2006

2006 has just flown by.  I mean literally flown by.  When I was younger I remember sitting in school over hearing two teachers talk.  They were talking about how time flies the older you get.  I, at the time, didn't believe them.  But now that I have children of my own, time just seemed to speed up.  Maybe it's watching them learn and grow that makes the time pass so quickly.  I don't know.  I just wish it would slow down just a bit..

2006 in comparison to the last two years of my life was pretty uneventful.  No pregnancies, no new babies..  Just spending time with my family and adjusting to two kids instead of one.  I did lose 51 pounds this year though.  So that's pretty good.  We moved into a new house.  It's still not fully decorated, but we are here and that's all that matters.  My family is healthy, I am healthy.  So with that, I see 2006 as a successful year. 

I hope for myself and family in 2007 is to have much more quality time together.  to learn more about each other.  To bond more.  To watch my children grow.  I hope for safety and health. 

So good-bye 2006!  Hello 2007!

Happy New Year!!!

OK.. our Christmas

We had a great Christmas!  The kids got loads and loads of stuff.  Toys, clothes, games, books, etc.  They were spoiled rotten!!  Kent and I got plenty as well.  Tools, clothes, lotions, money, gift cards, shoes, etc.  I had a great time spending with family and eating good food.  I am sure I gained a few pounds but it was worth it. 

We have already taken down our Christmas things.  Only thing left to do is put it all away and clean up.  Christmas 2006 came quickly and left quickly.  I can't believe 2007 is less than a week away!

Enjoy the pictures!

Christmas pictures...tomorrow

..If I don't forget.  LOL  So stay tuned!

Merry Christmas

 

Luke 2:7

 

And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.

 

Matthew 1:21-23

 

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:  "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel", which is translated, "God with us."

 

But the story doesn't stop there...

 

Luke 23:46

 

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father into your hands I commit My spirit."  Having said this, He breathed his last.

 

Still not the end..

 

Luke 24:3-6a

 

Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold two men stood by them in shining garments.  Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen!

 

Remember the reason for the season..  Jesus was born of a virgin and walked this earth perfectly.. never sinning.  He then died an agonizing death on the cross and shed His blood to save sinners (us) from their sins.  But 3 days later He arose from the dead.  Jesus has done what no other gods could do.. He arose!  He is alive!

 

So this Christmas season, don't leave Jesus in the manger or on the cross or in the grave.  Because He is alive and at the right hand of God.. waiting to enter your heart today!

 

Merry Christmas!!

Pictures of the events so far

Here are a few pictures of the events so far...

Christmas Weekend

The Christmas weekend doesn't officially start until 6pm tonight, but I figured yall wouldn't mind.. lol.  Once the kids wake up from their naps, we are heading to Micky D's for some lunch then over to Kent's grandmother's house.  I am helping her get things prepared and cooked for our family (Kent's extended side) gathering tonight.  We are making special 'roll sandwiches', (don't know any other way of explaining them.. just that they are GOOD) pigs in a blanket, cheese roll, etc.  And others are bringing other things.  The whole thing starts at 6pm.  I'm looking forward to it! 

I made myself out a to do list 2 days ago.  Just stuff that needed to be done before Christmas Eve at my house.  I had 12 things on there to do and I have 5 things left.  So not bad!  I will do the rest of it tomorrow afternoon some time.  The main thing I wanted to get done was going through all the kids' clothes and toys.  Which I did.  Trying to make room for what I know is coming.. lol.  They are soooo spoiled!!  Wait, not spoiled, just loved.. lol.  None the less, I knew there wasn't going to be any room for their new things unless some of the old went away.  Which the old was toys for baby babies and such.  And I reorganized things so Jon Kent and Zoey could get to them easier... yeah.. Martha would be proud..

Well, I am going.  I need to straighten up and pick the toys up off the floor.  Talk with yall later!!

First flight

Kent took his first airplane ride today.  He wasn't looking too forward to it- he hates heights.  But after it was all said and done, he liked it.  He had to transfer two inmates to another prison.  It was in a small jet, but at least it wasn't a 'crop plane' which the government does tend to use from time to time.  He has heard too many horror stories about them.  He said this plane was nice and smooth.. small but smooth.  He asked the pilot how high and fast they were going and the pilot told him 580 mph and 27,000 ft up.  They usually go like 45,000 ft but the pilot said there was too much traffic that high up.  Kent told me he was grateful they weren't THAT high.. lol.  He said it was neat to look down and see all the towns and what not.  So, I guess all and all he enjoyed it.

I have never flown before.  I would like to do it though.  Someday..  Once when I was in high school I took a trip with the school to DC.  Which is like 19 hours from where I live.  Or at least that's how long it took us riding a bus with a caravan of 4 buses in all.  I WISH we would have flown then!  None the less, I am still a virgin to the skies..

Well, I am going to go and piddle around.  Talk with yall later!

Christmas- isn't far away now!

AIt's been almost a week since my last entry.  We have been some what busy.  Last Friday night, we took the kids to the Zoolight Safari at the zoo.  We rode the train (Thomas as Jon Kent called it) that took us all over the zoo to look at the lights.  We also rode the carousel.  Jon Kent did NOT like it.  Well, he liked it but didn't like riding the animals on it.  So, Kent just held him.  Zoey liked it though.  After that we just kind of walked around for a bit and looked at the lights.  Then we headed home. 

Saturday night Kent and I finished up our Christmas shopping.  We also had somewhat of a date night.  The kids stayed over at my parents' house and we just got the whole night to have adult time.  It was nice.  I enjoy spending alone time out and about with Kent.  We get to eat and talk (we usually end up talking about the kids, lol) and we get to come home and just sit and what a movie or whatever.

Monday my nephew was put into the hospital for a bad cold.  He is still in there too.  They are hoping he will get to come home today.  I sure hope so too.  It was so sad seeing him in that hospital bed with all those wires and tubes coming from him.  Poor little guy..  Please say a prayer for him to get better soon! 

Tonight we are having a Christmas supper at church.  I'm looking forward to it.  I enjoy getting together with people that I have basically known all my life and just fellowshipping.

Tomorrow night is the last night of 'peace' before all the Christmas activities begin.  I'll be spending it cleaning and getting things pulled together for the busy weekend though.  Here is the line-up for the rest of the week.

Friday Day/Night:  1) Start main cleaning for family gathering at my house Sunday night.  2) Help Granny cook for Friday night.  3) Have the "O____'s" side family Christmas @ 6pm.

Saturday Day/Night:  1)Finish up cleaning for gathering Sunday night.  2) Have immediate in-law family Christmas (Kent's parents and sister and brother).  3) Kent and I are going to exchange gifts this night.  Only night we really have free.

Sunday Day/Night:  1)Church service @ 10am.  2)Lunch at Granny's.  3)  My mom's side of the family gathering at my house, 5:30pm.  4)  Following that, my family will exchange gifts with one another (my parents, brother and sister-in-law and nephew).

Monday (Christmas Day):  Kent has to work so "Santa" will be coming for the kids that afternoon once he gets off of work.  Then that evening is my dad's side of the family gathering.  I'm not sure what time that is happening though.

Busy times in the O____ household!  But I'm really looking forward to it!

Baby it's Cold Outside..

Ha!  Cold.. what's that?  It's 72 degrees outside right now.  And it's December 14th.  How crazy is that?  It's going to be 72 at least for 4-5 more days too.  Oh, how I hope a cold front is coming to take this all away.  It's 11 days until Christmas and it feels like spring outside.  Please, please, please let it get cold soon!

My babies are currently sleeping.  It was an odd sleeping night in our house last night.  Zoey actually slept from 8:30pm- 6:30am (Yay!) but Jon Kent woke up around 11ish last night and couldn't fall back to sleep.  He kept calling for me.  So finally after doing everything I could think of to get him to go back to sleep, I just let him get in the bed with us.  He slept until 7am.  Zoey got up at 6:30am and ate then went back to sleep until almost 9am.  I tell ya.. when one sleeps all night the other one is up.  I think they plan these things out before they do to bed.. lol.

I almost have all our Christmas cards addressed and ready to mail.  I still have a few that need addressing but those shouldn't take long.  If I don't get them mailed out today, I know I will have them out by tomorrow.

Well, I guess I need to get back to my chores..  Talk with yall later.

I love you!

I made the kids pancakes this morning for breakfast and as we were sitting there Jon Kent was doing motions to his favorite Wiggles songs.  So as he would do the motions I would sing the song.  Anyway, he was in a good mood and when he is in good moods he will always mock what I say.  So, as I was singing the songs he would then try and sing them too.  It was precious.  After breakfast I was cleaning him up and just talking to him.  I noticed he was still in a mocking mood so I said, "I love you".  To which he replied, "I luv few."  It was sooooooo amazingly sweet.  So, I immediately called Kent at work to boast about the new phrase that I got to hear first (evil smile).  While on the phone I told Jon Kent again that I loved him and again he told me that he loved me back.. and Kent got to hear it too!  He has said it several times since.  So, I'm hoping it sticks!!  I'm so proud!

In my last entry I forgot to tell yall that Jon Kent had his first dentist appointment.  Considering that Jon Kent is 2 and doesn't like strange people, he did well.  He screamed and blew snot (literally) but did well.  There was one nurse that cleaned his teeth and another to hold his arms down.  I held his legs (but he didn't really try and move them too much).  It took about 10 minutes to do the cleaning.  Then the dentist came in and looked at his teeth and said they were perfect!  No cavities and they all looked really healthy.  He did say that since Jon Kent still sucks on a pappy (paci) that it's messing up his bite but that it would correct itself once we got rid of the pappy.  So no worries there.  All and all it was a good visit and I was really impressed with how the staff treated us.

Well, I am off to online "window shop" and get some ideas for gifts.  Talk with yall later!

Christmas Time.. Just love it!

I just absolutely LOVE Christmas time.  People are friendlier, prices are better, houses are decorated and you see your family more (which for some may not be so great, but I enjoy it).  And this Christmas is our first Christmas in our new home.  I love being able to decorate everything and know it's 'mine'.  It's just a good feeling.

We don't have any presents under our tree yet..  And we may not.  For one we have only gotten two presents thus far for family.  And those are in the top of my closet waiting to be wrapped.  But the main reason we don't have any presents under the tree is because of my little sticky fingers, also known as, Jon Kent and Zoey.  More emphasis on Zoey..  She can't keep her hands off ANYTHING.  The ornaments have had the once over, the twice over, the third over.. etc. etc.  She just can't seem to keep her hands off them.  And it's not just touching them (Jon Kent just mainly points and touches them as he tries to say what they are) she has to grab them and pull and then run off with her new found loot.  And don't get me started on her adventures under the bathroom sink.. oy!  The more I tell her no, the more she wants to do it.  And the more I take her away from the "said situation" the faster she runs back to it. 

Wait.. can yall hear that??  It's my Momma and Daddy falling our of their chairs laughing......

I digress..

Kent and I are finally going to do our Christmas shopping Monday.  YAY!!  We are going to make a whole day of it (if we find some babysitters) and just do all of our shopping or hopefully do all of our shopping.  I can not wait.  The whole day shopping and with my hubby to boot.. good stuff!!

Did yall notice my new picture to the left?  It's me going all natural.. (no make-up).  But I thought it was still pretty good.  At least you can see the "author of this blog"..lol.

Anyway, I must run.  Clothes are washing and drying so I am sure there is some folding to do.  Isn't that how I ended my last entry??  Sad..  Anyway, I hope everyone has a great day!

Ho, ho, ho and a Bottle of Pepto

This may be a bit too much info for some but whatever..

After almost 2 years of not having my womanly monthly, etc. etc. it has finally returned..  And boy is she mad!!  Sunday night I honestly felt like I wanted to rip out every female organ I owned.  It start around 2:30 that afternoon and lasted until 2:30 Monday morning.  It wouldn't have been so bad if I could have just gotten comfortable.  My whole stomach was hurting, my back was hurting and I was bloated.  Goodness me, was I miserable!!  And here I am today.. the pain itself it gone but now I am sore.  Sore!?!?!?!  How is that!?!?  But none the less, I am sore.  Gotta love being a woman!

Yesterday we took the kids to their doctor appointments.  They both got the once over.  They both looked great.  They both had to have shots done and both had their flu shots.  Last year I passed on the flu shots and it came back to bite me in the butt, so this year we got them.  Jon Kent did not like it AT ALL.  And he wanted those band aides off of his legs!  Zoey cried at first but once I picked her up, she was fine.  They both have done fine with them since too.

The kids are both currently sleeping.  And as you can see in the picture above, Jon Kent is sleeping with his mittens on.  He has been on a kick here lately of wanting to pick out his clothes, shoes, etc.  And today he wanted his mittens on for his nap.  So mittens it was.  I just thought it was such a cute Kodak moment.

Tonight is my town's Christmas parade.  I'm looking forward to taking both of the kids to it.  We all went last year, but Zoey was like 4 or 5 days old so we sat in the car while Kent and Jon Kent stood near the street to watch the parade.  But this year we all get to stand out there and watch it!  I'm so happy about that!

I have yet to buy a single Christmas gift.  I have never been this late in my Christmas shopping.  But Kent and I are going to make a day of it, hopefully next week and get it all done or at least most of it.  I can't wait to get to wrapping all the gifts.  It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas.  This Christmas is going to be a little odd though.  Kent has to work Christmas day (7:30am-4pm).  So "Santa" won't actually visit until after Kent gets off of work.  It's a little bumming but I wouldn't want Kent to miss out on the kids seeing their gifts.  So we are going to wait until that afternoon to do it.

Well, I must go.  There are clothes in the dry that are about ready to come out.  So folding I must do!  Talk with yall later!

Happy Birthday Zoey

Zoey turned one year old today!  My baby isn't a baby anymore!!  She had a great party.  Everyone that was invited came.  So we had a house full.  But Zoey loved it all.  She got so much attention and lots and lots of presents.  She got toys, clothes, books, jewelry..etc.  It was a really good time!!  I just can't believe that she is one already.  It really seems like yesterday that I was having her.  Amazing how time flies!

Greg "Wiggle" Leaves the Group

Greg Wiggle (the yellow Wiggle) officially left the group today because of an illness.  Here is a link to the whole story.

http://thewiggles.com/us/mediacentre/news/31

He is being replaced by Sam Moran.  Here is a link to a picture of him.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/wiggle-wanes-but-show-goes-on/2006/11/29/1164777657608.html

I just wonder how they are going to adapt.  I mean there are songs that have each Wiggles' name in it.  Time will tell.  And I am sure my kids will never know a difference.

Ten inches

Well, it's gone.  All ten inches of it.  I was so nervous.  And my hair stylist could even tell how nervous I was.  I told her to just hurry up and cut it so I couldn't back out.  So we measured it to see how long it was and to see if I really had enough to donate.  And I did.  10 inches in fact.  I was thinking only eight.  I like the cut.  I just hope I can fix it once I take a shower and start from fresh.  We'll see.  Let me know what you think!

Decorating

I actually got my inside decorating done.. well almost.  I still may add some touches here and there.  We still need to decorate the outside, but that will come later.  

We have a busy week ahead of us.  Monday I am getting my hair cut.  At least 8 inches off in fact.  I'm donating it.  Kent thinks I will chicken out though.  He might be right.  For some odd reason I have become attached to my hair.  I used to be the type that enjoy the change up when it came to my hair.  But I am so afraid now that when I get it cut it will look horrible.  And it took me so long to get it like it is now.  But on the other hand, the hair will go to someone who isn't able to grow their own or who lost theirs through treatments to fight cancer.  It's just hair to me, but to them it's so much more.  Mine can grow back (no matter how long it may take), their's can't.  I'm pretty sure I won't back out.  Just because I know it's going to help someone else out.  The rest of the next week will be planning and preparing for Zoey's 1st Birthday party.  It's going to be a small affair.  Family and close friends.  It's supposed to be pretty cold (at least for Alabama weather) the weekend of the party, so we will all be inside.  No games or activities.  Just food, cake, conversations and present opening.  It might be boring to some, but Zoey won't care so I'm not going to either.  Thursday the family pictures we took will be ready.  I'm looking forward to getting those and getting them hung in the house.  Friday I believe we will be taking Zoey to get her 1st Birthday pictures made.  I have her outfit and all that so she is ready to go.

Well, I do believe that is all my happenings for the moment.  Enjoy the pictures!

Holidays are a comin'!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  It was OK here.  Everyone in our family except Jon Kent was sick with a cold.  Zoey had been running a fever for about 3 days until yesterday.  I was stuffed up, Kent was stuffed up, Zoey was stuffed up and even my momma was stuffed up.  It didn't help that for the past 4 nights I hadn't had more than 4-5 hours of sleep each night.  But yesterday did go better than I thought it would.  So that is always a good thing.  We went over to Kent's grandmother's house for lunch and then over to my parents' last night for supper.  We ate and ate and ate and ate and then ate a little more.  It was all good food!

The kids went to bed last night at 8:30pm and Kent and I were soon asleep at 9:30pm.  I actually got a good night's sleep and I feel a lot better today than yesterday.  Kent, on the other hand, feels worse.  He is running a low grade fever and said his head, throat, eyes and nose all hurt.  We were supposed to put the Christmas decorations up this morning, but that may be put off until this afternoon.  And even then it may not get done.  It just depends on how Kent feels.  I may do it myself.  We'll just have to see how it all goes and see how everyone is feeling.

We (obviously) didn't go shopping this morning.  I woke up at 4:30am to feed Zoey and looked out the window and Kent's parents were gone.  I thought to myself "I am glad I am going back to bed and not fighting the crowds".  I would have liked to have gone but after no sleep for 4 days it was nice to be able to go back to bed and get some extra sleep.  We will get our shopping done in the coming days.  Kent and I have plans to spend a whole day just shopping and enjoying each other's company alone.  We have plans to do that after Zoey's birthday party (Dec. 2nd).  I'm really, really looking forward to getting out with Kent alone and just having a whole day to ourselves.  Couples need that from time to time.

Anyway, I need to go and get some things done around this house.  It's a MESS from being so busy with Thanksgiving things and everyone being sick.

Jon Kent's 2nd Birthday Party

Jon Kent's Birthday Party went very well.  We had a lot of people show up and a lot of kids to come as well.  They all seemed to have a really good time.  We had hotdogs, chips, cake and ice cream.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  Jon Kent got spoiled as usual and he had a really good time playing.  So I would have to say it was a success.

And finally, I would like to give a shout out to all my 'Bama' readers... WAR EAGLE!  High Five, Low Tide!!!!!

Birthday Pictures

OK, these are all from today.  There will be plenty more come Saturday after his birthday party.  He seemed to have a really good day.  We would ask him whose birthday it was and he would say "Jon Kent".  It was really cute.  Enjoy the pictures!

 

PS: Try not to laugh too hard at his "homemade" birthday cake...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON KENT

Happy Birthday to my Little Man, Jon Kent!!!  He is the BIG 0-2 today!!!!!  He has had a lot of things going on already.  Last night my parents, brother, sister-in-law, nephew, Kent, Jon Kent, Zoey and myself all went out and ate.  We ate at a local steak house here in town.  We also had cupcakes afterwards for Jon Kent's birthday.  He even blew the candles out!  This morning Kent made "Birthday Pancakes" and we stuck some candles in them.  He attempted to blow those out but didn't have good aim.. lol.  After he (Kent really) blew them out he kept saying "blow, blow, blow".  LOL.  He is currently taking his "birthday nap" and I am baking a cake for him to have later.  We WERE going to get pictures made today.. BUT.. there are storms coming from EVERYWHERE and there are tornados in them.. so... We rescheduled to do them tomorrow.  I'm a little bummed but it's better to be safe and sound at home than on the road trying to get pictures taken.  Well, I'm outta here.  Gotta go finish the cake.  I'll update hopefully later with some pictures of our events!

Last day

Today is the last day that Jon Kent will be "1"..  Tomorrow my first born, the child I waited so long for, will be turning 2.  ACKKKK!!  I guess this means the terrible two's will be beginning.  I honestly can't believe he is turning 2 tomorrow AND the fact that he is already an older brother.  It's gone by so amazingly fast.  It's been quite a ride but one that I have enjoy and learned all along the way.  We don't really have anything "special" planned for tomorrow.  He will probably get candles stuck into his pancakes in the morning or something but all his birthday activities will be happening Saturday.  My little man is turning two.. <sniffles>

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukah

So the debate has begun.  And it's not even Thanksgiving yet!  Sheesh!  Wal-Mart had to make an announcement that they WOULD be saying Merry Christmas this year.  Well stop the presses, throw away your "Happy Holiday" greeting cards..  WAL-MART has said it is indeed OK to say Merry Christmas.  Whew!  Here I was worrying myself sick as to what to say when someone else gave me a holiday greeting.  Thank you Wal-Mart!

It's ridiculous for this country to be so set on being "politically correct" that stores are having to announce whether or not they will be saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.  First of all, the whole reason Merry Christmas is such an issue is because of the first six letters in the second word.. CHRIST.  I mean HE is the WHOLE reason we celebrate Christmas to begin with.  But just like prayer in school, they are trying to take it out as well.  RIDICULOUS!  Jesus is the reason for the season.  Christ is what makes Christmas to begin with.  I can't stand it when I see X-mas.  It's so disrespectful in my eyes.  It's like you are putting a big X over Christ.  How horrible is that?  I could seriously vent on this for awhile.  I will spare yall for the moment...

                                                        ********

In other on goings in my life..  I've made out my "To Do List" for the week.  I have so much to do in preparations for Jon Kent's birthday party this weekend.  His birthday is actually this Wednesday, but his party is Saturday.  We are grilling out and having cake and ice cream.  We have rented some moon bounce type things and they will arrive probably Friday afternoon.  There is just so much to do.  Jon Kent has an ear appointment tomorrow to check out his tubes that were put in over a year ago.  Then Wednesday we are getting our family pictures taken.  Thursday Jon Kent has an appointment with his regular doctor but I am going to reschedule that and make his and Zoey's appointments for the same day.  That way he won't be ill from getting shots (flu shot).  I need to call his doctor's office today some time and do that.. (Makes mental note).  Kent is going to be off Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week!  YAY!  At least I will have some help in getting all this stuff done.

Well, I have rambled enough.  I need to go and finish my laundry.  Talk with yall later!

Night Bubba

Wednesday night our family was doing our usual before bedtime routine.  Giving the kids a bath and then getting them ready for bed.  Kent always bathes and dresses Jon Kent and I also do the same for Zoey.  As soon as we get the kids out of the tub Jon Kent starts yelling for Zoey and me to come into his room (we are in Zoey's room getting her lotioned up and into her Pjs).  He wants a "iss".  Which is a kiss.  After he gets tucked into bed Zoey gives him a kiss and then I give him a kiss.  I always say "Night, night Bubba.  I love you".  As usual that is just what I did.  And out of no where and as clear as day Zoey says "Night Bubba".  I about fell out.  Since Jon Kent never was a talker (still isn't) it's so strange to hear new words coming from Zoey all the time.  She is learning SO quickly.  And learning EVERYTHING!  Jon Kent has just now really started picking up words.  And if he is in the 'right' mood, he will just about repeat anything you want him to.  Anyway, after we all said good night and got and gave kisses, Zoey and I went into the living room so I could nurse her before bedtime.  After she got through she gave her daddy a kiss good night and said "Night, night" and waved.  This girl is just amazing me!

We went and got Jon Kent's birthday present last night.  It's the Elmo Tool bench.  He was with us when we bought it.  We told him he would get it for his birthday (like he *really* understood us.. lol).  After we got home we put it in the top of our closet.  Well, Jon Kent kept asking for "Melmo" all night.  We just kept telling him that he would get it for his birthday.  He eventually either forgot about it or gave up.

Yesterday I weighed myself.  I do it weekly to just make sure I am managing my weight and not gaining.  Since I have reached my goal of 128.  But when I got on it yesterday I was down to 126.5.  Don't ask me how either.  Because I couldn't tell you.  I haven't been exercising lately because we have just been so busy.  I guess all the running around I do from day to day keeps it off.  Who knows!  But either way, I was happy to see that at least I hadn't gained anything.. which I thought I had.

Well, I need to go.  My momma is coming in a few minutes.  We are going birthday dress shopping for Zoey.  Here's hoping we find something!

Family Picture

We are FINALLY getting our family pictures taken.  Kent took off for Jon Kent's birthday (Nov. 15th) so we are going to go and get Jon Kent's 2 year pictures done and then our family picture!  I am so glad that we are finally going to have a family picture.  Then for Zoey's 1 year pictures, we are going to wait until December to do those.  We will get her 1 year pictures taken and then the kids' Christmas pictures.  We would do it all at once, but having to go through at least 3 outfit changes just wouldn't go over well with either of the kids.  I hope the pictures turn out good though.

It is unseasonably warm outside today.  78 here in Alabama.  That's about 15 degrees warmer.  It's really pretty outside too.  I have the windows up, taking advantage of the nice breeze.  The kids had a good time playing outside this morning too.  Jon Kent wanted to get out and 'jump'.  Which means he wanted to go play on the trampoline.  Then he rode his little 4-wheeler around the yard.  Zoey even got on it for a good bit.  She didn't know how to work it but she did accidentally put her hand on the button that makes it go a time or two.  It was funny to see her expression after she did it. 

The kids are currently napping and I have done all my house work for now.  I still may go and clean the bathrooms, but I am currently undecided at the moment.

Anywho, I will go now.  I'm going to enjoy my alone time while I have it.

Decision 2006

Well, that didn't go so well...

It seems has though changes will be coming to the White House and Congress.  I'm mostly surprised at how things turned out, but in the back of my mind I knew it could happen.  While trying to stay "politically correct" and still speak freely (as this is MY journal) I just hope we can come together and put this country on the right track.  There are tons of things going on in this country that are just wrong.  And there are even more things that are 'in the works' that could seriously make this country even weaker.  You may not be a believer in God, but I am.  And I'm pretty sure He isn't liking what is going on in this country.  And I don't mean so much as 'who' is voted into office as much as I mean what they 'bring' into office (moral issues and such).  I just hope this country just hasn't made a HUGE mistake.  God IS a loving God, but He is also a JUST God...

Election Day

Go vote!

Just call me the party planner

I'm in party planning mode.  We have 12 days until Jon Kent's big birthday bash.  I feel like we have done nothing thus far in order to prepare for it.  Well, I take that back..  The play things have been reserved, other than that.. nothing.  I have written up all the invitations.  I just need to get them addressed and sent out before tomorrow evening.  We still need to buy plates, cups, food, party favors, decorations, etc.  The cake has been ordered.  The wife of one of Kent's co-workers is doing the cake.  It's going to be a Wiggles guitar.  I'm still debating on when to take Jon Kent to get his 2 year pictures done.  I have his clothes picked out, it's just a matter of getting him out and getting them done.  Now poor, little Zoey.  I swear she is getting ripped off for sure.  I have absolutely NOTHING for her thus far.  I have ideas, I've got lots of those.  But nothing bought or ordered or anything.  I want to get her a cute party dress.  But I am starting to have second thoughts about it.  I may just go with the 1st Birthday T-shirt and that be that.  I just don't know.  I *think I have a theme for her.  But I am still gathering prices for it.  I tell ya, having kids this close and age AND this close in birthdays.. not all that fun.  I know it will be worth it in the end, but as of Monday, November 6, 2006, not a whole lot of fun.

Boo in Review

OoOoOoOoOo...   Boo!

 

So Halloween went well.  We made several stops.  First we went to Kent's grandparents' house (Jon Kent and Zoey's great grandparents).  Then on to Kent's parents' house.  Then to see Kent's sister at her work.  Then to my parents' house for our Tuesday nights supper and then up to my grandmother's house (Jon Kent and Zoey's great grandmother).  It was a good time.  Maybe by next year we will have Jon Kent saying "Trick or Treat".  He wouldn't this year...

Also, it's NOVEMBER!  Only 2 weeks until Jon Kent turns 2!  And 17 days until his birthday party.  This month is PACKED with things to do!!  This time of year is always busy in our family.  We have birthdays (at least 4), family gatherings, parties, etc.  Busy! 

Well, enjoy the pictures!!!

Pumpkin Patch

Kent, the kids and myself all went to this Pumpkin Patch this past Monday.  It was a really good time.  The next time we go, I hope we have a little more time to do things.  We weren't really sure what we were supposed to do, so we just kind roamed around until we got on the hay ride.  The hay ride took us to the pumpkin patch.  They didn't have *a lot of pumpkins but there were still plenty to choose from.  Both of the kids seemed to have had a good time.  I just love getting out like that and spending time with family.  Yall enjoy the pictures!

Updating 'Fever Feelings'

For the moment everyone is napping (Kent included).  It was a looonnnggg night.  Jon Kent was still spiking a fever of 100-101 by the time bedtime rolled around.  He wanted to go to sleep at 7pm, which is VERY unlike him.  We managed to keep him up until 7:30pm.  I then gave him a bath and Zoey too.  He was out by 8:15pm.  Kent and I go to bed at 10pm.  Zoey wakes up at 11ish.  I feed her and then put her back to bed.  Jon Kent wakes up at 1:30am crying.  We take his temp and it was between 103.3-104.1 (took one in his ear the other rectorally).  We give him some medicine and then  we bring him back in bed with us.  He then wanted some 'babba' so he got that.  I believe around this time (it's a bit blurry to me now) Zoey wakes up too.  I nurse her quickly and send her back to bed.  Around 2:15am Jon Kent is WIDE awake.  So we pop in a movie and he watches that until he falls asleep around 3:30am.  Zoey then wakes up and wants to nurse.  I do that quickly and send her back to bed.  7:30am rolls around and Jon Kent is up.  Zoey gets up about 15 minutes later.  I call the doctor's office around 8am to get an appointment to see the doctor.  They tell us to come in at 10:30am.  We drop Zoey off at Kent's grandparents' house and off we go.  They checked his temp there and it was normal (bull hockey!).  The doctor checks his heart, lungs, ears, etc.  Everything checked out fine.  Well, except his left tube is starting to fall out.  So she told us to keep an eye out for that.  They then send us for lab work.  They draw his blood and do a strep throat test.  Both tests come back fine.  They finally just told us it was a fever virus and to just treat him with Tylenol and Motrin and keep him comfortable.  He once again seems fine, just a bit cranky here and there.  I am hoping this passes soon.

Fever Feelings

Just to get right to it, Jon Kent is running a fever.  Should have known something was up..  He woke up half way through his nap crying.  He never wakes up from his naps early unless there is something wrong.  When I went in to see what was wrong, he felt hot but I just thought it was because he has a bizillion blankets on him..  That he HAS to have in proper order to go to sleep.  Anyway, I pulled the blankets off of him thinking he would cool off.  He slept for about another hour.  When he woke up he seemed fine.  So I fixed him a hotdog for lunch.  He wouldn't eat a bite.  So I knew something was really up.  So I took his temp and it was 99.9.  I then gave him some Motrin.  He has been playing ever since.  He *seems fine but with the not eating and the temp I know he probably doesn't feel 100%.  It may just be teething.  He still has to cut his two year molars.  I'm hoping that is all that it is and he's not coming down with something serious.  Pray for him.

Right now I am burning a candle that smells sooo good.  It's scent is cinnimon bun.  You would think it would remind me of Christmas but it reminds me more of Fall or Thanksgiving.  I just love the way it makes the whole house smell so good.  In the spirit of the holidays (Halloween) I put up some decorations.  MUCH less than I usually do, but oh well.  It just seems pointless to do any Fall displays outside since you can't really see my house from the road.  So I just put up two fake pumpkins in the house.  Jon Kent doesn't really know what to think of them.  He is afraid to touch them.. lol.  We have plans to go to the pumpkin patch.  Hopefully we will do that in the next week.  The weather has either been too hot or it's been raining.  So we haven't had the chance to go yet.  I really want to take the kids so they can pick out pumpkins.  Kent isn't thrilled about going, (yeah, I called you out in my journal!) but he is.  I think if he will give it half a shot he might just have a good time.. hmmm.

Anyway, I guess I will go.  The kids are happily playing without me for the moment so I am going to get some online searching done.  Talk with yall later.  Enjoy my wonder pictures of my decorations.. lol.

Happenings of the O___ Family

Kent and I took the kids shopping this morning after breakfast.  We needed to go and buy some party invitations for Jon Kent's birthday party.  He is having a "Wiggles Party".  Anyway, while we were there we saw some Halloween costumes.  So we looked around and found Jon Kent and Zoey's.  Jon Kent is going to be Superman and Zoey is going to be a Bumble Bee.  After shopping for awhile we took the kids to Mickey D's and grabbed lunch.  We took lunch home and ate.  The kids then took a nap and so did we.  It was nice to get some rest, as Zoey is STILL waking 2-3 times a night..  Anyway, after nap time Kent's Granny and Pops called and asked to keep the kids.  So they went down there and played while Kent and I worked out.  After working out and getting some house cleaning done, we all went over to my parents' house to have our weekly Tuesday night supper.  My parents, myself, Kent, the kids, Jon Paul (my brother), Ashley (sister-in-law) and Jon Wesley (nephew) all spend the evening together.  After that we came home and tried on the kids' costumes to make sure they fit.  And they do.  They are so adorable.  Jon Kent cried when we took his off of him.  He liked being Superman.. lol.  He is going to be that kid that wears his costume EVERYWHERE and won't take it off.. lol.  But we managed to get him to stop crying when we told him Superman had to take a nap.  So he understood and let us move on..  He is funny.  They both had their baths and were in bed before 9pm.  So it was a good day.  Kent is currently watching a movie we rented and I am just surfing the web and chatting with some online friends.  Anyway, enjoy the pictures.  They are cute, as always..  I mean, really, they are my kids.. of course they are cute!

One more month

One month from today, Jon Kent will be two.  It's so hard to believe that he is going to be two.  He is still my baby..  My long awaited baby.  Now he is going to be two.  Soon he'll be 22.  Ugh.

Then...

One month and 17 days from today, Zoey will be one.  It still feels like she should be a newborn.  This past year seems more like a few weeks rather than a whole year.  Where does the time go?  It goes by too quickly that is for sure.

My babies are growing up on me.  Sniff, sniff.. 

Falling for Fall

As I have probably stated a thousand times, I really love Fall.  Now that we are in our new house (7 months now) and enjoying the first Fall here, it's really nice.  I go out and play with the kids for most of the mornings before nap time.  It's usually just right to get out and play in.  Kent's parents bought the kids a trampoline a few days ago.  We set it up in between the two houses.  Jon Kent really enjoys it.  He likes to run in circles and then slide down.  We have to say "safe" when he does it.  Baseball star, maybe?  Zoey is so cute on it as well.  She will sit on her bottom and bounce up and down when we say "jump, jump".  They both seem to enjoy it.  Right now it's OK, because they aren't really big enough to do tricks and run the chances of hurting themselves on it.  But that will come with time, I am sure.  But kids will be kids...

I finished my Fall cleaning.  I started it this past Monday.  I cleaned out all the closets, drawers and cabinets on Monday and half of Tuesday.  Then starting Tuesday afternoon I started the actually cleaning.  I would clean during naps and in the afternoon.  Took me 4 days, but it is done!  So happy to have it all done with.  Now we are FINALLY going to start decorating the house.  I am too excited about that!  We have been here over 7 months now and all that we have on the walls are clocks.. lol.  But that is soon going to change!  I really can't wait!  Then I hope to grab a few little things to decorate for Fall.  Nothing major, just something to add a Fall touch to the house.

What I really need to be doing is getting things in order for Jon Kent's birthday party.  We have most of the details worked out, we just have need to get the things purchased.  Invites to the party will be going out in about 2-3 weeks.  Not to mention we need to figure out what we want to get him.  I have a few things in mind, but I will have to see what Kent thinks.

Tomorrow, my mom and I are going to a consignment sale.  I put a lot of the kids' stuff in it this time (150-160 garments and some bigger stuff), so we get to go in before the 'public' does.  This is our 3rd time going.  It's usually a lot of fun.  I'm looking forward to it.

Well, I am off to fold clothes.  Talk with yall later!  Enjoy the pictures!

'Boon'

These are pictures from this morning.  My momma and daddy brought over some balloons last night.  The kids loved them.  So they played with this most of this morning.  Jon Kent calls them "boons".  So sweet. 

That's my boy!!

Today is Friday, which at my house is vacuuming day and dusting day.  I usually wait until the afternoon to do it but I decided to go ahead and get it out of the way.  Jon Kent followed me around wanting to push the vacuum.  So I put the self propel on the vacuum and let him go.  It was so cute.  Then I was in Jon Kent's room dusting all of his furniture.  I gave him a wash cloth to "dust" with.  He was running ALL over his room dusting.  Then when he would get through he would say "it clean".  :::Melts::::  Child after my own heart...lol.  He would just run all over the room dusting and saying "it clean".  Zoey on the other hand would just pull stuff down and make messes all over...  I guess she is going to take after her daddy...  Maybe though, just maybe I can convert her over....

Wasssuuuup!

OK, so I couldn't really think of a better subject title...

I am just updating on my exciting life.  Being a new aunt is great!  LOVE holding a newborn and then giving him back--SO NICE!  I have had a touch of baby fever, but that disappears as soon as Jon Wesley starts crying.  I'm not ready to relive those days.  Don't know if I ever really will..sigh.  But Jon Wesley is so adorable.  I love being an aunt!

Zoey is now 10 months old and one day.  She has two new teething popping through on her bottom gum.  She is really walking now.  Probably walking 60% of the time and crawling 40%.  She loves playing with her brother all day.  She is just growing and learning all the time.  I am starting to wean her from the breast.  It will be a slow process.  Over the next two months or so.  Once she turns a year old she will be switched to regular milk with my milk here and there.  At least that is how I am hoping it will go.  We will see.

Jon Kent is doing great!  Sleeping through the night 10-12 hours most nights.  I would say about 95% of the time he sleeps through the night.  He is still taking his "pappy" for naps and bedtime.  But I do hope to have it gone soon.  But that will probably be a while in the future.  I am thinking about potty training, but I want to read up on it and try and prepare myself as much as possible.  He does show signs here and there that he is ready, but we will just have to wait and see.

We have plans to take the kids to the park tomorrow to feed the ducks.  Everytime we go we forget the bread, so tomorrow hopefully we won't.  I can't wait to see what Jon Kent does...lol.  He is just a silly boy...

Well, I am off to find something to do while my husband watches his crazy movie.  Talk with yall later!

My nephew

Here are some pictures of Jon Wesley that I took tonight when we went and visited.  He is such a little doll.  And has such a little head.  Both of my babies had BIG heads so his looked so tiny in comparison...lol.  Enjoy!

I'm an Aunt, I'm an Aunt!

My brother and his wife welcomed a 6 pound, 11 ounce little boy into the world this afternoon.  He is 19 inches long.  He is also reported to have a head full of black hair!  Welcome into the world Jonathan Wesley!!!!!!  I hope to get some pictures of him when we go and visit later.

Oh and PS:

HAPPY FALL!  It's finally FALL!!!!!  YAY!!!  L-O-V-E it!

Yay me, yay me!

My weight loss goal has finally been met!  I am officially 49 pounds lighter and at my goal weight!  I still have a lot of toning to do and now the hard part really begins.  MAINTAINING my weight.  I haven't weighed this amount since high school.  Feels good!!!  Yay me, yay me!

Quick update

Quick, quick update.  Nothing new really going on.  Jon Kent and Zoey are both growing like weeds.  We have a less than 2 months until Jon Kent's birthday.  A little over two months until Zoey's birthday.  I have already started planning Jon Kent's.  Trying to get things together and get a price list.  Zoey's is still in the works.  We still don't know what to do for her or where.  We may have it at the same place we had Jon Kent's first birthday, but we are currently undecided.  Zoey is walking around like crazy now.  She will pull up on something and then just let go and start walking.  I can't believe that both of my kids ended up being early walkers!  Zoey is also talking up a storm.  Mama, dada, bubba, baba, corn, meow, bye-bye, book...  She is just learning and growing like crazy.  My days have been VERY busy with two walking and playing all day.  Anyway, there is my update for now.  I have supper cooking, so I better get back to that.  Enjoy the pictures above!

Can I get a...

WARRRRRRRRRRRR Eagle, HEY!  3-0 so far!!  Way to go Tigers!!!!!!  Way to beat LS-Who!

 

Now back to your previously scheduled programming.

Wish Upon A Star

"Be careful what you wish for", I have been told several times.  When Jon Kent was first born and I was going through my PPD, all I wanted was for him to turn the magical 6 months old.  Six months was supposed to be when things got easier and more 'fun'.  Little did we know that at 6 months Jon Kent would be a lot more 'fun' but there would still be hard times.  As with any child there are going to be hard times, period.  Not to mention I was pregnant with Zoey at that time.  So as I am sure you could guess my head was spinning.  Nonetheless, I still to this day make "advance wishes".  "Oh I wish he would just walk so I wouldn't have to carry him around with this huge pregnant belly", "I wish he would quit walking around getting into stuff", "I wish he would learn to feed himself", "I wish he would quit throwing his food in the floor".  You get where I am going.  We always get what we wish for and then some.  My latest 'wish' is that Jon Kent would be more vocal.  He never was the baby that babbled.  He just kept quite for the most part.  Now he babbles and says words here and there but still not a lot, unlike many who are his age.  But alas, over the past several days he has really picked up his talking.  He told Zoey yesterday, when she wouldn't follow him around any longer, to "Come moan".  He then proceed to give her a gentle nudge to 'come moan'.  He also said "Here you go" when handing her a block to play with.   Now back to my wishing, I always wished that Jon Kent would have been an early talker.  But apparently that wish was saved for Zoey.  She can say "Mama, Dada, Bubba, Bye-bye, Baba, Meow, and Book".  She babbles ALL the time and is always chatting about something or another.  She is going to be my talker.  You know the kid who will talk to a brick wall.  Still I *did wish for a talker.  I guess in a way Jon Kent and Zoey are learning to talk together.  Umm, maybe I should wish that  they will potty train together....

All good things must come to an end

After 12 days of being off from work, Kent has to go back tomorrow.  So sad.  I love having him home with us.  I don't think he realizes just how much I enjoy him being home.  But I do.  He helps out so much with the kids and just having him right by my side all day is great.  He's (thankfully) one of those rare husbands who rather stay home than go out all the time.  He rather take the kids and me with him than go some where alone.  I love him for that.  He is just a great husband and a wonderful daddy. 

Not much is really going on around here.  We are approaching the fall season which around here can get busy.  Jon Kent and Zoey's birthdays are coming up soon.  It's hard to believe that Jon Kent will be 2 and Zoey will be celebrating her 1st birthday.  It really does seem like yesterday that I was pregnant with Zoey and Jon Kent was toddling around.  Now Zoey is the one toddling and Jon Kent is full blown running around.  Time really does fly.

OK, Florida Trip in Review

We left Saturday at 7:30am.  We stopped for breakfast along the way and I ended up feeling sick but thankfully recovered before getting down to the beach.  Kent on the other hand was out for the count.  Stomach hurting, fever, couldn't get warm, etc.  So once we got to the room he was out and in the bed.  We all just sat around, ate pizza, and watched some football.

Sunday- Kent was feeling better, must have been a 24 hour thing, so we headed to the beach.  We splashed, got nibbled on by fish and just enjoyed the sun.  We hung out at the pool and just layed out.  That night we were going to go to a local arcade so Jon Kent could play the "games".  But one of Granny's (Kent's grandmother) sisters was also at the beach so we stopped by to see her.  On our way back we were going to turn down one of the side roads to get back to the front beach road, but before we could a cop flew around us and turned into the street we were fixing to head down.  We just thought he was taking a short cut so we were just going to head down the road after him.  But before we could we saw that there were like 2 or 3 other cop cars there and the cop car that went around us had stopped and two cops got out with their guns drawn.  They were like 15 feet in front of us.  We don't know who they were pointing at or if anyone was pointing a gun at them.  It was like a scene out of the movies or something.  I totally freaked and started yelling at Kent's momma to get out of there.  The kids were in the back of the van and all I could imagine was bullets going through one of those back windows.  So we quickly got out of there.  We did end the night at the arcade, but that event was so heavy on my mind that I couldn't enjoy the games.

Monday we hit the beach again and went to the pool as well.  Just about the same as Sunday.  Except Pops (Kent's grandfather) came down with the same thing Kent had earlier.  Fun stuff.  That evening we hit the mall and tried to find some good Labor Day sales.  I ended up finding a good deal on some jeans.  Dropped a whole jean size, by the way!  Woot-woot!

Tuesday- I was hit by the stomach, fever, chills, virus.  Didn't eat all day except for maybe 5 grapes and some water.  If I even thought about food I would get sick.  It wasn't a fun day.  Had to spend it alllll in the room- alone.  Did get to see the Season Premiere of "House" but that was about it.  Thankfully it was gone by the next day.

Wednesday- Beach, beach, beach, and some pool time.  We went out and ate at Pineapple Willy's that night (my favorite beach eatin' joint) and took Jon Kent to ride some kiddie amusement park rides.  Which he loved by the way.  Which SHOCKED me!  Also, that night Zoey officially started.....WALKING!  Yup, she's a walker although she still prefers to crawl for the time being.

Thursday- Beach again and then Kent, Kerith, Seth, and myself all went jet skiing.  We had a blast.  I saw a shark...yes a shark!  It was probably about 2-3 feet long so it wasn't a HUGE shark but a shark none the less.  And at one point we were all sitting out in the middle of the ocean talking when we looked down and there were literally thousands of jellyfish under us.  EWWWW!!  After the kids went to bed that night, Kent and I strolled along the beach and talked.  It was nice...  Can I get a collective "Awwwww"?

And that leaves us with today.  Did the usual packed up, cleaned up, saved Jon Kent from drowning etc.  Oh, want me to go into more detail about that last one???  I was outside with Jon Kent scooping shells out of the bottom of the pool that he threw in there.  I was in the middle of scooping one out when he was in the middle of throwing one in when he went in with it and sank to the bottom.  Everything went into slow motion as it seemed like I just sat there and watched him sink (I didn't).  I jumped in and grabbed him up and he was fine just a little scared (me too!).  I was shaking so badly after that.  Totally freaked me out.

And now we are back.  It was a really nice trip.  We had a good time and we all got a tan.  So I would give it a thumbs up!!

Enjoy the pictures!!

Back

We're back!  We just got back from the beach earlier this evening.  I have some pictures that I will share when I have a bit more time.  So until then...

It's that time

Well, it's time to say good-bye for a week.  We are off to the beach bright and early in the morning.  We will be gone until Friday.  I am hoping to have pictures to share.  Let's hope I take more than I did last time.  Anyway, talk with yall later!!!  Oh!  I hope everyone has a safe Labor Day weekend!

I am so ready

I am so ready for Saturday to get here.  We leave for the beach Saturday.  We are staying for a week.  That should be plenty of time to do things and just relax.  We are going with Kent's parents, brother, sister, and grandparents.  Ten of us total.  I'm looking forward to it.  We are renting a 4 bedroom beach house.  The house seems to be really nice and seems to have a good lay out.  It has it's own pool and is just "75 yards from the beach".  Only problem right now is Tropical Storm/Hurricane Ernesto.  He can't seem to make up his mind what he wants to be or where he wants to go.  At first they were saying Texas but now it's Florida.  Tomorrow it may be Mexico.  Who knows.  I'm hoping he just fizzles out and brings some rain to Florida and that is it and he is gone by the time we get down there.  Anyway, I have "chores" to do.  So I better get off of here.  Just wanted to drop in and let yall know what I was doing.  OH!  We still have our colds.  But no fevers.  Just runny noses and some coughing.  I'm hoping it will all be gone in the next day or two.  Well, that's that...talk with yall later!

We will make it

Zoey wasn't the only one harboring germs...  Jon Kent got it and so did I.  Let me tell ya, that cold wasn't a joke!  My whole body hurt!  Yesterday was NOT a good day.  Today we are all much better.  Just runny noses.  I really do hope we have kicked this one out for good.

We have a very busy weekend a head of us.  So *poof* be gone little germs!  Tomorrow I am going to pick up some decorations for my sister-in-law's (my brother's wife) babyshower.  The shower is at 2pm.  My mom and I are throwing the shower.  It goes until 4pm.  Then at 5pm is my other sister-in-law's (Kent's sister) birthday party.  She is turning 16.  That lasts until 7pm I think.  Busy, busy day.  Then Sunday starts revival at church.  That goes through Wednesday.  Lots of stuff to do.

Oh, and Saturday (Sept. 2nd) we leave for the beach!!  Woohoo!  I think we are staying until the following Saturday.  The *great thing is there is a tropical depression that is forming out in the Atlantic that they are saying will be in the gulf by the end of next week.  I hope it fizzles out before getting into the gulf.  That won't be much fun.

And in other news, I have a MySpace now.  I've had an account for about 9 or 10 months.  But never made an actual page.  Check it out when you have time...  If you have one too send me an invite.

www.myspace.com/emilythecreative

Well, that is all.  Talk with yall later.

Update

Fever now.

*Snot* so good here

Zoey has yet another cold.  Makes the millionth one this year.  I am telling ya, this girl catches a cold every month or so.  It's crazy.  And she is breastfed to boot!  What is up with that?  Aren't breastfed babies supposedly healthier?  Jon Kent was breastfed until he was 2 months old.  Then we switched over to formula.  He didn't have a *bad cold until he was 8 months old.  He did have ear infections but no colds.  This is just crazy!  Zoey hasn't slept well for the past 2 nights.  And naps are short and so NOT sweet.  Poor baby is just stopped up.  And of course it has to get worse when we near a time of the day where sleep is required.  I just hope this cold is gone before we go on vacation and that no one else gets it.  I've had my fill of colds.

The First Night Away

Jon Kent was 3 months and 5 days old when he first spent the night away from home.  I was going through some seriously bad postpartum depression (PPD) and needed the break.  However with Zoey I didn't have PPD (thank goodness) and she has been a great nurser so it was just easier to have her at home.  Not to mention she wouldn't have anything to do with a bottle until about 3 weeks ago.  Well, last night she finally tagged along with her brother to my parents' house.  And she did fine.  Slept ALL night in fact (first time EVER...go figure).  She took all her bottles, ate all her baby food, and had a good time playing.  Kent and I got a whole night alone (new baby in 9 months maybe.......ummm no).  We ate, shopped, had Starbucks, went to bed late, etc.  I got to sleep in -although I really didn't sleep late.  My body was just so used to getting up early.  But it was nice to just lay in bed for a bit- alone.  It was nice.  But by the time we went back to my parents' house I was aching to hold my babies.  And as I walked into the door what does Zoey say?  Only her first word- Momma.  But I was so busy grabbing Jon Kent, who by the way was actually running towards me in excitement, that I didn't hear it...<pouts>  She will say it again though, that I am sure.  She is also trying to walk.  Took like 2 steps tonight walking from my daddy to me.  It seems like she just grew up on me over night.

Could it be the end of an era?

We all know times come and they go.  Certain situations that seem like they will never end always do.  We know that happy times will become sad times and sad times will become happy times.  Sleepless nights will turn into sleeping nights and someday oh some sweet day poopy diapers will be a thing of the past (at least until I am committed to the nursing home).  My point to all of the above is...Zoey is SLEEPING again!  Oh sweet mother of sleep!  She is sleeping again!!  See, Zoey has been teething.  For like 2-3 weeks now.  She had all 4 of her front top teething coming in all at once.  So far we have 3 that have popped through and one still working it's way in.  But I believe the worst of it is over.  As for the past 2 nights I have gotten at least 6 hours of straight sleep!  Something else I have figured out is that my girl likes to sleep on her stomach.  I found this out by accident when I put Zoey down Tuesday night for bedtime.  She didn't want to go to bed so she laid in bed and fussed and turned herself all which-a-ways(like that southern term?).  When she finally did go to sleep she was on her stomach so I just left her there.  Because now that she is older SIDS isn't really an issue.  So she slept from 8:30pm-4:30am.  I was completely shocked.  Then she slept from 4:45am-8am.  I personally thought it was a fluke but still had my hopes up for continued success.  So last night I laid her down at 8:30pm and thought of the good night sleep I hoped we all would have.  11:30pm rolls around and my dreams were interrupted....  So I figured well at least I got one good night sleep out of the deal.  So I fed Zoey and when I went to go lay her down I thought to myself, "Self, why don't we put her on her stomach and see how it goes?"  So we...err...I put her down on her stomach.  She slept that way from 12am-7am.  SEVEN hours of solid sleep.  So nice!  Same way with naps.  She is sleeping between 1 1/2-2 hours now for naps.  I really, really, really hope this continues.  But I know babies have their own ways of doing things, so for now I will just enjoy the rest while I have it.

So my life has been boring- sue me.

Not much to report.  We have been basically doing our usual stuff.  Swimming, playing, church, cleaning, etc, etc, etc.  I have taken a few pictures along the way.  Enjoy.

Crawling

Zoey is truly crawling now.  Until today she was just kind of scooting.  Not getting around every much and not very quickly.  Well that has all changed.  I was fixing Jon Kent's lunch this afternoon.  I was in the kitchen and Zoey was sitting in the living room playing with some toys.  I was cutting Jon Kent's hotdog up and trying to get him settled into his chair to eat.  After I got Jon Kent eating, I turned around and Zoey was gone!  I went around the corner and she was sitting in our entrance way a good 10 feet from where I left her.  She was sitting there with the biggest smile.  It was funny.  But it was a reality check as well.  I can't just sit her somewhere and walk off anymore.  I will have to make sure she is somewhere she can't get herself into trouble.  She is already cruising the furniture.  She can pull herself up on things and walk around holding our hands.  I tell ya, my kids learn how to get mobile at a young age!  Jon Kent was 8 1/2 months when he started walking and Zoey isn't going to be too far behind that age.  Whew!  I only *thought my hands were full.

Drop it like it's HOT

Just like everywhere else in this country (or at least most of it) it's sizzling hot outside- still.  We took the kids out this morning but even Jon Kent wanted to come back in after being out only 20 minutes or so.  It's just miserably hot out.  But that is just August.  It's always hot this time of year but everyone always seems surprised that it's hot.  It was 96 at 11am this morning.  We have plans to hit the pool after lunch.  We did that yesterday and we all seemed to have a good time.  We all got some sun (the kids had on sun block, but still got tanned).  I'm hoping to get some alone time for floating after the kids get tired of the pool.  Here's hoping!

We got our DSL box thingy (you know me- using technical words and all) from Bellsouth today!  It's all hooked up and we are finally in the modern age of no dial-up!  It flies compared to what we used to have.  So nice!  And we can use our phone now while on-line.  YAY!!

These pictures are from this morning.  Jon Kent looked so cute in his sister's bandana.  He kind of looks like a girl.  We always said he was pretty enough to be a girl.  He is going to break some hearts someday!  Yall enjoy the pictures.

Zoey News

Zoey started standing alone Thursday.  She has been pulling up on her own for awhile now but she never has let go and just stood there.  And well, she is doing it.  She pulled herself up on the couch the other day as well and cruised around it.  I just cannot believe it's already time for her to start trying her legs out.  Jon Kent was an early and I do mean early walker at 8 1/2 months.  Zoey is about 10 days shy of 8 1/2 months.  I don't see her walking by then but I do see her walking soon.  My hands are going to be full for sure!  Having two getting into stuff...  Whew!  And Zoey is going to drive Jon Kent crazy!  Right now when Zoey starts getting on Jon Kent's nerves he will just get up and walk away.  Soon he will have a little tag-a-long right behind him.  LOL.  My baby isn't going to be a baby for very much longer...she will be a *gulp* TODDLER!!!

Also, her top front teeth are coming in.  One is all the way through while the other one is still trying to break the skin.

Zoey is growing up...that is for sure!

Finally joining the modern world!

Now that AOL is going *free we decided to take the opportunity and get our connection with a DSL provider.  That way we will still be paying roughly the same amount each month.  I am so excited!!  Faster, faster, faster!!  Yippee!!  We get our equipment by the 10th.  Can't wait!!

It is still hot here.  Temperatures in the mid 90s with the heat index in the 100s.  Ridiculous.  But I have been getting in extra time at the pool.  The kids and I went Wednesday morning before nap time and I have been the last 3 days in the afternoon.  We are going tomorrow morning before nap time again.  That way it's not too hot while we are out.  Still have to load the kiddos down with sunscreen.  The sun's rays are horrible!!  Zoey can be out there for no time and her skin will turn pink.  Thankfully neither one of the kids have ever been burned.  So that's a blessing.

Not much to really talk about.  I just was excited about our coming new DSL that I just had to share!  I am so excited!

Man! It is HOT outside!

<Insert a picture of a hot, sweaty woman here>

It is just ridiculously hot outside!  The air is so thick and muggy.  And sticky!  I took the kids out this morning at 9am and it was already too hot to be out.  We didn't stay out long.  I thought about running in and putting on my swim suit and getting the kids' swim diapers and just getting in the pool.  But I thought it was too early plus I don't feel comfortable getting in the pool alone with both kids.  I'm paranoid something will go wrong and I won't be able to handle it.  But nonetheless, the thought did cross my sweaty brow.

Yesterday I called a pediatric dentist to get an appointment for Jon Kent.  Yes, shame on me for not getting him an appointment sooner.  But anyway, she said that they only have one private room for kids his age so it may be later in the year before we are able to get in.  So I was like that is fine.  December 6th!!  I was like whoa!  But he has an appointment...  I so hope his teeth are in good shape.  We brush them everyday (almost) and I am trying to make sure we brush them twice a day.  Jon Kent doesn't mind though.  He likes getting his teeth brushed and he likes trying to brush his own.

Let's see what else is there to talk about...  Umm not much.  Things have been slow around here.  We needed a break after the busy month we just had.  It was a jam packed month, but fun!

OH!  Zoey is 8 months old today!  EIGHT!  Where does the time go?  I swear it really does feel like I was just pregnant with her yesterday!  Jon Kent's two year birthday is coming up in about 3.5 months!  He will be TWO!  And 4 months from today Zoey will be 1.  I just can't believe it!  I have two children that are going to be 2 and 1.  Who would have ever thought *I would have two children at this point in my life.  Not me!  But it's a great time in my life.

Well, I am off to do whatever. I have just finished up mopping my floors so I need to go put the chairs and table back where they belong.  Talk with yall later!!

Wiggly Party...Everybody's dancin'...

The Wiggles Concert was yesterday.  It was really a lot of fun!  We got there about 20 minutes early and found our seats.  They had two huge screens on either side of the stage showing some clips from the Wiggles' TV show.  Jon Kent really liked that.  Then the Wiggles came out in the 'Big Red Car'.  But as they were putting it in reverse it wouldn't move so Anthony (Blue Wiggle) had to get out and push it...lol.  The Wiggles came down in the section we were sitting in and greeted some of the kids.  We got pictures of Jeff (Purple Wiggle) and almost of Anthony but he was moving too fast.  Jon Kent sat through most of the show (it lasted about an hour and 20 minutes) without fussing.  But towards the end he got antsy.  It was a good time and we have already decided to take Jon Kent AND Zoey back the next time they are in town.  We ended up taking like 97 pictures.  Here are a few of the ones we took.  Enjoy!

Checking In

Jon Kent and Zoey are both well now.  Jon Kent has been well for a while now and Zoey is finally back to her old self.  Well, minus the still not sleeping good at night part.  But that will come with time.  Jon Kent FINALLY seems to be getting reused to his bed again.  He has been wanting to get in the bed with us since we came back from the beach over 3 weeks ago.  And then when he was sick he slept with us.  So he isn't liking the fact that he has to sleep in his own bed.

Zoey was waking up every 2 hours.  But last night she slept a lot better.  I think she maybe teething.  She is due for some more.  It's been over 2 months since she cut her last ones.  So I guess it is time for some more.  Last night and then for her morning nap, Zoey didn't take her paci.  I offered it and she tightened her lips so I couldn't get in it.  So I am going to quit offering it to her and see if we can get her off the paci.  If we can, then her brother is next.  He isn't going to like it AT ALL!  But it's time.  He is going to be 2 (ACK!) in November so it's time to get rid of 'pappy'. 

In other news, VBS is going well.  The kids really seem to be enjoying craft time and it's actually going by pretty quickly.  Only tonight and tomorrow night left to go.  Friday night is "Family Night" so no crafts then.  Plus, I won't be there because of the Wiggles Concert.  And tonight and tomorrow night only have 2 craft projects to do instead of 3.  And they are all easy ones to do.  It's been fun but a lot of hard work and every night when we get home I am exhausted!!  Jon Kent has a BLAST though.  There are a lot of other kids there around his age(in regular church he is the only one his age).  He has the best time playing.  He comes home every night wired and just full of energy.

Today I have been cleaning.  I haven't cleaned like this in a long, long, long time.  It needed it though.  After coming home from the beach I got out of my routine of cleaning the house through out the week.  Ex: dust on X-day, mop on X-day, wash clothes on X-days, etc.  So I finally got it all caught back up today and well get the rest of it done either tomorrow or Friday.  It felt good to get things back into some sort of organized order.

Well, that is all the news to report for now.  Have a great day everyone!

Turning the corner- hopefully

Zoey seems to be on the mend.  WOOHOO!!!  She had a low grade fever this morning and has since been normal after having a round of Motrin.  She took a decent nap and has been playful for the most part.  I'm so hoping my little, happy, smiling, girl is coming back!  That sad, pitiful, cranky one can leave and never come back for all I care!  It just wasn't right her not wanting to play with Jon Kent and being her happy self.  I am so hoping this means clearer skies for us!!

V.B.S (Vacation Bible School) is going on this week at my church.  I am crafts director along side my Momma.  So that means we are in charge of all the crafts.  It's been a lot of work getting things organized and ready, but in all honesty I am looking forward to it.  A lot of the crafts are cute and pretty 'crafty' so I am looking forward to the kids making them.

Friday is Kent's birthday!!  YAY!!  He'll be 25 years old.  Already a quarter of a century old.  It's weird to think I have 'known' him for almost 20 years now.  Where does the time go?  Also Friday is the 'Wiggles Concert'.  I do believe Kent and I are looking forward to him much more than Jon Kent.  Jon Kent doesn't even know he is going, ya know.  LOL.  I am just waiting to see the look on Jon Kent's face when he first sees the Wiggles.  I believe it will be priceless!!  I can't wait!!

Kent has been working since last Wednesday.  He is usually off on Mondays and Tuesdays but is working through his off days this week so he can be off this Friday and Saturday.  He is also taking Sunday off so he will be off Friday-Tuesday (5 days).  I am really looking forward to it since he will have been working 9 days straight.

Well I'm off to piddle.  Talk with yall later!

Add Zoey to the list

Zoey is sick too.  Woke up yesterday morning with a fever.  Slept on and off all day.  This morning she woke up burning up.  Her temp was 102.3.  I gave her some Tylenol and she slept for about 45 minutes in her crib and then an hour on me.  Jon Kent on the other hand seems to be fine now.  It has been about  24 hours since his last fever.  I am hoping Zoey is well by tomorrow.

Jon Kent is still sick and I don't know why those pictures aren't showing up..*sigh

Jon Kent is still sick and boy is he CRANKY!!  I have never seen him like this.  Crying over absolutely nothing.  I took him to the doctor this morning and after 2 hours of checking, poking, sticking, and crying I left knowing just about as much as I knew when we went in.  Except when I went in I was a lot *richer* than when I went out.  The doctor gave him a once over, drew some blood, and checked him for strep.  All tests came back fine.  She said he must just have a fever virus (a virus that only causes a fever- no runny nose, coughing, etc.).  But if he is still running a fever come Monday we have to take him back for more testing.  Fun stuff.  He is currently asleep, but I know before the sun comes up he will be in the bed with us.  I hope tomorrow brings a better day than today...

 

I have no idea why those pictures aren't showing up.  They show up for me.  If you want to see the pictures just leave me a comment and I will email them to you.  I hope everyone has a good weekend.  Later.

Jon Kent is Sick =(

He woke up this morning with a fever.  We gave him some medicine and he laid in the bed with Zoey and me.  Around 8:30am he kicked out and was out until almost 11am.  When he woke up his temp was 98.8.  So I thought, "whew, we dodged a bullet.".  So around 1:30pm or so I took his temp again and it was 99.  So I figured we would beat it off at the pass and gave him some more Motrin.  About an hour later he was out.  My dad came over so I left while the babies were napping to work out with Kent.  When I got back Jon Kent had just woken up from his nap (it was about 4:45).  So that was 2 naps for the day that last at or above 2 hours a piece.  So I knew he was sick.  Took his temp and it was 100.9.  It was too soon to give him some meds so I just tried to keep liquids going in him.  Right before he went to bed we gave him some more medicine and took his temp.  It was 101.9.  I am hoping tomorrow brings better temps and a healthier Jon Kent.

 

The pictures are from this morning when we were all laying in bed.  I love the cuddling I get when he is sick but I still hate that he has to be sick to get the cuddles.  Ya know?

It seems as though journals are starting to die

It could be the fact that it is summer and people are on vacation or out doing yard work or what have you.  But a lot of the journals I read haven't posted in a good week or two.  And I have noticed that my journal hasn't been getting the traffic that it used to.  Many people have wrote "Good-Bye" entries and closed their journals for good.  I guess it's too much of a hassle in this "go, go, g society" to take the time to keep a journal up.  I have even thought about closing mine.  But this journal has too much history in it.  Too many memories and thoughts.  There are stories of trying to get pregnant, getting pregnant, losing the babies, getting pregnant with Jon Kent, being pregnant with Jon Kent, having Jon Kent, SURPRISE pregnancy with Zoey, having Zoey, watching Jon Kent and Zoey grow.  Just so many things...  I guess if I ever do decide to close this one I will have to print all the entries out and save them for Jon Kent and Zoey to read later when they are older.  But for now I will keep this little corner of cyber space and keep on keeping on...  Hopefully the traffic will pick up soon and everyone will settle back into writing.

The Florida Trip in Review

Monday we leave at about 8am and start the drive down to Florida.  The kids were asleep before we really even got out of town.  About an hour or so later we stopped for breakfast.

 

After breakfast we hit the road and turned on the DVD player so the kids could watch "The Wiggles".  We stopped at a TJMaxx so that Zoey could eat and Jon Kent could run around.  We got to the hotel room around 2:30pm and got checked in.  We went out to eat and then went to Wal-Mart to grab some groceries.  After getting back to the room we went out to the beach for a moonlight stroll.  Well Jon Kent decided that walking along the beach wasn't fun enough so he ran into the water.  He was soaked!!  We all were...lol.  But it was so much fun to see him playing and giggling and just having a good time.

 

!

 

The next day we pretty much just stay around the hotel.  Playing on the beach, in the ocean, and laying out by the pool.  We went out to eat that night and then went to an arcade and just messed around.

 

 

 

Wednesday was another day around the hotel and at the pool.

Thursday...ummm Thursday...

We decided to take a shuttle boat across the bay to a place called "Shell Island".  Kent and I have been there several times before and it was always a beautiful place.  The water is so clear there and you can usually spot marine life there and pretty shells.  Well, we get there and load onto the bus that takes us to the boat that takes us to the island (did yall get that?).  Well, as we were getting off the boat the guide told us that if it started storming that we would be required to get off the island.  So we were like OK, whatever.  We get off the boat and start walking down the beach to find a good spot.  About half way there it starts raining.  We figured it would just sprinkle a little and then quit so we just kept on walking.  WRONG!!  We throw up the beach tent that we brought for the kids and try and throw our cameras, cell phones, etc under it to keep them from getting soaked.  But by the time we got that done it started thundering and lightening.  So we had to head back.  It was raining so hard that when the rain hit our skin it felt like little needles.  I grabbed Zoey and just ran towards the place where the shuttle boat would pick us up.  It was a good quarter of a mile.  As soon as we get on the boat and get back across the bay, it quit raining...figures...  After that the day was pretty.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue.  So we just went to the beach at our hotel and made a day of it that way.  I still wish we could have enjoy the Shell Island trip.  It really is a great place to spend the day...maybe next time.

 

 

Friday was spent traveling back home.  Both kids did great!  Jon Kent didn't fuss once and Zoey only started fussing when it got close to her meal times.

 

The trip as a whole was a good time.  I hope the pictures show up for yall!  Enjoy them!!