Uniquely Placed

Tidbits from a "new" mom...

2012-01-31T11:01:00.001-06:00

Grant's in love! He is taking on his role as big brother!

His first time playing outside with his brothers... Zach at 1 week!!

Me and Grant at Annie Annie's

Love this kid. James at 3 1/2 years old.

Slowly getting the hang of things around here. Even though I do call Zachary Grant sometimes, other than that I feel like a human being most of the time and don't want to pull my hair out ALL the time. Haha.

Really inspiring to read for other moms.... If you read this, there is not much to add other to reiterate the first point: 1. What I do is important- Being a stay at home mom that is. To unattach myself from the world's view of an "important" person and take on my role as mother, every day, every feeding, every bath is hard to remember but I want to do the best I can. I am so appreciative of the people in my life that affirm my actions and decision to do what I do.

What's new in my life?? Well, my part time job with the Community Chronicles is growing and I am excited at the opportunity to write more. My "Delish" column is so easy. Getting to eat out and try new food or old favorites is awesome! I also love hearing the owners stories about how and why they started their business. Makes you realize we are all just trying to do what makes us happy while taking care of our family at the same time.

Today we get a visit from some friends and then I will let the big boys loose outside to explore...can't go wrong there!!

Peace from the Buller household!
Laura

Zachary Paul is here!!

2012-01-23T19:42:00.001-06:00

Everyone has been dying to know if I was having a boy or girl..... and HE made his appearance 2 hours before his actual due date. I went in for my last scheduled OB visit on January 18 at 8am and after an ultrasound showed that my fluid levels were very low, my doctor wanted to induce right away and I was very willing :).

I had him so quickly, we did not even have time to call family!! He was ready...

James giving him the first of many kisses!

His favorite spot at the house, been sleeping on and off here since Saturday!! You forget how much they sleeeep....

By 12:30pm I was hooked up to Pitocin and contractions had actually started on their own, so maybe I would have gone into labor anyway! Saving all the details, labor progressed I had him without the help of the Epidural at 10:22pm. I had gotten the Epidural a little too late (shucks). It really never kicked in, the anesthesiologist was not clear why. Now I know what that it feels like!

His first visitor was my sister, Annie. Since our boy name was not chosen, we decided right before she came in to visit. Zachary Paul is just what we both liked after seeing him. He scored a 9.9 Abgar and weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces. I was so happy to be done with labor and the rest of our hospital stay was restful and full of visitors.

Best family picture I could get!! haha

Home with our three boys has not been radically different, each of the "big" boys are handling it differently, but are proud of little Zachary. Being a mother for the third time is surprisingly easy, all the details of caring for a newborn are instictive and I am really grateful for feeling like I know what I am doing this time! Lots of extra hands have helped, with meals and well wishes. We are grateful for our blessing...

Peace and love from the Bullers!

Hodge podge of the past few months

2012-01-15T22:55:00.000-06:00

Not been feeling great lately, so more detailed posting to come later... here are some quick updates!!

I can't speak more highly of our local Childrens' Museum of Acadiana in downtown Lafayette. Last year we made MANY trips thanks to our membership that allows us to go and come when we please! We always pack a lunch and play until I see need of a nap meltdowns about to happen. They have recently added some fun new exhibits and have lots of things for kids from 6 months to 12 years old to keep them occupied!!

Tigers come out to play...at the Childrens' Museum!!

Love the endless hours of fun this Museum has provided for us...

We also have been looking forward to lighting a bonfire in the backyard. Right before Christmas we got to do it with friends and our cousins...it was great and we have another one to do sometime soon!

Our night we had a bonfire! Tent was out for kids to play in....they said the fire hurt their eyes!!

Asa, Grant and I inside snuggling after the bonfire!

I have finally gotten used to my new camera, still need to learn more but I can take decent pictures at least. The boys have been surprisingly good at letting me use them as models, Grant almost it too much somtimes.

I had a really fun time taking tons of pictures in the leaves and preparing the bonfire pit... here is my favorite!! Just two little Goobers....

2012... Bring us blessings and peace!

2011-12-31T22:50:00.000-06:00

A new year is coming, just hours a way. I know my night will not include a party that lasts til the wee hours, but I am happy to know I will be home with 3 people who love me. Dinner at Walk-Ons and a bottle of non alcoholic champagne is my evening. The most exciting part of the night is we are attempting putting the boys in James' room together!! James was ecstatic to sleep on top bunk and Grant seemed to enjoy the new-to-him bottom bunk. Hopefully, this will resolve the last of Grants's sleep issue. And, when the new baby comes, the baby room will be all his/hers!! As much as I would loooove a New Years baby, this bun in the oven is staying put it seems. (I'm not due for a few weeks anyway.) We had a wonderful Christmas, I love starting memories for the boys and seeing the day through their eyes. Note: this non alcoholic champagne is pretty bad and giving me a slight stomach ache. Uggg, I want a margarita! Anyway, thanks neighbors for the free fireworks show, thanks to my husband for treating me out tonight and not making me cook, thanks to my boys for their extra love and attention to make my heart happy today, and finally thanks to God for everything else!!

One more thing...

2011-12-10T10:41:00.001-06:00

See more of my writing above, click on link "Recently Published Work" :) Thanks.

Every month the newspaper Community Chronicles gives away 5 free Chick Fil A meals! Answer this and it could be YOU that wins!

Next months Question of the month:

What was your favorite Christmas experience as a child?

Please share with us your answer and how this blessing has impacted your life. You could win a Chick-Fil-A meal!

Email answer to communitychronicles@cox.net or on facebook

New camera, new season!

2011-12-10T10:19:00.001-06:00

This advent season is flying by...I have tried to keep the mindset of a prayerful Advent and not stressing over Christmas things. Being sick and staying home most of the time has made it easy not to get caught up in the Christmas bug that is all over Lafayette!

We got our Christmas present a little early, a new Canon Rebel EOS T3i camera. I have not gotten to really use it like I want to, but am sooo happy to have a working camera again! Ours has been broken since before Halloween and I missed having pictures. We wanted it for the newest baby on the way, in about month! Gotta have those first few months well captured! I am determined not to take less pictures of each child and give each one a full baby book. So far so good!

Shannon has worked a lot lately it seems...I have been getting as much work done to be ready for next month's changes. We were able to celebrate Shannon's 29th birthday last Sunday at Prejean's with a yummy brunch. My visits to local restaurants for my Delish column in Community Chronicles has provided us with some excellent eating opportunities...so far we have gone to Antoni's, Pat's Downtown, Pizza Village, Prejeans and others! YUM! I recommend all the of the places and can't wait to visit some different places this year. I love my job :).

Enjoy your Saturday friends...Carencro High is at the Dome today... good luck!! Make Carencro proud!

First picture with our new camera...

Grant hamming it up. The flash is much brighter so most of the shots I got were of him squinting....

Jeanne and I at our Theresian Christmas social.

Stacey and Simonne...looking hot I might add!

Elizabeth and Lindsey enjoying the festivites!

My only nephew... Asa Travasos. He gets baptized this Sunday!

Heart Wrenching

2011-12-02T18:06:00.001-06:00

Heart wrenching: the source and center of emotional life, where the deepest and sincerest feelings are located and a person is most vulnerable to pain.

I used this word to describe motherhood in an article coming out in January and I was not sure if it was the right word, so I looked it up. I saw this definition and thought it was a perfect word to describe parenthood, esepecially this week! Kids open new part of your heart and I have noticed in the past few weeks that I have probably not been as firm and consistant as I should have been and it is blowing up in my face.

So, I am left with the decision to admit failure in some degree and change my strategies with how I deal with certain situations and then DO IT RIGHT. I have cried a lot, but now feel more in charge and see some improvement in myself and the kids. God has been there for me and given me grace. I know I need to let go of my pride.

In other news not related....we purchased a new upgraded camera! I have yet to have time to really get to sit down and figure it out, but once I do the pictures I take will be SOO much better. This is exciting and I have a new model to use it on coming very soon! Pregnancy is wearing me down but I am determined to still enjoy this last month or so. Waddling around or not, I will not be beaten by a fetus! (I am kidding but there are some days I definately just feel like putting my feet up and not doing ANYTHING!) I can sleep when I am old....

Off to dinner for a social for the newspaper I write for, Community Chronicles. See my "Lastest Published Works" page at top of my blog for links. :) Read on and hope you enjoy!

Peace and love,
Laura

Old pictures of Grant as newborn!

2011-11-17T15:09:00.001-06:00

These are some beautiful pictures Erin Falgout took when Grant was first born.... I never shared them and they are so cute! Enjoy...

Adam and Erin Falgout Photography's website

Grant and Momma.

He didn't like this too much.

Big Brother was being helpful!

Baby in blue...

Free Redbox movie anyone?

2011-11-17T14:55:00.000-06:00

Here is a free Redbox code : NVMCDBR. Have a great movie night!!! The codes DVDONME, BREAKROOM, and DVDATWAG (only at Walgreens) can still be used for free movie rentals. Don't forget that codes for free movies are valid for each credit or debit card. I hope it works for you!

Saw this just now and thought someone out there may appreciate a free movie night! I just have to get Shannon to stop on his way home and get ours!! :)

So, today, right now, is the first time both kids have napped together for more than 10 minutes in WEEKS it seems. I didn't know what to do.... since housework is never ending so why do that with these precious quiet moments...since I had already said some prayers while putting my children to sleep (I have said more Hail Mary's while putting them to sleep in the past 3 years than while they were awake)...so I decided to come to my little place in the online world and share. Now, where to begin?

God has been blessing our days and giving the boys the graces they need to be more cooperative and helpful! He really is preparing them for the changes a head (baby #3 more specifically). James is more helpful than ever and can follow directions I give him basically well enough to help me out. Pre K has started for James and he loves it- asks for it often!! We are on letter D, but he has already learned how to write C, H, J, V, and Z and is constantly asking what things start with and sometimes able to figure it out himself! So cool to see his little mind working.

We are looking forward to weekend in New Orleans, just me and Shannon! What a treat. We have not gone anywhere overnight just us in..... quite some time. Like before Grant was born. So, I hope to have lots of fun things to talk about from that trip. Food and shopping are our main activities planned. Oh boy!

Much peace to you! I can not believe Thanksgiving is next week already!

Hay Bale Fun

2011-10-27T21:53:00.001-05:00

Playing hide and seek, the counting part. (Moe, the cat, was supposed to be hiding.)

Hay bale fun (they are on a hay bale, you can't tell here.)

Moe, our fun cat that found us!!

Sunset in the country...

My little boy with the biggest heart.

"Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be." David Bly

This quote I love for a lot of reasons. My love of the outdoors I think has been transferred to the boys pretty well. The other night I had my dad's camera (it is nicer than my own) and snagged some great candid, and not so candid, shots of the boys and Moe. They love running out to the hay bales in the back field.

Took a step back yesterday after hearing some encouraging words and just realized I need to be grateful for my healthy, fun loving children. I am definitely looking forward to fall and the holidays this year!! I can not believe the next time we do this season we will have ANOTHER baby! Life never stays the same when you add a kid every other year! Remember this....

" To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today. "

I could get used to this weather...

2011-10-18T15:10:00.002-05:00

Bonfire at Jacob Hamilton's- such a blast!

As most people in South Louisiana noticed today... fall has arrived! Finally! The weather is get your winter coat, start a fire, make a gumbo kinda of day! Not that I did any of the before mentioned things, but you get the idea. We will definitely be having a bonfire in our back yard as soon as we get a chance.

Baby #3 is growing and doing great! I am already close to the finish! With just about 3 months left, he/she will be here soon! I guess deciding on a name is important right about now. :) Any suggestions?? No one can believe that Shannon knows the sex and I don't- but he has really kept the secret! I knew he could. I pray that my boys will adjust well to having an infant around. So far, they love their newest cousin, Asa. But when it comes home with us it may be a different story!

My work for Community Chronicles has increased slightly and I love it! Such great opportunities, the latest is writing Delish, a column highlighting a local restaurant that Shannon and I get to visit and then I write about our experience! The choices of great restaurants in the area will keep us busy for a while.

Just holding down the fort most days for me and the kids. I hope the change in weather will not keep us cooped up too much! They love to be outside! I will have to find some new projects for really cold days. Been praying for patience and guidance as they have been testing the boundaries lately. It is amazing how big James is already and how much he understands about the world, yet sometimes still is such a baby and needs his Momma. I know he won't always be asking me to snuggle in his bed so I give in from time to time.

Peace you today,

Laura

Recipes for Life

2011-09-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

This is Grant's "CHEESE!" face.

Right before bed Capri Sun break.

He is probably saying something like "You're a chicken noodle". Yeah, they are weird.

James and I after our 5K this past weekend. We had fun!

Jenay and I, both about 5 months pregnant! (I went to her shower Saturday!)

Ah, finally determined enough to sit down among the chaos of the day and post something. (It actually is not TOO crazy today, but we are waiting on my sister to call so I can run to the hospital when she is ready to have her baby!) I baked one of my favorite things this morning, good ol' banana bread. Seeing all of the simple ingredients on the counter made me stop and think about how amazing to just throw together the right blend of things out of your pantry and you have a warm, scrumptious delight to show for it!

It is such a simple thought I know but it just struck me in the moment how simple life is and how complicated we can make things sometimes. Why do not people just take time to do the little things with their loved ones. Making a good snack or meal and enjoying it together sometimes can be so rewarding and yet some go and spend hundreds on expensive restaurants yet end up complaining about the service or their steak not being just right.

It is the simple things sometimes! I loved spending last Saturday morning with my oldest at a 5K to raise awareness for Maddie's Footprints. We got to walk together, he played on the fun jumps there and each of us got a cookie and banana to share. It was a morning well spent and we got to exercise together! I can't wait til he can just run along side me and not get in and out of the stroller 10 times....soon, one day soon!

Anyway, I thought that my challenge for each of you reading this would be to spend time with those you love this week doing something that might seem ordinary (such as making banana bread, take a walk at the park, meet for lunch, fold clothes together) but do it to build your relationship and that the time spent together is really the most important thing!

Peace and Love,

Laura

Time for Mom

2011-09-14T16:21:00.001-05:00

Grant after helping me dig a new vegetable garden.

I have been trying do things that I enjoy, even if it requires keeping the kids distracted while doing it! One day last week I felt extremely energetic and decided to prepare a fall vegetable garden. We all love broccoli, so I think I will plant as much as I can, see how much actually is produced and have fun with it. That day's weather was amazing and the boys got FILTHY. (The pictures were actually taken after we had bathed and napped. I promise they were not this clean.) The next thing on my "mom list" is to spend an afternoon painting...ah.

The boys after a great day spent in the yard, playing and digging.

In the time it took me to post so far, Grant has already woken up from his nap, eaten a highlighter, colored on two books and torn another. I need to find better things for him to do while typing. Sleeping would be preferred, but I think he can hear the keyboard and when I start typing, especially to blog, he always manages to wake up! Oh well. A little highlighter never hurt, right?

Grant stealing a kiss from dad before he mows the grass.

Shannon has been working so hard and we appreciate his dedication to our family. The boy LOVE to watch, or in their eyes "help", him mow the grass with their Gator and lawnmower. They actually baled hay in our backyard Sunday and that was the highlight of the day for Grant I think.

He was actually posing for me. Sun is in his eyes here.

My baby is growing up! 3 years old and such a little man.

Other than normal everyday things, like James actually mastering "pottying" for now, Grant getting a big boy haircut, Childrens' Museum trips, time with family, and of course, football season starting, life has been extra busy in a good way.

I have really been pursuing more involvement with the newspaper I write for, Community Chronicles, and have landed a monthly article titled "Delish" that will highlight an area restaurant and tell you a little bit about how the owners got it started. The coolest part will be to get to eat at all these great places!! I will post my articles as they are published for sure. Link to my current Kids Korral article in Community Chronicles. Also look at Down the Road and What's for Dessert?

My tutoring/home school classes have taken off too! I now have 10 kids coming in at some part of the week for homework help or my class I am teaching. I love it, keeps me busy and focused.

I noticed lately that I have been so at peace with things and just happier in my day to day and it really seems to be rubbing off on the boys. My oldest was in a funk for a few weeks and it was so hard to be fighting with him all day and constantly getting frustrated, overwhelmed and not seeing the fruit of anything I have done with him. But something has changed in the past 2 two weeks, I don't know if it is because I am happier and that is affecting them but whatever it is I want it to continue!

I have some really inspirational mom quotes I read from a book called, "Mothering- Becoming the Heart of the Home" by Rosalie McPhee. I will do a whole post on them soon because they were worth sharing and meditating on a bit for you other moms out there.

BTW, I love feedback from my readers! If you want to leave comments please do! What is your life like right now? Do you feel balance in your life or is something out of wack?

Super Easy Meatball Stew

2011-08-27T09:12:00.001-05:00

My husband usually makes all the Cajun dishes around here, because basically I have faced the facts and his cooking is just better than mine most of the time. However, last night he was not home yet and I wanted a meatball stew. So, I did what any good wife would do and called him for his specific directions on how to make it "just like his". It ended up coming out just like I wanted it to and the ingredients are so basic I wanted to share...if you are good at cajun cooking this will be not necessary, but if you get intimidated by getting the perfect gravy going then read on!

What you need:
I used about a pound of ground meat, use more if you want to feed more than 6 people.
In big bowl, add Tony's to meat, a little bread crumbs (1/2 cup) and a few pinches of crushed garlic and a few teaspoons of sugar. I added a dash of browning gravy. Use hands to mash all together then make into small meatballs. Put aside.

In another bowl:
2 small onions cut them not super fine, but leave chunks, some small some bigger.
2 large green bell peppers ( I was lucky to use some from my garden! I love that) Same as onions cut them up, leaving some big for texture. I add Tony's to this too and put more garlic in with veggies.

This is your veggies ready to go. Yum!

Now, heat up on medium heat a large, deep pot, lightly cover bottom with Olive Oil and when it is hot, add all meatballs. Here is the key. You want them to get this brown color on the bottom, almost burnt, before you flip them over. It takes 10 min or more, you just keep checking one until it looks like this. Leave all the grease that it makes, that is the gravy starting!

After almost an hour of turning and simmering....

You want to get a good browning on all sides, turning every 10 minutes or so. After the meat is cooked all the way, add water (like 3/4 of a cup at a time) then put top on and let the water cook down. Do this a few times. After the meat has cooked close to an hour with you adding water and such, add the bowl of veggies and more water. Cover and let cook down more, adding water and stirring every 10 minutes or so. Give it another 30 minutes at least to let veggies cook. (Key to gravy: you never want TOO much water added at a time, small bits and time to cook down helps.)

I served it with small sweet peas. To get them really sweet, cook them an hour or so with lots of butter, some pepper and the secret ingredient I got from Shannon's mom, SUGAR! Yes, just add 2 tablespoons or so to the pot. Yum.

Serve stew over rice with the peas. I was so hungry when it was all done, I forgot to take a picture! When I eat leftovers today, I will take a picture.

Is there a recipe you would love to share?? Please do!

Munchkin Love

2011-08-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

Does everyone use funny or ridiculous nicknames for your own children when you are at home? And, since you say them all the time, they sound normal? But if you stop to think about them, you have to laugh at yourself? Here are some completely normal things for me to call my kids:

1. Gooberface ( I guess it is one word?)

2. Stinky Butt ( I mean, really, there is always a chance they really do have one)

3. Munch (for Grant)

4. Chicken Noodle (inside joke for me, Shannon and James, some others have been included)

5. Goob ( shorten from Goober, which can really mean anyone in our house)

6. Silly Willy ( always makes James smile)

For once, smiles after a nap instead of tears. :)

Sporting his I-49 Mini Storage T Shirt. He looks so innocent here.

Another thing, I always ask Grant if he wants to "Snugs" with me, which is hugs and snuggles on the couch. He usually always agrees to it. Especially if there is a bottle of milk involved.

Anyway, thought I would share. Do you have anything you call your kids that is cute/different or they will be ashamed of later?

"Save Me"

2011-08-18T18:22:00.008-05:00

If you make this face, he always does it back. I think it is hilarious!

Yesterday James heard Marc Broussard's "Save Me" on the computer and listened to it for like an hour straight, over and over. It was actually a perfect title for the way I have felt some days around here. I need saving from the cute, active, lovely, seemingly always (well, not always) defiant son 1 and 2 that I have. I love them and they try to be good but there have definitely been some days here where I have felt defeated, like I have not done anything right. Of course, they shape up and do something so cute and irristable the next minute that you know it will all be ok.

Many blessings this week, with new babies born for a few of my friends and I have been able be thankful for some quiet moments as well as some really normal, just stay home days. Or days like today where I had 4 extra kids by myself for a few hours and amazingly, it wasn't that different, louder or more stressful! Isn't it crazy how a few years can change your perceptive of normal and what is an acceptable level of noise??

Below is something I found that I prayed with today. I thought I would share!

God's greatest gift to a man and woman is the gift of a child. A mother is touched by the love of God in a unique way when a child comes to life within her. When her child stirs in the first movements of new life, she becomes part of God's greatest miracle. Her child is completely new, yet so close to her that she can hardly distinguish her child from herself. This child makes her life a circle of love. It is a circle made complete by God, and as long as God is present, this circle of love will be unbroken.

"God our Father, you bestow your greatest blessing on us when you call upon us to take part in the miracle of bringing new life into the world. You fill us with wonder as we watch this life grow from its very beginning. And you teach us to love as we love this child whom you entrust to our care. We give you thanks for this gift of life, and as we cherish this gift we ask you to encircle us always with your fatherly love."

Called to Live in the NOW

2011-08-12T14:20:00.004-05:00

Here we are on vacation, rainy day so we went for ice cream!!
Simple pleasure.... his treat for the "Shark Store" that you have to go to at Gulf Shores!
They loved the beach, another rainy morning they ran around in the carport area.

Summer is coming to and end, meaning Shannon is going back to work, but of course that does not mean we are getting any cooler weather or anything. Much fun and family time was spent these past few months and both kids are sad to see Daddy leave in the morning. I am trying to balence my time between the work I will be doing and being available to kids and keep order around here. I have not felt like cooking much, but Grant has been eating so much I have to keep lots of food handy! He must be growing because he eats all day, and not just snacks but real food!

I always swore I would never blog about potty training because I thought it was weird to talk so freely about your child's private time. But I will say this. Potty training sucks!! Especially with another child underfoot! I finally decided to be aggressive and bought pull ups and thankfully, in actually just 2 weeks of hard core training, James has really got the hang of it! No messy details, but the reward of him getting his very own "Mack" truck from the movie Cars was what kept him going and we just ordered it last night! Praise the Lord. Between him potting every 30 minutes and baby #3 seemingly living on my bladder, I am so glad of all rooms we redid our bathroom because we have spent a lot of time in it the past few weeks! :)

Another great reward for James was to use his "computer" (IPad) time as a reward and it was something he really wanted. He actually learned all his lowercase letters since he plays an educational game. Ha! If only he knew...

My latest article for Community Chronicles can be found here ... much excitement this month since it is the first month in print! Check out other great articles about Upper Lafayette businesses and people! Got to run. :)

Gator Riding is the Best

2011-07-22T19:11:00.003-05:00

This is after I gave them fruit snacks, I think Grant ate the whole bag at once. He looked to James for more when he was done. James was not so generous.
No more?? He is soo needing to talk. He gets frustrated some times. Working on him saying Momma. He can say "Daddy" fine, as well as "No". Hm.
I mean how cool are they??

Yesterday the boys were so cute riding around, totally enjoying the summer afternoon. James tolerates Grant in his Gator and I love watching them ride around the yard. The sunglasses makes James "tool" (cool) and he does not always talk to me when he has them on. Maybe he thinks I can't see him or something like that.

Snippets of My Summer

2011-07-22T13:11:00.003-05:00

At our last Theresian meeting we counted the number of children in our group of about 20 women and we have almost 35 kids among us! This includes the 5 babies on the way... above is all of the girls that are expecting... Erin, Me, Jeanne, Lacy and Elizabeth! Beautiful!
James, Grant and I got to go to The Little Gym in Lafayette for a fun birthday party. Such a great place to let them run free and express themselves! I grabbed James for this candid shot...
Summer days.... with Shannon home for the summer we have gotten spoiled to having him around all day. Here the boys are taking advantage of a lazy morning and having story time with Dad!
Here James is holding a beloved kitten that sadly did not make it past a few days at our house. ( Think he was kinda sick before he showed up here.) Since then we have adopted another kitten, no name yet but they have been loving on her and she is adjusting to their constant "attention" which usually consists of a lot of screaming, chasing and attempts to hold her. Poor thing.
Here we are at Texas Roadhouse for a family dinner after church one Sunday. We made such a mess I was relieved I did not have to clean this table or the floor. I love taking them out, though it is so busy but they like the new experiences and the food of course!!

Thomas the Train Craft

2011-07-14T14:10:00.007-05:00

Hey! I am not one to do any kind of complicated craft with the kids, but today James brought me his Thomas and Friends magazine and showed me the picture of a little boy playing with the homemade tunnel in the craft section and said, "Mom, can I go play with that little boy because he has "tool" (cool) toys?" Well, though I have been so sick and barely able to get off the couch today I decided to get over myself and be crafty. It ended up so cute and was actually SO EASY I thought I would share it with other mom's with Thomas fanatic kids.

WHAT YOU NEED: finger paint ( green, yellow, orange, brown), a large square piece of cardboard, an old shoe box, scissors, glue and a few sheets of green tissue paper.

1. First paint the board to look like a road in the middle of the board and use green for the grass on either side. It is really hard to mess up... let the kids have fun.

2. Then, cut out "tunnels" on either side of the shoe box. (Large half circles.)

3. Paint the tunnel whatever color you want! You can add bricks later with a Sharpie. ( see first picture above)

4. Let paint dry, then put a lot of glue on top of tunnel and then tear off large sections of tissue paper and bunch it into small pieces. Place on top! Let it all dry and you have an amazing tunnel! Use train tracks you have to allow Thomas to puff along the tracks!

Seriously, this took less than 15 minutes (plus drying time). We'll see how long it last around here! So far the kids love it! Try it for your special little man at home.

It's a Circus Around Here

2011-07-06T14:47:00.002-05:00

Nothing I Wouldn't Do....(Kids Korral monthly column written by Laura Buller!)

"It's a Circus Around Here"

As moms we sometimes say this about our households on a typical day, but for someone whose life really is a circus, there is no typical day. Each day is bound to be different than the next for those who travel with elephants, parrots, and clowns most of the year. This month, I was privileged to interview someone who does just this on a daily basis. Jamieleigh Womack is the Lead Assistant and wife to David DaVinci, whose magic is the inspiration for ZING ZANG ZOOM. Getting to hear her story I realized how life can be so different for someone only a year younger than myself. She married her husband at 17 years old and they have traveled and performed together ever since! Living overseas, on cruise ships, and now with a traveling circus they have experienced lot in seven years of marriage. After a year and a half on the road with Barnum and Bailey, Jamieleigh has been able to experience the hospitality of cities all over the United States. Learning about the animals they are traveling with is another perk of the job. "Getting to see people from different countries train and care for their animals is so exciting and I love learning tips and tricks from these experts." she commented. This month, Lafayette will host The Greatest Show On Earth's newest edition, ZING ZANG ZOOM presented by the one and only Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey. This show is a one ring circus which is more intimate than your typical three ring circus. Come see Jamieleigh do a handstand on an elephant as well as some amazing magic tricks at the circus this July. You and your kids will not be disappointed!

Circus performance dates at the Cajundome are:

Thursday, July 21 at 7 p.m.

Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 23 at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 24 at 1 p.m.

www.communitychronicles.com

OK, this looks good!!!

2011-06-27T15:10:00.004-05:00

The Pioneer Woman does it again... her recipes make my mouth water and gets my butt up to go make whatever delicious concoction she has put together!! Check out the link to her Perfect Iced Coffee that I will attempt as soon as I get more coffee. Mmm.

And, if you get bored, these looked really good too! Three-cheese-stuffed-shells-with-meaty-tomato-sauce/. Uh. Yeah. I need to go to the store now.

Too much time searching for something online always leads me back to her website and I find something scrumptious to bake or cook. You will not be disappointed!

Kids and Birthdays

2011-06-15T19:00:00.003-05:00

James at his 2nd birthday party
James at birth
Grant at his 1st birthday party
Grant at birth

It is funny to me that I find myself looking forward to the kids birthday parties as much as they do. Maybe because planning a party for yourself never feels right, so for me to plan a few parties a year with family and friends with a fun theme is actually very pleasing to the joy I take in hosting. I looked through old pictures today and loooove seeing the pictures from the hospital. As painful as labor is, I have loved our hospital experiences and am looking forward to those special days spent just thinking and taking care of the newest member... :)

Latest Community Chronicles

2011-06-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

Not to toot my own horn, but have to share my latest article...Kids Korral by ME!

I am the Luckiest...

2011-06-13T09:41:00.003-05:00

Yesterday on the way to a birthday party James, Grant and I sang I Am the Luckiest by Ben Folds for 30 minutes straight... they love the song! It was sweet. The past few days they have been quite a handful and moments like those keep me going. James' latest thing is putting two sticks together and saying, "I am playing my violin, loud and strong!!". Thanks Little Einsteins! Then he proceeds to hum a classical song or "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf", depending on his mood. Other than that it has been constant fighting it seems. Lord give me strength.

Miracle in My Belly

2011-06-12T15:37:00.004-05:00

Goodness. I did not think I would be announcing this news this year, but I am pregnant! God is giving us another chance to raise a son or daughter. Maybe this time I will do everything right! Haha. Well, at least I will feel very confident in the basics by now... all baby milestones, mishaps and normal sicknesses are safely tucked under my belt by now. I hope! I am due Jan. 19 and feel GREAT, other than usual pregnancy fatigue that makes me pass out as soon and kids are in bed and house is basically put back in order.

I have missed my outlet of blogging, but just have not had the quiet time to do it! I have a rare moment now when they are all (daddy too!) sleeping at 3:30 in the afternoon so I wanted to take advantage.

Shannon is off of work and it has been nice to have him around. Lately we have swum in our pool a lot and had friends and family over. We are most looking forward to celebrating James' 3rd birthday at the end of the month! He is such a big boy, totally into life and stays very busy and totally obsessed with Thomas the Train and friends right now. "Why?" is a common question and sometimes just can't always be answered like he wants.

I can not believe our family is growing AGAIN! We will be married 4 years this June 30! Marriage has definitely impacted my life in so many good ways. I am constantly challenged and have to find new ways to do normal everyday things while distracted 2 children. I am so glad my kids will have siblings, it is the best thing I can give them. :)

Do Boys Throw Everything?

2011-05-02T13:24:00.004-05:00

James is in this weird "Let me throw everything I have in my hands" stage. He gets this look in his eyes and whatever toy or random object he is holding he has to chunk it across the room. Oh, and he is climbing everything all of a sudden. Like a monkey. Now he is playing the drums so loud I think I need an Aspirin. He tells me he is, "Seeing what he can do". Ooookk. But, no complaints from me. He is happy and very creative. He still loves a good snuggle on the couch, as you can see him with Grant above. They are more excited than I am that we got a TV for our bedroom, now they can watch a show in our bed, so fun for them. Grant only fell off the bed once. That I know of. :)

Am I a Dirty Lint in My Washer Kind of Mom?

2011-05-02T13:14:00.004-05:00

In college, I babysat for the same families on a regular basis. When I was babysitting, I did laundry, dishes, mopped floors, cleaned the kids rooms. I even remember cleaning out someone's fridge on more than one occasion. Now that I have my own two kids, my husband and I hire a babysitter at times for a night out where hot dogs or not on the menu! I realize now why the families I worked for in the past were so appreciative of my energy level! All I expect when I get home from a date night is for the kids to be alive and fed, even if all they ate were popsicles and macaroni noodles.

Anyway, one thing I noticed when I used to baby sit is their washing machines had so much build up lint in the nooks and crannies of the machine. I made many mental notes to myself to keep my future washing machine clean. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, my neighbor comes over to borrow my washer. After he leaves, I look at my washing machine and it was disgusting. Oh no! I am a "dirty lint in my washer kind of mom".

I know my neighbor didn't notice it because, let's face it, he is a guy. I could not help but laugh because all those mental notes came rushing back to me. I realized it is not that the other mom's didn't see the dirt (even though that is possible too), it just didn't make the list of "top five things to do while the kids are being entertained and not hanging on my every limb".

So what did I do? I found one of my husband's already dirty T-shirts in the laundry bin, wiped up the best that I could and went to start dinner. Now, I just smile when I see lint in my washer. (And to be honest, since writing this I have gotten out the 409 cleaner and done a complete once over to my washer and dryer. Maybe now I will not be a "dirty lint in my washer kind of mom". Maybe.)

This was featured in a new online publication Community Chronicles. Check out link for great articles of local events and happenings.

Also, check out What's for Dessert? section on website for some yummy cookies I like to make!

My Kind of Camping...

2011-04-17T21:24:00.005-05:00

OK people, yes I am a country girl and realize more and more how much I want to always live more on the outskirts of town rather than in a city or neighborhood. I am open to change but as of yet, I am not really a "camping" kind of girl. To me, soft beds were made to sleep on so why drag all your stuff to some creek bed to sleep with the bugs when you can do all kinds of exploring, eating, fun campfires you want, then simply truck it home and sleep under your lovely ceiling fan. I have two boys now, so I will try camping if they want to when the time comes. Honestly, I will probably like doing just because I can see them loving the adventure of it.

Anyway, the point of my story is that my husband had a wonderful idea Saturday after a lazy day at home nursing James back to health from a nasty bug he had for a few days. He suggested roasting hot dogs and marsh mellows over a campfire!! James loves fire, so he was in! I do think he thought that the fire would look more like the one at Grants bday party (check that out here ) but he was not disappointed when we got it going.

Pictures: James and Daddy enjoying the fruits of our labor. James looking worried as we tend to the the fire... then him proudly standing by the pit! He loves fire, did I mention that?? Then James and Daddy enjoying the fruits of our labor... yum! Next is Grant eating his own hot dog! He ate the whole thing! He looks just a little too happy about that.Lastly Grant enjoying a Popsicle, James has introduced him to the yummy treat and Grant loves them! I think Beatrix the dog (we are dog sitting for my sister) ate more of it than him but oh well!

Good memories were made and the boys had fun. When we were just hanging out afterwards, James sat on Shannon's lap and said, "Daddy when you get home from work tomorrow, can we do this again?" CHER! We will do it again soon! Praise God for such a beautiful day. And my favorite part (ok, not my favorite, but a good part) they were bathed and squeaky clean from the stickyness they had accumulated by 7:30pm and on the couch asking for a show, of course. No tents to set up or air mattresses to blow up. We all slept in our own beds! Well, actually I had to sleep with James for a bit because he was not feeling good, but you know what I mean. :)

Latest project unveiled!

2011-04-12T08:29:00.006-05:00

This is something I had an idea about and finally am able to make it! I wanted something in Grant's room with his name and didn't want to just buy something already made ( that would be too easy, right?) I saw this idea and thought, hey, I could do that! The pictures don't do it justice, especially since there is not much natural light in that room. So cute and when James saw it he said, I want one too!

Anyway, I would love to sell them if anyone wants one for you or a friend. I can make them for girls or boys and customize them to your colors and I can make them bigger or smaller depending on your space. The stick can be painted white or other colors. Leave a comment with your email if you are interested and I can get in touch with you. So fun and makes a great statement in the room!

Five Question Friday

2011-04-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

To be a better listener.

2. Write about a time when you got lost.

In a small town in Italy I was going on a walk while on a pilgrimage and I thought I knew how to get back. I totally got lost, it was dark and really no one knew where I was or that I was lost and I knew that. I was soooo happy to find our hotel!

3. Camping or 5 star hotel?

As much as I love outdoors, I would definitely go to a hotel and order from room service over camping.

4. Have you donated blood?

Yes! Often before I had kids, not once since I have! I do not mind it at all!

5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?

We just sat down to make spreadsheet to better identify where our money is going, but we do not have a tight budget. We just try to save where we can.

Yummm...

2011-04-08T16:11:00.002-05:00

My homemade treat this morning... I indulged in a can of whipped cream. Makes my morning coffee a little more delightful! The mug was a Christmas present from Shannon one year. I love it and kind of laugh at the double meaning it has for a nursing mom.

What a day! I tried to convince James we should leave the house all morning. I had to go to Wal-mart and the library. He was so content to just stay home and play outside and "mow the grass" for me. It is something I can learn from because there are times I feel like I do not get him out enough or think he should be in the latest classes to give him the learning experiences needed. But I know that being home with me is the best thing possible for the kids. So even though it was crazy taking them both to the grocery store today and there was barely enough room for them and the food in my basket, even though I broke a few eggs before I could get them into the car, I rejoiced that the kids were safe, relatively happy and most importantly WITH me. My hope is they will always know how much I love them and try to keep them as the center of my life. Every decision I make now I think in terms of how does it affect my ability to be a good mother and wife?? If life offers me a job, activity or new interest I will always take time to evaluate how it affects my state of life.

7 Things James Loves...

2011-04-07T12:59:00.007-05:00

7 Things James Loves. Easy to do because he is entertained pretty easily at this age. I chose some of the more unique things or just things I noticed we always have out ...

1. Puppies. I mean who does not LOVE puppies?? Now, this we do not have. We tried a having a puppy right when Grant was born, did not work. But, they love seeing other people's cats and dogs.

2. The train table. I mean, it is a playground in an of itself. Hours have been spent there and we just got it a few weeks ago. Love it.

3. The rooster and chicken. Part of a set of my sister gave James for Christmas. These are the two things he plays with all the time. I put them next to a chapstick for size reference. ( BTW, Burt's Bees chapstick should have been on MY 7 Things I Love Post because I looove that brand.) It is cute because he has them talk to each other and say "I like your feet!??

4. The purple bike. I got this for $3 at a Garage Sale down the street. One peddle is broken but James LOVES it. I will always think of him on this bike. He finds rocks now and "jumps" over them by rolling over them and says "What a BIGG jump that was!".

5. Stuffed animals, otherwise known as Tiny, Monkey and Dolphin. He started sleeping with them a few months ago.

6. This book is a part of a series that Shannon and his siblings had when they were little. This is James' favorite one because it is about dinosaurs and big reptiles. His other favorite is "Donald Cries Wolf". Good old classic books.

7. V8 Fusion. My mom buys this like it is going out of style. James loves it and I feel good because he is getting his fruits and veggies for the day.

7 Things I Love

2011-04-06T14:21:00.013-05:00

Here is a post I may do every so often, I am not taking credit for the idea, but I saw this on another blog and thought I could do this for a post today. Just random things around my house I love that have a story around the house that I thought I would share with you.

Starting top left:

1. This shirt I snagged at Marshall's for a great deal and I love wearing it with black leggings. Cute!!

2. The blue cup is set my mom gave me that I LOVE and goes so well with my kitchen colors. Everyone always comments on their uniqueness.

3. Mellow Joy German Chocolate. SO good and smells heavenly! You can only find it at Drug Emporium in Lafayette.

4. These flowers are from my garden! I love being able to say that it is from my yard and how bright they are.

5. My curtains. Before moving into this house I looked for months online, in stores friends houses and wanted something that I just loved and the reflected my personality. FINALLY, I found these at of all places, Lowes. Very affordable and I had 2 coupons so they were right in my price range.

6. My prayer nook. I can see this from Grant's room when I am rocking him to sleep and it always makes me think of Mother Mary and how she must have prayed for Jesus as she rocked him to sleep. (Knowing Jesus he probably just fell asleep on his own, but I am sure she still rocked him alot! I mean, it's Jesus!)

7. This make up is from Sephora, given to me by my older sister who always finds the coolest gifts. LOVE the options it has and it also has blush and lipstick that pulls out of the side. Great to take with you somewhere.

Next I will do a "7 Things my KIDS love..." stay tuned....

Rooms redone!!

2011-04-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

So, we have been meaning to rearrage James' room to fit his newly acquired train table. (thanks Coleman's for the lend!) I have also been painting his bookshelf and other shelf in his room to match his RED bed and comforter. So today was the day and since I am a all or nothing kind of girl I decided to change Grant's room around too! I like change. Especially in their rooms! Both were a success I think and I loved hearing James play with Grant in his "new" room this afternoon. I am still working on making a cute way to have Grant's name above his bed. It involves a stick painted with the letter's hanging down from it with rope. I hope it turns out like I hope...

The things we do to our bodies...

2011-04-02T21:05:00.003-05:00

While running today I had a thought of how crazy we are sometimes. I mean I have given birth to two, 7 and half or more pound babies, actually birthed two boys from this body and when all was said and done, I am seriously considering doing it again! Now, a year after having Grant I am trying to get this body to look like it did years ago. I run, do weights, THINK about dieting. It is a step, right?? All to get "back to how I was".

Think about this. Most people go to college, scrimp and save to get there or take out huge loans to pay for it. What do you do during college?? You are at someone else's whim- tests that keep you up all night studying, random assignments that have you searching the internet or your schools library for the oldest possible article relating to your degree so you can write what YOU think about it in 100 words or less. You spend 4,5, 6 years of your life doing everything you can to get the best grade possible (well SOME of us tried that hard). You finally finish and get a nice plaque on the wall that says, YAY you did it! Then you are on your own, jobless and hope to God that all you did will help you get a better job than you could have gotten with out the degree. ( I am in no way discrediting a college degree, I am very proud of mine. It is just crazy the amount of hard work it can take to get a title. )

Another thing. People now a days pluck, smooth, primp, inject, cover up, tan, shave, enlarge, and do crazy other things to their bodies, just so they can fit in. Days like today ground me...when I just stayed home, did not worry a thing about my hair, outfit, if my legs where shaved and just enjoyed the day. Spent most of it outside and got to relax at the end of the day with my aunt and her friends while eating a few pounds of crawfish and having a beer. Makes me realize how country life is really how I think God intended for us to live. It makes you appreciate your family, nature, life, and love without even trying. I take such pride in making a good meal for friends/family and just letting the kids run outside and watch the tractors bale hay or let them find a new bug to watch. The fast paced life of those in bigger cities especially on the East Coast does not entice me AT ALL. Sorry to my cousins, aunts and uncles that live there, I know you like it!! Not for everybody.

I try to not let media, friends, magazines, or myself feel like I have have to look a certain way, but am trying to focus on me feeling healthy and happy. Sounds good to me!

The thunder is rumbling...

2011-03-29T22:47:00.004-05:00

I love hearing the rolling thunder of a typical rainstorm of the south. A little rain, a drop in humidity and lots of lightning and thunder, just enough to keep waking the baby. Which it just did...Ok. So much for the peaceful background quiet.

Ah, now the baby is sleeping again...I have felt so happy these past few days, things are changing for the better and I feel like I have more of a handle on things around here. We started Family Night on Tuesdays, just a special time for us to eat a fun dinner (tonight was breakfast sausage wrapped in crescent rolls with scrambled eggs) and we watched a family movie together. Last week it was Wizard of Oz, this week Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. Yes, that is a real movie, actually pretty good and it had lots of FIRE in it so it kept James' attention for most of it. The nights have been fun and I can see this being a long time family tradition!

Exciting week for me, two new working opportunities presented themselves on Monday. One is a 6 week Writing Course I will be teaching to some home school students at my home once a week. I am looking forward to meeting the students and getting to read their writing as well as teach them some basics of creative writing. I have been wanting to do this group style teaching since I have been home and it finally has worked out! I hope it goes well and is fruitful for all of us. Another is an opportunity to write a column for a local publication (more info when all is set in stone). I am actually really excited at the opportunities this may open for me! The more time I spend on this blog the more I realize how much I like writing, especially about my mothering experiences. Kids give you so much material without even looking for it!

Friday evening we were able to host a birthday dinner for my old college roomy Jenay and her husband and his sister in law, Erin. I scrubbed the house and cooked all day for them and was so glad to get to honor Jenay on her special day! And, it was a feast day during Lent so we could eat the cupcakes and not feel bad! I was so happy to have Erin over to my home. (She is in bday picture holding her son, Gabriel.) She is a fellow blogger, http://humblehandmaid.blogspot.com/ , and she has inspired me in many ways over the past few months, whether it has been to be more peaceful with where I am at with kids, to be more attentive to my state of life or just to post as often as she does! Mostly, I have really been jealous of her opportunities to write and get paid for it (she is a Public Relations Coordinator) as well as wonderful mother and wife. So I attribute both of the opportunities to her because she inspired me to pursue my interests and stop feeling sorry for myself and DO something about it!

I have really decided since Christmas or so that I can change some things about myself. I can be the person I ideally want to be as long as that goal IS achievable! It is not that I want to be perfect, it is more about allowing myself to be the creative individual that I am! Speaking of, I have a project I am working on for Grant's room that deserves a post when it is all done. :) Got to sleep now, good night!

Yesterday

2011-03-21T10:03:00.005-05:00

Thinking back to yesterday I thought our activities deserved a post...I had some energy that got a lot done....

6:30am- We were awake even though it was Sunday and kids were asleep. Oh well.

I got to stay in bed til 7:15, a small treat.

7:30am- I made French Toast with yummy Sam's bread. YUM!

8am- Told James we could finally make that cake he has been asking for all week. Starting getting ingredients together, decided to make my own icing with confectioners sugar, also decided to make blueberry Cool Treat. It is blueberries cooked down with sugar and then folded into homemade whipped creme. Very tasty and kinda feels good for you because of blueberries!

9am- Nannie Pat stops by to say hi and comment on our new flower bed (Pictures above. Feel free to ohhh and ahhh and comment how lovely it is.) We get to visit and smell the chocolate cake as it bakes in oven.

9:30am- I start what ends up to be the 1st of 5 loads of laundry that gets done throughout day. I just rather do a lot in one day. It is all in a big pile now. At least a clean pile, not a dirty one.

10:30- Attempt to get Grant to sleep, a daily occurrence that only about 50% of the time ends up in sleep. This was not a successful attempt.

11am- Run to store with Grant because I only have 1 cup of whipping cream and I need 2. Dern. I was at Sam's yesterday and didn't get any. What I paid at Don's for a quart I would have gotten 4 times that at Sam's. Oh well. Live and learn. Oh yeah, and Grant feel asleep in car seat 10 seconds after we left the house of course.

12pm- At some point I got Grant to sleep in his bed, made the blueberry dessert and icing. James was pretending to be a dinosaur and stomped right by Grant's room and woke him up. Not good. Really wanted to go running, but then Grant was awake and not happy. So while Shannon made a yummy crawfish etouffe, I took kids outside and put them in the turtle pool. Grant loved splashing himself with hose and I got to pot some plants.

1pm- Witnessed the classic Cajun country sight.... large group of people on horseback with their kids,cousins, moms and dads drinking beer on a make shift float/trailer with music blaring, and good times rolling. Boys thought it was the coolest thing they have seen all day and James asks me if they can come back later. Oh gosh.

2pm- Come in and we all scarf down yummy food. Grant likes crawfish! That's my boy.

2:30pm- Clean up boys, get them BOTH down for naps. Attack the MOUNDS of dishes from all previous baking and cooking. Mop floors because they were just gross.

4pm- Get ready for church, do more laundry, bring cake to neighbors because I don't want to eat all that cake myself. Of course, when I offered it to James all he wanted was the thin mint cookies I put on top of it. Oh kids.

5:30pm- Leave for mass at Wisdom, kids were VERY good. Astonishingly good. Shannon and I rewarded them with trip to park to feed ducks. We found out they do not like Cheerios. Saw many strange people at park and felt a little out of place.

7:30pm- Home to eat Fish Sticks and Chips! Tasty. Threw kids in bed by 9ish.

9pm- Ahh. Finish laundry. Who am I kidding? Laundry is never finished.

11pm- Bed. Well deserved bed. Tomorrow is babysitting day, yay!

Is it just me?

2011-03-19T22:06:00.004-05:00

I just realized that I really only blog when the whole house is asleep, which is rare since I usually go to bed before Shannon. If someone is awake and around I feel like they are getting in the way of my thoughts and I just end up typing "this is what I did today" kind of entries. Anyway, made me think of other "is it just me" thoughts.

Is it just me that looooves spring/summer so much and I forget how happy it makes me until it is spring time again and I am elbows deep in dirt and mulch and I feel a happiness I have not felt since LAST spring?? Gardening is so therapeutic for me and I feel like it is not a fruitless hobby, you are actually making your house a prettier place and helping the environment while you are at it!

Is it just me or this kid above so freaking cute???? ( and his daddy is super handsome too! ) The first picture he is giving Shannon a kiss, something he does a lot to him and I. When you tell him not to touch something sternly he just smiles and leans over to kiss you. Dern that child. :) Grant is walking I would say officially as of this week. He is so proud of himself and makes sure we are watching when he is starting so we can make a big deal about it, which we do of course.

Is it just me or everybody is sooo busy? I try to think of myself as a person who makes time for the quiet moments or the non busy weekend. But I have noticed lately that everyone you talk to just is non stop and some really do not even want to be! I like doing things, but am ok with weekends not being chock full to start with and just seeing what happens. Anyway, a take away I guess would be to really look at where your time is spent and make sure you are not passing up important down moments with your family and for yourself.

Is it just me or is gas so freaking expensive?? Ok, everybody thinks that but our SUV is sucking up the gas and it just is getting so outrageous. AHH!

Is it just me or there seems to be a Facebook share button on everything you do online now? I reviewed a kids bike we bought online and when I was done it asked me, "Do you want to share this on your Facebook page?" I mean really, do you want to know the bike we bought was a crappy bike and we are sending it back? Well, now you do.

Next post maybe I'll get some pictures of my new flower beds. I of course forgot to take before shots, but oh well.

Birthday party fun.

2011-03-09T07:50:00.003-06:00

I finally got the pictures from my dad of Grant's birthday! He had such a rough week before and after that party, with a 5 day long fever and resisting any naps and just not happy, BUT the party was a blessed time with friends and family that we all enjoyed. The kids got to play musical chairs and make an instrument to take home. Adults got yummy red beans and rice and got to watch a very large, ahem, bonfire. (almost burnt the nearby tree down). I guess 10 or more Christmas trees in one pile was a bit much! I was trying to have a healthy choice of dessert so I made fruit parfaits with homemade whipped cream. The kids liked them, but after finished them they kept asking me "So where is the cake?". Haha, sorry kids maybe next birthday.

The past few days have been nice, Shannon has been off for Mardi Gras and Monday we went to see my cousin's baby goats and other animals. James loved that! Then we took the boys for an ice cream treat at Maggie Moo's. I did not have my camera there, but James enjoyed the heck out of a blue cotton candy flavored ice cream cup. He was in heaven, getting to choose his toppings (M&M's) and savor the treat. We did Mardi Gras yesterday in between rain drops. Not ideal weather to watch parade in but the boys found a fountain to put their hands in right before we left and had a ball!

My baby is one!

2011-03-01T23:07:00.003-06:00

Wow. We celebrated Grant's birthday last weekend. He is one year old! I felt like this birthday marks the beginning of a new me. I have been trying to be more patient and loving to Grant's neediness and in preparing and hosting his birthday party I tried to keep in mind that what he needs most right now is ME. I tried to keep the party really simple and about celebrating life and family. I appreciated all who came and got much joy in having a special day just for Grant. I have just realized he is a totally different kid than James was at this age. He will, one day, be able to run around and not need constant reassurance from me. Just not today, or tomorrow. Poor thing since his party Grant has had had fever which has made him only want to hold me and rest his head on my shoulder. :( I hope he feels better soon.

Tomorrow we get a riding lawnmower! James will be excited. I can't wait to learn how to operate it, if I get too. :) All those year I worked at the John Deere store I have never gotten to mow with a riding lawn mower. I know I am missing out. I can smell the freshly cut grass already!

My college roomy Jenay is in town the next 2 months because her husband Chris is doing a rotation at a near by hospital. I am excited to get to hang out with her more while she is staying at my parents. We are going get coffee tomorrow! Yay!

Getting late, I need to sleep.

Books I'm Reading....

2011-01-25T08:45:00.004-06:00

First, these adorable boys I have. This is before James' hair cut with the help of some mousse from dad. CUTE!!!

On to business...I have been doing a lot of reading lately and thought I would share some titles and what I have gleaned from the books.

1. The first is It's a BOY! by Michael Thompson. http://www.michaelthompson-phd.com/

I love this and am in the middle of it now, but already felt relieved and encouraged with what I have read so far. It just gives me confidence that what James is doing now is completely normal and he is trying to asserting himself in this crazy world. It breaks up boy's childhood into several groups.

An excerpt I like is "Boys like to feel useful! When you enlist your son's help you are educating him....the moral life of a child has three components: habits of the heart, habits of the mind, and habits of practice. When you develop good character, you have a desire to help, you recognize situations in which help is needed, and you follow through and actually provide help!! You are giving your son an experience of helping, but also giving him the chance to feel useful in a way he typically can't at school....The trick with chores is to know when your son is ready to do it on his own or still needs you to monitor- not micromanage, but to witness his work." P 87.

I can't wait to see my boys grow up and be young gentleman when they are supposed to as well as tough athletes with their peers.

2. Another book I read about kids is The Power of Play by David Elkind, Ph.D. http://www.amazon.com/Power-Play-Spontaneous-Imaginative-Activities/dp/0738210536

This book reinforces the age old wisdom that children should be free to play and use their imaginations. The current lifestyle of ‘play dates’, structured extracurricular activities, toys for one purpose, and scheduled agendas, doesn’t leave much free time for the child’s mind to flourish. Here are some great quotes:

When it comes to toys, less is more… Thanks to the automation [and electronics] of so many toys, it gets harder to choose toys that encourage fantasy and imagination… Only when a child spends time with particular toy can she weave it into a story tapestry of her own invention. P16

Mothers spent 25.05 hours a week w/their children in 1987, but 30.89 hours with them in 1997. For fathers the figures were 18.51 and 22.73, respectively. Guilt then is not the most likely explanation for the profusion of toys given to contemporary children… Advertisers target children directly and encourage them to pester their parents… They create needs for toys and parents give in because they want to ensure that their children don’t feel different or left out. The unintended consequence of using toys to promote social acceptance is conformity. Children see toys not as launching pads for imagination, but as vehicles for social acceptance. P17

There is a therapeutic function to the game of Peek A Boo played by young children dealing with their first experience of separation anxiety… What is the pleasure of such games? If the disappearance and return of loved ones is such a problem to the child, why should the baby turn all of this into a boisterous game? First by repeating the disappearance and return under conditions that he can control, he is helping himself overcome the anxiety. Secondly, he turns a situation that would, in reality, be painful into a pleasurable experience. P114

It is simply a fact that young children think differently than older children and adults. Their mode of thinking is concrete. For example: If I eat spaghetti will I become Italian? Please turn off the sun, I want to go to sleep. In these forms of thought, there are no levels of conceptualization and everything is on the same plane. And it includes the belief that parents (and adults) are all-powerful and all-knowing. P120

3. Lastly, I read Max Lucado's A Heart Like Jesus in my own spiritual time and was blown away by a simple thought "God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to have a heart just like Jesus. What if, for 24 hours Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in your house, assumes your schedule?" He further goes on to ask would your "to do" list be the same, your priorities?? Would to speak to your children, or your HUSBAND in the same way as you would if Jesus was in your heart?? Would people notice a change? The biggest question that struck me was: would you still do what you are doing? Of course, MOST of what I do day to day is necessary (taking care of kids, cooking, cleaning, etc) but when it comes down to my free time, my thoughts, my words, are they as guided and Christ filled as they should be? This book is very short but really tugs at your heart to change NOW to be a more Christ centered person.

http://www.maxlucado.net/_product_30313/A_Heart_Like_Jesus

Thanks for reading, I highly recommend all three of these books. Can I just brag a little and say that for the past 30 min James has been playing quietly with trains all by himself with no interruption?? I think a lot has to do with the fact that Grant is sleeping so he is not there to bother James. I really took what The Power of Play had to say to heart and have been encouraging a lot of free play with James and have noticed a TOTAL change in his behavior. Yay!

Sorry I checked out...

2011-01-09T23:02:00.004-06:00

...of the blogging world. Our computer was in "shop" for a week or two before Christmas and I just totally got sidetracked with holidays and life. We have been so blessed with lots of time with both of our families. We hosted my sister in law and her fiance Clay here before Christmas and were so happy to see them for such a long visit. Christmas ( the first two pictures are from xmas morning) was great, we went to my parent's house and got to celebrate together. Long day but good! It was really nice in the morning, we did not leave the house til almost 12 and really got to enjoy the boys and the presents that we gave them. We did not go all out (that is what grandparents are for!) I appreciated this time with them AND Shannon was home for 2 weeks so that was great too!

I love the pictures above of bath time with James and Grant. I had so many cute ones I could not choose! Grant loves the camera and usually cooperates, James is hit or miss. Today I hosted a birthday party for my Dad. James literally ran back and forth through the house most of the party. He is so wired when people come over! It was fun and Nannie Pat made the best Carrot Cake! YUM! I might have to go get some more of that. Hold on....mmm much better to blog with carrot cake and milk in front of you.

OK, where were we? Sugar rush from above mentioned...mmmm. I am grateful for the many little things Shannon has been doing for me lately. I love my life and can not imagine not staying home with my boys. I am trying to pray every day and be more relaxed with how things go around here. I was proud of myself for just up and going to the Childrens' Museum last week on a whim! They boys were being good and they really enjoyed themselves!

OHHHH! Biggest news and I didn't even think of it. WE GOT A NEW SUV! I LOVE IT! It is an '06 Ford Expedition, white and tan exterior and tan Leather interior. SOO nice. We have been talking about it and finally took the plunge! Totally worth it and the best Christmas gift ever. We just got it Friday night! I will take pictures and post them later.

I am going to bed now. More when I get a minute to stop and recap.

Holidays....BRING IT ON!

2010-12-17T21:59:00.004-06:00

Caption for pictures: Shannon and James loving Pia's new swing! Jeanne and I at our Theresian meeting in early December. Grant and James in Grant's crib, having a good time. And the cutest picture yet of Grant that I took today in his grey hoodie. He was being such a ham. You can really see his new top teeth!

So Christmas is a week away! :) I am excited and proud of myself for not getting anxious about anything Christmas related. I figure presents will be bought, things will get done and food will be eaten. Why sweat it? Shannon is off now for two weeks, thanks to the teacher's schedule and we are having his sister and her fiance stay with us! I am excited to be hosting, any reason to cook and kick back sounds good to me! And, she has not gotten to see the boys much in the past few years so it will be good to see them together. I think we will take them to see Santa tomorrow! I am curious how James will react. Grant will love it I am pretty sure!

I have been blessed lately with so much fulfillment in my state of life now as a stay at home mom. I have been so up and down the past year and I am really happy to be home and everyday notice things that I would be missing out on if I was working full time. It is hard to balance being a Mom and also pursuing my own interests and desires. But I recently heard something that kinda liberated me and it was maybe not that profound or new but it just spoke to me. Basically, it was that it is OK if my life isn't balanced, especially when you have little babies. I was trying so hard to work out, plan social things for me, for Shannon and I, playdates for kids, church, family time and something always seems to be lacking. I don't mean that is good to throw yourself totally into your kids 24/7. But, if my biggest problem right now is that I am spending TOO much time with my kids and husband, things can't be that bad right? I know there will be a time when I can train for a 10K more easily and Shannon and I can go out on long dates. But, it is not now. And that is totally fine with me. I just need to get through this time and I want to have the best attitude possible. That makes things around here much better! (The phrase "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody is happy" is not that far off from the truth around here!) I set the tone around here and I need to be positive and joyful!

In being more at peace with myself, moments like last night at 9 o'clock when both boys are still wide awake and James asks me to dance with him and I say SURE, and we dance I am so grateful that I can be his best buddy right now.

It is midnight and I am cooking...

2010-12-04T00:04:00.003-06:00

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/grilled-chicken-with-lemon-basil-pasta/

Damn that Pioneer Woman. For those of you who DON'T know who she is, she is a well known blogger, cook book author, mother, homeschooler, rancher, just DO IT ALL woman whom I have been following online and I have tried several of her recipes and every one has turned into a keeper in this household. (I will list other favorites at bottom of post). I just was finding a recipe for a friend and stumbled upon this post and I had to make it! Now, all I did tonight was get the chicken soaking in the lemon juice and other stuff, but still. IT IS MIDNIGHT. And I have a baby who just started really sleeping for more than 3 hour stretches. I should be sleeping too. But, I like food way too much. What hooked me is when I saw the recipe above I was like, oh I have done that already, but she added honey and Parmesan cheese, and a little mustard and it seems like that is going to really make the dish. All I had was chicken breasts with the rib bone, but I will make do! I love lemon and chicken. All this talk about food when today I decided I NEED to loose some weight. This stomach is not looking any smaller than a few months ago. No excuses. Well, maybe just some Pioneer Woman excuses. :)

Sesame Noodles, add Shrimp. Spicy goodness.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/simple-sesame-noodles/

Basic Meatloaf. So scrumptious!!!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/my-favorite-meatloaf/

“Hospitality is about connection, not perfection“.

2010-11-19T22:22:00.003-06:00

I thought this quote might inspire those of you who are hosting this holiday! I think we are having my and Shannon's family here for Thanksgiving which should be great! I know our house isn't the biggest, but I am not worried about space issues. Just being together will be great I know that. This week coming up should be fun with Thanksgiving festivities and we also might light our limb pile to roast marsh mellows and have friends over and such.

I can't decide if time is moving fast or slow lately... I feel like it is going by soo slowly sometimes.

Watching the kids the past few weeks I feel like they have been this size and at the same stages for a while. I can't even remember what it was like to NOT have Grant. Amazing how once a new kids enters the picture it just seems like you have always had them?? I DO kinda remember what it was like to sleep through the night, something that I hope will happen again. I am seriously ready some moments to switch Grant to a bottle in hopes of that helping him sleep longer. We are still at 2-3 wakings a night! AH! But nursing is so good for him. Oh the mothers guilt. Always comes back to bite ya. He has his momma wrapped more than even his brother did.

I need to sleep. I should not even be up. Night!

Grant's Room!

2010-11-11T15:08:00.004-06:00

This is Grant's room- still being worked on but the most finished of the two boy's rooms. I love his room- it is soo cozy and inviting. I am going to make big letters with his name to put on one wall. He has really enjoyed playing in this room. He made a major milestone this week! HE IS CRAWLING! Slowly but surely he is making his way where he wants. It is cute and he sometimes gets frustrated but eventually gets to where he wants. His older brother is not too impressed with this because now he can come over and take toys away from JAMES! Sharing is a constant battle I know with all siblings. Today they got to spend time with friends at the park. Such a nice day to be out and we got to see the "new" park at Girard Park. It is amazing! I will post more rooms of the house later.

Words of Wisdom

2010-11-08T11:37:00.004-06:00

I was thinking the other day of what I would tell myself if I could go back in time and prepare myself for motherhood. You can not even fathom what it will be like, if you have babysat countless hours or have never changed a diaper. I always loved kids, even had strong bonds with certain kids before I had James and Grant. But when it is your own baby without even trying you work so hard to keep them happy, healthy, stimulated, and loved. Beyond that, you want them to constantly learn and grow and you are so proud when they do something that of course means they are the smartest kid EVER. How can you bottle the feeling of "I think my kid's a genius?" When you see them reacting to their environment, you wonder, what are they thinking?

Then they start talking and you hear their little thoughts, sometimes profound or just as simple as "I tooted, Mom!" You watch them smile with absolute joy just riding a car around the yard all by themselves. They jump in your bed and say "Let me just watch a little show first." How can you be this stern, by the rules Mom with little faces like they have looking at you? I try of course, but then want to give him fruit snacks, mac and cheese and hot dogs all day long too. I want to teach independence and obedience and also realize life is so short and is it worth it to be strict ALL the time? I am still learning to balance.

Saying all this. I have been trying to be a better mother, more patient and not always expecting perfection in my kids behavior or their environment (read: my house is a mess sometimes). I think a lot can be learned from putting aside my "plan" and just letting the kids be themselves, if it is a little fussy or frustrated sometimes, so be it. Aren't we all a little fussy sometimes?? I know I am! I want to remember these years with little ones as fun, exciting, playful, creative, and bonding. I don't want to always dwell on the tears, lack of sleep and other negatives. A new day for a new outlook on life! I think it is a good one! Love you loved ones and enjoy the time you have together. Ok, now let me go do that. NOW!

Great video of a typical afternoon here...

2010-11-05T14:28:00.003-05:00

James and Grant... cute pictures!

2010-11-05T14:10:00.003-05:00

I was trying to decide which to upload and could not decide, so I thought I would just put ALL of the ones. I wanted a good one of course with both of them looking and dare I ask, smiling. But these are just as cute. They had just taken baths and were so cute and snuggly!

A month of changes!!

2010-11-05T08:55:00.002-05:00

So, we are in our new house! I have been wanting to take and post pictures of each room, but I keep wanting the rooms to be perfect before I do it! :) After we hang curtains I will. I promise! I am still adjusting and rearranging a bit, but am sooo happy to have more space, for Grant to have his own room, for a change!! The weeks have flown by and blogging has not even entered my brain until this morning. Grant has been sick with I guess a virus or just teething since Sunday night. He has not slept well at ALL at night and is just not his happy self. Definitely trying my patience but I am trying to be graceful through it all. (and not being successful all the time!)

Halloween was fun with the kiddos. Buzz and Woody were show stoppers, in my book at least. It was a great night with my sister and friends (and their kids). We got some good loot! I am looking forward to the "holiday season" this year. So much to be grateful for and THANKFUL for too!

Coughing baby

2010-10-07T03:27:00.002-05:00

It is 3:27am and poor Grant just can't stop coughing. So sad. I am glad he woke up because I was having a horrible dream in which Shannon had died. Anyway, hopefully I can get him back a sleep soon! I hate it when I wake up and am so hungry. Before bed I was watching Food Wars about these ridiculous Italian Subs and I so want one right now. Or a Southside Hamburger. YUMMM. Since that isn't going to happen, I guess I should go rock Grant to sleep. Oh well.

Lizards in the backyard!

2010-09-28T08:40:00.003-05:00

James has been obsessed with finding lizards outside our house (there are tons) and was even more amused because leaving a birthday party last weekend there was one IN OUR CAR that I could not catch. Anyway, Shannon got him a surprise from Target and here is the video of him bonding with the lizard. He slept with him last night and ate breakfast with him this morning. So funny. Ah. Grant is finally feeling better after a few days of fever and just not being himself. Hopefully when he wakes up he is feeling TOTALLY better. I prescribe a day of good outside fun for both of the boys. This weather is amazing! I forget how much fall weather can put you in a good mood.

Mom and Dad are still in Canada...hope their trip is going great! Miss you guys! Not much else to update about...good weekend with friends/family for Mia's birthday party and then Josh and Sondra's baby shower. Lots of good food at both parties! My cousin's brought cupcakes from their shop- Sophi P Cakes in Lafayette. YUM! ( link- http://www.sophipcakes.com/ ) They have unique cupcakes and can do specialty cakes too! The one I ate was mint chocolate chip-- tasted sooo good. I wish I had big glass of milk to go with it!

Going to attempt a date night hopefully soon. Has been WAY to long (June!). I am so grateful Shannon is so great to me and loves just being home with his crew most of the time. Love that man. Really, props to him for all he does for me and the boys and how supportive he is of me staying home. I don't deserve him. :)

Commitments and life.

2010-09-23T08:40:00.003-05:00

Well after months of searching for ways to bring in some extra money, I have started tutoring 2 days a week and I will babysit in the morning on Monday's for a good friend of mine. I am glad and none of the commitments take much time away from the kids so that is ideal. Praise God!

Otherwise, I am itching to move! My sister's new house is being painted so it will be a few more weeks, but soon enough! We have been thinking about taking a family trip to New Orleans sometime in October. We would check out the Aquarium and other sights in N.O. We have not really done a vacation just our family so it would be an adventure! I need to start looking into hotels and such.

Fall is in the air! I think after this I am taking kids outside until lunch time! It is so nice out there.

Too much of a bad thing is bad.

2010-09-08T14:29:00.007-05:00

Ahhh I just made homemade chocolat
e

raisin & oatmeal cookies and I might have just eaten myself to a tummy ache. I have not done cookies from scratch in a while and my cravings were too much to handle. Here is a picture of the bowl after making a few cookies. I might have eaten the rest here, don't tell anybody!

Another cooking adventure was last Friday I made a Ham Frittata- like a quiche but no crust. That was yummy too! Great if you have leftover ham and a few potatoes and of course, 8 eggs laying around. I got distracted towards the end of making it (let's just say, James, his Gator and wide open fields) and I ended up putting twice as much cheese on top, but that always makes things better, right?

Anyway, besides constant cleaning, cooking and eating I have had little time for anything else!

Tomorrow night is 1st Saints game of season!! Lots of good food at our house to celebrate. I also start tutoring in Opelousas tomorrow for the afternoon. Always something new happening around here!!!!

:) Just keep smiling!

2010-08-28T07:59:00.004-05:00

Ahh today I don't feel that good but life goes on no matter what. It has been a while since I have been sick so I guess I can not complain too much. I was going through videos I had. One is from the park yesterday. Grant loves to swing! And the other one is Grant doing his happy yelling noise. He can do that for like 10 minutes sometimes. He is happy but it is soooo loud.

Shannon is still at his Cursellio Retreat. I hope that he has a great weekend and is renewed in body and mind. We joked that he might just enjoy sleeping in a quiet room more than anything. (Grant still is in our room so needless to say, nights are not always peaceful in our room.) Hopefully that will get better when Grant has his own room!

So, today we will spend time with my parents. I will stop by a baby shower and then maybe get in a run if I feel better. Cajun Cup is in November and I want to be ready! Why do I do this to myself?? I guess it is just better to have big goal in my workouts because otherwise I won't push myself enough. Is it only 8:30am? It feels so much later. Ah. Let me go attack my kitchen sink.

Sleeping babies...

2010-08-27T14:22:00.003-05:00

The title of today's post is why I have time to sit and collect my thoughts. It hasn't happened as much as I would want (both kids sleeping at the same time). But, that is life. Today was a fun day. James, Grant and I spent the morning at the park and tonight we are going to a Pampered Chef party! Should be interesting.

Big news, my sister and her husband bought a house! It is nearby so that is good. THAT means we will make the big move.... next door! Their house is bigger so we will have more bedrooms and such. I am excited for the change. I hope it is easy to settle in and get everything in place. I am not sure when it will happen, but at least by October we should be in there.

Of course right now I can think of nothing exciting to say, just that things are going well and I am happy. And now Grant is crying. Got to go.

New job for Shannon, again.

2010-08-10T10:04:00.003-05:00

The pictures I posted I just got from my dad, one from my bday, Grant being the cutie that he is, James blowing out his bday candles, and me finishing the 5k I did in June-- IT WAS SO HOT! But I did it!

So, officially, Shannon is a teacher at North Central High School. They started classes today. This marks his 4th job since Grant has been born. He is only 5 months old! Needless to say, it has been a world wind summer and I could not be happier that Shannon is now doing what he went to college to do! He wanted to give teaching another chance and see if this is where he is being called to be for the rest of his life. He wants to go back to school and get his Masters soon if he wants to stay in education. We are just excited to have stability and knowledge of what is coming next for a little while. And, he gets the nice teacher schedule with some built in days off! He is teaching some social studies to 8th graders and is the only business teacher for the high school.

Other than that, life is going great. I attended our Theresian retreat Sunday and I am determined to become the "best version of myself" while also encouraging Shannon and my kids to do the same. We are using Matthew Kelly's "Seven Levels of Intimacy" to journey this year and I encourage anyone reading to challenge yourself to read and live out the book!

The boys are growing fast, Grant wants to sit up but can't quite do it yet. James can sing so many songs now it is cute. His latest is Veggie Tale's theme song. I will try to get it on video. Got to go!

Peaceful morning...

2010-08-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

It is 8am and though I had a rough start ( just a case of the grumpies) I think today is going to be a good day. Dinner will be a whole chicken with potatoes and veggies and hopefully today I will not lose my temper TOO many times with the lovely James Jr. He has been really good the past few days so that has made things easier. Mom and I attempted a movie with kids yesterday, but James wasn't that into it He thought running around jumping on the chairs was MUCH more fun. So, we ended up doing lunch at Southside Bakery instead. Not a bad trade if you ask me. That was so good!

Now 2pm and haven't posted yet. This morning I got distracted by Grant's need to go #2 (still has not happened). We got to use the little pool my mom had given us. Of course James wanted me to get in it too, which I did. It was nice to lay out in between running after James around the yard. We were lucky and Shannon stopped by twice already today in between his deliveries. I am looking forward to quiet afternoon (maybe) and reorganizing my art supplies in my pantry.

Big changes may be a head! Jeanne and Aaron are thinking of buying a house sometime soon and we would move into their house! More room! I am excited for the change, but also love our little house so it will be mixed emotions moving there. :(

Got to run! "Peace dog" as James says to his daddy when he leaves for work. So cute today when Shannon came in to say hi around 10am, James says, "Hey Daddy, I MISSED you!" Such a heart breaker that little boy.

Where does my time go?

2010-07-26T07:32:00.002-05:00

I have been wanting to post something and always get distracted by something or somebody :). Summer has been great! So hotttt outside, but I just offer it up and I spend a lot of time letting James explore the backyard in his new Gator. Even Grant is showing signs of being an outside boy. He can be fussy and if we go outside, he is fine. I just throw out a big blanket and let him lay on his back. We had a busy weekend with dinner at Jeanne and Aaron's Friday, yard work and Claire Pettit's wedding on Saturday and then we had Jacob and his wonderful girlfriend Aimee over last night for a game night!

A moment from Claire's wedding that totally brought tears to my eyes was towards the end of the mass Claire's train had gotten tangled and Alan got down and fixed it so gently and lovingly it made me choke up a little. The way he looked at her when he was done was priceless. You could see the love he has for her and how he wanted her to look perfect and was willing to do anything for her. Cher! I love thinking back to our wedding day. Such a beautiful day spent with all our closest friends and family. Crazy that was 3 years ago. How life only gets better when you are with someone you love!

Peace to all you thanks for reading about me today!

Videos

2010-07-09T14:49:00.002-05:00

Update!

2010-07-09T14:14:00.004-05:00

Wow, life just got away from me and it is July 9th already!!!! Let's see, we had James' birthday party, SO fun! It was tractors all over the place, as well as a a 14 foot water slide! Lots of our friends celebrated with us and it was a truly special day for James and our whole family.

Shannon has started a new job as of this week, working at Sleep Management in Lafayette for my uncle's son-in-law. Hopefully this goes well! It is soo much better than him working nights like he was before. That was hard!

Grant is now 4 1/2 months old! He is sleeping well during the day and mostly at night. Still adjusting to that! James loves him and is being a good big brother. Summer has been fun so far, spending a lot of time outside and with our buds. We went swimming once, hopefully will do it again soon. I got to run a 5k a few weekends ago. I want to do another one to keep me in shape for the Cajun Cup 10k in November. I can do it! I will get back in shape! It is a constant effort that is for sure.

Some pictures and more later I promise.

To work or not to work.

2010-05-21T22:57:00.002-05:00

So, I went and applied at the Lafayette School Board today. We have been really talking about me going back to work. It tears me up to think of leaving all day, but think it may be a good investment in our future to work for a few years to help us save for a house of our own. I am not sure what will happen. I will have to see if getting a job will even happen with the cutbacks that Lafayette Parish is making to their teaching positions. I know I will miss a lot of the boys growing up, but it won't be forever! Hum.

Tonight was super fun, Erin and Ranger came over for dinner and a movie. We got to visit and Ranger seemed to get a kick out of my boys. We realized that Grant isn't that much smaller than his buddy Ranger- who is almost 4 months older! Way to grow little Grant! Shannon has been working nights, kinda sucks but nice having him home during the day.

Realized today how close James' birthday is! I need to start planning his party! I am looking forward to the festivities. Can't believe it will be two years since I had him. Three years this summer since we got married! Time can change things that is for sure. Good night for now.

Let's be honest now.

2010-05-18T21:57:00.004-05:00

OK, so motherhood has proven to be the most exciting of roller coasters I have experienced so far. The rewards are so great, but let us be honest now. There are definitely moments in the day when I think, why did I have kids?? AH! I mean I am GLAD that I have kids, but man, parenting is proving to take so much patience, fortitude, creativity, and most of all a willingness to live in the now and forget about your own needs most of the time. Staying home lets me do anything (in reason) for my kids and watch them learn each new thing. I hear their every word, gurgle, laugh, cry....which the last one can get to me in ways I never thought. It is like you WANT them to be good kids, go to bed when they are supposed to, behave in public, eat at least over the floor, not your bed. But they don't. Not because they hate you or because they want to be bad, just because. When James looks at me with those beautiful blue eyes and says "help you, mommy?" when he wants me to help him AGAIN to attach his John Deere wagon to his tractor, where else would I rather be? :) He is precious. Do I feel like I am going crazy sometimes?? Absolutely. When one kid is attached to you for food and one is saying "outside??" and you feel like your house has exploded with everything dirty I just have to step back and breath and know everything will be ok.

Where am I going with this? I want this blog to become more than WHAT I do each day, but where I can keep an honest picture of my feelings, thoughts and shortcomings. I want to remember it all and not always try to paint an perfect picture to the world out there. Here's to being a mom, wife, friend, sister and all the other hats I wear. I love them all!

Blessed am I!

2010-05-13T14:21:00.004-05:00

God is so good to me- I have really been able to step back lately and look at my life and be so grateful. Now that Shannon is happy at work and Grant is here things have really fallen into place. I am so grateful for my life and everything I have going for me! I love that my day revolves around my family and friends and I have so much to be thankful for! I love my kids and am so grateful for the thousands of smiles they have given me and how they can make me laugh with one little look. Yeah, there are "hard" days but nothing compared to those who have no support or a roof over their head. Thank you Shannon for giving me the life I want and my two wonderful children!!!!!! I sound cheesy but oh well. I had a great Mother's Day with a huge breakfast made by Shannon (and he did dishes!!) then lunch with my aunt and her husbands family at Abacus in Lafayette. Such a nice day! I have the best kids and husband! Peace...

It's May already??

2010-05-04T15:19:00.004-05:00

Time is flying by it seems... can't believe it is May! We had a mini vacation at home with Shannon home for a few days, in between ending his old job and starting a NEW one as a manager for Evangeline Down's Off Track Betting Parlor in St. Martinville. We are excited for this new opportunity. It won't open for a few weeks, but he will be getting things ready for business! I finished my last day of tutoring last week. I am looking for new students for the summer/fall but for now enjoying "summertime".

We have been outside a lot, planting things in our gardens, swimming, swinging, "mowing" the grass ( James with his toy push mower ). Thankfully, Grant is happy to sit outside in his swing so I am able to still be active with James some of the time.

Last weekend we attending Wisdom's crawfish boil. YUM! It was so good to to relax, eat lots of crawfish and laugh with our friends. I wish we could do that more often.

Grant weighed 12 pounds at his 2 month check up- he has been doing great so far! Sleeping really well at night, smiling more during his time awake. Every morning James goes to his bassinet and says "g' morning brodder"!". Sooo cute.

I have felt so busy, but really not much more than the usual day to day things, so that is all for now. :) Enjoy the latest pictures.

My Munch!

2010-03-26T15:40:00.003-05:00

So much to be thankful for. Grant made one month and he has been SO good, healthy and has become an important part of our family. He is very sweet baby and James is already very attached- if he hasn't kissed him in a while he says "brother???" and runs to look for him in his bassinet, swing or the pack in play. We have gotten him out a little bit, to friends houses or we took a shopping trip last weekend that he pretty much slept through! :) Tomorrow is a big day for Grant, we are getting him baptized! I am very excited and proud of him. GTG!

Slowly getting the hang of things I think!

2010-03-12T15:37:00.005-06:00

So Grant is two weeks and a few days...and I am slowly getting used to getting to everything that needs to be done. I feel like our lives just got so much fuller, in the sense that we have a real "suburban" size family now. Well, I guess not because we fit in a Camry, but I guess I don't know how to explain it. It is just weird that I now have as many kids as a lot of people I baby sat for years for in high school and college. I am the mom who NEEDS a sitter to do anything beyond playdates or a quick run to the store. Crazy! I love it but can not believe that this is where I am at now.

I really do not want to go back to work until the kids are older. This time when they are little is precious and can never be replaced. Thank God for my mother who has helped out so much, especially with just taking James and getting him out these past 2 weeks. He likes to go, go, go so he gets to still have fun and I can keep Grant home. Pictures from last week- Grant's first bath that he didn't like so much and the last one of him fast asleep on me. He was so cuddly and seemed very comfy! I love how he can be so still on me for so long. :)

Just me and the boys...

2010-03-03T15:52:00.003-06:00

Well, today was the first day I had the boys (kinda fun to say "the boys") alone! It was actually very easy. Much due to the fact that Grant is sleeping 23 hours of the day... but no complaints from me :). Erin came today to do newborn pictures. Grant cooperated pretty well, he didn't like us messing with him in the beginning but he fell asleep eventually. Those pictures won't be ready for a little bit, but I will share them asap! Looking forward to having Nannie Annie over for dinner.

Our first few days home...

2010-03-01T09:08:00.003-06:00

We are home and adjusting to having two little boys. James is being a good big brother and not being too rough on Grant. We had a quiet weekend, glad to have Daddy home for a bit. I have actually gotten enough rest and don't feel like I am in a fog like last time. Having 2 healthy boys is such a relief and I am very lucky. Taunt Andree came to visit last night. She is so excited about our new addition, but also can't believe I have two kids already!! Sometimes I can't either! My mom is here helping me today and tomorrow we take Grant to his first doctor check up!! Here are some new photos!!

Grant has arrived!

2010-02-26T11:12:00.002-06:00

Grant Michael Buller was born on February 24 at 1:39 am! He weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces. He was a week early, but right on time if you ask me! Labor was mostly done at home, I felt contractions starting on Monday night and then didn't go to the hospital 'til late Tuesday night, and then had him early on Wednesday morning. He is healthy and strong and a bit smaller than James was so it is a little different to have such a tiny one! We had great nurses to help us out through labor and afterwards. I am so lucky and blessed! More pictures to come!

Superbowl & Valentine's Weekend

2010-02-15T14:21:00.004-06:00

Whew! Lots has been going on! THE SAINTS wowed us all and claimed their victory as Superbowl champions! We had a great time celebrating with friends and family. So much excitement, before and after the game. Last week I got to do an ultrasound for Grant, all is looking great! He is like 6 1/2 pounds! Already getting to be a chunk. James was weighed this week and weighs 30 pounds! So with just their weight, plus what I have gained and I carrying around This past weekend Shannon, James and I spent some quality time together Saturday, then Shannon and I had a mass/lunch date! Then dinner at Prejean's with my parents-- let's just say we ate well this weekend. :) Looking forward to going to a parade tomorrow. I hope it warms up a little! It was freezing this morning! Enjoy the recent pictures!

Who dat weekend ahead...

2010-02-05T11:46:00.003-06:00

We are soooo excited about the Saints being in the Superbowl this weekend. We are having over some close friends and are waiting to celebrate VICTORY!!! Hopefully all the excitement will not put me into labor, too much going on this weekend for that! ( AND the grandparents are out of town) Last weekend we went to Evie's birthday party, the pictures are from that. It was a Mardi Gras "Ball" and James got to make a mask and mambo a little bit with all the kids.

Simple days...

2010-01-27T14:16:00.005-06:00

These past few days I have been trying to enjoy the simplicity of the day with only one little one underfoot. I loooove this weather! We have spent a lot of time outside, which has been nice. Our new puppy, Brees, has been a great new pal for James. He is a good puppy and has moved in for good I think! We really enjoyed watching the Saints win Sunday! What a huge game for them ! Superbowl plans are already underway at our house. This is as big a holiday as Christmas! Hehe, almost. Here are some pictures of Brees... and life around here.

The baby is a kicking away!

2010-01-15T16:51:00.004-06:00

I am at 7 1/2 months now and definitely feeling prego and ready to pop. I have been taking it easy when possible, but also trying to get in what I can before have another munchkin to look after. I soo need a Spa Day or something like that. I want to be the star of a reality show just for the perks that come with it so it looks like you have fabulous things to do. Why am I so normal and am only having one kid at a time?? If I were having sextuplets the media would be all over me and trying to get me to do all these fab things for free. Or, I could win the lottery. THAT would be great. I would not even tell anybody (except Shannon) and we could just live off of that forever and he could open the business of his dreams. OH well. Normal it is. Here are some pictures from our very normal fun day at home, just me and James. :)

New Year!

2010-01-07T11:46:00.004-06:00

Today James is feeling not so good because of a head cold. Poor thing. He gets all the cartoons he wants today. We had a really good Christmas- good to get new toys in here for him to play with. He got lots of tractor stuff- clothes, pillowcase, shirt, little tractors, and more. Santa and family knows what he likes! It was also just nice to spend time as a family and make traditions and good memories.

I am soo ready to have the baby. I didn't think I would say that, being as my hands are full enough now it seems, but I just don't like being pregnant. I want to be back to "normal", even though it may be a new normal! And I am looking forward to what Grant will look like and how he and James will get along together. Soon enough I guess he will be here and pregnancy will be just a distant memory.

Advent is almost over... time for Christmas!

2009-12-23T08:56:00.002-06:00

While we are listening to Christmas music James and I are going to try and clean up the house and maybe do some holiday visiting. Can't believe how big James is getting now! He remembers things I have told him and is just understanding so much more now. He is obsessed with my cell phone and talking to people when I am on it. Ahh he is not cooperating, got to run.

Yucky weather = fun time inside.

2009-12-12T12:37:00.005-06:00

Since going outside isn't an option, I took out a Tonka Truck Car toy for James he hasn't seen since his birthday. (It was too hard for him to play with then.) He loved it and it has kept him busy a lot of the morning. Yay for new toys! Shannon and I have just been doing stuff around the house, taking it easy, doing little projects here and there. Tonight is a Christmas Party at our friends the Miller's house. I am really looking forward to getting out and seeing everybody. Baby Grant is moving A LOT lately. He feels so big already. I am at 28 weeks now! I will take a good belly picture tonight by the tree. I can not believe we will have another baby soon. Am I ready for this? We shall see~ I added some pictures of the Mary Kay Party that I threw, with Stacey Maturin as our lovely Associate!! It was fun!

Christmas time is here!

2009-12-07T08:30:00.002-06:00

Well, the tree is up and we are ready for celebrating. James actually was really "helpful" aka GOOD while I was doing it. Shannon was a little distracted by the close Saints game going on. I made some Chocolate Chip/Raisin/Oatmeal cookies for Theresians tonight while putting all the ornaments and decorations up. Today I go for a baby check up and then work for Erin and Adam a bit then off to MY night, Theresian Christmas Party! We do a gift exchange, so that is always fun. I threw Shannon a surprise birthday party last Saturday. It was such a great day and I appreciate everybody who came and help out. I can't believe Grant will be here in just a few months. I am not mentally ready, or physically for that matter. I like my SLEEP! I guess I will just do what I have to do.

Off to enjoy the day!

James and his cousin Mecah!

2009-12-02T08:26:00.003-06:00

James and I babysat Shannon's niece Mecah last Friday. James and Mecah are exactely one year apart! She is so cute and a really good baby. I got some great shots of them together. James is still getting over his cold or whatever he had. Thank GOODNESS he started sleeping better at night. He was getting up like 3-4 times and it was killing me! This week I am getting into Christmas mode, hopefully we will get the tree up this weekend. I love Christmas! Makes me happy. Yesterday I had the bright idea of doing Shannon's birthday shopping and other errands in the cold and rain. It was sooo yucky outside. Then we went to Ebie's to "work", James slept I worked. Ranger is getting so big and absolutely adorable. This weekend is Shannon's birthday! Glad it is on Saturday so he dosn't have to work. Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Turkey Day!

2009-11-26T16:22:00.002-06:00

We are back home after a fun day at my Aunt Pat's house for Thanksgiving. I can't believe it is Thanksgiving time already, next holiday being CHRISTMAS! Time is going by so quickly! Unfortunately James has a really bad cold and is miserable. Well, actually he is being very good for having such a runny nose and all, but is not his usual peppy self. More family stuff tomorrow and then settling into a cozy weekend. Bye now!

A new kitty!

2009-11-20T17:06:00.003-06:00

Well, if I can get her to stay around, we have a new kitty! My mom found her (I think it is a her..) and she was so sweet with James and did not have a collar, so we are going to adopt her! I have been wanting a cat to have around (and help deter mice, hopefully) She is very a gentle cat, but Beatrix - Jeanne's dog - keeps chasing her up trees. I hope she won't run a way. Otherwise, James has really been good these past few days. This week we went to the Lafayette Library, Chick Fil A, the mall, and Target he was so good and really enjoyed getting to see new places. Tomorrow night Audrey is going to spend the night, I think they will have lots of fun! Tonight Shannon is cooking... pork tenderloin, grilled eggplant and yellow rice. YUM! Can't wait.

James has no hair!

2009-11-15T20:45:00.004-06:00

Well, not quite but he got a good cut last week. He is watching TV with his Daddy in this shot. He is really getting into his "shows" as we call it. He can watch 2 whole Baby Einstein shows and not even blink it seems! He likes to watch them on the computer too. I am trying not to let him watch too much in one day, but it is so tempting because he is quiet while doing so!

Today was Audrey's 3rd birthday party! James slept through the first part but enjoyed playing football with the men/boys once he woke up! I can't believe she is 3 already! So big and opionated now.

Tomorrow is Shannon's first day at work! We are going meet him for lunch and to see his new office. I am so happy for him. Good night for now!

Weekend starts, now!

2009-11-13T15:14:00.002-06:00

Hello! Good news- Shannon got a job working for Lafayette Consolidated Government in Records Management. He starts Monday. We are so excited!! This week has just been normal, I got checked yesterday and the baby is doing great. His heartbeat is strong and I passed the "test" to make sure I don't have Gestational Diabetes. Now that Halloween is over I am thinking of Thanksgiving and hopefully more Fall like weather is on our way, like today! I love it. Today we went to Eunice for my Nannie's mother in law's funeral than went to see Shannon's mom. Off to eat at Jeanne and Aaron's tonight. Yummy homemade pizza, made on their new Green Egg Grill. Can't wait!

Halloween fun

2009-11-02T08:11:00.003-06:00

Well, our first trick or treating experience was lots of fun and James racked up on the candy! I guess this is one of the few years I can have all his candy and he dosn't even really know. Hehe. He actually had a good time, after eating 3 suckers and a bowl of gumbo!!! He made a cute monkey and people just ohhhed and ahhhhed over him.

The time change did not go over well Saturday night in our house (or more specifically in James' crib) so last night we all went to bed at 7:30!! It was really nice to sleep til about 6:00 am this morning. Today is my Theresian meeting and I can't wait! It will be good to see the girls and have some quiet time for me. Just got in from being outside with Audrey and James. SUCH a beautiful morning! Glorious day.

Pumpkins!!

2009-10-27T14:48:00.004-05:00

James got to pick out his first pumpkin yesterday! Here are the highlights of the Pumpkin Patch trip and a photo today of James and Jay Perkins playing with the pumpkin before I drew the spooky face on it. They were good buds and played all day together. We found James a monkey outfit for his Halloween costume this year. He looks so cute!

Playing in the rain...

2009-10-22T20:45:00.003-05:00

James got a treat this week -- he got to play in a big puddle that formed in our back yard after the rain on Thursday. He did not want to stop splashing around in the mud! Since my last post, much has happened, most importantly we found out we are having another boy!! Yay! Names are still being discussed. Probably going to be Grant Michael. :)
Also, Shannon and I were able to take our honeymoon cruise to the Western Caribbean. We loved it and it was good to get away (James was at mom's!). We got to relax, take advantage of room service, snorkel in BEAUTIFUL beaches and see new places! I had a great time, but was very happy to get home to James by the end of the week.
We went to the UL Homecoming game last night. It was a great family outing, even though the Cajuns could not pull out a win. James sat with his friends Claire and Mia and ran up and down the steep hill all night.
Just getting back from my Mom's birthday party. I think I will go do some gardening while James is asleep. I am looking forward to running in a 5K Nov. 7 with my Dad. Gotta keep in shape, even if that includes a bump in the front!

Scary movies=not going to bed

2009-09-23T22:53:00.004-05:00

Stupid me just watched a suspenseful horror movie with Shannon called Quarantine. Everyone dies in the end and it is horrible. Trying to shake the memories of rabid people eating each other from my brain. On to better things, today was a great day at home, my tutoring went well and James played at Pia's all morning. He has been such a doll during the day, making faces and being funny with Shannon and I. He has been pushing around a little plastic chair and sitting in it. He loves it! So random. Here are some recent pictures of life around little Carencro, one from Emmeline opening her presents at her first birthday party! Goodnight!

Oh James...

2009-09-17T17:17:00.002-05:00

I think it is funny how no matter what James is doing when I start to get on the computer he has to come and sit on my lap. Oh goodness. At least he is being good. Today we visited Stacey and baby Carter for a while. Carter is getting so much bigger!! Then we came home and Liz and and Jeanne and their girls came over for girl time, plus James and Shannon who were home.

James is definately down to one nap a day, usually only an hour or so! I don't know how he has enough energy to do all his does! Tractors are still his number one love, he looks for them everywhere we go. He just realized we have Aaron's John Deere parked in our garage everyday and so he goes check it out now and is in awe.

Off to get dinner started and distract James somehow. Bye!

September is flying by!

2009-09-16T14:52:00.002-05:00

Hola friends. Today was my second day of tutoring here at my house for a 7th grader. It has been going well and I am glad I have that "teaching" outlet. It is very convenient too! We had the Coleman family over for Labor Day for a BBQ which was really fun. I have gotten a little creative and made a fondant cake last weekend and went to Clayfish Bisque Monday and made James a little plate. Pictures to follow! I LOVE to paint pottery. It is soo relaxing and rejuvenating for me. I hope to go again soon. Emmeline is turning one on Friday! Her birthday party is Saturday, can't wait to celebrate the big day. Peace for now...

Beach pictures

2009-09-16T14:46:00.001-05:00

Beach trip update

2009-08-30T20:37:00.005-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been weeks since I blogged. Our beach trip was wonderful! I have so many great pictures to post I will keep it to a few. (I have to wait til tonight to post them, check back later.) At the beach Mom and Dad were a big help and Shannon and I got to go relax by ourselves while James slept. He LOVED the sand and wore himself out playing in it or in the pool every morning. He loved when Audrey and Emmeline got there and they shared fun times.
Since we have been back James unfortunately came down with a cold, then had a high fever for a few days, then broke out in a horrible rash all over body which I think was him reacting to the antibiotics he was taking. AHH! So, thankfully he is over all of that and feeling much more like himself.
My little man. I took him to the park to feed the ducks yesterday. He loved it! He ate bread as he was feeding them. He didn't know the difference! Shannon is still working for his old job for now, still looking for a permanate job. I get a spa morning tomorrow! Massage and a pedicure with Ebie! I can not wait. I love getting pedicures. So rejuvenating.
We are going on our "honeymoon" cruise that we never went on FINALLY this October. That will be so fun, yet I hate to leave James that long. I hope he is ok and dosn't miss us too much. Got to run.

New look and new baby!

2009-08-07T12:33:00.005-05:00

I realized I have not officially said on my blog the good news that we are expecting!! I am about 2 months along and we are due March 4. Oh boy! We will find out "what kind of baby it is" as Dr. Hardy says. I know James will be a good big brother. I have been feeling pretty good, kinda tired, but other than that really normal. I am excited to not be very pregnant over the hot summer this time.

Today James and I went to Target to get all last minute things for our beach trip. I can't wait to be there and relax a little. My mom and dad are going also, so I will definitely use the babysitting services! :)

I posted a few pictures of James playing on our slide at home. He loves to climb up and slide down, almost all on his own!

Pictures from trip

2009-07-31T20:20:00.001-05:00

A night to myself??!

2009-07-31T20:12:00.002-05:00

Shannon is out and James is asleep. Do I dare believe I will have a few hours all to myself? I kinda like this! We got back from New Jersey on Wednesday night. Such a great trip, we did A LOT it seems, with the rehersal, swimming, the wedding, sightseeing in Philly, a day in NYC and visiting family in between. Ah. The plane with James wasn't too bad, but I could wait a while before having to do that again. He slept on me for a little while on the way home so that was nice. I will post several pictures, from a little of everything. Jeanne and the girls had an adjoining hotel room, so the cousins got to play and crawl/walk in between rooms. Oh yeah, JAMES IS WALKING! He mastered it really right before we left and took off in the airports! It was perfect, better to be walking in all the new places.
Now that I am back it is a short break until we go to the beach. I babysat today for Simonne's kids. They are so good and the boys all got to play. Annie is moving out to an apartment. I went today to check it out and James definately approved- she has stairs! (His new favorite thing to go up and down.) I am happy for her and she has lucked out on a good place!
Good night to all and sweet dreams.

Packing, packing!

2009-07-19T22:39:00.002-05:00

Hey all! I am getting our family ready to go to see our New Jersey cousins! My oldest cousin on that side of the family is getting married and we are all going to be there! I kinda like packing, so I started early. Well, actually I started because this week is busy and I wanted to have it out of the way and make sure all the clothes I wanted to bring is clean!
Been getting back in the teacher mode to prepare for the girl I will be tutoring in the fall. I am looking forward to it actually! She is a seventh grader and really smart. I hope she likes what I will be doing with her. Grammar and Reading can be fun, sometimes!
We watched the new Harry Potter yesterday in theaters. It was good, I liked the book way better but oh well. It was fun to go out and see it! Sushi after was a treat too! James slept at Pia and Grandad's for the first time. He milked the situation and woke up at 2am for 2 hours! We have to get him used to their house because Shannon and I decided to go on our honeymoon cruise in October and leave James with mom and dad! That will be hard. I didn't sleep well with him not here last night. :(
Good night !

Harry Potter Marathon...

2009-07-12T21:51:00.002-05:00

Hey friends. I am trying to watch all the old Harry Potter movies to remember everything for the new movie coming out. Such good shows. Today James got a treat and got to go to the park and "wee wee" (this is his word for swing, not something else) on the big swings! It was great, a little warm :) but fun. Busy week coming up...more on that later. Ah I am so tired. Guess I should go to sleep. More updates later. James is trying to walk! Still not doing it all the time, but taking baby steps!

July is here already?

2009-07-09T11:27:00.002-05:00

I know this may sound silly, but I can not believe it's July already! Time is going by so fast and it seems like James is growing up too fast. Lately he has gotten really cuddly with Shannon and I and he sometimes gives us hugs and kisses on demand. We are half way through 2009 already! Wow!
Our New Jersey trip is coming up in a few weeks. My cousin Keeley is getting married and we are all going up for the wedding- Pennsylvania style! Shannon and I are spending a day in NYC with my uncle who works in Times Square.
Well, off to swim with the cousins and James. Gosh it is hot outside. Oh well. Might as well cool off in the pool. Even if it is smaller than my bed. :)

"It's my party and I'll cry if a want to..."

2009-07-04T15:39:00.003-05:00

HEY everybody! Happy 4th of July! Today has been nice, Shannon made me breakfast and did dishes and even changed a diaper this morning! Yay... we are going over to Jeanne and Aaron's in a bit for yummy food. James has had a great day and is now watching the guys cut grass = total happiness for James. Nannie Pat made me a great chocolate cake for us to enjoy tonight.
Yesterday I got to go see Stacey's baby, Carter at the hospital. It was a neat experience to be in the intensive care with those LITTLE babies. Carter is doing well and right on track with where he is supposed to be. Good for him!
I will hopefully get a good family picture today and post that later on. Off to enjoy this wonderful day! (however, I don't think it could get ANY hotter... just looked at weather.com and it says it feels like 108 degrees!! ah!) Ya'll have a great day!

Sheperd's Pie, oh my!

2009-06-30T11:22:00.005-05:00

Last night's dinner was so good looking (and tasting!) I had to take a picture! I wanted to eat 3 bowls of it, but stopped at just one and a half! Today James and I are going eat lunch with Lacy, William and Annie. Then he has his 1 year check up with Uncle Mike. His party was lots of fun! He warmed up to everything by the middle of the party. He loves his new lego's and outside toys. We are onto a new year and can't wait to see what God has in store for us!