The Melton Family est. 2004

Merging of the Blogs!!!

2009-12-04T16:00:00.002-07:00

Blogs have been merged!!! I have moved all the posts from this blog over to Herhousehold.blogspot.com - So I will continue posting there and discontinue this blog and continue over there. Come on over!

William Voss Melton

2009-11-16T21:16:00.003-07:00

William Voss Melton

Born: November 3rd

Weight: 8 lbs 14 oz

Height: 22 3/4 inches

Sorry it has took me so long to update this blog - but I guess I was hoping everyone had already heard the news through my other blog, face book, phone calls etc. William is doing amazing - we think now (he's almost 2 weeks old) he is almost 10 lbs. He went to breastfeeding right off (Praise Jesus!) and Pauly is not quite sure who/what he is...

We are having so much fun with him and settling in to being a mother of two is well... interesting! Let's just say, I'd appreciate prayer! Today was my first day on my own as the first week my mother was here and the 2nd my husband was able to be home with me. We had a pretty good day and now it is off to bed...

Batman to the Rescue!!

2009-11-01T08:41:00.001-07:00

Pauly was Batman for Halloween!

Oh Batman! You're so handsome! Save me!! Save me!!

Not sure...

2009-10-28T15:36:00.003-06:00

Well... you all are probably thinking... What? What has she been thinking long and hard about...what is she not sure about?

I've been thinking about consolidating this blog and my other blog which is called herhousehold for a while and with our new little Mr. coming (via c-section on Tuesday, Nov. 3) so quickly! I've decided I am going to figure out a way to do it! For the longest time I was trying to post on both and it was kind of fun for a while but I think I'll really enjoy posting on just one blog and include family pics over there as well.

Originally, herhousehold was kind of supposed to be like recipes, housecleaning tips, financial budget tips, little family event ideas, encouraging stories and scripture and so on... I think what I'll do is combine them and it will be a combination of all things - which will be more manageable for me (soon to be mother of 2) and much enjoyable for all my readers... So for now, consider this a "heads up" and after little Mr. man is born - I'll do one last post and direct everyone to herhousehold after that...

So yes, Dos will be arriving no later than Tuesday, Nov. 3 via c-section. If he happens to come before then I would be hugely surprised because... as in the way my husband and now my doctor says it ... my cervix is "LOCKED DOWN!" except I don't do it as well as my husband because he does it in a Sean Connery accent... he's a mess! I feel so blessed for every one's encouragement through this pregnancy. You all are truly blessings!

We sure can't wait to see this little guy, my mom is coming to Boise on Sunday for a whole week... I'm so spoiled! Pauly is going to have such a blast with his Mimi and Papa to himself and that makes me so happy! It will take me a while to get on and post some pics but I will do it as soon as I can. Your prayers would be much appreciated! Love you all, Sami Jo

Evenings at the Melton Home...

2009-10-24T11:56:00.007-06:00

Usually evenings at the Melton Home consists of lots of playing with the Rugby Ball... Pauly is getting really good at catching it and he loves to play with his daddy! It is pretty funny because when they are playing catch... out of the corner of his eye he watches me to see if I'm watching it... And daddy being the pure stinker he is usually pelts him with it when he isn't "watching the ball" because God knows we are trying to train him for the championships NOW! It's pretty funny - Pauly like showing off for me... I love it!Oh Lord! I'm a dork! Pauly brought these little racket thingies out of his toy box the other night and I put mine on my head because we didn't have a ball to play with so why not accessorize.... ha!! (btw - I am wearing a shirt --it is all about comfort right now!)But look how cute Pauly looks... okay we are both dorks!

Tough Guy!!

2009-10-21T15:47:00.003-06:00

Look at this! Pauly was grooving to the music at the end of Over the Hedge yesterday and he spun around and hit his face on the couch. It looks so bad! Daddy came home and doctored it up - put some antibiotic cream on it and a band aid and Pauly thought that stunk! He didn't like the band aid at all! This is what it looks like today. Poor kid! but he's tough!

21 days on the counter today!

2009-10-20T11:21:00.002-06:00

Can't believe it! So excited about this little guy making his debut! When? I'm so anxious and wondering when he will arrive! They have scheduled me for a c-section on Nov. 5th if at that time, little man is showing signs that he needs to just come out then Doc will take him then. If not, he might just come any day now...

BOY do I feel it too! I've been really trying super hard not to be weepy and "sick of it" I just keep thinking that it isn't forever and to enjoy these last few weeks with just me and Pauly and this time I can rest and not yet juggling two little guys.

My body is so DONE though! My husband and I were joking around last night and I said, "Do you notice if my belly has dropped down at all?" and he said, "It all is just HUGE!"... I looked at him and said, "You really shouldn't say things like that to a pregnant lady," what a dork right! I didn't let it get to me because it was actually pretty funny and well.. he's a dude right! Men don't know about dropping, my sisters and mom/ mother in law would immediately say, Yes or No but this guy - they just don't notice those things -

but he did notice the other night when I was sitting on the edge of my chair watching television, he was like, "Wow! I can't believe how OUT there he is!" - I just gave him a look like, "Oh, I'm sick of this!" and then I grabbed a little toy Pauly has (and actually we had one when we were little) you pull the lever on the side and then whatever the arrow was pointing at in the middle is the animal sound it makes... Well, I gave him that snotty look - pulled the lever and out came this very loud MOOOOOOOO! Ben and I were laughing so hard, I started crying and Pauly was laughing along but not quite sure why. It was hysterical!

Thank you Jesus for these little moments to keep me from losing my marbles!

Pauly and his Gal Friend!

2009-10-19T11:11:00.004-06:00

Pauly has a friend.

She is a fabulous gal friend!

We went to see her this weekend.

We had a yummy breakfast with her and her parents.

Pauly and his gal friend have a lot of things in common... like being silly!

And they like to play!

Isn't his gal friend a doll! We love her so!

Little Rascal Style

2009-10-17T21:20:00.003-06:00

Before and After Pics of my Boys' Room!!!

2009-10-16T08:44:00.006-06:00

Before:
(remember these should look as terrible as possible for the best shock factor... right?)

After: Purrrrrrr......

view from the door

What I did: I made the canvas initials (how I did it here), made the window streamer, I repainted the dressers the dark blue and painted the knobs white (one used to be light blue and other dark green - but were made by same company),

the baby's bedding is reused from when little guy was born, (purchased at Target)the little brown bear was mine given to me by an aunt when I was little, the ABC blocks (also on the shelf) where part of a center piece for little guy's shower, I purchased the little rubber duckies (Walmart), repainted the tiny little shelf that came from a thrift store for $3 (used to be light oak tone), these books were a gift for Dos from a little church gal at my baby shower at church and the cars where my husband's when he was little,
again I painted the canvas initials and I also painted the little canvases on the right (I copied blocks from the ABC bedding)

little guy's bedding is a quilt my grandma made my husband and I for our wedding (it has light and dark denim squares with a few personal items embroidered on it), you can barely see the side of the toy box there which was mine when I was little,

didn't these turn out fantabulous!!!? I'm not showing the full initials for Dos because his name is a secret... SSShhhhhh......

here is a little giraffe I got for little man for his first Valentine's Day and the little pillow goes with the ABC bedding,

there is little guy's trike he got from Mimi and Papa for his birthday and Poo Bear was a cousin's first and then she gave it to little man and the little red bag is packed already just in case we have a "baby emergency" - (I'm an over planner...)

I am so excited of how it all turned out and we are so thrilled to add in the little man missing very soon! Hope you enjoyed visiting our little boys' room.
Have a great weekend!

God Bless, The Lady of the House

So Busy!!

2009-10-15T10:16:00.005-06:00

Last night Pauly was So Busy!

He crawled on daddy while he was trying to read his book and relax.

He jumped on daddy

He crashed!He jumped on our bed for at least a half hour!and jumped and laughed and criedand then laughed some more!

and then crashed!

We had so much fun!

New Fav

2009-10-13T15:16:00.006-06:00

Capri

She's got a baby inside

And holds her belly tight

All through the night

Just so she knows

She's sleeping so

Safely to keep

Her growing

Oh when she'll open her eyes

There'll be no surprise

She'll grow to be so beautifully

just like her mother that's carrying

Oh Capri

She's beauty

Baby inside

She's loving

Oh Capri

She's Beauty

there is an angel growing peacefully

Oh Capri

Sweet Baby

Things will be hard at times

But I've learned to try just listening patiently

Oh Capri

Sweet Baby

Oh Capri

She's Beauty

Baby inside she's loving

Oh Capri

you're beauty

Just like your mother

that's carrying

By: Colbie Caillat

**I was playing around on playlist.com and ran on to this song... I love it! I added it to my playlist down below- Go down to the bottom of this page and click on it and take a listen!**

Too Tight!

2009-10-13T09:09:00.005-06:00

Well this is something I have been putting off... I don't know exactly why it isn't as if I didn't have a booster chair or I didn't want him to "GROW UP TOO FAST" I think it was pure laziness and letting him eat in his high chair was easier to contain the beast as well as the beast's grub! BUT the other night I was watching him eat his nightly bowl of cereal before he goes to sleep (YES, he eats a bowl of cereal just about every night - I told you BEAST!) Anyhow, he was just bulging out of his high chair. It was hilarious so I got a few pics. This morning I woke up and sat him at the table with his little booster chair, a place mat and his grub. He loved it! It really is TOO FAST!

Watching Pauly's reaction!

2009-10-12T18:30:00.003-06:00

This is some pictures I took the other day when Pauly was watching Bambi. Don't you love Bambi when all the little animals are babies - the bunnies, the skunk and Bambi are all playing and running. So cute - this is Pauly's reaction...

My Boys

2009-10-09T19:03:00.004-06:00

It was such a beautiful day. This morning I got up early with the boy and we had our breakfast and did our morning thing - Ben was off work today so he slept in a little and once he got up I was feeling a little worn out so I went back to bed.

Ben tended the boy and they hung out and went and played outside. I woke up to them playing on the front step - Ben was reading his book and Pauly was... of course, running around- his favorite thing!

I snapped these pics and I really love them! They are by no means professional or perfect looking by no means but MAN! I'm having a blast with my new camera!

Pauly at the Park!!

2009-10-08T16:01:00.006-06:00

Today before mama's doctor appointment we went to the park.

At the park I like to go down the slide, (even if they have water on them and mama warned me that I was going to get all wet)

I like to go through the tube,

play with the fun games,

and run on the grass.

Sometimes I fall down,

but I get right back up and start running again! I can run fast!

I love the Park!

Cleaning up outside

2009-10-07T18:16:00.003-06:00

This afternoon I swept off the front step and Mr. Pauly helped! Such a good helper to mama! (until he stepped in dog poo and strung it from He** to breakfast on my front steps....)

I put out a little fall wreath I got a couple years back from Grandma Pattie and Mom when they came to see Pauly when he was just weeks old. I also put out my milk jug with some twiggy thingies in it. I think I'll get some pumpkins and maybe some mums to fancy it up a little more and then I'll take a picture of it to show ya! But for now, here are a few pics of Pauly from today. So thankful for my new camera!!

Daphnie! Get off of the BED!!

2009-10-05T20:17:00.003-06:00

OH Okay - just this once - I guess...

The boy loves his stool!

2009-10-04T20:46:00.004-06:00

The Meltons finally got a fabulous new camera! We love it! and you will hopefully be seeing a lot of new pictures of our little fam!

My boy, about 3 months ago, got a stool to help him be able to start potty training - well I'm not an idiot! There is no way I'm going to start potty training him while I'm finishing up cookin #2!

It will be enough of a change for him to have to go through the transition of a newborn crying baby waking him up at night not to mention having to learn how to not pee his bed when getting woke up - SO I decided to wait but for now he gets to use his new stool to be a little bit more self sufficient.

He uses it to go in the bathroom and wash his hands,

to turn on the light in his bedroom, to grab things he can't reach,

and a lot of times he uses it when he really doesn't need to be using it - but it is such a fabulous stool he just wants to!

It is just too much fun watching him be able to do things by himself... he gets such a big grin on his face and is so proud! It's awesome!

The Big 5!!

2009-09-26T18:37:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was our 5th Wedding Anniversary! We had a great evening as Granny and Grandad offered to take Pauly and we took advantage by going out to dinner and renting a movie. We went out to Red Lobster with a gift certificate we received from Grandma Sally and Papa Paul so that was fabulous! From there we went to Best Buy to scope out a new camera which we decided not to get quite yet - Ben just wants to do a little move investigating on what would be the right camera for our family. & then we went and rented the... Ghost of Girlfriend's Past with Jennifer Garner and Matthew Macconauhey - it was really cute and for being a total chick flick my husband couldn't stop laughing! I was pleased with my choice as it was my turn to pick :)

It is pretty weird how 5 years has gone by - I remember our wedding day and that week as if it was yesterday, definitely my wedding day and the day Pauly was born stand out in my mind as the most precious days of my life and soon I'll have another day to add to that precious collection - when our little family of 3 turns into a family of 4... time sure flies by and little Mr. Melton #3 is going to be here very soon.

I have about a month left and we finally have figured out the name - I SO enjoy keeping it from my family... most of them try their best to get me to slip for instance this evening I called Grandma Sally to thank her for the gift card and she totally tried to pull a fast one on my by saying, "Oh! I have Dos' Christmas stocking made, now should I go ahead and put the name on it...?"! Isn't she a stinker! I totally didn't fall for it but I sure got a chuckle out of it - they all try something, it's hilarious!

Boooo Hoooo! Is it over yet?

2009-09-19T19:21:00.002-06:00

Well I'm now 32 weeks and Wow! the count down is ON!! I've been putterin' around the house trying to get all those last minute things done with clothes, blankets and such and trying to continue to breathe. I'm so HUGE! I'll spare you the terrible pregnant pictures, for one thing - I'm just a big girl and number two I just don't wanna yet! Maybe later :)

My Little Guy has been very busy playing with all his fun gifts he got for his #2 birthday... Playing with cars, his trike and watching Cars over and over and over. Occasionally he walks up to me bad kisses or pats my belly and says ... "Baby..." and smiles. It is super sweet.

He has many many new tricks up his sleeve lately including filling his mouth full of water from his sippy cup and spitting it out on to anything and everything around him. Of course he looks my way to see if I'm looking first and then he spits. I've caught him quite a few times spitting into a little toy bucket he has and then the floor, the rug, and onto his highchair tray when he is bored with eating.

He also has a new trick where I'll say something like, it's time for nap and he'll say, "No, I'm not!" Although this is completely snotty of him, I just get a kick out of him.

Another thing he has been doing is helping himself to feeding Daphnie whenever he wants and I have invited him to take this on as his thing he is helping mama and daddy with, and of course he adores Daphnie and loves taking care of her. He also helps me put her outside to go potty in the morning or whenever I need him to. He is an awesome helper! When she is going potty he'll stand on the step and say "Aphie! Aphie! Aphie!" till she comes back in the house.

The other night he really wanted Daphnie to go with him to go into his room with him because we had told him to go in his room to play for a while. And she was not much into that idea of his :) So my husband grabbed some of her treats and would give the boy one and tell him to go in his room and then give her the treat and maybe she would catch on that he has goodies and she can have some if she'll follow him in there. Well that worked only a couple times and then Daphnie caught on that the treats were really being stored with Daddy and she was not to be tricked. Then my husband realized that before the boy was giving them to Daphnie (while in his room) he was licking them. I was just dieing of laughter and got high-centered (in a sense) on the couch - I couldn't move!

This weekend my husband is making salsa - I'm telling you he has been such a saint. Well... he is always pretty wonderful but he has truly been being completely aware of my needs as far as letting me sleep in, making me breakfast on the weekends, taking the boy for a couple hours some evenings when he doesn't have to work late. He has totally fulfilled his husband duties as far as taking care of his preggers wife while she is very much plump with child!

Today, I woke up and couldn't hardly move - just my back ached, my hips, my knees and it feels like this kid is DONE! but not quite - ya know! and man, my husband has been on the run for me all day - getting me ice packs for my back, taking care of the boy, making sure I'm fed and watered. He is just awesome! & I'm so blessed! Especially for the fact that he has been working super late hours for the past two weeks as a man got laid off from his office, so he has been doing his work as well as this other guy's work - then coming home to tend well.... me and the boy. My man rocks!

Don't let me Fall by Lenka

2009-09-15T09:28:00.003-06:00

Yes, this blog has a new look and new music. I came across a gal who had some totally flirty, fresh, fun music on her play list so I did what any girl would do and logged right into my playlist.com and stole it! :) Anyhow, I had never heard this song 'Don't let me Fall' by Lenka but it is so charming and fun! So easy to learn the words and I thought what a fun thing to sing to your kids.

I'm always singing the regular - You are my sunshine and Jesus loves me - which there is nothing wrong with those at all but something new sometimes is fun! Below are the words and the song is the first one on my play list which can be found at the very end of this page (at the very bottom) I love it so much!!

Don't let me Fall

by Lenka

Underneath the moon,
Underneath the stars
Here's a little heart for you
Up above the world,
Up above it all
Here's a hand to hold on to

But if I should break,
If I should fall away
What am I to do?
I need someone to take,
A little of the weight
Or I'll fall through

You're just the one
That I've been waiting for
I'll give you
All that I have
To give and more
But don't let me fall

Take a little time,
Walk a little line
Get the balance right
Give a little love,
Gimme just enough
So that I can hang on tight

We will be alright,
I'll be by your side
I wont let you down
But I gotta know,
No matter how things go
That you will be alright

You're just the one
That I've been waiting for
I'll give you all
That I have

To give and more
But don't let me fall

Underneath the moon,
Underneath the stars
Here's a little heart for you
Up above the world,
Up above it all
Here's a hand to hold on to
Your just the one
That I've been waiting for
I'll give you

All that I have

To give and more
But don't let me fall

You'll be the one
That I'll love forever more
I'll be here holding you
High above it all
But don't let me fall

So fun huh! What songs do you sing to your kids?

Kids! Kick the tires!

2009-09-10T21:05:00.002-06:00

My sister (Jodi) is a genius! And of course this isn't the first time I realized this - but honestly listen to this! Making her way out to the car with two kids and groceries and trying to get keys out, etc. Jodi yells... "Kids! Kick the tires!" She's got these kids trained to automatically go the the pickup's tires and they kick one... as if they are checking the tires, like they've seen Jodi and Brian (her husband) do a million times. While they are kicking the tires, she fishes through her purse to find her keys and put down or set aside whatever is needed to get the kids back rounded up from "kicking the tires" and put safely into their car seats. GENIUS! huh!

So, watching her and remembering what tricks my mom had for us - I've got a trick or two of my own. One of them is at my house, once I've pulled into the drive way and have my hands full of purses, groceries, diaper bag and such... I get Pauly out of his car seat and hand him the keys to the house. I say, "Pauly, go to the door and open it for mommy, here's the keys - now go to the door" - He takes the keys from me and runs to the backdoor and fishes through the keys trying to open the door for me as I gather bags and such and I follow right behind him getting us both safely to the door. (Our house is right by a pretty busy road so it could be pretty dangerous!) He's such a big boy and this trick has worked wonders!

I haven't got him to kick the tires yet, because he usually is just sitting in the shopping cart and I just set him right into the car seat but, with the new baby coming who knows how that will go - so the kicking of the tires training is in process...

Tonight, we were out on the back carport and right off the carport again, is that busy road. I was sitting on the ground working on putting back together my stroller (I took off the cover and washed it... suggestion: don't do this just buy a whole new one :) and I was dealing with like 25 screws and sitting on the ground a pregnant lady isn't going to get up and move quickly for nothing to chase a toddler that is running toward a busy road. So, I had him sit buy me in his little lawn chair, gave him a piece of paper towel to clean his dump truck with and put him in charge of holding my screwdriver aka "tool" - so I would work on getting a screw through the material and in the hole and then ask him to hand me the "tool" and he sat there and worked on cleaning his dump truck and handed me the "tool" for an hour! It rocked! I swear! Since he turned two, and I'm sure I'm just a dork about this, but I swear he has matured and is such a big kid all the sudden!

What tricks do you have/or did you have up your sleeves to keep your kids busy and safe?

Turning 2!!

2009-08-30T19:31:00.003-06:00

Well... a week from now my little boy is turning 2 - I just can't believe how time has totally flown by! He is such a good boy and I know he is going to be a wonderful big brother! He is very busy and loves to go outside where he very much enjoys eating mud, playing in the sprinkler/water, run with Daphnie when she is chasing her ball that daddy throws (dad is quite often trying to aim for the top of Paul's head with the ball or see if he can cause a huge wreck between Dapher and Pauly - he is pretty successful!! Mean ole pa!), and he especially loves to "help" his daddy in the garden aka pick as many tomatoes, green peppers, etc. as he can get away with before daddy catches him. During the day while daddy is at work we run errands, get groceries, go to the park, color pictures, watch movies and he has been very helpful lately with laundry. I just give him a basket and I tell him to go put his dirty clothes from his basket into the basket I'm giving him and he does it! It rocks! I haven't really ever had too much trouble with him going to sleep at night (Thank you Jesus!) and when it comes around to bedtime - he pretty much tells me he is ready and we file into his bedroom, put his pjs on him and pray and give kisses and he is out! It is amazing! (Wonder if Dos will do the same?) Pauly is a pretty easy going kid so it does make me wonder what I'm in store for with Mr. Dos. Here is a picture Ben took of us at a Rugby game during the spring - I love it!

Snuggle Bug!

2009-08-20T21:28:00.003-06:00

So my little Pauly sure is being a snuggle bug lately. He would always give me a kiss and hug if I asked him but now about 20 minutes before bedtime he wants to climb up on my lap (what lap?) and snuggle. I hold him like a little baby and pat his back and kiss his face... He is really lovin' the snuggling time - he must know some way or other that things are going to be changin' up a little here real soon! Little stinker.

Wheel of Fortune!

2009-08-08T09:39:00.003-06:00

There is no doubt that Pauly is a huge fan of Wheel of Fortune and has been since he was very tiny. I remember when he would be running around in his walker and Wheel of Fortune would come on and he would come running from the other side of the kitchen to come and watch it! Well things haven't changed much except for now he actually screams at the television as if he is solving the puzzle or yelling out a letter. For some reason he yells out the same thing every time which is, "NINE!" We just laugh and laugh - we don't have a clue where he got it and we think it is hilarious that he is screaming a number instead of a letter. It is just too much!

Plus he always claps along. Through the entire show no matter if he is eating or playing he will drop everything he is doing and clap along. With a big grin on his face and those hands just a clapping' along he is in heaven when Wheel of Fortune comes on!!

Nap Time!

2009-08-06T16:45:00.003-06:00

So... today we had errands to do and Pauly did catch a cat nap here and there in the car but once we got home I knew he needed a little better nap... I laid him down, told him to go to sleep and take a nap - he had a little bit of a hard time sleeping but then in the middle of nap time - I hear him wake up, go to his door and lay down in front of it. I wake up from my nap a few minutes later to find that he has truly went to sleep in front of his door... there is no way I can open it and put him back in bed so I just leave him there (Maybe we can win the $100,000 on Funniest Home Videos because I totally got it on video)

Oh! He just woke up, better go save him - he is cranky - I can tell... Mimi said I better blow in his ear to re inflate that side of his head... I'm sure it is sore!

Goodnight! What a stink!

2009-08-01T16:34:00.002-06:00

Remember in Charlotte's Web when Avery Zukerman fell onto Wilbur's slop trough and under it was that Templeton's fantastically stinky dud of a Goose egg - the trough obviously crushed the egg and the terrible smell filled the air? ...

Well my son has started the stinky burps and I kid you not he totally burped in my face just now! OMG! I totally almost passed out! I can't believe little perfect me (who never has a stinky anything!) is filled in a house with only stinky! boys!

My mom always teased me by saying "I hope you end up with all girls!" She was pretty sure that my sisters and I were so challenging that she wanted us to have to go through the same thing we put her through... pretty funny that I've ended up with all boys so far... Believe me - Pauly sure keeps me hoppin'! I'm not convinced that boys are so much easier... the little boys in my family are IN TO EVERYTHING!!!! Very busy!

At least after Pauly has any type of "bodily function" he has started saying - excuse me (which actually sounds like goo-me) and he puts his hand over his mouth... It is pretty cute!

Prepare for Dos!

2009-07-29T10:13:00.003-06:00

So in preparation for our newest addition "Mr. Dos" I have made up a little list of things I need to fill in the gaps. Obviously I already have a lot of the stuff I need for baby #2 as I already had baby #1...

It is just amazing how the Lord works. I made up a list of things I needed, and slowly but surely, without even really sharing my little list with anyone (except for ma and sisters) - people send me, randomly, things I need off my list! It is just amazing and I am so grateful to the Lord for this type of reassurance that he is the Amazing Provider and will always take care of us.

Let's Go!

2009-07-24T11:36:00.002-06:00

Pauly's new thing is telling us "Let's Go" He takes his hand and waves us to come his way and says it in his cute little half understandable language. It is too adorable.

Now he has started doing a wind-up with his leg where he pulls it up as if he is a hardball pitcher - it is too cute! He says it for everything, when it is time to go change his diaper, eat dinner, go outside or if we are actually getting ready to leave the house. I need to get it on camera before he is on to the next adorable thing.

Something Funny!

2009-07-20T16:38:00.003-06:00

So this weekend (on Saturday) we went to Jerome for our Stauffer Family Reunion - we saw so a lot of family that we hadn't seen in a while. It was very nice to also see my immediate family as I hadn't seen them in a few months.

The reunion was at a park and we ate really yummy food like prime rib, delicious salads and tasty desserts.

After eating we went swimming at the Rec Center there. We took all the kids and they loved it! We were just swimming around and then all the sudden, out of nowhere, I started singing - I've Got You Under My Skin... just singing along then Casi says - literally, you literally got something under you skin. We just laughed and laughed till tears were filled in our eyes. It was hysterical!

Don't Talk To Strangers!! vs. Be Friendly!!

2009-07-16T22:12:00.002-06:00

So... for the last couple times that we have took a trip to the grocery store, my little rascal has been - And I'm not kidding! - seems like he is running for President of the United States! He is telling everyone! and I mean everyone! Hello! Good Bye! Hi! (with a sweet little wave) and I'm surprised that he isn't kissing babies and signing ladies chests... this kid is flirty, friendly and seriously outgoing! It, sort of, embarrasses me... just a teeny tiny - but then the mama in me is so proud of him for being friendly and sweet. EVERYONE always smiles and says hi and just gets a kick out of him.

Last time we were in Winco I thought for sure that people were kind of worried about him because it was just after his dad shaved his head WAY TOO SHORT! so people kind of were looking at him like... is he sick? oh well, I'll just say hi - and they'd say something like, "you're so cute" and "awwwwwww" But tonight they were just like regular friendly back to him since he doesn't look like such a poor little bald pale boy :(

When is it okay to say be friendly and when is time to say - don't talk to strangers? I always want my kids to be greeting people with smiles and be friendly - that is what I try and do... I guess the challenge is teaching them that in certain situations you do have to be quiet and also to learn to read people's character and know when they are trustworthy vs. not trustworthy/shady - ya know?

Snot Rag!

2009-07-15T11:09:00.002-06:00

So Pauly has a new trick... he has always been the type of kid to HATE and I mean hate! having a snotty nose... most kids will just let it drip down (mom, I know your gagging right now :) and they lick it and well you know... Anywho... Pauly ever since he could say it will say "Nose..!" after he sneezes. He'll sneeze than say "Nose!" waiting for whoever is closest to wipe his nose - BUT lately he has a new trick where he'll sneeze - say "Nose!" then wipe his nose on ... YOU! So watch out Mimi! He does it almost every time. I can't wait to see what happens if he does it on Grandpa Bill at the family reunion. Hilarious!

Busy little Mr. Brown!

2009-07-10T11:31:00.009-06:00

If you could, you'd want to follow daddoo all day long,

right behind him, with your matching blue jeans on,

Belt buckle, work boots and that hat pulled down tight,

Keep up! Gotta keep up! with all your Might!

Please help daddy feed the horses and fix that worn out fence,

You're an awesome daddy's helper, but that only makes sense!

Mama and Sissy will be waiting for you both with arms open wide,

They're so proud of you brother for working by daddy's side!

Wrangling the doggys and keeping a really close eye,

on those chickens, kittens and cows - Be careful! Oh My!

You're busy, yes so busy, you've got lots of things to do,

but now it's time to sleep Mr. Brown and shut those eyes of blue!

In the morning it will start again and there will be lots and lots to see,

like rocks and sticks and muddy holes and don't forget to climb that tree!

Our busy little Mr. Brown, you're quite the little guy,

May the Lord bless and keep you, for you're the apple of our eye!

Love you forever, Aunt Sam

Reporting for Duty

2009-07-08T09:29:00.003-06:00

Daddy got a little carried away with the haircut last night. The Army called and wants Pauly. Such a great head won't go unnoticed!

When Ben was done cutting his hair, I took him in the bathroom and held him up to the mirror and he looked at himself, said "OH! No" and hung his head in shame. It was kind of sad... (but kinda funny too!)

I think mama goes back to doing the haircut again next time! Daddy is FIRED!

1 Little Monkey Sitting on the Dresser?

2009-06-30T22:14:00.003-06:00

So... Last night Pauly was being WAY too quiet in his bedroom - so Ben decided to go sneak in his bedroom just to see what he is doing. A lot of time we'll just catch him sitting on the floor or on his bed reading a book. It is adorable - he loves to read!

BUT yesterday, he was sitting on top of his dresser. He wasn't doing anything - just sitting very still on his dresser - of course it was where he could climb on one thing and over to it - so I've got some rearranging to do. I think no matter where I move things he will still climb. That is just the stage.

Tonight, he was jumping from couch to ottoman back to couch. Ben keeps saying thank God we have insurance because soon enough we'll take our turn with our trip to the Emergency Room (Knock on wood)... 2 boys - I think, unfortunately, it is inevitable!

Spit like a Man!

2009-06-28T18:15:00.002-06:00

So... on Thursday - Pauly and Daddy went to watch some men practice Rugby. These are some men that not to long ago Ben played Rugby with and is friends with. Pauly had a great time watching them and they played with him and talked to him.

They came home and Pauly was tired! Just worn out! We got him bathed and then off to bed. The next morning, Ben left for work and Pauly and I were hanging out at the house and I noticed that he was squatting down and spitting. ALL THE TIME! I had to tell him no spitting just when you brush your teeth and outside - okay!

Daddy got home and explained to me that he had learned about spitting during the Rugby practice. I was totally NOT MAD! about this - I think it is perfectly natural and totally adorable for a little boy to want to be like his daddy and spit and stuff! Don't get me wrong it is hysterical watching spit drip down his chin because, of course, it takes practice! But just the same it is darn cute!

Now, he has also started telling me he doesn't want his shirt on because... (you got it) he wants to be like daddy and run around without a shirt all the time. It is totally adorable!

I just can't believe all these Men I'm surrounded by! Not to mention the one that has taken up residence in my uterus who thinks he can kick me anytime he wants to! (mouthing the words... !!Help Me!!)

Special Agent Dos...

2009-06-27T10:22:00.003-06:00

Some of you may remember when I was pregnant with Pauly... Our Auntie Holly had a dream that we named him Banjo! Hilarious right? Well... that became Pauly's nickname while he was in utero.

Have you seen Special Agent Oso on the Disney Channel? Ben gets that silly song stuck in his head and well let's be honest... we all get it stuck in our head. So last night, we were out on the front lawn talking (it was gorgeous out last night!) Pauly was playing with Dapher and Ben said Special Agent Dos that is #2's nickname... So I shall call him Dos... Here are a few ultra sound pictures of our baby boy "Dos".

I ♥ Ina!!

2009-06-26T15:26:00.003-06:00

The Barefoot Contessa is something I look forward every day at 3 p.m. on Food Network. My boy is usually still not up from his nap by then and I can squeeze in one last moment of peace and quiet with Ina Garten.

From her fabulous kitchen and yard to her scrumptious, decedent desserts and don't forget those fantastic tips and tricks for party favors and table settings. I just love her! She is sunny, beautiful, classy and timeless! Take it all in and enjoy Ina asap!

Boy O Boy!

2009-06-24T19:53:00.003-06:00

For those who have not heard via phone call or on Facebook. We are expecting #2 Boy. We found out yesterday. The ultrasound was great and the lady said he looked perfect. He wouldn't let us get the shot of all four chambers of his heart that the lady had to have but she did see everything and said it looks good he just wouldn't turn right for the pic. He was sucking his thumb and drinking amniotic fluid... it was precious! His little profile looks very familiar... I hope to have pics some time soon!

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-22T17:42:00.004-06:00

Yesterday we had a lot of fun. We all got up and went to church. Holly and kids were here visiting for a couple days as they made their way back to North Dakota from paying their respects in Portland when Granny passed. We all had a relaxing day and in the evening Grandad came over which was also wonderful.

We ate a huge meal consisting of hamburger, hot dogs, potato chips, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, watermelon slices and pineapple triangles and ending with a delicious and might I say beautiful coconut cake I made for Ben as he loves coconut and cake of course!

We had fun laughing and hanging out all day. Ben got a card from Pauly, Me, #2 and Dapher Too! and we showered him with hugs and kisses all day. He is such a wonderful daddy and husband. I am in such aw of him when I watch him with Pauly. We are so blessed to have our Daddy.

Yesterday was also my daddy's birthday and Father's Day and I called him to wish him a happy day but I was really bummed to not be with him too. I love my dad and appreciate his love and guidance!

It is such a blessing to have these amazing men in our lives and I'm so thankful my son and baby #2 can enjoy them as I have. These men all have a real heart for God and the respect, pride and honor that shines from all of them is truly a blessing in our lives.

DOESN'T SHE GET IT?

2009-06-19T16:17:00.004-06:00

Now, don't get me wrong! I know I did stupid things when I was young but this was before I was married, before I had kids and I'm totally not saying doing those things was okay but I didn't have any responsibilities to anyone but myself. I chose to hurt myself over and over while family, friends and coworkers were telling me STOP! & This is a bad situation! I just pushed those people away while Satan pushed me through many many more messes and I just kept along because he totally had my #NUMBER#!

I'm not so much glad I went through this big mess but I totally think it happened for a reason, I've learned from it and it has shaped me to be who I am today. The situation was addicting and it took a lot to get away from it. (No it wasn't drugs or alcohol) I'm just so thankful that after so many many months after realizing I was in this train wreck I still had a friend left over and my mom and sisters were there and they hadn't just wrote me off forever.

There is a certain situation that has been floating around for the past 9 months or so and whenever I think about it for a while I see what things I lost as far as opportunities, friends and self pride - I just want to bang this "said" girl's head up against the wall! Mostly because I love her so much but also because there is one particular little sweet reason with pigtails that just makes things SO MUCH MORE SERIOUS!

My husband keeps telling me not to be mean to her about it and to be sweet and be there for her but whenever she says something so completely bazaar I pretty much tell her I can't believe that you might be considering this or that - and Don't be a stupid women! These comments don't help and even staying completely out of it doesn't make me feel like I'm helping any. I realize that I'm not supposed to solve the problems of the world but it breaks my heart to watch this happen to this particular girl. Not any of us really know what to do besides just pray about the situation (which obviously isn't just Nothing - it is definitely Something!) Having gone through this already I just want to fix it and tell her STOP! and have her listen ya know!?

Thank you Jesus

2009-06-17T11:47:00.003-06:00

I found a Toddler Bed for Pauly for $15 and the lady even delivered it! I told her she was truly a God Send. It was so nice of them to bring it to my house without charging them more. Thank you Jesus for little surprises we wouldn't otherwise expect.

Today we went to Winco and I had my list and we got our groceries and as we were packing them up in the parking lot and pulling out I said "Thank you Jesus for our groceries!" and in Pauly's little voice he repeated what I said. It was precious!

This last Sunday we were singing during open worship and I usually let Pauly sit with us for about 4 or 5 songs then he goes down to Nursery to play so Ben and I can enjoy the message. Well, there was a prayer during the open and the lady closed her prayer with of course Amen, and Pauly said "Amen!" which is something he hadn't said before...

We pray every night but usually he squints his little eyes and get this!... my mom, dad and Casi taught Carti to clap at the end of the prayer so he would usually clap at Amen - which is perfect right? Well... instead he is now closing with Amen.

The Legacy

2009-06-16T08:40:00.004-06:00

Ben's Granny passed on Sunday. I had met her last summer. I only got the chance to meet her the one time. She was already suffering from dementia and was struggling. Although she was already fading she showed signs of that feisty, kindhearted Granny that Ben and my mother-in-law knew. She smiled and she joked around a tad. It was a beautiful moment to have spent with her.

It is truly amazing that she was with us as long as she was. Ben struggled with the fact that she was in her state for so long... he wanted to know why God would do that. Obviously, I don't have the answers but the only thing that kept running through my head is how many people she may have touched even in the unfortunate state she was in. We don't know how many times she came in and out of her dementia and in that opportunity sparked a smile or a kind word to another patient living there or possible a nurse working at the home. Maybe it was a nurse who was trying to figure out why she was working there and that little Granny spark of smile completely answered her questions. Maybe it was a patient who was missing his/her family and found comfort through Granny. We will never know why he kept her this long but I know God uses all of us in amazing, unforeseen ways. We never know when it will be, who we will be with or how he'll do it. This is the only answer I have to this frustrating question. We must have faith and take comfort in the fact that God is in control and knows what is best for our lives.

I'm so blessed to have met Granny. Ben and I are both so thankful that our Pauly was able to have met her and we were able to take a few pictures. She was 97, I believe, when she passed. It is amazing to think of the things she did or saw in her life. I've heard she truly had a heart for God and I feel we do have a special connection, even though I never really got to know her and that is that we both are playing a part in the same legacy and that is the Legacy of our Lord and Savior.

Oh My!

2009-06-14T20:43:00.002-06:00

So... my boy has now picked up from me the term "Oh My!" This is something I started saying probably 3 years ago. I can't help it - I say it when someone says something that is shocking or does something shocking. I admit it sounds super funny when I say it and about half ridiculous. I tried to stop but I can't! My mom and sisters and of course my husband makes fun of me all the time. Now it is like Pauly is mocking me... it is pretty funny each time he says it because lately he has been saying it for everything!!

I'm Barack Obama!

2009-06-11T15:38:00.003-06:00

Today we went to the Library for story time then after we went across the street to the Julia Davis Park play area. It was a really cool little area with great toys for younger kids! Paul loved it! When we first arrived there were a ton of kids! There were a couple girls that loved Pauly and wanted to carry him around like they were his little mamas. (Their daycare instructor put the kibosh to that - thank you!) Then there was a sweet little girl who was making sure he was okay going up and down the steeper set of stairs, then there was Barack Obama! Yeah he was at the Julia Davis Park today don'tcha know?

Well... not really but there was a little blonde kid running around with a YMCA t-shirt yelling! "I'm Barack Obama!" It was kind of cute. He seemed like a loner type kid because later I noticed no one sat by him at lunch time...poor thing, but during his announcement speech- he happened to be standing by Pauly when he yelled - yet again, "I'm Barack Obama - the President!" Well you should of seen the look on Pauly's face - if I was guessing what he was thinking it was... "Who the heck is that? and WHY are you yelling at me?" This kid then said to Pauly, "Don't be afraid, I'm Barack Obama!".

By this point I was just about rolling on the little cement perch I was sitting on. It was hysterical - between the kid yelling and excited about being Barack Obama and Pauly's look he gave him - I had wished I had a camera! Maybe you had to be there...

Later on, I had to pry Pauly off a sweet little girl that he was just smitten over. He was running after her all over the play ground, just following her everywhere and then he started hugging her. That is when mama had to run and help him because her daddy was on his way! What can I say, my kid knows when a girl is cute - just like his daddy I guess...

Guess who turned 2!

2009-06-07T09:09:00.003-06:00

Our little girl Macarti Rae turned 2 yesterday! Mama Casi baked a cake for her and this little bicycle is from Mimi and Papa!

We wish we could of been there for your birthday Cart! You are such a sweet baby girl! We love and miss you!

Uncle Ben, Aunt Sam and Pauly!

New Music, New Look, New Fun!

2009-06-06T00:45:00.002-06:00

Hope you like the New Look for the Melton Family Blog - I compiled all my favorite French Music! Hope you all Enjoy! Pull up a chair, kick off those flip flops, grab a cool drink and listen to the tunes. xoxo, SJ

It's a little late but Mother's Day was Awesome!

2009-06-05T11:43:00.004-06:00

My Mother's Day was pretty great! We went to church early and came home and had a Mediteranean Feast with my inlaws. Yes, I cooked on Mother's Day but it was totally not a big deal! The boys got me a beautiful card which I was actually pretty surprised and we spent all afternoon out on the front lawn on a blankey and playing with toys, balls and bubbles! Here are a few fun pics of our little fam.

Pauly and I spent a week in Washington!!

2009-06-04T15:27:00.013-06:00

Well, as many of you already know about 2 weeks ago Pauly and I ventured to Washington and spent a week with my sister. We had a fabulous time and the week was packed full of delicious food (just ask Pauly - he loved Aunt Jo Jo's food!), lots of outside playing time (I have a tan - it's a miracle!), and fun outings with the Browns! First off when we got there we took a tour around the house and I got to see Jodi and Brian's place... they have worked their little hearts away at this place that looked like it was near death when they first got there. Her house is adorable, painted a awesome tan/yellow and she has hanging baskets of red flowers hanging from the eves. She also has hung an American Flag that yours truly gave her years ago. What can I say - I'm a fan of having an American Flag out front - it is just my way. She is a heck of a gardener and yard keeper. Her yard looks very well trimmed and you should have seen how darn cute she looked wearing her cute little (well not that little) shorts with her irrigation boots mowing her lawn on her riding lawn mower with her sweet little farmer boy riding along. I got a pic of it but I haven't processed that one yet... (first I've got to find a new place to process my film - that is another story!)

She had a menu all planned out including the first night she made me BBQ pulled beef sandwiches - they were divine! That evening we went for a ride in the pick up and we drove around the ranch/farm. It is amazing the land out there... rolling hills of green wheat fields. Gorgeous! The next day we took the kids in to play at the park and she gave me a little tour of their cute little town. The kids went crazy on the big slide!

The kids had a great time hanging out together! They have a little tikes playground with swings and a slide and they played on that and in the water for hours. Pauly especially liked the little car they had. Birch and Pauly would (as well as they could) would take turns with the car and toward the end of our visit they were getting a long really well.

Pauly loved Bailey Boo - he was pretty sure she was the next best thing right behind his Aunt Jo Jo's cooking. She was such a doll while we were there. She let the boys ransack her bedroom and was such a good helper with the boys. She is the sweetest thing! She is beautiful just like her mama.

Later on we went to Portland to Cat Tales; which is an all large cat zoo. It was awesome! We saw a white tiger, lions, leopards, a HUGE mountain lion and tigers... and bears! Really bears too! They stunk bad!

More pics to come later! Love you all and thanks for such an amazing time with ya!

I"m alive!!!! It's a miracle!

2009-05-05T15:26:00.002-06:00

As most of you know - I'm about 13 weeks preggers... just coming off of the 1st trimester! Thank you Jesus! For the past 12 weeks well... at least 8 (I found out I was pregnant when I was 4 weeks a long) I've been hiding out on my couch for most of the morning sleeping as my poor little son has become very familiar with... as he calls it... Move it! Move it! aka Madagascar! He loves this movie and I did too for the first 300,000 times but now I'm sick of it! Although, the other day when Caser was here and Carti... we rented Madagascar 2 and that was fun... Loved it! Ben did too! Ben's favorite part is the song that Moto Moto sings to Gloria... It is hysterical listening to Ben try and sing it in his deep deep voice!

So yes... Casi and Carti came to visit this past weekend... It was... nice. It was nice to see my sister and that little Carti is growing and talking a hundred million miles an hour. The first morning we took the kids to the park and they played till they couldn't function. The played on the swings where with every push Paul was giggling and giggling - it was pretty funny. Then they would walk up and down - up and down the steps to go down the slide. Pauly decided the stairs were the most fun part about it and would go up and down and when Carti came around to go back up them he would kick at her... what a stinker huh! Don't worry she got him back plenty... within the next couple days she body slammed him once... slapped him in the head several times and by the end of the weekend... every time he saw her coming he would run to me to pick him up. Carti better watch out because when #2 comes along he'll learn a little self defence and she'll have to watch out!

Other than all the self defense that was being performed there was plenty of hugging and playing. I got the kids on video tape brushing eachother's hair... well Pauly would brush Carti's then he wouldn't let her brush his... it was funny! He was very particular about her hair and she probably sat there for 10 minutes letting him brush her hair. It was so sweet!

BUT anyhow I'm doing great. We heard the baby's heart beat so all is well and my body is not embedded in the couch any more - I'm alive!!! It's a miracle!

Run Fast!

2009-04-17T16:32:00.003-06:00

Lately my boy has been catching on to how fun it is to run! He will walk into the kitchen, put his back to the farthest hard surface (which is my china hutch) and looks forward plotting his quick steps!! He runs with his hands pretty strait to his sides now and his little feet are very quick moving not yet lifting up his knees - he is being very cautious of each and every step. He always runs to me and bounces off my body... (which is kind of scary when I'm laying on my side on the couch - I have to protect myself - he is a solid little guy! I tell him - You're a fast runner!!! - and he gets a little smile on his proud little face... turns around and heads back into the kitchen to do it again!

Today at the park we (can you believe this chunky, preggers lady ran?) ran from the toys to the jeep which was about half a football field... I know! This park sucked - we're not going back! But he loves running and now I know every time he'll want to run.... Here comes the fat girl! eeeek...

Got a vacation... sort of!

2009-04-15T17:29:00.004-06:00

Well my Easter was both exciting and just plain ole crappy! I got to sneak away at a moment's notice to go spend Easter with my ma n pa. It was so exciting to see them after not seeing them in about 2 months. My boy loved it and it took him but just a second to get in the Mimi and Papa's house groove! He also got some time to play with his best little Macarti Rae - you should of just seen these two playing in the dirt with the bucket and little shovels that Pauly got for Easter. Macarti was totally throwing dirty on Pauly and it was blowing back into her face. Her hair was full of dirt. Pauly was taking little bites here and there of dirt... he must be lacking some minerals in his diet I guess :)

Easter Day is where, unfortunately, it all went down hill as my back went out - AT CHURCH By the way! It stunk! But my mom and dad totally pitched in to help me with Pauly so I could get on the mend. I totally ruined Easter as we were all going to go in to IF and eat and everything! Oh well... they all told me not to worry about it so I'm not. I had to cut my trip short and came home on Monday. Barely made it... my back is a lot better and I'm very thankful for the time I did get with my family!

It will be better next time for sure!

When is my vacation?

2009-04-03T13:32:00.002-06:00

Today, Friday... after Ben is off work - he is officially on vacation for a week! So fun! It will be so nice to have him home. We are not planning on going any where - we are going to work on our back yard, our (hopeful) well will get a pump on it and we will just spruce everything up outside! I can't wait to plant my new flowers seeds I got from Chris and Misty's ceremony last night (which was beautiful by the way!) I've got to pick out the perfect spot. A couple years ago when my Grandma Great died I had thought about selecting a little corner of my yard and have a little flower garden in her honor as she loved her some flowers!!! She was such a talented woman... I miss her so.

Anyway back to vacation! Ben has quite a few things planned around the house and it will be some wonderful Pauly, Daddy and Mama time which is fine by me... I love that idea much more than going anywhere and spending any crazy amount of money. Just us!

Last night was my little vay-K from my little boy. I do miss him so though! I slept in until 11 am and feel like a million bucks! Thank you Granny and Grandad - such an amazing gift. A night off... after the little ceremony my hubby and I went out to Old Chicago (which is where we met by the way) and we shared some chicken fingers, french fries and veggies (the exact same meal we shared when we met) It was so sweet. They were just starting karaoke when we left and all the memories just came swimming back to me of that night when we met and the little dash of a smile he gave me as he walked by me only to go to the restroom and come right back to me and sit down and start eating my chicken strips :)

What a wonderful little break this has been but BOY I'm ready for my little man to come home! Right now I'm listening to what I call CAFE music on our iTunes... Ben has compiled a combination of oldies, french music and old/new music (which consists of like Adele and Michael Buble {mom don't hurt yourself}) I have now cleaned the livingroom and Pauly's and now I've got to do a few other things and hopefully get in a shower before little man gets home... so glad!

I wonder what the neighbors think...

2009-03-27T10:40:00.003-06:00

So yesterday we went to run errands. I am on Bunny Patrol for my cousin who is out of town so I go over to her house every day/ every other day to feed her bunny and goldfish - we also had to do a library run, a run to Ross (I heart Ross)! All in that buzzing around I got home to find that my house keys were missing. I took like a 1/2 hour to try and find them in my jeep and finally decided my boy needed lunch and I wasn't fining them SO all I could do was break in to my own house (as Ben, who has the extra key, was at work and unreachable at that time) So luckily the ladder was outside I found the only window in the house that wasn't locked because we had used it for Christmas Lights - put my ladder up against it, pried the window open and broke into my own house... you should of seen Daphnie's face! She was concerned!

I had to do this once before when I locked my own keys in the house... it was the Summer of 07 and my husband was at Boy Scout Camp. I had went outside after it had finally cooled off to do some yard work and spray off our back patio because there had been a storm and well some how ended up locking my self outside. I then had one of my nursery windows unlocked because we had been painting in there and I had to crawl through one of them. I'm not a small gal and to boot I was 7 months pregnant so that was insane! Barely Fit!

Yesterday when I did this I called my mom - I'm telling you I think I go brain dead when I'm pregnant... almost to the point of scary! It is super weird! I spent yesterday afternoon calling all the places I had been to see if my keys had been turned in... This morning I found my keys under Pauly's car seat... little stinker had got them out of my purse and flung them!

I've now broke in to this house 3 times... Thank God I've always found a window that wasn't locked... but now I'm wondering should I go around and lock windows or should I make sure I leave one open for myself... hmmmmm...

The Perfect Baby Handbook by Dale Hrabi

2009-03-24T08:32:00.004-06:00

This was a book suggestion from a great friend of mine and I personally have not read it. It is being released today and you can read more about it here. It is by Dale Hrabi - from what I've heard about it it sounds like a fun read to learn about baby topics and how to handle them/learn more about your babies. There are so many parents out there that are so anxious when it comes to babies and raising them. In the beginning when I wasn't sure if I was truly doing the perfect things for Pauly in that perfect mother way - My mom mentioned to me that many idiots (even ones that I knew) had raised kids so she was fully confident that I could do it.

I'm sure you and your spouse have also had those moments after you have left those "said" people who you just aren't quite sure of their parenting ideas "Wow! Can you believe they raise their kids like that? They let their kids just run the show!" - I know Ben and I have! Some people are just nuts with their kids! Then the moment passes and we both are always thinking the same thing... are those people thinking the same thing about us right now :)

Amazon's Product Description included this statement -

The Perfect Baby Handbook provides much-needed comic relief from the pressures of modern parenting, and gives comfort to moms and dads who can say with a sigh of relief, “At least, we're not this bad.”

Misty Wagner at the Rainy Day in May Blog is my friend and she is the one that turned me on to this book... go check out her blog! It is a fun read!

I'm excited to read this book now for obvious reasons... the other day I went down to my baby book stash and grabbed a handful to get reacquainted with but if any of you end up reading this one or have already let me know what you think!

We loved it!

2009-03-23T08:39:00.005-06:00

If you haven't went and rented the new Disney Movie BOLT! GO DO IT! We rented it this weekend and it was totally fun! Pauly is still pretty not interested when it comes to sitting down and watching a movie but he watched pretty much the whole first 1/3 of the movie! Could be because he is totally obsessed with dogs lately! We totally loved this movie and you'll just die when you see the hamster - he is hilarious! He was definitely Ben and my favorite! His name was rhino if that gives you an idea how funny it was! Anywho - just a suggestion for all those with chillens/grandchildren.

Remember my funk?

2009-03-21T17:09:00.003-06:00

Well... about a week ago I figured out my funk... remember about two or three posts ago I told you all how I couldn't get out of bed and was so tired and just completely and utterly draggin' my butt! Well I found out...............

I'M PREGNANT!!!

If that won't put you in a funk I don't know what will! I am very very early in the process about 6 weeks along - we went to the dr. this past Wednesday and DID get to see the heartbeat and found out my due date is November 10th!

For most of you who know I did go through a miscarriage right before I got pregnant with Pauly - so this first stage I would really appreciate all of your prayers as far as everything going alright. This first trimester just freaks me out! BUT I do my best to not think bad about it and just remember to Give it to GOD!

We are super excited and I'm not sure if it really has hit me yet... but I'm getting more and more excited every day!

Boo Hoo!

2009-03-19T23:30:00.002-06:00

We are all sick here at the Melton House. We were all so stoked because my sister was going to come visit this weekend with my sweet little Macarti Girl. We were going to go to my Husband's Rugby Team's first game (he is coaching High School Boy's Rugby) and we were going to do a little visiting, movies, going for walks and all that fun stuff.

Oh how I wish they could still come. This croupy cold stuff just hit us on Wednesday around noonish and my poor little boy is just draggin'! He didn't hardly sleep a wink last night and went to sleep about 7:30 p.m. tonight which is about 2 hours before his bedtime... so I wonder when he'll wake up... we'll see if mama can get some sleep tonight. Speaking of which I better hop to it. Hopefully soon I'll get out of this funk and sick-o-ness and get back to regular blogging... Yes Krista girl - I too hate hate it when my kid-o is sick!!

I'm Back! Finally!

2009-03-18T08:19:00.004-06:00

So... I haven't been blogging because our Internet modem died and they said they mailed it when they really forgot and we should of had it last Thursday but we just got it last night. The good thing is that since we went without Internet the company is going to credit $10 back to our account for when we went without and it was their fault!

It was totally strange not being able to have the convenience of checking things on the Internet and the I was really starting to miss being able to write on my blogs and to be able read some of yours.

BUT I am back and ready to get going again. Since my last post - Seems like not to much has gone on although some things have happened that are "in the works" right now so I can't disclose them quite yet... (Some of you know what I mean :)

Also my sister Jodi joined the blogging world so go visit her blog here - I can't wait to be able to read her blog of all the fun things that family is doing. I love her stories about her kids. They're hilarious!

I'm in a funk!!!

2009-03-09T19:47:00.004-06:00

I just am! I don't know what it is or why I feel this way... I couldn't get up and going this morning - Pauly literally was playing on my bed for an hour - watching Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when I finally got up and got breakfast - (granted he woke up right at 7:30 which remember the whole time change thing is sort of 6:30 in my mommy world)...

I do give myself a little credit tonight - I made yummy roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed carrots for dinner.

Tomorrow my goals are to just get out of this funk and get going!! I always feel so much better... hopefully soon I'll get used to this time change :)

Tonight we are watching dances with the stars and so far both Ben and I are rootin' for the Gymnast!! Go Shawn!

STOP and smell the roses...

2009-03-08T21:17:00.007-06:00

With man this may seem impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

We had a pretty great weekend. We had a Blaze King Stove sell on Craig's List which put an additional $200 in our pocket and may all God's people say "AMEN"! We plan on using that and some of our tax money we got back to put into a garden and a little grass in our backyard. We will also put some money into a pump for a possible well Ben found on our property. That will surely cut down that darn water bill!

This verse above reminds me of new beginnings and what Springs has in store for our little home here. Yesterday when Pauly and I were outside playing I saw two robins pecking around in the lawn and I was so excited to see their ruby red breasts. They're gorgeous!

It got me to thinking about how impossible you would think it would be for a egg to turn into a bird. Such a beautiful metamorphosis. The robin's egg is a gorgeous shade of well yes blue... Robin's Egg Blue is one of my favs! The immaculate hand God has in every single thing BIG and small in our world. Whether we find it really important to dreadfully nonexistent and blah - it all cycles and changes and is beautiful and perfect because of his wonderful GRACE and impeccable plan and creation.

If it were all to stop what things would you finally notice because they went away or stopped? It is crucial to remember to open our eyes and appreciate everything we possibly can, because we never know when that one thing that we haven't appreciated might some day - be gone forever. Must have no regrets.

Photo by: Rosemary Cluley

2009-03-06T08:17:00.010-07:00

I kiss the palms of your tiny hands and then lay them on my face.

I shut my eyes to savor the moment.

I love the feel of your soft precious skin against mine.

I grab you by your cheeks and pull you in for a big lip smooch.

I stroke your hair and help it all lay down, parted to the right.

You're my little man.

Your little arms swing back and forth as you run barefoot on our warn, sun kissed, wood floor.

I chase you through the kitchen, to the living room and on to your bedroom.

You trip and fall over the edge of the blue wool rug that graces the floor of your room.

I grab you up quick and hold you tight, your poor little eyes filled with tears.

You lay your head on my shoulder while you weep.

You squeeze around my neck with your tiny arms, still needing comforted.

The tears fade away and I inspect your little body.

You get a grin back on your face and you talk to me in that little adorable language you have.

I just nod and smile.

You grab your favorite book and plop yourself in my lap.

Your little head against my chest and your little hands in your lap.

You point at the pictures and repeat some of the words as I read to you.

You are so smart.

I wrap my arms around you and squeeze you tight.

We jump up at the same time and I hold your hand as we run through the house.

We play with the dog and you give her kisses.

She loves you.

You help me with the house chores as we wait for Daddy to come home from work.

Then suddenly we hear the door and you scream!

It's Daddy!

You run to him, he scoops you up and squeezes you tight.

His whiskers tickle you and you make a funny face.

You give him a kiss.

He asks you about your day.

You answer again in the little language you have.

He nods and smiles.

We eat dinner as a family.

You feed yourself with a spoon.
You are doing such a great job!

We enjoy our night together wrestling, laughing and reading books.

Bedtime now and you kiss daddy goodnight.

You fold your little hands together ready to pray.

Your eyes shut and you are whispering a little prayer to yourself.

I pray with you and then give you a goodnight kiss.

I tuck you in and tell you I love you and that I will see you in the morning.

Soon, you are dreaming...

and counting...

2009-03-03T19:54:00.004-07:00

Church this Sunday was awesome! I was there alone - well Pauly was in Nursery (hopefully behaving) and the husband was re cooperating at home as he had worked 6 days and nights right in a row - he needed to just relax for a little bit! I don't mind going to church by myself with Pauly it can be a little challenging but overall I love going... period! The music was awesome - we sang old hymns like "In the Garden", "Come, thou fount", and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" It was just what I needed... you know when you've got fogged over and your eyes aren't focused. It really hit me in church when I realized how blessed I am.

There are so many people right now going through so much loss, hurt and turmoil in this world. I think about those people and it really makes me realize how silly I've been, how petty, selfish and completely un-acknowledging Christ and what a blessing he is to have in my life. Without him I'm nothing and any frustrations or lost feelings I ever might have if I didn't have him would control my life... but because he is in my life I can give it to him and I know he will never leave me!

I'm counting my blessings this week left and right! From my alone time in the morning, to my patient and loving husband... to the fact that I have a perfectly healthy body and I'm hardly ever sick to my beautiful precious son. So many things- somethings big some things small! We can pay our bills, my husband has a job, I woke up this morning and my wonderful family, church family and friends...

The list goes on and on!

my little man

2009-02-27T08:16:00.006-07:00

well my son has learned that men shake hands. he loves to talk to strangers in the line at the library and last week he put his handout to shake this 6'5" ft tall guy (i'm serious he was huge!) and my little boy put out his hand and the i had to tell the guy what he wanted (because one-year-old little boys don't usually shake hands and introduce themselves) so the guy kneeled down and shook Pauly's hand and Pauly continued to talk his ear off till i checked my books out. it was precious and of course i was so proud!

then he did it again this week! we were just walking out of the library and a man was walking behind us, he grabbed the door for us and talked to Pauly a little... then Pauly started to talk back (in his own little interesting language) and the man sort of looked at me for me to translate and i give him the look like - dude, you're on your own! then Pauly stretched out his little hand (and i piped up - because i knew what that meant) so i said, "he wants to shake your hand," the man gave me this look like - really? and there on the steps of the library he shook my little man's hand.

Your turn

2009-02-25T07:23:00.006-07:00

Okay Mom... Now it is your turn. I thought it would only be fare if I were to post some red paisley bedding. I'm not sure if it is stuff you would like. But me being your daughter, it is what I thought you would like the best from what there was to choose from. For all of you who do not know my mom, she likes things with a western flare about them. Conchos, hair-on-hide, Paisleys, No frillies. Bold and well ... Classic Western - not cheesy western. So hope you like at least one of these mom and if you don't... well keep it to yourself :) JK!

I put these in the order of liking (as did I with my black and white bedding - so the top on of each is my favorite then working down to my least favorite but still good & yes Krista I did like that bottom one BUT too much white with kids and a dog is NOT SAGE :)

Love ya guys! SJ

what a face

2009-02-24T12:19:00.004-07:00

Today Pauly and I were out on a walk. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm! We were gone about a half hour and when we got back and before we went in the house I decided to let Pauly play in the back yard a little to let out some energy since on the walk all he does is play with a stick I find on the side of the road, beat Daphnie when I'm not looking with the stick and ride in the stroller.

While we were in the backyard I decided to call Jodi and touch base for the day like I always do. Obviously I wasn't playing close enough attention to my boy because he came to me with a black dirt like substance dripping out of his mouth as if he was chewing on an oreo. Well since I knew we didn't bring out any oreos (nor do I ever buy them) I knew he must of took a mouth full of dirt and boy was he enjoying it. Just crunching away. I was laughing so hard with Jodi I was crying! I just kept taking my hand trying to clear it out of his mouth.

Once we got in the house I couldn't help but take this picture! I guess mama better pay a little more attention next time... Ha

Black and White

2009-02-23T21:23:00.005-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I sent my mom a picture of black and white bedding simply hinting to her that if she had a little bit of time on her hands she could make me something like it.

I have been dreaming of a black and white master suite. All the drama and romance that a black and white suite could hold takes my breathe away just thinking about it. So today our little conversation came up again and she told me about the bedding she wouldn't mind me working on for her (all of this is all just our style of joking back and forth of course) But I decided to Google some images that were similar to what I'm looking for - just for you mom, I mean so you can get a better idea of what I'm thinking. teee heee!

Check these out - tell me which one is your favorite!

To My Sweet...

2009-02-22T11:15:00.010-07:00

Carti Girl - Good Night

Macarti Rae your Eyes Shine Bright!

Twinkle Twinkle little Light.

Bless your Heart and Lay your Head.

Cuddle up, It's time for Bed.

Fold your Hands, Don't make a Peep.

May the Lord Bless and Keep.

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day,

My Precious little Carti Rae.

Close your Eyes, Don't make a Sound.

Dream a Dream that's Heaven Bound.

Little one I Love You So,

From your Curls Down to your Toe.

Good Night, Good Night my little one.

Tomorrow we'll have lots of Fun!

Always Always Forever More,

Carti Girl I shall Adore!

Love, Aunt Sam

My Saturday Night

2009-02-21T21:01:00.003-07:00

I, tonight, am home alone... with Pauly, Daphnie and myself. I had a good day today - we had our monthly Blast from the Past play date and I am so glad we started doing that. Tonight, unlike last night, I hope is relaxing and quiet... Ben has a friend in from Portland, his best friend Raul and the boys are out on the town. I have Enchanted from Netflix and I'm not sure if I'll get to it. I've been working a lot on my her household blog. I also wanted to start making a weekly calender for us that would encompass cleaning, outings and regular scheduling items. We'll see how much I'll really get done as Saturday Night Live is on tonight and loves me some SNL plus my toes could use a pedi... oooh that sounds fab!

4th File 4th Picture

2009-02-20T09:14:00.004-07:00

My friend Krista tagged me for this game. The way I understand it is your supposed to go to your picture file on your computer go to the 4th file within the files and then on the 4th file go to the 4th picture.

This is a picture that I took - I think Pauly was about 3 or 4 months old. He is so darn cute.

Martha Stewart Hostess Quiz

2009-02-19T08:38:00.004-07:00

Are you a good hostess... Martha Stewart has a quiz you can take... click here. Have Fun!

Here is what mine said...

HGTV: Dream Home

2009-02-18T06:34:00.010-07:00

So... Just wanted to inform you all I may be moving to Sonoma, California soon! I know mom is like what? Sonomoa! Well... don't get upset too soon... I have been applying every day at HGTV.com for their 2009 Dream Home Giveaway and I intend to win! I'm telling you it is exactly my Dream House! Designed with elements in this house that I have only "dreamed" about! I've always wanted like the wrap around patio and a cozy colorful yet classy interior. A sunny nook, double oven (you know things I'm sure we all dream about) oooooh la la!

I've been warning Ben off and on to get ready to move and I'm not sure that he is quite there yet but I told him if I win this I'll move there with Pauly and you'll have to come visit win you can. Look at these pics of the Dream Home and tell me if you wouldn't make the same decision! Sonoma is wine country and Ben wants to be a cheese maker (well he did last week any way - he is just being silly) but really everyone knows wine and cheese are the best combination. See it is meant to be. Just so you know you are all invited to the House Warming Party! :)

Here are my favorite pics...

The HGTV Dream Home 2009

The Beautiful Blue Sun Room!

The Classy Formal Dining Room!

The Bold and Beautiful Kitchen (2 islands!)

The Breakfast Nook... "Crepes anyone?"

The TV Room! "I'm watching Grey's Anatomy, Ben!"

Yes ma... this is where you would stay...

The Perfect Guest Bedroom!

A room for my boy!

Can't you just imagine folding clothes in here.... ahhhhh!

The Utility Room!

And last but certainly not least... the Master Bedroom... See I told you it was Perfect!

so thankful

2009-02-17T09:27:00.005-07:00

yesterday i was going through some old posts and pictures remembering how last year this time i was trying to figure out a good formula for pauly. the headache of him having extreme eczema and being so tiny with so much discomfort. broke my heart! i am so thankful that is over - he is doing great! it is something i think about often and i'm so grateful for all of my support from my family. i posted a picture that was taken around the same time last year. see the difference!

i can cry if i want to!

2009-02-16T23:11:00.005-07:00

boy! i just had a challenging day! you know the ones where satan is nipping at your heels! my husband was off work today. i was hoping we would be able to spend some time together today as saturday, he had to work. sunday, we spent the whole day with his family. so i guess i was just hoping he would go in to the office (as he had planned) just for a little while, hit the gym, and come home and play! nope... to boot, my kid wouldn't take a nap and that just won't do! i really need a break! he runs me ragged! getting up on this and into this and eating this. i was going nuts and i just needed my husband home since it was his "day off"! well no he spent time at the office and then to the gym then he thought - we would probably be napping so he went to visit some family. which honestly i love that he goes over and visits my family. he just likes them which is cool. right? but i was waiting for him and he honestly said he was just waiting for a phone call from me so he could come home and he mainly didn't want to interrupt napping! AAAAARRRRGGG! i was sad and mad when he got home - but as we always do... we figured out where there was a miscommunication break-down and things are all good! it didn't change that i was totally bummed and sad though. oh well... next time i know just to call and he'll come home to me when i need him. he just rocks like that!

Sista Sista!

2009-02-15T08:44:00.006-07:00

I have been blessed with three of the most perfect sister-in-laws any wifey could ask for. There are 4 kids in my husband's family (3 girls and yes, he is the only boy) So under the circumstances things could be a lot worse! These girls welcomed me into their family with their arms wide open! There is Holly (the oldest), the sister in North Dakota; Kelly (#2), the sister in Homer, AK; and Kerry(#4), who lives in Wasila, AK. They all pretty much spent the majority of their kid life in Anchor Point, AK.

Just an example of how sweet they are... last year I got an unexpected gift in the mail from Kelly... she had knit me a scarf. It was such a delight to get something in the mail not only a gift but a reassurance that my s.i.l was thinking of little ole me! :) Also, if you remember back in my posts Kelly came to see us for about 2 weeks this past summer. Her and I had a lot in common that we hadn't discovered yet and there was many a night we stayed up to the wee hours of the morning... crying and laughing out on our front lawn.

My Holly girl is always surprising me with unexpected phone calls and her and her family came for a week during New Years. We went thrift shopping, played many a game and laughed and cried! Her and Ben are like soul siblings... they are super alike - so it is super fun to be around her because I notice so much more of how much they are the same. Plus she is like a big sister to me too. (which is something I don't really have since I'm the oldest in my family)

Kerry, has recently moved up to Alaska this past year (her dreams came true :) when she lived in Montana and I had just had Pauly - her and her boys came for a week or so and spent some time with us. Her and I also talk on the phone once and a while and I'm vowing to remember to do it more because she is such a cool gal!

I'm so blessed to have these ladies in my life. I can talk to them about anything from baby stuff, to husband problems (Oh yes! They are very helpful!), to homemaking. They rock! I hope you are as blessed as I to have that special Sis in your life. I have 5!

Go Fetch!

2009-02-14T13:05:00.003-07:00

So... yesterday I was filling the dishwasher and I was getting everything from all the rooms rounded up to make sure everything is in the dishwasher that needs to be. I remembered Pauly had a bottle in his bed from the night and I held up a bottle I had in my hand and said "Pauly, go get you bottle (pointing at the one in my hand) it is on your bed... Hurry!" He stopped what he was doing and ran into his room and for the first time came back to me with what I asked him to go fetch! It was amazing! I screamed and hollered "You're such a big boy!" and the grin on his face showed me that he knew he had done good! So adorable.

Don't you feed your kid lady?

2009-02-13T08:41:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I was working on my new blog... herhousehold.blogspot.com (it is definitely under construction so don't be surprised if I have to inform you I've changed it :) Anyway, my kid and my dog were found eating on a purple crayon... It was time for lunch and I had told Pauly I was going to be feeding him soon... but soon wasn't soon enough. Both of their little mouths were covered with purpley black waxy specks! It was time to eat!!! Right Now!!!

After naps Pauly and I took both my and Ben's wedding ring to Lee Read Jewelers for a Valentine Surprise Cleaning. Yes we're poor so my best idea for something sweet for us was a Wedding Ring cleaning :) Boy oh Boy don't they look beautiful too! But I'm getting ahead of myself, Pauly and I spent the 15 minutes waiting in their little kid area... where there is a toy box full of Legos, a television playing terrible cartoons I didn't even want Pauly to listen too and a chalkboard with yes you guessed it... 4 colorful pieces of chalk and yes you guessed again first thing he did when he got in there was put a big fat piece of chalk in his mouth and !!CRUNCH!! I was grossed out! I again scooped foreign pieces from my poor little starving dear's mouth and told him "NO!". Can you believe this kid?

Rockin' Out Toddler Style!!

2009-02-12T11:07:00.005-07:00

I admit I am the type to blare my stereo (well not as loud as I did before I had Pauly) loud and sing along while I'm driving in my car. It doesn't matter whether it is country - a little Taylor Swift and her new song Love Story or maybe it is little techno...Calabria by Enur featuring Natasja - I love it!

It just seems like I can relax and really rock out! Pauly has eventually picked up this singing and head bobbin' type of rockin' out scene from his mother (guilty) as last night we left the t.v. off after dinner and decided to just listen to music. As I was working on my valentines and Ben was surfing the net - I was fortunate enough to catch Pauly rockin' out to the music! It was so adorable the way he bobbed his head around as if he was keeping up with the beat and shaking his little booty back and forth. Oh my, it was adoreable! I just pictured him being that little kid playing drums like a complete maniac driving his mother crazy. I hope I can figure out soon how to put videos on my blog. This will for sure be one I share. :)

Wednesdays with Heather and Phoebes!

2009-02-11T13:01:00.009-07:00

Just about every Wednesday we spend the day with Heather Lewis and her little girl Phoebes. We either go to the Library to story time or we go to either her house or mine and spend the afternoon knitting, visiting and laughing to hysterics. I'm so thankful for her friendship. We have a lot of fun and our kiddos are big buds too! Below is a picture I took of little Phoebe a while back. She is such a little treasure and the pink is very appropriate for Valentine's Day coming up. Isn't she cute? Just look at those lips...

Hot Dog! Hot Dog! Hot Diggity Dog!

2009-02-10T17:21:00.005-07:00

Yes... we are Mickey Mouse Club House watchers. Along with Handy Manny, Pooh and Friends, and Little Einsteins. Yesterday Pauly started singing the Hot Dog song and it tickled my heart pink. It was so funny the way he sang it in his own little way and bobbed his little body up and down to the Diggity Beat in his little heart. He sang it to his Auntie Jodi over the phone - I was so proud. I would have to say that Pooh and Friends is my favorite as far as morning cartoons but I have a new love for The Hot Dog song :) He is such a delight!

New Start

2009-02-09T08:01:00.003-07:00

Even though Sundays are the first day of the week... I always feel like Mondays are. Sundays are for visiting with loved ones, getting recharged for the week and plain ole nappin'! But Mondays... Some Mondays I hate... But this is not one of those. This is a good Monday! I feel recharged and I have a plan! We are all feeling better here as we have finally recovered from our stomach flu and we're ready to go! Got to finish Valentines, set up a calender/weekly routine, make Pauly's Valentine's gift, do laundry and clean up random messes along the way. Happy Monday to you and you!

Some pics I've missed!!

2009-02-08T21:06:00.003-07:00

This past weekend Ben got some of our pictures, movies and music off of our computer that is downstairs and is broken. So here are a few pictures I was delighted to see again after not seeing them in about 6 months... Enjoy!!!

Striving...

2009-02-07T11:06:00.007-07:00

If you all haven't read this memory verse - Drop Everything and Do it! For us women it is a boost of confidence and a kick in the pants! I was just talking about this with my ma this morning. I have this verse wrote up and is on my fridge. When I'm puttin' around the house this catches my eye and I read it and it keeps me going. I'd love to have it framed up in my house somewhere. Also there is a really cool website just called Proverbs 31 Ministries. It has daily verses that you can get emailed to you daily for free, radio program, a store, and plus they are nonprofit!!! As they say, "We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God." I know this is something we could all use :) Go check it out! And the verse is below...

Proverbs 31: 10-31

10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.
12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her,'saying :
29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.
30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.

15 things...

2009-02-05T14:49:00.008-07:00

This is a project that Casi read to me that she worked on yesterday when she was having a rough day... I thought it was very inspirational and I asked her if I could post it on my blog. Maybe it will remind you of a few things about why You are so fabulous!

15 Awesome Things about Me!!!

By: Casi Jean

I have an awesome God who loves me!
I have a Beautiful Daughter!
I have a lot of natural talent.
I can cook very well and I can think up a meal quick and with very little ingredients (my friends and family always ask me what they should make for dinner :)
I can rope and goat tie Really Well!
I have really nice hair, eye brows (now that I pluck ;), cheek bones, jaw line, lips, skin, and a really cute nose.
I have, what we like to call, Honor scars from my baby girl that I wouldn't trade for the world.
I have so many people who love me and want to see me grow and be blessed.
I have a great mind, heart and soul, I love freely, and give grace in places where I have been given it freely from Christ.
I forgive easily but may not trust that person for a long time or again in that situation.
I love everyone and think that anger and hate is a WASTE of time!
I also think frowns, scowls, and being negative is a WASTE of time!
I think you should wake up every morning thanking God that you did.
I think you should love with your whole heart and not hold back. (even if you get hurt)
I think life is too short to be scared and to precious to be careless. (have to have a balance)

The Lettered Cottage

2009-02-05T13:48:00.009-07:00

You may have already visited this website that is listed in the... i heart these! on the right hand side of my blog. This website definitely defines my personal style when it comes to home design and decor. I love all things cottage. If you haven't visited this website do so by clicking here. The gal that manages this blog is very creative, insightful and talented. I hope you find as much joy out of her blog as I do.

Where have you been all my life?

2009-02-04T17:15:00.003-07:00

This question has been going through my mind a lot lately. With going to Howe to hold my sweet baby sister's hand as she went through... as she calls it "the big "D" and don't mean Dallas" and also as I looking forward to what her life could have in store for her and sweet Carti girl. I know God has her in a special place in his master plan. I know this obstacle in her life is happening for a reason and what a testimony she has already discovered too. I'm so proud of her strides in this difficult time. She is so strong and beautiful. Fun and Inspirational. But still she feels empty...

She flat out tells me she doesn't want to be alone and that she wants that man that will be able to rope and come in from a hard days work and kneel down by their bed or the bed of their children and pray together. I want this for her too. I know there is a man out there that would want this beautiful Christian women but what I fear is that again it isn't the timing that we/she wants. I do look forward to that day where a gorgeous man sweeps my sister off of her feet and gives her every treasure under the moon, which is what she deserves (what her daughter deserves too) and tells her "Where have you been all my life?"... but for now Case you need to ask yourself that question - as we all do... Where have you been all my life? ... to ourselves.

Often my heart thinks to myself where is that girl... the girl that could ride for days and rope the snot out of a calf (for those of you who don't know - yes I rodeoed - Can you believe it?) or even where is that girl that could play basketball and volleyball. The girl who had self esteem seeping from every crevasse of her body. This questions also applies to Christ... Where have you been all my life... If you say this to the Lord you'll remember you have never been alone - and never will be. So all our lives he's been right there! Pretty Amazing! I've never been right there for anyone not even my son...

So Casi... you may be so thankful that I came and was with you during this hard time this weekend but honestly Thank You for helping me remember what we all need to remind ourselves... When we are feeling a little lost at heart and alone... Where have you been all my life? is the question and you'll find whatever you were ever looking for was right there the whole time.

Super Super Cold!!!

2009-01-29T07:06:00.002-07:00

As I said on my last post from yesterday. I am in Howe. I have no idea how cold it is right now but I know it is below zero. SO COLD! I guess I don't remember it being this cold when I was growing up here! I do remember though coming in from riding horses all evening and my legs trying to thaw out and being really itchy from all hives. I don't really understand why they get itchy with hives with they get cold. It sucks though! I remember horse troughs being completely froze solid as well as just the hydrants being froze so we could water at all and we would have to carry water. What a nightmare! Animals freezing to death...

thinking of that I wonder how Dapher did last night in this weather... I bet if she had a tail it would be froze off! Poor girl... maybe tomorrow we'll bring her onto the front porch - I'm sure she would prefer that. She is probably fine warm in one of the dog houses or in the haystack out back. Well maybe it is a good thing it is so cold because the reason I'm down here has got me pretty HOT!

Tattle Tail

2009-01-28T17:22:00.003-07:00

So... today I drove to Howe. I left around noon and had to do several errands before I finally left Boise. I got on the road around 12:30 and I was really close to Mountain Home when this little silver BMW convertible came ZOOOOMIN' past us! I caught that he was a 2c but didn't catch anything else. As I watch this little car get smaller and smaller so very very fast... I noticed that the car up ahead - that he was just about even with - put on her signal and moved into his lane as she was ready to pass a huge semi-truck. She must not of realized he was going like 100 mph... when suddenly it caught her eye that he was right on her tail and she jerked over to the right lane. She came very close to over correcting which would of sent us all into a huge life changing disaster. But thankfully... she didn't wreck and he kept on speeding on by the truck and soon he was out of sight.

Me being my law abiding safety obsessive self called 911 and reported his ass... I was so pissed off that he was disregarding all of our lives as if we mean nothing! Just so he could be cool in his speedy little sports car. I had to stop at Wal-mart so I'm not sure if they caught up to him but hopefully he didn't go on to kill change some one's life for the worst! What a jerk!

I love Jesus but...

2009-01-27T08:25:00.005-07:00

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is something that I look forward to everyday! This is something I found on another blog and I thought what a great idea. I did see it when it aired and I'm telling you right now this old lady is a hot mess! But, it is a great laugh for the day - I laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face... I mean HILARIOUS! So get ready... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83JDXXKzOXg

Not Mine...

2009-01-26T09:22:00.004-07:00

This blog entry is to bring me some much needed peace with something that I get so worked up and stressed about - and that is timing. Timing is a hard thing! Probably one of the topics that brings me the most anxiety (if I let it). Timing is not up to us and we have no control over it. I like control (don't we all)! When we are anticipating something to happen - when we want it to happen - that "something" and the anxiety of it starts controlling our every thought and inevitably controlling our life. I was thinking... anxiety is most definitely a sin. It is literally sinning against God's timing and amazing planning. It is refusing to acknowledge his unfathomable and precious plan that always works out better than we can ever imagine.

So there are a few things on my mind right now that I am taking this motion to help me turn them over to God and in his timing those things will or may not happen. I just have to be patient and trusting in him and his plans for my life. Praying that his will be done and that he gives me the trust and patients to let his will be done. Hard to do!!!! but worth that moment when the plan will unfold before my eyes and I know it is most definitely better than I could have ever imaged and dreamed. It is his now.

Girls Day...

2009-01-25T23:31:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit from the past! My friends from High School came over and their kids too! We had a wonderful time. Pauly had 3 extra kids around his age to play with and was just in heaven! It was so nice how us ladies could just start back up from where we left off 10+ years ago. I'm so blessed to have had them back in high school and to have them now is so precious. We had such a wonderful time laughing, visiting and watching our kids play that we decided to do it again next month. So once a month we will be getting together for lunch and a play date and change it between each other's homes. We all got reacquainted via face book - if you haven't looked into I encourage you to do so! It is a blast!

100 things I love!

2009-01-24T07:03:00.004-07:00

Since Valentines is creeping up on us - I thought I bet I can come up with a fun list of 100 things I heart!... So here it is in no particular order... well sort of in order but not really...

Jesus
My husband - He is loving, hard working, and Hot!
My Son - you've seen him! He is precious!
My Whole Family
Dapher Doo (My dog she is a Cocker)
Friends (We are so blessed to have so many wonderful, close friends!)
Newborn Babies (human and animal :)
Memories from Childhood (especially the ones that involve my sisters)
Music (Christian, Country, Swing, Oldies, Hip Hop, Pop and Classical)
Going to church (we have an amazing church family)
Fashion, Design, and Creating
Sunsets
Watching Movies with my husband and eating popcorn
Popcorn w/ Carmel ( My husband makes it for me)
My husband's cooking!
Listening to my husband sing and play the guitar!
My mom/grandmas' cooking
My home church in Howe
Surprises!
Playing tricks on people
Sunsets
Rainy Days
Coffee
Flip Flops
Doing hair (especially little girls' hair! Always have!)
All the old letters, china hutch, and such I have from my Grandma Great
My house
Watching my boy sleep
Holding hands with my husband
Holding Pauly while he sleeps
Hugs and Kisses from my boy
Talking to my nieces and nephews on the phone
Chocolate
Staying in hotels (they have to have a pool!)
Smell of dirt and horse poop (BUT I hate to be dirty)
The idea of loving to be dirty and being a green- thumb gardener type
Memories of going trucking with both my dad, grandpa and uncle
Fall
Thanksgiving at Grandma Sally's
Christmas in Howe at Mom's and Grandma Pattie's house
Easter at Grandma Pattie's house
Ice Tea w/ Lemon
Venti Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
Les Schwab - THEY ROCK!
Target
Ross
Going through my Grandma Pattie's picture boxes
Cooking
Painting
Picnics
Taking Pauly to see his daddy at work
Going to the Library with Pauly, Phoebe and Heather!
My jeep!
Getting a letter/package in the mail
A room with good lighting, paint and decor (any page out of a Pottery Barn Magazine)
Pottery Barn
Land of Nod
Our laptop
The idea of having more children
Flowers - Hydrangeas!
Lilacs in the Spring
Allergy medicine
Red Wine (even though it breaks me out into hives)
Eating Lamb
Fresh cut grass
Smell/Eating of BBQ in the summertime
Traveling to go see family (especially with good music or Dr. Laura)
Dr. Laura
Disney Movies
Sex and the City
Craig's List
Arco Advertiser Online
Eating Breakfast out on a Saturday Morning with my boys
Thrift store shopping
Spending the day at Granny's
Playing Nertz with Granny
Listening to someone sing or play an instrument when they are really good (I get goosebumps)
Alone time in the morning before the little monster wakes up
The sound of the garbage truck taking our garbage away
The Cosby Show
Food Network
Getting in bed at night when the house is clean and your bed was made with new sheets!
Watching Basque Dancing!
Downtown Boise in the summertime
Shade of a tree on a hot day
My dishwasher!
My new oven!
Cruiser Bikes especially if they have a basket on them!
Bardenay
Having a cocktail with my husband on date night at The Basque Center
Earrings
Extreme Makeover - Home Edition
Handy Manny "Come on Tools!"
Coloring with my son
Candles
Canning
Homemaking
Folding clothes! I HATE putting them away though!
Bath and Body Works
Etsy!

Does wonders for the Soul...

2009-01-23T06:57:00.006-07:00

Don't you have that certain song that your little heart just goes pitter-patter over as soon as it starts on the radio... You run over to the radio and turn it up... you close your eyes, smile and your hips begin to sway back and forth...

Well... I do happen to love the song on here Sway - which as we all know this song was first sang by the favorite, Dean Martin. On my play list it is sang by the one and only MICHAEL Buble. I capitalize MICHAEL because my mother keeps forgetting it is Michael and not Mark... She is so silly! (We had a few good laughs over that already)

Hope you enjoy the new music on my blog! I love it and it is compiled of some of my old and new favorites! My most favorite on this list is probably Held by Natalie Grant - it just gives me so much comfort knowing I'm always available to be held by my Lord, Savior and King of my life!

Falling...

2009-01-22T11:50:00.003-07:00

Our friend Sean Jones turned me on to the website cutethingsfallingasleep.org I knew it would be something that could help us all right now with everything going on. The bear is my favorite! Enjoy!

The life of a son...

2009-01-21T06:04:00.005-07:00

I've been struggling all night and most of yesterday after hearing about my friend Jenny (Reynolds) Angel. Jenny lost her oldest boy in a drowning accident this past weekend at Challis Hot Springs. My heart aches for her and her family. Jenny was recovering from a c-section as she had just given birth to their 4th child.

Thinking of the agony that she must be going through right now had me tossing and turning all night and up early. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and I pray that she finds the right thing to cling to during this heartbreaking time.

I can't imagine having to endure this much emotional pain when trying to recover from having a baby. It, itself was a trying time for me. Being a mother makes me wonder - I know I would give my life for my son - with no hesitation. Would I give my life for some one's son? As Christ did for us? Or maybe turn it around - As God gave his son to save us from our sins... would you ever give yours? Not only just his son... but his only. I'm glad I didn't have to be the one to make that decision and I thank him for the life of his son daily.

May God comfort this family and may they know we all love them and are thinking of them in this mournful time.

Potato Masher

2009-01-20T09:11:00.003-07:00

As a stay-at-home I find there are even the tiniest things that humor me. My boy loves mashed potatoes (as does any kid...well actually he started out not liking them... something with the texture - but now he likes them).

Anyway, yesterday was grocery day and as I walked past the kitchen utensils I decided - today is the day! Today is the day that I will finally buy a Potato Masher! I was so excited about it! I usually mash potatoes with my beaters or just a fork. This will make life so much easier :)

Isn't it amazing the little things that amuse us!

up all night with the brady bunch

2009-01-19T12:01:00.009-07:00

Last night, Ben and I were on our way to bed and as we always do every night, we turned on the television to go to sleep. It is his habit - not mine, but I've learned to deal. Last night, I found the Brady Bunch was playing for like 3 hours straight on tvland. Plus it was Season 1 from way back in 1970 so they were all tiny little ones. Ben and I instantly got hooked and stayed up for at least 2 hours watching this addictive sitcom featuring that family that stole the hearts of all over 30 years ago. Something we couldn't believe was how, back then, kids were very respectful to their parents and their decision making.

One of the episodes we watched was the boys and the girls were both collecting trading stamps from the local grocery store - you know the trading stamps that you collect so many than you take them in and get a prize. Well, Alice (the housekeeper) had a huge stash that they were all fighting over and they had to split them up fairly - well a wet dog and stamps don't mix! So they ended up deciding they would just put all the stamps back together and have a contest. So the contest was between the boys verses the girls. Whoever won the contest won all the stamps and they got to go and buy what they wanted. I believe the girls wanted a sewing machine and the boys wanted a row boat. The contest was building a house with playing cards. So one by one the Brady's built this house of cards and each child had to steadily place a card to keep building the house of cards. I turned out that the dog snuck up behind one of the boys and pushed him into the stack of cards and it toppled over. The boys of course thought this was an accident and there should be a do over but the parents had said everything counts before the game ever started, so the girls won the stamps. Of course they didn't come home with a sewing machine they came home with a colored television that everyone could enjoy.

Now, I understand it is just television but compared to the way that kids/parents act today towards one another it was baffling. Ben and I know we are not going to be perfect parents but The Brady Bunch show sure opens your eyes to the way certain issues should be handled in the household. The parents showed tons of love and it reflected in the way the children reacted back to their parents. Watch an episode or two soon and enjoy! Next... I'll see if he'll watch 'The Little House on the Prarie' :D!

My husband cooks...jealous?

2009-01-18T11:06:00.006-07:00

This Sunday morning I'm feeling a little puny so my husband is cooking us a little Biscuits and Gravy for brunch. We were watching Paula Deen this morning, when he got the idea. I of course, was all for it. Ben is an amazing cook! Without hesitation I would go as far as to say he is definitely the best "man cook" I know and he is, without a doubt, a better cook than me!

Recently he recreated a Tamale Pie - it was delectable. He also makes to-die-for Toffee. I mean to die for!

One of my most favorite things is when he puts together his famous Salsa. His Salsa is Pico de gallo with all the delicious ingredients of tomatoes, lime, cilantro, onion, and sometimes he puts in others like black beans, cabbage or corn.

Another thing he has completely mastered lately is Pizza. He cooked us Pizza on New Year's Day! I think he ended up cooking like 7 pizzas with all different toppings. He makes the crust perfectly thin and crispy. What can I say he is the bomb Pizza Guy!

He can also cook a mean Steak and well... honestly just about anything else you have in mind. I'm very thankful that he can contribute this way and is happy to do it. Plus he isn't afraid to clean up after himself a little. What can I say - I heart him!

Little Monster...

2009-01-17T16:07:00.008-07:00

Pauly is now sleeping in his crib with front rails off. He goes to bed pretty good and stays in there... well...okay.

I think I finally got all the material bought and rounded up to get his quilt started. I'm super excited and hopefully I'll have that posted within the next couple weeks. We'll see...

Below is also a picture of Ben and Paul together on the day we took the front rails off of his bed. He is such a big boy! Next - the bottle has to GO!