I know, It has been forever since I have blogged. But, we've been busy!!
1) Parker experienced his first Vacation Bible School. It was great and Parker loved it. He learned songs and can even do the hand motions and sing with it a little bit. The Sunday after VBS, the kids sang several of their songs for the 10:50 church service. Parker did GREAT during the practice routine at 10:00. But, by 10:50...he was done. He had sat in church for too long and wanted no part of singing VBS songs. I wanted so badly for him to be up there with the other kids shaking his diaper but you aren't going to make a 2 year old do what he doesn't want to do.
2)Brad's started playing on a softball team from church. He's really good. He has practice once a week and games once a week too. Parker and I go to practice and to the games and he LOVES watching his daddy play. He stands by the dug out saying, "go da-da!!!" "home-run!!!" It is way beyond cute. Speaking of baseball, I think this boy might be a baseball player. A baseball tee isn't needed much anymore. We can pitch him the ball and he can hit it about half the time. He has become a baseball fanatic. There are several T-ball fields in town. I thought that since he had so much fun watching his daddy play on the field that he would really enjoy running the bases. (And, what a great way to get energy out). Oh my word, did he have fun. We took turns hitting balls and catching...and we ran the bases at least 100 times. He kept saying that he hit "ome-uns!" (Home-runs!) Made my heart happy watching him run around the bases while I "attempted" to tag him out. I can not wait for him to start playing T-ball with a team.
3)I'm a little sad that Mom's day out at the Baptist church isn't running right now. They say they'll start it back up in the Spring (hopefully). Parker really enjoyed going there and really learned a lot while he was there. I hate that he isn't getting to be around other kids right now in a setting like that. I know he needs to be around other kids for a few hours a week. I've checked into the Montessori school here in town. A couple people know some people who send their kids there...I'm just leary of him starting a new place again. He'll start pre-School in the fall at the Presbytarian church and that will yet again be another new place to start. I hate to have so many changes for him. But, he does need to have interaction with other kids.
4) My dad's been having a hard time with his Parkinson's. I guess he's at the point where his current medication levels have become ineffective and he is needing an increase in medication to help him move around. I've been really sad about it. It just means his Parkinson's is taking over more and more. I have really encouraged him to do a little bit of exercise to hopefully help. His dr. is "on vaction until november.." per his nurse. So, his Dr. isn't exactly being very helpful. So if you know a good Neurologist let me know. Also, prayers are appreciated for my dad, my mom, my brother and me.
5)I think we may finally get around to painting some of the rooms in our house. Ha! We've been here a year so I guess it's finally time. Our kitchen is a terrible bright yellow and the middle bedroom is a light purple. I hope we can do a lot of stuff around the house over the holiday weekend coming up.
6) Anyone a Big Brother fan? I am. I have hated this season. I hated the idea of the couples and hated the idea of bringing people back who have already played the game. I really like Dani, but am afraid she will be going home this week. So glad Brendan is gone...and can't wait for Rachel to be gone too. She's a mess.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Doing Good
I love being at home with Parker. One of the things I love about it is that I have more opportunities to "do good" and to teach Parker to "do good" too.
Everyone knows my biggest passion in my life is helping homeless dogs and cats. We frequently visit the Humane Society and pass out treats, play with cats, and walk a dog. I wish he could do more but he's still to little to do some things.
A friend posted on facebook that the Batesville School District food pantry is very low. I told her we'd donate some food and in the process it would teach Parker a lesson.
I began thinking about it. This food at this pantry goes home with kids who have no food at home. Then my mind began to wander, (as it usually does), and I put Parker in their shoes. What would it be like if we had no food at our house? If Parker gets hungry, he goes to the pantry and picks out a snack. And there's about 20 different choices for a snack at our house. I found it really hard to think about my precious child going hungry and not being able to eat.
So, we picked out some foods that Parker enjoys eating and dropped it off. I talked to Parker about why we did this and he listened. I know he doesn't really understand right now, but at some point he will. I hope he gets in the routine of helping those who are less fortunate.
Everyone knows my biggest passion in my life is helping homeless dogs and cats. We frequently visit the Humane Society and pass out treats, play with cats, and walk a dog. I wish he could do more but he's still to little to do some things.
A friend posted on facebook that the Batesville School District food pantry is very low. I told her we'd donate some food and in the process it would teach Parker a lesson.
I began thinking about it. This food at this pantry goes home with kids who have no food at home. Then my mind began to wander, (as it usually does), and I put Parker in their shoes. What would it be like if we had no food at our house? If Parker gets hungry, he goes to the pantry and picks out a snack. And there's about 20 different choices for a snack at our house. I found it really hard to think about my precious child going hungry and not being able to eat.
So, we picked out some foods that Parker enjoys eating and dropped it off. I talked to Parker about why we did this and he listened. I know he doesn't really understand right now, but at some point he will. I hope he gets in the routine of helping those who are less fortunate.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Precious Parker Moment
This is one of those stories that will just melt your heart.
We were on our way back home from my mom and dad's house. Parker was watching Toy Story in the back seat with his daddy and I was driving. It was about an hour into the movie and was at the part where Buzz Lightyear had just watched the commercial for Al's Toy Barn that advertised selling Buzz Lightyear. He has just come to the realization that he is not THE Buzz Lightyear but just a toy. He tries to fly out of the window, while trapped at Sid's house, but could not fly and fell to the floor.
(Now, we have seen them movie several times and Parker has started pointing out emotions. He can point out if someone is crying, sad, or happy.)
Back to the Precious Parker moment...
Buzz Lightyear tries to fly but falls and you can see that he is very, very sad. Parker says, in his most caring baby voice..."Buzz sad." He looks at myself and Brad and we begin to see his bottom lip quiver. We tell him that, yes, Buzz is sad but that he will be ok. His bottom lip (still quivering) is now stuck out. We can tell that Parker is really trying to hold back tears and he is very sad that Buzz is sad. Bradley tries to comfort him the best he could and I was about ready to pull the car over and give my baby a hug. And, a tear rolled down his cheek. We told Parker that everyone gets sad and that it's ok to be sad every now and then.
This made me so proud of my little boy. I have always wanted him to be compassionate towards others and animals and I believe he will be. I hope that by taking him to the Humane Society and Food Pantry that he will grow up to be able to put others first. While it made me really sad, that Parker was sad, I was glad that he can empathize with someone...even if it was Buzz Lightyear.
It is very important to me that I teach Parker to serve others who are in need. And, the best way for me to teach him that is to do that. I think all too often parents teach their kids to only think about themselves which in turn teaches them to be selfish. What a sad way to live. I love helping people in need and animals in need. I hope that my child is the child in school who friends everyone. I hope he is the one that eats lunch with the kid who is sitting by himself.
I guess it's every Social Worker's dream...for their kid to be empathic and compassionate towards others. My dream is definately becoming true.
Little Parker is such a sweet boy. I am so very lucky to have him as my own.
We were on our way back home from my mom and dad's house. Parker was watching Toy Story in the back seat with his daddy and I was driving. It was about an hour into the movie and was at the part where Buzz Lightyear had just watched the commercial for Al's Toy Barn that advertised selling Buzz Lightyear. He has just come to the realization that he is not THE Buzz Lightyear but just a toy. He tries to fly out of the window, while trapped at Sid's house, but could not fly and fell to the floor.
(Now, we have seen them movie several times and Parker has started pointing out emotions. He can point out if someone is crying, sad, or happy.)
Back to the Precious Parker moment...
Buzz Lightyear tries to fly but falls and you can see that he is very, very sad. Parker says, in his most caring baby voice..."Buzz sad." He looks at myself and Brad and we begin to see his bottom lip quiver. We tell him that, yes, Buzz is sad but that he will be ok. His bottom lip (still quivering) is now stuck out. We can tell that Parker is really trying to hold back tears and he is very sad that Buzz is sad. Bradley tries to comfort him the best he could and I was about ready to pull the car over and give my baby a hug. And, a tear rolled down his cheek. We told Parker that everyone gets sad and that it's ok to be sad every now and then.
This made me so proud of my little boy. I have always wanted him to be compassionate towards others and animals and I believe he will be. I hope that by taking him to the Humane Society and Food Pantry that he will grow up to be able to put others first. While it made me really sad, that Parker was sad, I was glad that he can empathize with someone...even if it was Buzz Lightyear.
It is very important to me that I teach Parker to serve others who are in need. And, the best way for me to teach him that is to do that. I think all too often parents teach their kids to only think about themselves which in turn teaches them to be selfish. What a sad way to live. I love helping people in need and animals in need. I hope that my child is the child in school who friends everyone. I hope he is the one that eats lunch with the kid who is sitting by himself.
I guess it's every Social Worker's dream...for their kid to be empathic and compassionate towards others. My dream is definately becoming true.
Little Parker is such a sweet boy. I am so very lucky to have him as my own.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Random thoughts.
Just some random thoughts.
1) Do you watch Big Brother? I do. I'm really excited that it is coming back on this Thursday. They say that two past houseguests are coming back on the show...I am really hoping it is not Brendan and Rachel.
2) Parker is in a say "no" phase. If you ask him anything, his answer will likely be "no." He's still cute though.
3) Parker and I ventured into Cave City last week. We found one place on the side of the road that was selling fruits and veggies. But, no watermelons. The lady told me, "We usually have them by now but all the rain we had drown-ded them out." Is drown-ded even a word? Do people not realize that's not how it is pronounced?
4) Why people buy dogs, this is something I will never in my life ever understand. There are so many precious homeless dogs living in shelters. There are so many fabulous adult dogs that sit in shelters for years! (yes, years!) I dare people who want to buy a dog to go to a shelter and look around. Look into the eyes of the dogs in the cages. Research the statistics on how many dogs are put to sleep. Go to a kill-shelter and look into those eyes. Please don't breed or buy dogs. Rescue, Rescue, Rescue. Save a life....adopt.
5) Down the street from us, a guy owns a small trucking company that hauls rocks. Every weekday there are 5 big dump trucks that leave and come back. Parker can hear them coming and will scream, "DUMP TRUCK! MOMMA! DUMP TRUCK" Which then we have to run out to see it and he waves and they toot their big horn and Parker is in Big truck heaven. We also found out that the same guy that owns the trucks has a horse named Red. The guy is really nice and said we could pet Red anytime we wanted. So, now, about twice a day we take a walk down the street and look at all the drump trucks, tractors, and look for Red. The guys that drive the truck are always nice to Parker and two of them have let him climb into their big dump trucks and look around. One even let Parker toot the big dump truck horn. He thought that was pretty cool.
6) We've been picking blackberries like crazy. CRA-ZY! My mom made two blackberry cobbler's and I made a blackberry pie the other day. We have about 14 (or so) more cups of them? Anyone know any good recipe's for blackberries??
7) Parker has been saying, "more minutes" when it is time for a nap or bedtime.
8) We've been doing a little potty training. He does really good when we are home and he is running around with his bare bottom showing. But if he has big boy undies on he pee's in them. He's got a "treasure box" in his bathroom...for when he pee's he gets to pick one thing out of there. At least he's working on it...which I think is pretty good for a little 2 year old.
Happy 4th!
1) Do you watch Big Brother? I do. I'm really excited that it is coming back on this Thursday. They say that two past houseguests are coming back on the show...I am really hoping it is not Brendan and Rachel.
2) Parker is in a say "no" phase. If you ask him anything, his answer will likely be "no." He's still cute though.
3) Parker and I ventured into Cave City last week. We found one place on the side of the road that was selling fruits and veggies. But, no watermelons. The lady told me, "We usually have them by now but all the rain we had drown-ded them out." Is drown-ded even a word? Do people not realize that's not how it is pronounced?
4) Why people buy dogs, this is something I will never in my life ever understand. There are so many precious homeless dogs living in shelters. There are so many fabulous adult dogs that sit in shelters for years! (yes, years!) I dare people who want to buy a dog to go to a shelter and look around. Look into the eyes of the dogs in the cages. Research the statistics on how many dogs are put to sleep. Go to a kill-shelter and look into those eyes. Please don't breed or buy dogs. Rescue, Rescue, Rescue. Save a life....adopt.
5) Down the street from us, a guy owns a small trucking company that hauls rocks. Every weekday there are 5 big dump trucks that leave and come back. Parker can hear them coming and will scream, "DUMP TRUCK! MOMMA! DUMP TRUCK" Which then we have to run out to see it and he waves and they toot their big horn and Parker is in Big truck heaven. We also found out that the same guy that owns the trucks has a horse named Red. The guy is really nice and said we could pet Red anytime we wanted. So, now, about twice a day we take a walk down the street and look at all the drump trucks, tractors, and look for Red. The guys that drive the truck are always nice to Parker and two of them have let him climb into their big dump trucks and look around. One even let Parker toot the big dump truck horn. He thought that was pretty cool.
6) We've been picking blackberries like crazy. CRA-ZY! My mom made two blackberry cobbler's and I made a blackberry pie the other day. We have about 14 (or so) more cups of them? Anyone know any good recipe's for blackberries??
7) Parker has been saying, "more minutes" when it is time for a nap or bedtime.
8) We've been doing a little potty training. He does really good when we are home and he is running around with his bare bottom showing. But if he has big boy undies on he pee's in them. He's got a "treasure box" in his bathroom...for when he pee's he gets to pick one thing out of there. At least he's working on it...which I think is pretty good for a little 2 year old.
Happy 4th!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
"Dump Truck...Time Out!"
Parker gets the occassional time out. He may get a time out when he hits or refuses to do something we ask him to do. So, here's how time outs may go. Let's say he is hitting his dog Ellie with a drum stick. We'll give him a warning and say something like, "Parker, don't hit Ellie. You will go to time out if you do that again." Let's say he hits her again. (And, yes, he does test us...so we make sure if we make a threat to give a time out, it must be followed through!) We take the drum stick away and place him in the time out corner.
2 minutes pass by.
We always go right up to him, sit down next to him and ask him why he was placed in time out. And, he will tell us why. "Hit Ellie." We give a brief statement on why it isn't nice to hit. Then we tell him we love him and ask for a hug. Then we can go play.
So today, Parker and I were playing trucks. I had a plastic toy tractor and he had his big John Deere Dump Truck. We were rolling them around the floor and he takes his dump truck and "hits" my tractor with it. Then he says in a stern voice, "No hit tractor!!!" Takes his dump truck to the time out corner and says, "stay!" He waits for a few seconds, goes up to his dump truck and sits down by it. He says, "Dump truck hit tractor. Say Sorry!"
Hey....at least he is making the connection!
I love this precious baby boy!
2 minutes pass by.
We always go right up to him, sit down next to him and ask him why he was placed in time out. And, he will tell us why. "Hit Ellie." We give a brief statement on why it isn't nice to hit. Then we tell him we love him and ask for a hug. Then we can go play.
So today, Parker and I were playing trucks. I had a plastic toy tractor and he had his big John Deere Dump Truck. We were rolling them around the floor and he takes his dump truck and "hits" my tractor with it. Then he says in a stern voice, "No hit tractor!!!" Takes his dump truck to the time out corner and says, "stay!" He waits for a few seconds, goes up to his dump truck and sits down by it. He says, "Dump truck hit tractor. Say Sorry!"
Hey....at least he is making the connection!
I love this precious baby boy!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Pizza loving boy.
My child is probably the biggest pizza, or "izzzzzza", fan in the world. He loves it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. He loves it cold or hot. And now his new kind of favorite pizza is "aw-klet pip" (chocolate chip) pizza. If you also know my child well enough, you will know that he also loves chocolate.
So, I thought I would share a funny story about Parker and Pizza.
Parker has this nice play kitchen. It has a microwave, fridge, oven, cabinets, sink and coffee maker. He also has tons of plastic food that he loves to "cook" with. He loves playing with his play food and in his kitchen.
Last night, Bradley, Parker and I were outside on the front porch watching for deer. P got bored and opened the front door, went inside, then closed it. (We could see him through the living room window.) A minute later he opened the front door, came out with a small iron skillet and told me he had made me "good juice." (He calls apple juice, "good juice".) He then goes back inside, closes the door, comes back out with his coffee pot. He hands momma and daddy the coffee pot so we pretend to drink the pretend coffee. We tell him how wonderful the "coffee" is and rub our bellies saying, Yum Yum. He takes his coffee pot, opens the door and says to us he is going to cook us some "izzzzzza" (pizza). Then he tells us, "ight ack" (right back). We say ok.
He's got pretend slices of pizza...so that's what we were expecting. He opens the front door, steps on the front porch with a Mazzio's pizza box from our fridge in the kitchen.
We laughed. He sat down and ate his "mummy izzzzzza" (yummy pizza).
Cutest, most sweetest little boy ever.
So, I thought I would share a funny story about Parker and Pizza.
Parker has this nice play kitchen. It has a microwave, fridge, oven, cabinets, sink and coffee maker. He also has tons of plastic food that he loves to "cook" with. He loves playing with his play food and in his kitchen.
Last night, Bradley, Parker and I were outside on the front porch watching for deer. P got bored and opened the front door, went inside, then closed it. (We could see him through the living room window.) A minute later he opened the front door, came out with a small iron skillet and told me he had made me "good juice." (He calls apple juice, "good juice".) He then goes back inside, closes the door, comes back out with his coffee pot. He hands momma and daddy the coffee pot so we pretend to drink the pretend coffee. We tell him how wonderful the "coffee" is and rub our bellies saying, Yum Yum. He takes his coffee pot, opens the door and says to us he is going to cook us some "izzzzzza" (pizza). Then he tells us, "ight ack" (right back). We say ok.
He's got pretend slices of pizza...so that's what we were expecting. He opens the front door, steps on the front porch with a Mazzio's pizza box from our fridge in the kitchen.
We laughed. He sat down and ate his "mummy izzzzzza" (yummy pizza).
Cutest, most sweetest little boy ever.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Excuse me, Is that a TARANTULA on my front porch?
Well, I certainly knew that when we moved to this house that my sightings of bugs would increase dramatically. We live in the country now and have 3 acres. (2 of our acres are woods). And, yes, I have seen more bugs in my 8 1/2 months of living here than I have in my entire life.
My dad calls me at 8:55 p.m. every evening. It's usually a quick phone call. He'll ask if the "bumbo boy" went to sleep ok and tell me to "get my butt in bed and get my rest." So I decided that I would sit outside on my front porch and wait on my 8:55 p.m. phone call. I love my front porch. It's very relaxing to sit at night at listen to the critters in the woods. The phone call from my dad came and went and I stayed out side a little bit longer. It was quite peaceful last night. I decide I should probably go inside and go to bed. I got up and checked on my tomato and strawberry plants. And due to us having out front porch lights on last night, there were bugs everywhere. I've gotten used to it, so I stand at the front door to make sure there are no big bugs flying around that could sneak inside when I open the door. As i'm standing there, I notice something big moving out of the corner of my eye. I freeze and slowly turn my head to this big critter. After wetting my pants, I realized it is a Tarantula.
What? A tarantula? On my front porch? I didn't sign up for this. Big bugs/spiders...yes. But, Tarantula's??? No. I did not. Can I move back to Little Rock please?
So I quietly open the door and tells Bradley he needs to come outside. He gives me the, "what is it now" look and gets up. I'm sure at this point he is thinking that it is another "big" spider...because my defination of a big spider and his defination of one is drastically different.
He looks at it, and tells me to go get my camera. What? My camera? This God awful creature is 2 feet from our front door. Let me hand you a shovel or a hammer so he can go meet his Creator. He then begins to tell me that he has never seen a spider this big, or even a tarantula in the wild. So, to please him, I go get my camera. He takes a couple pictures of it and then asks me what I want him to do with it.
Now, I'm not a bug killer. If there's a bug in my house, I'll put a cup over it to trap it...and Brad will release it when he gets home. But, when it comes to spiders...I have no compassion. They have many legs, move fast, and make those nasty webs.
I was confused. I do kill spiders, but this one was huge. There would be so much blood shed if smashed. Too much for me to handle. He says he can get a shovel and take it to the woods. Ok, I said, but how do you know he won't come back? So, he tells me to go get Parker's bug net and bug cage. Bradley's newly made friend goes into the bug box. He asks if I thought Parker would want to see it in the morning. Well, Yes, i'm sure he would love to see it. But that means that I will be the only adult at home. I'm not up for that with a huge spider.
I go to bed, knowing that this devil of a spider is trapped in a bug box and I leave it up to Brad to do what he wants with it.
He gets up for work and later comes in to tell me, "All that's left in the bug box is spider poop?" "What" I said? He replies, "All the bugs are gone and he is gone. Just his poop is left." I say, "Please tell me you left it outside last night." Fortunately for his sake, he did.
Holy Moly.
My dad calls me at 8:55 p.m. every evening. It's usually a quick phone call. He'll ask if the "bumbo boy" went to sleep ok and tell me to "get my butt in bed and get my rest." So I decided that I would sit outside on my front porch and wait on my 8:55 p.m. phone call. I love my front porch. It's very relaxing to sit at night at listen to the critters in the woods. The phone call from my dad came and went and I stayed out side a little bit longer. It was quite peaceful last night. I decide I should probably go inside and go to bed. I got up and checked on my tomato and strawberry plants. And due to us having out front porch lights on last night, there were bugs everywhere. I've gotten used to it, so I stand at the front door to make sure there are no big bugs flying around that could sneak inside when I open the door. As i'm standing there, I notice something big moving out of the corner of my eye. I freeze and slowly turn my head to this big critter. After wetting my pants, I realized it is a Tarantula.
What? A tarantula? On my front porch? I didn't sign up for this. Big bugs/spiders...yes. But, Tarantula's??? No. I did not. Can I move back to Little Rock please?
So I quietly open the door and tells Bradley he needs to come outside. He gives me the, "what is it now" look and gets up. I'm sure at this point he is thinking that it is another "big" spider...because my defination of a big spider and his defination of one is drastically different.
He looks at it, and tells me to go get my camera. What? My camera? This God awful creature is 2 feet from our front door. Let me hand you a shovel or a hammer so he can go meet his Creator. He then begins to tell me that he has never seen a spider this big, or even a tarantula in the wild. So, to please him, I go get my camera. He takes a couple pictures of it and then asks me what I want him to do with it.
Now, I'm not a bug killer. If there's a bug in my house, I'll put a cup over it to trap it...and Brad will release it when he gets home. But, when it comes to spiders...I have no compassion. They have many legs, move fast, and make those nasty webs.
I was confused. I do kill spiders, but this one was huge. There would be so much blood shed if smashed. Too much for me to handle. He says he can get a shovel and take it to the woods. Ok, I said, but how do you know he won't come back? So, he tells me to go get Parker's bug net and bug cage. Bradley's newly made friend goes into the bug box. He asks if I thought Parker would want to see it in the morning. Well, Yes, i'm sure he would love to see it. But that means that I will be the only adult at home. I'm not up for that with a huge spider.
I go to bed, knowing that this devil of a spider is trapped in a bug box and I leave it up to Brad to do what he wants with it.
He gets up for work and later comes in to tell me, "All that's left in the bug box is spider poop?" "What" I said? He replies, "All the bugs are gone and he is gone. Just his poop is left." I say, "Please tell me you left it outside last night." Fortunately for his sake, he did.
Holy Moly.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
"Jesus Loves Me!"
Just thought I would write a short blog on what we've been doing lately.
A couple weeks ago, Bradley was traveling for work...and it was just Parker and I. I love spending time with my boy and there isn't anything in this whole universe more important than that.
Here's a sweet story for all you Parker fans out there.
During this week that Bradley was gone, Parker melted my heart. I was in the kitchen cooking dinner and I overheard him talking in the den. I checked in on him and he was carrying around a book saying something..over and over and over again. I coudln't figure it out. After a few minutes, it dawned on me what he was saying. He was saying, Bible. But, it was much sweeter than that...it was more like, "Biiiiiiiible." The book he was carrying around was a book that I am currently reading. (Why he thought it was a bible, I don't know. It had an orange cat on it. ) Wait, now that I think about it, he LOVES cats and his favorite color is orange...so maybe he thought it was his bible. HA!
Anyway, I told him that was mommy's book and that he had a bible in his room. We went in there and got a few books on Jesus and other bible characters. He carried them back into the den and sat them down. He grabbed his Razorback body pillow and sat it on the floor. (I knew this was going to be fun. We always have fun on the Razorback pillow...it's where we eat popcorn and watch Blue's Clue's.)
The next part is really the heart warmer.
He sat down on the pillow, with Jesus books in lap, and made his sweet little prayer hands, bowed his precious baby head and said oh so sweetly, "pray." He preceeded to say his prayer, (which sounded like this...), "Jesus. I love you. Amen." He then began to sing and do the hand motions to, "Jesus Loves Me."
Oh my word. My heart was completely melted from all of this sweetness happening.
We have never sang Jesus Loves Me to him, (I know..i'm a terrible preacher's kid). It really has just not ever crossed my mind that he is ready to learn songs or even hand motions. We always say our bedtime prayers and he sits in church with us every Sunday. After singing Jesus Loves Me, he then opened up one of his Jesus books and began to "read."
I am so incredibly thankful to the Mother's Day Out at First Baptist Church. They teach him bible stories, sing Jesus Loves Me, and color pictures of Bible characters.
My first thought, after all this happened, was, "Dear God, Please don't let my child be a preacher." My dad is a preacher, so I can say that! Being a preacher has it's positives, I suppose, but definately...definately has it's negatives.
Do you have any sweet moments like this? This is one that I will never forget. It was so incredibly sweet and so special. I just love my little boy.
A couple weeks ago, Bradley was traveling for work...and it was just Parker and I. I love spending time with my boy and there isn't anything in this whole universe more important than that.
Here's a sweet story for all you Parker fans out there.
During this week that Bradley was gone, Parker melted my heart. I was in the kitchen cooking dinner and I overheard him talking in the den. I checked in on him and he was carrying around a book saying something..over and over and over again. I coudln't figure it out. After a few minutes, it dawned on me what he was saying. He was saying, Bible. But, it was much sweeter than that...it was more like, "Biiiiiiiible." The book he was carrying around was a book that I am currently reading. (Why he thought it was a bible, I don't know. It had an orange cat on it. ) Wait, now that I think about it, he LOVES cats and his favorite color is orange...so maybe he thought it was his bible. HA!
Anyway, I told him that was mommy's book and that he had a bible in his room. We went in there and got a few books on Jesus and other bible characters. He carried them back into the den and sat them down. He grabbed his Razorback body pillow and sat it on the floor. (I knew this was going to be fun. We always have fun on the Razorback pillow...it's where we eat popcorn and watch Blue's Clue's.)
The next part is really the heart warmer.
He sat down on the pillow, with Jesus books in lap, and made his sweet little prayer hands, bowed his precious baby head and said oh so sweetly, "pray." He preceeded to say his prayer, (which sounded like this...), "Jesus. I love you. Amen." He then began to sing and do the hand motions to, "Jesus Loves Me."
Oh my word. My heart was completely melted from all of this sweetness happening.
We have never sang Jesus Loves Me to him, (I know..i'm a terrible preacher's kid). It really has just not ever crossed my mind that he is ready to learn songs or even hand motions. We always say our bedtime prayers and he sits in church with us every Sunday. After singing Jesus Loves Me, he then opened up one of his Jesus books and began to "read."
I am so incredibly thankful to the Mother's Day Out at First Baptist Church. They teach him bible stories, sing Jesus Loves Me, and color pictures of Bible characters.
My first thought, after all this happened, was, "Dear God, Please don't let my child be a preacher." My dad is a preacher, so I can say that! Being a preacher has it's positives, I suppose, but definately...definately has it's negatives.
Do you have any sweet moments like this? This is one that I will never forget. It was so incredibly sweet and so special. I just love my little boy.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Mother's Day...a week late
Yes, I know Mother's day was last Sunday. Better late than never, right?
For Mother's day, my mom drove to see us. It was kind of a last minute idea but I am really glad she came. She met us at church here in "boring-ville." Parker did not know she was coming and was literally beside himself when he saw her in the parking lot. He couldn't get out of his carseat quick enough. He was laughing, giggling and saying, "nana! nana! nanaaaa!"
This boy, loves his Nana.
But, who wouldn't? My mom usually bears toys, kisses, hugs, and oodles of playtime. My mom doesn't buy those boring kind of toys..she buys the fun toys that kids REALLY love. My mom isn't afraid to be loud with Parker..running around the house playing chase, having a screaming contest, or playing hide and seek. My mom comes with spongebob fruit gummies, gum, and will usually buy him pizza. So, really, who wouldn't want to be a Nana's boy or girl?
After church, we go to wal mart and the park at Bradley's work. We go out for lunch. We come to our house and Parker plays with his Nana for a little bit, but then it's time for a nap. He does NOT want to nap. I know. I felt horrible for making him go to sleep. He just wanted to play with his Nana. After a few minutes of crying, he was out.
My mom was a great mom to my brothers and I. She is an even better Nana. She is so in tune with Parker and always puts his needs first. She understands that riding in the car with a 2 year old is A LOT to ask and she never demands that we come to see her. She understands that plans don't always come out the way we would like...especially with a 2 year old. She is always flexible with scheduling and really, she doesn't care what we do as long as she's with Parker.
When Bradley was traveling so much last year with work, my mom was so helpful. If I needed her to watch Parker so I could go to work, she always did. She never demanded that she watch Parker at her house because she understood that it was a lot of extra work to travel with Parker. She was always happy to help and always kept Parker's needs at the top of her list. I am not sure how I would have gotten along during that time if I didn't have my mom's help.
It's always fun to watch my mom and Parker play. She isn't afraid to get on the floor and play. She isn't afraid to get dirty or messy. I love that she's such a great Nana. She was definately born to be one.
Parker picked out a really nice candle for me and Bradley got me a funny card. My mom took me to lunch. And, Bradley's sweet Meme send me a Mother's day card. I got a text message from my brother and a phone call from my dad. It was a great day.
I love being Parker's mom. It is the best and I am SO fortunate that I get to stay at home with him. I love playing with him and watching him grow up.
Happy belated Mother's day to my mom! I love you
For Mother's day, my mom drove to see us. It was kind of a last minute idea but I am really glad she came. She met us at church here in "boring-ville." Parker did not know she was coming and was literally beside himself when he saw her in the parking lot. He couldn't get out of his carseat quick enough. He was laughing, giggling and saying, "nana! nana! nanaaaa!"
This boy, loves his Nana.
But, who wouldn't? My mom usually bears toys, kisses, hugs, and oodles of playtime. My mom doesn't buy those boring kind of toys..she buys the fun toys that kids REALLY love. My mom isn't afraid to be loud with Parker..running around the house playing chase, having a screaming contest, or playing hide and seek. My mom comes with spongebob fruit gummies, gum, and will usually buy him pizza. So, really, who wouldn't want to be a Nana's boy or girl?
After church, we go to wal mart and the park at Bradley's work. We go out for lunch. We come to our house and Parker plays with his Nana for a little bit, but then it's time for a nap. He does NOT want to nap. I know. I felt horrible for making him go to sleep. He just wanted to play with his Nana. After a few minutes of crying, he was out.
My mom was a great mom to my brothers and I. She is an even better Nana. She is so in tune with Parker and always puts his needs first. She understands that riding in the car with a 2 year old is A LOT to ask and she never demands that we come to see her. She understands that plans don't always come out the way we would like...especially with a 2 year old. She is always flexible with scheduling and really, she doesn't care what we do as long as she's with Parker.
When Bradley was traveling so much last year with work, my mom was so helpful. If I needed her to watch Parker so I could go to work, she always did. She never demanded that she watch Parker at her house because she understood that it was a lot of extra work to travel with Parker. She was always happy to help and always kept Parker's needs at the top of her list. I am not sure how I would have gotten along during that time if I didn't have my mom's help.
It's always fun to watch my mom and Parker play. She isn't afraid to get on the floor and play. She isn't afraid to get dirty or messy. I love that she's such a great Nana. She was definately born to be one.
Parker picked out a really nice candle for me and Bradley got me a funny card. My mom took me to lunch. And, Bradley's sweet Meme send me a Mother's day card. I got a text message from my brother and a phone call from my dad. It was a great day.
I love being Parker's mom. It is the best and I am SO fortunate that I get to stay at home with him. I love playing with him and watching him grow up.
Happy belated Mother's day to my mom! I love you
Friday, May 6, 2011
I swear I didn't poop my pants...
So, this past weekend my aunt got married. We left our house about 11 a.m. on Saturday and took Parker to McDonald's here in Batesville for lunch. I am dressed in my very nice, expensive white pants (you know the kind you only wear to weddings or other formal events). So, after we played at McDonalds for a little while, we had to leave to get to the wedding on time.
We get to Jacksonville in time for the wedding. I see my brother and sister in law. We are standing in the back of the chapel talking. Parker is hanging all over his Uncle "an an" (dan dan) and Aunt Kekka (becca). It's almost time for the wedding so we take our seats. I see a few family members I haven't seen in a while as well as some of the people my mom works with.
I take the pew behind my brother and sister in law. (This is an important piece of info...so remember).
The wedding starts. The wedding ends. We all stand up as my aunt and her new husband walk down the aisle as newlyweds. I turn around and watch them leave the chapel. Remember that I was seated behind my brother and sister in law? So this means that when I turn around...they are now behind me.
I clap for the new couple as everyone else does, but now I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see my brother's face. He looks very surprised and nervous almost. He whispers something to me, but I can't hear what he's saying from all the commotion going on around me. Daniel, my brother, leans forward and tells me, "You have a brown spot on your pants." I laugh and tell him to quit playing around because it isn't funny. Then I look at my sister in law, and she says, "No, really. You do." I begin to take her seriously..because she wouldn't joke about something like that.
I say to her, "well how big is it?" She tells me it is rather large and shows me about how big it is. It is about the size of a medium size strawberry. I look back and forth between my brother and sister in law, to look for clues of them messing with me. I then ask him, "Where is it?" Daniel says, "It is right in the middle of your butt. It is in the worse spot imaginable." My sister in law validates him and says, "Yeah it is right in the middle."
I began to get a little panicked and embarrassed. Daniel says it looks like I pooped my pants. Becca agrees. I ask them what they think I should do. They suggest I go check it out in the mirror. So, partly because I wanted them to be joking with me, I went to the bathroom to look.
Oh. My. Lord.
There is a huge chunky brown spot right on my toosh, and not only on my toosh, but yes, it does indeed look like I pooped my pants.
I walk back out, with my big camera bag covering my rear-end. I find my mom. I show her. She laughs. I find Bradley. I show him. He laughs. They suggest I go back to the bathroom and scrape the faux poop off and try ot get it out with water. Good idea? I thought so. So off to the bathroom I go.
Bad Idea. Now it looks like I had diahrrea. And, it's bigger. But it isn't chunky anymore. It's just smeared.
I feel people are staring at me and laughing. Would I have rather had a chunky faux poop stain on my pants? Or would I rather have a diahrrea like stain on my pants? I don't know. I would rather have neither but that wasn't the situation I was in.
I was in a big dilemma. Do I change my pants and people wonder why I am wearing jeans to a wedding? Or, do I leave the poop stained pants on? It was voted by all (who were laughing at me by the way) for me to change pants.
I didn't poop my pants. I don't know what it was on my white expensive dress pants. I don't know where it came from. I think the good Lord has a great sense of humor. I think potty humor is funny and if you toot, you can bet I will laugh. From the stress of traveling with Parker and the rush of getting to the wedding, I think God knew I needed to laugh. So, Thank you God. But, next time, could the poop stain be on my leg?
We get to Jacksonville in time for the wedding. I see my brother and sister in law. We are standing in the back of the chapel talking. Parker is hanging all over his Uncle "an an" (dan dan) and Aunt Kekka (becca). It's almost time for the wedding so we take our seats. I see a few family members I haven't seen in a while as well as some of the people my mom works with.
I take the pew behind my brother and sister in law. (This is an important piece of info...so remember).
The wedding starts. The wedding ends. We all stand up as my aunt and her new husband walk down the aisle as newlyweds. I turn around and watch them leave the chapel. Remember that I was seated behind my brother and sister in law? So this means that when I turn around...they are now behind me.
I clap for the new couple as everyone else does, but now I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see my brother's face. He looks very surprised and nervous almost. He whispers something to me, but I can't hear what he's saying from all the commotion going on around me. Daniel, my brother, leans forward and tells me, "You have a brown spot on your pants." I laugh and tell him to quit playing around because it isn't funny. Then I look at my sister in law, and she says, "No, really. You do." I begin to take her seriously..because she wouldn't joke about something like that.
I say to her, "well how big is it?" She tells me it is rather large and shows me about how big it is. It is about the size of a medium size strawberry. I look back and forth between my brother and sister in law, to look for clues of them messing with me. I then ask him, "Where is it?" Daniel says, "It is right in the middle of your butt. It is in the worse spot imaginable." My sister in law validates him and says, "Yeah it is right in the middle."
I began to get a little panicked and embarrassed. Daniel says it looks like I pooped my pants. Becca agrees. I ask them what they think I should do. They suggest I go check it out in the mirror. So, partly because I wanted them to be joking with me, I went to the bathroom to look.
Oh. My. Lord.
There is a huge chunky brown spot right on my toosh, and not only on my toosh, but yes, it does indeed look like I pooped my pants.
I walk back out, with my big camera bag covering my rear-end. I find my mom. I show her. She laughs. I find Bradley. I show him. He laughs. They suggest I go back to the bathroom and scrape the faux poop off and try ot get it out with water. Good idea? I thought so. So off to the bathroom I go.
Bad Idea. Now it looks like I had diahrrea. And, it's bigger. But it isn't chunky anymore. It's just smeared.
I feel people are staring at me and laughing. Would I have rather had a chunky faux poop stain on my pants? Or would I rather have a diahrrea like stain on my pants? I don't know. I would rather have neither but that wasn't the situation I was in.
I was in a big dilemma. Do I change my pants and people wonder why I am wearing jeans to a wedding? Or, do I leave the poop stained pants on? It was voted by all (who were laughing at me by the way) for me to change pants.
I didn't poop my pants. I don't know what it was on my white expensive dress pants. I don't know where it came from. I think the good Lord has a great sense of humor. I think potty humor is funny and if you toot, you can bet I will laugh. From the stress of traveling with Parker and the rush of getting to the wedding, I think God knew I needed to laugh. So, Thank you God. But, next time, could the poop stain be on my leg?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Boring-Ville
Now, I want to apologize to the friends that I have made here in Batesville, (future reference will be referred to as "boring-ville.") I really hope this post doesn't offend you and that isn't my intention.
But, Boring-ville is boring. I mean, the most excitement here is Wal-Mart. Well, if you count the McDonald's play place, I guess there's two exciting places.
Boring-ville isn't so bad when there's pretty weather. We live on 3 acres, so if the weather is pretty we are outside. Parker loves to play in the woods, play on his playground his daddy built him, wash cars, walk the dogs etc. There's actually a lot to do around our house. But, it's a different story if it's raining or we are having stormy weather.
Let's look at the past few days. On Tuesday and Thursday morning Parker has Mother's Day Out. (Which is GREAT and he loves going there). It has been raining here the past few days and we are tired of being inside. Parker is getting frustrated and bored with his toys. I hate for him to sit in front of the TV (not that he would sit for more than 15 minutes anyway), so that isn't an option. Little Parker has to be busy constantly. If he starts getting bored it's going to get rough. He starts getting frustrated and crying. So, I know to keep Parker very busy. He likes to be doing things and he is a very active little boy.
We've done just about EVERYTHING I can think of the past few days. We've cooked, we've baked, we've dyed eggs, we've danced and sung, we've cleaned, and we've played countless hours of hide and seek. Parker was excited to go to gymnastics class on Monday night, but he was mad that we didn't go because the teacher cancelled because of the weather. It would be nice if Boring-ville had a PlayTime pizza, chuck e cheese, wonder place, or museum of discovery. I mean, the only things there are here are McDonalds and WalMart. (And, even wal mart is very old these days.) Parker doesn't have any friends his age to invite over to play (which stinks).
If I were in Little Rock, we'd be at the Wonder Place or Museum of Discovery stimulating his little mind. We might go to playtime pizza to let him run around like a wild little boy and of course, eat pizza!
I miss my mom and dad SO much. I think about being away from them everyday. It stinks. I miss our precious neighbor Mr. Cox. I miss my friends. (thank God for facebook). But it's not like I can go meet them for a play date. It really stinks that Parker doesn't have any friends he can invite over to play. I hate that for him and I wish it were different. There are other kids in his mother's day out class but I don't ever see the parents. Even at our church, there doesn't seem to be any kids Parker's age. There are several that are older and there are several that are younger. I just don't seem to fit in here.
I have met some nice people and made a few friends here. But I often feel like an outsider when i'm with them because they've been friends since they were kids.
I'm just homesick right now and I don't like living here. But, that's just life I guess.
But, Boring-ville is boring. I mean, the most excitement here is Wal-Mart. Well, if you count the McDonald's play place, I guess there's two exciting places.
Boring-ville isn't so bad when there's pretty weather. We live on 3 acres, so if the weather is pretty we are outside. Parker loves to play in the woods, play on his playground his daddy built him, wash cars, walk the dogs etc. There's actually a lot to do around our house. But, it's a different story if it's raining or we are having stormy weather.
Let's look at the past few days. On Tuesday and Thursday morning Parker has Mother's Day Out. (Which is GREAT and he loves going there). It has been raining here the past few days and we are tired of being inside. Parker is getting frustrated and bored with his toys. I hate for him to sit in front of the TV (not that he would sit for more than 15 minutes anyway), so that isn't an option. Little Parker has to be busy constantly. If he starts getting bored it's going to get rough. He starts getting frustrated and crying. So, I know to keep Parker very busy. He likes to be doing things and he is a very active little boy.
We've done just about EVERYTHING I can think of the past few days. We've cooked, we've baked, we've dyed eggs, we've danced and sung, we've cleaned, and we've played countless hours of hide and seek. Parker was excited to go to gymnastics class on Monday night, but he was mad that we didn't go because the teacher cancelled because of the weather. It would be nice if Boring-ville had a PlayTime pizza, chuck e cheese, wonder place, or museum of discovery. I mean, the only things there are here are McDonalds and WalMart. (And, even wal mart is very old these days.) Parker doesn't have any friends his age to invite over to play (which stinks).
If I were in Little Rock, we'd be at the Wonder Place or Museum of Discovery stimulating his little mind. We might go to playtime pizza to let him run around like a wild little boy and of course, eat pizza!
I miss my mom and dad SO much. I think about being away from them everyday. It stinks. I miss our precious neighbor Mr. Cox. I miss my friends. (thank God for facebook). But it's not like I can go meet them for a play date. It really stinks that Parker doesn't have any friends he can invite over to play. I hate that for him and I wish it were different. There are other kids in his mother's day out class but I don't ever see the parents. Even at our church, there doesn't seem to be any kids Parker's age. There are several that are older and there are several that are younger. I just don't seem to fit in here.
I have met some nice people and made a few friends here. But I often feel like an outsider when i'm with them because they've been friends since they were kids.
I'm just homesick right now and I don't like living here. But, that's just life I guess.
Monday, April 18, 2011
It was a battle of the strongest will...
So, if you have been around my child you would see that he is a very good little boy. He gets his feelings hurt very easily. He, for the most part, listens to myself and Bradley. For example, if we ask him to help pick up his toys he does. We try to make a game of it by getting his beloved Cat involved in helping pick up the toys. But there are sometimes that he has to go to time out. It is usually for hitting the dogs or if we ask him to not do something and he continues to do it. He hasn't been in time out very many times. Maybe he is put there once every couple of weeks. I mean, he is a really good boy. Time out has always worked for him...until this past Saturday.....
Batesville had some kind of kite flying event that was held at the State Fairgrounds. I thought it would be fun to take Parker and watch the kites. Maybe he and his daddy could fly a kite. We talked to him about it and he seemed to be on board with going. (which could totally change at any time.) We were in his room playing with toys. We had his SpongeBob Domino's out and we were matching up characters on each domino. These aren't the plastic kind of domino's, they are porcelin. So, if thrown, they could break, if thrown at a window ...could break a window, if thrown at a mommy, daddy, or dog, could hurt.
I guess maybe I was sitting too close to Parker, maybe I had the domino he wanted. Who knows. He was not a happy camper Saturday morning so anything was going to set him off. He got mad and threw a domino. I gave a warning, "Please don't throw your toys." He threw a second domino. I told him, "Parker if you throw another domino, you will sit in time out." And, he threw a third domino. I picked up my mad little boy and sat him in the time out corner. Now, I will stop here and say that every other time he has been sat in time out, he has stayed. He faces the corner and he quietly sobs to himself. This time, by the time I had turned around, he was standing behind me. I looked at Bradley, and couldn't believe what I was seeing. I took a deep breath and placed him back in the corner. This went on for over 5 minutes, but it seemed like an hour. I couldn't count the number of times I placed him back in the corner. 100 maybe? My child was pissed and definately testing me to see how far he could go. At one point, Bradley asked if I wanted to switch out. I said no, because I was the one who placed him there and I need to follow through.
At one point during the battle I just had to laugh. (I hid my face so little mad boy wouldn't see...for fear of him getting madder). I laughed because if I didn't I was going to become angry and frustrated. I'm not going to lie, after placing him in time out for the 50th time, thoughts went through my mind that I wanted to spank him really bad. Which is why I laughed. I never want to hit my child. Spanking is hitting. It sends the wrong message and damages their spirit. I never want to do that to my child. Never.
Finally, I asked Bradley to bring me the beloved Cat. I gave it to Parker as I placed him in time out AGAIN, and said, "Parker talk to Cat about why you are in time out." And....he stayed. He stayed for the whole 2 minutes. I defeated a 2 year old and it felt great. After the 2 minutes were up, I sat down by him and asked him to tell me why he was in time out. He said, "throw toys." I then explained to him why you don't throw toys. I told him I loved him very much, gave him a hug and he gave me a five. And, I think he learned a big lesson.
I'm sure this won't be the first time he ever does this. And it really broke my heart to keep putting that sweet little boy back in time out. Tore my heart up. But, I knew if I gave in, or I let walk out of time out, he doesn't learn anything and in fact, I have just made the battle worse. I would say, this was a really hard day in my 2 years of parenting.
I am very thankful for my GOOD, well behaved little boy. I think it reflects off of the attention he gets from myself and Bradley. We don't watch TV while Parker is awake...unless it's Nick Jr. and we are usually watching it with him. We don't have computers out or cell phones out to distract us. We are giving him our undivided attention and I believe that this is why he does what he is asked.
What kinds of things do you put your kids in time out for? Ever had a similar story?
Batesville had some kind of kite flying event that was held at the State Fairgrounds. I thought it would be fun to take Parker and watch the kites. Maybe he and his daddy could fly a kite. We talked to him about it and he seemed to be on board with going. (which could totally change at any time.) We were in his room playing with toys. We had his SpongeBob Domino's out and we were matching up characters on each domino. These aren't the plastic kind of domino's, they are porcelin. So, if thrown, they could break, if thrown at a window ...could break a window, if thrown at a mommy, daddy, or dog, could hurt.
I guess maybe I was sitting too close to Parker, maybe I had the domino he wanted. Who knows. He was not a happy camper Saturday morning so anything was going to set him off. He got mad and threw a domino. I gave a warning, "Please don't throw your toys." He threw a second domino. I told him, "Parker if you throw another domino, you will sit in time out." And, he threw a third domino. I picked up my mad little boy and sat him in the time out corner. Now, I will stop here and say that every other time he has been sat in time out, he has stayed. He faces the corner and he quietly sobs to himself. This time, by the time I had turned around, he was standing behind me. I looked at Bradley, and couldn't believe what I was seeing. I took a deep breath and placed him back in the corner. This went on for over 5 minutes, but it seemed like an hour. I couldn't count the number of times I placed him back in the corner. 100 maybe? My child was pissed and definately testing me to see how far he could go. At one point, Bradley asked if I wanted to switch out. I said no, because I was the one who placed him there and I need to follow through.
At one point during the battle I just had to laugh. (I hid my face so little mad boy wouldn't see...for fear of him getting madder). I laughed because if I didn't I was going to become angry and frustrated. I'm not going to lie, after placing him in time out for the 50th time, thoughts went through my mind that I wanted to spank him really bad. Which is why I laughed. I never want to hit my child. Spanking is hitting. It sends the wrong message and damages their spirit. I never want to do that to my child. Never.
Finally, I asked Bradley to bring me the beloved Cat. I gave it to Parker as I placed him in time out AGAIN, and said, "Parker talk to Cat about why you are in time out." And....he stayed. He stayed for the whole 2 minutes. I defeated a 2 year old and it felt great. After the 2 minutes were up, I sat down by him and asked him to tell me why he was in time out. He said, "throw toys." I then explained to him why you don't throw toys. I told him I loved him very much, gave him a hug and he gave me a five. And, I think he learned a big lesson.
I'm sure this won't be the first time he ever does this. And it really broke my heart to keep putting that sweet little boy back in time out. Tore my heart up. But, I knew if I gave in, or I let walk out of time out, he doesn't learn anything and in fact, I have just made the battle worse. I would say, this was a really hard day in my 2 years of parenting.
I am very thankful for my GOOD, well behaved little boy. I think it reflects off of the attention he gets from myself and Bradley. We don't watch TV while Parker is awake...unless it's Nick Jr. and we are usually watching it with him. We don't have computers out or cell phones out to distract us. We are giving him our undivided attention and I believe that this is why he does what he is asked.
What kinds of things do you put your kids in time out for? Ever had a similar story?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Things you MIGHT not know about me..
If you've known me for sometime then you may know some of this already..maybe not. (In no particular order..)
1) I am a preacher's kid (PK!) Yes, my dad is a United Methodist Preacher. I loved being a PK. We moved around a lot and my brother and I make friends easily. It was really cool to go to college and already have friends.
2) I have a hard time answering the questions, "How many siblings do you have?" Well, I have two brothers but my oldest brother died when he was 4. So I get a little confused whether to answer 1 or 2. Usually I say 2 brother's and that's enough for most people. Sometimes people will ask questions about them and I explain. He died when I was 2. I don't really remember him but he has impacted my life greatly. It has shaped my life and makes me the mom I am today. I'm not sure how my parents survived his death...but I guess they had too, they had myself and my younger brother to take care of. We named Parker after my oldest brother. I know that he is in heaven looking down on me and watching over me.
3) I used to be a vegetarian. I was one for a long time. Then I became pregnant with Parker and all I craved was fried chicken and bacon. I remember going to Sam's one day, while pregnant, and passing by a sample of fried chicken. It was the only thing I could think of the rest of the day. I finally gave in and ate meat. I hope to one day go back to being a vegetarian.
4) I had my concealed hand gun permit. Yes, I packed heat. I let it expire when baby Parker was born. Didn't really think it was appropriate to carry a gun in a diaper bag. I will get it back one day. I enjoy shooting my pistol. I carried a 380.
5) I think potty humor is funny. Enough said.
6) I have slight OCD. For example, every Friday I put our bath towels we have used for the week in the dirty clothes. When I wash, I put the most recently washed towels on the bottom and the ones on top we use first. Same with wash clothes and Parker's pajamas.
Have a nice weekend!
1) I am a preacher's kid (PK!) Yes, my dad is a United Methodist Preacher. I loved being a PK. We moved around a lot and my brother and I make friends easily. It was really cool to go to college and already have friends.
2) I have a hard time answering the questions, "How many siblings do you have?" Well, I have two brothers but my oldest brother died when he was 4. So I get a little confused whether to answer 1 or 2. Usually I say 2 brother's and that's enough for most people. Sometimes people will ask questions about them and I explain. He died when I was 2. I don't really remember him but he has impacted my life greatly. It has shaped my life and makes me the mom I am today. I'm not sure how my parents survived his death...but I guess they had too, they had myself and my younger brother to take care of. We named Parker after my oldest brother. I know that he is in heaven looking down on me and watching over me.
3) I used to be a vegetarian. I was one for a long time. Then I became pregnant with Parker and all I craved was fried chicken and bacon. I remember going to Sam's one day, while pregnant, and passing by a sample of fried chicken. It was the only thing I could think of the rest of the day. I finally gave in and ate meat. I hope to one day go back to being a vegetarian.
4) I had my concealed hand gun permit. Yes, I packed heat. I let it expire when baby Parker was born. Didn't really think it was appropriate to carry a gun in a diaper bag. I will get it back one day. I enjoy shooting my pistol. I carried a 380.
5) I think potty humor is funny. Enough said.
6) I have slight OCD. For example, every Friday I put our bath towels we have used for the week in the dirty clothes. When I wash, I put the most recently washed towels on the bottom and the ones on top we use first. Same with wash clothes and Parker's pajamas.
Have a nice weekend!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Parker's party and my soapbox
My little boy is now 2 years old! It's hard to believe. Time has gone by so fast. He turned 2 last Saturday. When he woke up he wanted to open his presents and open presents we did. He enjoyed them all but his favorite was his chain saw. (No worries, it isn't a real one.) He's been helping his daddy in our woods, cut up some trees that have fallen over. He thought he was big stuff getting his own chain saw. Afterwards, we went to eat breakfast. Came back home to play and pack to leave for LIttle Rock. Only to find out that one of his birthday presents didn't work. It was a weed eater. I had to explain to my now 2 year old that he couldn't play with his weed eater because it was broke and we had to take it back. He was not happy. He was happy to get a new one that worked though.
We had his birthday party in Bryant. All of Parker's friends live in the Little Rock area. It was a beautiful day for a birthday party. I loved seeing Parker play with his sweet friends. I really enjoyed catching up to my friends too. My dad even came to the party, and he doesn't leave the house for anything!
Instead of his party guests bringing gifts to the party we asked that they bring food donations to help a food pantry here in Batesville. We got a lot of donations and Parker didn't miss the presents. He had too much fun enjoying the company of his friends and playing on the playground. What better way to show little Parker the importance of helping people in need? One of life's greatest lessons.
After the party we went to my parents and played. He stayed up a little past his bed time and easily went to sleep. He is a great sleeper but that night he woke up at 1:00 am and whined for about 10 minutes. I laid in bed wondering what he was doing up. It was quiet for the next 45 minutes. At 1:45 am, he woke up again. This time I walked to the room he was sleeping in and listened. He was saying, "ain aw." (chain saw). Yes, he had gone to sleep with his chain saw. Being that it is not soft, cuddly, and very clunky, I snuck it out of his bed after he had fallen asleep. Apparently he woke up and realized he did not have it and wanted it. So, i handed him his chain saw and told him to go back to sleep. DIdn't hear from him until 7:15 that next morning. Little Stinker.
Here is is trying to cut his birthday cake with his chain saw
Saying prayers with pawpaw.
Bradley had to be out of town for work so it was just little Parker and I this past week. We had so much fun. I love spending time with little Parker and cherish all of the things we do.
Something that's been on my heart the last couple of days is the story of the sweet pit bull who was nearly starved to death and then thrown down a garbage shoot. I'll spare the extra details and pictures because it is completely heart breaking. Oh so heart breaking. I encourage all of you to pray for this dog. His name is Patrick. He has a facebook page. The doctor's believe that he will make it and he will find a fabulous home due to the publicity he has received. I'm sure there is even a waiting list for him. What hurts my heart even more, is that there are thousands of "patricks" that will die unnoticed and will not be saved. THere are SO many dogs who don't have homes. So many dogs live in shelters or are euthanized because no one wants them. How sad. Please, if you are considering getting a dog, adopt from a shelter. Spay and neuter your animals. Pray for these sweet souls who are waiting for someone to pick them and for the ones who are being abused.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A little of this and a little of that
I've been so busy this week! Parker's 2nd birthday is Saturday and so is his birthday party. We are having it in Bryant (where my parents live). So i've been trying to get everything together for that.
It's really hard to believe that Parker will be 2. This time two years ago I was making sure everything was packed to go to the hospital and enjoying my last day of being child-free! I was scheduled to be induced on the 18th. Parker has made my life complete. I love being his mom and am so thankful I am able to stay home with him. There isn't anything I would rather be doing!
This little stinker has just made me googly eyed over him. He is really a good boy and he has made it easy on me. He is definately developing his own personality. He is Mr. Independent, Mr. Fix it, and Mr. Funny. It often takes two of us to change a diaper or change his clothes. If I'm by myself, it usually takes some heavy convincing on my part to change his clothes.
Some things that Parker really loves:
Pizza, his puppy dogs ("E", "Ma", and "Ax"...(which totally sounds like another word for your bottom)), Elmo, Olivia, helping daddy with anything, tools, cooking, slides, football, baseball, razorbacks, cats, big trucks, tractors, saying "no", playing hide and seek, drinking "good juice" (apple juice), hot dogs, chocolate, gum.
Some things Parker doesn't really like:
Riding in the car, changing his diaper, and time out.
Parker loves his puppy dogs. I am thankful he is growing up with them. Teaching him to love animals is such a precious thing. (Especially, homeless animals!!!!) He loves sneaking them food, feeding them, brushing them, walking them, and picking up their stinky presents in the backyard. Nothing more precious than a little boy and his dogs.
I am really excited about being in Little Rock this weekend. I love being with my mom and dad and Parker does too. He just goes crazy over "Ana" and "pawpaw". It's really sweet to watch.
It's really hard to believe that Parker will be 2. This time two years ago I was making sure everything was packed to go to the hospital and enjoying my last day of being child-free! I was scheduled to be induced on the 18th. Parker has made my life complete. I love being his mom and am so thankful I am able to stay home with him. There isn't anything I would rather be doing!
This little stinker has just made me googly eyed over him. He is really a good boy and he has made it easy on me. He is definately developing his own personality. He is Mr. Independent, Mr. Fix it, and Mr. Funny. It often takes two of us to change a diaper or change his clothes. If I'm by myself, it usually takes some heavy convincing on my part to change his clothes.
Some things that Parker really loves:
Pizza, his puppy dogs ("E", "Ma", and "Ax"...(which totally sounds like another word for your bottom)), Elmo, Olivia, helping daddy with anything, tools, cooking, slides, football, baseball, razorbacks, cats, big trucks, tractors, saying "no", playing hide and seek, drinking "good juice" (apple juice), hot dogs, chocolate, gum.
Some things Parker doesn't really like:
Riding in the car, changing his diaper, and time out.
Parker loves his puppy dogs. I am thankful he is growing up with them. Teaching him to love animals is such a precious thing. (Especially, homeless animals!!!!) He loves sneaking them food, feeding them, brushing them, walking them, and picking up their stinky presents in the backyard. Nothing more precious than a little boy and his dogs.
I am really excited about being in Little Rock this weekend. I love being with my mom and dad and Parker does too. He just goes crazy over "Ana" and "pawpaw". It's really sweet to watch.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"Happy tails!"
I have had a couple of pretty gloomy/depressing days so I thought I would write about something I really love and something I love to talk about.
If you know me well enough, you would know that I love dogs. But, not just any dogs (although I love dogs in general), rescue dogs and shelter dogs. LOVE them.
I haven't always loved dogs. In fact, there was a time in my life, a very long time, that I didn't like dogs and thought they were gross. It wasn't until college that my love of dogs began to blossom.
I worked for an animal hospital while in college. All too often, there would be a humane society dog or cat that would come through who needed medical care and sometimes who needed immediate medical care. Every Wednesday our clinic would do a couple of free spay/neuters for the Humane Society. I loved checking these animals into the hospital but I also didn't like it. I desperately wanted to find out if they had a home to go to when they finally got fixed, but all too often, I was told by the nice volunteer, "no, this one doesn't have a home. he/she's so sweet. he/she's been there for a year; two years." My heart would sink every time I heard that. Every humane society dog that came in I would spend a little time with. Scratch them behind the ears, rub their belly, and sneak them an extra treat. I'd tell them that while I know they don't have a home that I will pray for them to find a home and that I love them.
My first birthday that I had, as a married lady, I asked for no presents. I wanted to go buy things for these homeless dogs. I had never been to the shelter or looked at the dogs living in cages. So I was really anxious and fearful of how I would feel when I went to donate these items. I really wanted to go but then again, I didn't want too. I just decided to put my big girl undies on and do it. And off we went.
Words cant describe all of the emotions I had when I was dropping it off. It was great because these dogs were safe, fed, and out of bad weather. It was bad because ALL these dogs loved people and they were stuck in cages. It was as if they were all saying to me, "if you just take me outside, i'll show you how good I am. Then maybe you'll get me out of here."
I walked out of the humane society sobbing like a little baby. I had never experienced anything like that before. It was completely heart breaking to me and totally depressing in every sense of the word. I kept thinking of the looks on their precious faces, their tails wagging, and their barks. I kept thinking that I hurt their feelings when I walked past their cage and didn't let them out to play. I decided that I had to go back. I could help these dogs. I could at least go spend a few hours each week with him...maybe make some difference in their life.
And we went back, and back some more. I was completely hooked and almost addicted to helping these dogs. We started off walking one dog at a time. Then we put two dogs in a play pen together. Then we were a part of a training. We spend every weekend out there and developed some really great friends, all of whom I love dearly.
It is mind boggling to me that someone would choose to buy a dog rather than adopt a dog. (But, I'll save this for another posting.) I just would encourage you to volunteer. Put your big girl or boy undies on and GO. These dogs need people to help them. Donate your money. A lot of shelters run on donations only and receive no state or gov funding. Donate food or treats. Donate toys. Donate your newspaper. Most of all, Donate your time and take a dog for a walk...scratch a dog's belly and tell him/her that he is loved in this world.
I shudder at the thought that there are dogs being euthanized who think that they are alone in this world and that no one loves them.
If you are considering getting a dog, I urge you to look at your local shelters, look on petfinder.com or ask me! I love to help people find the perfect rescue dog. I love happy endings...or rather, "happy tails!"
Below are 3 pictures that I love. My 3 rescue dogs and my little boy.
If you know me well enough, you would know that I love dogs. But, not just any dogs (although I love dogs in general), rescue dogs and shelter dogs. LOVE them.
I haven't always loved dogs. In fact, there was a time in my life, a very long time, that I didn't like dogs and thought they were gross. It wasn't until college that my love of dogs began to blossom.
I worked for an animal hospital while in college. All too often, there would be a humane society dog or cat that would come through who needed medical care and sometimes who needed immediate medical care. Every Wednesday our clinic would do a couple of free spay/neuters for the Humane Society. I loved checking these animals into the hospital but I also didn't like it. I desperately wanted to find out if they had a home to go to when they finally got fixed, but all too often, I was told by the nice volunteer, "no, this one doesn't have a home. he/she's so sweet. he/she's been there for a year; two years." My heart would sink every time I heard that. Every humane society dog that came in I would spend a little time with. Scratch them behind the ears, rub their belly, and sneak them an extra treat. I'd tell them that while I know they don't have a home that I will pray for them to find a home and that I love them.
My first birthday that I had, as a married lady, I asked for no presents. I wanted to go buy things for these homeless dogs. I had never been to the shelter or looked at the dogs living in cages. So I was really anxious and fearful of how I would feel when I went to donate these items. I really wanted to go but then again, I didn't want too. I just decided to put my big girl undies on and do it. And off we went.
Words cant describe all of the emotions I had when I was dropping it off. It was great because these dogs were safe, fed, and out of bad weather. It was bad because ALL these dogs loved people and they were stuck in cages. It was as if they were all saying to me, "if you just take me outside, i'll show you how good I am. Then maybe you'll get me out of here."
I walked out of the humane society sobbing like a little baby. I had never experienced anything like that before. It was completely heart breaking to me and totally depressing in every sense of the word. I kept thinking of the looks on their precious faces, their tails wagging, and their barks. I kept thinking that I hurt their feelings when I walked past their cage and didn't let them out to play. I decided that I had to go back. I could help these dogs. I could at least go spend a few hours each week with him...maybe make some difference in their life.
And we went back, and back some more. I was completely hooked and almost addicted to helping these dogs. We started off walking one dog at a time. Then we put two dogs in a play pen together. Then we were a part of a training. We spend every weekend out there and developed some really great friends, all of whom I love dearly.
It is mind boggling to me that someone would choose to buy a dog rather than adopt a dog. (But, I'll save this for another posting.) I just would encourage you to volunteer. Put your big girl or boy undies on and GO. These dogs need people to help them. Donate your money. A lot of shelters run on donations only and receive no state or gov funding. Donate food or treats. Donate toys. Donate your newspaper. Most of all, Donate your time and take a dog for a walk...scratch a dog's belly and tell him/her that he is loved in this world.
I shudder at the thought that there are dogs being euthanized who think that they are alone in this world and that no one loves them.
If you are considering getting a dog, I urge you to look at your local shelters, look on petfinder.com or ask me! I love to help people find the perfect rescue dog. I love happy endings...or rather, "happy tails!"
Below are 3 pictures that I love. My 3 rescue dogs and my little boy.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A sick boy, A night away, and A charred husband?
Wow, it's been a while. We have been very busy lately. A week and a half ago Brad went on a fishing/camping trip for his birthday. I was excited about a weekend with just Parker and I. That Friday I noticed that he wasn't quite himself but he definately wasn't sick enough to take to the dr. I thought it was just sinus stuff. That Saturday he was a little worse and Sunday he was really sick. This was his first time being really sick. (He's had a couple colds/runny nose and one ear infection last summer). He wasn't eating and drinking just a little bit. He had a fever on Saturday and had one most of the day on Sunday. Sunday he started to fall asleep at about 6:15 in the evening. We keep Parker on a strict schedule of sleep so we know that this wasn't a good sign. I kept noticing he was feeling hotter and hotter and he had ibuprofen in him. Took his temp and it was 102.0. We finally decided to lay him down at about 7:15 p.m. We kept taking his temp and it was slowly going up. I was crying and just completely beside myself.
My oldest brother died when he was 4 from meningitis. Being that this was Parker's first time being really sick all I could think of was if something was seriously wrong with Parker and he wasn't going to make it. Generally speaking, I always seem to think the worse thing could happen in any situation. So then my mind began going and going and I was thinking of what life would be like without Parker and if I could even continue living. I called my mom and talked to her for a while, which helped a lot.
Took Parker to the DR a week ago Monday, (which was a terrible experience). My child was sick, very sick. Our appointment was at 10 am. We arrived just a few minutes before 10. The lady behind the desk wasn't helpful and was doing other work while I stood waiting at the window. There is no germ-x in the waiting room. And I kept thinking we were all going to catch the flu/strep because I touched a door knob that other people have touched. gross. We finally got called back to an exam room at 10:30. We waited...and waited. Around 11, I finally open the exam room door ...thinking someone would walk by. Again, my child is very sick and we are sitting in a small exam room and all he wants to do is sleep. We try to keep him awake so the Dr. can examine him. At 11:15, the dr. rushes in and says, "well we have strep. Here's an antibiotic. It may turn his poop pink." I say to her, "He is about to fall asleep so if you are going to examine him you need to do so now." She listens to his heart and checks his ears and that's it. She was in there maybe a minute...and that may be exaggerating. Really? YOu don't offer any suggestions on what to do with a sick child or if we can alternate tylenol/ibuprofen? you don't offer anything...and we've waited an hour and a half to see you? Ugh. I was totally disgusted. I kept thinking to myself...your clinic opens up at 8 our appt was at 10..you are really that far behind? really? you are making sick kids wait that long? It was a terrible experience. (This was our 2nd time at this clinic. Our first time we had to wait an hour.) I miss our LR pediatrician.
Anyway, Parker had strep. My poor baby. He is feeling better. Praise God.
Last week I had a continuing education class in Little ROck. Bradley took off work to watch Parker. I spent my first night away from my baby boy. And, I did not like it...not one bit. All I could do was think about Parker and wondered what he was doing. I missed him like crazy. His daddy took good care of him. I wouldn't leave him with anyone else overnight. I hated being away from Parker overnight and don't plan on doing it again.
This past Sunday morning (after early church), we were playing in the front yard. Bradley wanted to make a burn pile and burn some leaves. I tell him, "Are you sure you know what you're doing? How do you know it's not going to catch the grass on fire, or the trees?" Bradley reassured me, "I've done this hundreds of times. This is what we did growing up. It's not going to catch the grass on fire." I still doubt him and say, "Should I call the fire dept and alert them what you are about to do?" I am totally not convinced that this is going to go right. (See, I do think of the worse case scenerio!) I had a feeling that something wasn't going to go right. I have never burned leaves in my life nor been around a burn pile. Brad seemed pretty confident in what he was about to do. He asked me to go get the camping fluid out of the garage. I ask, "What's camping fluid?" He told me and I went and got it. Again, I say to him, "Bradley, Isn't this going to catch the house on fire? Are you sure it's not going to catch the grass on fire? How do you know?" I was totally concerned but Bradley seemed not to be. So, I took Parker and we stood very far away. Bradley put some camping fluid on the pile of leaves. (Which on the container of the fluid it says, "highly flammable.") He got down by the leaves to light it. I hear a BOOM and Bradley screams. I totally see his life flash before my eyes and run over to him. He looks a little stunned and confused about what just happened. He is not on fire, his still has his hair and his eye brows. "How are you not on fire," I asked, "because that fire came towards you and it looked like you were on fire." I called my husband an inappropriate name and told him not to do that again. it scared me. We laugh about it now and I enjoy telling the story. So thankful he is ok and not burned...because he could have easily been burned. Praise God.
Have a good day everyone!
My oldest brother died when he was 4 from meningitis. Being that this was Parker's first time being really sick all I could think of was if something was seriously wrong with Parker and he wasn't going to make it. Generally speaking, I always seem to think the worse thing could happen in any situation. So then my mind began going and going and I was thinking of what life would be like without Parker and if I could even continue living. I called my mom and talked to her for a while, which helped a lot.
Took Parker to the DR a week ago Monday, (which was a terrible experience). My child was sick, very sick. Our appointment was at 10 am. We arrived just a few minutes before 10. The lady behind the desk wasn't helpful and was doing other work while I stood waiting at the window. There is no germ-x in the waiting room. And I kept thinking we were all going to catch the flu/strep because I touched a door knob that other people have touched. gross. We finally got called back to an exam room at 10:30. We waited...and waited. Around 11, I finally open the exam room door ...thinking someone would walk by. Again, my child is very sick and we are sitting in a small exam room and all he wants to do is sleep. We try to keep him awake so the Dr. can examine him. At 11:15, the dr. rushes in and says, "well we have strep. Here's an antibiotic. It may turn his poop pink." I say to her, "He is about to fall asleep so if you are going to examine him you need to do so now." She listens to his heart and checks his ears and that's it. She was in there maybe a minute...and that may be exaggerating. Really? YOu don't offer any suggestions on what to do with a sick child or if we can alternate tylenol/ibuprofen? you don't offer anything...and we've waited an hour and a half to see you? Ugh. I was totally disgusted. I kept thinking to myself...your clinic opens up at 8 our appt was at 10..you are really that far behind? really? you are making sick kids wait that long? It was a terrible experience. (This was our 2nd time at this clinic. Our first time we had to wait an hour.) I miss our LR pediatrician.
Anyway, Parker had strep. My poor baby. He is feeling better. Praise God.
Last week I had a continuing education class in Little ROck. Bradley took off work to watch Parker. I spent my first night away from my baby boy. And, I did not like it...not one bit. All I could do was think about Parker and wondered what he was doing. I missed him like crazy. His daddy took good care of him. I wouldn't leave him with anyone else overnight. I hated being away from Parker overnight and don't plan on doing it again.
This past Sunday morning (after early church), we were playing in the front yard. Bradley wanted to make a burn pile and burn some leaves. I tell him, "Are you sure you know what you're doing? How do you know it's not going to catch the grass on fire, or the trees?" Bradley reassured me, "I've done this hundreds of times. This is what we did growing up. It's not going to catch the grass on fire." I still doubt him and say, "Should I call the fire dept and alert them what you are about to do?" I am totally not convinced that this is going to go right. (See, I do think of the worse case scenerio!) I had a feeling that something wasn't going to go right. I have never burned leaves in my life nor been around a burn pile. Brad seemed pretty confident in what he was about to do. He asked me to go get the camping fluid out of the garage. I ask, "What's camping fluid?" He told me and I went and got it. Again, I say to him, "Bradley, Isn't this going to catch the house on fire? Are you sure it's not going to catch the grass on fire? How do you know?" I was totally concerned but Bradley seemed not to be. So, I took Parker and we stood very far away. Bradley put some camping fluid on the pile of leaves. (Which on the container of the fluid it says, "highly flammable.") He got down by the leaves to light it. I hear a BOOM and Bradley screams. I totally see his life flash before my eyes and run over to him. He looks a little stunned and confused about what just happened. He is not on fire, his still has his hair and his eye brows. "How are you not on fire," I asked, "because that fire came towards you and it looked like you were on fire." I called my husband an inappropriate name and told him not to do that again. it scared me. We laugh about it now and I enjoy telling the story. So thankful he is ok and not burned...because he could have easily been burned. Praise God.
Have a good day everyone!
Friday, February 18, 2011
I feel like there is so much I have been wanting to write about. Some subjects are deeper than others. But for this post I thought I would just talk about my little boy and what he's been up too lately.
He is growing...too fast. I can't believe he will be 2 in March. These past two years have flown by. Really, they have! Here lately he has started putting a few words together. Today we were outside playing and he said, "mommy, red car!" Except his way of saying red sounds like, "uhh." So, it was more like, "mommy, uhh car!" FOr the most part when he says a word it sounds something like that word. For example, diaper is "di-pa." There are other words that he says that sounds nothing like the word he is trying to say; and only Bradley and I and sometimes my Mom knows what he is saying.
I can't tell this little boy enough that I love him. I tell him a million times a day. I hug him 2 million times a day and he gets 3 million mommy kisses a day. I love this boy. Sometimes he'll squirm and say, "mommy no" or laugh and pull his sweet little face away. He knows his mommy loves him. I hope he knows I will love him no matter what or who he becomes in life.
We were sitting outside for lunch today and I was talking to him that life won't always be fair to him. He would repeat a word or two that I was saying as if he was trying to understand what I was saying. He kept eating his turkey and cheese and listened to his momma. During this conversation I realized that this was a lucky moment I was having. I was sitting outside on his new picnic table (his daddy built for him) talking to my little boy. I wasn't pre occupied with phone calls, work, or cleaning. We were enjoying the beautiful weather and each other's company. I am beyond blessed and touched that I get to spend many moments like this with him. I couldn't imagine not staying home with him and missing those moments. It would really, really break me down. I love spending my time with Parker.
My mom has told me she had something hanging in our home when my two brothers and I were little.
Cooking and cleaning can wait til tomorrow
For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow
So, settle down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep
How true is that? I think my mom had it right. I remember having so much fun with my parents and little brother. (I said earlier I have 2 brothers. I do. my oldest brother died when he was 4...that's for another blog). My mom got on the floor and played with us, my dad taught us silly songs. We usually got what we wanted but I wouldn't say we were spoiled rotted. My parents loved us and we knew it. I hope that is something that I can pass on to Parker. My parents love the mess out of Parker and it is really fun to watch them play with him. He gets beside himself when he see's his Nana "ana." I mean beside himself. He goes crazy...showing her all of his toys, dvds, and dogs. He must say "ana" a thousand times. When she comes to visit he forgets I am here. It's all nana. It's fun to watch her play with him because I can imagine that that is how she played with us when we were his age.
We are really looking for things to keep little Parker busy this summer. When he gets bored he gets really fussy. So he keeps us on our toes and we are constantly doing things. We signed him up for a toddler gymnastics class. Last night was his first class and I think it is something he will really enjoy. We are also looking for swimming lessons on Saturdays. If anyone knows of anyone giving swimming lessons I would appreciate the info.
Hope everyone has a good weekend!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Parker and his Dog's and other stuff
We have really enjoyed this beautiful weather. I can't wait for spring and summer and spend time with my little parker and his puppy dogs outside. Over the weekend I have thought about several things I want to blog about. So i'm glad I have some good topics.
We have 3 dogs. We love our dogs as if they are our children. (Before we had Parker or even thought of having children, the dog's had their own bedroom. No, really they did.) Parker loves his dogs....No, really he does. He has always loved his dogs. One of our favorite "past times" is to scoop poop in the yard. (Hey, we live in Batesville...in the country no less.) We have been talking more about pee pee and poo poo because parker is coming to the age of potty training. So we talk about how the "ma" (emma) goes poopoo outside along with Ellie and Emma. When he see's the poopoo he points to it and says poopoo. WIthin the last couple of weeks he has started to squat and say poo poo. It took us a couple of times to figure it out but what he was doing was pooping like the dogs. (See, I told you he loves his dogs.)
Last week, he put his sweet baby hands on the house and hiked his leg and said, "Alex teetee". As if he was pee peeing like Alex. (See, I told you he really loved his dogs.) He has recently started putting toy balls in his mouth...like his dog Alex carries them. He barks like his dogs do, and he has a different bark for each dog. And, he can name who the bark sounds like.
Just last night he came running to me from the kitchen with his mouth wet. He said something and ran back into the kitchen. I noticed he went to the dog's water bowl...and yes, he was drinking like his puppy dogs do. (I am really thankful my dogs don't drink out of the toilet....) While I am laughing so hard I try to tell Bradley what Parker has just done. He laughs about it and says, "He needs to be around more kids." HA
I stay home with Parker but I do work part time. Parker goes to Mother's Day Out two days a week and he does great there. He likes going there and enjoys the teachers and other kids. He is really well behaved there, too.
When I was pregnant with Parker I was finishing up my last year of graduate school. I didn't have a job but the idea was for me to get a full time job and Parker go to daycare. When Parker was born and I held that sweet, precious baby boy, there was absolutely no way I could send him to day care. From that moment on, nothing was more important to me than Parker. Now, this isn't to say that my friends who do work full time and who send their kids to day care are bad parents. That is not the case. Different families have different ways of doing things. And, you mom's who can send your children to day care are probably strong than me. I can not do it.
I have passed up several job opportunites that could have made us lots of money and we wouldn't have to be careful how we spent out money or save our money for things that we want. We could have nicer cars and a bigger and nicer house. But I can't bare the thought of not being there with Parker. Just can't do it.
Bradley used to travel so stinking much with his previous job. I can't even bare the thought of being away from Parker over night. I don't even like not being there when he says his prays and goes to bed. (Which, fortunately has only been a few times.) I can't send Parker off overnight, over two nights.. or over any amount of nights. I just can't do it.
I guess to give him different opportunities..we will keep him busy. He is going to start a gymnastics class here and he will do swimming lessons in the summer. I welcome any other suggestions.
Hope everyone has a nice week. I am excited about the beautiful weather this week!
We have 3 dogs. We love our dogs as if they are our children. (Before we had Parker or even thought of having children, the dog's had their own bedroom. No, really they did.) Parker loves his dogs....No, really he does. He has always loved his dogs. One of our favorite "past times" is to scoop poop in the yard. (Hey, we live in Batesville...in the country no less.) We have been talking more about pee pee and poo poo because parker is coming to the age of potty training. So we talk about how the "ma" (emma) goes poopoo outside along with Ellie and Emma. When he see's the poopoo he points to it and says poopoo. WIthin the last couple of weeks he has started to squat and say poo poo. It took us a couple of times to figure it out but what he was doing was pooping like the dogs. (See, I told you he loves his dogs.)
Last week, he put his sweet baby hands on the house and hiked his leg and said, "Alex teetee". As if he was pee peeing like Alex. (See, I told you he really loved his dogs.) He has recently started putting toy balls in his mouth...like his dog Alex carries them. He barks like his dogs do, and he has a different bark for each dog. And, he can name who the bark sounds like.
Just last night he came running to me from the kitchen with his mouth wet. He said something and ran back into the kitchen. I noticed he went to the dog's water bowl...and yes, he was drinking like his puppy dogs do. (I am really thankful my dogs don't drink out of the toilet....) While I am laughing so hard I try to tell Bradley what Parker has just done. He laughs about it and says, "He needs to be around more kids." HA
I stay home with Parker but I do work part time. Parker goes to Mother's Day Out two days a week and he does great there. He likes going there and enjoys the teachers and other kids. He is really well behaved there, too.
When I was pregnant with Parker I was finishing up my last year of graduate school. I didn't have a job but the idea was for me to get a full time job and Parker go to daycare. When Parker was born and I held that sweet, precious baby boy, there was absolutely no way I could send him to day care. From that moment on, nothing was more important to me than Parker. Now, this isn't to say that my friends who do work full time and who send their kids to day care are bad parents. That is not the case. Different families have different ways of doing things. And, you mom's who can send your children to day care are probably strong than me. I can not do it.
I have passed up several job opportunites that could have made us lots of money and we wouldn't have to be careful how we spent out money or save our money for things that we want. We could have nicer cars and a bigger and nicer house. But I can't bare the thought of not being there with Parker. Just can't do it.
Bradley used to travel so stinking much with his previous job. I can't even bare the thought of being away from Parker over night. I don't even like not being there when he says his prays and goes to bed. (Which, fortunately has only been a few times.) I can't send Parker off overnight, over two nights.. or over any amount of nights. I just can't do it.
I guess to give him different opportunities..we will keep him busy. He is going to start a gymnastics class here and he will do swimming lessons in the summer. I welcome any other suggestions.
Hope everyone has a nice week. I am excited about the beautiful weather this week!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Bothersome's
Thought I would share a few thoughts on things that I am bothered by or pet peeves if you will.
We all have our little things that get on our nerves. I have a few, maybe more than most...who knows.
1) Feet. Not the whole foot but the bottom of the foot. Gross. Me. Out. I can't remember a time when I haven't been bothered by them. It's the kind of bother that I can't stand looking at and I might even ask for you to put socks on or position myself so I can't see the bottom on your foot. My poor brother. Growing up he had to wear socks around me. My poor husband. He has to wear socks around me. Parker's feet don't bother me...yet. I love his little piggies and kiss them every time he has them out. I don't know what this foot deal is about. I get a sick feeling to my stomach when I see the bottom of a foot. Gross.
2) Smacking your food. Gross. Me. Out. Is it really that difficult to keep your mouth closed when you chew your food? Didn't your parents teach you table manners? This one also makes me sick to my stomach when I hear smacking. Smacking anything..food, gum, or even after taking a drink of something. My poor family. When they smack, (now that I think about it, I come from a family of smackers...maybe that's why I hate it so much?) I ask them to stop. It really bothers me...really, really, bad. Poor Bradley...I try to understand that accidents happen...but GROSS!
3) Dishes being left in the sink.....especially if the dishwasher is empty. Really? It only takes about 5 seconds to wash your dish off and place in the dish washer. This one doesn't gross me out in anyway...just bother's me.
4) Heavy breathing. It doesn't necessarily gross me out, it gets on my nerves...quick. I am a quiet breather and rarely will you hear me breathe. You should do the same.
5) People parking in handicap parking places who clearly aren't handicap in anyway. I have called the police when I have witnessed this. It really makes me angry. This is just plain selfish and inconsiderate.
6)Leaving lights on in a room you are not currently occupying. I think this is from my childhood....my dad used to charge my brother and I a quarter for every time he caught us leaving a light on somewhere we weren't. He denies ever doing this, but everyone else remembers it. I'm not sure that he ever actually took our money, or if he did, I'm sure he gave us a warning. (My parents were softies). It takes about 1/2 second to flip the switch when you leave the room. I don't understand.
Ok, so maybe I have a few more than normal. What are some of your pet peeves?
Thought I would end with a picture of Parker. I love music and usually have some playing at home. One of my favorite things to do is dance around with Parker. It gets silly and crazy and I love it. Check out my wicked hair!
We all have our little things that get on our nerves. I have a few, maybe more than most...who knows.
1) Feet. Not the whole foot but the bottom of the foot. Gross. Me. Out. I can't remember a time when I haven't been bothered by them. It's the kind of bother that I can't stand looking at and I might even ask for you to put socks on or position myself so I can't see the bottom on your foot. My poor brother. Growing up he had to wear socks around me. My poor husband. He has to wear socks around me. Parker's feet don't bother me...yet. I love his little piggies and kiss them every time he has them out. I don't know what this foot deal is about. I get a sick feeling to my stomach when I see the bottom of a foot. Gross.
2) Smacking your food. Gross. Me. Out. Is it really that difficult to keep your mouth closed when you chew your food? Didn't your parents teach you table manners? This one also makes me sick to my stomach when I hear smacking. Smacking anything..food, gum, or even after taking a drink of something. My poor family. When they smack, (now that I think about it, I come from a family of smackers...maybe that's why I hate it so much?) I ask them to stop. It really bothers me...really, really, bad. Poor Bradley...I try to understand that accidents happen...but GROSS!
3) Dishes being left in the sink.....especially if the dishwasher is empty. Really? It only takes about 5 seconds to wash your dish off and place in the dish washer. This one doesn't gross me out in anyway...just bother's me.
4) Heavy breathing. It doesn't necessarily gross me out, it gets on my nerves...quick. I am a quiet breather and rarely will you hear me breathe. You should do the same.
5) People parking in handicap parking places who clearly aren't handicap in anyway. I have called the police when I have witnessed this. It really makes me angry. This is just plain selfish and inconsiderate.
6)Leaving lights on in a room you are not currently occupying. I think this is from my childhood....my dad used to charge my brother and I a quarter for every time he caught us leaving a light on somewhere we weren't. He denies ever doing this, but everyone else remembers it. I'm not sure that he ever actually took our money, or if he did, I'm sure he gave us a warning. (My parents were softies). It takes about 1/2 second to flip the switch when you leave the room. I don't understand.
Ok, so maybe I have a few more than normal. What are some of your pet peeves?
Thought I would end with a picture of Parker. I love music and usually have some playing at home. One of my favorite things to do is dance around with Parker. It gets silly and crazy and I love it. Check out my wicked hair!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Snow Day = inside fun
I woke up this morning to a surprise...snow! We got about 2 inches..maybe 2 1/2. This is our 4th big snow this year. After breakfast this morning I got Parker bundled up to go outside and play. The previous 3 snows he has not wanted to play in it. I'm not sure why I thought he would want to play in it today. He cried and wanted me to hold him. I have always loved playing in the snow and would love to let Parker win at a snowball fight. But, no. I tried going into the backyard to play. I threw snowballs at Ellie and Emma (no snow balls for Alex...he's blind and that wouldn't be very nice!) Parker thought that was funny but it only lasted a few minutes.
One of Parker's favorite and I mean FAVORITE thing to do is "drive." He loves sitting in either of our cars with the keys playing with all the buttons and levers in there. (Don't worry, he doesn't start the engine.) He always has to have Ellie in the car with him. He loves all of his dogs but Ellie seems to be his driving buddy. I thought it would be clever of me to let Parker play in the car with Ellie while I play in the snow. So while keeping an eye on he and Ellie in the car I started building a snowman. Emma and Alex were out in the front yard with me and they were enjoying the snow too. After just a few minutes Parker told me he wanted to go inside. *sigh* Inside we go. Maybe next year he will have more fun...I hope!
We stayed around the house this weekend. We didn't go to church yesterday because Parker seemed to be in a grumpy mood. Last night after Parker's bath he was sitting in Bradley's lap eating a snack. I was sitting in my recliner with Alex. Alex is really a docile dog and feels most comfortable in someone's lap. I was holding him like a baby, rubbing his belly, telling him how much I love him etc. etc. Parker stares at me for about 15 seconds, gets out of Bradley's lap, walks over to me and states, "Alex, down!" It came out very clear and I couldn't help but laugh. I guess Parker was wanting some of his mommy's love too.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Memories
Our house in Little Rock was small, in an ok neighborhood, and was an older home. We bought it right before we got married. We bought it at a decent price but to us it was a lot of money. I had just graduated from UCA, Bradley was working on a PhD at UAMS and I was enrolling in graduate school. We didn't have a lot of money but we were really thrilled to have a home of our own and of course a backyard for our precious 4 legged kids.
When we found out we were moving to Batesville, we had already been thinking about putting this house up for sale because it was too small for our growing family. But we had to quickly put our house up for sale and get ready to move to Batesville. So for the past 6 months we have had to make 2 house payments and everything else that goes with owning a home. Fortunately, Bradley's current company, Future Fuel, has a great relocation process for their employees. We were reimbursed for some bills and payments on at least one of our houses. If our house in LIttle Rock didn't sell within 6 months, his company would buy it from us. This week has been 6 months and bittersweetly, we no longer own our first house.
We had so many memories that came from living in that house. We spent the first 5 years of our marriage there. THis was also Parker's first home. Parker had the cutest room. Bradley and his brother, Brandon spent numerous hours working on painting parker's nursery. It was blue and brown with dog paw prints on the walls. We had many memories of Parker being an infant in that room and in that house.
In this house we also saved many dog's lives and help give self confidence to some pretty shy dogs. I'll do another blog post about all the foster dog's we've had...it's pretty comical.
We met our dear friend, "Cox". He lives in the house next to ours. When we were looking to buy our first house, "Cox" was outside in his backyard. We got to ask him questions about the neighborhood, house and the area in general. I think he really sold us on the house. As time grew on we developed a great relationship with "Cox". It was more than a neighbor relationship...I would say it was more of a grandfather/grandkid relationship. He had coffee for brad every morning and they would sit out on our deck and talk about sports, neighborhood....anything. "Cox" would also have bacon for our dogs every morning. Well, it started off every morning but then progressed to every morning and ever evening and sometimes inbetween. When Parker came along, "Cox" wanted to be called "Cox". On the day that I was induced to have Parker, I had to be at the hospital at 5:00 a.m. Cox was there at 5:30 a.m. and he didn't leave the hospital until after Parker was boring (the next day). I think he was the hardest part about leaving this house. He had become apart of our everyday life. When Bradley traveled for work (and he was gone A LOT) he offered to help with Parker, would make me a frozen pizza because he knew I needed to eat, and he was my friend. He listened to me complain about Bradley being gone and about dealing with my dad who is sick. Parker loved Cox. He would climb the deck just to get over to him. Cox usually had some sort of snack for Parker..usually crackers or a banana. One time, when bradley was out of town, one of our foster dogs escaped the fence. Cox fixed it for me. I don't think I could have made it through that time without Cox. We miss him terribly.
Here are a couple of pictures and Cox playing.
I am glad to finally own one house now. Moving is a pain and selling a house is a pain!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Dreary Monday
This past weekend went by too fast! Friday after Bradley got off work, I met him at the park with Parker. I had to go meet with a family for work so Parker was in good hands with his daddy. They made a trip to wal mart and bradley took Parker to eat chinese. Parker loves chinese food. He eats mostly vegetables (crazy, right?) and some chicken. When I was through with work I met them for dinner. I must say, it is a blessing to have a husband who is just as active in parenting as I am.
After dinner, Bradley's truck was on Empty so we drove across the street to the gas station. Parker loves gas stations for one reason...candy! He walks inside and is just in awe of all the candy there. He looks at just about everything before choosing what he wants. He usually picks up M&M's ("um's) or hershey's chocolate. He is a chocolate fanatic.
Saturday my mom came to visit. When she comes she usually gets here early Sat morning but this time she was a little late. She was late because my dad was going to try to come but when she woke him up he said he couldn't make the trip. We have lived here since Sept and my dad has yet to visit. As I've mentioned previously, he has Parkinson's disease. We've all been on the roller coaster ride with him for a long, long time. Some days are better than others for him. He has these leg cramps that come and go. He is afraid of riding in the car and the leg cramps will begin. It makes me really sad to be so far away from him. I realize his quality of life isn't great. It's really sad; I'm really sad about it. It's something i'm trying to deal with.
We had a fun day with my mom. Parker was beside himself to see my mom. We planted some seeds for a garden, walked in the woods, and played outside. Time always goes by so fast when my mom is here. I really hate for her to leave.
Sunday we went to early church and came home and played. Parker was pretty good during church. He's gone to the nursery several times but I feel it's important for him to be in church with us. Thank goodness for starburst....they keep him busy!
Parker has been wearing his new boots a lot lately. He rarely takes them off. We have a difficult time getting them off of him for a bath. Here are some pictures of Parker in his boots.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Precious Parker moment
We have a bedtime routine with Parker. Bath is at 7:30 (ish), and usually his daddy bathes him. (I'm usually in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner). Parker loves for his daddy to give him a bath, and vice versa. Lots of laughing goes on during this time.
After he gets his bath and gets his pajamas on, I have a snack ready for him on his Elmo table in front of the TV. Parker catches one of his favorite TV Flicks (varies from Blue's Clue's, Wonder Pets, Olivia, or Elmo) while he eats his snack. After snack time, Parker usually gets out some toys or books.
Around 8:30 we brush his teeth. Bradley and I equally hate this task. Parker screams and cries and kicks and spits. He hates having his teeth brushed and we hate doing it too. We alternate nights because it's so bad.
After the terrible task of brushing teeth, we gather up his favorite stuffed animals. Always included is, Piggie and Cat. Sometimes he picks out another one or two in addition to PIggie and Cat. We then start by going up to each of Parker's dogs telling them "night night," telling them "I love you," and either blowing them a kiss or giving them a kiss. After he's done this to all three dogs, it's momma and daddy's turn. After all the kisses and i love yous are said we have a bed time prayer with Parker. We ask him to make his prayer hands, bow his head, and close his eyes. We say our prayer and he tries to repeat what we say and then we ask God to bless all the people in Parker's life...and we name just about everyone, or try too.
Well last night we said our bed time prayer, and Parker kept saying something over and over. Brad and I were desperately trying to figure out what it is that Parker was wanting. We couldn't figure it out and finally decided that he was just trying to pro-long going to bed. We walked in his room and he said the same thing again but he made prayer hands. What he was saying was "pray." He wanted to say another prayer. It warmed my heart and my soul. It was a really precious moment and I am thankful for my precious little boy.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A little about me...
It seems appropriate to allow you readers to get to know me a little bit.
I had a wonderful childhood, the best parents and two fantastic brothers. My dad is a Methodist preacher so we moved around Arkansas a lot. My mom was a "stay at home Mom" but she did so much more than that. I loved being a preacher's kid (p.k.) and everything that came with it. My dad no longer has a church as he is battling Parkinson's Disease. My mom is no longer a "stay at home mom" because when my dad went on disability she was forced to go to work. She works at the VA Hospital in North Little Rock.
I married my husband 12-31-05. We were friends throughout college and I knew that he was the one I was going to marry but never dated him until the end of college. We each had a dog of our own and adopted a third dog just before we got married. Let me tell you about my 4 legged children...
I adopted Ellie Mae when she was a puppy from Saline Co. Humane Society. She was my pal...we did everything together. She even went to work with me; (I did work at a vet clinic.) She never meets a stranger and barks at the vacuum. I love her and it makes me sad that she will be 8 this year. She's my girl.
Bradley had Emma. Emma was a stray and she was found walking around a creek in Little Rock. She had the fattest puppy belly you've ever seen and was as cute as a button. They looks can be deceiving and I believe in her case, they were. Brad lived in Little Rock with Emma. He would take her for a long walk and as soon as they walked in the door, she would poop or pee on the floor. Frustrating, but she was so cute...right? She had many nick-names from "Knuckle head" to "little poop (insert other 4 letter word here) in the corner." She finally grew out of her knuckle-headed ness around 2. Who knows what life was like for her before we got her. She is rather spooky about things and barks at a leaf flying in the air. Despite her quirks, I love her.
Then there's Alex. I mentioned earlier that I worked for a Vet clinic. Alex came in to the vet clinic because he had been hit by a car. This nice lady, (his guardian angel), was on her way to work and she noticed a dog laying on the side of Hwy 5. As she drove past him she looked in her rear view mirror and saw him try to lift his head up. She stopped, picked him up, and took him to us. There was a rope tied to his collar and she said someone had tied him up on the should of the road. I guess whom ever did this to him didn't want him any longer. I've heard the phrase, "someone's trash is someone else's treasure." And, that is definately true in the case of Alex. He had many wounds from the car running over him. He had a fractured skull, wounds all over his body, and one of his eyes had bulged out of socket. He also lost his vision. Before we adopted him, I remember spending time with him while he was recovering. He didn't care about getting a treat, he didn't really care about going potty. All he wanted was for you to pet him. I can't imagine how scared he was. I quiver now when I think about it. We adopted him into our little family. He is extrememly resilient and is a complete love-bug. He adjusts so well to new things and sometimes I forget that he can't see. His disability doesn't hold him back. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him...without any of my dogs. They have taught me so much.
Parker was born 3-19-2009. He was cuter than I had ever imagined he'd be. I was very lucky to have Bradley's help with Parker as a newborn. Bradley didn't mind changing poopy diapers, spending time with parker while I got away for a while, or getting up for those mid-night feedings. Parker makes my life complete and I can't believe he is my little boy. He is full of himself, hard-headed, and very sweet. Did I mention he is cute? I could go on and on about my precious baby boy. God has really blessed my life and I am so thankful to be his mommy.
We moved to Batesville, AR at the end of Sept. Bradley got a better job where he has no travel and a higher salary. We love our house and we have about 3 acres where we can explore new things. It has taken some time to adjust to living here. I miss Little Rock and most of all that comes with it. My family lives there, we had a fabulous neigher, MR. Cox, some of Bradley's family lives there and there is so much to do. I really miss my parents and wish I could just go see them whenever I wanted. But, I can't and it makes me sad.
I guess enough for now. I hear my precious little boy waking up from his nap. Can't wait to go play outside in this beautiful weather!
I had a wonderful childhood, the best parents and two fantastic brothers. My dad is a Methodist preacher so we moved around Arkansas a lot. My mom was a "stay at home Mom" but she did so much more than that. I loved being a preacher's kid (p.k.) and everything that came with it. My dad no longer has a church as he is battling Parkinson's Disease. My mom is no longer a "stay at home mom" because when my dad went on disability she was forced to go to work. She works at the VA Hospital in North Little Rock.
I married my husband 12-31-05. We were friends throughout college and I knew that he was the one I was going to marry but never dated him until the end of college. We each had a dog of our own and adopted a third dog just before we got married. Let me tell you about my 4 legged children...
I adopted Ellie Mae when she was a puppy from Saline Co. Humane Society. She was my pal...we did everything together. She even went to work with me; (I did work at a vet clinic.) She never meets a stranger and barks at the vacuum. I love her and it makes me sad that she will be 8 this year. She's my girl.
Bradley had Emma. Emma was a stray and she was found walking around a creek in Little Rock. She had the fattest puppy belly you've ever seen and was as cute as a button. They looks can be deceiving and I believe in her case, they were. Brad lived in Little Rock with Emma. He would take her for a long walk and as soon as they walked in the door, she would poop or pee on the floor. Frustrating, but she was so cute...right? She had many nick-names from "Knuckle head" to "little poop (insert other 4 letter word here) in the corner." She finally grew out of her knuckle-headed ness around 2. Who knows what life was like for her before we got her. She is rather spooky about things and barks at a leaf flying in the air. Despite her quirks, I love her.
Then there's Alex. I mentioned earlier that I worked for a Vet clinic. Alex came in to the vet clinic because he had been hit by a car. This nice lady, (his guardian angel), was on her way to work and she noticed a dog laying on the side of Hwy 5. As she drove past him she looked in her rear view mirror and saw him try to lift his head up. She stopped, picked him up, and took him to us. There was a rope tied to his collar and she said someone had tied him up on the should of the road. I guess whom ever did this to him didn't want him any longer. I've heard the phrase, "someone's trash is someone else's treasure." And, that is definately true in the case of Alex. He had many wounds from the car running over him. He had a fractured skull, wounds all over his body, and one of his eyes had bulged out of socket. He also lost his vision. Before we adopted him, I remember spending time with him while he was recovering. He didn't care about getting a treat, he didn't really care about going potty. All he wanted was for you to pet him. I can't imagine how scared he was. I quiver now when I think about it. We adopted him into our little family. He is extrememly resilient and is a complete love-bug. He adjusts so well to new things and sometimes I forget that he can't see. His disability doesn't hold him back. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him...without any of my dogs. They have taught me so much.
Parker was born 3-19-2009. He was cuter than I had ever imagined he'd be. I was very lucky to have Bradley's help with Parker as a newborn. Bradley didn't mind changing poopy diapers, spending time with parker while I got away for a while, or getting up for those mid-night feedings. Parker makes my life complete and I can't believe he is my little boy. He is full of himself, hard-headed, and very sweet. Did I mention he is cute? I could go on and on about my precious baby boy. God has really blessed my life and I am so thankful to be his mommy.
We moved to Batesville, AR at the end of Sept. Bradley got a better job where he has no travel and a higher salary. We love our house and we have about 3 acres where we can explore new things. It has taken some time to adjust to living here. I miss Little Rock and most of all that comes with it. My family lives there, we had a fabulous neigher, MR. Cox, some of Bradley's family lives there and there is so much to do. I really miss my parents and wish I could just go see them whenever I wanted. But, I can't and it makes me sad.
I guess enough for now. I hear my precious little boy waking up from his nap. Can't wait to go play outside in this beautiful weather!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
My First Blog
For sometime now I have been reading some of my close friends blog enteries. I have been wanting to start one of my own, so here it is. I am completely new to this so bare with me! I would appreciate any suggestions from you pro bloggers.
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