How Did He Get Muddy Shoes?...

This past weekend we went to the lake. My family (dad's side) had a big family get-together somewhat like a family reunion. We met at the lake house on Lake Eufaula and spent the weekend visiting, eating, reminiscing, and sharing new and old stories alike. It was great!
Ryan got to touch his first fish. He actually got to touch 2, the first being a fairly small catfish the second, a small perch. Here he is trying to stick his finger in the fish's mouth. He thought the fish were great. It won't be too long until he will be wanting to throw a line in too, hoping to catch a fish by himself. Just as long as he doesn't try to catch the goldfish at home..... :)
Here is the view of Lake Eufaula standing on the back porch of the house.

The weekend was wonderful. It was so good to see all the family...brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone's kids. The weather was pretty nice. As my uncle noted, "you go to the lake to get wet". That's what we did. It rained. It rained off and on most of Saturday afternoon and even into Sunday. No one seemed to mind too much. It was a great weekend, and I hope the family can do this at least once a year.

More pictures to come later.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned to find out more about this...

A Monkey and A Puppy

Yesterday

This is what we did yesterday...

Ryan "helped" me vacuum.

He more or less just wanted to ride the vacuum.

He took a nap.

Ryan is still not feeling great. Yesterday he woke up before 5 a.m. (ugh). By 10 he was asleep for a long morning nap which is not his normal. He also took a short afternoon nap. For that nap he just grabbed his blankie and went to sleep on the floor.

We finished out our day by playing in the rain.

Now before I get into too much trouble let me take some time to dispel some common myths:
You cannot catch a cold by getting cold (besides the rain was a very warm rain)
You cannot catch a cold by getting your hair wet outside (if you could why do we not get colds with every shower)
You catch colds (viruses) by coming in contact with them, usually on a surface that someone else has lovingly wiped their germs on, or by airborne transmission when someone sneezes or coughs in your space.

He loved playing in the rain!

Life Outside

First Day

Well today was my first day on the new job. It went great. Of course, since it's new to me, I made some mistakes, learned some good things, and will continue to learn everyday. I think it's going to work great for us. I still had plenty of time to play with Ryan. He did very well today. I only had *one* of those moments where I thought, "oh please, why now?" I happened to be on the phone with a customer when he decided to get stuck and scream in protest of his predicament. Oh well.

I don't have any new pictures to share with all of you today...my apologies. I'll do better tomorrow.

Everything's Cute

The Girls

The Boys

The Cutie

Sad

Please continue to pray for Sully. He passed away this morning at 6:50. He is healed and has been made whole. His family needs our support and love through prayer now.

Here are a couple of pictures...

Ryan has learned how to climb up on our couch.

He thinks he's hot stuff. He climbs up then sits so proud...such a big boy! Speaking of big boy, he is now only taking one nap a day. I lay him in his crib at about noon (sometimes earlier or later depending on his mood). He just turns over grabs his blankie and goes to sleep. The same thing goes for our new nighttime routine. It's been so long I can't remember the last time he needed his mom to stay in his room until he fell asleep.

This is his "I don't feel too good" face.

Speaking of prayer, you might knock on God's door for Ryan. He either has a cold or he is having some major teething stuff going on. He has been sneezing non-stop (well not exactly non-stop, but you know what I mean) which makes me think it might be a cold. His nose is running all over the place, and he has a mild fever. All of these (with the exception of the sneezing) could be teething. It could just be allergies too. Whatever it is he doesn't feel too great. I've started giving him respi-tann which is a decongestant that has previously worked wonders. I love the stuff although Ryan hates the stuff. It's one of those meds that he gets in his mouth then sits there with his mouth open, refusing to swallow until absolutely necessary. I've been alternating on the tylenol and ibuprofen to control the fever and to rid him of any pain in case it's teething.

Puppies!!

We have puppies. 4 girls and 2 boys. Zoe started with labor early yesterday and the first puppy was finally born about 10 pm. The last 2 were actually born between 12 and 1 a.m. but since it's now impossible to know which were those last two we'll just say the birthday for the litter was August 1, 2008. We haven't been able to look at markings yet. I was able to quickly turn each one over to check *that* characteristic for record keeping. It was asked what we will be charging for each puppy. We will probably ask $325-$350 depending on what the average sale price of Boston Terriers is in the area at the time we're ready to sale.

More later....

Prayers Needed For Their Last Good-Bye

Please pray for this sweet family. Their sweet little 15-month-old boy is losing his battle with Leukemia and the family has had to make that final decision. Please pray for them as their family says good-bye to their sweet little Sully

It never gets easy.....

Pretty Pair

All Played Out

Since I will be starting work next week I'm trying to cram as many things into this week as I can before we're strapped to the house. Next week I'll have to start finding creative ways to allow my little guy some freedom from the house because he gets cabin fever at least as bad as I do. I sure am looking forward to fall when we can spend a good deal of time outdoors in the backyard. One of my goals for this fall is to get the backyard back to where it's a place I love to be.

Back to the point...Ryan had a play date with Connor and Macy today. He played hard. Finally by mid-afternoon all three kids went down for naps. Ryan was laying on the couch sleeping peackefully while Janelle and I visited. Unfortunately the phone rang which startled Ryan and then he heard Janelle and I visiting and laughing. He sat up straight, looked at us, smiled, and then promptly went back to sleep just like this... I would have to say he was all played out!

Daddy's Helper...Mommy's Gardener

Ryan and I spent a little time outdoors, something of an oddity lately because of the hot weather. Yesterday it was 105! While I sat admiring his curiosity and talking on the phone he decided to go hunting for produce. This is what he found...

He picked two, perfectly hand-sized, green tomatoes. He carried them around the yard munching on their bitter tartness. He even shared them with the dog a couple of times. He refused to relinquish his new treasures and carried them inside. One-by-one we've found them in curiously odd places. Now they are our new front-yard decor.

Update...
Thank you for all your prayers. I finally made a decision, so here's what's new: I will be starting a new job on Monday. I will be working from home which is the greatest blessing (I get to work from home!) of this new job and also the biggest challenge (I have to stay home all the time!). I am very excited, and of course a little nervous.

Spiderman!!

Ryan got some new pajamas the other day. Can you believe they are actually size 18-months?!

Of course they are bit too big...especially around the waist. He should be able to wear them for a few months.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I've never been too great at making decisons. For one, I'm always afraid I'll make the wrong decision. For two, unfortunately, I'm too concerned with what others will think. I've been in several lectures and classes discussing ways of "dealing" with decisions including writing out all the pros and cons, creating graphs and charts, seeking advice, etc., etc. I've gotten better through the years and now I find myself mentally comparing the pros and cons and seeking counsel through prayer. I've told my family and some friends this so they won't find it too terribly shocking, but I sure do wish that God would just write on the wall what He wants me to do in those big decisions. You know...those life-changing, life-altering, family-affecting decisions.


I feel God gives me wisdom to make wise everyday decisions. I pray for wisdom a lot. Not to say that I always make the right decisions on the little things. Trust me I find myself seeking forgiveness quite often. You know that list I presented a few days ago...number 29...I ought to be a pro at that...if only my pride didn't stick it's ugly head in everything. I've also made plenty of decisions...even some lately...that even though they didn't hurt anyone they've been foolish and I've had to live with the regret.


The decisions I struggle with the most are those "BIG" decisions. I think I know what's the right thing to do. I think I know what God wants for me regarding the decision, but...then I question...is that me talking because I want/don't want something or is that God whispering to me? Ugh! Like I said I just wish God would write it on the wall, and He might as well write it in a couple of places because I'm probably just too bull-headed to believe I actually read the first one right. Ryan's room is painted in chalkboard paint so that wall is a good place. I'd even go for burning the message in my grass!


Anyway...

I've been faced with one of those really "BIG" decisions recently for which I must present an answer within a few days. I've spent most of the day thinking about it. I've presented it to my family to consider, seeking their advice. Trust me I've weighed the pros and cons, and they pretty much cancel each other out. Now I just need to know the right thing to do!


I'm not going to give the details of what this decision is at this time. Please pray for me. Pray that my mind would be clear. Pray that my heart would be open. Pray that the "noise" of this world would fade away so I can hear what I need to hear. I've worked myself up almost to tears considering what I should do. I can't even think straight. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace.

Birthday Present

Do you want to see the best birthday present I could ever ask for?

I've had a really good day. Last night Wade and I went on a date to celebrate. Today I spent the day with my mom and Donnie. Thank you to everyone who's wished me a Happy Birthday. It has truely meant a lot!

Did You Hear?

Did you hear the exciting news...Tomorrow, Friday, is my birthday! I love birthdays. Not to say that I don't sometimes not look fondly on the prospect of getting older, but I love birthdays...the excitement, the start of a new year, the reminder of God's grace. Tomorrow I will officially be 29, and what's even better is it's my first 29!

I borrowed this from Jodi:

Here's a creative twist on a life "to-do" list: 30 things to know or do by the time you're 30:

1. To take your hat off while eating.

2. To bring a hostess gift. --Didn't realize it was appropriate. What do I bring? What type of parties are we talking about?

3. Have a valid passport.--I figure I ought to do this sometime.

4. How to make small talk.

5. Your credit score.

6. And your blood type.

7. How to do laundry.

8. And scramble eggs.

9. Your parents' birthdays.

10. How to drive a stick shift.--I know how, but I've had little practice and am not very good at it, does that count?

11. And order a bottle of wine.--Wouldn't have a clue. There's several different "colors" of wine isn't there?

12. How to set up, and check, bank and credit card balances online.

13. How to wrap a gift.
14. Own a suitcase.

15. Have a local florist, not 1-800 FLOWERS.

16. How to negotiate.

17. And compromise.

18. How to jump a car/change a tire.--Again...I know how, but I've never had to do it

19. Have a retirement plan.

20. When to stop drinking.

21. How to file a complaint.--I've actually had to do this recently.

22. How to make a bed -- complete with hospital corners.--Oh yeah! I can do it and it looks good
23. Own a pair of jeans you can wear out to dinner.--I have a pretty nice pair and I can wear them out to dinner especially since most the places we go out to are places where shorts are okay.

24. How to play a sport (excelling not required).

25. How much cologne is too much.--The best way I've ever heard this described is that cologne/perfume is worn most likely to impress that certain "someone" and if everyone can smell it then it's no longer special between you and that "someone" and it's too much

26. When you need a dinner reservation.

27. To tip the maid in a hotel.--Ooops. How do you leave a tip for the maid? How much is acceptable? Do you tip regardless of your length of stay or only if you are staying for more than one night?

28. To make exceptions for children, and seniors.

29. How to apologize.--I could really get better on this one.

30. How to give a good hug.

The picture above is of "Julie Flowers" as my family so lovingly calls them. They're actually "Naked Ladies" and actually have some fancy scientific name of which I have no clue. They bloom each year around my birthday. These bloomed just a day or two ago in my mom's garden. She's been waiting on them to bloom for a couple of years now and this year they finally bloomed. She actually cut them and gave them to me. I can't believe she actually gave them to me. My mom is amazing. Sometimes I'm amazed by how much she loves me.

New Playpen?

Do you like our new playpen?
I'm kidding. We're getting ready for puppies. They should be arriving within the next week or so. If you know of anyone who wants to buy an AKC Boston Terrier send them my way. I just know the puppies are going to be exceptionally cute. They always are!

A Little Boy's Rubber Duckie

Only a little boy could love a rubber duckie this dirty.

All Dressed Up

Latest Project

This has been my latest project. I've been making preemie dolls. I made one to the exact weight as Ryan when he was born. The dimensions are a little off as the arms and legs are much too fat to realistically capture how tiny Ryan was. When he was born my ring would fit all the way up his leg. The doll's legs are too plump, and my ring won't even fit over the foot. However, the doll does give a tangible example of how small Ryan was, and I've enjoyed wowing people with the reminder of God's miracle. I plan to make another Ryan doll that better represents some of the smaller characteristics as well as weighs a "feels right" weight. When that doll is finished I will take a picture of Ryan and the baby doll together for posting on this blog.

Here is a set of twins that I made. I'm giving them to their mother as a gift. These babies were born at 30 weeks gestation and weighed 2lb11oz (girl) and 3lb9oz (boy). I'm very excited to give these away soon.

I used Sandy Eding's pattern.

I Love My Dog

This should just about make your day!!!

Ryan and Bosco are developing quite a unique bond.

(Turn your sound up!)

Don't Ask

because I don't know. I have no idea how in the world he got in this predicament, but he managed it somehow. He's been getting in a lot of new "predicaments" lately. Earlier today I heard screaming coming from the bathroom. I couldn't help but laugh (a lot) when I found the problem. Ryan had stuck his two index fingers into two, separate, small holes in the laundry basket. He couldn't figure how to get them out!

Ryan is learning so much. I just love seeing him grow and mature, learning about everything. I just love how he studies things. I often find him squatting down to inspect something, and he doesn't just casually glance at stuff. He turns it this way and that, tastes it, feels it, wraps his fingers in it, on it, or around it, intently studying everything about it. You can just see the delight in his eyes with all that's new.

Ryan did something new today. It was very cute. I was sitting on the ground in the position that is most suitable for rolling balls back and forth between people. He came over to me and looked at how I was sitting and immediately sat down in the exact same position after which he looked up at me with a sweet little grin longing for my approval. It was great.

Well, it's getting late and I think I might go try to finish watching a movie that I've managed to start and stop 5 or 6 different times over the last couple days.

Good Night to All

Messy

Ask Me What I Think About That...

...and I don't know if I could give you a straight answer. My little boy is growing up so fast. Usually when I put him to bed it involves a regular routine starting with a bath and ending in the bed. I found that putting him to bed became a very pleasant, almost treasured time, as long as I sat on the twin bed in his room until he fell asleep. It became our time together, precious, quiet, special. I loved it. I looked forward to it. Tonight our routine was a little amiss because we spent the evening over at Nana's house. When we came home it was bed time and after he said his proper "good-nights" I took him to his bed. He laid down. I left the room. He went to sleep. End of story. He didn't need his mommy tonight. Do I laugh or do I cry. I want him to grow into a strong, independent, God-fearing young man, but let's not move too fast, okay?.

Zoo Trip

We went to the zoo today and had a wonderful time. We got there at just the perfect time for most of the animals had just been fed and were out eating. Here are some of the highlights of the day...

We got to see them feed the alligators. These beasts are fed every Tuesday and Thursday. It was fascinating to watch, but not nearly as ferociously exhilarating as I was hoping.

This albino catfish isn't exactly a zoo "exhibit", but it was something unique to see.

Look at that cutie!

Play Date

We had a play date today with Connor and Macy. It was a fantastic day for everyone. Please continue to pray for healing for Connor and Macy. They will be visiting a GI specialist in August.

This doesn't really go with today's picture and post title, but I just have to share a new revelation. Kim left me a message regarding yesterday's pictures of Ryan in the dishwasher saying it reminded her of when Alvin took a shower in the dishwasher in the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks. Good movie by the way. Worth watching. It has some great music. Anyway... I think she's got it right. Ryan is my Alvin! I couldn't think of a better description for him. He is my curiously, inquistive, ornery little trouble-maker full of life and love. I'm quite certain he will one day be the one instigating new and exciting adventures, getting into trouble, loving every minute of it, but I also think (and hope and pray) he will always have that genuine, innocent love for everyone around him.

Mommy's Little Helper

Weekend Fun!

I have a lot of catching up to do. So here goes...

This weekend was AWESOME! We had a great time. Ryan's Gammaw and Pawpaw were here for the weekend. On Friday we also had more of the family over to the house. We cooked out...hot dogs, hot links, hamburgers, all the fixin's. It was a great "stuffing" time.

Ryan participated in his first baby pageant. It will probably also be his last for I am not one for pageants, but who knows...I could possibly be swayed to think otherwise. He didn't win, but it had to be rigged because he was the cutest baby on stage. It was decided by landslide vote taken in my home. All four of us agreed unanimously! The winners were all very cute babies, and many of the babies who were chosen as the cutest I'd have to agree (fully understanding that I still think my kid is the cutest). Several of our friends won!

We spent most of the day playing inside the house and around the yard. We went to the park a couple of times just to see what was going on. Friday evening we watched the fireworks in the park. Ryan thought they were great for the first 5 or 10 minutes, but the sleepies eventually got the best of him and he was more ready for his pillow than the next big bang.

This picture is for Ryan's Uncle David who is actively serving in the military overseas.

His shirt says: My uncle loves me enough to defend my whole country.

Hats off to you, my brother! I love you!

Saturday morning we got up and went to Edmond for a nice breakfast at the IHOP. I love breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day. Ryan likes breakfast too. In fact, he ate most of mine. Actually I had plenty, but he did eat one of my pancakes. After our delicious breakfast we cruised over to the pet store and got a couple of things. After that we went to the Harley Store.

"Look, mom I want this one!"

Since mom said, "no" he had to resort to the next best thing....

Check out his new outfit. He's all ready to go for a ride on his Harley.

"Cool Dude!"

Well-Watered Garbage

Ryan and I went outside to water the flowers. He took the hose and began actually watering the flowers!!! I was amazed. I ran inside to grab the camera, but by the time I returned he had decided that the trash needed watering more than the flowers.