In my book it is not whether you win or loose. . .or even how you play. . .it is how much fun you can pack into your new house. Love it!

You Might Call it LOVE

2009-02-16T15:31:00.004-05:00

You know when you are getting towards the end of pregnancy when you can't reach your own toes. Well, if this isn't the picture of LOVE, I don't know what is. Here are my 2 boys taking off my polish that has been on my toes since DECEMBER. My toes were in sad shape. Bryson thought it was really neat to help daddy help mommy. Thanks boys!

Remember these?

2009-02-12T20:29:00.004-05:00

Felt boards are so much fun. They remind me of Sunday School and children's church back in the day. My mom lovingly made one for Bryson and provided some really cute Valentine's Day felt cut outs. Here he is enjoying his new board. He was "very busy" for a while. Thanks Grandmommy!

Here is a picture of Grandmommy and Bryson sewing while they were here for Christmas. So sweet. I only wish I could be as creative as she.

Lame

2009-02-10T11:22:00.003-05:00

Lack of posts are due to lack of creativity; I flat out can't think of anything to write about. Frankly, I have been a bit grouchy. I won't bore you with the details, but I will be sure to give God all the glory when I come out of this funk. In a nutshell, tantrums thrown by 2 year olds for no reason are NO FUN! Even he doesn't know what he wants half the time and when I decide for him we go down hill in a hurry. GOD HELP ME! I need wisdom. . .James 1:5. . .

My Little White Boyeeee

2009-01-29T13:03:00.001-05:00

'SUP Homie?

Girl Nursery Update

2009-01-29T10:45:00.005-05:00

Thank you, thank you for all your advice and input. . .I have really enjoyed reading through your ideas. Here is where I am leaning right now. . .it could change in an instant.

Adam picked up paint samples at my request the other day, chocolate brown and some pink. I am considering painting the walls from the floor up to the top of the doorways in a brown color THEN I want to put some sort of trim around the room to act like a chair rail, but much higher. It could possibly even be a shelf of some sort. . I don't know, I haven't worked out all the details yet. . .stick with me, okay?? Above this "too high" chair rail I will paint pink. . .possibly even the ceiling. I have heard decorators refer to the ceiling as the 5th wall and that is should be colored. . .hmmmm. Can you picture what I am describing here??

Here are the paint colors I am drawn too.

Here is the bedding, again, for a reminder. Check the post below where my friend, Rob put the bedding on many different wall colors.

I like both light and darker shades of both. . .what is your favorite combo? The lighter shade of brown is the EXACT color in the bedding, while the darker color is in the same family. The pink is not the exact but certainly close. I could have it color matched. Would I want a lighter pink or darker pink??? So many options.

Give me your thoughts. . .

25 Random Things about Me

2009-01-27T14:33:00.002-05:00

Here are 25 Random things about me. I did this for facebook and thought I would go ahead and post here too.

1. I love all things school supply. They made attending and teaching school so worth it. I am still tempted to buy them even when I don't need them.
2. I love organizing parafanelia. . .but I am not organized. . .imagine that.
3. Going to the dentist is relaxing for me. . .almost spa like.
4. I love learning how to discipline Biblically.
5. If I meet you, and you tell me your name. . .chances are I will not remember later. . .or I will wonder if we ever did meet in the first place. . .I love making new friends, but I am horrible with names or faces. . .I always pray people are not offended when I ask them their names. . . multiple times before it is locked in the vault. I have a brain full of holes.
6. I love having people over to my house. I am thankful we have more room now to accomidate others.
7. I go to Celebration Church. . .I love it.
8. I belive in the power of prayer. God is so awesome and hears even our littlest prayers. He can do immesurably more than we can think or ask.
9. I like penut butter as long as it is not in any type of dessert form.
10. Mexican is my favoite food. . .I often wonder how Bryson mangaed to come out of me NOT wearing a Sombrero. Ole!
11. As a teenager I made the "big bucks" teacing students modeling and ettiquite out of my home. I had 15 students. I taught them one on one for 30 minutes each week. We were even asked to be in modeling shows at the mall and in runway shows at the Country Club.
12. I cannot do math. . .please don't ask me to try. . .I get too nervouse and the numbers never add up.
13. I am thankful for a husband who is a human calculator. . .without him. . .our finances would be a crying shame.
14. I do not understand sports. . .I don't get why people get all hyped up about games they are not playing and why it all matters so much. . .I dislike the crowd noise during football games and wonder why these guys like to touch each other's sweat. . .GROSS!
15. I am sad for my husband because he LOVES sports and he married a girl who is totally uninterested. I have a hard time even pretending. Put on a game and that is my cue to exit the room.
16. I played softball when I was a kid. . .I use the word "played" loosely here. . .I think mostly I stood WAY out in the outfield. I just liked the pink shirt they gave us. . it looked spiffy with my white shorts and pink and white tennis shoes.
17. I sleep sitting straight up in bed while I am pregnant. I cannot sleep on my side, my belly is out of the question and since I shouldn't sleep flat on my back (which is my choice position) because it cuts the blood flow to the baby. . .all that is left is to sleep like I am in a recliner.
18. I like cool rooms and cars, temperature wise, but I DO not like moving air to touch me. I direct all vents in my car away from me.
19. I was once fluent in sign language. . .I am loosing my skills.
20. I love to check my email.
21. I break for Chik Fil A cookies and cream shakes
22. I love the smell of coffee. . .not so much the taste.
23. I serve in the 2 year old nursery every other Wednesday night. (Not for much longer. . .)
24. I will be a mommy of 2 in 10 weeks.
25.I would love to be able to sing. . .well. . .as in not hurt anyones ears.

Can you say "Overachiever?"

2009-01-25T13:58:00.007-05:00

Well, I posted a call for help regarding Mabry's nursery and got many comments and ideas. For that I am grateful. But one friend just out did himself. . .yes totally outdid himself by superimposing my bedding set on different color walls so I could get a feel for different colors. So for your viewing pleasure, I will post some of the colors here. Some are REALLY BOLD and others. . .not so much. I asked him to do a few other colors too. . .(was that asking too much, I wonder?) Thanks Rob! Here he is with his precious little girl who was born just a couple weeks after Bryson.

Give me your input on the following choices. . .

Don't be shy. . .don't hold back. . .let me hear what you have to say. Also, read through the comment section (because I know you have nothing else to do) and take those choices into consideration as well.

It will be beautiful. . .one day

2009-01-24T14:26:00.005-05:00

I am going to let you take a peek into another one of the rooms in our new house. . .unlike the other pictures I have shown you. . .this one is NOWHERE. CLOSE. TO. FINISHED! This room is Mabry's. She will be here in just 10 short weeks. TEN WEEKS PEOPLE!! I remember thinking 10 weeks with Bryson seemed like an eternity. It is going by so fast now. Now that the sickness is over, the tiredness is not so intense, and the dr bill has all ready been paid for the delivery. . .it is close. . .oh my. . .it. is . close!

Adam and I have work to do. Lots of work. Here is a picture of the room I speak of, currently a storage room for all things baby (and the vacuum cleaner which hasn't yet found a home, can you spot it among all the crazy clutter of baby accouterments?)

If you look closely, you will see the bedding that I feel in love with a few weeks ago. Adam surprised me and ordered it for me. I love it more in person. Here is a picture for a refresher:

Now the question remains. . .what color do I choose for the walls? I like the blue walls in the photo above. It makes the pinks, reds, and oranges really pop out. But, I am struggling with the idea of a BLUE girl's room. I have never actually loved the color blue. I've spent a lot of time avoiding this color in decorating, coloring books and school supplies. . .just not a fan of blue. I am a girly girl and blue in a girl's room is turning me off. HELP ME. I like the pink on the set, but it is very powdery pastel-y. . .also not really a fan of pastel. I LIKE BOLD COLORS. Hot PINK, Hot Orange, RED! Can't really see painting the room one of these WILD colors either. So what is your vote? What would you do? I realize this is not life and death, but important to me. . .I want to get it right.

Says Bryson

2009-01-12T22:38:00.004-05:00

Adam and I are talkin' Tuna. Adam loves it for lunch. . . I on the other hand think it smells like cat food. YUCK. Bryson hears this and begins. . .

Bryson: Tuna, I like Tuna fish.
Mommy: Looks to Adam and grins. . .really? what doesn't he like I think. .
Daddy: Do you want to taste tuna fish
B: Big grin mmmmhuh!
M: Gives him a bite and waits for the reaction.
B: Without prompting or even hearing mention of this posibility this is how he responds without hesitation: Mmmmmmmmmm Tastes like Chicken!!!
M and D: Crack up laughing

Due to the great demand . . .

2009-01-10T11:28:00.006-05:00

You have asked and asked so here are some pics of our new house, hot off the presses. I just took them this morning. It is certainly a work in progress. . .still empty rooms to be filled, walls to be painted, pictures to be hung, curtains to be made. . .but there is time for that later. Later as in after I have a baby and they are all grown up and out of the house??? It will all eventually get done. . .one day. I'd love to hear what you have to say regarding color on the walls. Currently, I am perfectly happy with the nice tan on the walls, but one day. . .the color bug is going to bite and I will want to see more color.

I would like to leave a little commentary on some of these pictures, but in blogger right now all I see is script and no pics. . .I don't know where one pictures starts and another one ends. . .oh well. . .you will get the idea.

Also, I have been looking into bedding for this little one growing in my belly and I am currently having a love affair with this bedding. LOVE IT!

More pictures to come of other rooms as they begin to look a little more complete.

Our Christmas Card

2008-12-21T05:13:00.002-05:00

In lieu of Paper Christmas Cards, I am doing an e-card this year. . . Better than nothing at all.

Merry Christmas!!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Totally and Complety Unpacked. . .nothing more to do

2008-12-18T14:14:00.002-05:00

And if you believe that. . .I have some ocean front property in Arizona you might be interested in!

We have been in our new house now since Saturday, and I LOVE it! I don't have to turn on lights at 8:30 am just to see my way around the kitchen. This house actually has windows, you know the kind. . .that let the light shine in. What a modern day miracle. My bathroom feels so large and luxurious and CLEAN! The backyard has already gotten lots of use too. We truly have been blessed.

We still have many boxes to go through, but we are getting there slowly but surely. My kitchen is 95% complete and our bathrooms are not far behind. I have unpacked all the necessary items and found homes for those things, but the decorations are still neatly packed away. That is next on the list. However, I did unpack the Christmas tree first! Bryson loves it, and I do too!!

Adam's dad came in from NH to help us move and we could NOT have done it without him. He was such a trooper. They worked their cans off sealing tile, moving boxes, unpacking, hanging fixtures, painting furniture etc. They even cleaned the ENTIRE cave for me. Once I left that place on Saturday, there was NO turning back. I didn't have to wipe out the fridge or even clean the one potty that I used maybe 5 times. Many of you know, I only used the hall bath. There was something about that master bathroom that made me sick. . .literally. Adam and my father in law are my HEROES.

Bryson is doing GREAT in his big boy bed. He spent the first few days saying nothing but, "Do you want to see my new room? Do you want to see my new airplane sheets? Come see my new room." Over and over and over and over. . .oh he loves it in there. Thanks to all of you who made the decision to do it all at once, Big Boy Bed and New Room. He doesn't miss his crib one little bit. Naps have been a little shorter, but that could have been due to how bright his room was without curtains. I have temporarily remedied the problem with a large attractive beach towel. He slept nearly 3 hours yesterday. God is good.

TMI alert. . . The poop situation is getting much better. At one point he was screaming "something is hurting me" and wouldn't go poop in the potty. He is now a pro. All his poop has been hitting the potty since we got here. He even went with Adam at The Home Depot. That is his greatest accomplishment to date. Adam gets daddy of the year award for that for sure!

Sorry no pics. Would you believe I didn't get one pic of the entire move? Who had time to be snapping photos? I sure didn't. :) Pictures of the new house all put together are on the way. Thanks for your prayers!

Almost Ready

2008-12-09T15:48:00.002-05:00

Our walk through was today and everything is looking great! I thought I was going to update with pics, but everything looks so bland and like empty rooms. . .nothing really fun to see. I will post pics as we are moving stuff in.

I sent out a mass email with our new address on it. . .if I forgot to send it to you and you are desperate to send us a Christmas Card, please email me and I will get it right out to you.

The Final Countdown

2008-12-06T10:16:00.002-05:00

Yes, it is true, I just cannot wait to get into our new house. I have been waiting for this day since the day we moved in here. This time next week, I will be blissfully up to my neck in boxes. . .boxes that I will be unpacking for the last time. I now know how my parents feel. They move far more than any other people I know. I don't know where they are half the time. Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale, the sailboat, Big Canoe. . .(please don't ask me for their address. . .I'm sure I don't know it. . .making it harder now that their current location has 2 addresses??? One for mail, one for location??? Strange.) In the past year we have lived in 3 places and packed and unpacked a total of 7 times. . .next Saturday will make our 4th house and our 8th pack job. . .whew I am tired just thinking about it. I look forward unpacking and finding a permanent home for my things. I also look forward to making a HUGE drop at the GoodWill located right across the street from me currently. I am NOT bringing junk into my new house.

As for Christmas cards this year. . .we aren't doing them. Too much, too stressful, but I may send out change of address cards after the new year. . . maybe. . .don't hold your breath.

Like a Band Aid

2008-12-05T08:40:00.006-05:00

Thank you to all of you who imparted your wisdom regarding our bed situation. All but 2 of you said choice B. So, choice B it is! New Room=New Bed. As my big brother said last night, (all the way from China via IM) do it quick like a band aid instead of drawing it out. Another one of my friends emailed her response and it made perfect sense too. When we go on trips, Bryson doesn't expect his crib to be there and he has to except any sleeping arrangement that is provided. This new house is no different. I totally agree with that. Here is a picture of Bryson accepting an odd sleeping arrangement not too long ago on my parents sailboat. He struggled the first night and LOVED it the second. (Notice: he is still loving the trifecta.)

I now what to explore the idea of KEEPING him in his bed so we are not returning him there numerous times during the night. I see this as an issue of obedience and he should obey us. But, how do we draw the line with the pottying? I have a friend who's son was able to produce actual tee tee upwards of 10 or more times in the potty after he got in bed. They have since nipped that in the bud, but it wasn't easy. . .any advice is welcomed. Also, what is your experience with naps and big boy beds? Does it tend to shorten the nap? I am NOT ready to give up a 3 1/2 hour nap everyday.

Please Advise

2008-12-04T14:07:00.003-05:00

As you know, we are moving in 9 days (NINE DAYS, and I will be out of this CAVE FOREVER! ahem, I just had to get that out. . .I feel better!) We have been potty training for a little over 2 weeks (It is going very well, certainly more success than failure at this point.), and I need your advice.

Bryson is 2 years 7 months old and is still in his crib. . .he LOVES his crib. He has never attempted to scale the sides or get out in anyway (now that I think about it. . .he tries to climb INTO it more than he wants to climb out.) He doesn't want to get out of it most mornings and many nap times he will wake up after 3.5 hours and not want to get out. He is 2 going on teenager. What can I say, the boy loves him some sleep! (Not one complaint from here!)

However, we will be moving and I do NOT want to set up his crib again in the new house in his room. He will be giving it to baby girl soon enough. (I won't set it up in her room until he is sleeping soundly in his new big boy bed. . .I do know better than that.)

So here is where I need help. . .Do I

A) let Bryson "help" daddy take down the crib THIS weekend. Get him all excited about a new Big Boy Bed (which will simply be a mattress on the floor with some really cool airplane sheets) and allow him to get used to this BIG change in a familiar place for a week. . .

OR. . .

B) talk up the Big Boy Bed and new room all week and hope for the best the night we move in. . .still allowing him to "help" daddy take down the crib the day we move making EVERYTHING new. Big Boy Bed AND New Room. . .

HELP!

EAT!

2008-12-03T19:30:00.004-05:00

So I am now 5 months pregnant, and I feel hungry all. the. time. . . I KNOW I don't have to eat when I feel the hunger coming, but my wants take over all too often. Afterwords I am left feeling gross and wondering "why on earth did I just do that to myself?" I feel like I have had Thanksgiving dinner all over again. I remember this feeling with Bryson, too. One would think I would learn. . .but tell that to the girl whose first word as a child was EEEEEEAT!!!!!

Big Canoe = Big Fun

2008-12-01T15:44:00.006-05:00

We had a great time at my parents "tabin" (as Bryson calls it) in the mountains of Big Canoe (north of Atlanta). My little Brother, Ashley and his wife Holly (there she is on the rocker playing with Bryson)joined us. Bryson especially loved looking for deer, exploring my Uncle's really neat back yard complete with creek and giant climbing rocks. He also enjoyed playing with the Black Bear, dubbed "Bryson Bear" thatmy mom decorated her simple Christmas tree with. We laughed, and rested, and laughed, and played and ATE a TON. Oh what fun! My mom cooked her can off. . .she single handedly cooked Thanksgiving. What a feat! What a feast! My mom even had prepared a little arts and crafts for us. We made Pine Cone Wreaths to hang on our doors.

We also roasted marshmellows in my Uncle's new outdoor stone fireplace. It was perfect weather for it for sure. Here is my Uncle Charles on the left and my daddy on the right.

It rained a lot and we were really hoping it would turn to snow. . .unfortunately it did not, but my mom called me early this morning to tell us that the rain FINALLY turned to snow and we all missed it. Oh well, there is always next year!

PS 12 more days til we close on our house!

Major Developments

2008-11-19T21:02:00.004-05:00

*TMI Alert*TMI Alert*TMI Alert*

BRYSON POOPED IN THE POTTY WITH NO PROMPTING! What a BIG day for us. I had never seen him so excited in all his little life when I got home. It was so sweet. I was at church working the nursery when this went down. Adam was here to witness the event. He tells me they thew a party near the potty. Bryson got 5 count 'em FIVE M&Ms and a new little Taxi Cab matchbox car. YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!

The Results Are IN!

2008-11-19T13:55:00.003-05:00

We are seeing PINK, PINK, PINK

She was folded in half during most of the Sonogram (or is it Ultrasound?? I can't ever get that straight.) But the technician was sure it was a girl with in the first few moments. I just couldn't believe it. Tears just rolled down my face. What a blessing, what a total miracle.

Here she is waving "Hello" to everyone. She is a social butterfly already!

Just last night, Bryson was playing with a toy that is intended for his baby cousin, Samantha. He brought the toy over and said "This is for your baby, mommy." He raised my shirt. . .looked up at me and said, "Does your baby have hands, mommy?" He is totally confused at how this is all going to work out. Maybe it helped him to see this picture??? How much does a 2 1/2 year old really understand?

In Bryson related news, HE USED THE PUBLIC POTTY AT THE DRs OFFICE! This is a huge step forward for him. I am just SO proud of him. Yay! He then used it again at a restaurant! Hooray for Bryson!!

25 More Days!!!

2008-11-18T20:40:00.004-05:00

Let the count down officially begin!

25 MORE DAYS!!!

All to God's glory we were able to sell our house in a not so great market in a little under 2 months, find a very reasonably priced apartment (cave), and find the house that I am sure we will call home for many, many years. He is a picture of our almost complete home. By now there is sod and landscaping, but you get the idea. It will be ours as of Dec. 12th. So we really will be "Home for the Holly-days. . .I mean holidays!" I can hardly stand it. I want IN IN IN! I keep telling Adam that I would so move in as is. If only the builders would let us.

I think Bryson is as excited as I am! What do you think?

And for those of you hangin' on the edge of your seat for the next Potty Training update. . .here it is. . .We were free from wet pants from Sat. at 11am all the way until Tuesday (today) around 10:30 am. He had 2 . . .count 'em TWO. . . accidents at school today. I don't think Bryson is ready to use a public potty. He also WILL NOT poop in ANY potty not even ours. Any advice?? Thankfully, his teachers are SO super supportive of not using pull-ups. We are blessed to have these two ladies who deal with potty accidents all day with a smile.

Cast your vote

2008-11-17T14:13:00.003-05:00

Wonder what I am having?? I am fairly certain it is a baby and not a cat, dog or even monkey. . .but I do wonder what YOU think I am having. . . blue or pink cast your votes now. We go on Wednesday to find out. We are most certainly and above all else praying for health. Leave your vote in the comment section and check back here on Wednesday afternoon to find out for sure!!!

PS Don't be afraid to comment. . .I know some of you in DE, NC, PA, NH are reading this and NOT commenting. . . :) Go ahead, you can do it, don't be shy! I want to hear from you.

PSS If you are following along in the potty training. . .we are accident free STILL. . .no accidents since Sat. at 11 am. For the record he is in "special sleeping undies" aka pull-ups for naps and night time. He has woken up wet and with poop. . .One hurdle at a time.

Its Rockin' Our World

2008-11-16T14:49:00.003-05:00

*TMI Alert*TMI Alert*TMI Alert*

My oh my, how our life has changed since Friday. I am in mourning over the simplicity of diapers. We are on day three of potty patrol and we are accident free as of Saturday morning at 11 (it is 2:51 pm Sunday as I type this.) I will say that Bryson is on top of telling us that "his t-t is coming." He has told us on his own now at least 4 times since yesterday. Progress indeed! He gets slightly frustrated (slightly might be an understatement here) when we MAKE him go. . .he cries and says he is empty. . .even after 3 hours. . .can that be??? I thought everyone could make something come out after at least 1 hour. . .hmmm. . . The things I have got to learn. We are struggling with the number 2 business. . . he has watched a friend's son go potty standing up for the past several months so he WILL NOT sit on the potty for any length of time. We did have a small, I mean minute, I mean teeny tiny victory with a small Tootsie Roll sized poop in the potty today. Bryson even said prior, I'm poopin' on Elmo. . .(he had Elmo undies on . . .doesn't every boy own a pair of those??) He did announce it 3 or 4 times and we were in and out of the potty 3 or 4 times before he made it happen. Frustrating for all parties involved. We did celebrate with a chocolate chip cookie. Any suggestions on getting him to SIT for any length of time?

I will leave you with a little ditty I wrote sung to the tune of "POP Goes the Weasel"

When you feel your T-T come

Get up and Run Run Run

All the way to the Potty

And do not Stop-y

Potty Training

2008-11-14T17:25:00.001-05:00

Just a note from the potty training trenches. WE HAVE HAD SUCCESS multiple times today. The day started out rough with 2 pee pee accidents and one poop, but as the day progressed Bryson got right on board with the whole thing. Going multiple, multiple times through out the day (even a poop success!!!). M&Ms sure work magic. What really did it was lots and lots of prayer and for me to finally just sit on the floor outside the bathroom to give him a moment to relax. When I did that. . .boy did it ever FLOW! HOORAY. He is down for a nap now. . . A. MUCH. NEEDED. NAP. The day was very physically and emotionally draining for both of us. I think I might be up for a nap too!

On a Whim

2008-10-30T10:37:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, as I was talking on the phone with my mom, she mentioned that she and my dad got cheap flights to Austin, Tx. I immediately jumped on that bandwagon and by the afternoon, I too had 2 tix purchased. I am so excited to visit my family in TX. I have a 4 month old niece that I haven't even met yet. Bryson will enjoy playing with his cousin, Joshua who is a little older than he is. I just can't wait.

In order for us to get there however, we will have to jump through a few hoops. My parents are currently living outside of Atlanta. The cheapest flights leave from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I will drive to Orlando to meet my parents (so they don't have to drive out of their way to JAX.) I will park my car at my brother's house (hope that is okay. . .I haven't told them about this yet. . .) Drive the rest of the way with my parents to Ft. Lauderdale. We will sleep on a sail boat. YES, my parents sail boat that is docked there, so we don't have to spend money on a hotel. (This could be tricky. Bryson has never slept anywhere but a crib or a pack n play.) We will then catch the plane that (not so) conveniently leaves right around nap time. I keep telling myself this will be a fun adventure . . . so NO stressing.

Yipee, a mini vacation! I am ecstatic! Adam on the other hand is not so. . .he wishes he could join us. I do too.

Quotes from a 2 year old

2008-10-27T14:18:00.003-04:00

Looking at twin newborn girls at church: "That baby seems nice, she is not crying"

Standing in my closet: "Mommy, you have cute shoes."

Looking at my shirt before church: "Mommy, Your shirt is purple, it is cute."

Out of nowhere this am: "I miss him."
Mommy: "who do you miss?"
B: "I miss Daddy and I love him."

Looking at my belly: "Hi baby, need to give a kiss."

Looking at my belly: "That baby's name is Six." (We have been goin' with it. . .not sure it will stick once he or she comes. . .) (BTW, we find out in 3 weeks if we will be seeing Pink or Blue)

After every prayer: "AMEN, Baby"

Before bedtime: "need knucks"

One Simple Rule

2008-10-06T11:56:00.003-04:00

At our house, we have one simple rule. . .Obey Mommy and Daddy. That is it. That is the one rule. Just Obey. . .the. first. time. So far, it is working, and this rule has been in place for quite some time. Adam and I try to use few words when explanation is needed and if Bryson doesn't obey immediately the first time. . .there is a consequence. . .every. time. God calls us to Obey our Mother and Father as we obey our Father in Heaven. I have been pleased with our outcome. Bryson is quick to obey. . .some of the time. . . and other times he gets his consequence.

Today, the tables were turned. Bryson and I are having a lazy day at home after what seems days and days on the go. Fine by me. He slept until almost 9. Blessed rest. AMEN! We have been busy in his room playing choo choos, cars, trucks, cars and trucks, when I felt I needed a break from pushing cars ("tars") through the "tar-wash." I told Bryson I would be right back and came to the computer to check my email. Bryson promptly came in with his tow truck looked me straight in the eye and said. "Mommy, Come to my room, OBEY!" I busted out laughing, how could I not? Then quickly explained that mommy doesn't obey Bryson. I'm not sure how seriously he took that quick speech because I was giggling the entire time. Seems I've got some 'splanin' to do!

HUH?

2008-10-05T16:37:00.002-04:00

I was just browsing the babycenter website to see just how my new peanut is growing, and I discovered something odd. . .Ty Pennington is the new face of Similac Formula??? Strange choice if you ask me. I guess there is a contest going on for mommies to win a nursery makeover, but still. . .strange to see him all excited about the latest design for Similac Formula boxes. . .

Sleeping Beauty?

2008-09-30T16:30:00.004-04:00

I can sum up what my life has been like for the past 10 weeks with one word. . . Are you ready? SLEEP. Yes that is right, my life has become one big dream, for all I do is sleep away the days. I am so blessed to have this peanut growing in my belly, and for something so small it sure can put the sleeper hold on me. Before this baby came to be, I would easily nap Sundays away after church no problem. . .now everyday is a Sunday. I can nap for 3 hours during Bryson's nap and go right back to sleep at night with no trouble.

I am entering into my second trimester, and if stats are correct I should be energized very soon. I look forward to the day that walking to the potty doesn't in turn require yet another nap. I am sure my husband and my first born will rejoice to see me standing the kitchen preparing something other than mac n cheese with a hot dog on the side. (Mind you, I do shake it up sometimes and make chicken nuggets instead.)

Super Mom to the Rescue

2008-09-19T14:48:00.002-04:00

I have the BEST mommy ever! As you may know, this pregnancy has been difficult for me. I will spare you the details. Monday morning I was at a low point, feeling tired, sick, and sad that I was unable to be a good mommy to Bryson. I called my mom who lives in South Florida and she could just hear the distress in my voice and with NO prompting from me (wink wink) she dropped everything drove 5 1/2 hours to come rescue me. She drove Bryson and me down to paradise on Tuesday so she and my dad could play with Bryson and I could REST. Thanks to some modern medication (ginger snaps won't even touch what I got goin' on) and some first class Mommy-ing I am back on my feet. Bryson has had the best time. I think he may have forgotten what the sky looked like. . .the pool is just steps from their condo and the beach not too many steps farther. Bryson exclaims "I am so excited" every time we go to the pool. It is precious. Thanks, Momma. . . You are truly One in a Million! I love ya!

3+1 more is 4

2008-09-04T20:06:00.002-04:00

That's right, folks! We are having a baby sometime in April and we will be a family of 4. All Glory be to God, He has answered our prayers. I am so excited, with my all day sickness and all. I did have a quick trip to the ER for some fluids due to some pretty bad dehydration. I could not keep any food down for 4 days. The docs gave me the fluid and some pretty nice meds. Yay! I will keep you posted in between my many naps. I can't seem to get enough lately. Adam has been a trooper. He has taken care of Bryson and me for weeks. For that I am thankful!

Fay Fay

2008-08-21T21:37:00.002-04:00

Fay Fay go away!
I can't stay inside another day!

Too much wind, too much rain
I am ready for things to be normal again!

We don't have the net, we don't have cable
It will be NEXT Wednesday until we are able.

Living in the dark ages

2008-08-19T19:15:00.002-04:00

Let me start by saying. . .Comcast will not be at my new-to-me/old house to connect internet and cable until NEXT WEDNESDAY! It was supposed to be today, but blah blah blah long story. . .it won't be until next WEDNESDAY!!!! I only have access when Adam is home from work with his Internet air card. . .I am going crazy. . .

Here is the nitty gritty in bullet point form. I'm too tired to expound (and you probably don't care to read much more than a bullet point.)

We close on our house tomorrow IF we are not in the middle of Hurricane Fay.
I still have a few boxes to unpack. . .I have no energy for it.
This new-to-me/old temp house is better than PA because my stuff is in it and not some dirty rental furniture.
I am afraid of the master shower here, it is crusty and gross. I use the hall bath.
I am afraid to use the master toilet. . .someone has painted it with a paint brush. . . too weird.
It is very dark in this house, not many windows at all.
Most of these bullets are negative. . .sorry about that. . .
The rent here is very reasonable.
Our landlady is very nice.
I can live anywhere for 7 months right?
We are looking forward to our new house. . .guess we will have to wait.
I don't have Internet until Next WEDNESDAY. (have I mentioned that yet?)

We are. . .home. . .?

2008-08-12T08:23:00.002-04:00

We are home from our mini vacation to NH. The wedding was beautiful, Sarah was beautiful, the weather was. . .decent. Sarah planned a beautiful outdoor wedding on a river at her new in law's house. She was going to get married outside come rain or shine. I remember her saying, "I will get married in the rain. . .I just hope people bring umbrellas." Nothing was going to stop her from getting married in the exact location she chose so many months ago. Well, the weather held off (with the exception of some rather loud thunder claps), through the ceremony and only started to rain during the pictures afterwords. Sarah was thrilled. I was too, for Sarah. She looked stunning in her white wedding gown that was trimmed in pink. Just gorgeous.

So, here I sit in my home that will only be my home for only one more week. I am starting to get a little nostalgic. I do like my house a lot, it is comfortable and I have called it home for 7 years now. It is just we are not moving into our new dream house until it is built. In the mean time we are headed to a temporary condo. Not exactly luxury. I lived in temp housing last year in PA and I can do it again this year too. God has such impeccable timing and he knows what is best for our family. SO NO COMPLAINING! (That was a reminder for me.) He has orchestrated such a miracle and I couldn't be happier.

More to come on the wedding and moving. . .I know you just are sitting on the edge of your seat.

Headed North

2008-08-05T23:01:00.003-04:00

We are headed north to attend my sister in love, Sarah's wedding. This will be Bryson's debut as a Ring Bearer. Lots of pics to follow. . .I am sure you were hoping for that!

Adventures in Hiring a Babysitter

2008-08-02T14:56:00.004-04:00

So we have a babysitter. . .she is young. . .no younger that I was when I babysat. . . she is going into the 9th grade. She is the Cheerleader type. Just suuuuuuuuuuper excited about the smallest things. She is so sweet and trying oh so hard to be mature about everything. She has a smile full of braces and I think she weighs the same as Bryson. I tell you, this girl is TINY, skinny.

The first time she sat him at night, I laid out all his night time things, pajamas, nighttime diaper, toothbrush, etc. should have been a piece of cake, right? When I went in to get him the next morning, I found she had put his diaper on BACKWARDS, how does this happen? I just figured, he must have been squirming like a crazy monkey and she was doing all she could to wrangle my 36 lb 2 year old. Quite possible, indeed.

Last night, was her second go around. This time, I even went so far as to write an F on the Front of the diaper and a B on the Back. We got home, paid the girl, took her home and came back home only to find the special nighttime diaper (the one Bryson needs because of his excess drinking problem, ahhem water and milk only!) in the trash can, not wet, but the tab was broken (probably a case of crazy squirmmy monkey) I was praying for the best.

This morning I went in to get him and he was SOAKED! I mean up to his shoulders. Something had gone terribly wrong. I took off his jammies only to find that a daytime diaper was put on backwards and I could see all privates hanging out! It wasn't even tight. Oh well. . .

I will ask her back again. She really is so good with Bryson, and he loves her. She simply needs a diapering lesson. I was trying to give her the benefit of doubt, but next time. . .full on Diapering 101!

Great Babysitter Insight

2008-07-31T22:52:00.004-04:00

Follow this link to great babysitter insight. I remember all of this from babysitting myself and it is great to be reminded.

Chatting at the Sky She has several installments. . .check 'em all out.

Guarding your Heart

2008-07-31T19:06:00.004-04:00

A friend reminded me today of the importance of guarding you heart.

A long time ago, I decided that movies with content that is of questionable content was just not for me. I get so uncomfortable in any rated R movie and many PG 13 movies too. It may come across as if I am, let's say. . . prudish . . .but that is not it. I am simply guarding my heart. . .it is that old adage "garbage in; garbage out." The same is true for the goodness of God. The word of God in; the word of God will come out. I would much rather spill over with God's goodness than the alternative.

Proverbs 4:23-27 says:
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of you life.
24 Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.

Sometimes making the decision to guard your heart isn't easy. What will your friends say/think/talk about behind your back? But in the end, it doesn't matter, because we will have pleased our Heavenly Father.

Thanks friend, I needed that!

And so it begins

2008-07-30T14:21:00.004-04:00

PACKING that is. We have 3 weeks until we say goodbye to our house. The first house Adam and I have owned. The house that we decorated and loved, the house that we brought Bryson home to, the house that we are hoping to outgrow very soon.

I have packed 13 boxes. of. CHINA. YES, just china. Is it normal for one to own so. much. china? And I am not even done yet. This picture is just my fine and Christmas china, I haven't even gotten to my everyday stuff. Pray for me. :)

Beating the Heat. . .Waterslide Style

2008-07-28T08:01:00.005-04:00

I bought Bryson a slide from a neighbor who was having a garage sale; I think he likes it.
You be the judge: (Prepare yourself for photo overload. . .I had a hard time picking my favorite.)

The Love-y Trifecta?

2008-07-24T18:57:00.006-04:00

My son has an a strange attachment (and why wouldn't he? his mommy made it) to a certain pillow, pronounced pi -LL-ow (too much emphasis placed on the l's). He will not under any circumstances let anyone hold it, lay on it or be in the surrounding area of his beloved pillow. He is often found carrying it around like rappers once carried boom boxes. Let's take a look at that comparison here:

Do you see the resemblance? He also has two other love-ys. One kitty (sadly pronounced "tiddy") and one giraffe. Poor kitty has gone through some hard times. . .My friend, Lisa

so kindly pointed out to Bryson that the kitty has cataracts. You see, kitty has gone through the washer so many times now, for various reasons (namely nasty bodily fluids, say no more right?) that her eyes have gotten hazy and chipped. Therefore looking very much like cataracts. Lisa tried to get him to say "kitty has cataracts" so many times it has now stuck. Bryson doesn't let me forget it. He often stares into kitty's eyes saying "cataracts, mommy." So sad.

Also in the group is beloved giraffe. Where one is, the others are not far behind. This is how Bryson looks many times at our house. Pretty cute if you ask me.

So there you have it: The Love-y Trifecta. How sweet.

Could he be growing up?

2008-07-23T14:34:00.006-04:00

The following (short) conversation happened this morning. . .it is wonderful for 2 reasons. . .

Me: Bryson, (pause to listen)Do you want breakfast?
B: Nope, nope, nope . . . I'm busy.
Me: (jaw dropped, can hardly believe what is happening)

Let me explain:
For as long as I can remember, Bryson does NOT turn down a morssel of food for any reason. EVER.
For as long as I can remember, Bryson does NOT play unattended for any period of time, especially not in another room where mommy cannot be seen.

The Praise poured out of my mouth. God hears even the smallest of prayers and hears them the first time they are uttered. Bryson played happily and contently for 25 minutes!!! Oh happy day!

Calling all those who pray. . .

2008-07-22T20:07:00.005-04:00

We have just accepted an offer on our house. . .Glory be to God!! God has been good (when is he not good? NEVER!) giving us baby steps along the way, giving reason to be patient, stretching our faith to the utermost, and absolutly showing us favor. Please pray that we can continue to have the peace that passes understanding as we continue on the home selling journey. Also, pray for our first time home buyer. We would love to see this sell through to the end.