Better Late Than Never

I went out of town for the weekend a little bit earlier than expected, so here are the pictures I promised.

First...

Here is our trio with great grandpa B. on Father's Day.

Here is Munchkin with his grandpa V. at the lake the day before Father's Day.

Ok, sorry about this one. I forgot to flip it before I put it on here. So just turn your heads!

Our trio on the jetski.

(Grandma K. don't have a heart attack! Munchkin is fine! Note grandpa V. is right behind us in the water so we clearly weren't going very fast! Ha!!)

Tuckered out after a boat ride.

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We had another fun time at the lake this past weekend. We're heading up that way again at the end of this week for the 4th. Since our travel is spanning three weekends in a row I haven't even been unpacking Munchkin's suitcase. Why unpack when I'm just going to have to pack up again in a few days?

We really have been enjoying all this travel up home to see family. It is so nice to be able to be close enough that we can come see them. We're trying to take advantage of it this summer because this is the only time we don't have commitments at our church, so we can be gone on Sundays.

Who knows what fun we'll have this next weekend. But first we have a week full of adventures awaiting us...

Ants

The pool yesterday was great! The part of the pool that was open was the zero-depth entrance part. Munchkin loved walking into the water and walking out. He also liked lounging on the pool chair and soaking in the sun! We're going back tomorrow!

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We've had ants several times since spring, and are finally getting them taken care of. We found out the reason we've had them is because we have a peony bush right next to the house. Apparently you should never plant them right next to the house. We've been wanting to relandscape that flower bed anyway, so Hubby took out the bush tonight.

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I know I said I would post pictures of my drapes soon, but they are too heavy for the curtain rods. Once we get new ones, I'll post pictures. Tomorrow I'll post pictures from last weekend.

Summer Adventures as of late

This weekend our adventure to the lake was fun. Munchkin fell asleep on the boat. We're going up again this weekend so I told Hubby when naptime comes rather than me putting him to bed inside, we just need to take a boat ride!

We got home late Sunday night and have been going nonstop ever since we got home. Munchkin and I have spent our days playing outside in the water and relaxing inside. It has been extremely hot and muggy outside. We've been in a heat warning all week. Munchkin has also been taking long naps which has been nice for me! Ha! Now he'll probably take a really short nap today.

In just about half an hour we are adventuring out to a public pool. This will be Munchkin's first public pool experience (besides the one in my sister's subdivision). We usually just play in the little pool in our backyard or the one at our neighbor's house. The public pools in our area have special hours for kids 5 and under because parents have requested a time for the little ones to be able to swim without being run over by all the big kids. I think this is a great idea so Munchkin and I are going to try it out.

Hopefully I'll put pictures up soon of our weekend. As I was packing for the pool this morning I noticed I had left our camera in the car.

I'll let you know how our morning went later. Off to the pool we go!

I love my boys!

We just finished supper and now the boys are laying on the living room floor snuggling and watching one of Munchkin's videos God Made Music (imagine a Christian version of Baby Einstein).

It is so cute watching them snuggle. Munchkin is laying all over his daddy and Hubby is telling him that he loves him while rubbying his feet and arms. Too cute! I love my boys!!!

Here in a bit I'm heading outside to pull more weeds. Munchkin and I got the front flower bed done this afternoon, now the backyard is calling! I better get it done before more storms blow in this evening.

Tomorrow we head up home for the rest of the weekend. We'll be spending the day with Hubby's family at their cabin at Big Lake (a lake located near our home towns) but will be spending the night at my parents' house. Sunday Hubby and his dad are playing in a Father's Day golf tournament after church and Munchkin and I will be spending time at my parents house - hopefully my grandpa will be there. Please keep him in your prayers. He hasn't been doing so well health-wise lately and is feeling kind of down.

Pool Play

Today my sister, Auntie D., came over and picked up Munchkin and took him to her house. We had planned to go over there today to swim at the pool in her subdivision. I had to stay home because we've been invaded by flying ants. This is the third time we've had ants this season. So, a guy from Terminix came today. While I waited for him, Munchkin went on over to his Auntie's. They had lunch and I met them later at the pool.

Munchkin enjoyed he pool, but both me and my sister forgot our cameras. Sorry! He almost fell asleep in the water! So we took him back to my sister's house to try to get him to take a nap. He was a rascal and didn't want to. He finally fell asleep so I was able to just relax for awhile at her house.

If you remember, she was sewing drapes for me to put in our dining room. They are all finished!!! I should be posting pictures soon!

Tonight I am exhausted and can't wait to hit the sack. It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow so we probably won't have much outdoor time. Not that we would really want any. Today the heat index was above 106 degrees!

Stay cool everyone! Oh, by the way, that is Munchkin's newest word. He can now say "cool." And cool it is.

The Heat Is On!

Today Munchkin and I went to Deanna Rose to meet two ladies I taught 5th grade with at Northview and their sons. We spent some time walking around looking at and petting the animals. Then we had a picnic lunch - followed by more walking around and looking at animals. It was a lot of fun, but it was HOT! The thermometer read 94 degrees, but the weatherman said the heat index was 103! It was hot and humid. The air just felt wet and heavy. Nothing like living in the Midwest, we have weather of every kind here.

Oh yeah, and going back to yesterday's post, Munchkin picked up a lot more than worms today. We were in the petting area with the baby goats and he picked up goat poop! Sigh

Worms

We've been getting a lot of rain around here lately. So this morning when Munchkin and I went outside to play, the worms were out in full force. There were even a couple swimming in Munchkin's pool. Gross!!!!

Needless to say, Munchkin discovered worms for the first time today. I let him touch them, pick them up and play with them. I want him to be able to play with and discover the world around him - just as long as he doesn't eat it. Oh yes, he tried to get a couple of those worms into his mouth, but thankfully I stopped him in time.

After a time of playing with the worms, I was on my way into our garage to get hand sanitzer (I keep some there by Munchkin's toys). Before I made it into the garage Munchkin had fallen and hurt his hand. So naturally he wanted his momma to kiss it! Yuck! What was I to do? That's right I kissed his little worm slime hand.

Here's to many more disgusting mommy-to-a-little-boy moments to come! :)

Weekend

I just noticed that the dates on my last two posts were wrong. I wrote both posts early, so when I posted them, they had the date I wrote them, not the date I posted them. They are now fixed.

Our anniversary weekend has been wonderful. On our actual anniversary we had dinner and a movie, got ice cream at a wonderful local place, and did some shopping. Hubby took the whole day off so it was great!

Yesterday we went to the Scottish Highland Games. They were in the area and my cousin's husband competes in them. The weather was perfect, but Hubby and I did get sunburned. Last night we met our small group for supper at a delicious local Italian restaurant downtown. Then we went to one of their house's and just caught up. It has been awhile since we'e seen each other. The girls sat out on the deck and talked while the boys were in the basement. Then the boys joined us outside. It was a beautiful evening.

Today Hubby and I went to church (my mom spent the night with us last night to babysit) so she stayed home with Munchkin. All four of us were planning on going to church together, but right before we left Munchkin started having a meltdown (what I call a whining/crying fit) so mamaw stayed home with him. We had lunch together, mom hit the road, and we all took a nap. Glorious.

The boys are playing outside right now. I'm inside because my allergies are really bothering me from being outside all day and all night yesterday.

Tomorrow another week begins! Back to the routine.

Oh yeah, and I would like to point out that 5 years ago today I was relaxing on a beach in Hawaii. I think I'll focus on those memories rather than the week that is quickly approaching!

And 5 years ago today...

Do you remember where you were 5 years ago today?


Well, I do.

I was here!!!!!!

Did I mention that it was also 5 years ago today that I found out this is where I was going?

Yep, you guessed it. Hubby took me to Hawaii on our honeymoon. And you read correctly, through our whole engagement and wedding our honeymoon destination was kept a secret by Hubby. The morning after the wedding he woke me up and told me where we were going. Some people say they would have hated for it to be a secret, but I really loved he. Thankfully he told me that we would be a place where it was warm and I would need my bathing suit. So, I was packed and ready to go wherever he took me. I was in total and complete shock when he told me it was Hawaii!!! We spent a week and a half on the islands of Oahu and Maui. Can I just say one thing? Heaven on earth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, of course it was a wonderful trip because it was my honeymoon - but even regardless of that, it was the best trip I have ever been on. Hawaii is the most beautiful place I've ever been. I totally and completely want to go back. Seriously people, these pictures do not do justice.

Although Hubby and I plan on returning someday, it won't be in the near future...unless we sell our house and move in with one of our parents. Hmmm....maybe.... Oh! or maybe one of our parents will just pay our way back to Hawaii! You know, as a gift for Munchkin! They wouldn't turn their grandbaby down would they? Ha!

Ok, since that probably won't be happening, I'll just have to keep saving my quarters and longingly look at these pictures in great anticipation of my return.

5 Years Ago Today...

Do you remember what you were wearing 5 years ago today? I sure do. Besides a huge smile on my face, I was wearing this...



5 years ago today Hubby and I got married. Yep, 5 years ago today, Hubby became...well...Hubby! Ha!



Yes, I've already told you about our reception getting evacuated because of the weather, but other than that, I'd say we had a very successful day. We are married and all.



Yep, 5 years ago today I was feeling like this...



Multiply that by 5 years and that will tell you how I'm feeling today. Pretty incredible, huh?



Hubby, I love you more today than I did 5 years ago. You are truly my best friend. I love how much fun we have together. I love how our marriage is one of give and take. I love how forgiving and loving you are. You are selfless, admirable, faithful, trustworthy, adorable, hilarious, intelligent, caring, snuggly, genuine, positive, encouraging, and I could go on and on. I have no doubt that God designed us specifically for one another. We make each other better people. I truly believe that.



Thank you for the past 5 years. They've been better than I could have ever imagined.

Sisterly Shout Out

I wanted to post this yesterday, but as you could probably tell by the short post with no pics, I wasn't up for posting much. Munchkin was fussy all day with a stomach ache, and I was suffering from a headache. So....

Happy Birthday Sissie!

Here is a picture of my sister (aka Auntie D.) with Munchkin on his 1st birthday.

My sister's birthday was yesterday. No, I won't tell you how old she is, but I will tell you she is older than me! Actually, she is 7 years older than me. So, if you wanted to be really tricky, you could find out how old she is.

Even though there is a seven year difference, I've always been close with my sister. Of course, we've gotten closer the older we get. I remember her first night away from home when she left for college. I cried myself to sleep! No kidding! Yes, we have had our fights through the years, but it was mainly my brother and I ganging up on her.

In some ways we are alike, but I would say in a lot of ways we are different. I've always admired her drive and independence. She truly can do anything she puts her mind to. She's crafty, a great cook, and a giver. And if she has something to give you, she can't wait to give it to you! I just know she'd be giving Christmas gifts before Christmas if we'd let her! She is also an incredible aunt to Munchkin. She loves him as if he were her own child. And he loves her too. He will say her name when we're looking at pictures of her. And when he sees her, he wants to go right to her! But most of all, she has an astounding faith. A faith that has carried her through more than I think I could stand.

I love you sissie! Sorry this was posted a day late. I guess this calls for one more day of celebrating you!

And in today's line-up...

Munchkin and I were playing outside today and he started lining up a bunch of rocks in a row. Yes, lining things up is a favorite activity of his, but today he took it one step further - he lined them up from biggest to smallest! Now I know what you're thinking, he is only 16 months old. You don't believe me do you. Well, technically I don't have any proof. He messed it up before I got a chance to get a picture. So you'll just have to take my word for it.

Hiya Cuz!

My cousin Rob (pictured) and his wife had their first child yesterday. A sweet baby girl name Calla (a family name). Here is Munchkin meeting his new baby cousin today. Sorry the picture is so dark. I didn't use my flash b/c I didn't want the bright light hurting Calla's eyes. I think she looks just like here momma.

About Me From A - Z

My sister did this on her blog a few days ago, so I thought I'd give it a try.



A - Age: 26

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: dusting

D - Dog's name: N/A...no doggie in this house

E - Essential start your day item: shower

F - Favorite color: yellow

G - Gold or Silver: Gold

H - Height: 5'7"

I - Instruments you play: Clarinet from 5th grade through 12th grade

J - Job title: Wife and Mother (used to be an elementary teacher)

K - Kid(s): My son Munchkin - 16 months old

L - Living arrangements: In our first home living in Kansas

M - Mom's name: Alice

N - Nicknames: Kid (parents and siblings call me this), K Mich, Michelle (my middle name), Sugar Plum (gpa and gma Bradfield called me this)

O - Overnight hospital stay: Tonsilectomy in 8th grade and when I had Munchkin

P - Pet Peeve: Not putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher...ugh!

Q - Quote from a movie: This may not be the exact quote, but it is from You've Got Mail "I have a dollar. That's it. I only have a dollar."

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: 1 older sister (Deek) and one older brother (Jase)

T - Time you wake up: between 6:30 and 7:30

U-Underwear: Goodness yes!!

V - Vegetable you dislike: Can't think of one I don't enjoy!

W - Ways/Reasons you run late: Um, hello, I'm a mother! Need I say more?!

X - X-rays you've had: teeth, wrist, foot, jaw

Y - Yummy food you make: Hubby likes smothered burritoes, zucchini cake, homemade pizza, spaghetti squares, roast, hamburger corn casserole, and taco soup (I asked and these are what he told me! Thanks babe!)

Z - Zoo animals you like: Tigers and Bears

Family Meals

When Munchkin was younger, we used to eat in shifts at our house. When he was really young, I would feed Munchkin, make supper, and then one of us would eat while the other watched Munchkin, and then we'd switch. Or sometimes Hubby would feed Munchkin while I made supper and then we'd take turns eating. And we usually ate in front of the t.v.

I hated it. Growing up, my family always ate together. About the only meal we didn't all eat together was breakfast, if everyone was home. I really missed that. I can remember eating supper together when I was young and my sister was in high school. Every night she would fill in the family on the latest high school drama. Ha!

Here is a quote from an article published in TIME: "Studies show that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide, and the more likely they are to do well in school, delay having sex, eat their vegetables, learn big words and know which fork to use."

We may have only used one fork when I was growing up, but I did know that it was important for me, Hubby, and Munchkin to sit down and eat together - without the tv on. So, a few months ago I told Hubby that is what I wanted, and thankfully, we have made it work. We eat supper together every night. During the week, Munchkin and I eat breakfast and lunch together at the table, without the tv on. Sometimes Hubby gets to eat breakfast with Munchkin, too.

Now, I want to point out that there are times when we still eat in shifts, and rare occasions when we eat in front of the tv, so for those of you who do, and it works for you, great! But I have found that sitting down and eating a meal together without any distractions has already had great benefits. Meals are more relaxing, everyone tells us what a great eater Munchkin is, I still feel connected with my husband because the time allows us to catch up with one another, and I feel like we're eating healthier because I focus more on our meals than I used to.

I also know that once another Munchkin comes into the picture, we'll probably go back to eating in shifts. That's just the way it is with little babies, but we will get back to sitting at the table together as a family to share the meal as soon as we can.

If eating together at the table without the tv on is something you and your family haven't done in awhile, I encourage you to give it a try. It may be tough at first getting used to it, but soon it will turn into a routine that you may actually enjoy!

Happy Eating!

Friendly Visit

Hubby's fraternity brother (and friend), Jim, from college stayed at our house last night. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife and son who is 5 months older than Munchkin.

The boys went golfing and out to eat last night while Munchkin and I spent the evening on an hour long walk and then another hour talking with the neighbors.

After Munchkin went to bed last night they boys got home. I stayed up talking too late and am pooped today. Munchkin just went down for his nap so I think I'll go catch some zzzzz's after I'm done posting.

This morning Hubby had to go to work so me, Jim, and Munchkin had breakfast together. The boys were already eating as I was fixing myself a plate. When I sat down Munchkin folded his hands (his signal to pray) and looked at Jim. I told Jim Munchkin knows that once everyone sits down at the table, we pray. So I prayed. Munchkin was too cute with his little folded hands. I was so proud of him for making sure we prayed!

Hubby and Jim at...you guessed it...graduation from MU! Go Tigers!

Ok, this is the picture I really wanted to post. This is from earlier in their college careers. Can you tell? They look a bit younger. Oh those wacky college guys. (By the way, I love the watch with the toga, Jim. Ha!)

And Joy Comes In The Morning!

I certainly hope I didn't scare any of you away last night. I just had a lot on my mind and felt that I needed to share how God has gotten me through so many things. My post was meant to be more of an encouragement than anything.

I promise that I won't get that "heavy" on my blog much. At least, that isn't the plan. I just wanted to be real with you all and let you know that there is so much more to life than just playing with your son! :)

I also wanted to clarify that when I used the word "unload" to describe how people have been sharing their lives with me, it could have come across as they were taking it out on me. When, in fact, I meant that they were sharing their burdens with me. They have been carrying a load and needed someone else to help carry it for awhile.

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On a lighter note: Munchkin woke up at 6:30 this morning. He usually sleeps until 7:30. I'm hoping this means he'll be taking two naps today. On Monday he woke up at 5:55 a.m.!!! What is his deal? Doesn't he know mommy is still tired at that hour of the morning?

We just finished breakfast. He is playing with his bibs, and mocking me because I just sneezed. My hair is still wet, I have no makeup on, and I'm staring at the pile of dirty dishes sitting on the counter from supper last night.

We'll be going to Target today to buy a gift for a wedding we are going to this weekend and the rest of the day will be spent cleaning the house. We have company spending the night tomorrow. Thank goodness it is cloudy outside and there is a chance of rain so we won't miss being outdoors so much.

Well, dishes are calling and little feet are pitter pattering, so off I go...

No Title Needed - Just Read :)

I have lots of thoughts going through my head right now. Lots of people have been "unloading" the lives to me recently. Not that I mind. If I can help simply by listening and praying for your situation, please share. The "unloading" part isn't what is on my mind tonight. What is on my mind is the fact that there has been a theme in all the stories that have been shared with me. I don't want to get into the theme - especially since the conversations I have been having with people are private. Yes, lots of people are going through some rough things right now. Things I can't really relate to. That is one reason I have found it best to just listen. One never really knows what another person is going through or how it is making them feel.

As I've been thinking about and praying for these people, I have heard God telling me to share some of my thoughts about how He plays into all of this. But first, I do want you to know that all the people who have been sharing their struggles with me are Christians. So, I don't want you to think that the reason I'm sharing is because I want them to "just cling to Jesus" so all their troubles disappear. When people give that advice I get so frustrated. True, clinging to Jesus is the only answer to get you through your problems, BUT IT WON'T TAKE YOUR PROBLEMS AWAY!!!

I think so many Christians are so fake and try to make everyone think that now that they have Jesus, life is great. Well, I've had a personal relationship with Christ since I was in upper elementary school and I've got news for you: Life Stinks! Life really stunk before Christ and life still stinks after Christ. The difference is that now the stinkiness (yes, I may have just made up this word) is bearable! I have joy in the midst of...well, everything! No matter my circumstances I have joy. I may be very unhappy, mad, frustrated, sad, hurt, confused, depressed, etc. about what is going on in my life - but I know that this life is temporary. I also now know 100% that I have been saved so that I will have an eternal life that contains NO STINKINESS! :)

(I am feeling so much better now that I am getting this off my chest. Thank you for allowing me to "unload" on you.)

My hope is that those of you who know me don't see me acting like my life is perfect. It truly truly isn't - and never has been. Here is a short list of some things God has carried me through. (Note: some of these things I have personally experienced or have gone through with very close loved ones, both family and friends. I will not be disclosing which is which for obvious reasons.) In my life I have experienced: cancer, almost losing a parent, jail, abortion, miscarriage and pornography addiction. Just to name a few.

Surprised? God isn't. He was there through it all. Just like my friends who are going through some things right now know He is with them.

Life stinks. Jesus is the Lysol! Ha! (Should I get bumper stickers made?!)