A Boy Makes 3

Talking up a storm

2010-12-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Jackson has really started to talk a lot more and I want to keep track of this since I can't seem to right in his baby book to save my life!

Dada- Calls Daddy, Grandpa and Pablo from Backyardigans this.
Mama and Mommy
N-ma- Grandma Mary
Nana- Grandma Holly
Nee- Courtney (Cousin)
Lady- our Dog
Dee-Koty (Cousin)

SSSSS= Horse
Cheese
Keys- sounds a lot like cheese
Uh Oh Uh Oh
Baby
Boo Boo
Come on
Dog
Straw
Side= Outside
Shoe- could be shoe or socks

I know there is more than this but I can't think of any more.

20 Questions for My Toddler

2010-11-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I saw this idea here Scary Mommy today and I had to do it to! I have been a terrible blogger and so I am going to try and get started again by at least posting photo's and scrap booky kind of things. You know so my monkey knows we owned a camera when he was little.

Dear Jackson aka Monkey,

Do you know that you only have one name or do you think Monkey, Punkin, Punky, Munkin, JackJack and Jackson are all your names.....sorry mommy and daddy like nickname's!
Do you REALLY like the taste of dog food? Cause I can't get you to eat anything grown from the earth to save my life but I think left to your own devices you would eat the whole bowl of "daaawg" food.
Do you think Pablo from Backyardigans name is really "DaDa" cause its not and when you call him that it kinda hurts Daddy's feelings.
Why do you shake your head no when you want something and when you don't?
Do you withhold kisses on purpose?
Is the car seat really that bad that you have to arch your back and scream 50% of the time when I put you in it? I mean you have a DVD player, a drink and a velvety soft seat, how bad can it be?
Do you know that I almost cry or melt into a puddle of happy mama every time you wrap your little arms around my neck and put your head on my shoulder.
Do you know that a cut or a scrape is really a "Bo Bo" not a "Boobie" but just say it that way cause it makes me crack up?
What do you think when EVERYONE we see ANYWHERE comments on your red hair?
Why do you pull Zoe's hair constantly? I can tell you want her to like you and that it not the way to help that along!
Shower's huh? What happened to baths? A bath is nice every now and then at least..
Do you really think resisting is going to get me to not change your diaper? It can't feel good and we have been doing this for 2 years now.
Don't you get tired of the 10 food items you eat?
How come you want to sleep in on the days I have to go to work but are up early on the days I don't?
How did you pick up on this time out thing so quickly?
Why do you laugh when Mommy and Daddy yell at you but quiver your lip and cry if someone else says anything like no to you?
Do you want brothers and sisters? Do you even know what that means?
How come you don't talk more? I know how smart you are so that isn't it. It seems like you aren't interested, I can't relate to that ...sorry! :)
Do you know that the skies the limit for you, you can do anything you want to do and me and Daddy will be behind you every step of the way!
Do you know that I love you so much it hurts and when you say "Mama", hold my hand, give me a hug or kiss or even just flash me a smile I feel like the luckiest person on the planet?

Love,
Mama

Impress your Mother in Law with this one....I did!!

2010-04-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

We had my MIL and her husband over for dinner tonight and I made this Salmon dish and drunken fruit salad. ~~She actually complemented me~~ It was a big hit!!

Salmon with Puff Pastry and Pesto

Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

4 pieces of purchased puff pastry, each cut to be just larger than a piece of salmon

4 (4 to 6-ounce) pieces salmon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup purchased pesto
2 tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

On a foil-lined baking sheet, place the 4 pieces of puff pastry. Also place the 4 pieces of salmon, being careful to make sure they are not touching. Sprinkle each piece of salmon with 1 tablespoon of the sliced almonds. Bake for 10 minutes.

To serve, place each piece of puff pastry on a plate. Top each puff pastry with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the pesto with 2 slices of tomatoes each. Top the tomatoes with the salmon and serve.

Drunken Fruit Salad
Recipe courtesy of yours truly

Fruit of your choosing
I used...Rasberries, Blueberries, Kiwi, Strawberries and bananna's

Mix Orange Liquer with honey and pout over fruit, stir and enjoy!

I meant to take pictures I really did but, I had a hard enough time cooking with a toddler on my leg! Argh! Oh Well!

What's for dinner at your house this week?

April 10th

2010-04-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today I had an out of body experience at around 6am...

My life hasn't been the same since I saw those 2 pink lines. I have been in love with my baby boy since the very second I found out and I am more in love with him every day! I can't wait to see how his life unfolds...I know whatever it is it will be great!

This is a song I listened to, cried and rubbed my big preggo belly...

Butterfly Kisses & Bedtime Prayers

by Chris Rodriguez

It was good to think about all this today after he threw himself on the floor and kicked me....we are fast approaching the terrible 2's! HAHA!

I GOT NOTHIN!!

2010-04-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

No Modivation, No Willpower, No blog posts...

Ever since the weather turned nice all I want to do is sleep, eat sweets, drink wine and play outside with this sweet boy!

So.....I GOT NOTHIN! Well except....a couple extra pounds, a messy house, empty bottles of wine and this incredibly riveting blog post!

Oh and this happy boy and that is REALLY all I need...right?!?!

What about you? Got any modivation to share?

RUDE!!

2010-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Webster's Dictonary Definition:

adjective,rud•er, rud•est.

1.discourteous or impolite, esp. in a deliberate way: a rude reply.

2.without culture, learning, or refinement: rude, illiterate peasants.

3.rough in manners or behavior; unmannerly; uncouth.

4.rough, harsh, or ungentle: rude hands.

5.roughly wrought, built, or formed; of a crude construction or kind: a rude cottage.

6.not properly or fully developed; raw; unevolved: a rude first stage of development.

7.harsh to the ear: rude sounds.

8.without artistic elegance; of a primitive simplicity: a rude design.

9.violent or tempestuous, as the waves.

10.robust, sturdy, or vigorous: rude strength.

11.approximate or tentative: a rude first calculation of costs.

This is going to make me sound old I know....but people these days are just downright RUDE!

Example #1

Today me and my boys were at a Bulk/Club store and we started to walk through the store a Direct TV salesman tried to get our attention by interrupting our conversation (strike 1) then when my hubby POLITLY said we "were not interested thank you" he proceeded to say "You haven't even heard about it Buddy!". Okay so he has a job to do, he is a salesman I get it but, I don't have to take my precious time to listen to something I have not interest in and especially when I KNOW we definitely don't want Direct TV. Oh and newsflash if you want me to buy something interrupting me and then barking at me is not the way to do it!

Example #2

I work Tuesday's, Wednesday and Thursday's so my Tuesday is like everyone else’s Monday with one difference....they have one day up on me. They have read all their emails, gone through their inboxes and are just generally in the groove. Inevitably, Tuesday morning I will be bombarded with people in my office and buzzing my extension with "a quick question". I have learned to accept this and roll with it! Here is where the rudeness comes in lately I will be in someone's office discussing business and someone else will stick their head in and not say "excuse me" or "stop by my office on your way back" instead they just blurt out their question.....as if they are or their question is much more important than whatever I could be discussing with my other colleague! As if that was not bad enough I also have been getting people who come in my office and see that I am on the phone and just proceed with their question or worse yet stand their and wait for me to get off the phone and I am not talking about outside my door even....RIGHT AT MY DESK!! AAAAGGHH!!!

Okay so these are just 2 of my most recent issues/pet peeves and they may seem like little things but I just feel like people need to slow down and think about how something might affect someone else!

Am I the only one that notices this? Anyway, I for one and going to make an effort to be courteous and respect other peoples time and feelings! Will you join me?

I'MMMMMMM BAAAAAACK!- Wordless Wednesday!

2010-03-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

2010-03-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let all of you (if there are any of you left) know that I will eventually be back! I had some issues with my blog and at the same time decided to have my Blog designed by Jennisa over at http://www.onceuponablog.org/. I only have 3 people in front of me now and I am so excited, I have my drafts of post written and I am pumped to get back on the horse!!

Hope to see you soon!!

What if the three wise men were women?

2009-12-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

My mom and I noticed this posted in the kitchen at Church...PERFECT!!

What if the three wise men were women?

They would have asked directions
Arrived on time
Helped deliver the baby
Cleaned the stable
Made a casserole
Brought practical gifts, and there would be peace on earth."

Also here is a little preview of the birthday bash! More to come!!

I am having problems with the layout of my blog as you have probably noticed so I am not blogging too much! My wonderful hubby bought me a new blog design and I am just waiting, I have a month or so to go on the waiting list at http://www.onceuponablog.org/ . YEAH! Once I get my new design and everything fixed I will be back in full force! I hope you will stick around my 12 followers!!

Merry Almost Christmas!!

It's begining to feel a lot like Christmas!!

2009-12-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Almost ready!! How about you??

Happy Thanksgiving- Safe Travels!

2009-11-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day!

May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.

May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize.

May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

A Lovely Story About Me!

2009-11-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who did not whine, nag or bitch.
(That would be me...)

But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.

The End

Sad but true!!!

Words of Wisdom

2009-11-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good..
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6 You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God.. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about..
14. If a relationship feels good; it is good.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18.. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special..
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29.. Time heals almost everything.. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back..
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield
.44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Pretty Cool! Huh!?!?!

Happy Monday.

Season of Giving

2009-11-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today about the upcoming holiday season, how excited I am for Jackson so experience it all, to see family from out of state, bake cookies and give gifts! As I thought about what I wanted my son to get from the holidays I realized how much I dislike the commercial feel that some people and the media give this season.. like it is all about gifts and products. I want my son to understand the true meaning of the holidays and understand what real giving is about! With this said I was thinking about how I could give and what cause I wanted to give to!

Through my excessive blog reading I have come across two opportunities to give this holiday season! I am not asking you to give I am just giving you an option if you are looking to give!

If you have not read or followed Matt Logelin's Blog you should, Matt lost his wife as she gave birth to their daughter. Matt is a remarkable man and a excellent father if fact I am kicking myself for not adding him to my Mom's I look up to post! Anyway definitely read his blog and if you feel so inclined you have the opportunity on the sight to give to the foundation he has started in honor of his wife!

Blog: http://www.mattlogelin.com/

Foundation: http://thelizlogelinfoundation.org/

I know I have talked about 4 Little Men and Girly Twins before! Well they need help! They are going through a hard time and I for one want to help! Read the post that I link to below to find out the whole story. Some people are criticizing her but I just a family going through a tough time I am not concerned with the gory details! But you can make your mind up for your self!

http://www.4littlemenandgirlytwins.com/2009/11/were-asking-you-guest-post.html

Like I said I am not asking you to give I just wanted you to know of a couple options if you were looking to give!

Happy Holidays!

Mom's I look up to!

2009-10-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I read a lot of mom blogs and recently I have been very touched and filled with admiration when reading a couple posts from a couple mommies I follow and I wanted to share with you!

MckMama-

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/10/yes.html

How could you say it any better!

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/10/wishes.html

My heart goes out to their family, please join me in praying for all of them!

4 Little Men and Girly Twins-

http://4littlemen.blogspot.com/2009/10/god-knew.html

WOW! I can't wait for Jackson to have brothers and sisters!

http://4littlemen.blogspot.com/2009/10/proof.html

All mommies need to get in FRONT of the camera a little more!

Three Little Snaps-

http://3littlesnaps.blogspot.com/2009/10/mommy-mask.html

So True!!

Kelly-

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2009/10/treasures.html

I really try to treasure every smile, snuggle, smell and touch!!

I really wish I could put my mommy feeling into words like these ladies have....don't you?

ENJOY!!

October in review

2009-10-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Wheeeew! It has been a crazy couple of months and October was no exception! Wedding, 10 month birthday, 1st Halloween and Monday Night football!

My Husband's Baby sister affectionately referred to as "Aunie" got married on October 17, I was a bridesmaid and Justin walked his beautiful sister down the isle! Jackson......he provided eye candy! Seriously between the magnificent beauty of the bride, Lexie (our niece) the most stunning flower girl ever and my little stud muffin I think these pictures are remarkable! I can't wait to see the professional photographer's pictures!!

Can you all believe my little guy is almost a year old? We got family pictures taken recently...I will be sharing those shortly.

Tonight is Jackson's first trick or treat, so last night we carved a pumpkin he loved getting all the goo out and he was so proud when it was all done and lit up! see.....

Oh and my hubby went on a guys trip to DC for a Monday night football game and had a great time. I think I feel a girls trip coming on! Ha...we will see!

How was your October? I would love to knot what you all have been up to!

Happy Halloween!!!

"Motherhood" the movie!

2009-10-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

I read about this Movie on Jill's hysterical blog http://www.scarymommy.com/ Can't wait to go see it!!! I think it calls for a girls night out, complete with adult beverages don't you??

Check it out http://motherhoodthefilm.com/index2.html

Enjoy!!

Belated -10 Months

2009-10-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Jackson,

Happy 10 Month Birthday baby boy!!! For some reason as I write this I find myself tearing up, you are growing up so fast and I just want to cherish every minute! Let me tell you what you have been up to...

You are crawling around like crazy and you are in to EVERYTHING! You are also standing up and walking while holding on to the couch etc. You are very proud of yourself!
You still have no teeth
You "talk" all the time! Most of the time you say ma, da, na and ga but you are starting to try and say more and more things like moooo when we talk about cows! Oh and you do say hi in a very high pitched voice. Daddy laughs because a lot of your time you spend following me around saying ma, ma, ma........MOM!
Unfortunately you have spent most of the last month sick with little viruses, but you are a trooper and you keep smiling and laughing through it all. It has made you a snuggle bug though and now I can't get you to sleep in your crib because you have been in bed with us so I can keep my eye on you while you were sick!
You LOVE daddy's helicopter and every time he flies it you get so excited! Daddy is very excited for you two to have that hobby together someday soon!
You LOVE lady and she adores you! You stand at the baby gate and yell if she is on the other side, you feed her your puffs and lay your head on her when she is next to you!
You still won't eat veggies much, I sneak them in when I can. You still eat lots of fruit and puffs are your new absolute favorite. The only real big boy food you like is chicken and noodles especially from Bob Evans! Daddy gave you vanilla ice cream when you were sick and you loved that! Oh and water out of a big boy cup is pretty cool to you too!
You are very good at shopping with mommy and you like going out to eat and sitting in the high chair. We never go anywhere without someone commenting on your red hair and how adorable you are! We think you might be the cutest baby EVER but then again we are a little biased!

This is just a small sample of the things that you do to make mommy and daddy smile. We love you so much and get excited about your future and all of the fun things we are going to do as you get older and we can't wait to see the kind of boy and man you will become! The sky is the limit for you and that is so exciting, just know we are right behind you in whatever you do!

I love you higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean and that NEVER ends!!!!

XOXOXO
Mommy

Five Question Friday October 9,2009

2009-10-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

TGIF... it's time for Five Question Friday!!

I am joining in the Friday fun over at http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

You wanna play too right......copy the following questions, paste them to your blog, answer them...then, grab the MckLinky code and link up! I'd love it if you'd link back to me...but, that's not a requirement! ;) And, if you don't have a blog...feel free to answer the questions in the comments below!
Here we go!! (Special thanks, this week, to A., Liz, and Sandy for their questions!)

1. What is the one thing that you reach for the most in a day (excluding phones and computers)?
2. What is the farthest you have been from home?
3. What kind of cell phone do you have? Love it or hate it?
4. Coke or Pepsi?
5. If you could go back and change anything about your wedding day, what would it be and why?
--------------------------------------

1. What is the one thing that you reach for the most in a day (excluding phones and computers)?Nail file, I always chip my nails and I am afraid i will cut my little guy!

2. What is the farthest you have been from home? Hawaii, I went once with my parents and best friend in High School and then once with the family that I was a nanny for. Pretty cool huh.....I am a lucky girl!

3. What kind of cell phone do you have? Love it or hate it? iPhone! and I more than love it, I don't think I could live with out it now!

4. Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke!!!! I can't live with out it....I think I would have to go to a treatment center! I limit myself to 1 or 2 a day:)

5. If you could go back and change anything about your wedding day, what would it be and why? First of all I loved my wedding day and I tried to enjoy every minute! The photographer commented at my wedding that " I was such a happy bride" me...aren't all brides happy? guess not!! So my advice to all of you is that if you are getting married don't get all wrapped up in the little things and ENJOY YOUR DAY!!

boy did I digress! Oh well it's my blog and I will digress, wander, go on and on, swear....(digressing again) if I want to!!

Any way to answer the question, I would make sure the staff at my venue would have kept all the guests out of the reception area so we could have gotten the pictures we were supposed to get in there without all of my guests there! We were planning on doing most of our pictures there because it was beautiful....see...

Oh well:)

Have Fun!

I'm Back!!! Did ya miss me?

2009-10-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

So where have I been you ask...what have I been up to....let me break it down for you....
I've been very busy!

On Business Trips to Scottsdale, AZ

Celebrating my Brother in Law's 40th Birthday's 1980's style

Chasing Busy little Boys
Oh..and Cheering on the Buckeyes!!!

But now I am Back to Blogging!!!!!

Formula Feeding: Tips, Tricks and Products

2009-08-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to second post in my formula feeding series! Hopefully you read the first post if not check it out! http://aboymakes3.blogspot.com/2009/07/formula-feeding-how-it-all-started.html

Pre-made: At the hospital they give you little nipple ready bottles of formula, all you have to do is screw on a nipple...they are great!

Take as many if these simple bottles home with you then you might even want to think about buying more for the first week or two! They are 2 ounces each and perfect for the many many feedings you will be trying to get used to doing at all hours.

They are more expensive but some times you have to think about convenience!

Coupons: Once you know which formula works best for you go online and sign up for their mailing list, give you email address and home address! I get coupons online and in the mail from Similac regularly and they are big savings...like $5.00 off each!

Bottles: Buy enough bottles and nipples so that you don't have to wash them but once or twice a day! I like the Playtex bottles with liners. You will also need a dishwasher basket!

To Go: Okay so this may be my best advice! When I get ready to leave the house I make up a bottle with everything but the water. You put the liner in the bottle with the amount of formula your baby is drinking and then put the nipple on with a lid. Then you take a water bottle (I use a bike water bottle) and fill it with your home water. Doing it this way I found is so much easier than using those little formula dispensing containers and much cheaper than using the "to go" products the formula companies make. You can even make it pretty warm/hot water if it will be a while until your baby is due for feeding, then it will be just right and not to chilled when the cutie pie is hungry! This was really important for Jackson because he would get tummy aches if I switched water on him. If you are going away for a couple days you can pick up gallons of distilled water when you get to your destination. Make sure you use distilled not spring if your child is water sensitive like mine!

I would love to hear your tips, tricks and products too...please share!

Ready....set....gone!!

2009-08-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

So.. I know I have been neglecting my blog latley but, I hope you will understand......

On Saturday August 15th 2009, at 8 months and 3 days old "The Punkin" (Jackson) went mobile! Life as I know it is officially over....but one look in those big blue eyes and I don't care about anything else!

See for yourself...

Could you resist this face...I can't

When did your kids start crawling....walking..?? I would love to know!

Bye Bye for now!!

Wordless Wedding Wednesday

2009-08-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

We Love Weddings! Can ya tell? What's not to love?

Buying a new dress....love shopping
Seeing a couple profess their love for one another
Open Bar
Dancing
Friends
Cake
Babysitter

.......need I say more?

Unexpected!

2009-08-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm not really a person that likes long drawn out surprises! You know "I got you something but I'm not going to tell you what it is".....that kind of thing. I do however appreciate the unexpected!

So when I received this award I was thrilled!!

Jillian over at http://itallbeganwithamaninablackjeep.blogspot.com/ gave me this "One Lovely Blog Award"! Thank you so much Jillian (don't you just love her name) that was so sweet of you, it is my first blog award! Jillian just had a beautiful little girl if you have never checked out her blog you should!!!

In accepting the award, you are asked to pass the award on to 10 other sites you love. This is going to be hard, I love so many blogs!!

Beth over at http://www.3littlesnaps.com/ has been my friend for 29 years, our parents lived next door to one another until this year!
Katy over at http://katymichael.blogspot.com/ is my wonderful sister in law (SFAM.....sister from another mister! wink)
My Hubby at http://www.justinrumpf.com/
Heather over at http://www.itstwinsanity.com/
Mama M. at http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/
http://toomanyhats.ahiafamily.net/
http://takingheart.blogspot.com/
Erin over at http://purplebookbloggingmommy.blogspot.com/
Rachel at http://asouthernfairytale.com/
Kathryn and Melissa at http://littlenannygoat.blogspot.com/

Oh no the fun did not stop there! It's my "birthday month" as my husband teasingly calls it but with the little guy around somehow it just doesn't seem as important for things to be all about me, so I Really did not expect to come home more than a week before my birthday to a New Laptop on the kitchen table! WOW!! I was not at all expecting that, I had hinted that I would REALLY like to have my own laptop but I never thought he would just pop out and get it for me!

The moral to this story is..... be unexpected, do nice things for people for no reason at all! You might be surprised by how much they appreciate it!

Check out these blogs and then please pass the award on!!

Blog Hop- Favorite Recipe 8/17/2009

2009-08-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome Hoppers!

I thought this recipe was appropriate since Fall is right around the corner. My mom made these cookies almost every year for Halloween and they are FANTASTIC..... not low cal but great non the less! I plan on keeping up with the tradition and making them for Jackson...Justin loves them too!

PUMPKIN COOKIES

1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Pumpkin (canned)
1 Egg
1 Tsp. Vanilla
2 Cups Flour
1 Tsp. Baking Powder
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
1 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Nuts (optional)

Mix ingredients well (I mix all the dry ingredients in a
separate bowl first then add to other stuff that has been
mixed) and drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

This is KEY!!
**Frost with Butter Cream Icing, recipe on the box of powdered sugar. I add red and yellow food coloring to icing (looks orange and festive).

Can't wait to see all of your recipes!

Not Me Monday

2009-08-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

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.

This is what I have not been doing this week.....

Today is definitely not my 29th Birthday...that would make me old! I am certainly not making my husband get a pedicure tonight for my birthday and he absolutely did not agree! That would be weird...but kinda cool.

Jackson did not start crawling this week that would make my life as I know it officially over....uh oh! With his new found bravery he certainly did not fall off the bed and then ummm the couch! In the words the of the great MckMama......."someone should really be watching this kid....where is his mother??"

I definitely did not waist Jackson's 2 hour nap on a horrible movie (do not see Revolutionary Road...its depressing) when I should have done something productive....that would have been very unlike me!

I definitely have everything ready for this weekends family events and I definitely don't need to figure out the following in the next 3 (working) days.... that would be procrastinating and I don't do that EVER!

What food to have after Jackson's Baptism for 20 people
What to wear for a wedding, a bridal shower and Jackson's Baptism
What presents to get for the wedding and the Shower

Last but not least my house is completely Baby proof, I am a first time mom, I am ready for anything and sooooo careful.......definitely!!

Okay please make me feel better and tell me what you have not been doing this week!!

8 Months

2009-08-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Happy 8th month birthday baby boy!! I love you more than words could ever say! My life is so much more wonderful because I get to share it with you and Daddy.

-- Post From My iPhone

Blog Hop- Favorite Photo's

2009-08-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

*******WARNING*******

If you just ate lunch or are mad at your hubby for messing up the house or not helping with the kids you might want to skip this post! I am about to be a little mushy and say nice things about my husband! I know I know.....but every once and a while I get these weird butterflies in my stomach when I am around him, we have great conversations and hold hands and stuff. What's that about???

This week's topic on the Blog Hop is Favorite Photo's and I know Jackson is cute, but I thought you might be tired of seeing pics of him ALL of the time.....so i decided to mix it up!

I meet my husband 8 years ago through my Dads wife at a time when I really did not want a serious relationship at all. I was SICK of men, but I thought hey if this guy wants to take me out to dinner at a nice place what the heck......I did not think he was my "type" at all!

When he picked me up he opened the car door....then he proceeded to tell me that he made reservations at 4 different restaurants and I could choose wherever I wanted to go! When we got to dinner he complemented me and then pulled out my chair....I started thinking ummmmmm then we had great conversation on the way home I started thinking who needs a type anyway! Who would have thought that would turn into a great life together.....definitely not me!

So even with the risk of sounding a little mushy I want to show you my handsome husband!

Best Daddy EVER!

Really fun guy to vacation with....

Always up for a PARTY!!

Okay so I got that out of my system.....now I can go back to calling him my 2nd child, teasing him and complaining about what a slob and pain the ass he is!

Can't wait to see all your favorite photo's!

MMMMMMMM Lemon!!!

2009-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday

2009-08-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

So as you may know I am not a morning person but this morning I am excited, it's going to be a nice day! Dinner with my dad and fam, but I am excited because we have found a great little Church and today we are starting our goal of attending church regularly!! Also Jackson is being Baptised here in a couple of weeks when my husbands little sister (Aunie) is in town for her bridal shower.

This is our little Methodist Church! Isn't she cute? We love it!!!

Chapel

New Life Center

**Update: Jackson did great at the nursery during church, I was a little nervous since he has only ever been with family when we are gone. But he did fantastic......there was even a little flirting with the older girls!

Hope you had a great Sunday!

God Bless,

Blog Hop - Encouragement 8/4/2009

2009-08-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

WELCOME!!

This week's Blog Hop is your favorite quote, spiritual passage, life lesson, saying, PHOTO or encouraging thought.

This is Papa! My maternal Grandfather, he was born in 1912 and he is my inspiration! I started thinking about what inspires me and most of all my family does.

But...... Papa, he was amazing, and I aspire to be half of the person he was!!

He lived through the depression and helped his father when the lost their farm and opened a general store.
He worked very hard and moved his way up in the Exxon Mobil Company.
Raised 2 children
Stayed happily married to the same woman for 50+ years.
Took care of me and my mom after my parents got divorced. Came over to play with me, taught me so many things.
Volunteered- He delivered meals on wheels in his 80's.
Donated money to a few great Charities regularly
Made friends EVERYWHERE he went!
Found beauty and imagination in everything he did. Including things off trash piles!
Said goodbye to 2 loves of his life with grace. My grandma and then after she passed and he reconnected with his high school sweetheart and he lost her too!
He had a twinkle in his eye and a smile that could light up a room.
He made me and my mom feel so special! He was always happy to see us no matter what kind of day he had or how sick he was. He opened doors, pulled out chairs.....just wanted to take care of us.
He had the BEST memory! He remembered everything and if he didn't he had it written down or when all else fails he made something up!
He could fix anything....with black electrical tape or a hot glue gun.

These are just a few of the reasons that I loved him so much...I could never list them all! There was just something about Papa, everyone who knew him knows what I mean.

Papa passed away last summer just before his 96th birthday in July and Jackson was born in December. I truly believe that god does not close a door without opening a window and I don't think I would have made it through his passing without the excitement of the arrival of my son! It's really funny because I will do a double take every now and then when I look at Jackson because he will make a face or do something that reminds me so much of his great grandpa!

Even though I miss him every day I know that he is watching over me a piece of him will always be with me. Papa made me want to be the best person I can be. But with him it was like he didn't even have to try. I try to remember everyday all those wonderful things he did and the amazing person he was! If I am even just a little bit like him I am so thankful!

Who inspires you? Do you have a special person in your life? I can't wait to read your posts!

Stacy

Date day- were at the movies .......see!

2009-08-01T11:10:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Great Lunch!

2009-07-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

This was so good Justin even ate it! I pretty much just through a bunch of stuff I had together but it was really good so I thought I would share!

Baby Spinach
Water Chesnuts
Garbonso Beans
Edamame
Shredded Carrots
Cherry Tomatoes
Almonds
Tuna with a little bit of sour cream and vinagerette

YUMMMMMMMMMY!

I hope you have a yummy lunch too!

Happy Friday!

Pawleys Island, SC

2009-07-29T12:15:00.001-07:00

For those of you that don't know my mom's family is from South Carolina. My grandpa and grandma were born there and my mom lived there for a few years before moving to Ohio. My Papa loved Pawley's Island and had vacationed there since he was a kid. Pawley's is south of Myrtle Beach and North of Charleston. It's a great old fashion area with beautiful Beaches and homes and wonderful restaurants. Lately we have been staying off the island on Litchfield beach but it's all pretty much the same thing to me! I love it and Justin has grown to love it and I think we will go every year!

So our trip this year was very different than in years past, in fact last years trip I was 5 month pregnant and dreamed about coming back year after year with Jackson. It was really neat bringing Jackson to a place that was so special to my Papa! Jacker liked the pool, the condo and hanging out with mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and cousin Koty but did not care much for the beach or going out to dinner, I know this will all change with time!

This is Litchefield Beach

This is Caledonia, a really beautiful area near Pawley's the road lined with gorgeous Live Oaks.

The view from our condo.

Jackson spent a lot of time in his Excersaucer in the condo smiling at his family.

Justin and I had date night thanks to my wonderful Parents! We took a nice romantic walk on the beach after dinner and came across a man that caught this......

Ahhhh! A baby shark, I thought Koty would never get back in the water after we showed him the picture...but he did!

We love the Aquarium!!!

Mom and I opted for shopping with Jackson but the other boys played putt putt!

What a ham!!

Jackson also slept very well while we were at the beach he liked to take naps in mommy and daddy's big bed!

As you can see we had a great time!! We have even decided to go for 2 weeks next year and hopefully more family will join us (for one of the weeks {wink})!!!

How have all your family vacations been this year, where did you go what did you do?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Stellan Needs Our Prayers

2009-07-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Please pray with me! I have come to love this family as many others have. You can read Stellan's story here http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
This family has been through so much yet they are so strong in their faith and conviction, I have learned so much from them.
I have been on Twitter all day waiting for updates on his condition and holding my boy tight! Stellan will be air lifted to Boston tonight for a risky but necessary procedure for someone so small.

......So will you please pray with me!

2009-07-21T14:22:00.001-07:00

At Medieval Times with Koty and my Mom, the older boys opted to stay home with Jack! I'm excitd...eating with your hands and men on horses what could be better!

2009-07-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

I am enjoying listening to my husband and nephew talk in the front seat. It is a mix of "guy talk" and questions for a inquisitive 10year old.

Busy week and now were off to the Beach!

2009-07-17T11:31:00.001-07:00

We are off to the Beach today!

We are going to Pawleys Island SC with our Nephew Koty and My Mom and Dad. My family is originally from SC and my Papa loved to to take us to Pawleys because he grew up going to the beach there. I will think of him often while we are there and I know that we will be looking down smiling with my Ganma at the fact that we are carrying on the tradition with Jackson.

We will definitely be going here http://www.thehammockshops.com/ if you are ever in the area it is a neat place!

I will try and post some beach pics while we are gone! Wish me luck traveling with two kiddo's for the 1st time. We are leaving tonight in hopes that they will sleep most of the way.

Have a great week!

7 Months Old!

2009-07-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Jackson,

Today is July 12, 2009 and you are 7 months old! I know you are probably tired of hearing this but I can't believe it you are growing so fast! I love you more every single day, when you were born I didn't know how I could love you so much and now I know that my love will just get stronger everyday.

This week has been an eventful week.......first of all we think you said your first word...."LADY" (our boxer) we are not surprised because we always have to say "Lady stop licking Jack! Lady ENOUGH!" about a million times a day. But you LOVE her! Y0u just looked at her and said "yad...yad...YADY"! WOW I can't believe it!

Secondly, had your first fall. You were laying on the couch playing with Lex and I turned around for a split second and you were on the floor. You landed on a blanket that was wadded up and only fell about a foot but you fell on your head and so I called the doctor right away ans took you in immediately. You were absolutely fine but I have never been so scared in my whole life. I was strong and held it together when it happened and just hugged you and looked you over but as soon as I got in the car to go to the doctor I lost it and I balled all the way there! I could not imagine if anything happened to you!

Lastly, you are having a very hard time going to sleep this week. It has been taking me an hour to get you to bed at night and naps forget about it! You are growing up and I guess I better get used to sleepless nights and bumps and bruises!

Let's see since I posted on your 5 month birthday.....

You now weigh 18.6lbs and you are very long! (I will measure you soon, you are asleep now)
You are eating fruit and oatmeal...NO VEGGIES you gag every time I try any veggie!
You are sitting up on your own although you do tip over sometimes.
You sleep from about 8:00 pm to 5:30 or 6:00 am and then you come in bed with me and go to sleep for a while. Mommy loves that! I hope I am not starting too bad of a habit but that is what you want and I figure you sleep so good on your own most of the night!
You "talk" all the time I know you can't wait to be able to really communicate with us. You are figuring out how to get by until the real talking begins. When I think you are getting hungry I say "Do you want a BaBa" and you do this little giggle and I know you want one!
You are a fish! You love the pool, we did a month of "swim lessons" and you loved it. We are going to Pawleys Island, SC next week and we think you are going to be in hog heaven. Koty, Grandma Mary and Grandpa Rick are going so that is just the icing on the cake...you adore all three of them.
Speaking of Cousins...Lex and Koty both love you soo much! You love them too but Lex is a little overwhelming for you just because she can't get enough. I keep telling you to put up with it because I am sure it won't be long until you are going to be following her everywhere and the tables will be turned besides that little girl is going to be a knockout! Koty is so good with you and he ALWAYS makes you laugh, it will be great to have him on vacation with us! Oh and I still get a daily call from Auntie Katy asking about her boy! She loves you sooooooo much!
Even though you are a mama's boy about certain things you have definitely turned into a Daddy's boy too. You LOVE to play with Daddy and you absolutely light up when he comes in a room! He is so good with you I think he especially loves this age.
You are so much fun, you keep us laughing all the time.
You are also a real cuddle bug you love the weekends when all of us sleep in!
Bath time is still your favorite time of the day...now you squeal when we take you in the bathroom and you always know that after we get you out and wrapped up we look in the mirror. You crank your neck around to get to the mirror and just smile! You can see in the pictures above.
Mommy and Daddy and the whole family love you more than words can say and I can tell even though you can't say that you love us too very much!

Happy 7 months baby boy!!!

I love you higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean and that never ends!

Mommy

XOXO

Bumbo vs. Bebe Pod

2009-07-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

**Okay I first would like to say that I am not being paid by either company! I am so not a cool enough blogger yet to have someone offer to pay me for anything! **

So this all started because a friend of mine registered for a Bebe Pod when she had her 1st baby and I just happened to get it for her. So when I registered I did the same.

This is the Pod...

If you don't know this about me already here goes I am very blunt! I hated it! Jackson could not even sit up in it, it's slippery. He would fall to one side and want out.

I kept seeing all of these blogger mom's that Bumbo seats and they looked like they used them a lot, they always were in their Bumbo in pictures. So today I took my Bebe Pod to Once Upon a Child and sold it for $13.50 then I went to Target and got a Bumbo and paid $37.89 and it was worth every penny!

This is the BUMBO!

So if your asking me this is the only way to go! Jackson LOVES it! No problems sliding or anything. They were out of the trays that fit on it so I think I will order one on Amazon.

Just a little sidebar I love to SHOP! If you don't order stuff from Amazon you should, I get everything on Amazon! If it is something you can wash or if you don't care you can even get great deals on used stuff, they ship really quickly too! Also I mentioned Once Upon a Child, if you have one in your area check it out. I never pay full price for Jack's clothes but he has tons of really nice name brand stuff that I get for super cheap at OUAC. It's fun you can buy more because it is cheaper and you can sell your old stuff!

Tell me what you think! Do you have one or the other? Or do you have something else? I would love to hear about anything that you have discovered!

Happy Shopping!

"Favorite Photo" Blog Hop

2009-07-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome I'm Stacy, thanks for stopping by! ~~I plan on hoping a lot more this week, my little Monkey went to bed early tonight, so if I missed you last week I will stop by this week.~~ Oh Sh$&*!#t..... scratch that the boy is awake! Well......I will be back at wine:30!

This weeks theme is "Favorite Photo". I am in awe of this photo! How can they be so cute, I just want to eat them up! This is my Jackson taking a bath in his Auntie Katy's sink. Lex is the beauty kissing him on the cheek. She is in L-O-V-E with him and I am sure it will not be long before he is following her EVERYWHERE!

Can't wait to see all of your favorite photo's! I am a newbie blogger and don't have many followers....if you want to follow my blog I will surely return the favor!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2009-07-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

We are having a great low key day! I just wanted to share my boys and my favorite patriotic song with you.

I don't think I could say it any better than this song does!!

Happy Independence Day everyone!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the Men and Women that serve and have served our wonderful country!

MckLinky Blog Hop

2009-07-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a Boy Makes 3!!! I'm Stacy and I am a newbie blogger. I had a wonderful baby boy (almost seven months ago now) with my ~~computer geek~~ wonderful husband and we are just figuring it out as we go! I love being a wife, mother and working part time at a real estate company that provides housing for people with disabilities but all of this along with a crazy bunch of inlaws and my own ~~group of nuts~~ family makes for a crazy/wonderful/challenging life. I hope you enjoy my blog and come back as I hopefully keep getting better at this!

Formula Feeding: How it all Started Didn't Start

2009-07-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

I thought it was imported, with all the blogs out there about breastfeeding, to talk about formula feeding for those of you who are like me and couldn't or choose not to. Just so you know there will be no judging from me! (also no judging under comments, please and thank you!)

So before I had Jackson I tried to prepare myself for breastfeeding or the possibility that I couldn't. My doctor told me with ahem "larger" breast it would be harder. I bought all of the stuff....nursing bras, pads, Lansinoh Lanolin Nursing Cream. I even started using the cream the last few months of my pregnancy! I though I was cool either way I just knew I wanted to try.

After I had Jackson, in the Hospital I tried to breastfeed him, I had all of the nurses help me I even went to the nursing class the hospital offered with Justin. Jackson would SCREAM every time I tried, they told me that was because my milk had not come in. They instructed me to just do "low key attempts" i.e. let him lay with me skin to skin near my breast. I was also supposed to pump every 2-3 hours which I did with this whole rigamarole of holding a warm cloth on my nipples, stimulating my nipples then pressing down on my breasts in a sweeping motion. I pumped and pumped and pumped with not even any colostrum and to top it off my baby was HUNGRY!!! He was 9lbs when he was born so he was big and HUNGRY and so after much crying and not knowing what to do we gave him formula with the hopes that when my milk came in he would be interested and would easily transition to the breast. In the meantime I was happy that my son was full and happy but I was (surprisingly to me) having a very hard time with the fact that I couldn't yet successfully breast feed my baby. I felt like a faliure! I know now that I was having a little baby blues or postpartum depression which didn't help! My doctor prescribed me Zoloft (I will talk about this more in another post) for my blues and I kept pumping with no avail! Even after I got home for almost 10 days I only got a little colostrum.

Finally I took Jackson to the pediatrician and he asked me about feeding and I started to cry. He was so sweet, I told him the whole story. He told me that after so long the likelihood that my milk would come in was very slim. He then told me to enjoy my baby and know that formula was very healthy for him. He went on to say that I made a VERY healthy 9lb baby and that was a feet in itself. This is just what I needed to hear, I stopped pumping and I enjoyed Christmas and my baby! But it was very hard for me to "give up" but I knew it was what I had to do for my sanity! I mean having a new baby and feeding every couple hours is hard enough without adding a half hour or more of the pumping production to it!

So now Jackson is almost 7 months old and he weighs 17lbs 9ounces and he is doing GREAT! I will probably try with my next baby but I tell ya it was nice that Daddy and Grandma could take over some feedings when I was exhausted!

So if there are any of you out there that are having the same issue believe me I know it sucks! But your baby will be fine and you are still a wonderful mother! Don't let anyone including you put pressure on yourself or make you feel guilty even if it just a choice. We do the best we can do with what we are given and I think that making the best of things will make us fantastic moms!

Next Formula Feeding post will be on the tricks and products I have discovered!

New New New!!

2009-07-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I have been presumably slacking lately....right? True in a way but I have also been working on some changes to my blog!

I have a new layout......how do you like it? The other just wasn't me, I know I have a boy but I am girly!

I have also switched to Blogger.......yea! It seemed like everyone was on Blogger so I thought I would join the club! I like it much better it is more user friendly for the none "code writer" like me! It's kind of cool how it all links up to google since I use google fore everything....searching, email, chatting, blog reader, Picasa online etc.

I also am starting a commitment to post at lease 5 times a week! I really love doing this and I want to take it to the next level with the help of my hubby! With that being said look for my new little formula feeding series!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Stacy

PLEASE PRAY FOR STELLAN!

2009-06-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Please Pray!!! Check out this little guys story on his WONDERFUL MCKMAMA's blog.

Stacy

More Power to Ya!

2009-06-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm TIRED! I was driving home yesterday from an 8 hour day of work after picking up Jackson from my mom's house and I was thinking...... I don't know how those of you that work full time outside of the home and have children do it! I know it sometimes is a choice and sometimes a necessity but either way more power to ya! I can hardly handle working my 3 days a week. I should add that I feel like shitdon't feel very good and Justin is out of town on business so that always makes things seem worse!

I do have to say that I have the best little boy in the world, he makes it all worth it! He is being so good! Finally eating solids like a champ, sleeping well and just being as cute as can be! I have been slacking on my 6 month birthday post but I will be posting that soon...with pics.

Anyway this is just a post to explain my lack of posts and to give BIG PROPS to those of you who work full time outside and inside the home!

Stacy

Saturday

2009-06-08T00:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that the days you plan out to spend with your loved ones are okay but the unplanned days really end up being the special ones? Saturday Jackson had his first "swim class" Justin ended up swimming with him because I wasn't feeling well and they had a great time!!! After the swimming we went to a local suburbs downtown, they have a farmers market every Saturday morning. I was great the weather was perfect, I asked Justin what the temp read in our car an he said "it just says perfect" he's kind of funny sometimes:) We walked around for a while, bought some goodies and then layed a blanket out under the trees! We both commented that it was so relaxing and we really enjoyed/needed it! Jackson loved it, he is really a water and outside boy! I hope you have a great unplanned day with your family real soon!

I love them so much!!!!

Stacy

Work in Progress

2009-06-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

So I am winking at thirty, I will be 29 in August, my 20's have come to an end! I guess I though I would have it all figured out by now, but all I have really figured out is I am still very much a work in progress. All I really want in life is to be a good person, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, christian and citizen but what does that really mean? What is my purpose, how can I make a difference? I guess I am struggling with that today!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

I know we have all heard this or read it a 100 times, but this is something I am trying to remember in my daily life. I think sometimes I get caught up in all the "to do's" , "should do's" or even look forward to0 much to what is next instead of living in the moment and enjoying what I have. There is a Walmart commercial right now that talks about summer and how great it is when you are kid. It says that when you are little you don't think about how the Popsicle gets in the fridge or the hot dog in the bun, you just experience summer. (I know it's scary that I am taking life advice from a Walmart commercial but hey you take it where you can get it! Right?) Can't we all take a lesson from children?

Some things in my life lately have shown me that life is short and we shouldn't take it for granted! Life is a Journey not a destination, right! I know in my heart that I need to savor ever moment with Jackson, Justin and the rest of my family but how to I make that happen through all of the other life "stuff" that goes on? I guess that is the question, and for now I will just try as hard as I can to live by these words.

So as you can see I am very caught up in the big picture and the answers that I think I need, what I think I need to do is go lay on the floor and play with Jackson. I am just going to take my own advise and do the best I can but enjoy my life not endure it! And for know I am okay with being a work in progress.

If you ever feel like this let me know leave me a comment it would make us all feel better!!!

This is another favorite one of mine, just for fun.

Dear Lord,

So far today, I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper,
been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self indulgent.
I have not whined, cursed or eaten any chocolate.
However, I am going to get out of bed in a few minutes, and I
will need a lot more help after that.

Amen.

Stacy

Show Us Where U Live Friday- Home Office

2009-06-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm Joining in the fun again over at Kelly's Korner this week we are doing Home Offices.

Here it is this used to be Justin's office and I used it and now it's mine! It is definitely a work in progress but I like it. I really like Lady peeking at me from the window seat.

This is usually where you can find "the girls".

Okay so this is quite a mix of "stuff" Wedding pictures, Liquor and my horse showing trophy's. What can I say.....I guess I am well rounded? (no pun intended) haha!

I am very proud of this, it's my trophy for wining the world title in my division in the NRHA (National Reining Horse Assoc.) I will definitly blog about this someday when I don't have a teething baby!

Okay, that’s it…hope you enjoyed peaking in my windows!

You don’t have to go home but you do have to get the heck outta here!!

Stacy

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Show Us Where You Live Friday- Nurseries

2009-05-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm joining in the fun over at Kelly's Korner, this week we are doing Children's rooms or Nurseries!

Excersaucers ROCK!!!

Welcome to Jackson's room!

I have loved turtles my whole life (one of my first words was turtle). So I was bound and determined to do a turtle room even if I had a girl. I am still looking for a bed side table to sit next to my glider and a few other things but....I really like it and I hope you enjoy it! P.S. the walls are green even though you can't tell from the photo's.

We picked up this turtle in Pawleys Island South Carolina when I was 7 months pregnant.

This is where you can usually find Zoe. Grandma and Grandpa Spencer bought us this glider...and the blanket. Grandma also made a couple really great little turtle blankets!

Jackson's crib is our room right now but this is where it belongs.

If you can't tell I think it is fun to shop, even for a boy! He has a ton more in the dresser.

I was trying to show off my turtle knobs....oh and my Jacks' i-turtle!

Nana and Grandpa Doug got this picture for us at a street fair in Florida.

I hope Jackson loves these stuffed animals as much as I do!

Also picked up in S.C.

Jackson's Bathroom

That's it...hope you enjoyed peaking in my windows!

You don't have to go home but you do have to get the heck outta here!!

Stacy

Diet HELP!

2009-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I have been on a "diet" for a month or so now and I am really starting to feel good and shed some pounds. I really just want to be healthier and feel better, fitting into a smaller size and liking the way I look is just a major bonus! I have always been a pretty healthy eater I just never counted calories or paid too much attention to how many calories I was consuming in a day. I truly believe that limiting your calories and exercising is the only way to lose weight, with that said I would never sign up for a diet that wouldn't let you eat a banana or any other fruit or vegetable. I enjoy eating things like fruits, veggies, beans, fish, grains and nuts. I am trying more and more to eat food as close to its natural form as I can. I haven't convinced Justin yet but all in good time. I am not fully converted myself so I figure we both have work to do!

I am NO expert but I thought I would share some resources that have helped me!

http://www.hungry-girl.com/index.php/ Great tips, reciepes and items you can find at your super market.

http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/home.dhtml/ This is a nutricional cleansing program that I have been working into my diet, LOVE it! Shakes are great! really got me started!

http://www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/ This is Jessica Seinfeld's book about adding purees to the foods you cook. I don't want to sneak things but I love the recipes!

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/search/label/i%20hate%20to%20cook%3A%20recipe%20ideas/ Mckmama has some wonderful "I hate to cook recipe ideas"!!

http://www.bethenny.com/recipes.html/ Great cocktail recipes!

Enjoy!

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-05-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Jackson,

I am soo glad you love your cousin Lex so much......she loves you too, but in the future when girls are kissing and hugging you.....burping and farting is not appropriate!

Love,

Mommy XOXO

*please excuse the quality of the photo's above, they were taken on my crackberry!

Can my baby boy really be 5 Months old??

2009-05-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

12/13/2008 Brand Spankin New!

1st Christmas 2weeks old

1 Month old

2 Months old 1st real smile caught on camera.

3 Months old

4 Months old- first trip on Airplane, went to Florida to see Dan and Christine

Now here you are at 5 months :)

Dear, Baby boy

I can't believe you are 5 months old yet it seems that I can't remember my life without you! I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you what you have been up to and how much I love you!

You are getting so big you weigh 16 lbs and you are 28 inches long

You have the prettiest (forgot boys don't like words like pretty or outfit, daddy reminds me often!) so much wonderful red hair, everyone comments on it when we are out.

You love the ladies! Seriously you really break out all the smiles when women talk to you. You are kind of a ham!

You adore your daddy and he is head over heals for you! You look for him on the days I am off and he isn't in our bed.

On the days I have off with you and sometimes even when I work, I put you in our bed in the morning and we both LOVE it! you usually cuddle up and go back to sleep for a while. When you wake up you are all smiles and giggles and I can tell you like it almost as much as I do.

Mommy kisses you all the time but i don't think you mind.

You have the BEST laugh, lately it is not hard at all to make you laugh. Don't tell the grandma's and aunt's but I think you laugh at Mommy and Daddy the most!

You have the most beautiful blue eyes and the softest, fairest skin. I can't get enough of any of it!

You LOVE baths, we take one almost every night. That is a special time for you and Mommy....Daddy too sometimes!

You don't like solid food at all! You won't open your mouth for anything....we are going to take a break from it and wait until you are ready!

You sit up very well although you can't quite do it on your own yet. At restaurants we put you in the high chair and you think you are so cool!

You are a very good sleeper (I owe you for that one, it might even get you a free pass once or twice when you are a teenager) . You sleep through the night for the most part, lately I think you have been going through a growth spurt so you have been waking up eating ad going right back to sleep. In all honesty I really like that time in the middle of the night when the house is quiet and it is just you and me. You usually are so sweet and do things like touch my face softly with your hand or rub my arm so sweet and gently(this is a harsh contrast to your playful times during the day when you dig your nails into my face and pull my hair).

You chew on everything including mommy and daddy's hands

Grandma Mary watches you the 3 days a week that I work. You love playing with her and grandpa! I am pretty sure you do some cuddling too!

You Nana and Grandpa Doug love you very much too as do Grandpa Mike and Grandma KC. You are a very lucky boy with all of this family around!

You love to be outside! Walks and sitting out on the patio are some of your favorite things!

The dogs are so funny to you! They love you too! Lady goes to bed with you most nights.

I could go on and on but I think that gives you an idea of what you are like at 5 months old. Basically you are the light of me and your daddy's lives and we cherish every minute we have with you.

I love you higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean and that never ends!

Love,

Mommy XOXO

Not Me Monday

2009-05-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

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

Feel free to join in it's great free therapy!!

I certainly am not writing my "Not Me Monday" post on Wednesday that would just be SILLY! I am much better at my time management than that! (Wink)

While over at my sister-in-law's house trying to help her since she just had major surgery I definitly did not fall and pop my knee out of the socket . And I most certainly did not skip the doctor on sunday when my husband was home to end up needing to go Monday while he was at work. And nope my parents did not have to come help me even get down the stairs with Jackson.

I would never have had a glorious piece of cake at work yesterday.....nope not me, I am on a diet!

I was not at all a little late to work this morning because it was the first morning I did not have Jackson and I had to clean up the house and watch the today show. Not me, that would have been irresponsible!

Jackson definitely did not defile 2 outfits while we were out and about this week with a blowout.....that would have been gross!

I never take the clean clothes out of my dryer and put them in a pile on the floor in my lanudry so I can avoid folding them right then and put another load in! That would be lazy!

Most of all I absolutly don't need to find a new pediatrician because mine at 71 years of age definitely did not get suspended for sticking his hand down one of his patients MOTHERS' shirts!

Whew! Nice to get that off my chest!

Stacy

How it all started.....

2009-05-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

I won't bore you with the gory details, I will skip to the good parts. I met my husband Justin in May of 2001, I was busy showing horses and living with my very good friend Holly. Justin was a total bachelor, going out with the guys every night and living in an apartment with no vacuum (if you know me you know this is a HUGE problem). I worked as a nanny and Justin worked for a retail company in IT, my step mom (who Justin worked with) introduced us. On our first date he picked me up and like a true gentleman he opened doors, complimented me on how I looked and even made reservations at several different restaurants and let me pick what style of cuisine I wanted. I wasn't looking for a "relationship" nor did I think he was "my type" but he swept me off my feet and the rest is history.

We were married February 1, 2003

We bought a house that year as well as Lady, a boxer puppy. I already had a Jack Russell named Zoe.

We traveled to places like Jamaica and Rivera Maya Mexico, bought a place at a lake near our home and grew up a little......together! Then on our 5 year anniversary we decided it was time to have a baby. I will never forget it we were at a Casino resort for the weekend.  We were having a drink at a little piano bar and I started talking about what vacation we would take that year and Justin said "well what if you are pregnant we won't want to go to far from home".....I jumped up, squealed and started kissing him. People looked at me like I was nuts (that's nothing new). Two month's later I was throwing Justin's 30 birthday party and something was not right with my body!

The most serial moment of my life was looking down at that stick at 6am one morning in April 2008. The 2 lines appeared instantly....I woke up Justin and we called everyone we love! Then......the puking began......I don't like to think about that too much or I feel sick again all over. Seriously I haven't been preggers in 6 months but something like a smell or an event can trigger my memory and I feel like I could toss my cookies to this day! Men could never carry babies, at least my husband couldn't, a cold knocks him out for a week.   Anyway after the 3rd month it was smooth sailing!

I loved being pregnant my 2nd and3rd trimester! Yea, I might have been a little bitchy but you try carrying a 9 pound baby and see if you can be cheery 24/7. I was set to be induced on Thursday 12/11/2008 , a week past my due date......and it's a good thing because the love of pregnancy was starting to wear off! Although I did cry like a baby the day we went to the hospital because I was sad I wasn't going to be pregnant anymore. Call me crazy but I loved having him with me all the time, imagining what it would be like when he was hear, feeling him move/kick karate chop me. And who am I kidding.....people are nice to you when you are pregnant! Never the less he had to come out sometime, so at 7pm on Thursday, December 11th 2008 we checked in to the hospital.

  21 hours later and only 6 centimeters we were off to the OR...

   Another hour or so later .........

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY JACKSON

9lbs 1oz and 21.5 inches

And A BOY MAKES 3!

  The longest and happiest day of my life!

Now it's May 2009 and my baby boy is 5 months old I can hardly believe it!    Justin and I are so in love with this little handful! The "Girls" are even adjusting.......wouldn't you say?

So that about wraps it up....the back story that is.    From now on I will consider you my friends....your starting to get to know me right.....keep coming back I guarantee there are some funny stories to tell, I promise I will be brutally honest and not leave too many details out!

On a serious note...I am at a really good place in my life, I am so thrilled with my little family, my part time work schedule and myself as a person. So......I want to talk about my crazy wonderful life! I have learned so much from the blogs I read and its so nice to read about other mothers, wives, friends and crazy women. I have laughed till I thought I would pee my pants (btw that does happen after you have a baby....even by c-section, in case no one told you) and I have cried and been amazed by these women's strength, faith and outlook. I can't promise anything amazing but I will have fun!

Stacy 5/15/2009