Funny

So I'm married to the funniest man there is...trust me. This morning I went to get some cereal. I eat things that most seven year olds would eat, so of course my cereal of choice is Cinnamon Toast Crunch. There's an unspoken rule in our house that you don't eat the other person's special cereal. Brian learned that the hard way. :) Anywho...so I opened it up and poured some in the bowl. As I was doing so, I saw a piece of paper in the box...it said IOU one bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I looked down and there was freakin' Special K in my bowl. Brian had eaten my cereal and replaced it with an IOU and unsweetened rice flakes. I thought that was so funny.

Today was rough...had a few people cry on me, wondered why I do what I do, and realized that, for the second week in a row, I will have driven over 1000 miles. Here's hoping tomorrow is better!!

Today...

Actually, I'll start with yesterday. Ben and I both started running a fever yesterday afternoon. Ben was cranky, wouldn't eat or drink. So I took him to the urgent care, where I was told it was just a virus. For the moms out there, you know how frustrating it is to shell out 30 bucks just to hear, there's nothing you can do, give the kid tylonel. I think they should refund your money if they tell you that. My mom doesn't think that will happen...wishful thinking. Anywho...so Ben stayed home with Brian (super-dad) and his virus. I went to work feeling fine, thank goodness. I spent ALL day in the office in front of my computer. Seriously, I left once to get a drink ( just a coke, no hard liquor). On the way home, my tiny rental car ran out of gas on the exit ramp to our house. I cruised into the parking lot of our builder. Luckily they had a full gas can on hand. In other news, Ben loves to color. Now he'll come and get my hand and tell me to "walk." He'll lead me to the table where he's "coloning." I hope he'll be a color-outside-the-lines kind of kid. I could seriously talk all day about how darn cute he is. So there's my random post.

Swimming Lessons

We've been going to swimming lessons all week. Every day, Ben gets a little more comfortable and has a few less fits. Yesterday, he jumped (or was given a little nudge by Brian) off the side of the pool. I caught him of course, but he seemed to love it. He also got dunked. He did so good!! I'm not sure he enjoyed it, but he never cried about it. I think it made a lot more difference with Brian sitting on the edge of the pool. So we have another week of lessons. I'm not sure what else they are wanting to teach a two year old, but we'll see. Here are your pictures, Aunt Emmy.

This was the first day. He was not interested. His little friend Elisa LOVED jumping in.


This is just after Ben peed on the deck area. He did it twice. Quite embarrassing!

Check this out!

Kelly Smith's (Andy's wonderful wife) sister (whom I have never met but I know she is super fun and creative, much like her sister) has a blog. http://allieparkersthoughts.blogspot.com/On Wednesday, she included an excerpt from the book Power of a Praying Wife. It tells us ladies how to pray for our wonderful husbands. It's great! Also, she does a weekly give away on Fridays...I haven't won yet, but I'm trying! Girls, you should totally check it out.
P.S. IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

One year ago...

A year ago, our lives were basically in turmoil as we tried to figure out what was wrong with Brian's jaw. His pain was indescribable and his lower left jaw area was very swollen. No one could figure it out. In a week's time, he had four wisdom teeth pulled, exploratory surgery along his bottom jaw, a root canal and a drain put in. It took all of this until we found someone who could give us the right answer. For about two months, Brian was in excruciating pain. No pain killers, nothing helped. He basically kept an ice pack on his face and slept when he could. It was rough, especially having an 11 month old. Our families stepped up and helped us in so many ways. We found an amazing doctor, who knew Brian's brother John from dental school. I have just been so thankful that this July we are not dealing with the pain, surgeries, etc. God is so faithful!

Look in the upper left hand part...the giant cell granuloma (sp) had eaten away half of his jaw bone. I'm sure there are better medical terms, but I don't know them. And you can see his cute little chin! Ben has his chin.

P.S. Swimming lessons started...I'm exhausted!! Who thought it was a good idea to work all day then pack a two year-old around in 102 degree heat (really, 102 degrees) for 30 minutes in the water?????? Ben only cried a little, but he refused to do anything. It was worth it to see my friend Beth's daughter jump off the side of the pool, her face lit up with nothing but pure JOY! I'll post pictures soon.

Back Together!!

Our little family is back together now and it's so nice. Brian got back from Virginia on Thursday, and Ben and I came back from DeRidder on Friday. Brian had an awesome time being with his brother, sister-in-law, and nephews. I'm so glad he got to go. Ben and I had a great time with my mom, dad, and brother. Ben did not like swimming in a big pool so I'm guessing swimming lessons this next week are going to be pretty rough. Instead of Ben saying "no more" like his mother, he says "no want it." That was my nickname after my first round of swimming lessons...Amy "No More" b/c my mom tells me that I screeched "NO MORE" the entire time. I remember being in Kindergarten and Mrs. Pam Smith would drive me to the Rhodes' after school. Trey and Andy made me cry by calling me Amy No More. Mrs. Pam made them apologize. Why does that memory stick with me? Anywho...Ben has thoroughly enjoyed being back with his daddy. Brian had his birthday while he was gone, so today was his b-day here. He got to sleep in and get spoiled today and Ben made him a card. I cannot believe I have to go back to work. I have over 100 emails waiting for me...

They really missed each other.

Could they be any cuter?? Nephews in VA.


Happy Birthday Brian!! We love you so much!

Brian has the camera with him...I have wished I had it a thousand times the last few days. I have been able to stay home with Ben b/c the day care is closed for a week. I have really enjoyed myself. We've been to parks, McDonalds, Chick Fila, the mall playground...had a blast. He plays so well with the other kids there. One kid clothes-lined him with his arm around my kid's neck, but Ben just got up and went on his way. He definitely needs a little brother or sister. I'm not sure I could be at home all the time, but I really do enjoy myself when I get these special moments with my son.

I love blogspot...I found this great blog through a friend - http://allieparkersthoughts.blogspot.com. This is such a fun and encouraging thing Allie is doing. I'd have never thought to do what she's done...so creative. Check it out!

I'll post more pictures when I'm down in D-town next week.

Discoveries

I hate yogurt. I never buy it unless Brian wants some. While Ben was at his Grammy's house, he discovered yogurt. He'll eat an entire yogurt in one sitting. He's also discovered his love for dipping things...into salad dressing, anything, especially ketchup. So tonight, when he refused to eat his dinner, I gave him some yogurt. Basically the kid had banana creme yogurt and ketchup for dinner. At least he ate, right?? I thought Brian was going to gag. :)

Do you see Maggie and Annie waiting for him to drop something??? They are such beggars.

Grandparents

Ben has been lucky enough to spend time at both grandparents' houses this summer. He always has a great time. We are so blessed to have families who love spending time with our son!

Ben and Beaux...they both loved Mimi's broom.

So cute!! Thanks for the pictures Tom!