Happy Birthday, JAMES!!!

 One year ago today, we welcomed our sweet little James into our lives. Life has gotten much harder, but I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Some of James' favorite things:
FOOD!!!
Water
Mud
Daysie
Any toys with wheels
Balls

He's not walking yet, but it won't be long. Joseph will really be in trouble once James starts walking.

My big boy!

I will be taking some 12 month pics of James next week one day while Joseph is at school. He's so photogenic, I know they will be great!

Our plans for the day include going to the Mexican restaurant for a birthday dinner and then having CUPCAKES!!! Yum! Joseph didn't like cupcakes on his first birthday, but I know James will dig right in!
So Excited!

New Post

If you're checking on my other blog....I FINALLY posted over there. So, head on over and check it out!

Preschool Update

Joseph leaving school his first day.

It was brought to my attention from a friend that I had not updated on here how Joseph was doing in preschool.

His first day went good. He evidently didn't want to leave at 11. He only goes half days while some kids stay until 5. But he said he had a good time.

The next day, I got an email from his teacher saying that he had a yellow light day (green light is good behavior, yellow is not so much, red is bad). He kept telling her no when she asked him to do something and refused to help clean up. Sounds like typical Joseph. I talked to him about listening to his teacher.

Well, he doesn't go to school on Fridays, and man, was he mad about not getting to go to school. I need to record that for later when he doesn't want to go. He asked to go on Friday and Saturday. Luckily, we have Sunday School on Sunday so that took his mind off of it. He asks me several times a week: "Momma, when we going to Sunday School?" Me: "Sunday."

I worried and worried Monday about his behavior. Finally, Monday night I got an email from his teacher and honestly, I was afraid to open it. But it was a good note about his behavior being much improved.

I love that his teacher sends pictures periodically and emails almost daily outlining what they went over that day. I love that because then I can quiz him at home. Today was the letter B, the number 1, the color red, and circles. I asked him what sound the letter B makes and he said, "I don't want to go to school!" I asked him again and he said, "Ba ba ba." Then he was eating ritz crackers and I asked what shape they were. He said, "Circle." YAY for learning!!!

I'm so excited that he is enjoying school. I just hope he has mostly green light days!

First Day of PK3

It got hairy there for a minute when Joseph informed me last night on multiple occasions that he couldn't go to preschool. He didn't like it. We went to visit the school on Back to School Night a couple of days ago. He seemed fine with it then except that he was mad that he couldn't play with this dinosaur toy that was in another classroom. He kept wanting me to leave and when I wouldn't, he was ready to go.

So then he starts in on the "I didn't like it." *Sigh* "I want to go to summer camp" *Sigh*

This morning, I went to wake him up and the first thing he said was, "I can't go to school today, mama. I didn't like it." But I got him up and got him dressed. I even got his hair somewhat combed...it's always wild in the mornings and I held him down and ran a toothbrush over his chompers.

I was most excited that he humored me by holding the sign pictured above and smiling for the camera. If you know Joseph, you know that he likes to balk at doing anything I really want him to do.

He was fine when we pulled up to the school. He said, "I be ok. It be fun." *thank you, Jesus*

He had a little meltdown when we got into his classroom because he still wanted to play with the dinosaur that was in another classroom. *sigh* But he shaped up when he saw another little boy playing with cars. I then told him bye and kissed him on the head because he was too busy to give me a proper hug and kiss.

I can't wait to find out how his first day went.

This and That

Joseph planning his getaway at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville

I just wanted to do a quick post....mainly to showcase this cute pic Michael snapped of Joseph at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, KY. They had a daddy-son day. James and I had a nice mommy-son time at home. James is a different kid when his big brother isn't around. He isn't whiny or clingy. He just plays and babbles and laughs. I guess it is nice when you don't have someone taking everything away from you. That has been the most maddening part of having 2 kids. It doesn't matter what James has, Joseph is going to try to take it. And it has not made a difference regardless of what punishments we have tried. MADDENING!

I also wanted yall to know that I have not abandoned my weight loss blog. After my emotional crisis, I stepped back and reevaluated my plan. I will post more about it hopefully later today.

I have had a cold hit me like a freight train. It came on last night and I started feeling terrible. I'm much better today. I even attempted a 5 mile run, but it didn't happen. I only made it 3.8 before I called it quits.

I'm hoping I feel good enough to go to the Moms RUN this Town meet and greet in Lexington tonight. I've been looking forward to it. Other than that, I don't have any big plans. Michael is leaving to go to NYC tomorrow morning for a week for work.

I hope yall are having a great weekend!

Family Vacation

First of all...I'm happy to say that this blog has passed 10000 pageviews! I know about 2500 of them were Michael. Ha Ha!

Anyway, we took a little mini vacation this past week. My friend, Libby, from college posted about a painting class in Germantown (which is right near Memphis) where you could submit a picture of your pet and an artist would sketch it on a canvas for you to paint. You could also bring wine and snacks. The proceeds went to the Street Dog Foundation. Wine, painting, a good cause, and Libby? I was so in. Luckily my Aunt and Uncle who live in Germantown were going to be home and we were able to visit and stay with them.

James was creeping on some wine

He loved opening the cabinets under my Aunt and Uncle's bar

Itching to get in the water

Loved his first time in the pool

Trying to escape to get back in the pool

My other Aunt and cousin Bussy came to visit while we were there.

James once again trying to get in the pool.

James' first baseball game

We went to the Memphis Redbirds game to watch Chris Carpenter pitch (he's a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals)

Of course Joseph wouldn't sit with us.

Libby ready to paint her masterpiece

The photo I sent in of Shelby

My finished canvas

Showing off our artwork. So much fun!

It was a great weekend away. I can't wait to get down to Memphis again to visit everyone. Libby has started running and we are talking about doing a color run or a beer run together.

In less upbeat news, I would like to ask for your thoughts and prayers as I go through something that is leaving me feeling very broken down. It's not a health issue...just emotional. I'm working to get through some very dark feelings and trying to get back to my mostly upbeat self. I thank you for your prayers.

A B C's of Me

Just in case y'all wanted to know more about little ol me...I present the ABC's of Me. My friend Katie did this same blog this week and I felt compelled to follow in her footsteps. So here we go.

A) Attached or Single

Attached. Been married for 5 years to Michael....fellow sports fan....even if we don't agree on the teams (except baseball).

B) Best Friend

I have 4 ladies that I consider my best friends (in no particular order).

Joanie and I met when we both worked at the vet clinic. When we met, she was eating raisins and cleaning poop. I knew she'd be my soul mate right then.

Ellen. I couldn't crop this one because Nikki's face is so epic. Ellen and I met on the streets of SF (South Fulton) the summer after we graduated high school.

Christy. We met when we were both grad students at UK. She really helped keep me sane in that nut house.

Emily. We met at Mississippi State. I know we met through our friend Hayley, but I can't remember when we really started hanging out a lot. I sure do wish she didn't live so far away now...

C) Cake or Pie?

If I'm making it, then pie, but if I'm not...probably cake...from a bakery..with a TON of icing.

D) Day of the Week

I'd like to say Saturday, but in all actuality, all the days are the same to me.

E) Essential Item

Mascara. Unless I'm running, sitting at home, or have an eye infection, I've got the stuff on. I think I look sick without it.

F) Favorite Color

Green...it's my signature color.

G) Gummy Bears or Worms

Bears

H) Hometown

South Fulton, TN

I) Indulgence:

Bakery cupcakes...I'm a sucker for the icing I never turn them down. Close second would be Krispy Kreme cream filled donuts and double doozie cookies. LOVE THEM ALL!!!!!

J) January or July

July, no question. No cold, no Christmas hangover....

K) Kids

My 2 boys....and with them, I'm done....even if I could be guranteed a girl next time, I don't think I would do it.

L) Life isn't complete without

Animals. I love animals. But not in a PETA kind of way. I fully believe that animals have their purpose. I love my dogs, Smokey and Shelby, my cats, Pumpkin and Daysie, and my horse, Spice.

M) Marriage Date

May 24th, 2008

N) Number of Siblings

1 sister

I'm the one doing jazz hands

O) Oranges or Apples

I like both, but I hate peeling oranges, so apples it is. Can't wait to go to the farmers market and get some fresh apples.

P) Phobias

Heights, enclosed spaces.....enclosed spaces up high.

Q) Favorite Quote

Now, I quote movies all the time. I can carry on conversations in movie quotes, but this is my favorite quote ever....and although it was in a movie, it's not a scripted line.

“I think using animals for food is an ethical thing to do, but we’ve got to do it right. We’ve got to give those animals a decent life and we’ve got to give them a painless death. We owe the animal respect.” --Temple Grandin

It completely sums up how I feel about the treatment of animals.

R) Reasons to smile

Too many blessings to count.

S) Season

Fall

T) Tag 3 people

No. Can't make me.

U) Unknown fact about me.

I wish I had kept playing basketball after junior high. I think if I had played after I got my contacts, I would have been a decent player. I wouldn't wear my glasses when I played in junior high and I think my blindness really hindered me...duh.

V) Favorite Vegetable

Kale...namely Kale chips

W) Worst habit

I have so many bad habits...biting my nails is probably my worst.

X) X ray or Ultrasound

Um...I've had a few of both. I guess ultrasound since when I had the xrays it usually meant I was in pain.

Y) Favorite food

Steak. I.Love.Steak. Don't bring me any A1. Don't over cook it. I like it medium to medium rare. I'm so thankful for cattle.

Z) Zodiac

Libra, but I don't really read horoscopes