Always. Always. Always.

Since Easton was a little lovey, I've told him that I will 'always, always, always come back and get him.'

It started when he was probably around a year old. He was going through that seperation anxiety deal, not wanting me to leave. We'd have a talk in the car before we got to school and I'd tell him 'always, always, always.'

Time passed. Things got easier. Some days he goes in on his merry way, kissing me and walking me to the door. Others, he needs a little reasurrance.

Yesterday was one of those reassuring days. Though, not near as dramatic as it used to be but he needed my comfort nevertheless.

We were pulling in school. He was talking about playing outside with his friends. And he asked,  'Mommy come back?' I said 'Easton???' He looked back up at me with those melt my soul twinkling eyes and said those 3 words of comfort I've said to him for so long. 'Always, always, always.'

I had to catch it on video yesterday afternoon...so I could remember how sweet he sounds when he says it. He threw in a little extra love too.

God bless this child. I really never dreamed I could love someone so much. I could explode.

  

A little trip to the country

I love the country.

I'm a country girl at heart.

I love the stillness and peace and quiet you get in the country.
I love how you can see so many stars at night time.

I love being able to hear the birds and the crickets at any given moment. 

I love that you can't hear the roar of the traffic when you go out on your porch.

Last weekend we took a little trip to the country and it refueled my love for the country life. 

The simple life.  

Now, this isn't way back, but back enough where you still feel like you're way back.

But still close enough to the grocery or Target. You know, important things. 

We went to pick up some ball jars for a friends wedding from my aunt & uncle.

I had forgotten about the donkeys but that made our trip so much more fun!

Easton fed the donkeys a few carrott sticks.

He kept asking for more.  Easton.  Not the donkey. 

Uncle D showed him how to hold his hand flat so he wouldn't lose any fingers.

He was so sweet and gentle with the donkeys. 

And Uncle D was so kind and patient with my boy. 

I really really really want to live in the country. 

I'm ready to have that house in the quiet.

I'm ready to plant my buttercups and hyacinths. 

I'm ready to turn my boy loose outside to run.

I'm ready for country living. 

Like, yeseterday. 

Embrace The Camera

I love Thursdays because that means, a post with a few pictures of me and my little love. 

I thought I'd snap a few pictures at bedtime last night.  Last night he was out by the first song.  But I'd stop singing and he'd wake up, looking like he was dreaming and say 'more snong' so I'd start again.  Jesus Loves Me is a current favorite right now. 

He's in a phase where he doesn't want to get in his bed, so I've closed the door a few nights with crying behind.  It hurts my heart, but typically it's short lived. Lance did sneak him out on Monday night and lay on the couch with him.  He's a sucker. 

That first picture, he's playing possum...but 2-3-4, he's OUT. 

This boy.  He really has my heart. 

   

It's safe to say...

After another long night...

I think it's safe to say, we've turned the REAL corner.

I'm pretty sure he just wanted to sleep with me last night.

So, at 12:30 The Boy got in the bed.

And I rocked.  Rocked my toddler just like I used to when he was a baby. 

In the dark.  It was quiet.  Lance had moved to the couch. 

And I took those few moments in the middle of the night to do something I rarely get to do.

And yes.  I documented it.  So what. 

The boys spent the day together today while I got some me time with Honey & Jamey.

We did us a little thrifting and a yummy lunch.

I feel rejuvinated.

But definitely praying for sleep. 

Beth's 30th- New Years Eve a day early

Our group of friends got together a night early for a surprise birthday party for our friend Beth.

We met at Brandon & Lindy's and then the next surprise came- a Party Bus.

I had my reservations but the party bus was so much fun!

It was fun to be with friends!

Always is.

It's also nice knowing we can stay in on New Years Eve and not fight the crazies.

Speaking of NYE, we were in bed before 10.

We lead an exciting life.  

I did however, have my black eyed peas...Lance had 1.  

Happy 2012 Everyone!

Stomach Bug

Well...at least it waited until after Christmas.

I went to the Y last night, ran for the 2nd time since I started exercising again.

But that good feeling didn't last long.

7pm- it hit. 

The Panda Flu.

{That's what we named it in our house- aka stomach bug- aka death}

12 SOLID hours of HELL on earth.

It was awful.

But, thank goodness for a warmer than normal day.

After some expired phenergan, a big nap and lunch {thanks mom} I turned the corner back to living.

I opened the windows.

I washed the sheets.

Cleaned the bathrooms.

Lysoled EVERYTHING.

Washed all the clothes.

And thankfully my boys seem to be safe from the bug.  

Again, thankful that it came on a random day.

I wouldn't wish that on ANYONE! 

Glad to be back among the living.

Opryland Hotel

Time is inching away.

Fast.

Christmas will be here before we know it.

Tonight we went to see all the pretty lights at Opryland Hotel.

To think it was underwater 18 months ago is amazing.

Boys took a little snack break.

Christie Cookie & Gelato

We walked through the 3 big conservatories/atrium's.

Easton had a wonderful time.

We didn't take the stroller. 

He discovered his love for running tonight.

He'd see a long open stretch of sidewalk or bridge and he'd turn and say 'run'

We'd give him the ok and off he went.

So much fun.

It's truly not Christmas until you go to Opryland Hotel...

and bake Sugar Cookies.

We're attempting those tomorrow!

Merry Merry!

Coloring Fun

I thought I'd get a little wrapping done.

Seeing as every present is in the front bed room, and it's a short 5 days before Christmas.

Someone had a better idea.

Insert crayons and wrapping paper.

Looks like my boys shaping up to be a lefty.

I couldn't be more thrilled!

Cause THAT... THAT, he got from his momma!

Mexican & Bass Pro

To me...it really doesn't get much better. 

Especially when it's with these two. 

Taking time for him

It's so easy for me to come in from work and get right to it.

Laundry, supper, cleaning up, picking up, busy. It's non stop.

But then, I have a fussy boy. A needy boy.  Attached at my leg.

But- if I stop- sit down with him, read a book, eat a snack, he's happy as a lark. 

And really, that's what's important.

Time with this little boy who is growing so fast.  Too fast.

All that other stuff can wait.

All he wants to do is sit in momma's lap.

And I'll be dang if I'm going to let him down. 

Naps

I stressed so much over naps in those early days.

All for nothing.

Now, if I was a stay at home mom, this wouldn't work...but I'm not. So, it does.  For now. 

 If it takes laying down for 2-3 hours on a Saturday to get in a good nap, I'm game.

It's nice to slow down and rest.

He won't always want to cuddle on the couch with me...I'll take what I can get!

Saturday afternoon we took a little drive out to the country.

We found a delicious sunset to capture some sweet moments.

Here a  few of those.

Easton,

When I think of you, my heart wells up with pride.

And my eyes can't seem to contain the tears.

I never ever dreamed that I could love someone so much.

That one smile could absolutely melt my soul.

But you, son, you do just that.

You are the perfect mixture of me and daddy.

Sometimes I get sad when I think of how fast these days are going.

But the older you get, the more fun we have.

You are a blast.  An absolute joy.  A busy little bee.

I love watching you grow and explore new things. 

You test the limits.  And you know exactly where that limit is.  And you'll stop.

You are my boy.  My first born.  The ONE that made me a mother.  Forever.

Buddy,  you have no idea how much I love you.

I pray that as you grow you will see just how happy you make me.

And how much I love you.

I praise the Lord for your life.

Every day.

Thank you for being you.

Perfect you.

I love you,

momma

Pun'kins

i'm having a hard time finding words for this post...

because i can't get past the cuteness of this child.

i mean really, look at him walking in those pictures. 

he's no longer a baby.  he's a toddler.  a big boy.

sniff sniff.

pumpkins were a challenge. 

daddy was at work so i attempted this on my own.

we ended up with 4 pumpkins, one for each of us.  kirby included.

easton couldn't figure out if they were a ball or a seat.

i tried for some posed shots on hay bales and wagons- but forget that.

the cute little pumkins and gourds were being thrown on the ground.

i don't think the pumpkin patch workers appreciated our gourd toss.

i'd get the camera out and he'd come running at me saying 'no, no, no'!

all in all, i consider it success.

pumkins were bought and memories were made.

and i've got the pictures to prove it.