Happy Labor Day Weekend

Hope you all have a great weekend. We are praying Gustav doesn't hit us, and no matter where it goes, we pray that people are safe and smart. That being said, we won't have access to a computer over the weekend because Brian is taking us to a spa a 4 star hotel camping! Actually, I'm really excited and look forward to telling you more about it when we return, which may or may not be on Monday depending on this storm. So, bon voyage, have a great one!

Who knew?

I absolutely love finding little restaurants that I had no idea existed. I love it even more when they are in my town and the foods good. A couple weeks ago, Brian and I drove downtown and saw this little place called Michael's. We didn't remember seeing it before, but thought we'd give it a go. It was awesome. The food was great and even Nolan devoured his meal. But you haven't heard the best part. While I was contemplating dessert ("no, I really shouldn't" I was telling myself) and wondering why our waitress hadn't offered, she walked by and says, all casual and sweet, "Oh, there's complementary dessert at that table over there. Help yourself!" At that point my eyes misted over with joy for my new favorite restaurant. Free dessert? Seriously, they'll never get me out of there!

He eats ham, therefore he is a ham!

First Day of Preschool

Dear Nolan, All week you have asked me, "Are we going to school today?" You have been so excited about going, it's been hard for me to not be excited, too. You woke up extra early this morning, almost as if you knew. I know that you will have many more "firsts" and that your 2-year old room at Preschool isn't exactly the big guns, but I couldn't help having the fullest heart as I watched you scramble to go inside and get to the playground. I had to remind you to give me a hug and kiss. And then I was just supposed to leave. I took on the appearance that I was chatting with your teacher, Miss Marlow, but what I really did was watch you run around and up and down the slides and tunnels, with a smile spread wide across your face. You even got to the top of one and yelled, "HI MOMMA!" I love that you aren't quite at the age where you're ready to kick me out the door or get embarrassed by my picture taking. I'll admit, the house was not the same without you today and I found myself watching the clock until I could go pick you up and hear about your day. Miss Marlow said you did "awesome" and that you were cheerful and played alot. I'm not so sure you napped, because you were tuckered out and we did something we've never done and stole a "rest" in my room, mostly because I just couldn't resist cuddling with you. You're growing up too fast, little man, and I'm just so blessed to be your mommy. On the way to school today you looked at me and said, "You make me so happy." I almost turned around and didn't take you to school because how could I possibly bear to share that sweetness? But, how could I not share it? My darling Nolan, you make me so happy. So happy. Every single day. I love you so much and I'm so proud of you! Love, Momma Before we left: In front of school (literally dancing you are SOOOO EXCITED):You & me, kiddo:

SERIOUSLY???

You know that feeling when you are trying to get out the door to get to the grocery store with a two year old? List? Check. Snacks? Check? Sippy Cup? Check? Sanity? Out the door ages ago! And then, you happen to look down at the carpet and you see this? Purple marker, drawn in various lines all over our carpet (that I just had professionally cleaned a couple months ago). This wasn't an accident. My face must have been the first thing that made Nolan realize how mad I was. I immediately put him in time out where he could watch me clean up the mess. He didn't argue or cry, just sat there, pretty much scared out of his pants...probably because I was SOOOO calm. I think he knew what he was doing was bad when he did it, but just didn't realize HOW bad it was. Oh, I was FURIOUS!!! I knew when it started coming out of the carpet easily (thank God for washable markers) that it would be humorous later, but I didn't let on to him. He sat in timeout the entire time I cleaned up, silent except for a few intermittent, "I reawy sorry!" I won't lie, he became adorable, but I held my ground and after I finished cleaning up had a talk about how we NEVER color on the floor. EVER. Good times, I tell you, good times!! Here he is in timeout (right before I let him out). How sad...but he's sure living up to what his shirt says!

He Resists Potty Training...

...But shrieks in delight (at the top of his lungs), "I'M PEEING!" at the splash pad, where he sits in just the right spot to give that exact illusion. I know I should have probably been telling him to stop and that it's totally inappropriate, but I could not resist taking pictures. And I was laughing right along with the other mom's (who I didn't know) on the playground. As one mom said, "They are just so innocent." He really is, but I imagine someday he'll have my head on a platter for posting these pictures!!

Sweetest Moments

Nolan and I were just in his room for his pre-nap cuddles. We had read a story and sang some lullaby songs and Nolan was going through one of his favorite lists...eye colors.

"I have blue eyes and your eyes blue and Daddy's eyes green and Cheyna's eyes brown and Abby's eyes green."

Pause.

"What color are God's eyes?"

Me: "Um, I don't know, but I imagine they are beautiful. What color do you think God's eyes are?"

Nolan: "uuuuh, Blue!!!"

Book Recommendation

This summer I've really struggled with trying to keep Nolan busy and occupied when we're at home. I feel guilty because although I thought I was a fairly creative person, I have a hard time coming up with fun, new ideas for us to do. I saw on someone's blog a book, called "The Busy Toddler" and decided to give it a try. It's for ages 1-3 year olds. I love it! My only regret is that there's a ton of activities that Nolan is just a little too old for, but would have been fantastic about a year ago. Still, the book has been worth it and has gotten my creative juices flowing! The author, Trish Kuffner, also has a follow up book, "The Busy Pre-schooler" for ages 3-6 that I plan on getting Nolan in the next couple weeks. So, for any moms of toddlers out there, I recommend this book. Most of the activities are made with things I already have around the house and I'm not going out and spending a bundle on, which is why I am a fan!

This was our first project from the book. Crush up fruit loops, color with a glue stick, and put the crushed up cereal on the paper for some cool, abstract art. We used our stale Apple Jack's, but we may use the fruit loops this week since we have a box open, they would most certainly be more colorful!

This one was awesome, it was soooo easy on my part and kept Nolan busy forever and he still loves playing with it. Take a paint stick, glue it to a sturdy paper plate and you have a "paddle" of sorts. Blow up a balloon. Enjoy!

Brian's Work Party

Last Saturday we were invited to one of Brian's new co-workers house in Bluewater Bay for a get together. Wally, the host, will be deploying in a few days and they wanted to get some friends together before he left. I will admit, I wasn't that excited to go initially only because (as I said earlier) I had pulled a muscle in my neck and could hardly move it. I was just picturing chasing Nolan around this house, trying to keep him from breaking their nice things, and just being frazzled, as can often be the case when we go to someones house whose kids are older. However, when we got there, Tiffany (Wally's wife), immediately showed Nolan and I to Nolan's dream room their playroom. It had every car, truck, vehicle, race track and toy under the sun. They also had a pool that Nolan eventually discovered when he momentarily left the playroom. Brian had volunteered to take him swimming, so they swam for a bit before dinner. After dinner, the oldest daughter, Alex, told me she'd watch Nolan inside so I could join the adults outside. That was when I informed her parents that we were taking her home with us (but her mom said "no way, she's too much of a help!"). So Brian and I have decided to adopt an 11 year old girl. Anyone know a good candidate? Needless to say we had a great evening getting to know Brian's co-workers and spouses. Most of them live here in Crestview, so that's a bonus! And Nolan obviously had a blast and asked for days if we could go back to Alex's house.

This is Wally & Brian. I didn't get many pics of other adults because they all thought I was a weirdo to have my camera out ready to go. I couldn't tell them I had a blog just yet, we'd scare them away forever.

The playroom:

Nolan riding the world's largest duck:

The kids eating dessert:

Brian playing the guitar on the X-BOX. I think. I'm pretty sure it wasn't the Wii.

New Beginnings mean Farewell

Next week Nolan will embark on his newest adventure, and I guess you could say I will, too. He is enrolled in preschool two days a week, for 5 hours each day. That's 10 hours a week. When I toured the facility back in May with Cheyna, I had no plans whatsoever of doing this. I didn't think he was old enough and I feel guilty being a stay at home mom, putting my son in school twice a week. But when I saw the preschool, and walked around and saw the kids and more importantly, saw Nolan loving the place, I had a big change of heart. By saving in gas not driving him to Niceville for Mom's Day Out, it almost makes up for the price difference and I get two days instead of one. And now that the summer is coming to an end, I feel more than ever that he is not only ready, but that he will really thrive from this environment. I'm really excited and yet, I'm a Momma, so I am a little sentimental at the idea of him going to "school." Last week was his last Mom's Day Out. I am so grateful to that program for so many reasons. It forced me to let other adults have an influence in his life and they did so amazing and he learned wonderful things. I will miss Miss Ika and Miss Naomi and Miss Debbie & Miss Norma and I know Nolan will, too. While Brian was deployed I don't know what I would have done without Mom's Day Out. I'm sure I would have survived just the same, but with less sanity, I think. Anyway, this wasn't meant to be this long of a post. I couldn't help snapping a picture of Nolan and Abby on their last day together at Mom's Day Out. Of course neither would hold still at the same time, but that's the beauty of them. And yes, Abby and Nolan will be in the same class in preschool. I'm praying they'll have as much fun as we're anticipating! So farewell, Mom's Day Out and farewell to this part of my baby boy's childhood that I will always, always hold dear to my heart.

Be still my beating heart...

Saturday the boys went to Wal-Mart. I was in a lot of pain because of pulled muscle in my back/neck, so Nolan picked these out (with Daddy) for me. It took two toddler hands to carry them to me. I just can't begin to express how that sight humbled an awakening in me as to just how blessed I am to be their wife and mother! And not just because of the flowers, but they (along with the accompanied hugs & kisses), made my day!

Welcome Emmersen Reese!

We're so happy for our friends, Kim and Matt. They welcomed their second beautiful daughter, Emmersen Reese last week, August 6th. She arrived at 11:29 AM, weighing 7 lbs, 12 1/2 ounces & is 20 1/4 inches long. Sounds like mommy and baby...and family, are doing great. We miss you all so much and my heart hurts that I can't be there to meet Emmersen right now and visit you daily. We're thinking of all 5 of you...we can't forget Sammi...and you're in our prayers. Congratulations on your gorgeous daughter and your beautiful family!!! I stole these pics from Kim's blog. Here's the little lady, Emmersen, right before they took her home. What a beauty!!

Here's the fam. Kim, Emmersen, Avery (who will be 3 in September) and Matt.

Housewarming Party

Last weekend Angela and Ben had a little shindig to celebrate their new digs in Fort Walton Beach. Brian worked with Angela at FE Warren, and then her and Ben were both stationed in Ohio and just recently got orders to Eglin. Now Angela works in Andrew's office, so the Air Force continues to grow smaller! They had a great party and their place is gorgeous, right on the water. We're so happy you guys are here!

Our fabulous hosts:

As you can see from the view, they are really having to rough it. Especially with a community pool and hot tub. Nolan made me sooo nervous on the balcony. Here he is eating some chips and dip. Then he stood on this cooler and I was like, Yep, we're done out here! Here's Nolan, Abby & another little girl watching a "Barbie" movie. Brian wasn't thrilled that Nolan was liking the movie, but then he realized Nolan was actually pretty smart, hanging with two ladies on the bed. Hubba hubba!

Down by the River

I recently learned from a group of women at our Mommy & Me group that there's a small beach alongside the river in Crestview. Nothing fancy, but the other mom's liked how the water was about ankle deep, so it was a good place to take a variety of aged kids. We decided to try it out Saturday. I won't tell you how Cheyna and I drove there on Friday with the intent on going, but seeing how desolate it was got creeped out and being the chickens responsible parents we are left and went elsewhere. We figured we would let the dad's scope it out with us. Of course once we were there Saturday with the guys we felt kind of silly, but whatever. It really wasn't much to look at, like I said, just a shallow river with a small beach area, but the kids LOVED it! It's great to have something so close and I'll definitely be taking Nolan again.

A view of the beach and river. It did get deeper in parts, but the space in front of the sand is only ankle deep.

Abby & Nolan playing football:Even Bucky got to come along!The three of us...Nolan wasn't keen on taking a moment out of play for silly pictures.The daddy's & the toddlers:It's a lazy river!