My Little Pumpkins

Yesterday after lunch, we headed over to the Layman's Pumpkin Patch. It was a big hit last year so we decided to go back again this year. Campbell still loves it! Riley really enjoyed herself too. She was all smiles from the moment we got out of the minivan.

Campbell has definitely earned her right as a "big girl". She actually rode the cow train all by herself. Actually, I lost tract of the times she rode it. Probably around 6-8 times. She enjoyed the corn crib, hay ride, and especially the corn snake. We even took home a 7lb pumpkin as a souvenir.

I just love fall. It has to be one of my favorite times of the year. Especially when I can spend it with my three favorite people.

swing set

Campbell always says the blessing before meal time. Usually she thanks God for our food, friends and family. However, today at lunch she added in her own little special touch. She went out on the limb and prayed for our house and Ida's swing set.

(For those of you that don't know, Ida is Campbell's best friend. Two peas in a pod, dynamic duo, etc.... You get the picture.)

I have always been told that if something is important to me, than it is important to God too. Apparently, Campbell has caught on to that concept.

French Doors

Yep...we got 'em! French doors in our basement that leads out to our "future" patio! Brent and his dad did such a great job! In reality, it only took half a day to put them in. All that is left is putting the siding back on the house. Brent should be able to finish that tomorrow....I hope.

What's next...finished basement? Patio?? Only time will tell!

Back Seat Driver

We all have stories to tell about our children and how they think they are smarter than we are. Campbell had one of those moments last night coming home from a shopping spree with Nana.

We just dropped Nana off at her house and we were headed back home. We rounded a curve and Campbell piped up and said "mommy you need to slow down". A few seconds later I heard coming from the back seat, "you need to drive with both hands on the wheel".

Dinner Conversation

Last night we celebrated my birthday at Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. It was especially thoughtful because both Dawn and I are on similar diets, so our menu consisted of low carb foods.

No birthday cake on my birthday. However, I'll save that for sometime next month with a dear friend after we are off of our strict diet phases. : )

Campbell loves to talk. She talks non stop. I'm convinced she gets it from my side of the family. (((I love you mom and sister))) So, basically she talks about anything that comes to her mind. Yesterday it was about Riley. Here's how the conversation went...

Campbell: Was Riley in your belly?
Mommy: Yes she was!
Campbell: Was she born at the hospital?
Mommy: Yes, ma'am.
Campbell: How did she come out of your belly?
Mommy: Urg...the doctors pulled her out?

Trust me, I don't want to hide anything from Campbell in this area because giving birth to a child is a beautiful and natural thing. However, I wasn't extremely comfortable having that particular conversation in front of my In-Laws. So, if she does happen to bring it up again (in the privacy of our home), then I'll go into a little more detail. For right now she was satisfied with my answer.

Now I can breath with a sign of relief!

Clean Teeth

At my last dentist appointment, my dentist recommended that I bring Campbell to my next visit. Closer to our appointment, we would practice opening our mouth and pretending to look at each others teeth and spitting water into the sink. All good patients have to swish water in their mouths and spit...right?

So, today was the day. The Dentist Appointment! I wasn't sure exactly how she was going to react, so I went first. The dental assistant was so good with her by explaining everything she was doing. Thankfully, I use an Oral B battery operated tooth brush, which looks similar to what a dentist office uses. Campbell has seen me brush my teeth hundreds of times so that didn't phase her one bit! In a flash my check up was over.

Now for the real test. It was Campbell's turn to sit in the big chair. She was hesitant at first. So, the dental assistant suggested that Campbell sit in my lap. Once she mentioned the bubble gum tooth paste, Campbell practically jumped on top of me. Literally, Campbell was laying on top of me when Dr. Clark leaned the chair back. He asked her to open her mouth and she fully cooperated. I couldn't believe it! Before he made one move he explained exactly what he was going to do. When it was time to use the tooth brush she didn't even flinch. Before you now it, he was done. She rinsed her mouth out with water and spit in the sink. Just like we practiced. After her appointment she got a ring of her choice.

Each of us got a good report with no cavities.

I am so proud of her!

Although, I'm still wondering why they have never offered me the bubble gum flavored tooth paste?

Birthday Cake and Rolling Over

My mom arrived in town on Thursday and we have had such a wonderful time together. What a joy it is to spend some one-on-one time with her. She has been a huge help with the girls as well. I have been able to catch up on a few things and relax at the same time. You can't beat that with a stick.

My in-laws have been so thoughtful and helpful by offering to take us out to dinner and inviting us over for some BBQ while my mom has been here. Last night after dinner, Diane and Ron surprised me with a birthday cake because they knew my mom couldn't be with me on my actual birthday. I thought we were just having dessert, imagine my surprise when everyone started singing "Happy Birthday" to me. That is so sweet! (So, if anyone gets the craving for chocolate, I have plenty of cake in my frig.)

I am excited to report that Riley hit another milestone! She is now rolling over onto her tummy. Riley is a back sleeper. So, when Brent went in to wake her up from her second nap yesterday evening she was on her tummy. She was apparently trying to roll back on to her back but she got caught up in her blanket. Most of today she has been trying to roll over from a sitting position....and then gets stuck. So, she has a little bit ways to go, but she will get there. I can tell that she really wants to be mobile, but can't quite figure it out yet.

I don't think I am ready for her to be on the move just yet, so hopefully she will take her time!

Am I laughing yet?

Have you ever had one of those nights that you wish you could just "do over"?

Did you ever make a Wal-Mart run around 3am? Did you know that people actually do their grocery shopping that early in the morning? I saw it first hand. No, I wasn't buying food.....batteries!

Around 2:30 this morning Brent and I heard some beeping noises coming from down stairs. It's that kind of annoying beeping that you hear every 2 minutes without fail. Hoping that it will miraculously go away on it's own. So, we laid in bed for a few more minutes thinking it was just our imagination. Then we come to the conclusion that it must be a smoke detector low on batteries. Of course, it takes 9 Volt batteries. Who has spare 9 Volt batteries? Well, I can tell you that we don't....until now.

After returning from Wal-mart with the batteries and installing them in the smoke detector, I waited patiently. Just to hear another BEEP across the room. It was the Carbon Monoxide Detector. By this time I was convinced it was a conspiracy. So, Brent told me to just simply unplug it and we'll deal with it in the morning. Silence........

I guess you can add "unplug it" to the rest of the "jiggle the handle" and "turn it on and off" remedies of the world.

Am I laughing yet? Give me a few more hours and a cup of coffee. Then we'll see. : )

Potty Seat

Campbell's favorite person in the world is her friend, Ida. She is a well known household name especially during dinner time. She often prays for her at dinner time and bed time as well.

Every time we play on Ida's swing set, Campbell has to check out her potty before we go home for bath time. She has mentioned several times that Ida doesn't use a potty seat. So, in the last few days, Campbell told me that she doesn't need a potty seat either because Ida doesn't use one.

So, there you have it. I guess I will be saving the potty seats for Riley.

Dots

This was our conversation at breakfast this morning:

Campbell: Are these dots on my arm?
Mommy: No, they are freckles.
Campbell: Does Riley have freckles?
Mommy: No, not yet.
Campbell: Riley will get them when she gets bigger and bigger.

Tagged

I was recently tagged by my friend Jamie. Ironically, I'm new to the world of blogging and I don't know anyone that blogs besides her. So, I'll simply play along and if anyone feels brave enough to share some "random facts/habits about themselves in the comment section, than make yourself at home!

The rules: Post the rules before giving the facts. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. At the end of the your blog you need to tag (hopefully) six people and list their names. Leave them a comment on their blog, telling them they have been tagged and not to forget to read your blog.

Here goes nothing:

1) I have never smoked a cigarette or used drugs.

2) I started selling Discovery Toys when Campbell was four months old. As a consultant, your goal is to earn your way to the incentive trips that are held in February of each year. The year I joined they decided to send 10 "wild card" winners on this trip. Basically, they draw random names out of a hat of the consultants that didn't quite make the numbers. Imagine my surprise when my Senior Consultant called me with the good news. You guessed it! I was one of the lucky wild card winners! On top of that, I could take one person with me on this FREE (air fare included) all-inclusive resort to Los Cabos, Mexico. Brent and I had a wonderful time! I stopped selling DT soon afterwards. I got my free trip out of it and I was done! Check out my pics on our website. : )

3) When I was in the seventh grade I cheated on a few of my spelling test and never got caught. I would basically write the words on my desk and cover it with my paper. At the end of the year I got a certificate for having the highest spelling average in my class. I know....that's really, really bad!!

4) When I was 16 years old, a friend and I were in a near drowning accident in Panama City Beach, FL. The current was so strong that it swept both us out from under our feet. I remember praying for God to save us. Eventually, we couldn't fight it any longer and lost consciousness. Thankfully, God heard my prayers and we were rescued while floating on our backs. As soon as we were pulled out of the water we gained consciousness. I remember to this day while I was laying on the beach waiting for the ambulance to come and get us, my mom said to me in so many words, "God saved you because he is going to bless you with grandchildren". We were released from the hospital 3 days later.

5) While I was in college I wanted to conquer my fear of the water and became a certified life guard at a local military base.

6) I went on a couple of mission trips while in college for the summer in Panama City Beach, FL with Campus Outreach Ministries.

7) I was a "Mat Maid" my last two years of high school. (Wrestling Cheerleader)

8) I used to love Strawberry Shortcake Doll when I was a child. I had Strawberry Shortcake curtains and bedspread. I think my sister had Holly Hobby.

OK, I think that does it.

Just For Fun

Considering I haven't blogged in awhile, I thought I would put something out here for the fun of it. So, the first thing that comes to mind is pet peeves. We all have them, some more than others. So, here's my top five list. What are yours?

1. Not replacing the trash bag
2. Arriving somewhere late
3. Clutter
4. Not cleaning up after yourself
5. Not completing a project

I would love to hear from you....just have fun with it!

Water Babies

Nana, the girls and I had so much fun at the Randolph Water Park today. It is basically one HUGE pool with an over size kiddy pool in the shallow end. Also, a separate smaller kiddy pool just for the babies with a frog squirting water out of its mouth. That is why it is know as the "Frog Pond".

I hope we get to go back one weekend so Brent can join us, but considering the water park closes on September 3rd, I highly doubt it. Way too many house projects that take priority at this time. However, when we go back I will definitely take Campbell a life vest or some swim rings.

I just can't believe how tired I was when we got home. It is so true about how the sun wears you out. Thankfully, we had left overs in the fridge. If not leftovers, more than likely it would have been take out. (Mmmm...pizza sounds really good right now. I will have to put that on my next weeks menu.)

Thank you Nana for taking off from work just to spend time with us. More than likely we would not have gone if it wasn't for you!

Baseball Game

Every year Brent's department at work goes to the Salem Avalanche baseball game. They are our local 1A team and it's a great family outing. However, this year it was scheduled on the hottest day of the year. The temperature hit a whopping 105 degrees!! Thankfully, the girls enjoy being outside and they loved it. Brent and I on the other hand couldn't wait until we could get back into the comfort of our AC at the house.

We are always looking for ways to spend time together as a family. It's the simple things in life that make "making memories" so much fun. Even if it is a local baseball game and you only stay through the top of the third inning because it's the girls bedtime. As long as Campbell gets her Dipping Dots ice cream while she is there, than she is happy.

Wildlife Sightings this week in our back yard

Deer on a foggy Wednesday morning:
4 point buck
6 point buck
8-10 point buck

Birds:
multiple hummingbirds, multiple days (thanks Pee-Paw)
one huge hawk perching Saturday evening

We ain't in the big city of Atlanta anymore (which was rated the #2 most unhealthy work commute in the United States by Forbes.com this week).

Date Night

Brent and I actually went out on a date last night. I have to admit, I was a little rusty. It's been way too long since he and I were alone together. We shared a delicious Reuben at The New Yorker and amazed how quickly we were in and out of the restaurant. We actually had a nice and quiet dinner without any interruptions or distractions. I forgotten exactly how quickly meal time can be without children.

After dinner we headed over to the theater to catch a movie. You can imagine my surprise when the person taking my money told me to give him $17 dollars for two adults. It nearly took my breath away. When did the theater prices go up? I know I haven't been to the theater since before Campbell was born, but that is ridiculous!

Once we got over the initial shock of the movie inflation, we got settled in and anticipated the the whole surround sound effect from our seats. We were like two kids in a candy store just waiting for "I Pronounce You, Chuck and Larry" to begin. Considering it got such great reviews, we knew we were not going to be disappointed.

WRONG!! Halfway through the movie Brent leans over to me and said that he was ready to go home. Considering I dished out the dough for this flick I was definitely getting my money's worth out of it. So we decided to stay and tough it out. I'm glad we did because it may be a while before we can afford another one.

I hope we can continue to have date nights at least once a month. Even if it is to run errands together. It will definitely be worth it!

Thanks Nana for babysitting and making us get out of the house. We love you!

She did it!

Campbell started using the potty on her own! Today we even wore our panties to McDonald's for our neighborhood playgroup. Normally I would have put her in pull ups to go out in public, but not today. The 5 or 6 months of training has finally paid off. We still wear pull up at bedtime, but I'm sure that will come to an end very soon.

Several people told me that one day it is just going to click and she will be a pro at it in no time. I had my doubts, but they were right. It seemed like one day she was having accidents left and right and the next she was going on her own and telling me about it after the fact.

OK...I can officially say that I survived potty training! : ) After everything was said and done...it wasn't so bad after all.

Riley's 6 month check up

Riley had a wonderful check up today with Dr. Moore. Once again....he said that she was perfect! Her weight is 14-2 and height 26 1/2. She is still in the 25 percentile for weight and 75 percentile in height. She didn't like getting the three shots, but she cried for only a few seconds.

Sweet Potato

Riley had her first taste of real food today.

Sweet Potato's!

The first bite caught her off guard, but she really started getting into it after awhile. I can't wait to see what she eats next. Maybe peas or carrots. Yummy!

Finding Santa Claus

Campbell loves for me to read her stories out of her bible. She is fascinated with all of the colorful pictures and she is getting really good at memorizing some of the bible stories as well. However, during lunch today she asked me to find Santa Claus in her bible. I'm not exactly sure what brought that on, but she was confident that she saw him in there once before. I reiterated that we celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas and assured her that Santa Claus was not anywhere to be found in there. Thankfully, I was saved by the bell,(the door bell that is), with a visit from Grandpa. She immediately turned her focus on him and apparently she forgot all about finding Santa Claus.