Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Update

Gosh, it has been forever since I have just been able to sit down.. and write.

Not that I am a great writer, or even a good writer, but I just love how words flow out of my brain onto a blank page. I type as I would speak.. so this is all me.

What has been going on in our lives?

Well John and I both started new jobs.

John's new job is in Baytown with a surveying company. John seems to really enjoy it and says that the whole company is very Christian based, which is a good environment for him to be in. (For all of us to be in.) But so far, everything is looking good and he comes home smiling every day. The pay increase and the company truck help our pocket books as well.. so I am smiling too!

My job, well... it's less than desirable. Not too great in fact. But a pay increase always helps... always!! I am now working in a less than desirable part of town as a property manager for an apartment complex that was built in the 70's. The previous owners did not take care of anything and when they left, the stripped the buildings of anything and everything possible. It's a nightmare! The units are terrible.. roaches, mold, holes, leaks.. you name it.. we probably have it. We even have homeless people living in some of the buildings on the back side of the property and drug dealers working their stuff on the corners. This is defiantly no Gramercy Park, but the money is worth more than Gramercy, so I am happy.. or at least.. I try to smile. Each day brings a new nightmare.. a new challenge.. You never have the same day twice. A police officer guards the front door and escorts us on property. I have to carry mace with me just to walk to my car. Yes.. less than desirable. Horrible. Someone dropped the princess off in the ghetto. But I and thankful to have a job and I love the company I am with.

Joshua is doing good. He is learning so much. He has been a sick little boy though. Normally at least once a week we have a regurgitating episode. This week though.. has been throw up free.. so far. (knock on wood) We have a new channel called Sprout that he is in love with. They play only educational, preschool shows, which also makes mommy and daddy very happy. He has had an attitude problem though. I mean.. go figure.. he is 2! We fight every morning to get dressed.. we fight every night to take a bath.. and then it takes two hours to actually decide where he wants to sleep. Lately he has been falling asleep on the futon in the guest bedroom and we move him to his toddler bed. But he doesn't last all night in his bed. He is a tall little boy and is outgrowing the toddler bed. It's time to graduate to a twin size. I just ordered his bedding today, and we have been searching around for the perfect bed to go into his room. I am giving it another month or so before we will be redoing his room all together. It's still going to be country/cowboy.. but I have so many plans floating around in my head.

Garfield is doing great. He is annoying us by shedding everywhere. I can't walk out to the car without getting huge fuzzballs all over my pants. Garfield is loving Spring though... beautiful weather for him to play in the backyard and lots of birds to chase after. This is his favorite time of the year.

Fish is alive. After the whole 'Momma dropped fish in the disposal' thing.. I don't change his water anymore. He did live for those who are wondering, we were able to get him out of the disposal with minimal damage. He swam kind of crooked for a while, but he's back to his normal boring self. And we like it that way.

That's pretty much it. We are all looking forward to Summer, the beach, Toy Story 2 on Ice, and our Vacation. How blessed are we!

The Shoplifter

What would you dooooo for a Klodike bar?

Joshua would risk being in jail apparently.

Yes.. my little shoplifter. He stole it.



We were at the Dollar General picking up a few supplies. I allowed him to get two hot wheel cars, which the lady checked out first and put in a bag for Joshua to carry by himself.

While I was checking out the rest of the items, Joshua must of snuck over to the ice cream by the front door and stuff one in his bag, because when I got home.. John found it.

John accused me of buying it and said..."I thought you were suppose to be on a diet." I don't know gave him that idea... besides I say that every Monday, but by the time Wednesday rolls around... I'm eating hamburgers.

I checked the receipt. Nope. We didn't pay for it.

Therefore, the only conclusion I can come to... he stole it.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Seven On Sundays









1. Playing with baby toys.
2. Jenga! Bug style.
3. Sweeping the driveway.
4. The Bunny dropped some eggs.
5. Working boy!
6. The flowers we planted look beautiful.
7. Weird combination of snacks.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Sleepy Boy

Aren't they so sweet when they sleep? I just couldn't resist taking a picture of my sleeping prince.

And yes.. the unattractive trash can was next to him because he was not feeling good that day. Poor baby. My little love is always sick.

The Skating Rink

This Saturday was Hannah's birthday party. She turned the big 8, and we were all there to help her celebrate. She of course had a skating party in the same skating ring that her mother and I always had our parties.

It was such a blast from the past being there. They really had not changed anything except their party room. They use to have it blocked off so that it was a little more private. Also, they no longer have the huge Princess seat to sit on so that everyone can see you opening your presents.

Needless to say, we all had a blast at her party and Joshua was so excited to go skating for the very first time.



Joshua's first time skating. His wheels were very tight and hardly moved. He did not like them, he wanted them to roll more.



Lilly, Mandi, Olivia and Melissa having some fun!



The Birthday girl!



He was so excited to play with the Pow Pow's.



Singing Happy Birthday to the Birthday girl.


We had a blast!! And, even I skated.. yes skated! I only made it around twice because I tried the old school skates and I was too use to roller blading, so I couldn't get the concept of picking up my feet, but it was fun.

Fun day for Hannah.. fun day for the family.. fun day for The Smith's.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Rockstar and The Princess

Joshua was devastated when we left Chick Fil A without his balloon, so in a attempt to prevent a meltdown, I pulled into the parking lot of Dollar Tree and we went inside to pick out a balloon.

Of course, Joshua was too mesmerized by all the other stuff in the store, he forgot about the balloon.

But John didn't...

John went over to the balloon section and picked out one for Joshua...

and one for Mommy...

Joshua loved his blue star.

And Mommy is a princess.

So they fit us perfectly.


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Letter T

For father's day last year, Joshua and I searched and searched for the perfect gift for John. We settled on a titanium cross. John's previous shell necklace had just broken. (Thank the lord, because I feel like teenagers wear shell necklaces and not 30-something year olds) So, I really thought the cross would be thoughtful and have meaning of course, since Christ is present in our lives daily.

Anyways, we were sitting at the dinner table one night, eating dinner. And Joshua looks over at John and asks, "Daddy, why you wear a T on your neck?" John and I looked at each other and tried to keep from laughing. I tried to explain that it was a cross and what it symbolizes, but Joshua insisted it was a 't'.

So Daddy wears a "T" around his neck, and we are very thankful that Joshua goes to such a wonderful school where he is learning so much.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Book of Bella

So, as you may.. or may not.. know, I have a Kindle. My wonderful husband bought me a Kindle for my birthday last year. I think he bought it with the intentions of knowing I would never have time, and I would never actually use the thing. It would sit in my drawer, untouched.

Boy did I fool him. I love my Kindle. I tote it almost every where with me. Can you imagine the size of my purse? I carry a DSLR camera.. a giant calendar book... a sea of little boy things, and a Kindle. My purse is huge! Think.. suitcase size.

Anyway.. I just finished reading my 5th book on the Kindle and it was pretty decent. Here is the description as written by editors.



Editorial Description:
Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban? When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Jayme's Description:
Funny. Cute. Love the fact that it is set in Galveston and I grew up around there. The book was more religious than most romances I have read, but honestly, it was worked in wonderfully, and the religion defiantly does not bother me as we are weekly church attendees. The gist of it is that Bella takes over the family business - traditional weddings. Only Bella decides to give it a twist and incorporate non-traditional ceremonies into her business. Her first client: A rich couple who dream of the ultimate western, boot scootin wedding. In the midst of looking for a Deejay to play at the wedding, she meets DJ, who could possibly be the man of her dreams. Her story is funny, light hearted and her family is hilarious. Without giving too much away. The bird is a hoot! It was not one of the best books I have read, in fact, at time I found it a little boring and dragging on. I believe I kept reading though because it was set in Galveston and I loved all the references to buildings and streets. Would I read the second book? Probably. I want to see what happens next.

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Sandbox

The sandbox was given to Joshua almost a year ago by his Meema and Tetaw. We have refused to put it up for a number of reasons.... mainly John and I did not want to be sweeping, moping and vacuuming every day.

But then, I did it. I went and bought the sand and told John that he is only a little boy once. So, John filled it up. Joshua was smitten and has been since. He loves playing in his sand. He loves dumping his sand out... but most of all.. he loves dragging the sand in the house so that Mommy and Daddy have to sweep the floor 10 times a day.

Pain in the rear... but he is only little once...






Check out the Mountain Lion in the background. That is Garfield.. or as I say... Garf E. Cat.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Seven On Sundays









1. This is the way we brush our teeth.
2. Don't forget the tounge.
3. Queen Slippers.
4. The Bat Cave!!
5. Outside with Daddy.
6. Playing in the sandbox.
7. Feeding the birds.

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Love of A Mower

Joshua loves tractors. Joshua loves cars. Joshua loves trucks. Basically, Joshua loves anything that moves. So it was no big shock when he wanted to mow the "ass" with Papa.

Although not attractive, I made him wear a face mask. He is just like his Mama and has allergies, so it was just extra precaution so that he doesn't get sick. (Or sneeze and pee in his pants at the same time... which I swear I NEVER do! haha)




Then Papa got off so that Daddy could have a turn riding with Joshua. Can I just tell you that John looks so excited in this picture...






Joshua had so much fun, he kept asking to get down... then get back on. The funniest part is that once they were finished mowing the grass, Joshua refused to take the face mask off. He even wanted to go to the store with it, but I forced him to take it off. We didn't need a Michael Jackson look alike loose in the small town of Winnie.

The Trike A Thon

As mentioned previously, Joshua's school had their Trike a Thon today. Neither John nor I was able to be a part of it, but we were very proud of him. He set his goal to raise at least $100 towards St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and he was able to meet that goal. I think he would of surpassed his goal if he had more time.

These are a few snap shots from the parking lot of the school before going in.







They said that Joshua had a blast and loved riding his cycle. In fact, when they made the children put them up, Joshua got so mad that he colored with a green crayon all over the girls bathroom door and spent some time in time out. Thankfully, the green crayon did come off the doors otherwise John and I might have been doing some painting up at the school.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Biter

The report from school today was that Joshua bit 3 kids.

Yes. 3 Kids.

Teachers Version: Joshua bit his friend on the shoulder and it broke the skin and drew blood. The other two times, he was caught in the act.. about to bite, but was corrected and stopped before his teeth hit the skin.

Joshua's Version: I bit Ryan. I bit Ryan because he threw pudding at me. I don't like it when Ryan throws pudding at me, so I bite Ryan. He won't throw pudding at me again. I want to go back to school to tell Ryan I am sorry. (John tells him school is closed for the day.) NOOOOOO!! I want to go back now! I want to go back and tell Ryan I am sorry for biting.


We didn't even bother asking him about the other two...

The Pansy's

Remember the flowers we planted a few months ago?

Look how pretty they are...



They are defiantly not the snap dragons that I wanted, but they are turning out pretty. Now if only we could get the back yard up to par.

The Green Day (St. Patricks)

This St. Patrick's day was pretty much just a normal day for us. I forgot to take pictures of Joshua decked out in his green before school, so I was able to get some snapshots when he got home from school.



Cole came over to play with Joshua, and Cole's mom, Alyson, was trying to teach me some things about my camera, so I was playing with photography. She is a great photographer and takes some really amazing pictures.

Here is my attempt... isn't Cole Adorable?



Joshua was fixing the wheel for Cole.



Not sure what was going on here, but yea.. I was practicing.



Little editing... haha..



I have no idea what he is teaching Cole, but I am sure Joshua is scheming..or maybe pointing to the airplane that was flying above.



Two of the most handsome little boys you will ever see in your life.



Joshua wanted to ride on Cole's baby toy... while Cole was more interested in trying to ride Joshua's big toy. Too funny.



Hope everyone had a Happy Green Day!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Lil' Cowpoke Room

It's almost that time..

The time that every mother dreads..

Yes, it's almost time for a big bed.

It was a sad day when we converted to a toddler bed. I have no idea what I am going to do when we finally finish Joshua's room and put his twin bed up. Cry probably, and eat lots of ice cream.... and stay in sweats for days.... just kidding. It will be OK.

However, I have been thinking about decorating. We are probably going to be sticking with the western theme since everything he already has is western. If you ask him, he wants fire trucks... but mommy and daddy's money tree in the back yard did not make it through our harsh winter, and we have no money left... western it is.

Here are a few rooms I found online that I liked.



I like the idea of the striped wall to the left and the stars.




I know is a Buffalo Gals room.. but Oh My Gosh.. that tepee over the bed is to die for. Love it!




Simple, but cute. Love the Ranch sign!




I so want this room!! The colors are bright and fun. I love it!!




This is the bedding that we will probably be getting him. It's from Jojo designs and can be found at Babies R Us.

I am hoping to come up with some really cool ideas so that Joshua will love it, even if it's not firetrucks.