Christmas 2008

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, as I know myself and my family did!

Aslynn wasn't sure what to think about her first Christmas

"aw Mom, these puzzles are cool!
"

zonkered out on Christmas!

Pretty girl on Christmas!

hmm what the hell am I opening?....

.....a BLUE KITCHEN-AID MIXER!

Dr's appointment...

for Aslynn went wonderfully. I just love her Pediatrician more and more with each visit.

For comparison purposes....

at birth:

6lbs 3 oz
19 1/2 inches long

6 months:

15lbs 3oz(30th percentile)
27 inches long(90th percentile)
42cm head circum(95th percentile)



We've started on actual baby food as well. So far we've ventured into sweet potatoes, sweet peas and applesauce. She eats off of a spoon so well. She's starting to teeth, slobbering like a Saint Bernard. She rolls all the time, constantly exploring and taking in new things. She's attempting to crawl also!

Shes growing up so fast :(

Happy 6 months Princess!

The day you were born

One of my favorite pictures of you

Sitting so big in your Bebe pod

Another one of my favorites...your facial expression and hair :)

It's so hard to believe that you have been here for 6 months. Soon it will be your first Christmas, my how these 6 months have flown.

I love you more and more each day little girl and I honestly don't know what my life would be like if you weren't a part of it.

Ten on Thursday

1. Despite my wish of getting a birthday card from dad this year, I was disappointed. I really wasn't for the simple fact that I knew I would be holding my breath on even getting one. Oh well.
2. Saturday kicks off the Holiday week for me. Saturday we have Brad's parents Christmas party, Sunday we have Christmas with Brad's paternal step-grandmother and family and then me and the kids will head to Dad's for the gathering at his house. Thursday of course is Christmas and we will be starting the day at our house with the kids, then trekking over to Brad's parent's to open gifts, then we will venture to Brad's Aunt's house for Christmas with his mom's whole family. Think we are done??? NOPE. Then of course we will venture back to Decatur to spend the evening with NiNi and Craig and hopefully Auntie Jo.
3. Speaking of dad....haha. Long story short, Dad became a married man yet again back sometime in September and they also went out and purchased 20 or 30 acres of land out in B-F-E. Can we say "grandma J money"??
4. I've officially been a working woman for a month now and honestly I love my job. I work every Saturday and its wonderful, a little slow now and then but I love it.
5. Monica has a surprise for me tomorrow when I get to work and I've been dying to know what it is since yesterday. I'll post what it was I'm sure this weekend.
6. Aslynn is eating off of a spoon like a pro!! I can't believe she will be 6 months old soon. AND she is trying to crawl. Where did my baby go?
7. We took the kids to see Santa tonight and well, my normally laid back, loves everyone son decided he wanted to scream bloody murder the moment he sat on Santa's lap. Aslynn just looked at him like he was silly. He calmed down once the Jolly Ol Fat man gave him a candy cane. Atta boy!
8. Our sweet little kitten has successfully broken 3 tree ornaments and unwrapped all but one present under the tree....Atleast she hasn't knocked it over yet....
9. The kid's Christmas presents from Grandma Garner were stolen from us the other day. The delivery man dropped it off at the house while no one was home and someone came to visit our neighbor and saw the box there and took it. Thankfully another person with this person was wonderful enough to bring them back once he saw that there was Christmas presents for children involved. We have pressed charges and are just waiting now. I'm thankful that they were brought back to us.
10. I am so stoked about my mixer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    

A Prayer Request

If you have a minute please say a quick prayer for a sweet little girl named Kayleigh.

Her story has touched my heart and she needs all of our help to continue to be a little miracle. It also touches my heart because her and Aslynn were born on the same day and yet they are so different because she was born at 23 weeks gestation. She's fought a long battle and if the Lord says its her time, so be it, but yet I want her to make it through this.

Ten on Thursday

1. I am officially one year older. Monica bought me a chocolate sheet cake and it was much needed and loved!
   
2. My bestest buddy Amelia came down from Knoxville to see me for my birthday. She's currently staying with us for a few days and I love it! I haven't seen her since August and before that it was last year.
   
3. Amelia brought me Jimmy Johns for my birthday!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!! OMG you just don't even know the love that I have for those sandwiches! mmm they are so entirely yummy and good. The closest JJ is in Franklin, TN or there is one in Birmingham. mm Jimmy Johns. They satisfied any midnight craving while I was in college...they were right down the road from my dorm and better yet, they delievered until 3 am!
4. I still have a plethora of pictures to upload but am still lacking my camera cable, ugh.
5. The countdown to Christmas is finally up and going!!! WOOHOO!
6. I can't wait until Lauren has little baby Rory! It's getting close!
7. I got the kids Christmas shopping done the other day and I'm honestly excited about this one toy that I bought Aslynn.
8. I'm having a hard time coming up with 10 things so I think that I'll just stop here!
   

Lost

That's where my cable for my camera seems to have taken off too. I've got tons of pictures to upload and yet I can't because I can't find it. We'll blame the toddler. :)

And of course, I have three other cables just the same as this one for my Nikon but alas none work. I also have a SD card USB reader where you just stick the card into this thing and then stick it in the USB slot but alas I have WAAAAY to many pictures on the card to allow that to function properly.

Ugh. I'll find it later when I'm not looking for it.

Crazy 8's

8 TV Shows That I Love To Watch
1. Ace of Cakes
2. Food Network Challenge
3. Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee
4. The Secret Life of The American Teenager
5. Army Wives
6. Gray's Anatomy
7. Dinners, Drive-Ins and Dines(I watch way too much Food Network ;))
8. How Clean is Your House?



8 Favorite Fast/Sit Restaurants
1. Big Ed's Pizza
2. Olive Garden
3. Red Robin
4. Tokyo
5. Lisa's Cafe
6. Taco Bell
7. Fried Tomato
8. Five Guys Burgers and Fries



8 Things That Happened Yesterday
1. I got violated by my OB
2. Brayden peed in the potty!
3. Worked on my cookbook
4. Read my blogs
5. Saw NiNi
6. Watched Brayden never get off his motorcycle
7. Woke up at the buttcrack of dawn
8. Did laundry



8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
1. The kids getting pictures done
2. Christmas
3. My new key chain wallet :)
4. Brad and I's first date night since well before Aslynn was born
5. All the milestones the kids are reaching!
6. Strangely enough, working on Friday
7. Turkey Day
8. My Future!



8 Things On My Wish List
1. A new, bigger car
2. A new Vera Bradley key chain wallet
3. New Pots and Pans
4. A House
5. A KitchenAid Mixer
6. Snow this winter
7. A Birthday Card from my dad
8. Happiness

Ten on Tuesday

1. I started working at Monica's employer this past Thursday and I'm excited to say that after only two days of training I was released on my own on Saturday to brave the masses. It was great. I admit I was in tears and scared on the way in on Thursday but within a few hours I was better. It was hard to leave my babies. I hadn't worked away from Brayden in his entire life, same with Aslynn.
2. Just because I'm slightly weird but WOOHOO we passed the 4 month mark and I AM NOT PREGNANT! Sorry about that. Just a little excited, cantcha tell?
3. Both of my babies have been battling a cold. Its one thing to hear Brayden cough but poor Aslynn hers is just pitiful.
4. Thursday the kids are going to have their Christmas/6month(somewhat)/18month(again somewhat) pictures taken. I'm excited. After literally a few weeks of planning and picking out the right outfit and the perfect dress we have decided! Now lets just hope the kids cooperate.
5. I went to the Dr last week for my annual and I am happy to report that I am down my 35 lbs of baby PLUS some. Woohoo for me! Don't ask me what I did...oh wait its called not having money.
6. It's been 5 months since my dad has seen the kids. For Brayden it was on his birthday on the 7th of June...for Aslynn it was on her birthday on the 23rd of June. I have mixed emotions about that. It angers me for my children that they don't have him in their lives. It confuses me as to why he allows that to happen. I'm just thankful that they have NiNi and Craig and Nana Jo.
7. I'm really getting in the mood to bake. I've got plans to make homemade cinnamon rolls and raspberry pinwheel cookies for everyone for Christmas. Who knows what else will roll into that as well. And also take into account that I have never EVER made homemand cinnamon rolls(I'll try atleast once before giving them away, promise) and well the only cookies I've made are the butter cookies, sugar cookies and regular chocolate chip cookies. Call me Martha.
8. I just realized yesterday that I didn't have to manually put in the numbers or dots to make a list. WOOHOO!
9. Oh and also channeling Martha, I've been making bows. Nothing major just yet but I think I may try and venture out into a bigger bow to match Aslynns picture dress....
10. Brayden and NiNi need a spendanight. Minus the closet :)
    

Butter Cookies

So I tried my hand at channeling Betty Crocker the other day and I have to say that I am pleased with the results. Brayden, my butter cookie eating fool, didn't seem to mind them so obviously I did something right :) Here's the recipe that I used...

Butter Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tsp vanilla (I used a little more)

• In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and then stir in the vanilla.
• Combine the flour and salt. Stir into the sugar mixture.
• Cover and chill for one hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and press dough onto cookie sheets.
• Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden(it can also vary by the size of your cookie)

And Viola!

Hey NiNi do the plates look familiar?

My new theme song

Big and Chunky - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - video powered by Metacafe

Growing up quickly

Just a few short weeks ago I found myself blogging about how I can't believe that Aslynn was 4 months old. Now I catch myself saying that about her being 5 months old soon.

Now, not only is she growing in size but shes eating solid foods! Just this past Saturday we started her on cereal. Where did my little baby go?

I know she still has many things left to do to "grow up" but I can't help it. I want her to stay little forever.

Or atleast thats how I feel right now

4 month check up

We took Aslynn to meet her new Pediatrician today and have her 4 month well baby check-up. I love her new Ped. They are all wonderful people on the office and they are so friendly. They even play with the kids! How could you not. I'm hoping to get Brayden into her office as well.


Aslynn at 4 months:

13lbs 4 oz(50th%)
25 inches long(75th%)


just to compare...

Brayden at 4 months

16lbs 4oz
26 inches long


While she is dainty in weight compared to her brother, she will be talk just like him. Brad's sister is tall as well as his mom so I somewhat figured she would be but me and Monica were hoping that she would be on the shorter side of life like us :)

Oh well...here's to hoping!

Halloween 2008

As Brayden sits here devouring a entire small bag of M&M's I figured I'd blog about his second Halloween and Aslynn's first...and yes I even took her out trick or treating :)

He had such a blast last night. I got to experience my first "Trunk or Treat" last night and those are honestly the best thing to do now a days.

He was such a fierce little lion. By the end of the night he no longer wanted to walk so he chose to ride in the stroller with Aslynn, but his face still lit up each time

And Alsynn....she was the sweetest little puppy dog around. She sacked out at Trunk or Treat #2 and slept for 20 minutes and then she was ready to go on some more.

She wasn't really too sure about her costume at times she hated it and at times since it kept her so nice and toasty on that frigid night she liked it. I don't think she necessarily thought that it tasted too yummy though.

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!

One year difference

The above picture was taken October 14th, 2007

This picture was taken round about October 14th, 2008

Lyon Farms

So about a week ago we loaded up the kiddos and made the trek to Taft, Tn to Lyon Family Farms. We figured that since everyone goes to Tate Farms we would try a different pumpkin patch and I'm glad that we did. It's a fairly new pumpkin patch so it doesn't have all of the glitz and glam that Tate Farms has. It's really down to earth.

Of course there was the slides, the tire swings, the corn wagon, the corn maze, petting zoo and of course the pumpkin patch.

Brayden had a field day. He loved, loved, loved going down the slides. At first he wasn't too sure about the whole corn wagon thing but he eventually warmed up to it.

He successfully led all 4 of us through the corn maze. It took a little longer with a 16 month old leading the way but hey thats all in the fun of letting him do it :)

He was amazed to no end with the animals. He ran up to this sheep and just gave him a hug, scared the sheep half to death but other than that. He even fed them himself. Gosh, he is growing up so much on me.

Then it came time for the pumpkin picking.


We loaded up into the hayride, minus Aslynn's wheels for the day, and off we went through the bumpiest field I've ever been through, haha. Aslynn zonked out during the ride and thats how she spent the time we were in the patch.

As soon as Brayden got off the ride, off he went, and of course he picked his own pumpkin. And he then proceeded to pick sisters, which is really actually cool looking. And since he was having so much fun we let him pick our pumpkin as well.

My boy has good taste and high hopes let me tell you.

By the time we left we were all ready to crash and eat. Brayden of course had to try and help push the wagon out to the car and needless to say he didn't get very far in it and prefered to ride.

holy 4 months Batman

How can it be that my little Aslynn is 4 months old already??

I honestly feel as though I just gave birth to her and not in the physical ailment kind of feeling either. I feel as though she should still be in her preemie clothes and diapers, not trying to roll over or laughing or smiling. Just laying there like a log.



Oh dear.

My sweet little girl. Your Aunt NiNi prayed hard that you would be delicate and dainty and you are just that. You can't weigh more than 12 lbs and you still fit in most 0-3 month clothes.

Your eyes are this beautiful shade of blue that just light up with life when you laugh and smile.

I could stare into you eyes forever, they draw people in.

Your hair, what was once this dark brown has faded into this beautiful light brown that sometimes has a red glow to it. It's getting long, especially in the back, I joke you have a mullet. You are getting those same whisps of hair that Brayden had that told us his hair would have curls.

You laugh now, its the sweetest, most angelic thing that I have ever heard.
Not even Brayden's laugh sounded like this.
You talk endlessly in your bed when you wake up in the mornings. You don't cry bloody murder. You are attempting to roll over. You can flip on your side with the greatest ease, its just that last little umph that you haven't gotten yet.

Your sweet little feet and those little rolls on your thighs are my two favorite things about you. I have a feeling those feet will get you into trouble one day because just for the mere seconds that you stand with my support your eyes double in size with excitement.

Are you going to terrorize your brother or is it going to be vice versa?

Are you going to skip this whole learning one word at a time and come at me with full sentences?



I still cannot believe that already 4 months have passed since we welcomed you with open arms into this world. If everyone thought I freaked out about being pregnant with your brother they were wrong. Finding out I was pregnant with you while your brother was only 6 months old landed me on the floor. I doubted myself as a mother of one, but adding another into the equation I REALLY doubted myself. I've surprised myself.

I love you little girl and promise me you won't grow up to quickly.....

Brayden

Oh son....


What can I say about you besides how over the past 16 months you have changed my world.

You were a huge surprise when we found out that we were pregnant almost two years ago and I didn't know what to think or how I could do this whole new thing called parenting.

I doubted myself from the start but each time I look into those gigantic blue eyes I know that I did something right and still am.

Each milestone passed and you achieved it.

You walked a week before your birthday, stumbled more so really. Now you run around with such excitement.

You babble to no end with only certain phrases like " What's up" being audible.


You constantly go, even in your sleep where you end up on the complete opposite side of the crib from where you were placed.

You've taught me patience and given me the ability to calm my own fears.

I questioned your ability to be a big brother at just a year old. You proved me wrong. You are the best big brother to Aslynn.

I smile every time you make her laugh, hug her and give her sugars. You rarely steal her bottle but instead to try and feed her or give her her pacifier.

My new baby

I broke down on Friday and purchased a double stroller.

I did so because I realized that there was no way in hell that I could manage both kids by myself in public without one.

So I got a great deal on a Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller. They regularly retail around $250.00 and I've lusted after once since I found out I was pregnant but ultimately we couldn't afford it at the time so I moved on and found another but I never bought it.

I found this one at Baby Depot for $190.00. I was geeked!

So I bought it.

Then came the fun part.

Until we are in a better financial spot to purchase a van I'm driving my family around in my 2000 Mustang. Now this car has been my baby from the day Daddy got it for me back in '01. So I'll hate to see it go but if you see all 4 of us in that its rather funny.


Well I was determined that it would fit in the trunk in the box. Well it didn't. So out of the box it comes and it fits.

I get it home put it together while Aslynn sleeps and Brayden tests out his new ride. Then I decide to see if I can get it in the trunk. NOPE.

Not with the wheels on atleast.

So If we are driving around in the Mustang and want to use the stroller we have to put the wheels on each time we get it out. A slight hassel but in the end I sure do love this stroller.

Turns on a dime and its not heavy to push at all. Brad can even comfortably push it...all 6'5" of him! With our other strollers we've got he would have to hunch down a little to be comfortable but not this bad boy!


I LOVE MY STROLLER!

Ah the saga continues

So because I have nothing better to blog about I'll continue to talk about Brad's sister.


Well Friday she ended up having to go to the hospital because her Ulcerative Colitis flared up due to being preggo and oh shes just ya know a big fat pansy. I won't go into that whole pansy-ness just yet. That is another blog.

WELL..new Alabama state law that if you are pregnant and end up in the hospital for ANYTHING they blood test you.


MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Sorry

She tested positive for Weed and probably other things but she left those out.

So ultimately the nurse had to call DHR on her. Well last year her hubby called DHR on her because he didn't want his daughter with her when she smoked. So this is the second time DHR has been called on her.

So of course they had to check and make sure her daughter was somewhere safe and ok and talk to her and everything. She's with Brads mom during all of this and she is LIVID. Perfect!


Well, ultimately this just ends up being another damn slap on the wrist for her because all she has to do is have it tested every time she goes to her OB and when she goes in for her C-section. And then only if she tests positive at her c-section then will they take the baby.

Now if you know Brad's sister like we do then you know that shes going to get away with it. She always does, always has.

But the kicker is that she SHOULD be on probation. That violated her probation.

See about 4 months ago she was arrested TWICE in 3 weeks for possession of marijuana. So who knows what the pathological liar left out about all of that.


OH and the baby now has a name since its so a girl and I hope it pops out a boy.

Harleigh Jewel H.

Bitter? Petty? Selfish?

Yes,Yes, and Yes.

I'll admit those three things before I even so start into this rant.


Brad's sister is not roughly 5 months pregnant. While I was excited she was the situation soon turned into feeling pitty for the child she is pregnant with along with her 4 year old.

Shes almost 28 and doesn't need one child yet alone two. To this day she still smokes cigaretts AND weed AND AGAIN SHES 5 MONTHS PREGNANT.

She lives with Brad's momma. And has since she left her husband. Oh yea..shes still married and pregnant by another man. Who is a whopping whole 6 months older than me. I'm 22 almost 23.

She has a college degree but refuses to work in that field and has decided that waiting tables at two restaurants is better.

She can't even afford to get her own place yet alone keep up her car payment.

And her baby daddy..

Well, he's a cook at one of the said restaurants where she works..

They've been together roughly since maybe April.

He's got a son he never sees who is Brayden's age.

Didn't graduate high school.

Used to be a coke dealer.

Oh yea and hes got no where to live and isn't allowed to live with Brad's sister in her parents house so where does he sleep at night? Outside of Brad's parent's house in her car.



Yea so why am I bitter, petty and selfish?

Shes having a girl. Her second and none deserving of. I'm pissed because this little girl who deserves so much better..will ultimately trump my two children in the love that Brad's mom gives them.

She showers Brad's niece will more gifts than I've ever gotten in my life while my children just get a few things. She feels bad because "she has no father" UM YEA SHE DOES...HE LIVES IN HUNTSVILLE AND IS DOING RATHER WELL FOR HIMSELF DESPITE STILL BEING MARRIED TO BRADS SISTER.

I prayed so hard for it to be a boy simply because she doesn't want a boy.

SHES STILL BLOODY MARRIED! She doesn't want to do better for her children obviously by working these jobs and not using her degree which her parents help pay for.

Now I'm all for state assistance because without WIC we would have been broke with Brayden and now we have it for Aslynn as well as Medicaid for her as backup insurance.

But don't flipping abuse it. Milking more foodstamp money out only to have them find out...hahah.

And yet my deserving sister can't manage to get pregnant but this heifer can with no regrets.

Happy 3 months little girl!

Honestly were has the time gone since Aslynn was born?? I still can't believe that shes here after months of moaning and groaning because I honestly didn't think that my belly could get any bigger than it already was.

Miss me?

So for the past week I've been MIA in blogger-world. I've been babysitting a 9 year old. Brads parents went out of town early Wednesday morning leaving Max behind because of school. So that supposed left Brad's 28 year old sister who is living there in charge of Max....bwahahahahahahahaha RIGHT.

I have seen her a total of maybe 2 hours since Wed. So that leaves Brad and I and our two kids over at Toni's watching Max until Leslie leisurely decides to come home from work with her baby daddy v2. Which ultimately means that Brayden doesn't go to bed until about 1030 or 11. Which is an hour or two after his normal bedtime. Might I add that I had to be there when Max got off the school bus around 315...right in the MIDDLE of Braydens nap. So ultimately he's only been sleeping an hour at Toni's compared to the 3-4 he usually does. Aslynn hasn't been affected by this at all thankfully.

Oh and I have to be over there by 4 this evening so she can "go to work" hmmm last I knew she didn't have to work tonight...hmm.

It wouldn't irritate me much if she hadn't taken the money that Toni left for us to feed Max with and ran. Yup so with what little money we dont have we've had to buy food to cook at their house because there is never anything to make a complete meal in that house.

End Rant.

Poop?

Never in my almost 23 years of existence did I imagine that I would wake up in the morning to not only my son jabbering away but to find him diaperless and to be covered in poop. Thats what I woke up to this morning. He proceeded to take off his pants and diaper and THEN poop on his bed. How do I know that he didn't do it in his diaper after he pooped in it? Well for the simple fact that it looked like there was this massive explosion on just one spot of his sheet. Both his crib and him were covered. Ugh, blech.

Ten on Tuesday

1) It's been almost 3 months since I've seen dad. It doesn't seem like it but its been that long because Aslynn is almost 3 months old.

2) Ahh Aslynn is almost 3 months old. Seriously where has the time gone? I'd like to say that I've adjusted to having 2 under 2 but that would be a lie. I really haven't gotten a smooth routine down except for while Brayden naps.

3) I'm in the market for a spare pack n play for when Brayden sleeps somewhere else other than here. Yesterday we moved Aslynn into the one we had because she was just getting too long to stay comfy in the bassinett. If you know of one let me know, I'm keeping a watchful eye on Craigslist in hopes that I'll find a good deal.

4) I'm ready to cut some wires on my neighbors stereo. Seriously if its loud enough that I can hear it in my bedroom which is two rooms from their living room then its too loud. Hell my pictures rattle on my wall. I had to yet again today to go tell them to please turn it down...good grief it was hell enough getting Aslynn to sleep at that point.

5) B.B. King is coming to town on the 21st and I really want to go. Brad wants to go as well but we don't know if it will be financially wise to do so but on the other hand we havent really been out just the two of us in God knows how long. We are still talking about it.

6) Momma has joined the world of Facebook and she is addicted to the Apps on there that its too cute.

7) Brayden is working on 4 teeth, two of which are his top molars. So when these 4 bad boys come in he will have 6 on the top and 2 on the bottom. Poor kid I hope it isn't 6 months before the next one comes in.

8) Brayden said "stop" yesterday when I was picking on him...hmm too bad for him I didn't.

9) Next week I am going to order his halloween costume. He is going to be a dragon and it is the cutest little outfit. I still have no idea on what to dress Aslynn as. Last year Brayden went as a little devil. hmm...I'm sure I will come up with something that will suit her in all her princess glory.

10) I'm itching to cook again. Like cook cook. Don't ask...lol.

Les Rizieres

I've decided that on Wednesdays of each week I'm going to blog about a favorite place I've been or stayed and hope and dream to one day go back. Today I've chosen a hotel by the name of Les Rizieres. It's located in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, Provence France. Its absolutely beautiful and serene. Its located just south of Arles and Nimes and the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct.

I went there in 2000 when I went with a bunch of classmates and teachers from middle school. There are only 27 rooms and they are all close by on one level. It is hard to put into words how beautiful this place is. By looking online I have found that they have since remodeled all the rooms and everything.

Great American Seafood Cook off!

Coming up in November is the Great American Seafood Cook off in New Orleans and I'm really excited. I am a serious seafood lover. During the cook off 5 chefs will create their masterpiece for a slew of judges only to have one chosen. You should really head over to www.greatamericanseafoodcookoff.com website and pick your favorite recipe out of the five.

My personal fav. out of them is Louisiana native Chef Brian Landry's Shrimp and Andouille Cassoulet. Now I am no culinary great by any means but to me the mix of shrimp, andouille sausage and beer are a great combo. I mean c'mon beer in a top notch recipe, I'm still getting a kick out of that. Not only does that appeal to me but the use of spices. Now I am a serious spice user, no doubt about it. I love love love them!

My dream place to live would be Massachusetts. I would love to be able to wake up early in the morning and go pick out fresh fish and seafood. To me it just tastes so much better and I think it would be easier to cook with then what you buy at the store that might sit there for a few days. As strange as this may sound I dream about the day that I can get a fresh salmon or trout and filet it.

What can I say, I'm a girl not only obsessed with cooking but seafood. I'd cook with it everyday if I could :)

All of my faithful readers that you are you need to hop on over to the Great American Seafood Cook off website and pick your favorite recipe out of the five and vote in the cook off!

I love this picture

This picture just makes me smile. I wish I had one of Brayden like this when he was that little.

Ten on Tuesday

1) Why is it that when men get sick its like they are dying?? Brad is sick and I just want to tunk him on the head for acting the way he is...oh well the ogre is asleep right now during MY nap time.

2) Speaking of Brad being home he is now on 3rd shift which completely ruined my little schedule I had. ugh. Hence why I'm not napping. Now I have to cook two meals for him? Uhh no fix it your own self.

3) I'm a little bitter about the whole 3rd shift thing. I preferred it when he was on 2nds because I could enjoy time by myself during the day.

4) I'm exhausted. Luckily Aslynn has started sleeping atleast from 11/12ish-5ish. Kudos girlfriend. Brad is no help what so ever for the most part even after asking him and snide remarks under my breath. Nothing new but hell I thought maybe this whole 3rd shift thing would work in my favor...bawahahaha I was smoking crack obviously.

5) Brayden can now when he wants to give kisses and snuggles and says "Dood it" for I believe "I did it"

Ya know what.. I'm too tired mentally to type 5 more things so 5 will just have to do.

My big little petite girl

Aslynn had her first real well baby check-up today and also got her first round of vaccinations.

Shes growing beautifully and everything looks good.

She weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 12oz (25th%) and measured 22.5 inches long(50th%).

So she is my big little petite girl.

Rip Van Winkle 0 - Aslynn Grace 3

Over the past 72 hours I have been able to ring in a whopping total of 9 hours of sleep.

This morning for example...Aslynn woke up at 5 after having woken up at 12:30 and 4. When did she proceed to finally decide to drift heavily away into dream land? oh 8:30. And just as I laid my head down on my pillow, which I knew I shouldn't have even done in the first place, Brayden decides hes had enough of playing quietly in his crib and he wants out.

You may be thinking that that isn't too bad....well let me add in the times and numbers.

3 was the number of hours she cried last night until 9:30 when she finally found her way to dream land.

10 was the minutes that I was able to shave my legs and shower.

She was also up at 10:30 falling back asleep at 11:30.

Now on a normal given day Brad would so graciously wake up with Brayden and let me get in just a few more winks. Oh but hell hasn't quite frozen over again. Nope not today.

So I'm back to the daily grind yet again with some serious baggage.

And just where is Brad......asleep in the bed.

Tagged

Monica has tagged me to do this meme!
I must reveal six unspectacular quirks about myself and challenge other bloggers to do the same.

The rules are:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules.
3. Tell six unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag six bloggers by linking.
5. Leave a comment for each blogger.

1) Kitchen appliances and designs get me all excited. Inner chef in me I guess :)

2) I have a fear of needles yet I have 3 tattoos.

3) If I'm not eating but someone else around me is I will either go to another room or turn the TV up so I can't hear them chew.

4) I used to be all artsy-fartsy. I was in the Art Guild in middle school and I loved to draw. I used to be good at it.

5) I wash my pillowcases every two days.

6) I could spend hours in Books a Million or Barnes and Noble just reading books. I love to read and wish I had more time.

So I am tagging:

Mia-A day in the life of Aria Faith

Antigone-Antigone Lost

Breanna-The Smith Family

Anelys-Life with my Flowers

Lauren-The Abby Adventures

Holli-Living Without Brenna

Must be nice

Honestly it must be nice to only have a 8 hour job. You get to leave and get a break from your job. You come home only to go right to bed and to sleep until 11am, causing your toddler and newborn to remain silent. Heaven forbid if a noise is made.

Dont get me wrong I am in no way knocking being a mommy. I love my job but just like with any job you need a break. I don't get that break. I never did when it was just Brayden. Sorry, yes I did and that was when Monica would have Brayden over for a spendanight.

While you have an 8 hour manual labor job I have a 24 hour manual labor job. I am Mommy. I tend to their every beck and call, every tear, every diaper-wet or dirty. I am lucky if there is a silent 10 minutes between the hours of 8am-8am to shower and shave my legs.

Give me a f'ing break. Don't moan and groan to me about needing more sleep..HELLO I am up every two hours feeding our daughter while you take a trip into la la land.


Must be nice.

Celebrating the life of those with Alzheimer's

My grandmother who passed away earlier this year suffered from Alzheimer's. She would have turned 90 in September. No one really knew the extent of her case until the moment she fell and broke her hip and had to have surgery and then stay in a Rehabilitation Home. They classified it as Sundowner's Syndrome. All that means is that her Alzheimer's mainly affected her at night or in the early hours of the morning. When my Aunt stayed with her she said her bad nights were horrible and her good nights were only so bad.

Social Spark has teamed up with the Alzheimer's Association this year in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk.

All around the United States this fall walks will be conducted to help raise awareness for this disease and raised money to hopefully one day find a cure. And to also honor the memory of the lives claimed by it.

A typical walk is anywhere from 2-3 miles so its not that far of a distance. And with atleast 600 communities holding walks I am sure that there is one near you.



You too can make a difference by setting up a team of walkers in your neighborhood. Go ahead and do something good. Walk for your neighbor, your own family member, a church member.

Ten on Tuesday

1) Momma left yesterday to go back "home". As hard as it is I'm trying not to dwell on it too much simply because when Momma left last year after Brayden was born, that was when my PPD hit big time. I had been fine up until then. It just sucks that she has to leave us.

2) Brad's first night back to work was last night and that was an adventure in itself. Since Aslynn was born I really had yet to be by myself with these two. I'm worn out to say the least.

3) Aslynn has her 2 month appointment tomorrow. She also will get her first round of vaccinations :( This is my first vaccination without Aunt NiNi there to make me feel better.

4) Brayden is FINALLY getting another tooth. That makes 5 now. 5 whole toofers.

5) I'm tired of waiting for this guy from Church to come around and answer our calls about buying our car.....so....Anybody want to buy a 2000 mustang???

6) I have a feeling that an Aslynn spendanight might be coming soon. We will have to get in touch with Aunt NiNi about that one.

7) More than likely we will be moving in a time frame of 60-90 days. It all depends on when they get done building. Woohoo for 3 bedrooms but I'm tired of moving. I want to be in a stable place for more than a year and I'm not even Military.

8) Kids Market in Huntsville is coming up in Sept. and I am super stoked about that! Brad went back to work at a wonderful time:)

9) Aslynn was tortured Saturday by two cameras. LOL. Monica was able to take some pictures of her for her announcements in my Christening gown from years ago. Momma and Monica said that she looks just like me when I was a baby so I'll take their word on it.

10) Our neighbor is moving back to Decatur soon and it sucks because I'm going to miss her and her little boy. She was awesome!

Ta Da!

Brayden got a haircut, hence the ode to his beautiful curls!