Rest In Peace

I won't be around much this week. My grandpa passed away Saturday night and the services are in StL. Although the memories are not that great in number, there is no doubt he will be missed.

*Don't mind the pic, it was taken on Father's Day and I just had a baby a week before.

Merry Christmas

Its been a long week already and its just Wednesday.

Saturday I took Camden to get his 6 month picture, which turned out ADORABLE by the way. Then I did a little last minute shopping. I went home and when Carmon got off work it was time to take Cam to see Santa. He wasn't afraid at all and smiled in his picture. Then, Carmon, of all people wanted to walk around the mall. So we did. Then we went to McAllister's and ate. Its such an inconvenience not having one in the mall anymore. I was in the mood for soup. We have all been feeling a little crummy with this stupid weather.

Sunday Carmon called me when he was at work to tell me that he had to leave at 10 that night to go to Virginia on a wrecker run. Great. I had (have) so much to do to get ready for Christmas. It was 10 hours out and 10 back. They drove non-stop and were back by 9:30 Monday.

Monday I had to bring Cam to work with me so I didn't get much accomplished. I have to find someone to watch him the days that the other babysitter can't. My mom was but now she is back to work so she can't. That night I headed to the lovely Wal-Mart (*rolls eyes*) to get the goodies I needed for Christmas baking. I found an awesome deal on Rock Band-$99. The hubs and I weren't going to buy for each other, but this was too good to pass up.

Tuesday Carmon woke up sicker. So sick he wanted to go to the doctor. That's a biggie for him. He has a bacterial infection in his sinuses. Bad for him, good for us though. Now he gets to spend Christmas at home instead of work. He was supposed to work nights Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I hate that this is why it happened, but I just couldn't stand the thought of him not getting to spend Cam's first Christmas with us. Hopefully the meds will be kicked in good by tomorrow.

Today I have to go pick up Cam's pictures and do some last minutes stuff before heading home to baby-proof my house for Jase. I can't wait to see him. Once a month is not near enough. They will arrive late tonight and stay until Sunday, Josh allowing. If he acts up I will send him on his was with Carmon's unused motorcycle.

Tomorrow is a crazy day. I still haven't figured out how I am going to divide our time. I want to be fair, but I am somewhat selfish and want to spend all of the time with Jess and Jase. If it was last year it wouldn't matter, but it's not. Camden is here now and everyone wants to spend time with him. We'll figure it out. I think a Christmas Eve tradition needs to be started somewhere.

I am still trying to figure out the whole Santa thing. He is NOT wrapping presents at my house this year. Does he wrap yours? I want some traditions that are "ours". I want to start something for just Carmon, Camden, and me. I have seen some really good ideas on other blogs, but just didn't have time for them this year.

I haven't had time for my candy yet either. Since Grandma passed away I am the only one who attempts to make divinity. The first year wasn't so great. Last year it was real close to being GREAT, so I'm thinking if I get a chance tonight it can be perfect...if only it weren't so damp.

Okay, I have more to post but also want to leave work early. Cam needs to wake up (he's laying across my lap) so I can finish and go home.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Better Late Than Never

I should have posted this when you guys could still get the deals and I didn't. I'm sorry. I was EXTREMELY thrifty for Cam's first Christmas and he will be getting a lot for a little money.

The deals I found:

The Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony

Reg. $119.99

On Sale at Amazon for $59.00

Minus credit card sign up promo -$30.00 (I haven't signed up for any in a long time)

Free Super Saver Shipping

Total Price-$29.00



Another Amazon Deal:

Fisher Price Cruise and Crawl Musical Jungle

Reg. Price-$74.99

Sale-$30.99

Free Shipping

Total Price-$30.99

Target Deal-Still available in stores this week!

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table

Reg. Price-$39.99

Final Price-$19.00

That's $239 worth of toys for $79. Amazing. Of course we got him some more things but these were the best deals.

**Your glad you get to see this post. I thought it was gonna be the death of me. Nothing was going right!

Camdenisms

Camden is a roley poley....FINALLY!!!

Last night it was the cutest thing. He finally figured out how to roll from his back to his belly and kept going back and forth for probably 10 minutes. I have a hunch he will be crawling before we know it. I can't wait, but this also means that I have to get my house baby-proofed...AAAHHH! I have to do that anyway because Jess and Jase will be here next week for Christmas. Yay!

I am the biggest kid ever and Christmas is fun again. Last week Camden's Christmas present came and I asked Carmon if I could put it together and let him play with it...He said, "No." :(

Today is shot day. We are a week late this time because I tried to reschedule his appointment so that I wouldn't have to take him out of the babysitters (I want my $20 worth). It turned around to bite me in the butt and I have to leave work early and he has to leave the sitters early. I am hoping that he is able to get his shots because he has a bad cold and has been pulling at his ears. I don't know if they hurt or if he is just playing with them. I also hope that we don't leave with a stomach bug this time either. Last time was hell.

I still haven't got all my decorations out. I am a slacker. Time is not something I have a lot of right now. I'll get it done....eventually.

Wordless Wednesday::Bounced Out

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

6 Months

Camden,

Its been 6 AMAZING months since I first laid my eyes on you. 6 wonderful months since I first heard your cry. 6 months of not being able to sleep all night, that I wouldn't trade for anything. You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and I can't imagine life before or without you. You have changed my life in ways I never dreamed of. I have learned that sleeping in is no longer an option. Poop isn't as gross as it used to be, although yours does sometimes make me gag. I don't care if I get vomited on. Your smile in the morning makes the day a little brighter. Your giggles are contagious. If Mommy is sad, all it takes is one little smile or laugh and everything is better.

You are growing so fast and getting so big. I really want you to start crawling and walking, I swear, but right now I really enjoy your snuggles. They are the greatest. And your slobbery kisses. Delicious. I hate that you pull my hair all the time, but I am thankful to have you to pull it.

I love the way that you have already proved me wrong. I said I would never have a blond-haired, blue-eyed baby and you are making sure that I do, although I really don't think your hair is going to stay light.

Not that Daddy or I really ever went out before, but now we would much rather just sit at home with you and have you entertain us, or take you out and show you off. I know I need to share you more but I just want to spend every second of every minute of every hour of every day with you. I now know the true meaning of unconditional love. Thank you for everything you have already taught me, and you don't even know it.

Love you bunches and bunches,

Mommy

Talk about creativity!

I am completely unsatisfied with my current topper. Usually I have a homemade bow to adorn the top of my tree. This year we have more of a fun tree than in the past. I made a deal with Carmon that when we had kids we would get one with colored lights. (He had forgot about the deal until I brought it up.)


Anyway back to the story...


I searched for homemade Christmas tree toppers and this is what I got.

If you can't tell, the angel, lights, and tree topper are all made out of...you guessed it...TAMPONS! Seriously. Go check out this website if you need a good laugh. There's something for every holiday on there. I guess this could be another use for all of those free tampon samples we receive. Tell your hubby to forget real flowers for Valentine's, you want the tampon flower bouquet from tamponcrafts.com!

"Say “I love you” with the gift of flowers. This lovely bouquet will never wilt, and if you use scented feminine products, it will have a springtime-fresh fragrance. "-tamponcrafts.com

Camden's First Parade

Post #100

The boy who started it all...

I think I will have a giveaway to celebrate. What do you want?

Yummy!

Our Thanksgiving was good. We went to Patton for a late lunch and then rushed back to SC so that Carmon could get to work by 6. He headed to work and I went to my family's for dinner.

On Saturday we headed to Brookport, IL for a family reunion with my grandma's family. It was nice to see people that we don't get to see very often anymore. I made a new recipe (along with the old faithful, hash brown casserole). I am in love. It is wonderful. Those of you that get the Kraft Food and Family magazine have probably seen it.



Banana Cream Cheesecake. Two classics put together. Yum.

Help!

Remember when you didn't have kids? When you said all that stuff you WEREN'T going to do?

If you don't have kids, don't say you WON'T do anything. You will.

I said that I would NEVER let my kids sleep in bed with me. But, when its the only way you can get sleep-you WILL. I did. I already regret it. He will not sleep without me now. We started trying Friday night to get him to sleep in his own bed. He went to sleep around 10, after 3 times of trying to get him in his own bed. He slept til 5. Awesome. I thought we were going to be okay. I was wrong. Saturday we got him to go down in his own bed. He slept there until midnight. Sunday night wanted nothing to with sleeping in his own bed. Monday nothing. Last night around 8 he was so sleepy and was trying to fight me so I just put him in his own bed. He fussed for a few seconds and was out. Yes, I thought. WRONG! He woke up at 9:15 and wanted Mommy. Dang it!

Did anyone else make this mistake? How do you fix it? I guess persistence is the key. It doesn't help that he knows he has Mommy wrapped around his chunky little finger.

I'm Lovin It!

I was so mad that I forgot, or maybe just didn't submit my order online at Old Navy on Friday. I feel a little better now. Is Cyber Monday better than Black Friday? I think so. You don't have to worry about getting killed, literally.

Finally-Our Blue Light Special!

For months now we have been seeing all the other K-Marts of the world doubling coupons. Not just any coupons, coupons up to $2. Now our time has came. Our K-Mart will be DOUBLING coupons....Yay! I'm not a frequent blue light shopper, but you can bet this week I will be. Time to clip coupons and make list.

'Tis the Season

Has anyone else noticed in their lives that it IS the season? I'm not talking Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even New Years. I'm talking death. It seems like this time of the year more people die. It was this time two years ago when Grandma died. We had to go to a visitation last night for the dad of a friend of the family. I guess we'll be going again in a few days. This one is completely unexpected.

At around 7:30 this morning my cell phone rang and it was my cousin calling to let me know that a friend of the family had passed away. He asked if Carmon knew that Rick died? I thought Rick, Carmon's brother? He said no that it was Rick Holder. Wow. Complete shock ran through my body. He hadn't been sick (other than his normal health concerns). He wasn't over 50. That's YOUNG. I mean 50 is old when your 10, but once you hit 25, 50 isn't really that far away.

It was only a couple summers ago that he was almost an everyday fixture in my life, before Carmon stopped derbying. He always greeted me with his cheesy smile. He had his Grabber Green cars with yellow letter, and the motor that was bright green. At the derby shop it was a rare occasion to see him not working on his car. Life had slowed him down derbying the past few years and with Carmon not derbying, I didn't see him as much. I would still run into him in town or at the restaurant.

Its a bad situation all around. Death is bad. Worse when you don't know its coming, you can't prepare. You don't get to say those final things. It also makes us fortunate to still have our lives on Earth realize, that you cannot take things for granted. Tomorrow is NOT promised. Say the things that need to be said and live with no regrets. I think this is advice all of us need to try and live by better, myself definitely included.

Rick, buddy, I'm gonna miss those smiles and cheering for you at races!

Go

Now. This is a must see!

Camdenisms

Camden's Favorites
Fruits::Peaches and bananas.
Vegetables::Carrots and peas are his faves.
Person::Mommy, of course.
Position::On his back, he FINALLY rolls over from his belly to his back.
Toy::His Rainforest Jumperoo...that's another blog.


Camden's Not-So-Favorites
Fruits::Prunes
Vegetables::Green beans, like his dad.
Person::He is still my happy baby and likes most people.
Position::His belly, I don't think he will roll back to belly because his belly is too big!

He is growing SO fast, it makes me sad. He weighs almost 19lbs. He is such a big boy. He is learning to sit up by himself and it trying really hard to get his feet to his mouth, but his belly still gets in the way. We are just getting over taking his first med, he has a case of thrush. Luckily it didn't bother him, just gave him something else to chew on with his swollen cheeks. I can't believe it has almost been 6 months!

Life

I know I have been away for awhile and haven't been blogging much, but I never realized how little time working moms have. It is so hard to find the time to get things that HAVE to be done done, let alone find time for the things that you want to do.

Over the weekend we went to Springfield to see Jess and Jase. Josh was out of town hunting and Carmon had to work nights, so we wouldn't have seen him much anyway. That meant a perfect opportunity to go have fun with the babies. Jase is almost walking, he has taken a few steps on his own but nothing at all for us while we were there. He also has 4 teeth now. He is growing way too fast! We did some shopping on Saturday, and I intend on blogging about that later. Camden did pretty good on the way out and back, but he doesn't like staying in his car seat that long.

When I arrived home, my house was clean. I say clean meaning that Carmon threw 3 trash bags of stuff away. This is his way of cleaning. So far I have only found 1 important thing missing-the new smart card for the satellite. I had to call and get it replaced. He also "cleaned" my car, by throwing everything in it in the back. I have a bad habit of letting mail pile up where it lands, whether it be in the car because I have too much to carry, or on the couch, or the bar...you know. I have to get better organized!

I am wore out, ready for a nap. Its a slow day at the office, the guys are deer hunting and Camden is a the babysitters. I should have brought him with me :( I'll probably post a few more blogs!

Wordless Wednesday

Like Blah

Today is an all around bad day.

The weather sucks. Its rainy and cold and nasty.

It would've been my dog Charlie's birthday, if he wouldn't have went missing.

I had to take Camden to the babysitter for the first time today. Any of you with kids know how bad this is. Don't get me wrong I really like her and think she is going to be good but it was still hard. He's growing up too fast. I'm still need a sitter for Monday and Friday if anyone knows of anybody, I'm debating bringing him with me to work though.

Finally, today is THE day. THE day that our whole lives changed 2 years ago. THE day that made holidays dreary. The day that bring special meaning to "You are my Sunshine". Its that day. The days that my family knew was coming and we had dreaded for quite sometime. Two years ago today, my grandma's suffering was taken away, and she was called Home. I know she is better off and is still watching over us each and everyday. Today and the next few months are still hard though. Her birthday is coming up on the 24th, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas. Holidays just aren't the same. Uncle Jeff and I don't have her sweet potato glaze to put on our ham. The mouth watering divinity. The pumpkin pies. She always cooked the majority of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And let me tell at Christmas your sweet tooth was more than filled. We are all trying to master her "signature" dishes and slowly we will get new traditions started, of course, never forgetting the old ones.

I hope this year feels like Christmas again. I know that all the new babies will help!

Clumsy Randomness

I don't know what my problem was last night, but I was the biggest clutz ever. I picked up a turkey breast from Walmart to cook. I went to open it and the knife went right across the tip of my finger. We're talking deep nasty paper-like cut. Its a little sore today. I got that crisis taken care of and about an hour later went to get the turkey out of the oven. I lifted the foil off the pan and out rolls hot, scalding steam right to my other hand. Needless to say, I went to bed with a band aid on each hand. Luckily, my mom was there when I cut my finger so she washed bottles and Carmon gave Cam his bath. I haven't been that stupid while cooking in a long time. Maybe it was because I hadn't cooked since Thursday.

Have you voted yet? I went today on my lunch break. I'm still not sure if I voted for the right person, I guess no one will be for awhile. Personally, I'm afraid to see either one get elected and seriously considered voting for Ralph Nader. There was pressure coming from all over the family for both candidates and I'm going to keep my mouth shut as to whom I finally decided.

Happy Election Day to all!

Camdenisms

Our world lately has been a little out of whack. I can't really put my finger on anyone thing as to why. I just haven't felt like blogging. My blogHER account got approved though so I have to get out of this funk.

I am temporarily working for my uncle while his secretary is out with pregnancy complications. I don't know exactly how long my stay down there will be. The good thing is that I get to take Camden with me so that keeps me happy. It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be to get up and get him and me ready. Carmon was home in the mornings this week, but he won't be next so that will be the true test.

Camden had a good time trick-or-treating last night. We wore him out. He was the cutest little lion ever though. He also tried prunes yesterday. We won't be eating them again anytime soon. He wouldn't even touch his spoon with just cereal on it. It was the funniest thing. He does, however, love his peaches, bananas, pears, and applesauce. We went on to sweet potatoes today and I think he is going to like them. He has a bit of a cold right now and despises the nose drops. I feel sorry for him, but they help so much.

Camden finally rolled over for his aunt Jess last weekend and hasn't done it again since. He's so rotten. I have no doubt in my mind that he could do it if he wanted to, but he doesn't like it on his belly. I'm off to bed now! I'll try to do better.

Need Bras?

Go here NOW!!! We're not talking any bras. Two Victoria Secret bras, plus one pair of panties for $17.11...DELIVERED

I promise

I'll write soon, but for now...

Wordless Wednesday

Is Camden big or is Miley small? Hard to believe there is just one month between them!

He loves to go for rides in his little red wagon!

Camden is going to be the cutest little boy at Matt & Joyce's wedding this weekend!

As for the wedding, please say a prayer for my grandpa, who has suffered a massive heart attack. He is undergoing surgery as I type this message. He lives in St.L and I'm sure he is not going to be able to make it down this weekend. Why does it seem like you have to have something bad with the good lately?

Fundraising Ideas

Next year the Relay for Life is going to be held on April 25. This date is quite a bit earlier than the Relays we have participated in in the past. It cuts out any chance of doing things at Summerfest, along with other fundraisers we have done previously. I need help thinking of things to do to raise money. Do any of you fellow blogger have any ideas? Michele, if you read this I know your team had $10k, what did you do? Kara, your March of Dimes team did really well. Help! Please. It was tough before, I know its gonna be tougher with a baby.

Bras Down Broadway

If you click on the picture you can get all of the info. I wish it would show up bigger here, but it didn't. I think this is a really neat idea and after the bras are taken down they will be donated to the Women's Safe House. Good all the way around. I think its a super cute idea and hope it goes well to show support for all of those fighting not only breast cancer, but all cancers!

A little bit of this

A little bit of that.

I've been in somewhat of a blogging slump lately and I apologize. I really don't know what my problem is. Camden had developed this early evening fussiness and to be honest it is kind of wearing on me. I don't know what his problem is. He is good all day and then about 5 he turns mean. He will scream and cry unless I am holding him or we are outside. This goes on for a while, then he will eventually go to sleep...as long as I am holding him. If I put him down he wakes up screaming. It makes it almost impossible to cook supper. It took me 2 hours to make Hamburger Helper the other night. Seriously. It doesn't help that Carmon hasn't been coming home until 7. He could try to console Camden or cook supper. I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions? Do I just put him in his room and let him cry?

We are having a yard sale on Saturday, I have to make some extra cash. I also need to get some crap out of my house! I am selling all of my Americana stuff. Its getting old. I am also selling all of my angel decor because it is just sitting upstairs because I don't have a room to put it out in. I think I will dig through it and keep some of it.

I am going to try to get better at blogging again. I have tons of ideas on stuff to blog about, just no umph to do it. Bear with me!

Wordless Wednesday :: A Day at the Park

My Eventful Week

Shots. Puke. Fussiness. Late night phone calls. Doctors. Pedialyte. Hospitals. This is what my week has been full of since Wednesday. Not fun, to say the least.

I had a nice little blog typed here and it just disappeared.....This is the way my week has been.

Okay, I'm trying to remember what I wrote....

Wednesday Camden went to the doctor to get his shots. We came home afterwards and he was fine. I decided to go ahead and give him some juice. He did really good with it. After that we went outside for a wagon ride. While we were out I noticed that he had spit up a little, which was no big deal, he does this often. We went back inside and he puked. It was full fledged vomit. I felt so bad for him. I called my aunt and she said just to watch him. It wasn't 15-20 minutes later and he puked again. I called the doctors office, which was closed, and the answering service had a nurse call me back. She said to switch to Pedialyte. 1 tsp. every 5 minutes for 4 hours. If he kept that down, I could give him 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. every 30 minutes. This just pissed him off. How can you expect a hungry baby to be satisfied with a tsp. of flavored water? Finally after about an hour of tsps. I gave him 2 oz. because it was bedtime and I knew he wouldn't be up much longer. He took it all and off to bed he went. He did fine when he woke up the first time, but when he got up for good and he ate his cereal and bottle, it all came back up. I called the doctor's office and they told me back to Pedialyte, then watered down formula. No solids until he stopped vomiting. They didn't think that it was from the shots or juice. They seem to think he had a stomach bug that was going around. We were there for less than an hour to get shots and came out with a nasty bug. Yummy germs. He was supposed to get to start fruits. It went off and on all day. When we would be close to having regular formula he would start vomiting again. I felt so sorry for him and so helpless. Luckily, he hadn't been very crabby.

Thursday we spent the day at the hospital with my mom. She had called late Wednesday night because she was headed to the hospital with chest pains. They admitted her and ran some tests, fortunately they don't think its anything to serious.

Camden was still not keeping his milk down Friday, I think he may have had 2 normal bottles before the return of the "bug". Today we still had some lingering vomit. I called the doctors office again. They reassured me, AGAIN, that he was fine as long as he had wet diapers and his mouth was wet. This is the over-protective mom again. The doctor said that the vomiting with this virus had been lasting 48-72 hours. We just passed the 72 hour mark a few hours ago and (knock on wood) I think its gone. Today has been extremely hard though. He got uncontrollably cranky. I think his belly was hurting and his throat may have been a little sore due to all of the up-chucking.

I had intentions of posting more tonight, but I'm wore out. Off to bed it is!

Camdenisms

There hasn't been a whole lot of new stuff happening in our world, as you can tell from the lack of blogging. Tomorrow Camden has to go get more shots, yuck. I am not looking forward to that. He is still not rolling over, but I am not worried about it. One of the books I have says 5 months. No big deal. He is getting close. I gave him some white grape juice today and he got mad, I mean threw a fit, when it was gone. He's rotten.

I think he may be getting a little too used to Mommy. There are times when he throws fits and the ONLY thing to get him to calm down is for ME to hold him. Don't get me wrong I love my little cuddle bug. This may be a problem though. His daddy took him for his first tractor ride on Sunday. He didn't really seem excited about it. I think the sun was to bright and I didn't have his sunglasses. He is getting so fun though. He will sit and laugh for a couple minutes, if you can find something he finds amusing. Okay, Carmon's in bed and I don't think I'm too far behind him. I have a headache. Hopefully its just allergies.

Grrrr....

We got Camden's lion costume in and I'm not so sure its everything I was dreaming of. To top it off it has already broke. One of the snaps came off of the hood. He is, however, practicing his lion noises. He likes to gurgle, I say he's trying to grrr, or roar, like a lion. I'll have to record it because it is so stinkin' cute.

What do you think? Should we keep the costume?

I'm Baaack!!!

I apologize for the long absence. Trust me, it drove me crazy too! Last Thursday my laptop battery died and I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't charge back up. My power source cord went bad. Luckily it is still under warranty so it didn't cost anything other than time and my sanity. It took a freaking week for them to get the cord to me. Ridiculous. But we are okay now.



There haven't been any huge developments in my life lately. Kinda boring really. Carmon has been working his butt off, as usual. All the more reason for me to continue sitting my fat butt at home. I hate it because he doesn't get to spend much time with Camden. This week he is working nights at work, then hauling dirt until noon. Did I mention that he works 12 hour shifts at work. This is leaving less than 6 hours for him to sleep, eat, shower, and spend time with Camden and me. Can you say work-a-holic? He's crazy. He LOVES his dump trucks though. His ultimate goal is to eventually start his own business and leave the blue collar corporate world.



Over the weekend we went to Ashley Lee's wedding and Camden really enjoyed all the attention he got from the girls. He's a real charmer these days. Other than the fact that he decided to throw up all over Britne. I'll leave you of a picture of my handsome little man. Carmon said the sweater was gay, I say its adorable!

For those of you who follow Jase's blog, his mommy's computer is also broken. Hopefully it will be back up and running next week. She also has a new camera, so we should also get to see new pictures of my cutie-patootie nephew.

Wordless Wednesday

Camden's first trip to Lamberts.
He had so much fun in the covered wagon!

Ready for my new Shows

Is anyone else excited about getting to see new episodes of their favorite shows? I am so excited. We'll see how good it works with a baby. Thank God for my DVR! My line-up is: Grey's Anatomy-this Thursday, Girls Next Door-20 new episodes start Oct. 5, Private Practice-Oct. 1, and Desperate Housewives-this Sunday. What shows do you guys watch? We should pick one and have a party night!

Fellow All You Lovers

I know that All You usually has some good coupons in it. At Walmart the price is $1.97(?). If you know anyone from SC elementary you can buy a 24-issue subscription for $20 AND you'll get a free recipe box too! If you don't know anyone selling stuff and are interested in this offer let me know ASAP because I think they have to turn everything in on Tuesday. Thought this was an awesome deal and wanted to share it with you all!

Attn: BFF's Old Navy Sale

If you need to buy anything from Old Navy they are having a great sale online. You simply enter the code BFF and you get 20% off AND free shipping. I ordered Camden some things. I forgot to look for me. Imagine that.

**Update-sorry guys this ended 9/21.

A Letter to Someone Who Should Know Better

Dear Ms. Hobby Lobby Cashier,

Today you acted with complete stupidity. Seriously. Not only had you been doing your job, handling nasty money, touching the items people had been buying. But, you had a terrible cough. You had just got through having a major coughing fit before you checked me out. I do believe you are old enough to know better. You probably have kids of your own, possibly even grandkids. I really wonder though. Have you no common sense?

You took one of my newest pet peeves to a new level. Please don't touch my baby's hands. He puts them in his mouth. A lot. He loves to chew on them. Your nasty, dirty, money touching, cough covered, germ infested hands pass germs to my baby's sweet, soft, chewable hands. If he gets sick I will be calling you to come and take care of him. His teeth make him crabby enough these days. I do not need your cough to go with it.

If you would like to oooohhh and goooo over my baby, feel free. If you would like to touch his cute little piggies, go for it. If you want to pinch his fluffy little cheeks, have at it. But PLEASE don't touch his hands.

Thanks,
Mrs. Over-protective New Mom

*This is based on a true story. I didn't say anything to her because if I would have I would probably be in banned from HL. How stupid can you be? Use your brain every now and then.

Out of the Past

Its hard to believe that 8 years ago today, I was sitting in my high school Calculus class. It was this day that changed our whole senior year. I remember everyone asking each other if they knew where Jessica(Arnzen) was. No one did. Then I remember the announcement over the intercom asking all seniors to come to the cafeteria. I remember seeing Ben with his mom and grandma. They had been crying. We found out where Jessica was.
I think that was the hardest day of our senior year, and the days that would follow. Why did God take someone with so much potential, such a love for life? Someone that could make you smile when you were having the worst day? It was so unfair. I still think about Jess. When I don't wear my seat belt, which is way more often than it should be. I think about her at weird moments. I wonder what she would be doing now.
Today is also my mom and aunt's birthday. That's what makes this day stick out so easily in my mind. It is no longer just my mom's birthday.



On a lighter note, today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. So Ahoy Matey, have a wonderful weekend. And have a great one year anniversary Kara!

Camdenisms

What's new in Camden's world? Our days are now filled with slobber, frozen pacifiers, and fussiness. That's right. We're teething. It's no fun. Camden doesn't like it and Mommy definitely doesn't. He is so cranky at night its terrible. The frozen pacifiers, combined with Tylenol, seem to be helping. He also likes to chew on his bib or burp cloth. Mommy's fingers are also a new favorite.

Other than that we haven't been doing much. The only thing we have left on our checklist is rolling over and I'm not sure we are going to do that. I'm beginning to think that he just doesn't want to. We're still trying though. Cereal is still going well, I'm thinking of maybe trying oatmeal or going up to two feedings a day. Does anyone remember when they did either one? I need to call the Dr. and see what they say.

Daddy has been coming home ENTIRELY too late this week. Camden is disappointed that he doesn't get to spend much time with Dad, and Mom doesn't like Dad not being home to give her somewhat of a break, especially with cranky pants. That's okay, I get to go next week to sit through that hour long survey and get my $50 Target card while Dad babysits, a.k.a be's a Dad. I would like to set up the camcorder somewhere and see how that goes.

Okay, I'm gonna go. I have a terrible headache thanks to lack of caffeine and that monthly visitor I didn't miss! I think I'll go order Camden's Halloween costume. I think I decided on the lion.

A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E

Last Week, in Pictures

Saturday, Camden had his first trip to the fair...Loved it!

Sunday, Camden started cereal...Loved it too!

Wednesday, Camden was in the baby contest. He didn't win and didn't really love it.

Thursday we went to Springfield and saw Jess and Jase. He did really good on the way out.

Friday we took the boys to get their pictures made for Grandma's birthday(shh). Mommy and Aunt Jess loved them!

Then they had their first of many baths together.

(If you look closely, you will find Jase's new "toy")

Saturday we went to Bass Pro...

and the zoo and the boys both LOVED it!

Sunday we came home, and Carmon was the only one who loved that.

The remnants of Ike made for pretty scenery though.

I am not a bad Mom!!!

I just have a stupid camcorder. I didn't erase all of Camden's stuff like I thought I had, my camcorder is just messed up. Thank God, but not thank God. Does anyone know of a good repair shop? It's not wanting to rewind/fast forward. Who knows.

Camden didn't win last night, although he WAS the cutest baby there. I might be a little prejudice. Just saying.

Also, Baby Einstein is truly the GREATEST thing. He was so mad, wouldn't calm down for anything. Put him in the bouncy seat with Baby Einstein and we are fine. Amen! We are heading out of town in a few hours for the weekend. Hopefully we won't get all of the rain they are calling for. Have a good weekend!

Pies, Pies, Pies

I got an e-mail I figured I should share with you all. The holiday season isn't too far away and lots of baking will be in store. Here is a link to a free digital version of the new Pillsbury Pies magazine. Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary...to me!

It's another 3 today. Three wonderful years since that HOT September day, when my dad walked me down the aisle to marry my high school sweetheart. Three years since my beautiful sister was my matron of honor. Three years since we postponed our honeymoon a few days so that Carmon could stay home and go to the demo derby at the fair...yeah, I'm that good of a wife. Three years since we hiked that miserably long hike to see the waterfall in Gatlinburg. We hadn't planned on hiking it, so we weren't prepared. It only proved to me how incredibly out of shape I was (am). Wow, time has flew!

I honestly don't remember a lot from that day. It was hot. I left my hair down and should have put it up. I did eventually that night, with my little flower girls bow/clip. I remember how good I felt seeing so many people there, family and friends. I look back now and am so glad I got married that year. If we would have waited Grandma would have not been here to celebrate with us. I remember Carmon's face as I walked down the aisle. He had tears in his eyes. It was so sweet. Don't ask him, he'll deny it. I remember dancing the father/daughter dance. My dad also had tears in his eyes. The strange part is I didn't cry at all that day. In fact, I laughed and smiled through most of it.

We aren't exchanging gifts, nor are we doing anything extravagant. Tonight we are taking Camden to the fair, again. He is gonna win the baby boy contest. Tomorrow we are leaving for Jess' to spend the weekend with them. We have hopes of going to Silver Dollar City and the zoo, but its looking like a rainy weekend. Maybe it'll be nice enough to at least do some fun stuff. I'll post pics tomorrow of tonight.