Destroying my Living Room

Charles started crawling forward on July 25th now he is getting into everything. I am so happy I could upload these videos most of the time I can't get Blogger to upload them.

A bad storm, tears, a book or two, and a girly movie

Warning: This is a really long post!!!

Last night we had a severe thunderstorm pass through town with tornado producing winds. I cannot stand bad storms that send me to the basement especially when I am home alone with Charles. I am so thankful that it was a quick system and not one that stuck around. The system was in and out within 30 minutes or so. As soon as it was through I prayed thanking God for his protection and for a quick storm with little time having to be spent in the basement.

True to my word I am letting you in on details now that I finished this book about two days ago. This book is jam packed with family and life changing events. If you have ever battled cancer you will feel a great connection to the main characters in this book. Add in a few crazy Italian family members and you have a fun story about love and grace. That is all I am going to give you about the book---you are going to have to read to find out more.

Last night I started this book. I didn't get very far because I was up with an upset baby. I only read while waiting on Charles to go back to sleep-reading in between his crying spells. I am looking forward to seeing how the story comes along. So far all I know is that a young couple adopted a sweet baby boy from a lady that found out she was pregnant right after her boyfriend was put in prison. The biological father is now being released from prison and has no idea he has a son.

Tears: Last night Charles woke me up crying at 11:30pm. This really scared me because he rarely wakes up in tears anymore. I went in his room and patted him and that was not going to cut it. We rocked for 20 minutes and then he started playing around so I laid him back down. He slowly went back to sleep and stayed asleep for only about 15 minutes before scream crying again. At this point I was like something is bothering him. The last time he did this was when he was cutting teeth. Before going into his room this time I got some Tylenol for him. Between the Tylenol and rocking for another 20 minutes he was back in his bed. Finally the medicine did its job after a little over an hour. Within that hour or so I had to go in his room a few times to pat his back. I'm not sure if we are battling another tooth or not yet. I just know I was up from 11:30 pm until 2:00 am this morning and up by 7:00 am. All I know is that I am so thankful that I don't always have to parent alone all the time or that I am not a military wife. I just could not do this job by myself for any length of time. Between the storm and a crying baby last night I am so HAPPY Patrick will be home tonight!!!! God bless single parents I will now be praying for you each night.

I rented this movie while out purchasing groceries for a fabulous dinner for Patrick since he has been away at band camp this week. We are having continental chicken, rice, pineapple casserole, lima beans, and ice cream cake for his homecoming. After the storm passing and getting Charles in bed I was able to watch this very cute and funny movie. I really liked the small twists they added to the story. This is the perfect girly movie if you are looking for one.

Projects and Band Camp

 I finally finished Patrick a beanie for the winter. My knitting time has decreased dramatically in the past year.

Pinterest Love: Bath Toys and a Glue Gun.

 Take plastic toys and fill in holes with glue gun to keep out the black gunk.

I know I found this idea on Pinterest but I can't remember whose idea it was. So for more details go on Pinterest.

Band Camp: It is so very hot please be in prayer for the students and adults at camp. So far they are having a blast and learning a lot.
The first night they played laser tag and had so much fun. I was not present but the stories sound like they had the time of their lives.
Last night Charles and I went to band camp from 3-9pm. Let me tell you they sound great. We were able to hear them play part of the half time show. They have a great group of parents getting meals under way. Supper was pulled pork, mac and cheese, salad, and cookies--very yummy. Last night was huge blow up water slide and pool night. Charles enjoyed the pool. Patrick enjoyed the slide and pool. I enjoyed the one time I went down the slide but one time was enough for me. I think this time was great because everyone got to cool off from the heat!!! After we left they had glow in the dark rehearsal. Charles and I had to leave before that started. I'm sure that was fun too.I know they are making memories that they will talk about for years to come.  I am happy everything is going great so far and I pray that the last two days are wonderful!!!

Storytime for the Littles in Your Life

This week is a shortened list. I will have more next week.

 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?: A neat story to teach order, color, and to talk about things you see. I know that there are many websites dedicated to teaching with this book just type in the book in a google search with the words teaching activities. Thanks Drew, Susan, Abigail, and Addison.

 How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?: This book is based on the song. The pictures and story are so cute. If you are like me you didn't realize how many verses this song had. The song is in the back of the book. This is one of like 8 in a set from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bill for Charles' birthday.-Thanks so much.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider: Not only a fun song with fun hand motions this book takes you on the many adventures of the spider not just up the water spout.

Like Reading Rainbow used to say:
"Butterfly in the sky
I can go twice as high
Take a look
It's in a book
A Reading Rainbow

I can go anywhere
Friends to know
And ways to grow
A Reading Rainbow

I can be anything
Take a look
It's in a book
A Reading Rainbow
A Reading Rainbow "

Doctor Doctor

Our hospital has a great opportunity for teens and young adults to get a close look at all the medical careers possible for their futures. Last week we were asked to help showcase pediatrics. Mrs. Paulsen does a great job of keeping the groups small so that they get a lot of great information. The group is called Northwest Iowa AHEC. You can like them on Facebook and see more pictures, or you can check the web page to get more information: http://www.nwiowaahec.org. Seven great young adults got to interact and learn about Peds for a possible future career.

Listening to Charles' heartbeat. His heart beats a lot faster than ours.

They also listened to his lungs. Babies take more breaths per minute than we do because of their lung size.

Playing Catch Up

 Already cheering for the Screaming Eagles! Go Winthrop!!!! Thanks Dr. Crochet and family for the t-shirt. It was really nice getting to see y'all during our short visit in Rock Hill.

 Charles hard at play with puzzles and blocks. It is hard to capture his picture without him knowing it. He usually looks up, smiles, and waves his arms up and down. I have to use the sport shot most of the time or all his pictures turn out blurry. He is one action packed bundle of joy.

 This rocker was given to me when I was a baby or toddler from my grandparents. Charles liked the one at my parents so much that I decided he was ready for me to get mine out for him to enjoy. He is a typical guy he loves being in charge of the remote. The cute outfit he has on is from Mrs. Pam Hanley thanks so much it is adorable!

 Charles last night before bed. The sweet pj set is from Uncle Jack and Aunt Inez. It is so precious. I love the fact that it also has pajama pants too. The shorts are great for the hot summer we are having and the pants will come in handy come fall. Thanks so much!

Charles reclining this morning after playing with his toys for awhile. I think he is watching Dinosaur Train on TV.

On our trip home our compressor went out on the Civic. We decided to go ahead and trade in the Civic for a van. Since it was going to be about 1/3 to 1/2 what the Civic was worth to fix it, and add to that fact that we didn't have much room to travel around with anyway with the little Honda. We no longer have to worry about space. I am getting used to driving around in what I feel is a tank in comparison. I like my MOM Van. The storage space is unbelievable.

I am so behind on finishing thank you cards from Charles' first birthday party. I finished them all today. I will be mailing them out tomorrow. Know that we are extremely thankful for everything. I know I am not horribly behind since it hasn't been a month yet since the party, but I believe in writing and mailing thank you notes out within two to three days of receiving a present. My full intention was to write thank you notes as soon as we got home on July 8th but a few things got in the way: a broken compressor, having to shop for a new vehicle, getting things back where they belong in the house after a 18 day vacation, helping Patrick with getting things ready for band camp, and picking up Jake from the airport in Des Moines. With the mention of BAND CAMP a few prayer requests: nice weather and for the students to have a blast, learn a lot,  and no injuries!
Also, on July 17th Charles had a post check up with the pediatric neurologist and got a great report.  He will out grow the suddering attacks and she seemed to think it could be within a year, but to also know it could take longer. Remember they do not mess with his milestones or brain development. He is also growing so fast he weighed 25 pounds and 10 ounces and measured 31 1/2 inches long.

Phone Prank

For the past two mornings Charles has found Patrick's phone and called friends before 8am. Be on the watch out if you get a phone call early in the morning from us and no one talks to you. It is probably Charles. He has probably found Patrick's phone without one of us realizing it. Today's lucky winner was Mike Meyering. Just so you know because it could easily happen to you if you are a contact in Patrick's cell phone. We apologize in advance:).

Books for You and the Littles

I'm back from a 18 day total vacation. We had so much fun visiting with family and friends in Georgia and South Carolina. Here are some great books to check out or purchase:

 I read this book while on vacation. It is about a lady and her two teenage daughters that move to Shem Creek from New Jersey. This book is a great beach book.

 I read this book on the way to Georgia. It is very good but I recommend that you read the back books first so that you know and understand some of the characters in this book. Series to read first in this order: Redemption Series, Firstborn Series, Sunrise Series, and then this series. I have 3 more to read in this series: Learning, Longing, and Loving. I found out when I was home that it looks like there will be another book about the Baxter family. You will not regret reading these books!!!

 I am reading this book right now and enjoying it greatly. More information to come when I finish it.

 10 Tiny Puppies: A wonderfully cute counting book. One I can't find online for some reason is Good Night, Little Bear A Sleepy-Time Tale. It is a great book to read before bed time. Thanks Matt, Brooke, Taylor, and Finley.

 ABC: You can never go wrong with reading a Seuss book. Get your tongue ready in advance before reading it to your littles. Thanks Elizabeth and Leah.

 Jack and the Beanstalk: A fun big book to read with your little ones. The classics never go out of style. Thanks Aunt Heather.

Rumble in the Jungle: Great for teaching about animals and rhyming. The pictures are beautiful. Thanks Matt and Erika.

Photo Book Share

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly allows you to customize your photo book just the way you want.
I made this book for my parents. It should arrive soon.

I've Been Everywhere

We have been traveling the past couple of weeks visiting family and friends. We also had an early celebration for Charles' first birthday. Be prepared for a lot of pictures and a long post!

 Charles meeting two of his cousins for the first time. They had so much fun playing and feeding him.

 At the park in Blairsville, GA with Grandpa and Grandma.

 A beautiful bridge in the park.

 A photo opt: Mommy and Son at the park.

 Patrick playing golf. This course is beautiful.

 Charles with his Grandma Nita.

Charles' smash cake.

The front of Charles' birthday cake.

The top of the cake. Thanks Diane Klein the cake was wonderful. If you live in Danielsville, GA or close by and would love a great cake let me know and I will get you her contact information.

 My best friend Heather made this sign for Charles party. Thanks so much!!!

 For other decoration: Photo books I made on Shutterfly and Curious George books. The food in the background also had photo decoration stating what each item was with a Curious George character.

 The Curious George Happy Birthday book. We took a regular Curious George book and asked everyone to sign a message to Charles. I have already enjoyed reading what everyone wrote to him. I know when he gets older he will cherish this book.

 Charles with baby Norah. Sorry the photo is a little blurry it is hard to get a picture where one or the other of them was not moving. I thought this picture was so sweet because they are holding hands. We have been joking since we found out our friends were having a baby girl that we would arrange a marriage.

 Charles having fun playing with cousin Sarah Spratlin.

 All ready for church.

 Another photo with his cousin.

 Charles' first time going for a swim. Pop moving him around the pool. He loved the water.

 He loved this toy car and this is one funny face he is making.

 Auntie M loving on Charles before bed.

 Time with cousins: Abigail, Charles, Addison, Sarah Spratlin, and Truman.

 The 4th of July Parade in Colbert, GA. I love this picture of Patrick and Charles.

 Charles and I waiting on the parade to start. The 4th is one of my favorite holidays since I was a kid. I have great memories of going to the parade in Colbert, eating a quick lunch at home and taking a nap, and then going to Uncle Jack's and Aunt Inez's to going swimming and for supper. Also, another reason I enjoy it so much is the multitude of different homemade ice creams. Thanks Uncle Jack and Aunt Inez for allowing us to invade your home year after year. I have so many great memories of the 4th at your home. I am so happy that I get to now give some of these great times to Charles. 

 Believe it or not I used to keep this young lady when she was a baby.  Seeing her this age makes me feel really old.

Charles with another Nora. She is the daughter of his college roommate.

 All the little kids gathering around Charles to play. A few kids moved away before I could snap their picture. It was so sweet watching them play together.

The lovely ladies. I miss these girls so much. It was so much fun visiting with them even though we didn't get to see them very long. (L-R): Me, Lottie, Amanda, Jessica, Jamie, and Nora. Thanks so much for having us Chris and Lottie we had a great time.

The guys! I just took a random photo instead of having them pose for the camera. (L-R): Colt, Patrick, Brandon, Chris, and Michael.


On a side note: The trip home was a hot one. Around Asheville, NC our air stopped working(this was on Saturday around 3pm). We were able to find a company to work on our car on Sunday morning. We found out on Sunday at a Tires Plus that it was the compressor and that they couldn't get the part until Tuesday. They checked us out and let us know what was wrong within 45 minutes. Tires Plus is a stand up operation and if you ever need work on your vehicle give them a call. They are great! I am not getting anything for promoting them either, but if they would like to give us a compressor I wouldn't complain! It looks like we maybe in the market for a new vehicle sooner than we planned. Since it would cost two thousand to fix our Civic. I guess that is everything for now.