6 years ago
Sunday, September 12, 2010
We've moved!
Hi everyone! This blog has is now located here. I decided to start a new blog called Sweet with a Few Nuts, and I hope you'll visit and bookmark it if you haven't already. You'll find both stories about our family as well as yummy recipes. Thanks for visiting!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A Huge Summer Update
Okay, this promises to be my longest blog post ever...seeing as how I haven't updated all summer. I don't know what is going on, but I seem to have lost much of my blog motivation. I guess it could also have something to do with the busyness that comes with chasing around a 2 year old! I saw another blog friend do this recently, and I'm hoping it will help motivate me to blog more often, too. So, if you are reading this blog, please post a comment at the end of this post...whether you are a friend, a friend of a friend, family, or a person I've never met before. Please post a comment!
This summer has been wonderful. I have truly enjoyed each and every minute I've spent with Hayden. He can be a handful, but he is such a blessing in my life...and I am so blessed to have a job where I can spend so much time with him. This promises to be a random conglomeration of pictures and events...but here goes.
We had a lot of fun at the beginning of the summer at Renaissance. Hayden just loves any kind of water there is and always jumps right in without hesitation.
Exclaiming "lader" the whole time
The other eye ended up the same color.
It was so pitiful!
This is a picture of Hayden and Lindsey that I just love from our trip to Trustmark Park. My cousin coaches baseball at Water Valley, and his team made it to the 3A state championship this year. The championship was at Trustmark Park, so we were able to go.
Hayden as a baseball player
Kristopher joins in the fun
Hayden is definitely all boy and loves doing anything involving being a boy.
Driving the big truck at Bass Pro Shops
Showing off his boxing skills. Look at that determination.
We went to a campout at Gran's house, and Hayden had his first swim in the pond.
This year, I helped with my church's Vacation Bible School. I taught 3rd grade Missions and absolutely loved it. I had three wonderful groups, and it was a huge blessing in my life. The theme this year was Saddle Ridge Ranch, and the missions room was called Firefly cavern. I kind of got a little excited this year and tried to decorate part of my room like a cavern. The cavern ended up being more difficult that I anticipated, and it was put up three times before it actually stayed. I was pretty pleased with the results and the kids loved it....but am planning on being a little less complicated next year! :o)
Give me some of that watermelon, Mom!
He was all about it!
We went for a trip to Jellystone water park in Pelahatchie. It was packed, but we still had a great time. I terrified Hayden. He was all about going down the slide when we got there. He and I climbed up, I let him slide down, and I went down behind him....only I didn't wait long enough and barreled right into him. It terrified him for a while, but he still loved it!
Gran sliding with Hayden
Lindsey taking him for a ride.
By the end of the trip, he was brave enough to try it again on his own.
CAUTION! This part includes material that is kind of gross. Right before his two year old birthday, Hayden started going backwards on his sleep. He wasn't really wanting to go down easily for naps or bedtime. Although I thought I would switch him over to his toddler bed when he turned two, I wasn't sure he was ready for it. Well, about a week before his birthday, I had to get ready for it. I had put Hayden down for his nap, and he was crying. I went in there to get on to him and tell him to sleep, but he continued crying. I decided to let him cry it out, and sure enough, he got quiet. He woke up a few hours later and was crying again.
I went in to his room to find quite a surprise. Hayden had taken his diaper off many times before and made messes with poo poo, but he had never managed to take off his shorts. Well, on this particular day, he had taken off both his shorts and his diaper. He had poo-pooed (sorry, gross...I know) and had rubbed it everywhere....on his crib, wall, dropped it out of the crib, you get the picture. He was like, "Mess! Clean it up." So, I began cleaning it up and preparing him for a bath. About that time, he bounded both legs over the crib for the first time and was like, "Woa!" Woa, indeed. He had poo-poo all over himself, taken off his shorts for the first time, and he was escaping his bed for the first time. I cleaned him up and put him back in his crib. Over it he went again, so Chris and I changed him over to a toddler bed that night.
We made a really big deal out of his new "big boy bed." He did great with it and went right to sleep. He did great for about a week until the newness wore off and he discovered he could play with his toys anytime he wanted. Well, after a week of that and getting spanked when he got out of bed (I know, we are mean parents), he started sleeping well again. I have been so proud of him, and he is so proud of himself.
He especially loves saying prayers before he goes to bed, but now, he wants to say them before his naps, too. Of course, this involves Chris or I saying his prayers for him, but he is so cute when he goes into his room, sits beside his bed, and puts his little hands together. He even said his own prayers today in the car...prayers to thank God for Kritiker (his cousin) and pizza and Kritiker and night and Kritiker and Moma and Kritiker and Dada and Kritiker and sandcastles and Kritiker...you get the idea...He loves Kristopher, his cousin. Kristopher is definitely duly prayed for by Hayden today.
Fast asleep his first night in his big boy bed
The only casualty of war that first night
He wanted to take a picture in his bed. This one is one of my favorites!
As he put each animal in the bed, he said “night, night” to them. Night, night elephant. Night, night teddy. Night, night froggy. It was so cute!
On July 22nd, we celebrated Hayden's two year old birthday! We celebrated on his birthday by taking him to Pump It Up in Flowood, MS. They have all kinds of inflatable jumpy things, and Hayden had a blast. Chris was able to take off work that morning to come, and Gran came, too. Chris and I also celebrated by taking Hayden to see his very first movie in the theatre the weekend before his birthday….Toy Story 3. Hayden is all about Buzz and Woody.
For some strange reason, I decided it would be a great idea to make Hayden’s birthday cake this year…complete with fondant decorations and homemade buttercream frosting. I really love making cheesecakes and cookies and thought I would enjoy doing a birthday cake, too. I also thought it would be cheaper than paying someone else to make the cake for me. Wrong on all thoughts! I definitely didn’t enjoy the process, and it definitely wasn’t cheaper after I ended up buying all the supplies I needed. I guess it would be cheaper if you made a lot of cakes over time, but this is going to be my first and last experience with fondant. The entire process was about 6 weeks including planning time, deciding what the cake would look like, making fondant, making the decorations, etc. Oh well! At least I tried it to see if I liked it. Next year, I will pay someone like $1,000 to make Hayden’s birthday cake for me. It is worth it not to go through the headache. Cheesecakes and cookies are definitely more my thing.
We celebrated Hayden’s actual birthday on July 24th (also our 6 year anniversary) at Gran’s house. We did a Madagascar themed party, because Hayden loves the movie, Madagascar. We grilled out hotdogs and hamburgers, opened presents, ate cake, and went for a swim. Brianna joined Hayden, Gran, Lindsey, and I for a swim in the pond. It was a fun day all around. Chris and I bought Hayden a battery powered John Deere tractor. Hayden is so proud of his tractor. He hasn’t gotten the complete hang of it, but he wants to ride it like every day.
Oh, and by the way, after the whole headache of the cake, I was actually pretty pleased with how it turned out. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it tasted good and could have been much uglier for sure. Hayden definitely enjoyed the cake, and I guess that is all that matters. You’ll see the pictures of the cake. The cake was frosted in buttercream with fondant polka dots, a fondant #2, and fondant stars shooting out. I ordered the Madagascar characters from the internet.
I guess the last big event of the summer was a trip to the beach. We usually go to Orange Beach, but due to the oil situation this year, we decided to move the trip a little bit down the coast to Destin, FL. Hayden rode to the beach with my mom, because I was in my friend Abby’s wedding…and Chris and I left straight for the beach after the wedding. We got to Destin around midnight, and we found out the next morning that Chris’ grandmother had passed away. This is his paternal grandmother who lived in Gadsden. I was so sad to hear of her passing but was glad that she no longer had to suffer. She had been on dialysis for kidney failure for several months, had recently broken a hip and had surgery, and most recently found out that she had colon cancer. We were expecting her to live a little longer, but we definitely weren’t surprised to hear of her passing.
Due to her death, Chris and I cut our trip to the beach a little short…but we still made the most of the day and half we were there. Hayden did great on the beach and really loved the sand. He loved building sandcastles and even rode some waves on a boogie board. He had a little sinus infection while we were there, so he had to take breathing treatments. There is a really cute picture of him asleep during his treatment. My favorite part of the trip was going to Fudpucker’s for lunch the day we left. They had alligators that you could feed, and our family took a picture with an alligator. Hayden definitely didn’t want to get too close to the alligator.
This summer has been wonderful. I have truly enjoyed each and every minute I've spent with Hayden. He can be a handful, but he is such a blessing in my life...and I am so blessed to have a job where I can spend so much time with him. This promises to be a random conglomeration of pictures and events...but here goes.
We had a lot of fun at the beginning of the summer at Renaissance. Hayden just loves any kind of water there is and always jumps right in without hesitation.
Exclaiming "lader" the whole time
He would fill up his cup in the fountain and drink the water! He drank a ton of water!
We had our first major injury this summer. Hayden always plays in the garage while I am cutting grass. The weekend before his accident, I had asked Chris to clean out the garage to make it more kid friendly...move out gas cans, fertilizer, etc. Chris did a wonderful job cleaning the garage. I was cutting grass a few days later, and I heard a loud crash. It was a huge scaffolding ladder that Hayden had pulled down on himself. Of course, he finds the one thing that was left in the garage and manages to hurt himself. The ladder fell and hit him on his face/head, and he fell back and hit the back of his head. He had a large gash under his eye and by his eye along with a massive knot on the back of his head. He also had some nice ladder rungs across his face for a day and a half. He was very upset and had a lot of blood coming out by his eye. Then, he started throwing up, and I felt like it was best that the doctor see him to rule out a concussion and/or the need for stitches. Both were ruled out thankfully, but it was scary....and Hayden ended up with double black eyes. Poor guy. It is the first of many, I'm sure! Chris and I told some people that he got in a playground fight and that they should see the other kid. Hehehe...
We had our first major injury this summer. Hayden always plays in the garage while I am cutting grass. The weekend before his accident, I had asked Chris to clean out the garage to make it more kid friendly...move out gas cans, fertilizer, etc. Chris did a wonderful job cleaning the garage. I was cutting grass a few days later, and I heard a loud crash. It was a huge scaffolding ladder that Hayden had pulled down on himself. Of course, he finds the one thing that was left in the garage and manages to hurt himself. The ladder fell and hit him on his face/head, and he fell back and hit the back of his head. He had a large gash under his eye and by his eye along with a massive knot on the back of his head. He also had some nice ladder rungs across his face for a day and a half. He was very upset and had a lot of blood coming out by his eye. Then, he started throwing up, and I felt like it was best that the doctor see him to rule out a concussion and/or the need for stitches. Both were ruled out thankfully, but it was scary....and Hayden ended up with double black eyes. Poor guy. It is the first of many, I'm sure! Chris and I told some people that he got in a playground fight and that they should see the other kid. Hehehe...
The other eye ended up the same color.
It was so pitiful!
This is a picture of Hayden and Lindsey that I just love from our trip to Trustmark Park. My cousin coaches baseball at Water Valley, and his team made it to the 3A state championship this year. The championship was at Trustmark Park, so we were able to go.
Hayden as a baseball player
Kristopher joins in the fun
Hayden is definitely all boy and loves doing anything involving being a boy.
Driving the big truck at Bass Pro Shops
Showing off his boxing skills. Look at that determination.
We went to a campout at Gran's house, and Hayden had his first swim in the pond.
This year, I helped with my church's Vacation Bible School. I taught 3rd grade Missions and absolutely loved it. I had three wonderful groups, and it was a huge blessing in my life. The theme this year was Saddle Ridge Ranch, and the missions room was called Firefly cavern. I kind of got a little excited this year and tried to decorate part of my room like a cavern. The cavern ended up being more difficult that I anticipated, and it was put up three times before it actually stayed. I was pretty pleased with the results and the kids loved it....but am planning on being a little less complicated next year! :o)
My friend, Leslie, had a baby boy at the beginning of June, and we went to Memphis when he was two weeks old to meet little Nathan. He is just as cute as ever, and thankfully, Hayden now has someone to loan hand-me downs to. By the way, aren't hand-me downs just the greatest? When Hayden was first born, I wanted to buy all these cute little clothes for him. That sure wore off after a few weeks when I realized how great free clothes were! Anyway, while we were in Memphis, we went to the Memphis Children's Museum. Hayden had lots of fun! They had so much fun stuff, but my favorite probably was the miniature Kroger where kids could shop and ring up their purchases at the cash register.
My friend, Abby, recently got married. Abby was my room-mate when we lived in the sorority house junior year. We had a shower for her, and it was so great to see so many friends. Congrats Abby and Matthew! And, thanks for allowing me to be apart of the wedding, too! It was beautiful! (I wish I had some pictures from the wedding, but hopefully, I will be able to upload some later.)
Some of us got pedicures beforehand at Aqua the Day Spa in Ridgeland.
The group of us at the shower.
Leslie, Abby, me and Juliana....Room 211 Delta Gamma House...and Abner's every Sunday...I miss these girls!
We spent July 4th visiting MaMaw, Kelli, and Brianna in Columbus. It was a weekend full of good food and Hayden's first experience with fireworks...at least that he can remember. He was in awe and sat in my lap the whole time just as still as could be. He also was all about the watermelon at the fireworks show. I didn't get any good pictures of the fireworks, but they were great.
My friend, Abby, recently got married. Abby was my room-mate when we lived in the sorority house junior year. We had a shower for her, and it was so great to see so many friends. Congrats Abby and Matthew! And, thanks for allowing me to be apart of the wedding, too! It was beautiful! (I wish I had some pictures from the wedding, but hopefully, I will be able to upload some later.)
Some of us got pedicures beforehand at Aqua the Day Spa in Ridgeland.
The group of us at the shower.
Leslie, Abby, me and Juliana....Room 211 Delta Gamma House...and Abner's every Sunday...I miss these girls!
We spent July 4th visiting MaMaw, Kelli, and Brianna in Columbus. It was a weekend full of good food and Hayden's first experience with fireworks...at least that he can remember. He was in awe and sat in my lap the whole time just as still as could be. He also was all about the watermelon at the fireworks show. I didn't get any good pictures of the fireworks, but they were great.
Give me some of that watermelon, Mom!
He was all about it!
We went for a trip to Jellystone water park in Pelahatchie. It was packed, but we still had a great time. I terrified Hayden. He was all about going down the slide when we got there. He and I climbed up, I let him slide down, and I went down behind him....only I didn't wait long enough and barreled right into him. It terrified him for a while, but he still loved it!
Gran sliding with Hayden
Lindsey taking him for a ride.
By the end of the trip, he was brave enough to try it again on his own.
CAUTION! This part includes material that is kind of gross. Right before his two year old birthday, Hayden started going backwards on his sleep. He wasn't really wanting to go down easily for naps or bedtime. Although I thought I would switch him over to his toddler bed when he turned two, I wasn't sure he was ready for it. Well, about a week before his birthday, I had to get ready for it. I had put Hayden down for his nap, and he was crying. I went in there to get on to him and tell him to sleep, but he continued crying. I decided to let him cry it out, and sure enough, he got quiet. He woke up a few hours later and was crying again.
I went in to his room to find quite a surprise. Hayden had taken his diaper off many times before and made messes with poo poo, but he had never managed to take off his shorts. Well, on this particular day, he had taken off both his shorts and his diaper. He had poo-pooed (sorry, gross...I know) and had rubbed it everywhere....on his crib, wall, dropped it out of the crib, you get the picture. He was like, "Mess! Clean it up." So, I began cleaning it up and preparing him for a bath. About that time, he bounded both legs over the crib for the first time and was like, "Woa!" Woa, indeed. He had poo-poo all over himself, taken off his shorts for the first time, and he was escaping his bed for the first time. I cleaned him up and put him back in his crib. Over it he went again, so Chris and I changed him over to a toddler bed that night.
We made a really big deal out of his new "big boy bed." He did great with it and went right to sleep. He did great for about a week until the newness wore off and he discovered he could play with his toys anytime he wanted. Well, after a week of that and getting spanked when he got out of bed (I know, we are mean parents), he started sleeping well again. I have been so proud of him, and he is so proud of himself.
He especially loves saying prayers before he goes to bed, but now, he wants to say them before his naps, too. Of course, this involves Chris or I saying his prayers for him, but he is so cute when he goes into his room, sits beside his bed, and puts his little hands together. He even said his own prayers today in the car...prayers to thank God for Kritiker (his cousin) and pizza and Kritiker and night and Kritiker and Moma and Kritiker and Dada and Kritiker and sandcastles and Kritiker...you get the idea...He loves Kristopher, his cousin. Kristopher is definitely duly prayed for by Hayden today.
Fast asleep his first night in his big boy bed
The only casualty of war that first night
He wanted to take a picture in his bed. This one is one of my favorites!
As he put each animal in the bed, he said “night, night” to them. Night, night elephant. Night, night teddy. Night, night froggy. It was so cute!
On July 22nd, we celebrated Hayden's two year old birthday! We celebrated on his birthday by taking him to Pump It Up in Flowood, MS. They have all kinds of inflatable jumpy things, and Hayden had a blast. Chris was able to take off work that morning to come, and Gran came, too. Chris and I also celebrated by taking Hayden to see his very first movie in the theatre the weekend before his birthday….Toy Story 3. Hayden is all about Buzz and Woody.
For some strange reason, I decided it would be a great idea to make Hayden’s birthday cake this year…complete with fondant decorations and homemade buttercream frosting. I really love making cheesecakes and cookies and thought I would enjoy doing a birthday cake, too. I also thought it would be cheaper than paying someone else to make the cake for me. Wrong on all thoughts! I definitely didn’t enjoy the process, and it definitely wasn’t cheaper after I ended up buying all the supplies I needed. I guess it would be cheaper if you made a lot of cakes over time, but this is going to be my first and last experience with fondant. The entire process was about 6 weeks including planning time, deciding what the cake would look like, making fondant, making the decorations, etc. Oh well! At least I tried it to see if I liked it. Next year, I will pay someone like $1,000 to make Hayden’s birthday cake for me. It is worth it not to go through the headache. Cheesecakes and cookies are definitely more my thing.
We celebrated Hayden’s actual birthday on July 24th (also our 6 year anniversary) at Gran’s house. We did a Madagascar themed party, because Hayden loves the movie, Madagascar. We grilled out hotdogs and hamburgers, opened presents, ate cake, and went for a swim. Brianna joined Hayden, Gran, Lindsey, and I for a swim in the pond. It was a fun day all around. Chris and I bought Hayden a battery powered John Deere tractor. Hayden is so proud of his tractor. He hasn’t gotten the complete hang of it, but he wants to ride it like every day.
Oh, and by the way, after the whole headache of the cake, I was actually pretty pleased with how it turned out. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it tasted good and could have been much uglier for sure. Hayden definitely enjoyed the cake, and I guess that is all that matters. You’ll see the pictures of the cake. The cake was frosted in buttercream with fondant polka dots, a fondant #2, and fondant stars shooting out. I ordered the Madagascar characters from the internet.
I guess the last big event of the summer was a trip to the beach. We usually go to Orange Beach, but due to the oil situation this year, we decided to move the trip a little bit down the coast to Destin, FL. Hayden rode to the beach with my mom, because I was in my friend Abby’s wedding…and Chris and I left straight for the beach after the wedding. We got to Destin around midnight, and we found out the next morning that Chris’ grandmother had passed away. This is his paternal grandmother who lived in Gadsden. I was so sad to hear of her passing but was glad that she no longer had to suffer. She had been on dialysis for kidney failure for several months, had recently broken a hip and had surgery, and most recently found out that she had colon cancer. We were expecting her to live a little longer, but we definitely weren’t surprised to hear of her passing.
Due to her death, Chris and I cut our trip to the beach a little short…but we still made the most of the day and half we were there. Hayden did great on the beach and really loved the sand. He loved building sandcastles and even rode some waves on a boogie board. He had a little sinus infection while we were there, so he had to take breathing treatments. There is a really cute picture of him asleep during his treatment. My favorite part of the trip was going to Fudpucker’s for lunch the day we left. They had alligators that you could feed, and our family took a picture with an alligator. Hayden definitely didn’t want to get too close to the alligator.
Yes, that is a real alligator Gran is holding. And, yes....there is definitely tape around his mouth.
Chris and I left from Destin for the funeral in Gadsden, AL. God worked out all the details for us, though…of course! Chris had his suit since we came straight from Abby’s wedding. I had some black heels since I was an attendant in the wedding, and I even brought a black dress in case Chris and I wanted to go out to eat while we were in Destin for our anniversary. My mom was able to take Hayden back with her so that we didn’t put Hayden through tons more driving and a funeral. God is so good! His grandmother will definitely be missed but left a wonderful Christian legacy behind. I was so glad we went to visit earlier in the year so Hayden could see her. That was probably one of her last good days. God really is good!
So, you can see that the summer was full of fun and was very busy. Don’t forget to post a comment, and hopefully, this will motivate me to blog more often! Sorry for the long post!
Chris and I left from Destin for the funeral in Gadsden, AL. God worked out all the details for us, though…of course! Chris had his suit since we came straight from Abby’s wedding. I had some black heels since I was an attendant in the wedding, and I even brought a black dress in case Chris and I wanted to go out to eat while we were in Destin for our anniversary. My mom was able to take Hayden back with her so that we didn’t put Hayden through tons more driving and a funeral. God is so good! His grandmother will definitely be missed but left a wonderful Christian legacy behind. I was so glad we went to visit earlier in the year so Hayden could see her. That was probably one of her last good days. God really is good!
So, you can see that the summer was full of fun and was very busy. Don’t forget to post a comment, and hopefully, this will motivate me to blog more often! Sorry for the long post!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Long Time, Huh?
Long time, no see! I haven't posted since I posted our Christmas pictures, so needless to say, this post is long overdue! Around February, I began travelling much more so I could get all of my days done in the school district I was working in this year. I went from travelling two days a week to just about every day. So, my blogging went to the wayside because of the travelling. I finished all of my travelling for the school year at the end of March, but I guess I've spent the last month just recovering from travelling back and forth so much.
The bad news was that I had to travel so much, but the good news is definitely that I am done with all of my travelling for the school year and have been home with Hayden every day since the end of March. It has been so wonderful being at home with him every day...adventurous and busy and tiring but such a blessing!
Speaking of Hayden, he is 21 months old and has changed so much since my last post. He talks up a storm and learns new things every day. He really hardly ever is quiet and is such a ham. He loves animals, buses, trains, airplanes, Mickey Mouse (toodles), Pooh, and especially, his dog Gus. He and Gus play outside almost every day, or we will take Gus for a walk around the neighborhood (aka....tiring down Hayden so he will take a nap and/or sleep well at night). Right now, we are working on his numbers, colors, and shapes. I also bought him a potty yesterday at Wal Mart. Recently, he has been telling us that he needs to go potty, and a couple of times, he has successfully told us in time. I don't know that he is ready for potty training, but he went in his potty this morning...so we'll see how this goes. He also knows about Noah's Ark and Moses, and anytime, he sees angels, he says, "Jesus' angels." He has learned some of the blessing, too.
The other big news in our family is that we are selling our house. Yes, it is very unexpected. We built this home in 2008 and were expecting to stay in it for about 7 or 8 years, but God is just pointing us in a different direction right now due to financial and family reasons. We love this house, but it is just a house. It is For Sale By Owner, and our sign has been up for about 4 weeks now. We have a lot of ride-bys and people taking flyers, and we've had a few people come and look at it. God will direct the rest, and we are lucky to be in a good position where we don't have to sell but feel like it is the right thing to do.
So, I am posting a massive amount of posts to update everyone on what we have been doing. One of my friends told me recently that our Christmas pictures just weren't doing it for her anymore, so this should give y'all plenty of pictures to look at. There are five new posts below this one, so keep on reading after this! Once you get finished with our snow pictures, you are finished with the new posts.
By the way, my Mom (aka...Gran) recently started a blog of her own. It really is wonderful, and I hope you will visit it soon. Click here to visit her blog.
I'll try to do better with posting more frequently from now on! :o)
The bad news was that I had to travel so much, but the good news is definitely that I am done with all of my travelling for the school year and have been home with Hayden every day since the end of March. It has been so wonderful being at home with him every day...adventurous and busy and tiring but such a blessing!
Speaking of Hayden, he is 21 months old and has changed so much since my last post. He talks up a storm and learns new things every day. He really hardly ever is quiet and is such a ham. He loves animals, buses, trains, airplanes, Mickey Mouse (toodles), Pooh, and especially, his dog Gus. He and Gus play outside almost every day, or we will take Gus for a walk around the neighborhood (aka....tiring down Hayden so he will take a nap and/or sleep well at night). Right now, we are working on his numbers, colors, and shapes. I also bought him a potty yesterday at Wal Mart. Recently, he has been telling us that he needs to go potty, and a couple of times, he has successfully told us in time. I don't know that he is ready for potty training, but he went in his potty this morning...so we'll see how this goes. He also knows about Noah's Ark and Moses, and anytime, he sees angels, he says, "Jesus' angels." He has learned some of the blessing, too.
The other big news in our family is that we are selling our house. Yes, it is very unexpected. We built this home in 2008 and were expecting to stay in it for about 7 or 8 years, but God is just pointing us in a different direction right now due to financial and family reasons. We love this house, but it is just a house. It is For Sale By Owner, and our sign has been up for about 4 weeks now. We have a lot of ride-bys and people taking flyers, and we've had a few people come and look at it. God will direct the rest, and we are lucky to be in a good position where we don't have to sell but feel like it is the right thing to do.
So, I am posting a massive amount of posts to update everyone on what we have been doing. One of my friends told me recently that our Christmas pictures just weren't doing it for her anymore, so this should give y'all plenty of pictures to look at. There are five new posts below this one, so keep on reading after this! Once you get finished with our snow pictures, you are finished with the new posts.
By the way, my Mom (aka...Gran) recently started a blog of her own. It really is wonderful, and I hope you will visit it soon. Click here to visit her blog.
I'll try to do better with posting more frequently from now on! :o)
A Bunch of Random Stuff Lately
Like I said in my earlier post, we have been busy bees since I ended my work for the year, and I have absolutely loved my time at home with Hayden. The following are just some random events that have happened in the last several months that don't really fit into any other blog post.
Several months ago, I made another trip to Easely Amused. I had previously blogged about a trip with my Sunday School class where we painted some pumpkins. This time, the trip was with some women from our church, and we painted a paisley cross. I had heard that it was more difficult, so I was nervous...but I was pleasantly surprised that it actually turned out alright. I haven't hung my pictures anywhere in the house yet, since none of them really match our colors. Maybe, I will start an art gallery sometime soon. Hehehe....just kidding, of course.
He was just getting started right here.
You can probably tell how soaked he is here.
Several months ago, I made another trip to Easely Amused. I had previously blogged about a trip with my Sunday School class where we painted some pumpkins. This time, the trip was with some women from our church, and we painted a paisley cross. I had heard that it was more difficult, so I was nervous...but I was pleasantly surprised that it actually turned out alright. I haven't hung my pictures anywhere in the house yet, since none of them really match our colors. Maybe, I will start an art gallery sometime soon. Hehehe....just kidding, of course.
This was the goal picture that was painted by the Easely Amused staff.
This was my finished product. Pretty good, if I do say so myself. They really do make it so easy for you. The paisleys are just backwards sixes.
This was the entire group from Morrison Heights. Notice that one girl did different colors. Hers was for someone's nursery and turned out super cute! I couldn't get that brave, though.
Recently, Hayden had his first experience riding on those little moving animals you see in malls and shopping centers. Hayden, because of his great love for buses, had to ride the yellow bus first. He loves yellow buses. Next, he had to ride the "choo choo kain"...aka choo choo train. Finally, he had to ride the donkey. He said "hee haw" the entire ride.
We had a great Easter weekend. Hayden isn't quite old enough to understand the Easter bunny yet, and he doesn't like chocolate (is this really my kid?)...so the Easter bunny didn't bring a lot this year. I'm hoping he can understand a little more next year and especially that we can teach him what Easter is really all about....the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here is a family pic and a picture of Hayden's Easter basket.
Hayden loves water! Although he recently went on a little streak where he hated taking baths and screamed every time, he is loving them again. Every time he sees water while we are driving down the road, he has to tell us all about it. He can't quite get the "w" sound down, so water actually comes out as "lader." A few weeks ago, Chris and I went and got some yogurt at a place in Flowood called Berry Berry Good Frozen Yogurt. (Their yogurt is outstanding, by the way...the white chocolate is the best!) They have one of those frog fountains outside, where the water comes straight up from the concrete. Hayden went over to it, and it was on! He had a fabulous time getting soaking wet, pointing, splashing, and exclaiming "lader!" the entire time. He was so funny and cracked everyone up who was outside. I knew he would like it, but I had no idea he would get right into it and stick his face in it. Thankfully, we had a change of clothes.
He was just getting started right here.
You can probably tell how soaked he is here.
The next pictures are just random pictures.
This is from the Natural Science Museum. He looks like such a big boy here. Of course, he is a big boy. :o)
This was his first ride in one of the car buggies at Kroger. He drove us through all of Kroger.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A trip to the zoo
Hayden loves animals! I mean, this kid really loves animals. Since he was about 18 months, he has been enfatuated with learning animal names and knows more animal names than any other 21 month old I know. What kid knows what a bison is when they are 19 months old?
So, the first warmer weekend that we could, we took Hayden to the Jackson zoo. It was a wonderful trip, and Hayden loved it. The entire trip was just one long exlamation! "Giraffes!" "Elephants!" "Tigers!" He was so excited. There were some birds that scared him half to death, but other than that, he had a great time!
He even got to go in the petting zoo. There was one goat that laid in a swimming pool the entire time and let the kids brush him. Needless to say, Hayden isn't professional with his brushing technique and ended up half hitting the goat with the brush. Chris and I are convinced they must have given this goat some tranquilizers.
So, the first warmer weekend that we could, we took Hayden to the Jackson zoo. It was a wonderful trip, and Hayden loved it. The entire trip was just one long exlamation! "Giraffes!" "Elephants!" "Tigers!" He was so excited. There were some birds that scared him half to death, but other than that, he had a great time!
He even got to go in the petting zoo. There was one goat that laid in a swimming pool the entire time and let the kids brush him. Needless to say, Hayden isn't professional with his brushing technique and ended up half hitting the goat with the brush. Chris and I are convinced they must have given this goat some tranquilizers.
A Trip to Gadsden
In March of this year, our family took a trip to Gadsden, AL to see some of Chris' family. Hayden had never met any of the Gadsden family, so needless to say, it was a long overdue trip. We had a great trip, and it was so great to see so many family members. Chris has family members on both sides in the Gadsden area - his aunt, uncle, and cousins on his Mom's side and his grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins on his Dad's side. And, it was especially wonderful for Hayden to meet his great-grandmother. I was so thankful that he got to spend some time with her.
Here are some pictures from our trip, even though I wish I had taken more pictures. Chris and I took Hayden to Noccalula falls in Gadsden while we were there. The falls are beautiful, and Hayden especially loved all the ducks.
Here are some pictures from our trip, even though I wish I had taken more pictures. Chris and I took Hayden to Noccalula falls in Gadsden while we were there. The falls are beautiful, and Hayden especially loved all the ducks.
Mess!
Hayden really is a mess, figuratively and sometimes literally. He never ceases to crack me up every day and is such a joy each and every day. He has his times when he can be really hard-headed and throw his little fits, but most of the time, he is really sweet.
There is one thing that he really hates...messes. I guess he has watched me being a kind of neat freak, and I have rubbed off on him. He is really good about cleaning up his toys and doesn't like having a lot out at one time, so he will pick up a toy and take it back to his room while simultaneously singing the clean-up song. After every meal, he takes his napkin and tries to clean his mess off the table. And, he hates getting food on his hands and only wants to use a napkin once after wiping his hands. He is always picking up things off the floor and taking them to the garbage. He has been going outside a lot lately to play with Gus, and if he gets the slightest bit of dirt on his hands, he comes to the door holding up his hand and saying "mess!" I'm really going to have to teach him that it is good to be dirty, especially when you are a little boy.
Well, this particular "messy" event happened several months ago. I was feeding Hayden dinner and was simultaneously getting ready for Wednesday night bible study. As a parent, you always know that when everything is really quiet, it is time to get scared. Well, I was in the bathroom getting ready and noticed that Hayden was being unusally quiet. Well, I walked in the kitchen to find a nice surprise. Needless to say, Hayden had a great time with his potatoes. When I walked into the kitchen, he looked at me with the biggest smile and said, "Mess!" All I could do at that point was just laugh and grab the camera. Of course, he said, "Cheese!"
What a mess! :o)
There is one thing that he really hates...messes. I guess he has watched me being a kind of neat freak, and I have rubbed off on him. He is really good about cleaning up his toys and doesn't like having a lot out at one time, so he will pick up a toy and take it back to his room while simultaneously singing the clean-up song. After every meal, he takes his napkin and tries to clean his mess off the table. And, he hates getting food on his hands and only wants to use a napkin once after wiping his hands. He is always picking up things off the floor and taking them to the garbage. He has been going outside a lot lately to play with Gus, and if he gets the slightest bit of dirt on his hands, he comes to the door holding up his hand and saying "mess!" I'm really going to have to teach him that it is good to be dirty, especially when you are a little boy.
Well, this particular "messy" event happened several months ago. I was feeding Hayden dinner and was simultaneously getting ready for Wednesday night bible study. As a parent, you always know that when everything is really quiet, it is time to get scared. Well, I was in the bathroom getting ready and noticed that Hayden was being unusally quiet. Well, I walked in the kitchen to find a nice surprise. Needless to say, Hayden had a great time with his potatoes. When I walked into the kitchen, he looked at me with the biggest smile and said, "Mess!" All I could do at that point was just laugh and grab the camera. Of course, he said, "Cheese!"
What a mess! :o)
SNOW! - February 12, 2010
Can you believe Mississippi actually got some snow...and a substantial amount this year? The weather forecasters had been predicting large amounts, but because Mississippi never receives much snow at all, I must admit that I was dubious. Because of the large amount that was predicted, I knew that I wanted Hayden to have a full snow experience if we were going to get as much as predicted. It was hard for me to imagine staying in the city for so much snow, so the night all the snow was supposed to start, the four of us (Chris, Hayden, Gus, and I) headed out to my Mom's house in Pelahatchie. What better place to experience so much snow than in the wide open country!
Sure enough, the snow started the night of February 11th and continued through mid-day on the 12th. At my last measurement, my mom received a little over 7 inches of snow. It was beautiful. As far as Hayden goes, he had fun but hated getting down in the snow. He liked it for a short while and then just got mad at it. Chris was able to stay for a little while that morning, but then, he had to go to work.
So, after putting Hayden down for his nap, my mom and I started on my very first snow man. I had never built a snow man before, so it was really fun. It didn't turn out to be a perfect snow man, but I was pretty proud of it.
Hayden and I left after he woke up from his nap, and Clinton was still a blanket of white. Unfortunately, the snow had turned into an icee-like mixture, so that was the end of playing in it.
Here are some pictures from the snow.
Sure enough, the snow started the night of February 11th and continued through mid-day on the 12th. At my last measurement, my mom received a little over 7 inches of snow. It was beautiful. As far as Hayden goes, he had fun but hated getting down in the snow. He liked it for a short while and then just got mad at it. Chris was able to stay for a little while that morning, but then, he had to go to work.
So, after putting Hayden down for his nap, my mom and I started on my very first snow man. I had never built a snow man before, so it was really fun. It didn't turn out to be a perfect snow man, but I was pretty proud of it.
Hayden and I left after he woke up from his nap, and Clinton was still a blanket of white. Unfortunately, the snow had turned into an icee-like mixture, so that was the end of playing in it.
Here are some pictures from the snow.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Christmas 2009
We had a wonderful Christmas this year! Hayden had a lot of fun and was able to do so much more this year compared to last year. It really is amazing the difference a year makes. :o) Hayden had his own little tree this year, which thankfully kept him away from our big tree. Mostly, he loved dumping the Christmas tree balls all over the floor and getting glitter everywhere. :o)
He loved opening presents, and although he really can't understand what Christmas is really all about, I can't imagine what a difference another year will make as far as that goes! I'm hoping I can get the nativity set I want before next year, so we can start teaching him about the Christmas story.
Here are some pictures from our Christmas.
Hayden was really silly with his cousins this year at Gran's house. This is a picture of them chasing each other down the hall and laughing their heads off. Every once in a while, they would jump on top of each other in a huge dogpile and just giggle and giggle. Hayden loves "Linyey" and "Kritiker." :o) You will have to mute the music to hear all the laughter. :o)
He loved opening presents, and although he really can't understand what Christmas is really all about, I can't imagine what a difference another year will make as far as that goes! I'm hoping I can get the nativity set I want before next year, so we can start teaching him about the Christmas story.
Here are some pictures from our Christmas.
Hayden was really silly with his cousins this year at Gran's house. This is a picture of them chasing each other down the hall and laughing their heads off. Every once in a while, they would jump on top of each other in a huge dogpile and just giggle and giggle. Hayden loves "Linyey" and "Kritiker." :o) You will have to mute the music to hear all the laughter. :o)
Friday, December 18, 2009
My Purim 2009
You are probably wondering what in the world my post title means…Purim, what in the world is that? Well, Purim is a yearly Jewish feast that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews during the time of Esther. I’m not Jewish, but I feel I have every reason to celebrate just as the Jews do each and every year. Let me explain.
I have loved the work schedule I have for so many reasons. One reason is that I get to stay home with Hayden some during the week and still do a little work, too. The other reason is that I get to enjoy Wednesday morning bible studies at my church with some wonderful, godly women, and that has been such a wonderful blessing for the past several years. This past year, I enrolled in a bible study called “Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman.” I had always loved the book of Esther and its story but never had studied it in very much detail. This study is a study written by Beth Moore, and it really touched my heart in so many ways. I definitely recommend the study if you haven’t done it before. You can buy it online at Lifeway Christian Bookstore. I recommend purchasing the study booklet and audio CDs. The study booklet is done at home, and the audio CDs include all of the in-class lessons so that you can listen to them in your car.
The study discussed several reasons why it is tough being a woman. It is tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment. It is tough being a woman in another woman’s shadow. It is tough being a woman in the tight grip of fear. It is tough being a woman thrown a giant-sized weight. You get the picture. The study also focuses a lot on a term called “reversal of destinies” and how God is a God all about reversals. Think about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to this earth as a perfect Man to save us all, and He was mocked and scoffed at and crucified on a cross. And, one day, He will return and will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How’s that for a reversal – from the most humiliating death at the time to being glorified for eternity.
Think about reversals in your own life. Have you had any? Have you been through anything tough in your life and come out on the other side a changed person? Have you seen the hand of God at work taking you through difficult circumstances to change you for His glory? I hope you have. That is what my Purim is all about. Purim for me is all about the celebration of going through a fiery trial and coming out on the other side a changed person for the glory of God. Only God could do something like that. I know it firsthand.
Although I am not a Jew, I have set a time aside each year to celebrate my own deliverance…deliverance from sin and death but also deliverance from some strongholds in my life. December 18th is a significant day in my journey with God to reverse some things in my own life and seemed only appropriate as the day for me to set my yearly Purim celebration. Anyone who has gone through anything difficult in their own life can agree that Christmas can be a very joyous time each year but can be a very difficult time as well, as you remember things that have happened in your life. This is true for me, too.
When I was a young girl, I loved Christmas. I loved spending time with family and playing games with family and having traditions as a family. Basically, Christmas for me was time spent with my family. Well, in one year of my life, all of that was swooped away, and it was devastating for me. That year of my life was the most difficult time I have ever been through and can ever imagine going through. That year of my life forced me to work through some lifelong issues I had and to rely more on God than I ever had. God became more of a central thing in my life as He guided me to and through the right people who could help me work through things. There were so many times when I remember just feeling so alone and so confused and just had to ask God to wrap His arms around me. I needed His love to guide me and sustain me, and it was only His love that brought me through it.
As difficult as the situations were during that year and as much as they still hurt sometimes, God has taken those situations that He allowed me to go through and made me stronger through Him. One of my favorite verses since all of this happened has been 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
God can make you strong if you realize your own weakness without Him. You must humble yourself before Him and others so that it could only be Him that could explain it. Well, only God could explain the changes that have happened since then. These are just a few of my reversals: from pretense to truth, from make-believe to real, from my control to God’s control, from confused husband/wife roles to learning how to be the wife/husband God wants Chris and I to be, from a false baptism to a true baptism, from insecurity to realizing where my security comes from, and so many others. I am convinced that Hayden would not be here had I not gone through what I went through that year and that I definitely wouldn’t be the mother I am now if I hadn’t. I am also convinced Chris and I would be different partners for each other had we not been through what we went through that year.
Is everything with the situation perfect? No? Is Christmas still difficult? Yes. But, I have reason to celebrate. God took me (and Chris) through difficult situation after difficult situation during that year and brought us both out on the other side. There might be some wounds there, but God has healed so many others. For that, I am blessed and have reason to celebrate. I continue to pray for more reversals to occur and for continued growth in my Christian life, but for those that have already happened, I celebrate today.
Maybe Christmas is a difficult time for you. Maybe you have deep emotional hurts that dwindle your joy during this season. Just remember that it is all about a baby who was born to save us all. Just remember that if you rely on Him, He can reverse all the hurt and turn it in to amazement. He can teach you so much about yourself and can glorify Himself through you. You just have to let Him. I don’t want sound like I am over-simplifying the process. The process of healing is not easy and is not quick, and that alone is done in God’s time.
What am I going to do for my Purim celebration? Well, I’m going to spend a wonderful day with my husband and child. Tonight, Chris and I are enjoying the opportunity to let our church watch our son so we can do something together. And, I might even enjoy some Hamantaschen. Do the study…you’ll know what I mean.
I hope this Christmas is one full of blessings for you and your family. May you remember the reason for this season.
I have loved the work schedule I have for so many reasons. One reason is that I get to stay home with Hayden some during the week and still do a little work, too. The other reason is that I get to enjoy Wednesday morning bible studies at my church with some wonderful, godly women, and that has been such a wonderful blessing for the past several years. This past year, I enrolled in a bible study called “Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman.” I had always loved the book of Esther and its story but never had studied it in very much detail. This study is a study written by Beth Moore, and it really touched my heart in so many ways. I definitely recommend the study if you haven’t done it before. You can buy it online at Lifeway Christian Bookstore. I recommend purchasing the study booklet and audio CDs. The study booklet is done at home, and the audio CDs include all of the in-class lessons so that you can listen to them in your car.
The study discussed several reasons why it is tough being a woman. It is tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment. It is tough being a woman in another woman’s shadow. It is tough being a woman in the tight grip of fear. It is tough being a woman thrown a giant-sized weight. You get the picture. The study also focuses a lot on a term called “reversal of destinies” and how God is a God all about reversals. Think about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to this earth as a perfect Man to save us all, and He was mocked and scoffed at and crucified on a cross. And, one day, He will return and will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How’s that for a reversal – from the most humiliating death at the time to being glorified for eternity.
Think about reversals in your own life. Have you had any? Have you been through anything tough in your life and come out on the other side a changed person? Have you seen the hand of God at work taking you through difficult circumstances to change you for His glory? I hope you have. That is what my Purim is all about. Purim for me is all about the celebration of going through a fiery trial and coming out on the other side a changed person for the glory of God. Only God could do something like that. I know it firsthand.
Although I am not a Jew, I have set a time aside each year to celebrate my own deliverance…deliverance from sin and death but also deliverance from some strongholds in my life. December 18th is a significant day in my journey with God to reverse some things in my own life and seemed only appropriate as the day for me to set my yearly Purim celebration. Anyone who has gone through anything difficult in their own life can agree that Christmas can be a very joyous time each year but can be a very difficult time as well, as you remember things that have happened in your life. This is true for me, too.
When I was a young girl, I loved Christmas. I loved spending time with family and playing games with family and having traditions as a family. Basically, Christmas for me was time spent with my family. Well, in one year of my life, all of that was swooped away, and it was devastating for me. That year of my life was the most difficult time I have ever been through and can ever imagine going through. That year of my life forced me to work through some lifelong issues I had and to rely more on God than I ever had. God became more of a central thing in my life as He guided me to and through the right people who could help me work through things. There were so many times when I remember just feeling so alone and so confused and just had to ask God to wrap His arms around me. I needed His love to guide me and sustain me, and it was only His love that brought me through it.
As difficult as the situations were during that year and as much as they still hurt sometimes, God has taken those situations that He allowed me to go through and made me stronger through Him. One of my favorite verses since all of this happened has been 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
God can make you strong if you realize your own weakness without Him. You must humble yourself before Him and others so that it could only be Him that could explain it. Well, only God could explain the changes that have happened since then. These are just a few of my reversals: from pretense to truth, from make-believe to real, from my control to God’s control, from confused husband/wife roles to learning how to be the wife/husband God wants Chris and I to be, from a false baptism to a true baptism, from insecurity to realizing where my security comes from, and so many others. I am convinced that Hayden would not be here had I not gone through what I went through that year and that I definitely wouldn’t be the mother I am now if I hadn’t. I am also convinced Chris and I would be different partners for each other had we not been through what we went through that year.
Is everything with the situation perfect? No? Is Christmas still difficult? Yes. But, I have reason to celebrate. God took me (and Chris) through difficult situation after difficult situation during that year and brought us both out on the other side. There might be some wounds there, but God has healed so many others. For that, I am blessed and have reason to celebrate. I continue to pray for more reversals to occur and for continued growth in my Christian life, but for those that have already happened, I celebrate today.
Maybe Christmas is a difficult time for you. Maybe you have deep emotional hurts that dwindle your joy during this season. Just remember that it is all about a baby who was born to save us all. Just remember that if you rely on Him, He can reverse all the hurt and turn it in to amazement. He can teach you so much about yourself and can glorify Himself through you. You just have to let Him. I don’t want sound like I am over-simplifying the process. The process of healing is not easy and is not quick, and that alone is done in God’s time.
What am I going to do for my Purim celebration? Well, I’m going to spend a wonderful day with my husband and child. Tonight, Chris and I are enjoying the opportunity to let our church watch our son so we can do something together. And, I might even enjoy some Hamantaschen. Do the study…you’ll know what I mean.
I hope this Christmas is one full of blessings for you and your family. May you remember the reason for this season.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Last Month
I can’t believe I haven’t blogged in so long. Actually, I really can. :o) It has been a crazy month in our household, which included a strange illness that lingered forever in our house and left me with pneumonia for about a week. Thankfully, all are well in our house now, and we are ready to enjoy the Christmas holidays.
Part of the group before we started
Okay, I've had enough! The dogs knocked him down, and he wasn't happy! :o)
I just thought I would update the blog with some pictures from the last month.
There is a new place in Jackson called Easely Amused. There are different classes where you go and they teach you to paint a specific picture. Well, some of the girls from my Sunday School class went, and we painted a picture with some pumpkins. It was really fun, and I definitely can't wait to go again. And, my picture actually ended up looking pretty good...for someone who can't paint or draw. :o)
Part of the group before we started
The goal for the finished product
Houston...we have success! Pumpkins!
A couple of weeks ago, we got a little snow. Yep, that's right...snow in central Mississippi. Hayden was staying with Gran to give Chris and I a chance to finally do something for my birthday, so he got to experience his first snow in Pelahatchie. Actually, they were at the Brandon Christmas parade when it started snowing, and they got to see Santa go by in the snow. How cool is that! :o) Here are some pictures of him that morning.
He was enjoying it here!
Oooo.....look at it! By the way, don't you love my hat! :o)
Okay, I've had enough! The dogs knocked him down, and he wasn't happy! :o)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
More Fall Fun and a Belated Halloween
I'm a little behind on posting some of these pictures, but it's been a busy fall! The day after the fair, Chris and I took Hayden to the MS Museum of Natural Science. We didn't know if he was too young for it, but as much as he enjoyed the animals at the petting zoo at the fair, we figured we'd try it. Well, he loved it. He spent most of the time running from one place to another and pointing and telling us all about it. I don't know how much he could appreciate some of it, because he was going so fast through everything. But, he definitely had a great time.
Last weekend, Hayden was able to go to his first Mississippi State game. We had a great time. My mom, brother and his family, and Chris and I bought some season tickets this year so that we would have enough for some of us to go every once in a while. Little did we know, all of us could go, since Kristopher and Hayden didn't need tickets. We didn't know how well Hayden would do in the stands and figured he wouldn't last long at all, but we weren't too worried about it since we figured there was no way State could beat Florida. Well, much to our surprise, our Dawgs played super hard and kept it a close game, and Hayden was able to stay into the 4th quarter. I was so proud of him. At the beginning of the game, he thrashed all around and acted like he wanted to get down and run around in the stands. After a few minutes of holding him in one place, he figured it out and was able to enjoy the game and all the activity. Here is a picture of our family at the game.
I even got a picture of him ringing the cowbell.
Hayden really does have a very funny personality. He learns quickly and mimics often, and he loves shoes. He brings you shoes and insists that you put them on your feet or on his feet and even tries to put them on by himself sometimes. Here is Hayden in Chris' new boots.
I love these pictures, too. Can you tell I had been cleaning all week?
Halloween didn't go quite as planned this year. We were supposed to go to the Fall Harvest at church Halloween night, and Hayden was going to be the cutest fisherman there. Hayden had been having a cough for a couple of weeks, and he was a little hoarse on Friday. By Friday evening, he was running a fever. We went to the after hours clinic Halloween morning, and Hayden had bronchitis. He was cleared by the pediatrician to go to the Fall Harvest that night, so we were excited that he was still going to be a fisherman. Hayden took a turn for the worse Halloween evening. His fever rose higher than it had been, and he stopped eating. He just wanted to lay around and was pitiful. I was hoping to at least get pictures of him in his Halloween outfit yesterday, but he didn't feel like it at all. I kept him home from church this morning to make sure he gets better before the week starts, and he felt like getting dressed up and have a belated Halloween this morning with me. (Chris had to go out of town for work this morning.)
Last weekend, Hayden was able to go to his first Mississippi State game. We had a great time. My mom, brother and his family, and Chris and I bought some season tickets this year so that we would have enough for some of us to go every once in a while. Little did we know, all of us could go, since Kristopher and Hayden didn't need tickets. We didn't know how well Hayden would do in the stands and figured he wouldn't last long at all, but we weren't too worried about it since we figured there was no way State could beat Florida. Well, much to our surprise, our Dawgs played super hard and kept it a close game, and Hayden was able to stay into the 4th quarter. I was so proud of him. At the beginning of the game, he thrashed all around and acted like he wanted to get down and run around in the stands. After a few minutes of holding him in one place, he figured it out and was able to enjoy the game and all the activity. Here is a picture of our family at the game.
I even got a picture of him ringing the cowbell.
Hayden really does have a very funny personality. He learns quickly and mimics often, and he loves shoes. He brings you shoes and insists that you put them on your feet or on his feet and even tries to put them on by himself sometimes. Here is Hayden in Chris' new boots.
I love these pictures, too. Can you tell I had been cleaning all week?
Halloween didn't go quite as planned this year. We were supposed to go to the Fall Harvest at church Halloween night, and Hayden was going to be the cutest fisherman there. Hayden had been having a cough for a couple of weeks, and he was a little hoarse on Friday. By Friday evening, he was running a fever. We went to the after hours clinic Halloween morning, and Hayden had bronchitis. He was cleared by the pediatrician to go to the Fall Harvest that night, so we were excited that he was still going to be a fisherman. Hayden took a turn for the worse Halloween evening. His fever rose higher than it had been, and he stopped eating. He just wanted to lay around and was pitiful. I was hoping to at least get pictures of him in his Halloween outfit yesterday, but he didn't feel like it at all. I kept him home from church this morning to make sure he gets better before the week starts, and he felt like getting dressed up and have a belated Halloween this morning with me. (Chris had to go out of town for work this morning.)
Most of his halloween costume was ordered, but the vest that came with the costume was really lame. I ordered him a real vest and added the lures myself. I was really proud of how it turned out. He was a cute fisherman this morning and even tried saying "trick or treat."
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fall Fun and The Fair
Fall. I love this season. The leaves turning, not too hot or too cold, warm soup time, and finally an excuse to wear a coat (even though I wear coats year round...in the house...which drives my husband crazy, by the way). :o)
And.........it's college football time. Chris and I finally had an opportunity to make it to Starkville for a game last weekend. We left Hayden at home with my mom, because we didn't think a 14-month old would do too well in football stands. The weather was supposed to be really yucky, but it held off and didn't rain...but, it was super cold when we got there. We tailgated for a while with some friends and then went to the game. State played Houston, which I didn't realize had been ranked #12 in the AP poll. State played hard but couldn't quite pull it off, but I absolutely loved being in Starkville, regardless. Starkville is like a home away from home for me and always will be, I guess. After the game, I was able to meet up with my old roomies at our favorite spot, Abners. It was great to catch up with and see them and had definitely been way too long. I meant to take more pictures than I did, but oh well.
Here come the Dawgs! Oh, and you can see a small portion of the new Jumbotron!
Chris and I....(the misty air didn't help my hair out...oh well!) :o)
The other great thing about fall is the fair. Deep fried greasy food, sugar galore, and the smell of barnyard animals...what more could any person want? Because of the monsoon weather we've been having this week, we had to wait until today (our only dry day this week) to go. Hayden and I met Chris during his lunch break. We ate a healthy lunch, I'm sure and topped it off with some funnel cake. Hayden had a few bites of our funnel cake and loved it, and then, the wind blew and blew powdered sugar from the plate all over him. There's a picture, but you can't see all the powdered sugar. It was pretty funny. :o)
We went to the petting zoo and ran into my brother and Tracie and the kids. Hayden and Kristopher had a great time yelling and laughing at each other and entertaining everyone at the petting zoo. Hayden was fearless when it came to being around the animals and absolutely loved every minute of it. Kris and Tracie bought some carrots to feed the animals. Hayden took a carrot, stuck it up to the goat's mouth, and then, tried taking a bite himself. So, Hayden might end up with a rare form of goat flu or something. :o) We all smell like barnyard after our little adventure, but it was fun.
And.........it's college football time. Chris and I finally had an opportunity to make it to Starkville for a game last weekend. We left Hayden at home with my mom, because we didn't think a 14-month old would do too well in football stands. The weather was supposed to be really yucky, but it held off and didn't rain...but, it was super cold when we got there. We tailgated for a while with some friends and then went to the game. State played Houston, which I didn't realize had been ranked #12 in the AP poll. State played hard but couldn't quite pull it off, but I absolutely loved being in Starkville, regardless. Starkville is like a home away from home for me and always will be, I guess. After the game, I was able to meet up with my old roomies at our favorite spot, Abners. It was great to catch up with and see them and had definitely been way too long. I meant to take more pictures than I did, but oh well.
Here come the Dawgs! Oh, and you can see a small portion of the new Jumbotron!
Chris and I....(the misty air didn't help my hair out...oh well!) :o)
The other great thing about fall is the fair. Deep fried greasy food, sugar galore, and the smell of barnyard animals...what more could any person want? Because of the monsoon weather we've been having this week, we had to wait until today (our only dry day this week) to go. Hayden and I met Chris during his lunch break. We ate a healthy lunch, I'm sure and topped it off with some funnel cake. Hayden had a few bites of our funnel cake and loved it, and then, the wind blew and blew powdered sugar from the plate all over him. There's a picture, but you can't see all the powdered sugar. It was pretty funny. :o)
We went to the petting zoo and ran into my brother and Tracie and the kids. Hayden and Kristopher had a great time yelling and laughing at each other and entertaining everyone at the petting zoo. Hayden was fearless when it came to being around the animals and absolutely loved every minute of it. Kris and Tracie bought some carrots to feed the animals. Hayden took a carrot, stuck it up to the goat's mouth, and then, tried taking a bite himself. So, Hayden might end up with a rare form of goat flu or something. :o) We all smell like barnyard after our little adventure, but it was fun.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Summer is over, Work has started, and Daycare
Well, I've totally been slacking on updating my blog for the last several weeks...surprise, surprise, huh? :o) I can hardly believe summer is over. It feels like Hayden and I had just figured out a good summer routine that worked for both of us when the end quickly was upon us. I really enjoyed the time at home with him all summer, and it was really the first summer I've had since I quit teaching three years ago when I didn't work at all...so it was a welcome break. As much as I enjoyed the time with him and a break for me, I looked forward to the beginning of school and a little work for me.
This year, I have gone from traveling one day a week to traveling two days a week. I'm doing something a little different this year. With the education consulting contracts I usually get, I am working with middle or high school teachers in Mississippi who teach math or science. This year, I am working with elementary through high school teachers in Lake Providence, Louisiana (only 85 miles from me) to help them implement technology into the classroom to positively impact instruction. Sounds thrilling, huh? Hehehe.... I think it will be a nice change of pace.
Because of the number of days of traveling this contract requires, myself and another consultant are splitting the days and working together since we have to work with all of the teachers. That other consultant who is working in the district with me is my Mom (aka...Gran), so it has been really neat to get to work with her, too. It is the first technology contract the company has ever sold to a school district, so my mom and I are paving the way and figuring things out as we go...but, if you talk to someone in Lake Providence, pretend like she and I are the most knowledgeable people you know about the subject of technology in the classroom, okay? Hehehe....
Last year, Hayden went to Mother's Day Out two days a week to allow me time to travel. My mom and/or Tracie would help me out by taking Hayden and picking him up on days I traveled. Well, since Tracie has moved to Brandon and my mom is travelling with me, I had to come up with an alternative to Mother's Day Out. So, Hayden started daycare. At first, I was real wary about it and not sure if I was ready to "move my cheese" that much, but it has really been wonderful for both him and me.
This year, I have gone from traveling one day a week to traveling two days a week. I'm doing something a little different this year. With the education consulting contracts I usually get, I am working with middle or high school teachers in Mississippi who teach math or science. This year, I am working with elementary through high school teachers in Lake Providence, Louisiana (only 85 miles from me) to help them implement technology into the classroom to positively impact instruction. Sounds thrilling, huh? Hehehe.... I think it will be a nice change of pace.
Because of the number of days of traveling this contract requires, myself and another consultant are splitting the days and working together since we have to work with all of the teachers. That other consultant who is working in the district with me is my Mom (aka...Gran), so it has been really neat to get to work with her, too. It is the first technology contract the company has ever sold to a school district, so my mom and I are paving the way and figuring things out as we go...but, if you talk to someone in Lake Providence, pretend like she and I are the most knowledgeable people you know about the subject of technology in the classroom, okay? Hehehe....
Last year, Hayden went to Mother's Day Out two days a week to allow me time to travel. My mom and/or Tracie would help me out by taking Hayden and picking him up on days I traveled. Well, since Tracie has moved to Brandon and my mom is travelling with me, I had to come up with an alternative to Mother's Day Out. So, Hayden started daycare. At first, I was real wary about it and not sure if I was ready to "move my cheese" that much, but it has really been wonderful for both him and me.
He's going to Funtime in Clinton and loves his teachers, Ms. Kim and Ms. Hannah....as well as all of his little friends. He's in the giraffe room, and most of the kids in there are several months older than him...but he has done super well adjusting to the class. He gets to go outside to recess several times a day, takes naps on a cot, and goes to lunch and snacktime and sits in a big boy chair and eats at the big boy table. The classroom has an online video camera that parents can login to occasionally check on their child. I don't login while I am working in schools, but it is a funny sight to see those teachers putting all those kids down on their cots. So far, Hayden has had about six accident reports (falling down and scraping knees, bruises on his face from falling into a table, etc) while he has been there. He also had two bite reports in one day. The bite reports mean another kid bit him, so the poor kid got bitten twice in one day. This will also toughen him up some. Hehehe..... Now that he is well-adjusted to the routine at daycare, he'll probably go three times a week and stay at home with me the other two days. I have to pay for a full week regardless of how much he comes, so it is nice to have the option to take him if I need to shop, etc. But, I do love getting to stay home with him some.
Speaking of Hayden, he is going everywhere and into everything now that he is walking. He literally went from taking two steps in one week to walking clear across the house the next week, and since he has been walking for six weeks now, he is really looking much more natural now and is really fast. He even tries to imitate us swinging our arms sometimes, which is really cute but completely unnatural right now. :o) Hayden walking everywhere rather than being held is nice, but it still seems just like yesterday that he was born.
He seems to learn something new each day, and even though he doesn't say many real words, he loves talking and telling us all about things and his day. We can't understand a thing he is saying, but I'm sure it is something real important. He is definitely a kid who wants to know what things do, so he often brings things to us to try to figure out what to do with them. He's insistent on you showing him how it works, and until you do, he just gets mad at it. You'll see a funny picture below of this. He's learning quick and knows to put shoes on my feet, but he can't quite figure out how to get them on there so he just puts them on top. Oh, and he's even feeding himself with a spoon if we put applesauce on a spoon for him. He hasn't mastered the scooping yet, but he's doing well. Oh, and he feeds himself a lot with his left hand. Chris and I won't know what to do with a leftie, but we'll have to wait and see.
Here are a couple of pictures. I've been slacking on taking pictures lately, too.
Once a climber always a climber. We usually catch him before he gets up there, but sometimes, he sneaks past us. :o)
He brought me a diaper and just insisted that I show him how it works. He walked around with the diaper over his clothes for a while, and then, he was bored with it and wanted to know how something else worked. He's so funny!
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