2010 Just Say No-Part II

I took this picture at the Hamilton Place playground on Saturday. I wish you could see a clear shot of how terrified Dalen was, once he climbed all the way to the top of this dog. He absolutely insisted he do it all alone but once he saw how high up he actually was he began to cry and insist I help him down.

Since I have already been getting my feet wet concerning my Just Say No campaign, this is a little how I have felt. Like I am too high up and saying, "No" leaves me with no way back down. I have never in my life-EVER-had a hard time being decisive or confident in the decision making department. I guess it's just taking me a long time to realize I have way to much I value. Of course, friends and family come first but I have realized I think I value more than I do. Lately I have been asking myself why do you value this event or that outing and I have can't come up with a valid reason I decide right then and there that I don't go or participate.

I have also realized that I lack priorities. Nothing in my life has value and I feel bad making some people more important or certain events more important but it has to be done. This is the only way I will find myself ever saying no. Tomorrow I am so excited to be going to dinner with friends and then to a benefit concert. This is the last Parent's Night Out Mario and I have somewhat separate plans and I am so happy about that. I haven't gotten to spend good quality time with two of my closest friends in what seems like so long so I can't wait to catch up on everything with them.

Saturday is going to be super fun! I can't wait til Saturday! My husband doesn't know it yet but Saturday morning we will wake up and decorate our Christmas tree! WAHOO! SURPRISE MARIO! haha. I can't wait to plug the lights in and see how Dalen reacts! Then I am going to see The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock at the early showing. I am going to sit in peace, alone. I can NOT wait! I have been waiting for this movie to come out forever. While I am in The Blind Side Mario is going to take Dalen to see that Planet 51 movie. I feel ok about us seeing separate things because they still get to enjoy something while I am. Then later Saturday I have to work at our agency's annual fund raiser. It's a dressy event and can I just protest that someone out there make maternity dresses for nice events!! I bought this dress off the clearance rack at TJ MAXX for $20 and it screams, "I was cheap and meant for someone NOT pregnant!" I am still trying to decipher if it looks more like a piece of spandex that got caught in a lawn mower or one of those shredded rag things that the drive thru car wash spins round and round. Trust me-pics of Saturday will come as long as you laugh with me and not at me.

This weekend is full of things I have chosen. Things that have to be done for family or work or things I want to do and it feels SO good. I can't wait to leave Tuesday for Florida and see my grandparents and cousins and rest of my family. Dalen is going to have a blast!

So just so I am not feeling alone...anyone else feel the need to join my campaign?

Bargain Babe*

Just in case you are wondering what the significant of the * by babe is- I totally know that at this point in life and current weight I am not using that word in a literal sense it just sounded good for the post.
I was so excited about Saturday morning. I snuck out of the house before Mario or Dalen woke up and ventured off to look at all of Olivia's old clothes my sister has been selling in yard sales. YAY! Don't you just love good quality clothing at great prices?! I must admit I am pretty picky about who I buy baby hand-me-downs from. There is just something about the thought that another baby has worn clothing and probably puked, drooled and possibly pooped on something that I will one day put my kid in, that totally gags me. But since it's my niece I guess I can handle the thought. I also gladly buy Hicks hand-me-downs b-c they have the cleanest house and mom EVER.
Anyways, I sorted through tons of clothing weeding out what wouldn't match up with sizes (let's pray she stays on growing schedule!). I ended up with tons of clothes and I just can't wait to get Cola's room and closet cleaned out. Friday night I happened to run into a WHOLE shelf of shoes at Wal-Mart for $1-$2-$3! WAHOO! Every single pair of these shoes were under $3. I do wish they would have had a broader selection of colors. But I guess if you can throw in a little purple with a plethora of pink you are doing well.

Here are a few outfits I scored. The brown and cream dress is super special. Last year when shopping for Olivia Mario picked this out for her on his own and now it's Cola's. I think it's super cute when he picks outfits for her. I am hoping the little red dress will fit her for Valentine's Day. It's a small.

After sorting for a while, Olivia woke up and teetered down the sidewalk. She was in such a perky mood and her hair was hilarious. Bless her heart it was all over the place and mixed with the wind it didn't stand a chance at laying down right. Here are a few pics of her this weekend.

Here she is asleep on Sunday, after lunch.

I put her hair in a pony tail to try to get it out of her eyes.

Smiley Girl.

Camera Shy.

Hilarious Hair.

2010: Just Say No

You know, the real world has a harsh way of letting you know you are there. Somedays it slaps you in the face with bills you don't know how you are going to pay, a schedule so crammed you don't think you will survive and demands that make you just want to give up. This is where I am. I am in the REAL world. Let me share with you a little about my week. (Does the week start with Sunday or Monday?? I'll start with Monday.)

Monday-Worked 9-5. Rushed home to be dressed to leave for dinner with a college student by 6:30. Dalen was already gone to my parents and I didn't see him until about 9 p.m. and he was already deep asleep.

Tuesday-Worked 9-5. Rushed off to pick Dalen up from school, grabbed dinner, ate at home, changed into pajamas and was woken up three times in the night by crying Dalen.

Wednesday-Worked 9-8. Prepared Thanksgiving Dinner for clients at work. Left work at 8 and struggled to stay awake until Mario and Dalen made it home from church at about 8:45. Changed Dalen into pajamas and let him fall asleep with me just so I could feel like I had, had time with him.

Thursday- Woke up an hour and 10 minutes early to spend time with Dalen and get him ready for school pictures. Will work 9-5. Leave work right at 5 pick Dalen up, grab dinner and be to the church for college service. Attend service, go home, get in pajamas and go to bed.

Friday- Will work 9-5. Leave work, go home, change clothes, meet family to eat for my sister's birthday (which was on the 11th).

Saturday-Wake up at 8. Get dressed for book club meeting. Attend book club. Go to Chattanooga and get fitted for a bridesmaid dress, shop for a white shirt for family Christmas pics on Sunday and hang out with our worship leader who is soon moving.

Sunday-Attend church, go to my parents house, eat lunch, get family pics made with them and HOPEFULLY then take a nap!

AH! Thats exhausting just typing all that! I'm to that point where I feel like I share every part of me with everyone and everything! I have been asking myself over and over how will there ever be enough to go around, especially with Baby #2 soon coming! I try my best to not be selfish. It is by far one of the most unappealing qualities I feel any person could possess but I have to admit I'm so tired of sharing! Somedays I feel I am sharing things that aren't even there and it leaves me drained!

I am a wife, mom, sister, friend, minister, aunt, employee and after sharing me with all of these roles and people there is just nothing left. This morning while getting dressed I asked myself again, "How long can I keep sharing so much of me that is just barely there?" This time it was different. I felt an answer, heard something so liberating come from the deepest part of my being. This is what I heard, "You will learn to say no."

Wow. After reflecting on this profound revelation I realized I am not so good at using that word anymore. So in 2010, I will be saying, "No". Nicely, but quite frequently. There are a few things that will be MY things. I will not feel obligated to share these things with ANYONE. It will take me a while but I will get used to it and soon enough it will be normal!

Today I have been thinking a lot about what I am absolutely obligated to do. By obligated I mean things that I absolutely have no choice but to do. What are the things that would cause my family or myself to fall apart? Wow! When you really think about it the list seems to gradually decrease! It was as though I began weeding out old clothes from my dusty closet that were worn, unflattering and no longer fit. You know, just because you USED to do something doesn't mean you have to hang on to that role forever! Roles change with time and it's time for me to move on from somethings.

I will hang on to friendships that are not taxing.
I will let go of people who place unreasonable demands on me.

I will attend church on weeknights.
I will say no to activities that occur on weeknights if my family can't come with me and if I don't feel like going.

I will never schedule anything on Parent's Night Out.
I will spend every Parent's Night Out with my husband and solely my husband.

I will not feel obligated to share my personal devotional time with others.
I will hide the words of God in my heart and speak these private promises only when I feel spirit led to do so.

I will not return calls or pick up calls when it isn't convienant.
I will only call friends when Dalen isn't around. It just isn't fair to the person on the other end.

I am sure there will be so many more things I will have to do and not do the more I think. I want to be the best person I can be and when you are constantly running on E it's hard to give the best or get the best...the best just ends up getting you!

Blog-O-Mercial...With Cola In Mind

This last Saturday I went to the Craft Fair at North Cleveland for about 20 minutes...it was all I could take with Dalen getting into every booth, begging for a hotdog at 10 a.m. every 2 seconds, and insisting everything I picked out for his sister should be for him. I think we have surely got ourselves into something BIG with a new baby coming!!

Anyways, my friend Cortney Wheeler had a booth and she is with Frogs & Frills Baby Boutique. Everything they sell is made personally by them. Here are a couple things I bought from them.


I just loved this handmade hat!! The thing I like about it best is that the little flower is actually like a barrette so you can remove it and add a different one or wear it as a hair bow. I am not into the HUGE flowers and bow little girls wear, you know the ones that make them grow like the leaning tower of Pisa because the bow is SOOOO big it makes them walk with a lean. I love simple and delicate.

This looks like a wallet BUT it's actually a diaper wipe case! It has little pieces of fabric and ribbon around it and I thought it was super cute! So now I can walk to the bathroom with one diaper and the diaper case in class!

And last but not least...I bought this from Razzberry's (a super cute little boutique downtown). I thought this would be SUCH a fun overnight bag or diaper bag. It looks a lot smaller in the picture than what it is. Also, the fabric is so thick and the inside is doubled with more fabric and a few pockets. I love this bag that I scored for ONLY $14.95!

If you like anything you see you can check out Frogs and Frills at http://frogsnfrills.etsy.com/ or shoot them an e-mail at frogsandfrills@gmail.com

Razzberry's is located downtown right beside Gardener's Market and their number is 478-7300. This is also where I scored Dalen's super cute Halloween costume at. They have tons of personalized gifts for children and adults.

I have a small corner in Dalen's room where Cola's things are accumulating quickly. We are keeping her stuff in there because we haven't decided what room to use for her yet. Dalen is constantly and secretly picking through her things trying to fit his massive size 8 feet into her NB size shoes and has been warned if he tries to stuff his bushy fro in her new hat one more time he would score 4 minutes in time out.

He has started to LOVE pulling my shirt up (anywhere we are) to talk to Cola. I have tried to explain she can hear you with my shirt down but it doesn't stop him!! He loves feeling her move and finds it quite hilarious when she gives him a good kick. Yesterday, I made him lay down on the couch with me to start winding down for bed and he's already jealous that she doesn't have to be still and he does. His back was pressed against my belly & everytime she would move he would shout, "Hey! Be still you! Go to sleep!" He also gave her a few "love taps" that weren't so loving.

Date Me, Mommy!

After the three of us being sick, I thought I should write a nice blog on some funny and bright things that have happened recently. Of course, all the funny things are about Dalen. He knows just how to keep us laughing!

The other day an advertisement came up on Mario's computer for a new movie. It was a kids movie and the character's are green (I TOTALLY forgot the name of it). Dalen began laughing hysterically, jumped off the couch and began clapping as he screamed, "Date me, Mommy! Date me!" I didn't get it at first but then realized when we went to see "Cloudy Meatballs" I called it a date, then I realized he wanted me to take him to the movies again. I guess I am good movie date! I told him I had to check it out first-does anyone know what movie I am talking about??

Here is just a pic for entertainment. It's Dalen

at lunch Sunday being goofy.

Last night one of my parent's good friends came to North Cleveland to do a concert. Mario was off at another service and so I told Dalen we could go. He was TOTALLY out of control. It didn't help that his cousin was there-everytime he gets around her it's like waves of excitement that possess him to act ridiculously silly. He jumped for probably 15 minutes straight...with this hands raised and eyes closed, shouting HALLELUJAH! Can you tell he's being raised pentecostal?? haha

After falling the step he was standing on one too many times my Dad got a hold of him telling him to stand still. Yeah, that didn't work. The sanctuary was super cold but because he kept jumping he was literally sweating and took his jacket off. My dad asked him if he were cold and he said, "No I'm not cold!!! I'm happy!!!!! WAHOO!!!!" Yeah shortly thereafter he was taken out for spanking number one and then to class where he could be obnoxious and it not matter.

Here is Dalen before church. I loved this outfit!

After church Sunday night I pulled through Wendy's quickly. They were taking quite a while and Dalen began rolling the window up and down. I occaisonly let him do this to keep him occupied. Once we got to the window there was quite a bit of smoke coming from the french fry maker and I notice Dalen was staring intently at it and not playing with the window anymore. Then out of no where he shouted at the cashier, "You best stop that smoking, lady! Stop it! Stop it now!" WOW! Can we say mortified?! How does he even know what smoking is? It's not like people smoke in restauraunts anymore! The lady didn't find him humorous and didn't respond.

Last funny story...So I have come to realize that Clark Campbell, College and Youth Pastor (and good friend of ours), maybe isn't the best example for Dalen. He snuck and gave him cupcakes and taught him bad words. Mario went to lunch with him the other day and Dalen tagged along. Somehow Clark began talking about frogs and how they pee on your hands. Yeah, so now Dalen makes it a point to warn me frogs pee on your hands-EVERYDAY. Thanks Clark!

Here a few pics Dalen had taken a few weeks back...enjoy!

Festival, Halloween & Cloudy Meatballs

Last weekend was one of the absolute BEST weekends we have had in a LOOOONG time. Thursday Mario came down with a sudden fever and severe pains in his side. Friday I took the day off to care for Dalen but luckily by noon he was feeling better. So that night we took off to his school's Fall Festival-where we had SOOOO much fun. Dalen was in the best mood and didn't have any tantrums or meltdowns-Yes, I do believe in miracles! I haven't uploaded all pics from this night yet but here are a few.

Dalen rode a horse named, Cowboy.
He literally jumped on the back of the horse with no
fear or hesitation and laughed the whole ride.

The absolute best part of the WHOLE ENTIRE night was getting to go on carriage ride just before dark. Town & Country Carriages were there giving rides. You have to understand why this was just SO great. The night Mario proposed he was supposed to take me on a carriage ride in downtown Chattanooga but because it was so cold none of the carriages were running that night! But don't worry-I still had THE best proposal EVER. Anyways-ever since that night we have wanted to do a carriage ride but just never got around to it AND they are super expensive! This ride we got to take for 4 tickets ($1)! We all three sat snuggled on a burgandy, velvet- covered carriage seat, handmade by ammish as a 9 year old horse, Flash, took us on a pretty lengthy ride all around the school's campus. What was even better is that on certain parts of the ride all you could see was acres of fall's best. The colors were AMAZING! Mario and I kept talking about how perfect this was. Who would have ever thought that 3 1/2 years later we would be a family of four! It was definitley worth the wait being able to take the ride with Dalen and Cola.

Saturday came fast and I realized that our free movie tickets I had won from 104.1 were expiring on the 31st! My parents were out of town and it was just too last minute to ask anyone to keep Dalen. So, Mario decided go see Law Abiding Citizen while me and Dalen went on a date to Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. Dalen gorged on mini Oreos the whole movie (as you can see around his mouth pictured above) and literally stood COMPLETELY still. I was shocked! But not as shocked as I was when the movie said, "hellhole". So ridiculous. My two year old has repeated this word twice and hopefully he won't say it again! Why does every kid movie have to say things that are just not appropriate for kids? Dalen finally fell asleep after deciding to finally sit down on my lap. I left right before the end to beat the rush of everone leaving and Dalen looked up at me and said, "But Mommy I was watching cloudy meatballs!!" And I responded, "But Dalen, you were sound asleep!"


Then of course that night Dalen got to be a lobster! He was super excited about dressing up and had a blast at North Cleveland's Halloween event.

Dalen and his friend Charis.

This is too cute!

Dalen and cousin Livi!

Here is Aunt Mary, Cousin Livi and Dalen going down the inflatable slide, just minutes before some little worm pulled the plug and made it collapse while Dalen was inside. He wasn't scared or crying but he was SOOOO mad! He has talked about it everyday since then and says, "Someone pulled the string (extension cord) from the doggy's butt and messed it up!" Will he ever get over it?!

Blogging Sabbatical-I think not

Lately I have realized how much my little mind thinks. The wheels up there are constantly spinning producing ridiculous questions and never ending thought! Sometimes it tiresome but I must confess, I have nothing to blog about right now (that I care to make public) besides more nothingness. So here we go...

Have you ever noticed that your pupils are constantly dilating and you never feel it!? When your mouth opens, you feel it! When you flare your nostrils, you feel it! But when your pupils dilate you feel nothing-or so I thought. The other day I was at another Medicare training, when the instructor kept ordering for the lights to be turned on and off so that we could see the white board and then the power point and then our manuals. Every time they would do this the room would go from radiating light to black darkness! I started noticing this discomfort in my eyes! And then it dawned on me-that must be what it feels like when they dilate! So can we feel our pupils dilating or is something terribly wrong with my eyeballs that will cause blindness before I know it??!!

What is the deal with vampires? Calm down all you Twilight readers with the little ticker, ticking away for the next movie to premiere-I am not knocking Twilight but genuinely asking what is so intriguing with vampires??!! Vampire Diaries, Twilight, Harry Potter...what is up with all this dark madness??!! And don't you just love the seductive commercials for Vampire Diaries-seriously folks there is nothing sexy about a blood sucking, sharp fanged individual with possessed eyes! Gosh, I guess I just have a handicapped imagination that won't let my poor unadventurous mind soar into the world of wizards, witches and vampires. I am truly no fun.
I must requote Anne Rice, "I am tired of the idea that the devil is the only interesting one." (Wow, is this woman not unique.)

Why do manicures chip quicker than pedicures?? I got an awesome pedicure by Posh Nails and it has barely lasted me a week but my pedicure lasted almost 3! Some people say its because you use your hands more. I beg to differ on that one! My toes endure close toed shoes, socks and walking so I am not really sure why one lasts longer than the other.

Do people think I don't own a mirror? Honestly folks-I totally KNOW I am massively pregnant with this baby and that I look about 7 1/2 months when I am only barely 6 months but when you ask how far along do you HAVE to act so surpised!? Gosh, so annoying! I have a mirror I know that I appear farther along than I am but looks can be decieving. I need to write a book called Don't Judge A Woman By Her Belly and list all the dos and don'ts when approaching pregnant women.

And a blog written by a mother wouldn't be a blog written by a mother without mentioning poop. So to sum this post up here is to poop...Dalen has been potty training (some days are better than others) and he can't finish going without taking a peek before flushing. Lately everytime he goes number 2 it's like he is looking at the clouds-he finds the most hilarious images right there in the toilet. The other day he spotted a taco and the next day some chips and the funniest of all-"Oh Wow Mommy! Chicken Nuggets!" Let's just express he is ALWAYS supervised when around the potty!

Birthday, Nemo and what's the weekend without church...

Just when I thought last week couldn't get any busier, I remembered I didn't have a birthday present for my husband, we needed to plan an outing to celebrate the BIG 25 and I could NOT go another week without my H1N1 shot.

My husband is such a gadget, phone, technology freak. He is so into the newest "things". This can cause a slight problem around Father's Day, Birthday and Christmas-because all of those things just happen to usually be slightly (or largely) out of budget. His birthday happened to occur on the busiest week we have had in a LONG time. It was Friday before I found him a gift. I got him some new jeans and a nice shirt from Old Navy. Dalen was sent off to Parent's Night Out (where he screamed his little lungs up AGAIN but eventually managed to have a decent time) while we ventured off to Big River Grill with about 10 friends. It's so nice to be in a small setting with good friends. But, boy is that place LOUD! I am such a slacker and didn't take pics.

Saturday was Dalen's BIG day. One of the GREAT things about one of my sisters not having kids is that she is forever taking every opportunity to spoil mine. Cola's closet is already growing due to recent purchases by Aunt MyMel. Mel, along with her roommate Ann and her daughter Morgann decided to invite Dalen along to Nemo On Ice. Dalen has been looking foward to going to see the "fishies" for a long time now. FINALLY, he got to go Saturday. Mel said he didn't move a muscle the entire show. He loves her Explorer and house so much he screams just about everytime I come to pick him up or she drops him off. I took advantage of Dalen being gone and literally slept almost ALL day. I was so exhausted!!! Dalen came home sporting his new Nemo hat.

Sunday rolled around quicker than it ever could have. We never set the alarm for Sundays because Dalen ALWAYS has us up before we need to be. But Sunday he slept until 8:50!! PRAISE THE LAMB! This pregnancy is just exhausting! Dalen went to church with my parents. Sunday was Mario's actual birthday so we went to Tres Hermanos for lunch (his pick).

I am excited about this week too. It's payday, Halloween, Dalen's school's festival and I am sure all the activities inbetween will exhaust me once again. Enjoy some pics that were passed on from Dalen's Auntie Mel.

Dalen in his fishy hat.

Enjoying the show!

I just love this! Dalen's eyes are so sparkly and his lips so plump...

Too cute!

Big Belly Blues

6 Weeks before I had Dalen


24 Weeks with Cola

Today, I am 24 weeks prego. (Barely passed the halfway mark of this pregnancy.) I feel like I am as big as I was with Dalen when I was ready to deliver. This is going to be one BIG gal! This morning just seemed difficult. Getting in and out of the shower I noticed my balance is off, I am struggling to make my normal stretchy clothes go as far as they can go before I need to shop for more maternity clothes (I've already been once!) and of course my back is still in so much pain.

Since its been cold I have been on the hunt for my tall, warm, black leather boots. I haven't been able to find them anywhere! Finally, I had to ask my husband this morning if he would get on all fours to hunt under the bed for them. I just knew if I got down there I wouldn't get back up and I definitely wouldn't be able to fit under the bed if the need occurred! Just about the time Mario was a 1/3 of the way under the bed reaching for one boot, Dalen came around the corner and looked so confused and asked, "Mommy?! What is Daddy doing?!" BINGO! Within seconds both boots were found and I arrived to work fashionably warm in leggings and an old stretchy dress that I wore as a top. YAY, for old clothes that bring new surprises!

Mario and Dalen picked me up breakfast at Hardees on the way to work and then dropped me off. (I had left my car here the previous night) I must admit today I feel great. I am so energized and ready for our big service tomorrow. But it seems like everyday I wonder what it will be like to not only leave one baby behind but two babies behind as I leave for work everyday. I miss Dalen so much when at work! He sends me texts typed by Daddy and videos sending kisses my way. If I were to be totally honest I would have to admit, I love to work and obviously need to for the financial benefit it brings to our family but its so hard not to be able to have a little more of a balance! I wish I could work part time for a while when the baby comes.

So here I sit with my belly not quite under my desk anymore and keep reciting my old quote I thought over and over when I had Dalen: "You can look how you feel or try to feel like you look."

Book Club & A little Of Nothingness

I think I clued everyone in on the fact that I was invited to a book club which started last Saturday. Our first read was Cold Tangerines, which I am so embarrassed to admit, I didn't finish! It was totally not my fault though...Furgal Me ordered the book from half.com and it took forever to be mailed. So a book review will come when I finish but I would like to make comments about book club.

I don't think I will always walk away from every book I read saying I loved it or sometimes I won't even be able to say I liked it BUT the first book club meeting gave me a sweet revelation. As we sat and discussed the book chapter by chapter Lisa had made a detailed outline with questions that helped us hash out thoughts or ideas. Its so amazing to me that certain chapters I didn't necessarily like or relate to were others favorites. I think that I will always end a book with respect for it even if I got nothing out of it or didn't like it. I will leave with respect because somewhere out there is someone who has been changed, challenged, touched by the words written by the authors hand. Though it means nothing to me it may be everything to someone else's state of being. It may speak hope at nightfall and give someone an extra push to keep going. So that is what I learned this book club meeting-Not every book receives 5 stars but every book recieves my respect for the stars it's accumulated in someone else's mind and life.


Ok-on to nothingness. I recenltly had pics of Dalen made by amiandalisonphotography.com
Here is the collage they placed on their blog. I love it! They are such good photographers and were so very patient as Dalen rode his bike into the road and off every curb every 10 seconds. you can see the rest by going to their website and using the password VINING.

Pumpkins!

This weekend was full of little activities that kept Dalen content and occupied. I loved this weekend. It was full of those small, unexpected surprises life gives you and lots of joy and laughter. Friday I found Dalen's Halloween Costume! YAY! You will have to stay tuned to see what he is going to be and how amazing and adorable he looks in his costume. Mario had a lot of friends in town and he ventured off to their house for fellowship and a bon fire-so what's a gal to do? Hit up Target of course! Dalen & I enjoyed a night of shopping and were surprised by our special friends Adrienne and Chris. Chris and I basically sat in the floor and laughed hysterically while Adrienne tried on "cool" headbands and Dalen began trying some out as well. Sorry, no pics of that! We then ate at Steak n Shake where Dalen met his soulmate Deborah who danced around while she worked...oh my-there are no words for "Dancin' Debbie".

Saturday was my first book club meeting (which will get its own seperate blog, after this one). Dalen has had a growing obssession and curiosity about pumpkins so Mario had been telling him all week he would take him to pick his very own pumpkin at the store while I was gone. Last year at Moms Nurturing Moms we painted our very own pumpkin and so I thought once I left book club we could do this with Dalen. I think Dalen picked the largest pumpkin at the store! Its huge! Mario said he picked another at first but the stem was bent and Dalen insisted he get another because it was "broken".

Dalen painted his pumpkin until all colors were dripping into a bland and not so appealing shade of nothing. He couldn't stop smiling at his masterpiece and pointed to spots saying, "Look Mommy! Look Daddy! Dalen painted a bird!!" What an imagination he has!! lol Here are some of pics from the weekend!

This Dalen after his Saturday afternoon nap. He isn't in a very good mood!

Mario and Dalen acting silly at Sunday lunch.

Dalen and his MASSIVE pumpkin! Notice his cute little smile.

Dalen and his pallet he made on Sunday night.

Painting away!

On our way home from Chattanooga.

This morning's farewell was full of smiles not tears! YAY!

Looks like Dalen has some BIG shoes to fill!

I also have to mention that I ran into my playpen and swing at TJ Maxx! YAY! I saved about $60 buying them both there. For some reason Boppy items can't be copied and saved from the interenet so I have no pics :(. Cola is surely coming soon!

Cold Ankles

As I have gotten older I have tried to be a lot more positive than I used to be. There are, however, some days that literally just stink. Today is one of them. Today reminds me of that children's book called Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (if you aren't familiar with it you should read it!).

Today Dalen was supposed to be to school by 8:30. Our alarm didn't buzz until 8 am. Oh, and let me rewind and tell you about our horrible night where we literally didn't sleep, at all. Dalen has reverted to HATING, LOATHING, DESPISING his crib and night night time. He cried on and off all night. I refused, absolutely refused to go get him. All I can think of is having two kids in a few months, who don't sleep at night.

So 8 am comes around and my husband jumps out of bed and informs me he is late for an 8:15 get together with our youth pastor. As he rushes around getting ready, I go to the dryer to get my freshly washed work pants out of the dryer and realize that my husband forgot to dry them like he said he would and there they sat-still in the washer. Normally, this would be no biggie but considering I am now size MASSIVE whale I have all of 4 pairs of pants that fit me for work. I had no choice but to call my boss and let her know I would be late because "I have no clean or dry clothes to wear today!" Yea, professional I know. Luckily she thought it was kind of humorous and let me off the hook.

My husband rushes out the door to meet our youth pastor and I am left to dress Dalen and myself. I go to Dalen's room only to find a funky smell in the air and notice he had thrown up in his bed during the night. Oh yeah, I am seeing it now-Mother Of The Year. I felt horrible, like a failure and began sobbing, wondering how will I ever know if he is sick and crying or if he is just being difficult. Recently, Dalen has begun trying to make himself throw up in his crib so he can get out and won't have to go to bed. Well, SUCCESS!

I began cleaning his sheet and blankie, rip his clothes off him, bathe him quickly and put fresh clothes on him. It's 9 am and I haven't even showered! My clothes are drying away and I am hormonal, angry and so ready to wake up from this awful dream. Mario swings back by the house and rushes Dalen off to school. I shower, do my make-up, halfway dry my hair and began to feel shaky all over. It was about 9:40 and I then realized I hadn't eaten or drank anything. I quickly pop my prenatals in my mouth, gag a few times and feverishly look everywhere for my keys which are no where to be found. Finally I score my keys and head out...INTO THE POURING DOWN RAIN. Why did shower again? Why didn't I just wear something from the dirty clothes pile, considering I now smell like wet dog?

I walk into work, give my boss a brief synopsis of my morning, get set up on my computer, scarf breakfast down and notice my ankles have been cold all morning but I kept ignoring it because I was in such a rush. I looked down only to find my BRAND NEW maternity pants had shrunk about 6 inches in the dryer. Great. Perfect. Awesome. I look amazing today in my highwaters accented by my buldging belly and dripping wet hair and running mascara! Hey, at least I had on highwaters during one of Cleveland's all too familiar monsoons.

Luckily I have been able to run my space heater from my office under my desk to keep my ankles warm. I didn't get my lunch until 2 pm and ran into Walgreens where the cashier feels the need to talk about a customer who is just a few feet away. At this point I was ready to strangle her. All I could think was I HAVE COLD ANKLES LADY! BACK OFF AND KEEP YOUR AWFUL DAY TO YOURSELF!!! or maybe I should have scared her out of her mind and offered to trade days with her. I am sure she would have chosen a difficult customer over my day.

Maybe one day-ONE DAY-when I get the whole clinging to God's peace down pat really good I may write a book about how to do that no matter what comes your way called Cold Ankles. I think it would sell, what about you??