Love Letters From Mommy

New Blog

2010-01-05T22:17:00.000-06:00

I have just about maxed out my usable photo space on Google or something like that, so I have started a new blog. Well, it's actually the same blog, but in a new location...here! Maybe from now on I will resize my photos before uploading. I will keep both blogs linked to one another in case anyone wants to run down memory lane & check out how much our sweet little guy has changed. Happy New Year!! Love Letters from Mommy - Take 2

My Other Babes

2009-12-16T22:53:00.003-06:00

How lucky am I to be the Mommy of the most wonderful little boy in the entire world AND the Auntie of 3 of the most gorgeous kiddos ever? Pretty dang lucky, indeed!

Fa La La La La La La La La

2009-12-02T20:22:00.004-06:00

After another small stretch of being sick with another sinus infection, we have managed to finally get our Christmas tree up. Well, it's up and mostly decorated. It still needs some sprucing up. I had attempted a few Sundays ago to get our tree up and had to stop before we finished because of another severe headache. Thankfully, David & Sebastian finished putting it together then Sebastian and I decorated it when I got to feeling better. I love Christmastime. We have been playing lots of Christmas music, putting out lots of decorations and eating lots of great food. We love snuggling on the couch in our flannel & fleece jammies, watching Christmas movies and scarfing down tons of chocolate chip cookies & milk. I love hot chocolate, too -- with lots & lots of marshmallow creme. That has been pretty much what we have been up to lately.

I have really been neglecting my blog...but for good reasons. That sinus infection that just won't leave me alone and lots of time with my family & friends. My sisters and I went to see New Moon, which I loved. We've been doing lots of Christmas shopping and I can truthfully say that except for one thing, Sebastian is completely bought for. His last gift just needs to be conveyed to Santa ~~

Sebastian has grown leaps & bounds lately. He still amazes me everyday with his charm & wit. He has quite the personality and is very vocal about his feelings. He has a crazy vocabulary for a 3-year-old and I'm often asked how old he is. He is just wonderful, as usual.

Well, that's about all the catching up for now. I've gotta get that crazy kiddo in bed so he can hopefully be a little less cranky in the morning when we leave for daycare. I'll leave you with a few miscellaneous pics from the past few weeks...Enjoy!!

Happy Holidays!!

I Am Thankful...

2009-11-26T09:51:00.002-06:00

This year, more than any other, I've realized how thankful I am that we are both working. Although sometimes it seems that we live paycheck-to-paycheck, we do have those paychecks and however big or small they seem, I am so thankful that we have them. I am thankful for Sebastian and how healthy and smart he is. I am thankful that we were chosen to be his parents and that we are able to love him, provide for him, keep him warm & keep him safe to the best of our abilities. I am thankful that he has a wonderful daycare that fills his days with fun & laughter and that allows him to learn and grow when he cannot be home with us. I am thankful for my husband, that he is the father to Sebastian. I am thankful that I can depend on him when I'm sick or feeling down. We have come to some realizations this year in our marriage that I have truly been thankful for. I am thankful for my MOM. She has been an unwavering support for me in whatever I choose to be or do. I am thankful for all of our family & friends who love us and who we can all depend on. We truly have a lot to be thankful for this year. ♥♥♥

What More Can I Say?

2009-11-18T22:21:00.003-06:00

Crazier!

2009-11-13T21:32:00.006-06:00

I've never gone with the wind
Just let it flow

Let it take me where it wants to go
Til' you opened the door
And there's so much more
I'd never seen it before
I was tryin' to fly but I couldn't find wings
But you came along and you changed everything

You lift my feet off the ground
You spin me around
You make me crazier crazier
Feels like I'm falling and I
I'm lost in your eyes

You make me Crazier Crazier Crazier

I watched from a distance as you
Made life your own

Every sky was your own kind of blue
And I wanted to know how that would feel
And you made it so real
You showed me something that I couldn't see
You opened my eyes and you made me believe

You lift my my feet off the ground
You spin me around
You make me crazier crazier
Feels like I'm falling and I
I'm lost in your eyes
You make me crazier crazier crazier

Baby you showed me what livin' is for
I don't wanna hide anymore

You lift my feet off the ground
You take me away
You make me crazier crazier
Feels like I'm falling and I
I'm lost in your eyes

You make me crazier crazier crazier
Crazier Crazier

- Taylor Swift

Why Little Boys are the Greatest Gifts...

2009-11-11T15:16:00.002-06:00

When I first became pregnant with Sebastian my immediate thoughts were of a sparkling little princess - pink - bows - frill. If you haven't read my blog before, I have 5 nephews and 2 nieces. Boys rule the roost around here. Although my first thoughts were that I really wanted a little girl, I had wanted a baby for awhile and just wanted him or her to be perfect & healthy. I can't take the suspense, so of course, I wanted to know the sex right away. A BOY! I may have had thoughts of a girl initially, but never a second was I disappointed that we were having a little boy. I was more excited than I could ever imagined.

God knows what he is doing. I can't envision our lives any other way. Sebastian is the greatest joy that I could ever have. There is just a bond with him that completely enthralls me. It's just astonishing.

Here are some of the greatest things about having a little boy...

scraped knees
dirty chins
trucks crashed in every room
stained shirts
mud puddles
ripped jeans
grimy nails
climbing everything
rocks in his pocket
dandelion bouquets
smash-up cars
horsey
wrestling in the floor
jumping off anything
cars lined up across the room
dinosaur jammies
superhero sheets
crayon on the bedroom wall
footballs
soccer balls
basketballs
hitting golf balls with daddy
tractor rides
diving in leaves
opening doors
"I love you, Mama!"
growls & grunts
chasing bugs
playing monster
jumping on the bed
muddy shoes
camo hats like papa
play guns & sword fights
water all over the bathroom floor
messy hands
dimpled cheeks
peeing behind a tree {haha yes he does this}
guitars & motorcycles
kicking rocks
afternoon walks
blowing out candles
juicy kisses
tousled hair after lots of play
perfect glowing hair
bright blue eyed angel
longs fingers wrapped around Mommy's
ginormous hugs
smelly feet

He'll love no one else in the world like his loves his Mommy!

Fall in the Park

2009-11-07T08:14:00.009-06:00

Wednesday was absolutely gorgeous, as has been the entire week for a change. Sebastian & I woke up & played outside until lunch - his cousin came over & they jumped on the trampoline, we blew up the giant slide from his birthday party that we haven't taken home yet {sorry Kristal ;)}, they swung & drove the "John Deere" all over the backyard. After Therron went home, we decided that it was too beautiful to go back in, so we drove through McDonald's for some lunch and headed to the park. I laid a blanket out in the grass, we ate our lunch and he played for hours. I, of course, took a gazillion pics. The day was absolutely gorgeous. The temperature was perfect. Sebastian was in a good mood, which put me in a good mood. I love Fall so much. The farmers were out picking cotton alongside the park. Sebastian couldn't quit talking about combines, picking cotton, driving tractors.

This is off subject, but it's cute how much terminology he picks up from David. Sebastian told me yesterday on the drive home from work that "they were spraying Valley". My mom thought he was saying that they were spraying the valley, but actually he overheard David & I talking about spraying Valor. {I don't know if that is spelled right, but it's some kind of herbicide.} It's funny what they pick up when you don't think they are paying attention. Oh, and he won't eat candy corn because of this little song on NickJr they played all through October - "Oh I don't like candy corn. No I don't like candy corn." Crazy kid!

Anyway, pictures from the park...

Sweet Sundays

2009-11-01T15:06:00.002-06:00

Could there be anything else more precious in the world? As I was sitting in his bedroom floor watching him sleep so peacefully this beautiful Sunday afternoon, I thought how adored he would be by my Grandma M. She had a thing for redheads! Although he's not the red-haired, freckle-faced grandbaby that she had always hoped she would someday have, she would have loved him more than he could have ever imagined. She would have told him so many stories of when she was a child and always reminded him of how much he was adored & loved.

He would have loved the smell of fresh baked cakes & cookies all through her house that I loved when I was a child. He would have treasured all the talks & stories and the games she played. He would have held on to all the hugs and all the love that she had to give. The times that we got to spend together were limited to a few times each year, but I will always cherish how loved I felt by her. I never felt judged or held to any standards. I just felt completely adored & missed like crazy. I know that she would have made Sebastian feel the same way - loved, adored, cherished & missed like crazy when he had to go home. She would be proud of him no matter what & she would tell him every chance she had. I know that she watches out for him & sees how handsome & smart & wonderful he is and what an absolute blessing he is in our lives. And even though he may never meet her here on Earth, he will someday know why I think she is so amazing.

The Fire Starter

2009-10-29T21:57:00.004-05:00

Only this handsome, brilliant, funny, 3 1/2-foot-tall, three-year-old fireman could set my life ablaze the way he has.

I am so COMPLETELY thankful to have a this wonderful, healthy little boy in my life. My heart is full and I pray that we are always blessed with his health & laughter.

Praying for Stellan! My heart goes out to all those amazing parents who endure the fight with their sick babies. My thoughts & prayers are with you ~ you are an inspiration.

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2009-10-27T10:15:00.000-05:00

Sebastian's 3rd Birthday Party

2009-10-25T16:26:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, my sweet little boy turned three-years-old. We had a candy carnival themed birthday party in our backyard with our closest friends & family. It was an awesome gathering of fun & laughter with some of the most wonderful people in Sebastian's life. Only a few couldn't make it due to sickness or because they live in another state ;), so we forgive you guys lol!! Seriously, we had a wonderful time and wish that everyone could have come, but we have special treat bags here for you. {We hope you are feeling better Ben!!}

Sebastian's party was filled with candy - gummies, suckers, powdered, waxed, sweet & tart. We also had popcorn, cotton candy & hot dogs. We put up a screen tent that we used as our concession stand, filled with hot dogs, chips, drinks & cotton candy. There was a giant water slide, minus the water, which kept the kiddies busy for hours. Also, we filled up Sebastian's trampoline with balloons & balls and the older boys were only seen emerging but just a few times. Sebastian's Aunt Stephanie {my sister}, along with her niece, Hannah, helped with tattoos & face painting. A few people were attacked with the pink & blue hair spray, but I had no part in that ;)!! My mom was gently persuaded to dress like a clown, which was hugely hilarious. Sebastian received a turf tractor from us for his birthday and he used to haul kids around the yard all afternoon. He was just slightly territorial with his tractor and only had a meltdown when someone touched it, like, every single time. He was fairly upfront with the fact that he wasn't going to share when he said, "I'm not sharing my birsday present with anyone!"

His birthday cake was amazing! It was so gorgeous & so delicious!! Rowland Stollen bakery rocks. The kiddos loved the cupcakes, or I suppose actually, just the icing, as I'm pretty sure only the icing was tasted. Sebastian adored everyone singing Happy Birthday to him and I loved seeing him blow out his candles.

We had lots of kids running around with painted faces, pink & blue hair, red, yellow & blue mouths and bare, cold, some muddy feet. That was all that I needed to see to know that Sebastian had a wonderful birthday party that everyone enjoyed. I was so glad that we got to share it with so many people that we love.

Below is a slideshow of the all the birthday party pics. Thanks to everyone who helped take pics for me, as you know, I will treasure them always.

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2009-10-24T17:29:00.000-05:00

Dearest Birthday Boy!

2009-10-24T10:12:00.004-05:00

At this very minute, you are turning three-years-old. THREE! I just cannot believe that we are already celebrating three amazing, wonderful, perfect years of your life.

It seems as though only yesterday that we were checking into the hospital with so many emotions - anxious, excited, beyond thrilled. You decided to come into this world with just a tad bit of excitement. Your umbilical cord was wrapped around your neck, which caused your heart rate to drop below an acceptable range. An emergency Cesarean section was needed to get you out of distress. I thought my heart would explode as we waited to see you for the first time.

You were perfect. Beautiful! Healthy! PERFECT! At the very moment that my eyes met yours for the first time, a feeling of complete harmony & peacefulness swept over me - all things were as they should be. All the apprehension, all the weariness from the day entirely faded away. You were my only focus. I found the one thing in this world that I knew that I was made to do.

You have quickly grown into such a little man. You are are growing up more quickly than I ever imagined. I am not quite sure if I am prepared to be the Mommy to a THREE-YEAR-OLD. I wanted your baby days to last longer. I have savored every single moment that God has given me with you. Every single kiss, every single breath, every single cuddle.

As bad as I wish I could hold onto those days, the truth is that you are growing up. Your long slender fingers that still wrap around mine are no longer tiny, tight grasps. Your perfect cheekbones are no more hidden behind those chubby baby cheeks and there are no signs of pudgy knees that used to scoot across the living room floor. The baby fine blond peach fuzz atop your gorgeous round face has transformed into a coarser golden reddish blond with amazing texture.

You are no longer that little baby that I rocked & snuggled with so many nights. No more evenings, pacing the floors with a colicky infant. You have outgrown biter biscuits & baths in the sink. But, you have grown into a handsome, facetious, brilliant little boy. You have so much personality. You have so much curiosity about the world. You have a great memory & your learning capacity still astounds & excites me. You have a huge imagination full of excitement & adventure.

You have great compassion for others. You have so much love & so much happiness to spread. You have the biggest, brightest smiles and the warmest hugs. Your "I love you's" make my days the best days. You are tenderhearted. You are sweet & sincere. You are playful & funny. You love to sing & dance. You have your Mommy & Daddy wrapped tightly around that three-year-old finger.

Everyday brings new adventures and more possibilities. Everyday you make me smile. Everyday you amaze me with your words, your thoughts, your questions, your actions. Everyday you make me proud. Everyday I thank God that he picked me to be your MOM. Everyday when I wake up, your face is the first thing that fills my head and the last thing that I see before I fall asleep. Every night after you have drifted off to sleep, I sit beside you and whisper in your ear how much I love you & how proud I am to be your Mommy. I cannot sleep until I have kissed you goodnight.

You have filled my life with more joy, happiness and love that I could have ever imagined. Before you were born, I loved & wanted you so much; but until I held you in my arms, I didn't know how much. Before you, I didn't know that it was possible to love another person so much.

My sweet baby boy, these have been the three greatest years of my life. If it is at all possible, though, for you to slow down on growing up, I would love that. I don't know what life holds in store for you, but I hope and pray everyday that your life is filled with as much happiness as you have brought into mine. I long for all your dreams to be as big as you imagine and that your life fulfills you in every way you desire. I will always love you, Sebastian.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T23:32:00.004-05:00

Past Fall Favorites

2009-10-19T20:49:00.002-05:00

Some of my favorite pics of Sebastian during my FAVORITE time of the year. I love looking back at my most treasured times with him. I miss him being so little, but also very excited about all the things that we have yet to share. {Miss the hair, too;)}

Temper! Temper!

2009-10-15T21:44:00.003-05:00

Sebastian & I spent a long day shopping with my friend, Chastity, today. He was in great need of some Fall & Winter clothes and I also needed to pick up a few birthday gifts. Normally, he is a great companion on shopping trips. He can withstand the long drives in the car & being dragged from store to store, but ohhh ohhh ohhh, not today. He showed his little tail today - not listening, sassy mouth, "I want to go home! I want to go home!", the whole works. It was a very long day.

Once we got home we was completely good again. Maybe he thought he'd show out for Chastity, maybe because he was tired or he wasn't feeling well, or maybe it was just his time to be "one of those" kids. Whatever the reason, I almost banned him from future shopping trips for all eternity. It was a close call!?!?

After dinner & bath and some time of front of the tube, I said "bedtime!".

"I don't want to go to bed!" he wailed. I said "Too bad, it's late, it's bedtime."

So, I go and tuck him in, kiss him & say goodnight. He is all curled up in a ball, pouting, not talking to me. I kissed him on the forhead, he wiped it off. I turned on the humidifier and turned out the light. He finally asked if he could watch his Wubzy movie - I said "no, Wubzy is too long. You can only watch Yo Gabba Gabba". He kicked out his legs and moaned "I don't want Yo Gabba Gabba" and I walked out of the room. The next thing I know I hear a loud "thud" in his bedroom. I go back in his room and he already knows his bottom is in a sling.

I asked, "What did you just do?" in my very mean mama voice. He is already on the verge of tears and says, "I frowed my globaby, my froggie & my puppy over dare."

"Why did you throw your toys? That is very mean." I walked across the room and picked them up and laid them on the table beside his bed.

He was already puckered up, his little lip trembling, ready to burst into tears at any second. "I so sorry I'm was mean to yous, Mama!"

"You make Mommy sad when you throw things. It's not nice to try to break your toys."

"I'm sorry I frowed my toys. I'm sorry I was mean to my animals. I hurt them." By now he is crying and I am on the verge.

I asked if he would like his toys back, if he could behave himself and go to sleep. He musters out a yes, so I asked if he wanted all of them or just one.

"I want my froggie baby." I hand him the frog. "I'm so sorry I hurt you froggie." "I want my puppy, too." I hand over the puppy. He hugs him. "I'm so sorry I'm am mean to you puppy." "I want my globaby, too." So, I finally give him his little gloworm baby.

He is just sobbing. I am fighting off tears with everything I have. He sobs, "I hurt my animals. They are hurt."

"No, Sebastian, they are not hurt. They are fine. We just cannot throw our toys anymore. Okay?"

"Okay, Mama! I'm sorry I'm was mean to you Mama. I'm sorry animals. I want to give you a hug (Mama)."

I hugged & kissed him and squeezed him so tight. After he calmed down and started to tuck him in again, he asked if he could watch Yo Gabba Gabba. I said, "no sir you may not." He said "oooookay" in his I'm-sorry-I-shouldn't-have-asked tone. I asked him if he knew why he couldn't watch Yo Gabba Gabba and he replied, "Because I frowed my animals and I hurt them and I'm so sad." I said, "Yes! We don't get mad & throw our things."

I tucked him in after that and he snuggled up with his babies and his blankets. I walked into the living room and fell to pieces.

How amazing to see those emotions in my very soon-to-be three-year-old. He is so emotional & so compassionate and it's extraordinary to me to see him have such feelings of remorse. He knew that what he did was wrong as soon as he had done it. He is no different than any other child and most definitely has his bad moments & temper tantrums, but seeing him when he thought he truly had hurt someone, I knew that we were doing something right.

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2009-10-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

Tired after a long day of shopping and terrorizing his mom!!

The Sweetest Gift of All

2009-10-12T20:27:00.004-05:00

Today is my birthday. I have fallen upon the last year of my twenties. I thought I would be sad, emotional, not ready to face my thirties, but it's just the opposite. My twenties were great. I married the love of my life and we had the most amazing little boy that could have ever graced this Earth. Every minute with them is a precious gift. Sebastian holds my heart like no other person could. I had Sebastian just short of two weeks after my 26th birthday, which means my twenties will only encompass four years of more extraordinary happiness than I could have ever imagined. Therefore, the only logical outlook for my thirties will be an entire decade of the sweetest gift of all - our son! Every goodnight, every good morning, every I love you, every kiss, every hug makes my life worth growing old for. I love you, Sebastian. I can't wait to spend a hundred more birthdays with you.

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” - A. A. Milne

A House That's Lived In

2009-10-11T19:43:00.006-05:00

I used to define myself by my neatness & organization, a place for everything & everything in it's place. I'm probably the only babysitter that my aunt ever had that cleaned out the refridgerator and closets. It still remains an amazing asset for me at work. I sometimes wonder if I would be able to survive at the job that I have without those skills; however, I have adapted at home. I don't freak out at clutter, I am not constantly running behind Sebastian, picking up & cleaning.

It's wierd how having a child can change your whole perspective.

I look around the house and can see what really characterizes a family. The things that I would use to describe as clutter or messy, now I just see as home. Pieces of our lives strewn here & there, happy memories, funny stories, just an amazing day.

Sebastian's bedroom is a pile of toys. His car hauler is filled with medical supplies & used as an ambulance. His favorite "Fire Engine" book is still laying in the bedroom floor from naptime. It doesn't matter how messy & destroyed his bedroom is, at the end of the day, he knows where to find his favorite books, movies & toys. His Froggie & his watch are still laying in the bed where he fell asleep with them today.

His favorite remote-controlled "tractor truck", as he calls it, was abandoned half in his bedroom doorway & half in the hallway, after a long day of working in the crops, "spraying the cotton" and "picking beans".

The oven door to his kitchen is still open and pots & pans, lids & spoons, still found throughout the living room. He cooked an amazing snack today of mashed potatoes and BBQ sandwiches, with no spicy sauce.

His soft ball & bat were discarded where he stood after a wonderful practice with Daddy. He has a great left arm and looks like we'll have a lefty batter, too!

One of his favorite blue blankies is laying on the couch, where I snuggled with him as he awoke from his afternoon nap. Also, tucked behind the couch cushions is his microphone he used to sing me Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, a cappella, which was my favorite part of the day ;)

His Fisher-Price Learning Chair {which doubles as his time-out chair}, was sitting in the middle of the floor where Sebastian decided he wanted to watch NickJr. in the kitchen. He has been singing along to the ABC Song, phenomenally.

His jacket & socks are tossed here & there from bundling up until Daddy could get the furnace lit this very chilly Fall morning.

There are cupcake wrappers from Mommy's birthday cupcakes we made today, pillows tossed from courageous adventures, trucks left from a long day of exploring, peas scattered all over the kitchen table from a huge 3 helpings of his favorite vegetable that will make strong as Daddy.

I love seeing that our house is "lived in", that our house is a home. I love seeing that Sebastian gets enjoyment out of his toys & has an awesome imagination. I love knowing that I can tell you a story with every piece of "clutter" that is found in our home. It is so gratifying to know that Sebastian is having a childhood filled with adventures and fun and so much love.

**And just for the record, we don't let Sebastian destroy the house. He doesn't eat & drink all over the house, makes spills or messes. He doesn't get to run crazy through the house & break or damage things. He goes wild with his toys and loves to play with the pillows & cushions from the couch. But, at the end of the day, he gets to pick up all the messes, the toys and the details that went undone all day, get put back where we found them so that we can start all over again tomorrow. Although we want Sebastian to have fun & play to his heart's content, we also want him to have respect for his home, his toys & have some responsibilities to those things. He is an amazing little helper around here and I am so proud of him. That is another post for another day, but I just thought I would throw that in. ;)

Beautiful Fall Afternoon Walk

2009-10-07T17:14:00.004-05:00

We just come home from taking the most beautiful afternoon walk. It is the most amazing feeling being with the two guys that I love most in this world. I can't find the words...

Let the Fun Begin

2009-10-05T20:19:00.002-05:00

I have been so neglectful of my blogging duties - I think I've officially fell into a weekly update as opposed to my once daily posts. OH WELL! It's my blog & I'll post when I want to. I find that the extra time away from the world wide web has really help me figure out what's important in my life. My family & my friends that I adore, that I love, that love me & all the crazy, quirky things about me. Life is wonderful! Life is amazing! Life is sooo short!! I have the greatest people in my life ~ I love you all!

We are loving Fall. It's the most wonderful time of the year. I love the leaves changing & the cotton growing. I don't have the words to express how very, very excited I am about this time of year. I am looking forward to all the great things Southeast Missouri offers this time of year.

We started out my very favorite month of the year with our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. {Well, actually, we went on Sep30, but we're not splitting hairs here!} My sister, Kim & my youngest nephew, Therron went along. Therron & Sebastian are the only two of the bunch not in school yet, so they are stuck hanging out with their boring ol' moms ;)!

We pretty much had the place to ourselves on a Wednesday afternoon, just a few days after their season opening, but all the better to chase the kids around. They have lots of things to keep the kids occupied - a corn maze, a lil' spooky shed, a goldfish pond, a gourd trellis, feeding goats, a hayride, and of course pumpkins! Sebastian hasn't quit talking about all the pumpkins yet. I just adore all the excitement he has - it makes me so giddy. I don't know what I did for fun before Sebastian, he makes my life amazing. Here's some Pumpkin Hollow pics...

I can't wait to take him again. There are several pumpkin patch/corn maze places around this area, so we may try to make a stop at all of them this year. Sebastian definitely gets the Fall fever from his Momma!

Hopefully, more to come soon!~

Sweet Dreams, Baby!

2009-10-04T21:27:00.002-05:00

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

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2009-09-30T11:36:00.002-05:00

Our rainbow cake ! More pics and a post to come, but we wanted to share the outcome. It is so yummy!

It's Fall Ya'll!

2009-09-26T22:11:00.003-05:00

Sorry! I had to say it. But being that I live in Southeast Missouri, I can say that, Southern accent and all. (If you've ever watched any videos on my blog, you know it's true! - sad but true!)

This is my FAVORITE time of the year (not seasonal allergies favorite)! I am so excited about all the great things that Fall brings -

Crops being harvested (we have the best corn fields around here - and beans, and rice, and cotton and hay and well, you get the point),
lots of little fairs & carnivals,
Fall & Halloween decos being pulled out everywhere,
a little less heat & humidity and a little more crisp breezy air,
PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS,
Halloween parties,
leaves changing colors and falling all around,
tractor & hayrides,
beautiful afternoon walks,
my mother-in-law's chili,
high school football,
sipping hot chocolate wrapped up in a cozy blanket,
opening the windows and turning off the a/c,
Christmas shopping trips,
costumes,
Thanksgiving,
family get-togethers and
lots of great food.

October is also a great month around our house! Halloween, my birthday, my Daddy's birthday, Sebastian's birthday and mine & David's wedding anniversary all fall in October. Columbus Day is also in October and is a holiday on which we don't have to work and just happens to be celebrated on my birthday -whoohoo! I love October and I love Fall! So glad it's finally here!

Because of the gorgeous Fall weather we had today, Sebastian & I ventured outdoors to clean & organize our carport. We couldn't have asked for better weather today. We got pretty dang dirty today, but we made up for it in fun. Doesn't Sebastian look so adorable splattered in mud & dirt?

2009-09-20T21:53:00.003-05:00

We have had an extraordinary weekend full of tv watching, jammies & lots and lots of junk food. Friday night kicked off our weekend packed full of laziness. I had an extremely ~~shitty~~ crappy day at work on Friday, so I was in demand of lots & lots of chocolate - donuts, milk, cookies, ice cream, candy bars, oh the list goes on. Sebastian & I curled up in the bed after a late night of jumping off the couch into a pile of pillows. Yeah, I was surprised, too, that I could jump off the couch after my chocolate feeding frenzy.

Saturday morning Sebastian slept in until 9:45am - wowzers! You definitely can't beat sleeping in on a rainy Saturday morning. We munched on non-nutritious breakfast items, such as donuts, cookies & milk and ice cream then piled a ton of blankets & pillows in the middle of the living room floor and sprawled out to watch tv. Sebastian pulled out every single toy he owned to play with and I must admit I had some great times thinking up different games to play. We played ball in the living room {thankfully nothing ended up broken} and he shot me a few million times {no permanent damage there either ;)}. Lunch was much the same as breakfast. I do believe that Sebastian & Daddy ventured out in the rain for more junk food, but I did not.

Before supper we did manage to do a fast family cleanup session because as much as I love lazy funfilled days of toy chaos, I do have my breaking point and the mess must be cleaned up and things put back where they belong. Toys put away, messes cleaned up, trash to the trashcan, dishes washed, floors swept/vacuumed, etc. etc.

Today was much the same, minus the crazy, huge mess. I made some corn muffins for Sebastian with lunch, which are his fave!! {With Jiffy corn muffin mix, of course, because we like our cornbread sweet...Mmm Mmmm} We played and painted and stayed in our jammies all day. We did take showers/baths lol & changed our jammies - just went from jammies to more jammies. Sebastian & I took a late nap today - which turned out to be bad news because we slept until nearly 7:00pm and Sebastian is in his room as we speak cracking up to whatever is on Noggin right now. But he is seriously cracking up and it's so cute and I just can't bring myself to turn it off. As I peek around the corner, I can see him sitting in his toybox {filled with stuffed animals}. What a great weekend it has been.

I am watching Dirty Dancing on ABCFamily right now. There are scenes in this version I have never ever seen before - EVER. Very wierd.

Anyway, just thought I'd share what a great, but lazy weekend we have had. I think I need to change my blog title to The Jammie Diaries LOL! We just have some the best memories in our jammies. I hope Sebastian remembers these times and has the same great, lazy jammie-wearing weekends with his babies someday.

I'll leave you with some pics of Sebastian showing his muscles to Daddy tonight as he was getting dressed in his jammies. {shocking, right?}

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2009-09-18T06:45:00.000-05:00

How precious is he? he didnt want to get up either - we are not morning people. so glad its friday!!

I'm so Glad You're My Family

2009-09-13T17:44:00.005-05:00

We had the greatest weekend with my sister, Stephanie, and her 3 kiddos, Jayden, Kinlee & Dyson. We played dress-up with parts of their Halloween costumes and walked downtown for some fun photos. These girls just crack me up with their diva poses. Sebastian loves having company and they played 'til way past their bedtimes Friday night. Stephanie & I woke up Saturday morning & cooked breakfast for the clan, which is a big treat for Sebastian since his undomesticated mother doesn't cook! Stephanie & I decided to have a Sons of Anarchy marathon and watched the entire first season & the season 2 premiere. That was exhausting, but it was the most fun that I've had in awhile. I love hanging out at home in my jammies all day with my sisters and watching Sebastian bond with his cousins. We love our familytime! It was a good weekend.

Jayden trying not to laugh at me. We wanted to spray some funky color in her hair but couldn't find any at that moment, so tried tinting it when editing. We thought it turned out so cute. It's amazing what technology can do for photos - ha!

Jayden being Jayen!

I adore this shot. These kids have some crazy love for each other!

The girly girls. I love it! 2 girls amidst 5 boys ~ we need some femininity around here.

The princess! Kinlee is absolute all girl. I had a great time with her and she sang me the Grandparents' song she learned in preschool about a billion times. It was so cute.

Dyson & Kinlee - our twins. Until recently I always thought my Sebastian & Kinlee were long lost twin sibling, instead of these two. But I noticed in a shot where Kinlee's hair was pulled back one day, that if you took her hair away, you had Dyson. Just amazing that we never noticed just how much they looked alike. So, now, not only do they share an amazing bond, they share looks, too!

Dyson is not Aunt Bebe's little photo taker. I was lucky to get any shots of him, but he & Sebastian had a wonderful time just being boys.

This was the most decent pic I could come up with of the three of them together. Oh, well. Being able to spend the weekend with these kiddos makes me so, so happy to be an aunt. I can't wait to have another sleepover with them again. Maybe next time we'll try all 7 of them together ~~ S-C-A-R-Y!! ;)

The Frog Princess!?!

2009-09-07T16:22:00.006-05:00

Oh my goodness, we have a froggie! Is she a froggie princess?

Hmmm, a froggie princess? That is a silly idea, Mommy.

Maybe if you hug her she will turn into a princess....nope

Maybe if Daddy kisses her, she will turn into a princess...nope

Maybe if Sebastian kisses her, she will turn into a princess...nope

Oh no, how will we turn her into a princess?

Well, the froggie never turned into a princess, but this has pretty much summed up our Labor Day. Sebastian stayed in his jammies all day and we played silly games like "Turn Froggie into a Princess". We laughed & hugged & watched tv. We napped & played & jumped off the couch. We ate & baked cookies & colored with markers. We had a fun lazy day, even though Froggie never turned into a princess.

{To be perfectly honest, I'm not ready for any son-stealing princesses playing hard-to-get around our house just yet ;) -- OMGsh I can't believe I just added that lol. I have just two words..."arranged marriage" A not-me-Monday post for another day! ;)}

More Bedtime with Dino Boy

2009-09-06T22:23:00.003-05:00

"Bedtime with Dino Boy"

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Btw, Sebastian is all better from his recent sickness. Thanks for thinking of & praying for him.
We have some very wonderful, thoughtful friends!

Eating My Words

2009-09-03T19:46:00.004-05:00

So much for the "being over the worst of it" that I posted yesterday. It's funny how illnesses work in children. Sebastian had been sick all yesterday morning. I cradled & babied him one moment & he was bouncing around the house the next. As I posted yesterday, I promised a trip to the park if he took a good nap. And he did. And the moment he awoke, he reminded me of our pact. He seemed much better and so I figured some time out in the fresh air would do us both some good. He hadn't had any "sick" spells since before 11am, so at about 4pm I took him to the park as promised. He played & acted silly and you couldn't even tell by looking at him that he had been sick. So, I figured it was a little bug.

Not {I always speak too soon}! About 7 or 8'ish, he started in again + a low-grade fever. Thankfully, David was home from work by then & got the brunt of it. I have to give props to David on being able to deal with a sick kid. He's been spit up on, puked on, pooped on more times that I can count and he takes it all in stride - deals with the boy then deals with the mess. Always! AWESOME Daddy! He finally fell asleep about 10:30.

Today, he has only had a few sick moments & it was in the very, very early morning - so early my brain couldn't comprehend time {and no fever at all today}. Doc said I was doing everything right...keeping him home from daycare, Tylenol/Motrin for fever, lots of fluids & sleep, and of course, lots of cuddling & kisses. We will see how tonight goes, but I think we can get back to our normal schedule again - just in time for Labor Day weekend. We don't have any plans, but at least our plans {hopefully} won't be staying home with a sick little guy.

Well, I'll leave you tonight with a few of the park pics. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Baby Boy Blues

2009-09-02T13:33:00.007-05:00

My little man sleeps now after a long morning of belly aches. I'll save the specifics, but I think he may be past the worst of it and is now sleeping soundly. I promised an afternoon at the park if he took a nice, long nap and hopefully gain a little strength. It's never fun to be home all day with a sick boy. He fell asleep almost as soon as perfect little head hit the pillow. I have been watching from the door for awhile now, watching him snooze so peacefully. It's just so precious!

Thought I would leave this post with a few more pics from downtown that I played with this morning. I just can't help myself - he's so darned adorable.

And...I finally finished Sebastian's Summer photobook. We are both so excited about it. We flipped through his other photobooks last night and reminisced about "the good ol'" days from 2 years ago - hahaha ;) I miss that peach fuzz baby hair & fat chubby cheeks {& legs & hands}...man or man, gives me baby fever so BADDDD! Anyway, our photobook link is below...

My Jumping Bean

2009-08-31T21:33:00.001-05:00

My Artist

2009-08-29T21:33:00.004-05:00

Silly Sebastian

2009-08-27T20:24:00.002-05:00

As I was washing Sebastian up in the bathtub tonight, he played with a bar of soap. He placed the soap in the soapdish and then picked up the soap dish. He rubbed his fingers in little circles atop the soap and said, "Awww, my baby soap." I said, "No bubba, that is not your baby soap and it will burn your eyes." He said, "Yes! It my baby soap. She is sad, she is crying." I laughed and said "Oh! Your soap is a baby!?" "Yes. She is sad. She wants her blankie." He filled the soap dish {with the soap inside} full of water and placed it on the side of the bathtub. "Awww. Go sleep little baby soap."

- - - - - - - - -

So, after bathtime, he was in the bedroom drying off and I am picking out jammies. I asked him if he would rather me put powder on his legs {mosquito bites} or use lotion. He doesn't like the calamine lotion or the hyrocortisone cream, so I figured the medicated Gold Bond powder would be quicker & easier AND still help with the itching and burning. He picked the powder and sat down and I sprinkled away all over his mosquito bitten legs. Sebastian asked, "That Daddy's powder?". I said, "Yes, it is, but Daddy doesn't care if you use it." Sebastian said, "Daddy puts that powder on his butt!!!" Oh my! LOL

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2009-08-27T06:43:00.001-05:00

Raring to go this morning...me too-!

What We've Been Doing This August

2009-08-26T09:51:00.003-05:00

Working, playing, birthday parties, pictures, snuggling on the couch, playing doctor, reading books, enjoying the beautiful weather, going to the Peach Fair, laughing, learning, cooking, grilling, buying pajamas, sorting through birthday party details, lots & lots of laundry, visiting with family, eating out, having funny conversations, watching tv {Yo Gabba Gabba}, treating mosquito bites, eating popsicles & ice cream, walking downtown, playing the rain, dancing on the living room table, jumping on the bed, playing cars at the kitchen table, eating peaches, draining the pool, drinking lemonade, being extremely HAPPY!

This has been a wonderful summer. I can't avoid working or the time that takes away from our family, but I have tried to avoid the computer which is another stealer of my time away from my little guy. Less blogging, less Facebook, and less chatting {sorry sugarcakes}. When I'm not online, I realize how tired I am and have been going to bed much earlier than I have in the past. Sebastian has been spending much more time with me cuddled up on the couch or wants to sleep in Mommy's bed. I love our time together more than anything else in the world.

We have been super busy this month. I think the birthday party count is 6! I guess I know what all those parents were doing in the Fall ;) !! I went to a wedding & helped out with the wedding photography {which was very exciting}. The weather has been a mix of super hot & lately, really perfect. Lots of thunderstorms & days playing out in the rain. We have had some wonderful playdates with our friends this summer. TONS of pictures! Sebastian got to go to our hometown Peach Fair for the very first time. I was so exciting about taking him. After we made it through the first ride, he had a great time. The food from the church stand was so yummy, like always. He got to spend lots of time on rides with all his cousins, which made me so happy. Dyson & Kinlee really try to take care of him. We have a great family, which I am truly thankful for. Mimi spoiled them all with cotton candy, caramel apples, funnel cakes, homemade lemonade, and bloomin' onions.

On the reverse side of all this happy fun that we've been having, Sebastian has been the target of all the mosquitoes in Southeast Missouri. They are absolutely horrid this year. He came home from daycare on two separate occasions completely covered in bites on his legs, arms & face. It looks so awful & I know he must be in agony. We have tried to keep him sprayed & covered every single moment that he is outside. I guess they are really bad outside at dayare, but Sebastian seems to be the only one getting attacked by them {sweet blood I suppose}. Other than not let him go outside {which breaks his heart when everyone else gets to go}, I don't know what to do. I'll have to get some pics up because you just won't understand until you see this child. Heartbreaking!

I am signing off for now - to play with my love on our day off!! ;)

Our Hometown Peach Fair

2009-08-25T22:13:00.003-05:00

My Beautiful Nieces

2009-08-23T13:05:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Sunshine & Rain

2009-08-19T22:31:00.004-05:00

3 Already???

2009-08-18T22:48:00.005-05:00

My Dearest Baby Boy, Sebastian:

Tonight I had starting planning for your 3rd birthday party {which will be here before I know it}. I am so excited to be having a big birthday bash for you now that you are big enough to understand what a "birthday" is. You are working really hard to show your 3 fingers when we ask how old you will be on your birthday. Your birthday wish list gets bigger each time we go into Wal-Mart.

I can't believe time has flown by so fast. I can't believe you are almost three-years-old. I remember the very first time I saw you. My life was forever changed. You were so tiny & precious - I can't believe how complete my life is, that we were blessed with someone so perfect.

There are so many amazing memories that I hope to share with you one day.

Late nights dancing/singing to "What a Wonderful World" when you were crying with colic. Your chubby little legs & long, long toes. You have always had a distinct, contagious laugh, which has always brightened my day. Your obsession with a little bunny rattler with crinkly ears, which was the only thing that could calm you sometimes to your current obsession with cozy throw blankets. I miss those days of holding & rocking you to sleep. Daddy used to keep warm towels, fresh from the dryer for you after bathtime and the bald baby in the Johnson & Johnson's commercials always brought me to tears. I remember when I went back to work after my maternity leave and how much I cried & felt empy being away from you. It was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do. I miss those nasty little biter biscuits, which you loved so much. You had a love of fruit {papaya, guava & mango} which still exists today. I loved wintertime when I had to bundle you up in those little carriers to get you to daycare. It was & is so amazing to see all the baby milestones that you have reached.

I am amazed at the this incredible little person that you are turning into. I use the word "amazed" a lot, but it is really the best description of my feelings & thoughts of you. Amazed at your vocabulary, amazed at your ideas, amazed at how you view the world. I am always in disbelief that I could have created such an amazing little guy. Everyday holds new excitements and so many memories & adventures. I wish that I could bottle up every single second of your life and keep it with me always.

I hope that this life brings you all that seek out and you get out as much as you put into it. I can't believe that it has already been three years, but it has been the greatest three years of my entire life. I am so excited about all the journeys that lie ahead for us. I will love you forever my dear son. You have & will always be the light of my life.

Love Always,

Mama

Kirby Salesmen, a Haircut, Dust Mite Feces, and An Exorcism?

2009-08-12T21:06:00.013-05:00

Just another lazy Wednesday with our friends...

Today we spent the whole afternoon {I mean, THE WHOLE afternoon} at my friend, Sarah's house. We all lounged on the floor, we lounged on the couch, we lounged on the bed {which we later found out was completely filthy}.

Sebastian on the tractor...he had lots of fun on it today.

I played the Wii with Sarah's nephew, Luke until I was too self-conscious about my arm flab flabbing around hahaha {it seriously was, ugh}.

The kids played outside awhile. Ady graciously drove Sebastian around the yard on the Polaris a few times & helped him everytime he wanted on then off, then back on & back off. Ady is the absolutely greatest little mother hen. She played with Sebastian & helped take care of her brother & sister & Sebastian. She is so sweet & kind and beautiful. An amazingly kind heart.

Ava had a complete meltdown a few times. I never "really" believed Sarah when she said Ava was, shall we say ~~possessed~~ , ahem, {extremely vocal}. However, mine eyes hath seen the light. {Actually, my ears heard the crash lol...}

Ava is truly one-of-a-kind - and I mean that in the best way. She is a sweetie when she wants to be & she is really my favorite little buddy. I adore that she talks to me & lets me play with her & love on her. All 3 kiddos are wonderful.

Kanon still loves me {even though he hasn't seen me most of the summer}. I had some really great snuggle time with him this afternoon because HE LOVES ME SO MUCH. I am his favorite person afterall;) hehehe. He let me rock him in the rocking chair which I cherished so much & he even was humming with me as he layed on my shoulder. So precious.

Ady got a back-to-school haircut which was completely perfect for her. I think she looks completely too old, though, so maybe I should rethink loving that haircut haha! :) Just kidding Ady, you are SO BEAUTITUL.

A Kirby vacuum salesman had to give Sarah a complete demonstration which took freakin' forever. It was so hilarious...she left me there with him posing as her "sister" who "lives with her". So, Sebastian & I had to watch the demo alone while Kanon napped & everyone else went to get Ady's haircut. Sebastian was completely bored & fell asleep while the young guy vacuumed the same spot like 40million times. I kept pulling out dirt & pulling out dirt & pulling out dirt. He asked, "How often would you say this rug gets vacuumed?", to which I replied, "Apparently never!?!?" lol. Seriously, everyone's carpets/rugs/floors are that disgusting he said. So, I didn't invite him to my house! He kept saying, "What do you think your "sister" will think about all this" - everything was "your sister" "your sister" "your sister". I just winked at him & said, "We're not really sisters, dude, know what I mean ;) we just have a very special bond" LOL

So, anyway, the Kirby guys showed us a demonstration about dust mites in your bed & pillows. I would forego that demonstration & any talk of dust mites unless you fully intend on purchasing that vacuum cleaner. I could have really done without knowing about dust mites feces & eggs in my pillow. How will I ever sleep again? Sarah ended up buying the $2900 Kirby vac for FAR FAR LESS than "their" recommended price, so don't let those Kirby folks sucker you into $2900. I think she should come clean my bed & pillows for having to endure the initital demonstration which lulled Sebastian to sleep and now refuses to go to bed because of his late afternoon nap ;)

that is all the dirt & sand that came from one strip about 1' x 3' in size. he would run the vacuum across the strip once then remove the little filter & do it again...40million times lol. it was completely mindblowing!

Walking Downtown

2009-08-11T22:28:00.005-05:00

Sebastian & I decided to take a walk downtown. Downtown is, in fact, about six blocks from our house. I was off work a few hours early, it had rained a bit & felt a little cooler outside, so we took off {camera in tow, of course}. Then, the sun comes out & the cooler breeze turns to blazing heat. Thankfully, downtown isn't very far away. I love the old warehouse by the tracks so Sebastian so sweetly posed out front for me. He is so cooperative & my greatest inspiration! I get carried away {as usual} & end up with a bunch of pics, which I am totally cool with. Sebastian doesn't mind and generally is smiling & saying "cheese" without paying a bit of attention to the camera - just second nature I guess - lol!!! He did lose his spiritedness for a few moments when a train went by & nearly deafened us...those pics would have been priceless had my hands been available from protecting his poor little ears.

Well, I always loved looking at old pictures of my parents & family and in fact, one of my fondest memories of my {great} grandparents {my Granddad dabbled in photography} are of photos that he had taken of his family. I hope that Sebastian and his children will get that love from me, because I definintely can provide them with a complete documentation of his life {nearly day-to-day since birth} - hahahahaha!!!!! {I'm serious!}

Pool Party Extravaganza

2009-08-09T09:44:00.008-05:00

Sebastian & I are taking it easy today after a very long & water-filled day of fun yesterday. We attended 3 birthday "pool" parties (on what seemed like the hottest day of the year). Thankfully, with a lot of sunscreen and water to keep cool, we managed to come out unscathed ;)

So here's some pics and run down from each party...

1st Birthday...Matthew from daycare. He turned 4-years-old and had a Transformers themed party. All the kids played in the pool. They have a beautiful backyard with lots of room for all those kids to run around and play. Sebastian attached himself to a gorgeous older woman who kept filling up his water gun. Matthew's sister Ella was as cute as ever with her little ringlets of curl growing in back. Everytime I pointed the camera in her direction, she would yell, "NO!" and turn her head away. Polka dot swimsuits was the fashion for the girls. It was so HOT, but we all had so much fun.

2nd Birthday...my niece Jayden. She wanted a Hawaiin luau birthday party to celebrate her 6th birthday. She had grass skirts & leis and everything was a Hawaiin theme. Everyone had name tags with their "Hawaiin name" and somewhere, Sebastian has a bracelet with his name. Sebastian put on a hula skirt and danced around the dining room to the Beach Boys. He attached himself to a sweet little girl in pigtails at Jayden's party. He led her around the backyard and filled her in all his knowledge of the swingset. The big kids played in the pool. Everyone had a wonderful time.

LOL! Okay, I had to include this photo. I forgot to change the settings before going back outside and ended with a very badly washed out picture (yes, I know there is a better, more technical term, but go with me on this). Anyway, I thought my mistake turned out to be a very cute mistake with a little pink border & some text. And, Sebastian was so darn cute in his flowery ankle bracelets, hula skirt & lei - that's just my opinion. Anyhoo, on with the photos...

The big kids never got a chance at the pinata...it was holding on by a thread after the first kid hit it. Dyson (the 5th kid in line) sent the candy flying and everyone was on top of the pile before we could blink. It was hilarious watching those little ones though. Jayden was the only one who kept her blindfold on. Sebastian pulled it off immediately and said, "I can't see!" He was so cute swinging away at the palm tree pinata.

Jayden's birthday cake was so adorable and so very yummy. I love whipped icing. It was a huge beach cake with flowers & flipflops. She is such a summer girl - I'm so glad her birthday falls in her favorite time of year. Her party was really suited to fit her personality.
It is the most hilarious thing to watch a little girl opening gifts. It was a bunch of screaming & squealing and everything was the most awesome thing that she had ever seen. The real kicker was the end when she got the guitar & Hannah Montana headphone set. She looks too cute her pink guitar. The next Hannah Montana? My gorgeous, gorgeous girl - I hope you remember your Aunt Bebe when you're famous!

"Oh, you are so beautiful!! Love you Jaydeebug Ladybug!!"

Our 3rd birthday of the day...Ben! He's one of my closest friends' son. He turned 3 and celebrated with his much loved pal, Elmo. He is the closest to Sebastian's age and I think they will be great buds as they get older. I think that Ben is already excited about the fact that they will get to go to school together.

Because we were late making it to his party and pretty tired & cranky, I didn't get as many photos as the other two. {In fact, the photos dwindled a lot from party to party.} We almost completely missed out on him opening presents and after two parties, we weren't feeling the cake & ice cream much either {which was totally awesome and they had homemade ice cream}.

Ben had a really cool water slide. Apparently, Ben & Sebastian didn't think it was all that great. After only one time down each, they decided that was enough waterslide fun for them. The other kids & some adults really had a blast though. Sebastian had a blast playing in the waterhole created by the waterslide.

A few pics...

Well, I am finally signing off of this blog...a crapload of pool parties photos, several hours, and many, many episodes of icarly later. {I don't know where this new found love of iCarly has come from - but that is a Not Me!Monday post for another day lol.} Anyway, bye for now bloggers.

Complete!

2009-08-05T21:51:00.004-05:00

I love you, Sebastian!

You are always my sweet baby boy.

I am completely amazed that everyday you bring a new joy to my life.

You are so exciting. You have an incredible imagination.

I can sit and watch you playing all day long and never get bored of the adventures that you go on - from tractor rides with Daddy, to putting out fires in your firetruck, to treating Mama's boo-boo's with your doctor kit.

You build tall buildings with your blocks while singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

You are always picking up clever little phrases which crack me up.

You love to sing right now, but only when you think no one is paying attention.

I love the little "beauty" mark that you have on your upper right chest & those big deep dimples that seem grow when you laugh.

You have become quite the little photographer, with 3 cameras always in tow. You snap more pics that I have lately and I've really been contemplating replacing those batteries & getting you some film.

I love your politeness. You are always saying "please & thank you" and "I'm sorry" if you think you've hurt someone. You say, "I'm proud of you" a lot and "You did a good job". I hope you are always so sensitive & polite.

I am so happy that you love the water this summer. I was so proud of you swimming all over the pool {with floaties} and never a wimper of being afraid.

You love chocolate milk shakes...just like Mama!

I love your golden blonde hair which has more reddish tones everyday. I crack up when people seem surprised that your hair is reddish blonde under those sunstreaks - when it is the exact color of mine.

Obviously you have gorgeous blue eyes, which you were destined to have from Mama & Daddy.

You have a huge temper, not often, but so fiery when you get really mad.

You have this cheeseburger obsession right now and 9 times out of 10 you will ask for a cheeseburger when we ask what you want for dinner or lunch.

You love Noggin. You can tell me all the characters and what shows they belong to. You have really got the hang of the games / puzzles between shows. My favorite is watching you pick out the rhyming words. You are awesome!

You love to be read to. Well, actually, you love Daddy reading to you because he is vivid and puts forth much more effort than I do.

I love getting you dressed in your jammies at night. Obviously, huh? That is one of my favorite things to blog about. You love picking out your own jammies now and we love buying jammies. It's almost a little ritual that we have everytime we go into the store...most kids come out with toys, you come out with new jammies.

You are a huge helper around the house to be such a little guy. You unload the clothes from the dryer & bring in the living room to fold, you fold all the washrags, you pick up your toys before bed & try to help me change your sheets, you put shoes in the closets and get dirty clothes to the laundry room, you rinse dishes at the kitchen sink and wipe down the table & counters. I never have problems giving you directions.

You like to sleep on my belly when you are sick. This is a real treat for me {not that I want you to be sick} since you have never really slept in our bed/room. You have always been independent that way.

You are hilarious chasing us through the house pretending to be a monster or a spider coming to get us. It's even funnier when the monster or spider comes after you.

You have such a contagious laugh.

You are such a wonderful, amazing son. There are so many more things about you that I just adore. I couldn't be a more happy Mama. You complete my life.

I love you, Sebastian, my baby boy, my life!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T15:13:00.001-05:00

Another Day to be Thankful For...

2009-08-04T15:38:00.003-05:00

Although I have struggled with a sick little guy today (who is either wired for sound or laying lifeless in my lap rocking), I was reminded earlier that today is a special day for a few very special people in our family. Today is my Mama & Daddy's 30th wedding anniversary! Congratulations!! We love you two so much!

Today is also my youngest nephew's birthday. Therron is 4-years-old. His birthday party was Sunday, but today is his actual birthday...so Happy Happy Birthday baby!! Aunt Bebe loves you so much.

Below is a little slideshow of some pics from the birthday party...

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Where Has Summer Gone?

2009-08-03T20:40:00.002-05:00

I can't believe Summer is almost over. We have not gotten off to a great August start around our house. Sebastian has been coughing (mostly at night) for the past few weeks. This past weekend he was much worse and now has an infection in his eye and ear.

So, off to the doctor we went this morning. He checked his ears, which had fluid behind the eardrum, and he checked his throat, which was inflammed. Thankfully, his lungs sounded good, so we were not in need of any breathing treatments. I really hope that he manages to get some rest tonight because we are both quite exhausted. (For those interested, he was 31.5lbs and 40" tall.)

I had a long weekend helping out a friend photograph her sister's wedding. WOW! What a learning experience that was. I was so glad that David didn't have to work all weekend and could be home with Sebastian. While I was gone though, Sebastian flushed a piece of wood down the toilet. David & my Daddy ended up having the take the toilet apart to retrieve the block of wood. After the lenthly discussion that David & Sebastian had about flushing things down the toilet, I don't think that he will be trying that again soon. Fortunately, I was not around for that discussion, but my Mama informed me that it was pitiful.

Sunday, my nephew Therron turned 4-years-old. It was a mad house, as usual, with just our 7 heathen kids running around, but add in a few non-related kids and some childlike adults...well, let's just say it was a real festive party. (hopefully some pics from that later)

I don't think that next weekend will be any less active with 3 birthday parties scheduled for next Saturday. Sebastian will be a busy boy next weekend (assuming that he is feeling better by then). I don't know how much time we'll be able to spend at each party, but we are going to try to make an appearance at each of them.

I am amazed at how quickly the Summer has just flown by. I love the Fall, but I hate to have to say goodbye to Summer so soon. It has been such a great Summer. Hopefully, we'll be able to throw in at least one more trip to the lake before David gets lost in cotton season. Oooh, but I love those cotton pictures...

Anyway, I have got to get my sickly baby boy bathed in bed so he can get some much needed rest. I hope hope hope that his meds help him sleep better tonight.

I will leave you with a few pics from my favorite time of the day...jammie time; from a few nights ago, before he started feeling so very ill. He is just so darned handsome, don't you agree?

A Boy After My Own Heart (Wordless Wednesday)

2009-07-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Pool Playdate

2009-07-26T21:08:00.011-05:00

Sebastian & I were invited to go swimming today with our friends, Mrs. JoAnn & her little guy, Ben. Ben & Sebastian are nearly the same age, Ben turns 3 next week & Sebastian this Fall in October. Ben, like Sebastian, is an only-child. I was a little worried about them getting along & sharing, but they proved to be two great buddies. Not to say that they didn't have a few moments, but all-in-all, they had a wonderful pool playdate. They both loved the water & had so much fun swimming at Ben's grammie's house. They swam, played on the swingset, had a snack break, swam some more, played on the swingset some more, then had some yummy burgers grilled by Ben's grandpa. (Well, Ben had a grilled cheese, but everyone else had burgers;)

I loved watching them swim. Floaties are the rules when we have little ones that can't swim. Sebastian doesn't mind floaties & they give him tons of freedom out in the pool. Sebastian showed off his swimming skills & glowed at every "hooray for 'Bastian" that he received. Ben is just a bit more timid in the pool itself, but has tons of courage when it comes to jumping in. I believe Ben spent more of his time getting out of the pool to jump back in. I got huge grins from Ben after every single jump. Sebastian's not a jumper, he's a thrower. I tried & tried to get him to jump like Ben who would just take of sailing across the pool; however, many failed attempts later, we stuck to just tossing him up in the air from in the pool which is just as fun I guess.

Those two little boys had a blast together today. Ben's grandpa set the waterhose on the slide of his swingset & they had their very own mini waterslide. Ben is hysterical, flying down the slide at full force, nearly colliding with me on a few occasions. I can't count how many times he went sailing across the lawn. Sebastian, as always, slows it down & is more cautious (that is until he he tried to stand up & walk down it, which he did NOT try again after he splatted his tush & went flying). Sebastian loved climbing up the rock wall. Everyone was amazed at how fast he could get up that wall in his wet bare feet. He was at one point just climbing the wood, completely walking over the foot pegs.

I'm telling you, these two guys were blowing me away with those dimples & blue eyes. Ben, for the most part, is the happiest little man. He was constantly grinning & laughing. Sebastian is more bashful & tons more serious. I have to really try sometimes to get those big beautiful smiles from him. It was a great Sunday afternoon & I can't wait to do it again.

Here We Go 'Round the Merry-Go-Round

2009-07-26T09:08:00.005-05:00

My Tractor-Loving Boy

2009-07-25T14:51:00.005-05:00

Color? Or black & white?
Color?
Or black & white?

Or Distressed?

I love playing with my new camera, which I was not at all surprised about as I loved my old camera. I love annoying Sebastian to death taking his picture ~~over & over & over~~. He is a wonderful model, though ;) I still love playing with the unlimited possibilities that photo editing software brings. Everyday brings an opportunity to get out the camera & savor those memories for eternity. I love looking back, remembering silly little faces & grins; those looks that seem to change from day-to-day. All too soon he'll be grown up, hopefully taking pictures of his kids like I do of him. ~~~

David actually spoke these words yesterday..."We're going to have to have another child just so Sebastian can get a break from the camera." I said, "Well, alright, let's get started!!"

2009-07-24T22:13:00.004-05:00

Bedtime Memories

2009-07-24T05:03:00.001-05:00

It seems that everyday is a blur of clients, casework, daycare updates, dinner, baths, laundry...the list goes on. After bathtime, it has become a very important ritual to spend that last hour or two before bed lounging with Sebastian. He's really awesome to hang out with. He always has lots to say & I always have lots of questions. What did you do at school today? What did you eat for dinner? Who did you play with? What songs did you sing? When he gets bored with the 20 questions...

(and he will certainly vocalize it immediately with "I don't want to answer you!" or "I don't want you questions!" or on a few occasions "Get out of my room!") we just watch tv or read books, color in his coloring books. Right now he loves to play with Mr. Potato Head, so many nights we decorate him all crazy. He has TONS of accessories and we never get bored with trying to find him a cool new look.

Although I really try to skip the drinks & snacks after bathtime, we sometimes have to indulge in some popcorn or Oreos & milk or Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I'm a sucker for cookies & milk or big glass of chocolate milk. Sebastian loves to dip his cookies in milk & eat the creme in the center. He must get that from his Daddy because I fill my milk cup full of cookies & crunch them up with my spoon, then eat them like cereal. It always brings back memories from sleepovers at my best friend's from grade school. We even had special little cups we ate out of! ~~

Once Sebastian dozes off, I always have to tuck his blanket around him & smother him with kisses. There have been a few times that I've been up cleaning the house, doing the laundry, etc. etc. & I have gotten into bed without doing this, but I always remember before I close my eyes so I have to jump up and kiss him or I can't rest. Sometimes I just sit & watch him snoozing. I love when he's having a little dream & he grins or laughs in his sleep. My heart completely melts. I'll probably be doing that until he's all grown up & leaves me. (Rest assured though that I won't be driving across town to his house & sneak in his bedroom window & pick him up out of bed & sing "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be". Although I LOVE that book, a few parts are a little disturbing ;)

Sebastian is a wonderful, wonderful little boy. He brings more joy & happiness to my life than one person could possible hope for. No matter what the day brings, seeing that sweet, gorgeous face with his bright eyes & big dimpled grin, makes it all worthwhile. Being a Mama is the most awesome job I'll ever get to do. I'm so happy & thankful that He chose me to be Sebastian's Mama.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T19:18:00.002-05:00

Happy Campers

2009-07-20T13:34:00.007-05:00

Late Friday afternoon I decided that I wanted to go camping. lol! Yeah, I know, very spur-of-the-moment, but when I get something stuck in my head there's no sense in arguing with me. So we left for one of our favorite camping spots in Marble Hill. Whippoorwill Lake is a gorgeous little spot about an hour from our home. It's quiet & everyone is so friendly. The lake is not huge & has a nice little sand beach for swimming. The kids love the little slide out in the water & the big beautiful fountain. I love feeding the catfish from the dock & riding the paddle boats across the lake. The tent sites are all close to the water & have great shady spots. Summer nights are always nice & never any bugs or mosquitoes--which is wonderful. I love camping there!

Thankfully, because it's so close, so it's an easy throw-together weekend trip. My sister & brother-in-law decided to join us with their 3 kiddos & Anson's niece. It was an absolutely wonderful weekend. We couldn't have asked for better weather. The kids play so good together & I love hanging out with my family. Anson's niece Hannah, although already full of pre-teen drama, is a huge help with the kids and so sweet & polite. It was awesome watching the boys play lakeside. Sebastian & Dyson would have stayed there all day throwing rocks in the lake. The girls are so cute pransing around in their swimsuits & squealing at the boys. I love grilling burgers & hot dogs and just lounging by the water. There is not a bad camping spot anywhere around the lake and we had an awesome view of the water. Except for the crazy bad sunburn, I had an amazing time. I can't wait to go again!

Our view of the lake

Sebastian playing on the beach
The kids playing along the lake in front of our campsite

Feeding the catfish from the pier

The boys investigating things along the lake

My little man making silly faces

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2009-07-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

View from our tent

Pearly Whites

2009-07-17T02:42:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Cool (& Cute) Cousins

2009-07-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-07-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

You cant imagine how many times i was asked, "are they twins?" at walmart n kmart today!!

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2009-07-15T18:15:00.000-05:00

My babes at Kmart

Blogging Excuses

2009-07-13T22:24:00.005-05:00

I know that I have really been neglecting the blog lately. I sometimes get in a funk when I don't want to even think about blogging. I think I've been in a similar funk, coupled with the fact that I just feel terrible. Remember the "sickness from HELL" post? It's still lingering around. Thankfully, not to the same degree, but nonetheless, it's presence is here. The headaches have not completely subsided & I have been feeling completely exhausted. Not my usual "10-hour day" tired, but seriously exhausted, fatigued, drained, weary, wiped out!! I had originally went to the ER late Friday 06/19, was given some antibiodics to take for 14 days. So, I'm nearing the end of 14 days & still feel terrible. I follow-up with the doc on Wed 07/01 & he runs some more tests - tells me that my wbc is still high, infection levels are still the same as they were in the ER. He continues the antibiodics for 15 more days + adds a decongestant & nasal allergy spray. I go back for another follow-up this Wed 07/15. My headaches are much better (not completely gone, but much better) and I can breathe better, but I'm just so tired. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of all this when I go back on Wed.

Until then, here are some pics of Sebastian eating a "bomb pop"...actually, the box said Patriot Pop, so I guess it's some kind of Bomb Pop knockoff, but whatever, it's red, white & blue.

okay, so a few of the pics are actually missing the popsicle...but he's just so dang cute

I have really been neglecting the camera, too. I can't believe it's already mid-July and I barely have over half a dozen posts. My Mama & Daddy bought me an early birthday present...a new digital SLR. It should be arriving soon. I've been really wanting a new SLR for quite some time & my poor little point & shoot has really seen it's better days. It's been an awesome awesome friend, though. I'll love it forever! I'm ready to start feeling better & go crazy taking pics with my new camera & I know everyone will be so excited to read it about in my blog!!

Sebastian took this picture at the park...lol!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T15:04:00.006-05:00

07/08/2008

Not Me! Monday

2009-07-06T20:03:00.014-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday. A blog carnival created by MckMama to let it all hang out for sanity's sake. You can click here to check out all the things that she & the rest of us haven't done this week. You may even want to join in the fun--it's really very therapeutic.

This is what I have "not" been up to this week...

I did not miss a few doses of antibiodic for this sinus infection that I've been fighting for going on 3 weeks now and find out that I am not getting ANY better. Ugh! Misery! Now I do not have to take more antibiodics for 15 more days. I am too responsible to forget to take my meds.

I did not tempt fate and tackle seven kids for 4th of July pics. While not doing so, I did not take hundreds of pics of my niece Kinlee because she is so cooperative and photogenic. And I did not bribe my son with everything I could think of...toys, games, candy, money, movies, the list goes on...just to get a few of his gorgeous grins. It didn't work and I was not majorly bummed because it's not like I don't have any pics of the kid.

I did not drink 4- 20oz Code Red Mountain Dews on Friday. That is completely irrational. I would never do anything like that.
I did not use the American flag as a prop in my 4th of July photos. I really was not freaking out yelling "don't let the flag touch the ground" then give in and let the kids sit on it because they were complaining that the grass was itchy. That is very unpatriotic and disrespectful of the country that I love and I would never ever let that happen.
I did not sit in the kitchen and watch Noggin for hours while I surfed the net because I was too lazy to get up and change the channel and I most certainly did not play along with all the games on "Puzzle Time". I also don't go around singing the theme song from the Wonder Pets & Blues Clues all the time. Moose A. Moose is just too cool for preschool lol! ~~~

One of my close friends from work did not have a dream that I was pregnant! hmmmm!! I did not get really excited and want to run out and buy a pregnancy test just to realize that I had sent hubby after some "feminine products" the day before. Oops, I didn't just blog about that!

Happy Birthday, USA

2009-07-04T15:31:00.004-05:00

Liberty Belles

2009-07-03T22:35:00.006-05:00

All my family was over today to try to get some pics of all seven of my Mama's grandkids. Whoa! What a chore that was. Well, we got tons of pics that I am still going through but wanted to post some pics of my gorgeous nieces Jayden & Kinlee (before I pass out at the computer haha). They are definitely girly girls, divas, princesses...whatever you want to call them. Absolutely beautiful though and wonderful in front of the camera. I could just eat Kinlee up -- she just knows how to work it ;) I'm sure I'll be posting more soon & pics from our family BBQ tomorrow & maybe some pics from our visits with friends on Sunday. We have a long weekend planned, but it will be tons of fun - rain or shine!

Here are my sweet little Liberty Belles in their red, white & blue!

Awards!?

2009-07-02T18:29:00.005-05:00

I am definitely still learning all the "blogger" ropes -- networking, exposure, etc. I am really not in the loop with all the blogger lingo. I still get super excited when I see cool stuff on other blogs. Unfortunately, due to my work schedule, I don't get to keep up on all the blogs that want to read everyday, much less browse links to other blogs. Anyway, the point to this story is that I read a comment on my last post from Vivienne at The V Spot stating that she gave me an award.

When I read that comment (from an email notice I received on my phone) I was like "AWESOME, I totally rock getting an award from Vivienne. I wonder what it could be!?" I was completely thinking more along the lines of tons of people voting on how wonderful I am and a big huge banner that says "Brandy Rox".

Nope.

Nobody voted for me.

No big huge banner.

No wonderful gift certificate or awesome prize.

Not even a line of text that says "Brandy Rox".

What I found was this...

I was all, huh? I know someone (besides me) is thinking, "what the heck is that"? {at least I hope I'm not the only one.} Well, after reading Vivienne's blog and linking to a few other pages, and Googling, I learned that I'm not quite as awesome as I thought I was {I know, I know, how can this be?}, but I'm still feeling all warm & fuzzy for being tagged for this award.

I never figured out where this award started, but it has been ALL ACROSS the blog world. It is actually a really awesome award to get. I am completely pyched to be recognized by Vivienne. This award does have some restrictions, so make sure you follow through.

Step One - boast & brag about the award & the presenter -- lol -- okay, well I don't know if that is actually one of the rules, but if I present you with an award you should not skip this step. I don't have a speech prepared but I want to thanks to all my loyal blog followers, without which, this award would not be possible. I also want to thank Viv. She has an awesome blog and always keeps me coming back for more.

So, Step Two - link back to the presenter. That would be Ms Vivienne at The V Spot. Thanks so much for including me in this award. It's exciting to know that someone besides those friends and family that I force to read, actually come back. That is awesome!

Step Three - Share 10 Things that My Readers May Not Know. Here goes...

My sister, Stephanie, and I sound exactly same on the telephone. My mom can't even tell us apart most of the time.
I hate colored hangers. I only use white hangers and when my husband & I started dating I made him change all his colored hangers (primarily green & black) to white. Sebastian does have white & baby blue due to wierd pregancy hormones that wacked out my thinking process temporarily, but I still prefer to have white.
I hate to cut up pictures. So, I don't do scrapbooking. I have a huge huge box full of all the stuff to scrapbook that, again, I purchased when I was pregnant and my brain was not functioning properly. Although I have copies and backups and everything is digital, it's some sort of crazy phobia.
I hate chalk. I don't want to touch it. I don't want to hear you writing with it. I don't want to type the word chalk because it gives me creepy crawlies.
I have a book collection of the 100 Greatest Books Ever Written. Most of them I have never read. I just bought them because they are absolutely gorgeous and look good on a book case. I may read them someday when I'm old & retired & really really bored. I tell David that I will pass them on one day to our kids, then grandkids and it will be my legacy. lol ;)
I blow money on needless things. :')
I like to read the articles from PlayBoy :O
I want to have another baby and my hubby doesn't :(
I love the antibacterial soap from Bath & Body Works. I have several bottles lined across my kitchen window, each one has a different scent.
I played the trombone in our school band back in the day ;)

Whew! That was hard!!

Step Four - Pass it On. I don't know if there is a set number of people to tag, I have seen 7 and 10, but Vivienne only tagged three, so I'm going to hang out somewhere in between.

I'm awarding this ~~("Your Name Here Rox")~~ Award ;) to these bloggers that I love & read regularly (when some of them actually post something ;)

Sarah @ To Jupiter & Back

Andrea @ 1 Princess 2 Superheroes

Whispering Writer @ Airing My Dirty Laundry

Cooper & Cash @ Watch Us Grow

Pool Videos

2009-07-01T20:53:00.008-05:00

this is Sebastian jumping & spinning around in the pool. please ignore my hideous accent. i didn't interpret anything he said because i thought it was all pretty clear. but just leave a comment if you couldn't understand. i forget that mama's can understand their kids easier than others.

sebastian's version of the ABC Song. like everything else, he refuses to be "taught" anything. he picks things up when & if he wants to. everything is "pink" right now...and that is when he decides to answer you...most times he responds "i don't want to answer your questions, mama". lol

but he does know the difference between a combine & a tractor lol

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-29T18:30:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not use duct tape to fix my camera and my countertop trim. That is just a little too "you know you're from Southeast Missouri if..." things to do. Not Me!

I did not leave Sebastian outside with his Daddy in the pool while I was trying to put on my swim suit, to suddenly hear shrieks from the kitchen. Shrieks from Sebastian. Not because he tried to take a bite out of a chlorine tablet. Nope! My son would not want to taste a chlorine tablet. And his Daddy is always so calm & collected in emergency situations that I was not actually the calm parent. Not me! (btw...Sebastian is fine. He took a nibble & spit it out once he realized what he had done was WRONG. It burned for a few minutes but we got his mouth rinsed out good and he was fine.)

I did not go grocery shopping and spend an outlandish amount of money just to buy one-step skillet dinners, microwave entrees or something that just needs to be heated in the oven. I am a much more budget conscious shopper and a more healthful shopper. I would not be providing such unhealthy meals to my son. Nope! Not me!

I am not completely bummed that I have to work 4 days in a row this week because our office is off on Friday, which means that I don't get to stick to my normal schedule of "off on Wednesdays". Why can't I be off on Wednesday & Friday?? I just don't understand??

I am not considering painting my living room on Friday (especially if it rains and I can't go camping) in this heat & humidity. I know better than that...but I just don't know when else I could do it??

I have not been slacking on my blog because I can't think of anything interesting to blog about and I've not been so tired. My life is much more exciting than that...isn't life with an almost 3-year-old boy just supposed to be fun every second.

Hope it gets better soon bloggers! ta ta for now

Happiness is Contageous

2009-06-25T22:03:00.004-05:00

Tonight was no special night (hmmm, or was it??). We got home from work about 6:30pm, as usual. Rushed through dinner, as usual. Rushed through bathtime, as usual. David has been coming home really late (about 8:30-9pm) from work, so he's rushing through dinner & showers, too. I feel like we're always rushing through the night. I feel frayed.

For some reason, up until I was putting Sebastian's jammies on, I felt completely overwhelmed. I was trying to give Sebastian a bath & clean up the dinner mess & clean up the flood from the bathroom floor & pick up the dirty laundry & wipe the sticky "home from work" popsicle juice from the floor & Sebastian's bed linens still needed to be changed. Whooo I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

After I got Sebastian out of the bathtub and into jammies, I delegated his bed to him. After running around & getting all the other tasks out of the way, he was still hard at getting his sheets changed. I was laughing so hard watching him try to tackle the bed sheets. After he finally got the sheet off, watching him put the clean sheet on was even more hilarious. I'll have to post some of these pics later, but laughing with him in the bedroom floor was the best meds I could have taken. My mood did a complete 180!

Apparently, all that laughter just wired him up. He was a jumping bean on fire after that. So between 9pm and 10pm when he fell asleep (finally) he gave me a quick synopsis on Ni Hao Kai-lan, had a quick spinoff on his Sit 'n Spin, chased the Monster out of the kitchen, made a few quick circles around the living room pushing his monster truck and passed out some hugs 'n kisses to his Mama 'n Daddy.

Not sure why "the Monster" has started coming around. I asked him where he came from. He said, "the kitchen." What does he look like? "Like Daddy." What does he want? "He wants to cheese for [Mama]." (that means he wants his picture taken). He told me that I shouldn't be scared of this Monster because he was going to shoot him. Sebastian ran into the kitchen and shot the Monster and run back to me saying that the Monster was gone. He asked, "Where did he go?" I said, "He went home to his Mommy & Daddy because he was sleepy and was going to bed." Sebastian informed me otherwise. "He doesn't want to go home to his Mommy & Daddy. He wants to sleep in the kitchen and eat jelly bread." Hmmm, who knew that's what Monster's wanted.

His laughter just rings in my ears. I too often forget to stop & just be silly with Sebastian. All the other stuff will still be sitting there waiting for me long after he's asleep (or all grown-up like he will be next week ;). Although he tells me quite frequently that he's not a baby, he will ALWAYS be MY baby.

Bathtub Math

2009-06-24T10:13:00.008-05:00

1 {Gorgeous + Happy} Boy

1 Bathtub Full of H20

Colorful Toy Trucks

LOTS of Colorful Morning Fun

+

1 Clean {Gorgeous + Happy} Boy

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2009-06-23T06:36:00.001-05:00

Sleeping Sebastian...6am is too early to get up and have to go to daycare.

Pool Boy

2009-06-21T18:15:00.005-05:00

Although this weekend was Father's Day, David surprised Sebastian & I with a new pool. David & I had been debating this for the past few weeks - buying a pool, what kind, what size, bla bla bla so he broke his own mold and made a decision (haha) and bought one. He made a good decision!

It's one of those easy setup pools from Wal-Mart. It's like 33" deep. It's perfect because Sebastian, although not scared of the water like last year, he still wants to be able to feel the bottom with his feet and be able to walk. He stands about mid-chest deep in the pool. So, at least for this summer, it's perfect. And, since he can walk & isn't latched onto me hollaring "I'm falling, I'm falling", I can sit back and take pics.

David & I started putting it up yesterday afternoon. He & Sebastian got to play in it for awhile as it was filling. He had to work today so he missed all the fun Sebastian & I had. I was so ecstatic when Sebastian finally (with floaties & a ring ;) started floating around the pool, kicking & waving his arms in a "swim"-like fashion. I was just happy that he let his feet leave the bottom of the pool. It took some convincing & just a tad bit of force, but he finally did it. YAY!

Happy Daddy's Day

2009-06-20T23:33:00.008-05:00

I've had my moments

Days in the sun

Moments

I was second to none

Moments

When I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do

**Oops, I almost forgot to include a scan of the photo magnet Sebastian made at daycare. We ♥ you to pieces, Daddy!

Update on My Illness from HELL

2009-06-20T19:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know about David, but this has been far from a great week & weekend so far.

Tuesday I came home early from work with Sebastian, wheezing & running a low-grade temp. Allergy medicine makes him a new kiddo. I, on the otherhand, get some sort of stomach bug (I'll spare you all the gory details) and end up feeling yucky the rest of the night.

So, I lived through Tuesday night & wake up Wednesday morning with a sore throat. I am easily susceptible to strep so I immediately called the doc who called me in some antibiodics ASAP. Wednesday, I felt like medium crap as opposed to major crap from the day before. I was still feeling weak since I had little to eat over the past 2 days and playing all day in the sun at the pool probably wasn't much help. Who knew that this would be the "easy" part of the week.

Went to work Thursday and made it until about lunch, then had to go home. And I know that I'm sick when I go straight home and go to bed and not pick Sebastian up from daycare on my way. It is very hard on me to drive by daycare & leave him there knowing that I'm not working...but I do pay a crapload of money for him to go to daycare and he does have a wonderful daycare provider...but I still feel guilty...anyway...back to the story.

Home from work on Thursday, my throat is killing me and I have a headache, nauseous. On day three of not eating (except I did have 1/2 of a 6' sub from Subway on Wednesday). I have tried to drink as many liquids as I could keep down. Went to bed fairly early Thursday and then DOOMSDAY FRIDAY came.

I have had headaches, migraines, whatever category you would like to classify them since I was able to walk. I remember hearing stories from my Mama about everything she used to take away from me, thinking it was causing my headaches lol. But, I have NEVER ever ever ever had a headache as bad as I did yesterday. From the moment the sun shone through our bedroom window, very early, on Friday morning until the sun shone through our bedroom window this morning, I had been in constant headache from hell agony.

I tried everything I could think of to ease the pain. I haven't had a severe "migraine-like" headache since before I had Sebastian, so I haven't had to use prescription medicines in a long time. It was a never-ending cycle because the medicine would make me sick, undoubtedly because I wasn't able to eat. I couldn't hold any food down because my headache was so bad and my throat was sore and on top of that I hadn't eaten anything in several days.

Finally, my Mama came home from work and she rubbed my head and rubbed my head and rubbed my head. I had calmed down enough to hold down about 1/2 can of chicken noodle soup. I took something else for my headache, but at this point I really don't remember what it was. I thought, finally, I was going to get a little relief. By then David was home from work and he picked Sebastian up from my sister's who volunteer to feed & bathe him for me. He tucked him into bed and Sebastian kissed my head and said "It's alright Mama! It's alright. I'm home now." {tear}

I was thinking that I might make it for a few hours. But, it didn't last long because at about 11pm I was laying in the bathroom floor begging for someone to put me out of my misery. I finally gave in and went to the hospital. If I hadn't been about to collapse from pure exhaustion & in so much pain that I couldn't open my eyes, I would've laughed when they asked me what my pain level was on a scale from 1-10...I answered 10, although I was thinking (if I was actually thinking at that point) more like blankety blank 50.

They gave me a CT scan, which I was glad about because I was sure there was something seriously wrong up in my brain for me to be hurting so excruciatingly bad. I would seriously choose cutting a kid or two or three from me than this. The nice little nurse lady came in to tell me that I had "severe, honey, very very severe sinusitis". The antibiodics I had been taking wouldn't touch this according to her. They were finally able to get me hooked to an IV and gave me some fluids because I was dehydrated, which wasn't a surprise, and some antibiodics, pain medications and something else to keep me from getting sick. They kept me there in 4am.

I was finally able to peacefully sleep for a few hours this morning. David didn't work today. It was nice for him to pamper me this morning. I have managed to hold a meal down today and otc pain meds are helping my headache. I feel so so much better. Thanks for everyone who checked on me. I think my mom was had returned a few texts that I had received last night.

As I finish up this post, I have just returned from dosing Sebastian up with some cough medicine. He started hacking today and has a runny nose. Hopefully, we nip it in the bud before it gets too bad.

Blessed Am I

2009-06-18T21:20:00.003-05:00

Blessed I am, indeed.

My son healthy.

He is as active as a two-year-old, soon to be three-year-old should be.

He is so funny and he makes me laugh every single day with some off-the-wall expression, silly grin or crazy remark.

He has a huge, contageous grin and big deep dimples. I fall in love with him more everyday.

Although quite territorial with this things, he has so much love and compassion for others.

He is a wonderful helper. He can fold washrags like nobodys business and fill the dishwasher full of silverware. He loves loading the washing machine, too.

He loves games and books. I love reading to him because he gets so involved with the story. He loves to ask questions. He's so curious about everything.

He's always about telling the truth, even if the truth gets him in trouble. He's also quick to tell what he knows and he is very matter-of-fact about things.

He has the most amazing blue eyes. And I am in love with his beautiful hair. Golden blonde with a hint of red (gives him that fire) and so thick. Gorgeous little guy.

He is a fruit lover...apples, oranges, strawberries, peaches. Haven't found a fruit that he wouldn't eat.

And corn! He loves corn.

He really has been enjoying the water this year. He loves summer. Loves being outside...swinging, swimming, running, playing. The summer heat has kept those cheeks fired up and hair glowing this year.

He is going through a phase where he doesn't want his hair washed...out-of-the-blue.

He is an amazing little boy.

He is all mine.

I am blessed, indeed.

**Please pray for Baby Stellan. I understand that he is back in the PICU again.

Wordless Wednesday...I ♥ My Wednesday's Off

2009-06-17T22:17:00.008-05:00

(see the rest on my Facebook account...by clicking my Facebook badge in the left column or by clicking here) Goodnight!

Wednesday Word Cloud...

2009-06-17T10:55:00.001-05:00

courtesy of these fine folks

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-15T18:16:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Okay, this is going to be a very short Not Me! Monday post...although I'm sure there are tons of things that I did not do this week...literally, figuratively, however you would like to read in to it.

I did not freak out today at work when the tornado sirens went off and force my husband to leave the combine he was working on to drive to daycare immediately and get my baby boy. I am way to calm & collected to freak out over weather.

I do not have a very wierd quirk about pay-at-the-pump receipts. So, today when I purchased gas and paid-at-the-pump, I did not have to go all the way across the parking lot into the store in the rain to get a copy of my receipt because the stupid machine was out of paper. I may or may not have a fear of some million-to-one chance that the machine didn't register my purchase and the store calls the police and I get pulled over and can't produce proof that I wasn't a drive-off...lol...that is some off-the-wall scenario and I wouldn't be that paranoid.

I have not spouted off demands at Sebastian so many times followed by "GOT IT?" that he is now doing the same thing. David did not tell me this story about Sebastian's bossiness...
{in the car today...David is clicking a button on the gear shift}
David - {click click click click}
Sebastian - "Do not push that button Daddy!"
David - "Okay, I won't push the button again."
Sebastian - "I said DON'T YOU PUSH THAT BUTTON! GOT IT?"

He most definitely did not get that from me!

Not a chance!

Got it?

Not Me! Monday Update:

This did not happen after I got home from work...

Just Peachy

2009-06-13T16:52:00.013-05:00

In case you didn't know, which you probably don't since I have not blogged about it, my nephew Dyson had been in the hospital for the last couple of nights with some mysterious illness. He woke up Thursday morning projectile vomiting (yum, bet you wanted to know that), running a fever, complaining of neck pain & a headache. My sis took him to their pediatrician and after an exam which showed a wbc count of 19,000, she sent them packing to the ER.

He was tested for everything under the sun: strep, flu, swine flu, a bunch of other stuff I don't remember and meningitis. All of which were negative, so they concluded that he just had a terrible bug. Steph said he finally, last night, began eating and completely did a 180 turn-around and got to come home today. We kept his sisters last night so Mom & Dad could get some rest, and he was very disappointed to find that "his girls" were not home when got released today.

We had a great time with the girly girls last night. Kinlee is such a priss, prancing around & flipping her hair. Jayden is my way-too-grown-up-to-be-five little sweetheart. They were so much fun to have in the house and I thought to myself last night, "why don't we ever keep these kids more?" I have forgotten what it is like to have girls in the house. After bathing the girls last night & washing their hair, I went to try to brush their hair. Jayden's hair is long & beautiful, but what a huge tangled up mess it was last night. I didn't have any detangler in the house, obviously because I have a boy and don't need it. I put some leave-in conditioner from the last time I colored my hair, hoping for a little help, but it still took a good hour to comb through that mess. But, once their hair was brushed & dried, it was the most gorgeous hair I have ever seen.

Sebastian was completely thrilled in having some "wild girls" in the house. They played forever in his ball pit/slide thing that is STILL sitting in my living room from Christmas. I about passed out trying to blow the slide back up because I couldn't find our foot pump. We ended the night with popcorn & WALL-E all snuggled in a pile of blankets in the living room floor. The girls didn't fuss a bit about being away from Mom & Dad for the night and both were fast asleep before WALL-E ended.

Kinlee did wake up in the middle of night & crawled in our bed because the living room was scary. I didn't think much about it since I think it's scary too in the middle of night, especially when I'm home alone. I let her sleep in our bed until she fell back to sleep. The girls are usually later sleepers on Saturday morning than my Sebastian, but he decided that he wouldn't have any late sleepers in our house, so he woke them up bright & early at 7:16am. Since David is helping out on his family's farm right now, he wasn't home to be up with the early risers, so I didn't get my usual Saturday sleep-in and decided to make blueberry pancakes. Mmmm

Being the mean auntie that I am, everyone had to help clean up the house. I mean, seriously, I didn't drag out forty million toys and spill my popcorn all over the living room floor. Not a problem for Sebastian because he knows he has to pick up his own toys, etc and Jade was a big help, too. But, oh, not Kinlee. She immediately had a headache. (She's going to make a wonderful wife someday...already knows how to throw the "headache" around;) We (Jayden & I) loaded the dishwasher and I let Jayden wash a few pots & pans from dinner & breakfast since I couldn't fit everything into the dishwasher. Kinlee had a meltdown because she wanted to wash dishes...but again, being the mean auntie that I am I wouldn't let her help with the dishes which is apparently the fun stuff, since she didn't help with loading the dishwasher. (The child refused to put a fork in the dishwasher & was sprawled out in the kitchen floor from the deathly headache.)

After the house was cleaned up, we all played around and watched tv. Anson & Steph picked the kids up shortly before 2pm and I think they were headed to see some other family. Kinlee had cried & cried for about an hour over her headache & begged for some medicine, so I gave her some Tylenol & she fell asleep on the couch. I'm still not sure if she really really had one because she is great at the emotional showdown. She seemed a 100% better when Mom & Dad got there, though, so the verdict is still out. My mom popped in for a few minutes & ran a few errands for me and she thought that Kinlee may have had a low-grade fever, but the thermometer said otherwise. Whether she was or wasn't sick, the Tylenol & nap seemed to make it all better--so whatever works.

I, on the otherhand, actually I did have a headache today. A sinus headache which, to me, is one of the worst. I thought that my face was going to explode from all the pressure. After the kids went home & Sebastian and I got to spend a little Mama/Son time together, we decided to go take a nap on the big bed. It was nice 2-hour nap curled up next to my little guy. I think he got a little jealous of me holding Kinlee during her "I have a headache" crying spell, so he wanted to curl up with Mama. He is the most precious little guy, I couldn't be happier to be his Mama.

Needless to say, we are still in our pajamas. My headache is better, but not gone. Sebastian is watching The Incredibles in his bedroom while I blog about our day. Hopefully, when Daddy gets home we'll have a nice relaxing dinner & watch a movie. I love curling up on the couch with David because he'll massage my head, neck & shoulders. Haha he is useful for something. Just kidding (maybe lol), although he is a huge pain in my ass most of the time, he can also have great moments.

I think I'll end this post with some Peachy Good pictures. We do live in the Peach Capitol of Missouri and we have some the most awesome peaches in the world (or so I've been told because I don't like peaches.) Well, that is a whole different post about how I hate peaches and all those wonderful summer fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, etc. Anyhow, Sebastian loves him some peaches. Don't know if these are the world famous "Bader" peaches, but Campbell peaches nonetheless. I love buying hometown produce. Can't wait to stock up on those summer vegetables...tomatoes, squash, etc. YUMMY. Yesterday, I good friend from work loaded me up with some new potatoes & fresh green beans from their garden. I'm embarrassed to say that I have never "snapped" or cooked a fresh green bean before, but we are going to give it a try.

Ahhh, back to the peach pictures. I seen the signs out that "Campbell peaches" are being sold at those little roadside stands, so when I talked to my Mom today, she was standing there getting some...I was like "omg, get Sebastian some peaches" I'm dying to take some summer peach pics hahaha. There's nothing cuter than a picture of kiddo drenched in fruit juice from mouth to elbow; makes me want to chow down on a peach myself (well, not actually).

If I Could Find the Words...

2009-06-12T21:51:00.003-05:00

I would describe how happy it makes me to see these gorgeous smiles

I would try to express my amazement at how identical these "cousins" look
I would want to convey how blissful they make my life

I could articulate how proud I am to be their aunt

I would want to say what a wonderful world it is to be part of their lives

But, there are no words to explain how truly blessed I am.

"It's Not a Cookie, Mama!

2009-06-10T03:23:00.001-05:00

I couldn't sleep...so I'm blogging...

Last night it stormed like crazy here in our "hillbilly" haven. The storm knocked out our satellite for long time. Thankfully, it began just after Sebastian got out of the bathtub, so he was already clean & cozied up in his jammies. We watched out the big front window for a long time at the light show & Sebastian would squeal & jump at every crash of the thunder.

I decided that we would have a late night cookie snack (well, it was late for us at almost 9:00pm lol), since there was no Noggin or Tori & Dean to be watched. He dragged a chair up to the kitchen island and I pulled out the milk & cookies. He looked at me so serious & said, "It's not a cookie, Mama! Dat's O-we-o's!!" In fact, that was true. It was much more than a regular ol' cookie...it was an Oreo...a chocolate creme Oreo...mmmm!

It may not have been some monumental thing to anyone else, but it one of those moments that I hope I always remember when I look back on his childhood. Sticky chocolately fingers & a milk mustache. I can't imagine that memories can get any better than this.

After we got cleaned up, we climbed up in my bed and watched Wall-E...since he had it recorded on the DVR and our satellite was still out. I still have a pretty bad sunburn on my face from this past weekend, so I had smeared a gob of Noxzema all over my face. I guess Sebastian didn't really notice at first. He sat & watched Wall-E and he asked a gazillion questions (What is Wallwe doing? What is Wallwe watching? Where is Wallwe going?). He was very into what was going on with Wall-E and had lots of commentation. He said, "I love you Mama!" and went to kiss me and suddenly jerked away stunned. "I can't kiss you Mama. I will get burned!!"

I guess I was a little disappointed, but he was too cute to be disappointed for long. I have to say we had a really great night. Daddy cooked us dinner & cleaned the kitchen. The night wasn't rushed because I didn't have to get up early and get ready for work. I got to slow down & enjoy my son and enjoy being his Mama.

I don't get to stay at home with him, pick up & go or do whatever we please. I work long hours during the week which is sometimes hard on both of us. Obviously, I don't have a glamourous job, working in social services and apparently I have a rather depressing life according to some. I actually like my job (most of the time) and I have some really good friends that I enjoy working with who make it much easier to do the same thing day in & day out. I can definitely say my job keeps me grounded & reminds me that people have it so much worse off in life than I do.

This is just the life that we are used to - I am not exciting, not very interesting. I am not a different person than I was last month. I have my good days & my bad days like any other person on this Earth. I don't have enough hours in my day to give everyone everything that they want. I wish there was enough of me to make everyone happy because I do worry way too much about what other people think of me. A huge character flaw of mine. But, in reality no one can make everyone happy and make them happy all of the time.

Sebastian is happy, though! And loved & cared for more than he will ever know. He doesn't disown me when I don't have time to spend an extra hour outside playing on the swingset or read him an extra story at bedtime or get frustrated with him when he pees in the bathroom floor. He may have his 10-second trantrum, but he loves me no matter what & he tells me every single day even when I have not been the best Mama that day. That is really the only thing in my life that matters.

Not Me! Monday - Birthday Party Style

2009-06-08T20:38:00.007-05:00

It's Not Me! Monday again. Ugh, I hate Monday's...but I ♥ Not Me!~~Mon~~day's. Thankfully, I'm back to my regular work schedule, where I work two days & take a day off...work two more days and take two days off. I am not completely spoiled to my mid-week dayoff & getting utterly cranky when I'm forced to work more than two days in a row. Not me - I ♥ to work!

Anyhoo...

I did not go to my oldest nephew's 10th birthday party yesterday and feel like an old hag because that means if he is 10, then I have officially been out of high school for 10 years. YUCK! There is no way that I am old enough to be attending my 10-year high school reunion this year. NO WAY!!

I also did not let Sebastian eat ONLY the icing from his cake (with his fingers) then let him eat icing from the big cake with his fingers. That would be gross to let him lick his fingers & stick them back in the big cake and I would not be so inconsiderate. (Actually, I was not letting him contaminate the whole chocolate side of the cake so Aunt Kim would let us have it hahaha...not me!)

After eating some yummy yummy chocolate birthday cake & ice cream, I did not let Sebastian attack the ice cream truck that just happened to drive through the park because 1) I would not let him eat that much sugar in one afternoon and 2) I would not spend $6.10 on two popsicles when I could buy a dozen for probably half that amount. I would not be that irresponsible just because Sebastian has never seen an ice cream truck before. Nope! Not this sensible Mama.

I did not have to have a ice cream truck picture.I did not let Sebastian eat a red, white & blue popsicle outside in 90 degree weather in a white shirt. You do not see that happening in that picture below.

Once the popsicles were not eaten because again, I didn't let my 2 & 1/2-year-old eat more sugar after birthday cake & ice cream...I did not let him run wild in the park & play with the water fountain until he was soaking wet. And I did not have the best time watching him not playing in the water. I did not include a slide show of the water fountain fun that he was not having (because this is a public park & we would not waste water like that).

When the birthday party was just about to wrap it, I did not try to wrangle 7 crazy, hot, exhausted kiddos and try to take a group photo. I am not too naive to think that I could get a decent picture of all the kids looking at the camera & smiling at the same time. I also did not threaten to throw 2 frogs on them if they didn't sit still for 2 seconds. I am not a cruel & torturous Mama & Auntie. NOT ME!!

**There is not tons more things that I have NOT done in the last two weeks since my last Not Me! Monday post. So, I will not leave it to your curious, inventive imaginations as to what those things are that I have NOT done - muahahahahahah!! ;)

We Are F-A-M-I-L-Y

2009-06-07T12:48:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I spent an amazing day with my family. All my sisters, their spouses, my mom, and all my nieces & nephews spent the day at my sister, Stephanie's. It was a great day for us. I ended up a little sunburned but it was well worth it. There was lots of laughing and pool fights, kids running through the yard & squealing. Just a great summer day. Hopefully just one of many many more this summer. We may bicker & squabble about stupid things, but I love my sisters and we when get together with our families, it is always a great time. I'm looking forward to an awesome summer (if only I got a summer break away from work :( hahaha).

Here's a slideshow of pics from our fun-filled day...

Aunt Bebe's Tball Babes

2009-06-06T12:04:00.004-05:00

Today was Jayden, Kinlee & Dyson's last ball game of the season. My sister called last night to inform that I was to show up & cheer or else!! lol just kidding! I love to watch them play and I love getting to spend time with them. They had an early morning game, pictures and then their medal ceremony where all the kiddos got a medal. They had a wonderful time and I loved watching them get so excited. I think that Jayden & Dyson are really going to enjoy ball season again next year. Maybe not Kinlee, though. Aren't they just so adorable?? I'm the luckiest auntie in all the land :)

Why I ♥ "The Snowman Blanket Wankwie"

2009-06-04T22:18:00.003-05:00

Everyone has that "thing" that calms & soothes them, makes them happy, that they can't live without (my "thing" is chocolate ;). Sebastian's "thing" is the snowman wankwie. Tonight the snowman wankwie had to get a bath. Sebastian waited patiently for him to dry. I actually threw him in the dryer a little late tonight, but he made it out mintutes before it was time to tuck Sebastian in bed. Sebastian was happy to climb into bed tonight with his wonderful CLEAN blanket. He said, Mmmm, Snowman Wankwie mell good!" as he wrapped himself up like a little mummy and fell into bed. It didn't take long before he conked out for the night. Apparently, our free & clear laundry detergent is intoxicating. Who doesn't ♥ clean sheets & blankets?

I ♥ The Snowman Wankwie

Who wouldn't ♥ love something that could produce pics like these?
He is absolutely,

positively,
without a doubt,
the most precious gift that I was ever given.

Lord, did I thank you again today for him?
He is my life's purpose, my reason for being. I am so thankful for him.

As long as Sebastian ♥'s the Snowman Wankwie,
I will ♥ the Snowman Wankwie!!
♥♥♥

Our Morning...

2009-06-04T11:45:00.002-05:00

I took vacation today & yesterday. We are supposed to go camping with friends this weekend and I thought I would get a jump start on washing clothes & packing & leaving my house in some sort of order. David got up with Sebastian this morning and let me sleep in...9:15am. It was wonderful. Sebastian & Daddy were sitting around eating apples when I dragged into the living room.

I looked around at my "destroyed" house wondering what happened while I was sleeping, but decided not to ask. Instead I gazed at my handsome little guy curled in my laundry basket with his snowman wankwie. I swear he's grown another inch, his hair is longer & he is even more gorgeous than he was when I put him to bed last night (if that is possible). His eyes were bright blue & sparkling, his beautiful blonde hair sweeping across his face as he jumped into my lap yelling "I wuv you Mama!" What a great morning hello.

Sebastian helped me load the washer, which is one of his very favorite chores. I'm savoring his help for as long as he's interested as I know that he will all too soon hate chores. I found a whole laundry detergent cup full of pea gravel in his pockets that he's collected from the playground at daycare. He must collect a little each day because every pair of shorts that he's worn to daycare this week & last had some pea gravel. We also found a few starbursts (his candy of choice) and some grass and a few little pocket-size toys. I'm just happy that there was no bugs or small animals in there.

In case you haven't paid attention in the past, I am deathly afraid of crickets. Ugh they are so freakin' nasty and they jump everywhere. I almost broke my neck in the landry room trying to escape one this morning. It makes David crazy for me to freak out and he yells at me "they can't %&^#'g hurt you!" I always yell back, "they jump around like they're on crack and if they jump on me - I will %&^#'g kill you in your sleep!" OMG I hate them so so bad. Why can't he just kill them without the drama & be happy to be my protector from the devil crickets?

Anyway, that's been about all the excitement from our morning. If Sebastian had some rain boots, I would take him outside and let me play in the rain. We are working on what to eat for lunch right now and I'm still washing loads & loads of laundry. I think I may take him in to the office this afternoon so I can show off how big he's grown and how very handsome he is. Fun Fun, huh?

Don't Touch My Blanket!

2009-06-03T05:55:00.002-05:00

I know I've mentioned on here Sebastian's addiction to blankets. He loves those really soft throw-like blankets you can buy around holidays. Well, currently he is addicted to his snowman blanket that he got in his stocking at Christmas(he calls it his wankwie). He will sleep with other blankets, but he primarily requests the snowman blanket. He must hava A blanket in order to sleep. And he doesn't share them...any of them. If it is his blanket, or was his blanket or could be his blanket in the future - hands off. You can't touch it & you most certainly can't borrow it.

Daycare if fully aware of this addiction.

However, because school is out for the summer, there are many new faces. Apparently yesterday one of the daycare helpers' daughter was sitting on the couch holding Chloe. Chloe is just over 1-month-old. Sebastian's blanket was laying on the couch, still out from naptime. Well, Mallory, not thinking a thing about it, covers her legs with the blanket. Sebastian began sobbing uncontrollably everyone was checking him to find out what was wrong - had he been hurt, fighting with kids, toy taken away?? Kristal turned to ask Mallory & there she sat with the blanket on her legs. Once the blanket was removed all was better.

I have talked & talked to Sebastian about sharing and he don't mind to share anything...toys, books, movies, clothes, shoes...but not the wankie. DON'T TOUCH THE BLANKET.

When I walked in from daycare & Kristal began telling me this story, Sebastian ran over there and pointed to Chloe and screamed "CHLOE TRIED TO STEAL MY WANKWIE!" "NO NO CHLOE THAT IS NOT YOUR WANKWIE! BAD GIRL!"

99 Boob-phemisms

2009-06-02T21:19:00.006-05:00

Air Bags
Angel Cakes
Apple Dumpling Shop
Apples
Aspirins on an Ironing Board
Babaloos
Baby Pillows
Balloons
Bangers
Bangles
Bassoons
Baubles
Bazongas

Bazookas
Bazooms
Beacons
Bean Bags
Bebops
Bee Stings
Betty and Wilmas
Betty Boops
Big Boppers
Bigguns
Bikini Stuffers
Billibongs
Blinkers
Blouse Bunnies
Bologna Bags
Bomboostas
Bonbons
Bongos
Boobies
Boozies
Bosoms
Bottles
Bodacious Tatas
Boulders
Bouncers

Bra Buddies
Bronskis
Bullets
Bumpers
Butterbags
Butterballs
Cannon Balls
Cans
Cantaloupes
Carumbas
Casabas
Cha-Chas
Charlies
Charms
Cherry pies
Chesticles
Chestnuts
Chi-Chis
Chimichongas
Coconuts
Cream Pies
Cupcakes
Dingers
Dinghies
Dingoes
Dinner Plates
Dirigibles
Double Whammies
Droopies
Dueling Banjos
Dumplings
Dunes
Ear Muffs
Eggplants
Eyes
Enchiladas
Fairy Pillows
Feeding Bottles
Flapjacks
Flappers
Flesh Bulbs
Flesh Melons
Floaters
Floppers
Fog Lights
Front Bottom
Fun Bags
Gagas
Gazingas
Gazongas
Glands
Globes
Grapefruits
Guavas
Hand Warmers
Headlamps
Headlights
Hills
Honeydews
Honkers
Hoohas
Hooters
Hottentots

Howitzers
Huffies
Humdingers
Jaboos
Jawbreakers
Jibs
Jugs
Jumbos
Kazongas
Knobs
Knockers
Kumquats
Lactoids
Loaves
Loblollies
Love Bubbles
Love Melons
Love Muffins
Lulus
Lungs
Macaroons
Magumbos
Majumbas
Mambos
Mammaries
Mammaroonies
Mammoths
Mangos
Maracas
Marangos
Marimbas
Marshmallows
Mau Maus
Meat Loaves
Meatballs
Melons
Milk Bottles
Milk Cans
Milk Fountains
Milk Shakes
Milk Wagons
Missiles
Mogambos

Mounds
Mountains
Muchachas
Muffins
Mulligans
Mushmelons
Nancies
Nectarines
Niblets
Ninnies
Nippers
Nippies
Nodules
Noogies
Nubbies
Nugs
Oompas
Oranges
Orbs
Ottomans
Pair
Pagodas
Palookas
Pantry Shelves
Papayas
Parabolas
Party Hats
Paw Patties
Peaches
Peaks
Pears
Peepers
Pendulums
Pillows
Pink-Nosed Puppies
Pips
Pointer Sisters
Pompons

Pontoons
Pool Toys
Potatoes
PT Boats
Pumpkins
Puppies
Quarts of Love
Queen Jewels
Rack
Rangoons
Rib Balloons
Rib Cushions
Rockets
Roundies
Saggers
Sandbags
Satan's Love Pillows
Scones
Scoops
Shakers
Shebas
Shimmies
Shmeebs
Silos
Ski Slopes
Skin Sacks
Smoothies
Snoobs
Snuggle Pups
Spheres
Spongecakes
Spuds
Stacks
Sweater Meat
Sweet Rolls
Swingers
Tamales
Tatas
Teats
Tetons
Tidbits
Titters
Titties
Tomatoes
Tooters
Torpedoes
Twangers
Twin Peaks
Twofers
Umlauts

Wahwahs
Waldos
Warheads
Watermelons
Whoppers
Wobblers
Wongas
Yabbos
Yams
Zeppelins

**No, I did not think of all 99 names on my own. I Googled it & owe all the credit to this website.

The moral of this post?

Go feel your boobies, tatas, jugs, fun bags...whatever your name for them...go feel yourself or if you want, have someone help you. October may be National Breast Cancer Awareness Month but this should be something that us women should be aware of every month.

Today I found out that my grandmother has breast cancer...again. Several years ago she lost one breast to breast cancer. Please pray for a quick recovery.

Get in the habit of feeling your breasts - every mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, best friend.

SAVE YOUR TATAS!

Fun in the Sun

2009-05-31T21:16:00.006-05:00

Okay...so the title is a little lame...probably one of the most used scrapbooking pages in all the scrapbooking world...but it's all I could think of. We really did have fun today & it was out in the sun, so it's not completely a lie. We got Sebastian a little kiddie pool to play in & set it up today. He's been playing & splashing most of the day. We've had such a great time today. I'm so excited about all the wonderful things that we can do this summer. Next weekend we're going to Sam A Baker with my best friend Sarah. I don't know who is more excited...Sebastian or me?

I had to post these two pics.

I took them this afternoon before

we came in from a long day of swimming.

His eyes look almost green in this light. [No editing.]

My gorgeous little guy. (I think I might have said that before hahaha)

I have another nice little slideshow from our water-filled day. I ♥ Summer! ♥♥♥

Chloe

2009-05-31T10:39:00.004-05:00

My friend (& Sebastian's daycare provider) has a little girl that just turned 1-month-old. She has two boys that are in junior high & high school, so having a new baby girl around is a new & exciting adventure for her. Chloe is so adorable. I got to love on her & steal some pics yesterday morning. I haven't got to love on a baby baby girl in a quite awhile as my youngest niece is 4-years-old. (Well, technically Ava is 3 1/2, but I wasn't around when she was a baby baby as I didn't meet her until Sebastian was born. She is 364 days older than Sebastian with a birthday on 10/25, Sebastian's is on 10/24 - see! meant to be lol...anyway...)

Sebastian said, "I love Chloe!", but when I asked him if we could take her home he said "NO!". I guess I'm not going to rush out and stock up on any tutus just yet ;) Here's a few pics of Chloe -- I got a little carried away with Picnik again lol!

screaming at me for changing her bows...again

Multimedia message

2009-05-29T19:18:00.000-05:00

My nieces Jade and Kinlee and nephew Dyson's tball team. Apparently all my babies are Cubbies this year. Jade and Dyson are going to be good little ball players. Kinlee is not. She is only concerned about how cute she looks. She pranced around the field and batted her eyes and flashed her grin. It was hilarious. I had a great time cheering them on this afternoon. Sorry but no decent pics. My camera was dead.

Sweet Surrender

2009-05-28T21:53:00.003-05:00

Tonight I gave Sebastian a bath as usual. I really noticed what a nice tan he is getting & that golden blonde sun-streaked hair. He is such a gorgeous little guy. Ahem, anyway, I got him dried off & snuggled into his jammies and tucked in his bed. He gets to watch tv until it gets dark outside. I was sitting at the computer, where I can see directly into his bedroom. He was sitting there giggling at television. He loves everything Noggin right now. He was mouthing the words to songs & moving his arms in motions as the characters were. It was exciting to see him so excited. He was grinning so big and every once in awhile would glance in my direction. I was leaning back against the chair, my arm propped on the back, just staring away at the amazing little person that his Daddy & I created (well, it was more me than his Daddy ;). He would yell at me "Mama!" like he was secretly thinking get a life you crazy woman. After dark we turned off the tv & dvr and I read his current favorite book "My Mommy Calls Me Monkeypants" - maybe 3 times. He loves it. I love him. I give in easily. He said, "Goodnight. I love you Mama. I want some icy water. I love you Mama. Get my pop tart for school." He is full of instructions tonight. He's now curled up with his favorite snowman blanket. I just stepped in and he has finally faded. I am so happy that I was blessed with this amazing little man to remind me everyday how precious life is & how complete my life is having been able to be his Mama.

My Two Cents

2009-05-27T18:36:00.004-05:00

Since everyone seems to have an opinion about the whole Jon & Kate + 8 saga, I thought that would share my two cents. (And, no, I don't care who is sleeping with who or why, whether they will stay together or not, and I'm not jumping on a side.) My thoughts are just this...

END. THE. SERIES.

Yes - I have been a huge fan of the show in the past and I love J&K+8 as much as the next mama, regardless of the date & episode in which I first tuned in, but it is so far beyond what it was originally intended to be that it is really rather sickening to me. It seemed to me that the majority of the season premiere was centered around Jon & Kate and their issues and not on the kids. I am not seeing the true reason behind why the show was started anymore, which was supposed to be documenting their childhood.

Jon & Kate seem to be all about the money now. Their kids are their "business" & I don't mean that in a good way. They said themselves that this is their "job" and you can't separate work from home when home is work. I'm sorry, but kids are not a business. I could really appreciate the reasons why the show was initially started - to document their lives with 8 kids. I can't imagine in hundred years how hard it must be to raise 8 kids and especially what memories you could actually have saved while doing so. For that reason, I was completely supportive of the show. It's a different world now and in no way do I believe that it revolves around documenting their precious kids' childhood. And I also believe that they would not just call it quits like they always said they would if they thought it was best for their kids. Because, right now, is it really best for their kids to grow up on the cover of every tabloid in the nation?

I know how the media distorts everything and exploits them, but are we supposed to be surprised? I understand the destruction that is aimed directly at celebraties by the media & paparazzi and although I think it's disgusting what they do to families, that is reality. That is what comes with fortune & fame - whether it's right or wrong. It's not as if paparazzi is a new trend designed only for the Gosselins and they did not go into this blindly.

I really hate it for entertainment icons who are continuously trashed by the media, but it's one of the those things that "if you can't take the heat, then stay out of the kitchen". The media is not going to go away no matter how much we love to hate them. If the damage that the paparazzi does to your family is worth the megabucks that comes with a hit reality tv show, then that is a sacrifice that you have to be willing make.

It all boils down to taking responsibility for your decisions and I just feel that if they really cared about what the media was doing to their family and children, then they would choose not to put their lives on display for the entire world. You can call it what you want - giving up, giving in, whatever - but it's not going to change what the media is all about.

The best analogy I can think of is this...you are not going to let your child play at a neighbor's home that you suspect of abuse, etc. even though there are laws that are supposed to protect your children from predators and it's wrong for an adult to take advantage of a child, but you know in the real world, that people do and so you do not take that unnecessary risk. To me that is no different than putting your family out there for the media, even though it is wrong for them to try & destroy your family, reality is that they will. So, are you justified in sending your kids on over to the neighbors for a bigger home and tons of money?

Anyway, this is purely my opinion and I hope that they find whatever it is that will work for their family.

There's No Place Like Home

2009-05-26T22:09:00.006-05:00

As I posted earlier, Memorial Day weekend was pretty uneventful for us. We didn't leave the house at all, except for an occasional dash to the grocery store, well, David & Sebastian did. Saturday was a gorgeous day, which David & Sebastian spent outside and I spent laying on the couch with a headache. We watched it rain...and rain...and rain! My mommy came over and spent the afternoon with us one day and David's mom came over yesterday with steaks for David to grill. It was a very relaxing weekend and I had a wonderful time (other than the headache). There truly is no place like home.

At home, Sebastian dresses himself...

Outside on his 4-wheeler between rain showers

Trying to shoot me with his kids meal watergun
Swiping my clothes...please excuse my dirty carpet

He said that was his bubble "wankwie"

{that's a blanket for those who don't read my blog}

Lounging in his nice Halloween ensemble that is too small

Stacking pillows until they fall over...then he shouts "WAY" {that's YAY}

He made a bed out of pillows on the couch that he planned to sleep on

He seriously looks up to no good here

Sebastian & Daddy watching the rain pour down

Showing off his busted lip...he learned the hard way

"NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED"

BTW, if you're wondering why he always picks out a long-sleeved shirt when he "dresses himself"...it's because his long-sleeved shirts are currently on the bottom closet rod in his closet and that is what he can reach.

Sweet as Sugar

2009-05-25T21:46:00.008-05:00

To Comment or Not to Comment...That is the Question

2009-05-24T20:24:00.006-05:00

H-E-L-L-O to my blog followers...my faithful bloggers who read my posts everyday and to my followers who just check in every now & again and to those who just found me by accident. It is so exciting to know that "someone" out there in this endless cyberworld is interested in my daily ramblings. I think the word "stalker" gets thrown around a lot, even by me, to disguise the fact that we are actually interested in the life of a stranger, but I don't think that is a very good term. It's just human nature to be curious about other people -- how they live, how they view the world, what's important in their life, what similarities they share with you. It's just interesting stuff.

I have "come out of the closet" I guess you could say with my blogger curiousity. I am beginning to leave comments on other people's blogs that I don't know, something I would have never dreamed of a year ago. And guess what? People that I do not know are beginning to leave comments on mine. I absolutely love it. I want to know what you think. Do you think I suck? Do you love me & read the same posts over & over? (haha I do that sometimes) Do you think that my little guy is the most adorable thing that ever graced this Earth (or is that just me)? Do you think I go insanely overboard on pictures?? (my husband says definitely yes) What do you want to know or see or hear about? Do you want to see more pics from my fridge?

I want to know everything you think about my blog - so leave comments. I LOVE THEM ALL. I like learning about new people. I love my peeps that read me everyday. SARAH YOU ARE FREAKIN' AWESOME. You make me want to blog everyday. Guys, if no one else in the world reads my blog, it's okay because I know that Sarah will...EVERYDAY. Thanks for being such a loyal friend. I have a few new loyal readers which completely pyches me out. And even some Brazilian followers which is totally cool. This is some very cool stuff.

I am going to end this post today with a Random Picture Challenge from one of my favs...4 little men & girly twins. For more info on how to play - check out her blog. Anyway, today's pick is 16th folder, 28th picture or August '08 28th picture.

This is my 16th picture folder...28th picture

This is my Sebastian doing what he loves best at bathtime - lounging back in the water. He loves bathtime and is not a bit afraid of the water. I love that I don't have to fight him everynight to wash is hair and he will gladly dump a bucket of water on his own head. He's a great kiddo. Can't wait to see your comments about my random picture...so make sure you leave one!!

For my friends & family that know about my blog but don't read it...or read it VERY RARELY...and never ever comment - - Shame on you!

Countdown to Summer

2009-05-24T18:47:00.004-05:00

I'm going to take a cue from my friend, Sarah, and blog about all the reasons that I love summer (because I couldn't think of anything else). Unfortunately, summer does NOT entail leisurely days of sleeping in and extended breaks for me because I think my employer would frown upon coming in around 9 am and not working for weeks at a time :(; but that doesn't mean that I don't love summer. It's a wonderful time of year...aside from the insanely amount mosquitoes & excruciating heat & humidity that we get down in the bootheel. Ughh I do not look forward to that. What I do look forward to is this...

sweet tea & lemonade, picnics in green green grass, unlimited trips to the park, baseball games, waterguns, tag in the backyard, sprinklers, Hawaiian ice, watching my nieces & nephews jumping like monkeys on the trampoline, lots of summer birthday parties, lightning bugs, the Peach Fair, BBQs with friends & family, wading pools, 4th of July, camping, water parks, Sebastian's tan lines (which he already has) & sun streaked hair, the smell of sunscreen & chlorine, bright beach towels, dirty feet from playing outside for endless hours, the backyard filled with toys & laughter

A Graduation & Goat's Milk Soap

2009-05-23T20:21:00.003-05:00

Not much to report. Yesterday my niece, Jayden, graduated from pre-k. She was quite adorable in her purple cap & gown. She was absolutely glowing. I am pretty proud of her. She is so very smart. She aced the pre-k screening & the school was worried about placing in her pre-k because she was so much more advanced than the other children. She is easily doing 1st & 2nd grade work. Her teacher was absolutely thrilled to have Jayden in her class. She is so sweet & kind and I'm sure was the most well-behaved child in the school. She worked with Jayden on the side with her reading & math because regular ol' pre-k studies just wasn't cutting it with Jayden. The future is going to be very very bright for my gorgeous little niece. Oh the places she will go. (Hopefully she takes her favorite auntie with her ;)

Today was a very un-eventful day, packed full of laziness. I have had a nagging headache most of the day, so I pretty much just laid on the couch. I did take a very relaxing bath with my new goat's milk soap. I'm not very big on "scented" things, especially lingering scents that never go away, so I have some mixed feelings about the new soap. I purchased two kinds...Ocean & Oatmeal Milk & Honey. Ocean smells nice, but it's a little too strong for me. I am VERY sensitive to most smells and although I like the initial aroma, it doesn't wear off so I was stuck with it all day. Today I decided to try out the OMH. I love love love it. Although it does have a wonderful aroma, it is not at all overpowering (to me) and although it also stays with you all day, it is very subtle. I can't really describe it...to me it is very intoxicating because I was continuously sniffing my arms (lol) today and making other people sniff me (lol). I am slightly worried that I could not completely get rid of my headache because of the enduring scent, but I am also hopeful that it is something that my (mind) & body will adjust to because it is so very invigorating. I really encourage everyone to try it. It looks very pure & rustic in form and it really does leave a wonderul fragrancy smell in the bathroom. (Sebastian thinks it looks like cheese - ???) It does lather very very well, which I was a little surprised about and it makes your skin feel incredibly smooth. I used it today to shave my legs & it is amazingly soft. It is a little bulky & hard to maneuver in your hands, especially in little hands. I may try out more less aromatic scents or some fragrance-free scents, but my 1st choice right now is the OMH. Try some out at Goat's Milk Stuff.com.