Sunday, December 25, 2011

Check in

So, I haven't updated in awhile. It seems like the days are just flying by. I'll start out with a quick update on the kiddos for our family :)


Taveon is doing awesome at school and has made some new friends. He even has a few friends on our street and they play together over here almost daily. It's great seeing him playing again. I had a conference with his teacher and she said he is the brightest student in her class and praised him for how well mannered he is. Those are things that us mommas love to hear. I can't take any of the credit for that. He is naturally such a smart and sweet kid. He amazes me everyday. 


We had Isla's 15 month check up and she is 25lbs, 31" tall and HEALTHY. The dr measured her head 3 times to be sure it was accurate... we can thank Shaun for her big head! What can I say? The girl has a lot of brains. She is growing up so fast and has become quite bossy towards her brothers. She is so girly and loves dolls and purses, also loves filling her purse full of hot wheels :) 


Damon had his 3 year check up. He is a big boy at 39lbs and 39.5" tall! He is healthy and full of energy and spunk. The pediatrician has referred Damon to have a speech evaluation and speech therapy. She has also referred us to  developmental pediatrician for an evaluation because she noticed some things with Damon that point to him possibly being in the autistic spectrum. I haven't shared this on facebook but if you read my blog you know, now. I haven't not shared it due to embarrassment or fear but more because I am not looking for sympathy or things of that sort. Just need good thoughts and that is all. No matter what the outcome of his testing he is still my sweet little boy that he is, now, prior to any testing. 


Other than that we are just getting used to life in the south. 60 degrees in December is so strange to me! I was pretty jealous that my AK friends and family got fresh snow on Christmas eve, I admit it. Lots of things are ...different here to me lol One of these days I will make a list for you all (see, look, I am not saying YALL yet). 


OH! I just have to share Taveon's letter to Santa here. I shared it on facebook but just in case anyone isn't on my facebook I will share it here as well.
Isn't he the sweetest kid ever?!


I can't forget this in case it changes after the holiday food I have been eating... I am 13lbs from my goal weight! This is the least I have weighed since 2004. I have a lot of toning to do but still this is a good thing! My weight has been such a struggle for me since I had Taveon. So, YAY!


I started up a little business making and selling headbands. I enjoy making them for Isla and have been asked quite often if I sell them so I finally decided to do it! I have had good feedback and it feels good to see other little ones wearing the headbands. You can check it out at www.facebook.com/InspiredbyIsla


I'm sorry this blog is a bit drab but I am pretty sleepy and just wanted to update our friends and family a bit with what we have been up to. I am going to try to start writing BEFORE I am tired from now on :) Wait, did I just come up with my new years resolution? Sounds good to me.


Love you all and thanks for taking the time to stop by and check in on my little family 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

November 15th

10 years ago today heaven gained an angel. A sweet, perfect, beautiful angel. My dear friend, Brittany, lost her daughter Jaidyn. I was not lucky enough to have met Jaidyn in person during her short time here but I know her through her mother. I know she was a sweet baby with beautiful curls and a contagious smile. I know that little girl was loved and lucky to have a mother like Brittany. I gave Isla the middle name Simone after Jaidyn, who's middle name was also Simone. Brittany and Jaidyn are both very special to me and I wanted to acknowledge her in this way.

 I met Brittany in 2003. We met on a pregnancy forum when I was pregnant with Taveon. She was pregnant with her little boy, Jaloni. She was in CA and I was in AK. We texted, called, chatted, sent packages to each other over the years. There were times where we went awhile without talking for whatever reasons (never a fight, ever though), just life reasons I suppose. No matter how long the time was that we hadn't spoken, we always picked right back up where we left off. Brittany is one of the truest friends I have ever had. I am forever grateful to have met Brittany and that we have stayed in touch over the years. We have so much in common that it can be creepy sometimes! I love having such an amazing friend that i can always count on. I know that not everyone has a friend like that in life so I consider myself lucky.

We have both had ups and downs and struggles through the years. I know she has always been a shoulder when I needed her and I hope I was the same for her. I have watched her little baby boy grow into a handsome and sweet 8 year old right along with Taveon. I have also watched her grow and change and become the woman she is meant to be and I love that.

On our road trip to GA this summer, Brittany and I were able to meet in person!! I just realized we didn't take pics, ugh! Looks like we now have a reason to meet up again :) I was so happy to get to see her and hug her. All of these years of friendship and FINALLLLLY we got to actually see each other. I also got to meet her husband and I am SO SO happy that she has such a wonderful and loving man in her life. She deserves nothing less.

I wanted to make this blog post especially for Brittany because with today being 10 years since sweet Jaidyn left her arms, I know it's a very difficult day. I want you to know that I think of Jaidyn and she is not and never will be forgotten. My heart hurts when your heart hurts and I am ALWAYS here for you, always. You are a blessing to me and my family.

It's hard to end the blog here because I just feel like I can not find the right words or ways to truly express how much I love my friend and how much my heart is hurting with hers tonight. Love you girl <3

Hug your babies extra tight, friends, because you are blessed beyond measure to have them here with you.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall 
see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your 
delight."




Watch over your momma, angel

Jaidyn 01/30/2001 - 11/15/2001



























Friday, October 28, 2011

Brighter Days

Ok friends, I have pulled myself together and am no longer drowning in self pity. As much as I do miss "home" I am going to make the best of my adventure here. I am sure the holidays will be hard but you do what you have to do right? I need to smile so my kids know it's ok to be happy here. Those precious little faces mean more to me than anything and I will do everything in my power to make them smile.

Since my last post we took the kids to a pumpkin patch. That was pretty fun. We went on a hayride and the kids played in a bounce house there. We also had boiled peanuts mmm. The weather was perfect that day. It was right around 70 degrees and sunny but not overly sunny. Here are some pictures from that fun day:








I have been LOVING fall down here. I always did love fall here when we were down here before. We lived in GA for a few years back when Shaun was active duty and we were first married. Fall is definitely GORGEOUS here. Walking to pick Taveon up from the bus stop everyday I can't help but to be mesmerized by the deep reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves. Yet it's still warm enough to only need a light jacket during the day. I have started taking some pictures of the pretty trees. Some were taken at night because I jumped out of the car (not literally don't worry) while in a parking lot where I saw pretty trees. I am sure people thought I was crazy but that's nothing new ;)





Taveon has been loving that we have a basketball hoop in the driveway. He plays out there a lot and he asked me to take pictures of him and "show people". So, here are a few of those :)




So, I still haven't finished unpacking. I have so much more to unpack but these kids sure find ways to keep me BUSY. I am lucky to keep up with day to day things like laundry, dishes, meals, baths for everyone (except Shaun, thankfully he bathes himself lol). I am hoping to be done with unpacking soon so I can begin decorating and making this place home. I think that will help all of us. Plus, I need to get unpacked so I can share pictures of our new home with everyone! 

Today was Damon's 3rd birthday. I say this so often but time FLIES! It's hard to believe it has been 3 years since he was born. So funny how it seems like it's gone by so fast but at the very same time I feel like I can't remember life before him ya know? Once you have babies it's so hard to imagine life without them. He is such a special little boy with so so much personality. He is pretty stubborn and I have NO idea where he gets that from :/ 





Taveon has been adjusting well at his new school. I spoke with his teacher and she said it's just like he has been there all year and he is really warming up to everyone. She also told me she loves having him in her class already. That made me feel such relief. He has been awfully forgetful when it comes to bringing things to and from school though and that is pretty frustrating but we are working on it. 

The other day I was cooking dinner and Isla kept fussing. I asked Taveon to please play with her for a bit. The next thing I know I found this sweet sight:
He had rocked her to sleep while watching cartoons. Melts my heart. What an awesome big brother he is. Look at their resemblance, too! I love them.

Tomorrow I am going on a walking ghost tour with a friend :) It seems pretty neat and it will be nice to get out and spend time with another adult. I am inside of a house with small children all day everyday and while I love it, I sometimes feel like I have lost connection with the outside world. I will be sure to take pics and post them! There is so much history down here and I am certain it will be interesting. 

I am going to run because it is 1am and I better rest so I can work on unpacking this weekend. 

Thanks for taking the time to keep up with our new life down here :)

Amber

Oops I am editing to add this:
I am not sure HOW I forgot but I have the cutest video of Isla to share :))

Oh my gosh it makes me laugh. She is such a girl and she already knows how to work daddy!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Lonely in a crowd

After my last post I really thought I'd be able to pull myself together, take a breath and feel BETTER. I am working on it but it sure is hard. I wish I was able to just refocus and smile like *that*. Maybe just rearrange the map and stick AK right next to GA.

If there is one thing I have and am learning from this experience it is that family and friends that we make our family, mean so much more than I had allowed myself to realize before. I miss them all so much it literally hurts. I am learning that I'd gladly live in a cold state with less than desirable shopping, high house prices and lack of variety and just BE WITH those who mean so much to me. The nice weather, abundance of "things" to do, FREE SHIPPING when online shopping, no more of this "we do not ship to your state, fresh produce, amusement parks, low house prices... it all sounds so appealing. In the end all of those things without my family just leave me with an empty feeling inside. I'd rather have an overpriced HOME then a low priced house.

Today I was walking to the bus stop to pick up Taveon. It was cool outside and there was a nice breeze. The trees all around me were so beautiful. Changing colors, leaves falling and blowing through the air. For a second I breathed it all in and felt happy. My next thought went straight home and my heart sank. Sank deep and immediately ached. Longed for familiarity and comfort. Longed for my home.

In short no matter how much beauty surrounds you, no matter how many fun things there are to do, none of it MATTERS when you can't share it with the people you love. I guess it matters but it just doesn't FEEL like it does.

I am questioning my sanity or why I thought I would be able feel happy or fulfilled without my family with me. What in the world made me think this was a good choice to go along with? Ya know, it's so different being away from home when you have kids. If I had moved away and didn't have my kids I'd still miss it but it would be less painful. Gosh, I am not sure I can find the right words to explain it. I miss sharing the experience of them growing up, with my family. I miss seeing their faces light up when my sister walked through the door. I miss how excited Damon gets when he sees his grandmas. I miss being able to drive Damon to see his grandma when he asks. There is so much I miss that revolves around them.

I still call my grams just about daily. Talking to her makes me feel closer to home. For that hour that she takes out of her day to talk with me , I forget how far I am. I appreciate being able to talk to her like that.

I really am trying to come to terms with this move and be ok with it. The fact is my husband hates Alaska and I doubt he will ever want to go back. It is kind of a lose/lose. I do not feel complete here and he won't be happy where I do feel complete. I made a sacrifice for his desire to be here. I am trying my best not to become resentful. I just can't imagine being away from my family like this forever. Honestly, I don't want to imagine it continuing much at all.

A friend showed me an article on loneliness tonight (thanks Jamie). It talked about how you can be comfortable being alone but feel isolated when around people. That's a feeling I understand right now. It is because when I am around other people it somehow makes me miss my family that much more. If you haven't ever felt this then you won't understand what I am saying.


This week was Taveon's birthday. My first born baby turned 8. How have EIGHT years gone by? I am lucky to have him, I know that much. He is one of the sweetest most caring little boys I know.
This was my little baby on October 17th, 2003. Look at how perfect he was. Just sleeping peacefully. 
Fast forward to his 8th birthday:
Look at that smiling face.. it makes my heart happy. He really is a wonderful kid with such a huge heart. 

Well it looks like it's time to go to bed and try to sleep. Somehow night time can feel the worst. 

Thanks for "listening" friends. 

I am glad I have somewhere to get these feelings and thoughts out.

Amber





Sunday, October 16, 2011

Life as we know it...

I have not posted in a very long time and so much has changed. Shaun was offered a job in GA. He accepted and here we are... in GA. We left Anchorage the last part of August. We drove from WA to GA. That was an experience in itself.

Once we got to GA we stayed in an extended stay for about 5 or 6 weeks. 300 square feet and 5 people! You can imagine what that was like. During that stay I realized how much I took for granted having a washer and dryer that was not coin operated, a bathroom to myself, an OVEN and many more things.

Basically it was a long trip down here and it has been a long transition. Pretty exhausting but all together not terrible. We found a nice home to rent and we have a yard for the kids now. We have plenty of room for friends and family to visit (HINT HINT).

Taveon tells us he is leaving and going back to AK. Damon stares out our front window whining to go to "Day Day's home that way" and cries to see his grandmas and aunt Brandy. It BREAKS. MY. HEART. Isla, she is too little to say much but I do get sad thinking how she won't know her grandparents and aunts and uncles like the boys have had a chance to. She will know them but just not the same. I keep questioning if moving was the right choice. I mean yes we have a HOUSE to live in now instead of an apartment. We have a yard for the kids. We have nicer things and there is so much to do down here. You know what though, those are just that.. THINGS. They don't make being away from family and friends feel any better. They don't make up for holidays with family. Trick or treating with cousins. Running around like crazy on Christmas day to visit everyones houses. Can you tell I'm having one of those days? I just pray that we made the right choice.

I am unsure of the right words to explain exactly how I am feeling but you know when you are sick and your stomach is just unsettled. How you can't quite sleep because you just can't get comfortable. How even though you're an adult you just want your MOM to make it all better. My heart feels sick. So kind of like all of that but worse because there is no medicine up at the drugstore to help and no mom here to make it all better.

The most heartbreaking part of it all is seeing my kids hurt. Hearing them asking to go home and trying to tell them THIS IS our new home. Seeing Taveon sad that he missed out on hockey this year and seeing him missing his friends at school in AK. Heck, I miss his school in AK. I have to keep on the strong face for the kids but I won't feel better until they feel better. That will help me the most because that's what hearts the most. Isla obviously can not say she misses home or her family but I get so sad when I look at her sweet face and I realize she won't know her family the same way my boys got a chance to. She can't just hop on over to grandma's when she wants to.

If you're thinking I am crazy because I JUST moved and am already so homesick, well you're right. I might be a bit crazy. Being away from home, even in such a short time frame, really makes you realize how much you love the people you are missing and how much you may have taken them for granted when you were closer. I am thinking I should have done less worrying over having a clean house and folded laundry and spent more time with my friends and family. Lesson learned.

Gosh, this is such a downer of a blog. I will have to put my big girl panties on and stop moping around at some point. I wish there was a magical pill I could swallow and just BE HAPPY. I am happy but I am also sad. Now I am not even making sense.

It did feel good getting some of this out in writing.

I really am going to try to be better about my blogging and adding pictures since we are so far from home now. Also, we are setting up our webcam and skype and I am really excited about that.

Ok time to get Taveon ready for his first day at his new school. We tried homeschooling for a bit because our move was such a lengthy process but with having two toddlers , who are unsettled from a move and a momma still upset from being so far from home... it just became too much. So, his first day is tomorrow, on his 8th birthday. I may need hugs tomorrow because it's always hard sending your baby somewhere new.

If you made it to the end of this blog, God bless you <3

Amber - far from home




Monday, May 30, 2011

Sunshine, romantic movies and plumpness

This morning I went and saw Something Borrowed with my mom. It was fun to have some mother/ daughter time. Really cute movie. I'm a sucker for a chick flick. I have to admit, though, I hate when I leave a chick flick feeling like "WHY isn't this my life?" Poor Shaun, I think I come home giving him the evil eye. The men are always so attentive and sweet in these movies. So pretty much, PERFECT. Which, of course, has us women leaving these movies with much to be desired in real life! You know how irrational we are. So this week I will be expecting roses delivered, baths ran for me, random massages, hand holding and other things that even I am unsure of lol. Perhaps I will even expect a beautifully written poem to be read to me. Good luck, Shaun.

Really , though, why aren't our lives like these romantic movies?? Why am I not a woman with a beautiful slender body and perfect hair? Married to a man with an amazing job, washboard abs, excess compassion and an equal amount of modesty? Who knows but damn those movies.

As I write this I sit here trying to filter out the sound of Shaun's snoring. AHHHH. It drives me insane. Breathe right strips? What a crock. That worked about as well as everyone not pumping gas worked to reduce gas prices. Some nights I gently nudge him. This approach usually fails TERRIBLY. I , then, begin to nudge with my elbow. Lovingly, of course. This is a 50/50. If both prior mentioned methods fail I move onto things such as what I like to call a love pat. We will just leave it at that but it typically works. I then lay my head down really fast and pretend as if I were asleep the whole time. Next step: ear plugs.

Something else that has been heavily on my mind: my weight. Not exactly just my weight but my overall fitness or lack thereof. I wish it didn't bother me so much. It does though. I am about 25-30lbs away from my healthy goal weight. Had you told me 10 years ago that I would weigh what I do now I'd have slapped you and hard. I was doing good at the gym but now with Shaun being gone 16 hour days I just haven't found a way to juggle the gym, kids, laundry, cooking, cleaning, bathing kids... you get the idea. Then everywhere I turn there are women with babies freshly popped out that look as if they were never pregnant. I'm not quite sure how this is fair. I say this as I look down at my 9 month post partum belly looking about 5 months pregnant. Yeah yeah my husband is fine with my looks so I should be.... in a perfect world. I find myself not wanting to even go out of this house because I don't feel comfortable in anything I own. I just don't feel comfortable in my own body right now. I pray that this changes. Either my body or my attitude about my body.

We had beautiful weather this weekend. BEAUTIFUL. Shaun and I took the kids to the zoo on Sunday. They really had a great time. There was a baby polar bear that was just so cuuute. I'm not sure how people eat at the zoo, it smells terrible. I am working on uploading pictures from our weekend adventures but I am just so slow about it lately.

OH how could I forget this?! For the first time, ever, in this household: a pink princess sippy cup sits in the cupboard. Silly, I know. I was so excited to buy sippy cups with the Disney princesses on them lol Ya know, maybe I will just use them, too. Buying little girly things brings me back to being a little girl. I can't wait for barbies, baby dolls and play makeup!


I am sorry I have been slacking on pictures. I will get caught up soon. I am just tired and limited on time.

Random weekend happenings:
- We made delicious lemon pepper chicken wings... twice.
- I heard my 2 boys singing and playing with my little girl, through the baby monitor, when she woke up fussing <3
- Discovered a new favorite restaurant
- Mother/daughter time with my mom
- date night with hubby
- Doing 200 jumping jacks with my 7 year old because he is going to "get me into shape" lol


Now for my random thoughts:
- Why do people say things like "I could care less" If you could care less then do so, care less. It's I COULDN'T care less.
- Why can't chocolate be weight loss food?
- My coffee addiction is ridiculous

That is all for now.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

4 day weekends rock :)

I've been thinking a lot about how I may really be done having babies. It's hard to believe. It makes my heart sink a bit. Shaun is more sure than I am on this subject. I know he is concerned for my well being. I have had 3 c sections already and I had some heart issues in my 3rd trimester of my 3rd pregnancy.

I think it is, partly, because so many people my age are just starting having babies. It feels weird to be "done". Am I crazy??? I am always extremely sick for at least 5 months of pregnancy. Another c section seems crazy. Heart problems... scary! I'm not sure why I can't feel 100% sure in my heart.  Time will tell, right? I sure hope that I can eventually feel at ease with it.

The kids have been keeping me really busy! Taveon is on summer break (which I love). Damon is doing his best to make Taveon wish he were still in school. Isla is getting really good at crawling, climbing, pulling up to standing.

You never know how annoying infomercials are until you have kids who get sucked into believing them! I was just told that, by Taveon, that he needs a sleep number bed because he wakes up with "neck pain". One time, when he was 2 or 3, he had a huge fit at the front of the store. He saw space bags and was convinced that he NEEDED them. I am going to create infomercials for spankings, room cleaning technique, eating vegetables and changing diapers. Let's see how much of it he chooses to believe then :) .

Shaun's mom babysat for us so we could go to dinner last night. We went to Don Jose's. Neither of us has ever been there but it was really good! Especially my margarita. Then we went and visited with a few friends. It was really nice to get out without our little tribe of children and have some adult conversation.

Shaun is on a 4 day weekend. He usually works 5 days a week and goes to school, as well, on 4 of those days. So, to have him here for 4 days straight is so nice. We are taking the kids to the zoo and BBQing since it's a nice day again! I will pray that the sun stays out for us and especially for my pale white self.

I will make another post, with pictures, after our zoo trip. Isla just woke up crying and the boys are up there dancing and singing to her. I hear it all through the monitor. It's really pretty cute.


My random thoughts for now:

- Please ladies please... wear bras. Just do it for the good of everyone involved.

- 4 way stops: They really aren't that hard to do, people! Stop, wait your turn (which you will determine when you stop), then go.

- There's always that one cashier's line who you avoid at the grocery store.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Road trip

Thursday was the last day of school. Shaun had Friday off, due to working this weekend. So, we decided to take a road trip to Seward and take the kids to the sea life center. Our goal was to be gone by 10am. I believe we were walking out the door around 11, pretty good for us. Getting 3 kids and 2 adults prepared for a day trip is a little crazy. I will just outline the highlights of our day. Hmm, maybe I should just say moments that stand out as some are NOT highlights.


- On the way to Seward we had to stop for a bathroom break. There were these "rest stops". I use this term loosely because they did not look like somewhere I felt like I could "rest". No way, was I going in there. Shaun and Taveon went in after I told T "DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING". Sure enough someone had pooped all over the toilet seat and FLOOR! THIS, my friends, is why I don't use "bathrooms" where there is no cellphone signal.

- Just a bit further up the road, Damon had taken his shirt of,f somehow. Pulled over, fixed that....

- Just a bit further and Isla needs a diaper change.

-We finally got there and about got blown away by the wind!

- I got schooled by Taveon that they are not "star fish" they are sea stars because they are not really a FISH.

The kids had a great time at the sea life center. We ate at a great little restaurant called Apollos, got a coffee across the street from Apollos (I can't remember the name for the life of me). I enjoyed the ride and conversations with my husband.

On another note, Shaun and I have started watching the Harry Potter series. Yeah yeah I know. Neither of us had seen any of them before this weekend. We have now watched the 1st 2 and I have to admit, much better than I thought.

Overall, great weekend. Shaun had to work but, last night, we just lounged around.

Today I was awoken by a 2 year old in a puddle of pee in his crib. Apparently, he thought it was a good idea to remove his diaper? Lord, help me with this kid.

See, Sarah Palin really CAN see it from her yard  lol











Our ride home


Jelly fish. I loved these!

Have to go for now but I am hoping to post more later.

A few random thoughts from my crazy head:

- Is anyone REALLY surprised that no "rapture" happened this weekend? Please, say no.
- I need coffee
- Some people cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go. (we all know a few of these)
- I am determined to drink AT LEAST 60oz of water today
- I need coffee

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Birthdays, blahs and bugs

I have been in such a funk lately. I am not sure why. I have SO much to be thankful for. A hard working husband, 3 healthy kids, a roof over my head ..... SO WHY am I in such a place of BLAH??? I feel there is a whirlwind of BLAH flying around in my head. I just can't seem to get things accomplished lately. My weight is really bothering me. The fact that my house is just never as clean as I like. I could go on and on but I don't really want to dwell on that stuff. Just needed to get it out. Maybe seeing it "out there" will help me somehow.

Yesterday was Shaun's 31st birthday :) I made him a homemade white cake with delicious homemade whipped cream cheese frosting. I am doing my best to STAY AWAY from the darn cake. It keeps getting to me through my peripheral vision. Sneaky little devil, that cake. On another, yet related a bit, note; I was looking at birthday cards and I started to wonder, why do I take all of this time picking out the perfect card and then also feel obligated to write some kind of personal note in the card? I mean, if I'm going to feel the need to write in it then why not just buy a blank card?

Today has been crazy and uneventful all at once. I haven't really sat down yet I am not sure if anything was accomplished. I still have laundry to do, floors to vacuum and counters to wipe down.

Earlier Damon found a bug and kept yelling CATERPILLAR at me. I had NO idea what he was saying. Finally he just says BUG. Shaun is in class so I couldn't do the usual "SHAUN KILL IT. KILL IT" I had to kill it, myself. Ick! As I beat the thing several times, you know to make SURE it's dead, Damon is cheering me on! "YEAH YEAH YEAH" and he was jumping up and down all giddy lol I had Taveon flush it and I overheard him telling Damon that it went to bug heaven.

OH! How could I forget to share this... Isla is fully crawling now! My BABY is mobile *sniff sniff*

I feel this post is just a bunch of rambling but that's pretty much how I have felt this week.  Thank you for reading and joining in on my insanity.

Now for my (even more) random thoughts of the day:
The booty pop and the pajama jeans: Don't do it, neither of them. Just don't.

Never trust a fart; just ask Taveon.

When the girl at the coffee shop has your drink started before you even order, when she sees your car in line... this is a sign you may have a problem. Yes, I am speaking to myself on this one.

When people say "the last thing I wanted to do was (fill in the blank)" Does this mean they still wanted to and it was just last on their list??? Shouldn't they say "I never wanted to..."

Ok that is all for now. I turned around to see Damon attempting to ride on Isla's back like a horse while Isla is chewing on darth vader's head. Oh the excitement in this house!

Monday, May 16, 2011

It's been awhile

I have not written in so long. How terrible! I guess I got caught up in life and all things crazy. I suppose I should make this a quick catch up post. I promise to be better about writing. Let's face it, I have no great excuse as to why I haven't written. My life is not some fabulous, wild, crazy (eh, that one maybe), over the top extravaganza that keeps me tied up lol.

So let's see. Isla is over 8 months old now. Actually in 11 days she will be 9 months old. She is crawling and growing bigger and more beautiful by the day. She is quickly picking up on how to give her big brother (Damon) payback. One day we are riding along in the car and he starts yelling about his waffle (he always brings one in the am) is gone. I say to him "You have to wait until we get home for another one!". Finfally, I get so flustered with his carrying on that I pull over, get out and open his door. What do I find? Isla snatched his waffle and was eating it and holding it out away from him! Lord, help me!

Damon is his crazy little self. He is so cute and outgoing yet so wild and crazy all at once. If you have ever seen any pictures of him you know the glimmer in his eye and you know he's up to SOMETHING. Damon is 2 and a half and has finally starting really talking better. Maybe I should say yelling because, mainly, that's what seems to go on lately. His latest is "you see dat?" and "how about....". I must admit, it's really cute.

Taveon is finishing up 1st grade this week. I could not be more proud of him. He will be going into the gifted program next year (proud mommy, hehe) and he is such a smart and happy kid. He is a little reserved and shy but he seems to make friends pretty darn easily. I can not believe my first baby is getting so big. I wish I could slow down time, rewind, pause, whatever! He calls me "mom" now and doesn't really want to be seen holding my hand BUT he will do, reluctantly, to make me happy. Good boy! Oh, Taveon has also started little league. He is SO cute in his uniform. I will have to post a picture.

Shaun is working FT and going to school FT. He is gone 15-16 hours a day. I miss him and I can not wait for  him to graduate next year! He is on the deans list. What an accomplishment for working, going to school and having a family!

I am busy busy busy. The life of a mother. I am blessed with business :) I have lost my pregnancy weight but still have a ways to go to my GOAL! 25 more lbs and I'm at my goal. I will do it and then I will be able to share then and now progress pics :)

Must go, have a pretty little baby crying for her mama. I will write again soon and I will include some yummy recipes again!
TTFN :)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy thursday!

So far this day is off to a great start, sans coffee and all. Taveon got up and ready in good time. Damon has only had 2 meltdowns. Isla is sitting with her blankie, sucking her little thumb. Let's hope the day continues along this path.

I sit here watching noggin with Damon. I have to ask, what in the world is up with DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba? This guy seriously creeps me out. Is it his outfit? His dance moves? His crazy smile? Check, check, check. It is all of the above. If you have NO idea who I am talking about, well then I think you are lucky but I will share him with you. I read another blog once where the guy described "Muno" (the tall red bumpy character as a red nobby di**o. You fill in the blank. Whenever I see this show now that is all I can think of when that guy starts dancing around. I need help, I know. Unfortunately, Damon loves this show so I am subjected to it daily. It will probably haunt me well into my 80s.

Onto an even more fun subject. I had to go to the dr yesterday for an exam. As I am laying there he tells me to scoot forward on the table and he motions his hands like come forward more, more, ok. You ladies all know what I am talking about here! Why did I feel like I was pulling into a bay for an oil change? I told him that and I am pretty sure he was laughing inside even if on the outside he looked at me partly crazy lol

My facebook friends have already seen this but I will share for those of you who have not. Last night Taveon asked us if there is a mcdonalds in heaven. He was so serious. Shaun said everything in heaven is so much better than anything here and anything you could imagine. Taveon's reply? "Oh ok so they have another version of mcdonalds". I had to chuckle at that. 

On the subject of Taveon. He was recently tested for the gifted program at school. He passed! What a smart little guy we are blessed with. I pray that he continues to work hard and enjoy school. Makes me one happy momma. 

TTFN :)



Monday, February 7, 2011

Slacking over here

I am so sorry. I have completely been slacking on my blog. I'm sure I have a ton to write about so bear with me if my thoughts go from this to that :)

My "little" baby is 5 months old already! HOW in the world did that happen? I feel like just yesterday I was sitting up all night full of anxiety, waiting to drive to the hospital for my c-section. But, she is growing so beautifully and is so healthy and sweet. I am blessed for that. 

I am sure I have a ton of funny kid stories since I last posted on here. The one that stands out in my mind would be this one... Last week Taveon fell asleep on the couch. I start going through his backpack and find his underwear in a  baggy. I think what in the world? I wake him and ask him "why are you still wearing your jeans if you peed your pants?" He raises his head and says "I didn't pee! I JUST sharted!" Shaun just puts his hands up over his face and says please tell me you did NOT say that to your teacher. Well of course he did. I had to hide around the corner and laugh but seriously... how embarrassing!

Nothing very exciting has been happening. That's ok, I like calm and boring for the most part though :) We did find out that Shaun's work contract will be renewed! That is great news for us. Also, we went on our first double date in years! My friend Kaile and her husband went to see a movie with us. That was refreshing. Isla even took a bottle for grandma, SUCCESS!

Well I have 2 fussy sick babies today. So This has to be cut short. I am going to do my best to post a few times a week from now on. Maybe even daily but there are no promises on daily!

I will share my new favorite recipe before I go!

Bean nachos:
1 can black beans drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
1/2lb shredded cheese (I used the mexican blend)
Restaurant style tortilla chips
Small can of sliced olives
Salsa
Sour cream
Guacamole


Pre heat oven to 350
Cover pan in foil (I used my pizza stone)
Empty both cans of beans into a sauce pan and heat them
Spread your chips out over the foil. Pour beans over chips. Sprinkle with the cheese. Then sprinkle with olives.
Place in the oven until cheese is melted. This took 5 minutes or less.

Remove from over. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole. 
ENJOY!