Does this answer your question?

How is Jack doing with trying to take away the 'pappy'? Let's see if this picture answers your questions...

My son is very independent, obviously...however, this morning when I was trying to gather these 2 pappy's up during play time...I turn around and this is what he had done! I only had my camera phone, hence the bad quality of a picture...but I couldn't believe it. It's like he KNOWS what I'm trying to do to him! He's a smart one I tell ya!

Spring Fever

I have it.

I am dying to have a break from school...oh and how a vacation would be fantastic.

I am taking a picture like this the next time my feet hit the sand with my 2 boys!

However, before we are on Spring Break I have SO much homework to do a 10 page paper on my Education Philosophy by using questions they provide...I'm scared, I haven't even started.
I have two classes tonight, one I'm turning in a mid-term on Dyslexia and the other I'm telling a story by campfire that is suitable for kids. Don't get me wrong, I love my classes and classmates, but it seems like sometimes all we do is busy work that will serve NO purpose. Teachers can not even diagnose Dyslexia, it's a medical term...so why do I need to know all four paradigms that make it up? I just don't get it. But I know them...and words like vestibulocerebellar dyslexia. {Makes me sound smart, huh?}

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a fantastic week so far...

OH and go by and visit my friend Mandi at Mandi Shandi's, she is having a give-away for her 100th post!

Starting Sunday Song...

The family and I had planned on visiting a church out near our house today, however we woke up with a few inches of snow on the ground and a son that still has a snotty nose. So we decided we'd go next weekend once the little guy was better and hopefully it will warm up a bit. I just didn't want to put him in the nursery with the really bad "faucet of a nose" because I didn't want to be "that Mommy" that exposes all the other kids to any germs. Believe me, I do the same thing...which I guess is me admitting that I'm judgemental...but when it comes to my little man and sick germs, they are justified in my head.

Friday we went to the Ice Bears Hockey game to celebrate Drew's 30th birthday and had a great time. I had to get up for class at 6a.m. Saturday morning, so I was super tired, but it was very fun to get out and have a good time with our friends. We used to go to hockey games all the time when we first got married...they are tons of fun!

So...I'm sitting here, waiting for Jack to take a nap and wishing I had figured out what to craft for my buddy, Peanut Butter & Honey to "craft-it-forward"...and listening to my preacher on t.v. {Which I didn't think we got out at our house...so it was a good surprise~}

I hope everyone has a great rest of your Sunday and a beautiful week.

Sunday Song:

I have a blogger friend on here that does a Sunday song and she usually pics a beautiful hymn or other song to showcase, I thought I'd start doing a different song each week also!

I heard a new song the other day by Miley Cyrus...it was so beautiful...I wanted to post the lyrics...who knew "Hannah Montana" would sing something so good? "The Climb" is the name of the song...I maybe late and it could be old, but it has such a good message...even if she doesn't promote the best message for little girls with her actions...

I think the song talks about perseverance and keep on moving, no matter how big the mountain is you need to get over...just keep trying, keep your faith and always keep moving.

The Climb Lyrics
I can almost see it

That dream I’m dreaming

but There’s a voice inside my head saying You’ll never reach it

Every step I’m taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking but I

Got to keep trying

Got to keep my head held high

There’s always going to be another mountain

I’m always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing

The chances I’m taking

Sometimes might knock me down but

No I’m not breaking

The pain I know it

But these are the moments that

I’m going to remember most yeah

Just got to keep going

And II got to be strong

Just keep pushing on

There’s always going to be another mountain

I’m always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s the climb

There’s always going to be another mountain

I’m always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s the climb

Keep on moving

Keep climbing

Keep the faith baby

It’s all about

It’s all about

The climb

Keep the faith

Keep your faith

"Let Me OUT!"

I believe my little man is over the winter weather.

He just goes to my windows and stares out.

It breaks my heart, but I don't get him out...just to leave the house when it's cold outside. I guess it's my fault we have cabin fever...but *knock on wood* he has not been as bad sick this winter as he was last winter. Granted, we've got the snotty nose here and there...but nothing too bad. I am just completely scared to death of germs.

I think I forgot to tell you all about my "diagnosis" from Jack's doctor a few weeks ago. We took him in because of his runny nose and he started to develop a little cough. My husband proceeds to tell her {everything} I had already diagnosed him with...RSV, the Croup, etc. Of course, he thinks I'm a freak...but she did say that he was fine and that there was a "medical term" for what "I have" {didn't know I had anything!} It is called...get this...the "VULNERABLE CHILD"! Which I believe as first time parents we all have, but she said when your child has a life threatening/traumatic event early on in their life, like Jack did...the parents automatically think the worst is going to happen to their child. And I completely do this. It's awful, but that entire week Jack was in the hospital at 5 weeks...I think I experienced every emotion known to man. And now, I always think something bad is going to happen to him or a simple cold is going to turn into so much more. I know, most parents do this...but for Jack's pediatrician {which was the one that put him in the hospital at 5 weeks, diagnosed him and saved his life!} I believe she was spot on. I am going to do some research on it, maybe I need medication? ;)

Here are some pictures of my adorable little baby boy, who I remind you is 17 months old...starring out the window in our living room. Don't mind his toys, or the picture frames under the table, it's his daily ritual to rearrange them how "he wants". I believe it's his creative outlet!

Where's Jack? See his little feet under my blinds? Love it~

Knock Knock! Is anybody out there to come get me outta here?!?!

I love this one...I love his sweet profile~

WARNING...this will be a LONG post~

I am so behind on blogging from this past weekend and week...so I am going to try and play "catch up" in this one.

First, I need to say a BIG THANK YOU to Mrs. PB at Peanut Butter & Honey for my wonderful "Craft-It-Forward" gift she sent me and I happen to get on Valentine's Day!! I was sooo super excited to get a package and when I opened it, I got tears in my eyes just because it was so perfect and my very own apron...in fact my first very own apron, my other 2 came from my Nanny when she died, so this one will always be special to me! I really thank you Mrs. PB and I will treasure it always...along with the sweet note that came along with it.

I only wish I could craft something for you...I have some idea's and will try to make them "come true" this weekend...but I'll let you know!

Here are some pictures of my adorable apron that matches my kitchen and breakfast nook perfectly~I really think I am going to leave it out somehow in my kitchen since it matches so well...what do you think?

Look how beautiful~I know you're jealous~~ :}

Did I mention it is reversible?!?!

The stitching is even adorable~

I put it on my chair to try and show you again how perfect it matches my kitchen nook~

~~~~~

Ok, so my brain goes out of order sometimes, so I'm going to have to "back up" a day...on Friday, we had the wonderful Baynes family in from Ohio. They are always so much fun and they really feel like family to us. Last year when they were down, they all were sick and Jack was only about 6 months old, so they didn't get to interact with him very much. Well, luckily this year, they were all well and Jack was very much spoiled this weekend by them! He loved them and would give them hugs and kisses and I really think Monday he missed not having them here to play with or really, to drag around the house.

I of course didn't get a single picture of them so next time, the camera will be around my neck the entire time~Thanks Ed, Susan & Megan for coming to visit and for being so wonderful to our Jack.

~~~~~

So now, skipping to Sunday.

Sunday was a very special and stressful day for my Mom and I.

I had come up with the idea of having my Sister a SURPRISE 35th Birthday Party a few months ago and really wanted it to be a special day to celebrate her. She has done so much for me throughout my life, especially since Jack has been here and I wanted her to know how much we all loved her and cherish her.

She has been through a lot with her Lupus and other health issues...we needed to celebrate the big 3-5...right?!

Well, long story short, it was perfect. She was surprised {or was a very good actress and missed her calling!} and loved it. I have a few pictures I'll share on here.

The set-up~

SURPRISE!!

Sis and her 2 blessings~

Sis with her beautiful cake! That was super yummy too!

I'm so lucky to have them in my life. I love them with all my heart.
Me, Sis, Mom & Saydie~"Just us girls" as Saydie would say!

Sis & Me with our beautiful Mommy~

Gigi's Love's...2 reasons why I wanted to become a Mommy~

~~~~~

One last thing...Jack had his first official hair cut at a salon last week! He did soo good, and it probably helped that his "stylist" has a little girl the same age! Mrs. Whitney did such a great job and stuck a sucker in his mouth and he was content!

He loved it I believe because he could watch himself the entire time in the mirror!

~~~~~

One last thing and this is a prayer request! I know it maybe silly to some, but it is a serious issue in our house!

We are getting rid of the 'pappy' (paci) or trying. Jack is only 17 months old, and it maybe too early, but he gets little bumps on his chin from the drool and the pappy being in his mouth at night. Granted, he doesn't use it all the time, just for sleeping and if he's just watching t.v. but he is SUPER attached to it. I have started by un-attaching it to his lovey. I have always had it attached to his little "Linus" blanket his drags around and he associates them together. Well, last night, I got brave and took the pappy holder off so all he had was his pappy and his lovey. He was so very confused and kept handing them to me saying "broke, broke, broke". It was pitiful, but I know it's the first step to getting rid of it all together.

SO pray that Daddy and I can stick with it and Jack won't have too many issues with it. I am still not sure how I'm going to get rid of it, whether it "disappears" a few times a day so he doesn't have it all the time, or cutting the end...??

I'M SCARED!

Do any of you have any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

He was very easy to get rid of the bottle...we got rid of that at about 12 months and he's been on a sippy cup ever since...but the "pappy" is a whole different monster!

I understand...

That there is a BIG 'ol storm coming...and everyone should be safe and take cover, but they (the news) interrupted Dr. Phil who was talking today about the lady that just had the octuplets and I was really wanting to hear "her" story and what he had to say about it. Oh well...maybe I can catch it online if my Internet doesn't go out!

I still can't get pictures on here from my good camera because my husband still hasn't fixed his "fix of the computer"~ So, no pics from me today...

We are having a house full of guests this weekend! This is the 3rd year in a row the Baynes' have come and stayed with us this time of year and we LOVE it!! They are such a fun family an we always enjoy their company! They come down to watch their youngest son wrestle at Carson-Newman...Dustin goes to Limestone though and it's his last year...so they will have to come and visit just to see us now!

Hopefully we will get some good pictures this weekend and I will be able to post them!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Just wanted to say...

Hello and I hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Little man is starting to feel under the weather and it makes me sad.

He has a super runny nose and rosey cheeks from them being dry and chapped.

He looks cute but sick! Besides that, we are staying in and staying warm!

This "feels like 10 degree's out there" weather has got to go...it is NOT fun or appropriate to be taking little bit out in it just to get out of the house!

SO, we got out yesterday because I had class last night and he even stayed with his Cici because it was so cold after we got out of class!! Needless to say, I missed him and we've been inside ever since I went and picked him up today!!

Besides that, we are gearing up for another busy weekend hoping the weather turns towards the bright side! I can definitely see how people get so depressed during the winter months! Luckily I have 2 'rays of sunshine' to look at each and everyday!

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Here are some pics from a wedding we went to this past weekend, it was so beautiful and so much fun hanging out with friends!!

We also went to Colie's 1st Birthday party at her house, it was an Elmo Birthday!
Jack wasn't too excited about the Elmo hat...

Jack playing basketball...

Me & the Hubby at the reception

Mandy & Me at the reception

Tina, Mandy & Me after the reception

Go See!

Last entry of the day, promise...go and visit Make Mine a Mojito blog for her fab-u--lous Valentine's Give Away!

Click Here for her great blog!

I'm so excited about Valentine's Day!!

Don't you just love, LOVE?

We'll OK, not that kind of LOVE!
I just HAD too!

I mean, this kind of LOVE...

This is a picture I took of our friends Mandy & Drew, for some engagement pictures, who are getting married this year!! Yippee!

I was Tagged!

Thanks to my new blog friend Amber, she gave me something to do during Jack's nap time!
Go visit her blog here! Simple.Beautiful.Life
Step 1: Respond and rework- answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own. Step 2: tag- eight other un-tagged people.
1. What are you wearing right now?
Yoga black pants from Target and a sweat shirt..."Mommy" Clothes!
2. What is the last thing I read/ are currently reading?
How to Teach Literature...a text book for class tomorrow...fun fun!
3. Do you nap a lot?
Not as much as I did when Jack was younger, now that he's walking everywhere...I get things done during his nap time...but Sunday is usually "family nap day"!
4. Who was the last person you hugged?
Jack's Hot Daddy!
5. What is your current obsession/addiction?
Blogging, checking Facebook and just looking around the Internet for stuff for Jack or the house
6. What is the last thing you said out loud?
"SHANN...Your phone is ringing and driving me crazy!" (He's home now, and left it in the room and he's upstairs in the man room and it drives me nuts when he misses a call and it keeps beeping!)
7. What websites do you always visit when you go online?
Facebook, Blogger, Comcast (email)
8. What is the last item you bought?
Groceries for our Super Bowl get together and diapers for Jack
9. What is your most challenging goal?
Not procrastinating. I have tried and tried to get better and doing things way before they are due, however the hour before seems to only be my way of getting things done!
10. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished- anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Oh, I love our house, but my dream would be closer to my family (they are only 30 minutes away but sometimes it feels like they are thousands of miles away!) OR the beach!
11. Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere warm...but our favorite is just getting away anywhere!
12. Say something to the last person who tagged you:
I don't really know her, but I love reading her blog! Thanks for tagging me...same to you Amber!
13. Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you:
Chips or anything salty
14. What is your favorite item of clothing?
Shoes...I love my ugly UGG's and my Ed Hardy shoes "Santa" brought me!
15. Favorite pair of shoes that you keep going back to over and over?
Whoops, I guess shoe's aren't considered clothing, but see #14
16. Name one thing you can't live without:
My family
17. Has a celebrity's hairstyle ever influenced you on your own style?
I definitely had the "Jennifer Anniston" hair in middle/high school and the latest I guess would be Reese Whiterspoon when I wanted her swoopy bangs, but didn't get them of course!
18. What is your favorite hobby?
Oh geez, shopping...it's my biggest bad habit too now that I think about it, but I am not getting to participate as much as I'd like in my "hobby" since I am a full-time student and haven't worked since Jack was born! :(

I'm Tagging:
Mandi @ Mandi Shandi's
Patti @ Peanut Butter & Honey
Cade's Mommy(Ashley) @ Brown's Blessings
{{And anyone else that want's to do it!}}
Leave me a comment and let me know you've completed it so I can read your answers!!

i ♥ faces

So, I've been trying for 2 weeks now to officially enter the "i heart faces" photo contest and I have been unsuccessful every week! I don't know what it is, but I am having the hardest time uploading pictures now. Oh well...anyway, I am going to try again...3rd Time's A Charm, right? I hope everyone had a great weekend! It is snowing like crazy here today, so look for some more pictures of the little man dressed like the "Michelin Man" in his Red Polo Snow Suit!

Here is my entry for

"The Eyes Have It"

{Mine is called..."My Eyes Have My Mommy"}