Coffee Drinkers

Look at what my wonderfully sweet, thoughtful, and highly caffeine addicted in-laws gave my boys a couple of weeks ago:

Their own 'coffee cups'! Now, mind you, we are not coffee drinkers around here and obviously that is not what the boys are drinking out of them....but they love using these cups. That is the first thing they ask for when I ask them if they are thirsty and want a drink....."Can I have my coffee cup?"

They are so proud the themselves with these big boy mugs!

I am such a huge fan of things that have the boys' names on them. For each of the boys' first Christmases, Lynette and Roger got them a name puzzle--their names spelled out in large letters of different colors. We've never opened them--they are for decoration in their rooms and not for play (because mommy says so, that's why)--and they are one of my favorite things the boys have! Of course, now coming in a close second are these great 'milk mugs', as I have so re-named them! Grandma and Grandpa Merritt managed to find each boy's name, spelled correctly and everything, in three different colors. What a great gift!

Ethan's not quite sure how to use his yet....."I don't think this is quite right...."

" How did you say to do it Mommy?"
" No, no milk on this end...."
"I'm just not sure if I will get the hang of this very soon.... "
"but I'm happy with it anyway!"
Thanks Roger and Lynette--the boys love their mugs, and so does mommy!

Blink and they're grown

As I was looking at some new pics of my newest nephew Callen today, I was reminded of something that I wanted to post a few months ago. I had forgotten all about it, so, here it is today, a couple of months late.

This is a picture of baby Colin and Uncle Jay at Colin's very first Thanksgiving. (The pics of Callen and Jay being cozy together reminded me of this shot!)

Uncle Jay and baby Colin, crashed together on the couch

Enjoy Callen while he's little Jay....before you know it, he'll look like this!

This is Colin, not such a baby anymore, this past Thanksgiving with Uncle Jay. By the way, in case you were wondering....they were all cozied up together on the couch watching Strawberry Shortcake. :-) To be fair, Reese was in the room watching as well, but I truly think that Jay was enjoying the show as much as Reese was. ***hee hee!***

I thought it was so cute how Lynette took almost the same picture that I had, only four years later!

Love you both, Jay and Karie, and love the pics--keep them coming!

Don't say it...

You know how you say things like, "Boy, I haven't been sick in a really long time!" or "Man, my face has been really clear lately!".....

....and then the very next day, you get a sinus infection/bronchitis or wake up with 6 pimples on your face?

I swear, this always happens to me. I have told Shane so many times, usually after one of the above examples or something similar happens to me, "I am never going to say stuff like this ever again, because as sure as I do, it happens."

Well........

Remember my post from just yesterday? All the great progress we are making with Cameron on potty training? (Do you see where I am going yet?)

We have had so many great days in a row with Cameron going to the potty. We keep telling him what a big boy he is, and how great he is doing. Well, I think that maybe we told him just a few times too many, because last night, he decided that he was a big enough boy that he could go all by himself.

Now, many of you know Cameron. Of all my children, he is my--well, roughest is the word that comes to mind. He doesn't walk around things, he walks over them. He considers 'playing with you' to be running from the other side of the room and slamming into your thigh muscle and then laughing hysterically while you are on the ground, moaning, and rubbing said muscle. (Yes, this just happened this morning.) He just is a bit brute-like......notice, I did NOT say he was a brute, because I hate when people label children like that. You can not simply take one of his characteristics and lump all of his others into that one. It just doesn't fit. He is very gentle and caring in many ways, (like after he realized that I was really hurt, he came over to me and, patting my back, said, "I sorry mommy, okay mommy?") but he can be so rough in others. Anyway.....

So, Cameron tells Shane that he needs to go potty, but Shane was busy at the moment. He told him that he would take him in just a minute. That answer apparently did not satisfy Cameron. The little stinker didn't come looking for me to help him, either (I was busy in the other bathroom anyway). Instead, Cameron took it upon himself to: 1. go into the hall bathroom, 2. put up the toilet seat, 3. step up on his stool, and 4. go pee-pee.

Miss any steps there?

In case you haven't figured it out yet, he forgot to pull down his pants and his underwear. So, he stood there, right in front of the potty, and peed right in his pants.

Of course, as soon as he realized what was going on, he knew something was wrong and began crying hysterically.....both Shane and I came flying into the bathroom, to the rescue, and reassured him that this was only an accident, but that he was never, ever to go to the potty without Mommy or Daddy helping him, ever again.

I'm NEVER telling anyone when Ethan potty trains....

New Addition to the Merritts

Check out my newest nephew!

Callen Micheal Merritt was born on February 21st around 6 a.m. 8 pounds, 3 oz, and 20 inches long. Isn't he handsome? Shane's brother, Jason, and his wife Karie are the proud mommy and daddy. He joins big sister Reese, who is 2!

We are so thankful that everything went so well, and he arrived safe and sound. Can't wait to meet you in person baby Callen!

By the way, I think he looks like Shane.....

***:-) just kidding Jay :-)***

The newest of tricks

It's finally happened!







He usually laughs like crazy, hold his arms out in front of him like Frankenstein, and falls down about one step before he reaches his goal (as evidenced in the videos) but as of Tuesday, Ethan is officially walking! It is absolutely the cutest thing to see!

In other happenings around our house, the boys are all sick right now. Cameron is the worst off (Ethan and Colin are tying for a close second). The poor child coughed so hard last night in church that he threw up! Yes, my fear of one of my children throwing up in church in the middle of a service has now become a reality. All over me, all over him, all over the pew. Shane came to the rescue (as well as a couple of other church members) and we got everything taken care of. It was so cute--I didn't witness this, because obviously I was cleaning up throw-up, but apparently after the opening prayer (right after we left with Cameron) Colin raised his hand and said, "Pastor? Cameron just threw up and Mommy and Daddy took him out to clean him up, but could we pray for him to feel better?" :-)

Luckily, Cameron had an extra pair of jeans in the diaper bag (since we have been potty training, I take an extra pair when we go out 'just in case') and was wearing a zip-up hoodie over his shirt, so we were just able to strip that off and change his pants. It could have been a lot worse!

This morning, I discovered that Cameron had some 'dirt' on his face. Not so unusual for him.....anyway, when I got a washcloth to wipe it off, and discovered that it wasn't coming off, I looked a little closer and found that the poor thing actually has broken capillaries all over his face and around his eyes from coughing so hard! It is pitiful. You wouldn't really know he was sick, if it weren't for this terrible cough--he is in really good spirits! But, say a prayer, if you would, for poor Cami to feel better soon!

Here is some video of him, telling you of a few accomplishments of his:







If you didn't recognize the verse, it was Genesis 1:1. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." It is so cute listening to him say that.....

And, I think Cameron is officially potty-trained, which is such an exciting thing for him (and me!). He hasn't had any accidents in several days, and I believe he really does understand what is going on. He knows when he needs to go, and will certainly let me (and anyone else that happens to be standing within earshot) know too! As you can see by the video, he LOVES wearing 'big-boy pants'! (By the way, if you didn't understand what he was saying about the diaper, he was saying that he wears a diaper at night....)

Now, onto Colin, who is quite the little memorizer!





Genesis 1:2 "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."

He is doing so well with letters, numbers, and writing. He is getting so big, and smart, and is such an amazing help to me!

There is a lot going on at our house, as you can see! Hope you enjoy this quick peek at the boys!

New Blog

It appears that I am not the only mommy carrying a few of those extra dreaded pounds.

The response to my last post was much higher than I had anticipated. I have heard from several other women who are in the same boat as I am. The great thing is, they all want to do something about it too! One of the other blogger mommies I know, Edlow, has decided to do something that I was actually thinking about doing myself. She has started a 'weight loss' blog--it will be completely dedicated to our journey to the land of the skinny! :-) And I am going to be a contributor....I'm very excited about this! Encouragement when you are doing this kind of thing is extremely important. It will be great hearing from and talking to other ladies who are doing the same thing I am!

We will be blogging our ups and downs, losses and gains, and encouraging each other on a weekly and daily basis. If you would to join us in being a contributor (there are three of us so far) and write about your weight loss journey, let us know! You can either leave me a comment or email me privately.

I will be adding this blog to my sidebar, so if you'd like to check out the blog, feel free--hope you enjoy!

Click here to visit Motivated Mommas !

I'm setting her free

A couple of months ago, I found a new sign for my kitchen. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen, but the reason why I had to have it when I saw it was because, truly, I feel as though it describes me

TO.....A.....TEE.

For years, I have heard that skinny girl hollering....I know she is in there somewhere! I found her once, right before I got married. (I had real incentive then!) Not that I ever dream of getting back to my "just married" weight (that, truly, would not even be sustainable for me) but I am determined to find a girl close to that size again, even if she isn't quite as small as she once was.

I have decided that I am going to work really hard to release that girl that has been locked inside for so long. I did really great getting the baby weight off after I had Colin. Then I got pregnant with Cameron, had him, and 5 months later was already pregnant with Ethan. I never really got all of Cami's baby weight off before I put Ethan's on. Not necessarily my fault, considering the time frame there.....but definitely not good.

Now, I have two babies worth of baby weight to lose......but I am determined.

Okay, I am exaggerating a bit. Truth be told, I don't really have all that much to lose. About 13 pounds or so. Doesn't seem like much, but some days it might as well be 50! I love good food, and I love goodies like Fannie May candies and ice cream. I will not give those things up....but this is not about that. It is about eating those things like a sensible person. Not eating 1/2 pound of Fannies all at once. And I can do that, by the way.

And, of course, I want to be healthier, too! That is always a bonus side effect from being more weight-concious.

So, my plan is:

• Pilates, at least 4 times a week (it's only a 20 minute DVD, and I know I have an extra 20 minutes somewhere in my day)--exersise is key for me to lose! Plus, I have a Gazelle, and I would like to do that 4 times a week as well. This will mean that on some days, I will be doing both....and that seems like a large hurdle for me as I am just starting out, but like I said: I'm determined.
• Eating better
• Eating a bit less :-)
• Drinking lots more water
• And, as soon as the weather cooperates, getting outside for walks/running/biking/anything else that requires lots of movement....chasing 3 boys, maybe?!

So......I guess I have to do it now, because I feel like now I am accountable. I've told all of you. And, I am going to be adding a sidebar on, so that I am able to post my weight loss each week. I don't care if I only lose 1/2 a pound--it's something, and I'm going to post it!

Anyone want--or need--to join me?? We'll encourage each other!

***EDIT (2/19): WOW, everyone, what fantastic feedback I am getting already! Thank you, those who have encouraged me....for the last two days, I have done really well with eating AND my exercises! I will admit, I am a little tired after today's round, but I know it will get better. Out of the three ladies who have commented so far on this post, all three of them are in this boat with me, and I am so excited that all three of them want to do something about it! Edlow, Julie and Amanda--so far, we are all in this together! I thought about each of us setting some kind of goal, and checking back with each other every week, to see progress and encourage each other--as Amanda said, let's be skinny Moms this summer! What do you guys think? And, by the way, anyone else who hasn't commented yet who wants to join us is still welcome! (If you don't want to comment publicly, you can go to the profile page and email me privately.) Any takers?***

Baby Mozart?

Mommy and the boys

Performing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Mommy: "Our fingers start here" Cameron: "I can NOT believe I missed that note"
Ethan: "For heaven's sake....I wish Cameron would stop hitting the wrong notes!"
"I really like it when you play, Mommy......"
" ......but I think I just may be able to do it all by myself."
"Fingers in position...."
"I knew I could do this!!""Does it sound as incredible to you as it does to ME?" "Mom, I think I am definitely the talent in this family!"

Granny Franzi

I'm posting this because I think it is neat.

This is a picture of my Grandma Franzi--my mom's mom--and I when I was one year old (so, about 28 years ago.) I'm the grouchy looking one on the left, by the way.

This is a picture of my Grandma Franzi and I now:

She really is an amazing lady, and I thought that the fact I have these pictures is so very cool. (Thanks mom, for doing that for me!) The boys love her too....they call her "Granny", which is the reason I titled the post the way I did. She is an older Grandma, so I am really thankful that she is able to be around for my boys--they love her!

I am really lucky to have had her around for the last 29 years. She is 88 now....and more special with everyday that goes by! She will never see this, but I thought I would let you all know what a great lady she is and how much she means to me! She has taught me so much.

(**I love you Grandma Franzi**)

I'm IT

Well, this is a new one.

I have been 'tagged.' Yes, that's right....I said, 'tagged.'

No, I was not outside with the boys playing a game when this happened. I was actually sitting here at my computer, reading my friend Julie's blog. Someone 'tagged' her. I thought it was funny....till I scrolled down and realized, "She's gonna tag me next."

I could just feel it. And sure enough.....there was my name. And now, here we sit.

I didn't even know about this sort of thing, but it seemed humorous to me. I'm always up for humor. So I decided to participate.

The instructions are as follows:
We are going to see what kinds of books you all have lying close by. Here's what you have to do...

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages.)
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Link back to the person who tagged you.
6. Tag five people.

#1. Pick up the nearest book. Well, my computer is in my office, and all my books are out in my bookshelves in the living room....so that meant I didn't exactly have a book lying "close by." I already can't do this right. This does not bode well for me.....I sigh, get up, and walk to the living room to my bookshelves (and cheat a little--I didn't exactly pick the nearest book, I picked one that I thought would have something worthwhile in it.) I figured, if I am already doing this wrong, what's it matter?

I picked "Couplehood" by Paul Reiser. Have you read this one? Funny, funny stuff.

#2. Open to page 123. Funny thing.....This book actually starts on page 145. No kidding. Paul did this on purpose. Here are his actual words on the 'Authors Warning' page of the book:

You will notice in just a second that this book actually begins on page 145. Don't be alarmed--this is not a mistake. Don't try to get your money back. You didn't miss anything.

It's just that I know that when I'm reading, I love being smack in the middle of the book. Pages behind me, pages ahead of me. It's too overwhleming to know there's so much left and you're only on page 8.

This way, you can read the book for two minutes, and if anybody asks you how far along you are, you can say, "I'm on 151--and it's really flying. It just sails, baby."

You'll feel like you're accomplishing something, and I get credit for writing bigger book. Everybody wins, and it costs us nothing." --P.R.

So, for number 2, I actually had to turn to page 268. :-)

#3. Find the 5th sentence. Got it.

#4. Post the next three sentences.

I like the combination products. Things that you probably already have, but not in this particular combination. "It's a sweater vest and a bottle opener!"

#5. Link back to the person who tagged you. As previously mentioned, I was tagged by Julie. (BTW, Ethan could sooooo take the Jib--HaHa!!)

#6. Tag FIVE new people.

Okay. So, I tag (and you all seriously better do this too....)

Aimee (cause she has nothing better to do than chase a 15-month-old around and care for a 6-week-old)

Karie (cause I love both of my sisters-in-law, DUH)

Kara (cause we have so much in common)

Jill (cause she has the most adorable little girl)

Steph (cause she's a reader like me)

And for all five of them--because I'm interested in what you will have to say!

YOU'RE IT!!

Some info on my shortie

I realize that you may be curious as to what Ethan is like, now that he is one year old.

So, here are a few bits of information that make up Ethan Ryan:

He....


loves Cheerios


doesn't care all that much for table food yet, but is working his way there--he is a carb lover like his mom, starting out with the best things life has to offer like garlic breadsticks and mashed potatoes




loves his new walker even better than his old one (thanks Grandma MJ!)


refuses to take any steps to mommy or daddy without said walker

hates getting his runny nose wiped


is 28 1/4 inches tall


is 19 and a half pounds


loves both of his Cars blankets more than life itself


recently has discovered that he loves rocking in the rocking chair

is my most content baby

does not care much for anything that comes on the TV except once and a while will watch Veggies with the rest of the family (as long as the blanket is in tow)

Can go to sleep anywhere--literally--as long as he has his blanket (see pic from just this morning)

only sucks his thumb when he is ready to go to sleep

even if he is exhausted, will not suck his thumb without his blanket

once he goes to bed is a champion sleeper, just like his brothers

loves music

eventually will join in to sing with you, if you sing long and loud enough

loves showers

loves Colin and Cameron

makes mommy happier than life itself