Life as Connor and Colby's Mom

Praying...

2010-11-22T00:51:00.002-06:00

I pray for my boys daily but the other night I realized that I rarely pray over them. So, I thought why not do it now. I took that opportunity to pray over each of them. I prayed for guidance, patience, their faith, future wives, health and anything else you can think of. I want to make this a reoccurring thing.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Homeschooling

2010-08-08T14:11:00.005-05:00

I've struggled with the decision to home school or not to home school this past year. I would pray every night for God to show me what I needed to do. Around February Connor started showing signs of anxiety when I would drop him off at preschool. He was nervous doing his school work and he didn't want to stay at preschool. He loved his teacher and all the kids in his class but I just knew something was wrong. I asked him every day if a kid was making fun of him or what was happening at school to make him so nervous. Dropping him off at school broke my heart. There were some days I would get back in my car and just cry because my baby was hurting and I didn't know how to help him. Thank God for a friend that has a daughter with anxiety, she helped me through those moments more than she will ever know. Trust me, I got advice from people who had no clue what they were talking about..."just whoop it out'em" has to be my favorite. Seriously, I bit my tongue and walked away after that one.
The homeschooling material arrived today and we will start school next week. Connor was so excited! I hope to blog my homeschooling journey because there are so many misconceptions about homeschooling. With this said...let the journey begin! :)

Where have I been????

2010-08-08T13:48:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, I know it's been a long time since I've blogged but with the world of facebook, who needs to blog? I've missed blogging and decided it was something I needed to do again. So, let me fill you in on what's been going on in our lives.

After a year long wait we opened up a Sears Hometown Store in Jan. 2010. My husband has always wanted to own a business and God opened up the right doors which allowed him to do just that. We have been in business for 7 months and he loves every minute of it. We have two of the best guys working with us, I feel like we have our own little Sears family. God has blessed us so much with everything and we just want to have a business that glorifies Him!

Christmas with Pawpaw and Nana

2009-02-03T16:50:00.003-06:00

The presents at Pawpaw and Nana's house.

Playing with his Karaoke machine Uncle Boo and Ms. Robin got him.

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa.

Christmas morning at Pawpaw and Nana's house.

My boys were sleeping GOOD!!!

Looking at everything Santa brought.

Colby taking his lion out for a drive.

Eating Nana pancakes and loving it!!!

Opening presents at Nene Penfield's house

Connor opening Slinky Dog.

Colby Standing Up

2009-02-03T16:32:00.004-06:00

9 and 10 Months Old

2009-02-03T16:16:00.005-06:00

I can't seem to get these blogs done for some reason but I'm going to catch up before I forget. All of Colby's milestones for 9 months:

Getting more and more vocal
I left him for the first time ever!!! We went to Vegas for a week without ours kids. It was really scary b/c we tried letting him stay the night with Noni and Papa twice before we left and one of those nights they brought him back to us b/c he would not stop crying.
Eats everything you put in his mouth and stuff he finds on the floor!!
Loved Christmas
Loves playing with all of his toys
Brought in the New Year at the annual party at Aunt Bibi and Uncle BryBry's house
Took his first Santa pictures at Cowens

I really should keep up with this stuff b/c I know I'm forgetting stuff.

Colby's 10 month milestones:

Standing up in the middle of the floor
Loved going down the slide at the park
Started dancing when music comes on
Started waving bye bye
Loves eating still...as long as it is not baby food
Follows me everywhere I go
Loves playing with his brother
Getting another bottom tooth
Loves to snuggle when he is sleeping
Loves taking a bath with his brother

Play Group

2009-01-22T12:07:00.003-06:00

I've been thinking about starting play group back for a while now but I keep telling myself I don't have time to be in charge of that. So here I am throwing out the question to everyone. Would anyone be interested in coming to play group? I'm thinking once a month for now. I know we can go to Tiny Town on Tuesdays in the morning and maybe we could do lunch afterwards. I was just curious if anyone would even be interested. I know I can commit to once a month, can you?

And the winner is...

2009-01-20T13:45:00.004-06:00

ME!!!!!! I am the winner of a brand new HE washer and dryer. I tried to wait until they came in to make the big announcement but I can't stand it anymore. We went to a Sears Hometown Celebration in Las Vegas and I won the grand prize. I was so excited and so shocked, I never win anything. They should be here in the next week. YAY The guy from LG told me this will cut my washing time in half. The link is the exact one I will get. As soon as I get them set up I will take pics and let you know how long it takes me to do laundry. :)

Save the Date

2009-01-20T12:11:00.003-06:00

Ladies mark your calendars...Women of Faith will be in Shreveport, LA on March 27-28. Click here to check it out http://www.womenoffaith.com/shreveport/
I know I will be there, will you?

Prayer Needed

2009-01-01T21:21:00.002-06:00

Okay...this may sound really silly to some people but I really need some prayer on Saturday. I'm leaving to go to Vegas for a week and I have to leave my babies here with their grandparents. I know they are in good hands and will be taken care of but I've never left my babies for this long. I'm sure there will be a few tears involved but I will try not to cry in front of them. Connor is not really sure what is happening yet but he will figure it out on Saturday. If you can just say a little prayer this week for our family I would really appreciate it. Happy New Year!!!!

Preschool Fun

2008-12-09T14:44:00.002-06:00

Fall Feast

2008-12-09T14:33:00.004-06:00

I made Connor's class turkey leg hats for the feast. Gotta love Family Fun magazine.

Connor enjoying the feast.

He loved eating the corn and grapes.

Eating the cool whip off the pie.

Turkey cupcakes I made for his class. They didn't turn out just the way I wanted but they were cute.

Riding Horses

2008-12-09T14:21:00.003-06:00

Rachel riding Madonna

Connor and Rachel riding Madonna

Connor riding by himself with Uncle Boo and Mrs. Robin close by

Rachel and Connor again with Mrs. Robin

I even decided to take a little ride. It was a very short ride.

We had a great time riding horses with Mrs. Robin and Uncle Boo. She has some beautiful land and horses. Connor can't wait to go riding again.

8 Months Old

2008-12-09T14:11:00.003-06:00

Colby is 8 months old now and is doing more and more every day. Here a few milestones:

army crawls (really fast)
says mamamamama
gives sugar with his mouth wide open
will crawl on his hands and knees also
ate his first Nana pancake and loved it
plays cars with his brother
still hates baby food
pulls up on everything
will stand up in the middle of the floor with his hands still on the floor
crys when he doesn't see his mommy (attachment issues)

These are just a few things he has started doing. Here a few pictures of him at 8 months.

Playing at Pawpaw and Nana's house

His first pancake

Eating his first pancake

Fall Festival

2008-12-09T14:00:00.003-06:00

Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse (I know...they are so cute)

Lily being the cutest little pink bunny I've ever seen. (since Lisa never blogs)

Connor with his girlfriend Lauren, that he will not talk to but always talk about.

Colby enjoying a nice nap on his Uncle Keith.

Colby eating his first sucker.

Papa Simpson's Farm

2008-12-09T13:48:00.003-06:00

The Tuesday before Halloween Connor's preschool class went to Papa Simpson's Farm. It was so nice out there and the kids loved it. Here a few pics from that day:

Showing the pig to his little brother

Milking a cow

Posing with Nana and Colby

Connor's preschool class

Pumpkin Time

2008-12-09T13:43:00.002-06:00

Okay...I'm going to play catch up. This is how we decided to carve our pumpkins this year. Yes, we cheated and it was really fun and EASY.

I'm TIRED...not hungry

2008-11-25T16:25:00.002-06:00

Tales from Preschool

2008-11-23T15:32:00.002-06:00

I saw Mrs. Amanda the other day and she told me Connor would not listen to her the other day and this is how the conversation went.

Mrs Amanda: Connor you are not being a good listener today, do you have dirt in your ears?
Connor: No, Ma'am I had a squirrel in my ear and I already went to the doctor for it. (there is a story behind this)
A few weeks after Colby was born we went to see Horton Hears a Who and all the way home from the Boardwalk he cried b/c he had a squirrel in his ear. So, I took him to the doctor and sure enough he had an ear infection.

Connor loves preschool and he loves Mrs. Amanda. Everyday he comes home and tells me all about his day and who got in trouble. He will name everyone in his class and tell us all about them. There is one girl in Mrs. Lisa's class that he calls that bad girl. LOL Who knows what she does.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T22:19:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T15:53:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T09:59:00.001-05:00

The Sweet Sound of Laughter

2008-10-24T16:54:00.002-05:00

Fall Fun Day

2008-10-24T16:11:00.002-05:00

Connor had Fall Fun Day at preschool today and it was so much fun. They got to dress up like something you would find on a farm and luckily Connor's chicken costume from last year still fit.

Connor in his chicken costume

Uncle Keith giving Connor a ride. I don't know why they wasted money on a bouncy thing, Uncle Keith came over and gave all the kids a ride.

Connor with his friend Jessie. Notice they are holding hands...I only allowed this b/c I know her parents.

Connor and Livy (Jessie wanted in the picture too)

The kids going out to the hay ride

Tiny Town and The Boardwalk

2008-10-24T15:59:00.002-05:00

Colby went to play at Tiny Town for the first time last week. He loved standing up and trying to crawl around. He also loved watching all the kids running around.

Posing with his big brother

Last Saturday we meet Uncle Keith, Aunt Lori, Uncle Boo, Ms. Robin and Rachel at the Boardwalk for dinner and a little shopping. It was so much fun to visit with everyone!!!

Connor in front of Bass Pro Shops

Uncle Keith scared of the alligalor (pronounced by Connor)

Connor riding a fish

The Fair

2008-10-24T15:47:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed the fair this year with Uncle Boo. They didn't have a lot of rides for Connor but that just meant we didn't stay out there very long. Which was fine with me b/c it was so hot. Here are a few pics of Connor riding a few rides.

We parked by these guys and the minute Connor opened the door he said "Mom do you smell that stinky booty?" It was so funny.

Lion's Club Rodeo

2008-10-24T15:31:00.002-05:00

We love the Lion's Club Rodeo back home and since my brother is in the Lion's Club we always try to go. We had a great time this year. Connor loved the rodeo!!!! We went on Thursday night so we could watch Ms. Robin barrel race. Connor was scared of Gidget (Ms.Robin's horse) at first but then he warmed up to her and Ms. Robin. In fact, he got to ride Gidget with Ms. Robin and he loved it. Now Connor barrel races in our living room on his stick horse Gidget.

Connor enjoying rodeo food

Connor watching all the horses

Connor watching the calf roping

Colby trying to eat the camera

Colby taking a nap at the rodeo

The Rodeo Parade

2008-10-24T14:20:00.005-05:00

My parents opened a Sears store so they put a float in the Rodeo Parade to let everyone know they were open. So, Connor and Colby were in their first parade. Here are a few pics from the parade.

Connor riding on the float!!! He liked driving the lawnmower.

Colby looking cute in his cowboy hat!!!

He rode in the Tahoe with my brother and grandmother. My grandmother said he laughed the whole parade.

Colby with my brother (Uncle Boo).

The back of the float.

7 Months Old

2008-10-24T14:13:00.004-05:00

Colby was 7 months old on Oct. 13. Here are a few things I want to remember:

Still hates orange baby food
Getting his top 4 teeth all at once
Went to his first rodeo
Was already in a parade
Fell asleep in his high chair
Went to nursery for the first time
Trying to crawl
Will only eat oatmeal with applesauce
Loves playing with his brother
Always laughing...he is really a happy baby

He is growing up way to fast!!!!!

6 Months Old

2008-10-24T14:03:00.003-05:00

Colby was 6 months old on September 13. He had to get shots and he was not a happy baby in this picture. Things I want to remember:

He is sitting up
Has his 2 bottom teeth
Hates all orange baby food
Crys when his mommy leaves him
Loves his big brother
A very happy baby

I'm sure there is tons more but I'm so far behind in blogging that I forgot some things already.

My sweet boy after getting lovin' from his mommy.

First Day of Preschool

2008-10-24T13:35:00.007-05:00

Okay, I know this post is late but here is Connor's first day of preschool. He loves it!!!! His teacher is great!!!!! Here are a few pics of his first day. When he woke up that morning...he discovered that his back pack already had a few goodies in it. I saw something about a back pack fairy in a magazine but I decided to just say it was from daddy and mommy.

Looking at all his goodies!!!

Ready to go!!

Showing me his cute little back pack.

He didn't even look back to tell me bye!!!!:(

Flashback Friday

2008-09-26T11:02:00.004-05:00

This was our last dinner with this sweet family before they moved away to Germany. Madi, Morgy and Connor loved playing together. The girls treated him like their little baby and he loved every minute of it. In fact, Morgan had her teacher in Germany convinced that she had a little brother and they left him in Louisiana. LOL I miss those girls and we can't wait to see them again.

Car Seats...YES they DO expire!!!!!!!

2008-09-10T10:37:00.004-05:00

Yes, car seats do expire. In fact, most car seats have an expiration date on one of the manufacturer labels that can be found on the sides or bottom of the car seat. To find out if a car seat is expired, you should look for that expiration date label first. If there's no expiration date listed, use the date of manufacture and consult the car seat owners' manual. Many manufacturers give a maximum car seat life in the manual. If not, call the manufacturer and ask. The rule of thumb, if no expiration date is given on the seat, is that car seats expire six years from the date of manufacture. Assuming that your car seat was manufactured in 1999, when you purchased it, yes, it is expired. A few car seat manufacturers allow 10 years of life for their car seats, but unless you have specific directions from the manufacturer, the car seat label or the manual that state otherwise, you should stop using a car seat after 6 years. Expired car seats should be destroyed so that no one picks the seat up thinking that it is still safe to use. Good ways to destroy car seats include cutting up the cover, cutting the harness straps, and using a saw or large hammer to break the shell. If you can actually watch the car seat go into a garbage truck and watch it be crushed, this is a good option, too. While I can understand the frustration of throwing away something that still looks good, it's important to understand that the breakdown of a car seat is not something that can always be seen with the naked eye. Car seats are made of plastics. Consider what happens to a plastic toy if it is left outside for some time. The plastic becomes brittle and can develop cracks when stressed. Car seats are subjected to extreme heat and extreme cold while sitting in your vehicle, so the plastics eventually react just like that toy left in the sun. You may not be able to see that the plastic is breaking down, or is more brittle, but that change could be dangerous in a crash when the car seat shell is stressed. It's far safer for parents to buy a new car seat than to take a chance on a car seat that may be too old to function properly in a crash.
Heather Corley is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
http://babyproducts.about.com/b/2006/07/12/reader-question-do-car-seats-expire.htm I included the website this article is from so you can read some of the comments.
These are a few other sites to visit:
http://babyproducts.about.com/b/2006/07/12/reader-question-do-car-seats-expire.htm
http://www.epinions.com/content_4753956996
This video is a crash test with an expired car seat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvCRz7BRAM0

I just googled the subject, do car seats expire and I found lots of information but these are the best articles. I also found out another interesting fact that if you are in a car accident you need to destroy your car seats. They say you can't tell if the plastic that is not visible is cracked, so why chance it. Take it or leave it but I know my children are worth it. I have seen car seats for $50 these days. So beware of garage sales, resale shops, flea markets and other places to buy used car seats. Also watch buying car seats on sale b/c you may only get 3 years out of it.

Do car seats expire???

2008-08-26T13:44:00.004-05:00

I'm throwing this question out there and I want you to answer it without doing any research. Just give your answer and why you answered yes or no. I have done research on this subject and I will post what I found after I see what everyone else has to say. I'm just curious to see what everyone thinks about this subject. Have a nice day!!!

Cartwheel Connor

2008-08-21T14:26:00.003-05:00

Okay...I taught gymnastics in my college days and I had 6 year old kids that could not do cartwheels as well as my 3 year old. He can't land on his feet every time but I'm just shocked he has the hand hand, foot foot concept. I was so surprised one day when he said "daddy, mommy watch this". I could not believe it...finally this kid got something from me. I was so happy!!!!!! I'll have to get video of this kid doing his cartwheels!!!!! You have to see it to believe it.

My Boys

2008-08-21T14:00:00.003-05:00

Connor went for his 3 year old check-up and Colby went for his 4 month check-up. They were both doing great. Both of them are off the charts in height and head circumference (yes my kids have big heads). Colby still weighed 17 lbs and Connor was 34lbs. I forgot to blog about it b/c they did the appt. so late in July that I didn't think about my monthly update. Connor had to get his finger pricked and pee in a cup. I thought I was gonna get pee all over my hands b/c I had to hold the cup but my big boy did a great job!!!! I was pee free!!!!!!! Colby was 5 months old Aug. 13th and he is doing so many new things.

He has 2 bottom teeth

frowns when he is not happy (above picture is proof)

sleeps through the night (except at Nana's house)

can roll over

pulls himself up while holding your fingers

laughs at his brother when he is turning cartwheels and other tricks around the house

smiles at you when he wakes up in the mornings

loves his Bumbo

just started eating rice cereal (unlike Connor-he started at 2 months old)

He is growing up so fast and I just wish I could stop time. These two boys keep me on my toes and I'm loving every minute of it.

Shawn Johnson = Powerhouse

2008-08-20T18:53:00.004-05:00

Have you seen this kid????!!!! She is GREAT!!!! I think I fell in love with her style of gymnastics because she reminds me so much of Mary Lou Retton. When I was younger I wanted to be Mary Lou, what gymnast didn't want to be her? I have been waiting for this powerhouse to win a gold medal this whole time and she finally did it!! They should have won gold during the team competition but we won't get into that. This kid makes the balance beam seem easy, I don't know how they do it. I get sweaty feet just watching them!! Don't get me wrong I think Nastia Liukin is great too, but I have been cheering for Shawn since day 1!!! To see her parents hug and cry after she won a gold medal made me tear up. I know...I'm a silly girl but I'm a silly girl who loves her gymnastics!!!!!!! GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!

Colby's First Dip in the Pool

2008-08-02T05:22:00.002-05:00

This is Colby's first time in the pool and he loved it. He just sat back and relaxed.
He even liked playing with the noodle.
Lounging around in the dolphin.
Jumping up and down with Uncle Keith trying to make waves.

When it Rains....Go Run in it

2008-08-02T05:03:00.004-05:00

Do you ever get so caught up in life and you forget to cherish the little things? I know I do but this day Uncle Keith made memories with his nephew. I love the fact that he cherished this moment instead of making him come inside because it started raining. At first Connor wasn't sure about running in the rain but after a few times of riding on Uncle Keith's back through the pouring rain he started yelling "this is FUN".

We actually had this discussion in Small Group last Sunday. Living life to the fullest. If you catch your kid jumping on the bed, why not jump on the bed with them and pray it doesn't break. LOL So next time it rains...GO RUN IN IT!!!!!

I love this picture of them.

Connor was shaking off like a dog.

Connor is 3!!!!

2008-07-08T20:51:00.003-05:00

Connor is three today!!! I can't believe how big my baby is getting. Here a few facts about Connor at the age of 3:

He loves to talk
He loves to ask lots of questions
Loves his little brother
Knows everyone by their real name such as Nana, Pawpaw, Noni, Papa etc....
Starting to potty like a big boy
Coloring, playing with his toys
Loves movies
Scared of monskers (monsters)
Loves chocolate milk
Loves going to church, in fact he will ask me everyday if we are going to church
Hates washing his hair
Swam in the lake and rode a jet ski for the first time this 4th of July
Loves playing in the rain with his Uncle Keith
Loves bothering his Uncle Boo
Loves having water gun fights with his Uncle Chad

These are just a few things Connor likes. I can't believe how fast kids grow up. He will start preschool this year and the house will be really quiet for a few hours 3 days out of the week. We love you Connor!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

3 Months Old

2008-06-13T21:05:00.004-05:00

I can't believe my baby boy is 3 months old already. We don't have our 3 month check-up until Monday, so I will post all that info later. He is getting so big and doing so many new things every day. Here are a few of his 3 month milestones:

He is able to stand longer

Can control his head more

Smiles all the time when we talk to him

Gurgles and coos when we talk to him

Found his hands and thumb

Is very ticklish

Here a few pics I took of him today.

Of course brother had to jump in for a picture.

Colby

2008-06-13T20:58:00.004-05:00

These are just random pictures of Colby. I thought he would look cute in these sunglasses one Sunday after church. I was right. LOL

Sunday lunch at Papa and Noni's house.

Colby sucking his thumb. He found it and likes it.

I'm just makin' snakes mom...

2008-06-13T20:30:00.010-05:00

So, one day Eddie and I were busy doing things around the house and Connor insisted on watching Baby Einstein. It was very quiet in the living room and I just couldn't imagine Connor sitting and watching World Animals so quietly, and I was right. First, let me give you a little history about Connor. He loves chapstick and I have always let him have his own to put on and he has been really responsible with it. Well...as responsible as a almost 3 year old can be. Anyways, now for the rest of the story. I walk into the living room to see Connor drawing on the TV with his chapstick. I said "Connor, what are you doing?" He replied "I'm just makin' snakes mom." As you can see in the picture below.

You could really see the chapstick when the TV was off.

This is Connor with his crayon...I mean chapstick.

Needless to say Connor no longer has his own tube of chapstick. He is only allowed to use chapstick under parental supervision.

READ THIS BOOK

2008-05-31T22:21:00.003-05:00

My friend Kristen gave me this book to read probably about 3 weeks ago and I finally took time to sit down and read it. OH MY, this is a Great book. I would have highlighted things that I loved but it wasn't my book. Let me tell you a little about me and reading...I don't read for pleasure. The only other book that I read in 3 days was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers which Kristen read because I suggested it to her. I know they carry this book at Wal-Mart and it is only $10. In fact, I think I will buy one so I can highlight my favorite parts. I'm so glad Kristen suggested this book and it was like God was telling me "Kristy, it is time to read the book." I really needed to hear a lot of what was said in this book. Visit the website and you will be at Wal-Mart buying the book. Trust me.

Good TImes...Good Times

2008-05-27T11:06:00.003-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been almost a year since I've seen this sweet family. Connor still talks about his Maddy and Morgy. This was a great night!!! Yes, I don't download pictures from my camera that often. LOL I wait at least a year to get pics off. Anyways, I just wanted to let them know that we miss them and we can't wait for them to come and visit. Hint....hint!!!! See you this summer Mark and Jen!!!!! ;)

Nana and Pawpaw's House

2008-05-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

Okay...when Connor is at Nana and Pawpaw's house they let him dress in whatever he wants to wear. I will say that I was there for this visit but Connor was trying to be a big boy and go potty so we left him in his underwear with no shorts. He was so cute walking across to his great grandmother's house in this outfit. Boys will be boys...I guess.

Brotherly Love

2008-05-27T10:08:00.002-05:00

The Saturday night before Mother's Day Connor was talking to me about his little brother and he said "Mommy, I love Colby so much. Where did you get him?" It was so cute. We tried to explain to him that we didn't buy him that God gave him to us. He hasn't grasped that concept yet.

Laminin

2008-05-21T20:45:00.002-05:00

Okay....I never discuss religion on my blog but this was an amazing video. Click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4&feature=email
Some of you probably have already seen it but for those of you who haven't take the time and watch. God is truly amazing!!!!!

Kid's Club at the Boardwalk

2008-05-17T19:18:00.012-05:00

We had the best time Thursday with Brenda and Hunter at the Boardwalk for Kid's Club. They were able to bowl, eat cookies and cupcakes and ride the carousel all for free. This was Connors first time to bowl and he really enjoyed it. Granted, this was the longest game in the history of bowling but it was fun. LOL

Connor and Hunter play well together and they seem to already be the best of friends.

Thank you Brenda and Hunter for a fun afternoon!!

Two Months Old

2008-05-17T19:07:00.004-05:00

I can't believe my baby is 2 months old already. This is a picture of him sleeping hard after a long day at the doctor. He had to get 3 shots and some oral meds for his 2 month check-up. He weighs 14 lbs now and is 23 inches. He is what we call corn fed!!!!

Colby's 2 month milestones:

tries to hold up his big melon for as long as he can

laughs out loud (the nurses called it a belly laugh) they said that was unusual for him to be doing that already

coos

alert and awake more

loves to sleep in his swing

My Mother's Day

2008-05-17T19:00:00.003-05:00

Connor made this Sunday morning for me in his small group. You can't read the tag but this is what it said "My hands you will hold for a little while but my heart you will hold forever". This quote brought tears to my eyes. He is getting so big, so fast. I wish he could stay little forever. This was the best Mother's Day gift ever!!!!

AWESOME

2008-05-04T20:53:00.005-05:00

The title of this post sums up the concert. It was AWESOME!!!! The first group on the stage was Ashmont Hill. WOW!!! They were so good. They have a version of Blessed Be Your Name that will blow you away!!! http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=248808378 Click here to check them out!!
The next guy was introduced as a hip hop songwriter. When he walked out on stage with only a guitar, I was like how in the world can he do hip hop with only a guitar. He proved me wrong. Jimmy Needham was GREAT!!!! http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=21876848 Click here to check him out!!
Then it was what we had all been waiting for, Natalie Grant. Oh my, I get teary eyed to hear Kristen Pratt sing her songs so you can only imagine what happened when I heard her sing them. It was amazing!! I'm waiting to steal pictures from a few of the girls that went with me and I will post the pictures I have tomorrow. I'm so glad I went and to the girls I went with I had a great time with you!!!! I wish we had a concert to go to every month. Nothing like worshiping with other believers.

7 Weeks Old

2008-05-04T20:45:00.004-05:00

Can you believe that my baby is already 7 weeks old??!?!?!?! I'll post my pictures later but I just wanted to share a little about Colby. He is smiling already!!! At first I thought it was just gas but when we talk to him he gets the biggest smile and will do a little laugh. It is so sweet! I actually caught the smile on camera last night. He loves taking a bath, getting sugars from his big brother and long walks on the beach. lol Okay, the beach thing is false but all the other stuff is true.
He has his first ear infection due to drainage backing up in his ears. My poor baby had to have his toe stuck, a shot and start his first antibiotic. It was a rough day for Colby. Oh...and he already weighs 13 lbs!!!
Anyways...just a little update on my baby boy and like I said I will post pictures up tomorrow.

PBS Word World

2008-04-12T12:22:00.003-05:00

We usually don't watch PBS b/c I think a lot of the shows on there are goofy but Connor loves the show Word World. http://wordworld.com/index.html I went to the website today and they have all kinds of learning games you can do with your kids. Connor and I played a few of them and he loved it. I was also at Target the other day and noticed they have started carrying games and other Word World toys. I love the idea for their matching game. You don't match a picture with a picture, you match the word with the picture. They also have the videos at Brookshires. We have seen this show before but it is starting to get popular now. Anyways...I thought I would share this. If you haven't seen this show yet check it out on PBS @ noon.

Arbonne Sale

2008-04-11T19:21:00.004-05:00

Many of you know I sell Arbonne. Well, I have every lipstick that they make and they have never even been opened. I want to get rid of them. They are regularly $16.50 a tube but I am going to sell them for $10. I also have all the lip liners. I don't think anyone has ever used them but just in case I have dipped them in alcohol and sharpened them. (this is what my upline told me to do) I'm not sure what they charged for the older lip liner but I am selling them for $5. We also have a product for lips called Prep & Plump. These are $28 but I am selling them for $15. If you haven't heard about Prep & Plump...it makes you look like you have fuller lips. I also have a few more items I'm thinking about selling. Let me know if you are interested and you can come by and look at the colors or I can bring them to you. I'm just tired of looking at this stuff wasting away.

Time for Change

2008-04-09T20:22:00.004-05:00

Well...I guess it is time to change my blog title. I'm no longer just Connor's mom, I have another little blessing. We are getting adjusted to having another little boy in the house and Connor loves his little brother sooooo much. He gives him kisses all the time. Poor Colby is exposed to lots of little germs from his big brother. Oh well!!!!!
I really need to share my morning with everyone. When Connor was a baby he peed on me often and luckily Colby has not done that yet. Well this morning Colby was grunting hard trying to finish his business and I thought to myself (self...you need to wake up and change him before it starts running out of the diaper). So, not fully awake I start changing his diaper, I get the diaper off and have his legs up and to my surprise poop shoots out all over my shirt. I have never seen anything like this. It was like someone had a water gun and shooting poop out at me. All I could do was laugh. After putting on the new diaper I was able to take off my shirt without getting poop all over my face and then changed my sheets. Needless to say I was up early and those of you who know me ,know I like my sleep.
Anyways...I hope to get some pictures up soon of Colby and his brother.

One more month...

2008-02-15T13:48:00.002-06:00

It was exactly one month yesterday until I deliver. I went to the doctor yesterday and Colby weighed 6 lbs. 9 oz. !!!!! I heard my doctor in the hallway before he walked in the room saying "the baby is in the 80th percentile...I don't know how she is carrying that baby, she is too small." I was like Wow....I wish I could see the girl that just left. Then he walks in the room and tells me that Colby is in the 80th percentile and asked if I was doing okay. I told him I was fine, besides having to pee every other hour. Anyways...he told me Colby would probably weigh about 8 lbs or little more. I told him I could deliver that size but anything over 9 might be a problem. LOL Just thought I would give an update. I wish my other computer would stay on long enough for me to download ultrasound pics but I'm not having any luck with that. We have some great pics of Colby already.

Colby will be here soon!!!!

2008-02-08T19:46:00.000-06:00

In 30 days we will no longer be a family of 3. I'm starting to get a little anxious and impatient. My new little man will be here in a month and we haven't even started putting his room together. My mom came a few weeks ago and we did get the closet cleaned out in Colby's room and all of Connor's old stuff separated by size. Now we have to paint the room, put the crib together and get his dresser over here. After we have done this I can start washing all of the clothes. It seems like I will never get it done especially when you feel fat and slow. Anyways...it will all get done and I hope to post pictures of his new room.

2008 Is Here!!!!

2008-01-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

I know it has been a looooonnnnngggg time since I've posted anything but I just haven't found the time to sit down and blog. So here we go...
We had a great Christmas!!! Connor got lots of stuff and loved the whole Santa thing a lot this year. Every toy he saw this year he wanted it for Christmas. Including a princess kitchen...which he didn't get. He loves playing with his Christmas toys. (that is what he calls his new toys) This was our last year with just the three of us. Next year we will have another little one to share Christmas with. We are very excited!!!!
This coming Sunday I will be 30 weeks prego and can't wait until March gets here. Colby is getting so big already. At my last appt. he weighed 3 lbs. and 2 oz. Wow, I still have 3 more months to go. Thank God for a doctor that believes in inducing. I have no desire to deliver a 10 lb baby.
Now let me tell you about our little miracle. My new niece was born Dec. 14 and made it through both of her surgeries like a champ. She is doing great and God has proven himself once again. Thanks to everyone that prayed for Lily! She is so beautiful and Connor loves her bunches. Lily's mom and dad are so proud of their little girl and have discovered that you can make it through a day with 4 hours of sleep. Lily is a little confused on her days and nights. :) Welcome to the world of parenting Chad and Lisa!!!!
I guess that is all that has happen so far. I will try to do a better job at blogging this year. I hope to get some pictures up soon. I look forward to 2008!!!!!!!

It's a BOY!!!!!!

2007-10-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

We are having a sweet baby boy!!!! Connor is so excited to know he is having a brother. In fact, he has helped pick out the name. Eddie really liked the names Colby and Cooper and every time he asked Connor which name, Connor would say "Colby". So I guess the new little boy will be named Colby Grey. Connor is so cute talking to my belly. He gets real close and says "Hey Colby Grey! I love you! Bye bye!" It is so sweet!!! Connor also thinks he has a baby in his belly too. In fact, when Eddie is playing with him he starts yelling "baby, baby". I guess he is afraid Eddie will hurt his baby.

I'm still ALIVE

2007-10-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a LONG time since my last blog but it is hard to puke and type at the same time. I have been keeping up with everyone else though. Now that I'm going on day 5 without being sick, I feel like blogging again. There are so many things that I've missed sharing in my blogs but there is no way to go back and update now. So, I'll just have to start fresh.
Connor and I have spent a lot of quality time together these past two months. He is getting bigger every day and learning more and more. I love to hear him sing his praises to Jesus and a little Hannah Montana. Yes...my kid loves Hannah Montana. His cousin Rachel takes him to her room and they sing and dance. Anyways...
Tomorrow, October 2 we will find out the sex of the baby. YAY!!!! I will try to blog about it as soon as I get home. Until then...

Jesus Loves Me

2007-07-16T20:29:00.001-05:00

The youth led Sunday night service but Eddie helped them by playing a few songs. Well Connor stayed in the service with me and it came time for the invitation. Eddie played one of Connor's favorite songs Jesus Loves Me. What a sweet moment to hear your 2 year old singing along with his daddy and smiling the whole time he was singing. I'm glad Eddie didn't hear him because he would have been crying like a baby.

Playing House

2007-07-16T19:11:00.000-05:00

These pictures are not recent but I really needed to blog about these special girls. Before the Parrotts left for Germany the girls came over to play with Connor. They convinced him to play house. I don't remember which one was the mommy and daddy but Connor was their baby. They pretended to go grocery shopping and all the wonderful things you do as a family. I was able to catch a few shots of them in their house.

They had a blast playing with each other. Connor wants to know where Madison and Morgie are every day. Eddie thought for sure he would forget about them but who can forget about these sweet little angels. I know Connor can't. We miss you guys!!! Connor sends his love to you!!!

It's my potty and I'll go if I want to...

2007-06-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

Connor has recently decided that he likes to sit on his potty chair and read a book. So, I take his diaper off and let him sit there. He hasn't done anything in the potty yet but he is starting to show an interest in it. I believe you shouldn't push your kid into using a potty but you can do things to spark an interest. Anyways...these made cute pictures.

I swing swing

2007-06-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

I'm back!!!! Well, a lot has happened these past couple of weeks. Connor got a swing set!!!! He loves to swing swing. I think he would stay out there all day long if I would let him. Let me rewind for a minute. My aunt and uncle give all the great nieces and nephews money to purchase a swing set or whatever they choose to buy .Well, we bought a swing set because Connor loves to swing. My dad, Keith and Eddie spent a Saturday putting it together and Connor was so excited to be able to swing in his backyard. Here a few pictures of him swinging right after they got finished with it. Connor wants to thank Uncle Jim, Aunt Kathy, Pawpaw, Uncle Keith and his daddy for this chance to swing swing on his very own swing set. (wait a minute...this isn't a Grammy Awards speech) Oh Well...Applause and cue music.

Not enough memory!!!

2007-06-18T18:23:00.000-05:00

Well...so much has happened and I can't even blog about because I don't have enough memory. My computer has reached its memory limit. So, until we clean up our computer I will not be able to blog. Have no fear...it will not be long until you get to read about all of the exciting things we have done. Keep looking!!!!

I'm leaving on a jet plane....

2007-06-08T16:15:00.001-05:00

My little man...what can I say. I guess he was taking a trip on his airplane or maybe he thought he was skating. I'm not sure what he was doing but he was quite aggravated that he could not fit in this airplane. He has been something else this week. I know he is growing up fast and everyday he does something new. I love all the new words he starting to say. Here are a few: fruit nacks (this is my favorite), piates (pirates), bo bo (he is fascinated with them now). Also, today he tried to change his dogs diaper. He could not get the wipes open, so he ran to me and said "doggie poopie". How cute is that!!! Okay... I have to stop now before I make myself cry. I can't believe that 1 month from today my baby boy with be 2 years old.

A Dip in the Pool

2007-06-08T16:02:00.000-05:00

Connor went for a dip Tuesday with his Uncle Keith, Aunt Lori, Rachel and mommy. He wasn't sure about the water at first but once Uncle Keith got in the pool Connor was fine. He sat on his uncles belly and floated around the pool. They broke out into song every time the sun went behind the clouds and he can't stop singing the song. "Mr. Sun, Sun Mr. Golden Sun..." Now that you have that song in your head...good luck getting it out. My kid can't stop singing it. We had a great time and Connor can't wait to go swimmin' again.

She thinks my tractors...well you know the rest

2007-06-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day weekend we went to see my parents and my cousin Kelli asked if we wanted a John Deere tractor for Connor. Of course we said yes!! It looks brand new and Connor likes it a lot. It took him a while to warm up to it but once he found out it wouldn't hurt him, he was okay riding it. He loves to play outside with all of his toys and chase the dogs around the yard. I think our poor dogs may have a complex after Connor is done with them. LOL

Connor's 1st Fight

2007-06-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

Connor had his first fight tonight. I'm not sure who won the fight though. He was screaming and fussing at Nemo & Dory with all his might. I have never seen him this upset with anything. I don't know what this pillowcase did to him but believe me, Eddie and I plan on taking care of it ASAP. Seriously, Eddie and I thought there was something in it that was hurting him but after checking it out we decided that Connor was just very upset over NOTHING. He threw himself on the ground and cried over and over again. I looked at Eddie and said "it has started". Eddie said "what has started?" I said "the terrible twos". Oh boy, I don't know if we are ready for this.

Smile for the Camera

2007-06-04T20:19:00.000-05:00

Okay...my Connor has finally decided that he likes to have his picture taken. Thank God!!!! I know Michelle has struggled with my little darling many times. Last night he decided he would put his daddy's LSU hat on and strike a few poses for me. Every time I took a picture Connor said "Cheeburger" then he would run over to look at himself in the camera. It was so cute! Then I told him to tilt his head and smile...guess what he did it. He was such a little ham for the camera last night.

2007-06-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

I feel like I need to write this blog to remind people that there is a section where you can leave a comment. I know...I know...it was all a surprise to me too. That means you FAMILY!!! Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and everyone else included in that word family you can leave a comment. You don't have to have an account to leave one. Just sign your name. WOW, what a great invention. Anyways...stay tuned for new blogs. I have dusted off the cobwebs and stomped on all the crickets (no not the scrapbooking machine). ;)

My little Tiger Woods or at least Papa thinks so...

2007-05-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

This event happened in April but I REALLY needed to blog about it. Connor's Papa loves to golf and I think the word "love" is an understatement. One Saturday we met Papa and Noni out at Stonebridge to let Connor play a few rounds with them. Let me tell you this kid loves to go to the golf course.

I think it has a lot to do with the golf carts and all the places he can run around with Noni. He must have told Noni a dozen times "C'mon Noni run." I know he ran a good 2 miles that day. He wanted to run everywhere. As you can see in the picture, he is chasing after Papa. Then we drove down to the pond to see the ducks. By this time my memory on the camera was full because he was doing waaaaayyyy to many cute things. He had the best time calling ducks. He would cup his hands around his mouth and say "quack quack, quack quack." I have so many pictures... I can't choose which ones to put on. So yes, there are a lot of pictures on this blog but who cares. I know his grandparents don't!!!!

Toys, toys and my little boy...

2007-05-17T14:59:00.000-05:00

Well...Pawpaw built Connor this great toy box for Christmas. You would think it would be for him to put all his toys in but Connor has decided he fits in it just fine. I don't know how in the world he climbs in it but he always lets me know then he's stuck. "Mommy....I tuck mommy, I tuck." Which in Connor language means he is STUCK and help!!!! I will pull him out the toy box and minutes later he is stuck again. I really need to figure out how he's getting in but then I would miss out on all these great pictures.

Pawpaw and Nana's House

2007-05-07T23:15:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've blogged but we have been out of town. We went to visit Pawpaw, Nana and the chickens. Yes...the chickens. Connor loves to take his Pawpaw outside and run between the chicken pen and the swing. Every time Pawpaw walked in the door Connor said "c'mon...chickens pease Pawpaw". Now who could turn down an invitation like that. We had a great time. I helped my mom clean her house b/c she has a cast on her arm. I got to see both my grandmothers and we were also there to celebrate my dad's birthday. We all went out to eat at the local steakhouse. (which by the way made my kid throw up) Now I will be getting on my soap box...we ordered him a kids chicken tender with fries, harmless you would think. Well, he was enjoying a steak with his mommy and decided he would eat one of his fries. He took a bite and started rubbing his tongue. I examined the fry and they had them covered with seasoning. SERIOUSLY...who puts seasoning like that on a child's plate. I'm still quite angry with them and considering calling the main office. Once he threw up all over me, he wouldn't eat anything else. To top it off...my parents still had to pay for his meal. I do not suggest eating at the Wagon Master, like any of you are going on a pleasure trip to Leesville. lol By the way my Nene Rhodes tried one of the fries and she said it burned all the way down. Getting off my soap box now.

Also while I was in Leesville I attended a baby shower. I was asked to make a diaper cake for the shower and I think I did an okay job. Here is a picture of it, so you can be the judge.

We had a great time in Leesville but we missed Eddie, so we decided to come home.

PizzaRoni

2007-05-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

We had Connor's favorite dinner tonight...pizzaroni. That's what Eddie called pizza when he was little, so we are teaching Connor to call pizza that also. He is truly a Merrill...I have never met anyone who loves pizza as much as the Merrill Family. I think his Aunt Sisa (that is what he calls Lisa) could eat pizza everyday. Once he was done eating pizza his Papa and Noni called and said they were coming over to visit. When we told Connor Papa and Noni were coming over, he went and got his backpack. He went to the door and said Papa and Noni. He was ready to go and stay the night with them. So I took a picture of this sweet kid wanting to spend the night with his Papa and Noni. Unfortunately, Noni had to work tomorrow and we are going to see his Pawpaw and Nana tomorrow, so he had to stay with his parents. It still made for a cute picture. What a great night we had here at the Merrill house!!!! ;)

A Great Babysitter...

2007-04-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

I am so excited. Why you ask? Rachel (my niece) just completed a babysitting class on Wednesday. She was so excited because they gave her a bag of goodies to take with her, to entertain the kids she babysits. So like a good cousin she came down and tested them out on Connor. Oh, how he loves his Chachel. (that is what comes out of his mouth when trying to say Rachel) The bag of goodies included: balls, playdough, coloring pages, bubbles and crayons. Rachel and her mom assumed that the balls and bubbles would be the hit items. They were right! Connor loved both of those items. He threw the ball around with Rachel until it was time for her to leave. We walked her to the door and watched her ride away into the sunset. With tears in his eyes Connor kept saying "Chachel, Chachel, Chachel" until he saw a red truck and thought it was Keif. (that is what he calls Keith) Rachel always does a great job entertaining Connor and I know she will have plenty of babysitting jobs ahead of her.

A Sleepy Connor

2007-04-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Well...Connor did not get to take his full nap yesterday because he decided to fall asleep at 4:30. I had to wake him up before Eddie got home and plus who wants their kid to fall asleep for a nap at that time. Anyways, so last night it was time for bed and Connor decided that everything hurt his feelings. He started crying and making really sad faces. So like any good mom would do...I got the camera to take pictures of this event. Now, grandparents that are reading this and thinking what did they do to my baby...I just want to let you know after I took each picture he wiped away the tears to look at himself on the camera (while smiling at himself). Then he started again. Between the crying he would say "mommy, mommy" then as you can see he would cut his eyes at daddy. This went on for a least a good 10 minutes. It was so funny to watch him and know that he was so dramatic. I don't know where he gets that from. ;) He sure knows how to put on a show.

I have finally arrived!!!

2007-04-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

Yes...it has taken me a while but I have decided to join the wonderful world of blogging. It will be great to keep up with friends that move away:( and family that doesn't get to see us (meaning Connor) all the time.
I am figuring everything out...so please stay tuned for future blogs and pictures.

Life as Connor and Colby's Mom

Praying...

Homeschooling

Where have I been????

Christmas with Pawpaw and Nana

Colby Standing Up

9 and 10 Months Old

Play Group

And the winner is...

Save the Date

Prayer Needed

Preschool Fun

Fall Feast

Riding Horses

8 Months Old

Fall Festival

Papa Simpson's Farm

Pumpkin Time

I'm TIRED...not hungry

Tales from Preschool

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

The Sweet Sound of Laughter

Fall Fun Day

Tiny Town and The Boardwalk

The Fair

Lion's Club Rodeo

The Rodeo Parade

7 Months Old

6 Months Old

First Day of Preschool

Flashback Friday

Car Seats...YES they DO expire!!!!!!!

Do car seats expire???

Cartwheel Connor

My Boys

Shawn Johnson = Powerhouse

Colby's First Dip in the Pool

When it Rains....Go Run in it

Connor is 3!!!!

3 Months Old

Colby

I'm just makin' snakes mom...

READ THIS BOOK

Good TImes...Good Times

Nana and Pawpaw's House

Brotherly Love

Laminin

Kid's Club at the Boardwalk

Two Months Old

My Mother's Day

AWESOME

7 Weeks Old

PBS Word World

Arbonne Sale

Time for Change

One more month...

Colby will be here soon!!!!

2008 Is Here!!!!

It's a BOY!!!!!!

I'm still ALIVE

Jesus Loves Me

Playing House

It's my potty and I'll go if I want to...

I swing swing

Not enough memory!!!

I'm leaving on a jet plane....

A Dip in the Pool

She thinks my tractors...well you know the rest

Connor's 1st Fight

Smile for the Camera

Leave a Comment

My little Tiger Woods or at least Papa thinks so...

Toys, toys and my little boy...

Pawpaw and Nana's House

PizzaRoni

A Great Babysitter...

A Sleepy Connor

I have finally arrived!!!