Katis Get Away...

Our Valentine's Day...

2012-02-15T18:39:00.000-09:30

We had a GREAT Valentine's Day together....for the most part!! ;) I am so thankful for my little Valentine & how much he loves his Mommy every day of the year!

I printed these little tags for Ryder's Valentine's for his class & I loved how they turned out. I did goldfish, because I knew there was going to already be MORE than enough candy being passed out! :P

Punkin's goodies! I let him pick one to open the night before because he ate all his dinner! ;P

Somebody even took lil man shopping on Sunday to get Mama a card! I thought this was too precious. I will cherish it forever!

New Buzz "like" year pajamas!!!

Skittles & bath water color changing tablets!

Tuesday morning I made him cinnamon rolls--his favorite & we opened presents before heading out to school!

He got bath bubbles, a new water bottle & some bubbles to play with outside!

He had a great day at school & so many cute & fun Valentine's from his friends! THey said he was the first one to go to sleep without being patted & the last one to wake up (THAT'S A FIRST!). A few of the girls' moms told me when they came to drop their little girls off this morning & Ryder was already there, he said, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I just thought that was so sweet!

We went to Maggie's to get a Valentine cookie afterwards, then came home to get ready for our date! Our Chick-Fil-A in town is so wonderful. They take sit-down reservations for Valentine's Day every year. I thought this was something perfect for me & lil man to do together (especially since KeeKee & Pops were both home sick... :( ).

Punkin' was sweet as ever at dinner. He even got some bubbles & a little CFA Cow. Poor baby didn't eat one thing. He usually eats at least a couple bites, but not ONE thing. Not even the complimentary ice cream & cheesecake they brought us...I should have known something was wrong. :/

We went & played in the play place & then left to go to Target to get a few things we needed for the rest of the week!

We came home, gave lil man a bath & got him in bed. I had a project to work on so I came in the computer room to work on that. About 11 o'clock I heard him crying...so I ran in there & as soon as I turned on the light he started throwing up...poor baby. He didn't even wake up, just let it happen. I was just trying to comfort him & let him know that it was okay & just to get it out. Break my little heart, I just cried.

So that was the beginning of our long night...we both ended up sleeping in the living room. I was so worried it was going to happen again. I am just ready for all of us to be well! I feel like I have washed our sheets 15 times over the last week!

I stayed home from class again today with him to make sure he got better. We had a great day together & you would seriously never know he had just thrown up last night! He is a TROOPER for sure!!

Project 365...Week 6

2012-02-14T10:28:00.000-09:30

{February 5}

My sweet lil man looking cute at church. I love how much he loves going to church! Warms my heart!

{February 6}

Somebody hit Uncle G Sunday night. Luckily everybody was okay & it's already in the shop getting fixed!

{February 7}

I don't know if I mentioned the fact that my parents were looking for a home for Brett. I tweeted about it & about 30 minutes later he was all Emilie & Ryan's! Actually...for her mom. My mom met them the next day to hand him over & he has been living the life every since & is already house trained! So thankful we found him a good home! Ryder will say "Where's Bretty Brett?" & I'll say, "You know where he is..." "Oh yeah, he's at Emilie's!" Luckily, Ryder has handled it pretty well.

{February 8}

Ryder said Tangy was eating lunch with him! Ha!

{February 9}

My sweet lil man was a tireddddd little boy! He woke up throwing up before school Thursday, so we both ended up staying him all day & I got to give him some extra-needed lovin'! I love a lil sleeping baby!

{February 10}

Friday night was Mama's turn to be sick, so Ryder had to unexpected stay the night at KeeKee & Pop's. Luckily, I got to FaceTime him though!

{February 11}

I was still sick on Saturday, but lil man had a BIG day! Pop pops took him to get his haircut, to Cherry Berry for fro yo, Valentine's Day shopping & even the park for a few minutes even though it was FREEZING out! KeeKee brought home some new blocks from school for him to play with!

Small Update...

2012-02-12T13:49:00.000-09:30

I sure am thankful for the whole "Project 365" thing, or I probably wouldn't have blogged at all over the passed few weeks!

Seriously by the time we get up, go to school every day, come home & do normal things, run errands, cook dinner, etc. etc. take a bath & get R in bed, it's time for me to do homework & blogging is the last thing on my mind. I never thought my life would be too busy to think about blogging, but I know that this is just a season of life we are going to have to get through.

I am just so thankful that I have been making a point to keep up with Project 365 or who would know what was going on with my baby boy! :P

Just a little up date on our unfortunate week...

Ryder woke up Thursday morning around 6:45 couching a lot but not like sickly cough. Poor baby would throw up a little bit each time, & he would say, "Mommy I burped..." Luckily each time it was on a towel & wasn't even too much for Mama to clean up. He only threw up twice, but I knew we were both gonna be home for the day. I always hate for him to miss school, but I didn't want to expose any of his friends with the sickies!

He was seriously the sweetest, fun loving, happiest kid the rest of the day! So, it ended up being a nice day at home with my favorite little mister!

We were all fine Friday, I went to class, he stayed with the babysitter etc. etc. I had a 31 party to go to Friday night & dropped him off at my parents around 5:30.

I wasn't at the party 15 minutes when I knew I had to leave. I made it home in enough time to change clothes when the ugly bug struck. Needless to say, R stayed the night with my parents so I could get some rest.

I thought I would wake up Saturday morning & be fine, just like Ryder was! Ha! WRRROONG! I have never felt so much pain & ache in my life. Childbirth wasn't all that bad for me, but Y'ALL. THIS WAS WORSE THAN CHILDBIRTH. I told my mom I was almost to the point of wanting to die.

I stayed in bed ALL DAY. Not even kidding. I woke up around 9 PM, came in the living room to watch some TV, lasted about 30 minutes & went back to bed to go to sleep.

I woke up this morning feelin SOOOO much better than yesterday, but still not 100%.

More than anything, I miss my baby boy. Having to be away from him because I'm sick has been the worst thing ever. I got to facetime him last night, so that made me happy, but I never knew I could miss my little guy so much!

I am just so thankful for my wonderful parents & all that they have done for me & him this weekend. They've been serious rockstars. Mom went & shopped for me at the Rhea Lana pre-sale yesterday because I couldn't go, dad took R to get a hair cut & to get fro yo at Cherry Berry, dad went to the grocery store for me, & got me McAlister's soup for me last night...& I could go on & on! I am just so thankful for family in times of unexpected need!

Project 365...Week 5

2012-02-12T13:29:00.000-09:30

{January 29}

Lil man helped me make muffins before church!

{January 30}

Lil man had stayed the night with Mimi & Pawpaw that night & got to ride one of his horses Brobee that morning! He came home & crashed with his Mama on the couch--one of my favorite things! KeeKee got him the pirate stuff in Branson & he loved it!

{January 31}

Flashback! About a year ago...lil man meeting his first puppy, Ava.

{February 1}

Pop Pops took R to get Fro Yo one night after dinner! He loves going to the "flamingo place"!

{February 2}

Recently I have started to let Ryder help me put the silverware away when I empty the dishwasher. He really has become quite the helper!

{February 3}

Just a lil preview of one of my all time favorite wedding show invites for a shower coming up this week!

{February 4}

KeeKee was out of town, so we went out to eat with Pop Pops & then hit up some Target! The boys had fun playing in the toy aisles, & I picked up some last minute things for R for Valentine's! Love them both so much!

Project 365...Week 4

2012-01-31T19:39:00.000-09:30

{January 22}

Lil man loves his doughnut holes from Shipley's!

{January 23}

He was "makin' me somefin' in the bath!" Look at that concentration!

{January 24}

Pop Pops was babysitting while I went to Bible Study, & took the kid to Slim Chickens & Target to get a Buzz "like" year to go with his Woody!

{January 25}

We now have a new snuggle buddy to had to our bunch!

{January 26}

No words are needed. Every woman in American can't wait to go see this. Period.

{January 27}

I got the sweetest & most thoughtful little gift from Brittney! She also wrote me the sweetest, most encouraging little note ever! I just thought it was so thoughtful of her to buy me this ornament that made her think of me ;) & take the time out of her busy life to send it to me! Definitely a highlight! Thanks Brittney!!

{January 28}

Snuggles before bed! He is such a sweet boy to his mama before bed time!

Rhea Lana's

2012-01-24T12:25:00.000-09:30

Are you familiar with Rhea Lana's?! If not, you're in for a treat today! I'm going to tell you a little bit about the nation's premier children's consignment event & how YOU can make a little {or ALOT} of extra money for you & your family, as well as getting rid of all your children's clothes that don't fit any more, & all those toys they have seem to have out grown!

Rhea Lana's makes its way to my town, 2 times a year. Once for Spring/Summer stuff & once for Fall/Winter. Each time when it's ready for the season & Ryder's wardrobe to change, I get a rubbermaid tub & fill it up with all of Ryder's clothes that don't fit him any more & am willing to get rid of. I keep it in his closet, just in case I find more items that no longer fit as the months go on.

When Rhea Lana's rolls around, all I have to do it go get that tub out & get things started on the consignment process!

I start by washing all the clothes before hanging them up on hangers, as well as ironing them if need be. {The nicer the items look, the more likely they are to sell!}

You must hang all of your clothing items on plastic hangers with the hook facing the LEFT hand side {looking like a ? mark} if you are facing the article of clothing.

You must then place your white tags {available on Amazon if you can't find them locally} on the left hand shoulder of your item of clothing (right hand shoulder if you are LOOKING at the article) with a small safety pin.
I prefer to place all the safety pins on the tags first (while I'm watching TV or something) & then it is much easier to just place them on my clothing once I have them all on hangers.
It is then very important to put your clothing in order according to size & gender. This will makes things much easier & less time consuming on you in the long run & will allow your check in time at the event go MUCH smoother!
Once they are in order by size & gender, you can then begin numbering the items on each tag, just to ensure you keep them in order between the time of entering them on the computer & the time you take them to the sale. {Some people do this WHILE they are entering their items in the computer...whatever your preference may be.}
Once you've done this, you can sign up online to get your consignor number & then get started on entering all your items & their prices.

{Here's a screen shot of what it looks like where you enter all of your items}.

Here is a great blog post on how to package & prepare all your used toys. I have always sold 100% of the toys I have placed in the sale, which is always nice to free up some extra space at home!
Once you have completed entering all of your items into the data base, you must print an inventory sheet. You will take this with you to the sale when it's time to drop off your items.
Once it's time to drop off your items at the sale, they will have your price labels printed out for you & you can place those on all your tags before you leave. {This is why it is SO important to bring your items in numerical order!} Rhea Lana workers are always one of a kind! They are always so sweet & willing to help & always so sweet to answer all your questions--especially if you're a first timer!
Pick up day comes at the end of the sale when the event is over. If you want the items that did not sale, back...you must go pick them up yourself or they will be donated! This is also when you can pick up your check! WAHOO!

I won't say that it's not a lot of work, but the reward of the outcome is SOOOO worth it! I always make enough money {or MORE} to buy Ryder's upcoming seasonal wardrobe, & that is SUCH a blessing! This is my third time to consign with Rhea Lana's & I plan on continuing to consign with them until I don't have anything else to sell! =)

I am also a Rhea Lana shopper! I have found some GREAT deals on clothes for Ryder at these events & can't wait to see what goodies I can find this time!

As a consigner, you also get a chance to shop early! & if you are willing to volunteer or bring food & drink for the volunteers, you get a chance to shop even EARLIER!--Something to think about! =)

Here are a few outfits I've previously purchased at Rhea Lana events!

{Chaps button down-$4}

{Gap sweater-$4}

{Ralph Lauren swimming trunks-$6}

If your ready to get started today...click HERE, chose your state & your area & sign up to consign today!

just a city boy...all country-fied for church! =)

2012-01-24T12:20:00.000-09:30

Project 365 Week 3

2012-01-24T12:04:00.000-09:30

{January 15}

Snuggle before bed!

{January 16}

We had lunch with KeeKee & Pops at Cross Creek, then Pop Pops took R to pick up deer meat in the town over, the park & to get Fro Yo! He was spoinlin' my lil boy! But he tells me he that's his job & he LOVES it! What a fun day!

{January 17}

Baby boy fell asleep on the couch at 7 pm! I don't know what wore him out so much that day!

{January 18}

He took a nap for Ms. Lauren on her first day babysitting him!--Now why doesn't he do that for me??

{January 19}

Somebody didn't have the best day at school & I guess it wore him out! He fell asleep watching Mickey Mouse after on the couch after his bath!

{January 20}

We ran into Ms. Robin with her new baby girl Blakely Friday night at Target! Ryder was just fascinated!

{January 21}

Captain America!

Ryder-isms

2012-01-22T13:59:00.000-09:30

Just a few things I want to remember about my sweet lil boy at this age!

We are now obsessed with Woody & Buzz "like year"
Today I was waking him up from his nap & he gently pushed me back to lay down beside him & said, "Let's rest for just a few more minutes..." Umm...think he's heard that a time or two? :P
Tonight while at Target mom asked me if I wanted anything from Starbucks & I said no, he said, "Yoouuuu donnnn't waaaaant anyyyyythiiiiing from STARRRRRBUCKS?" I was like no honey, I don't. He was SHOCKED! :O
Before bed the other night he wanted to read ME a book! He picked one out, opened it & said in the most country voice EVER, "Woonce apooona tiiiime" {country voice} I literally fell out laughing! I don't think I've ever read him a book that started that way before, but he cracked me UP!
He has been telling me "No" a lot & I send him straight to his room. I usually send him to his room, let us both cool off, then go in there & spank him (if he needs to be punished more besides going to his room depending on what he did...) & then we talk, pray & he can get out of his room. So during times I'm JUST sending him to his room, he doesn't know that at first, so he stands at his door & says, "I need a spankin'!" or "Come spank me Mama!" I'm sorry...but I can't help but laugh! & when this doesn't work, he tells me he has to go pee pee! Oh geez...what do you tell a two year old then! Ha!
I was told he body slammed a girl a school yesterday. He got one out of four smileys on his daily report as well. THAT IS BAD. He told me the smiley faces on his report were "crying"..."yes, honey they are." {How do y'all discipline a two year old for things he did at school hours before you can get home & talk about it?}
When I'm laying down with him at night, I swear he says, "I love you" a million times before he falls asleep, but it never gets old! =)
I tell him all the time that "I love you...SO MUCH!" So he has started to say the same to me sometimes!
Every night from the bathroom to his bed where we put on his PJs, he asked me to "Carry me like a baby" & so I do! It's one of our favorite things we do together!
If I run to my computer for a second to print something off etc. (it's not like I sit in here all day...) & he doesn't want me on it, he'll say, "Turn the computer off Mama, turn it off!" So...of course I do!
If you ask him who his girlfriend is, he'll say, "Kati...." (& say my whole name, first & last!) I love it so much! =)
He can spell his name out for you...R-Y-D-E-R
He will also tell you his birthday is September 9th
Sometimes he will grab my checks with his lil hands & say, "Look at me"...WONDER where he got that! ;)
In the bathroom at a restaurant earlier this week he said, "Mama, there's not a bath in this bathroom..."
Laying down on the floor watching a movie together, he looks up at me & says, "We're besties Mama..." (I tell him this all the time!) Melted my heart!
On our way to church, from the back seat he randomly said, "God made me perfect & special didn't he Mama?" #melt

Hope y'all had a FAB weekend! We sure did! =)

Change & MLK day

2012-01-17T18:47:00.000-09:30

I started a Beth Moore bible study tonight on James & couldn't be more excited about the next 7 weeks & what God has in store for me & all the other woman in the study!
Mom & I have started to sit down on Sundays & "meal plan" for the week, where she cooks 2 nights & I cook two night kinda depending on what's going on. But with dad having bible study Monday nights, me on Tuesday nights, & her on Wednesday nights, it kinda makes things a lil difficult but we're making it work! This way we're not all eating out so much, & even if we don't get to eat together, we still have something prepared for us to eat! It's also nice that she gets a few nights off from cooking, & same for me, yet we're all eating at home!
Ryder's new babysitter Lauren starts tomorrow! I am so excited about her keeping him, & am so thankful for her more than anything! I know he is going to have the best time!
This is the first semester I have classes all 5 days of the week (I know...poor me right?) I was usually only in T/TR or only in MWF classes, or T/TR & MW classes with Fridays off & it was so nice! Fridays were me & Ryder's day to run errands, go eat at chick & just have fun...that wasn't a "weekend day". But we don't have that any more! So I'm about to get a taste of what it's like in the real world! But...it will be good for me! ;)
I love ice water. I really do. I would get a diet coke with vanilla at sonic just because it's what me & R did every day...but I've tried to drop that habit, because it doesn't even taste good to me any more. I don't LOVE the way Sonic water tastes, but I get a large ice water every morning on the way to school because I'm always parched, & I always leave my tervis tumblers at school...(GRRR. $25 down.the.drain.) So...I'm trying to do better & drinks lots & LOTS of water! =)
I am trying to limit & watch the amount of time I am reading blogs on my phone, especially when Ryder is around. I am trying to give him my full attention rather than being glued to my phone when he is around, because our time is limited together this semester, & he LOVES his Mama! ;) If I am doing something else when Ryder is with me, I want it to be actively involved in playing with him (even though he's a GREAT independent player) doing laundry, cleaning house, or even reading for class, but not on my phone. I don't want him to grow up only remembering me for always being on my phone.

We had a fun day off from the normal routine of things yesterday. KeeKee & Pops were off work, so we all met for lunch at me & mom's favorite lil lunch shop downtown. Pops had never been (for a while it was kind of a "woman's only" place...but has grown to more men coming over the last year) & we wanted him to try it, & finally talked him into it! ;) We had fun, & Ryder was a ham, as always! Afterwards Pop Pops took him to a town over to get his deer meat, & Ryder was just overjoyed he was getting to go with his Pop Pops, & didn't have to go home with his Mama!

Pop Pops also took lil man to the park, & to 3 flamingos for some Fro Yo! I told dad he was spooling my lil man & he said that that's his job & he enjoys his "job" so I shouldn't complain! ;) & I guess he is right! I am just so glad Ryder has such a good time with his Pop Pops!

Me & R did a lil coloring when he got back! I love my lil man so much! He is just growing up so much right under my eyes!

Project 365 Week 2

2012-01-16T10:13:00.000-09:30

{January 8}

Ryder was glad to see his Pop Pops after he had been out of town all weekend...they share a special bond!

{January 9}

Sweet snuggles with his Mama before bed!

{January 10}

Ryder loves his bath time every night before going to bed!

{January 11}

He gets to pick out "one book" to ready every night, & he never lets me forget!

{January 12}

He loves his woody doll! It was definitely a GREAT Christmas present from KeeKee & Pops!

{January 13}

I'm such a GREAT mom!--feeding my kid SONIC! We had a Sonic date on Friday night! It was actually perfect if you ask me! ;)

{January 14}

I don't think there's anything sweeter than a sleeping baby!

...He is faithful.

2012-01-11T11:59:00.000-09:30

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own...

You are faithful, God, You are faithful.

Those three lines of words hit so hard to home to me...

As I look back at the things I've been thru in the last 3 or so years of my life, those words couldn't be any more true. During the most trying times of my life, He never left my side, He never turned His head from me & He never made me face things all alone.

This just amazes me. No matter how big or how bad the sin is that we commit, He is faithful!-He is right there! He held me up during some of the most difficult times in my life! I may not have realized it then, but I realize it now, more than ever & am so thankful for that. My dad has always told me & my brother that "We can't do it alone"...that is SO true! We have to lean on Him & believe that He will take care of our needs. This is so hard for me sometimes being super Type A, & a planner! But it really does make life easier when you quite wasting time worrying about things that you can't control! Give it to the Lord & let Him take care of it..& He will take care in ways you may not have ever dreamed!

He has been faithful to me & my family in so many ways...just to name a few.

-Allowing us to find out my dad had prostate cancer when he was just trying to get more life insurance for his family just in case something every happened to him. If he hadn't have been getting more life insurance, & hadn't have had to get his blood drawn for the process, he would have had the cancer for probably years living & growing inside his body, before it would have shown up else where. He is faithful. (Just a little did bit of my incite...if you don't have life insurance & have kids, GO GET IT for you & your spouse TODAY--BEFORE you get diagnosed with cancer! Once you have cancer, you can't get any life insurance or any additional, for 6 or so years. Yes, I'm only 22, but I have life insurance! I would rather get it now, while I am able to because I am young & healthy rather than waiting till I'm "older" to get it, but it being too late because I have been diagnosed with some kind of cancer, & can no longer get it to make sure my son is taken care of when I'm gone. It can cost as less than $10 a month. JUST something to think about! I'm not expert...but my parents have taught me a thing or two over the years! :P)

-Even though I made the choices I did, & got pregnant before I was married, He allowed me to carry a healthy little boy to full term (& then some...) & was perfectly healthy the day he was born & we haven't had any problems since then! I feel SO SO SO undeserving of this, it's something I often struggle with. But...He is faithful.

-I thought I was doing the right thing by getting married when I found out I was pregnant. But that was obviously not what God had in store for me, or my little man. This may sound totally wrong to you...but God allowed me to get out of that marriage I wasn't supposed to be in, in a short amount of time, allowing me to restart my life before it was too late. He is faithful.

-If I hadn't have gotten a divorce when I did, I don't think I would have ever gone back to school...& that is something I am so thankful for. He is faithful.

-After me & Ryder had lived with my parents (& brother) for 6-7 months, a house built in 1962 at the front of my parent's neighborhood, that we had never even noticed before went up for sale. We looked at it the day the sign went up in the front yard & bought it the next day. It was cute on the outside & even cuter on the inside! This was totally a God thing, & the fact that he allowed my parents to be in a place where they could buy it for me & Ryder to live in. Not to mention walking distance from parent's house. I can see their house from my kitchen window. I don't think I have to say it...but...He is faithful.

Those are just a few things that I can think of to name right now. This post has been on my heart since Sunday & I have just been putting it off because I didn't know if I would have all the right words to say. I know this is just a blog, but sometimes I think it helps me by just being able to have some where out on the WWW that's "mine" to voice my thoughts & opinions--has taught me SO much. I love that I can get on here & write how I am feeling & the things on my heart, & the things God is trying to teach me. I hope I didn't just totally bore you guys to death!

Matt Redman's Never Once video on youTube

Project 365 Week 1

2012-01-08T07:45:00.002-09:30

I never thought I would be able to do anything like Project 365, but with the technology of iPhones these days, there is no reason I shouldn't. I didn't want to get it mixed up & confused with my blog, but once I found out there was an app for it, I decided to jump on the train! There are days I don't have my real camera with me, or even document the iPhone pics I take during the day, so I'm hoping this will help me stay accountable! On the app, you can even set a reminder to remind you to take a picture that day, as well as a spot to jot down a few words describing the picture. So that's what I'm going to do on here each week to help me keep up with things. I'm also thinking about making a book on shutter fly with all these pictures & short descriptions...but we'll see!

{January 1}

This was actually from New Year's Eve, I failed to take a picture on the first...but he loves Chick-Fil-A ice cream & ringing in the new year with his Mama! :)

{January 2}

Playing in bed before we got up, he said "Look Mama, Tangy's a cowboy!"

{January 3}

Eating CFA for lunch with Mama! Such a wonderful lunch date & shopping buddy! He ate all of his chicken so he got to go play!

{January 4}

Swinging outside in the backyard with Mama on a cold, windy day. We also ate some cuties after a trip to Wal Mart.

{January 5}

It was Ryder's first day back to school after the break. He stayed dry so we went to Sonic for an ocean water! Then we came home, ate some cuties & played in the backyard!

{January 6}

Morgan came over to give Mama a facial & we watched a little bit of The Cotton Bowl. Ryder was so much fun & loves Morgan!

{January 7}

We lounged around the house today. R did go over to KeeKee's to take a nap while Mama had some quiet time!

Random Wednesday Brain Dump...

2012-01-04T18:10:00.000-09:30

Ryder stayed the night with MiMi & PawPaw last night so I went out with the girls for some wonderful hibachi dinner, & then we went over to some friends' house & watched Something Borrowed! Everybody that hadn't seen it loved it! =)
I slept in a little bit this morning & as soon as I woke up I started reading The Hunger Games where I left off last night...I was almost done & wanted to finish it before I got R back this afternoon so I could spend all my time with him, & not wanting to selfishly read that dang book!

My tabs on my Life Planner have started to get pretty messed up, & their only card stock, & with carrying it in my purse all the time, in my car & being drug in & out of the house & my backpack, those poor lil tabs get a lot of wear & tear on them! I had seen someone else on here or Pinterest & knew I had to go get these tabs & try them out!
& they worked just as magically as I thought they would! So...if you're having the same problem...go getcha some of these lil tab-a-ma-jigs at WM! They were about $2.50 if I do recall. They are meant to slipped on top of regular paper with writing already inside the tab, so they do have to be ripped in the middle to be able to fit rich ton top of the tabs. I also had to go back with scissors & trim them up a bit, but it didn't take long at all!

EBATES! Who has heard of it? I hadn't until early December, & I was so glad I got to do most of my Christmas shopping on there...& earn myself CASH BACK! Sounds crazy right? But it really works! I just got my first check in the mail today! It's not much, but I mean I'm $21.78 richer than I was yesterday! ;) It's quite simple! Sign up HERE, & get to shopping! They will keep track of the amount of cash back you receive in you "account" & when you are ready for your check, you just let them know & they mail it to you just like that! 6% cash back may not seem like a lot at the time, especially if your purchase isn't all the much, but over time it can add up! My 21 dollars only came from 3 or 4 different purchases! Most stores are listed on Ebates including Wal Mart, Target, Macy's, Victoria's Secret, Barnes & Noble etc. I needed to get a few things from WM, & I ordered it all off of WM through Ebates so I could get my cash back, even though I could have driven to the store to get it all...NOT a bad deal especially when shipping is FREE!

I was so happy to get my lil man back today! He tells me he's a "country boy" not a "city boy" & today he sure did look like it in his boots & dirtied up jeans! ;) I love it though! He is cheesing like this because I told him to stop saying "cheese" & just SMILE! Ha! He's a ham!

Back to school for lil man tomorrow! We tried to get back into our routine of dinner by 6, bath by 7 & bed by 8 tonight! I had him in bed by 8:05...not to shabby! :P
Mama is getting her teeth cleaned tomorrow & then I'm going to work on getting stuff together for the Rhea Lana sale coming up OH SO SOON...(more on that later! ;) )

& this lil booger...my mom told me I would want to have the 2nd one AS SOON AS I finished the first, & she was right, but I'm making myself finish our thank you cards before I start reading it! We'll see how long that lasts...or I better just get to writing!

2011 in review...

2011-12-31T10:22:00.002-09:30

{January}
-We had our first snow day of the year!
-Nothing too big & crazy happened, but my child did show us that he had some mad dancing skills when I met some OBU friends at CBC to watch my first wrestling match!
-I wrote one of my deepest {probably my deepest} posts on "the a word" & am so glad I did.

{February}
-I took a trip to the 'Delph for Bid Day 2011 & to see all my lovely EEE sisters! =)
-It snowed AGAIN...the most snow I ever remember there being in AR!

{March}
-My sweet lil Punkin' turned A YEAR & A HALF old!
-I had the opportunity to meet my favorite author, Nicholas Sparks & I was lucky enough to get a few @ replies from a few celebs on Twitter! ;)
-Jake & I took Ryder to Build-a-Bear to make his first bear...or monkey! :)
-Ryder had his first t-ball lesson from his Mama & turned 19 months old!

{April}
-I signed up & started selling Scentsy!
-Celebrated Easter with family on Freckle Face Farm!
-Watched Uncle G play in his last game at The Field as a Wampus Cat.

{May}
-We all celebrated the capture & death of Osama Bin Laden.
-Celebrated Nana & Papaw's 50th Wedding Anniversary!
-We also celebrated my second Mother's Day!
-My LITTLE brother graduated from High School!
-My brother won the 7A State Baseball Championship!!!

{June}
-One year had passed since the passing of Papa John.
-One year also passed since the official end of my marriage.

{July}
-My favorite Roomie & bestie from OBU got that BLING BLING!
-We got to go to the lake for the day to visit Pooh, Pretty Ricky, Aunt Syd & Lou Lou
-Ryder got to experience his first trip to the beach with the family!
-& I turned 22!!

{August}
-Ryder finished up with his summer class of 'nastics!
-Celebrated living in my new house for one whole year! What a blessing!

{September}
-I was asked to be my cousin Tonya's MOH in her upcoming wedding in May! I couldn't have been happier!
-Ryder started MDO two days a week, 2 days before his 2nd birthday!
-We were sad to lose my mom's dog Trixi, the day before Ryder's 2nd birthday to kidney failure.
-Ryder turned 2 & we celebrated with a big baseball themed party outside at his dad's house with lots of friends & family!
-My parents got a new dog, a golden-doodle & named him Brett!
-I was asked by my college roomie, Allie to be her MOH in her wedding in August!
-My brother got drawn for a gator tag, & killed his first gator!

{October}
-I hosted a fun chili & pumpkin carving party with lots of friends!
-Ryder was Peter Pan for halloween & we had a blast driving all over town to trick or treat at all of our friend's houses!

{November}
-We had our first professional family pictures made & they turned out GREAT!
-Ryder got his first ear infection, & had to have his first EVER round of antibiotics, the day after I had my wisdom teeth out & the weekend before Thanksgiving! SO thankful!

{December}
-We had a fun night out with friends going to eat at Chick & to see baby Jesus at Bethlehem.
-We went to the Shug to visit Pooh & her family! =)
-Celebrated Christmas Eve at Nana & Papaw's!
-I officially announced my lil man was potty trained & I couldn't be more proud of him!

We have had such a wonderful year! Lots of wonderful things happened during 2011! I can't express how blessed I feel & how lucky I am to have such a sweet, loving, caring & healthy little boy! He is my heart & soul & I only pray 2012 doesn't go by as fast as 2011, so I can soak him up at this age just a little bit more before he turns into a little boy, & no longer a toddler! :(

I am looking forward to what God has in store for me & Ryder during 2012 & can't wait to find out!

We are potty trained!

2011-12-30T06:30:00.001-09:30

I had never had the opportunity to blog about Ryder being potty trained! It officially happened over Thanksgiving break. After that I sent him to school without a diaper on & he has never had an accident at school since! It still shocks me to this day & I am so proud of him! Some people say that they should be potty trained before they turn two, but I truly believe every kid is different & they will let you know when they're ready & he definitely did!

I knew it was officially OFFICIAL when we made the trip to LR to see Santa & back without an accident! That's pretty intense & I was so proud of him! We did have to stop at a gas station on the way there & back, but he always does such a good job about telling me when he needs to go!

I was scared about our trip to the Shug last week, but he stayed perfectly dry there & back as well! So...now I feel like I can officially say that my lil man is potty trained! =) I couldn't be happier, but I am sad that it's just another sign my lil man is growing up!

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T20:35:00.000-09:30

Christmas morning was so special this year. Ryder was actually old enough to understand that when he went to bed & went to sleep, that Santa would come! & when it was time to wake up, Santa would have left some wonderful goodies for him! I couldn't wait to see the happiness on my lil man's face! I love getting to play Santa & look forward to it many years to come!

Since both me & Garrett live out of the house now, I asked mom & dad if they wanted us to all spend the night Christmas Eve--so that's what we did! I know that when I get re-married, we won't do this any more because I will want to have our own special time at our house Christmas morning together & then we'll make our way over to KeeKee & Pop's to see what Santa brought over there!

So...this was a new & fun tradition I'm glad we started!

{his "skateboard" & helmet! all the kid has ever wanted! :P}

This Santa had done their duties & it was time for me to go to bed so Grand-Santa could come! ;)

{I think he looks like such an angel when he's sleeping!}

{Ryder's stocking at KeeKee's that she MADE! She made all of ours actually!}

{Time to get up!}

I have a video of him walking in seeing his stuff...which is why I don't have pictures during that process! :P

{Loving his chair...now he has his own to sit in outside with the grown ups!}

{This was seriously the best purchase! He loves it & is even sleeping with it!}

{Helping Pop Pop's organize his Keurig!}

Ryder actually woke up sick Christmas morning. You could just see it in his eyes he didn't feel 100%. I hated it for him...but he still seemed to enjoy everything, he just didn't have that extra spark in him that he always has!

We got up & got around & got ready for church & even made it to the 9 o'clock service on time!

After church, Ryder's dad came & got him so he could go do Christmas with his side of the family. I was so glad it worked out where Ryder was able to go & wasn't missing out on anything.

Right after Ryder left, Tonya, Luke & Aunt Kathy got here from flying in from Atlanta that morning. Mom had prepared us a wonderful lunch that we all enjoyed so much. It is such a blessing to sit & eat a great meal on Christmas Day surrounded by family from near & far. TRUE blessing.

We lounged around a bit & then it was time to go see War Horse! Mom INSISTED on seeing this movie! Luckily we thought ahead & bought tickets online because it was completely sold out by the time we got there. Not 15 minutes into the movie, Jake text me & said Ryder just wan't himself all day & was getting worse so they were leaving Mimi's to head home & rest. This just made me worry about my baby & want to be with him & comfort him. So I left the movies & went to get my lil man. He was just so worn out from everything going on, but you could tell by looking into his eyes he didn't' feel good.

We went back to KeeKee's, took a few pictures & then laid down for a nap before everyone else got home from the movies.

Mom made a yummy potato soup for dinner that we all gobbled up & Ryder slept straight through everything! He was one.tired.puppy!

We were all in the game room doing presents & came back in the living room to find him like this! He WAS on the couch! We figured he rolled off, or wanted to get off the hot couch & went down there himself...I just love him so much!

We had a wonderful & fabulous Christmas with family & are truly blessed with everything we have been given!

Christmas Eve @ Nana & Papaw's

2011-12-28T18:48:00.000-09:30

For as long as I can remember, we have gone to Nana & Papaw's on Christmas Eve. We all bring a handful of yummy appetizers to munch on & then eat some chili if we fill up to it! We always hang out & visit & eat, & then we all gather together to listen to Papaw read the Christmas Story & then it's time to sort out all the presents! There are now 12 "kids" & 8 adults...so it can be kinda crazy, yet SO fun! =) We wouldn't want it any other way!

Ryder had a great time with all his cousins & I seriously don't ever worry about his where a bouts because I know he's with "somebody"!

{Sibling love...}

{Pop Pops with his kiddos}

{Happy fam!}

We have iced sugar cookies at Nana's for as long as I can remember...I have gotten old enough where I have passed the task onto the younger kids! :P}

This is Ryder with his great-grandpa...Papaw. This picture is so special to me because I used to be the "baby" of the family & the only grandchild...& I was the one sitting in Papaw's lap when he read the Christmas Story!

{Some of the cousins & Uncle Mitch...}

This year was the first year for us to do a Dirty Santa with Gift Cards! It was seriously SO MUCH FUN!! Props to Linda Sue & Bunky! There were GCs from Wal-Mart, Academy Sports, iTunes, Hancock's Fabrics, Cabela's, Brighton, Barnes & Noble etc. etc....it was so fun to see people get stuff that they probably wouldn't care for, & then just hope someone would steal it, or someone get something they LOVED & wanted to keep & just hope & pray no one stole it! =) I ended up with iTunes & I was happy!--Now I can buy some more books on my phone!

{Karleigh bought & wrapped this book for Ryder all by herself, it's called "I love you through & through" I thought that was so sweet & grown up of her! =)}

{Lil man got his first "real" pair of cowboy boots & he LOVED them!}

{He got a biggo' stack of Dr. Suess books from Bunky & Linda Sue! Our collection is GROWING! I can't wait till lil man can read them himself!}

{Nana made him this quilt...he already has quite the collection from her & he's only two! I seriously LOVED it when we opened it up! Thank you Nana!--He obviously loved it too & wanted to lay on it RIGHT then! ;)}

{That grin is as good as it got...}

{The five of us by the Christmas tree!}

I'm so thankful for such wonderful family & being able to live close enough where this can be an every year event! I know it's something I always look forward too & I hope to continue to the tradition for many years to come!

Reindeer Food!

2011-12-28T18:34:00.000-09:30

On Christmas Eve Eve Ryder & I made reindeer food! I knew Ryder would love this & really get into it & I was right. This is something my aunt did for us every year growing up & it was so fun to go & sprinkle it in the front yard on Christmas Eve night, to make sure the reindeer wanted to stop at our house!

I think he seriously looks like such a big boy in these pictures...scooping & pouring everything all by himself!

{That's some serious concentration right there...}

Our finished product! He was so proud of his work! ;) I look forward to doing this every year with little man & I hope it's something that he looks forward to as well!

Movies with Pop Pops...

2011-12-28T18:30:00.000-09:30

A few days before Christmas Eve Pop Pops called us & asked if we wanted to go see the new Chipmunks movie with him. I hadn't even thought about taking Punkin' to see this movie. Of course we decided to go...luckily we didn't have anything else going!

This was Ryder's second movie to go see...the first being The Lion King!

He did GREAT during the movie. We had to get up to go potty a few times, but other than that he sat there & watched the movie & drank his icee.

I'm so thankful that Ryder has such a wonderful Pop Pops that takes him to do fun things like this!

Our Christmas Card

2011-12-24T03:32:00.000-09:30

Even though being with family & eating lots of yummy food while enjoying your company & lovely new gifts, don't forget the TRUE meaning of Christmas during this crazy, yet exciting time of year.

As a mom, I want more than anything for Ryder to grow & understand that it's not about what Santa brings, or the presents underneath the tree, but the Savior that was born in a manger, on that cold winter night. That little boy would one day die on the cross to save OUR sins--THAT'S the true meaning of Christmas! It's a celebration of His birth & we can't forget that!

Ryder & I are wishing you & your

families are VERY Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card Blessing Ring

2011-12-22T20:00:00.000-09:30

I wanted to share a quick & easy little Christmas craft with you guys! I first saw this on Katie's Keepers after Katie made one for all the cards that they received after the passing of their daughter Reese. I made one with all of Ryder's baby cards that we received & have a stack of birthday & holiday ones waiting to be made into another special blessing ring!

It's quite simple & all you need is a 5" metal necklace from the jewelry department at Hobby Lobby that snaps closed at the ends with two hooks. Looks like I got this one for $1.47. You'll need some ribbon of your choice to go along with the season/occasion of the pictures/cards of your choice & the pictures/cards you want to hang on your blessing ring.

{necklace}

{super cute Christmas cards of friends & fam}

{Punch all of your cards/pictures with a hole punch from where you would like them to hang. PS aren't Sarah & Greg the CUTEST lil couple!?}

{I slipped all of my cards/pictures onto my ring, but you can still tell it's need a lil something more!}

{I just took random left over ribbon from my ribbon stash that were Christmas colors & tied them on my ring every 3-4 cards & WAH-LAH! You have a super cute blessing ring!}

I think I'm going to try & make one for every year & keep in our Christmas decorations & pull them out every Christmas to look back on! How fun!?

Here is Ryder's baby blessing ring that still hangs in his room today...

These can be made for any occasion & is such a better way to keep cards, then throwing them all in a box! Happy blessing ring making friends! =)

if he wants you...

2011-12-22T07:00:00.007-09:30

I wish I could take full credit for this...but I can't. My middle school yearbook teacher posted it on FB & I clicked over to read it which I normally don't do & I'm glad I did.

Even though I've only really "dated" one person my whole life I feel like I learned a lot from that one relationship. I learned to think more about myself most importantly. People often times come to me for advice & I wonder why, after how my relationship & marriage turned out, but I do believe that I have a lot of good things to say & advice to give, when I never thought I really would. No, I don't have everything figured out, but by making mistakes yourself, you learn SO much more...& I have a "story" that I learned so much from.

Every day & every new relationship I encounter, new things that I "learned" in my passed relationship is brought to my attention & I am so thankful for that because I definitely don't want to make those same mistakes again. I still have to deal with things because of the mistakes I made, but I know that I was put in that position for a reason & am truly a better person because of it. I think that because of what I've been through, I'm a better mom & I will one day be a better wife because of it--& I am thankful for that.

It's easy to look at the bad & be bitter about things & how your "life didn't turn out the way you thought it would", but I just try to look at the good that did come out of it & stay positive, & like I said...learn from my mistakes! I believe that that is what I've done & I strive everyday to be a better person because of what I've been through.

Now...if your a girl. A single girl. READ THIS!! It is all so true! A lot of the things I've thought about before & realized, or even repeated to my friends--which is why it struck home so much to me--& then some of it is new stuff I hadn't ever though about before & am now glad it was brought to my attention! I saved it on my computer, & I think reading it over & over will drill these thoughts & ways in my head to prepare me for future relationships-what to look for, & what to look out for!

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.

If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay.

Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.

Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.

Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that’s not meant to be.

Slower is better.

Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.

If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve

then heck no, you can’t "be friends."

A friend wouldn’t mistreat a friend.

Don’t settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.

Don’t stay because you think "it will get better." You’ll be mad at yourself

a year later for staying when things are not better.

The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Avoid men who’ve got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.

He didn’t marry them when he got them pregnant,

Why would he treat you any differently?

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.

Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.

If something bothers you, speak up.

Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.

You cannot change a man’s behavior. Change comes from within.

Don’t EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...even if he has

more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god.

He is a man, nothing more nothing less.

Never let a man define who you are.

Never borrow someone else’s man.

Oh Lord! If he cheated with you, he’ll cheat on you.

A man will only treat you the way you allow him to treat you.

All men are not dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two-way street.

You need time to heal between relationships...There is nothing cute about

baggage. Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship.

You should never look for someone to complete you. A relationship consists

of two whole individuals. Look for someone complimentary, not supplementary.

Dating is fun; even if he doesn’t turn out to be Mr. Right.

Make him miss you sometimes. When a man always know where you are, and you’re

always readily available to him—he takes it for granted.

Don’t fully commit to a man who doesn’t give you everything that you need.

Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Share this with other ladies.

You’ll make someone smile, another rethink her choices, and another woman prepare.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate

them, a day to love them, and an entire lifetime to forget them.

VIA

I hope you can take this to heart & even share it with your friends & the ones you love!

Visit from Santa & Gingerbread House

2011-12-21T22:38:00.000-09:30

Today ended up being such a great day! We only had one thing planned, & that was for little man to get a much needed hair cut, but we had a few surprises before then!

Kelly tweeted a picture of her brother dressed up like Santa Claus & I said "Bring him to see Ryder-ASAP!" So that's what that did! I had been talking to someone about doing this the other day, so this worked out perfect! I knew Ryder would love it & sure enough, he did!

Ryder opened the door & said, "Hey Santa! Skateboard & a helmet!" Ha! Santa didn't even have time to ask him what he wanted! :P

Thank you so much Jay for making a special stop to see my lil man! We might have started something though! ;)

We finally got around to making our gingerbread house tonight! I assembled it, threw on some icing & let Ryder do the best! He loved it!

FLASHBACK:

{Gingerbread House 2010-15 months}

{Gingerbread House 2009-3 months}

Annual Shopping Trip to LR!

2011-12-21T06:36:00.000-09:30

Ever since I can remember, the week or two before Christmas, dad would take me & G to Little Rock to go shopping for mom for Christmas. This was something we always looked forward to & felt like we were big shots going out to eat in LR & going shopping at the mall.

It would be so easy for me to just buy everything for mom for Christmas, but I still want this to be a tradition & for them to put a little effort in! ;) So...last night me, dad, G & Ryder all went to LR to eat & shop for mom!

We tried out Copeland's for the first time & we all seriously LOVED it! The food was FANTASTIC & we will for sure be going back the next chance we get!

Ryder behaved & I was so proud of him, considering he had spent most of the day riding in the car on our way home from the Shug & hadn't had a nap!

We even ventured down to the Promenade because dad & G had never been to the Apple store.

& this lil man just wanted to run wild in there! So...this is how we kept him still & quiet! :P

He now thinks this is "his computer." "Where's my computer mama?" Oh geeeez! :P

We had such a good time & I'm glad we take the time out of our busy schedules to make this a priority once a year!

Visit to the Shug!

2011-12-21T06:35:00.001-09:30

Every since we went to visit Pooh & her parents in the Shug this summer, Ryder has been asking when we were going back. I told him months ago we would go over Christmas Break--& that time finally got here! I love getting to see Pooh, Pretty Ricky, Aunt Syd & Lou Lou & Caleb! I'm so thankful that I can go visit them, & take my son with me & they welcome us into their home like we are part of the family! It's such a good feeling!

They have tons of blow ups in their front yard & Ryder just went CRAZY over them! I made him take a pic with his favorites! ;)

Monday night we went & got some ice scream & then drove around & looked at some lights! This place was "102 Dalmatians" & let me tell you...there REALLY were 102! It was so neat & creative! Ryder loved it too!

The same guy also had an SEC sleigh with razorbacks pulling Santa's sleigh! So cute!

Punkin' enjoying his ice cream! He picked out strawberry!

He had TOO much fun playing on Pooh's iPad!

He even got to open his first Christmas present! He was so happy & excited! He got a race truck & a car that make LOTS of noise...OF COURSE! :P

Caleb came over & was soooo good playing with little man! They went outside & hung out for a while & let Mama rest! ;) Lou Lou came over after work & was eating some party mix, & Ryder just had to have some too!

We went to bed pretty late, so little man let us sleep in the next day. Pooh went & got us donuts & then got some snuggle time in with little man! She had to get up & go get her hair cut, & then it was time for us to head home!
I am so thankful we were able to go down even if it wasn't even for a full 24 hours! It was better than nothing, & I love making memories with my lil man & he sure does love his Shug family! :)

Sugar Cookies!

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000-09:30

Growing up I had always made sugar cookie's at my Nana's house during Christmas time. We used to help her cut them out & bake them, but there got to be too many of us & she would cut them out, & bake them ahead of time, & now we just help decorate them on Christmas Eve! It's something we all know to look forward to, & the little kids love it!

I decided to try & make sugar cookies with Ryder! I knew he would love cutting out the shapes, & then icing them & putting spindles on them!

It didn't turn out as great as I thought it would (the sugar cookie mix was GROSS) & as you can tell by his poor face, lil man was sick sick SICK! But he was still a trooper & had fun!

The sprinkles container didn't have a little protective lid--AT ALL! Haha!

Not too bad!

We still had a good time, even though the cookies weren't that great! :P We might need to step up our game next try & try a homemade sugar cookies recipe! :O

Bethlehem

2011-12-21T03:30:00.000-09:30

Every year during the first week of December, our church puts on "Bethlehem" as a gift to the community. The "city" of Bethlehem is built with all sorts of different kinds of shops & you can come thru & see what it was like during the time of Jesus' birth. You can even go see baby Jesus when you are finished touring the city! You are given "shekels" at the entrance of the city, & are greeted by many "towns people" that live & work in Bethlehem. You can spend your shekels on food, candles, toys, jewelry, medicine, or whatever you desire! It's a great experience & I can't wait to take Ryder as he gets older! HERE is us last year at Bethlehem Revisited!

I am so thankful for a wonderful group of friends that go to things like this week me, because it's not always easy to do it on my own! A group of us met at Chick & then went to Bethlehem afterwards! Ryder loves all of my friends so much, so he is ALWAYS happy to get away from me for a little bit & see all his buddies! ;)

{With Mr. Kyle--Ryder asked him where his Christmas Tree was! Ha!}

{He loves Ms. Zach--he went with us last year too!}

{So glad Kelly & Luke joined us!}

{Looking at the live animals...}

{Cheeeeeese!}

{& we finally got to see baby Jesus & Ryder LOVED this part! He was SO excited!}

This has obviously become a tradition of ours the last two years & I hope to keep it that way the years continue!

Christmas-y Randoms!

2011-12-20T19:14:00.000-09:30

I had a busy last week & an even BUSIER weekend!

Ryder had his last day of school before break on Thursday & I finally got to take his teacher's their Christmas gifts! I love tumblers....y'all know that! & I assume everyone else does too! I got them Starbucks tumblers (& his director a coffee mug because they were out of tumblers) & got Starbucks gift cards to place in there & threw a bow on them! I know I would be happy with this gift as a teacher & they were simple, yet fun & hopefully will be enjoyed!

I have been on the look out for the perfect "Christmas Story" book, but appropriate for Ryder's age. & like always....TJ Maxx didn't let me down! I saw this board book & flipped thru it & knew it was the perfect one! I couldn't wait to get home & read it to my little man--& of course he soaked it ALL up just like I thought he would! I seriously think 99% of his books are from TJ Maxx & I love it! =)

...love maegan tweeted this the other day & I just LOVED her color scheme! How unique! Purple, blue & silver! I snapped a screen shot of it so I would remember it for future Christmases.

Saturday evening I went to a childhood friend's wedding. Justin & I grew up going to church together, & he is apart of so many of my youth trip memories! He is such a great guy & Sydney definitely found the perfect guy! Their wedding was beautiful & I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with her dress! It was just as beautiful as her! =)

Me & the Groom himself! =)

Funny story: I ran into one of my brother's good friends that he met at camp in probably 3rd grade from Stuttgart at the reception! I was like "What are you doing here?!" Her sister is actually roommates with the bride's little sister...so that's why they were there! I got to meet their mom & it was nice to sit & visit with them! --& this is just another reason I believe in six degrees! ;)

After that I went straight to my pledge class' Christmas party! I was so glad to see so many of my pledge sisters that I don't always get to see through out the year! The food was delicious & Anna was a FAN-TAS-TIC host!--AS ALWAYS! We did an ornament exchange (dirty santa style) & these are two ornaments that I got stolen--because they were SO CUTE!

It's okay though...because I ended up with a super fun one that Ryder LOVES!

I still can't believe it is the WEEK of Christmas! Where has the time gone! Oh my word! I am so looking forward to this Christmas because Ryder is old enough to "get it" & actually open presents & say thank you & participate in all the craziness! He is also old enough to understand that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday & that we can even have cupcakes & "wick them" to celebrate! More than anything, I want him to grow up knowing the true meaning of Christmas & I have started that this year, & will continue to teach him the importance as he grows...& I can't wait! =)

Ryder's Christmas in LR

2011-12-20T19:00:00.000-09:30

Saturday was Ryder went to one of his Great Aunt's house in LR to celebrate Christmas with Mimi & Hannah! He always has such a good times with them & I was so glad to see that someone tagged some pictures from the event on Facebook, so I could see them!

{Ryder with his Granny Jean!}

{Ryder with Hannah & Mimi!}

I am so thankful that Ryder has such a good relationship with his Mimi & PawPaw & that they live close enough for him to see them often! He tells me he is a "country boy" because that's what he is when he goes & stays out at their house! :P He will be just enough of a city boy & country boy when he grows up & I love it! =)

We've turned a new leaf!

2011-12-14T06:17:00.000-09:30

With Ryder being sick, he has acted pretty good for "being sick"...but heaven forbid you tell the kid that "he's sick!" because he will say, "I'M NOOOOT SIICCCKK!" It's kinda funny actually. & he says that I'm not sick either & is always asking me if I "feel better?" Too precious!

Even though he has played well, he still hasn't been his complete self...UNTIL LAST NIGHT!

Amy watched him yesterday while I had to keep him home from school--so I could go & take my final. SOO thankful for her! =) Afterwards we went to Chick to eat lunch & my child squeezed a ketchup packet SO hard that it exploded all over him. This was after I had wiped it off of his face & hair! :O I seriously just stood there & said "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" Seriously...never a dull moment around here! ;)

He went over to my parents for alittle bit last night while I studied...& when I went back over there to get him, he was seriously a NEW KID! You could tell he felt good & "wasn't sick" & was finally getting back to the same ole crazy Ryder we'd missed the last few days! That sure will make a Mama happy! =)

I found him like this last night when we were about to go to bed...I just couldn't help but laugh!

Isn't that just precious? I love him so much! He is the sweetest little boy & loves his Mama so much! He makes me so happy & I seriously can't imagine my life without him!

Sleeping hard after a long day...I love that little face!

One last thing...how CUUUTE is this hat?!? I'm seriously thinking about getting one with Ryder's name on it! It would be great for the coming months, especially if it SNOWS! =)

Baby boys sick...

2011-12-14T06:09:00.000-09:30

Well...I told you I wouldn't be around much! & I haven't been! :( Since Thursday night, little man has ran a fever at about 6 pm...random I know! He has had the whole runny nose, cold, cough & gunked up eye thing as well so I just figured it was something going along with that.

It finally got to the point Monday morning where I knew something else must be going on...& we should probably head in to see what was up. We went in to see Ms. Karen that morning & boy am I glad we did.

Did I mention I woke up with my horrible sore throat as well...MONDAY JUST WASN'T MY DAY FOR SURE!-(not to mention it was my ONLY day this week without a final!)

Sure enough...the ear infection he had two weeks ago never completely went away. So it was time to get out the big boy antibiotics & KILL off that infection! My mom said amoxicillin never killed my ear infections either...so hopefully these new meds will do the trick!

It seems like all day Monday was spent at the Dr., at the pharmacy, at Walgreens getting over the counter drugs, or driving to & from! Oh...& not to mention, my mom was home from school as well from being SICK! Ahh...sick of all this SICKNESS!

This did make our sickly weekend a little bit better! ;)

& I finally got Punkin' his own chapstick (& grabbed a few more for his stocking) the other day! Green Apple...who knew?! It smells fab & is super soft, I think I'm gonna have to get myself some soon so I'll quit stealing his! =)

Everybody...wash your hands, try & stay stress free & stay away from the sicklies! :P

Catch all...catch up!

2011-12-06T03:50:00.002-09:30

Well...Squeak the elf has made himself at home the passed few days! On Friday we went to see Santa & he left a note to Ryder telling him to tell Santa hello & to behave for mommy! & I am happy to report that Ryder was so good all the way to LR & back! AND...he stayed dry ALL day! We had to stop once on the way there, once at the restaurant & then once again on the way home! But, I was so proud of him for telling me, & it seemed like no big deal! =)

This is a picture of a picture of him with Santa. His hands are up because I had mine up trying to get him to smile & it was the only one with him smiling...so I went with it! =)

He seriously walked straight up there to him, gave him a high five & knuckles. Told him his name, how old he was & what he wanted for Christmas..."a skateboard & a helmet" (don't ask me where he got that from, because it is ALL HIM!!) He straight up leaned back in his lap & relaxed & just hung out with him while I paid & got the pictures printed....it was pretty funny, but I was so glad everything went well & we got it out of the way!

We didn't do ANYTHING on Saturday. We both practically stayed in our PJs & got stuff done around the house, which feels really good today because my house is semi-clean, laundry is done & I just feel refreshed! We did get out to go to Sonic to get Pop Pops a strawberry-limeade because he was out bagging up all the leaves in the front yard poor guy. Yes, we were both still in our PJs at this point & neighbors were walking & looking at us funny, but I didn't even care! ;) Ryder in his Elmo PJs, Toy Story cowboy boots & my pink sequin Santa hat!

I got my Marley Lilly monogram scarf in last week & wore it to church on Sunday. It's color is "papaya" & I love it & think it's a real unique color. There are many other colors I loved as well, but this is what I settled with! I won a $20 gift card just for tweeted about Marley Lilly one night, so I got this scarf for 6 dollars (& that was just shipping!)

Every Southern girl needs a monogram scarf or two! ;) I will be going back for more...check out her site for ALL things personalized & monogrammed!

Mr. Squeak got a hold of a marker & did a lil artwork on Ryder's school picture! Ryder was NOT too pleased with his artwork & threw a little fit when he saw it! I quickly told him Squeak was just messing around, but that he better be good so that Squeak won't do it again! :P

Today he brought along with him from the North Pole some Peppermint flavored marshmellows! YUMM!!

I had taken the recycling out this morning in the rain & had taken my rain boots off in the laundry room, & found this lil guy trying to walk around in them! TOO funny if you ask me!

Before I had class, me & lil man had a few errands to run this morning & I thought he just looked awfully funny in his stunna shades & with the sucker in his mouth! He is at such a fun age, I can't even express how much fun we have together! We seriously are the best of friends! =)

& of course Mama had to try out the peppermint flavored marshmellows in her hot chocolate today! =)

MIA for the next two weeks... :/

2011-12-04T20:30:00.000-09:30

As many exciting things that are going to be happening in the next two weeks, ALOT of my time will be (should be) consisting of studying. :/ So...I can't promise there will be any blog posts. It will sadden me more than it will you I'M SURE. But I will miss blogging. It's my outlet.

Just FYI so no one starts to worry! ;) Maybe I'll have some good stuff to post once I come back...if I survive! :O

Erin Condren Deal!

2011-11-30T18:13:00.000-09:30

Remember my post about my new favorite Life Planner?? Well, Doodle Deals is having a deal, $25 for a $50 voucher to Erin Condren's website! You don't have to buy the Life Planner either....you can buy some address labels, or fun gift tags just in time for Christmas!

If you are a first time customer, you will get $5 off...so you can get the deal for $20--seriously can't beat that! CLICK HERE to snag this deal today! =) You don't want to miss out! They will only be availible for I think 4 more days, or until they run out (which happens fast!)

my life planner...

2011-11-29T03:45:00.002-09:30

SO...the Erin Condren Life Planners were ALL.THE.RAGE a while back & I didn't quite get it--until I got my own! They are a bit pricey for a planner, & I didn't get one until I could snag a half off deal, & I got my Mama one too! ;) Or...it might be the other way around, but at least I helped her out on the cost! We got both of ours for the price of one!

I seriously LOVE it! It's the perfect size, & it sits out & open all day on my desk, where I can see what's going on, & freely jot down things that I need to get done for that day, or even days & weeks down the road. If I'm not home, it's either in my purse or in my backpack when I go to school.

I love the tabs, & am able to flip exactly to where I need to be. I taped clear packaging tape over them to hold them up a little bit better, since I do travel with my planner so much.

Here's what average week at our house looks like...I like that every day has a "morning" "day" & "night" category. That way I know EXACTLY what's going on, & when I'm actually FREE!-->NEVER!

If you can't tell, I'm a super color coordinated person & that also helps me keep track of things without having to read everything...

On the side each week, there are also lists of "goals" & "to do:" things for that week which is kinda nice.

Each month starts off with a full page monthly calendar & a few blank lined pages for notes, which I am certainly enjoying!

In the back is about 25 pages of plan blank pages for whatever you need!--Can always come in handy!

It also comes with tons of cute stickers, & even some blank ones for you to fill in yourself!

Each planner also comes with a clear zipper pouch for coupons, stamps etc. etc. that way things aren't falling out all the time when you're on the go!

& at the very back, 2 full years worth of calendars for all that planning ahead! Hey--at least I can SEE the month of my GRADUATION! =) =)

So...yes, the Erin Condren Life Planner lives up to all the hype that it has caused! =) I would highly recommend getting one for yourself & all the organized people in your life to start the new year out with a BANG! They also send you super cute label stickers with your name on them to tease you & try to get you to order some more--but FREE is always good right?!

There are so many different cute choices, you can even get a picture put on the front for no extra cost!

Now...go getcha one! =)

Christmas Crafts!

2011-11-28T03:00:00.000-09:30

With 4 rubbermaid tubs FULL of Christmas stuff outside & a small house that only 2 people live in, I told myself I wouldn't be buying ANY new Christmas decorations this year!--It's actually allowing me to have more money to spend on others, which is something I really enjoy! It hasn't been easy, but I've stuck to it...so far! I just know that I don't need anything else, because I don't even have room for all the things that I already have!--So, no point in buying even MORE!
But that doesn't mean I can't make a few new decorations! Here a few things I've seen around town, or on Pinterest that I thought I might could whip up if I have any extra time between now & Christmas! =)

I thought I might be able to make this with my Silhouette using vinyl on a painted canvas.

Oh how I love wreaths, especially making them!--I have a HUGE swag on my front door, but I'd love to make something like this just to hang inside.

Simple painted canvas...but how cute?!
I had heard about the "101 days of Christmas" a while back but never gave it much thought. But once I started thinking about ALL the things that has to be done in preparation for Christmas & all the traditions that I want to start & continue for my little Ryder man, I knew this would help me stay organized! I may be like 76 days late...or MORE, but oh well! =) I ran across it on Pinterest & wanted to share it with my lovely readers! You can download the printables you want individually for free, or for 4 easy dollars (that's 3 trips to Sonic for me...) you can download ALL of the printables in ONE click!--the ease was worth 4 bucks to me! ;)
I'm hoping to make a binder out of my printables & start a new section each year. That way, excluding Christmas Card Addresses etc., I can look back on how we did things, what worked, what didn't & how I might want to do things different, or what things I might want to add, or even years down the road to see when we started certain traditions! :)
Just a thought...maybe this could help make your Holidays less stressful, more organized & all in one place!

Thankfulness...

2011-11-24T07:35:00.001-09:30

Today isn't just about eating as much food as possible & visiting with family we don't see very often, but it's about giving thanks to all we have been given. We should take time every day to say a simple "Thank you" but that's not always the case...

I know I can't list everything I'm thankful for..but I want to remember the things on my heart that I'm thankful for this year, as well as a flash back or two of my sweet lil boy!

{Thanksgiving 2009, 2 & a half months old}

That I get to go to school, I don't have to.

For my wonderful parents, always being supportive even during the most difficult of times.

For my parent's jobs & all they do for me & Ryder.

For Ryder's wonderful grandparents, Mimi & PawPaw--they are beyond good to both of us!

For wonderful friends, old & new!

For a wonderful roommate that loves my little boy!

For me & my families health, & the access we have to medicine & doctors.

{Thanksgiving 2010, 13 & a half months old}

My church family & being able to live in the best country in the world, allowing us to freely worship whenever we want.

Of course my little boy & all the joy that he brings to my life every single day, as well as his sweet & perfect personality & health. I never knew I could love someone the way that I love him & I can't ever say thank you enough for God trusting me to raise this little boy & be his mom.

My town...I seriously do LOVE where I live! =)

For blogging & the outlet it has allowed me to have, as well as meeting new friends!

I'm also thankful for Apple products!--Maybe cheesy, but it's true! They have made so many of our lives easier & I'll always be a Mac girl! =)

I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a Independent Scentsy Consultant! I love my job & the people I have met through it!

I know I haven't covered everything...that's just a glimpse of my thankfulness!

I hope you enjoy time with your families today & remember what this "day full of food" is really about! & don't just be thankful today, but everyday!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

Wintery day in the backyard!

2011-11-23T02:15:00.001-09:30

Just some pics of my lil man outside before church a week or so ago!

{I told him to throw the football @ my camera...& he did, & I caught it! :P}

{He loves his Dah Dah!}

{& his Mama LOVES him!}

Thank you for...

2011-11-22T02:15:00.000-09:30

Just a few things Ryder is thankful for this week & every week...& in the own words of my lil man-

"Dear Jesus, Thank you for school...

...thank you for Chick-E-Tah cows, big cows & little cows....

...thank you for MiMi & PawPaw, & Hannah Grace...

...KeeKee & Pops, Dah Dah,

& Uncle G.

Thank you for Mama & thank you for gummies. In Jesus name, Ryder, amen."

Our day...

2011-11-21T20:40:00.000-09:30

What a day!

It's been a while since me & Punkin' got out of the house since I'm still on my pain meds, so today mom took us on an exciting trip to Target!--but no, really!? Who doesn't LOVE a trip to Target? Even my little man knows he's supposed to get excited!

Before making it to Target, we stopped by Wilkinson's (a biggo shoe store that carries anything & everything you need in the foot dept. & MORE!) to get Uncle G a shirt & lil man some boots for Christmas!

I'm pretty sure these are the ones we got for him...oh my word! I DIE just looking at them! He is going to be so excited! Every lil boy needs a good ole pair of cowboy boots right!?

Then of course we stopped at Chick to have lunch with Pop Pops! & then it was time to hit up Target!

I have to brag on lil man again...he was in big boy underwear this WHOLE time & told me when he needed to go & never had an accident! We went once at Wilkinson's & about 3 times at Target, but I'm seriously NOT complaining! Him not wearing diapers seriously might be the best thing ever! It almost feels like I got a raise not having to buy diapers! :P I bought wipes yesterday out of habit & then I was like, "What was I thinking?" ha!

Little man got an ICEE at Target for doing so good all day & he even ate a WHOLE lemon loaf from Starbucks! & then as we were leaving he said "I'm hungry!" No your not crazy child! :P

My house is a disaster, just from not being able to do things 100% still, so I'm ready to get it whipped into shape before Thanksgiving gets here & then I'm sure it will get destroyed again!

It hasn't stopped raining since LAST NIGHT! I don't know where all this rain came from & I seriously don't ever remember it raining like this before! That means we are cooped up inside for a few more days & I'm gonna have to pull out some new toys & crafts to keep things interesting for little man! =)

We had a fun day out on the town with KeeKee & got a lot of Christmas shopping done & that always feels GOOD! I've had a few cups of coffee tonight, painted my nails, done some laundry, watched Christmas Vacation & now it's time to head to bed to the sound of RAIN! =)

Battle of the Ravine

2011-11-21T02:00:00.001-09:30

Last weekend I got to take Punkin' to his first OBU football game to watch Casey play! It worked out where Pooh came & stayed with us Friday night, I got up early & went to take my Praxis in LR Saturday morning, Pooh watched R & then they meet me in LR & we headed to the game! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends that help me out when I need it! Here are a few pics from our day with friends!

We had a great time & the weather was GREAT! Sadly, we lost to the whole Reddies, but it was still a wonderful day with friends!

Sickly!

2011-11-20T20:06:00.000-09:30

So...Friday morning--getting my teeth out went perfectly fine. I walked in there, got an IV, some laughing gas & felt like I was walking about 5 minutes later! Apparently I said some PRETTY funny things that I do NOT remember! I also made my mom take me to Sonic-I said "Sonic" & snapped my fingers at her! Ha! I told her ice water from home wasn't good enough, & then I said "It's 55 freakin' cents mom...I'll pay for it myself" & started digging around in my purse....Haha! Thank goodness she got me a Route 44 ice water & took me home! ;)

To my surprise I felt great Friday night & even ate a bean burrito for dinner! I kept thinking that this was such a breeze compared to getting my tonsils out. I slept great but was ready to get my baby back on Saturday morning! Sad thing is he didn't even look at me, or hug me or pay me half attention! :( Even though I knew he really missed me the TWO nights he was away from me! He took a nap at KeeKee's Saturday afternoon & I came home & unloaded stuff & started some laundry etc.

Mom walked Ryder back over here & we finally got to spend some quality time together! I noticed a few hours later that he was super duper hot!! He is a hot natured little boy, but this was different... I took his temp & sure enough 102.6. :( I honestly didn't even know what to do because this just hasn't happened before! He looked at me a while later & told me his ear hurt & so I knew he had to have an ear infection. Thank goodness, Kelly's dad is a pediatrician & live right across town...I called him & thank goodness he was at home watching football & I asked him if we could come over & have him look at Punkin. Sure enough....he had his first ear infection at 26 months, but I'm not complaining! We got him some AB & came & snuggled up & went to bed around 9:30. It was an adventure of a night, but just glad my lil booger got taken care of!

Did I mention he wore big boy underwear ALL day yesterday AND today!? With NO accidents?! I am so proud of him! =)

{I entertained him on the toy aisle while waiting on his meds at Walgreens}

{He even found a Dora Santa hat! Ha!}

{Playing with a cool Mickey Mouse "computer"}

{I picked this up for R for Christmas at WGs to be like Mama!}

{Thank goodness for my EC Life Planner to keep up with all our different meds & when it's time to take them!}

{Just a lil glimpse of our weekend...}

Sadly, we had to stay home from church this morning. I really was going to go until Ryder came down with an EI last night. One side of my face is still pretty swollen & the other side is perfectly fine!--which is so weird to me! I'm hoping my right side will go down soooooon! :O

This morning while watching Bambi & playing together around the living room, Ryder said, "Going to church?" I said not today...then he said "Ms. Katy coming over in a few minutes?" I said not today..."Going to get dressed to go to school?" Nope baby, not today. Poor thing is going to have a BORING week at home with his Mama. :/

Yeah for Thanksgiving week! I love spending time with friends & family eating yummy food being reminded of ALL the things we have to be thankful for.

Scentsy Giveaway WINNER!!

2011-11-19T07:46:00.000-09:30

AND...WE HAVE A WINNER!

MADALINE from madaline.designer.wife.regular person. is our LUCKY winner! Congratulations Madaline for being the winner of my very FIRST Giveaway! Thank you so much for entering, & if you would e mail me at alongfortheryde{at}yahoo{dot}com I'll get you all set up! =)

Thank you to ALL of your who participated, & I hope you will participate in my next giveaway, whenever that may be! My Scentsy Holiday Party is still open if you still want to purchase anything!

Fall Family Pics

2011-11-18T17:15:00.000-09:30

Last year, one of the most meaningful & heartfelt presents I received at Christmas was a gift card from my dad to a photographer in town, for me & Ryder to have our pictures professionally taken. As a single mom, sadly professional pictures isn't something that is on the top of my budget list...hopefully one day when I find my Prince Charming, it will be! ;) So, for my dad to give me this as a gift in my stocking meant SO much to me.

I knew I wanted to wait till the fall to have them made, Ryder would be two, & my hair would be passed the awkward stage--(I'm growing it out again from Locks of Love), & I thought we might could get a good Christmas card pic out of the deal & not have to deal with the stress at Thanksgiving! So I called & they squeezed us in a week later & I was also happy to be able to do this before I got my wisdom teeth out (in case my checks didn't go down for a good while)!

So...I met with Lance on Wednesday & had to dig out all the ones I liked the best. It was kinda hard, but he was very helpful! There weren't any "bad" ones...but I just learned that I just had to pick out my FAVORITES!

So...here they are! I loved working with Lance! He was so easy & fun to work with & great with Ryder! Such a talented person! You can see more of his work & learn more about him HERE.

{This shows our relationship with each other SO well!}

{He was a HAM the whole session & this is just ONE of many pics like this!}

I love my lil man so much & will cherish this forever! I love it being just me & him, but I do look forward to the day there will also be the man of my dreams standing behind me & then later on a few other additions! ;)

short update...

2011-11-15T19:52:00.000-09:30

I'm still alive. But barely.
Life has kept me busy since last week, but I'm a happy girl! =)
End of semester crunch time is here.
BLAH!
I am just ready for Friday so I can get my WT out so I can just lay & bed & be LAZY.
Because I never get to do that.
I have so many pictures of Punkin' I want to post.
He is growing up so fast!
I love him more & more every day!
& HE makes me so happy.

my FIRST giveaway!

2011-11-11T06:15:00.001-09:30

UPDATE: 11/18/11 This giveaway has now been closed! A winner will be announced Saturday morning, November 19, 2011.

I decided to host my first giveaway--since it is SO close to the time for giving & sharing with others! =)

My Scensty Holiday Party is coming up next Tuesday (e mail me if you want details) & I want YOU guys to be included, even though you may not be able to attend! Some of my best customers live out of town & even out of state by purchasing things on my website & having them sent straight to their front door!

I'll be giving away one SNAPSHOT warmer--it's a picture frame! How fun is that?! Along with 3 scent bars of your choice!

If you're not familiar with Scentsy--now here's your chance! If you are already familiar with Scentsy...who doesn't want a FREE warmer & 3 bars?!

I love selling Scentsy so much, it honestly doesn't even feel like a "job" to me & I want to share the goodness with you guys for being such fun, love & caring blog readers & friends!

So...Here's the delio!

1. Must be a follower of my blog!-Leave a comment telling me you are.

& FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES...
2. If you have a blog, add me to your blogroll!-Leave me a comment telling you did so, with a link back to your blog.

3. Tweet about the giveaway with a link back to my blog & @ me {@kati__b} so I can see it!-Leave a comment telling me you did so.

4. BLOG about it-Leave me a comment telling me you did so, with a link back to your blog.

FOR FIVE ADDITIONAL ENTRIES!
5. Make a purchase on my SCENTSY WEBSITE UNDER MY HOLIDAY PARTY & leave me ONE comment telling me you did so (I will add the addition entries)

I'll draw for a winner probably a week from today (after I get my wisdom teeth out)! Ha!--SO...get on it!

& I think that's all folks...feel free to e mail me alongfortheryde{at}yahoo{dot}com if you have any questions!

I'm so proud of my baby boy!!

2011-11-09T19:30:00.000-09:30

BIG NEW AT OUR HOUSE!!!

Ryder woke up this morning with a COMPLETELY dry diaper (I've been putting him in diapers at night, because I didn't know what was gonna happen, & didn't want to have to change bed sheets in the middle of the night) & told me he needed to go pee pee! So we went..& he peed SOOOOO much! I was so proud of him! I know he's still so young, but it's like he is learning to "hold" it throughout the night--& how do you "teach" a child that? This is the third night in a row that he has woken up completely dry!

He peed 3 more times before 8 o'clock...& let me tell you, when it hits the kid, it HITS HIM--he has to go RIGHT THEN! No waiting around! :P I put big boy underwear on him & he told me when he needed to go all morning!

We were sitting at the kitchen & he walked quietly to the other room & continued to be awfully quiet. So I ran in there & asked him if he needed to go poo poo. He has NEVER gone in the potty before, & we needed to start--SOON! I ran him to the bathroom & sat him down & he went! Praise be! I was SO SO proud of him!

I put a pull up on him while Ms. Katy watched him while I was at school & I came home & he was still dry & had gone in the potty multiple times!

I took him to my parents tonight for my night class & he stayed dry over there as well! I asked my mom to go to WM & get him some new big boy underwear as a "treat" for having such a good day!

He goes to school tomorrow & always does SO well there so I'm not worried about it at all! Being diaper free might be RIGHT around the corner!

Weekend Recap

2011-11-06T17:12:00.000-09:30

We had a nice chill weekend. Some times I hate just staying about home with nothing to do, but it felt great to do so this weekend! We didn't have one thing planned & I liked it that way! =)

Friday night Ryder went to bed at 7:20 & I had some friends over to watch Crazy, Stupid, Love. Wouldn't recommend the movie, but we had a good time. I can say to see Ryan Gossling with his shirt off made it worth my time. I pretty much felt the same was as Hannah did when he took it off. Lol... {if you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. I hate that word, but it seemed SO appropriate at that time! :P}

We were being too loud & lil man woke up, played some ball with Mr. Zach & then laid back down! He is just so sweet at night & wants to cuddle with his Mama & I LOVE it!

Saturday was such a chill day...I got the house all picked up & went & helped mom & dad do somethings around the house, road the four wheeler with Ryder & dad & just pretty much chilled & hung out.

He wore big boy underwear ALL day long. I just stayed on top of him & asked him if he had to use the big boy potty every ten minutes! He would usually say NO! but then a few times he would say yes! There were also a few times when he would just stop what he was doing, almost start to cry & say, "Wyder has to go PP" & ruuuuuuun to the bathroom! I am just glad that he is realizing when he has to go & is going! One step closer! I put him in a diaper last night to go to bed & this morning he woke up COMPLETELY dry!

I love that Ryder looks forward to Sundays because he gets to go to church. He literally jumps up & down when I tell him that we get to go to church in the morning after he "takes a nap" & wakes up.

When he hears my alarm go off in the morning he says, "Gooooood Morning! Time to get up!" I just love it so much! He is so chipper & happy in the mornings, which makes me in a good mood too (because we ALL know I'm NOT a morning person!)

He was also singing his version of Jesus Loves Me this morning, "Jesus-I love me...." so sweet, but we're gonna have to work on the words!

We've (mainly I) got a busy two weeks ahead of us before Thanksgiving Break. I have tests & papers, & my Holiday Scentsy party & I'm taking the Praxis this weekend, & going to the BOTR this weekend...& I'm getting my wisdom teeth out next week. Nothing like having two different things removed from your body two Thanksgiving breaks in a row.

Ryder's 1st Candy Bracelet

2011-11-03T06:30:00.001-09:30

As the weather is getting cooler, it's not always easy to let Ryder go outside & play. This Mama gets cold & I don't want him getting sick! But we are trying to get in what we can before it gets too cold!

Ryder had the pleasure of enjoying his first candy bracelet! I had to show him how to do it at first, but there wasn't any stopping him after that! It kept him entertained for a while & he loved it!

I just love his sweet little face...snotty & all!

This the "I'm cute & I know it" look...ha!

We have a well in our backyard that is filled with cement & he has just discovered he can climb in & out of it! It makes for a cool lil play place or "fort"! He will throw all of his toys in there & then climb in, & throw them all back out!

We are going to enjoy being bundled up inside together & doing all the "wintery" things during the winter months, but this little boy sure is gonna miss playing outside!

all grown up

2011-11-02T06:30:00.001-09:30

We still haven't jumped feet first into the whole potty training thing, even though Ryder will go 10 times a day in the potty, he just doesn't always seem to remember to tell me he needs to go! He is all about wearing "big boy underwear" over his diapers though! I thought this might help the situation, but I'm afraid it might have just confused him, letting him think he could wear big boy underwear, but also still get to wear a diaper! (I'm pretty sure diapers don't bother him--the other day he said "I wike diapers!") Oh geez!!

I still can't get over his cuteness in his lil big boy underwear! AHH! I just want to squeeze him! This was one night before bed last week & I could seriously just EAT HIM UP!!

Look at that lil booty! =) He also has lil briefs that are just presh! But they are just solid colors, AKA not good enough for him! He would prefer Thomas or Woody & Buzz! ;)

He's such a happy lil guy & I just love his long, lil muscular legs!

He loves Mama's hats! He had all his friends & was ready for bed!

I don't wanna grow up!

2011-11-01T19:02:00.000-09:30

We had BIG night last night! Lot's of places to go & people to see! We didn't make it to nearly everybody I wanted to see, but I was seriously EXHAUSTED & so was my little man! He gets hyper when he gets tired, & he was definitely there around 8:30! We went home, skipped a bath & I put him straight to bed!

We had a little photo shoot outside before we headed out...I didn't get one GREAT picture of lil man, so there are MANY to look at! I am so blessed to have my mom that made his costume! She made all of ours growing up & it was special then, but it's even more special now that she's getting to make them for my lil man!

I was surprised he actually wore his hat the whole time & WANTED to wear it when I took it off for him to get into the car! Last year he wouldn't keep his hat on for ANYTHING!

We made our way over to Mama D's to see her Morgan & MacKenzie before they had to leave to go to a party! Ryder loves them so much & was so happy to see "Kenzie!"

There was little boy football practice going on across the street & that's all he really cared about! :P

Next up, was Allison & her dad! They were outside waiting on us! Ryder wanted to ride Mr. Mike's tractor, but we told him he could some other time!

Next was Mr. Kyle & Blake's! Kyle was dressed up like a Christmas tree & I LOVED it! Ryder was a bit scared at first, but it didn't take him long to figure out it was just Mr. Kyle!

He was so excited about his "twwwwwo suckers!"

My lil man loves them so much & I'm glad they finally live in town where we can see them more often!

Then we were finally off to Mr. Dustin & Grant's! He LOOOOVES Grant & specifically asked to go to his house when I tell him all the friends' houses we were going to visit that night!

Ryder wasn't so sure about things at first...

& then he just took Grant's whole bucket of candy! Ha!

Mary Beth's mom had a Halloween Party so we headed over there next! There were tons of kiddos running out & lots going on, but it was fun! They had some DELISH food & we needed it after running around town for a few hours!

Kelly finally made it home & we headed out to see her!

& these were as good as it got! Things are always crazy with Kelly! =)

Last but not least...Mr. Nick's! Ryder knocked on the door, & when he Nick opened it, he just busted right in! Ha! Nothing like making yourself at home!

I'm so thankful for such wonderful friends who love my little man so much & genuinely care about him! It's so neat to see the love that my little man has for them as well! I hope he grows up looking up to many of them!

A few randoms that got out of order from the photo shoot!

KeeKee stopped by on her way home to check out his outfit! =)

Sweet kisses! He LOOOVES his KeeKee! =)

We had a great Halloween & I think they are only going to get better with age!

Just for fun...year's past!

{Halloween Day 2010}

{Halloween 2010}

{Halloween 2009}

{Halloween 2009--my lil lobster!}

Halloween @ Pop Pop's Bank

2011-11-01T19:01:00.000-09:30

Everybody always dresses up at the bank for Halloween & they always do such a good job! This year the theme was the circus & Pop Pop's was a magician & Ms. Brenda was a bunny coming out of a top hat! She completely mad her costume! Isn't it GREAT?!

I dressed Punkin' up & took him up there to see everybody!

He wasn't too sure of Pop Pop's with all his face stuff on...

Ms. Karen was a carny--SO creative! Everyone seriously looked great, I wish I had taken more pics!

Kisses for his Pop Pop's!

Then my lil booger (with chocolately fingers & all) decided to go behind the glass in Pop's office & make a few chocolately smear marks! Ha! It is seriously never boring with us! ;)

More pics...& just pics!

2011-11-01T09:17:00.000-09:30

Camera pics from our trip to Shipley's & the park on Saturday...

Weekend Recap

2011-10-31T18:51:00.001-09:30

We had a good weekend! Friday night we watched the last WS game & I let Punkin' stay up way too late! Morgan & MacKenzie came over & hung out with us & we had a lot of fun! I was sad to see the Rangers lose two years in a row (it just breaks my heart FOR them) but also cool to watch the Cardinals win their 11th WS Championship in 2011! & that David Freese can call me if he ever gets bored! ;)
Saturday me & sweet boy got up & went & got Shipley donuts & headed out the park! I always said I would never be that mom that took their child out in public in jeans tucked into their cowboy boots & a bright hunter orange Cabela's hoodie RIIIIIGHT? Yeah...well I am now that mom & I really don't even care! Because it's what makes my lil man happy & it was just Shipley donuts & the park! ;)

Chowin' on some donut holes while sayin' "cheese!"

I made him stand there & be still so I could take a pic of his outfit to sent to Pop Pops who we were texting while he was sittin' in the deer stand!

I do some random chores around the house Saturday afternoon & then took Ryder out to his Mimi's for the night! He loves going out there so much & it makes it so easy to let him go out there & give me a lil break!
Saturday night was the UCA Homecoming game & one of my favorites was on Court for the second year in a ROW! Abbey was Maid of Honor last year & we were just so proud of her to make Court again this year! Kelly & I bundled up for the first time this season & headed out to watch her at half time! We actually got to see her as she was walking into the field to get announced!

Abbey with her dad!

We ran into Kyle & Brooks outside the gate & had Kyle take this picture of us!

After the game I went & grabbed drinks with Morgan & one of her clients from work at Old Chicago & seriously came home by 10:30 & was in bed by 11 & it felt SO good!
A few randoms about R I want to remember. A few weeks ago we went into the autitorium after church when everyone was gone & he said "Ryder play the drums". He was saying this because of the drum set on stage. Then he kept saying "high hat, high hat hight hat" over & over...he speaks very clear so I knew what he was saying, I just didn't know what he meant or what he was talking about & I felt terrible about it! A few of the musicians were leaving & stopped to talk to us & he kept repeating it, "high hat, high hat" & one asked if he was saying "high hat" & I was like yes, but I just really don't know what he's talking about or where he got those random words. The musician then told me that it was one of the parts of the drums. I about DIED! & sure enough, on Yo Gabba Gabba, they teach all the different parts of a drum set & he had just remembered it & pointed it out when he saw the big set at church! He seriously amazes me EVERY day!
He started singing Itsy Bitsy spider tonight. I've never said that with him before--we kept saying it together over & over. I was reading a nursery rhyme book to him tonight & it happened to be the very last one in the book, so I started doing the motions & he knew how to do them as well! I was like WHAATT? Well, come to find out KeeKee has been teaching it to him & I didn't know about it! :P
I just seriously love this age so much. He is learning 5-10 new words a day. No joke. & it amazes me that he actually understands what words means & uses them later appropriately. Just like that he knew scissors are "dangerous" as well as fire & knifes. I say things to him ONE time & he will remember it for good. & I love that HE is teaching ME things!!--what a high hat is for example!
I can't even believe that tomorrow is November! Where has time gone? We were just waiting for Memorial Day for the pool to open in May, & I was just planning his birthday party at the beginning of September! Thanksgiving is right around the corner & Christmas Break will here before we know it! WAHOO! & I'll be one semester closer to GRAD-U-ATING!!!
Me & Ryder are getting our picture professionally made for the first time on Friday & I'm really excited! I have a chocolate brown fur vest I want to wear, but what would y'all suggest I wear under it? (cough cough Amy Lynn! ;)) I have some sweaters I might wear instead, but it kinda stresses me out thinking about picking out the "perfect" outfits for us to wear! :/
My computer is once again out of space for pictures...so I'll be blogging phone pics for a while, or running to my moms to blog when I can! But hopefully I'll get Trick or Treating pics up tomorrow! We had a complete blast tonight, but this Mama is seriously WORN OUT!

Ryder's Halloween Treats

2011-10-27T12:08:00.001-09:30

Today was Ryder's first Fall Festival at school! Mom's weren't encouraged to come because they say that actually makes things MORE difficult, so I'm not exactly sure what they did, but I know they had a bounce house which Ryder LOVES & he said he had a good time & came home with LOTS of candy! They didn't dress up this year because apparently it was a problem last year with diaper changes, & kids messing up their costumes before Halloween! But that's okay!

I got an e mail from Less Ordinary Designs earlier this week with these Free Halloween Candy Topper Printables & knew I wanted to use them to make Ryder's class lil goodies bags! Nothing special, but just something fun!

I e mailed them over to my favorite printer in town, that always take such good care of me & they don't close till 10 pm...so I could get them last night before his party today!

A few 1 dollars bags of candy corn from Kroger, left over treat bags from his birthday party & we were good to go!

I was happy with how they turned out & I couldn't resist the CHEVRON! =)

I grabbed his teacher's a Southern Living magazine & wrote a little note on the inside just to thank them for taking such good care of my little man & helping him grown & learn! =)

Hope on over to Less Ordinary Designs & download your free printable today, even if you aren't going to use it until next year! She is offering these FREE for a limited time, & then they will only be available for purchase in her Etsy shop! There is also a cute ones that say "Trick or Treat!"

beginning of the week

2011-10-25T19:31:00.000-09:30

Our week has started off great! Ryder went to his dad's on Sunday & then stayed with his Mimi Sunday night! He always has such a good time with both of them, & is completely WORN out by the time I get him back! I think Mimi lets him do WHATEVER he wants & he just go go goes!! ;) He loves playing outside at their house & visiting the cows, his horses, fishing, riding four wheelers & just playing in the dirt!

I got Punkin' back Monday after class & I was so happy to see him! We went & saw KeeKee & Pops since dad had just gotten home the night before from being in South Dakota pheasant hunting & hadn't seen Ryder since Tuesday!

He is 100% into his cowboy boots & hat right now. They have to go together! :P I think Santa might bring him a nice pair of boots for Christmas, but we'll see!

We went for a walk on Saturday night with Mary Beth around the neighborhoods around here & where the blow up cat used to be, there was now a ghost! I had a picture of it, but it didn't upload! Ryder kept calling the ghost a "goost" & it was seriously CRACKING us up! When we walked by the first time the Razorback was up, but then when we walked by it again it looked like this, so I told Ryder the Razorback died. He is still talking about that the "razorback that died" today! Ha!

Sunday morning my child decided to put on my boots & prance around in them! :P He just loves boots in general! We got up & went to the early service & it was really nice, we might have to start doing that all the time!

Pop Pops brought him lil man his very own hunter orange Cabela's hoodie! & I'm sure he will be wearing it in the woods next year! ;) He loves to put on KeeKee's glasses, & steal all her "moneys" for his piggy bank!

I saw this morning on Twitter that Selena Gomez & Justin Beiber (#love) adopted a puppy together & named him Baylor! We have a golden named Baylor (named her that when I was thinking about going there, 5 plus years ago) & my friend Abby just got a new puppy & named him Baylor! I thought that was kinda fun...it really is just a cute name though!

Hope y'all are having a good week! Only three weeks till Thanksgiving & I think I only have two tests & one paper! I think I can, I think I can! =)

Erin Condren deal on Plum District

2011-10-24T05:15:00.000-09:30

I'm sure you've heard all the hype about the Erin Condren Life Planners a month or so ago. I'm a huge paper planner & carry my with me where ever I go, but I wasn't going to pay THAT much for a Planner! The planners are so cute & fun! You can get a picture put on the front, or personalized to say what you want to say all over the front just to fit YOU!

I also like that their is a "morning, day & night" section for each day, not just a whole DAY where you're supposed to cram everything in!

The colors are just fab & fun & there are even super cute little tabs to help you find the month you are trying to get to!

...so today, my problem was solved! Plum District where you can purchase $50 worth of Erin Condren products for only $25! I snagged two of these up for me & mom so we could get Life Planners!

Erin also offers personalized iPhone cases (that you can't used the voucher for unfortunately), personalized stickers & mom calling cards, personalized notepads, sticker labels & wonderful holiday cards! All of their stuff is cute, I just wish I could have it all!

But how could you pass up this offer? The vouchers will sell out quick so get yours NOW by following my friend referral link!

Thanks for stopping by & HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Green Cart Deli @ Simon Park

2011-10-21T19:22:00.000-09:30

Tonight we went to Simon Park & enjoyed some a yummy hot dog from Green Cart Deli with Nick! It was such a nice night out & Ryder had never gotten to run around down there before, so it was a lot of fun!

The Green Cart Deli is such a neat experience! He parks his cart a differently places around town for lunch & dinner, & I follow him on Twitter to know where he is going to be! Last time I just made my own hot dog but this time I tried "The Beast" which was pickles, mustard, mayonnaise (which I had him hold), slaw (which I don't even like), tomatoes & bacon (which is asked for only a little). Ha! So...I'm not high maintanace AT ALL, but at least I tried something new! :P ;) I was a success though...so GO TRY IT!

The Green Cart Deli is also ran by solar power (hence the name!) which is kind of neat! The owner is nice & kind & at least acts like he remembers us each time we visit! =)

Ryder loved the fountain, but at first called it a pond! Haha!

Wild child just ran around the whole time--I wasn't worried about him falling in & drowning in the 1 foot of water, I was just worried about him getting wet & being cold!

He even explored around the caboose! I remember taking pictures with my brother as a little girl on this caboose! It is pretty cool when your a kid! :)

We had a fun time & enjoyed our visit with Mr. Nick--Ryder loves him every time we see him! It was nice to have a little break from the cold weather tonight!

I bought my baby boy some paints today...

2011-10-21T19:12:00.000-09:30

Fridays are me & Ryder's one day all week to be together all day & do whatever we want! I needed a few random things from Target, so we ran across town to get those things & I decided I wanted to buy Ryder some paint so he could paint some people we love pictures! =)

We got home & I striped him down & he got after it! He knew what he was doing, because he has done it before at school, but it was neat to get to watch him do it & enjoy it so much!

That is some serious concentration right there!

He had a great time, & I am so thankful & blessed for days like today where I get to make memories with my sweet boy doing fun, memorable things with him!

Chili & Pumpkin Carvin' Party!

2011-10-21T18:45:00.000-09:30

Last minute this week I decided I wanted to have a pumpkin carving party & serve some good ole' southern chili! Since we were on Fall Break, Thursday night worked out great for everybody even last minute! I have never made such a big batch of chili! Ha! & not a lick was left...& I ran out of bowls & spoons! Ha!

I was so glad to have all {most} of my in town friends could make it even if they just stopped by for a few minutes!

Everybody ate some chili & then we started in on our pumpkins!

At least I got one smile out of my sweet boy...

& of course my friends always spoil my child even at MY house! Ha! All he has to do it ask & he will receive! :P

Ryder even did a little pumpkin carving himself! He even made a new friend, Greg that was a huge help!

Ryder loves all my guy friends & gets SO excited when they come over!

We had a great time & watched game two of the WS while we were carving, where the Rangers pulled out a win! It was a very successful night with some friends & fall festivities!

Ryder's Prayer...

2011-10-18T13:12:00.000-09:30

Every night when we lay down for bed, we say our prayers. I mainly just go through a list of things we are thankful for. I have started letting Ryder repeat after me & it is seriously just about the sweetest thing ever, so I recorded him one night! The video is black...so nothing to watch, just listen! ;) He even adds his own lil part of the prayer "Chick-i-tah" (Chick Fil A)! This is something I don't ever want to forget, how sweet & precious he is without even knowing it! He is my angel & always will be! :)

YouTube Video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

You know I've been busy when...

2011-10-18T11:18:00.000-09:30

I haven't blogged in like forEVE.
I haven't watch Kim Kardashian's Fairy Tale Wedding Special that came on over a week ago.
I have two weeks of Grey's & Private Practice on the DVR I haven't even thought about sitting down to watch.
I can't remember the last time I took a picture of my sweet Punkin' with a camera other than my phone.
My bathroom looks like a male lives here--& none do, besides Ryder! :P
One of my besties lives like two streets over & we hardly ever get to see each other. :(
People tell me I look like I've lost weight (which I haven't, but I'll take it!)
I'm actually having to step it up & stay up passed midnight & actually try in school.
I have a list of "things" I would like to blog about.
My planner is COMPLETELY full of words & different colors indicating different things.
It's Oct. 18th & I don't have my Fall decor out yet. Much less out of storage. :/
I hardly have time to make Dr.'s appointments.
All I eat are Lean Cuisine's.
I don't have anything for my child to eat besides breakfast bars.
I have to MAKE time for friends, & schedule weeks out. :/
I have a list of "crafts" that I want to do off of Pinterest.
I haven't read for pleasure since July.
I haven't been shopping for anything but groceries in the passed two weeks

I seriously don't know how people have more than one child! Yes, I'm a single mom...but man! I just get so tired & feel like I can never get it ALL done! I always tell myself, "Oh, I'll get that done this weekend". Well...here comes Sunday night...is it done yet?--NOPE!

I have two classes tomorrow & then I will be on Fall Break & will have 4 whole days off from school! & then I'll have only 4 more weeks until Thanksgiving Break!