Ten Things Tuesday

1. Christmas was so much fun!  I got the boys up at 5:00 and they were wide open!  When I was getting the boys in the car to go to Lumberton, Landon told me that "Santa did a GREAT job!"
2. We always clean out all the "baby" toys and toys that don't get played with the day after Christmas so that we can make room for the new toys.  Well, this is the first year that Landon has noticed.  He wanted to know where all his old toys were, why Santa didn't come see those kids we were giving the toys to, etc, etc.  Then, after thinking about all I'd told him and looking at the basket of toys in the back seat, he looked at Chris and me and said, "I sure am going to miss my rocket."
3. Sunday night, the boys were in bed watching cartoons before going to sleep. Well, if you have kids, you know on Diego, they interact with the kids that are watching, telling them to say certain things.  Anyway, after they had been watching it for a while, we heard Nixon yell, "I DID DIEGO!"  I guess he thought Diego didn't hear him!
4. Take a look at what Santa brought Landon...

5. Take a look at what Santa brought Nixon...

6. Nixon absolutely loved opening up presents..in fact..he opened up his, Landon's, and anyone else's that would let him!

7. Immediately after all the presents were opened and played with, Landon wanted to know how long before Santa comes again.
8. Landon didn't get the Transformer rain boots that he wanted, but he did get some Pirate ones, along with a Pirate umbrella that he was estactic about.  Luckily, it rained on Christmas day, so he got to break both in and Nixon got to use his Spiderman boots.

9. We started a new tradition this year.  Instead of Chris working on Christmas Eve like he normally does, he took the day off and stayed home with us.  We took Nixon to see his first movie at the movie theater, "Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel."  We had so much fun doing this, we decided to try to go see a matinee every Christmas Eve, as long as they have something the boys can watch.
10. All our inside Christmas decorations came down the day after Christmas.  It's kind of sad, but I just have to put them away as soon as Christmas is over so I don't get too depressed that Christmas is a  year away! 

Ten Things Tuesday - Christmas Edition

Since Christmas is just a few days (3!!) away, I figured I'd do this one Christmas-style

1. Ever since I can remember, I can't seem to sleep on Christmas Eve..I'm that excited that I just can't fall asleep.  Do you know how hard it is to sit there and watch the hours go by knowing just in the other room there are presents to be opened?
2. Because of this, I would always want to get up at the crack of dawn. My mom always made me wait until at least 6:00 am, but the first year we were married, Chris got up with me at 4:30 am!  Since then, I've made myself wait until at least 5:30 because that makes for a long day when you have so much family to see!
3. My boys have yet to wake me up.  I wake them up every year.  In fact, Nixon's first Christmas (he was 3 months old), I woke him up and he was so cranky, we sent him back to bed while Landon opened up all his gifts.  Nixon woke up about time Landon was finishing and then enjoyed his gifts very much from that point on.
4. We have a couple of Christmas traditions for our family.  The first one is that we buy our tree first thing the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving.  While it's falling out outside, I clean the house and put out the decorations, while Chris works on the outside lights.  We're usually done late that afternoon and we bring the tree in to decorate.  We always eat pizza while we do this and watch a Christmas movie of some sort.
5. The second tradition is we each open up one present on Christmas Eve.  It always holds a brand new pair of pajamas so we all look pretty for the video and pictures the next morning!
6. Every year since we moved to Johnston County, we go see Lights on the Neuse.  It consists of about a 30 minute hay ride through woods and around a farm.  They have big lights up with Christmas music playing.  The lights move to the beat of the music.  They also have a building with old time candy and hot chocolate and Santa is usually there for pictures.
7. This will be the first Christmas that Chris & I don't do presents for each other.  We still have our stockings, but we agreed that we'd rather spend our money on stuff for the house if and when we get it.
8. I started listening to Christmas music the week of Thanksgiving.  That's all I've been listening to since then!
9. My favorite Christmas movies are "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," "A Christmas Story," Elf," and "It's a Wonderful Life."
10. Christmas is so much more special when you see the excitement and joy in a child's eyes.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I started feeling really crappy all of a sudden on Sunday morning when I woke up.  It's gotten ten times worse, so I finally went to the doctor this morning.  I was really afraid I had the flu, but luckily I tested negative for that.  The PA just thinks it's some sort of virus working its way through. 
2. We found out today that we got the house!  Closing date is set for December 31!  It's going to be a busy couple of weeks!
3. I have definite proof that Nixon's tubes are working.  He's had a bad cold for about a week now and his ears started draining fluid on Monday.  I've used the ear drops they gave us after his surgery and it's already stopped.  What an improvement!
4. We go on the Polar Express this Saturday.  I can't wait.  I know Landon and Nixon will love it!
5. Landon loved his basketball practice this past Wednesday.  I was really very surprised with how well he done considering he's never practiced any basketball skills at home.  The only thing we ever practice is baseball!
6. Have I mentioned how excited I am to have a house again?
7. Holy cow..I just realized that I have two weeks to pack..all while trying to enjoy Christmas!  Oh well, I guess it'll work out =)
8. I'm ready to go look at some Christmas lights.  I can't believe I haven't been to see any yet!
9. I also can't believe there's only 10 days until Christmas!
10. I'm all tapped out..ever feel like all you need is a long vacation somewhere warm?  That's me lately!

Wordless Wednesday

Showing their true colors while trying to take that perfect picture for the Christmas Card

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Still waiting on news for the house..this waiting is killing me!
2. There are some things going on at work that have me a little stressed.  Just pray that I get through it and that I let God handle it.  He can do so much better than I can! 
3. Only 17 days until Christmas.  I still have a few presents left to buy, which is pretty good I think!
4. Santa Claus called Landon last night.  He was so excited, he couldn't even talk.  He pretty much just agreed with everything Santa said, but did manage to get out that he wanted a sword that turns into a gun.
5. Landon's first basketball practice is tomorrow night.  I can't believe my baby is old enough to be playing sports.  I remember going to my brother's games every Saturday and now my baby will have them!
6. I'm loving this cooler weather..it makes it feel like it's actually Christmas!
7. Red (our Elf on the Shelf) has been a big hit this year.  Nixon actually loves looking for him every morning.  I don't remember Landon being so into it at this age, so it's really cute to see.
8. Nixon took a tractor to school on Friday.  When I was getting him out of the car, he looked at me and said, "Kylee's gonna wuv my tractor."  My little boy has it bad for Kylee!
9. I can't believe I'll be registering Landon for kindergarten in a few months.  That just doesn't seem real!  My little boy in big boy school.  I'm afraid I'm going to be a mess the first week of school!
10. Chris has started on his work for National Boards...pray for him that he passes the first try.  I know he can do it!

Ten Things Tuesday

I know this is a little late, but it's been a crazy day and better late than never, right?  After all, it's still Tuesday :)

1. I lost weight on Thanksgiving week...granted it was only 0.2 lbs, but with the way I enjoyed my Thanksgiving, I would've been happy with maintaining!
2. Chris and I went shopping on Black Friday.  The two of us do that every year and I absolutely love it!  We shopped from 5:00 a.m. until about 1:30!  It was so much fun.  Then, after the boys took a nap, we took Ellie to PetSmart to pick out her Christmas presents.  Landon thought that was a lot of fun.
3. Our tree and all our decorations are up.  I absolutely LOVE this time of year.  Red (our Elf on the Shelf) is back to visit us. Landon and Nixon both love finding his new spot everyday. 
4. Nixon has a new expression..he looks at you and says, "Mommy...ew(you) know what?"  After you say, "What," he'll proceed to tell you some crazy fact or something he did that day.  It's the sweetest thing.
5. Speaking of Nixon, when he was supposed to be taking his nap on Friday, Chris and I heard him talking to himself through the baby monitor.  Not unusual, but this time he was counting in Spanish from 1 - 10!  I have no clue who taught him this, but he does it on command, so obviously he learned it somewhere b/c he knows that it's Spanish.
6. We made a verbal offer on the house that we looked at on Wednesday.  Today, the bank called (it's a bank-owned property) and said to put it in writing.  They said that wasn't a sign they would accept, but it sounds promising to me!!  Potential Future Home of the Walters' Family
7. This house backs up to Kylee's backyard.  This one is on a cul-de-sac and her house is on the cul-de-sac on the next road.  I think we're setting them up for some potential trouble in the future!
8. Landon asks me everyday how many days until Christmas..I never knew there could be someone more excited than me!
9. Our Christmas parade is tonight.  Landon was very excited to find out that we would be going when I picked him up from school.
10. I'm so excited about the things going on for us right now that I can't even think of anything else to put on here..my mind is going crazy!

And on Another Note...

I forgot to mention, when I asked Landon what he was thankful for, he replied in the following way,

"I'm thankful for Nixon, Mommy, E-wie (Ellie), Daddy, Nana, Sidnee, Grammy, Pa-pa, U-cas (Lucas), and Poppy."  When Chris asked if he was thankful for some other people in our family, he said, "Yeah, all them too."

When I asked Nixon what he was thankful for, he replied, "Mommy, Daddy, Na-none (Landon), Kylee, Grammy, tractors and the cows."  How cute is that! 

As a family, we're very thankful for all of you..those listed and not listed!  You know who you are!

Ten Things Tuesday - Thanksgiving Edition

Sorry Amanda, I'm copying you..what a great idea!

Ten Things I'm Thankful for ...in no particular order.

1. Those serving our country to protect our freedom.  I feel our freedom is something that's definitely taken for granted by many.  Think of all those that serve, risking their lives daily, so that we can enjoy our freedom.  I love you and miss you Tonio.  Stay safe!

2. My job.  There's so many people without jobs right now.  I can't imagine having a job where I had to worrry if it would be there tomorrow.  Chris and I are very fortunate to have great jobs with security and benefits.
3. My moma. She taught me to stand up for myself and to be independent.  I've had to do it many times and it always worked out in my best interest.  She taught me that no one will stand up for you if you don't stand up for yourself.

4. The rest of my family..on Chris' side and mine..you know who you are..too many to name..you've always been there for us no matter what.  I love each and every one of you dearly.
5. Friends.  Old and new..I have so many friends that I've known for a lifetime it feels like!  They all know me so well..I have long distance friends that know I'm bad at keeping up with them so they keep up with me..I have new friends that I couldn't live without.  Each one of you are very special to me.  
6. My family's health.  It's something that shouldn't be taken for granted.  I hear so many stories of kids with cancer, losing husbands in fatal accidents..I just couldn't imagine life without Chris or my boys.  
7. God.  I know that he's always there for me, even when I may turn my back on Him.  It's also so great to know that Chris is 'on the same side' and that I can talk to him about anything related to religion and that we'll share eternity together.
8. Landon and Nixon. I love my two little boys so much it hurts sometimes. Sure, I'd love a little girl to add to the bunch, but I can't imagine life without my little boys. They always seem to know when their moma needs a hug or kiss, or even just to sit and hold my hand. They're the sweetest little boys I could ask for and they love their moma as much as I love them.

9. Chris.  He understands me so much it's scary sometimes. He knows when to leave me alone, when to push me and even when to aggravate me!  Even when he doesn't agree with me, he backs me up.  He's my rock in unstable times and I've told him if he ever goes anywhere, I'm going with him!
10. Memories.  I have had a great life so far.  I've done plenty of things, with very few regrets.  I've had a lot of good times, with a few bad mixed in.  I know there are plenty of memories to be made, and I hope that everything going forward will go as well as the past. 
    
    
    

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I lost the amount of weight that I gained last week.  Woo hoo..on the down side again.  I've also worked out the past two nights.  I know it's just a matter of getting into the habit, but I hate to do it!  I'd much rather go home after a long day at work.  Oh well, at least I'm teaching the boys some good habits, right? 
2. Ellie gets her stitches out on Friday and I can't wait.  I'm used to giving her a bath every two weeks and it's been a month.  I can't wait to give her a good bath and some doggy perfume!
3. I can't believe that Christmas is getting so close.  Only 10 more days until Black Friday!!
4. We took family pictures a month ago and I still haven't purchased any.  I just can't decide which ones I like.
5. Chris got a call today that he's going to be a college professor!  Johnston Community College needs a Health teacher one night a week, so starting in January, he'll be teaching on Tuesday night from 6:00 - 8:30.  My mom thinks we like to work too much, but Dave Ramsey says to pay off your debt with Gazelle Intensity.  I think we're working on it!
6. When I picked the boys up yesterday afternoon, Nixon looked at me and said, "Nesha (Ms. Tenisha) put cream on my butt."  It was the cutest thing ever!  He's had an upset stomach for about a week, so we're having to pull out the diaper cream.  When I told the teacher what he said this morning, she said, "Yea, he just laid there and said that feels good."  What a little stinker!  He definitely could be potty trained if he wanted to.  He's too stubborn to do it in my time though.
7. Landon's teacher reminded me yesterday what a good and smart boy he is.  Makes me feel good to know I must be doing something right!
8. I finally found a toy that Landon's been saying he wanted.  When you ask him what he wants for Christmas, the answer is usually a Power Ranger sword that turns into a gun.  I didn't think they had such a thing, but we found it on Friday night in Wal-Mart.  Luckily, Landon was with me so I was able to confirm this was the right one.
9. Landon told Nixon last night that he better be good if he wanted Santa to bring him some toys.
10. I don't think it's any surprise that my two boys are complete opposites, but it's amazing how you can love them so much, equally, but in different ways.  I love them more than life itself!  I don't know how any parent could do anything that would harm their child or put them in harm's way.  It makes me so sad to hear stories such as the one in Fayetteville.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I don't even want to talk about how Weight Watchers went this past week..period.
2. Ellie got spayed Thursday.  When I brought her home, I had to explain to the boys that the doctor had to do surgery on her so she wouldn't get sick anymore.  I know, not the complete truth, but it's what they would understand.  Anyway, all night, Nixon would bend over to look at her scar and so seriously, he would say, "Aww..Lwie(Ellie)."  It was the cutest thing!
3. I just found out last week that one of my friend's that's due in April is having a girl..seriously, all my friends have girls but me!  I think I'm cursed! :)
4. Two people Chris and I know won a lot of money in raffles this past weekend.  I'm thinking I should've listened to Chris when he wanted to go buy a lottery ticket!
5. Nixon is very clingy lately.  At night, he loves to sit right beside me on the couch while we watch his favorite cartoons and I love it!
6. Landon can recognize the words "of", "at", and "the" now.  I bought him some Dr. Seuss flash cards with sight words on them.  I can't wait to get started on that!
7. I absolutely can't wait until the day after Thanksgiving!  I'm so excited to go shopping for the boys this year.  It's going to be so much fun!
8. I'm still  a little depressed the house didn't work out.  I was excited thinking that we'd be in there in time to decorate for Christmas and to register Landon for kindergarten. But, I know an even better one is right around the corner.
9. We paid off another debt this past week!  Woo hoo!  We're averaging paying off around $1,300 a month in debt, which is very exciting!
10. One morning this past week, Landon and Nixon woke up early and came down the stairs holding each other's hands.  I wish they could stay this sweet with each other forever, but I'll enjoy it while I can.

When I Grow Up

I had the following conversation with Landon yesterday on the way home from school:

Landon:  When I grow super-100 years old, I'm going to be a farmer.
Me:  Oh yeah, you want to be a farmer?
Landon:  Yep, and you're going to buy me a big orange tractor.

Where does this stuff come from?

In other news, Nixon says he wants to be a pig when he grows up.

Wordless Wednesday

Nixon and his girlfriend, Kylee...looks like love, huh?

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I gained 1 lb this past week. I can't say that I'm surprised with all the soft drinks I've consumed this past week..add a little Halloween candy and there's your one pound! 
2. I don't think that the house we made an offer on is going to work out.  Sunday, they told our realtor that there were 3 other offers on the table that were much higher than ours.  We didn't offer them too much less than the listed price, so I can't imagine them just holding 3 offers when it's already going into foreclosure, but oh well.  They're not going to pressure us into offering more than the house is worth at this time.
3. Nixon's never been scared of anything really.  He's a little daredevil and usually never meets a stranger.  But lately, he's scared to death of monsters and tigers in our house.  He'll be playing and say, "Be quiet, there's a monster in that room."  But if you play along and say, "Where's the monster?" he gets all freaked out. 
4. Nixon loves to sing the Mickey Mouse song..you know the one, "Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog."  Whenever we eat hotdogs, he'll sing it at the top of his lungs and it's the cutest thing. 
5. Landon told me Sunday that he's so sad that Halloween is over.  Poor thing..he really loved it this year.
6. Ellie goes to be spayed on Thursday.  I'm a little nervous for her, but geez, I hope it calms her down!
7. We got our family pictures back on Sunday..now the hard part..deciding which ones to buy!
8. Today's Election Day in our Town...should be interesting to see if we have the same Mayor and Councilmembers tomorrow as we do today.
9. I asked Landon and Nixon if they would like me to have another baby.  Both said yes, but when I asked if they wanted a brother or a sister, Landon said, "I've already got a brother, I don't need another one."
10. This time change is kicking our butts. Landon has puffy eyes from not sleeping enough and I feel like the days are dragging on.  I guess it'll all even out after a week or so:)

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween Everyone! Take a look at my cute firemen.



 

On an exciting side note, we put an offer on a house..keep your fingers crossed and click below!!

Potential Future Home of the Walters' Family!!

Wordless Wednesday

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I lost 0.4 lb this week!  Woo hoo!
2. Halloween is this weekend.  The boys are so excited!
3. I have jury duty this morning, so this will be a quick post.
4. Nixon's ear tube surgery went well..he was back to normal right after his belly was full.
5. We had our family pictures on Sunday and it was so much fun.  I can't wait to see the pictures.  I know they'll be great because of who was taking them.
6. Sunday afternoon we went to the Pumpkin patch.  It's so much fun doing things like that and I know my boys will remember doing those family activities when they get older.
7. We found a house that's perfect for us.  We'll see where that goes...
8. Chris and I are going to a Halloween party on Friday night.  We're going as a disco couple.  I'll post some pictures:)
9. Okay..I really can't think of anything else in so short of time.
10. Except..I'm really nervous about jury duty..is that crazy?

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I lost 2 lbs. this past week!  That's a total of 8.8 lbs. lost in 9 weeks I think =)
2. Landon told me Sunday night that he's not scared of "hairwolfs"
3. Landon told my mom this past weekend that he's getting a new house on Friday.  Oh, how I wish!
4. Chris & I had a great weekend!  We were so lazy without the boys here.  We slept in on Saturday and then I cooked a breakfast casserole.  Later, after cleaning the house, we went house hunting. 
5. I have a new guilty pleasure - Sons of the Anarchy..it's so good!
6. Nixon's surgery is this Friday..I'm so nervous about it, but I'm sure everything will go well.  I think he actually has an ear infection right now, but I hate to take him to the doctor tomorrow when we already have a pre-op appointment on Wednesday.
7. Our family pictures are scheduled for Sunday at a park in Raleigh.  I am so excited about them!  I hope the boys smile pretty! 
8. I found out this morning that Nixon was fighting with Luke yesterday over Kylee.  Apparently, Luke was sitting beside Kylee and Nixon did not like that one bit!
9. Landon asks me everyday after school how many days are left until Halloween. He's "super excited" to wear his costume.
10. I think we'll go to the Pumpkin patch this weekend.  Landon remembers the hayride from last year and he can't wait to go back.  I love having these little family outings.  We're making the best memories!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I gained 1.6 lbs. this week.  Pretty much gained what I lost last week.  Oh well..better luck next week, right? 
2. A compliment from another mom always makes you feel good about yourself.  Thanks Holly for your comment last week...it came at just the right time!
3. Nixon got put in time out in Sunday school this past Sunday.  Really?  What kid gets time out in church?
4. I got some notecards to write sight words on yesterday.  Time for Landon to learn to read!
5. My ten-year high school reunion was this past weekend.  I had looked forward to this from the time I graduated high school.  I couldn't wait to see how different everyone was after 10 years.  Too bad it wasn't put together well and it was only advertised on Facebook.  I didn't go and from the pictures I've seen and what I've heard, I'm glad I didn't.
6. I absolutely love the new TV show, "The Modern Family."  It is hilarious and I recommend it to anyone for a good laugh.
7. Our new software at work is wonderful!  Of course only 1/3 of it is installed and from what I've heard, this part is the easiest one to convert.  Oh well, I'm taking my victories as they come!
8. I love this cooler weather.  I think Ellie does too..there's a little more pep in her step when I take her outside.
9. I would love to have a good massage!  I haven't had one since I was pregnant with Nixon...which is about 2 1/2 years ago!
10. I need to find a new breakfast menu that's good on Weight Watchers.  Cereal is just not filling me up like it should.  Any suggestions?

Wayne County Fair

So Landon's prayer was finally answered last night..we went to Wayne County Fair.  I just can't get over how nice this fair is compared to others that I've been to.  Half of the rides are little kid's rides so we really get our money's worth with Landon.  On top of that, there's never that many people there when we go and you can just hop right on a ride and you don't even have to wait.  Landon had so much fun he couldn't hardly stand himself.  Here are some random quotes I heard from him throughout the night:

• Oh my gosh, it's going to be so much fun.
• That ferris wheel is going to be super scary.
• That ride went so fast like superman.
• That ferris wheel was so fun.  I was so high I could see my house.
• Nixon, don't be scared.  The fair will be so much fun.
• I love the Fair.
• I want to come to the Fair 100 times.
• Is the Fair going to be here again?
• Bye Fair....see you next year!

We got there around 6:15 and didn't end up getting home until 10:45.  The boys were so tired, they just conked right out after bath.  I didn't get that many pictures, but here's a couple that turned out okay.

Wordless Wednesday

Nixon was checking out his girlfriend Libby

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I lost 1.6 lb this past week at WW!!  That means I reached my 5% goal and then some!
2. We're going to Wayne County Fair tomorrow night (as long as it doesn't rain) and Landon is so excited.  He reminds me how many days we have left when I pick him up from school in the afternoon.
3. On the way home from school yesterday, the song "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" was on the radio.  After the chorus, Nixon said, "I like this song Mommy"  It was too cute!
4. I love this cooler weather, but I had to go buy some new clothes for Landon and Nixon.  They had nothing to wear!
5. Ellie has slept in the bed with us the past three nights.  She does really good and it's just like having Daisy May back.
6. We're getting new software at work and it's very exciting, but also very stressful making sure everything converts properly.
7. I've got Landon's Halloween costume, but I still have to find one for Nixon.  Chris & I also need one for a Halloween party we're going to...any good suggestions for couples?
8. We had Railroad Days this past weekend.  I was downtown from 7:40 am - 6:20 pm.  It was so much fun but I was worn out!
9. I walked a 5k and that was very exciting, plus Chris & I played in a Cornhole Tournament. 
10. I was sore the rest of the weekend because I never work out!

Smart Boy

Landon's teacher told me the other day that she was very impressed with him.  Apparently, he had put together a 42 piece floor puzzle that's also reversible all by himself!  She said he just sat right there by himself until he finished it.  Also, this week he's learned the difference between his right and his left.  This morning he told me he wanted me to put his right shoe on first and put his right foot right on top of my leg.  I was so amazed.  I asked him who taught him that and he said, "My teacher, Ms. Fuwisha (Ms. Felicia)"  My little boy is getting so big and smart.  Our next goal is reading.  Chris and I want him to be able to read when he goes into kindergarten next year.  Any tips?

Sharing Rooms is the Best!

I have a cute story I think you all might like:

It happened on Tuesday night.  Chris had to tell me about it, because of course, I don't wake up for anything.  He said around 2:00 a.m., he heard Landon whispering to Nixon.  When he listened harder, he heard Landon saying, "Nixon, wake up, wake up."  After Nixon groggily replied, "Huh?", Landon said, "You want to come get in bed with me, come on, come lay with me." to which Nixon replied, "No, I want stay in my bed."  And that was that.  Landon loves sharing a room so much.  On Friday nights, we usually let them stay up later and watch cartoons in bed.  Nixon always conks out before Landon.  It never fails that Landon will climb in bed with his brother and kiss him goodnight after he goes to sleep and then he gets back in his bed.  How sweet is that?

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Ellie is doing much better on the house-training since we've started putting her in the kennel all day.  Seems cruel to me, but a dog-trainer told me too much freedom is a bad thing for some puppies, so into the kennel she went.  Not only is she doing good all day long while we're at work, she hardly messes up when we let her roam around the house all night (while we're awake, she goes in the kennel to sleep).
2. The doctor's office just called..Nixon's tube surgery is scheduled for October 23rd.  Keep us in your prayers that it works and my baby finally has some relief from all these ear infections!
3. We have "Family Pictures in the Park" scheduled for October 25.  Swank Photography is doing them and I'm so excited!  Check out her blog, it's one of the ones I follow.
4. If we're taking pictures, my boys have to have new outfits and Chris talked me into going into a new store at the mall.  It's my new favorite place to shop for the boys.  The name is Crazy Eights. Maybe I've just been hiding out at Osh Kosh, but I had never heard of it before. 
5. I gained 0.2 lbs this past week at Weight Watchers.  It's my own fault, I was getting a little confident about eating more and more sweets and still losing.  I got caught this week and I'm back on track.  Could've been worse!
6. Landon told me he wants me to have two more boys and two girls.  That's a tall order buddy!
7. Tomorrow's my last night of FPU.  I've really enjoyed it, but I thought I would be more out of debt by this point.  Oh well, I've learned a lot, that's for sure!
8. Railroad Days is this weekend in Selma.  I'm walking the Family Fun walk that morning which is a 5k, helping sell t-shirts, watching the parade, and Chris and I have a team in the Cornhole Tournement.
9. Our Team Name is the "Creamed Corn"
10. Chris came up with the name.=)

Learning From My Boys

I thought it would be funny to let ya'll know some things that my boys have taught me this past week:

• Airplanes land on the "Airporch" or the football field.
• The moon was crescent-shaped last night.
• The big water tower has water in it that comes from the beach.
• The Fair makes Landon "so happy."
• Nixon "wuvs Mitdonalds."
• When I told Landon that Ellie was probably "about to die" because she had been kenneled up all day and hadn't been outside to use the bathroom, he got all concerned and said, "But I don't want her to die."  After explaining a little better, he informed me that "Jesus died on the cross, but he's not there anymore because he's in Heaven and that's 'super cool'."
• Nixon doesn't like his new antibiotic because it's "too cold."
• Landon is ready to go to kindergarten next year because he gets to play in a gym like Daddy's and take a lunchbox.

Update on Nixon

We took Nixon for his first exam today at Capitol ENT.  First of all, I'm still amazed by the quality of doctors you can get around Raleigh.  I haven't found a bad one yet, and I've yet to spend more than 45 minutes in any given doctor's office for the past three years!  That's amazing considering we spent many whole afternoons at Lumberton Children's Clinic.  Anyway, back to the news.  We saw Dr. Brown, who mainly works with children.  He thinks that Nixon needs to get tubes because of his history last year.  He feels that tubes will provide Nixon with the relief he needs this winter and that by next winter, he should be old enough that he's growing out of it.  The good news is you no longer have to worry with ear plugs in the water, etc.  He said it's pretty much a maintenance-free procedure.  After it's done, nothing special has to be done for the child.  They just kind of move on like nothing's even happened.  They also performed a hearing test on Nixon today to compare with the results after he has the tubes put in.  The lady who did the hearing test said he seems to have no hearing loss, but his eardrum wasn't responding like it should due to the fluid that's still there from his last infection.  As it stands, they have to bill our insurance first to see how much the insurance company will pay and then they'll call us and schedule a pre-op, along with the surgery.  I'll keep everyone informed as I know more. 

Update on Nixon's Ears

I took Nixon back for his ear infection re-check yesterday afternoon.  Unfortunately, his ears are even worse than they were two weeks ago.  She subscribed us a stronger antibiotic and sent us out the door with a referral to an ENT in Raleigh.  If you remember, he had like 6 - 8 bad ear infections last year and when he got diagnosed with his last one, they warned us if he had another, he would be sent to an ENT.  Luckily, for us, Nixon heeded that advice and they magically went away.  But this year, before the Fall season had even started, he had his first ear infection.  I knew when she prescribed Amoxicillin, it wouldn't work, but I listened to the doctor instead of my mother's intuition.  Even though I told the doctor yesterday that Amoxicillin never works with either of my kids, she said he still needed to see an ENT and get this taken care of early on.  If it had been the end of cold/flu season, she said she'd have let it slide, but it's not even the beginning.  We go see the ENT on Friday and we'll see what they say.  I want to make it clear that tubes are the last option for me, so if there's anything else they can do before that, we're all ears.  Pray for my little Butterbean that everything works out and he doesn't have to have any surgery, but that if it does come to that, the surgery is successful and takes away all his ear problems he's consistently had.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I lost 1.4 lbs. this past week!  Woo hoo!! That's a total of 6.8 lbs. in one month's time..now only about 23 more to go!
2. Ellie is doing pretty well in our house.  She's still not completely house-trained, but she's working on it.
3. I wasn't sure the boys were going to like her at first because she was a little hyper, but they seem to have gotten used to her and they've learned to keep their toys off the floor when they're not playing with them.
4. Right now, it's pouring down rain (really hard) and what I wouldn't give to be sleeping in today with all that rain!
5. I'm so excited that some of my shows are already playing the new shows for this season...Greek, House..best thing about summer being over!
6. We had four birthday parties this past weekend.  Luckily, we had great weather because they were all outside.  It was a pretty fun weekend!
7. Landon told me he was glad we had another girl in the house now (Ellie).  He says, "now we have a girl momma and a girl puppy and three boys"..he's too cute!
8. Nixon goes back for his ear infection re-check today.  I pray that it's gone (even though I don't think it is).  I really don't want to have to think about tubes again this year!
9. I'm looking for a place to take the rest of my maternity/baby clothes that didn't sell at the yard sale. I'd love to find a consignment shop so that I can actually get some money out of the deal instead of just a tax deduction.
10. I can't believe that September is almost over already!  Halloween is just right around the corner, which reminds me..I really need to order some costumes!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I lost another 0.5 lb this past week..which is pretty good considering I celebrated my birthday from Saturday - Monday.
2. I haven't done much posting lately..mostly because I feel stretched thin and this is one thing I don't HAVE to do...
3. Our Financial Peace University class had a yard sale this past weekend.  Our family walked away with $470!
4. That means one more debt down..woo hoo!!
5. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about the Fair being so close...the Fair always means that it's getting closer to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
6. It makes me so happy that Landon is the same way.  He prays for the Fair every single night.
7. I can't believe I turned 28 on Sunday!  For some reason that just sounds so old to me!
8. Landon just loves his new puppy.  He keeps asking if we have to take Ellie back to the store or to stay at Grammy's house.  I guess he thinks all our dogs eventually wind up there:)
9. I'm getting so excited about the Season Premieres of all my new shows.  I'm a complete TV fanatic, which I know is bad, but I can't help myself.
10. I'm really sad that "Life on Mars" is not coming back on.  That was one of my favorite shows!

Announcing Our Newest Family Member...

Meet Ellie Jane....

We adopted her from the Johnston County Animal Protection League. She is 12 weeks old right now and as sweet and cuddly as they come.  The boys absolutely love her...especially Landon.  We still have Chloe, but she's going to stay on the farm with my mom, Colon, and Lucas.  She just loves all that land that she can roam and we really wanted a puppy for the boys to grow up with.  I think they're going to be life-long friends.

Yep..I think she's going to fit in nicely with our family....

Wordless Wednesday

Ten Things Tuesday - Nixon Edition

1. We had Nixon's 2nd Birthday party this past weekend. The weather was perfect, despite all the reports earlier in the week.
   


2. I was scared he wasn't going to have a party - Landon got a stomach bug on Friday night, but luckily, he recovered quickly.
   


3. My Grandparent's 40th Anniversary Party/Vows Renewal was on Saturday night. There was a DJ and Nixon danced his little heart out for a good two hours.



4. When Chris was finished putting Nixon's birthday present together, a four-wheeler, Nixon looked at Chris and said, "Tank you Daddy." He can be so sweet when he wants to be!




5. Nixon is fascinated with cars, tractors, and trucks. Landon has never really wanted anything other than a ball, so this is a nice change.
   


6. For some reason, Nixon will call Chris by his name, but never calls me by anything other than Mommy.
   


7. Saturday night, the DJ played a beach music song, so there was an older couple shagging. Nixon was doing some breakdancing moves on the dance floor and the older lady stepped on Nixon's hand. He looked up at her like, "How could you step on my hand?" It was priceless!
   


8. Nixon gets so excited when he sees me and Chris for the first time after being at daycare all day. As soon as he sees you, he yells really loud and comes running.
   


9. Nixon has absolutely no interest in using the potty. I guess he'll come around eventually, right?
   


10. When we walked into the Barbershop on Friday, Nixon said, "Hey Richie!" He loves to go get his hair cut by Mr. Richie...huge change from Landon!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Nixon!!

Born September 1, 2007 at 10:02 pm, Nixon weighed in at 8 lb, 7 oz and 21" long. He's been a feisty baby from the very beginning. When he was first born until about 3 months old, he would cry from about 6 - 9 pm every night. We took many late night drives just to get him to go to sleep. He refuses to take no for an answer and I believe he will get far in life because of it. He never meets a stranger and loves to say hey to everyone he sees. Usually, he then proceeds to have conversations with them. He absolutely adores "Nandon" and wants to do everything his big brother does (except potty). He's mean as a snake, but sweet all at the same time. He knows when you need some extra love and usually is more than ready to provide it. He has been from the beginning, "my cuddly butterbean." We love you Nic-Nic! Our family would not be complete without you in it!

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Wordless Wednesday

Sorry Moma and Sissy...didn't mean to leave you out yesterday. You know I love you both!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. On Friday, I went to Lumberton for a Girl's Night Out with my Grandma, Aunts, and a couple of cousins. It was so much fun and I miss them terribly!



2. After our dinner, I went to Lumberton's 1st Home Football game with two of my aunts and one cousin to watch another cousin cheer. While we were there, we spotted Michael Jackson..no really..check it out...
   
3. On Saturday, Chris was at a softball tournament all day, the boys were with Chris' mom, so I enjoyed a day doing nothing but what I wanted to do. This included getting a pedicure and shopping all day long..even though I only bought two things since I am on a budget!
   
4. Chris & I started watching all the Desperate Housewives seasons. I've always wanted to watch it, but never had the time. I'm completely hooked!
   
5. Sad thing is, I associate more with Lynette than any of the other women...I'm not sure that's a good thing!
   
6. Landon started the four year old preschool class at daycare today. I'm so excited, but sad all at the same time.
   
7. I almost started crying today when I passed a school bus. I called Chris all worried about how Landon would know which bus to get on next year. I'm going to be a mess next year!
   
8. I lost 2.8 lb at Weight Watchers this past week!! That's the most I've ever lost in one week before and I was so excited!!
   
9. August is a busy birthday month. Happy Birthday to Maria, Madilyn, Mr. Phil, Kim, Nikki, Gage, and Amanda!! (and anyone else I might've left out)
   
10. Nixon's party is this Saturday..I hope we have good weather!

Nixon's Birthday...

I sent out the above invitations last week...Sorry, I know it's hard to see..anyway, we're doing a smaller party and so mainly, just kids from his class at daycare got invited. Well, of course Nixon's girlfriend, Kylee, was one of the lucky ones. I saw her mom the day after we put them in everyone's cubby and she told me she liked the invitation..blah blah. She then went on to inform me that Kylee won't let it go. She has to sleep with it at home. Her mom said that she'll lay it on her pillow, up abover her head and say, "That's my Nic-Nic." How cute is that? As a side note, Nixon told me that Kylee and Mallory kissed him last week. When I asked him if he was a ladies man, he replied, "Yep!"

Ten Things Tuesday

1. The auditors are here today..explaining why I'm just now doing this post.
2. I did manage, however, to get invitations in the mail for Nixon's birthday party!
3. I finally got the Blackberry I've been dying to have. I love it...it's my new addiction!
4. I changed my office around at work. I'm liking the new setup even though it has thrown everybody in the building for a loop that my inbox is moved:)
5. I started Weight Watchers last night. I have about 30 lbs to lose according to me..but let's just stick to the 5% mark they ask you to reach first...
6. This past weekend, Chris and I had the most relaxing weekend. We didn't have the boys, so we worked in the yard all day Saturday (I have a blister to prove it), went grocery shopping (on our cash-only budget), grilled some Italian sausage w/ peppers and onions, and then watched Desperate Housewives all night. It was wonderfully relaxing!!
7. Chris & I have been watching Friends re-runs on TBS in the evenings while supper is cooking. I had forgotten how much I love that show. I never get tired of watching it.
8. I'm so ready for it to start getting cooler because that means my favorite time of year is coming...going to the Fair, Pumpkin carving, Black Friday, and most importantly Christmas!
9. I've been interrupted like 5 times now, so it's almost time to wrap this up.
10. When Chris and I have weekends alone, it's hard to imagine how things were before we had kids..the house is so quiet! I can definitely understand how people suffer from the "Empty Nest" syndrome and my kids are only 4 and 1!

Wordless Wednesday

Landon's 4-Year Well Check

Landon went yesterday for his four year well check. He was such a brave boy, even though he still holds his moma's hand the whole time. He passed his eye test at about 20/25, but they said that was still good because kids that age tend to get bored taking the test and start not paying attention, which even I could tell was happening with Landon. He passed the hearing test with flying colors. The nurse couldn't believe how well he did. She said it normally takes kids his age around 30 minutes to pay attention to the test enough to pass and it took Landon around 2 minutes. My little boy's so smart! Last year they did a urine analysis and finger prick to check his blood, so fortunately we didn't have to do that this year. He weighs 36 lbs. even and is 38" tall. According to Mr. Chris, our P.A., this puts him around the 50th percentile for weight, but surprisingly to me, only 25th percentile for his height. Mr. Chris said that his BMI is 85%!! But if you've ever seen him without his shirt on, you can tell the boy doesn't have a lick of fat on him. You can count his ribs! But Mr. Chris said he just needed to have a growth spurt to grow into those muscles that he has. He said he was just built a solid little boy, but not overweight at all. After Mr. Chris left, the nurse came back in and gave him his four kindergarten shots...Measles/Mumps, Chicken Pox, Polio, and Tetanus vaccine. He was so brave and just cried a little bit. But let me tell you, he milked that sucker all day long. He would keep showing up his leg and say it needed to be kissed. What a sweet little boy. I was proud of my little boy, but I sure am glad we have another year before kindergarten, because just getting the shots yesterday broke my heart!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. We just spent the last 4 days at the beach. It was a great mini-vacation.
2. Landon and Nixon never fail to amaze me at the beach. They're so good and content while playing in the shallow end of the water and the sand. They could stay out there all day.
3. On the other end of that, it makes me nervous to think about wanting to add a baby to that in a year or more. I finally feel like I'm getting things together!
4. I have to take Landon to his 4 year well check today. When I scheduled the appointment, they asked me if I wanted to go ahead and do all his kindergarten shots...how sad, we're talking about kindergarten already!
5. I've had a couple of people call about my crib set that I have for sale, but no takers yet.
6. VBS went great last week, but having 15 pre-k - 1st graders will wear you out!
7. I should be getting Nixon's b-day invitations in the mail the first of this week. His party will be at the Pineville Pool on August 29 from 10 - 12, just so you know.
8. I got the best picture of Landon and Nixon at the beach the other day. Look for it on my Wordless Wednesday post tomorrow:)
9. There's a new photographer in Smithfield that I really want to take some pictures of our family. I'll have to get Chris talked into this one though!
10. I'm officially starting Weight Watchers next week...meetings and everything. I've found that I can't do it unless I have someone to be accountable to. Let's hope it goes well this time!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. We've taken apart the bunk beds..the boys are still in the same room, but just side-by-side. Chris and I lost a lot of sleep this past week. We were scared to death that Landon was going to fall off the top bunk because he still moves around so much. Then, Nixon kept slamming his head into the ladder all night long because he moves around so much.


2. VBS is all this week at church. Landon is in a class for the first time and he's loving every minute. He's usually very shy, but I guess since he's around only kids within a couple years of his age, he's more comfortable. He participates in every single class and I couldn't be more proud!


3. I keep thinking how close we're getting to cooler weather, which I must say is freaking me out a little since that means cold/flu season!


4. We went to the pool the other day and this is how Nixon was when we got back. You know he's tired when he doesn't even want to eat!
5. Work has been crazy this past week! I don't know if there's a full moon in the near future, but the Selma Crazies have been in full-force!!
6. Every night, after our "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer, Landon will "God Bless" a whole crowd of people. Anyway, the other night, he blessed Lucas, my brother, like 10 times. He would say a few names, then Lucas, a few more names, then Lucas..etc, etc...it was too funny!
7. I can't believe it's almost time for school to start back again! It seems like this summer has flown by!
8. We're going for a mini-vacation this weekend. We'll be at the beach Friday - Tuesday and I can't wait!
9. Now that Landon and Nixon are sharing a room, I can hear them talk to each other for a good 30 minutes when we lay them down at night. It's so sweet!
10. I finally watched "Mamma Mia" this past weekend and it was so good! I want to watch it again, but it's taken me this long to get Chris to watch it one time, I think I'd be pushing my luck!