tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28129426642893122172024-03-13T17:09:42.218-04:00Monkeys and PicklesMeghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-65195363402124066902011-08-23T22:45:00.006-04:002011-08-23T23:21:48.146-04:00Dear 1st grade teacher,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYPPCksKQw1tu3u107UqsUSUSVs-JJO21yKUEfuA2GDEUOUTFemVSZJkiMnqfvSdhBVIi0sfBHjQQoVRr_kmDSS7dbV5P_1KsXYzGJC-Hg9W_FNyLKc-_6QJOzKxyrjsM1Ewzbcjo6Ou3/s1600/DSCN2371.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644256831456003778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYPPCksKQw1tu3u107UqsUSUSVs-JJO21yKUEfuA2GDEUOUTFemVSZJkiMnqfvSdhBVIi0sfBHjQQoVRr_kmDSS7dbV5P_1KsXYzGJC-Hg9W_FNyLKc-_6QJOzKxyrjsM1Ewzbcjo6Ou3/s320/DSCN2371.JPG" /></a>Tomorrow my baby enters first grade. While I know that he is not really my baby, there are a few things that I feel you should know.
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<br /><div>1. Tomorrow is Dylan's first day of the school year that Elmo has not gone. When Dylan was 3, Elmo went to school everyday and sat on the counter in the classroom. When Dylan was 4, Elmo sat in his cubby in the hallway. When Dylan was in kindergarten, Elmo (or another stuffed animal replacement) waited patiently in the backpack. Tomorrow, Dylan will be going to school without his best buddy. It seems like such a major milestone.</div>
<br /><div>2. Tomorrow is Dylan's first time riding a school bus. While most kids ride the bus in kindergarten, our school didn't bus children. </div>
<br /><div>3. Dylan has bravely decided to buy the pizza lunch tomorrow. Although this sounds like a little thing, please realize that Dylan is always hungry. I hope that he will have enough to eat.</div>
<br /><div>4. Dylan hates to disappoint people. He hates to be in trouble. He hates conflict. He will do anything to please anyone. Please be gentle.</div>
<br /><div>5. Please remember that he is not Ben. </div>
<br /><div>Please take care of my boy. Help him to learn, make friends, have fun and to grow. I appreciate all you will do for him.</div>
<br /><div>Sincerely, </div>
<br /><div>Dylan's mommy</div></div></div>
<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-28313392040568632392011-08-10T22:08:00.002-04:002011-08-10T22:21:32.420-04:00Things I never thought I would say (Round 1)I always knew mom's said some pretty weird stuff but I assumed it was things like "stop hitting, eat your vegetables, if you don't stop I'll turn this car around, etc." Today I said some things that I never thought I would say.
<br />
<br />1. Ben and Dylan were playing Super Mario Brothers on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">wii</span>. They were level 2 where there are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">yoshi's</span> and my kids love <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">yoshi</span>. Ben kept jumping on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">yoshi</span> and not letting Dylan have one. This resulted in Dylan SOBBING hysterically because he wanted his own <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">yoshi</span>. Then, Ben used his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">yoshi</span> to swallow Dylan's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">luigi</span> character. This made Dylan cry even harder.
<br />Mom words spoken: "Ben, stop eating your brother." SIGH
<br />This made both boys crack up. The thought of either of them "eating" each other was just too much for a 6 and 9 year old.
<br />
<br />2. Ben, Dylan and I were going to be painting some things in the front yard. I told the boys to find some paint clothes while I got paint and brushes ready outside. The next thing I know, Dylan is running around butt naked in the front yard asking if the shorts he is holding are appropriate. I told him to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">get his</span> naked butt back inside and get some clothes on. He does and I continue getting things ready. AGAIN, he comes back outside. NAKED. Apparently, I told him to go get some clothes on but he still didn't know if those shorts were appropriate for painting. Dear neighbors, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">apologize</span> for the streaker.
<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-84334394583971996232011-08-09T23:36:00.003-04:002011-08-09T23:55:47.773-04:0010 on Tuesday1. I've totally fallen off the blogging bandwagon again. SIGH...
<br />2. I joined pinterest the other day. It is yet another successful way for me to waste time.
<br />3. I took the big boys to see Kung Fu Panda 2 tonight. Ben loved it. Dylan had a sobbing break-down halfway through the movie because Poe's mom left him all alone when he was a baby. I thought we were going to have to leave the theater.
<br />4. I've been on a reading kick lately. I've read a ton of books this summer including "The Help", several books about Amish midwife's and currently "Sister's Choice" by Emilie Richards. Love it.
<br />5. Summer is ending. It makes me want to cry. The other day, I tried to convince Kevin that I should home-school that way summer would never have to end. He laughed at me and said I was crazy.
<br />6. This means I have to start setting up my classroom. I don't mind setting up my room but I do mind that no-one at school will tell me which classroom I will be teaching in this year. This is kind of a problem.
<br />7. We have finally decided what we are doing with Cameron when I go back to work. This is good because it was making me crazy that we had not figured it out yet.
<br />8. Last week, we had dinner with friends, Missy and Lorrie, that I have literally known my entire life. It's always fun to meet up with them and their mom (Linda) each year for the Hall of Fame. Since last year, Missy and Lorrie have both gotten married. Lorrie is also due to have a baby girl in about a month. This takes our total children head count (including my sister, Amy's children) to 7 1/2. The ages are 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 months and almost born.
<br />9. Please pray for my friend Tena's baby. Myles was born with severe heart issues and is currently in the NICU.
<br />10. Time to go to bed. I can't wait to go finish my book!
<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-64376713101522377392011-07-21T23:34:00.009-04:002011-07-22T00:52:28.524-04:00It's getting hot in here...Today, the temperature in my car was 100 degrees. The temperature in my house was 90 degrees (yep, we don't have AC). In other hot news, Lindsay over at <a href="http://lifeas5.com/">lifeas5.com</a> awarded little old me this lovely Blog on Fire Award.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77gIR_ySvHIhIwoSVqQawphythc1MaQ5xX2tWzZikQAQRKVJ3ArLmYaioms27KXzL5zkMywhyphenhyphen2gGPn83uh1yG2BHGtFU00P40TpKQZg6m3QesITMmZ0pHcg_p0rNvWK6k82l1EFh8ds4/s1600/OnfireAward.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77gIR_ySvHIhIwoSVqQawphythc1MaQ5xX2tWzZikQAQRKVJ3ArLmYaioms27KXzL5zkMywhyphenhyphen2gGPn83uh1yG2BHGtFU00P40TpKQZg6m3QesITMmZ0pHcg_p0rNvWK6k82l1EFh8ds4/s1600/OnfireAward.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thanks so much Lindsay! According to "the rules" I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself and pass the award on to 10 blogs BUT since I follow lots of complete strangers blogs I'm just going to let you know which ones I like best. Ok? (Well of course it's ok because you don't have a choice, ok?).</p><br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><li>Erin at <a href="http://erincobb.com/ThePigBear/">erincobb.com/ThePigBear</a> because I just want to be her when I grow up.</li><br /><br /><li>Jenny at <a href="http://4tunate.net/">4tunate.net</a> because they have QUADRUPLETS. BOYS. Seriously!</li><br /><br /><li>Kelle at <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/">http://www.kellehampton.com/</a> because she is so inspirational.</li><br /><br /><li>Mr. Halpern at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.lookatmyhappyrainbow.blogspot.com">http://www.blogger.com/www.lookatmyhappyrainbow.blogspot.com</a> because he reminds me why I like my job.</li><br /><br /><li>Kayla Aimee at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/kaylaaimee.typepad.com">kaylaaimee.typepad.com</a> is another inspirational mama.</li><br /><br /><li>Shawni at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/71toes.blogspot.com">71toes.blogspot.com</a> because I think their family puts the A in adorable.</li><br /><br /><li>Stephanie at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/stephaniehowell.typepad.com/my_weblog">stephaniehowell.typepad.com/my_weblog</a> because her blog is so cute.</li><br /><br /><li>Emily at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com">andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com</a> because I have much respect for families that adopt internationally.</li><br /><br /><li>Mary at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/maryellephotography.blogspot.com">maryellephotography.blogspot.com</a> because I just want to live in her house. If you can't find me, I have moved there!</li><br /><br /><li>Kara at <a href="http://www.craftastical.com/">http://www.craftastical.com/</a></li></ul><br /><br /><p>If nothing else, maybe I will have supplied you with some new reading material.</p><br /><br /><p>7 things about me.</p><br /><br /><ol><br /><br /><li>1. It took me forever to list all of those websites and even still I'm not sure I did it right. Yep, I'm a dork.</li><br /><br /><li>If I had to eat one type of food for the rest of my life, it would be mexican. Muy bueno!</li><br /><br /><li>I have an addiction to stupid reality tv. Big Brother, House Hunters, 19 and Counting, Toddlers and Tiaras. My favorite is the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team. Yep, I told you I was a dork.</li><br /><br /><li>My dream career is that of a professional scrapbooker. One can dream, right?</li><br /><br /><li>I hate onions and bugs and mean people and sweating and when my boys say "What?"</li><br /><br /><li>I also hate when people embarass themselves. Like in movies, when you know somebody is going to do something stupid like run into a wall or trip. HATE IT! I instantly become embarrassed for them.</li><br /><br /><li>I have to read in before I go to sleep. I love that I have passed this on to Ben and Dylan.</li></ol>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-73514879687376250372011-07-18T23:57:00.002-04:002011-07-19T00:25:20.709-04:00Sometimes being a mom SUCKS!Sometimes you have to give out punishments that you don't like and follow through with them.<br /><br />Sometimes you just have to let them cry and be mad at you.<br /><br />Sometimes you have to let them make their own mistakes.<br /><br />Sometimes you have to watch them hurt each other with both their actions and their words.<br /><br />Sometimes it just leaves you drained.<br /><br />Tonight, I'm feeling all of these things. I know tomorrow I'll be out of this funk and able to list the reasons why being a mom is awesome. It's just not in me tonight. But it's okay because you can't have the good without the bad, right?Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-73605453249880253322011-07-14T21:05:00.001-04:002011-07-14T21:09:13.256-04:00I knew that degree was worth something!<a style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; BACKGROUND: url(http://www.oneplusyou.com/q/img/bb_badges/fight5.jpg) no-repeat; HEIGHT: 84px; COLOR: #fff; FONT-SIZE: 42px; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 145px" href="http://www.oneplusyou.com/bb/fight5">18</a><br /><br />What about you?Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-33118905079707823432011-07-13T16:30:00.000-04:002011-07-13T16:39:51.359-04:00Interview with a six year oldMommy: How old are you?<br />Dylan: 6<br /><br />Mommy: What names do I call you?<br />Dylan: Pickle<br /><br />What are your favorite foods?<br />Dylan: Apples, carrots, chicken, hamburgers,<br /><br />Mommy: Do you like any sweet foods?<br />Dylan: Cheesecake, cookies,<br /><br />Mommy: What do you like to do?<br />Dylan: Eat! Playing this (light sabre toy from McDonalds), swing outside,<br /><br />Mommy: What is your favorite restaurant?<br />Dylan: Friendly's<br /><br />Mommy: Where would you like to go on vacation?<br />Dylan: Tennessee<br /><br />Mommy: If I told you I was going to take you to Chuck E. Cheese who would you take with you?<br />Dylan: Mommy, Cameron, Ben and Daddy<br /><br />Mommy: What is your favorite color?<br />Dylan: GreenMeghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-16795468299088847642011-07-11T23:30:00.000-04:002011-07-13T15:32:08.917-04:00This kid...This past Friday, this kid turned 9!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JM0-hsV58iMdtJBWxA9nB2e-wPP7PlPrn-da9tnCB2bD3u3PbYk66i16JDT6O_7Z_TZC6EMr42KU3km6PAJRLschI0NHn6XKuWXZSvo1dFPGBsQYTC37N-hKg8n53JquttxBNTli0e-f/s1600/DSCN2485.JPG"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628919996097005730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JM0-hsV58iMdtJBWxA9nB2e-wPP7PlPrn-da9tnCB2bD3u3PbYk66i16JDT6O_7Z_TZC6EMr42KU3km6PAJRLschI0NHn6XKuWXZSvo1dFPGBsQYTC37N-hKg8n53JquttxBNTli0e-f/s320/DSCN2485.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>I'm not too sure how I feel about this yet. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On the one hand, 8 was not such a fun age. There was a lot of drama during the 8th year. A lot of whining, pouting, argueing with Dylan and worst of all, EYE ROLLING. Oh how I hate eye rolling!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On the other hand, 9 means Ben is entering into his last year of elementary school. I'm not ready to be a middle school mom. Speaking of middle school, he is only one year away from "the movie" (you KNOW which one I'm talking about). I don't even know how that's possible. At this point, he is still SO naive. I could probably convince him that babies are made by magic dust sprinkled by the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. That is how it happens, right?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At 9, Ben is closer to driving (egads!) than he is to being born. We are closer to the stage where I can leave him home alone than we are to the preschool years. He is only 7 years away from the age Kevin and I were when we started dating. YIKES! I just don't know if I am ready for this.</div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-29722979439802817592011-06-29T23:09:00.000-04:002011-06-29T23:49:37.348-04:00The one in the middle...<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178125549l/760396.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 147px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178125549l/760396.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>is the green kangaroo. I remember reading this book when I was a child and not having ANY idea what it was like to be a middle child. I knew what it was like to be the "baby" and that's all I could really comprehend. </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>I never thought I would have a middle child. I always assumed that I would have 2 children. I also assumed that at least 1 of them would be a girl. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have 3 boys.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ktMAu78FZaiMsfWRSRA-wXT5l1E_6O05QH1oF1i9qMomIl9XegEdC7jLIdAARrhNtCuH3lhsxlKGlxsBWqNKcW6efkVKQkLw_LqyWthuXElkPCCYeWSAhvlcuSFPviRTbr50B-_RE7lF/s1600/263897_10150213631740980_579510979_7610153_7155050_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623852775257028242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ktMAu78FZaiMsfWRSRA-wXT5l1E_6O05QH1oF1i9qMomIl9XegEdC7jLIdAARrhNtCuH3lhsxlKGlxsBWqNKcW6efkVKQkLw_LqyWthuXElkPCCYeWSAhvlcuSFPviRTbr50B-_RE7lF/s320/263897_10150213631740980_579510979_7610153_7155050_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Dylan has quite the reputation around here. He is our wild one. Our goofball. Our crazy one. The nut. In many ways, he requires a lot of attention. He needs lots of hugs. Worries about us when we are not here. Needs reassurance that we love him just as much as his brothers. Even follows me when I go to the bathroom!</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddCpl-PZmYF5Le1Tc-LQpkPnCnPE_KjOKhFfiAB4sBdlQf7P-hFMx0fhfk_g-QrdUJw8608ij8myqiMNaCQrgTOZteOk8tcVXeTCH1XdTD2ippNaTzqNh8r-shZk-2C5FS0GYIOF0lKG2/s1600/DSCN2435.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 166px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623852769731624066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddCpl-PZmYF5Le1Tc-LQpkPnCnPE_KjOKhFfiAB4sBdlQf7P-hFMx0fhfk_g-QrdUJw8608ij8myqiMNaCQrgTOZteOk8tcVXeTCH1XdTD2ippNaTzqNh8r-shZk-2C5FS0GYIOF0lKG2/s320/DSCN2435.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br />All said, I don't really worry about Dylan. He knows what he needs to feel loved and we give it to him. We know that he needs lots of hugs. We know if we are not at home at bedtime, we have to call and say good-night. We know that we need to tell him that we love him lots. We even know that if I go to the bathroom, he's going to follow me and stand outside the door!<br /></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><div>I love my little kangaroo and am thankful for the role he plays in our family.</div></div></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-25761377345233264382011-06-21T00:48:00.000-04:002011-06-21T01:13:33.725-04:00You and Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1m7sPIS5eFIAks2oTa7fJ7PPXkkIKvR8Km2AwtaOikXcHEpKD_7MU9DDyGUaisoeHq_B5oO36T_jJwe-J0akij6JhmBHmTCYE6yIG1YzVTrzDd4ga9EUtr1TCEPcxAq5GkUmi9ji_wx7G/s1600/207002_10150219749078013_594598012_8454736_4804296_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620536490701471682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1m7sPIS5eFIAks2oTa7fJ7PPXkkIKvR8Km2AwtaOikXcHEpKD_7MU9DDyGUaisoeHq_B5oO36T_jJwe-J0akij6JhmBHmTCYE6yIG1YzVTrzDd4ga9EUtr1TCEPcxAq5GkUmi9ji_wx7G/s320/207002_10150219749078013_594598012_8454736_4804296_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Dear Ben,<br /></div><br /><div>This post is dedicated to you buddy. My big guy, my Benjamonkey, the boy who made me a mom. I just wanted to take a minute to say how proud of you I am. Once again, you have welcomed a baby into your calm and secure world without even flinching. I know that things are crazy sometimes and we need your help with things (answering phones, cleaning messes, grabbing burp clothes, etc.) but eventually things will calm down again. Thank you so much for being such a great big brother to Dylan and Cameron. Dylan looks up to you so much and I know that one day Cameron will also. I love you peanut. Thanks for being you.<br /></div><br /><div>Mommy</div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-25823924666513779072011-06-16T12:16:00.000-04:002011-06-17T23:56:22.015-04:00Cameron is 2 months old!<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619403412243983474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE4bljisDPCA8SBwen-lj9SFhqNwEU1T0j-YrNXsPws1afUsREJVaN1Wwk2EFjmXQAgVWgyyoNzkvel-VCkFQaehLf4mL7XEtEcRzgzrjHUbxrsGG7ZDvJ1hCuhU4ub9uOYfDtHM4pQQJ/s320/262295_10150210252065980_579510979_7575192_5631202_n.jpg" /> <br /><div>Today Cameron is 2 months old. How the time goes so fast and so slow at the same time, I will never know. As I type this, I have a sleeping baby in my arms. He seems so little to me but I can't believe how much he has grown since his birth.<br /><br />At 2 months:<br />Cameron eats around 5 times per day. Morning, lunch-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span>, late after-noon, late evening and before bed. All of these are 8 ounce bottles. He's a little piggy!<br /><br />Cameron is a great sleeper! He goes to bed between 10:00pm and midnight. He wakes up anytime between 7:00 -10:00am. We can't complain.<br /><br />Cam loves to swing, watch his mobile and be snuggled by anyone.<br /><br />He is a very easy-going baby. He only complains if he needs a bottle, changed, snuggled or just a little bit of entertainment.<br /><br />Cameron is a great, but stingy, smiler. He is not quite to the stage of smiling at anything, but if you work at it, he will give you a great one.<br /><br />Cam is a thumb sucker! I love the sight of a baby sucking it's little thumb (but I do not look forward to weaning another one). He doesn't care which thumb it is and occasionally will suck on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">binky</span>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We love you little guy!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGI8HRu4rCQPjXd3zPJhqOFWsQ8rmyYjysooErWGXNxn7wCAHqAURZAbRRNYYPNkc0y1Jt-HO85EDSId-rice84evMqNUBqgVa09LUbY1c3dA1ChG5nG_32HfwRLvURWwWO_31COsb37t/s1600/254270_10150210252210980_579510979_7575194_1487642_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619402984987489874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGI8HRu4rCQPjXd3zPJhqOFWsQ8rmyYjysooErWGXNxn7wCAHqAURZAbRRNYYPNkc0y1Jt-HO85EDSId-rice84evMqNUBqgVa09LUbY1c3dA1ChG5nG_32HfwRLvURWwWO_31COsb37t/s320/254270_10150210252210980_579510979_7575194_1487642_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-82963960166440905592011-06-14T14:32:00.000-04:002011-06-14T15:00:46.960-04:00Up-dated the old blogToday, I decided that it is time to get serious about writing things down for my kids. Although I am a MAJOR scrapbooker, I am not the greatest about remembering the little details. I want to remember the presents my children received for their birthdays, how old Cameron was when he slept through the night and how many pb&j sandwiches I made for lunch today (5 if you're wondering). I even want to remember the things the boys say that drive me CRAZY!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-1756379629123673012009-07-09T00:20:00.000-04:002009-07-09T00:30:42.791-04:00Happy Birthday Ben7 years have passed since my big guy was born. 7 years since the night I first became a mom. I can't even believe it. I can't even get into the emotional aspect of that right now. My little guy is growing way too fast!<br /><br />Ben opened his presents this morning. We gave him a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DS</span> game (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Starfy</span>), Star Wars Guess Who, a couple little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lego</span> sets and a few other small things. He loved his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">starfy</span> game and had to play it while I made birthday pancakes. Kevin went to work and the boys <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">an</span>d I went to Chuck E. Cheese, Ben's idea. Then, during quiet time, Ben went to Amy's to help work on his space birthday cake. We celebrated tonight with having the family over (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeeDee</span>, Papa, Grandma, Papa Dale, Amy, Shannon, Sammy, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Natey</span>, Andrea, Dave and their friend, Kendra) for homemade pizza. Ben was thrilled to receive more gifts! Lincoln Logs, clothes, activity books, savings bond (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeeDee</span> and Papa), <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Imaginext</span> Space (The Wise's), Star Wars <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">DS</span> game and figures (Grandma and Papa Dale) and a monkey <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">DS</span> game (Andrea and Dave). What a lucky kid!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-52588921677287480502009-06-06T00:56:00.000-04:002011-06-14T14:58:17.983-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uBSCc614fhc5i0Cm5sg8Ojna727duucBQhj8TlRvInXr8HD_eXQctgRlqIoXIIzn09exwNEDVWjfR8gQBsMhz7OkT1c6N4zPiK1ypRruydbkkhUwrGUWqMZi32J1j3kSTkXccQ7mJKp2/s1600-h/100_3643.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344074319664361042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uBSCc614fhc5i0Cm5sg8Ojna727duucBQhj8TlRvInXr8HD_eXQctgRlqIoXIIzn09exwNEDVWjfR8gQBsMhz7OkT1c6N4zPiK1ypRruydbkkhUwrGUWqMZi32J1j3kSTkXccQ7mJKp2/s320/100_3643.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>One Year ago today...giving up the binkies to the binky fairy. </div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-84274296954666235852009-06-06T00:45:00.000-04:002009-07-09T00:37:38.459-04:00Birthday Eve.Happy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-birthday my little Dylan. It is so hard to believe that you are turning 4! My little guy is growing up. <br /><br />Update...<br />We celebrated Dylan's birthday with a picnic at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Avondale</span>. We also had a party planned at the first Christian Church <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Playland</span> with friends and family. The people there were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeeDee</span>, Papa, Grandma, Papa Dale, Amy, Shannon, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Natey</span>, Sammy, Jessica, Eli, Grant, Adam and Jordan (and his brother, Adam) from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">RiverTree</span> and their parents. The kids had a great time playing and we had dinner at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">playland</span>. Dylan received some wonderful gifts, but his favorites included his booster seat (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeeDee</span> and Papa), his microwave (the Wise's) and a car set (Grandma and Papa).<br /><br />Dylan being four makes me feel weird. On the one hand, it is nice to have two children that are pretty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">responsible</span> for themselves. But on the other hand, my youngest is no longer a baby...toddler....or even a young preschooler. I'm so not prepared for this growing up thing.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-44960558815388135492009-06-03T23:57:00.000-04:002009-06-04T00:09:07.874-04:00The end of 1st gradeI CANNOT BELIEVE that Ben is almost done with first grade. How did my baby get so big??? This year has been a big one of change for him. Going to the "big school". Cub Scouts. Going to friends houses and birthday parties without adults. Reading chapter books. Tying shoes. Doing his own things.<br /><br />Just a few weeks ago, I said to Amy that it seems like all of a sudden he is growing up. We were all together on a Thursday night watching Ben play t-ball. Friday we were together again and Ben was over at a friends house. Saturday, we went to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cemetery</span> to post flags for Memorial Day and Ben went with the scouts to do the same thing. Then on Monday we all went to watch Ben (and Kevin) walk in the Memorial Day parade. He is no longer doing the little kid stuff, he has moved on to bigger things. He might be ready for these big boy things, but I don't know that I am!<br /><br />Ben has loved first grade. "Big School" has been wonderful for him. He has made LOTS of friends (Richie, Quentin, George, Spencer, Cody, etc.) and has loved being in Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Frantum's</span> class. He has worked hard and is an excellent speller and reader (just like his mom!) and he loves math (just like his dad and mom!). He is a very smart boy. Homework has been a challenge but only because he has other things he would rather be doing. <br /><br />He is still such a sweet boy. He would rather snuggle and cuddle probably more than anything in the world. He needs lots of hugs and kisses and for that I am so grateful. He is still my little boy, at least in some ways. Watch out second grade, here comes Ben!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-76568427499113755722009-06-03T23:50:00.000-04:002009-06-03T23:57:17.983-04:00Dylan's First Year of PreschoolDylan's last day of preschool was Friday, May 29. Kevin and I went to watch him receive his certificate of completion from Miss Victoria and Mr. Andrew. It seems like not too long ago that we went to Ben's "Level 1 Graduation". Dylan had a great year of preschool. he made some good friends (Roman, Carson, Katie, Rachel and his favorites, Alena and Chloe). He loved Miss Victoria and after Miss Beth left (who he adored), he had a great time with Mr. Andrew. He started off quite shy at school but is now the wild and silly boy that we know so well. I am glad that I am able to have him in preschool, with me, for another year. He will be in Miss Kathi and Miss Bonnie's class. He is not very happy about that because several of his little buddies are going to Miss Jodi's class. Hopefully he will get over it by the time we go back to school because I know he will make some great friends in Kathi's room.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-14292102147934393862009-01-05T22:20:00.000-05:002009-01-05T22:31:32.317-05:00A Dylan Update...All about Dylan...the wild, cuddly child...Dylan is now 3 and in preschool 4 days a week. He is considered the "Brilliant" one in the class. It makes me giggle every day, when I hear about how smart he is and how he knows so much about numbers and letters. I just want to say "Trust me, I know." Dylan is obsessed with buses, cars, fire trucks, police cars, trains and most importantly traffic lights. Yes, I said traffic lights. Every day, driving down the road these are the things that we hear. "Mommy, it's a green light. Slow down it's yellow. LOOK a green arrow. 4 Green arrows (by Avondale). Turn mommy. Slow down mommy. What number is on the bus? What does that sign say. Look, bus 4 (we saw it three times today!)." Sometimes it is exhausting. I can just imagine trying to explain to the police officer at an accident... "I'm sorry officer, but my three year old was yelling at me to go, so I went." Dylan also loves Mickey Mouse and Elmo. We take a small Elmo almost everywhere we go. Luckily, we have a few since we lost the first one at Disney World. Dylan loves popsicles, spaghetti, popcorn chicken, carrots and apples. He loves to eat, but is constantly on the go so he is still skinny as can be. Dylan is also obsessed with taking baths. We constantly hear "I am so dirty. My feet are stinky." We love this crazy, cuddly boy.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-3243234330857920772009-01-05T22:12:00.000-05:002009-01-05T22:33:41.639-05:00A Ben update....Ahhh Ben....the 6 year old... the sweet responsible child... where do I begin? Ben is an all around great kid. He loves to read and any kind of math. School comes very easy to him (for now). He is slower to make friends, but when he does, he is loyal to the end. We still talk about kids that were in his preschool class when he was three. Ben loves legos. He loves to put things together and take them apart (especially computers). We joke that he will be an engineer. Ben loves video games. Sometimes I wish that we never would have started him on them, but we limit the time that he spends playing them. It has also improved his fine motor skills and his eye hand coordination (so says the preschool teacher). Ben finally stopped sucking his thumb over the summer but he is still a mole picker (don't ask!). Ben is a boy scout and Kevin is his scout leader. I love that the two of them have something to work on together. Ben is very artistic. He likes to scrapbook (just like his mom), draw and loves to cut random things out and hang them up on our walls. Our house is a work in progress. Ben loves to snuggle and I am sad that I know it won't last forever. He is growing way too fast, but oh how I love this boy.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-5292997267440123902009-01-05T22:10:00.000-05:002009-01-05T22:12:30.674-05:00I've found you at last...After searching high and low for this blog, I've finally found it. Hint...place this in my favorites and don't forget the password again!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-72722080632520126402007-06-05T23:15:00.000-04:002007-06-05T23:26:30.952-04:00Today marks the eve of Dylan's 2nd birthday. It is hard to believe that my little guy is 2 and I have to accept the fact that my babies are no longer babies. In fact, this weekend we even moved Dylan into a big boy race car bed. No more cribs in this house! My little guy, you are growing way too fast! So my little Dylan pickles, at 2 I am thankful for you!<br /><br />I am thankful for your temper tantrums...they remind me that you have an opinion.<br />I am thankful for your smiles...they remind me that the sun is always behind the storm.<br />I am thankful for your tears...they remind me that you are a very sensitive boy.<br />I am thankful for your hugs...they remind me that once upon a time, you would have rather hugged Daddy than Mommy.<br />I am thankful for your words...they remind me that you are growing up.<br />I am thankful for your runny nose...it reminds me that you are a very healthy little boy.<br />I am so very thankful for all of you. The good and not so good. I am a lucky mommy for having such a wonderful little boy in my life. I love to watch you grow into a big boy, but don't grow too fast.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-52485236247829188212007-04-11T13:04:00.000-04:002007-04-11T13:49:51.491-04:00Tonsils, Tubes and AdenoidsOn Tuesday, Ben had to go to Mercy for surgery to have his tonsils and adenoids removed and ear tubes put in. We saw Dr. Ossakow a few weeks ago and he recommended having it done because of all the ear infections he has had. We had to be at the hospital by 6:45am, so Dylan spent the night at Mama DeeDee and Papa Dean's so we wouldn't have to worry about him in the morning. Mama and Papa then took Dylan to school so they could come to the hospital along with Grandma Bear. <br /><br />At the hospital, Ben was taken to a room with us to prep for surgery, get into his scrubs and get all of his paperwork done. He was a very brave boy and I think it is because we read a book about his surgery prior to the big day. We were able to watch tv in this room and we also told stories to keep him distracted. At exactly 7:45 Ben got up on his big "bed on wheels" with his Lucky dog that he brought with him and he was wheeled down the hallway for his anesthetic. We went to wait in the waiting room with everyone else. <br /><br />About 1/2 hour later, the doctor called me to say that everything had gone well but Ben had "an unbelievable amout of ademoid tissue". Don't know what that means, but he said that Ben should probably act like a competely different kid after the surgery because he will feel so much better. We got to see him about 10 minutes later as he was coming out of the anesthetic. He woke up scared and had a very startled look on his face. I was able to rock with him while Kevin had to go back to the waiting room. Shortly afterwards we were sent to a recovery room to fully wake up. That is when Kevin was able to rejoin us (or one of the grandparents). Ben was able to have some water and was offered popsicles but he wasn't interested in the sicles. He also got to watch cartoons in this room and best of all Scooby Doo was on. About noon we were able to go home. Grandma went to pick up Ben's prescriptions and take Dylan to her house.<br /><br />When we got home, we deposited Ben on the couch. We spent the day offering lots of medicine, watching tv and listening to Ben complain that he wanted to get up and play. Such a nutty boy. Tuesday night, I slept in Ben's bed with him. He only woke up once complaining that his throat hurt so I gave him some of his Tylenol with Codeine.<br />"Mommy is it time to get up? I think we should play in my room for awhile, ok?" Now mind you, this is said with a squeaky little voice but lots of energy!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-13463468512786861992007-01-07T17:51:00.000-05:002007-01-07T17:53:51.003-05:00A B C D E F G...A B C D E F G... yup, that's as far as the alphabet song goes with the little guy right now. Everytime Dylan starts to sing, I wait for him to finish the song but he goes no further than those first 7 letters. For 19 months, not bad. Now if we could just work on those colors, all would be good.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2812942664289312217.post-30026277441103931302007-01-07T17:39:00.000-05:002009-01-05T22:34:27.114-05:00A blogging I will go...I know, it's a strange name for a blog but seeing as this blog will be mostly about my two boys, "Benjamonkey" and "Dylan Pickles" I thought it would be appropriate. I started a blog last year, and by starting I mean that I signed up, I never actually made any posts. This year I vow to make lots more posts because I want to be able to remember the little things in life better.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414595059468996094noreply@blogger.com0