22 Things About My 2 Year Old...

Michael has learned and grown so much over the last year so I wanted to do a quick recap of some of his funniest moments, biggest changes, and the numerous things he's learned!

***Leave me a comment if I left something out that you think needs to be added to my list!***

22. Michael talks all the time. "I'm Michael!"
23. His favorite movie is Madagascar (or as he calls it, "Move It")
22. He also loves to watch Elmo, Sponge Bob, and the Lion King
21. He's very independant. "No, I do it!"
20. His favorite toy is probably his guns (or "Pow Pows").
19. He loves to "Deer Hunt" at my Mom and Step-Dad's house.
18. He can count to three, sometimes five. (Or sometimes just "2-5-2-5-2-5")
17. For the last few months he's been convinced that he was already "2"!
16. Now that he is 2, he sometimes says he's 5.
15. He tries to say his ABCs, but usually only gets out "A B, A B, A B"
14. He wears his Boots EVERYDAY! Sometimes even to bed!
13. He loves to feed and water his Doggie, Roscoe (and put him outside to potty).
12. He is also learning to potty very well.
11. He no longer sleeps through the night as he gets in my bed around 3 am every morning.
10. He can play dead if you shoot him with a pow-pow.
9. He was just recently in the hospital and was a complete TROOPER! He even watched the nurse put in his I.V. and take blood twice! He was so brave.
8. He rode a sheep at the Rodeo last February.
7. He's figured out the hard way that "Wee-Wees" can get hurt pretty easily.
6. He loves to be naked (that's how he discovered #7).
5. He always wants to race you..."Get ready, Get Set, GO!"
4. He loves his teachers at Kidz Academy Daycare.
3. He's a little bossy & LOVES to argue. "HUSH!" Is his big thing now.
2. He's loves to tease & pick on people, (just ask Daddy). He's always hiding waiting to scare me!
1. He's the sweetest little Momma's Boy in the world & he says "Love You" better than anyone.

My 2 Year Old in a Nutshell!

Michael's 2nd Birthday!

Michael turned 2 on December 20th! We had a John Deere themed Birthday Party for him with all of our family, friends, and church buddies! The party was a little stressful to plan, but well worth it in the end. We ended up having a bigger party than what we thought would turn out, but we were so thankful to have everone there and celebrating together. Michael really had a great time being the center of attention. I think his favorite parts were everyone singing and blowing out the candles (which he did very well at), riding his new Gator, and just being able to play with all of his friends. By the time we got him home he was a wild man. The party was over, but he was not even close to stopping!

I just wanted to thank everyone who was able to make it. I know this time of year is so busy and it's so hard to add one more thing to our already hectic schedules. Michael truely had the best birthday any little boy could ask for because we have such great families and friends supporting us and playing such major roles in Michael's life. Thank you so much! For those of you that weren't able to make it...sorry you missed out on all the fun, but we hope you enjoyed whatever you were doing! We love all of you and thank you again for such a great day!

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to tell everyone Merry Christmas! Dustin will be at Kmart Tuesday, December 9th ringing the Salvation Army Donation Bell from 2 until 4 if anyone would like to join him or come by to make a donation! If you would like to sign up to be a "Bell Ringer", visit your local Salvation Army for details!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am already starting to switch on my "Christmas Mode", but first I wanted to stop and reflect on just a few of the blessings in my life. Too often we forget how blessed we truely are and how even the smallest blessings can mean so much in our hearts. In no particular order, I give thanks...

...for my beautiful baby boy and loving husband
...for a great realtionship with my mom
...for a loving father
...for my sister who shares my heart and a good man that shares hers
...for my brother who always wants to protect me
...for my brother-in-law that loves "cookie-palooza" as much as I do!
...for my stepparents (past and present) who gave part of their life for my own
...for my father-in-law who has taught me about integrety
...for my mother-in-law who has taught me how to truely give of myself
...for my extended family who have always given me love & support
...for a steady job in such an unsteady economy
...for our health
...for my church family who has never given up on me
...for just enough to get by each week
...for fun times with my friends and family
...for my home, unfinished bathroom, floors and all
...for the freedom to say what I'm thankful for and Glory to the One who blessed me with it!

What are you thankful for?

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS!

Take a look at 5 Minutes for Mom for great Giveaways jsut in time for Christmas! They are also setting up a special way to give to families in need this Christmas. What better way to share in the TRUE spirit of Christmas than caring about others! Check it out, help a family in need, and win some great prizes! Merry Christmas!

Halloween Costume Contest

Once again we took Michael to the Costume Contest at the Bradford Square Mall here in Hopkinsville. This year he went as a very handsome little pirate, (gun, sword, tattoo, the whole nine). Last year, Michael went as a scarecrow and rode around quietly in the wagon his Daddy built for him. He won the 2 and under division as well as the Group Division with his two cousins last year. This year, although all the kiddos made the top 5 in their division (Michael was in the "Custest" Division and Garrett and Alli were in the "Group" Division), none of them took home "the prize". Awww...too bad. They were all so cute. Garrett and Alli went as Raggedy Ann and Andy. I think Alli enjoyed her costume quite a bit more than Garrett! He didn't seem too trilled! Allison even got to talk on the radio while we we're there. So cute! She's such a smart girl. Only three years old and can have a full conversation with any adult! Garrett does talk much around me, but he can sure make some memorable faces! Michael's like that too. He jabbers all the time around us, but in fron tof anyone else he's a little quiet! Anyways, they all seemed to enjoy themselves. This year didn't seem to be as organized as last year. The divisions were different and ended up placing babies and toddlers with 12 and 13 year old kids in goulish costumes. I did not like that they allowed so many scary costumes with the little kids there. I noticed that several of them were very bothered by some of the "creatures" that were there. Hopefully they'll have a few rule changes before next year! :)

Christian Way Farms

We took Michael to Christian Way Farms this past weekend. He loved it! We took a hayride to pick our own pumpkins, cracked corn on old timey crank crackers, fed all the farm animals, ran through the straw castle, picked sunflowers, picked out gift for his classmates, and played on the tractor! What a great family day! Here are just some of the pictures from our visit! I highly recommend this short little trip to anyone with young kids!

Already a Know-it-All...

Michael and I had our first arguement this past weekend. Follow along ...

MOMMY: "Michael, how old are you?"
MICHAEL: "Two."
MOMMY: "No. Are you one?"
MICHAEL: "No. Two."
MOMMY: "Michael, you are not two. You're one. Say 'I'm one'".
MICHAEL: "No. I two."
MOMMY: "No. Are you one? Say I'm one."
MICHAEL: "I two!"
MOMMY: "You're one."
MICHAEL: "No. I two!"

I don't know why my sweet baby thinks he's two, but he does. I kept trying to ask him at different occasions throughout the weekend how old he was and again this morning. Appearently, HE'S TWO!!

Our Anniversery!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Dustin, Michael, John Thomas (my little brother), and I went to Henderson this past weekend to a cookout at my (ex) step-mom's house. (John Thomas' Mom-"T.J.") We had so much fun!

Paul (T.J.'s finance) tuning my new guitar! I can't even play yet, but Paul's gonna help me out! Pretty guitar though, huh?

Dustin and some of the guys showing off their skills!
Michael playing washers
My new do!
Not too sure if I like it yet, but it's definately easier!

EASY RECIPE THURSDAY

This recipe is one my Dad has perfected, but I'm still working on! It's GRILLED CAJUN SHRIMP. Ummm...Ummm!

Again, if you're not familiar with EASY RECIPE THURSDAYS (or FRIDAY for me), go to TERRI'S BLOG and check it out!

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag of JUMBO shrimp, boiled, peeled, and de-veined
(You can buy them like that-no extra effort involved!)

Cajun Seasoning
1 Stick of Butter
Garlic Powder
Black Pepper (Course Grain)
Aluminum Foil


DIRECTIONS:

1. Put shrimp in a large bowl.
2. Cover with Cajun Seasoning, flip and mix the shrimp around and cover a second time.
*Just make sure both sides are covered pretty heavily.
3. Add a little pepper (to taste)
4. Place shrimp into "Foil Pouch"
5. Cut slices of butter and put on top of shrimp
6. Sprinkle with garlic powder and close the pouch
7. Grill on LOW until shrimp is HOT and Cajun Season is slightly browned. (About 15 minutes)

Michael's First Day of "School"

Michael started at Kidz Academy Early Childhood Development Center this past Monday. He seems to really enjoy playing with the kids and reading books with his teacher, Ms. Calista. She said that he did very well his first day and was quite the little character! My mom bought Michael his first backpack, which he LOVES! He looks like such a big boy it just makes me want to cry. This daycare/preschool has internet video monitoring so you can type in your login code and password and view your child's classroom. I really enjoy this little feature! Hopefully Michael will continue to adjust well and be very happy here. Here's a picture of my little man of his first day of school! [SOB...SNIFFLE]

In Loving Memory...

Dustin, Michael and I lost our 3 year old Beagle, Cowboy, in North Christian this past weekend. When Dustin finally found him late Monday afternoon, he had been hit by a truck. I am so very upset and feel so overwelmingly guilty. Cowboy loved to run rabbits, but was unable to do this too much in town because of the leash laws. We were visiting my mother and had Cowboy off of his leash all day. He ran all day long and had a wonderful day. He follwed Dustin, my step-dad and Michael on the four-wheelers through the trails, ran rabbits, chased cats, and took one really long nap. We let him back out after his nap and he was gone. I have been so upset about him that I haven't been able to talk/blog about it until now. It's still hard. It's even harder to watch Michael look for him and call him knowing that is isn't coming. He was such a wonderful pet and friend to Michael. Everyone keeps telling me that we need to get another dog sooner rather than later for Michael's sake. It's going to be hard on me, but something in me knows that he would love to have another friend. Not that another dog could ever replace by sweet baby Cowboy, but at least he would have another friend to grow up with. I don't know. I feel so silly mourning over an animal, but I can't help myself. I've cried numerous times everyday since he went missing. I'll post pictures later on. I just cannot bring myself to look at them right now. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

NEW PICS...

All of the Photos are of some of our friends and family. If you want to know who someone is, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

Nashville Zoo

Dustin and I took Michael to the Nashville Zoo this past weekend. This was Michael's first visit to the zoo so we were all very excited. My mother went with us and I think she had just as much fun as Michael! First, we visited the animal exhibits, including the petting zoo. Michael ran from one exhibit to the next he was so excited! After walking through the exhibits and watching an animal show, we headed to the gift shop. I thought Michael would try to grab anything and everything in sight. To my suprise, he only went for the giraffes! He loved the giraffe exhibit, but it amazed me how crazy he was over the giraffe toys!

Dustin & Michael in front of the Giraffe Exhibit

TIGERS! GRRRRR!
Michael wasn't sure what to think about the alligators. Look at the face!!!
Michael and "Nannu" playing in the leopard's creek! WATCH OUT!!
Michael loving on a little goat in the petting zoo. Awww...
All in all, we had a wonderful trip! The zoo was well worth the money. The Aquarium Restaurant in Nashville was also TONS of FUN! The food wasn't Red Lobster or anything, but the atmosphere is unbeatable by far!

Learning Animal Sounds...

Michael has recently started learning different animal sounds. He has been able to pick out animals from books for quite a while. You know, "Michael, where's the cow?", and he would point to the cow. GREAT! Learning the sounds has been hilarious. He knows that doggies say "woof woof", cows say "moo", and chickens say "bok bok". I love to hear him do all of the sounds, but this weekend cracked me up! I took Michael to the pound to look at the doggies where he "woof woof"-ed through the entire place. Then, when I asked Michael if he wanted chicken nuggets for lunch, he started "bokking" at me! I could'nt stop laughing. This may not be funny to anyone else, but I loved it and had to tell it!

Updates from Our World...

We have all been very busy the past few weeks, but Michael especially. It still amazes me how much he learns and grows everyday. He is an amazing little boy who can always put a smile on Mommy's face. He loves to make people laugh, tease, play with his Doggie, and wreasle with Daddy. I'm so proud of him. He's such a good boy and loves everyone. Here are some pictures of our recent adventures and stuff we've learned along the way!

Michael loves to talk to Daddy on the phone. He smiles, and laughs, & jabbers away about who knows what. He's just happy to talk to his Daddy.

We're starting early with the chores...
But we never forget about playtime! Here is Michael and Dustin at our first visit to the waterpark. Michael wasn't too sure about the sprinklers at first, but he loved the water!
Mommy & Michael in front of the sprinklers

While I was at home recooping from surgery, Dustin took Michael to the fair where they met up with some of our friends and family to ride, eat junk food, play in the petting zoo and enjoy the nice weather.

Here is Michael with his cousin, Allison, and his Uncle Bubby on the mary-go-round.

Michael, Allison, & Nana on the cars.Michael with his friends, Lane & Scribbie driving the cars

Michael & Lane on the motorcycles! BAD TO THE BONE!
HANG ON BABY!

Appearently, Michael got a little wore out & bribed Miss Alli to push him around the fair!

I'm Back!!!

I've been out of the blogging world for a couple weeks lately. I had to have my gallbladder removed and have been trying to recover. The doctor, along with just about everyone whose ever had this surgery, told me that most people recover in 2-3 days and are able to resume most of their normal activities. Well, of course, I would have to be the ONE person that had trouble. First I had doctors arguing over how to handle my latex allergy, then after the surgery I had a really hard time keeping anything down and strained my stomach pretty bad. Anyways, there are still some activities that are difficult and a few that are down-right painful, but for the most part I'm getting back to myself. It's really depressing having to ask for so much help and feel like you just can't do anything, so I'm very excited to get back to my regular on-the-go self. This was my first surgery and I can tell you, I'd rather go through child birth a dozen times before I ever had another surgery!!! :)

My New Addiction!

Not quite as bad as it sounds...I LOVE editing pictures! Taking pictures is great, but I'm actually getting pretty good at the whole editing deal. Check 'em out!

Michael with his Daddy, Nana (Grandmother), Nanny (Great-Grandmother), and Pepe (his Great-great Grandfather)!

My oldest Godson, Dustin & his girlfriend at their 8th Grade Formal

Dustin & Michael...I blew this one up to an 8 x 10 & had it framed for Dustin's Father's Day gift. He really enjoyed it...and such a sweet memory.

Michael & Mommy...one of the few pictures we have! I'm always BEHIND the camera!

My big swimmer!

My Dad and Michael last summer.

My youngest Godson, Lane and his friend "Scribbie".