Homesick/Emotional

So maybe I am a just homesick. Or emotional but either way I have never wanted to move back home as bad as I do right now! I have been getting real overwhelmed with not getting a break. Derek has been great at taking Tyler and me doing what ever I want to do. But I miss getting to also go out just the hubs and I. Is that selfish?  My mom and grandma came out in Oct and kept Tyler for the day for us. To go out for our anniversary. It was so refreshing to be able to go out to an 2 1/2 hour dinner and not have a restless kid.  We have only been out two times with out him since he was born. If I was back home I would have at least 5 different ones to watch Tyler for us. But we have nobody here.  I broke down last night and just cried. We can't do his Christmas shopping together because he is at that age where he knows. So one of us has got to go do it alone.  My mom is flying out in March so we can go to couples retreat and have someone to watch him. It would just be way easier if we lived by them.  Maybe I am being ridiculous I don't know.

Oh How I Love

Online shopping and free shipping.  I have did 96% of my shopping online and it has been fabulous! Not only is prices cheaper then in stores, you save on gas going to town. And save your sanity for not having to deal with thousands of other people and traffic. I think even if I had to pay shipping it would still be WAY worth it. Cause some stores my husband wants things from I would  rather not  go to. LOL(music stores where i know nothing about things and they look at my like I'm an idiot)  It has been awesome. I just have to go to one store for stocking stuff. I can live with that.  I have got all my shopping done for the most part. Just odds and ins for Tyler and Derek.  I can't wait till Christmas morning.  Tyler has been good since his unwrapping of one of his presents incident. Let's see if he will be gun shy at opening them on Christmas now.

It's been awhile. We had a wonderful revival with the Shulers. So that is some reason for the lack of blogging.  Then Christmas decorating has kept me busy. Then a two and a half year old. LOL I am so thankful for my life. The lord has truly blessed me with a wonderful healthy family! We have also added a new member to the family. A 7 week week old Siberian Husky named Mishka. And well she is a handful. Derek and Tyler love her. I'm still not sure on my feeling about her.  We have also been taking in all the Christmas lights and parades we can get. And lots of hot chocolate and apple cider and movies. A side not Tyler is becoming a talking  machine. And I could sit and listen to him sing all the Christmas songs he has learned from watching a little drummer boy veggie tales!  Love Life!

Laundry Soap

So I recently came across a recipe per say about homemade laundry soap. I was real unsure of it. I didn't know how well it would clean. But I am pleasantly surprised. I made up a batch and have been using it.  At first it costs about the same price to buy regular soap (depending on brand). But once you get the ingredients needed to make it it will last a super long time. And start to save you money!  And if you are always doing laundry like me and having to buy soap every other week or so it seems. It will save or give you extra money to spend somewhere else:-)  It is super easy to make. It takes maybe 20 minutes. And you end up with two gallon jugs full of laundry soap. I also have come across a homemade softener recipe but haven't  tried it yet. When I do I will post and let you know how it turned out. Here is the homemade laundry detergent info.

1 bar of soap (any kind you want)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of washing soda
big pot that holds more then 2 gallons, a funnel, spoon, and 2 empty gallon jugs.

grate your bar of soap and put in pan
fill 1 gallon jug and poor in pan with soap
cook until soap is dissolved
add borax and washing soda
bring to boil ( it will coagulate)
turn heat off and add 1 gallon of cold water
stir well and pour in to containers.

I use a 1/2 cup per load for washing. Also it don't sud up like normal detergent.
And you can find the washing soda and borax at walmart in the normal laundry detergent aisle.

It Has Started!

Christmas shopping is in full swing.  I normally wait till the very last minute like Christmas Eve to start and finish my shopping. But this year I am starting a whole month early!  I am super excited about Christmas this year. Cause we are home! I have got three gifts already. I got Tyler a guitar that was 50% off original price. So I could not pass that up. I have bought some new Christmas decorations over the past couple of months. Hobby Lobby had 50% off all Christmas decor in October.  I can't wait. I am going to drag out all the lights and make sure they are working and are ready to go. Cause they day after Thanksgiving they are going on the house. It has been five years since we put lights on the house. Now if we could get some colder weather and maybe even some snow. We would be set.

Family Camp

We have been running since Thursday getting ready for camp.  Talk about a busy weekend. Tyler stood in the boys cabin with his daddy this year for the first time. Talk about feeling lost come bed time with out him. But it was so nice to be able to put my earphones on. Crank the music up loud and not have to hear all the snorers.  LOL It was a really good camp. The classes and messages was good. We got to visit with Jamey, Dus, the kids and Gen and Morgan.( they came with them)  He was the guest speaker. Then we did a family photo shoot Sunday afternoon with Sis Adams. I can't wait to see how they turned out. We also got to visit with Jacob and Philip. Those boys are out of control. We get to be in revival next week with them. And some this week as well.  Jacob also let my son get into the lake new shoes and all. lol Over all a great weekend.

Pre Pre School

So Derek and I have started working with Tyler on ABC's, counting, colors, and animals.  He is doing very good with it all. But has a hard time sitting still for more then 5 minutes. I have seen they the actually have a two year old homeschooling package. But it is pretty pricey and I figure it is just the basic stuff any ways and I can do my own for the 2 yr old stage.  I can tell what we have been doing has helped a lot in just his talking and word saying. So this brings me to the next thing. It is still a ways off but I still need to be thinking about it and have a plan. To home school or not to? I am open minded to them both. Derek is close minded. And believes homeschooling is the only way. I have a huge pro/cons list. And I am just not sure. I am afraid that in this day and age I personally don't know enough to be teaching him. I want him to be able to go to college if that's what he wants to choose.  Also I am sure he is going to want to play sports and I don't want to take that away from him.  I am doing all the research I can. Praying that the Lord will guide my husband and me in the direction we should go. And that there will be peace kept between us when we go to discussing the subject. Any thoughts about this. Or information you have on it is greatly appreciated.

Need A Vacation!

So I am so in need of one. I am not burnt out with life but I am in need of a break. I don't even care if it is for the weekend. I need something. It's funny but working on the road seemed like a vacation here and there. We always went somewhere new. And had new experiences. I kind of really miss it. But it is great to be home. Just wish we could get away sometime in the near further :-(  Life seems so different for me right now. It's weird to put my finger on it. 

So an update on the family. Tyler is a mess. He has the biggest temper I have ever seen! It is going to be the death of me. Potty training is going slow. He goes around the clock every time I take him. But he still isn't getting the idea of telling me.  Which is wearing on me. He is talking up a storm these days. And can say anything. He is a little mocking bird.  He is also huge.  Derek is doing good with his job. Except he is complaining about gaining weight. And is pulling the scale out weekly. Weighing and is getting frantic about putting on 10 pounds since starting this job. LOL I think it is funny! 

Missing

I have had my mom and grandma here since the 14th.  We have got to visit, shop, cook, bake, go to the zoo, play games, and more shopping.  We went to a pumpkin patch had misters convention. Then they  kept Tyler for Derek and I could spend the day and evening together for our 6th wedding anniversary. We went to the Melting Pot and enjoyed are 2hour dinner kid free. I LOVE my his husband so much and am thankful for the years we have had to spend together. I  look forward to many more with him. Now today I will be taking my mom and grandma back to the airport. It's always hard to say goodbye. I am so glad they got to come and spend time with Tyler and get to know him better as he changes every day.  I just hope I we can get out there to them sooner rather then later. To visit again.  Here are a few pictures. 

 

Petting Area 

I DID IT!

Ladies retreat was GREAT! I was so blessed by the messages, and prayer time. Visiting with all the ladies. And being kid free.  It was very needed.  I don't think I have ever laughed as hard as I did with all the crazy girls there.  The 2:30 am  conversations in are cabin. And such wonderful support for one another. Even though sleep didn't happen I feel so revived. Next year can't get here fast enough!  I got a super busy week ahead of me. Got to get the house ready for my mom and grandmas visit.

I CAN DO THIS!

Or can I? This weekend is ladies retreat. I have never left my baby for more then five hours. I find myself sick about leaving him. Not that I don't trust his daddy to care for him. But I don't want Tyler to feel like I am just leaving him. How do you explain to a two year old that momma is gonna be gone for two nights? I know it is good for us both, but man is it hard.  How do you not cry when you walking out the door knowing that he doesn't even see this huge thing coming. Derek and me have also talked about going to a bed and breakfast for our anniversary and leaving Tyler with my mom and grandma for the night but I don't know. How do you part with them? Does it get easier with time, age, and leaving them each time. My mom and dad always talk how they can't wait to have Tyler for the summer and I am always thinking ya right keep dreaming. I can't let my baby be gone a whole summer. I am afraid the hardest is yet to come. I love my son so very much!

Productive

This week has turned into a very good week.  I have stood on top of all my house work. Got some major cleaning and organizing done. Tackled the terrible office/craft/music/guest/collect all junk room. It was a nightmare. I can NOT believe how bad it had gotten.  But it is looking pretty good now! The only big major thing left to do before winter is clean the garage. Which I am not looking forward to. I want to rent a bug dumpster and just toss everything away. And potty training. Things are going a lot better. He is telling me a little here and there. But is now always telling when he has to go #2. And will only do that on the potty. So that is one up. All I got to finish up this week is laundry. But when is that job ever done with a two year old and a guy.

Potty Training

Equals DEATH! So Tyler does great at going every time the timer goes off. He can go all day with out having accidents. But he is not getting it on how to tell me he has to go. So if i know he has to go and don't tell him anything he don't realize it. How do you get them to tell you? It gets tiring taking him every 30 minutes around the clock all day long.  Everything I have read online says to let them go completely naked all day long and that will make them realize they have to go. But I rather not have my child running around naked all day. So I guess I will continue doing the timer thing and maybe things will change and it will start to work out. On the plus side we are saving and not going threw a lot of diapers. I just really would like to get this accomplished and over with.  Not to mention he is getting to fat for diapers. And is on the last diaper size. lol Tyler's not fat but just built and big for his age. I love my boy

Oh Friday!

Oh how you came super quick  and I have got nothing done for the week.  I have got in this lazy mode and can not get out of it. Ya I cook dinner each night. And get the dish washer loaded and unloaded.  But that is about it. No fall cleaning and organizing. I haven't cleaned the bathroom yet this week. Tyler's room looks like a tornado. I haven't vacuumed or dusted. So with no company coming this weekend Im not sure if I will get it done or just wait till Monday.  Laundry is needing done to but I can get away with doing a load for the weekend and doing the rest next week. Oh what to do.

Sports Junky

So Tyler loves every sport. And is super athletic. So I'm sure he is going to play every sport possible. He can catch a ball really good for his age. Derek has him play football. And Ty will yell DOWN SET HIKE and do all the motions to it. Super cute! Tyler has also got really good at t-ball and hits it pretty far. And basketball he is shooting further and further from the hoop. It amazes me at how good he is at each one.  Bad thing is Derek is having a had time teaching him because Tyler is left handed. I love watching my boys play in the evenings. It brings so much joy to my heart. I am truly blessed to have them as my family and in my life. I so look forward to little league games.

Picky Eater

What do you do when your 2 year old turns into a picky eater? He has never been bad but all of a sudden he is awful. Dinner and lunch are the worst time of the day. He loves his fruits and veggies and will eat them no questions asked. But add anything else to the mix and he has a melt down.  I can get him to eat ramen noodles, spaghetti and some times a corn dog. But that is it. He hates potatoes,roast, baked chicken and so on.  Your normal kids food don't work.. Chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, PBJ sandwich, hot dogs.  It is so frustrating at lunch and dinner when you cook a meal and he don't like it. Then you give him a second choice and still won't have anything to do with it. So I finally said I give up! If he don't eat he don't eat. NO second option.  I don't know whats worse force feeding him or just letting him starve.  Kidding of course. So any kid friendly meal ideas are welcome PLEASE :-)  This is driving me crazy.

FALL

My most favorite time of the year. Fan's going, window open allowing fresh air in. Music on, drinking coffee. And the list goes on! This year is extra special because we are home. I get to pull out all my fall decoration and get the house looking all festive. I LOVE IT!  Perfect temps, high school and college football games. Great family time. I am getting all my fall cleaning done in order to get settled into winter and being trapped in the house.  Get things together and have a end of the year yard sale.  Any not to mention the yummy colder day dinners. Soups, chilies, and homemade bread. Hot cocoa and warm apple cider.

So an update with life at home.  Hubby's new job is awesome. He goes in @7 and is home by 3:30. He isn't dead tired and I can tell so much stress has been lifted. I am having a hard time adjusting and getting house work done before he gets home. I am used to having all day till 7pm to do it. Tyler is adjusting so so. I think he misses riding in the car the most. As weird as it may seem.  He has also grown up so much. He now sleeps in his room on his full size bed. All night long with out bringing his pillow, blanket, and puppy to our bed. He has started talking so much more. It amazes me. He is a little mocking bird. He can say S's really good. So any word that starts with an S he can basically say. Although the letter B is tricky for him. Life is fantastic!

HOME

We are now officially moved back home. We turned in the rent house keys Wednesday @9am.  We drove straight home. We got everything unloaded. And today I finished unpacking. My cloths are now put away in a dresser. Something I haven't been able to do in four plus years. It feels pretty crazy. Now that I am home I am finding myself wanting to re-decorate.  I got huge list of things written down already.  I'm going to have to limit myself though. Because sometime in the next couple of years I want to sell this house and build one. It has been a great starter house and then some. But we are out growing the three bedrooms, one bath home. Any who. Derek starts his new job this coming Tuesday. I am so blessed and happy to be home. So very thankful the Lord answered our prayer.

Good Time

I am on my way home. 12 hour drive just in case you are wondering. I had a great time. Tyler loved everybody. And got way spoiled as usual. We went to the zoo,aquarium,park, and a toddler amusement park. He loved every place. He ran every which way. Poor kid was worn out by the end of each day. I got to vist with some old friends also. I ate way to much at my favorite places and probably gained 25pounds. Got to do some shopping with my mom which is always great. I have a ton a pictures from out there but im not gonna mess with them on here. They are on FB if interested. I can't wait till we get to go back. I'm hopeing to be back for thanksgiving. I have a 12 hour drive today. Got about 5 hours left. Then I get to spend tonight and tomorrow morning packing and cleaning to move back home for good! Super excited about that.

Praise The LORD!

Tears of JOY! I am beyond words. The lord is so good. Derek got the JOB. We are gonna be home for good starting in September. Me being bummed out was just the devil because he knew what was coming. I have been on my knees more then ever this past week. Thank your Lord. For answeing my prayers. Lifting my spirts. I feel a huge weight lifted. A normal life I don't know what to expect. But I am super excited. It's been four plus years since I've lived in my house.

Colorado Bond

It's not NC. But I will take it. Derek is going on storm work somewhere on Monday and will be gone a week or more. So my mom and grandma are driving to OK Sunday to get Ty and me! I am pretty excited about getting to go and visit. Maybe I can clear my head out with some fresh CO air. Of course I am going to miss hubby like crazy and I wish he was going with me. But what can you do. It's one of the areas where work controls him in a so to speak manner. But I'm not gonna get started with work junk.  This is a happy post! I look forward for everyone to see and spend time with Ty. He has grown and changed so much since we last was out there. We got a couple of ZOO trips already planned. And I hope to go to the mountains and go fishing. I miss getting to do that.  I also just talked to my Dad and he said the fair will be in town. So Dad has already planned on taking Ty to the fair. To ride some rides and look at the animals there. It's gonna be loads of fun. I have also talked with two of my best friends from school and we have set a play date up for the kiddos.Then a girls night out and the kids with there grandmas is the plan. Side note: It is so crazy that all my friends are in relationships and have kids. We are so grown up! I remember us back in middle school and kids are self.  WOW

This and That

 First off I am supper bummed about not getting to go to the Assembly this year. But with the way things are work wise it was just not possiable this year:-( I am super glad they will be live streaming though.  We have held onto the we still have time it could happen. But that has run  out. So we will just start planning for next year.  It seems I am bummed out with life right now in general. I want to be home and have my hubby work a normal 40 hours a week.  Be able to plan things in advance. Instead of the day before. Go back to school.  And relax on weekends and go to the lake on the boat. We have not had the boat on the water in a year. That is ridiculous. I have been busy on weekends cleanning the house. Going threw each bedroom and cleanning and throwing things out.  I finally got all of Tyler's baby stuff took down and put up. I am redoing his room now. All his 12-18months  cloths in totes and labbled. The only room I have left it the dreaded office/craft/music/collect all junk room. This room is so scary I don't even want to atempt it. I want to put a pad lock on it and never open the door again. lol Maybe it's not that bad. But still bad enough.

Change

We are still waiting to hear back on the job. No news is good news right? We want the job so bad. I told Derek last night I'm not sure what we are gonna do if he doesn't get that job. He will soon be working 7 days a week 12hours a day. Things will have to change. Because I can not handle this job right now. I get to spend two hours a day with him. Even worse Tyler only gets to spend two hours with him. I don't get any interaction with people. I am beginning to loose my mind. Plus I need a break here and there. I know I should be thankful he has a job but this is a bit much.  If we don't get a job at home we will more then likely have to move else where. Hawaii is booming with work and the offer they are giving lineman right now is really good. I just don't know if we could do it. That would be huge. But we are gonna have to sit down do some serious praying and talking about the next step in life. Cause right now I am at a loss as to what to do with it right now.

TWO

Well my boy is TWO. And you can tell. It's like a switch. And a very bad one at that. I mean he has given me more trouble then I don't know what. His fit throwing is gonna be the death of me. I feel like all I am doing is disciplining him 24/7 now. Then he has been locked up in the house because it is so hot.  I have made homemade paint and play dough to entertain him. And do something new with him. We also have been coloring a bunch of pictures. We have built all we can build with the Lego's. I am out of ideas. Indoors with a 2 year doesn't work out well. We go outside about 8 in the evening for an hour. He runs his little heart out. Comes back in still pouring sweet. This heat is got to go! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY



1 day old

My baby will be TWO tomorrow. I'm gonna cry. Time has flown by. I can remember the day I brought him home from the hospital like it was yesterday.  What happen? July 28th 2009 was a AWESOME day. I LOVE him like crazy and could not imagine my life with out him.  He amazes me every day with something new.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVE!!!! MOMMA LOVES YOU.

Mommy Wow

 I'm A Big Kid Now. Big changes are taken place. Or a better way to be said. My baby is growing into a young boy. We are on day three of  full on potty training and he is doing great! How ever I am wore plum out! He had two accidents total the first day. One the second day. And today is doing perfect. He even told me once when he had to go today. I was super excited for him. And it was so encouraging to me. Because there for awhile I was getting worried that he wasn't gonna get caught onto the fact about telling me he had to go. So I hope we can keep things going toward the right direction. Another way change is taking place is no more naps. I wasn't dieing for this change but it seems to work for Tyler. He sleeps all night long from 10:30pm to 10-10:30am. It's great to be getting to sleep full nights now. But I also miss that 2 hours to my self a day. Oh well. We are working it out.  Life is going pretty good right now. I am so thankful.  Still no word about the job. We are still waiting and praying for the lords will.

Open Door

So a job has opened up at home. Derek is in line for an interview. This is the job we have been praying and waiting for. I am on pins and needles waiting it out.  It is a normal job. Sick, vacation, personal time all paid time off.  Forty hours a week. 7am-3:30. So all around awesome. This would give us a normal life back. We would be able to do so many more things with this job. I know it's all in the Lords hands and time. It's just hard to not get hopes to high. I want to be in the Lords will not mine. So please pray with me for these next couple of weeks.

Catch UP

We have been on the go. Two weeks ago my Dad came to visit.  Had a good time visiting. Then  Derek was the camp evangelist so we spent all last week in Arkansas. Camp was wonderful. I have never seen young people so hungry for the Lord. There was 12 saved, 21 sanctified, 19 filled with the Holy Ghost, 2 healed and 32 baptized.  There was an 7 hour service one night. Then praying in the cabins till 3:40am another night. I was truly blessed by the young people.  I have heard good reports of the youth being on fire for the Lord in the local churches and during there Sunday school classes this past Sunday.  Praise the Lord.  Derek and my prayer going into camp for the young people is that they would get a true experience and go back to there churches and stay on fire for the Lord. So the reports are great to hear. Then there was the 4th of July holiday. We had a great cookout, family time, swimming, and fireworks.  Tyler actually enjoyed the fireworks to. He held the sparklers and loved it. Now we are back in Vallient for a couple of days then we will head back over to Arkansas for State Convention. I hope I can get rested up before Friday. Other then going here and there we are all doing good.

Need/Want

A vacation. It seems like everybody I know has gone or is going on vacation. Even if it's a mini one. ALL my family in CO is going on a family camping trip today threw sometime next week up in the mountains. And I am super sad that I am not getting to go. There is nothing like a vacation and all you close family.  The other half of my friends are on some beach.  Then there is others going on weekend vacations. I am super bummed. I have no vacation or mini in my furture. We have alway squeezed one in at least once a year. But this year isn't looking good.  Instead it's Tyler and me alone all day until Derek comes dragging in from work late at night.  I am one sad girl about this. I hope we can squeeze something little in the fall if nothing else. But I'm not getting my hopes up for that. Well I'm done whining now. Or at least I think.

Blah

To potty training. It is almost five and I am wore out. Potty training is tough stuff. We have only had two accidents today. So I think that is pretty good. We have had success the rest of the time. I had started training a couple weeks back. But had to put it on hold due to traveling and moving. But now we have a place and are settled in. So let the training start. I hope he takes right up to it and makes it easy on me. LOL Everything else I have done he has. So why can't this?   We are moved in to our new place. It's really pretty nice. Tons of room for Tyler to play. And I'm blogging. The land lord has free WIFI to all her renters. How awesome is that?! I was thrilled to death.  Because I wouldn't have had Internet otherwise. Because we are literally out in the middle of no where. But it is very pretty. I never knew Oklahoma was this pretty. Plus we are only 8 miles from the lake. Which the locals say  they are really catching catfish right now. So we will be loading up the poles and trying it out. Who knows we may end up bringing the boat up here and staying here weekends to. Nah I am still a city girl. I would end up going crazy out here.

Valliant,OK

Okay so we are gonna end up staying in the smallest town ever after all. I couldn't find any place to stay in Hugo. We got this packed up and are on the road now to move into are new home for the next 4plus months. It's a bit scary though we are moving into this place with out even seeing it! The lady said it is a brand new never been lived in 3 bedroom fully finished trailer. So we shall see when we get there this evening. The town is so small I hope I have phone service. I would really like internet to but I don't have high hopes for that. So if thats the case I will be cut off from the world till weekends when we go back home. And I'm kind of freaking out about that. Internet is a must for me. Anyway back to the whole house thing. I have spent weeks calling and trying to find a place and had no luck until this. So we felt we really needed to jump on it. The town we are going to be living in doesnt even have a walmart. I'm not even sure they have any fast food or eating places. I will have to be driving a distance to walmart. But Tyler will have plenty of play space. I'm bout to loose phone service now so I need to wrap this up. Just hope I get it back. 3G is a beautiful thing.

Wrapping Up

Are time in Texas. Derek is almost done with his job.  It has been a good few months.  But I am looking forward to being only 2 1/2 hours from home instead of 7 plus hours.  But we will be back in Texas in the fall I think. Got to use are Sea World passes. Moving onto Tyler. That kid is out of control. He has no fear. I have been taking him to the pool and he is a natural water dog. He LOVES it. He would stay out there 24/7 if I let him. He is also very very nicely tan. I am very jealous! I got a nice sunburn from it all. And with swimming he has burnt out so much energy and has been sleeping great. I think I found the key. We have also introduce potty training. He has done pretty good with it so far. But had a set back when we came to Texas. We either left his potty seat or lost it on the way down. We are not to sure. I hope it's at home otherwise thats 30 bucks gone. My goal was to have him trained before youth camp but I don't see that happening. That's less then 20 days and Derek wont be able to help much with it due to having to study.  Well if I'm not on it's cause I'm busy moving, packing and helping Derek get ready for Youth Camp.

My Boy

He is getting so smart. He is starting to talk more and the things he says has me in shock. Of course I am probably the only one that knows what he is saying because I am around him 24/7. But the other day I told him to stop he was going to hurt his self. He turned looked at me and said "I know momma" That kid is something else. I have been working with him on where is your eye's,nose,mouth,hands,feet and so on. He will show them all to you. When he is in the mood to anyway. He is also such a big helper. Anything I do he has to have a part in helping. It's so cute. I told Derek we are going to have to start giving that boy allowance. He helps take trash down. He picks up the room. He helps make his bed every night and in the mornings puts it up. He will wipe down the table and end table. He just loves to be involved and helping. He is growing up right in front of my eyes. I bought his stuff for his 2 year old birthday party already. I'm super excited for the theme. Although it was hard to swallow that  he is fixing to be TWO!

Next Town

Hugo,OK is the next town we will be going to. It is 20 minutes from Paris,TX. And around 2 1/2 hours from home! In doing all the pre moving researching it is an interesting town. It is known for all the circus people to live there. Scary and a bit werid right? And after a little thinking I remember watching a show on animal planet deadly attacks. And there was a crazy circus person who got killed in Hugo by his lions. No joke! They only have four motel/hotels there. And none are no names.(name brand you can say) They only have two known name eating places. Mc Donalds gag, and Sonic. One good thing is they have a walmart. Or so that's what my white page app tells me. We don't have a move date yet. Just the fact that we have another job after this one is up. Oh and the rumor being said is they will only be working 5 days a week! Yay

So Behind

I'm gonna hit the big stuff and try to speed you up to date. My mom and grandma come and picked us up. We spent 14 or so days in Colorado. Had a great time visiting family and friends! Tyler took up with everyone and had a great time getting spoiled. I also got to spend mothers day there with my mom for the first time in 6 years. We had a nice cook out. Also while there i bought all of Tyler's birthday stuff. (he will be two in 3 months!)I was out shopping and found the perfect theme. Then we had a 10 hour drive back to Texas. Now we are counting down the days till this job is up and we can move closer to home.

Great Weekend

We had a blast in San Antonio! We got some really good deals. First the hotel was super cheap. Then Sea World was having a special and we got a years memembership for the price of a regular days admission:~) Talk about awesomeness. So we will be going back. Tyler really really enjoyed it. He loved the shows and they just opened up a seaseme street park area that he loved. He played all over the huge playground. And the water park area he had a blast running threw the water fountains. We had a good time at the river walk. I finally got to go to Ben&Jerrys! Yummy. We ate at Joes Crab Shack. And Tyler loved the dancing they do. It was great family time that was much needed. Now the work week has started. I have one day to pack up and get things ready. Tyler and me are gonna be going to Colorado to visit these next 10 work days. Then Derek will go out there to get us when he gets off. Busy busy busy. Go go go!

Is There Really A Good Time

For a second baby? This has been my thoughts for the past month. With Tyler knocking at the door of being two. I want them to be close in age but at the same time not take away from Tyler being the baby. It's hard to think of him having to share his mommy. When it has just been me and him. Then there's the traveling problem. I know I can not handle another pregnancy on the road. The only reason I was able to with Ty was I could lay down when ever I needed to. I didn't have to worry about chasing after a toddler. Plus being so far away traveling would make my dr appointments super hard. Or maybe I am just way over thinking it. None the less I am getting baby fever. But over all are we really ready for another baby?! And no I am not pregnant.

Really?

It is only Friday?! Derek still has five days of work to go before he is off. I really hate this working 10 days straight thing. Before he only worked 4 days a week and it was the best ever. Anyways. Texas so far. Hot,dry,and windy. It is so dry that all three of us has had bloody noses at least once. Plus Tyler and me have been sick. Allergies or cold I'm not to sure. I can't wait till he's off and we can go exploring. The first trip will be to San Antonio. Because we are only 3 1/2 hours from there. So we plan on going to sea world, the alamo, maybe the US Lexington battleship,and the river walk. I would also like to squeeze in the coast that trip but I don't know if it will happen. So Ty is taking things pretty well. By the end of the day he is kinda stir crazy so we go do something with him when Derek gets off. We found a nice park that we can take him to. Then we went to chick fila for a shake and he played in the play place. We have also went to there mall and let him walk up and down it with us. Then he played in there play area. Tonight might be chucky cheese. None the less we are making the best of it. My little boy is a trooper.

Week 1

Well we got into Texas last night. Boy was it along drive. We thought we would go back home here and there, but I don't see that happening:-( Tyler did okay considering. But it is something we are not gonna put him threw. We got checked into "our" home last night. It is nicer then I thought. And think it will work pretty well for us. It has some space for Tyler. And Ty seems to not mind it. He has his block station thing and his basketball hoop. And for the first time last night he slept in his own bed the whole night without waking up! Now that I am here I am looking forward to our adventures here these next few months. As driving here I told Derek we are not in Kansas anymore toto. It felt super weird coming this direction instead of Kansas.lol Is that sad or what? I am gonna try my best to keep this updated. But I don't have wi-fi. And I'm not willing to pay 10 dollars a week just yet for it. Ha!

ABC's

A. Age: 24 and pushing on the door of 25. Yikes I'm getting old
B. Bed size: queen would like to have bigger.
C. Chore you dislike: cleaning the bathroom. It grosses me out! Derek does all the cleaning there.
D. Dogs:none but one day soon.
E. Essential start to your day: brushing teeth.
F. Favorite color: Lime green
G. Gold or silver: silver
H. Height: 5'1 maybe?
I. Instruments you play(ed): Zero.
J. Job title: Family Manager ;)
K. Kids: Tyler who is almost 2!
L. Live for ______: God and my family.  That's it!
M. Most embarrassing moment: hmm
N. Nicknames: Lee
O. Overnight hospital stays: The one and only time was when I had Tyler.
P. Pet peeves: I have so many.
Q. Quote from movie: can't think of one.
S. Siblings: I'm the only child.
T. Time you wake up: Normaly 10:-)
U. University attended: Not for me.
V. Vegetables: Pretty much all of them
W. What makes you run late: Kiddo never seems to fail that he will pee through his freshly new cloths right before we walk out the door:-/
X. X-rays you’ve had: I don't think I've ever had any.. I can't remember..
Y. Yummy food you make: Derek says my chili. Also homemade pizza.
Z. Zoo animal favorites: Hippos and giraffes. But of course I love zoos:-)

Acting Out

So since Derek has been gone to Texas Tyler has started acting out. It has been a hard dealing with him. I know it has turned his world up side down. So I have really been patient with him. But thankfully Derek will be back Wednesday. We will go to Youth Convention in Arkansas over the weekend. Then Sunday afternoon we will head to Texas. I think they are going to be moving Derek already. So we might be going to Lubbock.

So Tyler update. He is growing like a weed. And couldn't be more rotten. He is starting to talk so much. And is four months from being two! It makes me soo sad to think about. He is no longer my baby. But my big boy! Soon potty will take place then maybe talk of another baby. Life is flying by.

New Chapter

Derek has started working in Texas. And I am in Oklahoma. Boy it's harder then I thought it would be. Poor Tyler has had his daddy home with him for almost 4 weeks straight. And now he is gone. Last night Tyler took me threw the whole house yelling DADDY DADDY DADDY. It broke my heart. Then  he would not get off the phone with him. I would tell him to say bye and take the phone and he would just cry. I would give the phone back to him and he would just start talking again. Poor poor boy. It's gonna be tough on all of us. After him being done with his schooling and training we thought everything would be great. But it has been the least of that. So I guess we will take it one day at a time. And keep praying for the perfect job at home.

It's Gone!

Tyler is now fully pacifier FREE! And get this it was the most easiest thing to do. We cut it and gave it to him and he hated it. He lost interest in it and gave  it up the first night. I could not believe it. (I highly recommend the cutting the tip of it.)  So that is one more thing crossed off the list. Now we will be working on him sleeping in his own room all night. Then by his birthday potty training. I'm not wanting to rush him to much on the potty thing. Now if we could work on his temper and attitude problems we would be go to go. Lets see other Tyler news. He is now talking up a storm. He has never been much of a chatty one. But here lately that's all he does. It's so cute. He is saying a lot more words. And it is clear. Also after he high fives he now  does knuckles. He is a ball of energy.

Job Less & TX

We are going back on the road or should I say moving to Texas for awhile. Derek is out of a  job. We have prayed and put applications in but nothing has opened up. So it looks like we will be going to Abilene within the next two weeks or so. I have been sick over it. We have thought and talked each tiny option out but nothing else has seemed right. So last night I broke down and started looking at apartments and town homes. I have a list of places and will be making the calls. This is a huge change coming at us and could use all the prayers we can get. We will still have our house in OK. Until we figure out what is next. I was looking at weather and they are already in the 80's. I am wanting to die in more ways then one. Derek is going to be working long hours. Either 6days a week 12hours a day. Or 10 days on 4 off 14 hour days . Both super sorry. So a lot of the time it will just be me and Tyler. I am still praying and believing that the lord has the perfect job for us. But it is just in his timing.

Terrible Two's

Has hit! I have seen it coming but  it hadn't been real bad.  Disciplining was working but now has no effect on him. Well we are in full force now. I am so worn out already and it has only started. I feel so bad because it seems all I do is discipline. Getting onto him 24/7 makes me feel awful.  I have really been trying to keep him busy so he wouldn't have much free time for trouble. Its helping some but not all. In his free time while I was fixing lunch he manage to climb up and get the fish food and dump it all out. Then come show me what he did. Grrr. Pull all the wipes out of the case and rip them into pieces. And get the Kleenex box and rip everyone of those.  Then comes the fit throwing. The worst of all. I really can handle all the little messes. But the fit throwing is the final straw. It's over dumb things like his shoe not going on, the ball not going in the hoop to  me telling him no about something and him getting mad. He has not done it in public and I pray he never does. Otherwise we will be finding the nearest bathroom! I know I must and will get threw this but it isn't gonna be easy.

First Pet

So Tyler got his first pet over the weekend. His daddy was feeling very nice and offered to get him one. I was shocked! Because this guy doesn't do any pets. He is anti pets. But the little boy is breaking him down one step at a time.So here is Lenny.  Tyler loves him. He runs to the tank every morning when we get done brushing are teeth and we feed him together.  And then Tyler and daddy give him a snack before bed. Ha. He is going to be the fatty. Tyler has done really good to not hit the tank or stress the little guy out. He gets so excited. So all around everyone is happy with the new little addition.  I'm hope that we will be able to break daddy down and get a puppy this summer for Tyler's 2nd birthday. Tyler loves all animals. And gets so happy when he gets to see any. I think a zoo membership will be in order this year. And the petting zoo will be the main stop. We may have a zoologist on our hands.

Could It Be?

Spring is coming. We have had warm weather these past few days and the next week is looking to be warm to. Yesterday I got out my flip flops and capri's. Loved it. Now the the dreaded summer shopping for Tyler is coming.  The poor kid is gonna have a rough summer. It was 69 out and he had on his OU jersey, pants, and flip flops and was hot. He takes after his momma. So it looks like the job Derek is on will last another month. Then who knows. Texas is still on the table then there is Kansas. Now there has be talk of California. He has also got his resume done up so these next few days are gonna be apply, apply, apply. We are praying the lord will open the perfect door  for us.  So Tyler boy. He is a mess! We are having the hardest time keeping him clothed. He feels the need to strip down and run free. I had a friend over this past weekend and had to pre apologize for his behavior. Just in case it happen before I got to him. Like when he is playing in his bedroom and comes flying up the hall naked! AHHH that boy.

Round 2

Of cabin fever. We are having another blizzard. With just as much snow. But what makes it bad is we still had the snow from last week. lol But we are going to try and make the best out of it.We plan to go make a snowman. And maybe go sledding.  I'm really kicking myself about not going to the movie store last night=( I guess it's DVD series, movies, and hulu. I'm just thankful Derek is home with me this time. Poor Tyler is going crazy. I wish they had indoor play places here in town. He needs to run, jump, and play. He is a boy full of energy trapped in the house.

Cabin Fever

Nothing like a good old blizzard. We got around 18 inches of snow in the last 24 hours. With 4-6 foot snow drifts. We are completely snowed in. And the worst part is Derek is off in another state working in this mess. With the flu I might add. Tyler is going crazy climbing walls. I am right there with him. We do not do good confined. Every turnpike was closed down yesterday and all of Tulsa was shut down. Crazy Okies don't do well with snow. Being from CO it is no big deal. And makes  me laugh.  I am ready for a vacation to somewhere warm and lots of outdoor activity's.

On The Road Again?!

It seems I can never get away from stress. So we have been living at home since the first of December. It has been great. But job and money wise not so much. Derek has looked and talked to people about jobs local but nothing.  His hour and a half commute is rough. Not guaranteed hours and so on. So the choice on hand, back on the road. Where back on the road? Way to far away. Options being Abilene,TX, Nevada, California, and I can't remember where else. None driving distance on weekends back home. And a lot of the jobs Derek would be working 7days a week.  Tyler and me would be all alone most of the time. I'm just not sure if I could handle it. I am so sick about it. I know God has a perfect will for us. We just need to find it. The lord has answered so many prayers already. I can't express how thankful I am for his love. We sold the RV last night and it was just in time. I was in tears and praising the lord because I was in aw of the MIGHTY GOD we serve.

I'm A Big Kid Now?!

So it seems weird to be thinking about potty training before I even get Tyler off his pacifier. Or for that matter into his own bed.  But he has been showing more and more signs that he is ready. And is interested in it. When you ask him if he went he says yes and he is! Then he will lay down for you to change him. So any thoughts about it? It's crazy. I'm gonna give him a little bit more time then we will go buy him a potty chair. Who knows I may have him trained before his 2nd birthday which would awesome! Tonight we are starting him sleeping in his room. He already takes his naps in there. He seems very comfortable in his room. Plays in his room hours at a time. When you ask where Tyler's room is he will take you straight to it. So I hope that he is used to it and will take right to it.   He is growing up so fast. He will be 18 months this month. CRAZY! It's hard to look back at him when he was a baby=( Each day he is becoming more of a daddy's boy.*sniff*sniff He loves to play basketball and wrestle and run around the house following his dad. He wakes every morning looking for his dad. He will yell at the top of his voice DAD, DAD, DADDY!  Till I tell him he is gone to work. I love my boys.

Cooking

I love trying new recipes and cooking. I cooked my first turkey for Christmas this year and it turned out real moist and good. Then for the new years eve party I tried out a couple other new recipes. Just last week I tried my hand at homemade biscotti. Super good and super cheap to make. Sunday I made some homemade bread. Can you say gain 20 pounds instead of lose!  My husband and I got into cooking together a few years ago and when we get the chance to do it, its sooo good. We have mastered PF Chang's chicken lettuce wraps! But for some reason every night weekly meals have been going bad for me. Meals I have cooked for years going the bad route. They just don't taste the same. I don't get it. What am I doing wrong. It's weird. Maybe I just need to change everything and do new meals all the way around. Of course it is harder to cook when you have a 17 almost 18 month old toddler to keep in mind.  Who is a picky eater at times.  Okay picky most times.  But yeah.

GOALS

Definition: the result  or achievement toward which effort is directed
So with the New Year here we go.
1.Get Tyler in his own room
2. Eat dinner at dinner table every night with no TV.
3. Spend more time together.
4. Lose 20 pounds
5. Start online classes
6. Tyler off pacifier
7. Piano lessons
8. Get all remaining bills paid off
9. Put more into savings
10.Have girls night out once a month