PHOTO PRINTS!!!

Hey guys,
I just checked this out, reccommended by my sister, Jamie. Think it is worth a shot!!!

JAMIE WROTE:


New Online Photo Printing Site
I just registered at a new online photo printing site, www.Artscow.com. What's up with that name? It's funny. I'm a very loyal Snapfish customer but for this deal, it's worth a shot! * 400 Free Prints (50 4x6 and 50 5x7 each month for the next 4 months)* 8x8 Photo Book (20 pages) available starting May 31 and expiring Dec. 31I assume we still pay shipping on these free items. Here is the ArtsCow update I received upon registration:Since the promotion for 400 free prints & 1 free 8x8 photo book is one of the most popular and hottest deals in the market, we have received over 15,000 new registrants in the last two weeks, over 15,000 photo books and 6,000,000 free prints credits have been granted to all qualified members. Once our target of 20,000,000 free prints credits granted in these days, we will stop this aggressive marketing promotion. You can earn extra prints credits (up to 10,000 credits) by referring your friends to join us. Click here for more details.
The 8x8 Custom Cover Photo Book (including first 20 pages, additional each page $0.50), will be available around 05/31/2008. We promise that our photo book quality will be among the best three in the online market. Thank you.

I, too, have been loyal to Snapfish, and I enjoy their prices and quality prints. However, I usually print more than 500 pictures every 3 months, so any free prints I can get, I will take!!! I also like that everyone who signs up through my referral link, I will receive MORE free pictures!!! Because I just signed up through Jamie's link, she earned 200 free prints! HURRY UP, JOIN AND GET YOUR FREE PRINTS TOO!!! Use this link, and I will also get more free prints! Thanks in advance, and I hope we enjoy this new site!

REFERRAL LINK: http://www.artscow.com/default.aspx?Ref=346616

Wednesday, April 30th

Oh boy, another busy day!!! I love busy though, do not be fooled! Again, we were up early today and headed for Springfield. My aunts had a Red Hat luncheon, and I tagged along with Rowan!!! HEHE Talk about feeling YOUNG again! Okay, kidding...calm down Red Hatters! Well, anyway, we had lunch at The Crown Plaza, and it was delicious! Rowan got worn out mid way, so it was a little rough, but overall he was very well-behaved! I didn't really get to sit down and eat because I was chasing Rowan around the hotel, and it is a big hotel!

I saw my advisor from UIS, Cindy. She is such a sweetie. I told her that I was thinking about going back for my master's, and she told me to give her a call. Apparently, I can earn my master's degree without ever stepping foot in a classroom! I am just not sure we can afford any more school loan debt at this point...and without me working??? I just don't know! Also, I am not sure if I want to get it in education or English, and I have even thought about counseling! I just don't know, so I will be giving this some thought.

We did a little bit of running around town, and I went after a few deals in Springfield. The weather has been absolutely beautiful here today, so Rowan and I did a little playing outside when we got back home, which was around 4ish?

Okay, ALSO, I counter-offered on the house today. I only raised my offer by $2,000.00, so I don't think they will take it...PRAYERS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The highlight: I got to talk to Jamie today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He called this morning while I was getting ready, right when Rowan woke up...he has terrible timing, bless his heart! LOL It was brief, but hearing his voice is always nice. For the first time, including his last trip to Iraq, I heard fear in his voice. I don't ever let on that I am scared too; I just try to hold strong for him. Please pray for his safety!!! I need him to come home to us, and it is a real concern...okay, enough mushy mushy...sorry! Here are some pics from today, and one from last night in his new jams!

CELEBRATING 500 HITS! WOOT!!!

Today I noticed that I have surpassed 500 hits on my blog!!! How exciting is that? I know it is nothing major on here, but I guess people are reading it huh? I even have "blog addicts", now that is encouraging! Thanks to all of you for continuing to check my blog...I do have the best friends and family a girl could ask for!!!

HERE'S TO 500 MORE!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, April 29th

Today has been a super busy day, and all I can think about is going to sleep...so pardon my blog tonight, it may be jibber-jabber!
Well, we started off early this morning, as I took my aunt to Spfld. to a dental appointment. Rowan and I went to visit Aunt Jamie, cousin Miles, and cousin Graham for the afternoon, which is always a delight! I love spending time with two of my favorite little guys in the world, and Rowan sure has a blast playing with Miles! We had lunch there, and I discovered that Rowan much prefers to eat off of Graham's tray as opposed to eating his OWN food...sorry about that Jamie!
Around 1:30, I went to pick my aunt up, and we then hit Babies R Us, big mistake!!! I had to pick up a few necessities, but taking Aunt Nanny in there is like taking a kid to a candy store!!! She didn't do TOO badly actually. Next, we were mall bound! We made a few laps around, just for the sake of exercise, and then started shopping. I did very well, and only bought some much needed face wash. We also took Rowan on the Merry-go-Round for the very first time, which only made me very dizzy...Rowan didn't much care for the horse, but did enjoy sitting in the swing with us! It was fun, and since I didn't have my camera...shocker...I was forced to use my camera phone...ugh! Anyway, I will post those later.
The mall was pretty empty, so I allowed Rowan to wonder around and get out of the stroller. Friendly little guy, he is! He waved at everyone and was screaming "HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII" to all the old folks wandering around as aimlessly as him...it was cute, and I know it made their day!
Di and I tried to find some clothes for a wedding reception we are attending this weekend, never an easy task with a grumpy, hungry, nap-deprived toddler in tow. Well, needless to say we didn't accomplish too much. She found an ADORABLE jacket that I may have to steal sometime, I mean BORROW...heehe I found nothing of importance.
We finally hit Olive Garden for lunch at 4:15, and didn't leave until 6:30 or so. Rowan napped the ENTIRE time we were there, and woke up a grumpy, fussy, hungry MESS!!! On the way home he screamed and cried non-stop, poor guy! I hit the post office and store on the way home for a few things.
Well, at 8:00, I was out the door again...Wal-Mart bound. I had to get a second car seat for Di's car, and a few odds and ends. I am so tired, Ro is in bed, and we have another busy day tomorrow...
I did hear from my realtor.....................they counter-offered my offer on the house, $12,000 higher than my offer! I am not sure if I will counter or not. I am going to do some praying before I do anything, and your prayers are very much appreciated! LOVES!!!

Monday, April 28th BUYING A HOUSE!!!

Today was spent searching for a house. I had two in mind that I wanted to look at, one I looked at last week, and the other I had only seen in pictures. So, I made appointments with my realtor to see these two, with full intent of making an offer on one... Well, I ended up looking at another one that I had not even given much thought, and it was everything I was looking for!!! It is a little higher than we had planned, but I went ahead and gave an offer anyway!!! I am so nervous about it, and it pretty much has made me sick to my stomach all day! Hopefully I will know something tomorrow. If the offer is not accepted, I will be okay with it, and I will keep looking. If it is...well, I will be excited and scared as heck all at the same time! Please throw up a prayer for us this evening when you say your prayers; we need them!!!
Tomorrow will be another busy day. Rowan is still awake and I foresee NO sleeping in the near future...long night ahead!

Sunday, April 27th

Today was all about relaxing and spending time at home with Rowan. The weather was gloomy, rainy and overall dismall today, so it really just put me in the mood to kick up my heels and relax, never an easy task around here...lol Rowan was super good today, and we didn't have any major meltdowns over not being able to play outside, which is a major plus!!!

He took one good nap this afternoon, and I thought to myself...hey, why not...I joined him for a nice, long, relaxing nap! Very refreshing, I must say! :-) Those of you who know me well, know that a nap is never included in my day! Even with the nap, I managed to be somewhat productive, did some laundry, and had lots of play time with Rowan!

For some reason, my left ankle started hurting pretty badly this morning. In HS, I was on the dance team and had some problems with tendonitis; I have come to the conclusion that all the running in flipflops yesterday probably made the tendonitis flare up. I have no anti-inflamatories in the house at the moment, so no meds to help with it...it really is sore! For this reason, I tried my best to keep Rowan contained on ONE level of the house for most of the day. All the walking up and down the stairs really started to make it worse...he did very well, and I am quite proud of my little monkey!

Because he was not so active today, I decided that for his bath, I would let him get in the big tub and play around for an hour or so. HE LOVED IT!!! What kid doesn't, right? He is getting a little too brave for my liking; he is wanting to stand up and fall down in the tub, and this frightens me...I KNOW, I KNOW>..,....I can hear my husband already, "he's a boy, let him be a boy! Don't baby him!"...ohhhh, I try, but this is something that could potentially cause major accidents, and I have to draw the line there! It's my BABY we are talking about here!

Anyway, he smells so nummy! I love the bedtime lotion from Johnson's and Johnson's!!! MMM, MMM, GOOD! He is in bed, but not sure if he will go to sleep or not. We shall see!

Weekend!

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, as we were not home until late. I started the day way too early, at 6:00 AM. I first went to tan, 1/2 price in the mornings! WOOT! Then I met with Julia at the gym, where she kicked my butt once again...though I much enjoy it afterwards! LOL I rushed home, got in the shower, and managed to "get ready" in a matter of merely 30 minutes! Rowan was just waking up, and I had already prepared us for the day the night before; I put our clothes out, packed his diaper bag, and had everything ready to load in the car. Sooo, I gave Rowan a quick breakfast, got him dressed, loaded the car, and off we headed to Virginia.
I was the first one to arrive on the scene...a real feat considering I am the one with a child! LOL Anyway, so we started preparing for the shower, moving tables, setting out the champagne and cocktail glasses, napkins, silverware, etc. Autumn and the girls got there shortly after us, so we started in on the food and signs. Hailey, Roxanne's daughter, is 15 months old, so she and Rowan were playing and having fun while we mommies got ready for the big party!!!
The shower was absolutely PERFECT!!! It went off without a hitch, everyone really enjoyed the "different atmosphere". We didn't want to do a traditional "bridal shower", so instead, we had a cocktail party!!! Everyone wore dresses, and we sipped (s0me guzzled) daiquiris! MMM We had fruit with a chocolate fountain and other fruit dip, creme horns veggies and dip. Because it was a cocktail theme, all the guests brought a cocktail recipe with one coordinating cocktail ingredient in addition to their bridal gift! Autumn can have quite the successful little party at her house now!!! :-) It was really a lot of fun, and most importantly, I know Autumn had a blast and enjoyed getting to see everyone. I believe we had around 25 people show up, which is a record to my knowledge! LOL
So, that was our Saturday. We got home after dark, and I was SO tired!!! Rowan had only a short nap, after a long day...so it was to bed fairly early for us last night.
I will report on tonight in a while, for now I am going to sign off!

Rowan talking to Daddy/ 04-27-08

Friday, April 25th

Today has been a little bit crazy; nothing in particular MADE today crazy, just in general, overall, a bit crazy. Rowan and I have been fighting over naps...he wants to take a late evening nap and stay up until 11:00 - midnight, and I prefer him to skip the nap and hit the sack earlier...this has become an issue here... Today, he didn't get his nap and has been a total bear all evening! ARGH!
I am all ready for the shower tomorrow, after running a few errands this evening in the midst of a thunderstorm and tornado warnings. All is well though, we are home and safe.
This is going to be short...Rowan is still awake and running around, can't blog too much at the moment! LOVES!!!

Thursday, April 24th

Today was productive!!! I went and looked at 5 houses, and I found a couple that I am thinking about making offers on! YIPPEE They are small little houses, but very cute and all remodeled...a BIG plus for me! I don't want to do a lot of work on anything, so I am liking it!
Other than that, not too much...Rowan and I had an awesome evening though. When I got back home, he was a crab and tired. He desperately wanted to go outside, but it was rainy and windy most of the afternoon. So, I compromised and we went out on the deck to play. He started rubbing his eyes, and wanted to sit in the swing. Well, a few minutes into swinging, we ended up lying down wrapped in a warm blanket. I was singing, and he put his little head down on my chest. The next thing I recall, I was waking up to a gust of wind blowing in my face; of course, this didn't phase Rowan though! He was wrapped up all snug as a bug in my arms and covered with the blanky. I took him upstairs, and we lied down in my bed...something I have NEVER done with Rowan before!!! It was a nice little treat for me, though I didn't go back to sleep. I couldn't help myself; I just stared at him in awe and amazement and ran my fingers through his hair. He is just perfect, and I love him so much. I truly never knew that I could love someone so much!!! I know that is so cliche, but moms out there...you know what I mean! In the hustle and bustle of chasing a mobile toddler boy around, I don't often get to sit and reflect on life, and today I had that time and moment; it was truly an amazing experience!
Well, then we went and ran some errands when he woke up from his nap. I had to go to Walmart, and I also was dying for an iced coffee!!! :-) Hey, I need all the caffeine I can get these days, thank you very much! We came home, I fed Rowan dinner: hamburger with cheese, diced pears, steamed carrots and blueberry muffin. He didn't eat much at all, especially the hamburger! I put Rowan in the tub and let him play for a good 30 minutes; usually we just do the sink for a quickie bath, but every once in a while, about once a week, I like to let him splash and really enjoy bath time. We did our weekly grooming, which consists of clipping his nails and toenails and cleaning his ears. Odd, but he really enjoys having his ears cleaned! I bought Rowan a new toothbrush today, and he loves it!!! I think he will be a very high-maintenance kid...he loves to brush his teeth, hair and get his nails clipped...odd, huh? Oh, but he hates me putting lotion on him! LOL
It is nearing 10:00 PM...he is going strong, like the Energizer Bunny, but I am ready to CRASH! Why is this???

ONE MORE THING

OOPS! I thought I already posted our accomplishments today... Well, Rowan had an apt. at 2:30, so we left around 2ish. He was a total hellion the whole time, nothing new. He doesn't do well in strange places!
We arrived back home around 3:20, and Rowan had not eaten lunch OR had a nap...he fell asleep on the way home, so I put him to bed. While he was asleep, I thought it would be a wonderful idea to fry up some hamburger for his meals, make some hamburger patties, prepare some sausage for breakfast, and overall just prepare the meals for the rest of the week...for him. I steamed some carrots too. While I had all this going on, I also made beef stroganof (not sure how to spell this???) for dinner tonight (for him, NOT me). I cut up some cheese for snacks, and THEN I decided...yep, let's go ahead and clean out the refrigerator. So, once I started, I went all out...everything came out of the fridge...everything got inspected, cleaned, wiped down and put back in...in a VERY outrageously organized manner...it's kinda sad. Rowan woke up in mid-freak-out cleaning binge, so up he went, and it was time for lunch. I got him fed, and then we played outside once everything was all done.
Next, we headed out for a nice, long walk! FUN!!! Deeva went with us, but her collar broke mid-way...dangit! I had to put her in the basket underneath the stroller for the rest of the walk, but she didn't mind! :-) LOL
Needless to say, my body aches...I hurt...and I am really tired. So, off to do my exercises now...BYE

Ending our Wednesday folks!

Wow, I really had a SCARE tonight!!! So, I had to record AI, fast forward through the commercials and bogus crap on the show...oh my LORD! I really thought it would be Brooke and Jason in the bottom two tonight; yes, they are my favorites, but no I don't think they are the best on the show...and let's face it, they will not win...I thought I was going to lose my Jason tonight, but NOPE! Neither one was in the bottom two, PRAISE JESUS! Another week of getting to see Jason...oh, those eyes...that smile...that VOICE! (Sorry honey, overboard...I KNOW!). Thanks America for voting for my love!

Well, I finally got a chance to sit down and eat, and I grabbed a bagel...good choice, Ashley! Way to go...let's eat BREAD before bed...I am brilliant, I tell ya! GEESH! Oh well, it filled me up, and I didn't even eat it all...so I won't be TOO hard on myself, although I only got to the gym once so far this week...my body will hate me this week!

Rowan and I have had a freakin' BLAST tonight! We have played hard, really hard folks! We danced until our guts hurt from laughing. I have never heard him laugh as hard as he was laughing tonight, granted he was laughing AT me...I was running circles around him b/c Jason was safe! LOL I was screaming at the top of my lungs, dancing, singing and just all out celebrating; I'll admit it! He was just watching me, laughing his toosh off...it was so funny!!! Then I fell to the floor and was rolling all over the place, which he thought was REAL FUN...he joined me, and we rolled...and rolled! Then I decided that since I didn't go to the gym, I would do weights WITH HIM! LOL He makes a great weight! I still need to do my sit-ups and push-ups, so I will sign off for the night!
SLEEP TIGHT!!!!!!!!

Pics from today

Well, here are the pictures; I am going to go ahead and get these up, and then when Rowan goes to bed, I will do my blog...

Rowan in the dog house is the first one; I did NOT put him in here, he did it on his own!!!

I need to win the lottery!

So, I opened up my closet today, in hopes to find something new peeking out at me I guess? When I came home last June, Rowan was 8 weeks old. Needless to say, I had not lost much of the baby weight from pregnancy. I brought home ONE suitcase for both Rowan and me, anticipating we would return August 31st as planned. I think I brought, MAYBE, three pairs of pants and MAYBE five shirts for myself.
Well, since then, I have successfully lost all the pregnancy weight, and then a little more. I am fully intending to lose another 10-20 lbs. by August when Jamie comes home...PRAYERS PLEASE because I have not been so good about eating right and going to the gym regularly since Jamie's trip home last month...I think I have lost 1.5 lbs since then. Well, I HAVE NO FREAKIN' CLOTHES TO WEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am at a loss. I need to go shopping DESPERATELY, but I just cannot get myself to go. Shopping for myself seems so selfish now, there are just so many other things that seem so much more important! I am broke until the 1st, so there will be no shopping going on until then anyway. It's frustrating though; I have worked so freakin' hard to lose weight, and for what? So I can look like a rag-doll in my old clothes? This sucks...perhaps I should start stuffing my face with twinkies, then my old clothes will fit again and I won't look like a damn charity case!
Furthermore, Rowan needs some spring and summer clothes. I truly think I could spend hundreds of dollars for our wardrobes this season, and that makes my stomach hurt just to think about it!!! His clothes will definently come first, which will leave me waiting until later...by the time I have the money to go shopping for myself, well...it will probably be winter again! LOL ARGH!!!!!

Wednesday, April 23rd

Today is off to a MUCH better start. I woke up earlier than Rowan (normally I do, but lately I haven't...have had a cold, 'nuf said!), and I got showered before I woke him up. This is always a good way to start the day, I feel like things are accomplished before I am chasing my little man around.
Rowan had his breakfast, cheerios and bananas AGAIN! Hey, he likes it and it is easy...but I do know that I need to start making better morning food for him. I am not a breakfast eater, though I know I SHOULD BE, so I prefer fast in the mornings!
I am pretty much ready, just have to get dressed, and Rowan is ready, also not dressed. So, we are about to head out for the day. We have an appointment at 2:30, and I have booty ballet tonight at 6. Other than that, we are just winging it today and going to have fun...I HOPE!!!

Tomorrow will be BUSY...looking at houses alllll day, and I hope to pick one of them to be moved into by next month! WISH ME LUCK, and say LOTS of PRAYERS for us. It is a big step for us...

Still awake!

Well, it is approaching 11 PM, and I am still awake! Rowan is refusing to go to bed, so here we are...I have exhausted all activities, including: reading, blocks, car ride, piano, television, music, dancing and reading...still no luck! Please Lord, I need some dang sleep!!!

So, my one year old has a new trick...it's called "pinch Mom and RUN"...that's right, which lets me know that he understands it is not nice to pinch! I literally have bruises all up the back of my left arm from him pinching me while I am carrying and/or holding him. Tonight, it is pinch and run... Anyone have any solutions for toddler pinching? PLEASE HELP!!! Thanks!

Tuesday, April 22nd

I am stressed. I am having "one of those days" today. I woke up, and first thing someone said to me, I was pissed...I knew it would be a bad day. Why is it that someone else's mood can dictate how I will feel for the rest of MY day? Why do I allow people to have that kind of power over my life? This is really something I need to work on.

Rowan has been super good today, though he hasn't really eaten much. We had a busy and productive day, and I am getting an idea of what "errands" are like with a toddler in tow. I had to run to the grocery store, which ended up taking me about 45 minutes (normally a task completed in 15-20, b/c of my LISTS!). I also needed to return those movies that were two days late, get gas, and go to the store to look for shoes and some other items. Well, it all went pretty well, except for Rowan's little tantrums over my keys and rice...he wanted to play with the box of rice in the check-out line...that could have been a bad situation!

We got home and AI was on, so I flipped it to FOX and hit record, knowing that I would NEVER be able to sit down while Rowan was still awake. I headed upstairs with all the groceries, put Rowan on the deck with the baby gate up, put the groceries away, put some nuggets and tator tots in the the oven and headed outside to play with Rowan. I then had a MARVELOUS idea...I brought the booster seat downstairs to feed Ro his dinner, and I got a minute to sit down and watch AI! BRILLIANT, I know...you all should try this!
The dogs are crazy today and haven't stopped barking long enough to let my ears have a rest, and Rowan has been a crap apple all evening! He fell over and busted his lip...poor baby, that is never fun. I also had to switch the laundry to the dryer and get Rowan's bed made for tonight, all the while Rowan is running around. It has been a LONG, EXHAUSTING day, and I am wondering how I will make it another fifteen months as a single parent...

I am hoping that Rowan will go to bed soon, as it is nearly 9PM and I have yet to get a single meal eaten today...I'm hungry, I am tired...is the day over yet???

4-21-08

So, I know that I say this a lot, but my son amazes me...he really does! Tonight, I realized just how much he is growing up, and JUST how much Jamie is missing. It's a happy-sad, as I like to call it. I am so happy to see him evolving into a toddler, yet sad that Jamie isn't here to experience it with me.

Rowan and I have been playing in the family room tonight, and he just is so interested in play-time with Mommy all the sudden! It is so neat, and I am sucking up all the time I can get! He looked like a rag-child today, wearing a size 3T t-shirt and mis-matched shorts...(my aunt dressed him; I am NOT to blame for this!) Anyway, he was filthy, so I took his clothes off of him and let him run around nakey for a bit. I was putting the shirt over his face, and he LOVED IT! A new game I must take not of for later use! He put his hands up over his face, laughed, threw his head back, and ran around like a silly man until he pulled the shirt off...or fell, whichever came first! LOL

Then, I thought we needed to try something new...I held one end of the shirt, he held the other, and we ran around the family room. It was a TON of fun, and exhausting too! He just wanted to keep going, but hey...I'm getting up there in years, I can't keep up with a toddler's energy...won't even lie! LOL

Okay, so other than that, we had a fabulous day. Rowan got to play outside pretty much ALL day, which he LOVES!!! :-) I decided to take Rowan for a short walk to the circle, but ended up going the long haul...which is several miles...okay, let me explain. Rowan has a plastic car that he LOVES; it has a handle, and I push him in it. Normally, the car is reserved for short trips, as it gets loud and bumpy on the gravel road around the neighborhood. Well, I was wearing my dress clothes for the day, and some flip flops I threw on on the way out the door. Rowan had no shoes on, looked like a rag-child, his sunblock was worn off, and I smelled a poopy...short walk, no big deal, 5 minutes tops! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO I decided to just keep going, and going, and going. By the time we got home, my feet were covered in dirt and dust, my hands were numb from the vibration of the gravel, and Rowan had poopy up his back! It was a mess, but it was fun nonetheless!

Now Rowan is playing on the floor...and I am so ready for bed! I still have the movies I rented the other night, and it looks like we are waiting until tomorrow! That's it folks, I am going to enjoy the night with Rowan!

NOTE: Yes, I do realize that these pictures are AWFUL! I look like poo; I have no make-up on AT ALL! My hubby is used to seeing me look like this, so go easy on me...k? After all, I AM posting these for HIM! Thanks for your kindness! LOL :-) Oh, and the one of me with a sad face, yeah...Rowan had just beaten me up and pulled my hair!

4-20 pictures

Busy Sunday! 4-20-08

Oh boy, we had a busy, busy, busy day today!!! We woke up early, anxious for the sunshine! No sunshine this morning, but we did get some sun this afternoon! Rowan and I had breakfast, and I actually got him to take a nap at 10:30 AM!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAZING!!! While he was asleep, I got in the shower and got ready for the day. By 11:45, he was awake, I got him ready and we were out the door by 12:30; Auburn bound, for my friend, Hope's, little girl's birthday party - she turned SEVEN, unreal!!! Well, needless to say, Rowan was pretty much a lone ranger...all girls, Hannah Montana themed party...LOL

I realized today that I really need to get Rowan into a play group of some sort. He is very much a loner when he is around other kids, and I really want him to be a sociable, likable boy. I am going to look into groups where parents DO NOT attend because I think it would be better for him...though I will hate every single second of it...

Anyway, we played hard and then went to Springfield to stock up on "big boy" eating gadgets from Babies R Us; I found a few things that I thought would work: a suction cup sectioned warming plate, some plastic silverware and a few different types of sippy cups...still trying to get him OFF the baba! Not an easy task...nope! I ended up helping some expecting couple with their gift registry, which was rather fun! I told them all about bibs, bedding and bottles...lol

By the time we left, Rowan and I were STARVING, it was somewhere around 5:00 PM. I made a quick order to Cracker Barrel, went to pick it up, drove around looking at houses, went to find Rowan some new shoes (no luck!), came home...we ate! MMMMM!!!!!

Rowan and I went outside for a little while, and we played some more. YIPPEE! He has so much fun being outside, and I enjoy it as well. Then, I realized we were out of juice and Pepsi, two must-haves in our house! GRRRRRRRRRRR, back to the store we went.

Okay, Rowan got a bath, and managed to cover me in water a TON!!! I was soaked, but we had fun...or...at least, HE did! LOL
Rowan is now down for the night, and yep...I am finally getting that glass of wine I have been LONGING for! Hehehe! Here are some super cute pictures from today...as always, tell me how freakin' CUTE my bug is! Loves!!!

The Rules for 7 Things:1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.My Seven Things:



I was tagged by my sister, Jamie Kaufmann, milkallergymom.blogspot.com. I am not sure who to tag since I am new here and don't know anyone, but I am going to go ahead and do my seven facts anyway...then I will figure out who to tag! So here they are:



My Seven Facts:



1. I hate math, but I love numbers. I count EVERYTHING! It is an obsession that I just cannot shake. I will count the letters in a sentence, the tiles on the wall, just about anything and everything. My husband always knows when I am doing it b/c I use my fingers and tap them on him. It's annoying, and I hate it, but I can't stop!!!



2. I am an obsessive list maker. Everyday starts with a list for me. I have done this ever since I can remember. Not only do I make lists for everything, but I am rather lost without them. I have been known to make lists for my lists...it's an illness.......



3. I have a very difficult time sleeping; sleeping pills used to be my best-friend, in the pre-baby days. It takes me hours to go to sleep, and I rarely sleep for more than 2 hours in a row. I cannot recall the last time I slept a full eight hours straight; when I do, my husband and I celebrate!!! I thought this would come in handy with a newborn, but it really didn't help matters...lol



4. I am a leader by nature. I get frustrated when I am in situations where I am not in charge. In retail, I was in management, in the classroom, I teach...this is just my way of doing things. I have never found myself in a situation that I didn't step up and lead. I get frustrated when someone else is leading b/c I see the ways it "could go better, be more productive" etc.
The leadership does not carry over into my personal life, however. I very much prefer for my husband to be the "head of the household". It is a nice opportunity for me to let someone else take over; I just have to have someone I trust to do things, do them the way that I would (which he does for the most part), and know that all will not fail if I am not in charge...lol

I guess this is why military life works for us. When he is away, I step right up and become the head of the household, but when he returns, I happily hand over the reigns to him!!! :-)



5. I love bleach. I think this is another one to do with my OCD! I learned in my Women's Health class at UIS that bleach is the only known thing that can kill the AIDS virus, and after that, I decided if it was THAT good, it should kill everything! So, I use bleach to clean EVERYTHING!!! It gives me headaches, and has made me pass out before, but I sure do feel clean afterwards! LOL I also use a toothbrush to clean just about everything. Mopping is not done until I get on my hands and knees with a toothbrush! My kitchen and bathrooms must be clean pretty much at all times; I hate dishes to wait overnight, drives me bananas! I absolutely despise having bubbles left in the sink after the dishwater drains, so I stand there and push all the soap down the drain before I dry out the sink. I won't drink tea if it is over 24 hours old, and all beverages must be served with ice, out of CLEANED ice trays...
I am also a little obsessive about washing my hands; I once counted, and I washed my hands over fifty times in one 24 hour period. Sick, eh? I carry around hand sanitizer everywhere I go...I brush my teeth at least 4 times a day...okay, so that is my OCD...thank you very much, I do not take meds! LOL



6. I am terrified of the ocean. I have never been in the ocean, and I am sure I never will...by choice! I do not like that I cannot see the bottom. I am a product of the JAWS generation!!!!! Anything that can eat me, I am not a fan. I am absolutely terrified of sharks, crocks, alligators, whales, etc. They are mean and viscious! NO THANK YOU!!!



7. I have not eaten red meat since I was 12. I had food poisoning one too many times, and quit eating it. It isn't that I am a tree-hugger or anything like that, I just get sick thinking about eating meat. I do eat chicken, fish and turkey, and I am trying to ease my way back into eating meat, but I truly never see myself eating a steak or a hamburger EVER again!!! YUCKY

Our wild and crazy Saturday!

Today was a wonderful day!!! Rowan and I had breakfast, and then I headed to the gym with Melissa G. I rushed home, fed my munchkin some lunch and put him down for a nap. Di watched him while I ran to Virginia with Autumn to check out the place we are having her shower at this weekend. I had a nice, quiet afternoon with the girls, then headed back to be home when Rowan woke up from his nap, which proved to be shorter than usual! We had a quick bite to eat, then headed out again. We stopped to get a couple of movies, but Juno wasn't in...total bummer! We went to visit Autumn for a while, until Rowan got fussy and tired, then hit DQ and came home. Rowan ate his first hamburger, which he didn't care too much for, but I was good and didn't eat any DQ! Yay me!!!

Rowan and I relaxed for the evening, played hard though!!! :-) I watched the movie, Dan in Real Life, which was pretty good though predictable. I can't believe I actually got to watch it!!! Of course I had to pause it about 50 times, but for good reason, so no complaints here!!! Rowan just went to bed, and I am going to spoil myself with a hot, relaxing bubble bath and some champagne!!! YIPPEEE
Here are some pics from our evening at home together...truly, the BEST Saturday night a Mommy could ever ask for!

ON SECOND THOUGHT: I think I am just going to call it a night and forget the bath and bubbly...

Friday, April 18th

Today was such a productive day! I have been putting off the things that I NEED to do, so today I got my butt in gear and got busy. I left Rowan with my aunt, while I went to Springfield. I am hosting a shower for my best-friend next Saturday, so I desperately needed to get some things together for that. I made my rounds from Sears, Bed Bath and Beyond, World Market, Target, Old Navy, Party Tree, Walgreen's and Walmart. I got everything done that I needed to get done, and shall sleep well tonight.
It is always nice to get an afternoon to myself, but it is SURE good to get home to my baby. I do not do well being away from him, even though I know he is in good hands. Rowan is already in bed, and I have things I need to get done before I go to bed as well. Good-night!

Thursday, April 17

I didn't get a chance to blog lastnight, as our computer was not cooperating! So sorry!!!

The weather was amazing yesterday, so we took a stroll outside again. He sure does love the wagon rides! When we stopped, he screamed...as if he was informing me that wagon time WAS not OVER, keep on truckin Mama! He also got to play in some water outside, which proved to be a fun, though very mess, adventure for him! :-)

Today the weather is once again gloomy...and of course this dictates my mood...is this normal? LOL Or perhaps I can blame the freakin' EARTHQUAKE we had lastnight? Since when do we get earthquakes in central ILLINOIS??? Hmmm...

Gotta run; Rowan found a lady bug!

One more picture!

He's gorgeous! This is after his temper tantrum; yeah, he has them!

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Today I have been feeling better, perhaps it has something to do with the BEAUTIFUL, sunny weather? I dunno...regardless of why, Rowan and I had a pretty good day. I had a billion things to do today, but instead, I just hung out with my little man...and that is the best day a mommy can have! ;-)

I did discover today though, Rowan is terrified of me being in the shower. I put him in the bathroom with me today while I showered, and he screamed and cried the ENTIRE TIME! I believe that he thought I was somehow being hurt. I would reach my hand out and assure him that Mommy was okay, and during those moments, the crying would subside. I made it a quickie shower, and ended up cutting my let pretty badly with my razor...OUCHY!!!

We got ready, went to get lunch, visited with some family, and just had an overall great day. I missed my booty ballet class tonight, which I am really upset about!!! I NEED to get back to the gym. Things happened tonight though, that prevented me from getting there...no excuses, just truth; I couldn't make it! When we got back home, Rowan was wiped out and took a long afternoon nap. Once he woke up and was fed, we headed back outdoors for a walk in his wagon. HE LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness; when I stopped, he screamed! Little Miss Deeva joined us for part of the wagon walk, and I do believe she thoroughly enjoyed it too! Here are a few pictures; sorry to be short, but my meds are kickin' in, and I need to get to bed! EARLY morning tomorrow! Loves!!!

Tuesday, closing

Well, it is almost 9:00; Rowan and I are still awake. I think he has had so much food today, that the energy is still keeping him awake! We watched American Idol, our Tuesday night ritual. I was a little disappointed in some of the Idols, but others were very good. I mean, Mariah Carey!!! Come on, even the BEST could not pull off her songs. It was smart for some of them to twist the songs and make them their own.
I really love Brooke White, but her range is nothing!!! She is amazing, and I would certainly buy her cd's. I love the unique, raspy sound of her voice. Syesha, oh Lord. She is okay, but there is just nothing original about her, and that annoys me. My FAVORITE, and my new love, is Jason Castro! I know some people don't care for him, but he's hot...I love his voice, and I like the fact that singing is something he just found interest in; he is not TRAINED professionally to be what society says a singer SHOULD be. He's just unique...and hot. I love his eyes! Lord have mercy...he's hot. Oh, and I think he's really hot. Okay, okay. I know...
So Rowan really likes watching AI. He's my little musical genius, I do believe! Watch out America!!! He will be steeling your hearts in 15 years with his vocals! LOL
So, Rowan has some new tricks too. Yep, he learned to climb the furniture; now, he has been doing this for a little while, but...he NOW knows how to get himself down! It had been, he would cry, and Mommy would rescue him. Well, tonight, I stood strong. I explained to him that he was a BIG boy, he was climbing into the chair now, but that Mommy would NOT be helping him get down. A few minutes of crying, and me turning my head in fear, and low and behold...he climbed down on his own!!!! So, how long until he climbs out of his crib???? YIKES!!!

Tuesday, 04-15

Hello ladies and gentleman! Today has been a good day so far. Rowan slept well last night, I was drugged on Ny-Quil, so I slept for FIVE hours straight! A record, I do believe! Rowan woke up at 3:00 Am, then went back to bed for the night. It was a good night, indeed!!! :-)
Rowan has had quite the appetite today. For breakfast, he had cheerios and fruit and formula. His morning snack consisted of cheese, crackers and apple juice. He went down for a nap, and so did Mommy!!! Yep, that's right. I got a nap too!!! WOOHOO!!! After nap, Rowan was quite the hungry little man and ate yet again. He had some chicken and carrot sticks and banana. He was acting hungry early this evening, so I heated up Healthy Choice meal that we didn't finish yesterday, and he finished it ALL! It was some pasta and cheese meal, and he had more bananas. THEN, he just ate AGAIN! Yep, he ate steak, baked potato, mashed potatoes (we ordered food from Applebee's, three of us, so there was a lot to choose from). I tried to give him some of my baked tilapia, but apparently he is not a fish eater. He did love the steak though! Oh, and he had french fries. He is quite the little eater, I do foresee us going broke trying to feed our two little ones!!!
I am starting to feel a little better, but still not up to par. My head is not as congested as it has been, but my eyes HURT, well...my whole body hurts to be totally honest. I feel like every muscle in my body just aches. Hopefully we will be on our way to recovery SOON! I haven't been to the gym all week, and let me tell ya...I can tell! I just haven't had the energy...oh please, Lord, let this all end soon. It just isn't right to be sick AND have a baby to take care of. It is hard enough taking care of yourself when you aren't feeling well!!!
That's all I have to report for now, but the night is still young. I may be back on to tell ya'll more!

Winding down for the day...

Play time outside

Soaking up some sunshine!

We finally got some sunshine today, and I was determined to get Rowan out. We didn't go too far, or too long, but we did get out!!! Here are the pictures. Oh, and check out those shoes! He HATES shoes!

Yeah, the outfit is pretty hot. You just don't know high fashion! HAHAHA