Can I do it? Yes I Can ......

Ok. So my boys were out of town for 10 days and arrived back home on Saturday night. Yes moms. I let Parker go on vacation without me for 10 days. While Justin went hunting in Virginia Parker stayed in Chiefland with his Gama. I missed him very much, but I must say, the break was much needed. As for Justin, he too must have enjoyed his time away because he ended up getting one doe and three bucks (one of which was an eight point and is currently being stuffed to hang on the wall). While Parker was gone I thought that I would take care of something's that can't be done while he is home like clean with bleach (Parker helps with all of the cleaning and I don't feel it is safe for him to handle bleach), grocery shop, make fudge and decorate the house for Christmas. Yes. That's right, decorate the house for Christmas. You see, I have heard the stories from my sister about trying to decorate the house and the tree and how crazy it can be with the boys. So, I decided to do all of it while Parker was gone, except the outside decorations. I must say, all went well. I even set up a little tree in Parker's room with all of his John Deere ornaments and I also hung his John Deere stocking next to the tree. I used one of his John Deere blankets as the tree skirt and set some of his tractors next to the tree. It is so cute. Parker actually loved it so much that yesterday when I went into his room (keep in mind that I hadn't seen him in 10 days) he said, "were my cismas lights on my cismas tree go?" Seriously. Love you too. For those of you who don't know, cismas is how he says Christmas. I also bought him these little reindeer antlers from the dollar bin at Target and they were a huge hit. This year I decided to be brave and set out all of my precious Christmas items, as well as but the Christmas balls on the tree. Well, yesterday while cooking breakfast in the kitchen I turn around to see my son using his golf club to bat the balls off the tree and say, "yook (aka - look) mommy, I play baseball." I almost died. Once I had breakfast in the oven we walk into the living room were I have one of my most treasured Christmas decorations. It is a snow globe with a nativity inside and the Wiseman and all on the outside and a star on top. My parents got it for me one year and it is so beautiful. Well, after talking to the snowmen on the entertainment center Parker decides to check out the whole snow globe thing. Low and behold, with me sitting right there the turkey tried to pull the star off of the top of the snow globe. Seriously. Most kids would be in owe of the snow falling on the inside and the music. Nope. Not mine. That's not all. After he goes to bed last night I walk into the kitchen to get a drink and as I walk into the family room to look at the Christmas tree laying under the tree placed just so is a handful of balls off of the Christmas tree. I couldn't believe it. It would be one thing if he just took them off of the tree, but no. He pulls the balls hocks so I have to look over the whole tree to find were the rest of the ball before I can put it back on the tree. To top things off, this morning while I was putting his lunch in his lunch box I hear the balls on the tree start moving.....here is how the conversation went, "Parker, you better not be messing with the balls on the tree." "They not balls mommy, they ornaments." Ok. so maybe he was listening yesterday when I repeatedly told him that ornaments are for the tree and are not to be used as balls. I can't even imagine what is going to happen when I put a present or two under the tree. I thought that Hunter and her tail were a challenge with the tree and all. Please. That was only the beginning.

So you know that it is time for your little boy to start spending more time with daddy and the boys when he takes a decorative washcloth that is folded just so and holds it in the air and yells, "flower power." I nearly had eyeliner all over my face when Parker said those words this morning. My response, "Seriously son. You have got to hang out with daddy more. You can have power, but without the flower." I mean wanting to put on make-up when I put on my make-up is one thing, but when you start getting flower power you have crossed the line.

To top things off, we are trying to work on the whole potty thing. Well this morning he went potty on the potty and after he was done we put on his dinosaurs (aka - big boy undies). When it came time to get dressed for school you would have thought the world had come to an end. I told him it was time to put his diaper on and he lost it. He said, "I potty, so I wear dinosaurs." It was bad. After I got him under control and explained that we would put them back on after school all was good, I thought. I left to get myself dressed and Parker followed me. Well as we went in the room I turned around to find Hunter following us carrying Parker's underwear. Apparently she was on his side and thought that he should be able to wear them to school. My kids. What am I going to do......

Better be going. Chat with you again soon.

Before I was a Mom

Recently, my baby and I have been going head to head which has been very trying for me. As long as I can give Parker my undivided attention he is the most wonderful angel ever. It is when I am not able to play that things become ugly. It is almost as though he gets angry at me. After a few very hard days I received the below in an email. This poem brought tears to my eyes and I have printed it out and placed it at my desks. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.......

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom .

Jamie's Little Pumpkins.....

As I told you last time, I had to head up to Shands last week for my annual check-ups. I am proud to report that all went well and I don't have to go back for another year. Yeah for me!!!!! Although we were only there for a couple of days, it was nice to see Justin's family and Parker had a great time with Gama at preschool.
Since my nephew Isaac has gotten to be such a big boy, he was able to come to Florida with his daddy for a speaking engagement. Because of this, Isaac was able to come down and spend the whole day with us on Saturday. We had so much fun. At 7:30 Saturday morning I get a phone call, "Jamie come and see me." Well, from there things just kept going. The boys played all day and got along so well. The only bad thing is that since Parker can really talk now he and Isaac can communicate which just causes double trouble. Mid-morning we decided to take the two of them to the pumpkin patch.....nana, papaw, myself, Isaac and Parker. The boys were so very cute. They each wore their little fall customs to the pumpkin patch. Isaac was Iron Man and Parker was an Indian (I have attached some pics). After we left the pumpkin patch we headed to Lowe's, and yes the boys wore their customs there as well.
Later that evening we had a bond fire and roasted hotdogs and smores over the fire. I believe one of the funniest things was one dad lit the fire and Parker tried his best to blow out that big flame. He would puff and puff until he had no puffs left. Isaac decided that since Parker didn't know how to roast hotdogs and smores over the fire that he would show him how it should be done. Too cute I tell you. We had so much fun!!!!
Yesterday, while at work, I get a phone call, "Jamie. This is Kiddie Kove (Parker's preschool). We just wanted to let you know that Parker has an incident report today and since his grandma is picking him up today we wanted to call and give you a heads up." So am I thinking.....self, what has he done..did he throw something? did he hit someone? Well, it ended up that he had been sitting on a chair reading a book and when he went to get down he fell and cut his eye. Lucking for us it did not need medical attention.
Well, Justin and I are heading out to Texas for our friends wedding. Justin is actually the best man. It is only the two of us. Parker is actually going to South Carolina with Nana and Papaw to help celebrate Isaac's 4th birthday. Please keep us all in your prayers for safety as we travel.

Wasson Family Update .........

Wow. I am so sorry for the lack of correspondence over the past couple of weeks, but things with our family have been a little bit crazy. Justin has been putting in long hours at work putting together a clinic for disabled veterans, I have been busy with work and preparing for Parker to head off to preschool, and Parker has been being Parker - always on the go and full of lots of energy.

Last week Parker went for his very first day of preschool. He will be going Monday thru Friday from 7:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening. I must say all seems to be going well. For the first two days he stayed attached to his teacher, but by day three he began to play with the other kids. Last Friday he came home and told me and Justin how he took a nap on his very own mat and showed us how he laid on the mat. He also brought home the cutest little pumpkin that he made. It is so funny to hear him talk about the other little kids in his class. Yesterday I called the preschool to see how he was doing and I was informed that all was going really well, except at lunch when Parker decided that he wanted another child's fruits snacks instead of his pretzels. I couldn't stop laughing. Although I was laughing, I felt bad. I mean, am I the mom packing the boring lunch? I mean seriously, black beans, fruit and pretzels are all things he loves. Well, for today, I tried to score some extra points and packed him some Vienna sausages, fruit, a few cheez-its and two little cookies. We will see who the cool mom is now...... Yesterday, as we were leaving he took me by his classroom to show me the scarecrow that his class made and as we left the facility he waved and told the director bye. If you know Parker you know that is a big accomplishment.

Justin's clinic for the disabled veterans was this past Saturday. All went very well. He came home with some great pictures. He was even asked to go and speak at the board of county commissioners meeting today regarding the event. Way to go babe!!!!!!

On Sunday, Justin, papaw and Parker went to the air show that they were having at Cocoa Beach. They had a great time. Justin said that Parker sat in his own little chair with his little sunglasses on the majority of the time. There was one big jet that was so loud that it scared him a little bit so he wanted to sit in daddy's lap, but other then that he sat there like a big boy.

Well, I better be going. Please keep us in your prayers as the next week and a half is going to be very crazy. I am in the middle of month end and fiscal year end here at work and then next Wednesday we will be heading to Chiefland because I have appointments at Shands on Thursday and Friday. These are my annual appointments, but my stomach still turns every year. Hope you all have a great week!!!!

Parker's Going to Preschool

Wow. What a crazy past couple of weeks......

Since Parker is getting older, Justin and I have decided that it is time to put him in to preschool. This has been a very hard decision for us, but we feel that it is time for him to start working on his social skills. You see, Parker has a tendency to pull himself away and not interact much when put in a group setting. Yes, after about twenty minutes or so of sitting back and watching and taking thinks in, he will begin to involve himself, but we feel by involving him in a group setting on a daily basis that this will help to improve his social skills. Please keep us, especially Parker, in your prayers as he will begin this new adventure on October 1st.

Tuesday night while getting a shower Parker finally realized that he and daddy had matching "man parts". When he asked Justin what it was Justin told him that it was his "cowboy". Please keep in mind that I too was in the bathroom washing my face and it was taking all I had not to bust out laughing. Next, Parker said, "baby cowboy, daddy cowboy and mommy cowboy." When the whole mommy cowboy thing came out I finally had to jump into the conversation. It was so funny. Well, last night I was telling my mom about what had happened. When Parker walked up I asked, "hey buddy, where is your cowboy?" A soon as I said that, he put his hand right between his legs and said, "wight (aka - right) here, " and went on playing as if it was nothing at all. I tell you what, little boys are way to much.

Ok, so I must know just where do kids get their hard headedness? Just the other night after getting Parker ready for bed I asked him to pick up his dirty diaper and throw it in the trash. After telling me no, his daddy picked up the diaper and began to make his way to the trashcan. Well, Parker decided that he wanted to throw the diaper away after all, but when Justin told him no, that he should have done it when asked, he got mad and threw his snack cup across the room. Of course this brought about some discipline. After talking to Parker, Justin said, "know buddy, please say yes sir and then you can get down." Well, I have you to know that twenty minutes later my little hard headed two you old was finally a loud to get down and play. Crazy!!!!

Once again, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin the new journey into the preschool world. Parker is not one who likes change at all, so this is going to be hard on him. It is hard on Justin and I as we are stepping out and letting someone else besides someone as close as family watch our son.

I better be going. Hope you have a great week!!!!!!

Well, a week ago this past Friday, Justin and I headed up to Chiefland to pick up our baby boy who had spent the week in Chiefland with Gama and Poppy (Justin's mom and dad). We decided to surprise Parker and pick him up at the daycare. When we arrived he was playing outside. When I opened the door and yelled for him the look on his face was priceless. While at the daycare he went on to show us where his classroom was, where he ate his lunch and even where he took his naps. It was so cute.
Parker had such a good time in Chiefland. Gama took him in the pool almost daily and he got to play outside. He road his bicycle, his four wheeler, his scooter and he even mowed gama's lawn with his little mower. He spent lots of time playing with Bridget (my niece) as well as aunt Andrea. On Saturday, daddy took him for a ride on the John Deere and later in the afternoon, he, daddy and Bridget played golf together. It was to cute. Parker was out there in his overalls and cowboy boots carrying around one of Poppy's golf clubs. Bridget and Parker would follow Justin wherever he went. Parker would sit and watch as Justin hit the ball and Bridget would chase the ball after he hit it. It brought a big smile to my face as I sat back watched the three of them together.

When we arrived home, Parker was so excited to see Hunter. He went back to his room and was so surprised. While he was gone I cleaned out old toys and put together the new toys he had gotten for his birthday. The look on his face was like that of a child's on Christmas morning. He played with his toys the rest of the night. We couldn't even get him to take much, if any, of a break to eat dinner. You know how it is when it comes to boys and their toys.

Well, last week I took Parker to the doctor for his two year old check up. Our big man weighed in at 30lbs 1oz and was 35 3/4 inches long. He really impressed the doctor. As a matter of fact the doctor told me that Parker talked like an adult (for those of you who don't know, he just turned two, but can and does talk in complete sentences).

Better get going. Parker is home sick today. Chat later.

Baby is 2.......

Wow. It is hard to believe that my baby is 2 years old. I mean seriously, am I even old enough to have a 2 years old (no comments from the peanut gallery)?

Saturday, August 22nd, we celebrated Parker's 2nd birthday at Fox Lake Park. It was awesome. He had friends and family both there. When you look at the pictures, you can truly see how much he is loved. He had a wonderful time, except when it came to opening the gifts. Can you believe that he wanted to keep them wrapped......He only wanted the cards. At first I was so embarrassed, but then I had all the other kids come and help me and it turned in to lots of fun. Once Parker so the other kids helping and watching he came to watch, but still only wanted the cards. When it came time to eat the cake he was way to funny. He had been asking for the "baby's birthday cake" for two days. After we sang Happy Birthday I cut him a piece of cake. Well, he wanted nothing to do with that. Instead, he decided that he wanted to eat the whole back off the cake. It was way to cute. Each time he took a bite he would smile great big. Priceless I tell you.

The day after his party, we packed Parker up and he headed to Chiefland with Gama and Poppy for the week. Yes, that's right.....a whole week. He seems to be doing great, but mommy is not doing so great. I have learned that all I do definitely revolves around him. He has become my whole world. The since of emptiness that I feel is awful. I asked Justin if he felt empty and his response was "the house seems empty, but I don't feel empty". He is just so happy that Parker is having so much fun. I too am glad my baby is having fun and getting to spend time with Justin's family, but that hasn't made things any easier. Below is the first letter I have received from Parker while he has been away.......

"Hi Mommy!Today we are swimming "first thing" (that means in the morning and not in the afternoon).....first thing to gama is about 10:30!I am teaching Bridget what it is like to follow her everywhere asking her what she is doing!!!! Even when she goes to the potty.....she has learned to "shut the door :o) )I am really eating good......this morning I had my Milk aka coffee.....and cheerios in my snack cup.....then my gama was eating raisin toast and I wanted a bite! I told gama to make baby toast too!!! I ate half of my piece and shared the other half with Bandit.....speaking of Bandit, I THINK HE IS TIRED.....HE GOES OFF AND HIDES AND WHEN I FIND HIM HE IS SLEEPING....My gama and poppy think you and daddy are real troopers for letting me go to gama's house for a whole week!!We are having sooooooooooooooooo much fun and I am being suchagoodboy! We have to go now....the pool is "calling"
xxxxx0000000x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x
Parker James"

If you don't think that is cute you need to check your pulse....hahaha. Today he has gone to preschool with Gama for the very first time. Things went very well. He painted mommy and daddy a picture, ate his lunch like a big boy and then he even took a nap like all the other kids. After his nap, he had a snack and then headed to the playground. What a big man.
Oh well. Got to get to bed. Chat soon.

Mommy.....I woken.....(a.k.a. worken)

Sunday morning I was doing some dishes and getting Parker's bag ready for church when all of the sudden it became very quite in the house. Normally, when things become so quite it can only mean one thing ....... that Parker and Hunter are together and doing something that they shouldn't be. After drying my hands off I decided to go check things out. As I walked down the hall I peeked in to Parker's room, but there was no sign of him or Hunter. As I turned around I hear this little voice say, "Hey mommy. I woken (a.k.a working)." As I stepped in mine and Justin's room here stands Parker at the clothes hamper throwing his little pretzels that are shaped like fish into the hamper. As he would throw them in, Hunter would stick her tong through the holes on the hamper and catch them. What a way to start out a Sunday morning. I decided that there was no harm being down, so instead of me getting upset and Parker throwing a fit, I just left the two of them to play.

Ok. For a kid who doesn't like loud noses, can someone please explain to me why the drums are Parker's favorite instrument. After church yesterday a friend of ours who plays the drums at church took Parker up to the drums and let him play them. It was so cute, but very, very, very loud. He would hit the drums and then look at me and say, "Baby bum, bum (a.k.a. drum).
On Saturday, due to the weather (60% chance of rain) Parker and I were unable to go to the beach, so the two of us, and Hunter, played outside from about 10:30 until just before 2:00. He has really gotten in to riding his four wheeler. He will hop on that thing and say, "Bye, bye. Bob Builder woken". He will then come and give me a kiss and tell me to have a good day. You know, if you ever want to know who you are and what you are like, step back and take a look at your child. It really makes you think. The things Parker says and does are the things I say and do to him (except for that awful temper). Every day before I leave the sitters, I give him a kiss, tell him I am going to work and then I tell him to have a good day.

Well, all is looking good for the 2nd birthday party, all except those darn tropical storms. You know, what is this all about. We haven't had a storm all year and then we have to have three pop up the week of Parker's birthday party which is planned to be outdoors at the park. Go figure. How well. Being the person that I am I have reserved the church gym as a back-up location if we get rained out.

Justin had a great time yesterday playing golf with Ken Griffey Senior. They had a great game of golf, shared lunch and then discussed hunting. How awesome!! As soon as he gets me some pictures I will share them with you.

Ok. Must get to bed. The next time I post will probably be after Parker turns two. I will up date you on the party and how Justin and I are doing with Parker spending the week in Chiefland. Chat soon.....

Tuesday night my department at work and their family's all went to dinner together. I was a little nervous that things wouldn't go well with Parker since the evenings are his worse part of the day. Just to be on the safe side, Justin drove separately incase he and Parker would need to leave. Well, because Parker is such a person of routine, he was a little out of sorts when we first arrived. By the time everyone else began to show up he had adjusted to the change and the rest of the evening was a breeze. He was a hit. He used his manors - yes mam, no mam, thank you and please. Also, once dinner arrived he put his little hands together and looked at me and said, "may man" (aka - amen), so he and I said the blessing. How cute is that.

Justin has a big day coming up on Monday, August 17th. He will be playing golf with Ken Griffey Senior. How cool is that. I will do my best to have him snap some pictures so that I can post them here on the blog. Me, still working on Parker's 2nd birthday party, as well as his scrapbook. The decorations for his party are all good to go. The theme this year is airplanes. I am hoping to get his cake ordered by the end of the week (have to wait until Sunday since the RSVP date is the 15th of August). The food is going to be pulled pork sandwiches, hotdogs, chips and drinks. The party is scheduled to be at the park from 4:30 to 7:00 (as long as there are no hurricanes). If it rains I have an indoor site for back up. Justin and my dad will be building a corn hole game this weekend for the adults. You are probably thinking to yourself "Why is she going all out. Parker is only turning two and won't remember any way." Here's why. For me and Justin, Parker is such a miracle that I want to make his birthday one big celebration. He is the little guy that we didn't know if we would ever be able to have. What a blessing.

Holding Back the Tears

I am not sure why, but I am having a way harder time with Parker turning two then I did when he turned one. Is it because he is turning into a real little boy and is not longer a baby?

My mom and dad arrived home late last night from vacation which they had been on for about 10 days. Since we hadn't seen them in such a long time I invited them over for dinner after church. Parker was so excited to see them (as we were). After dinner was over and we were all ready for a nap I packed Parker up to head to Nana and Papaw's for the remainder of the afternoon and evening. Well, after getting his stuff put in his little backpack I put it on him and they began to walk back to Nana and Papaw's. As I watched my baby walk down the sidewalk with his backpack on holding my dad's hand it took all I had not to cry. As they continued on their way, mom turned around and said these words,"Before you know it you will be standing right there watching him get on the school bus." Great. Thanks mom.

As a mom I have learned that one of the best things in life is to watch my baby grow up, but at the same time, it has become one of the hardest things for me to handle. Knowing that I will never experience these stages again is one of the hardest things ever, so I do my very best to watch and take it all in, even if that includes playing on the play ground in Florida in the middle of summer. Yesterday I took Parker to the park and the two of us (yes, the two of us) went down all of the slides, we walked to the lake and watched the boats, we watched the airplanes fly over head, saw birds and to top it off we looked for squirl. Watching him taking in all of the beauty that God has created gave me such a smile and filled my with such joy. God is such an awesome god!

As a working mom it is hard for me to always have the time and patience that my baby deserves, but you can sure bet that if I had to choose between cooking dinner and playing trucks, Pizza Hut is just a phone call away. If you are reading this and you are a parent please remember this....your baby will be all grown up before you know it. Please take all the time you can to love them and love on them. They are a precious angel sent to you from God and there is nothing in this world that can ever replace them.

Crazy ..... Me?

Ok, so it has been a while since my last post, but it is really not my fault. Things have been off the wall crazy. Just days after my last posting, Justin and I had to make an emergency trip to the doctor with Parker to receive an epi pen shot. The poor kid had this awful rash all over. It looked as though he had a blistery sun burn from the top of his head down to his waist. Also, his eyes were swelling shut and his tong began to get the rash on it. The day before my best friends little girl had the exact same thing, except her's went down her whole body. At first we thought it was the peanut butter the kids had eaten, but once Parker ended up with it the doctor believes that it was something else. He said that it was so strange to see two kids with the exact same reaction like Parker and Kassidi's.

After that, I got to spend the next week at work with our auditors for our interim audit. I appreciate all they do, but they really stress me out and drive me crazy. I mean seriously, surely you have more to do then sit around and pick apart spreadsheets and formula's and so on. If only it was as easy as the numbers are there and everything balances, but it's not. I must say that my interim audit was far better then my year end audit last year, but I am still looking for that gold star. These auditors are still new to our organization, so I am still working to get everything laid out just as they want. Hopefully I will get that star at my upcoming year end audit.

Once I wrapped up my week with the auditors, I had to prepare for an all day reunion with Justin's side of the family. Not that I wasn't excided, I was just worn plum out from the week. Saturday morning we headed over to Justin's cousins house. I must say, we all had such a great time. The guys started playing corn holes about 11:00 in the morning and didn't wrap up until almost 9:00 in the evening. Parker had a great time playing and swimming with all of the kids. He even played his own little game of corn holes and football. One of Justin's cousins has a little girl that is only 16 hours older then Parker. She and Parker could be twins. It was so cute. Everyone just loved listening to Parker and couldn't believe how much he could talk.

Oh well. To wrap things up, life is good for us Wasson's here in good 'ol Titusville.

Has it Been Two Years Already?

Wow. It is hard to believe that my little baby will be two in just four weeks. It seems like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms for the very first time and looking into those beautiful blue eyes. This past weekend I started putting together Parker's scrapbook for the past year. The very first night as I sat there and wrote him a letter to put in it I could hardly see through all of the tears. He has really turned in to such a little boy. Talking all of the time and running and playing just like big boys do. Just last night he wanted to do something with my mom and when she told him that he would have to ask me without even being told what to say he turned and look right in my eyes and said, "mommy inside with nana please." I mean seriously. How can you tell that no. Parker is also really into Bob the Builder and last week he started walking around the house singing "Bob Builder fix it". It is so way cute it can't help but bring a smile to your face. One day I walked in on him banging on the tv. When I told him not to do that, he said "Bob do it". My response was no, Bob bangs on walls. Well, what do you know. Just minutes later he starts banging on the wall sing "Bob Builder fix it". Saturday Parker and I went to the beach. While we were there he made a little friend and the two of them ran and jumped in the water just like the big kids do. As I sat there and watched him I just couldn't believe that my baby was old enough to play like little boys do at the beach. I must say, all that runs through my mind these days is "has it been two years already?"

Little Boys - Angels on Earth

I must say, god created angels on earth when he created little boys. Yes, Parker has his issues, but he has for sure got my heart wrapped around his little finger.


Parker and I have had the best weekend. Saturday morning we got up and did laundry and cleaned the house. Last week I got a new vacuum cleaner and decided to keep my old one for him to play with. So, we both vacuumed the house. At one point, I watched him plug the vacuum into an outlet and then he began to push the vacuum as though he was really vacuuming the house. It was too cute. After that I called dad to see if he or mom could keep an eye on the big man. Justin had worked seven days straight, so I wanted to help him out and mow the yard. So, dad came over and he and Parker set on the back porch and watched me mow, It was the sweetest thing ever. As I would pass the porch he would wave to me and smile great big.


Today, Parker and I were unable to go to church because he had a green nose when he got up, so we stayed home and made a big dinner and played outside. Once daddy got home we ate dinner and took naps. After we woke up Parker and I headed back outside to play. He decided to take a walk to nana and papaw's. When leaving there he wanted to hold my hand as we walked home. This melted my heart. Once Parker and I were all ready for bed, he wanted to lay in my bed and watch baseball, so the two of us curled up and I turned the tv on. At one point I closed my eyes. Once he realized my eyes were close he took his passe out of his mouth and gave me a kiss and then turned back around. This truly brought tears to my eyes.


Parker is also learning new songs. Currently he is stuck on Old McDonald. The funny thing is the only part he will sing is e-i-e-i-o. It is the cutest thing ever. I can see Jesus Loves Me and he will sing Jesus e-i-e-i-o. It is so funny. It is just to hard to believe that he will be two next month.

5th Wedding Anniversaryng

Wow ...... I can't believe Justin and I have been married for 5 years. I mean really, some days it feels like 55....... Just kidding.

Really, 5 years has truely gone by like no time at all. It seems like just yesterday we were saying "I Do". I must say that we have been through more then most married couples go through in their whole marriage, but with each other and god's guidence we have been able to pull through. I mean seriously, how many couples say "I Do" and then here the words "you have a brain tumor". Not many.

This year Justin and I decided to head to the beach for our anniversary. Yes, as most of you know I already spend lots of time at the beach, but the two of us never get to go together. So, we headed out on the evening of Wednesday, June 24th to start our celebration. I must say, we had the time of our life. Each morning we would go for a long walk on the beach and then head back to the pool. By then it was lunch time so we would head in for some lunch and a nap. Do to the heat we would hang out inside watching movies until about 5:00 before going back outside. One day we walk to the Jetty's and watched the sea turtles and the porpoise's swim. We both got some much needed rest and relaxation. Believe it or not, it was the first time since Parker has been born that Justin and I went away together for more then just an over night adventure. I must say that it was needed. Oh well, back to reality. Most of you know that I love to take pictures, so take a look at the ones on the right titled "Jamie and Justin's 5th Wedding Anniversary" and you can see some of what we enjoyed at the beach.

Bitter Sweet

On Wednesday, June 10th, my great grandma (mamaw) went to be with Jesus. The week before her passing was very hard for me. I would cry on a regular basis. While holding me one night and comforting me, Justin said something so very true. He said that this whole thing was "bitter sweet". It was bitter because we would be losing mamaw, but sweet because she would be going to be with Jesus. Well, on Thursday the 11th of June dad, Justin, Parker and I hoped on a plane and headed to Ohio. Mom was already there and Nikki, Barry and the boys would be arriving on Friday. Due to all the family coming in, we all would be staying out at my grandpa's house out in the country. Friday morning I woke up deathly (bad use of words I know) ill (we are actually thinking I had food poisoning), so Justin had Parker duty all day and he did a great job! Justin and Parker went with my grandpa to feed the horses, they went fishing and he tried to take him on the four wheeler, but Parker did not like the loud noise. They had great fun.

On Saturday I woke up feeling like a new person which was a good thing because mamaw's funeral was that morning. Once we were all ready we jumped in the truck and headed to the funeral home. Since I was unable to attend the viewing I wanted to get there a little early so that I could say my good byes. Well, all was going really good until they were about to carry mamaw out and Parker yells, "bye, bye mamaw." I lost it. I had to leave and go to the car. You know, imagine what life would be like if we all lived it through the eyes of an innocent child.

On Monday, June the 15th we headed back to Florida and you will never believe what happened....yes, that's right, everyone has ended up sick but Justin and I (and we are keeping our fingers crossed). Oh well, what can you do.

Tomorrow is Father's Day and I am very blessed to have the most wonderful dad in the world, as well as a husband who is a very wonderful daddy. Thank you both for all you do and all of your hard work. Please know that it never goes unnoticed. I love you both very much!!

Totally Embarrassed

Image yourself in the middle of Wal-Mart with your child and out of no where they begin to throw a fit. Well, that was me just the other day. Wednesday, after picking Parker up from Kim's (my best friend who watches Parker while I work), he and I had to make a quick trip to Wal-Mart. Please keep in mind that you can say the word Wal-Mart and Parker almost begins to cry. Once I had picked up the needed items I headed to the deli to pick up some chicken tenders for dinner. After my order was complete, I put the chicken in the buggy and started to make my way to the front of the store. This is when it happened. Parker got mad and screamed at the top of his lungs. As if that isn't bad enough, it gets worse. I put my hand over his mouth and said, "Parker James, we do not act like that, now sit down and do not move." For once, I was very stern and even raised my voice. Well, just as I was telling him to sit on his bottom I hear, "Oh how cute. Is that your baby?" I turn my head and wouldn't you know that it was someone that I work with at the hospital. I was so embarrassed. I got even more embarrassed when I asked her if she wanted him and she said, "With that scream. Are you crazy." I am pretty sure that kids plan these things. It is like embarrassing their parents is their main focus. What is scary, is the Parker is only one and half. If he embarrasses me like this now what is it going to be like when he is 5.......10.....15?????? Scary!!!!!

Graduation in Chiefland

OK.....so you know that you are getting old when
your oldest nephew graduates from high school.

This weekend, we headed to Chiefland for our oldest nephew, Josh's graduation. It was great fun and it meant a lot to us to be able to be there and support Josh.

On Friday, May 29th, Parker got to go swimming for just the second time in a large pool. Now, he is a very cautious youngin so he would inch his way to the water by sitting on his bottom, by lunch time he was jumping off the side of the pool to either Justin or myself. It was so cute! That evening, we headed off to graduation. Please keep in mind that graduation was held outside at seven in the evening so the sun was still shining bright. Well, because this is Chiefland, the whole town goes to graduation, so we had to be there almost an hour early. By the time we left graduation to head to the party, we were so sweaty that even Parker's clothes were stuck to him. I couldn't even suck in the fat rolls to hide them in pics because everything was just stuck to me. Well, we get to the party (which was beautiful) and what do they have......balloons everywhere. So, Parker started whining for a balloon. Well, when I told him no, that he would have to wait until we left he started walking up to people - who he didn't even know - and asked them for a balloon. At one point, we thought that he was with our niece when all the sudden we see some lady who we have no idea who she is walking around carrying Parker. We about died. Just before we left, Josh tied a balloon to Parker's shirt. I have you to know, that Parker feel asleep in the truck holding that balloon.

Saturday, Parker hit the pool with his cousin Bridget. I must say, I had forgotten just how much energy kids have when they are in the pool. Those two wore me out. At one point, Parker asked Bridget to pick him up. Well, she did. The catch is that it was in the deep end of the pool. I went and got Parker and carried him back to the shallow end of the pool while Bridget rode on my back. I thought that I was going to drown. After that we came in for lunch and a nap. After our naps, we headed back out for another few hours of swimming. By the end of yesterday I was near death.

We headed back home today and Hunter was glad to see us when we arrived. We enjoyed so much getting to spend time with family. Although Justin's family is three hours away, it is important to me that Parker spend time with his family and know who they are. This weekend who loved playing with Bridget and spending time with Josh and all the other big kids.....They are all growing up to fast!!!!!!!!!!

Parker and his Friend the Cow

Saturday, while picking up a number of things at Target I picked Parker up a pack back that is shaped as a cow. You know, this way he can carry some toys, snacks and drinks in it while we travel in the car. Well, he loved it. He decided to wear it around the house along with daddy's boots. It was way to cute. Justin told me to enjoy it now because in a few years when he heads off to school I won't think that it is very cute.

Parker is also becoming daddy's little side kick. He still has to know right where mommy is, but he now wants to help daddy do everything. On Saturday, we were having a cookout at our house. While working in the kitchen getting last minute things done, I saw Parker sitting in Justin's lap just talking away. It was like he was telling him some big story. I stood looking out the kitchen window is awe at the two most important men in my life. It brought the biggest smile to my face.

Yesterday, I had to take Parker to the doctor. Since last Friday, he has been having trouble with nose bleeds. Well, when leaving the office the receptionist handed him a lollipop. After taking it from her he looked at her and said,"Thank you." It made me feel so very proud, but at the same time so very sad ------ my little baby is growing up. Although I easily get frazzled, I keep telling myself to sit back and take in every moment because I will never get to enjoy these things again. Thank you God for blessing me with such a wonderful miracle.

Growing into a Little Boy

I can't believe Parker will be two in August. He has truly grown into a little boy. The other night we had company for dinner and Parker ran around with the older kids screaming, playing and chasing one another. It brought tears to my eyes. He has really become his own person. Last week I took him to the beach. Every time we go he walks up the boardwalk with no problem, but as soon as he sees the sand and water and turns to run back to the car. It is so funny. I pick him up and carry him to our spot on the beach. After a minute he is in beach heaven. We picked sea shells and played in the water. It was so fun. The best part was when he decided to do flip-flops down the beach. I couldn't stop laughing, especially when he said, "Mommy do flop." Please. It would be a site for sore eyes to see me do a flip-flop fully dressed, but in a bathing suite.....you have got to be crazy.