Quick Memorial Day Weekend Recap

We had a great long weekend.

It was a good balance of being at home and getting out.

Caleb had to work Saturday and Sunday, so Brady and I sat out by his kiddie pool all morning Saturday.

We made berry smoothies, or milkshakes as Brady called them, and did a little lounging.

I sent Caleb this picture and he said Brady looks like his mother's child. Ha Ha! I love the sun, a pool, and a cold, fruity drink. What can I say?

Caleb picked up some ribs and sides for dinner and Caleb's parents came over to eat with us. Brady ended up back in the pool. Ha Ha!

Sunday was a typical day with church and my parents house. We took a little walk to the creek. Noah and Brady both enjoyed some water fun and throwing rocks. We didn't take any pictures. :(

Monday, we went canoeing with a group from church. (I only took 2 pics because I didn't want to risk drowning my camera in the river.)

We had a lot of fun! Brady absolutely loved it. He called his life jacket, his "water jacket". And would correct anyone who said life jacket.

He kept saying in the canoe, "I need to swim!"

He cried and cried when it was time to go. He cried until I bribed him with sweet tea at the restaurant we at for lunch.  Sometimes bribery is the only thing that works.
He was so worn out after his canoeing adventure, he took a 3 1/2 hour nap today! Ha Ha!

We have great friends and family. Every one was so sweet to Brady on the canoe trip(and other times as well). It was just overwhelmingly evident on this particular trip. There is nothing like seeing people LOVE your child, just because they want to. It warms my heart for friends of ours, family, and acquaintances to be so kind and loving to Brady.  I can't even fully express how much it touches my heart.Thank you! You have know idea how much it means to the mommy!!! 

Feel Good Friday

I am so glad it is Friday! I seriously live for Fridays.

Here are a few reasons why I am feeling good this Friday...

• Caleb was off today, so he a Brady had a boys day at home. I am so thankful for a husband who is willing to do this!! Brady LOVES it and tells me all about their day when I get home.

• It is the beginning of a 3 day weekend!!!

• I got to spend a little alone time shopping this afternoon after work since Caleb was home with Brady. I bought Brady a Toy Story cup from the dollar section at Target. You would have thought I bought him a pony. He kept calling it his present! Sweet Boy!

• I heard about this sweet story on the radio. It is always nice to see a touching feel good story after such a horrible tragedy.

Happy Friday!

Busy DIY Saturday

We spent Saturday doing a lot of work/projects around our house.

Caleb and I both had(and still have) a pretty big list of things we needed to get done around our house.

It was really warm out so we got Brady's wading pool out for him to play in while we worked close by.

HE LOVED IT!!!

 

I promise he had on swim trunks and a swim shirt. At this point he had come inside and I had stripped him of the wet clothing. Then he decided to get back into the pool with his play clothes on and quickly stripped himself of them.

 Please, ignore my knee in the above picture. 

He wouldn't get his head or face in the water. It was quite funny!

Brady also enjoyed a looong nap, which helped us out greatly!

Caleb was able to accomplish washing a little less than half the siding on our house, cleaning out all the gutters, mowing the yard, pulled some massive weeds I couldn't get up, and helped me with a couple of my tasks.

(This is a picture of the weed I had Caleb get up. Look closely, It is HUGE!)

I made 2 strawberry pies, a pasta salad, cleaned some of the house, planted some flowers and a knock-out rose bush, sanded and painted a rocking chair for the front porch, and gave the dog a bath.

Before:

After:

It was nice to get to work on some of our projects and get some things accomplished, but we were so worn out at the end of the day!

I decided I need longer weekends! ;)

Sweet Prayers

One of my favorite moments of the day is when we put Brady to bed.

Caleb and I both put Brady to bed every night together.

It has become one of my favorite family times and I hope it will be one Brady favorite family memories.

I love it!

And I love that my sweet husband loves it, too!

One of us reads a book, then Brady and Caleb each say a prayer, then we do a few silly good nights and tuck him in for the night.

I am always anxious to hear Brady's prayers.

He often thanks God for family members and friends by name, whatever he has eaten that day, and the toys in his room.

He has even broken out in an excited version of the ABC's right smack dab in mid prayer.

And of course he always ends with Amen!

The past few nights his prayers have been the same.

I quote...

"Dear God,

Thank you for my dreams.

Thank you Jesus Christ.

(a few words not yet acknowledged by the English Language)

In Jesus Name,

Amen!"

Yep,  Brady's sweet prayers are definitely the highlight of my day!

Zoo Day!

Note: Blogger has been acting crazy the past few days and deleted my last post for a while and any comments that were left. It all seems to be fixed now, but the comments are still missing. Crazy! 

Yesterday, I took off of work to take Brady to the zoo with my mom, sister, and Noah.

It rained a little, but we pushed on through and actually had a great day!



Crazy tourist bag lady!

This is the first time we have taken Brady to the zoo and knew what was happening.

These pictures were just so funny! A good picture together is such a challenge.



He could name some of the animals and react to them.

He LOVED the flamingos, water falls, and feeding the birds!



He would not turn around away from the Flamingos!





I think this might have been Brady's favorite part.



When we left the zoo, we went to sweet CeCe's, and did a little shopping.

As we were driving away, Brady said, "we have to tuun aound and go that way!" (he wanted us to turn around and go back to the zoo.)

The promise of ice cream quickly changed his mind! Ha! He is certainly my child!

EVERY ONE was worn out at the end of the day!

It was a great day!

Haircut Success!

I had an appointment to get my hair done today. My awesome hairdresser sweetly agrees to trim Brady's hair while my color sets nearly every visit.

Every time she has trimmed it, Brady has cried his little eyes out!

I am talking HUGE alligator tears!!!

See Exhibit A:

From his first haircut, he wouldn't even sit in the chair.

But today my big boy told me on the way, "I a big boy and I not cry like a baby! then I get a sucka!"

He did just that. He sat in the chair, named the colors of the cars on his cape and counted them, laughed when a hair fell in his face, asked questions, and answered questions.

He also saw someone getting their hair washed when we walked in and said rather loudly, "Mommy, she is giving her a bath back there." Ha Ha!

I am so so so proud of him and a little embarrassed after the bath comment!!

He even stayed right with me while I finished with my appointment. He did not act like a crazy two year old, but rather a very mature little boy.

You have know idea how it makes me feel that he was that good!

I think all parents need moments like this, so they can have hope that, just maybe, we are doing a good job.

I have tried to praise, praise, praise him tonight.

I am often afraid, I am too hard on him and the only time I am speaking to him is to correct him. I know that is not true, but it often feels that way.

I made it my goal to let him know how proud I am tonight!

I think he got it because in the car on the way home, he told me, "I not cry for my haircut, so I got a sucka AND a rye kispy teat!"(Sucker and rice Krispy Treat)

Its true, he did!

Mother's Day weekend

Our weekend was pretty ordinary.

Caleb had to work Saturday and Sunday, so Brady and I were on our own until the afternoon.

Saturday we ran some errands, played, and cleaned house most of the morning.

We had some friends over for dinner, so we also had to get ready for that.

Brady helped make the cupcakes! He informed me often that he is a good helper, just in case I forgot!

He takes care of really important things like adding sprinkles and taste-testing!!!

 

We had invited our friends over earlier in the week, but didn't think they would be able to make it. They ended up having a change of plans and called to re-invite themselves Friday night!  We are so glad they did!!

The boys played and played!!! They were both so tired at the end of the night!

I discovered that Brady might be a tad bit bossy!

Ethan was standing in his chair at the table during dinner. Brady looked at him, threw out his pointing finger, and said, "Efan, Sit down,  now on your bottom!" After reminding Brady a few times that Ethan's mommy and daddy will tell him to sit down and we don't boss our friends, he stopped.

Well, until Ethan did something else Brady isn't allowed to do...

At least Brady is clear on our house rules, I  guess!

Since Caleb worked Sunday he was off Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Brady and Caleb bought my mother's day gift then and went ahead and gave it to me.

This year I decided to ask for something specific, instead of getting something I don't really need.

I asked for a medium size suitcase and carry-on bag that were unique. I hate hate not being able to tell which bag is mine at the airport!!!

This isn't exactly what I had in mind, but it fit what I asked for and I like it.

Brady also gave me a flower that we planted and colored the pot at the babysitters. It is super sweet!

I am so thankful to be a mommy to such a sweet boy! I love him more and more each day!

 I also and am so thankful to have a great mom and am so so so thankful for her every day!

My mom was out of town this weekend for my SIL's graduation from law school, so my mother's day was pretty simple and didn't involve much.

It was actually kind of nice, since we usually stay so busy! 

I hope everyone had a very happy Mother's day. I know it can be bittersweet for some, so I said a special prayer for those who desire to be a mother, have lost a mother, or have lost a child.

Big Bellies!

Brady and I finally felt so much better by Friday night and by Saturday morning we were both itching to get out of the house.

 My brothers were in town for the weekend so we caught up with them and my parents. Brady was so excited to see his uncles!!! He has started to remember them from trip to trip and gets really excited to see them. He talks about them all the time! Unfortunately, I did not take one single picture this weekend, so I don't have any to share.

We basically spent the rest of the weekend with family eating and just hanging out. Brady was so good and kept us all entertained. He is at such a fun age and is so sweet, as my brother Cameron said you never know what he is going to say next.

That is so true!

For example, I was getting in the shower the other day and Brady ran in and said, "I see Mommy's big belly!"

(Yeah real good for the self esteem, especially considering this was at the point of stomach virus 2011 that I had yet to keep any food down for 24 hours)

Caleb pulled Brady aside and said, "Brady, Mommy doesn't have a big belly."

 To which Brady replied, "yes she does, I see it!"

I am certain this comes from us saying things like where is your big belly or I see your big belly and not from he really thinks I  have a big belly, BUT  I  may consider beginning some sit-ups soon, just to be sure.

Friday Ramblings

Brady and I have had a nasty stomach virus for the past couple days. We have been pretty miserable!

Our 2 best friends have been this..



credit



and this...



credit



In fact, Brady cheers when he sees one of these. No lie!

I know he doesn't understand why he can't eat his normal foods.

Brady woke up late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning vomiting. He continued to be sick all night and some throughout the day Thursday. I also began vomiting about mid-day Thursday. Neither of us could keep ANYTHING down and we were both so weak and tired. It was so bad, I had to call Caleb to help out. He quickly came home to helped clean up and let us rest.

Brady seemed to be doing much better this morning so we were all prepared to go back to work and daycare. However, as Caleb pulled into the driveway at daycare, Brady got sick once again. I was about to jump in the shower at the time, but instead drove to pick Brady up at daycare so Caleb could go on to work without being late.

He feel asleep watching Cars on the couch and slept a good while. (If you know Brady, this is HUGE, if the t.v is on he WILL.NOT.CLOSE. his eyes)Since he woke, he seems to be doing better.  We are coming up on 48 hours since he has kept any food or drink down. That really scares this Mama!  Please pray it last and that Caleb stays virus free! 

On a happier note, I DVR'd the Royal Wedding and skimmed through it while Brady slept.

I loved it! I will admit that I fast forwarded through some of the songs, though.:o

I thought Kate Princess Catherine looked stunning and Prince William looked so happy and excited.

I think my favorite things were all the sweet children and I LOVED, loved Kate's sister's (her maid of honor) dress.

credit for both wedding pics.

Weddings make me happy! Especially Royal Weddings!

Happy is very much needed in the wake of a stomach virus and all the storms and devastation from tornadoes this week.

Hoping and praying for good weather and a well weekend!

Stormy Wednesday

This morning we quickly awoke to some scary winds, rain, and thunder. When we turned on the t.v. the first thing I heard was for every one in our town to take cover NOW!  I ran and grabbed Brady out of his bed and we headed straight to the bath tub in mine and Caleb's bathroom.

Brady thought it was hilarious and kept saying, "we in a tent hiding, this fun Momma!"  We sang a few songs and giggled until it was safe to come out.

This is a horrible picture.

(Keep in mind I just jumped out of bed and headed straight to the bathtub after getting Brady.)

When I dropped Brady off at his baby sitters, this is what I pulled up to.



From the back




The swing set under the tree



It looks a lot worse in person.

Brady was real concerned about the trees and talked about them all day. He wanted to go fix them. He was probably so upset because the swing set was under the tree.

Thankfully, we haven't had any damage at our house, but not every one has been so lucky.

The storms have continued all day and there is still a little more to come.

This is a day I will be glad to see come to a close for sure.

Busy Easter Weekend!

Caleb and I were off on Good Friday, so we spent the day with Brady.

We decided to take Brady to get a picture with the Easter bunny.

However, Brady was terrified of the Easter bunny and would not even stand near him, so we got some bunny ears, gave him a high five and went on. Ha Ha!

(He did the same thing with Santa this past Christmas!)

Caleb and I joked that Brady will be 15 and we will finally get his first picture with someone in costume.

Then the 3 of us had lunch together, ran a few errands to get ready for Easter, and made our birds nests I posted about earlier.

That night we headed to the drive-in to see Rio. It was cute, but I thought it would be funnier! Brady loved it!



Credit



Saturday, Caleb had to work, so Brady and I played and played at home.

Then we picked up Caleb and headed to a wedding. I didn't take many pictures, just the cake. Ha Ha! 

My sister and my BIL just got a new camera and they were taking a lot of pictures.

They got some really cute ones of Brady.



This is my favorite!



Thanks Amy and Bryan!

Sunday, Brady checked out his Easter basket and we all got ready to attend worship service with Caleb's parents. After church we ate a very yummy lunch with Caleb's family and had a little Easter egg hunt.



Brady in his Easter suit. He looked so so so cute! It is so hard to get a good picture though.



Caleb and Brady in their matching shirts.



Our matching pink family. We don't normally do the matching thing, but it worked out this year. I kind of like it!



My and our niece Carleigh.



We distracted Brady with bubbles, while they hid the eggs. You can see Caleb's mom in the background "hiding" the eggs.



Hunting Eggs!



Counting our eggs and checking out the contents.

When we were finished with Caleb's family, we stopped by my parents house to visit and Brady was passed out!!! So we let him sleep there for a little while and later headed home. 

Being outside most of the weekend certainly got the best of me though, I woke up with a major sinus headache this morning, despite my best efforts of prevention all weekend. Brady and I stayed in today, took some allergy/sinus medicine, and got plenty of rest.

It was a great, but busy Easter 2011!