Sweet times with the family!

We had a great Thanksgiving! The only thing that would've made it better was if Em and her little family were there. And if Wal-mart hadn't been so horribly crowded that we just turned around, at 5:30 a.m., and went back home. :) I love the holidays...love love love. I love spending time with our families. I adore buying presents for everyone. I love how every year, Ben's wonder at the magic of Christmas grows. I love that every year, Ben understands more and more the true meaning of Christmas. Last year he wanted a birthday cake for Jesus, because duh, it's His birthday. This year he is beginning to undestand that Jesus lives in the hearts of those that seek His salvation (Ben's transalation - He lives here, in my heart). I hope that everyone is able to slow down enough during this busy time and remember that Christ is the reason we celebrate. So, here's to an amazing December!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love the holidays so much!!! Ben is already at my parents and Brian and I head that way tomorrow evening. There's a Greenberg turkey and a cheese cake waiting for me. :) Being child-free is sometimes nice...yesterday, I went shopping for Christmas decorations after work. My Christmas gift this year is to buy all new Christmas decorations and, man, have I enjoyed it! So it was nice to browse and buy when I'm not on my lunch break and I don't have a three year old. Three year old's are limited to shopping places that have carts. Anywho...tonight, I had a mani/pedi! It was great! I realized that I don't do these things when Ben is home, because I just want to get home and be with he and Brian. I was able to take some time for me and it was nice.

So there's an update...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Baby Grace McKinley Lanting!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Emily finally had her baby...and it's a GIRL!! Baby Grace McKinley Lanting was born around noon on 10/27/2009. I cannot wait to go crazy buying little girl clothes. She was a lil over 8lbs and 21" long. And she is PERFECT!! She looks so much like Emily. Speaking of Emily, everything went smoothly. It certainly wasn't an easy delivery, but everyone is doing great. I am dying b/c I'm not there. Next time I'm not listening to myself when I say, you can wait a month before you go...nope, I'm buying that plane ticket.

She frowns like Em!

So funny...chubbers!

I'm in love!!

Just your average, run of the mill...CRIMINAL!

Not really...BUT...Today I went and did my caseworker thing, having a tea party with a super cute two year-old. On my way home, I was pulled over by a very nice sheriff's officer. I wasn't speeding, but my heart fell when those lights came on. You see, my registration sticker went out...three months ago. I know, I know, but I'm lazy when it comes to registration. It's like I can't help it. I pulled over, turned the car off, and placed my keys on the dash, like I learned in defensive driving that I had to take for one of my speeding tickets. :) He kindly informed me that my registration was out, and then he noticed that my inspection sticker was also expired. Oops! I handed over my license and insurance after he asked for it, informing him that my insurance is still good, even though this particular card had EXPIRED last week. But wait, there's more. My license expired at the beginning of September. I know, I know, shameful. I mumbled something about how I knew I needed to get it done and that I can't rent cars for work b/c it's expired. I then told him that the new DL place takes almost four hours to get your license renewed and I'd just put it off. He nodded and went back to his SUV to write out what could possibly the highest ticket known to man. Here's what I was thinking...Brian's going to kill me, Brian is going to kill me.

Coppers comes back with his little carbon copy clipboard, informing me that he was only citing me on the license and my registration. WHEW! I figured I could go tomorrow to get those fixed and the judge would drop the $$ part (that's what happened last year...I know, shameful.). I offhandedly asked who the judge was, wondering if it was the one I work with through CPS. I recognized the name and said as much to the sheriff. He raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh really?" I said yes, through my work with CPS. Then the craziest thing happened...his expression changed and he said, I thought you worked at a car rental place? I said no, and showed him my name badge. He took the instruction paper out of my hand, wrote VOID in huge letters across the triplicate ticket, and THANKED me for what I do. I am not even kidding. He said he could never do my job, I said I could never do his. I shook his hand and thanked him over and over. After I pulled back on the road, I had the oddest feeling of relief mixed with disbelief and guilt at his kindness. I felt so undeserving of what the officer had done. Guess where I'm going to be tomorrow morning? That's right, DMV and Tax Office.

**This was from last week, just never posted it.**

Best of Friends...Oregon style.

Brian and Catherine, just kidding on the Oregon reference. Apologies to Sara as well :). Couldn't help it though.

I have known Jeff for years and years and years...well, maybe nine. He is one of my best friends with the best wife who I'm lucky to have as a friend as well. Jeff takes full credit for Brian and I's introduction. He and Catherine were in our wedding, and two weeks later, Brian and I were in their's. We've finally reconnected after way too long (so long I'm embarrassed to put an exact time frame). We were able to spend some time with them this past weekend, and I'll be honest, I haven't laughed so much in years. And yes, I did break out the Oregon summer missions trip album from 2000. What an.........................interesting time we all had. Anywho...Jeff and Cat have a beautiful little family, with one on the way. Emma and Ben are the same age and were super cute together. JC, who's 6, somehow managed to avoid my camera.


Playing "nap time" which turned into "hiding/locking door/screaming ridicuously loud time."

Brian proved his grill skillzzzzzzz by grilling in the POURING rain. It was delish!



And here's PBS's biggest fan. :)

San Antonio

We were able to spend the weekend with friends in San Antonio recently. We had such a great time...they're the kind of friends where you don't have to "do" anything, you can just hangout and shop and eat. Their daughter, Abby, was such a sweetheart...Ben thought so too.

At this great burger place with an awesome playground.

ELE-FUN was a big hit with Ben.

Eating dinner with their baby dolls...when in Rome, right Ben? He was more than a little disturbed to be borrowing Abby's pink sippee cup. :)

This is their new baby, Jacob. He's SO precious!! Ben was so good with him. And those are Matt's hairy arms, playing guitar with Jacob, who obviously gets really into it.

Ca-Razy!

Life is so very hectic right now. I'm sure a lot of people are in the same boat. Something every day of the weekend and then working hard during the week. Life really is good right now and I'm so thankful. To prove it, here's a list:

I'm thankful for...

• Cooler weather.
  
• Hard-workin' husband.
• Our amazing parents.
  
• All the precious babies friends and family are bringing into this world.
• CSI re-runs.
• Awesome co-workers and boss.
  
• Things I get to do through my job...lots of work and stress, but so worth it.
• Puppy dogs. :)
• Naps on the weekend with my Benjamin.
• Laughter...lots of that at our house.
  
• Confidence that comes from getting older...I wish I felt this way in high school. ha!
  
• Friends, old and new.

As far as work goes, I don't think that many people can say they get to work with their friends and have an amazing boss. I am so thankful for my job and the precious ladies I get to work with.

My husband is my perfect partner. I think that b/c we got married young (21 y/o) we had to do a lot of growing up together. I am a better person, mother, and wife b/c of him. I am also a better speller.

So that's my heart. I hope you guys have a great rest of the week.

3 Years...NO WAY!!

I honestly cannot believe that my baby boy turns three today (yesterday actually, posting a day late). He is such an absolute blessing...funny, kind, smart, obedient (most of the time), affectionate, loving, all boy. Down the road, I know his little brother/sister probably won't be such an easy kid...don't tell him/her I said that. I'll say that you're lying.

Anywho...I am so grateful for the last three years with my amazing little boy. I look forward to watching him grow into the godly young man that I pray he will be. Brian and I consider ourselves blessed to call Benjamin our son.

AMAZING!

So my husband is amazing. He and his dad spent Friday night and most of Saturday putting together Ben's new swing set...or playground, that thing is huge. Here's the crazy thing about my husband and his dad...they actually ENJOYED spending their day together, in the 100* heat, putting together the set. Craziness!

Ben and I escaped to Temple to stay with Brian's mom while the building was going on. She spoiled us and I had a gallstone attack, which completely sucked! Anywho, we headed home on Sunday morning and took Ben out to the backyard immediately. He loved it...all day he kept saying, "I love my swing set." So worth it...as much as that thing cost, the kid better be swinging on it when he graduates from high school!! Just kidding...(sort of.)

Not for the faint at heart...SERIOUSLY!

Ok, I'm warning you...if potty talk grosses you out, do not read any further. It's about to get nasty in here.

So, Ben is in the middle of potty training. He can practically pee on demand, but only when told to head to the bathroom. The poo part has been much more difficult. At one point, we had stressed Ben out to the point that he didn't go for two days. We decided to go with the flow a little more, but the kid is almost three. A few people have told me to let him clean himself up after he goes...that it helps the child not want to do it anymore. So I decided to try it out. Let me just say, before we finished there was poo on Ben, myself, the floor, and Ben was screaming his head off in the shower. Another issue is my reactions. I'm sure everyone is surprised that I can be a bit loud at times. The first time he went in the potty, I screamed. Tonight, when the contents of his diaper dumped on the floor, I screamed. Brian tells me I need to stop screaming.

If this child makes it through potty training without permanent emotional scarring and hearing loss, I will consider Brian and I successful.

Party Time!

Ben went to his friends, Kennedy and Evan's birthday party. He was so excited...it was at a splash pad at a park in town...great location. That morning I took him to shop for presents for Evan and Kennedy. Ben had a horrible case of the "I Wants." He did not understand that the toys were not for him. He threw a borderline fit, but recovered nicely. I ended up buying him a little "Hungry Hippo" game. He made sure that the game was for him, asking me several times, "Me, momma, not Evan?"


Toddler flip-flops are the cutest!!)

Ben had a blast at the party, and hung out by the cake for quite a while. He was quite mischievous...once the lid was off the cake, Ben's fingers were in the cake. Evan was a little shy when it came time to sing and blow out the candle. Ben got tired of waiting for him to blow it out, so he did it for him. After cake, they played at the splash pad for awhile. Ben got tired and actually told Brian, "Time to go home, Daddy." When he got back to the pavilion, he proceeded to strip down to nothing, exclaiming he was soaked, completely oblivious that there were co-workers and perfect strangers around.


Who likes my trashcan in the background?? Oh well, can't win 'em all.

Lego Fun...Thanks, Uncle Cliff!

My brother Cliff gave Ben a ton of his old Legos. Ben was so excited, as was I b/c that saved me who knows how much money (those Legos can get expensive!). Ben loves his legos. He gets out all the little men and plays with them. Brian and I have both gotten in on the action.

Ben and I built a house for his little Lego "guys." I don't like to brag, but I thought we did a pretty good job. There's a kitchen, bed, couch, dining table. The structure is a little questionable, but I'm guessing it will be destroyed rather quickly and we'll have to move on to the next build. :)

Random & Travel

Here's some random thoughts/happenings from recently...

Our electricity bill was DOUBLE what it usually is. I shouldn't have been suprised with the temperatures staying over 100* for three weeks. Still, seeing that large of a number preceded by a dollar sign on my utility bill is a little shocking.

Ben has two hiding spots that he sneaks off to in order to "do his business": Beside the couch and under the kitchen table. Kids are so gross.

I found a new dish soap that I'm in love with...Apple Dawn.

Every cig lighter in every rental I've been in hasn't been broken...my GPS charger has been. Here's the bonus...Brian found an old Blackberry charger in my car and it fits in my GPS! I cannot tell you how lost I have been these last two weeks...it's shameful!

I'm in love with everything in the new Pottery Barn Kids catalog...they make shelves out of wagons, people! How great is that?

As far as travel goes...I'm having to go out of state to place a child in her adoptive home. I always get nervous about traveling by myself, with a child, hotel by myself...I've done it several times, but still nervous. Prayers would be appreciated. I've been trying to get this trip going for over a month, so I'm glad that she will finally be in her new home. That's all for now! Hope the rest of the week is a good one for you guys!

Long time, no blog...

I have taken a bit of a break from the whole blogging thing. I place most of the blame on my blackberry b/c I really have little need to get on the computer with that thing. The rest of the blame lies on the fact that I have taken almost no pictures this summer. And let's be honest, pictures make the blog fun.

Life is plugging along...Brian's enjoyed his summer off. I'm working like a crazy person, it feels like. I get to tell a kid that we found an adoptive family for him/her tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to that. Can you imagine waiting for a family for over a year and then hearing, we found you a mom?? So great.

Ben is such an amazing little guy...he's freakin' hilarious! He comes up with the funniest stuff. He tells us he's mad and puts his hands on his hips. He thinks the word "vomit" is hilarious, probably b/c everyone usually laughs when he says it (We should stop doing that). He tells us that he needs to go to the potty, but only when he's in time out. We are so blessed to have this little guy in our lives!

Don't be fooled by the big boy underwear...his pull-up is underneath. He just walked out of his room like this one afternoon. And yes, those are gloves.

Accomplishments

I know Ben is almost three, but he has yet to go numero dos in the potty. Not for the lack of trying of course. Well finally today at daycare, Ben did "it" in the potty!!!!!!!! We tried to make it a big deal...he finally got the fire truck that he could only play with if he were sitting on the potty "trying." We also went and got some ice cream, which he loved. I know we've still got a long road ahead, but we're one small step closer to being diaper-free.

Also, at dinner tonight, I realized that I had cooked every single night this week...granted one night we had pancakes, but hey, I cooked. I think that's pretty good for a working mom.

Pants Free Weekend

We had a great Memorial Day weekend...resting, eating, shopping, being with friends. We stayed around the house most of the time and I don't think Ben wore pants for at least 48 hours.


He's mad that the birds flew away...which is what birds do when a two year-old is charging at them, full speed.

I wish you could hear his precious little voice! "Where aw de burds, mama?" I know I'm biased, but he is such a great kid.

You gotta be kidding me...

I was looking for a solution to my pets' annoying shedding issue and I looked on one of those random catalog sites. I LOVE these catalogs. They have the most random, useless things I have ever seen.

Apple Carver...b/c who doesn't want candles that will rot.


Is this really necessary? It's s'mores, people!


Toothpick Holder Man...don't know what to say about this one.


Shampoo Shelf...Why is this lady so happy? She's getting her hair washed in a tiny bathroom sink.


KEYHOLE LIGHT!


That's how I spent my Saturday night!! Jealous? Have some fun with harrietcarter.com.

Here comes the bride...70's style.

My awesome cousin Kim wanted to have a 70s themed reception at her wedding. She wanted everyone to dress up and really get into it. It was only family and friends and some people got really into it. I know it may sound a bit odd to some of you, but you'd just have to know Kim. We all really had a great time. What were our costumes??


We were the afro family...except for Ben. I found a "baby" afro online but he refused to wear it. There was, however, a little girl who adored the wig.


For those of you who know my mother, well...you won't be surprised. I felt like I was back in 12th grade Sunday school all over again. ;)


CONGRATS, MATT AND KIM!!

Toddler + Silence = Trouble

One night when Ben was playing so well in his room, I thought of how nice it was to have a kiddo old enough to play in his room with his toys. I forgot the cardinal rule of toddlers...if there's quiet, there's most likely trouble. Ben peeked his little head out from his room...


Doesn't look bad, right? Just on his face, legs, hands, and clothes...deep breath...I can handle that.


But we're talking on the walls, carpet, and all over the bed. Ben went immediately into the bath tub and his comforter went into the wash. Thanks to SHOUT and Oxyclean, there was no long term damage. The best part...He thought to put the tube back where he'd gotten it after his little diaper cream party.

I can just imagine his train of thought...tiger, tiger, tiger, ooooooohhhhhhhhh DIAPER CREAM!! Good thing he's so darn cute.

Catch up...

I haven't been a good blogger lately, but better late than never. We had family over the Saturday before Easter. They of course spoiled Ben with eggs, candy, and mow-ney ($$). We are so blessed to have such amazing family. There were six adults outside watching one little two year old find Easter eggs. The kid still plays with the eggs, especially the Elmo ones...ha. :) My only regret is that I didn't dress him in his Easter outfit for Saturday, so he's in a random airplane shirt instead. Can't win 'em all!

My meager attempt at holiday baking...

There's the candy!

And there's the mow-ney. :)