Time Goes Fast

10 years ago today, I was in the hospital. About this time that night, I lay exhausted but elated in the bed. In my arms slept my new son. I stared at him and wondered what kind of boy he'd grow up to be. I prayed that I would be the kind of mother he deserved.

Looking at him, it was the first time ever that I knew without hesitation, I would lay my life down for his. Looking at him, I was looking at my heart.

Jayce has grown up to be an exceptional young man. He has a wonderful role model in his father and grandfathers. He makes wise decisions (most of the time) and is compassionate and kind. He has grown up to be the kind of boy I feel I don't always deserve. I have not been a perfect mother to him. There have been times I was short with patience, too quick to snap and not quick enough to laugh.

I prayed today that he will continue to be a fine young man as we enter these pre-teen years. I prayed that God will help me and his father raise him to His liking. I thank God for giving us Jayce.

10 years ago today, my life changed forever. For the best. I became a mother, for the first time.


10 yrs ago. (sorry but we don't have a scanner, had to take a picture of the picture) What are those young kids doing having a baby?





Tonight opening birthday presents.

Best Seat in the House

Nice and comfy:

Nap Time

Jarrett, Jeven and Jayce share a room. Jarrett and Jayce have the set of bunk beds, Jeven is still in the crib. No little kids are allowed up on Jayce's top bunk.

Jarrett and Jeven take their naps together. Sometimes, they are good and go right to sleep. Sometimes, they play around a little, get spankings, then go right to sleep.
Today, today was not a good nap day.

I had to go in several times and "lay down the law". I had to put Jarrett back up on his bed and put Jeven back in the crib. Then, finally I heard laughing and it sounded like someone was climbing up the bunk bed ladder. I walked in and found this:


Now, you can see Jarrett on the bottom bunk (and actually he's doing his famous "weiner thing").

But, where is Jeven? Hmmm....

It was hard to grab the camera and take a picture THEN be mean mommy and put him back where he should've been in the first place!

End of a Era (part two)

I have received a couple emails and phone calls asking how the potty training was going.

In a word? Pretty darn good. Yes, I know that's three words, but it's going that well!

The first day, we went through 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pull ups within the first hour and a half. Seems my little boy pees often. Very often. My plan was to set the timer for every 20 minutes and take him. I finally had the time narrowed down to every SIX minutes.

Didn't get much done that day.

But, every six minutes, he would go pee. On the potty! He got 2 Skittles and a sticker every time he went and by the end of the day, his paper was full and half a box of candy was gone!

He even went poop on the potty that first day! Which, after doing this with 3 other kids, this is a huge deal!

He has continued to go whenever I put him on the potty and is going longer stretches of time. He has even gone in 2 different public restrooms. He has said "I have to go potty" but it's been after Jarrett has said the same thing.
But, he's doing awesome and I'm so proud of him.

He's getting to be such a big boy! Which brings up another topic. Both boys got weighed and measured last week. Jarrett was barely 30 pounds (if he'd been naked, he'd never have made it!) and was 37 5/8 inches tall. Jeven, his younger brother, my baby, was almost 34 pounds and 36 5/8 inches tall.

So, to those of you that have asked if Jeven is bigger than Jarrett, the answer is yes!

Pet Peeves

I am sure you have seen them. The signs posted at every entrance to a public place. "No animals allowed with the exception of service animals".

So why is it that as I cruise through Wal-mart, there's a lady holding her chihuahua? A man walking his poodle? Seriously? A service chihuahua? A seeing eye poodle?
Yeah, I don't think so.

The thing that KILLS me, employees see these animals and don't do a darn thing! Wal-mart even has greeters at the door for pete's sake!

This infuriates me to no end. I don't like dogs getting free roam where I buy my groceries. As a consumer, I think I have the right to shop without having to watch for dog poop on the floor! (this actually happened! dog poop down one of the aisles!)

Why do these people think it's ok to bring in their pet? If the dog can't be alone at home for a couple hours, then there's something wrong with your dog.

If you are reading this and are one of those people that takes their dog every where with them, well. I'd like to say I am sorry if I am offending you but I'd be lying!

I could complain to the store manager or whatever, but I know it won't do any good. The places I shop on a regular basis, I do so because it's where we can afford to shop. I can't switch stores.

So, if you know me in real life and you are in the store with your dog, and you see me, you'll be better off running the other way!

Bring on the Tots!

Let me present two different scenarios to you.

#1: You find exciting, new recipe in magazine. You purposefully go grocery shopping for dozens of new ingredients. Spend a weeks worth of grocery budget on one meal. You spend an hour reading and re-reading recipe. You chop, dice, stir, boil and bake. You present new dish to waiting family. Who then eat one bite and declare it gross and disgusting.

#2: At 5:30 you finally make your way out to the pantry and find cream mushroom soup and some peas. You find some tater tots and hamburger in freezer. You throw it all together, add some cheese,bake, and announce dinner is ready. Everyone declares it a huge success and gobbles it all up. You figure it cost about .50 per serving.

I think this is a mystery to all mothers. Why do we bother? Why do we make something simple into something complicated? Do we really expect 2 and 3 yr. olds to appreciate fine cuisine? When most of it goes up their noses?

If you have the answers, please clue me in. In the meantime, bring on the tater tots!

Two of a Kind