tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22195101104363740332024-02-08T00:43:31.846-05:00Peace.Love.Lip GlossA WISE WOMAN SPEAKS, A WISER WOMAN WRITESBrandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-18307277624023259252013-12-02T18:29:00.001-05:002013-12-02T18:29:31.278-05:00Chaos!There isn't another perfect title to this post right now other than "chaos!" It seems like there's no time for anything lately and I'm extremely worn out. The boys use to get along so well and were each others little best friends and then all of a sudden sibling rivalry had to make it's debut. It happens in all homes people..so watch out! It's coming! They argue over tiny little things such as trains, cars, who gets to sit beside mom or dad, etc. Then there are the big fights in which they chase each other throughout the house and both are crying hysterically. Fun times, here! They'll eventually work their kinks out..but in the meantime, these chaotic days are stressing me out. I wake up at 4:45am and usually go to bed with the boys around 8:00ish. Toby isn't sleeping all night and usually has crying spells which can last all night long. I'm already sleep deprived so I should totally be ready for Bailee when she gets here! (crossing my fingers that she'll be a sleeper!)<br />
<br />
I can't even believe I have ten weeks left before baby girl is born. TEN weeks! This pregnancy has flown by. I go on Friday, Dec 6, for my Rhogam shot & glucose testing. I passed with Noah but failed with Toby so we'll see how it goes this time. When I failed with Toby, I visited a nutritionist and checked my blood sugars several times a day for a few months and all numbers remained normal, thankfully. I am hoping to pass it this time around so I can skip the weekly visits and the multiple finger sticks a day, but i'm not too stressed about it at this point. Just ready for February and super ready to see our sweet girl!<br />
<br />
Christmas is literally right around the corner and I was able to get a few things checked off our list last Friday. Not much, but it's a start. We aren't going to have a huge pile of presents this year but that's ok because the boys aren't really into a variety of things anyway. They tend to play with the same exact things over and over. Caleb and I don't do Christmas for each other - haven't in a very long time. We focus on the boys and make sure their morning is filled with happiness! It's not about the gifts but rather about the love we all have for each other. I'm so thankful for our family and our little home because at the end of the day that's all that matters.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-48283704992470196132013-09-22T08:44:00.000-04:002013-09-22T08:44:29.367-04:00Oh, Baby!On Thursday, September 19th, we found out the gender of baby #3. We went to a private ultrasound clinic called Cloud Nine & it was the most amazing experience. I wish I had known of this place when I was expecting the boys. Caleb, Toby, my mom, and my grandmother went with me. I kind of didn't want to find out because the excitement of not knowing was kinda better to me than actually knowing! Sounds strange, I know. I had really made peace with the fact that baby was a surprise and we knew God had bigger plans. We were hoping for a baby girl but also knew it was likely that we would carry on the boy trend. Within the last month and a half I was actually excited at the fact that it could be a boy! I love our two so much that I knew I would love another just the same. I had no intuition or any kind of inkling as we were walking through the doors of Cloud Nine. I laid down and felt the warm gel on my belly and as the wand made it's way to the left side of my belly..there he or she was! So tiny and precious. Then we saw the little bottom and the babies legs/knees. The tech said she had a "guess" but that she never tells anyone if it's a guess. Said the cord was too close for comfort and that she couldn't see defined parts of either. So I went to pee. I came back and in the same position we saw the same thing..except the cord was gone and the baby had it's little legs opened more. Her words were "Yep, I knew it! It's a LUCY!!!" (More on why she said "Lucy", later). While everyone in the room with me (Except for Toby..he was oblivious) was crying, I laid there stunned. I think the first words that came out of my mouth were "wait..WHAT?!" And the second thing I said was "Are you sure?" She then flipped the u/s to 3D and that was amazing! She also took so many potty shots from different angles to prove to me that she in fact..was a she! I asked if I could announce it to family and friends. The answer was Yes! I asked if I could tell Noah when he got home from school. Again, the wonderful tech said Yes! So then I asked if I could buy all things girl! YES! It's safe to say I spent the rest of that day in shock. I am very excited and happy and I wake up every morning wondering if that moment was a dream. Even though I didn't have an inkling as to what the gender was, I really thought I would remain an all boy mom...and I became fine with that idea. Now that we're having a little girl...wow! It's weird though because I feel like I need more proof. Even though the "white lines" and the "hamburger" showed wonderfully between her legs, I still want more proof that a penis isn't going to grow! lol. It's not, I know that. But it's just a surreal feeling to know that my heart desired a daughter so badly, I got pregnant "accidentally"..and God had heard my heart and now we're here.<br />
<br />
I had waited all day long to tell Noah that he was finally going to have a little sister! He got home from school and I handed him the envelope of the u/s photos with the words "It's a Girl". I told him to read it out loud. He very patiently looked around on the photos for the words and when he saw it he smiled so big and said "IT'S A GIRL!!!" Then he looked at her 3D image, pointed at it and said "Aww, there she is!!" That was the best moment of the entire day. When he speaks about his "little sister" my heart just melts. He has wanted this for so long.<br />
<br />
Toby still doesn't even realize there's a baby coming and frankly I don't think he cares. The reason the tech said "Yep, it's a Lucy!" is because that's all Toby kept saying when we told him we were going into that dark room to watch "the baby" on the big screen tv. He calls Lucy, our chihuahua, a baby. So he kept chanting "Lucy" the whole time we were watching the baby on the screen. haha! It's cute I think.<br />
<br />
I had an appointment with my OB the next day, Friday. I had still not gained any weight so far. Her Heart rate was at 146 and strong and I had labs done to detect any abnormalities. Hoping I don't get a call about those results. No news is good news they said. I go back October 11th to count the heart chambers and all the important stuff..and yes, I will ask to see another potty shot! ha!Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-73771092831445535112013-08-25T14:21:00.004-04:002013-08-25T14:21:56.596-04:00HappeningsWe went to Noah's brand new school last Thursday to see the inside of the school (gorgeous!) and to meet his teacher. Funny thing is he has the same teacher that he had last year! She moved from 1st grade at the other school to 2nd grade at the new school. What are the odds of that happening? I'm excited for Noah to begin a new year in a brand new school, yet a little worried that they may not have it all together since it's their grand opening. I'm sure it'll be fine though! He's excited and will start on Tuesday 8/27.<br />
Toby wanted so badly to be in the pre-k rooms there. He went inside one and didn't want to leave. I can't wait for him to have that opportunity next year!<br />
<br />
In 5 days we may be finding out the gender of #3. A little apprehensive but I think if I go ahead and find out then I won't have to wonder every single day of the week. Hoping for pink but being realistic about the possibility of hearing blue. :)<br />
<br />
This pregnancy has been okay. I stopped having queasy spells quite a few weeks ago so I'm glad about that. Only thing is I am starting to have daily headaches and I'm not sure why. Otherwise I feel normal. Just stressed about other things and I tend to let everything else pile up on top of the stress I already carry around. This too shall pass, I guess.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-29255902110847931232013-08-13T21:10:00.002-04:002013-08-13T21:10:48.663-04:00I may be weird..Forgive my last blog post. It was a lame attempt to catch up on many months. It may not make sense and there may be many errors, but who cares!<br />
<br />
I may be weird because tonight I wrote a letter to my future self. Who does that? Me, apparently. I may or may not share that letter here on my blog in a couple of months..but we'll see.<br />
<br />
I had my first prenatal appointment at the beginning of the month. According to my last monthly, I was going into the doctor as being eight weeks pregnant. I had all the fun stuff done first..ya know, poking, prodding, and things going up in places that I would love to forget about. Then came the ultrasound. The moment where Caleb and I would get to see our 8 week old little alien baby! We couldn't wait to see it's little alien head and arm buds coming from it's tiny little body. The moment of truth came and a baby popped up on the u/s screen. "Wait!"...I said. "That's a BABY!". Well, duh you big dummy. I said that because I thought we were going to see the beginnings of a baby..not an actual fetus with arms and legs and a normal-ish looking head. The tech was even surprised and said "you're further along than everyone thought!" I was actually going into my eleventh week. Wow! The heartbeat was good and strong - 170bpm. I was actually very excited about this pregnancy at that point! I still have days where I'm not so excited. The boys are fighting and my house is a wreck, there isn't enough closet space, not enough room, how will we ever afford it? You know, those crazy things most of us think about during times like that. But you know what, we'll make it. My house may be a wreck sometimes..but we work together and straighten it back up. We may not have enough space but I am learning better organizational skills and we'll find places for everything we need.. We may not be rich, but we can raise one more child and be just fine.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-10781053160444100502013-08-13T21:01:00.004-04:002013-08-13T21:15:17.378-04:00So many changes since my last post...I almost don't even know where to begin...I guess sort of where I left off, huh.<br />
<br />
We had a great Halloween 2012 and went trick-or-treating with our neighbor friends. The boys had a great time and so did we. We stock up on the candy but we never really eat it! Noah was batman while Toby was Spiderman. The two cutest little super heroes ever. That November, we had a great Thanksgiving with our family and for the first time ever, both boys stayed overnight with my parents while Caleb & I stood in long lines on Black Friday to get the boys their Nook Color's for Christmas. It was worth it. We had the best time that night and really enjoyed ourselves in the midst of all that madness!<br />
<br />
And then here comes December 2012. . .<br />
It all started out amazing. For the first time ever, we had a real Christmas tree. I refused to use store bought decorations because I thought it would be so much fun to make our own ornaments and have a traditional, old school type of Christmas tree! I made cinnamon ornaments, dried orange peels with decorative string, plus lots more things. It turned out so great! Toby ate a few of the ornaments over those few weeks, things were "accidentally" knocked off the tree and were broken, and the lights were barely hanging on the branches come Christmas morning. I didn't care one bit! It's their tree! They're only little once and I was refusing to be upset. We had an amazing Christmas morning and the boys were so excited over all their gifts. We went to my parents house and opened more gifts and spent some time with them. I had told Caleb how I felt great things were in store for us for the up and coming new year. How I couldn't wait to start fresh and feel more excited about life! I was ready to let the past couple of years go and start over. God brought us through very hard times (job) but He didn't fail us and made sure Caleb found the perfect job for him. I was having medical issues, which I think was related to the amount of stress I was constantly under. Very hard times. But...I was ready to let go and be happy & feel like I deserved to be happy.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to December 30th. One of the worst days of my life. Noah and I had been sick for a couple of days and was just starting to feel better. We were getting ready to go out and order take-out from our favorite Japanese place. I walked outside and my phone rang. My grandmother had called to tell me that my cousin, who was only 49, had passed away the day before. Everything began to spin. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't speak..and I surely couldn't believe what I was hearing. I hung up and immediately wanted to call her cell phone, to hear her say "hello". . to prove that it was some sick joke. It wasn't a sick joke..it was true. I took back everything I had said about me deserving happiness. I immediately became depressed. I couldn't even say goodbye to her at the funeral home - I was too devastated to even go. I couldn't watch her be buried either. She was one of the best people I know. She was one of my very best friends. She knew my soul and I knew hers. I stayed at her house as a kid and we would have so much fun together and even as an adult. We had so much in common. We thought alike and we could even finish each other's thoughts. I felt what she felt and vice versa. How could I lose someone that special to me? And most importantly, what happened? Still to this day, I have no idea. Her death certificate still reads as pending. Although my heart was shattered, God allowed me to have peace with her death. .I won't explain how, but I do know and feel in my heart that she is finally OK and God saved her.<br />
<br />
Even though I didn't say my good byes at the funeral home, I did say them in other ways. I went to her house one last time. I was also up in her bedroom alone looking at the bed she took her last breath in. .and I didn't cry. I couldn't. I knew she was where she needed to be. In the arms of Jesus. I got a few of her dishes and in a pile of "trash", I recovered her journals. The last months of her life weren't the easiest, according to her journals..but one thing is for certain, she got it right. She will forever be in my heart.<br />
<br />
January-May 2013<br />
We didn't do very many things in the winter months but around May we went on quite a few little mini vacations with our boys. We took them to Nashville for one night. We went to the Zoo and also to the Rainforest Cafe - best place to eat!! So entertaining and most importantly, the kids didn't have to be shushed the whole time we were there. .kids are allowed to be kids. Another weekend in May we went overnight and visited The Tellus Museum. That was such a fantastic museum. We dug for dinosaur fossils and shark teeth, panned for gold, and got to see huge dinosaur models. The boys loved it!<br />
<br />
June 2013<br />
Caleb and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, which also happens to be my birthday. I turned 30 this year!! My parents agreed (Second time ever!) to keep both boys and allow us to go away for TWO NIGHTS. It was the most exciting time for us. We don't do date nights, we never have babysitters, and we definitely never have nights alone in our own bed. We left on a Friday night and arrived at our fabulous cabin in the Smokey Mountains. Ahh, it was breathtaking. We soaked in the hot tub while it rained. .and our view was amazing. We relaxed and reminisced a little. It was an amazing and well deserved weekend.<br />
Oh, did I mention that a week before that we had firmly made our decision on not having anymore babies? Yep, we did.<br />
<br />
July 2013<br />
We left for a whole week and headed to Athens, GA. We stayed with his parents for a few days and while it wasn't the best getaway, at least we weren't stuck at home. July 2, I realized I had not started my period, which was weird because I was on the pill and it had me on a regular 28 day cycle. I had been slightly queasy and not feeling like myself, but I chalked it up to pms. I then realized I was five days late. Even though I "knew" I wasn't pregnant, I had Caleb pick me up a cheapo dollar store test..ya know..just to prove that I wasn't. As soon as I peed on that thing it became clear to me that I was definitely pregnant. I remember going in circles in that tiny little bathroom at his parents house..trying to breathe. Trying to understand how this could have happened. Only 1-3% of women get pregnant while on the pill. That couldn't be me! (We had a hard time conceiving Toby...took us years and I wasn't even on the pill then!) I slung open the bathroom door and squealed out something that was suppose to resemble "Caleb!"...and here he came. I couldn't even speak. I just showed him the test and his immediate response was excitement! WHAT?! I couldn't even breathe and he was celebrating. He kept telling me God has a plan..one bigger than ours..and he's right. I just couldn't process that at the moment. I called my mom. I was trying to be calm but I broke into tears..it was one of those ugly cries, too. She calmed me down and acted excited and told me that it happened for a reason and only God knows why! For me to stay calm and just be excited for this new little gift we were give. For the next couple of days I was in a fog. Heck, sometimes I still find myself walking through that same fog!Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-79595321679290554922012-09-23T16:22:00.000-04:002012-09-23T16:22:10.202-04:00It's Fall, Ya'll!!Fall: My most favorite time of year! It puts me in the best moods, even if things get crappy. And lets face it, no one ever has a perfect week. I sure as hell don't. I want to be the perfect mom, wife, house keeper, cook, launderer, etc - but shit happens. Sometimes I yell at my kids, sometimes I don't have supper waiting on the table for Caleb when we gets home from a long day at work, sometimes I burn whatever it is i'm cooking, and sometimes I forget to put clothes in the dryer and they sour in the washing machine. Sometimes I even forget to buy dog food and I have to feed my dogs a piece of bread. But ya know what..at the end of that very long craptastic day everyone still loves me! I realize I don't have to be perfect and I know not every day will be a fun-filled day with smiles, hugs & kisses. <i>That's okay. </i>I do the best I can with what I have and I start the next day over and it's all okay. How did I go from Fall weather to all that? Who knows. I write whatever comes out of my fingertips...<br />
<br />
Noah is still doing great in the First Grade and made 105 on his spelling test last week! Super proud of him! Toby is talking more and loves school busses. Thats all he talks about and heaven forbid we see a lot of them while waiting at the school -- oh my. He will scream out "bus" over and over. But it's cute.<br />
<br />
Caleb is still loving his job and I love it, too. Sometimes I don't like being away from him for the short time that he's away..but it's all worth it. He works 4 on 3 off and it's wonderful. We have Wednesday and weekends together. Love it!<br />
<br />
We got a new boy Guinea Pig yesterday and we named him Teddy. Cowboy loves him and they purr and cuddle. They were popcorning all over their cage last night and it was the cutest thing ever. Cowboy is definitely a lot happier than he was!!<br />
<br />
Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-16944374181106907832012-09-12T13:49:00.001-04:002012-09-12T13:49:40.795-04:00Busy Busy!Noah started First Grade on September 4th and he's doing great! He had his very first spelling test last Friday and made a 90! I'm so very proud of him! He has his moments where he doesn't want to cooperate before school but once we're on our way he's perfectly fine. I think all children have those moments - I sure did! Toby turned 2 on September 1 and we had a small birthday gathering here at our house. Nothing big as they aren't really in partying moods at this age lol. I love parties and I go all out while party planning so I do feel a little guilty for not having him a big party..but he enjoyed himself here at the house so I'm trying to not let it get to me. The boys are doing really well at bedtime and I usually have them both in bed by 9 or 9:30. Sometimes 8:30..just depends on how the day went. I can't believe how easy it is! I figured I would have a fuss but it's been pretty pleasant. I'm keeping Toby on his routine while Noah is in school and he is usually napping by 11a. I can either choose to tidy up the house or nap with him...and I usually choose the latter! haha. I have never gotten to nap in my adult life. Ever. Noah never napped and stayed awake 12 hrs+ even at newborn. Now I'm taking advantage! I nap whenever I get the chance and it feels wonderful!<br />
<br />
I had my yearly today and my doctor asked me when I was planning on having baby #3. It caught me off guard because I've had it in my head that we're not going to try again. I tried talking the doctor out of me having a baby (LOL!) and basically all I got was an eye roll and a statement that pretty much went along the lines of "you have an almost 7 year old and a 2 year old. You're healthy almost 30 and I say go for #3!!".. Umm...reallly? Did I just hear someone try and talk me into having another baby? lol. I was so sure that we were finished that I didn't even know what to say or how to feel. It was weird. I went ahead and got a refill for another 12 mo of Orho Tri-Cyclen and I guess we'll see what lies in the future. Part of me doesn't want to get that filled, another part of me wants to continue taking it until I make a firm decision. However, I'm only getting older and if I keep waiting then I may be waiting forever lol. I also know that even though there is a high chance of me having boy #3 (I'd love him just as my other two boys) I just reallyyyyyy really want a daughter. I have c-sections so I do know that baby #3 would definitely be it for us. I'm so confused....Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-85848214003723001872012-08-06T12:23:00.001-04:002012-08-06T12:23:02.576-04:00Life in general..The boys are doing great. .racing throughout the house as I type this. Noah is on a tiny 'Cars' riding toy and Toby is faithful to his Coupe. I keep these in the house for them to ride because our yard is shitty and we have no shade. One thing I would love to do is bulldoze this house down, level our yard, add amazing top soil and the perfect grass, then rebuild our house. I'd add about a thousand square feet to the sucker this time around, too. Even though I helped with it all, I was at the end of my pregnancy with Noah and I was in a hurry and ended up allowing the wrong people to make decisions. I fully regret that. This house isn't anything like we thought it would be and we're starting to outgrow it. I have always looked at bigger houses with envy and I have always seemed to compare apples to oranges..but lately I've come to realize that it's not the house that makes the home. It's the people in it. I keep our house clean and somewhat organized (insert laughs here), and the boys have adequate space for all their things. I shouldn't compare and wish we had something more..that's totally wrong. I should be thankful for what we do have. Thankful that we were able to build our very first home and we're not stuck with rent for our entire lives. I will remain thankful!<br />
<br />
Anyway, that's not where I thought this post was going..lol..so I'll move forward...<br />
<br />
Noah has been doing slightly better about not pitching as many fits. I think it's partly because we've been spanking his little booty when he does. I know some people are anti-spanking, but I think that's what kids are lacking these days and that's why we have delinquent's running loose and getting into trouble. You don't have to spank your kids, but I'm going to spank mine! Toby gets a little whiny at times but he's able to be re-directed pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
We went shoe shopping for the boys this past Saturday and got some pretty great deals. Noah has been begging for black Sketchers with neon green soles ever since he seen the Bell's Ad. We went and they did not have his size and he was so bummed out. Luckily Rack Room Shoes had the exact pair and size that he needed and we were able to get him a second pair half off! Hopefully they will at least last him until Thanksgiving lol. Toby has had the same Stride Rite's since February and they were 7 1/2's. I couldn't even put socks on his feet because his shoes are so small on him. He has been taking them off and not even wearing shoes lately because they hurt his little feet. I cannot stand Walmart/Kmart shoes and I refuse to buy them for my kids. They're not only tacky but hard and plastic! So, I've been putting off getting him new shoes until we made a mall run. Soo, he got a new pair of Stride Rite's and I'm so excited because they are anti-stink!! Seriously, that's what it says!! lol, love it! His feet smell SO bad and it's awful. Needless to say, I'm excited about shoes. He's in a 9!!!! I can't even believe how big my boys feet are.<br />
<br />
Caleb accepted a job offer and has less stress on him now. I'm glad because the last place he worked at was a joke. The people he was over were dicks and wanted to try and out boss him. Stupid. He now works 4 days and has 3 days off!! I was so very excited because all the long days and hours are finally a thing of the past. His off days are Wednesday's, Saturday, and Sunday. So happy about that! I would write where he works but a certain MIL may have this link and that makes me nervous. Just praying this stays as good as it has been!Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-60707761407224010862012-07-01T14:28:00.001-04:002012-07-01T14:28:36.451-04:00LunaWe have two dogs, a Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua, and had no plans of adding on to our family at all. June 24th, we pulled into the driveway and there sat a big ole chunk of a Chihuahua (mix?) on our carport. You could tell she was scared by the way she looked at us but she didn't growl, try to run away, or anything. I posted her picture on the local animal shelter Facebook page and hoped her family could be found. Unfortunately, I think her family dropped her off at my house because she sat in that same spot and stared out toward the road all that evening. So sad. I put some food and water out for her and allowed her to sleep on the carport. I admittedly checked on her a couple/few times because we have coyotes and it made me nervous. I'm a huge animal lover and I want to keep every stray that comes along my path, however, I have learned that we can't always do that. We can love them until we find a home, but not keep every single animal that crosses our path. Noah is the same. The next day it was so hot outside and I let her on the screened in back porch, turned on the fan, and put ice into her water. She just stared at me with these big bugged out eyes and I couldn't resist. I opened the door and she walked right in. I told Caleb "Look who just walked in!"...lol. His response? "Someone had to open the door the let her in, right?"..haha! He caved and let her stay inside. I gave her a bath and she slept like a baby all day long, which made me think she was so scared being outside the night before and now she was finally able to relax. Bless her heart. We have had her an entire week and have no intentions of letting her go. She has grown on all of us and is a great girl. I'm not sure why the name Luna came into my mind, but she looks like a Luna! She snores, plays with Lucy, and goes OUTSIDE to potty!! YAY for a trained stray dog! We love her already...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>Luna loves to sun bathe</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItcWBq_bvsDoLgogMNTfcJ-nFPS4v7vSHl6EyARpK98yxDjY9cT1nQ08gUM7sUC6dMMfpRB0HKJ9pEr31DHrKdKoYSE0uYiGkSRAaiJFBY9UOvP9cNjl-cYI9AXLeMchVW_W0EHzYFHk/s1600/luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItcWBq_bvsDoLgogMNTfcJ-nFPS4v7vSHl6EyARpK98yxDjY9cT1nQ08gUM7sUC6dMMfpRB0HKJ9pEr31DHrKdKoYSE0uYiGkSRAaiJFBY9UOvP9cNjl-cYI9AXLeMchVW_W0EHzYFHk/s320/luna2.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<center>Here she is laying inside enjoying the air conditioner.</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvgLEmP5Q1daNIktDOCbyhtmBXUPP2hXn4-KKBXHi6SeIzwnZ1tFqidh4kfAHMTnUuPX0P4dPKye_sei7OXBt2JXXsgw3SVKWG6oykdQ8yP-Gjybgaj4qXdZ0M1yFURRZ9DNIpUvL1oQ/s1600/luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvgLEmP5Q1daNIktDOCbyhtmBXUPP2hXn4-KKBXHi6SeIzwnZ1tFqidh4kfAHMTnUuPX0P4dPKye_sei7OXBt2JXXsgw3SVKWG6oykdQ8yP-Gjybgaj4qXdZ0M1yFURRZ9DNIpUvL1oQ/s320/luna.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-25576483427872105252012-06-24T11:37:00.005-04:002012-06-24T11:37:44.971-04:00Unsure.Starting at birth, Noah was a very needy baby. Screaming, crying, never satisfied, night terrors. I would be up with him every hour and a half around the clock (true) for the first three and a half years of his life. We had his formula changed and was spending $50+ a week just on the specialty formula and nothing worked. I would take him to the Pediatrician and burst into tears because I wasn't sure what was wrong with my baby. Dr said he would outgrow the night terrors and said many children do not require much sleep...and lucky me, he's one of those children. Even though we had those issues, he was a very sweet and loving baby.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to three and a half and he was finally starting to sleep through the night, and the night terrors stopped. He was and is (now at age 6) still the sweet boy that loves hugs and kisses and always aims to please. Noah is very good with others and always protects his toys like they're alive. He picks up after himself and puts his clothes in the laundry room before his bath. He builds forts, loves animals, the outdoors, dressing in costume, and has an amazing imagination. However, he still cries, pitches fits, and is still never satisfied. I'm a stay at home mom who does everything in her power to make sure her family is happy. I've done crafts with Noah since he was old enough to hold a crayon, I've made forts, volcanoes, ornaments, puppets, rockets, etc...I am a very hands on mom. I do everything in my power to make sure my children are happy. I always seem to fail. Even though Noah is very loving and sweet his fits are driving us up the wall. He has meltdowns that are down right ridiculous considering his age. And usually it's over nothing. For example, if he's playing angry birds and can't beat a level he freaks out. He no longer does crafts as much as he use to but I chalk that up to him being a boy and glitter just isn't a boy thing, ya know? I have talked with his doctor, once again, about this. Dr asked me if he does it around grandparents, friends, at school, or in public. The answer is no. Dr says it's our fault (not in those words, of course) because we don't use consistent discipline and we let him have total control, whether we realize it or not. And he's right. If I know Noah is about to pitch a fit over a decision we make, then I go ahead and let him have his way so he doesn't throw a fit. My fault. We've tried time outs, taking toys/games away, spanking his bottom, etc...nothing works. I admit we aren't as consistent as we should be - but it's hard. I don't like hurting my child's feelings or his bottom. I also know that it's only going to hurt him if we don't discipline him.<br />
<br />
I don't know what to do. Now that school is out it's beginning to be very hard on me. Caleb works long and strange hours and I'm here alone with them and normally we have nothing to do. It's interrupting Toby's schedule and becoming hard on him as well. He's a very laid back baby that plays on his own, always happy, and he is very go with the flow. I'm afraid he is going to start learning some tricks from his brother, but we're praying he doesn't. Noah was doing so well while school was in session. He was on a schedule and that is exactly what helps him. Why do we have summer break again? ugh! I looked into summer camps and for Noah alone it's $100+ a week and we can't afford that.<br />
<br />
I love my son with my whole heart and he's our whole world. We always want to take him places, have fun with him, and we seem to always fail. I'm constantly praying that things will improve and the horrible crying fits will just go away. All we can do is love him through it.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-72414756152701295382012-06-17T11:49:00.001-04:002012-06-17T11:49:55.318-04:00Happy Father's Day!Caleb has to work until 8p today but we did go to the early church service and was able have a Father's Day Breakfast afterwards, even if it was McDonald's :). I made a photo collage from my iPhone and sent it to him while he was on his way to work. It makes his day better, especially since he's at work and not able to spend his day with us. I honestly don't know what I would do without him. I love him more than any words I could ever say and the boys kinda love him, too :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EmHdStx9VNntjf-o3byXVPqXQbkO22l9SMk9Nr7hn0SuUn0W1g2apsMDhk6BFHGp0MLB3fUYdJyCPGRJ9pKfWKPcc4EJIw6LM9qpqfzeffwtS9PWpJrzLOeaUuTt1DlB3tIwvyRBMUg/s1600/fathersday2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EmHdStx9VNntjf-o3byXVPqXQbkO22l9SMk9Nr7hn0SuUn0W1g2apsMDhk6BFHGp0MLB3fUYdJyCPGRJ9pKfWKPcc4EJIw6LM9qpqfzeffwtS9PWpJrzLOeaUuTt1DlB3tIwvyRBMUg/s320/fathersday2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-61548745849552269182012-06-13T10:56:00.000-04:002012-06-17T11:50:19.242-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5QE58Vw3Yn5BjyWaVwWwnZkRrwAtbdCHfH6EKJeO7LITj0Ohvee_VptT3kbYGHaR-K_fVM99vRFWAGjXR6pL1lrucDZjrAaqUdcISBWz50BodYara4eiYAlK4yS7qMm1zjNhK9Rlkxw/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5QE58Vw3Yn5BjyWaVwWwnZkRrwAtbdCHfH6EKJeO7LITj0Ohvee_VptT3kbYGHaR-K_fVM99vRFWAGjXR6pL1lrucDZjrAaqUdcISBWz50BodYara4eiYAlK4yS7qMm1zjNhK9Rlkxw/s320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-48992426921478443512012-06-11T23:22:00.004-04:002012-06-17T11:50:55.650-04:00I will Rejoice!I've been going through a lot lately that has had me in a funk. I have been anxious, fearful, depressed, and downright unhappy. Although I won't go into deep detail here, just know that I went to a place emotionally that I hope to never go to again. I am digging myself out of this funk because I have to! Why be anxious, fearful, depressed, and unhappy? I'm suppose to rejoice and be thankful for the many blessings God has blessed us with.<br />
<br />
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7<br />
<br />
"finally brother, rejoice<span class="text 2Cor-13-11">. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Cor-13-11">Again, I know I have many blessings in my life that keeps my heart beating and my life happy!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>Like Him</center><br />
<br />
<center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The love of my life </center><center class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My best friend </center><center class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU8OxAJeIM-wJK3OjFb0nd6U96Wz6h4wCGHaqZM-t6cOzXt0lhXxOdAAZpm3Zs80ESc6iQOe0_HGkCvFTmA4SsKQzH4gssXoSgF6KscgvxITpnltYLsWueu1il7HqWnfp3x6an8QPirc/s1600/instagram1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU8OxAJeIM-wJK3OjFb0nd6U96Wz6h4wCGHaqZM-t6cOzXt0lhXxOdAAZpm3Zs80ESc6iQOe0_HGkCvFTmA4SsKQzH4gssXoSgF6KscgvxITpnltYLsWueu1il7HqWnfp3x6an8QPirc/s1600/instagram1.jpg" /></a></center><span class="text 2Cor-13-11"><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And Him </center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The sweetest and funniest 6 year old I know </center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Half of my Heart</center><center class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq2PKnLngQgEHfsxXSVKR-13obSkyqVlA6dO-1FyJc5BdQn65Ourfc9zia0zZX0JDdscQzfnBJIsK07OO6Hj9Q-AHE_jarLFcSaKLTDlvQ7IWTgM3UroNeWuE4zJ61d1nHNZZOklItP8/s1600/instagram3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq2PKnLngQgEHfsxXSVKR-13obSkyqVlA6dO-1FyJc5BdQn65Ourfc9zia0zZX0JDdscQzfnBJIsK07OO6Hj9Q-AHE_jarLFcSaKLTDlvQ7IWTgM3UroNeWuE4zJ61d1nHNZZOklItP8/s1600/instagram3.jpg" /></a></center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And Him</center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Precious and loving</center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other Half of my Heart</center><center class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFk9G6ofz0X9aaCoJbrdDBvCVxDAcLF7JRRsOsFb6hC0qiN_orpYDwQphCTYQNLcsaRj8uIRscWC6WrSGyRqjcmiU4cK_Nb0KiUV9PNyXOlvLdAKCqnLSlWUhM8s4UdjX6nzHvY5NDik/s1600/instagram2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFk9G6ofz0X9aaCoJbrdDBvCVxDAcLF7JRRsOsFb6hC0qiN_orpYDwQphCTYQNLcsaRj8uIRscWC6WrSGyRqjcmiU4cK_Nb0KiUV9PNyXOlvLdAKCqnLSlWUhM8s4UdjX6nzHvY5NDik/s1600/instagram2.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><center>And Them</center><center>Best Parents Ever</center><center>Always loving me unconditionally</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rZoc9Ji9JFxEE-zfk0SSJn27kaQ8RqwuOlhd7P7fa8HOwQl9W_zoKpLPntz47pEJAGvUmCeUawKiX1S8aUE7ypxD6PhGw7zNwN4OhlkXgMxP0B2JkptwKRJdis54OjnvQ2XrlrkbtjA/s1600/mothersday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rZoc9Ji9JFxEE-zfk0SSJn27kaQ8RqwuOlhd7P7fa8HOwQl9W_zoKpLPntz47pEJAGvUmCeUawKiX1S8aUE7ypxD6PhGw7zNwN4OhlkXgMxP0B2JkptwKRJdis54OjnvQ2XrlrkbtjA/s320/mothersday2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </center><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><span class="text 2Cor-13-11"><br /></span>Peace I leave you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27<br /><span class="text 2Cor-13-11"><br /></span></center></span><br />
<span class="text 2Cor-13-11"></span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-33410066178389892832012-06-10T13:44:00.002-04:002012-06-17T11:51:32.370-04:00Summertime Funtime :)This may be a picture overload, but I need to catch up and start this bloggin' thing again. Especially since I suck at keeping up with both boys baby books. I will add, though, Noah's baby book was finished front to back before he even turned 3. Think I over did it a little? lol. To be fair, Toby's book has the important milestones recorded..Anyway I must post some pics of what we've been doing since summer break started a short two weeks ago :)<br />
<br />
First, let me start out with T's first haircut!! I was a little upset because everyone kept hounding me about cutting his hair. He was continuously called a girl (Even by people related to him ugh!) and I got sick of it. I stupidly let peer pressure get the best of me and we had to cut the baby mullet. Here's the before. Note that this was a bad hair day - usually it was all curly and cute! sniffle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ87AD4upnRUf_iP2QT_51jk-sjNtf8VFh1E0bZi-PQEgBkHD64VFae2xQj8wbp903SgpgqBBZuI_BRvdjfdfPXhT8TQPRlSdLFUcy8F_ohe3pwEBueJGiG9WObzf7e0TKJMxuDpGKj8/s1600/babymullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ87AD4upnRUf_iP2QT_51jk-sjNtf8VFh1E0bZi-PQEgBkHD64VFae2xQj8wbp903SgpgqBBZuI_BRvdjfdfPXhT8TQPRlSdLFUcy8F_ohe3pwEBueJGiG9WObzf7e0TKJMxuDpGKj8/s320/babymullet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here he is bravely sitting in Nana's lap getting his hair cut by our cousin, Lisa. My big boy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUoI9xjXMWRDmj9PlvC5x4-WnCM1Rx7DpOWdu7wWXFoi221SIgFLUACPdMidoyOppfBkCFQXZR-eByQDhhQxf1R8Sbm4BnUERxlLpSSFdA-9TovaP_J7JhYqBJS6d1pdjMBmngo092GY/s1600/1sthaircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUoI9xjXMWRDmj9PlvC5x4-WnCM1Rx7DpOWdu7wWXFoi221SIgFLUACPdMidoyOppfBkCFQXZR-eByQDhhQxf1R8Sbm4BnUERxlLpSSFdA-9TovaP_J7JhYqBJS6d1pdjMBmngo092GY/s1600/1sthaircut.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another first! Toby's first trip to Chuck E Cheese. Cousin McKinley's bday party.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kYi3BjOCLGseb6SIHEpPJBmrUGLxIAhyphenhyphen-iLOn3uCmkyrTqNcVPZIWjxIzIMe4IM6xhCgzfLMQGXAa8129JrD6405YeV8fNA6UGNfb32FSHPzK8nyQ2MqRq1Lf1UeAzhXWlQuIOw9Ijg/s1600/1stchuckecheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kYi3BjOCLGseb6SIHEpPJBmrUGLxIAhyphenhyphen-iLOn3uCmkyrTqNcVPZIWjxIzIMe4IM6xhCgzfLMQGXAa8129JrD6405YeV8fNA6UGNfb32FSHPzK8nyQ2MqRq1Lf1UeAzhXWlQuIOw9Ijg/s320/1stchuckecheese.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
T's very first time bowling and check it out! He got all the pins except for two! GO T!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeHuKELRO6TDvhy5-UunR59IbzOR34udTojPsm3gwmjEsFpJYFdd4z6UZ7ci6HpWInc1wzwR7nSXCCd-btPuADvsqrIurRHM90Ukq1NRroFzFyROCX-eQAumGm7owBZCDF_D2Xb6H4gI/s1600/1stbowling2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeHuKELRO6TDvhy5-UunR59IbzOR34udTojPsm3gwmjEsFpJYFdd4z6UZ7ci6HpWInc1wzwR7nSXCCd-btPuADvsqrIurRHM90Ukq1NRroFzFyROCX-eQAumGm7owBZCDF_D2Xb6H4gI/s320/1stbowling2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Noah and Zoe had a blast bowling - and Noah's ball went into the gutter as soon as I snapped the pic! haha! Love these kids!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTBN1rt6E0KUBUIb7G_TpSvR0fPH9fZr09fD38UlZzzlELw6OR-ysVe7gLGD_ET_N8MA8zgHIrDzb-wdUZ7_392Eb560GBTvkw046rpTfWOB3titr_df7GydDd1TW7AOksJ1JjqoNRoM/s1600/bowling2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTBN1rt6E0KUBUIb7G_TpSvR0fPH9fZr09fD38UlZzzlELw6OR-ysVe7gLGD_ET_N8MA8zgHIrDzb-wdUZ7_392Eb560GBTvkw046rpTfWOB3titr_df7GydDd1TW7AOksJ1JjqoNRoM/s320/bowling2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to Pinterest, I just had to make the kids a car wash sprinkler! Well, I glued and my dad did all the work. lol - Too bad Caleb was at work and missed all the fun. baha!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsNDMPmz26gazmDUU8fEK5SjeLTzn9lt_moc77_q31uJglk7DgsTddzaccQi91QY_opovfXdL5PGPa2Io3On0PH-xlI9OwfvoXZ3O5xTRHW5VRKE_KyRGiUvoovPOSMyDa4t9zmKSXug/s1600/carwash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsNDMPmz26gazmDUU8fEK5SjeLTzn9lt_moc77_q31uJglk7DgsTddzaccQi91QY_opovfXdL5PGPa2Io3On0PH-xlI9OwfvoXZ3O5xTRHW5VRKE_KyRGiUvoovPOSMyDa4t9zmKSXug/s1600/carwash.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Water hose fun. What kid doesn't like it? Well considering T is running for his life..I'm guessing he's not a fan. lol<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsNJQjN3Ms26XVhhBUcOZmv6QVJZznXjA8rrslen45anIpDQCWVSRC8YzTJfQ9-Td0cPCMTiJ2lt51BcdZHUvUakYOAq8syuiw7iFCcbPgRBKUrcyjYjZbjTLxroSAuVXd0rf_4An_c8/s1600/DSC_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsNJQjN3Ms26XVhhBUcOZmv6QVJZznXjA8rrslen45anIpDQCWVSRC8YzTJfQ9-Td0cPCMTiJ2lt51BcdZHUvUakYOAq8syuiw7iFCcbPgRBKUrcyjYjZbjTLxroSAuVXd0rf_4An_c8/s320/DSC_0845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Zoe pouring a bowl of water over her head. She's so cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGKn3vWpwPo2nttt3POlNG_VRTBixsHRyKOKIAsmMJgLKHWnctiHXwEgSj7UjwkqZQmKRaEhgYzP-czi-fToJ0C4MdWGd5FrPz8k7aJGl2AdmHYG5gU6kTdDfptCwS9tQZUuRB7xSSS4/s1600/DSC_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGKn3vWpwPo2nttt3POlNG_VRTBixsHRyKOKIAsmMJgLKHWnctiHXwEgSj7UjwkqZQmKRaEhgYzP-czi-fToJ0C4MdWGd5FrPz8k7aJGl2AdmHYG5gU6kTdDfptCwS9tQZUuRB7xSSS4/s320/DSC_0844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUMmhqa1IBPwbAYEx0PJjVzZbyrmliTOuf5fUC1N4a3nVqyB139f5qnpdGB0Cs6oqQwBeqf3fl5kvdDXxp693qNSWzaCfmj12IUDI9IgIiB06_chiK6iBd-uEGpCzkdRegFO3Z1ErmrM/s1600/DSC_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUMmhqa1IBPwbAYEx0PJjVzZbyrmliTOuf5fUC1N4a3nVqyB139f5qnpdGB0Cs6oqQwBeqf3fl5kvdDXxp693qNSWzaCfmj12IUDI9IgIiB06_chiK6iBd-uEGpCzkdRegFO3Z1ErmrM/s320/DSC_0788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ISQoDa1Q_xOJ8DNKruma0MNew-tVhGk08ARgqBXSm8-IwWQSuWWjy8kx_eoUAg-ubj3Cw4E0IZVphFfTDf8mJ0v0vsvaRnSc-iURegyprkzLlJgm7FfY_bjHcvKoGiy1EbkAdhGk74/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ISQoDa1Q_xOJ8DNKruma0MNew-tVhGk08ARgqBXSm8-IwWQSuWWjy8kx_eoUAg-ubj3Cw4E0IZVphFfTDf8mJ0v0vsvaRnSc-iURegyprkzLlJgm7FfY_bjHcvKoGiy1EbkAdhGk74/s320/DSC_0855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a cute story about the cute little dog above. It's my dad's beagle and he calls her "Girl". She gets so excited when she sees us that she whimpers and screams out like she's been hit by a car..oh, and she also throws herself on the ground as shown in the pic above. I've renamed her: Car Wreck, or C.W. when we have company LOL. I just love her and the boys go crazy everytime she's around. :)Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-52840125877460078452012-06-04T19:55:00.001-04:002012-06-17T11:52:10.013-04:00Long Time No Blog!I'm not very good on keeping up with the blog and I will have to try and do better. I keep up with quite a few blogs, just not my own. On June 1, Noah finished his last day of Kindergarten. I walked him to class that morning and gave the teachers a potted plant each that said "thank you for helping me grow" (thanks to Pinterest!) and as I walked in the door Mrs. Pitts gave Noah a huge hug and told him she loved him. Their relationship with Noah made this whole school year amazing. Once Mrs. Allen handed me all of Noah's things he has created during the school year, I lost it. I started bawling like a baby and the tears wouldn't stop. I was snorting and sniffing. Ugh, I wish I could contain my emotions sometimes, but I just can't. It was a bitter sweet day, really. I am so proud of Noah for completing Kindergarten and very excited about him going into the first grade, yet sad because this is where the "little" turns into "big". I don't think I was prepared for that emotion. The day before we (Me, Caleb, Toby, my mom, and grandmother) went to Noah's play. It was called The Hinky Dinky "DD" Farm. Noah was a rooster and his line was "All around the barnyard the animals are asleep. The cows, horses, pigs and sheep. Shh, don't make a peep. Here I come all bold and proud to sound my daily alarm: cock-a-doodle-doo cock-a-doodle-doo." It was the most precious play I think i've ever seen! Afterwards was the awards. He received the "Super Kid Award" and an award for excelling in Computer lab. I am a proud mama!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn4FkeYpGMV6EFZtd5385CHm7DfVpsRB-w-EqR_vTwJsihgNR5QPgFvnhxLTXOpJfqpYAV_Bqlx7Y16zq0HSHYb1sAulKZctU_f24V5pj-puZ1ue7uS7VyvQdJSdABASnJeqwZOYV7xU/s1600/DSC_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn4FkeYpGMV6EFZtd5385CHm7DfVpsRB-w-EqR_vTwJsihgNR5QPgFvnhxLTXOpJfqpYAV_Bqlx7Y16zq0HSHYb1sAulKZctU_f24V5pj-puZ1ue7uS7VyvQdJSdABASnJeqwZOYV7xU/s320/DSC_0896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu1ZH27R6gwiBByGoNuY_oPZF85Un2poS3yFRG7TNmaDNk8VSDIKDgpdeWFKm8i1tycR836e-SzBtxg9GAGoHbxeOAumwaWNtJN8MJsrlMYDMwy9Bxh1_9n01qTDGWP-2vH3E2ouixiE/s1600/DSC_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu1ZH27R6gwiBByGoNuY_oPZF85Un2poS3yFRG7TNmaDNk8VSDIKDgpdeWFKm8i1tycR836e-SzBtxg9GAGoHbxeOAumwaWNtJN8MJsrlMYDMwy9Bxh1_9n01qTDGWP-2vH3E2ouixiE/s320/DSC_0901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLFW25Oo11R_4jQkZ6NHCrDxRSgeJ52qoyxCvXjqdCinA17tL9Jyeptt-W-uRSo0JQ5RXA0wn4wDANBHe_pn3qvgVa5tEIcnkmk0IoIwS6_PNlwMHHn24CUNGVRWndaSx0iRZan5eUOc/s1600/DSC_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLFW25Oo11R_4jQkZ6NHCrDxRSgeJ52qoyxCvXjqdCinA17tL9Jyeptt-W-uRSo0JQ5RXA0wn4wDANBHe_pn3qvgVa5tEIcnkmk0IoIwS6_PNlwMHHn24CUNGVRWndaSx0iRZan5eUOc/s320/DSC_0857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Toby is growing like a weed and has to do everything his big brother does. He's definitely the rough and tough one and isn't afraid of breaking anything..my poor house!! He still isn't talking but of course he says some things. His favorite thing to say is "yeah". I can ask him if he's ready for church and he'll enthusiastically say "yeah!" and then I can turn around and ask him if he wants a plate of onions for supper and he says the same thing! ha! I love it though so I am constantly coming up with off the wall questions for him, just to hear it :) We finally got his hair cut (Cousin Lisa cut it) and it does look a lot better, however, I miss the curls in the back. He still has some wavy parts in his hair and I hope it stays that way. It's too cute. I cannot believe he will be two years old in three months...where does the time go?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeLkDcUIq2tujrmXAicfqWQi0BBdIhqoD3NtDwNNann7rET6Io8PoAqCxUmwfSArN9QU12molDjo_sJB2B2iLc-dwyXxAUK7ttt9wWuXBX8NA44V3dTiO_HobHAQfDq-Z4GePfz1ffMA/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeLkDcUIq2tujrmXAicfqWQi0BBdIhqoD3NtDwNNann7rET6Io8PoAqCxUmwfSArN9QU12molDjo_sJB2B2iLc-dwyXxAUK7ttt9wWuXBX8NA44V3dTiO_HobHAQfDq-Z4GePfz1ffMA/s320/DSC_0824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-3tds17hymuZfJ8dei01EYxvNvw_vgQGCptugXNBh9mSuufltSDnS7493fyZ6NUxySZqGJtom06mdcLig5tRBZEYerouk_VdLky6019Fawb0X2Kv2YTQJ8PuEa84X6tPNRnxv2TsGJU/s1600/DSC_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-3tds17hymuZfJ8dei01EYxvNvw_vgQGCptugXNBh9mSuufltSDnS7493fyZ6NUxySZqGJtom06mdcLig5tRBZEYerouk_VdLky6019Fawb0X2Kv2YTQJ8PuEa84X6tPNRnxv2TsGJU/s320/DSC_0759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj7tBSfIYllf4i0ZdcLO6I8wtqz7E8RCE63Mle4Z_Qaao0LpSCiQrjhvZfvsyGXFn62_Tc_gEQsSVEU_DITQP_2p11bo2PyyfO774-AB5wWErUEGb-_zlM_0yTWQgWIjDQey0aQKxweE/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj7tBSfIYllf4i0ZdcLO6I8wtqz7E8RCE63Mle4Z_Qaao0LpSCiQrjhvZfvsyGXFn62_Tc_gEQsSVEU_DITQP_2p11bo2PyyfO774-AB5wWErUEGb-_zlM_0yTWQgWIjDQey0aQKxweE/s320/DSC_0815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb and I are still trying to find time for each other. It seems a little harder these days than we thought it would. We are super close and we're definitely each others best friend, but we never really get enough alone time. I think the last time we were out alone together was February 2011, and that was for just two hours. I miss our time together and I think not having that alone time really does affect the relationship. We don't have a babysitter and it gets hard sometimes..but we make do. Our children hate going places. When I say "hate", I really mean it. They pitch fits anytime we're in the car, especially if we start heading out of the town where we live. Toby is a little better than Noah..but once Noah pipes up, thats all she wrote. Our trips are miserable. Whether we're going to the grocery store, shopping, out for dinner, etc...nine times out of ten, it's miserable. I'm not sure why, but our boys would much rather stay at home and do nothing. It makes for hard weekends, that's for sure. Our nine year anniversary and my 29th birthday (yep, on the same day) is coming up on the ninth and we're hoping for dinner without the kids. Not sure if it will happen, but here's to hoping!<br />
I love him with all of my heart and I'm so thankful we met twelve years ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxcCq-Wag6z_P68-qjobaM-QLAix6kUR88RMfKW_amN5MoQ7zS2MuQq_4TBTv2vtW55EE0LL38uRcG9jIo4XK_0GlCHSB7xWAQcTkHne0ptE_r3GU1TA3oCFrepqtC37qtrinCYdPx3I/s1600/DSC_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxcCq-Wag6z_P68-qjobaM-QLAix6kUR88RMfKW_amN5MoQ7zS2MuQq_4TBTv2vtW55EE0LL38uRcG9jIo4XK_0GlCHSB7xWAQcTkHne0ptE_r3GU1TA3oCFrepqtC37qtrinCYdPx3I/s320/DSC_0382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-81780155493342005612012-02-28T17:39:00.003-05:002012-02-28T17:46:28.943-05:00Steals and DealsSince everything has seemed to have fallen back into place (knock on wood), things seemed to have calmed down a lot around here. One great thing about this new position - he gets most weekends off. This. Has. Never. Happened. He does have to go into the office two Saturdays a month for just a few hours, but the rest is all ours :) I'm so happy!<br />
<br />
This past weekend we took the boys shoe shopping, which was long over due. Toby had outgrown his Nike's, which were a size 5. He has been wearing Noah's old baby Timberland boots but I get tired of him wearing those green boots with every single thing. And too, there's no bend a the toes and that has to be uncomfortable. We went to Stride Rite and I picked out the cutest little pair of shoes for Toby - size 7 1/2! BIG FOOT BABY! Of course they are a half size too big..but oh my! He is 17mo and wears a 7. He wears his little shoes all the time and loves them! He watches himself walk and can't stop staring at them..which must mean that not only are they comfy, but he loves the way they look :) While we were in there, Noah sees a pair of Star Wars light up shoes. He was sold before he even tried them on! lol, it was so cute seeing him so excited. He is such a Star Wars fanatic and has always wanted Star Wars shoes! I haven't ever bought him any because I despise the fake plastic shoes that come from Walmart and Kmart. They don't last a couple of weeks and they are so cheap looking! He wore those shoes out of the store and has had them on ever since. $111 later and they have shoes that will probably last three months tops. Good shoes are worth it, though. Then we got caught and drug in by Build-A-Bear. $18 for a naked stuffed animal..really? ugh<br />
<br />
While walking through Belk, I come across the cutest Coach purse. I am a handbag fanatic but I have sold/given away every purse I have ever owned except for two. Long story, but they're gone :( I usually don't even carry name brand handbags, not Coach anyway. I'll put it this way, the most expensive purse I have ever owned was Dooney & Bourke and someone gave it to me lol. Anyway, that Coach purse caught my eye and I had to back up and drool. Poor Caleb..oh how I love him..he said "if you like it babe..lets get it!" My eyes got huge and I was like "NO!" These purses are expensive and I don't see any reason in spending ridiculous amounts of money on wants. I didn't <em>need </em>it. So to prove my point I flipped the tag over and showed him the price. It was one of the less expensive Coach purses I'm sure - $148. He told me I deserved it, he loves me..and to go ahead and get it. I ended up saying no and we walked away. I then come up on Fossil purses..oh lord. I see one that I just had to have and it was a fraction of what the Coach purse was. We both agreed I get that one with a wallet to match. We walked to the register to purchase the items and the sales lady said she seen me eyeing the Coach bag and if I wanted it she would do 40% off my total purchase! WHAT?! I stood there in a pathetic sweat and I told Caleb to make that decision lol. He, of course, told her to ring it up. My husband is the best. I just love him..he's so good to us. Sigh.. <br />
Ok, so the lady rang up the two purses and wallet and my total after tax was $198 and some change!!!!! Holy crap, it was a steal ;) Earlier in the day I had went to Old Navy and got my spring wardrobe started and came out of there with a weeks worth of outfits for under $120 :) So proud of my deals! No coupons were given either hahaBrandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-48678459365603618082012-02-14T21:15:00.000-05:002012-02-14T21:15:35.957-05:00Holy Moly, I'm a slacker..I cannot believe I haven't posted since early December. How lame am I? Ok, honestly...I have a valid excuse. Things have been pretty crazy since around January 6th. My husband got laid off from his job due to lack of sales. Since it was a new position he could not draw unemployment..which sucked. Hardcore. It's been a difficult month - not knowing what the future holds financially sorta sucks. Thankfully our bills were paid and we were on the constant look out for another job. Fast forward to yesterday - he got a really awesome job. In fact, he almost landed this job at this exact same time last year. Seriously. So maybe good things do come to those who wait. I never doubted that. I pray continuously and thank God for everything, no matter what. I'm thankful he has this new job/new position where he can climb the ladder pretty quickly. It's better pay than he has ever gotten and the bonuses are amazing that he will get. So many worries were washed away yesterday. Glory be to God!! Having a pretty good flow of income just relieves my fears of diminishing our little cushion we have. Just praying and hoping for the best!!<br />
<br />
Noah is doing great in Kindergarten. He is reading small readers now. They are learning how to write 1-16 and yet he is writing past 100. He is also doing double digit addition and they haven't even started any math yet!! The teacher contacted me a couple of weeks ago because Noah is starting to have a wandering mind in class. He isn't acting like he's into it at all and she was getting concerned. Well..he's bored. This child was counting to 10 in English, Spanish and French when he was two years old!! He knew all his basic colors, numbers,and said his ABCs. I had to have a serious talk with him and I told him that he had to stay on the same page as his classmates..he cannot just whiz through it and then start getting distracted when he is suppose to sit still in his chair. They are given new readers (for and five word sentences per page) every week. He reads and learns every book and is usually given a new one every couple of days. The teacher stopped me at the Valentine Party today and said he is doing phenomenal. I'm so proud of him!! Hopefully first grade will be just as good in the learning department.<br />
<br />
Toby has grown so much. He is bigger than his brother was at this age and he is a total daddy's boy. Caleb has been home since losing his job and he has grown even more attached to him. He doesn't want me doing anything for him. At all. Matter of fact I can ask for a hug and he'll head butt me. lol, he's so cute but so rough!!! He is also destructive. He will tear up metal - no lie. He loves ripping into our books. Noah was never like this. Ever. He isn't really talking much other than the usual "mama, daddy, bubba, skysky (dog), Nana, Papa, Wes, huh, bite bite, bye bye, oww, here dough (here you go). He's a ham and so funny. He makes the cutest and funniest facial expressions I have ever seen. One thing that makes him JUST LIKE his brother - he screams and pitches horrible fits every single time he gets in the car. He never did this when he was tiny. Never! He was a total dream baby. I felt so relieved and lucky that I had a child that didn't scream in a car. Noah screamed bloody murder in a car from day one..well, till now. They HATE going anywhere. Toby must have picked up on it because about a month ago it started up. He screams until he loses his breath and pukes. He screams til I head a headache. I hate this. We can never go anywhere in our car without our boys acting crazy. They act like the car is a horrible torture chamber. ugh. Toby has also started making weird sounds with his mouth. He loves looking into his baby mirror in the car (he is still rear-facing) while he screams or makes sounds. He also gets into everything. He is very picky lately with food. He won't eat until he is ready to eat..and sometimes he goes to bed with nothing but a pop tart in his tummy. Must be his age because his brother eats like a pig!! Toby still pretty much sleeps through the night except for an occasional outburst at 5a. Not sure what that is about.<br />
<br />
With everything we're doing on a daily basis I find myself with baby fever. I want a little girl so bad I can't see straight. While I love being a mom of boys, I feel as though I'm destined to also be a girl mom. I know it is totally up to God though. Honestly, I'd love another boy..but then I would know that would be my last. No trying for #4. C-sections aren't anything to look forward to. Trust me. So, not sure what we'll do. We want to try again maybe next yr..and hope for that little girl that I believe we are suppose to have :)Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-348410656861453622011-12-12T20:58:00.001-05:002011-12-12T21:00:54.964-05:00Elf on the ShelfI first got wind of Elf on the Shelf last year and I wanted to get Noah one so badly but all stores were sold out and it was so close to Christmas, so I decided to wait until this year. Then I forgot again.<br />
<br />
Once I started seeing everyone's cute little Elf photos and stories, I had to get one. Thing is, I did not want to spend $30 on a tiny toy Elf..so I..improvised. I went to the - ahem - Elf Adoption Center, aka Walgreens, and picked up a cute little Elf. So what if it has a hole through it's hat. So what if it is suppose to be hung on a door knob. Noah doesn't know any better. He actually complimented "Chompy" because he had the coolest "hanger" on his hat, which means that he can hang on anything! Duh!<br />
<br />
The next day my grandmother called and asked if I had gotten an Elf yet. I told her yes and Noah had a fit when he woke up to find "Chompy" hanging from the Christmas tree. Thing is, my grandmother has an Elf that looks just like the Elf on the Shelf that they sell today - except her elf was bought back in the early 60s..and in great shape! So, I had to have it. Santa Claus called Noah and told him that he was listening to everything Chompy had to tell him and he was proud to know that he has been a good boy -- and Chompy was bringing another elf to our home, to watch over Toby. Perfect! His name? Hermie.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Noah wakes up every single morning in the best mood ever and cannot wait to see what they have gotten themselves into. Here are a few of pictures from our Elfscapades :) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufdnSI5lOpzfViTcx2XkbjLruUPxhIvkGzzcmu4Phd-zfRIJlMauRIIU9nhvTGBI9WuzzMo1_XEaSSghZEOa6Tx00zyNQPdOtBh0pxASzg45cWdZERudHokX5flge8BR_Z55yL77ZGgM/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufdnSI5lOpzfViTcx2XkbjLruUPxhIvkGzzcmu4Phd-zfRIJlMauRIIU9nhvTGBI9WuzzMo1_XEaSSghZEOa6Tx00zyNQPdOtBh0pxASzg45cWdZERudHokX5flge8BR_Z55yL77ZGgM/s320/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt_2tqoMN9g8Da2xVg9y_OSf7ZN7fQZeiOwJf4cED1oIO6IUabUEKYLdflYPjvH8tS2RQdf7BPcT3eY3sNz_ezTj4Ora5RMh20FEtsvS9jAXxAP95b5s3as1aw2TY2nNJ9jiaQaq4QC8/s1600/elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt_2tqoMN9g8Da2xVg9y_OSf7ZN7fQZeiOwJf4cED1oIO6IUabUEKYLdflYPjvH8tS2RQdf7BPcT3eY3sNz_ezTj4Ora5RMh20FEtsvS9jAXxAP95b5s3as1aw2TY2nNJ9jiaQaq4QC8/s320/elf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQl-K32cjbo0xtACGWvPf2fY_Xe0tuEagzc0HCL0iM8ZqgqyQKUqlKrhMUsQCS2kX01SQziGCSaWcqr_FnM3ZpgpYhVpSyO8GevLeUHLvC3BtCEvWCZfJIGdKKdQI4ZuGkwUiy0jxUqg/s1600/ELF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQl-K32cjbo0xtACGWvPf2fY_Xe0tuEagzc0HCL0iM8ZqgqyQKUqlKrhMUsQCS2kX01SQziGCSaWcqr_FnM3ZpgpYhVpSyO8GevLeUHLvC3BtCEvWCZfJIGdKKdQI4ZuGkwUiy0jxUqg/s320/ELF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-62856646477292939332011-11-29T21:32:00.000-05:002011-11-29T21:32:14.946-05:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBaBP2am_QgOkFCOHcEnQov2kKO-tr4cbSgXPw9iosmEAXZP3EzC0CTaYuoSqQJjzHqMzwBG7ImlXr7kHcVggWC3UbRuT_Qa44h8E-mKHYXzcvGk1o6qw6WOiVFc2sfYzXH_SZERkIi0/s1600/edit8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBaBP2am_QgOkFCOHcEnQov2kKO-tr4cbSgXPw9iosmEAXZP3EzC0CTaYuoSqQJjzHqMzwBG7ImlXr7kHcVggWC3UbRuT_Qa44h8E-mKHYXzcvGk1o6qw6WOiVFc2sfYzXH_SZERkIi0/s320/edit8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Noah made this Pilgrim hat at school and I thought it was so cute! He's normally into dressing up and I thought he would wear it during our Thanksgiving dinners but he didn't :( I think he's slowly but surely getting out of playing dress-up, which kills me! I absolutely loved it when he was a different character everyday. At least I have lots of pics for memories. I love my boys. So much.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-59099244480565113112011-11-29T21:30:00.000-05:002011-11-29T21:30:17.125-05:00Totally late..but here's our Halloween pictures :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjqUTaC7Ae_sa7wKUNAhznIL92KaAJs765BeGiMvJK2728k6zkrmsC7GeE6sJWpREpup8dlx4DvdST7XoUX9fUaFyOpb9AMNCDr6oYRTmJYc5vSsCm-7YIXBYUF6_6d2fQLvp0nq00aE/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjqUTaC7Ae_sa7wKUNAhznIL92KaAJs765BeGiMvJK2728k6zkrmsC7GeE6sJWpREpup8dlx4DvdST7XoUX9fUaFyOpb9AMNCDr6oYRTmJYc5vSsCm-7YIXBYUF6_6d2fQLvp0nq00aE/s320/edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycaUElvWwHnkem0rO3Zo4j6QdzY9Swuj38RWeJJf-KckUQp0dgchngCKpDfhfzprB9s3xl-0odTH1cIy_14g8I5wSoeZVc81uB-xl6CDGBUlHG-5DxUJN83wuHGhmsplvKv-qaI-aJnw/s1600/edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycaUElvWwHnkem0rO3Zo4j6QdzY9Swuj38RWeJJf-KckUQp0dgchngCKpDfhfzprB9s3xl-0odTH1cIy_14g8I5wSoeZVc81uB-xl6CDGBUlHG-5DxUJN83wuHGhmsplvKv-qaI-aJnw/s320/edit2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjb5x0m35o9S5atPFThTUDm7CNKyUiNalccy19AEu4b9rkmf_Bg23qCogH3BK0rTLFg5lG2T-e4Lzgng6QaEtYyV4eERTdk2IHij_m5DhogDiYdpxjuwj_X0HvVBOVI4XTbFFoEwmlrU/s1600/edit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjb5x0m35o9S5atPFThTUDm7CNKyUiNalccy19AEu4b9rkmf_Bg23qCogH3BK0rTLFg5lG2T-e4Lzgng6QaEtYyV4eERTdk2IHij_m5DhogDiYdpxjuwj_X0HvVBOVI4XTbFFoEwmlrU/s320/edit3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf3zICZERz04Y9xLaXZ75BFOKehX0VCywBTjshj7LYwlkJpB0KSSJd8w0jTx65_CcXU2ePBAqGHl_RLkBI4EnlHoTTq3eH2Gk-UjcJS5hLqwefj6IT_0HV_TkncWpQALm_J9ht9EmLNc/s1600/edit5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf3zICZERz04Y9xLaXZ75BFOKehX0VCywBTjshj7LYwlkJpB0KSSJd8w0jTx65_CcXU2ePBAqGHl_RLkBI4EnlHoTTq3eH2Gk-UjcJS5hLqwefj6IT_0HV_TkncWpQALm_J9ht9EmLNc/s320/edit5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkZKaRuN0Y6oJTEroGuHjOc1wnzLLpwTj7KNoHJYfcxkAax3O01uzxkpy5NgKFHfaynIJVBXXZoLmMnamWIROEv5bUXsl0YaxwhKAorXR9iz652HU1ikgEyY-It3288VzDdXv2uiGSb4/s1600/edit7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkZKaRuN0Y6oJTEroGuHjOc1wnzLLpwTj7KNoHJYfcxkAax3O01uzxkpy5NgKFHfaynIJVBXXZoLmMnamWIROEv5bUXsl0YaxwhKAorXR9iz652HU1ikgEyY-It3288VzDdXv2uiGSb4/s320/edit7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wuMYgPC3m2CzSTMduUIkxabvvyZXUW4BynEyNB7GPgPmnvthfEiy61bVtsXTBGwWTYUF9b51BODfNLzpqlMnzsfTvhQFRWlWzCstHYbsSO-5fyWcPhZQrIyBVOm0tLAZIo7_OoDUwkY/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wuMYgPC3m2CzSTMduUIkxabvvyZXUW4BynEyNB7GPgPmnvthfEiy61bVtsXTBGwWTYUF9b51BODfNLzpqlMnzsfTvhQFRWlWzCstHYbsSO-5fyWcPhZQrIyBVOm0tLAZIo7_OoDUwkY/s320/DSC_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-31746912901920450632011-11-21T12:19:00.000-05:002011-11-21T12:19:38.607-05:00Horrible past few days..Ok, so a couple of months ago I accidently broke part of my back tooth off on the bottom left side. It didn't bother me so I put it off. I hate the dentist. I spent my entire childhood there. lol. Braces, retainer, spacers..you name it. It was because of my putting it off that it became infected and my nerve was exposed. It started bothering me about a month ago and ever since I've taken ibuprofen every single day. Not smart, I know. Then a few days ago it started hurting me so badly that I couldn't take it anymore, so I made a dentist appt. Dentist told me I would have to get so many things done..blah blah blah. The only thing I heard was $2000. WHAT?! Not good. I was in so much pain that I didn't even want to hear it. I cannot come up with $2000 just to have my tooth built up and a crown put on..and whatever else that needed to be done. Those never last a lifetime anyway. So, what did the dentist suggest as an alternative? Have my painful very back tooth pulled and in 6 months have a tooth implant. That will pretty much last a lifetime. Yep, count me in. So I had that sucker pulled today. In some ways I'm so glad because it was hurting me so badly - literally, I would rather have two more c-sections back to back than to go through another toothache. It hurt all the way up into my head. It was bad. A percocet wasn't even touching the pain. Anyway, I feel like a hillbilly now that I'm missing a tooth. Not sure why since it's a very back tooth, but I do. I cannot wait to get that implant!! It will cost roughly around $3000 but it will last a lot longer and I have 6 mo to save up for it. And believe me when I say it: I will have that implant. Ugh.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-54528271945879840132011-11-13T18:22:00.000-05:002011-11-13T18:22:00.509-05:00Why do I love being a Boy Mom? Because it's amazingly fun!Here's my proof:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsOCfJJT_oaj-c8Wl9CtqGhLBFSq435511Lnv8w5yrFS3-UbekInB7BRHm-F2w30ZovOuOv37ZBJYG4b1pjA3fGQHiM-lgD-nR-Ke0ci297jVVjjUEgGPOjM11bS7i1gjt-fr2MTbKwY/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsOCfJJT_oaj-c8Wl9CtqGhLBFSq435511Lnv8w5yrFS3-UbekInB7BRHm-F2w30ZovOuOv37ZBJYG4b1pjA3fGQHiM-lgD-nR-Ke0ci297jVVjjUEgGPOjM11bS7i1gjt-fr2MTbKwY/s320/love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHWshtoZ7ZSh0hQFidRdPe7H2qJfxSIhv1k-0lJttvm5tetmWJnLDxbkNzjkXapfLyK9Fj9dbPz36sQ95LnCPaZSWaoCdZbaf_mBCx2PN907m3JOU01smt_b-kXJ_cwnVMf6mEWdakto/s1600/darthvader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHWshtoZ7ZSh0hQFidRdPe7H2qJfxSIhv1k-0lJttvm5tetmWJnLDxbkNzjkXapfLyK9Fj9dbPz36sQ95LnCPaZSWaoCdZbaf_mBCx2PN907m3JOU01smt_b-kXJ_cwnVMf6mEWdakto/s320/darthvader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigQVaxnPXbOKc3o-KA1xmE1nPIJ6SOejVNU-2jsFXISzCa5TIVBwHU0zMLPS31PyEVxJU4Lct0JDK4rnPPEO3DsG4sovNAL8vim2R1MvDjJt8PD5QtZydBI89x6vP6GqnyEF1mU8vtRg/s1600/myloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigQVaxnPXbOKc3o-KA1xmE1nPIJ6SOejVNU-2jsFXISzCa5TIVBwHU0zMLPS31PyEVxJU4Lct0JDK4rnPPEO3DsG4sovNAL8vim2R1MvDjJt8PD5QtZydBI89x6vP6GqnyEF1mU8vtRg/s320/myloves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It melts my heart to see them hug each other. I pray they will always keep this loving bond that they share!Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-29933201478048935392011-11-13T17:43:00.002-05:002011-11-16T15:31:45.756-05:00Toby Update!Toby is FINALLY walking! He started a couple of weeks ago and was very wobbly, now he's all over the place. He will still fall or get wobbly at times but he's pretty fast and can get from a to b pretty quickly. He is starting to pick up on what I say to him. For instance, I'll ask him to go open the door (when it's not fully shut) and he will go straight to the door and open it. If I ask him to go pick his cup up out of the floor, he will do it right away. Now if he'll just stop spilling his milk everywhere we'll be good to go! These "no spill" sippy cups are a joke! Every single cup we have tried, he has spilled the contents out of it. He has 12 teeth now. 6 on top, 6 on bottom. He now weighs 24lbs and wears 18mo clothes. He says a few words: Mama, daddy (dada), Oah-for Noah, Nana, Papa, I looloo - For I love you, and he grunts when he doesn't get his way. He also says "uh oh", No, hey, bye bye, ky ky (for our dog skyler), Yum, and oww. .I know there's more I just can't think of it. He also comes to me and acts like he's taking food from me and he will act like he's putting something in his mouth. It's too cute. He tries to get into everything..and succeeds. I do get onto him when he does something he shouldn't do, like biting. He will go up to Noah and say "awww Oah" and starts to hug him - then takes a chunk out of Noah's shoulder! Not literally, but he leaves his teeth marks! He's way more rowdy than Noah is and ever was. He can dish it and take it. Noah, on the other hand, is a softie and doesn't like rough play much. He can dish out the roughness but can't take it! It's such a neat thing to see how night and day they are.<br />
Toby has had a runny nose and cough for a few weeks and has been on breathing treatments, antibiotics, and eye drops. His eyes had a minor infection but the drops cleared it up literally overnight. Not sure how that happened, but glad it didn't get bad. He dropped a heavy object on his right big toe the other day. It turned his toenail purple and looked horrible. He cried and kept holding his little foot-it was pitiful! I had to give him Tylenol that night for the pain because he couldn't sleep. He kept grabbing his foot and saying "Oooh". Luckily he had a follow-up dr appointment the next day so I had the ped look at it. He had to cut his toenail from the top to the bottom. Toby sat there like a champ and just grunted, didn't even scream like I was wanting to! He sat and watched the dr do with. Ugh! I was dying. He will eventually lose that toenail, I'm guessing, and a new one will grow back. It looks 10x better now, thankfully. I have been thinking about getting his baby mullet cut off but everytime I think about making an actual appointment, I just can't bring myself to do it. I don't want him to become a Cyrus but I love baby hair! Once you cut it, it doesn't grow back as soft. Guess I'll let it be for now..hey, who says baby mullets aren't popular in the year 2011?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6Z-USTj4_-aZUe3WubURyZsjVJUfxVu6tWukQlA0_IWKE7Ax2i85wIf4J4JZh7Ue_Eh3GKwzL_pwIXM8mO4wcP-wudySfdzYuto6bh7NSeaU097poM06-mn5z1gSsi48_M9kfYynPao/s1600/edit17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6Z-USTj4_-aZUe3WubURyZsjVJUfxVu6tWukQlA0_IWKE7Ax2i85wIf4J4JZh7Ue_Eh3GKwzL_pwIXM8mO4wcP-wudySfdzYuto6bh7NSeaU097poM06-mn5z1gSsi48_M9kfYynPao/s320/edit17.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Excuse the BabyLegs and boots - it was Halloween. His mullet is tucked in his shirt LOL..really, its tiny but its there!Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-45071380627197954142011-11-13T17:29:00.001-05:002011-11-13T17:51:47.223-05:00Noah's 6th Birthday!We had a Carnival Party for Noah's 6th birthday. It was a blast and everyone had such a great time, especially my Noah. We had games, candy, popcorn, corndogs..you name it, we had it. We even made carnival booths. It was tons of fun. For every game the kids played, we issued out tickets. Once the party was over they took their gift bags over to the "prize booth" and spent their tickets on prizes. Afterwards, I put cooky glasses and clown noses on Noah and all the guests and we had a good ole time :)<br />
Here we are, just a bunch of clowns :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX1-nxNAoaPxPmZCzZc-kJRlREDqxs9sPb5-rYQKVMsjso27AJvjwxltS3bgTDOmmdVTfbUYWbffpgDUiTTNuQKXZmknFTkEalqjAnOztasPPamgZKVNOjHPaZoafaBDg0wsqNc0sqJU/s1600/birthdaycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX1-nxNAoaPxPmZCzZc-kJRlREDqxs9sPb5-rYQKVMsjso27AJvjwxltS3bgTDOmmdVTfbUYWbffpgDUiTTNuQKXZmknFTkEalqjAnOztasPPamgZKVNOjHPaZoafaBDg0wsqNc0sqJU/s320/birthdaycollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The birthday boy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn04WkX9w-e9iLPV0KxjoLQoVekOE8zWFZUryZM8c_zO1SyMqtBjn9pcIUeo6r3RtTuvBjMpwCRJ0fkExkjPHW4nQqN2D25vm_7o-2kJBHDsgtJ6Ee7n2LTA3Buv7nc-ufaEqPHmm0fwQ/s1600/DSC_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn04WkX9w-e9iLPV0KxjoLQoVekOE8zWFZUryZM8c_zO1SyMqtBjn9pcIUeo6r3RtTuvBjMpwCRJ0fkExkjPHW4nQqN2D25vm_7o-2kJBHDsgtJ6Ee7n2LTA3Buv7nc-ufaEqPHmm0fwQ/s320/DSC_0518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>On his actual birthday, November 1st, he lost his third bottom tooth at school. He got to wear a tooth pin on his shirt at school and even came home with a few presents from his teacher. I am starting to really love this school! I took mini brownies with frosting along with capri sun pouches to school for him and his classmates to celebrate his birthday. He was pretty excited over that! I just love him. <br />
He got many presents for his birthday along with money. It started burning a hole in his pocket so he had to go spend it on a new cape and mask. He still is very much into dressing up, although it is becoming less frequent. I dread the days where he is too old for it. He is doing very well at school and did amazingly great on his very first report card! He counts well over 100, writes beautifully, knows his numbers, and is learning to read small words. I'm very proud of him! <br />
<br />
Here are a few funny, yet serious, things my 6 year old says:<br />
- "Hey mom, I burted!" (he doesn't say burp. I think he gets it crossed between a burp and a fart=burt) ha!<br />
- He gets upset with his brother and calls him a "big headed baby". I get onto him but it cracks me up.<br />
- Noah loves our Chihuahua, Lucy, and calls her "gorgeous" all the time! Its too cute.<br />
- He still calls a tooth a "toof". <br />
<br />
(I'll add more as my brain comes back to me)<br />
<br />
At his 6yr check-up he weighed 54lbs, which is amazing since he has weighed in at 47lbs for the past year and a half. He is still very skinny but at least he's hit the 50lb mark! He's also a little over 4ft tall and wears a size 1 1/2 shoe. His longsleeve shirts are mostly size 6 but he can still wear a 5T in shortsleeves. He wears a 7slim in blue jeans and he goes through those things like crazy! The knees will have holes in them three weeks after we buy them - no joke! He wears only Sketchers shoes because they're the only ones that won't hurt his feet, and he goes through those every few months. The bottoms end up falling off. LOL. Either they are making clothing/shoes cheap made these days or else I have a rough kid. I'll go with the latter.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219510110436374033.post-21806646350311566572011-09-19T17:53:00.001-04:002011-09-19T17:57:05.444-04:00A Night Worth Blogging About..Caleb and I took the boys to the Calhoun Fair last week and we had such an amazing time. While we were there I was thanking God for all He has given us and I feel so blessed to have these amazing guys by my side. Noah had such a great time at his first fair and seeing the sweet smile and hearing his laughter brought joy into my soul. I would have loved to have just stayed in that moment for a while longer because it was an amazing feeling. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>Noah rode many rides by himself and had a blast!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAuoNYigc0MKaoQMEsw8PDid0XL0lJetqYvnlnINp7RSNvyjPxUVNAYxmPpdddbAdhqR1KUnbeLNNjHSlK7zZxFTzUqZeau0SkIax0PkBd6z7CqTZByoqiAqj7goumU8by2LzksM1qu0/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAuoNYigc0MKaoQMEsw8PDid0XL0lJetqYvnlnINp7RSNvyjPxUVNAYxmPpdddbAdhqR1KUnbeLNNjHSlK7zZxFTzUqZeau0SkIax0PkBd6z7CqTZByoqiAqj7goumU8by2LzksM1qu0/s320/edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><center>He went down this slide many many times :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnaru30vvSb8VZycuCOKkcodPmOy8L72qFB57dInBRzTivhbgHsoOFEFmHkUgHDEZghyAB1kYRtsyA48YIVIMQgC_q5ALIv92X5ZlS0t5qhRJ_XxKYR4P1_Akr6Rr-nBmwrHO9AytsaI/s1600/edit5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnaru30vvSb8VZycuCOKkcodPmOy8L72qFB57dInBRzTivhbgHsoOFEFmHkUgHDEZghyAB1kYRtsyA48YIVIMQgC_q5ALIv92X5ZlS0t5qhRJ_XxKYR4P1_Akr6Rr-nBmwrHO9AytsaI/s320/edit5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><center><center>This was his favorite & the smile on his face was wonderful<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO-9TyKeQr5OoUIb6xRuc2YB7NXnWiEXQvLQH9djjXk3ZSbv_WZYmqooY7P5g7HpTz8aPDpXQy9PagBToTyGh8khqzoccKTTQRyOiih8C2ML16q5dJdSugIE-7cHUCetBleNCVqaklK0/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO-9TyKeQr5OoUIb6xRuc2YB7NXnWiEXQvLQH9djjXk3ZSbv_WZYmqooY7P5g7HpTz8aPDpXQy9PagBToTyGh8khqzoccKTTQRyOiih8C2ML16q5dJdSugIE-7cHUCetBleNCVqaklK0/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><center>I couldn't resist..I had to capture this. I love their hands!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPegbzSZ9xoYRaHTw56W2A9ualOrzFg0gAMRrqvSuEg1C5pklzgl3607MY-3ZuD_S4qQfu60kt4yVMQsFwFBg5VxCMlUqG0ih0_Os2UH1Tiit2EMvbrLlyqpete52fW3jE7CgC_bOTds/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPegbzSZ9xoYRaHTw56W2A9ualOrzFg0gAMRrqvSuEg1C5pklzgl3607MY-3ZuD_S4qQfu60kt4yVMQsFwFBg5VxCMlUqG0ih0_Os2UH1Tiit2EMvbrLlyqpete52fW3jE7CgC_bOTds/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center> </center><center>And most importantly, I love these two little boys :)</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCafBDA0SB2SdMoqjgEf5a64fvRdKhJTP6IE5NfX-RiTYmNK889OpDVnjkz8MN28-PP-d3DmzDiDCE-hA0ebaSdO0CxBWXMesueR2oboVLPBQ-ejlbytVKJ5LF048UEuSHDYvYdeAvss/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCafBDA0SB2SdMoqjgEf5a64fvRdKhJTP6IE5NfX-RiTYmNK889OpDVnjkz8MN28-PP-d3DmzDiDCE-hA0ebaSdO0CxBWXMesueR2oboVLPBQ-ejlbytVKJ5LF048UEuSHDYvYdeAvss/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center>Self portrait accidentally on zoom..but its a keeper because I kinda love him ;)</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkUUQhyugN9-Ffmys3OVIQMFmDbGIvCz-yzl-E_g6z1ykfChvrMsL4KkAbDmmaGYi19Apw2luyNdx2IrbeSTyks73cKr4Mrfynkt1FODdCzcG6UFaVyRwaDhVfIijmfll_Cm6RB7fIOg/s1600/DSC_0204+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkUUQhyugN9-Ffmys3OVIQMFmDbGIvCz-yzl-E_g6z1ykfChvrMsL4KkAbDmmaGYi19Apw2luyNdx2IrbeSTyks73cKr4Mrfynkt1FODdCzcG6UFaVyRwaDhVfIijmfll_Cm6RB7fIOg/s320/DSC_0204+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center>Even though Toby didn't ride anything, he still had fun!</center><br />
<div></div></center></center></center></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M0MO2i6p6bNpMkxTerN_LFf7zZakUTILVgHSZALOAcErR2hZUDVdVNiMsX1kT3kpszx5Bgqav8SnmF34O6PABIjO4JShVz3k9DJDbfgKLF6k1zo5b0-pcCTS50FuSvSk1Mz7ypInpBA/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M0MO2i6p6bNpMkxTerN_LFf7zZakUTILVgHSZALOAcErR2hZUDVdVNiMsX1kT3kpszx5Bgqav8SnmF34O6PABIjO4JShVz3k9DJDbfgKLF6k1zo5b0-pcCTS50FuSvSk1Mz7ypInpBA/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center>Even Caleb got in on the fun!</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8dZihaDEC7_bbf30vwU08rWpOLisEoRLX9KukOXwIYrldQjVyS4cQwDvb8qxPrSmQjJEdVOKfgR2cIziVHxcsSem6NCAmft6FEN9nIDGtHPQZYPKqMr3zaC929lHVO4dOSN48RenSAw/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8dZihaDEC7_bbf30vwU08rWpOLisEoRLX9KukOXwIYrldQjVyS4cQwDvb8qxPrSmQjJEdVOKfgR2cIziVHxcsSem6NCAmft6FEN9nIDGtHPQZYPKqMr3zaC929lHVO4dOSN48RenSAw/s320/DSC_0255.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6frvd4kQUkQo8OcrE7f9qCbVAp9pGlnOKm-QkaduJZGLIIikl5e74sbgsE4_OeZ2ckOiQKSfeCMnSW8olh4mTbKLyiNQo8Rme7Ej-sQPHPpgsRgxqKjNQV_2v4u50FWQlxQTjVTyQU4/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6frvd4kQUkQo8OcrE7f9qCbVAp9pGlnOKm-QkaduJZGLIIikl5e74sbgsE4_OeZ2ckOiQKSfeCMnSW8olh4mTbKLyiNQo8Rme7Ej-sQPHPpgsRgxqKjNQV_2v4u50FWQlxQTjVTyQU4/s320/DSC_0267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></center>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394288142130123500noreply@blogger.com0