SEVEN.

Obviously this is a little late AND I didn't finish the whole November Thankful thing. 

But life gets pretty crazy pretty quickly, and everyone should know that I'm more than thankful for everything and everyone in my life. Everyone that reads this blog, I'm thankful for you too, just so you know.

Now. My boy turned SEVEN months a few days ago, so, it's time for a monthly update.

Currently, Baby Dean is proficient at:

Eating

Sitting up alone

Crawling

Rolling both ways

Shaking his head 'No' -- He's starting to understand the meaning too!

Go from crawling position to sitting position on his own

Pulling himself up to stand

He's working on:

Ma-Ma

Da-Da

His signs (I'm teaching him sign language)

Standing alone 

(GASP) Walking!

Baby Dean's current likes are:

Any food that goes in his mouth (except Avocado. That was the only one he refused to eat)

This new wooden train a friend recently gave him

Splashing in the bathtub

Getting tickles from Mommy & Daddy

Giving kisses

Crawling! He loves exploring the house!

Baby Dean's current dislikes are:

Being forced to stay in one room 

Having his face cleaned after he eats

Having his nose wiped (fighting a cold/teething)

Being a parent is the greatest thing I have ever been blessed with doing. 

It took me a while to compose myself to write about this, but I do best when I write my feelings out.

The tragedy that happened in Connecticut is one that, I hope, we as a nation will never have to endure again. But I know it will. 

Shootings in our schools and in public places are happening so frequently that it's almost "normal" to hear about. And what kind of world do we live in that it's NORMAL to hear about?!

Yesterday, 20 children lost their lives. 7 adults were also killed. I couldn't fathom being a parent that lost their child to this sick person.

Obviously talk starts about homeschooling, and gun control, but in reality, these shootings are happening anywhere and everywhere. In a shopping mall, in a church, in a movie theater. 

We can't protect our children from everything. We have to pray for peace, and love, and know that God is with us no matter where we go. 

Stricter gun laws, in my opinion will not help either. Criminals don't follow laws, hence they are called criminals. It's all over the internet: "The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun" 

I'm not going to go on a tirade about gun laws though.

I'm posting in memory of the 27 killed. 

I dread the day that Baby Dean's innocence to the world is over. When he starts to realize that not everyone out there is nice and friendly. That bad things happen. That there is racism, and bullying, and murders. Right now, we are all the same to him. And while I'll raise him to know that there are no differences in people based on race or gender or sexual preference, that we are all people, I know there are people out there that won't teach their children that. And my son will come across those people. But I know that my husband and I will build strong values into our children to know right from wrong, and trust in not only themselves, but God. We'll be okay. As a family, as a country. We'll be okay.

Sorry. Can't figure out how to turn the pictures. Perhaps in a future post ;)

Happy Saturday all.

14-19 PLUS a bonus "white girl rage"

Just so you know, I keep a log in my phone of what I'm thankful for daily, I just don't make it to the computer daily. 

So, here is your weekly update.

Day 14: Thankful for my father.

We may not have the closest relationship or always had the best relationship, but I'm thankful for the man that has always been there for me. He's never been shy to tell me he's proud of me and proud of everything I've done. I know that no matter what happens in life, I can turn to my Dad for advice and for a listening ear, and I'm thankful to have my Dad by my side.

Day 15: Thankful for my father-in-law.

My father-in-law is one person that never ceases to amaze me. He is someone that everyone could take a lesson from. No matter what happens, he is always there for his family, and will do whatever is needed to help someone out. He has helped us far beyond repayment and I'm so thankful to be able to call him my father-in-law

Day 16: Thankful for my step mom.

What to say about this woman that came into my life almost 5 years ago. My step-mom and I have this special bond, one that has not replaced my own mother and I's, but is one that cannot be replaced itself. I love this woman more than she probably knows, and am so thankful to have her. She makes my father happier than I've ever seen him, and makes my family life feel complete. She goes above and beyond for my family and I can never thank her enough for everything she has done. 

Day 17: Thankful for all of my siblings.

For those of you who don't know, I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers (1 step sister, 1 biological sister, 1 half brother, and 1 brother-in-law) and I am smack dab in the middle of all of them. While my little brother can't do much now, he always puts a smile on my face and is a great uncle already. My sister and I have had our ups and downs, but we both know that we will always be there for each other no matter what. My step-sister in a force to be reckoned with. Quick to defend (and possibly kill) anyone that hurts me or anyone in my family, she is one person that I know will always be there and support any decision I make. I couldn't be more thankful that she was the bonus package that came with my step-mom. My brother-in-law, well, I've always viewed him as my brother, ever since Dean and I got together. He's a great guy, one that I'm thankful for always. He (sometimes) keeps my husband out of trouble and is a great uncle to our son, whether he realizes it or not.

Day 18: Thankful for my birthing experience.

I read this blog daily. And after reading her struggle to come to terms with the delivery of her second child, and all the women of the world that struggle with the same thing, it makes me take a step back and be thankful for the birthing experience I had with Baby Dean. I didn't think I had such a great experience, and while it definitely could have been better, I'm thankful for what I did have. Too many woman want more than anything to experience a natural childbirth, experience what our bodies were made to do, and never get the chance to. I took it for granted, but I won't anymore, and I won't with any future children we have too. 

Day 19: Thankful for my husband's job.

I will admit, I am one that is quick to complain about my husband's job. It keeps him away from us for days at a time, I go to bed without him constantly, and it puts stress on him that's unreal. BUT. I'm thankful for it. He truly loves his job (except for the months of October-December) and it provides for my family, and allows me to be a stay-at-home Mom and raise our son. His job is stable, reliable, and one that too many people in America today would gladly take.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT POINT.

Wal-Mart employees protesting.

This DISGUSTS me. 

Claiming they want their minimum wage raised to $13 an hour?!

They want respect.

They don't want to work Black Friday or other holidays?!

Uhm hey, how about our military personnel, fire fighters, police officers, and all the millions of others that have no choice but to work on holidays?

Do you think they could protest this?

We all want to make more, but guess what. YOU WORK AT WAL-MART.

You want to make more? Go to college, get a higher paying job. 

Tell the over 8% of Americans that don't have a job that you want to make more money. 

Because I'm PRETTY sure they'd love to switch places and make $8 an hour rather than nothing.

Wal-Mart has a great system in place that allows its employees to freely go to their managers and discuss issues they're having. Respect in the workplace is one that they can talk to someone about. That manager doesn't do anything? Go to the next higher up manager until something IS done. 

People think Wal-Mart is some big bad company but they don't know how much good they do. 

Has anyone made mention of the fact that Wal-Mart has allowed victims of Hurricane Sandy to not pay on their credit card until they can? They are working with these people to help them, but no one makes mention of it. No one makes mention of the millions of dollars the company raises and donates yearly to the Children's Miracle Network. No one makes mention of the fact that Wal-Mart continues to hire when other companies cannot. 

I'm not saying this because of my husband or because I use to work for the company, or because I know TONS of people that worked and continue to work for the company. 

I'm saying it for the soldier that won't get to see his family for thanksgiving OR christmas OR new years.

For the fire fighter that has to miss his anniversary dinner because he got caught up on a call.

For the police officer that fears daily he will never see his kids again. 

Be Thankful for your jobs people. 

Because YOU could be a lot worse off.

Day 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13. Oh AND I have a SIX MONTH OLD! WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?!

I'm not gonna lie, it's getting more and more difficult to list what I'm thankful for. 

I mean, I'm thankful for everything and everyone in my life, so I guess it's the pin-pointing of what I'm thankful for is what's getting difficult.

Ok, let's continue.

Day 8: Thankful for new recipes.

This one is kinda dumb, but hear me out. 

On this day, I tried a new recipe I saw on TV and my loving husband was so amazing he actually ate his portion and then politely told me afterward not to make it again.
We have this little agreement that he eats anything once, and then honestly tells me if it's good enough to make again. He has a very simple taste palate. He'd prefer frozen fish sticks over homemade lasagna any day.
So this was a recipe for bacon wrapped meatloaf, and even though I'm not to make it again, it wasn't "SO terrible" AND it was the first time I made meatloaf on my own.

Day 9: Thankful for my Mother-in-law

I'm very thankful that I have a mother-in-law that I get along with, and talk to on a daily basis.
I'm thankful that she's there to help Dean and I when we need it, and cares so much about us and Baby Dean. She's always pulled me into the kitchen to watch her make meals the way she does so I can replicate on my own, and always lends an ear when things get rough.

Day 10: Thankful for my Mom

On Saturday, Baby Dean and I went to visit my Mom and we had a great time.
We always have a great time when we visit and it's unfortunate that we don't get to visit more.
I'm thankful for everything my Mom has taught me, and how she raised me to be so self sufficient.
The one thing my Mom raised me to be was (and this sounds bad) but low maintenance.
I'm not someone that needs lots and lots of fancy things. I don't need to be going out and shopping or doing things or spending money constantly. And I got that from my Mom.
She taught me to craft and cook and bake and make due with what you have.
And I love her for that.

Day 11: Thankful for all the Veterans

I'm thankful that there is a day dedicated to the men and women that have fought for our freedom.
The freedom to file a petition to secede from the United States (Don't EVEN get me started on the ignorance of this BUT, we have that freedom).
My brother-in-law and may as well be other brother-in-law are both marines, and several members of my family were in the armed forces, and I know the sacrifices they make, all for millions of people they've never met.
I will forever be thankful for all veterans.

Day 12: Thankful for my Little Boy

Which better day to be thankful for my son than on his SIX MONTH birthday.
Half a year. Can't believe it. Time is definitely going too fast.
I never believed in love at first sight until I had him.
He doesn't judge me for not getting out of my PJs for an entire day, and thinks I'm wonderful no matter what I do or say or look like.
He makes me smile just by looking at me, and is honestly the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life.

Day 13: Thankful for crockpots

Seriously. Who isn't?
I put dinner in the crockpot at 9 am this morning and it was ready at 5, no maintenance needed.
Crockpots are one of the greatest things man has ever invented.




Ok, now as if this wasn't long enough. Now. Time to do a monthly update.

At six months, we LOVE eating solid food, which isn't really solid, it's pureed solid food. We eat twice a day, and is usually a bowl of cereal and either a vegetable or fruit. We've gotten through all the store bought veggies, so now we are working on fruits. We started bananas today and surprisingly were just as interested in them as we were in peas and green beans.
We LOVE to crawl around, and have even started following Mom when she leaves the room.
We nap twice a day, for about two hours each nap.
Little kids and toy commercials are quick to grab our attention, and we cannot get enough tickles.

Current dislikes are being left alone in a room for too long, and still getting our diaper changed.





For more current pictures:

This is what happens when I put him down to change a diaper... (no worries, I disinfect this bad boy constantly)

And something cute:

Little does he know, this is only acceptable for a short while longer.

Wish we could all sit around in our diapers and point to our privates in a confused manner.

Don't hate me because I'm busy. Too busy to blog daily. Which may also mean I'm lazy. or Busy. or Lazy. You choose.

So, I know I said I'd try really really hard to post daily what I'm thankful for.

And I did well for two days!

But, I have an almost 6 month old that has recently decided not to go to bed until 10 every night, and wouldn't you know, that by the time I get him to bed at 10, I'm exhausted myself, so I go to bed too.

So here's my catching up on my daily thankfulness.

Day 3: Thankful for the time change. 

Because of the time change, and my cleverness of closing Baby Dean's blinds and curtains when I put him to bed, I got to sleep in until 9!!!!

It was the last time I'll probably ever get to, but it was still pretty amazing.

Day 4: Thankful for Sunday Family Traditions.

Now, this past Sunday, Baby Dean and I spent alone together, BUT we watched movies and football all day together. Just before Dean got up to go to work, Baby Dean and I made spaghetti dinner for myself and to send to work with Dean. While we cooked dinner, it made me think about the future and how this could become a tradition. My own Sunday Family Tradition, of football and spaghetti. How my kids will look back and remember with fondness that even in the craziness of life, we always took time on Sundays to watch football and eat spaghetti together. 

It may or may not happen, but the thought of making family traditions makes me super excited.

Day 5: Thankful for our Kinderpraise class.

Baby Dean and I signed up and started a "Mommy and Me" type class called Kinderpraise back in September. We meet once a week and sing christian based songs, play with instruments, and enjoy the company of other babies and Mommies. This week was especially fun because Baby Dean was actually playing with the instruments, and we have finally gotten into our groove and are able to be comfortable with the other moms and babies. It's just nice to know there are programs that I can involve my son in at such a young age, that introduce him and get him acquainted to the praise and Glory of God. 

Day 6: Thankful for the Democratic process.

Before I continue, Please know that the candidate I voted for did NOT win. I was disappointed, HOWEVER! I know that complaining about it is not going to change who our President will be for the next four years. I will continue to pray for our leaders that they can make the right decisions for our country. I know that I could never do their job, and there is a reason Presidents start their term looking 40, and come out looking 80. I am thankful though, that we live in a country that we elect our leaders. That we have a say in who governs us. That we CAN complain about the decisions they make. That we CAN have differing opinions. Millions of people in the world wish they had the luxury we do of choosing their government, so yes. I am thankful for the democratic process.

Day 7: Today I'm thankful for Pay Day.

How incredibly superficial does that sound? But, it's the truth. I know that it's not my pay day, it's Dean's, but without pay day, we wouldn't be able to pay bills, or fill our fridge with groceries. When it comes down to it, and you have that week where you stretch a dollar in every way you can, you are most certainly thankful for pay day. 

Ok, I'm all caught up!

In case you missed this from Sunday:

GO RAVENS!!!

I'll try to keep up again daily, but like I said, no promises.

What're you thankful for today?

Day 2

Day 2 of being Thankful for things, and I decided I'm just gonna get this one out of the way early on. No point in making him wait it out!

DAY 2: I'm thankful for my husband

Night in and night out he goes to work and works his tail off to provide for his family. 

He gives and gives to people, and asks nothing in return.

He doesn't think twice about spending his last dollar to help someone else out.

He loves his son more than anything in the world.

He gives me more than I could ever ask for, and still doesn't think that it's enough. 

He loves his family, and mine and loves spending time with both of them.

Everyday I thank God for bringing him into my life almost 6 years ago. I truly don't know where I'd be had I not met him. 

I love you babe! Always & Forever.

Photo Credit: Jadon Good Photography

What're you thankful for today?

30 Days of being Thankful AND Halloween

A wonderful friend of mine put on Facebook today that everyday, for the entire month of November, she's going to put up something she's thankful for. After politely telling her I was stealing her idea, I took to my blog homepage. 

And here I sit, trying to decide how to start off the month. I have no doubt I'll figure out 30 things to be thankful for, but the difficulty is which to start with. Isn't that always the problem? Where to start? 

After careful consideration, I decided it's not who or what I mention in what order, but the fact that I'll mention them in their entirety. 

I figured, every night when I say my prayers, I start off with thanking God for the roof over my head, so I'll start there.

DAY 1: I am so incredibly thankful for my home.

Never in a million years would I ever think that I would own my own home with my husband at the age of 22, but we do, and are so blessed to.

It may not be in the location we would first pick, but we're getting use to the area, and the things around us.

And it really doesn't matter where it is, or how big it is, but what happens inside it.

The laughs and the stories and the memories we are creating in this home are ours and will forever hold a place in our hearts. 

A home is where the love is, and boy is there a lot of love in this place!

Photo Credit: Karen Leigh Studios

Also, last night was Halloween, and we ended up going with Plan C! for Baby Dean because the hubs and I are terrible parents and waited until the day before Halloween to try and find him a costume. 

(Plan C was find anything that was cute and would fit him.)

So, introducing the CUTEST Moo Cow in town:

We walked from my in-laws house down to my aunt's and came back. Only stopping at a few places for candy, and awkwardly walking by the rest.

Common' people he's not even 6 months, he can't eat candy, and the hubs isn't a fan of sweets and I'm still working on getting rid of my baby weight, we are NOT stopping for candy.

The night went well, Baby Dean only started to get fussy as we were just about back to my in-laws, and I think that was only because his face was cold AND it was his dinner time. 

He didn't mind the costume, and he was so stinkin' cute, I found it money well spent. 

We can't wait until next year he'll be a year and a half and may actually say "Trick or Treat" or "Thank You" or even half understand what we're doing. 

I love being a Mom. 

Is that so weird?

Ok, So I'm going to be VERY determined to post daily. 

What're you thankful for today?

They didn't tell me about this.

They don't tell you about certain things when you have children. 

Sure they warn you about sleepless nights, the cost, and that your in it for the rest of your life.

They also tell you that you'll feel a love like nothing else can compare to.

But there are a lot of things they don't tell you about.

Like, when you decide what you want your kid to be for Halloween, you'll never be able to find the costume, so you'll have to settle for Plan B.

OR

When you think you've FINALLY got your kid to sleep through the night, they hit that "6-month mark" where they start waking up constantly like a newborn.

OR

Things that use to soothe them, suddenly scare the crap out of them. Like the vacuum.

OR

Getting them to eat solid foods is NOT an easy task. Like, some children apparently hate the taste of just cereal, therefore, just start the veggies and your life will be simpler.

OR

Overnight your kid will LITERALLY outgrow the clothes they have been wearing for over 5 months.

OR

Your kid will probably just sleep through the biggest storm to ever hit the east coast.




No worries. Sandy won't take us down without a fight!

1,2,3,4, FIVE

Baby Dean,

You are officially 5 months old. 

On your 5-month birthday, we were in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on a family vacation with your Maw Maw, Paw Paw, Uncle Matt, and Uncle Matt's girlfriend Sandy. You HATED the drive and being in the car at all (which we were a lot of the time). 

We visited lots of places and saw some beautiful things. One of your favorite parts of the trip was the Aquarium, that is one thing I think everyone will agree on. You couldn't take your eyes off the fish and sharks and crabs... everything. You LOVED it. And I loved it for that reason.

Your current likes are:
*Rolling over and being mobile
*Rolling when I'm trying to change your diaper
*Laughing at everything
*Playing Peek-a-Boo
*Playing with your favorite toys
**You're even starting to LIKE eating cereal!!!

Your current dislikes are:
*Being put down to play alone
*Getting your diaper changed
*Saying good-bye to Daddy when he leaves for work
*The car

Today, you started working on crawling. 

I showed you all day how to use your arms and by the end of the day, you were getting the hang of it, and trying on your own. Even though I'm sure I'm going to regret saying this one day, I can't wait for you to get even more mobile. Daddy and I agree that if we were to put you in water when you try to crawl now, you'd probably out swim Michael Phelps. 

You're amazing little boy. More amazing than I could've ever hoped my son would be.

I love you little one.

Countdown to Lift Off

So, apparently today, some dude is jumping from space. Weird.

Who grows up and says, "One day, I want to risk my life by jumping from space just for the hell of it."

Apparently, this guy:

At least he's good looking.

For those that don't know we are about to take our first family vacation, to Tennessee. For 4 days. 

Not just the three of us, but also my in-laws and brother-in-law and his girlfriend.

And we're driving all in the same vehicle.

Now. I am excited beyond words.

BEYOND. WORDS.

HOWEVER. This is the first time we're taking our baby away from home for more than one evening. And in a car for more than 4-5 hours. So needless to say, my anxiety level is like a level red. And red always means bad. I don't know why, but it does.

So I've created lists. And I have lists for my lists. And lists for my lists for my lists. 

My countdown to lift off is on now too.

Pray for me as I pack the entire nursery. 

What? I was a girl scout! You can never be too prepared! ;)

***APPARENTLY the wind was all, NO WAY MAN! You aren't doing some crazy ass jump today! So Felix Baumgartner is going to try again tomorrow...***

The Perfect Fan

Heard this song the other day, (not for the first time) and I know it's super old, but its what I strive to be and I hope and pray that my son thinks of me this way when he's older.

The Perfect Fan
Backstreet Boys

It takes a lot to know what is love
It's not the big things, but the little things
That can mean enough
A lot of prayers to get me through
And there is never a day that passes by
I don't think of you
You were always there for me
Pushing me and guiding me
Always to succeed

You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan

God has been so good
Blessing me with a family
Who did all they could
And I've had many years of grace
And it flatters me when I see the smile on your face
I wanna thank you for what you've done
In hopes I can give back to you
And be the perfect son

You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom yo always were
The perfect fan

You showed me how to love
You showed me how to care
And you showed me that you would
Always be there
I wanna thank you for that time
And I'm proud to say you're mine


You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan

'Cause mom you always were
Mom you always were
mom you always were
You know you always were
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan

Don't hate that it's Backstreet Boys.

Here's some pictures to also suffice as a decent post for the day.

Happy Saturday everyone!

We like White Trash Things

So, Pinterest isn't a complete waste of time. In fact, I've found several items on it which have helped me to decorate our home, recipes that have satisfied our taste buds, and crafts to keep in mind to do with the babes once he's a little older.

When I find a recipe on Pinterest that is not only easy to make but also both I AND the hubs enjoys... Well I feel like I've won the lottery. You see, my husband has what I like to call "simple taste buds". He dislikes my homemade spaghetti sauce, he would rather have canned Manwich sandwiches than my homemade BBQ sandwiches, my family's recipe for chili? No thanks, he'll take the canned stuff. The guy doesn't even like stuffing for crying out loud. So you see my dilemma when planning meals. Also my future dilemma when it comes to making sure Baby Dean has a broad palate.

So as I was scrolling along Pinterest one night I found an intriguing recipe titled, "White Trash Casserole". We tried it for the first time a few weeks ago and it was big hit. I made it again tonight, packed half for Dean for lunch, and had a plate myself, and determined I should share my great find.

WHITE TRASH CASSEROLE
(not my recipe! Found on Pinterest!)
So the ingredients are as follows:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can of corn drained
1 block of Velveeta Cheese cubed
1 bag of Tater tots

Now, to make.

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown the ground beef and onion together, then drain.

Put the ground beef and onion mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish

Pour can of Cream of Musheroom soup over ground beef mixture.

Pour can of corn over cream of mushroom soup.

Put Velveeta cheese cubes on top of corn.

Put tater tots on top of cheese.

Bake for 45 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown. (Be sure all tater tots are cooked! Not just the ones on top!)

And that's it!

The beautiful creation comes out looking like this:

And after you take one scoop out:

And when you place a whole bunch in a tupperware container for your husband to take to work:

The best part of this stuff is that it reheats SO well. Seriously, it tastes like it's fresh out of the oven once you reheat it days later. 

It is also SO filling. Like two serving spoons full on a plate fill me up for an entire night. 

So go on and get white trash with yourself! 

Don't forget to pull out your TV tray and eat it while watching Honey Boo Boo.

Oh I went there :)

Let's Get a Few Things Straight

**Please note that I wrote this a long time ago, but have neglected posting it, until I had it worded just right so as not to offend anyone. Shout out to my mother-in-law for assisting me in this difficult task.**



Well. The babes has learned to roll from back to tummy now, and he is officially mobile. 

Watching him roll from one end of the room to the other gets pretty ridiculously hilarious. 
But he's cute, and he's mine, and I love him.

Now.

Let's get a few things straight. 

Society has put such a negative connotation on stay-at-home Moms that often times women feel ashamed that they are doing so.


I know that I personally have this insecurity that I am not contributing to our home enough, because my contributions to our family are not financial. 


This is what God has called on me to do. This is my role.


I've known for a very long time, before I even met Dean, that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to stay home and raise our children, and if I was blessed enough to do so, I would be thrilled. 


And. I. Am.


Now, I understand not everyone can do this. I find working Mom's inspirational. The mom's that work 40 hours a week, and then come home and cook and clean up dinner, and bathe their children and put them to bed, and clean the house and do the laundry...

They AMAZE me.


If my life takes me on a different path in the future, I'm sure I could be a working Mom too but my goals will still be the same and I am committed to them, my family will come first. Because of these goals, they will be raised with the morals and values that the hubs and I have:


God comes first. Family is forever. Respect your elders. Use your manners everywhere you go. Have the confidence in yourself that I have in you. Learn to be independent, proud and love yourself before looking for love in someone else. Materialistic things will get you no where in life. Be happy with what you have. Be present in each moment. Appreciate everything you have been blessed with. Treat others the way you want to be treated


So telling a stay-at-home Mom that she does nothing but sit on her butt and watch TV all day is not only hurtful, it's like telling her she doesn't care about her family, or herself.

Telling a working Mom that she should be home with her children and not working is not only hurtful, it's like telling her she doesn't care about her family, or herself. 


What right does anyone have to judge me or anyone else or decide what their role should be in their own family unit? 

"Women are a precious gift from God to the world. They are creative, sensitive, compassionate, intelligent, talented, and according to the Bible, equal to men. God created man first - but quickly discovered he needed a helper. Not a slave, but a helper. He created a woman from one of Adam's ribs and called her Eve. Note that Eve was taken from Adam's side - from something close to his heart - not the bottom of his feet. Women were never intended to be walked on, disrespected, bullied, or belittled. Eve was created because Adam needed her. It's the same today; men need women, and they need them to be more than a cook, housekeeper, sex partner, or baby making machine." -Joyce Meyer

Think before you speak.

Be kind to one another. 

Your children are watching, be their example!

1/3 of A Year Old

This post is coming to you a little late because, well, I'll explain it below.


Baby Dean,

Well. You're four months old now and still growing like a weed. When we went to the doctor on the 12th, you were 24 inches long, and 11 pounds, 10 ounces.

You can now:

roll from tummy to back

roll from back to tummy

fully support yourself standing (you only need us for balance)

sit up on your own

play with toys

and so much more...

We tried Rice cereal for the first time yesterday, and you are NOT a fan.

Our pediatrician said she wanted us to wait until you were 5 months, but you've been going through this stint of nursing every 2 hours, day AND night, for a good two-three weeks now and, well, I need sleep, so we're going to start just a little early.

Now, this is coming to you a little late because we've had a loss in the family. Your great-granny, (My grandmother) has passed away.

It's difficult to go through the emotions of this, but I think everyone in the family is dealing... in their own way nonetheless.

Your great granny and your great pappy were married for 61 years. They had 5 children, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren with one on the way (by the way you have a cousin due to arrive sometime in March... but more on that another time).

The love that Granny had for all of us was unconditional. She'd do anything for us and was proud of all that we did. She was the best grandmother to grace this earth, and we were all blessed to be loved by her.

Just know that she will be watching you always and loved you very much, even in the short 4 months she knew you.

You helped me and a lot of family members get through this week of saying good-bye to such a great lady. Your smile brightens the world around you, just remember that.

I love you baby boy.

xoxo

Your Momma.

and one hilarious outtake:

In Loving Memory:

Nadine B. Sadler

08.16.1934 - 09.11.2012

One year ago today...

Today is an emotional day for me.

A year ago today, I peed on 3 of those magical sticks and found out I was pregnant.

The overwhelming shock was so intense, I found myself bawling my eyes out, alone, and wondering how I'd tell Dean.

You must understand that I DO indeed know how babies are made, and yes more pre-cautions could have been had, but this was God's plan for us.

You also need to understand my mind set at this point in my life. I was 23 days away from my wedding. I had plans to finish college in the near future, and then have children shortly after. I had just been out with my best friend celebrating her 21st birthday two days before taking the test (aka: a night of heavy drinking), I had been without health insurance for about 3 years and I knew that my future and all my plans were changing right before my eyes.

After collecting myself enough to speak, I called Dean, told him I needed to talk to him in person (he was at work) and proceeded to drive to meet him there.

Once we were locked in a small car together, through my tears, I told him I was pregnant. Dean was in shock just as I thought he would be. He left work early to come home with me, and after a short drive, I met my soon-to-be husband back at our house and he.was.excited. Giddy. Thrilled even. (It took me a little longer to get to this point, I'll be honest).

We had a small lunch and Dean decided he couldn't keep it a secret so we called our parents (who were beyond thrilled) and a few close friends. We felt being able to share it with just a few people at this point was heathy, and we would let the rest of the world know after the wedding and after a doctor appointment.

It's crazy that I can still remember that day just like it was yesterday. But it is rather important. That day I knew I was going to be someone's Mom. That I was going to have a child; to raise and love unconditionally.

When I checked on my boy last night before I went to bed, I stuck around just a little longer. Taking in his peaceful sleeping. His innocence. The miracle that Dean and I made, and I knew was coming to the world a year ago.

I love that boy more than I ever thought I could love a person. And I am so thankful that this day will forever mean something to me.

My Boy. My THREE Month Old Boy.

Baby Dean/Pumpkin Butt/Silly Boy,

Today you are three months old. 

Three. Months. Old.

Time is moving way too fast for me. I just want it to stop or slow down at least a little, but I know that's asking too much. 

You are such an active little boy. When you're not moody because you're sleepy or hungry, you are the happiest, most curious baby I've ever seen.

Forget sitting anywhere for too long. You always want to be on the go and checking things out. 

Your activity gym I just bought you? You're SO over that. You'll still try to make me happy by laying in it and checking things out, but just like clockwork, 5 minutes in and you're over it. 

Dad and I just recently bought you a Bumbo too. I'm pretty sure you love it. When we sit you in it, and keep our hands off, you have the biggest grin. Almost like you're telling us, "SEE?? I AM a big boy!" and it's totally adorable.

At your doctor appointment last week, you measured in at 10 pounds, half an ounce and 22.5" long. Dr. Joe informed us that you have a mild case of Eczema, and an "intermediate" case of acid reflux. Basically, we just have to use special shampoo, body wash, and lotion on you, and keep you on more of an incline until the acid reflux grows out of you, I guess is the best way to put it.

You were also given three vaccines. Two shots and one by mouth. 

The first shot, you seriously didn't even flinch. The second one? The one that "burns" as the nurse put it? You SCREAMED. And you screamed good. 

And it broke both your Mommy's & your Daddy's heart.

But by the time we left the office, you were totally fine. Like nothing had even happened.
You're gonna be one kid I definitely won't have to soothe too much when you skin your knee.

So let's see...

Your current likes are:

The Olympics (especially swimming events)

Your exersaucer

Laying on your changing table and smiling and talking up a storm... sometimes when you're just SO fussy for no reason, we go up and hang out on your changing table. It's weird, but you love it so I love it.

The bathtub. Still. You're like a fish. It's ridiculous.
Your fingers. We can't keep them out of your mouth. But that's alright. Drool and all we still love you.

Your current dislikes are:

Staying in one place for too long.

Sleeping anywhere besides my arms.

Me eating. (I swear you side eye me and give me evil looks every time I try and have a meal. Finger foods have become my best friend thanks to you.)

Tummy time. You learned to roll over from tummy to back and now it's like you find no reason to be placed on your tummy. You FREAK every time I try to initiate tummy time. You won't roll, you won't do anything but freak out until I pick you back up.

I think we are going to take you for your first trip to Ocean City next weekend. It's going to be so fun to get your toes in the sand and start a family tradition of going every summer. 

Both your Daddy and I grew up going to Ocean City, and I want you to experience that as well.

Overall little boy, you grow and change every day and I love it. It's an amazing feeling I have watching you grow. When you were first born, I honestly didn't know how I could love anyone more than how much I loved you in that minute. But everyday I love you more and more. 

Everyday you amaze me more and more.

I couldn't be more proud.

Love,

Your Mama.

PS- Here are some pictures your Maw Maw took of you, you big three month old.

And a quick look at how much you've grown since being born. 

Five Minutes old

One Week Old

Two Weeks Old

Two Months Old

Three Months Old

Annddddd all the rest of the "3 Month" pictures I took of you this morning.

 I love you Baby Boy.