Memorial Day Parade

This past Sunday was my town's Memorial Day Parade. I will have to say the parade this year was much better than last. But they are super short now. Under one hour. They used to be around 2 hours.

Anyhow, here are some pictures of Cam enjoying the parade. Oddly enough I did not get any shots of Maddie there. I think that is because she was too into her sucker to come be a ham when I got the camera out.

However, I am including a picture of HER from the parade last year, cause I love comparing the two of them around the same time frame. Although Cam is almost 8 months in this picture and Maddie was 11 months. Funny, huh!


Cam cried a bit when the sirens started (maddie never cried) but he also got over it really quick. He also bounced any time a band or music, or anything like that came by.

Updates

Well, I gave an update about Cam last night and I feel the need to do one about Maddie. I try to make things equal with them and the truth is that I probably tend to talk about Maddie more. But only because she does more! So it is totally NOT intentional. I have to be quick too, because I have a phone appt for my WAH job. I know I totally do work all hours and from the comfort of my home bed. lol

Maddie's vocabulary has really just exploded lately. Well, really I think it is just that I have finally begun to understand her more now. But she actually says sentences. It is super cute. She says "I got it" She says Mine and Maddie for things a lot now. She says I love you which sounds like "OLIVE OOOO" She is constantly playing "Buh Bye" Putting on shoes and or clothes, or getting bags and putting things in them then going around and giving everyone bye bye kisses.

She is such a jokester. She pretends to cry when My sister asks her to give her a kiss. She is SOO rough with Cameron, but it is funny- he totally LOVES it. Today she smacked his belly SOOO hard... and he just laughed. I was so surprised. She still got herself in trouble for that one though. She tries to brush Cam's hair. Which for one- he doesn't HAVE any hair. lol. He switches from loving the attention to kinda ducking from her when she brushes it. It is really funny. I have no idea what she was doing this evening while I was making calls, but he was seriously laughing his head off! SOOO cute. I am leaving messages and laughing the whole while. That is ok, though, that is why I work from home. To be here and see these things.

As for me. I met with one of my old vendors yesterday for coffee. I am not going to lie. It was soo nice to get out! Have some coffee and adult conversation. It did make me miss the whole advertising executive roll I used to be in..... but it is so easy to forget all the crap I used to put up with too. I think basically I just miss the people, and well, of COURSE the pay. Lol. But whatever, I will be replacing it soon, I just won't have that ego boost of having the "title" But what REALLY is in a title anyhow ya know. Plus, I am starting to realize that really the BEST title in life is MOM. ;)

Well, it is Easter weekend. We have plans to take the kiddos to see the Easter Bunny and do some fun egg coloring. Oh, and I am scrapbooking too.

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL! I am sure there will be pictures to follow of our Holiday Fun. Jesus Has Risen!

Unexpected

When my Mom first went into the Hospital on Saturday September 13th, and she was on the ventilator, I went into her room and her hair was getting all tangled from her head thrashing around because of the discomfort from the ventilator. So, when I saw her hair getting all tangled I took her little orange hair band out of her head, and untangled her hair. I put the hair band on my wrist, like I would with mine when I take it out of my head. It was orange ( I said that). I thought it was an interesting color, as all of my hair bands like this are black. I wore it around my wrist the entire time she was in the hospital.

A few days later, she had come off the ventilator, and seemed to be doing well. However, because of some very painful headaches (which eventually we figured was because of her CO2 Levels being so high, and her oxygen levels being so low) she had to go in to have a couple of cat scans of her head. The put these sensors on her head in her hair and they made her hair all goopy. She hadn't been able to have her hair washed, which I knew bugged her, and she mentioned something about her hair in her face. I asked her if she wanted me to pull her hair back for her. She said Yes. So I did, but instead of using her orange hairband on my wrist, I pulled the black one from my hair and used that to pull her goop-filled hair back the best I could. At the time I remember her looking around the room and saying "I had a hair tie here somewhere, but I don't know where it went." I kinda smiled inside about my secret that I had been the one to take her hair band out, and that I was wearing it on my wrist at the time. I don't know why, but I wanted to keep that hairband. Kinda the whole time she was in the hospital I figured she wasn't coming out. Of course I had many bouts of positive and/or hopeful thinking that I was wrong, but I also think in a way that I knew she wasnt. I wanted to keep this hair band to help me think of her and remember her, and kinda keep me close to her.

I wore the hair band for a few weeks after she passed, and during her funeral I made a point to put it on. But then after a while, I started using the band as an actual hair band myself when I couldn't find any black ones to use. The truth is, I wasn't attached to the band like I wanted to be. It didn't really make me think of her they way I had hoped it would. Eventually, I lost the band like I have with all of my other hair bands in the past.

Tonight, I got home from celebrations at my Dad's house and I started to pick up the house a bit since I was due to feed Cam in an hour, thinking I might as well stay up and get a bit done so I have less to do tomorrow. As I picked up the bottom half of my lipstick so Maddie wouldn't get into it in the morning and cause a mini disaster, (like drawing with lipstick on my walls or something right before my Christmas Dinner guests arrive) I noticed way back in the corner where my wall and sink meet, there sits the orange band! It has been months since I have seen the thing! I am pretty sure that I have looked in that corner since I have lost the band, and have never noticed it before.

Suddenly, the band gave me warm feelings, and sad feelings, and just general feelings of Mom. I started to cry right away. It is just so ODD, that it was there, I never noticed it before tonight, Christmas Eve, and that at the time I had lost it, I really wasn't feeling the connection I was hoping it would give me with her, and now it was doing all that I had wanted it to before.

ODD. I can only say one thing. Merry Christmas to you too Mom. You were missed tonight and I love you.

Toledo Zoo Lights... Finally

For my loyal readers, you may remember this Post from last year when we attempted to go to the Toledo Zoo lights, got there, and turned right around to go home cause of the weather!

Well, this year we went again, and actually made it in this time! It was fun!

Here are some pictures from the night! Probably more than you want to see!


Maddie and her buddy Hanna. Hanna didn't want Maddie touching her, and Maddie knew it, so what did she do...? Kept touching her!


My niece getting eaten by a Polar Bear. AHHH! :)


The Girls dancing to the light show music! It was really cool!


Maddie and Haley, isn't it just the cutest pic ever!


Believe it or not, Cameron is in that stroller. He is in the back part, under the light blue blanket. He was the warmest out of all of us!



Kids having (too much) fun in the restaurant afterwards. Haley, Maddie, and Drew


Maddie and Haley showing some love!


Typical Boy messing with the girls pictures ;)

Pics: Just Because

I haven't posted pictures in a while. I have my downstairs office, somewhat set-up. At least enough to where I can get on this computer without having to climb my way into the room and type over a pile of papers.

So it is due time to download my pics and post them all for your enjoyment. I know you were all holding your breath! ;)

Thanksgiving. I took these pics when we got home for the day. For one, I woke Cameron up by moving him, so he is stretching in all the pics. Then in the second one, Maddie had just had enough for the day. Therefore the lovely face!





Cutie Pie Cam Man!



I love this Best Friends shirt. I got these for $5.00 from The Children's Place.com



Maddie has a new "look" she now gives the camera! Geez! Notice the wording on her shirt! I think it is so cute! Got that at Target for $2.98.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Shopping: Ugh.

As you all know I have already started some of my Christmas shopping. I have also done some of it online. Taking advantage of the free shipping. Also, I now LOVE using coupons and such to get deals. Well, I never knew this before, but I just googled "Coupon Code" and the name of the store I was shopping at- and I found coupon codes to use. I saved 25% off at The Children's Place and 25% and 30% off one item at Borders. I had no idea it was that easy! Borders was free shipping, and TCP was $5. I saved $7.00 at TCP (so it was like I got shipping for free, plus $2) and I saved $14 at Borders. GO ME.

Things are tight for everyone now a days, and I have made a pledge. I have pledged to buy most of my Christmas Gifts from people who make things and sell them, or from others like me who have a home based business. I also plan to try to make several gifts myself. I think in all cases this is a win-win. I mean, I am supporting more of the little people than just the bigger corporations, and the things I make myself will be made with much love!

Have you ever heard of Fly Lady? I have done her home cleaning program before, and I signed up for it again.

I just got this email today, and in reading it, I totally agreed with all of her suggestions for Christmas Presents. I thought I would share it with all of you, and encourage you to think of buying homemade/home business this year. Think Home Interiors, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Etc. Also, you can go to Etsy.com. These are all home-made goods that people sell, and let me tell you there are some gorgeous things on there. I found a gorgeous Mom necklace that I made my hubby buy me for my Birthday :). Good Luck!

When shopping doesn't overwhelm your time, it can be a fun part of the
holiday season and get you in the spirit of the season. The problem is
it can be very time consuming and only add to your stress when you
have a busy holiday agenda.

Here are ways to streamline your holiday shopping:

Shop early!!! The best way to not get stressed is to get it done
early. Buy a gift or two each week to help budget your purchases.
(Consider shopping year round…next year).

Don't over spend—stay on budget. Don't feel guilt if you can't spend
as much as someone else. Be realistic.

Shop during off-peak hours and shop alone. Think mid-week and during
the daytime. Plan ahead and schedule a day off or arrange for a
babysitter.

Make a list. Stick to it!

Just because it's on sale, doesn't make it a bargain. Don't buy what
you don't need. If it's not on your list of needed things, chances are
you still don't need it.

Shop online. There are many great gifts you can buy online—no need to
waste gas or hunt for a parking place at crowded malls. Armchair shop
this year! Buy before December 18th!

Gift certificates. A great clutter-free gift! I can't think of a
person that doesn't like to get a gift certificate/ card. Ask your bank
(or bank card services) for a card that can be spent anywhere.

Got family? Have a gift exchange. If you have too many people in your
family, agree to pick a name and buy one really nice gift instead. One
really nice gift is so much better than 5 battery-operated gadgets!

"If you can't wear it, or eat it—forget it". Do not buy more do-dads,
knick-knacks, or "set-me-outs" (my Southern girlfriend calls them
that!) Don't buy clutter for your home--or anyone else's!

Make or bake. Be creative and thoughtful. Get the kids involved. Make
hand painted ornaments or put together a gift basket of micro-wave
popcorn and a DVD for a family to enjoy together. Bake cranberry nut
pumpkin bread and attach the recipe with a festive ribbon. Who can't
resist a gift from the heart?

Pamper yourself. Make sure you get plenty of rest and eat healthy
food. Try not to over-indulge and dress yourself nicely. When you look
and feel your best—you will surpass all holiday expectations!

December 23rd. Go to the mall just because you feel like it (this is
one of my favorite things to do). Buy a mocha latte and dress festive
and watch the people rush by!

BTW, if you ask an adult what his or her's favorite childhood memory
of holidays past--it would be spending time together--not the gifts
received.

For those who are interested in Fly Lady info, you can go here: www.flylady.net The year I did her Flying through the Holidays program, I had the best Christmas ever (as an adult that is, haha!)

Quick Blog

I have to do a quick blog because my computer is about to die. ANd well, I am too lazy to get up and go plug it in. Also the kid needs to eat soon, and so I need to get it in before he wakes up and starts fussing!

Today I went to my nephew's Hockey game and unfortunately they did not win :(. Maddie was over tired, and that was not fun.

My kids have had a crazy half week! But it is all coming to a close now- well at least for a while. Until Christmas rolls around. We are not doing our Sunday Family dinner tomorrow, so this means Maddie can get to bed early, and we can have a calm night at home. However, during the day, we are working on Cam's bedroom/the basement.

Wish us luck! Hopefully soon I can post some pics of Cam's room!

Black Friday

So did everyone get the deals they were looking for?

I wasn't really looking for any. Just the fun of going out shopping. A great tradition with my BFF.

This year it didn't really feel the same. We only hit a total of three stores, but it took all day this year. We also started later than we usually do, and well, it just wasn't the same. Don't get me wrong, I am still glad we did it. But there is just something about waking up when it is still dark. We also used to start out our day by hitting the McDonalds and eating some breakfast. Then we would go over to the stores and stand in the crazy lines. Then we would hit Starbucks for a PEPPERMINT MOCHA. YUM, my favorite and you can only get it this time of year :).

However, this year was quite different with 2 under 2 in tow. First last night Cam decided to stay awake from about 4-6 and had two, yes two poopy diapers within that time. Poopy diapers are never fun, but they REALLY stink between the hours of 4 and 6 am. No pun intended. I finally got to sleep by 7, and woke up at 8:15. I am supposed to pick up my BFF at 9:00 am. Needless to say she got a "Can we push it back text".

I got to her house around 10:30 am which is actually quite good for starting the day at 8:15 and getting myself showered, the kids fed, dressed and diaper bags packed. Stroller and kids loaded into the car.

We discuss the whole starbucks situation, and we decide to do a quick stop at a Target for her to run in and get us some drinks. I stay in the car with Cameron who cries everytime the car comes to a stop, and Maddie who is saying Please continuously (which sounds suspiciously like CHEEEESSSSSSSEEEEE) because she saw the peanut butter and jelly sandwhich I packed for her in the diaper bag for lunch.

I will say the Peppermint Mocha WAS super yummy, but the ambiance of the first sip just wasn't the same. :)

BOth kids did really well, and I felt like a Super star walking through Kohls with Cam in the sling. ( I am still surprised at how many people are in awe of the slings. I thought they were more common lately.) All of the people in the massively long line Ooohed and Aaahed at my cute little man. And he IS a cutie, it is not just cause they have been standing in line for the past half hour that they were so smitten with my handsome guy!

I bought only one true Christmas gift. But, I got a lot of things for me and Maddie. However, ALL of these things were very much needed. I got her a hat and gloves, I got me some new lounging pants, and some new walking shoes. (I have to start training to train for the 3-day- yes I said that right!)

I also got Maddie the one toy I wanted to get for her. I have seen it pretty much every where for $60.00 and I got it at Kohls for $40.00 I am pretty sure that is a good deal. And probably will not see it any cheaper this year. So make that 2 true gifts :) I also got her some stocking stuffers!

Anyhow, here's to the beginning of the Holiday Season! Hope you all enjoyed your day. Wether you decided to go out and brave the crowds and or stay in and put up your Christmas Decorations.

I am Thankful

I am thankful for so many things. But here are the first 10 that come to my mind:

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful for my friends.

I am thanful for being home with my kids instead of sending them to daycare.

I am thankful for all of the support I got from family and friends when my Mom passed away.

I am thankful for the recent birth of my second child, and that he is a healthy and happy boy.

I am thankful for my very energetic, and very smart daughter and all of the smiles she brings to my face on a daily basis.

I am thankful for my wonderful husband and all the amazing things he does for me.

I am thankful for the 31 years I spent with my Mom.

I am thankful that my daughter sleeps throught the night, has since she was 7 weeks old, and that my Son seems soon to follow.

Writer's Block?

I surprisingly have had no problem finding something to blog about each day. Until now. Call it writer's block maybe? I can't believe this thing is almost done and that I have almost blogged for 30 days straight! I will say it started to become somewhat of a habit. But it was much easier to blog in the morning. I am pretty tired and worn down by the evening time and it makes it hard to come up with something to say.

Tomorrow is the biggest bar night of the year, and I am excited to report that even after 2 kids, I will still be participating in the pre-thanksgiving day fun! My sis is taking my kiddos which is super cool of her, especially since she is the one hosting T-day. Don't you think!?!

I also am one of those crazies who goes shopping on Friday. But this year, I may be crazier than ever. I cannot find anyone to watch the kiddos on Thursday night/Friday morning, sooooo my BFF and I talked about it and decided to be crazy and take the kids with us anyway! Please think about us that day and wish us luck.

I guess you could say it is an obsession. Those of us who love to do it totally get it. Those who don't love it, do not get it. But my BFF and I have been doing it for I think the past 4 years. And now, it just wouldn't seem the like the start of the Holiday Season without doing it. So we are not going full out this year, we will be starting the day by heading out at 9:00am instead of 5:00am. We will shop for a few hours and then stop for lunch. Truthfully after that, we will probably be going home. I have a feeling Maddie will be done. But, I at least HAVE to go out, somewhere for a little bit.

I am also hosting a Black Friday sale for my home based business which shall remain nameless on the internet. So hopefully while I am out spending money, I will also be making money! That is what I love about my business... that I can even do that! Oh, and if you are interested in finding out what the sale entails, leave me a comment and I can figure out a way to get you the information.

Just Tar and Feather me now!

Maddie, Cameron and I are listening to.......

Christmas Music!!

This all came about because Maddie turned the stereo on and for some reason it was on a station talking about Sports. Ugh. So, I went over to change it, and got the bright idea to turn it to 100.3 the station in Detroit that plays Christmas Music 24-7. :)

It is not my fault. I got a phone call from my new friend Katie inviting me to a MOPS cookie exchange, and an email from my GNO (girls night out) group talking about picking a date for our exchange. PLUS, on top of all that, when I look out my window, the trees here are lined with SNOW! :)

Oh, I love the holidays! I have to hold myself back right now from going downstairs and getting some decorations. DJ would kill me. Plus I have a strict rule about not decorating before Thanksgiving.

That reminds me... I have to set a date for my annual card signing get-together. The past three years or so I have had friends over to sign, address and stamp our Holiday cards. It is fun to do it with some friends.

Ironically enough, my Mom's favorite Christmas Song just came on the radio. Little Drummer Boy. I can actually see her singing Per-rummp pum, pum, pum. ;) If I got those words wrong, that is just me. I always just make up the words to songs. If you can't understand it, just fill in the blank.

Ok, gotta go. Maddie is NOT happy about me being on the computer! She wants to dance some more to the Christmas Songs!

Me and My Babies...

Just missing DJ in here :(

More Pics...

Flashback and Comparison

Maddie's First Halloween. October 2007 4 months old.



Cameron's Fist Halloween. October 2008. 3 weeks old.

Happy Halloween!

Okay, you guys are getting an overload of pictures here, because I cannot decide cause they are all flippin cute! Costume Pics to come tomorrow! Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch to get a pumpkin. Notice Maddie's new winter coat bought with money given to us by her Nanny and Papa Danny for necessities....thanks Nanny and Papa Danny!! Oh, and her shirt says "Ghouls just wanna have fun!" Isn't that the cutest!!

**Please excuse any mess you may see in my house pictures.... I am still trying to get a hold of my household. Hey, it has only been 3 weeks and I have a lot of catching up to do from my non up keep during the pregnancy!

FINALLY, something blog worthy!

Even before my Mom went into the hospital, there was nothing going on really blog worthy. Hence the long hiatus. I have just been too tired and lazy, and well there weren't a lot of HUGE changes with Maddie.

But this weekend was our annual Halloween camping trip. No, I am not crazy and we did not camp. However, we did go out and visit, and enjoy the festivities.

This video of Maddie, I was a little late on, but as DJ was walking her over to "trick and treat" to us, he was giving her her candy bucket and for some reason she wanted nothing to do with it! It was so funny to me how she swatted it away from him! (sorry that I sound so obnoxious on the video)



This next one I just thought was super cute cause I love the babbling and her walking around with that tail!



And some Pictures.

The lion and the monkey in the Parade.




Silly Monkey Face!

I didn't think much about this picture at the time it was taken. You can't see my Mom's face and Maddie's is all scrunched up. But now, it is my absolute favorite picture of the two of them. Why? I like to see my Mom in her usual perch on the couch that now-a-days feels very empty. I remember this day and how she snatched Maddie out of my arms to give her these kisses. This totally shows the way my family is with our babies. You KISS them and KISS them and KISS them, so hard, even if it makes them uncomfortable and cry. Because they are just so KISSABLE and they are only like that for so long. So this is just one of many of Maddie's squished faces from the long meaningful kisses from Grandma Pam.

Happy Friday

I don't really have much to say. I started out cleaning the house up, and came in the computer room to clean, and somehow the cleaning stopped.

I am so sick of being pregnant. (No offense Baby B!) I can't wait to have the baby be here. But I am so annoyed that I can not even properly clean up the house without getting exhausted. So far all I have completed this morning is the bathroom, and picked up the living room and swept. I did pick-up the kitchen much earlier. Now I feel tired and ready for a nap. :( I am going to listen to my body though, cause we are going over to friends tonight and I would like to be able to hang out a bit. Last night I went to bed at 8:45. I got up today when Maddie did at 8:00. Lately Maddie gets up at 8 no matter what time she goes down. Last night I put her down at 6:45 and I thought for sure she would be up by 7. For the record, I am NOT complaining!!

Ok, well I am off to nap land. :) If Maddie let's me... she just woke up from hers, but shouldn't be up yet.

I leave you with a sweet picture of Maddie sleeping on me during the fireworks show Up North.

My Favorite Pic from this week.

Yes, I should be in bed. But who can sleep right after eating Taco Bell? lol

Here is my favorite picture from this past week. And why you ask is it my favorite? Well, aside from it being taken on the beach, I think it showcases the complete Maddie. Her sweetness with a touch of a devilish side that makes her the person I love more than words.

Fireworks!

Maddie attended her first fireworks show the day after her first birthday. We always (with the exception of last year since we were in the hospital) attend the Livonia Spree fireworks with my best friend and her family.

This year was a first for Maddie, and at the Spree she had several other firsts. She went on The Merry-Go-Round ride for the first time, and she had some lemonade and drank out of a straw! (thanks Aunt Jen) If you are wondering, yes she got a sugar buzz... mix this with a slappy happy tired kid. Lol. It was great!

Maddie did not like the fireworks at first. She yelled and looked at each adult there like "aren't you going to do something about this?" when they first started. Then when she realized that we were all cool with it and a lot of coaxing from Mommy, she decided to give them a chance. Some of the bigger bangs made her cry a bit. But then after a while, she just watched in awe. Then by the end of the show, she was confident enough to crawl over into Aunt Jen's lap and sit with her to watch the finale.

Merry-Go-Round



Silly Maddie and Daddy



Yumm! Lemonade



The Works






Watching the Finale with Aunt Jen





(there is a big post below with pics from her birthday party... so don't miss that post!)