New Puppy and Blue Mouth

A couple Saturday's ago, Emily got a belated birthday present, a cute little bitty Chihuahua. Her mom, brother, Wyatt and myself took a trip to Belton to pick up this cute puppy. Here are a few pics of our trip.

Last night Wyatt's sissy got to visit and spend the night. They had a lot of fun, Wyatt really misses his big sister! Wyatt got to eat one of his "Smallest ever popcicles" that turned his teeth and lips blue.

One Final Picture

I snatched this photo from the on-line Springfield News Leader. Yikes, wouldn't want to be under that!

I would prefer to have snow all winter that have ice ANYDAY!

Ice Storm Pics

Here are the pics of our ICE STORM this past Monday and Tuesday.


My patio Monday Night

Front of my house on 2/13, ice on sidewalk/driveway is 1 inch thick

My poor tree and it's teeny weeny branches full of ice.

My street ICE covered. No school for 3 days

Some really nice home owners scraped the ice off the sub's entrance, A BIG hill with a BIG drop off!

A tree branch fell over Hwy CC on my way to HWY 65. I had to stop and called for someone to clear the branch. My first call was to Nixa and they said it was Ozark so I begged the man to please contact Ozark since I was driving (and I had Nixa PW in my cell) and this was certainly a road hazard no one expects to see as they are driving (I was driving like Grandma Jones) but I know other drivers really fly down the road and would certainly cause an accident. I hope he called.

I wanted to post a few other pictures, but am having some technical issues. I'll try to post them tomorrow. Most of the trees in this area of Missouri look really sad and remind me of the Ice Storm we had in January of 2007. I was lucky to only be without power for about 9 hours Monday.

Missouri Ice Storm

We had an ice storm early this week, as soon as I can get some time, ya'll can see the results of what Missouri weather can create from the pictures I have taken.

Wal-Mart

Here is the infamous 'horse' ride at Wal-Mart that Wyatt just loves to go on. Our routine at Wal-Mart has gotten a lot better as Wyatt is getting older, I have even let him walk a few times which has turned out pretty good since he gets pretty tired (and bored) and after a while decides he wants to go ahead and get in the cart. So we shop, get a cookie, (a donut for later), sometimes their chicken, check out, donate a quarter to the donation cylinder where your quarter goes on a roller coaster ride before reaching the bottom, ride the 'horse', he begs for a gumball but hardly wins that round and finally load up and get home.

It's snowing like crazy today, I'm sure leaving early may be in my forecast. Here are the pictures from 7:30 a.m. We have about an inch of snow on the ground now and it's a mini blizzard out there.

Oh and if you didn't catch my extremely brief posting yesterday, I added a cute little thing on the very bottom of the page. I tried to get one that didn't have a little girl on a bike, but everytime I would choose a different one, the same little girl showed up on it? UPDATE, dugh I figured it out.

Check it Out!

Go ALL the way to the bottom and see what I added. It is SO cute!

What would you do with a penny?

Ok, for those of you that don't know this. I HAVE THE CUTTIEST BOY EVER! Ok, well, maybe I might be somewhat bias since I gave birth to him, or I might just be a wee bit of a proud mommy. Anyway, Wyatt found a penny last week in my closet (I have a jar of change hidden and must have dropped this penny - ok I'm gonna have to relocate my money jar), he loves to poke around in there and pretend to scare me, like he's Scully from Monsters, Inc. With this ONE penny he has pretended to buy a lot of things over this past week, so far he has bought cars (Lightening McQueen), grocery's (chicken and donuts at Wal-Mart), a bike, gum, candy, toys, gas (yes for my car), he has always been willing to give me his penny to pay for whatever it is.

This morning he was talking about how he was going to use his penny to go on the horse ride at Wal-Mart. The one that you need 50 cents to ride for 20 seconds, ya know right by the entrance/exit that you freeze to death thinking why in the heck did Wal-Mart put this ride in front of the two sliding doors that let in all the cool air? Where you block all the people wanting to get out of the store because they put a huge create of whatever the seasonal stuff they want you to take one last look at to see if just maybe you might reconsider buying just one more thing you don't need. Ok, I seem to be getting off track, back to the penny. Wyatt was talking up a storm about this penny as I put him in his carseat so I turned on the camera and this is what he said.

Apparently, a penny can get Spongebob out of a cave. I for one did not know this. Thanks to Wyatt we now know what a penny can do!

Here are a few more cute pictures of my handsome little man being a little boy.

I love him sooooooooooooooooooo much!

Daycare

It was a chilly 19 degrees out this morning and although I warm up my car (SUV) every morning, Wyatt still wants every blanket he owns covering him...He is so silly, you can't see all of them, but he has 4, yes I said FOUR blankets on him for the 15 minute drive to daycare.

Once we get to his daycare, he throws off his blankets and hat and is ready to go in to see Debbie ( AKA DeeDee ). Wyatt calls her Dee Dee although the other teachers try to get him to address all of the employees as "teacher" insteed of their name. I wish this picture wasn't so blurry, but in a hurry this morning I didn't preview it before I left...I'll more than likely take another one to replace this one later. Wyatt loves his Dee Dee, she always gives him a warm and loving welcome and takes that little extra time with him throughout his day.

Wyatt's daycare recently moved to a new building. This new building is so wonderful and so many new things for the kids to do. Usually Wyatt would be strapped to my leg when I'd drop him off and now he gets excited and actually asks me if he can go to Daycare.

New Car

Here is Brandi, my 2nd cousin in front of her new car that we donated to her. Our family is like no other family I know, I love you guys so much! On behalf of Brandi and myself, I would like to thank all of you for your generosity in donating the Rendezvous to me and my Aztec to Brandi.

Like I Said.....

Another year has slipped through my fingers, didn't we just celebrate bringing in 2007, 2006, 2005.....2000? Don't we hate to admit that are parents were right in saying we'll realize some day the years will go by so fast, you won't know what hit you?

I've been divorced for 15 years, 15 years! Wow, I know. So what have I been doing for 15 years? That has been a constant thought for the past several weeks. So much I felt I had to write about it. After my divorce, I didn't date or go out very often (I had my daughter to take care of). This went on for 3 years, I just wasn't ready to meet another Mr. Wrong and really needed to find out who I was. I've realized over the years though, that I am still learning who I am, it will be a never ending experience to constantly grow into myself. I know what I want out of life and I know what I don't want. I also know I've gone through different stages of loneliness, being in and out of love, rebounding, intimacy, being played and settling for less/having it all.

After my divorce, I recall being overwhelmed, I was so glad to be away from him, but I hadn't ever really been alone before. I had to adjust and take care of my daughter, I have always been a responsible person and I had to put aside my happiness for hers. What I was really doing is focusing on her so I didn't have to deal with my 'lonely demons'. I constantly have that empty space in my heart still expecting to be filled. I have had a hard time understanding the difference between someone liking me for me and someone liking me for alternative motives. I find myself running from someone who shows me affection and wants to be in a mature relationship and am victim to heartbreak when I meet someone that doesn't share in the same elated excitement.

I have Wyatt, a gift in life I can't begin to express how thankful I am to have. His love is so innocent and does not come with conditions or misleading expectations. He, like my daughter helps me through again fighting those lonely demons. I can focus on him and forget about the world around me. I believe in that saying that people come in and out of your life for a reason. I am, though as much heartache it caused me, am thankful his father gave me this gift of life.

I've been doing the on-line dating thing for a while now thinking it was the best way for me to meet someone. I always think I am ready to find Mr. Right, I just can't seem to give up the hope that he is out there. I greatly miss holding hands while walking at the park or store or just sitting around, hugs, hugs are the best thing. That kind of warm embrace cannot be shared with just anyone. Having that shoulder to cry on, the first one you call with great news or just calling just because. Falling asleep with someone you know will be the first thing you see when you wake up. Having that never ending conversation because you truly enjoy each others thoughts and outlook on things. Having that 'moment' where nothing is said. Enjoying a great cup of coffee while the rest of the house is still asleep. Someone to be there for me when I need that pick me up, that slap in the face to snap out of it when I am feeling a little blue.

And have I found it on-line? Well, what I have found with on-line dating is that it is difficult because you really do not know who is being honest and who isn't, is 'he' on-line for the wholehearted reason to find his one and only or just looking for a good time? The bonus here is that you can sit in privacy and click away among the hundreds of profiles from one coast to the other honing in on whatever criteria you include in your search. So we'll see.

Happy New Year!

Well, heck, where did 2007 go?

Here are some pics from our Family Christmas Dinner at Paula's house.

Let me know if you guys have trouble getting the pictures to download.

Wyatt's Christmas

Once Wyatt found his presents, he didn't waste much time opening them. I think it may have taken an entire 3 minutes start to finish. HA! I barely had enough time to take these pictures. He loves all his new toys, he just can't decide which one to play with first. (I still need to stop at the store and spend another small fortune on batteries since I didn't buy enough--or the right kind to go in all his new toys)

He liked his cowboy hat and galloping horse. He rode it around the living room hollaring yee haw cowboy...then I followed him into the kitchen, it dawned on me that I can make a video clip. I started it and my bashful (NOT) son decided he didn't want to play anymore...

Christmas 2007

Wyatt woke up Christmas morning like it was just another day at our house. He came straight into my room, crawled up and snuggled with me for a few minutes, we got up, I got him breakfast, not once did he notice the presents under the tree while eating. I finally stood him up and asked him to go look to see if he had presents under the tree from Santa. He immediately asked if he could open all of them. I don't know if I am being selfish, but it was really nice just being me and him, watching him open each present filled my heart with so much joy. He is my little miracle I don't know what I would be without him. Later in the day we went to Paula Jean's to bring them their gifts. While there, Wyatt was asked if Santa came to his house, he said so casually, no he didn't. I'm not sure he really believes in Santa yet or if he was just focused on playing with his new toys. I'll post pictures as soon as I get them downloaded.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

BELIEVE

I write about the kids and family and realized I should also be writing about me every now and then. Isn't that one of the hardest things to do, write about yourself? I BELIEVE it is. Which brings me to thinking about the things I BELIEVE in. Have you ever thought about the things Y O U BELIEVE in? The things I BELIEVE in are constantly on my mind among the 3 gazzillion other things I think about during my day.....and I wonder sometimes if there is something seriously wrong with me. ha!

BELIEVE - the definition......To have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so. My immediate thought when I read this, seemed a lot like FAITH. Which lead to my next thought; to TRUST. Ok, you see how my mind works?

I believe everyone has a purpose in life, some of us find it at a very young age and some of us discover it much later in life. Either way, I believe, my life is guided by what I am passionate about. My family and doing the right thing to the best of my ability. I greatly admire those who have that knack to say and do all the right thing at all the right times. I know I am harder on myself than anyone could ever be.

I BELIEVE in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and I wish more people would feel this way.

Courage is within all of us, we prove it daily by facing difficulty, danger, pain...all without fear, all at various levels. Without courage, I would not be who I am today. I have faced many challenges in my life. Everyone has to a degree. Those challenges are also what has made it difficult for me to fully trust anyone. I do have hope though and a lot of it.

I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Forgiveness is essential in life. Without it, your heart will fill with resentment.

I believe in balance, a balance in your life is how you make it, don't let others dictate what works for you.
I believe in God.
I believe hard work will give you great rewards in life.
Patience is not always easy and I have a breaking point.
I believe you have the right to question everything and anything regardless of the topic.
Politics are not my cup of tea.
I believe you should laugh out loud every day!
I believe good and evil can mask one another.
To be honest should not be difficult.
Everyone is accountable for their own actions.
Freedom is not FREE.

I have only touched the surface of this list, it is never ending.

Weekend

This past weekend, I didn't take one picture. I had full intentions of taking pictures but my camera never made it to my destinations or if it did, I didn't take it out of my purse. Wyatt got his hair cut Saturday morning at the Barber Shop. Doesn't sound too eventful, however, this was only the 2nd time he has gotten his hair cut by a professional. His style from his mama clipping his hair has been simply a buzz cut. It had been over a year since his first experience (that, let's say was not a pleasurable experience for him) so I decided with all his progress in his behavior, he was ready.....and he really did pretty good until.............

#1-It was just taking way to long (20 minutes later for a 3 year old is just too long), he had sat still for as long as he could without getting antsy. He started to pull off the cape, his slobber had attracted his clippings so his chin and neck had teeny tiny hairs itching him.

#2-The barber sliced his neck, not once, but twice. Ok, maybe it wasn't a slice, but it did bleed and made him cry, the barber gave him a sucker and I gave him a hug and that helped (a little) and

#3-The barber had his booth in the front right at the window. It started to snow outside and all Wyatt could see is that he wanted to go play!



This entire situation is such an improvement from a year ago (I know I said that twice) but it is true. It is a constant struggle for me to stay on top of every situation that comes up with him and take the correct course of action. I am not the smartest person and I don't feel I am a complete idiot, but as a single parent I second guess myself a lot and reflect on if I should have done something different (not to mention the guilt I carry-another long story I'll write about later). I have been lucky enough that I have a pediatrician and daycare provider that are helping me work with him through his diet and consistent disciplinary measures. There are days that it takes every ounce of my energy to be patient with him and I totally hate myself when I lose control and act out in a way that is completely out of character. My hope and thoughts are on the future and that my little boy will grow out of having temper tantrums-laying of the floor, kicking and crying, spitting-mostly to himself when he gets mad.....among other lashing out techniques that I find difficult to understand.

Family Tree, hugh, what??

A Family Tree, doesn't that sound like a good no....GREAT idea? I've been thinking about it for a very long time. And as each year passes, I continued to put it on the back-burner so Yeah, good idea, this should be a P I E C E O F C A K E, right? Simply jot down all my known family members; mom, dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, great aunts, great uncles....jeepers the list just goes on and on AND ONNNNNN. So I sought out assistance a while back from a web site (a paying web site) since I quickly realized this would be no easy task. While dipping into this venture, I also sent e-mails to my relatives asking for their assitance, the email went like this:

"I was wondering if you could help me with gathering some information for our Family Tree I have decided to attempt. I am starting with Grandma & Grandpa David as the 'Trunk' (but I can branch out more if I am given enough feedback). I am wanting as much information as possible for as many family members as possible. Like their full name (including maiden names) birthdate, birth town, city & county, husbands, wives, kids, grandkids, brothers, sisters.....it just goes on and on. The tree I have started is capable of downloading pictures so if you have a specific picture you'd like me to post, please send it to me. I have quickly realized our family is much bigger than I recalled and I don't know and haven't really known many of them.

Anything you can send me would be so wonderful ! .......AND if you could pass on any e-mail address's that would be great or forward this message.

Thanks!
Paula T."

I sent this a few weeks ago, as of today, I have no reply messages other than from Paula Jean, she told me she thought I knew more than her. WELL....of course I do! LOL I worry our family is drifting apart as all the kids are getting older and moving on with their lives and starting their own families. I greatly miss how often our family used to get together.

Edit Pictures

Ok, I had to edit the picture(s)

FREE Wal-Mart Picture!

Here are the FREE Wal-Mart pictures of Wyatt with Santa. They were only giving one free picture per family, but seeing that I am more special than everyone else, I got two! (HA, the first one Santa wasn't looking at the camera and so I got it too, otherwise they were just gonna throw it away).

I know I messed up on scanning it in and it looks funny, but hey, I am allowed to not be perfect today. :O)

As obvious as it looks, Wyatt was extremly excited to see Santa for the 3rd time this year to let him know what he wanted for Christmas, PRESENTS! LOL

As promised.......

Here it is, Me, Wyatt and Santa. If I had known I was going to get my picture taken, I would have dressed a little nicer. The thing that aggravates me the most about this picture is that after the guy took it on his digital camera, I didn't get to see it and he said it looked really good......WHY I trusted a guy to tell me this, I am not sure. I mean, he did have a digital camera, and not just any digital camera, this one was big and bulky so in my mind he could have easily snapped another picture because I am pretty sure I could have convinced Wyatt to sit still for the spit second it took to take the picture. And I am sure my frustrations of the entire event have nothing to do with my feelings now.....OK, ok I am done whining about this (for today). I will be going to Wal-Mart this coming weekend and see how a freebie picture compares to this one.