12 days and counting...

So many things so little time!
Talked to my mother this morning. They arrived in PA on Monday night. Tuesday morning they began cleaning out the house. It was Firday morning when I talked to them last...
In three days:
They have cleaned out the attic, cleaned out the three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs completely, cleaned out the basement, cleaned out the garage completely. All that is left is some things in the downstairs. My mother said the way to get it done quick, GIVE IT AWAY...people come out of the woodwork to help you! I am so impressed with my parents, but at the same time worried that they are working too hard. They are putting in 10 -15 hour days. Too much! I wish I were there to help them!
Now on this end, I am to be getting ready for a sale and well, it is not happening very quickly. Jay is all over everywhere...and that is putting it very nicely!
He is a good boy, just so curious, and very very CLEVER!



My Aunt and Uncle were here this morning to drop off some things that I gave them for baby to put in the sale.
Here was his old boucy seat..





They also brought some leftovers from their refrigerator. Everytime someone leaves from here they bring me their refrig stuff...which is kind of fun, saves me from having to go to the grocery store...hahahaha! But unfortunately, no Soy Sauce. That's kind of a family joke there. My mother has left me three jars of Soy Sauce i kept in my fridge...on their last return, I returned all three bottles...hahahah!!! Only, I threw the other two away as they were really old, and never used!

Once again, I am breaking the child labor laws...hehehe:



My baby is growing up so fast! 12 days til his birthday! :o( He is growing so fast! But he is so much fun and brings us such joy. He is just now beginning to understand he can smile, giggle, and engage those around him and he is beginning to become a little clown! So fun to watch his personality blossom!
He is starting to talk and say things after I do. Much by accident, although he is beginning to master the "good bye" at appropriate moments.
Here is is in his high chair just after lunch. The first one he is just being serious, the second you can tell he wants out!



I received a fabulous package in the mail today from my Secret Pal at All Moments Remembered. It is full of non traditional scrapbooking supplies. I can't wait to begin to use it. Fibers, fabric, a set of washers, and light switch plates...FUN! She also made this great card for me!


I made a pork Loin Roast in the crock pot this week and we have been enjoying that for a few days. I so love a good BBQ sandwich of pulled pork, with some sweet tea...heaven! So I must go and have my lunch!

Unwrapping life...

It's hard to believe...I dropped my parents off at the airport yesterday and they were on their way to PA to clean out their home in preparation of their sale! I spoke to them this afternoon and they worked an hour last night when they arrived home.
They started up again at 6:30 this morning. They have the attic cleaned out and an upstairs closet. My mother is donating dog crates to the humane society and some beds to some people that are very poor and sleep on the floor. My nephew called and informed my parents that he was going to opt out of college and continue working at Best Buy. He is moving out on his own and will need some furniture. They are glad to be rid of the living room furniture and a few other pieces.
Today Jayda has a chorus program at school for the school board. Parents are invited, so the children and I are going to watch her at 4:00pm. Jay is napping now so he will be refreshed and ready to go.
Speaking of Jay sleeping. He has been up two nights in a row every two hours. It's going to be time for some tough love...cry it out kind of stuff. ACK!!!!

Jay was cleaning today:


Jay received his first birthday present today....we are 15 days out from his birthday. The party is on hold for the moment until my parents are back in town from selling their home in PA.
Uncle Phil and Aunt Sue sent an adorable outfit along with a sweet card!

Here he is opening his very first present!

Thank you so much for the fun present...oh yeah and the clothes are cute too! It appears he would have been completely happy with an empty wrapped box! LOL

Another fun weekend!

I have to say I was not so sure about leaving jay for the day with Grammy while I went fishing. But, I knew he would be fine, it's whether or not everyone around him would be worn out from babysitting! Well, I am thrilled I had the chance to get out with my husband and fish for a bit. Even better, was having my awesome FIL there too! We all had a grand time. Dad kept pulling fish in. Little things...but as windy as it was and threatening weatherwise, anything biting was better than nothing. He kept trying to give me the best spots on the boat to fish from because he wanted me to catch something....how sweet is that?
Well, no luck. We decided to try and find somewhere else to fish because the wind was unbearable! We headed into the river and were fishing the channel a bit. Well, just when I think there is no way Jay could catch another fish, he lands a HUGE black drum. This fish bent his rod and fought hard!!! We were loving pulling this one onboard to photograph. Afterall, it was the first good fish of the day!

Moments later, Michael hooks up with the fightingest fish I had ever seen brought to the boat! It was a Jack and put up a fabulous fight. Michael was so stoked to have a chance to fight this thing!


We threw many more casts and not much luck. A dolphin was about 25 yards across the way from us...chasing away all the fish. I still had no bite and was kind of bummed out. But it was ok, I really enjoyed seeing the guys catch fish!
I thought the spot down the way looked awesome! There was a channel between two islands where water was rushing on out into the large channel. Michael powered us over there with the trolling motor and we began to cast. I threw a few casts out and I had a fish on! I was so happy...but then happiness quickly passed on into "HOLY CRAP"!!!!!!! I had a a fish that was absolutely buzzing my line out. It was fighting so hard! I thought I hadn't seen a fish that fought more than Michael's....correction we had a new winner on the fighting front! Back and forth...I thought it was a shark as it was so strong and fighting hard. Then after it stayed on for so many minutes, I knew it wasn't a shark because it would have shredded the line and been off. So I am reeling and holding on for dear life! I had to hold it in the crook of my elbow a few times to rest my hand from holding it! The handle of the rod was anchored on my waist and really starting to hurt! We had no idea what was on the end of the line as it never surfaced for some time! All the while, Jay is making funny comments at the back of the boat. He had gone to get the camera...and began saying: "You go on and keep pulling on that I am gonna sit down here and rest a bit. Let me know when you got it to the boat!" Finally, I got it close and it turned sideways and flashed silver and yellow...a jack crevalle. So much fun! I was shaking and my heart was pounding. It is exactly that thrill which will bring me back another day to throw a line out in the water.

Now, if I can get over the freakiness of the shrimp and bait my own line. They just totally gross me out. Meanwhile, they have two barbs on the front of their head that they use to poke ya...and can draw blood! Mike got poked. So entirely gross!!!!!!!
The baby did great and we all had a fabulous day! Unfortunately, none of the fish we got are good to eat so we had hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill....OUR FAORITE MEAL!
I was absolutely exhausted having not slept good the night before and then up early and fishing and then having to come home and care for the baby....EXHAUSTED! I was not much company and walked out of the bedroom to find Jayne at the kitchen table and didn't even realize she was there. I could barely carry on a conversation and felt like such a heel when she said Hi Jessica! Sorry Jayne! I was so exhausted from just gettiong the baby cleaned up from his bath. She looked great and had helped babysit earlier that day{Thanks again Jayne!} She had on her birthday bracelet from my mother and it looked fabulous on her. The colors compliment her skin so nicely! Great job Mother...it looks fabulous.
Jayne also brought over a rocking chair that was Michael's and hers for the baby. He LOVED LOVED his rocking chair....he knew how to rock in it...but preferred to stand upright in it with no hands....UGH! Oh well, he will grow into it! It was a lovely treasure and you know I did not get a photo of it. Maybe she did..hmmmm.
It was a delightful weekend as always and full of laughs. I was in bed every night at 830 pm. The lack of sleep is catching up. Either that or i am old.
hahaha

Saturday evening, we went for a walk with the stroller. The weather is getting so nice! We walked awhile til the mosquittos started to come out!
There is lots of wildlife around Mom and dad's house! You will see a banana spider, a wood pecker and an egret(I think it is called egret).





Once we got home, I weeded and trimmed and pruned the courtyard with the help of Jacob and Michael. It looks so nice and is ready for fall! I have so much to do!
Get ready FINALLY for the garage sale I have been talking about because Mother and dad sold their house back in PA and we are getting some furniture from there and lots of heirloom dishes and other things that are so important to our family! I will be clearing out old furniture and things I have had for years to make way for the new!

This evening we are having dinner at my parents house with the whole deible family minus Amy and hers(bummer...we miss you Amy!)! I can not wait to see baby jack! Here he is a few weeks ago all geared up for game day! I will post new pics tomorrow of Jay and his cousin Jack!



Here was a blurb from Friday afternoon of baby Jay. He stops in his tracks when she comes on the TV. I like to think he thinks she looks like me. She is gorgeous!

The Response was Overwhelming!

Thank you thank you thank you for talking to me! I love hearing from you and enjoyed your comments!
Okay okay okay....I have been taking some flack from some of my fans that I was self serving by giving directions for how to leave a comment...In my defense, some of my readers needed directions for how to communicate with me. I am so thrilled to hear from each and everyone of you!
Furthermore, I have also opened myself up to some complaining that I am not blogging often enough! Well, you are right...it is very wrong of me to keep you in suspense. In my defense, baby Jay is BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, he is not sleeping well... nor am I!
Ok, let's try and do a quick catch up!
Starting from most recent and working back!
Just got back in from Wal Mart and getting a few missed items from this past weekly trip to the grocery. You know, it is so true that only going once a week saves a lot of money! It was nice going in the later evening as it wasn't so crowded while I got groceries! It was relatively uneventful until I got to check out and dropped a jar of baby food on the floor. have you ever done that? Do you know what it does when it lands? It is much like a bomb when it hits the ground sending baby food flying and shards of glass in every direction. It was really exciting because a huge wad of food landed smack in my crocs! YUM!
Just before dinner we had a severe thunderstorm come through with the makings of tornados inside of it! We were under a tornado warning and Mother called me. Uncle Gordy and Aunt Candy probably loved that afternoon Florida storm. They are enjoying their visit and hanging out with my mother and father.
Speaking of...we dropped off baby's pack n play to my uncle and aunt's house so Heather can use it for baby Jack while they are here. Of course, he had the most awesome mini chocolate bars out while we were there. I had two...yikes. Jay is intolerant of chocolate and may react with some eczema. {Sorry baby!} But it was sooooooooo good!
Normal afternoon of chasing the baby around and pulling him down off of the fire place he had climbed on. He just hasn't gotten his balance yet. It is not a big deal that he climbs it, it is the fact he has no spatial awareness and can fall backwards off it on the hard floor. I have caught him mid air once already. I guess tough love would let him fall. hahahaha
This morning I had a meeting at jayda's school to become a volunteer. I may, but I do not get to interact with Jayda at all. may forego the time away from baby working with other people's children and just have lunch with her at school once in a while.
My mother babysat for me. She did fabulous and ...so did I! I didn't worry for a minute. {This weekend, tentatively I am leaving Jay with Grammy while Michael, Jay and I go fishing!} Jay must be growing up! Either that or I am ready to start cutting the umbilical cord!
Once I arrived back, I had my mother try and snap a head shot of me. I am thrilled to announce I have made a Design Team in the scrapping world! It hasn't been announced publicly yet so I am not giving all the details. Here is the photo I used. I thought it was kind of cool. Mom took it in the "night vision" setting of her camera!
Now you can see my short haircut!


How about this adorable couple! My mother took this of my brother and his wife Stacey while they were in North carolina on their way back to Florida! Adorable huh??? Hi guys! Hope you are doing well!


Ok, back to your regularly scheduled commentary.

Wednesday's farmer/flea circus was a washout! It rained...boohoo!

Tuesday Night baby had FUN FUN FUN in the tub!


Once you enlarge the one below, you will see that Jay often catches himself as he falls with his head. Starting from right to left on the picture. 1st bruise:He rolls across my volleyball and often lands head first. 2nd bruise:He fell head first into one of the bars of the kitchen gate. 3rd bruise:{fading} Into the wall, on a toy, on my knee. This seems to be the spot where he catches most falls. Moving down further on the picture you will see the right side of his mouth. He was about 6 inches from me as I was picking up scraps and throwing them in a small plastic garbage can. He lost his balance hit the side of his mouth and got a cut on the outside, but chawed up the inside of his cheek something fierce.
He never usually cries or cries only a second!

Jayda is busy working on her girl scouts and is building a blog to showcase her badge work. Now how cool is that for a girl scout!?!
Well, I will leave you with a bunch of photos my mother gave me on a disc today from her camera.....
Baby Jay is making a stand with the Elephant party!

Jay's first Tonka truck from Papa!




How we got him to keep a hat on is beyond me...this was in June of 2008!

Well, that's enough!
Blog ya later!

A bicycle built for two!

It was super windy when I was riding and my hair was blowing in my face!
I need to be riding this bike alot more...it's time to get my prebaby body back. But with the trouble I have with Mastitis I am unable to even walk a distance without getting it???? So just know I will let you all know when I am done nursing and can once again be back to being that young hottie I remember so fondly!!! hahaha

Saturday night Aunt Candy and Uncle Gordy had dinner at my mother's house. After dinner, Jay and Aunt Candy were playing "boo" with each other. She would say boo and he would run and giggle. She and I started to carry on a conversation---but Jay was not done! He would run over to her and say "boo" and run away giggling! He did it about 7 times in a row. Cracked us up!
Sunday, he went over to my old cell phone I let him play with and he said, "Hello! Hello! Hello! Hello!"
What??????????{I was floored.}
I tell you he blows me away every day!
He is after all-only 11 months old!
Now, mind you...he speaks when he wants to not on demand!
He is beginning to mock syllables although they may not sound like what I said...but he is repeating the syllables. Good start!
He can sign "all done" and I taught him "more" yesterday. Although, he did it several times while I was feeding him. He had no interest today to do it!
His brain is always working.
Plus, he is turning into a climber. The fireplace is his favorite hurdle!
He buzzes around Mommom's house and knows all the "no no" places. Loves to walk around and around the dining room table!

Mother gave me an early birthday present! Versa Mark ink, cute fish stamps, chalk and her prismacolor colored pencils! Thanks so much mom I love it all!!!
My cousin Amy also sent me some old photos and some scrappy goodies! Thanks Amy!!!

Jayda and I are working on her first girl scout badge! "Rocks Rock"! She needs to study the three types of rocks and do 6 activities that deal with rock collecting and rock knowledge. She loves rocks, so this should be so fun for her! Our goal is to be done by next weeks meeting so she can present her work. (PS for those of you who forget what girl scouts was about...it is more educational than I remember!) They are able to pick and choose the badges they work on! Fun!
Her camp is going to cost 23+15 dollars at the end of October. We discussed her earning the money to go...she asked me this evening if she could scratch my back 8 times a day til camp could she go. I said hmmm, I will think about that! LOL Once is really enough...okay maybe twice!

TUTORIAL: (For my family members!)
There are days I spend over two hours creating this blog and then my mother is the only one that comments or tells me hi! I feel like I am talking to myself half the time...which truthfully this is so I never forget the wonderful things going on in our lives not so much for others...but you all benefit as well! That is if you are truly into reading about the crazy things in our life! I am glad you do and happy you care enough about us to read!
How much more fun for me would it be if you were to reply and tell me how much you liked, hated, were bored out of your brain, or just post your own random comment about what I have to say! Maybe you want to know about something I haven't written...I'd be happy to answer your question.
So your tutorial this evening is HOW TO LEAVE A COMMENT!
It is so easy peasy you will be amazed!!!

Here we go:
1. Put your mouse on the bottom of the post where it says CLICK HERE! and click!
2. It will pop up a window that says "This page contains both secure and insecure items. Do you wish to display..." You can click yes or no. I always click no.
3. On the right side you will see a comment box. Start to type in the box and tell me how amazing I am, or how great I am, or what an amazing mom I am. Ok, type whatever you like! Then sign your name so I know who you are!
4. When you are done, scroll down and it will give you alot of options for you to click in a box. If you are a blogger you will know what to do. If you are not a blogger, click anonymous!
5. Click on "Publish Your Comment".

EASY PEASY!
Thanks for your comments!

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X rated!

Just how precious is this little sleeping guy Sunday night. He is extending out his sleeps a little better at night and goes down about 9 and sleeps well until 3. That's good for us... He never sleeps with out a blankie...he has several...

Monday evening Jayda had her first ever Girl Scout meeting. They gave her a headband in order to keep her from catching her hair on fire as she learned how to light a propane grill. I know a big first time ever lesson! She LOVED it! They are planning a camping trip for the end of October! How much fun does that sound? Me...bugs, snakes, bears, ticks....thanks but no thanks!
Tuesday evening, I undressed the baby and he ran down the hall as fast as he could because he heard the tub running!

Jay loves to ride on daddy's shoulders. However, he usually reaches doen and scratches the heck out of his eyes, nose and ears! In this particular picture, he was bending down and trying to look his dad in the eyes. Tonight, jay was on his shoulders again...except this time he scratched his dad's face real bad and Michael put him down and in a stern voice he told him no!!! Jay burst into tears and came running for me! I told him no too and that he can not scratch his dad. Anytime Mike would look at him again he would start crying again! Why can dad's do that????? Hmmm, they have so much power!

Jay tells us all how all done he is!

I found these things at the flea market this past week! Jumbo cards...no how fun will they be? An OLD scrabble game for the letter pieces....so cool. A huge bag of sequins! A dollar a piece! FUN!
I dumped out all of Jay's toys to sort through them and organize them in three tubs to trade out so he plays with them. he was in hog heaven!
I cut my hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, I was meant to trim it. Somehow I made a mistake and had to cut more...but I love it. Yes, I said I cut my hair and I must say it turned out FABULOUS! It is short short...but I have been wanting a short cut. I sent an email and wrote, I hope you still love me! attached with a picture of me. He wrote back, you are beautiful honey! He never notice the 6 inches I cut off..............We laughed about it afterwards!
Jay and I were on our way to go and have lunch with a dear friend of mine named JoLynn. She and I go way back to 1993! jay was an absolute doll and somehow managed to woo three other tables of admirers. He was quiet and good but looking around at people!

Tonight, Michael brought jay to me this way. He is hinting about Jay's first haircut and I am boycotting til his first birthday...at least!!!
We are gearing up for the VP debate at nine tonight! We are making popcorn!
Tomorrow is the only day of the week I have nothing planned. I thought about having a garage sale, but I think I am going to wait until next week. Mike does not want to do it this weekend.
I believe I am going to go to my parents for coffee. Mother makes great coffee!