Happy New Year!

 This week has just been so crazy, I haven't even thought about my new years resolutions!

I honestly cant remember ever following through on a resolution. I seem to always let myself down 

when I make them. 

This past year has brought about so many changes to my life, I have definitely discovered a lot about myself.

I use to think I was a good multitasker, Not anymore!

I use to keep a pretty clean house, Not anymore!

I use to have a TON of free time, Not anymore!

I use to be a little bit thinner, Not anymore!

My Life is no longer mine, My time is manipulated with a handsome little guy, who requires 99.9% 

of my attention! 

This last year has been by far the hardest, most rewarding year of my life, all of the struggle, all the tears and emotions, have all been worth it. My life is so much more now, I know I have a purpose,I now have a permanent job of being a mom!

Jon and I talk all the time about how we cant remember life before Landon. I can't imagine my life any other way! 2010 has taught me so much!

2011 BRING IT!!!!

Lets see what you have in store!!!! Lets see what new and exciting adventures await!

I'm excited that I get to share 2011 with all of you, learning more and making awesome and lasting friendships!

Happy New Year Friends! I hope 2011 brings you Peace and Prosperity!

Love you all!

Christmas

Christmas is a time for celebration!

We had a great Christmas, Lots of celebrations, lots of family and tradition!

Almost all of our family live around us, so Christmas is crazy busy! We have a million

places to visit, which can become a bit overwhelming, but I cant imagine missing a moment with our 

families. Seeing the smile on my grandmothers face when her whole family is together is priceless, and Landon playing with his cousins an making new memories priceless!!

My grand mother (ma-maw) Ashlyn and Landon!

My beautiful sister, mom, dad and me!

Landon showing Grand pa Nile the snowmen!

Just us girls! ( Jon's cousins)

Landon was so much fun, this was the first year we got to play Santa, 

it was just sooo fun putting his gifts out, and filling his little stocking.

We totally forgot the milk and cookies for Santa........

oh well Santa didn't really need the extra calories!

  Landon didn't understand what was going on when he woke up 

Christmas morning, but it was still fun seeing his face when he saw his new toys!

Landon showing me what Santa brought him!

We did get our wish, It was our First white Christmas. It stared snowing around 11 AM 

and it snowed for about 24 hours! It was was beautiful! 

Landon wasn't so sure what to do with all the white stuff, he 

just stood there motionless, wondering what in the world we were doing to him. He looked so 

cute in his snow suit.

MOM get me Please!!

Christmas is such a beautiful day! I just wish it didn't have to come and go so fast! 

My sweet Little man!!!

Unfortunately hanging out with family, you can pass around some pretty

nasty germs. All 3 of us have had the stomach yucks, Landon then Jon, now me.

I HATE the stomach yucks, its been miserable. Thank goodness we are all on the mend, Just

in time for New years!

 

Hey Friends!

Man! I have been away for a few days! Its been crazy busy the last few days, running here and there!!! Guess what???? We got our white Christmas, it was beautiful, the sad part was, my sweet husband got called into work,Christmas night, he works for the DOT. We were both so sad, but the positive was he was out making it safe for everyone's Christmas travels! We were spoiled rotten this Christmas, Lots of toys for Landon, and mom and dad too!! I finally got my Cannon Rebel! I'm sooo excited to learn how to use it! Maybe one day Ill have mad skills like lots of you awesome bloggy friends!! I Just wanted to say hello to every one, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Its so hard to believe that is already came and gone!

Ill be back with more Christmas fun and pictures!!

This was the start of our white or White Christmas!! Jon and Landon!

Merry CHRISTmas friends!!!

Merry Christmas!!

I hope that you all have a WONDERFUL, Warm, HAPPY, Fun, Memorable, Christ filled Christmas!!

I'm excited, to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, spend time with family and enjoy it all with Jon and sweet little Landon!

I hope that you all have the BEST Christmas EVER!!!!

Thank you for your support and friendships!!

I LOVE the Story and tradition Of a Charlie Brown Christmas!

Wanna be my BFF? Well heres some things you should know!

I thought this was a super cool post From Ashley over at Little Miss Momma. Its so neat reading other  blogs and being able to relate and learn about each other!

Jon and I met when we were 12, started dating when we were 15!
 
My favorite color changes daily !!!  

I Love the beach, or anything beach related!

Family is Super Important to me!

I Love to grocery shop, and only I am allowed to put the grocery's away!

I am addicted to Diet Mt Dew and Diet Coke.

I hate shaving my legs, Thank Goodness for Winter, I can go weeks without shaving!

I have yet to learn how to use/put on makeup properly!

I want 2 more baby boys!

I love Fast Food, I know that its awful for you BUT...........

I CAN NOT Spell, and my grammar is awful!

I try really hard to be optimistic about everything!

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

I secretly want to be a star in a musical, I love them. I would never have the courage to be in one, and I'm not really a good singer!! LOL!!

I am NOT a good cook!!!

I am Madly, deeply, head over heels in love with my son!

I HATE to be alone. 

I Love to ZUMBA!!

I love rainy days and thunderstorms, Just as much as I love sunny days!

BRING ON THE SNOW!!

I hate when Jon whistles along with the radio.

I cant stand to be around negative people

I work with cancer patients, It has changed my view on life drastically.
I hate when people are mad at me, or  I think people are mad at me, I let it eat away at me, I let it consume me.

Blogging and my new friends have became an obsession!

I want to learn to take pretty pictures!! (Im getting a new camera for Christmas!!)

I think I could, go on and on, I guess Ill save more for a part 2 post!! So will you be my BFF?

Only only 3 more days till Christmas!!



Blah!

Ive got the Monday Blah's!!
Ive had it all day, Its been one of those days, were you just cant shake it!!
OK I'm getting over it right now!!!

4 days until Christmas!!! 4 Days!!!!
I'm pretty excited! Last Christmas Landon was tiny, he was 1 month old. It was definitely a memorable Christmas, but this year he will be able to tear open presents, he will be able to run around and do all kinds of cute mischievous stuff.  Tonight  he threw one of his Christmas presents at me. he found it in my to be wrapped pile. UHHO!!!

Landon Christmas 2009!!

Everyday he just amazes me with something new, something that I didn't know he can do. I love watching him learn and explore! This Christmas is going to be sooooo much fun. YIKES I better get to wrapping. Times running out!!

Here's to a Blah-less Tuesday!

Not My Day!

Today....... I had it all planed out in my head! I was going to be so productive, I was sooo excited!! I even had my plans as my facebook status for the whole world to see!!

Christmas Movies!
Warping Christmas presents!
Baking Christmas cookies!
Hanging out with the Super Cool Little Landon!

Well Let me share with you how the day actually went!

• The day started out great, got to sleep in an hour later then usual.
• Jon had Landon feed and dressed, when I got up!
• Craved a sausage gravy biscuit, didn't get it!!! (Things just go down hill from here) LOL!
• Jon has to leave to go and help his brother, with his house he is renovating. (definitely wont get much done, with just me and the little guy)
• Get started hanging up some clothes in my bed room. Landon is playing nicely ,  I walk down the hall and notice a huge wet spot right in the middle of the hallway. Landon is walking through it and dragging his blanket! GUESS WHAT its dog pee!!!!!!!!!!!! YUCK!!!!! Now I have to clean up dog pee and change Landon's clothes! 
• Lunch time.... Veggie soup, mom and baby end up wearing it! Outfit #2 of the day!
• The house brother-in law bought is across the street. Landon and I went for a quick visit after lunch. I ended up bringing my niece Adyson back with me, poor little thing gets bored while they work. I thought this will be good, she can play with Landon while I get a little work done! Not really how it happened, I end up cleaning up mess after mess. I did mange to get a little house work done!
• Diaper Change, Landon wont stay still for me, he rolls over gets up, walks into the middle of the living room and pees in the floor, turns around and looks at me and laughs. I admit I laughed too. Just another mess to clean up.
• No afternoon nap! He just cried and cried!
• Daddy gets home around 6. Hes so sweet and feeds Landon dinner, so I can fix tacos for our dinner.    Jon asks me " Heather has Landon pooped today?" yeah earlier why? "hes just straining really hard" Landon starts crying,  Jon gets him up from his booster chair. POOP everywhere, biggest blow out we have had to date.woohooo stinky!!! It was all over his chair all over him and his clothes. Bath time!!  
• Time for little man to go to bed. I decided that I going to try and bake and decorate sugar cookies, mind you these cookies are not from scratch, an all I had to do is add butter and and egg. Some how some way, I ruin the cookies. They just don't taste right! I'm so sad. I was so ready for those cookies!

Yikes what a day!! Things most definitely could have been worse, but I am worn out!! I did get lots of quality time with Landon!  I guess Ill just try it all again tomorrow!!

Fill In the Blank Friday!

Want to Join fill in the blank Friday???  Link up Lauren!  Fun Fun!!

1. Giving is.....  When it comes to gift giving its always been hard for me, I tend to over think , its just not a natural talent of mine. I do love it when I think I have found the perfect gift and makes some one smile. This year I am especially excited about giving gifts to Landon, its going to be so fun with him!

2. Receiving is....... Great, I love receiving gifts especially when they are unexpected. I'm kinda like a kid when it comes to receiving gifts, its just so fun!!!

3. The best gift I ever received was......  My sweet baby boy for sure!!! But when it come to material things, ill have to say, NKOTB concert tickets,they were a Christmas gift from Santa! My best friend got them too. I was sooooooo excited!!!

4. The best gift I ever gave was........ For Jon's 25th birthday, I planed this trip to Atlanta for him to see the braves play, he was clueless. I kept it a secret for so long. That was the first trip we ever took alone, we had such a great time.

5. Something intangible  that I wish I could receive........  Self confidence, Its just something that I have never had. I just worry to much about what someone will think. I think I'm getting better, but I would love to just be confident and not worry so much, just relax and enjoy!!!

6. Something intangible I wish I could give....  Laughter, there are just tooooooo many people who go through life with a frown, living life so seriously.

7. One gift I always wanted  as a child but never got..... HA-HA Teddy Rupskin, I wanted one so bad. Now that I look back he was kinda creepy, I also wanted a cricket doll, she talked to you and read to you!

Happy Friday Friends!!!
I hope you all have a great weekend!

Looking Back!

On the way to dinner Saturday night,  Jon brought up some tough, make me think questions. He asked what have you accomplished in the last 10 years, do you think you lived out your twenties, are you happy with were you are today?

Oh my!? Have I ? My initial answer was no. I don't have any major college degrees, I don't live in a huge house, we are FAR from financially stable. What have I done to make difference in this world? I thought NO. I wanted so much more for my life.

BUT wait...................... I was thinking all wrong, I have sooooo much to be thankful for and sooooooooooo much has happened in the last 10 years of my  life. Some really amazing things, and some sad life changing things. God has blessed us in so many ways. This was the reality check I needed, Yeap life has been pretty good!

The Last ten years

• I survived Y2K. I didn't stock pile cans or bury money in the back yard!
• I got engaged to the man of my dreams! <3
• I watched as terrorist tried to break The United states on 9/11, I remember that day like it was yesterday.
• Hit the BIG milestone known as 21! PARTY!!!
• I graduated college!
• I survived the scare that was known as SARS, and the swine flu! OINK, OINK!!
• I watch countless hours on T.V of the war in Iraq (war on terror)
• I Got my first non student  job!
• I bought a condo!
• I married the man of my dreams! <3
• We bought our first house together!
• Went On a trip to Cancun Mexico! FUN TIMES!!!
• Watched as fellow Americans lost there homes, families and there lives, to a hurricane named Katrina.
• Watched gas price soar to 4 dollars a gallon. (REALLY?)
• Became an aunt to 2 beautiful girls.
• Lost one of my best friends, My Grandfather, after watching him fight for 45 long days.
• Rededicated my life to God!
• Reunited with old friends! now our best friends
• Found a church home!
• Celebrated 5 years of marriage! <3
• Went on a Eastern Caribbean cruise.
• The economy took a plunge that we are still working our way out off.
• Found out that I was going to be a mommy, only to find out days later that God had bigger plans for that precious angel.
• America elected its first African America president!
• Became a mommy to a perfect baby boy! Love at first sight!
• Watched as the BP oil spill unfolded .
• Turned 30!!!

Whew........... looking back, the last 10 years have been quite a ride. My twenties were a time of growth and transition. Knowing  now that God has already written my story, gives me hope that life can only get better. I'm ready for the ups and downs, I'm ready to grow stronger in my faith, I'm ready to grow with my husband and son. I'm so glad Jon asked me, Yes I am happy with were I am. I'm were I'm supposed to be.

P.S. Its going to snow tonight!!!!!!! Crossing my fingers that its 10 ft deep and I can stay home and play with Landon all day!!!!

Hello 30's What an Awesome weekend!!

Hello 30's an welcome to my pretty awesome, some times complicated ,  most of the time optimistic, roller coaster ride of a life!!!

I'm so ready for you!

What a great weekend, It was pretty close to perfect! This weekend I celebrated my 30th birthday! I'm a pretty simple girl  really, It  doesn't take much to make me happy (a hug, a good song on the radio, snow) My sweet husband worked hard and succeed, in making this weekend special just for me!

Friday we started our Christmas shopping, just the three of us, we went to dinner and shopped till poor little Landon could barely keep his head up, He was  good  and was so well behaved! Saturday we woke up early got ready and out the door, for more Christmas shopping and to go meet Santa Claus! Our Santa experience went really well. We got in line behind some friends who have a little girl who is 2 weeks older the Landon, they played and we talked, which made the line go by much faster! Landon wasn't a huge fan of Santa, but we still manged to get a pretty good picture of his first introduction to that big hairy man!!!  I started thinking while we were in line, this has got to be pretty scary to a little kid, being thrown in the arms of a  complete stranger with all of this white stuff growing from his face, and a bright red suit. Mom, Dad what are you doing to me!?! You know it has to scare them to pieces!  I was so excited that we got all of our Christmas shopping done, and it was rather stress free!!! I'm not real sure what got into Landon, but again he was so good, and so sweet. He sat in his stroller , and  smiled at everyone who said hello. He made me so proud!

Picture of a picture, sorry for the poor quality!

Saturday night my birthday festivities began. Jon had decided that we were long over due for a much needed date night, he had arranged for my parents to watch Landon while we had a  night out! On our way to dinner Jon and I had such great conversation, I later learned he was trying to distract me from paying attention to were we were going. We ended up at one of my favorite restaurant The Melting Pot, Its a fondue restaurant, its a bit pricey and time consuming, but sooooooo Yummy and sooo much fun! Jon and invited  3 other couples to celebrate with us. It was such a great surprise! He did such a wonderful job keeping it a secret, although I have to admit I knew something was up, Jon's not the best liar in the world, or I just know him to well!!! Both probably!! He was such a stinker! It was nice knowing that my baby was in good hands and I was spending the evening with 7 of my favorite people!!!

Sunday (my Birthday)Jon had been hard at work again! He had planned for My whole family and our best friends to meet for lunch at our local Mexican restaurant!  YUMMMMMMM!! It was great having everyone I loved in one place! I LOVED IT!!!  Later We had a yummy home cooked meal at Jon's moms, with a  strawberry  birthday cake for dessert! I probably, well..... I know for a fact that I gained 3 pounds this weekend, from all the cake and goodies. And as if I couldn't get any better it started to snow last night as we headed home, It was the perfect ending to a beautiful weekend!

I have totally decided I'm going to own this whole 30 thing! I'm pretty excited to see what the next 10 years have in store!!!!

Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend!!! I'm soo glad its finally Friday!!!!!

Laundry NEVER ENDING!!

I feel like the minute I get it caught up, everything folded and put away (BIG Sigh). I turn around and theres 6 more loads to wash!!! REALLY!!!!!!  I know that this is life, its never going to end, But I hate doing it, it overwhelms me!

When my in-laws stayed with us over the thanksgiving holiday, while I was at work slaving away. My sweet mother in-law was here at my house slaving away at my piles and piles of laundry. For the first time since Landon was born it was all caught up and put away!! yay!! It felt soooo good to walk past the washer and dryer (they are in our basement) and see nothing, no piles and nothing waiting to be put away!  I am forever thankful for her doing that.

But now we are back to 6,000,000 piles one in the bed room, one in the bath room, Landon's room, blah blah blah! I HATE it!!!

This isn't my basket of  laundry , but you  get the point!!!

While I was putting away Landon's clothes tonight. I decided that his little closet needed to be cleaned out. It was so sad putting away his out grown clothes, some that I bought before he was even born. My little guy is growing up so fast.I sometimes wish I could just freeze him, freeze time and live it all in slow motion so we can all be sure we are enjoying every moment.

Its finally Friday!
3 More days! well 2 really!!!

4 Days!

4 more days!!! Only 4 more till I turn 30! The Husband asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I said hummmm....... I'm not sure you make a plan! Mistake??? I guess we shall see!! Happy Wednesday! Is it me or has this week been incredibly looooong!?

O' Christmas Tree

I know Ive said it, but this is my favorite time of the year, so much to celebrate, so much fun to be had! I LOVE It! Its such a happy time, with a few exceptions....... waiting till the last minute like I have to do your Christmas shopping, having to push your way through crowds of Grinches , stressing over what the perfect gift should be, That's the stuff I could do without! Bring on the Christmas music, Christmas trees, family gatherings and the TRUE reason we celebrate Christmas the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. I will constantly remind Landon of the true meaning of Christmas.




I Found this super cool Blog Hop Show me your tree, you link up and get to hop around and look at beautiful Christmas trees and meet new friends! fun!

Our tree, half of the bottom is undecorated, because of tiny little hands!

 

Landon Update: Hes doing much better! He slept last night, was still a bit fussy today, but believe we are on the road to recovery! I am soooooooo thankful! Thanks everyone for the well wishes!!

Sick little guy!

We've been pretty lucky this first year of Landons life, he hasn't really been sick, we have a a few colds, but nothing that he couldn't shake in a day or two.  That was until Friday, he started running a fever after his afternoon nap. I assumed that the fever was coming from his 1 year immunizations that he had on Monday. Nope I was wrong, poor guy has double ear infections and a cold.

Its absolutely heart breaking to see my little guy in pain, not being able to get comfortable asleep or awake. We have had 2 sleepless nights so far, Saturday night Jon and I took shifts, I took the first and at 3:30 am Jon took over. Poor Landon would just wake up screaming, and  inconsolable crying, I'm guessing its the pain from the ear infections. The only thing that seems to calm him down is one of us holding him and sleeping near him. Jon had sick duty last night, Its my turn tonight.

Its crazy how sleep doesn't matter when it comes to Landon, I could and would stay up all night, if it meant that he could sleep comfortably.  My heart just aches knowing that hes hurting. I'm hoping for a peaceful night for him. Lesson learned just don't assume, this was one of those times were an instruction manual would have really helped out, and saved a lot of time!!

It snowed this weekend!!!!! Its always so exciting when we get snow here in North Carolina. We get snow, just no that often. It started around 12:00 pm Saturday and ended around 6 pm. We got about 3 inches! Its was soo pretty, Landon, Jon and I popped in a CD of our favorite Christmas music, and sang and decorated the Christmas tree. I loved it!!! There is just something about snow, its so peaceful, Its almost as if everything stops for a bit, people stop and nature is still. The world seems so clam, Its just beautiful!! I Love snow, especially when its the Christmas season. I cant remember ever having a white Christmas. Maybe this year!!!
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!

Our Back Yard!

Blogging!

Blogging has been so scary for me. I really didn't even know what a blog was until a friend introduced me to this really cool mommy blog. I was in awww... of her and so inspired. This started an obsession of blog surfing. I loved finding new reads and hated the feeling of jealousy. Most mommy blogs seem to have it altogether, I guess KEY word is seems!!! I became a blog stalker, hiding behind my little silhouette  picture. Several times I thought I had the nerve to start my own, even creating one and chickening out.

WHY am I so sacred? Ive always been the kinda of girl who cared what people thought about me, afraid of saying the wrong thing, even wearing the wrong thing, as I've gotten older, Ive became a little less insecure and once Landon joined our little world a little less. Crazy I know , Its a habit I'm working on breaking!

I'm not the best writer and Lord knows that I was NEVER the spelling bee champ, I seem to love run on sentence, and exclamation points are my best friend!!! I just really wanted away to chronicle my life as a wife, mother,daughter and friend. What better way then blogging?? I can do this, I have nothing to lose and soo many new friends to gain!!

So far this as been pretty fun! I love having new followers and finding new blogs to follow. But just as my warring says this blog is far from perfect, I'm improving an all my new readers are giving me encouragement to continue. WOOHOOOO this is exciting!!!!  Thanks everyone!!!!

Count Down to 30!

Its official I'm almost 30! Were have the last 29 years gone. Growing up Momma always said time fly's!! Really why did it have to go by so fast, especially this last year. 30 seems so grown up to me, so mature! One thing I have leaned while working with cancer patients is  that age is just a number, your outlook and life determines how old you feel. That makes me 20 forever!!! You never know whats around the corner, Cant wait to see what the BIG 3-0 brings me!!! Watch out 30 I'm on my way!

11 More days!!!

A party for Landon!

Landon in his ball Pit!

We celebrated all 365 days of Landon's life on Saturday! We had most of our closest friends and family over for what we southerns call a chicken stew and weenie roast! This was our first attempt at making chicken stew and by the reviews we did pretty good, or either everyone was being really nice!

Jon and his stew!

I was so overwhelmed the entire weekend. Landon was only turning 1, and would never remember this day, I still wanted it to be as perfect as it could be. We really didn't have a theme, but choose to use balls and bright primary colors. Most of the food was in the shape of balls, we had cake balls, cheese balls, gum balls and cereal balls!! It turned out really cute!! Jon and I spent all day Friday cooking chickens and de-boning chickens for the stew, man that was really hard work!!! Saturday was spent cleaning the house and the yard and decorating for the big bash! Jon and I weren't really sure how many people were coming, We were counting on 35-40 people. I guess we miss counted our total number was 50 plus! YIKES!! I was a little scared that we wouldn't have enough food! Thank goodness we did!

 

Party time was at 4:00 pm, Landon had taken his morning nap, but I guess with all the excitement he decided that an afternoon nap wouldn't be needed! People started arriving around 3:30, I wasn't ready, we still had decorations to put up and stew to make! With the help of great friends and family by the time the bulk of the guests arrived we were ready to party!!!

Landon was a happy little guy for the most part, he played and let everyone hold him, he also ate and ate and ate, he loved the chicken stew. We had intended for the whole party to be outside, but it got really cold so we all packed in to our tiny little house, to watch Landon open presents and devour his little cake! At present time Landon decided that he wanted throw a little fit, he didn't want to open bags and boxes,  he wanted to play outside. Several of his older cousin and friends came to his rescue, and they started opening the  presents for him, once he saw what was in the boxes, he decided he wanted to open as well!  He got so many great things, more then I expected. After all the gifts were opened it was time for the cake! We had practiced singing Happy Birthday to him weeks before so he wouldn't be scared when lots of people were looking at him singing. It worked, he just laughed and smiled. He devoured almost half of his cake, and didn't put up a fight when I decided that he had, had enough. It was so sweet and so much fun to watch!

I'm soo thankful that we got to celebrate Landon's life with so many great people. God has truly blessed our little family.

Weekend in review !! (a short review)

I Love LOOOOOONG weekends!!  This one in particular has been great! We Got to spend time with both mine and Jon's family, we celebrated Thanksgiving and all 365 days of Landon's life! Can't get much better then that! Landon was so much fun on Thanksgiving, that little guy can eat, he sat in a big boy chair, and ate and ate and ate. I'm not kidding he ate longer then anyone else, there were 15 of us all together. He gets it from his momma! I love food!!! We threw Landon's 1st birthday Saturday, that was a blast! We had most of our family and many of our closest friends over for a chicken stew and hot dog roast. Jon and I were so overwhelmed Friday and Saturday, but in the end it was a success!!! I cant wait to give you guys  the details and share all the pictures! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and great weekends!!!!  I sooooo don't wont to go back to work in the morning, someone go for me please!!!

Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving!

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house, everyone is excited, its almost time to stuff our mouths!

All the dishes are cooked and ready to eat, but we have to wait till turkey day to eat theses special treats!

Its time to settle down and rest our sleepy heads, We are all so excited about what lays ahead!

We have so much to be thankful for we have nothing to dread. Its a day to count your blessings,  and look to our futures ahead!

Its time for turkey and potatoes, Green bean casserole and corn, time for pumpkin and pecan pie, food galore.

Its a day to spend time with the families we love, watch a little football, and parades, and thank God for all the the things we love!!!!

Ok so this didn't quite go the way I wanted but you get the point!! I'm so excited about Thanksgiving, Its such a great day. Landon was 3 days old last Thanksgiving he slept most of the day and so did Jon and I. This year we will get to introduce him to new foods and start new traditions!!! We really do have sooooooo much to be Thankful for and  we realize that now more then ever. It really is some Kind of wonderful!!

I hope that each and everyone of you have the best Thanksgiving ever.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Landons 1st Year In Pictures!

 

I can't believe how fast a year goes by! I can't believe how much he has changed!

Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Landon! A Birth story!

Once Upon a Time.......................


One year ago today to be exact. Life changed, my heart grew 1,000,000,000 times bigger, emotions that I didn't know even existed came over me!! It was by far the best day Of mine and Jon's life!!!

At 4:00 am the alarm clock went off, I honestly don't think neither Jon or I slept a wink that night, the excitement was too much. We popped right  out of bed!!! We were Hours away from meeting our baby boy!!! We gathered our bags and off we went!!! It seems we were the only ones on the road, the whole city was  still asleep, expect for the people we loved who were joining us at the hospital! (My parents, Jon's parents, Christina and Anthony and Jon's grandmother) We checked in with 10 minutes to spare, I was so nervous and so excited.

My labor had to be induced, I had what was called polyhydramnios, which meant that I had to much amniotic fluid. I had twice the amount of amniotic fluid then the norm. I called it Landon's Olympic sized swimming pool. I believe he used every square inch of it, he was a wiggly, kicking little booger, he definitely let me know he was boss!! I didn't really realize just how big I was until looking at myself in pictures!  I was HUGE YIKES!!!!! Landon's Heart had to be monitored  twice a week the last few weeks of the pregnancy, just to be sure there were no heart issues with all the pressure from the extra fluid. Thank Goodness little man was just fine. Just a little .........well a lot of discomfort for me, but worth every minute.

November 22nd the night before! I told you I was huge!

I was brought back and settled in and the Pitocin was started. It all happened so fast!!! The labor process had begun, I couldn't believe that we were finally going to meet Landon. I had great nurses, they eased my fears and made me feel right at home. My room was some what of a party for the majority of the morning, My Best friend Christina had our flip and interviewed every visitor, She asked them what time they thought Landon would be born, his weight was going to be and asked them to give Landon a spacial message! She also took pictures of everything, I mean everything the clock, the parking lot, everything!!what great memories she recorded for us!


My contractions started about an hour after I was given the Pitocin. The pain was tolerable for awhile. The nurses checked on me about every our or so and told me to let them know when the pain got unbearable.   My thoughts for the longest time were, I have nothing to compare this pain to,  I'm not sure how much worse it can get.  I tried to be tuff for as long as I could! It was all so slow go at first, I was only dilated 2 cm when I got to the hospital,  At noon I was 5 cm,  that is when they decide it was time to break my water, that was a crazy feeling, I was literally able to watch my belly deflate, because of all the extra fluid.. After my water was broken the pain got a bit worse,  I decide that I wasn't going to be a tuff girl any more, it was time for the epidural. I remember the feeling of the medicine going down my spin, and a few minutes later I was feeling no pain. WOOOHOOOO  I got this!!!! Time seemed to fly but I  progressed so slowly.  Until..... 8:30 PM I was at 8 cm and at 9:00 it was time to push, Landon was ready to make his appearance. With my sweet Husband by my side!

Jon was absolutely amazing during the whole labor process, He was my knight in shining armor! He remained so clam and so level headed. He sat by my side the entire time,He made sure I was comfortable, he made sure I was taken care of. He dealt with me and my emotional roller coaster, an if for a second he thought that something wasn't right with me, he had the nurse in the room! He was perfect, he was so excited he was going to be a dad!!

I started pushing at 9 pm, Jon on one side and the nurse on the other, the fun began. I can remember every single minute of this last phase of birth. I had been given my last shot of the epidural only minutes before I began pushing, So I could only feel pressure and relied on Jon and the nurse to tell when I was in the peak of the contraction. The only thing I could feel was my face, I thought from all the pushing my face was going to explode! I did do a really funny thing right in the middle of all of this crazy action, I actually feel asleep in between contractions, I remember hearing, is she snoring? I quickly woke up, WHAT snoring??? No way, I couldn't have just fallen asleep during labor, I guess I did and gave everyone a great laugh! I was so exhausted form the day that I was begging to feel like I wasn't going to be able to do it, pushing was getting so hard. I started to pray in between contractions, God please let this be the last, please God let this baby be perfect! 16 hours and 42 minutes.

Landon Cole finally showed his perfect face at 9:42 PM. Dear God, thank you so much for this perfect baby boy! He was a Wooping 9 pounds .2 oz and was 21.75 inches long. Life changed Instantly!

That was 1 year ago. 1 year ago, God gave us the most prefect gift ever! I cant believe how fast this year has flown by. Landon has brought us so much joy, so much love, and so many laughs. I Cant believe he is 1 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Landon Cole!! Your dad and I love you more then words can express!!!

BUSY BUSY weekend and WILD Target adventure!

Last night Jon's dad and step mom came into town, kicking off a  crazy busy string of events! I just  love this time of year, I get a bit overwhelmed, but its so much fun. I anticipate this year being the best yet, last year Landon was only days old for the holidays, We were new parents and soo nervous!! Now we are 3 days away from his first birthday November 23rd. I'm soo looking forward to the excitement Landon will bring this year.

We are planning a eventful first birthday for the little guy!!Tuesday is his birthday, but we are having his party Saturday. We have invited our closest friends and family to a chicken stew and hot dog roast. We chose to use bright primary colors and balls, and polka dots for his theme. Most of the food will be in the shape of balls! I really hope that the party turns out like it looks in my head!! Unfortunately I saw on the news that the temperature is going to drop Friday and into the weekend, OH NO!!! It will have  to be an indoor out door party!! Tuesday we will have a little mini celebration.

Landon and I had a busy day, we visited my parents who just got back from their first cruise. I was so happy that they got to go relax and just get away. They don't do stuff for themselves often. I loved listening to them about their trip and seeing their pictures. They seemed so  refreshed. My niece Ashlyn was also at my parents  house so needless to say  Landon and Ashlyn played and played! Ashlyn liked pretending that Landon was her little boy, let me inform you that Ashlyn is 3 and Landon is almost as tall as her, she would try to pick him up and carry him around and for some reason felt that she needed to wash his feet. It was too cute and funny! I wish I had pictures!

We also made a little trip to Target today, I'm not real sure what I was thinking trying to attempt this venture on my own. The purpose of our trip was to get Landon a new car seat. THANK GOODNESS we ended up running into our BFFs (Christina, Anthony, and little Kai), there is no way I could have done it with out them. First Landon decided that he didn't want to sit in the buggy but stand in it, So I ended up carrying him and pushing the cart. I eventually put him in the buggy with Kai they played so sweet together. Picking out a car seat was pretty serious business, Anthony helped me tons, he read the descriptions and helped me with the price comparisons. Thanks Ant! We finally picked out a great car seat and wouldn't you know it, but the big ole box wouldn't fit in the buggy, again Anthony to the rescue, he carried that big ole thing around for the rest of our Target trip. We also ran into my mother-in-law on our trip, She had my other sweet niece Addyson.  When Landon saw Addy he  kicked and wiggled his way out of my arms, and off he went, Addy and Landon ran up and down the isles, laughing and having a great time.  I don't wont to know what the other shoppers were thinking of me, but you try wrestling a wild alligator!  I'm so thankful for awesome friends and family! Couldn't have made that trip with out them!!! Landon and I both came home an zonked out, man that little adventure wore us out! Daddy didn't get to come on this little adventure with us, he was helping his brother, buy building materials for their new house!

Hey man, this is my buggy!!

Looking forward to tomorrow, Family reunion with Jon's side of the family, get to see lots of people, some who have never met Landon!! Should be lots of fun!

Hooray For Christmas Cards and Shutterfly!

Each year Jon and I have these great intentions to send Christmas cards, every year time sneaks up on us and BOOM!!! Its to late, we get so mad at ourselves!!! This year that is NOT going to happen!!!! We have little Landon to show off now, who wouldn't want to see his cute little face on a Card!!! (maybe I'm a little biased)

Shutterfly has the BEST selection of Christmas cards, so many fun and traditional cards to choose from. It took me forever to choose a favorite,they are all so great. Jon fell asleep helping me pick one out, sorry honey it has to be perfect!  This year it is sooo going to happen. This is our first year as a family of 3, we have so much to look forward too!!! 

Here's a Link to the awesome Christmas card selection. Have fun selecting a favorite, man it was hard!
Christmas photo cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards


Ive got to get to ordering these things, times running out, Christmas will be here before you know it!
Thank you Shutterfly for the AWESOME selection of Christmas cards! I'm so excited to get mine!

I just can't get enough SLEEP!!!

Today my brain has been a jumbled mess. I bet it cause I'm running on empty! Landon has had some awful nights lately. Its as if we are reverting back to the early months. We were doing good for so long, an BAM back to waking up 2 to 3 times a night. Last night was awful, he woke up at least 5 times, the first time it took me FOREVER to clam him down, he was almost inconsolable, I held him as tight as I could till he finally took a deep breath and drifted off to sleep. The second time, laying him back down didn't work, again it took me rocking him and holding him tight. Poor guy it broke my heart. Finally by the fifth time, saying a prayer for his comfort, loving him and holding him tight, he went to sleep and stayed asleep till I had to wake him up this morning. I could have thrown the alarm clock out the window this morning. I HATE that sound, I cant think of a more awful sound,  then a loud annoying alarm clock. UGHHHHH!!!!

We haven't changed Landon schedule, or his diet. I'm not sure why the little fellow isn't sleeping as well. Maybe a growth spurt? I sure hope tonight's better. I'm ready either way! Good Night!!!

I know Im awful!

I know to be a consistent blogger I need to post more often, But I'm sooo tired!!! Had great night tonight!!! With Awesome Family and friends!!! Im worn out!!GOOD NIGHT!!!

Happy Friday! A little bit about me!

I love Fridays!! I sit at work and count down the hours till 5:00, It seems to drag bye at 4:55 Im out!! Woohooo!!! I get to spend 2 days with my sweet little family and friends! I hope everyone has a great weekend!!! I'm doing a little blog hopping today!! TGIF!

Sleep I hear you!!!!

Sleep I hear you calling my name, I'm coming I promise!!! Man I'm so sleepy. I haven't had a good nights sleep in a few days, the last few nights have been really rough, Landon has woken up 3 or 4 times. What the heck is going on, we are reverting back to the early days! Hes in bed early tonight. I better take advantage. OK sleep ready or not here I come! Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!!! Bye!

Landon Cole

My plan is to take every letter of Mr. Landon's name and describe something about him, something that I love, or a characteristic of him. It will either be in the form of a letter to him or a story about him or just a simple paragraph.  I will try and do this  every day until I have spelled his whole name! I may skip a few days here and there to write something else that may comes to mind,  but there are many days that I just sit here at this computer clueless about what to write. I'm still trying to find my niche in this blogging world. I figured that if  I ever draw a blank, I can simply write about a subject that I'm quickly becoming an expert on!!! All things Landon!

L~A~N~D~O~N   C~O~L~E


L~Love

Landon,
 It Goes with out saying that the minute  you came into our lives we were changed forever. You have brought about so much joy, and LOVE. LOVE that I never knew existed, and never felt so strong. Before you I never knew my heart could hold so much LOVE, Its a wonderful feeling. In the short time you have been in our world, you have taught your dad and I so much about LOVE. I LOVE to watch your dads eyes light up when you are around. I LOVE to watch him play with you and teach you new things. I think that you have even taught your dad and I to LOVE each other even more. 

I know you LOVE me back just by the way you smile at me when you wake up in the morning , and the way you wrap your arms around my legs when you want to be held. I can feel the LOVE when you bury your little head in my neck when you are scared, or when you are sleepy. My heart just wants to explode with this LOVE. Landon you have truly brought a whole new meaning to this simple little word LOVE. I thank God every day for you, I just cant get enough.

I Love you a Trillion,
                        Mom

P.S. I forgot the most important part,  I LOVE being your mom!

Im Thankful for..........

I cant believe that Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away, Last Thanksgiving Landon was 2 days old, I remember I was so tired mentally and physically and sooo sleep deprived. Jon and I were determined that we were going to spend thanksgiving with our families! We did manage  to take advantage of  having a lot of family around. I gave my sweet ,tiny little man to my sister, and escaped for a few hours to get some peaceful much needed,  uninterrupted sleep.

My sweet beautiful grandmother and 2 day old Landon Thanksgiving 2009

Growing up Thanksgiving was and still is a really big deal, I have so many vivid memories of Thanksgiving, many include my grandfather, my hero. He was my family's rock, he was so proud of each and everyone of us. He made it know that we were each his favorite, in some way. I was always his favorite grand daughter named Heather. I can hear him telling  me that now, he would pretend he was telling me this major secret that I had never heard before , and every time I acted as if it was the first time I had ever heard it! As long as his family was together he was happy, that's all he ever wanted. One tradition that has continued over the years is  that before eating, we all sit down and tell what we were most thankful for. The last few years before my grandfather died, knowing that it could be his last Thanksgiving, I was always most thankful that God had given me one more year with him, my best friend. It blows my mind that its been 4 years since I last heard him tell me I was his favorite Heather!

What I would give for one more day with that man. How I wish that Landon could have met the man, who created this family. The man who taught us that nothing in the world is more important then family. The man, who taught me that giving up isn't an option and to shoot for the stars. I know that my grand father would be proud of me today. I now get to pass these values to Landon. Landon will know his great grandfather, he will know him  through stories and pictures , he will know how great and passionate he was about his family!

This year I am most Thankful that I was able to walk beside such a brilliant, loving man, and that I  have been given the opportunity  to teach my beautiful son a love that is indestructible.

Productive weekend!!!

Despite a 11 1/2 month old running ramped through the house, Jon and I finally got some major over due cleaning done this weekend! I will have to admit that it has been a long time since our house has had a good deep,  hands and knees cleaning! Don't get me wrong we clean our house, but really haven't been able to do the hands and knees kind since Landon has been around.When he was smaller we would worry about waking him up or we were just to tired ourselves to clean, as he got older just walking out of the room would make cry, as he became more mobile we would find him with his hand in the toilet or him stuck in an awkward position. I was really worried that we wouldn't  be able to this weekend, but we did and actually had fun! We literally locked ourselves in for the weekend, and cleaned and cleaned!

Landon's sweet attempt to help with the laundry!

Landon was a little cleaning machine. We would throw away trash and he would take it  out, we would fold clothes and put them away and he would take them right back out. I would dust with the little  duster,  and the minute I would sit it down he would grab it and run! We had such a good time laughing with him. I LOVE having a clean house, I seem to be more calm, and relaxed when my house is clean.

I guess the part that I loved most about this weekend, was that I got to spend every second with my 2 favorite men in the world. I'm so sad the weekend is over. :(

Birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas!!! OH MY!!!

So November the 1st  kicked off a GIANT season of craziness for my little family!!! I cant help but get a little stressed out just thinking about it!!! Not Only is my sweet son turning 1, Ill soon be 30, gosh I'm not real sure I'm ready for 30. So here we go in chronological order. November 5th Brother in laws birthday, November 10th Sister in laws birthday, November 23rd Landons first birthday, which I'm in the process of planning and getting together now! November 25th Thanksgiving, December 12th my BIG 30, December 25th Christmas! Man we have a lot to do, but I cant wait. This is my favorite time of the year! Family and friends all around, lots of yummy food,  Christmas music, pretty lights and beautiful decorations! It cant get any better!

Im Just so excited and ready for all of these wonderful milestones and holidays! Tis the season!!!

Look at my Little shark, He wanted to attack everything that got in his way. I think that this little costume made him feel like he was indestructible.We had so much fun Trick or Treating with him, we felt like kids again!

Emotionally Drained!

What a looong day, Im soooo thankful its Friday, Two long days with my 2 favorite people!!! Yay the weekend is finally here!!!!

I just had a wonderful phone conversation with my beautiful cousin. She is a single mom, working hard to make the perfect life for her and her sweet little girl ! Tonight we talked about her struggles, we talked about  how unworthy she feels of love, how she thinks that no one will want to be with her,because she has a child, because in past relationships she has been called fat,ugly and worthless, I cant imagine her pain. I assured her that she is a beautiful person inside and out, and that God has a purpose for her life, and that eventually it will all be revealed and will all make perfect sense! I pray that she meets her prince!

In our conversation she pointed out something that I have been taking for granted for a long, long time, I told  her that tommrow night, Jon and I have been invited to have dinner with all of his supervisors from work. I was telling her how nervous I am about meeting these new people. She said " Heather why? Jon will be there with you, you wont be alone, she said you are never alone, you have the man of your dreams, hes always there for you no matter what, he loves you! She said If I had that I would never complain, I would never be nervous". I had to clear the lump in my throat before I could talk. Shes right I have been with Jon for 13 years, thats almost half my life. We have been together for so long, that I have taken him for granted. He is always there for me, he does love me unconditionally , and I am NEVER alone. God has given me the man of my dreams. I am a lucky girl. She gave me a lot to think about. Thank you I needed that! The man of my dreams needs to know how thankful I am to have him, and how much I love him.

Happy Friday!!

Yeap!! I should definetly be a SAHM!!!

I got to play SAHM today, I LOVED it. I'm pretty sure that I should be doing it everyday.  Even if I still got up at 5:30 am, and Landon didn't take a good nap till after 3, and there were tornado warnings all afternoon!!! It was so worth it and so much fun!  The day started off with a yummy breakfast of oatmeal and fruit, which both of us ended up wearing on our PJ's. Next we had a visit from our best friends Christina and Kai. Christina and I have been best friends since the 1st grade, that means we have been friends for 23 years! (Really?? Wow.... thats a long time!!) Christina and her husband Anthony adopted the most handsome little boy named Malachi  in April, he so sweet and so full of him self. Landon and Kai have been given no choice but to be friends, we have labeled them FBFF! (forced best friends forever) The boys played and played,had a mini photo shoot, and then off we went for a little shopping and lunch! Ill have to say I was more then wore out by the end of the day. Its def not easy chasing and man handling an 11 month old who doesn't just know how to walk but run!!! I loved every minute of it!

 Cool Kai

All Landon wanted to do, was love him and hug him!

I do realize that God has plans for me and right now being a SAHM, isn't one of them. I can be ok with that. I trust that what ever path God is leading me down its the right one for both Landon and I. Today was great. I sooooo look forward to our next day off together!!!
 

MAN!! THAT WAS HARD!!!!

OK!! I think Im finally getting the hang of this, It took me forever but I think I finally got my blog the way I want it!!! But who knows, Ill probably change my mind!!! LOL!!!!

Time!

I'm not really sure I ever understood how valuable time is, until Landon came along. Were does the time go, is the day already over?? Everyone knows that it goes by 10 times as fast when your having fun! Well Jon and I must be having the time of our lives right now! A year ago we were putting the final touches on a nursery, packing my hospital bag, and making sure everything was just right for Landon when he finally arrived. I can remember the first few weeks of Landon's life, I would sit and hold him and cry because he was one day older, and that also meant I was one day closer to going back to work. (YUCK) I dreaded going back to work, I prayed and prayed that something would happen that would allow me to stay home with my sweet little boy. Unfortunately  that didn't happen.10 weeks came and went in the blink of an eye.

I'm away from him for 9 hours a day 5 days a week, to me that seems like an eternity. I look forward to 5 pm everyday, that means just a few more mins till I get to see his sweet face!! Having a child puts a whole new perspective on time! Ive learned that you have to enjoy every second you get.  Iv learned  to sing, dance,  laugh and play just a little more,because  these are the moments, the seconds that you will never get back. Ive learned that pictures are priceless, and that they are the only way you can stop a moment in time!!  I never Imagined that such a small little boy could teach me so much about the value of time!