The Link's Life

Chore Chart

2010-10-19T17:13:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post.
I was looking online today searching for ideas to make a chore chart for Ayden.
Here are 2 great sites if anyone is interested.

Chore Chart and as a reward Personalized Money

I made just a basic chart - brush teeth, pick up toys, set dinner table, help unload dishwasher (spoons, forks and plastic items), feed dogs, etc. Every time he does something he will get a sticker and then his reward will be silly money. I haven't decided yet how often he will get a dollar but this is a start.
So far I have made $1 bills with the daddy's face on them. I think I will do Ayden's on some as well. Then once he saves a decent amount we will take a trip to the toy store.
They started a reward's chart at preschool this year for the 3 yr old's and Ayden seems excited about it. He always tells me when he gets a sticker and what he got it for.

Hopefully this will teach him about saving $$ as well!

The Clues

2010-09-20T22:18:00.000-05:00

We finished the clues for our big Disney Trip next week. We had fun putting it all together and can't wait to see Ayden try to figure it out. Here is what we came up with.

The map:

The letter that comes with the map:

Clue #1: Papaw's clue (Click on image for a larger view)

Clue #2: Nana's clue (Click on image for larger view)

Clue #3: Mommy's clue (Click on image for a larger view)

Clue #4: Daddy's clue and when he finds out the big surprise! (Click on image for a larger view)

This is what will be in our resort hotel room waiting for Ayden along with a few small gifts.

Our second night there we will be going to Mickey's Halloween Party: (Click on image for larger view)

We are thinking of a few more small happy's throughout the rest of our stay but haven't figured them out yet.
9 more days! We are so excited!

An Adventure to Disney World!

2010-09-01T16:45:00.003-05:00

As most of you who are reading this already know - We are taking Ayden on a fun-filled 8 night/9 day adventure at the end of the month!
We are so excited about this trip to Disney World!
We went on our 1st trip as a family there last Sept/Oct and fell in love with the place. We decided over the summer to take another trip back and keep this one a secret!
Shhh!
Nana is going with us for the first 5 days and we get to see Aunt Daphne and sweet Shyanne for 2 days while there. It will be so much fun!
When we decided to take this trip we immediately knew we wanted it to be a surprise for little man. He had such a great time last year and still to this day he talks about riding in the honey pot and teacups and seeing lots of fireworks. He is saving all of his money in his "penny pank" for Disney.
(Of course we won't use it but it's still sweet!)
So after much brainstorming we came up with a treasure hunt of sorts. Brian found a lady on Etsy that customized a map for us. Then we decided we will give him clues along the way and the clues will be what mode of transporation we have to go on next.
(This is a very basic treasure hunt as he is only 3 1/2)

We start out in the car then go to the plane then take the bus to the resort.

As of right now we are planning on leaving the map on the front door step the day before we leave and tell him that someone left something for him outside. Once he gets it we will explain that our adventure will begin the next morning and we need to pack our suitcase.
Once we wake up the next day we will have to go find our 1st clue (which is Papaw's clue). We will meet up with Papaw and he will give him an envelope with a Mickey car pin. Ayden will pin the Mickey car to the map. Then we will get in the car.
While in the car Nana will give him his second clue. He will open it and find an airplane pin and attach it to the map. We will then go to the airport and get on the plane.
After we land in Orlando he gets his "mommy clue". It will be a Disney bus pin.
We will then find Disney's Magical Express (the bus).

Here is a photo with the pins so you get the idea.

While on the bus he will get Daddy's clue.
In the envelope it will be 4 pins. Once that represents each park - and believe me he knows what each one means.
Castle - Magic Kingdom
Silver Ball - Epcot
Hat - Hollywood Studios
Tree - Animal Kingdom

If he hasn't figured it out by now we will then tell him we are going to Disney World! I have a feeling he might figure it out when we get to the buses but it will be fun nonetheless!

I have been collecting little gifts that I plan on leaving for him in the room on the 1st day. It will be a welcome gift from Mickey Mouse (his mystery friend that sent him on this adventure!)
Then we will have 9 days of fun/relaxing family time at the happiest place on earth!

Ayden's 1st day of Preschool 3's!

2010-08-26T17:16:00.001-05:00

He had a blast!
Both Brian and I dropped him off this morning and he was pretty shy at first but warmed up quickly. We showed him where to put his bag and lunchbox in his cubby then after hiding behind daddy's legs for a few moments he was good to go. He immediately went to sit at a table and played blocks. We told him bye and he watched us walk out but he was perfectly fine with it!

It took everything in me not to call and check on him throughout the day.

Finally 2:30 came and I rushed to pick him up. I just knew that he would be so excited to see me but...he wasn't.
He told me to leave.
To go back to work.
He wasn't finished playing with his friends and new toys. :-(
Ouch.
That hurt a bit.

I lied and told him I had a treat in the car so he would want to leave with me. (Bad Mommy!)
We starting walking toward the car and he could care less about telling me about his day.
"Yes, I ate my lunch mommy - can I have my treat?"
"Yes, I played on the playground - can I have my treat now?"
"Yes, I pee-peed in the potty - where is my treat - is it a cool toy?"
"MOMMY, I just want my treat and to go home!"

So...we get in the car and I am frantically going through my purse for a treat. Anything! I then looked in my laptop bag and remembered that I took a yellow laffy taffy (Brian's favorite) from Nana's candy jar in her office today. I showed it to Ayden hoping he would be ok with it and he lit up! It made answering all of my questions worth it! Yay!
Sorry Daddy but your son NEEDED this treat! I will do my best to get you another yellow laffy taffy soon!
All in all he had a GREAT day! He even napped at preschool! I can't get him to nap at home ever!

This is going to be a good school year!

Note to self: Have a stash of treats in the car for days like this!

Day 2

2010-08-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

Today was a little rough in the potty training dept but we made some more progress. After multiple tantrums and refusing to sit on the potty he gave in. We had 2 little accidents throughout the day but he hasn't even asked to wear a diaper. I was SO ready to give in a put one on him but I knew consistency was key. Tomorrow is day 3 and I will be on my own with him as Brian will have to go into the office. Fingers crossed for an accident free day 3!

Finally!

2010-07-31T18:56:00.000-05:00

After multiple attempts we have finally had potty training success! I bought Ayden a little potty at 18 months just so he would get used to seeing it and to start conversations about potty training. He could have cared less. He wasn't ready at 18 mo and still wasn't ready at 2 yr's. He is now almost 3 1/2 and finally peed in the potty today - twice so far! Success! We tried bribing him with everything from stickers to candy to matchbox cars and little dinosaurs. Nothing. Until - Daddy came home from his trip to Canada on Thursday bearing gifts. He bought Ayden a Toy Story 3 flying pig. He told Ayden that if he went potty he would take him to the toy store and get him the Toy Story 3 garbage truck that went along with the set. Ayden was all for it! After meeting family for breakfast and a quick run to Lowes for some front door paint we came home and said - "No more diapers!"
Anytime we tried to get him to sit on the potty is freaked! Absolutely refused. Kicked and screamed and threw anything that was within reach. After he calmed down I made him sit then I tried a trick I had read on some website - pour warm water over his "parts". It totally worked! He was so excited! We jumped right in the car (diaper free) and drove straight to Toys r Us. Bought the garbage truck toy and came home. He was thrilled.
After a couple more failed tries I took him to the potty again. While he was sitting, I was at the sink waiting on warm water and he just went on his own again! So far we have had no accident's today!

I know no one reading this will probably care about the details of our first day of really potty training but it's been a long time coming and wanted to share.

I am one proud mommy!

Ayden loves drums!

2010-07-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

We went to visit Daddy at the studio a few days ago and boy did Ayden have a blast!

He couldn't keep his hands off of the drum set. He has since requested for Santa to bring him

"an Ayden drum set only for me".

My sweet boy isn't planning on sharing. :)

Here are some blurry pics from my iPhone.

Being a musician is hard work!

No excuses...

2010-07-27T21:49:00.000-05:00

I have absolutely no excuse as to why it's been so long since I've posted.

I am going to try my best to get better at this and at least post weekly.
I shall start with a recipe I found. I've had it in my recipe box for at least 5 or 6 years now and I have no idea where it came from. It's been one of those - I should try this someday - recipes. Well someday finally happened and now it is one of our favorite chicken dinners! It's super easy and quite tasty. You have to like limes to enjoy this though.

Baked Honey Lime Chicken
3-4 small limes, plus wedges for garnish
1/4 c honey
3 small garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarse ground pepper
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 c loosely packed fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, chopped (I used cilantro)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. From limes, grate 3 tsp peel and squeeze juice of 1/4 of a lime. In a small bowl, with a fork, mix honey, garlic, coriander, salt pepper, lime juice and 2 tsp lime peel - saving 1 tsp for later.

Arrange chicken in a small baking dish. Drizzle lime mixture over chicken. bake until juices run clear when the thickest part of the chicken is pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving dish. Drizzle with pan juices. Sprinkle with cilantro and remaining 1 tsp lime peel and serve with lime wedges.

This was really good baked but even better grilled!
To grill - we doubled the recipe (using 5 or 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts) and used it as a marinade and then B grilled them to perfection. Soooo good!
For side dishes we grilled corn on the cob and I made some black beans and rice.
To finish it off a Corona or a margarita would make this the perfect meal.

A very tasty dessert - or breakfast if you dare!

2010-01-18T15:44:00.000-06:00

Click on this link for an awesome (and easy!) recipe!

Our Best Bites: Easy (and Amazing!) Apple Dumplings

Children's Museum

2010-01-18T15:07:00.000-06:00

Geeze, it's been forever since I have posted on here. Anyone that is reading this probably knows why.

It's time to try and get life back to normal!

Yesterday Brian and I took Ayden to the Children's Museum and we had a blast. We were in need of some fun family time after all the craziness that surrounded our holiday season.

And fun we had and here are some pictures to prove it.

For my very OLD yet absolutely wonderful husband!

2009-12-10T22:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Brian,

I know you hate getting older and I know that you hate traveling on your birthday...both of which happened to you this past Tuesday.

But just know that you are loved by many and we hope you had a happy (early) birthday on Sunday.

We love you and are ready for you to come home. xoxo

Christmas Parade and Gingerbread house fun!

2009-12-06T13:23:00.000-06:00

We went to the Lakeland Christmas parade yesterday and while it wasn't the typical parade with large floats we still had fun. Ayden loved seeing Santa riding on the fire truck and we walked away with a ton of candy.

Next on the list of things to do this weekend: Gingerbread House

Happy Holidays!

It's cookie time!

2009-12-02T18:12:00.000-06:00

I found a yummy recipe for sugar cookies and glaze online and decided to try it out and see if its holiday worthy. With my little helper by my side we made the dough, rolled out the dough, ate some dough (we couldn't resist!) took some Christmas cookie cutters to it, baked them, and decorated them. I think they turned out great. Definitely will be making them again in the near future!

Ayden helping get everything out and ready.

Fun with cookie cutters

A little too much fun with flour and the rolling pin.

What's that beeping sound?

What could it be?

Yay! The cookies are ready!

Just finished decorating - patiently waiting for them to dry.

Wait for it...

That's the end result I was hoping for!

The only bad thing about the cookie making was that Brian isn't home to enjoy them with us. We will try our best to save some for him but Friday is a long ways away. ;)

A want of mine.

2009-11-29T19:10:00.000-06:00

We entertain often and there are many times I wish for a larger dining table. Dark wood. With a bench like the table we had growing up. Seats up to 8 with a removable leaf. I finally found what I want. Now to save for it. http://www.worldmarket.com/ here I come.

Fun with Ayrington

2009-11-29T09:08:00.000-06:00

We met Ashley and family out for dinner on Friday night at On the Border and afterwards drove through Starry Nights at Shelby Farms. Ayden had so much fun with Ayrington. I only snapped a few pictures but they turned out cute.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Some pictures from our Thanksgiving.

My Little drummer boy

2009-11-21T21:20:00.000-06:00

He was singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" while drumming. It was the cutest!

Fun with little man.

2009-11-21T21:14:00.000-06:00

Thursday morning when we woke up we decided it was probably best for Ayden to stay home from preschool that day. He had been up all night with a low grade fever and so congested that the poor baby just couldn't sleep. He was absolutely miserable - as were Brian and I. Looking for something else to do that was fun (but not too much fun) I pulled out the construction paper and paints. Ayden is a surprisingly clean painter - thankfully!

Um...Ok - might be time to find another project. Or some lunch.

Big Backyard Again - this time with Daddy

2009-11-21T21:03:00.000-06:00

A few days ago we decided to go to My Big Backyard again. Ayden had so much fun the last time I took him that we wanted to show Brian what all the fuss was about. Here are some photos from our adventure.

Mommy and Son Day

2009-11-11T12:20:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday I decided to take Ayden to My Big Backyard at the Memphis Botanic Gardens for the 1st time. I have heard great things about it and really wanted to go before it got cold outside. Sunday the weather was wonderful - mid 70's and sunny so I packed up a picnic and we headed out the door. There are so many things to explore there and we could have stayed for hours. Unfortunately we didn't stay as long as I would have liked because it was a small someone's nap time and we had a sick daddy at home to check on. Here are some pics from our fun (and surprisingly educational) day.

Swinging in the chrysalis

Fun in the flower garden

Flower beds

In the dog house

Wormville

Making music in the House of Rock (this place was filled with ladybugs!)

Got distracted from counting the green butterflies

Fun with pumpkins

What a fun outing with my little man!

Pajama and Flashlight Day

2009-11-05T17:03:00.000-06:00

Today was a special day at preschool for Ayden. All of the 2 yr old classes were asked to wear there PJ's and bring flashlights to school - they have been learnig about the differences between day and night. He was so excited when Mama Phyl surprised him on Halloween with his very own Lighting McQueen flashlight. Perfect timing since we needed one for school today! Thanks again Mama Phyl! I'm actually kind of surprised that the batteries lasted long enough to still work today. He has been inspecting every dark place he can find in our house for days now! Who knew a flashlight can provide hours of entertainment for a 2 yr old!

Unfortunately he came down with a virus and a mild fever so he wasn't able to stay at school all day. But he told me he had fun "painting a moon and playing flashlights" so I'm glad his whole day wasn't ruined by sickness.

He already seems to be on the mend. He just told me he wants to eat pizza with daddy for dinner tonight.

I don't know anyone who wants greasy pizza when the are sick! lol

We love the Memphis zoo!

2009-11-02T16:51:00.002-06:00

We have definitely got our money's worth out of our membership to the Memphis zoo. I can't even tell you how many times we have gone this year. Ayden absolutely loves visiting all of the animals.

Here are some pictures from our visit the weekend of zoo boo.

Zoo Boo

2009-10-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

We went to our first Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo last night and Ayden had so much fun. It was our friend Ilse's 1st birthday and she was the cutest witch ever!

Ayden and Ilse (the birthday girl)

Ayden checking out his candy.

Painted Pumpkins

Me and my little man

Ayden and Ilse had just kissed and I missed getting the shot! It was adorable.

Ayden riding in the airplane.

I thought he would have been awake all night after all the candy he ate.

Happy 1st Birthday sweet Ilse!

Ayden's New Hat

2009-10-23T14:08:00.001-05:00

I bought Ayden a new hat from Old Navy - honestly - I didn't think he would wear it. Not much of a hat wearing kid. Boy was I wrong!

Five Course Meal

2009-10-23T14:04:00.000-05:00

I asked Ayden to help set the table for dinner and this is his place setting.

1 large spoon, 1 fork, 1 plastic fork and 2 plastic spoons. Not sure what he thought we were having for dinner but it sure didn't require all of those utensils. He was so proud of himself that I had to take his picture.

Squirrel Memories

2009-10-22T16:40:00.001-05:00

I came across this email that Brian wrote me on 4/10/2006. What crazy memories we have from our old little 1st house on Maria St. Enjoy!

So here’s the recap.

Round one – I got home at 11-ish am to catch the squirrel. I cut the same hole that I cut last time, donned my gloves and readied the carrying cage. When I reached in to grab the little guy he runs up my glove, up my arm and scurries halfway up the wall where he clings and hides for probably 30 minutes. Winner = squirrel

Round two – Eventually he falls and we’re on for round two. This time I miss completely and he just runs up the wall and hangs out about halfway for yet another 30 – 45 minutes. So I wait and he falls… Winner = squirrel

Round Three – This time it’s a complete and total repeat of round one I grab him, he squirms free and uses my arm as leverage to scurry halfway up the wall where he will sit for another 15-30 minutes mocking me. Winner = squirrel

Round Four – He falls and this time I’ve got him. He squirms but can’t get free… so he fights dirty and starts to bite my finger. He never breaks skin but he succeeds in pissing me off even more, but I maintained my composure and quickly put him into the carrying cage. Winner = me

Round Five – The squirrel is in the cage and I’m closing the door to seal the deal when it happens. This little rat pulls some Shao Lin Matrix move and leaps out just as the door slams shut. In disbelief I look into the cage and its empty… I look to my right and I see a squirrel tail round the corner of the bed. The squirrel had gone rogue. Winner = squirrel

Round Six – I chase the squirrel around the room and try to grab him. No dice. I set the cage down and tried to coax him into it (which I did by the way, three times acually… he just jumped out before I could close the door.) We go round and round the room when it happens… The squirrel disappears. The room is eerily silent. This is not good. Winner = squirrel

Round Seven – Now I’m frantic and I start to rip the room apart: Lifting mattresses… Removing sheets… Checking the box springs… Nothing. I check the closet – nothing. I even let the dogs in… I figured they could track it down. I even picked Lily up and set her in the closet so she could smell around. No dice. Neither dog came through. I was at a loss. Winner = squirrel

Round Eight – So I kick the dogs out and start to backtrack. I circle back to the closet and start rattling clothes, shaking boxes, searching about with the flash lights – Nothing. So I kick your ENORMOUS pile of shoes and I hear a “squeek”. Unbelievable. I start throwing shoes out of the closet like a kid shoveling sand. I’ve got nothing. I keep going until we’re down to the bottom. I grab a shoe and (I’m so serious about this next part) the squirrel leaps out toward me and runs across the room. I scream in shock… probably like a little girl. Winner = squirrel

Round Nine – Instead of focusing on the squirrel immediately, I quickly shove all of your blasted shoes back into the closet and force the door shut. Now the closet is sealed off, the bedroom door is closed, and both dogs are freaking out on the other side of the door… it is on. I chase the squirrel around again. He’s quick but he’s tired… and I have an opposable thumb which should make me smarter. I got him cornered behind the small cabinet. He was utterly confused because I was able to basically be on all sides of this small piece of furniture, leaving him nowhere to run. I set up the cage on the right, hover over the center, and make a move from the left… The squirrel breaks right… he’s heading toward the cage, but he circles back. I’m still there so he circles again. He’s got nowhere to go. He tries to jump past me on the right, so I sidestep with him to block. He freaks and heads back… I pull the same move… this time he runs back into the cage. I slam it shut. Game over. Winner = me w. the knockout

Currently the squirrel is in the cage. I figured that he could sit there and think about what he’s done for a bit while I clean up the mess. Tonight he will take up residence somewhere near Shelby Farms…

Hopefully this will be the final chapter in the Attic Saga:

The first squirrel was taken out by Lily.
Number two bit it crossing the street.
Number three and
four fell into the same part of the wall, where they were later rescued/captured and escorted to Shelby Farms.

Hopefully there is no number five… but if there is… I’ll be ready.

B

Big Boy Room

2009-10-11T09:41:00.001-05:00

We told Ayden that once we got home from our Disney trip that he was going to be a big boy. That means big boy bed and no more diapers. We now have the big boy bed! I'm going to start the no diaper rule next weekend.

He is on a Toy Story kick right now - the new Disney ride helped him with that! It was fun and he LOVED it! So while Ayden was at preschool on Friday Brian and I went shopping for his new bedding and had his room all set up by the time he got home from school.

The 1st night he woke up about 4 times and came in our room but we just walked him right back to his bed and he went to sleep. I think the Toy Story nighlight I bought was too bright for him. Last night (night #2) he went right to sleep around 8:15pm and didn't wake up until 8am this morning.

I only wish potty training was this easy!

1st week of Preschool

2009-08-29T09:26:00.002-05:00

Thursday was Ayden's 1st day of preschool. Both Brian and I were so nervous for him and were hoping he would love it.

I took him to school on Thursday morning and he was a little shy when we got to his classroom. He kept a good hold on my legs and did not want to let go. His teachers greeted him and almost instantly he felt at home. I gave him a hug and told him I would see him after his nap and he said "Oh tay, Mommy...C-ya". I was not expecting him to be so comfortable with me leaving.

I called about halfway through the day and they said he was having a blast and for me not to worry. But that's what mom's do, right? We worry - constantly! ;)

Finally 2:30 rolled around and I was at his classroom door ready to hear all about his day. He ran and gave me a big hug and then told his teachers "Mommy here, Mommy here!" His teachers asked me if we were going to Disney World any time soon b/c that was ALL he talked about. Disneyworld, mickey mouse and goofy. (34 days and counting!)

His teachers also said he loved the playground but didn't love taking a nap. He layed on his cot and just talked for about an hour and with the help of his teacher patting his back finally fell asleep for about 35 minutes. We will definitel be off track on our sleep schedule until we can get this nap down at school.

When Friday rolled aroud he was practically dragging me into the school. He was so excited to be going there again. It makes it so much easier on me to leave him there knowing that he is having such a good time.
Nana went with me to pick him up Friday afternoon and he was happy to see her and show her is new lunchbox.

Overall he had a great 1st week and we are hoping that next week will be just as fun!

Photo Shoot

2009-06-12T21:47:00.003-05:00

We had our picture taken a few weeks ago and have been anxiously waiting to see the proofs. Here are just a few that Elizabeth from http:elizabethwiggsphotography.blogspot.com/took for us. We got 50 proofs in all and I am unsure as to how we will decide which ones to print. They are all so good!

Ayden tells his daddy a joke

2009-06-01T12:28:00.003-05:00

He came up to me and said – Knock knock

- Who’s there?

He says – BOOO

- I said Boo hoo and pretended to cry

and he genuinely says – Don’t cry Daddy…

Then I laughed harder than I ever have and he laughed with me realizing that he had just told a joke.

Our son is brilliant.

Weekend getaway to Atlanta

2009-05-18T11:23:00.002-05:00

Brian and I decided it was a good time to have a break and take Ayden to Atlanta for the weekend.

Our main reason for going to Atlanta was to see the Georgia Aquarium but we found plenty of other things to do after that. We got there late Friday afternoon and checked into our hotel.

We then decided to walk around downtown Atlanta to find a family friendly place to eat dinner. We came across the Hard Rock and even though we had a long day in the car and Ayden was a little fussy we had a nice dinner.

On our walk back to the hotel we saw some horse and carriages and just had to go for a ride. It was both mine and Ayden's 1st time on one and we had a blast. The guy gave us a great deal since it was his last ride of the day.

First thing Saturday morning we headed to the aquarium. Ayden absolutely loved seeing all of the fish. I think his favorite was the whale sharks and the clown fish (Nemo). The "tropical" room with the HUGE aquarium is where we spent a good amount of our time. We were there 1st thing in the morning so there wasn't a whole bunch of people. Ayden could have sat there all day and watched all of the colorful fish - and so could we!

Next we headed to the "new" Coke Factory. I had been before when it was in the old building but Brian & Ayden had never been. It was fun sampling all of the Coke products from around the world. The "Beverly" from Italy is probably the most disgusting drink I have ever had. But you have to try it if you ever go - it's just part of the Coke Factory experience. :)

After the Coke factory we then headed 1 block down to the Atlanta Children's Museum. Ayden was truly in his own world there. He was able to go grocery shopping, build castles, play with Moon Sand and even play with some trains.

After a non-stop fun filled day we headed to Jalepeno Charlie's for some tasty Mexican food then took our time walking back to our hotel for the night. I still can't believe Ayden went all day without a nap and wasn't the least bit fussy. I think he was just happy to have his Mommy and Daddy all to himself for the whole weekend.

Best Friends

2009-05-12T21:14:00.002-05:00

I babysat Becky's kids, Sarah and Will, on Monday and we had a blast! It's been a while since I have had both Ayden and Sarah together at my house. I was worried that Ayden would have issues sharing his toys but surprisingly he didn't! They had so much fun. And sweet Will is just the sweetest baby! I forgot how much enjoyment you can get out of holding a baby while he sleeps - Ayden is definitely way past that point. I am so sad that Becky is moving in the next few weeks but am so thankful that our babies have had the chance to become best friends.
Becky - you will only be 6(ish)hours away and as long as I've got a car and you've got a couch Ayden and I will come visit!

Ayden is not the cleanest 2 yr old!

2009-05-12T21:06:00.002-05:00

So Brian and I spent a good portion of a day last week cleaning up and organizing all of Ayden's toys. He then thought it would be funny while I wasn't watching to completely and totally trash his room. If you look close enough there is even Raisin Bran on the carpet. Hopefully this messy behavior won't last until he's 18...yeah right!

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

Mother's Day weekend was nice and relaxing. Saturday was lunch at the Beauty Shop with some special mom's in the family and a quick trip to the zoo with Brian and Ayden. Sunday morning Brian let me sleep in then made Ayden and I french toast after I woke up - which was so yummy!! Sunday afternoon we went to visit Nana and wish her a happy Mother's Day.
I am very thankful to have such wonderful mom's in my life to look up to and give me advice on raising my little one.

Fun with the water hose!

2009-05-01T09:36:00.001-05:00

Funny Sayings!

2009-05-01T09:30:00.002-05:00

Ayden just told me that "Daddy go work, Daddy need sammich". It was hilarious! Who knew Brian was hungry for a sandwich at 9 o'clock in the morning! I love hearing all of the new things Ayden says every day. He definitely keeps things interesting!

Playing Outside

2009-04-20T17:01:00.004-05:00

I am so glad Spring is here! We can finally get out of the house! Even though our backyard was a little muddy from the rain this past weekend and our grass desperately needs to be mowed we still managed to have a good time playing and exploring!

Ayden found a worm!

And wanted a closer look.

Ayden deciding on whether throwing a ball at mommy would be a good thing or a bad thing. (In the end he decided it would not be good and threw it in the sandbox instead!)

Easter Sunday 2009

2009-04-14T16:57:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful Easter!
We started our morning seeing what the Easter Bunny left for Ayden.

Then we colored eggs. The 1st picture below is a favorite of mine. Ayden wanted to kiss his egg before dropping it in the bowl of dye. So sweet!

After Ayden's nap we went to Daphne's house for an Easter egg hunt. Unfortunately it was pouring down rain so the kids had to hunt for eggs inside. They had a blast though!
Here is Brian and Aunt Ashley helping Ayden hunt for eggs.

Avery was being such a sweet cousin and letting Ayden sit on his lap while he made a cool Lego spaceship.

Later in the afternoon we came home and Nana, Papaw and Uncle Andy came over with dinner. Since I am still in the recovery process and it's sometimes hard to chase a 2 yr old around, Nana and Papaw decided to bring Easter dinner to us. All we had to supply was the bread and wine!

New to blogging

2009-04-03T14:10:00.004-05:00

Over the past week and a half I have been recovering at home from surgery and have been bored out of my mind. Watching TV and reading books/magazines just aren't cutting it. So I have decided to start a blog about my little family. My goal will be to update it at least once a week!