Braden Riley's 7th Birthday...

Well, this post is a little late...well, a lot actually, but better late than never...right?  Right?  So, Braden's party was the first Saturday in January, the first night of Parent's Night Out for the new year, just like always!

 The party was actually able to be held on time this year, not iced out like last year.  It's a little odd, since we just had an "un-birthday" party for him in June...but everyone had a great time.  He really must be the luckiest kid ever...two parties w/in six months...WOW!

 We gathered at The Monkey House for bounce-around fun for the kiddies...and the dads!  Thanks Eric and Hector for entertaining all of the small people!  It just wouldn't have been the same without the big daddies chasing, throwing, and bouncing the kids...could've easily been a lawsuit, but everything worked out okay! :0)

MMMMM...my favorite...cookie cake!  Braden is so sweet.  He said he wanted to be sure and have a cookie cake this year because he knows Garrett doesn't eat regular cake.  He wanted brother to be sure and get treats at the party, too...very thoughtful!

"Where, Oh Where are You Tonight?"...

I love my hubby, but this new position at work is killing us both.  The boys miss him so much.  I'll admit, I even miss the big guy a little, too!  Hubs, where oh where, are you tonight?  You left me here, here all alone (w/2 boys).  Love you!  Come home soon!  Nothin' like a comedy break to lighten the mood and lift the spirits...one of my favorites (yes, I realize this makes me a total nerd and social outcast.)*Pause the music player on the right side of the screen first...too much of really good things if you don't! :0)

Many Thanks...

I just want to go on record right now..."Thank you" to those of you who have been so kind with your comments, both personal and electronic, about our newest addition.  Everyone has been so amazing!  Sometimes it's hard to see what is right in front of your face...Eric and I have numerous friends, all sending their best wishes and congratulations.  When you're in the grind of daily life, you tend to lose sight of just how many folks are backing you all the way, through thick and thin.  Hopefully, we are in the thick of life now and we so appreciate all of your love and wishes and support and offers to babysit three children at once...oh, I might have made that last part up...maybe...

So, There's Something You Should Know...

Okay, I'm done pouting and I'm totally over myself.  Apparently, there are a grand total of two people who look at this blog from time to time and I'd hate to disappoint.  So...

We are pregnant!!!!! 

I was a classic case of denial after our ordeal at the end of the summer, so I didn't even find out until Christmas break.  By that time, I was almost three months...go figure...you'd think I'd have caught on a little sooner, right?  Anyway, we are almost four months now and are VERY excited.  Eric and I both wanted to wait a while, so that hopefully we won't have to go through all the drama like the last time. 
We should know what we are having at the beginning to middle of March...and we can't wait!  Obviously, it matters not to me whether it's a boy or girl.  However, I did mention to Eric that if this is not a girl, I may have to invest in a lap dog...I have a serious need to put bows on something!!! :0)

Other than that, Braden is getting ready for his Scout Blue and Gold banquet in a few weeks, where he will advance to the next level.  It's very exciting and he's just beside himself over it!

Garrett is in full kindergarten prep mode, although that kid could run academic rings around most kindergarteners.  He is reading and the sight words are abounding and his math skills are impeccable...thanks to big bro Braden!  I will be filling out paperwork very soon to have him transferred to the FS district and early kindergarten enrollment should be in April.  The time...my how it flies!

In future posts, look for updates on my new project (haven't actually started it yet, and won't until I know if we've gotten ourselves a boy or girl).  I have decided to sew my own crib set...so be watching, waiting, and praying!

Totally Depressing...

Hey, I realize I totally fell off the blogging wagon and failed to post for quite some time.  BUT, it's hard to motivate myself to post when it appears that I am posting for my own health...and I'm NOT!  Who wants to spend all this time away from the joy of life if nobody is even going to comment, editorialize, argue, or just tell me to kiss their patooty!????  It's just like that classic Reba song..."Is there life out there?"  Well, is there?  Hmph!  And I have big news to share, but I guess I'll just keep it to myself.  Yes, I'm pouting...deal with it.

Combat In The Corn...

I follow international, independent reporter Michael Yon on Facebook, and he recently posted this video about combat in Afghanistan from the 6o Minutes television program.  It was VERY enlightening.  The entire video is approximately 13 minutes.  I was heartened, though, by the commentary of a young soldier at the very end.  When asked by his daughter why he had to leave again, he replied that his goal is to help as many good people as he can, to take out as many bad people as he can, and to make it home with as many of his fellow troops as he can.  So, if  you don't have time for the whole thing, check out the final five minutes...it's worth your time.