A Grell Tale

Precious

2011-12-22T15:34:00.002-06:00

I love this little bottom. I love the toy story pj's and underwear. I love the speckled little legs and the birth mark on his foot. I love how excited he is to live life. I love that he is healthy, and able to climb just about anywhere he wants. I love that he sits on the bathroom counter everyday and talks to me. I love that he wants to be near me. I love that God chose me to be his mother. I love that there is soo much I will cherish about this picture for the rest of my life.

B Man sings Jingle Bells

2011-12-22T15:31:00.001-06:00

Jingle Bells

Away in the Manger

2011-12-22T15:25:00.002-06:00

First time to sing in the big church! Not one of the little boys ever opened their mouths to sing a word!! It was cute though!

Santa Clause is Coming!

2011-12-22T15:07:00.003-06:00

Balen is learning who Santa is. He spots him everywhere we go. Grandma Terrie bought us an Elf on the Shelf this year. Balen has really enjoyed looking for him, more than I thought he would. This is horrible, but we recently stopped moving him. He is STUCK until B decides he is ready to poo in the potty. He is doing great with his "potty" training. We hardly ever have pee pee accidents anymore, but we have yet to poop, or anything even close to it, in the potty. Mr. Potato head has lived in a box on our mantle for close to a month and a half now, waiting for that special day. We have bribed him with EVERYTHING imaginable. Nothing. Now, Christopher the Elf is REALLY sad that Balen poops in his "unnawear." He told mommy and daddy that he couldn't move anymore until Balen goes in the potty. Well...its been almost a week, and still nothing. I told Jared we should keep all of his Christmas toys in boxes on the selves until he goes!! Once he gets them, he really won't care about getting "Tato Hed." I'll keep you updated.

Other Christmas firsts: He loves Polar Express. He has a ticket from a basketball game that he carries around while reinacting scenes from the moving. "HEY, YOU LOST YOUR TICKET!!! COME BACK!! HERE'S YOUR TICKET" Yelling this over and over! We have also pretend punched his ticket to the train at least 20 times.

Learned Jingle Bells. It's a must see!! I'll post the link in another post!

"Sang" in church for the first time. Also another post!

He has done great staying out of the tree, presents, and decorations! I've been really impressed.

He really enjoyed filling a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. He bought for a 2-3 year old boy and did good talking about how it was for a little boy who didn't have any toys. I figured he would want all the stuff for himself. I was proud of him.

Can't wait to see him on Christmas. It is going to be so special!

AAAAGGGHHHH!

2011-12-22T15:00:00.003-06:00

The photography train has taken off this month!!!! I was SOOO busy. Honestly, a little busier than I would like to be, but its just a busy season. It has finally slowed down, getting closer to Christmas. Everyone was wanting family pictures and Christmas cards to send out. I was ABSOLUTLEY blessed and encouraged by all of the people who wanted me to take their pics. With the all the business, I was able to make a new purchase...a new camera!! I have really enjoyed it so far, still have got to use it tons, but love what I've seen. It is amazing to watch God work, and to accomplish things I never ever ever imagined I would be doing.

This said, November is a big picturey blur!! There was not a lot of time left to snap pics of my own, which makes me a little sad. I did manage to click a few of crazy man, while I was taking some Christmas pics for a family member.

Trick or Treat

2011-12-22T14:52:00.002-06:00

We took B to a few houses and a church to trick or treat this year. We met up with a few friends to get a pic of them together. Boys, boys, boys! These little guys have fun together. I will have to say, Baby Reid won the best costume! He is the little parrot in the front. I didn't get a good pic of his costume here. His big beak sticks way out in front of his head and he has a huge, colorful, feathery tail attached to his bottom! So cute!

Plumber

2011-12-22T14:48:00.003-06:00

We had to get a new dishwasher. Luckily, we have a great plumber who likes to let Balen jump in and help!!

Sweet 16

2011-10-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

Words really aren't necessary for this picture, but it was my 16th birthday. Jared would have been a senior in high school, and we had already been dating for almost 6 months. Can't believe how little we look!!

Woody

2011-10-27T11:07:00.003-05:00

I have been horrible about posting lately! I have a couple of things I want to get on here, sometime. I have been having so much fun taking pictures. Balen has fallen in love with Toy Story. It's a good thing we have all three on our DVR, otherwise I would be completely tired of it. It's so cute how he wants to "Watch Woooody on tu-ve." He is talking SOO much, and always sounds like the biggest hick. He says things like "up der stairs" instead of upstairs. He always keeps us laughing, then gets serious and yells "not funny mommy."

Potty training has also been pushed to the back burner over the past month or so. I finally decided Monday morning to jump in again. Today is Thursday, and we haven't worn a single diaper, just a pull up to sleep. We have yet to poo in the potty though. Arrg...that makes me unhappy. I can not figure out how to get him to go. I have offered him everything imaginable and he shows no interest in getting the #2 in the "tool." Someday!

Anyway- here is this year's Halloween costume. He completely transforms when he puts it on. He runs wild yelling "Yee-haw, ride em' cowboy!" It's precious! Worth every bit of the whopping $12 I spent.

Washing Dishes

2011-10-12T13:53:00.003-05:00

With this kid, I normally walk into the kitchen to see him up on the counter eating candy, playing in the silverware drawer, cutting paper into millions of tiny pieces...you get the idea. Not this time, he decided to pull a step stool up to the sink to wash dishes!! He worked hard for a good 10-15 minutes so I had plenty of time to grab the camera.

GC Photography

2011-10-06T23:05:00.002-05:00

Just checking in!! I am alive!!! The past few weeks have EXPLODED into something crazy!!!!! I have always been very hesitant about pursuing my photography. I stick my toe in, then pull it back out. Then stick two toes in......over and over. I have been telling my friends and family...it's not that I don't THINK I can do it, I just don't DESIRE to commit to doing it. I have spent a few years praying and praying, and REALLY trying to listen and peek cautiously around each corner. More than anything, ever before in my life, this has been something I don't want to rush into. I want to KNOW it is a God thing, something he is providing and not ME! Well, the past few weeks have brought extreme change! I have taken a few people's pictures, feel a peace and excitement about it, and booked about 12 people in the last few days! Yes, 12. That's a big change from 0!!! I am trying to iron out the wrinkles in keeping my information organized. It's coming together. It is also SUPER important to me to make sure photography doesn't take away from my SUPER IMPORTANT #1 job of being Mommy!! It's amazing what I am stuffing into those afternoon nap times!! I am still taking it one day at a time. I want to listen each day and be used the way God wants to use me. I'm not advertising, getting a website, or anything like that yet. Just want to keep sharpening my skills, while at the same time making sure Balen's needs are met during OUR special time we have together. Pictures are such a special way to document the most important, special, exciting times in our families. It is a really cool feeling to know I am helping freeze those memories, forever!

Osmara Senior 2012

2011-09-23T16:03:00.004-05:00

I have watched this beautiful girl grow up. She used to always come in Harvey's when she was little, then I became one of her Middle School teachers, and now I am fortunate enough to have taken her senior pictures! We had a blast! Here are some of my favorites.

First Day Picture

2011-09-20T17:07:00.002-05:00

First Day of "SCHOOL"

2011-09-09T15:56:00.002-05:00

Balen's first day of organized play, at a church, with 3 ladies, 10 other kids, a packed lunch, a backpack with his name on it, and no mommy went well!!!

It is called Kids Day Out. He goes from 9-3, on Friday's, to give stay at home mommies, like me, a little break. It was awesome!

I will admit, it felt a little odd to be writing his name on everything, packing a lunch, and putting it all in a backpack, but it all turned out great.

I drove him by his school yesterday. He is so used to picking Laine up from school and he wants to do everything like Karlie, Talon, Laine, Max, and Mia!! Anyway, I showed him his "school" and told him he would get to go tomorrow. Today, when he woke up, he was asking to go before he even asked for milk. On the way there he talked about playing with his "fwins." It was so cute when we turned in the parking lot he screamed "my school!!!!" As I was getting him out of the car, in his sweetest voice he said, "bye bye Mommy's tar (car)." I sat him down on the driveway and he took off for the door, without me. The second we hit his room, he was off with the other kids and never even told me bye. :( I called Jared and told him he doesn't even need us anymore!! He laughed.

He did great, and made it to three o'clock without a nap!!! The first thing he asked me at the door was "Where's Daddy?" I guess I wasn't who he was wanting to see. When I asked if he had fun, all he said was that he ate ice cream. Then, in the next 5 minutes of the car ride (that he was awake) he proceeded to ask for pop, suckers, gum, cookies, chicken, and crackers!! Finally, the urge was too overwhelming, the soothing bumps of the car were too much, and sleep won over my big 2 year old!!

He is now snoring in his bed, like little baby Balen should. I'm sure he will be starving when he wakes up. Next week I will have to take him a snack when I pick him up!!

Nicki

2011-09-07T16:10:00.002-05:00

http://www.centersquarejournal.com/news/seams-right-lincoln-square-designer-makes-you-look-good

I love having talented friends!! Nicki is a special friend, who has had a rough year due to health problems. This has forced her to make a lot of "career" sacrifices, but it is awesome that she can still do what she loves! God has truly blessed her with a loving, supportive husband, and many many gifts and talents. Check out this fun article!! Too bad she is so far away from home. :( Miss you guys!

Indoor Underwear Exercise!?

2011-08-25T13:47:00.004-05:00

When you stay at home everyday, with a VERY active two year old, you have to find ways to burn energy! Lately he has really enjoyed the "indoor trampoline" also known as my bed! Here he is showing Ernie how to jump, and eat crackers at the same time. Jared and I were both sweeping crumbs out of our spots while we were trying to go to sleep last night.

I would also like to point out the underwear!!! We have been hitting the potty training hard for almost a week now. We only work on it when we are home. I have read millions of "plans" but don't really have one at this point. I'm just going with it. Underwear when we are home, unless he absolutely refuses (which happens), and diapers/ pull ups when we are on the go! He has been doing great. We have about one or two accidents a day, which I can live with. I am also certain he is going to gain about 10 pounds of "bribery" by the time we are through with this!! Last night, Jared and I had youth group, so Balen stayed with Grandma and Pa Pa. He had an accident in her big chair, then ran into the kitchen and yelled, "MARK, I pee peed in Mawma's chair!!" They said it was hilarious! He might have said "Balen pee peed," either way it's funny!! He'll get the hang of it. I'm just kind of letting him go at his own pace.

We are still trying to catch his bedtime prayers on video. You are in for a treat when that happens!! :)

Laura and Baby Ezra

2011-08-19T13:42:00.003-05:00

Laura is one of my very best lifelong friends. It has been such a blessing to have them back around. Jude and Balen are quite the buddies, that is when they are not fighting like brothers!! This little family has a heart of gold. They give and give ALL of their time, love, and amazing talents. They have more creativity and talent in their pinky toes than many people will ever have!! I love them so much, appreciate the way they challenge and encourage our family to grow closer to God, and provide joy and laughter along the way. I am so glad they asked me to take some pictures, and can't wait to meet little Ezra in a few weeks!!

Playtime with Balen!

2011-08-07T21:27:00.001-05:00

Paige's Wedding

2011-08-05T11:54:00.003-05:00

Paige's wedding pics are up HERE!!!!!!

It was SOO much fun!! The weather couldn't have cooperated any better. A few minutes before the wedding, a storm decided to roll in. It really cooled things off and provided cloud cover. I am so happy for Paige and Austin and glad everything went so smoothly!

Since the happy couple is off in Hawaii and Mark and Terrie have been in OKC for chemo, B Man and I have been in charge of the farm!! We've been checking cows about four times a day to make sure new babies are all in the shade. A few babies have been born this week, and I'm proud to say none have died! I just don't want to lose one while I am the one "in charge." It would just make me look bad! Everything has gone well. Balen always wants to know where Paigy is, and we always go over the same thing. She went bye-bye on an airplane, to Hawaii, with Austin. We repeat this over and over until he understands. Then he always adds, "I unna goooo. Pease go airpane Paigy. Paigy help Balen airpane, pease!!!" Then about two hours later we go through the same exact story all over again!!! Kind of ready for her to be home!

Go enjoy a few of the pictures that have been posted!! Kayla did an awesome job!

Oh, and I may be a little partial, but I REALLY like the one of the cute little boy, sitting on the floor in his handsome little suit!!!

2nd Birthday Party!

2011-07-25T15:01:00.007-05:00

"OH-BOY!!" is what Balen had to say as he opened each present! Jared and I had a blast watching him finally understand what a birthday cake, present, and a party are! He cried all day Saturday, pleading with us to let him see his cake just one more time. "I unna see cake. Turtday cake. Sit down see cake. Pleeease turtday cake!?" Once we finally gave in, he said "touch it?" He couldn't have loved it any more. Due to technical difficulties, I had to delete all of my before-the-party, artistic, cake portraits! Then I forgot to take more. Oh well, luckily I had A picture that will work. Once the action started, I never took a single pic. These are a few Brandi and Jared took, but we were mostly having too much fun to be worrying about pictures! We opened presents, ate cake, then went swimming. We had a little cookout for those who stuck around, and ALMOST got a few raindrops. Bummer. To say Balen received a few tractors would be an understatement!! He now has a tub FULL of tractors and farm animals. He has sat here today looking at them saying "Oh boy, oh boy, awesome, awesome!" I think the highlight of my day was after everyone left, he was checking out all of his toys while singing "Happy Birthday to you!" Over and over again! He is such a blessing and we have so much fun with him!!! Thank you God for this special little ball of joy we call Balen!!

Happy Birthday Weekend!

2011-07-22T13:53:00.005-05:00

We are having all kinds of birthdays around here! It seems like July, is by far, the most popular birthday month for people I know. There are so many! We are having Little Man's a week early because of some ole' wedding we all have to attend next weekend!! :) Aunt Paigy's wedding has arrived and we are so excited! After the wedding they are off to Hawaii, so we just couldn't have the birthday party without them! This weekend worked well because on Monday, Jared turns 30!!! Here are the fun invitations I made. Thanks Ashley for teaching me! They were two sided so people can keep them on the fridge if they want! Big shocker...we are having a tractor party! I'm sure there will be fun pictures to come!

I got a call yesterday afternoon. Jared's coworkers wanted funny baby pics to plaster all over at the bank. He can thank his mother for the great pics she picked out! I called him this afternoon to ask him how his day was going. Any other person would have said something about their office being trashed and baby pictures on the walls. If you know Jared, you know he didn't have much to say. I had to pry and ask if he had any surprises, and he just said "yeah." Thats it. End of discussion. I guess I get overly-excited-about-stupid-stuff enough for the both of us!! Woo-hoo..Happy Birthday weekend!!! It will be fun!

Here are the cute pics they used to decorate!

I'm in love...

2011-07-13T20:46:00.002-05:00

WITH THIS FACE!!

Yes, he sat and did a bunch of his faces for me!?? What a goober.

Daddy's boots!

2011-07-13T10:33:00.002-05:00

These used to be Jared's boots when he was little. They are about 2 inches too long, but he loves that he can get them on and off by himself. They get rotated in and out along with his rubber boots and snow boots!!

Family pics

2011-06-20T20:17:00.003-05:00

Terrie called the other day wanting to take last minute family pics! It was hot and windy, but we wanted to get a few before Mark starts his nasty chemo again. We all got around and used the ole' self timer on the camera. For as windy as it was, I thought they turned out pretty decent. I'm sure I will have some more to come, but here are the first two, with the least amount of blowing hair!!

Cash is turning 2!

2011-06-15T22:34:00.003-05:00

I got to meet cute little Cash the other night. He is turning 2 in July, and Momma wanted some pictures on the farm. He wasn't quite sure what to think about the stranger with the camera, but started to warm up by the time I left. His mom described him as silly, active, all boy, no fear, and in love with tractors! Hmm....sound just like a little boy I know!! I think our boys would have a blast together. Christy, thanks for letting me take this sweet boys' pictures!!!

Jeff, Amber, and Boys

2011-06-13T16:51:00.003-05:00

This is her. This is the girl that keeps me running all the time!! Amber is one of my long time friends that got me to start the Couch to 5K program. We are still trying to run three times a week but it seems to get harder and harder to fit it in. We are NOT quitting though! She called the other night and wanted me to take pictures. Here are a few of my favorites.

After scoldings from my brother, Josh, and getting pumped up on my picture editing with my cousin, Ashley, I have been taking tons of pictures this last week!! I have taken three different peoples', have to go take some for a little boy tonight, and have another couple wanting to set up a time soon. Looks like hours of editing on the computer are ahead of me!!

Cousins

2011-06-09T23:24:00.004-05:00

Check out Ashley's post Balen and Macie, to see what we have been up to the past few days! We had a lot of fun taking pics. She has obviously had time to sit down and work on her edits, and you will see mine below.

Oh, wait, haven't sat down yet!!! My edits coming soon!

Parkin' it

2011-06-06T14:05:00.004-05:00

We made it a little over 30 minutes at the park this morning. This lovely June weather feels a little more like late August weather. Harvest is in full swing around here, and will quickly pass if it stays this dry. Balen has been keeping his eye on the combines, day and night. We have to tell him they are sleeping to get him to give it a rest sometimes. We went to town to see our friends Evan, Jude, Bly, and Reid. Like I said, park didn't last long, and QUICKLY turned into swimming pool!!! It was our first pool trip of the summer. Balen didn't waste any time learning how to jump in and go under. I told Jared, "to say he loves it would be an understatement!" He was the only one that cried when he had to get out. He continued on the way home saying "water again, water again!"

Paige and Austin

2011-06-06T13:53:00.002-05:00

Balen's Aunt Paigy is gettin' hitched, on hopefully, the coldest day in July!! There has been a lot of wedding planning going on. It's been so much fun! She is going to have a beautiful outdoor wedding at Marland Mansion. They already got their engagement pics taken, but these are a few we took for fun.

Memorial Day Fun

2011-06-06T13:35:00.002-05:00

This has been over a week ago, so I really can't remember what all we did that day!! I do remember having a lot of fun with my boys. I took Balen pretend fishing in a waterway behind out house. I put a little fake fish on the end of his pole so he could catch one every time! Granny and Grandad came out that afternoon, and brought him a turtle. We built turtle a house, fed him for about four days, then he disappeared?? He was super fast, and not shy, so we were trying to save him for the 4th of July turtle races. Oh well!?

Morning Fun

2011-05-28T22:42:00.002-05:00

This guy helped me clean house!! He loves to run the swiffer vacuum, and does so with so much pizzazz!!

Seeing Green

2011-05-28T21:46:00.004-05:00

Tractors.

Tractors tractors.

Tractors tractors tractors.

Tractors tractors.

Tractors.

That's my poem for B Man right now. When he is inside it's tractors. When he goes out, it's tractors. When we drive, he spots every tractor! There is no escaping tractors. It is amazing how little boys pick these things up on their own. This is his new sprayer. We took him to the John Deere store for the first time last Saturday. "Excitement" doesn't begin to describe all the emotions and squeeling that came from him the entire time we were there. I knew he would enjoy it, but I never dreamed he would have that much fun going in a store. Anyway, the big 2 is coming up in two months!! The theme is definitely going to be...tractors!!

Happenings

2011-05-17T11:39:00.004-05:00

Today is the last day of school. I'm getting ready to go pick up my niece and nephew from kindergarten and third grade. I picked up my other niece from Pre School the other day, and almost cried??? I might be somewhat of a mess when I go through it with my own child. As a teacher, last days of school were always so bittersweet! There were some kids you would secretly hope you would never see again, and others that almost felt like one of your own.

I cannot believe that I have failed to mention, Paige, my sister in law, is now engaged! It has probably been about a month of wedding excitement now. They are rushing the wedding and having it at the end of July. I think I'm having more fun helping with this wedding than I did my own! Congratulations Paige and Austin!

I am also proud to announce....I completed my nine weeks of Couch to 5K!!! Now we will keep running our 30 minutes, three times a week. It is such a good feeling to be about to go run over 3 miles and not be dying at the end!! Amber, thanks for dragging me out to run on the days I didn't want to!

And...what's a post, without a Balen?! Jared took him out to work on something?? They came back like this. I still have no idea what really happened, something involving barbed wire! The next morning at church, a little girl dug her fingernails into his cheek. He is look pretty rough now. It's all good though!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Mother's Day! I had a perfect day. This morning, at church, we finally had Balen's baby dedication. Then, both sets of grandparents came out to our house for lunch to celebrate sweet Mommies and a sweet boy! After naps, I got to spend a relaxing evening outdoors, with my two favorite boys. I LOVE being a mother. It is such a special blessing. I fought back happy tears all morning at church, realizing what a gift I have!

I didn't take my camera to church this morning??? And this afternoon I just wanted to enjoy my boys. These are all Daddy's pictures. He does so good. Love love love the first one!

Balen, meet tiny caterpillar! He got a little rough with it so Daddy had to end the playdate!

The evening ended with my boys laying on the porch looking at the sky! As you can see, Balen lost some clothes, and gained some mud. He was way dirtier than he appears in this pic. He had to be hosed off before he was allowed to take a bath. This is becoming a common practice around here.

Thank you, Jesus for giving me these two boys. I love how much we love each other, and the laughter and joy we share together!

Easter

2011-05-08T22:04:00.002-05:00

Here's my little Easter Bunny. Tractor in hand! Tractors are his thing right now. That is pretty much all he plays with, carries around, and talks about. He can even be found hauling his food around on his tractors!

Demo Day

2011-04-19T12:23:00.004-05:00

Let the craziness begin. Sunday we began tearing out our deck and hot tub. It looks kind of pretty in this picture, but is completely rotten. It was even becoming unsafe to walk on, for fear of falling through. We have decided to completely take it all out, and come up with a new patio/possibly porch up closer to the house. Right now it is just a big dangerous rusty ole' nail mess!

So far, we haven't had any major disasters or injuries with B! He does require to in on all the action! I finally went in and found his tools so he would quit taking all of Daddy's.

This and That

2011-04-13T13:38:00.002-05:00

I am beginning to notice a direct correlation between the weather and the number of new blog posts (and how clean my house is!!) I just can't pass up these pretty afternoons outside. I figure blogging and cleaning can wait! We have been busy busy. Little man is doing great. Talking up a storm. I am determined to get some GOOD pictures of him soon. It has been so long. I have been saying that since he turned 18 months. We are now on month 20. Can't believe I am about to have a two year old.

Here is a fun pic I took the other night while he was drinking his milk. Love those big ole' eyes.

Other happenings that have occupied our time:

My dad has been in hospital. Had two more stints put in and is still having some problems.
I am proud to say, my running partner and I continue to be dedicated to our Couch to 5K program. We are on our fifth week of running!! Not gonna lie and tell you it's easy!
Probably the number one item that has taken me away from computer time is a new i phone. I finally gave in. I still can't believe how many CRAZY things you can down on a phone. I LOVE it, but it definitely keeps me from getting on my computer and checking my blog as much. Too many other things to do!
I am so happy to announce that my brother is recently engaged to a beautiful girl, both inside and out! We are so excited to welcome her to our family!
We finally got 3 inches of rain!!!
A new little precious baby was born. Reese Barnes!!! Congrats Adam, Brandi, and Jillian.
We are still on round one of raking the 9 million leaves that accumulate around our yard every fall. Getting closer!
I'm sure there are more tidbits of useless info I could share, but I feel I hit the high points! The rest would probably bore you.

As the Easter season approaches. I hope everyone has taken time to sit down, meet with God, and do their own little "Spring Cleaning" inside. What is bogging you down, cluttering your life, and holding you back from experiencing God's will for your life. He is ALIVE! He is a powerful, wonderful, amazing God who wants to move MOUNTAINS in your life like you have never dreamed imaginable.

New Bike

2011-04-07T13:41:00.002-05:00

Got my first bike yesterday! I look pretty cute on it, but still can't figure out how to get the thing to go. Give me time. I'll get it down.

Willy

2011-04-07T13:02:00.002-05:00

This is Willy. Balen and Laine LOVE to go with Jared to see Willy. They put a halter on Willy for fun. Jared thought it would be fun. Balen LOOKS like he thinks it is fun. But the truth is, the big piles of poop in the pasture are a whole lot more fun. We laughed at these pictures and said, "he looks like he is actually interested in Willy!" It was more like "Do not step in that. Balen! Do we need to go home? Come over here and pet Willy. Balen! I said stay out of the poop! " Good times!

Nighty Night Update

2011-03-28T21:14:00.002-05:00

The Big Boy Bed has been a 150% SUCCESS!

There has been no turning back for him since nap 1. He lays down and puts himself to sleep, rarely gets up at night, and has even had two successful naps at other people's houses. He enjoys his bed, wants it, and has been sleeping in later in the mornings. I think we are so shocked because we weren't even trying yet! Such a small accomplishment, but it has really changed things around here for the better! I think it makes him feel bigger and therefore he acts a little different. I'm all for it!!

Big Boy Bed

2011-03-22T16:34:00.003-05:00

Big boy took his first nap in his big boy bed today. It has been in his room for a few days, along with his crib, but today he decided to lay down and go to sleep like a champ! No effort on my part. Go B! He slept forever so I decided to sneak in and get some pics. I couldn't mess with my camera because I was trying to be quiet, so I didn't get many good pics of him asleep. I do, however, LOVE this precious little face right when it wakes up! So glad I caught it. Who knows if he will sleep there tonight??

We Love Mud

2011-03-18T12:59:00.002-05:00

With one week of fairly warm temps under our belt, I am certain we are going to live outside this spring. He just can't get enough. He has been having a blast and I am actually getting some work accomplished out there! Lots of backyard projects in the making. Who knows if any of them will get done!?

Hurry Spring

2011-03-12T08:57:00.003-06:00

It was beautiful yesterday! We are so ready for the warm sunshine to stay. B is REALLY into playing tractors right now. He spend a lot of time in the dirt, and time pretending to water all of the plants. It is so exciting that he is beginning to play outside without eating everything in sight!

And, I would like to take a moment to add...Springtime always makes me want to get out and exercise. I am proud to say, I have FINALLY achieved a huge goal of mine. I NEVER stick with any form of exercise longer than 2 or 3 weeks. Some friends and I have, successfully, met twice a week, for about a month and a half now, to workout. In addition to that, one of my friends and I have also started the Couch to 5K Running Program. We both HATE to run, but wish we were runners. In the past, I always gave up because I felt so defeated from the start. We are now on our third week and are so proud of ourselves. I hope we stick with it until the end!

Jared felt outdone so he started again on P90X. It takes SO much time everyday. Hopefully he will hang in there!

Rootin' Tootin'

2011-03-07T21:50:00.003-06:00

This cowboy spent the second half of the day sporting this super cool look. He was enjoying his no pants freedom, but insisted, once again, on the boots. I just kind of accept it as normal, but as soon as dad walked in, he made sure I took a picture.

B threw out all of his best poses for this shoot! This one makes me laugh.

And finally, when it's too cold to ride the four wheeler outside, ride it in!! I have been trying to catch this shot for a while now. Obviously, he doesn't stay on long, but he enjoys trying to ride on his "small" trucks, tractors, and four wheeler! As soon as he sits, he usually says "ouch" and jumps back up! Never a dull moment!

Nibble

2011-03-05T16:28:00.001-06:00

Don't you just want to nibble on these sweet, crooked little ears?

Without the Love of Jesus

2011-03-03T13:42:00.002-06:00

Can you imagine what it would be like? I can't. So many people believe in fate, accidents, and chance. But I believe the God of the Universe orders our steps and life isn't about coincidence.

I started reflecting on this yesterday. I have had a rough few weeks. Nothing major, at all. Just grumpy me and grumpy kid! Finally, about three days ago I started getting tired of it, and started talking to a few people to try to make myself feel better! I am ABSOLUTELY and UNDESERVINGLY blessed to have strong, faithful, Spirit led friends in my life. I have the kind of friends that e-mail or call each other for prayer. I have the kind of friends that are praying for you, even when you haven't emailed or called. I have the kind of friends who aren't afraid, when we are together, to say "hey, I need you guys to pray for me."

Well, stupid ole' me struggled for a few weeks before I realized I had not once "approached the throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Fortunately, someone else, completely unaware of the situation, approached that throne FOR ME, and once again reminded me of that sweet sweet love of Jesus. A text message woke me up at 5:30 A.M. yesterday. I didn't even know people are awake at 5:30 A.M.!! The text read "Prayed for you this am. God put you on my mind. Hope your day is great! Miss ya."

I am so glad Jesus loves me enough to let me know these people. Small things we do, can speak volumes to others. She has no idea, until after she reads this, how much that simple text message meant. I hope that when the Holy Spirit places something on my heart, I will be as willing, as her, to pass on the love of Jesus.

Have a GREAT day!!

Shake my head...

2011-02-27T14:00:00.003-06:00

I just have to shake my head with this boy. I am pretty sure the second he turned 18 months, he became twice as hard. Not always bad, just hard! I put a lot of pressure on myself and he reminds me everyday that he is his own, little, precious, active, joyful self. I don't say much negative about my boy, but have recently discovered one of his greatest weaknesses is sitting still. He is at such an awkward stage to take him anywhere. He is just old enough to want to run around and explore, and not quite old enough to understand that he can't just go anywhere he wants, whenever he wants.

What Balen has been up to:

growing molars, hurting, whining, and not sleeping
producing gallons of snot to go along with his swollen gums
played outside with puppy Luke, successfully
attended local livestock show, somewhat successfully
attempted county livestock show, extremely UNsuccessful
kept Mom on her toes trying to keep my comfortable and entertained with hurting gums, successfully
experimented with various forms of discipline, slightly successful
Mom turned 28, successfully

All of this said, the camera has NOT been out the past few weeks. Just hard to fit it in! I decided after all of the frustration with an unhappy boy, I just needed to get a few silly pictures to remind me how much fun I have with him everyday. There is no other place in the world I would rather be than right here, in this house, with him. Snot and all! I will say, he is also getting very difficult to catch on camera. He wants to come up and see himself. You have to be sneaky. I can't believe he is turning into a little boy. I LOVE his little white under shirts he wears like Daddy. They absolutely melt my heart and make all the teething pains go away!

Bloggy Jared

2011-02-10T21:27:00.003-06:00

Things my husband puts WAY too much effort into:

memorizing cow/bull "stats" (takes too long to explain) from animals that were popular years and years ago up to current day.
doing the same for sports "stats." Mostly just OSU. Although I will say, this has really slacked off in the last few years.
winning/cheating at board games
charts and graphs (for anything)
being funny
BLOG POSTS

But, these are many of the reasons I fell in love with him! He was so proud they hacked my blog while I went to town. He prides himself in being a "better" and "more creative" writer than me. And...I have to agree. I told him he should quit his job and write on my blog. These two boys are so much fun. Hope you all enjoyed his post. I am certain it will get more views than anything I write!

I Can Die a Happy Man

2011-02-10T19:47:00.010-06:00

As a father, there are certain things you dream of passing on to your son...family stories, how to bait a hook, the love of Iba man-to-man defense, passion for tax free growth, why OU is in fact the evil empire, how to open a door for women, and movie quotes from Caddyshack.
Annie has warned me that I will regret teaching Balen certain things, such as sticking our fingers up our nose and laughing uncontrollably. I think I'm in the clear on this one, we practiced it for a month now and he hasn't tried it in public yet. Tonight, I passed on something to Balen that is near and dear to my heart. It was something I learned at a young age, around Balen's age. I also had it taken away from me at a young age as well, although not documented in my baby book I would suspect it was around the age of 3. I was introduced to The Three Stooges. Larry. Moe. Curly. The Pick Two. Apparently, I took to the Stooges so well that I "Pick Two'd" my grandmother in the eyes. That was it for me and the Three Stooges, but I never forgot it. I never let that passion in me die. For those of you that weren't around in the 30's or those that were underprivileged as a child, here is a short clip on what you missed out on...

So when Annie went to town to exercise, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to pass the Stooges on to Balen. The kid's a sponge. Needless to say, he caught on quickly.

Watch out Grandma's...

The tale of Birth and Cookies!

2011-02-09T21:50:00.007-06:00

Sit right down. I would like to let you in on the tale of a sweet little calf, born one snowy day. I don't feel the need to narrate for you all, I will let "life" tell its own story. Hope you all don't think its too much, I am always fascinated by the birth of anything!

There you have it folks. Now that he is getting warmed up, back at the ranch the boy is hard at work...

...well, we just let him think he is working hard like everyone else. Paige, Terrie, and I spent the afternoon decorating these oh-so-lovely cookies. Just look at them really fast and go on, they are prettier that way!

Shake it like a polaroid picture!

2011-02-06T21:11:00.003-06:00

B loved dancing to the Black Eyed Peas during the SuperBowl half time show. Here is a little clip of some of his moves. He has a few different moves, but this stepping thing seems to be his latest. This kid LOVES to dance. We always catch him dancing to commericals, to the radio in the car, and when we sing to him.

Bored and Crazy BOY

2011-02-02T12:53:00.009-06:00

We are bored on this snow day. Tried to get some videos of Balen to give him something to do. I think they really showcase his calm, timid, introverted personality.

I am going to blame the fact that he is a spaz-oid on him being in the house too many days, getting tired of looking at himself, and being ready for a nap! Those all sound like good excuses, right!!??

MUST READ!

2011-01-29T07:59:00.003-06:00

Wow. I was reading some blogs last night and came across my sweet friend, Bethany. She had the best post that included the amazing article, on ESPN.com, about Nate Fleming and his family.

I highly recommend you take time to read this, if you haven't already. I will admit I may have shed a tear, or two. Okay..I sobbed like a baby. It is one of the most touching stories I have heard in a long time. I will give B the credit for her inspirational words. Bethany, you are a wonderful mom and thank you for sharing! Click HERE to read Bethany's post and the ESPN article.

My Singing Cowboy

2011-01-22T13:21:00.002-06:00

Every cowboy needs a Hannah Montana microphone! Love these pics because he is very into his hat and boots right now. He always brings me his boots to wear around the house. If I am not close, he will sit and scream trying to put them on himself. If Laine's boots are handy, he is thrilled to clomp around in them. After all, they are much easier to get on and off, and on and off! This morning he squeezed his foot into his, on the wrong feet, with his footy pajamas on! He also loves his hat. He can put it on himself and loves to wear it like Daddy. He always pulls it down low on his head, which makes his ears stick out. Love it!

Boys

2011-01-20T13:49:00.000-06:00

Bubbleshh

2011-01-18T15:44:00.000-06:00

Food Fun

2011-01-18T15:26:00.002-06:00

We haven't been using the high chair this week. It is still here, just in case! He has been doing a really good job, even if that means eating breakfast with stickers stuck to his face. Whatever floats his boat!

Stacky Stack 'em

2011-01-11T13:09:00.006-06:00

I am 99.99% sure this guy inherited his father's analytical brain and problem solving skills. His playing usually consists of putting in/taking out, plugging/unplugging, stacking/unstacking, doing/undoing, putting on/taking off, opening/closing, climbing on/climbing off, over and over again. He LOVES to know how things work! This night, he broke into the pantry, and Daddy watched him stack (for a good 20 minutes) from afar. Thanks for the photojournalism, Daddy!

The items of choice were as follows: vinegar, baby oil, empty Pepsi can, Canola oil, Nestles Quick, and spray on sunscreen.

Noshh aka Snow

2011-01-11T10:40:00.002-06:00

Daddy is home sick, again, missing his fourth day of work in a week. He caught something last Monday, got better, and already caught it again. While he was in bed, we played out in the snow twice. He loved it!

Preparing for Parenthood

2011-01-07T21:53:00.002-06:00

I can't take credit for this. I just read it on another blog and couldn't quit laughing. It is so true, and I have learned that no matter how bad you want it, you can never truly be "ready" to be a parent. It is the hardest, yet most amazing thing in the the world! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. For those of you who have never had kids, this is my life. For those of you who have grown kids, laugh it up!! Hope this brings back some good memories.

11 Lessons to Prepare You For Parenthood

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.

2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home.

4. Pick up the paper.

5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...

1. Methods of discipline.

2. Lack of patience.

3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.

4. Allowing their children to run wild.

5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.

Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...

1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)

2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.

4. Set the alarm for 3AM.

5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.

6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.

7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.

8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.

9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? To find out...

1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.

4. Then rub them on the clean walls.

5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.

6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.

1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.

Leave it there.

2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.

3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.

4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.

2. Make a small hole in the side.

3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

Bonus: Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

Reese's

2011-01-04T21:25:00.001-06:00

Sappenfield's

2011-01-04T21:19:00.001-06:00

Good Daddy

2010-12-29T23:06:00.002-06:00

We caught Balen trying to change his monkey's diaper the other night. He is beginning to do "big people" things and it is really weirding me out! The other day my phone rang while I was drying my hair, he got it off my dresser and brought it to me saying "Hello." Guess this growing up thing is bound to happen.

Christmas Joy 2010

2010-12-29T22:27:00.002-06:00

Call me a proud parent, call me silly, call me what you want..I love this kid! After looking through our Christmas pictures, I can't help but notice the joy on this kid's face. I wish I could freeze the twinkle in his eye and the absolute amazement he expresses when he discovers something new. It seems like as we grow older, life just gets in the way. Somehow we lose that twinkle. I discovered it again this year. I can only imagine what next Christmas will be like. Thank you God for sending your son, I can't imagine the feelings you felt when He came into this world! Hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas!

Here are a few fun pictures from Christmas. He had a blast! Josh, Holly, and the kids stayed with us Wednesday and Thursday night. On Christmas Eve we went to Grandad and Granny's for fun and presents. That night Dad and I played, and I sang, at Christmas Eve service. After church, we all ventured over to Grandma Marky's in Ponca. Christmas morning we opened a FEW (3) small presents (everything else had already been played with or worn), then headed over to G and GiGi's house for the day. We ate lunch and opened lots of fun toys! Next year I am really going to have to work on actually wrapping the presents as they come, instead of just giving them to him. My excuse was, "he doesn't know the difference!"

This first picture just might be the winner for "most successfully portraying my son's personality!" He can be so weird! Hmmm...wonder where he gets that??

Forget presents, steal Great Grandad's cane!

Opening presents with Daddy on Christmas morning.

Sooo exciting! Love it!

Balloons were a hit at Granny's

Silly little monkey. He was jumping up and down. I took a million pics and they are all equally bad. Guess it was too much to ask them to all smile and look normal at once!

All Dressed Up

2010-12-19T15:48:00.005-06:00

New Addition

2010-12-18T21:10:00.004-06:00

There is a new addition to our family, and no, it's not a baby! Many of you may think I'm nuts, I am! I guess I like to make things difficult for myself! We opened our home to a little (BIG) Golden Retriever puppy named Luke. I figured since I am home all the time, am responsible for cleaning two houses, keeping up with two family's laundry, chasing a monkey of a seventeen month old, entertaining an "in-a-week 4 year old," and taking pics here and there, I didn't have enough going on! :) I love to get new pets. It's probably a bad quality of mine, but I think it is quite entertaining. I told my mom, "the only thing that keeps me from getting more, is knowing that people would judge me!"

So far, Luke has been a wonderful dog. We still haven't heard him bark yet. I am hoping this is some sort of permanent birth defect! A non-barking dog would be priceless in my books! He is the most laid back, cool, and collected dog I have ever had. Maybe thats because I get myself into predicaments like owning min-pins and mastiffs!! Oh, good times.

Let me take you on a trip and fill you in on a funny mastiff story. I have always wanted a gigantic mastiff, still wouldn't mind one. I found a 2 year old in Ponca that some people were trying to give a better home. I talked Jared into trying it. We hauled this elephant home in my car, and couldn't quit laughing how he filled the back seat. We had him a week or two and realized the animal was ABSOLUTELY INFESTED with fleas. Not a few here and there, like millions. The room in the garage, where he stayed, had to be bombed numerous times and sprayed, and sprayed to finally get rid of them. Jared kept his muck boots in this room. He would come in after feeding, take his jeans off upstairs, and unleash the fleas all over the carpet. It took us a while to figure this out. I would be getting ready, look down at my legs and feet, and have fleas and bites all over me. Like I said, not one or two, more like 10 or 20. It was the most DISGUSTING thing. Like Indiana Jones stuff! Blagh. Gives me the creeps thinking about it! Anyway, we had this dog for a few weeks and this guy called wanting to know if he could take our dog for a week to breed with his female. I was all over getting a week without the flea monster. He came and picked him up, seemed nice enough to me. A week passed, two weeks passed, three weeks passed, four weeks passed, and now about three years have passed. Still have NEVER heard from that guy who stole my dog but I would like to send him a gift for unknowingly bailing me out of that disaster. I think its a little funny that now he has to deal with the flea factory. I am pretty sure God knew I couldn't handle that mess and sent an angel in disguise to steal my dog! I would also like to ask God to PLEASE make sure the guy never shows back up with the dog!

Luke is a much cleaner, sweeter boy! So far he loves Balen. Little worried about him outgrowing him, way too soon. He can already knock him down trying to get some loving. B has only cried a couple of times! Keep you updated if anything exciting happens!

Oh, and by the way, as far as I know, my house has been flee free for three years now!!!

Dip

2010-12-17T12:13:00.002-06:00

Learning to feed yourself, and a great passion for ketchup "dip" are two things that don't always go well together! I do want to take a moment to thank Mr. Heinz for taking time to produce the magical sauce that makes meals go down easier at our house! Don't know what we would do with it!

Behind the Scenes

2010-12-13T21:38:00.003-06:00

Here are a few more fun Christmas pics! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas from the Fam

2010-12-13T14:18:00.005-06:00

Here we are! There are many things I hoped to do different about this photo. I had planned it and planned it, but when we decided to actually take it, we threw it together in about 5 minutes. I wanted a photo that truly showed "us." I wanted to pick specific clothes for Jared that he wears all the time and remind me of him, and I wanted him to do the same for me. I DID know Balen's hat, shirt, and sweeper HAD to be in the pic. Other key items were the cows, cow magazines that are found in pretty much every room of our house, and my laptop (I wish it showed up more.) Balen's kitties were running in and out of pictures. We loved them, but didn't happen to capture one in this pic.

Enough blabbing!! Merry Christmas to each and every one of you! I hope and pray that everyone stops and remembers the true meaning of Christmas. What a crazy place this would be if baby Jesus never came! Don't take friends and family for granted. Tell them how much you love them, laugh together, cry together, play together, and give together. Jesus came so we could have Peace in this not so peaceful world. May you bring that Peace into your hearts and homes this Christmas. We love you! -The Grell's (and the swiffer sweeper!)

Yee-Haw Baby Jesus

2010-12-09T20:58:00.002-06:00

Hope Baby Jesus doesn't mind a hayride to the farm! These are the sweet images I LOVE seeing everyday. The kind of moments I want to freeze in time and keep forever. I love every one of his silly little messes and know they will disappear much to soon as he grows. God gave us such a precious gift in B and he has brought so much joy into our home!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-06T21:43:00.001-06:00

Gingerbread House

2010-12-06T21:20:00.002-06:00

I am so excited to finally get to decorate my first gingerbread house. I bought a kit that already has the gingerbread made, and comes with candy and a pack of frosting. All we had to do was put it together and decorate. I know Laine would love putting on all of the candy. It was a bit of a struggle to convince her that we couldn't eat all the candy. We both had a good time and were proud of our cute little creation. Maybe some day I will be brave enough to make one from scratch!

Here is our pretty little house!

This guy was not allowed to partake in the decorating. We locked him in his chair with crayons and oreo cookies. I figured that disaster would be much easier to handle than a gingerbread disaster with a messy boy and an upset 4 year old!

Turns out he enjoys decorating as well!!

Tortilla

2010-12-06T21:09:00.003-06:00

In his attempt to help Mom make enchilladas, B just couldn't seem to get past the tortillas. This one kept him busy the entire time I made supper!

Fall Play

2010-11-16T16:29:00.003-06:00

It's fall, and B LOVES it outside. He also has three black kitties that he LOVES, maybe a little much! If he can catch one, he loves it so hard it's eyes about pop out. You never know which end will be up when he grabs. He doesn't seem to mind. That little kitty butt feels just as fuzzy on his cheek as the front end does!

You have to watch him though, even though he loves his kittens, he won't stick around for long. Off he goes. Here he is doing, what seems to be some sort of nah nah nah nah boo boo dance!

And..it never fails. As soon as he gets far enough away, he puts something in his mouth, and off I go! Jared has always thought this was the funniest thing. So glad he could catch it on camera!

And my face could mean a number of things:

What are you thinking?
How many times have I told you?
Are you crazy?
Is your Dad taking pictures of us?
That is not funny.
So glad your Dad thinks it's funny.
Thanks for the help Dad.
We're never coming outside again.

But Balen's only says one thing to me, "Wha' chu talkin' bout Willis?"

Man In Training

2010-11-06T22:03:00.002-05:00

No, he's not potty trained at 15 months, nor is he in the process. He just thinks it is quite a treat to sit on the potty sometimes before a bath. And consider that magazine "flagged."

(Please don't judge mom for her messy, unfinished bathroom!!)

Silly Saturday

2010-11-06T21:42:00.002-05:00

Dried booger nose and all!! Jared was attempting to get B to color. Unsuccessful. The eating of the crayons continues. Someday. Someday, he will color without partaking of the crayons. We just decided to take silly pictures instead. He's good at that!

Trick or Treat!!

2010-10-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

Homecoming

2010-10-24T14:39:00.002-05:00

The smell of Fall is in the air. Leaves changing and floating to the ground. The streets of Stillwater are painted with crowds of orange and everyone so excited to experience another year of the "Greatest Homecoming Celebration!!" Well...everyone except BALEN!!!!!!

This is how the car ride there went! Instead of his two hour nap, he decided he would be cool with 20 minutes! It was pretty much downhill from there. Walk around was disaster! He didn't want to ride in the stroller, be held, or walk! Hmm, not a lot of options left. The poor guy was just worn out. Jared and I both agree that this was the worst he has ever acted. Hate that it had to be on such a fun evening.

For the last three of four years we have spent Homecoming with the girls I met Freshman year. These families have become more like "family" than "friends." We get all of our kids together several times throughout the year to keep up with each other. We always look forward to food, fun, and games are a MUST with these people!

My favorite story from the weekend involves Jared, Balen, and multiple pieces of gum! Jared was left in bed watching B while I was getting ready. I came back to find Jared sleeping, everything out of my purse strung all over the room, and Balen on his second huge wad of gum, chewed paper and all!! I think he was seeing how fast he could go through the package. It is so nice to know I can always trust Jared to look out for the safety of our child!

We really enjoyed our weekend, club seats and all!! Hated that two of the FAR AWAY families couldn't make it this year. We missed them! Hopefully more pics will come soon. I didn't drag my camera around while wrestling my crazy monkey so I am at the mercy of others!

Pumpkin Buddies

2010-10-18T14:35:00.007-05:00

Laura invited us over the other night for some Fall Fun! She cooked some really yummy soup, I took a Pumpkin Spice cake, and we (not so much Andrew and I) carved pumpkins!

Before we got started, we tried to take a few cheesy pics of the our little goons. It was almost dark out so the quality was pretty bad. I just made them black and white to try to make them look better! Pretty sure it didn't help, but I can't just throw them out.

After our delicious dinner, we proceeded to the main event...Pumpkin Carving. Andrew and I, neither one, wanted to take part so we watched. Laura pulled out the following carving kit...

(Note Jared's placement of a penny for size comparison)

Jared was equipped to perform pumpkin surgery with this...

While they carved, these two boys did this for about an hour. Round and round and round they went. They were running so hard they were panting like dogs!

We ended up with these two lovely displays! It's great to have good friends to hang out and be yourself with. Thanks for the invite!

Balen would like you to meet his new pumpkin buddy. Say Hello!

Silly Guy

2010-10-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

One way!

2010-10-14T10:06:00.007-05:00

Lately, it seems like I have been surrounded by one message. I have heard it at church, read it, seen it on facebook, received emails, seen it on tv, and heard it in songs. That message is that there is only one way to Heaven! Plain and simple, one way! The big misconception, and what we are being drowned by, is that there are many ways to get there. There are so many lies that people hear over and over and begin to believe as facts. A few that I keep coming across lately are: If I go to church regularly then I'm safe, If I give enough and volunteer enough I'm safe, I became a Christian when I was young so it doesn't matter how I live now, I am a good person who treats people well and does good things so I will get to Heaven. We are people who like to justify and twist everything we do, so that it really doesn't seem that bad. I hate that people don't see that this life is just a small, small tiny adventure to teach us a few things, find out what we are made of, get us to one of two places where we will spend eternity, and ultimately get more people to Heaven with us. We are so weak, selfish, and misled. I really think that sometimes God wants to shake us, and say WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! He loves us so much, but he isn't going to do all the work for us.

After hearing all of these messages, one thing keeps going through my mind. If we could see the final outcome, I honestly believe we would be absolutely shocked at the amount of people that thought they had their "ticket to Heaven", but sadly spent their whole earthly life being deceived by the enemy. Not "bad" people, but people we think of as decent Christians. People we sit in church with every Sunday. People we look up to and admire.

Some don't like to think about it, or think people are crazy for talking about it, but the Devil is real. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy everything you are, have, and hope to be. Don't let him. Don't be distracted, confused, or deceived. God sent his son so that you may have life and life abundantly. There is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ, They Way, The Truth, and The Life!

I hope that everyone reading this is confident and sure of where they are spending eternity. It's going to be one party you don't want to miss!! :)

Pinwheel

2010-10-11T21:35:00.005-05:00

Who knew a dollar could bring so much joy into a little boy's day!

This was a last minute item that got stuck in the cart in WalMart. The plan was to play with it while we were shopping, then put it back when we are ready to check out. It usually works well, but this time I thought "What the heck, it's probably $1!" I was right, and the pinwheel doesn't disappoint! The amazing thing is that it has lasted all day long without falling apart. He is so proud!

Fall is here!!!! B Man is loving this weather. He is getting so much better at playing outside for long periods without eating everything in sight. We still dig out the occasional rock, acorn, or cat food! He is 120% boy! Daddy was off work today. The boys got to get bundled up, put their boots on, and do chores this morning. It was a beautiful, foggy, still morning. I should have taken some pictures of the calves grazing outside my window. When I look outside I am often reminded of how truly blessed we really are. There is something so pure and refreshing about mornings in the country. It is so comforting to know that each and every day that I can dwell in his shadow, I am covered by his wings, that he is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I will trust!

Accessorize

2010-10-02T12:48:00.002-05:00

Little Man got him some new winter accessories! He had to try them out this morning to make sure he can keep them on! I'm pretty sure I am suffering from "proud momma syndrome," but I have to say, I think he is pretty fly for a white guy! (Grandma, that means he's a cool little dude!!) :)

The last two weeks he has started talking up a storm. 97% of the time they aren't real words, but he sure wishes they were. He is adding a real word about every other day. His vocabulary consists of: DaDa (not Momma), hot, kitty, dog, moo, quack, meow, thank you, uh oh, and out. He is also beginning to sign regularly. He signs: eat, drink, please, thank you, potty, all done, more, hat, love, and today he tried socks! As I said earlier, 97% of the time we have points and grunts, followed by screams when I don't comprehend! So much fun!

Chanley

2010-09-30T13:41:00.003-05:00

So excited I was asked to take pictures for this sweet little girl's first birthday! She is cute as a bug and was so easy to photograph! I really hope that I caught the special little grins and wiggles that a momma loves about her baby!

Vroom

2010-09-24T16:01:00.000-05:00

I hope these are no indication of how he will drive when he is 16!

Mornin' Chores

2010-09-11T15:52:00.003-05:00

Little Man NEVER gets tired of seeing his cows. Even looking out the window, he is always excited as the first time he saw them. He points, moos, and does his ants-in-the-pants dance! He can spot them way out in the pasture from his favorite spot in the bay window.

Nothing beats being upclose and personal. He LOVES being outside with his cows. No one can walk out of our house without him crying because he wants to G-O. (That's the first "parent spelling word" we are having to use around him!) This morning was a special treat. He got to wear his new mud boots, feed his calves, and hang with his favorite person in the whole wide world.

I am going to love Jared being able to take him out more and more as he gets older. It's kind of nice to have a few minutes alone. I tagged along to take a few pictures, then headed off to the donut shop! As I drove home, eating my strawberry donut, I passed a man jogging and got that guilty feeling inside. Don't worry, it only lasted a few seconds, until I took another bite!

3 1/2 Days

2010-09-10T15:29:00.006-05:00

I'm Annie, and I am a FAIR-aholic. Only 3 1/2 days until the creepy crawlies of Kay County all pile into one location to celebrate the wonderful, spectacular event that is the Free Fair!! And I love every second of it!! Dirty, clean, short, tall, fat, skinny, dressed, shirtless, mullet, or no mullet, it's a good time had by all. Beings that it's the Friday before the fair, and we're super bored today, we decided to prepare by making animal puppets! Laine Laine made a cow, horse, goat, and pig. She did a great job.

Goober smooch made a cow, bit a blue crayon, totally chewed a green crayon, then decided to take a bite out of his cow. Oh to be 1! After we dug the green crayon out of his green teeth, I decided to protect the sweet little moo cow with packing tape. He didn't stand a chance before!

Moo Cow was quite the hit and became his new best friend for the afternoon. Here are a few adventures: crawling under the coffee table, and hitting Laine! Best Friends, a boy and his cow.

Disclaimer: My child really is a sweetheart. I just enjoy bringing out the funny for your entertainment!!

Where's Balen??

2010-09-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

Peek-A-Boo!

My Lil' Buddy

2010-08-30T13:42:00.005-05:00

Cousin Laine is sleeping so Little Man set out to find a new friend. He didn't have to look far before he ran into a special little raisin. He LOVES to eat raisins and often finds them scattered around the house, but apparently this one wasn't created by God to be eaten. I finally got the camera out after I noticed it had been forty, yes 4-0 minutes solid that he poked, prodded, and drug his little friend all over the house on the end of a comb. What cracks me up is the focus and attention he gives to these little adventures. He would walk all the way across the room, realize he lost his raisin, and set off again to find it. The poor little raisin finally broke into pieces and he lost interest. This is almost as silly as the day I walked into the kitchen to find him placing his gold fish crackers on the floor, then pounding them to crumbs with his toy hammer. As long as we stick with mutilating food items I think we will be okay!

Today.

2010-08-28T20:46:00.004-05:00

Today was not a National Holiday, celebration, or anyone's birthday, it was just another special day spent with a crazy cool little boy!

8:30 am: Inspect every klee-nex to make sure they are safe for Daddy.

1:30 pm: B: Look what I can do! Look what I can do!!

Us: How in the world do you get a 12 month old to understand this is a bad thing!!

4:00 pm: Wagon/High Chair/Spoon/1 sock ride out to see what Daddy is doing. (Wagon is not functional without the high chair to strap this dare devil in! Spoon, pants, and socks optional.)

6:30 pm: Studying up on his ABC's and 123's!

Show Hotel

2010-08-25T13:32:00.002-05:00

Last week marked the beginning of my babysitting adventure with Laine. She has been such a little sweetie. Yesterday was her first day of pre school. She LOVED every bit of it! Today, when I picked her up, she wanted to know more about "show hotel." Every body keeps talking about show and tell, and she thinks we are saying show hotel! She wanted to know if every body was going to bring bears, what room she was staying in at the hotel, and if she got to stay with her friends! I have tried to explain it in detail, but I'm not sure she will understand until she sees what happens tomorrow at school. I love these priceless little moments and can't wait to hear what B Man will come up with someday!

I'm 1

2010-08-16T08:36:00.002-05:00

Ouch-y-wa-wa!

2010-08-13T15:51:00.002-05:00

Balen, in all of his glory, moments before...

Jumping off the chair, head first, into the hard wood floor! This really isn't a very good picture of the bruise. But, there is something evil about trying to make your hurt child sit still so you can "capture the memories!!"

This injury really scared me. After the past few days, I'm thinking of moving out all furniture, locking the doors, and lining the walls with padding. He has fallen INTO the bathtub and hit his head, slammed his fingers into a drawer, stood on the coffee table, used a chair to climb on top of a small (not so stable) table, learned how to use a spoon to push the lever and get water out of the refrigerator door, and fallen off this big chair twice. I promise I'm not asleep on the couch while all of this happens!! You look away, or walk in the other room for a second and there he goes! Today was injury free. Instead of sitting here, we went shopping! :)

RUT!

2010-08-11T13:07:00.002-05:00

I am completely in a photography RUT and I need to snap out of it. I get so frustrated because I can't take the pictures I really want to take. It has been over a month since I have taken any decent pictures so I need to suck it up, and get back to work! I grabbed my camera today while my baby was, dare I say, zoned in on the TV. I used to be so good at not letting him watch much but I'm really slipping. We DVR-ed a bunch of Brainy Baby's and he is hooked. He looks so sad, but actually he's quite content!

Guard Dog

2010-08-10T14:13:00.004-05:00

If you come to our house this week, you might find Balen in the window. He's keeping an eye on things. He makes sure he can see the cows getting ready to calve, he kept a close eye on the handsome plumbers here all day yesterday, and tried to play peek-a-boo with the not so handsome gas man! Pretty sure he attempted peek-a-boo with Justin and Luke, but not sure they caught on. There are many things one can do in a window. Stand, dance, scoot around on your stomach, drop things off the ledge, clap, press your face against the window, lick the window, bang on the window, scream to hear yourself echo, make car noises, have snacks, and more! I get a little worried that he is going to fall off sooner or later, but he is just at the age where I just have to let it go. He is even starting to crawl on and off furniture.

This last pic has nothing to do with the window, but it's so cute I threw it in free of charge! Dad was trying to read to him last night. I love the "he thinks I'm listening" look on his face.

1st Birthday Party

2010-08-09T10:13:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pics from Balen's special day. We had a swimming party at Braman Pool. So many friends and family showed up to celebrate. We had a blast.

Birthday Cousins. Balen also celebrated with Maxson and Karlie, who turned 8.

Big Boy eating his Birthday Breakfast!

tear...

2010-08-09T09:40:00.002-05:00

Jared sent me this picture this morning titled, "First Day of School." Jerk!! We went up to the school yesterday to help Terrie in her classroom. I thought it was all fun until I saw this. This sweet little thing is the reason I stay home. Yes, I realize I have a few more years before this really happens, but right now I'm soaking up every single second of love. Just can't get enough of those squishy cheeks, cheesy smiles, silly babbles, and cuddly kisses. Sigh...so sweet I can't stand it!

Flashback

2010-07-29T15:46:00.003-05:00

I love my husband. Here are a few of his blog posts from the hospital. Thought it would be fun to repost and remember the exciting time. Enjoy!

Good evening Mommy Bloggers, this is Jared and I will be your captain this evening. I don't know that I have enough estrogen to blog appropriately, but I'll give it a shot. Here is what we've been up to today...Contractions woke Annie up at 5 this morning. I went in to work early so I could get some things done before we had to come to the hospital. She stuck it out at home most of the day and we came in late afternoon. She was dilated a 3 and having strong contractions. They went ahead and broke her water around 5:30. They gave her an epidural around 7, although she really wasn't in much pain yet. She is progressing slowly, dilated to a 4 about an hour ago.

It's been somewhat uneventful so far. Annie had a popsicle for supper, Justin set a new record on his iPhone Bubble Wrap game, and I've got my hour of Seinfeld in for the day. I think everyone is set for awhile. Stay tuned...we'll keep you advised.

First Big Day

Balen and I thought we would update mom's blog and give a rundown on the first day while she was asleep.

This is somewhere around 5:30 this morning. She was dilated a 10 and getting ready to go to work. It was really a walk in the park up to this point, as seen by the smile.

Balen decided to come and join us at 6:30 this morning, only after being coaxed out with the salad tongs. He looked like the long lost Conehead when he first arrived. Shortly after this Annie wasn't feeling quit so great. Her blood pressure dropped and she lost a lot of blood after Balen was out.

Annie holding her baby boy after she got a little color back

We had early visits from Mark and Paige. Surprisingly, Paige didn't drop Balen when he whimpered.

All of Balen's cousins came to visit this afternoon.

What up Cuz

My parents came back to see Balen again late this afternoon.

Balen gets his hair did

Look how far Paige has come in 12 hours. Maybe in two years, she can hold him while standing up!

He woke up tonight around 10:30 for the first time since this morning. He had his first good meal to finish off his first day and is ready for bed. Being the "Office" fan that he is, Balen lived his first day in the words of Michael Scott "I'm an early bird and a night owl. So I'm wise and I have worms."

Happy 1st Birthday!

2010-07-28T17:03:00.010-05:00

Well..ready or not, it's about to happen. Our little Balen is already a year old! Baby stage was fun, but I am REALLY enjoying his new found mobility. I love that it is becoming easier to be outside and just get up and go. It is amazing how much a little person can grow and change in just one year.

Anytime it came to any kind of transition, he has been the easiest baby. Sleep, bottles, pacifiers, milk, food, traveling, anything! Overall, this kid is laughing and being silly about 98% of the time! He loves to entertain! Two of his favorite faces are bull face and Oooohh! He loves to go through WalMart and United making faces at people who say hi to him. I constantly get the question, "Is he this happy all the time?" I am proud to be able to say "yes!"

He is understanding more and more each day. He is definitely all boy. Constantly studying toys and figuring out what else he can do with them. I can tell he is really going to enjoy building or putting things together. His favorite toys are random household objects that he finds. Off the top of my head I can think of hairbrush, LOTS of kitchen utensils, empty pop bottles, yard stick, broom, vacuum, remote, and tools. He will carry them around talking and trying to fit them in holes, or drawers, even VCR's!

Balen is also obsessed with animals. He can tell you what a cow, duck, and dog say. It is amazing how he can spot cows somewhere and start mooing. He has recently started showing us where his tongue is when we ask.

He loves reading. We usually read at least a couple of books everyday. Sometimes we sit and go through tons of them. That is really the only time he will sit still on your lap.

It has been an honor to be a mom for a year! I pray the peace, love, and joy in our home will continue for many many years. We continue to release Balen into God's hands to do as he wants. My biggest fear is that I will get in the way. It is going to be fun to see what he has in store for us.

Balen James, we love you SOOOO much. Don't ever lost your smile, charm, curiosity, and sweet personality. You have far exceeded our expectations and we love spending every day with you. Jesus Loves You!

Anyone seen...

2010-07-28T11:17:00.004-05:00

...the remote???

Inside the VCR is a perfectly good place to store it!! Looks like the work of a little monkey. I'm thinking this is just the beginning of "replacing" items. Jared is positive it was his way of showing us he understands, and can identify rectangles around the house. Baby Einstein has really paid off!! Now, if we could only find Jared's wallet that has been missing since Sunday!