Spring Snow

We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning
It's actually very pretty


It looks like God decided to dust everything with powdered sugar
I took these pictures about 6:30 am from my front porch

The Library Toy

Griffin and I go to Mother Goose Story Time at the Library each Thursday. After we sing songs and listen to the story, it's "free play" with the library toys. Someone opens the two big tubs of toys and the kids just go crazy playing. Each week Griffin is drawn to the same toy. It doesn't matter if someone else is playing with it or not ... he plays with it too.

I looked and looked for a similar toy at different stores and I could not find one anywhere. This toy is actually from either the 70's or 80's.

So ... I did the next best thing. I searched for "it" on Ebay ... lol ... and guess what? I found "it"!! (I guess their TV commercials are right ... you can find whatever "it" is on Ebay!)

Anyway ... it's actually called a Busy Box and he love, love, loves it. He plays with it all the time. One of the best things about this toy is it is practically noise free. No lights, no singing ... no batteries required.

Comments ...

I wonder if anyone reads my blog.

It's a fun way to share thoughts, goals, dreams, etc ...

It would be nice to know if anyone is actually reading it.

I think I've had like 3 comments so far.

If you are reading my blog ... please leave a comment so I know you've been here.

You do not have to share your "real" name ... you can post anonymously ...

Take good care ...

Random Thoughts For Sunday

1. Griffin is congested and has been coughing all night ... our sweet baby is sick

2. Pizza Hut Pizza is the BEST!

3. It's March 19th and it's 20 degrees outside ... so unfair!

4. I don't have to wash clothes today ... I finished them all yesterday

5. We just got Tivo and I love it

5. I'm hoping Grey's Anatomy is a new episode tonight ... it's the best show on TV

6. My sweet husband is dropping by the pharmacy to get Griffin some medicine (we are almost out) after his flying lesson so I do not have to go out today

7. The new season of Blow Out begins on Tuesday night ... can't wait!

8. If you want to read a good, funny blog check out Ashley's Cooking School Blog on marthastewart.com

9. I love my family

Good Things

Some very good things that have happened in the past 24 hours

- My husband took Griffin & me out to dinner
- We saw a shooting star on the way home
- I stayed up past 9:30
- I watched Martha's Cooking Class on frying
- After giving Griffin a bath he put his boats away ... for the first time ... no prompting!
- Wyatt and I had "just us" time going for a walk while Daddy watched Griffin

Feeling ...

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. I have so much work to do and I just can not find the time to get it all done. I hate to say the word ... but honestly ... I'm feeling depressed. If I'm honest with myself, I've been feeling this way since September.

I have to find a way over this hurdle. It's a tough thing to overcome, however I know I will be able to do it.

I have a doctor's appointment in April, so maybe the doctor can offer some insight (and help!) to get over this.

I was very worried I would have post-partum depression after Griffin arrived. I don't think it's PPD ... it does not seem that severe ... however ... I do believe it's important to talk to a doctor about it.

My gut feeling is I'm just overwhelmed. I think it's time to take a step back, regroup, get organized and get to work so I'm happy and my customers are happy.

ON A MUCH BRIGHTER NOTE...

Griffin is walking ... I'm a proud mommy. Now it's time to tackle the dreaded sippy cup.

Being A Parent

Being a parent is hard work.

When you have a "normal" job, you get performance evaluations to let you know how you are doing. You are doing great here, you need improvement here, etc, etc, etc.

Parenthood has no such "instructions" or evaluations.

I often wonder am I the best parent I can be. Does Griffin get the time he needs. Am I doing things "right"?

Most times I'm certain I'm doing the best I can. Other times I feel like I'm not.

Do all parents have these feelings?

Happy Birthday Wyatt

Our dog Wyatt is 11 years old today. He has been the best dog you could ever ask for.

He came into our lives on Mother's Day 1995. He has always been the "baby" of the family, and he pretty much gets whatever he wants.

Since Griffin was born I do not get to spend the time with Wyatt that I once did. I often feel very guilty about this. But Wyatt is still his loyal self, always trying to please us.

He's the King of Indoor Dogs. His favorite spot is right on the couch. He knows he's only allowed to get on the couch if his special covers have been placed down ... well, since he's older now that's pretty much all the time. He does enjoy going for walks and sitting in the shade outside with Griffin and me.

Another favorite thing to do is to go "bye bye" with us. Of course we take him only when we take short trips to town. He so enjoys sitting with his head on the back headrest watching the world pass him bye.

As Wyatt enters his twilight years we plan to spoil him to no end. A few extra treats, a whole hamburger every now and again ... and plenty of "bye bye" trips are in store for our sweet Wyatt.

Happy Birthday Duder Bug ... we love you.

Excited about today

We woke up this morning and it was 47 degrees! We are experiencing a warming trend.

I'm kind of excited about today. It's "Library Day". Griffin and I go to the "Mother Goose Story Time" each Thursday. It's so much fun for him and me. He gets to be around other children and I get to interact with other adults.

After the library we have plans to meet Cyndi and her boys at the park for a picnic. It's supposed to get in the 70's today, so this will be a really nice change.

Speaking of the library ... how cool is it to have a place to borrow a book, read it and take it back. I've never been a member of a library until just recently and I'm loving it! I've read 6 books in the past month. Mind you ... it's what Kelly Ripa would call "beach trash" ... you know like Jackie Collins books. But it's been a great way to read alot of books without having to buy them. So ... if you get a chance, visit you local library and take advantage of the great atmosphere and opportunities they offer. Until next time ...

44

Dana Reeve has passed away. She was only 44 years old. So young and such a sad thing. It makes me realize how young my mother was when she passed away in 1976. She was only 43. She had a long life to live, however that was not her destiny. When you are 8 years old, 43 seems so old. When you are 38 years old, 44 seems so young. We can not take one day, one minute, one second for granted. We all need to live our lives to the fullest. That's my plan ...

What a day!

Griffin is currently in his play yard singing his little heart out. He's 13 months old today. He just layed down on this John Deere blanket a dear friend of ours made him for his birthday. We've had a pretty busy and successful day. Our morning began at 5:45 ... I guess that's why I'm so tired now. After morning playtime & breakfast G went down for a 3 hour nap. I was able to get alot of work done, which was wonderful. After his nap and lunch we went for a walk with our neighbor Cyndi (the very person who made the above mentioned blanket) and her two boys. It's always so nice to be able to get out of the house and enjoy some sunshine. My little goofball is currently jumping up and down on his bag of soft fabric blocks and sing/songy screaming. Gosh ... am I the luckiest girl in the world or what? I get to stay home with our son ... I get to do something I absolutely love for a living (Scrapbooking) ... I am blessed. It's such a priviledge to be able to live this life.

Where Did February Go?

Exactly where did the month of February go? It's as though I blinked my eyes and February just passed right on by. I have so much work to complete and I just don't know how I'm going to get it all done. I'm just going to say a little prayer and ask God to give me the strength (and time!) to get it all done as quickly as possible.

I can not believe G will be 13 months old tomorrow. He's such a little goof ball. He's so cute, funny, charming, witty and down right adorable! How did we get so lucky to have such a sweet son?

He's getting so smart ... he's beginning to really play with his toys and he's walking more and more. Just the other night he took 13 steps straight in a row. Before we know it he's going to be running!

Spring Is Coming

We saw our first robin today. That's a sure sign that spring is actually on the way. Someone needs to tell Mother Nature that though. The outside temperature is currently reading 31 degrees. I can not wait for Griffin to be able to get outside and play. Mike hung a swing up this past week for Griffin. He's been able to enjoy it just a little. Of course he's been bundled up with his winter coat and hat on. It will be so much fun to go outside in SUMMER clothes, barefoot and enjoy the sunshine. Spring ... bring it on!

60 Degree Weather In January

Wow ... we've had some wonderful warm weather the past couple of days. Today it was 60 degrees outside. I was able to take a walk with Wyatt and Griffin ... and it was so nice. I was even able to move Griffin's exersaucer on to the front porch this afternoon and have some "outside" time with him. We so enjoy being outside. I wish there was more to do outside with a one year old. Our local park does not have swings ... that's too bad. I'll have to get Mike to put up a swing for Griffin soon. Unfortunately we are due for some very "normal" winter weather the next couple of weeks. Can't wait until Spring.

Dancing With The Stars

I have to admit ... watching Dancing With The Stars is a guilty pleasure.

I just love that show.

My favorites are Drew & Cheryl, then Stacy and her partner (can't remember his name). But I am a bit torn because I really like Jerry Rice and his partner as well. If any of these three dance couples win, I will be happy, especially if it's Drew & Cheryl.

I feel a little sorry for Ashly. She did really well last season with Joey McEntire. She has held her head high and danced her little heart out this season despite having a dance partner who chooses not to wear Ballroom dance shoes, in every sense of the word.

Can't wait until tomorrow night to see who America decides to send home.

Griffin's Crush

Griffin does some seriously cute things.

Last night he did one of the absolutely cutest things ever.

After dinner and a bath he was pretty sleepy. His Daddy was rocking him and he was asleep in his arms.

Griffin has always been fascinated with the little girl on the Welch's Grape Juice Commercial. The one with long dark hair in side ponytails. Everytime that commercial comes on, he stops what he is doing and watches it. He recognizes her voices.

Well ...

Last night ...

Our son was in a deep sleep in Daddy's arms ...

All of a sudden he jumped up, spun around and started watching tv.

The Welch's Grape Juice commercial was on. After it went off, he settled back into Daddy's arms and fell back to sleep.

Mike and I were laughing so hard.

We could hardly believe our dear son came out of a deep sleep for his "crush".

That's love.

9:45 pm ... Dinner

It's 9:45 pm ... it's a brownie ... 'nuf said ...

Staying At Home

You know ... I enjoy staying home.

I really look forward to the days when I have to go nowhere.

I can just stay home ... work, take care of Griffin, Wyatt and Mike and whatever else needs to be done around the house.

I get soooo much accomplished when I don't go out at all.

So ... here's to staying home as often as possible.

What bugs me about cooking shows

I love watching The Foodnetwork and Martha on TLC.

But you know ... there's something they all do that just bothers me.

Okay ...

So when they are putting the dry ingredients in to mix up, stir up, etc ... they just DUMP them in. Isn't it easier to sprinkle them all around to make it easier to mix up?

Salt ... they just dump it in
Pepper ... they just dump it in
Cinnamon ... they just dump it in

Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprink ... that's my cooking philosophy.

Hunger

This morning I decided to make an early morning run to Walmart. I got G all packed up to go and we headed out. Normally when I do the early morning run to Walmart I always feed G at the McDonald's. He normally eats breakfast at 9:30. Well, I did my regular shopping and then my grocery shopping, checked out and as I was leaving my husband calls me on the phone. We chit chatted and I said, by the way what time is it? Well, it's 9:50. I still have another 30 minutes to drive home. Dilemma.

So, do I feed G his formula and baby food while sitting in the car ... it's 33 degrees outside. Or ... do I just say to heck with it and drive home and hope he's okay. Well, I decided to do the last choice.

Big Mistake!

Our boy was hungry ...

And he let me know about it the entire way home.

I kept talking to him and assuring him we would be home soon. Something tells me an 11 month old does not want to hear reassuring words ... he just wanted food.

But you know ... his crying/screaming really got to me.

It made me think about all of the hungry children in the world. If my son reacts the way he did after only being delayed an hour for food ... I can only imagine how children in other countries that are starving every day feel.

It made me cry.