Lacy's Blog

Birthday #3

2011-12-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

We're ENGAGED!!!

2011-11-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

It finally happened! We are GETTING MARRIED!!! I am wearing something sparkly on my left hand and I'll admit Jerry pulled off a pretty great surprise!! I have proof that I had no clue by what I was wearing that day because if I thought something was up I would have dressed better. Every year his family all gets together at his sister's house. I meet new people every year. We had eaten and were just sitting around the living room chatting and he told me that his dad had asked him to "address" the family. Which is totally something his dad do. So I sat on the couch playing with my early Christmas present (the new iPhone) just waiting for the "Thank you everyone for coming.. I am thankful for you all" speech.. Jerry's little "address" was so heart felt and thoughtful I was so proud of him. He was really emotional about different members of his family and he even had me teary eyed talking about a couple family members that weren't able to make it this year. Then he starts talking about Julian (I know whatever he said was great ... this is just when everything starts to get very blurry). For a split second, I had the thought... "what if he forgets to mention me!" HAHA!! Then I remember him saying, "But there is one person here that ??????????? (man i wish i remembered what he said) Then he said some really sweet things and grabbed my hand to make me stand up off the couch and he was down on one knee with a ring and a question.. My response was.. of course. I was in shock.. I just kept thinking "did this really just happen?" I have waited so long and I have thought of every scenario in the book and I couldn't think of a better way. He really did it when I wasn't expecting it. It's fun knowing that his whole family was anxiously waiting all night for the "big event" and I was never tipped off by anyone. I had asked him a long time ago how he was going to know what kind of ring I wanted and he said, don't worry about it I know you will like what I like. :) It is a very good thing he has good taste!! One of his cousins came in the bedroom and asked me to see the ring and I wad like "OH man I haven't even really looked at it yet!!" I LOVE IT!! I said all I know is that it is sparkly and it means we get to get married!! yay!!

YES I am wearing ALL parts of my ring!! I saw it and I feel like I waited long enough and I am not leaving sparkle in a box that should be on my finger :)

Happy Thanksgiving from the cutest little pilgrim EVER!!

Julian showing off his future skills at the "G Bowl" that Jerry's bff and family have every Thanksgiving morning.

Jerry with his boys!

Jerry and Julian ready for Jerrious' game in Memphis

Jerrious looks so much like Jerry. So handsome!!

Riverwalk / Sea World

2011-11-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

A quick little family weekend vacation to San Antonio.

I took off work on Friday and we got to San Antonio in perfect time to enjoy the river walk. I should have known something was up when Julian and Jerry were both fine without jackets and I was cold. We had a great time on the river walk and then headed over to stay the night with Clinton. The next morning I woke up very ill but was very determined that Julian was GOING to see a dolphin and a whale. It was a perfect day for Sea World. Even though I was very very weak and was struggling, Julian got to feed dolphins, see sharks and all kinds of fish. He got to see the Beluga whale show and we missed Shamu but seconds. I was very sad about that but couldn't last to wait for the next show. It was a short 2 hours at Sea World and then we were headed back home. Julian and I slept most of the way back to Houston. Wish we got to do things like that more often but we had a great time and I am very thankful that we got to use a weekend of Jerry's vacation time to enjoy a short little trip.

"Chuck E Cheese"

2011-11-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

or... "Trick or Treat." I have to give it to him. The phrases do sound very similar coming out of Julian's mouth. :) haha. Here are some pics from Halloween 2011. A coworker of mine gave me this train conductor outfit last year but it was too big. Thankfully it was a perfect fit this year so like father like son.. Julian was a little conductor. Daddy got to go with us this year so that made it even better. Julian had a lot of fun going to all the doors and saying "chuck e cheese" and getting candy in return. I'm not sure if he liked the trick or treating or the passing out candy better

3rd annual Pumpkin Patch adventure with the Dockery's

2011-10-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

2010

2009

home away from home away from home...

2011-08-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

I love Cedar Hill.

I truly feel like God led me there for a reason. I attended 9:30 at FBC Lubbock where I met several great friends who happened to be from Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster. Thankfully Emily Dugan (morris) asked me to be in her and Jason's wedding the summer after I had graduated from Tech and was looking for a teaching job. At a wedding shower for Emily in Cedar Hill I met two fabulous women, Terri Doherty and Cindy Henry. Mrs. Terri worked for CHISD in HR. I was encouraged to apply. I happened to be really great friends with her son and his finace, Sally, who both went to 9:30 also. Ryan and Megan Henry, Cindy's children, also went to 9:30. So after going to several wedding events and getting to know the Doherty's, I interviewed and had several job options at a few different schools. Terri "highly encouraged" me to choose the pre k job at this older campus because I would be working with Cindy Henry. BEST DECISION for sure!!

I was blessed with the best first teaching job ever with the best coworkers. Those coworkers soon became very close friends. After 5 years of my perfect job I left it to come to Houston with Jerry. Which is a decision I will never ever regret but I will admit I miss my perfect job and my friends a lot. I bring up finding a train job and moving back to Cedar Hill several times a year. It is a conversation that I already know the obvious and reality but it is a fun thought. I love getting to go visit. We usually stay at the 5 star "Seeley Inn" which we love. I really think Cedar Hill is a place I will always have such fond memories of and treasure my time there when I was first on my own and "starting" my grown-up life. I started out there as "the baby" and if I were still there I would just be a veteran teacher which would just be weird and I would just be jealous of all the other younger teachers coming in thinking they were "the babies." I thank God a lot for my friendships and my time that I was there. I had such great mentors, friends, big sisters, etc...

Melissa, Jill, Jacqueline, and I all had babies in November and December of 2008 so it is nice to get to spend time with other mothers of 2 1/2 year olds. So interesting. It is easy to feel all alone in this battle with a little one who thinks he can do everything by himself and when he doesn't get to or can't do something, he completely loses his mind. It was just very nice to see other little 2 1/2 year olds with the same "issues" :) We had a great time getting the kids together. After Julian and I arrived at Deb's house and had a little nap we all met up at the Henry's house for a "pizza party." Julian was so excited about that "pizza party" at which he ate one little bite of pizza and decided it wasn't for him. All the boys were there and we got to meet little miss Reese, Cindy's grandbaby/ Tanya and Logan's daughter. She is a doll. The next day we all met up at the water park in Mansfield. It was awesome. We all had a great time together and then when all of them were way overdue for their naps we were out of there. Later that evening Debbie and Amanda went with Julian and I to my favorite place to eat EVER... TON's Mongolian.. it was awesome as usual. The next morning we woke up and went to visit with Cindy for a bit and then all met up at Panera for a great lunch before heading back to Houston. Julian fell asleep just as planned right after hitting the highway. The plan was also for him to take a 3 hour nap and make it almost home before waking up.. haha NOT. He slept for about an hour and a half and then he talked to me (yelled at me) the rest of the way. All in All it was an awesome trip. We got to see all my besties except for my Barnes family who we really missed getting to see but we are soooooo happy Inass was cleared by all her doctors to go spend some much needed time with her sister.

I love Cedar Hill!

lunch at Panera with the crew

julian being shy with the girls


julian was steeling her cherios but decided to share a few

julian, luke, and carson at 3 and 4 months

not as easy to get them sit still these days

our baby boys

our independent 2 1/2 year olds

julian's singing (yelling) performance for the party

all the girls

Way out West

2011-07-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Started our trip off in Rotan with a 2 night stay at the William's Inn :) Awesome hospitality! The adults all love their "outdoor" (shower) and now Julian loves his "outdoor"

tad bit of a tan line

Julian loves his uncle Ricky. Almost as much as he loves Ricky's horse, Check.

Up to Aunt Cecilia's for 3rd of July burgers and fireworks. Julian got to hang out with his cousins, Hayden and Addi Jane. Julian loved the fireworks and was asleep before the grand finale.

Julian with his Great Grandad.

Ready for the fireworks

We spend the rest of the week in Knox City with the family. I love getting to spend time with my sweet niece and nephew. I just can't believe how big they are getting.

Julian wanted Riley Paige to hold him and she wanted to. Even though it was a struggle, neither seemed to mind. So sweet.

cheek to cheek.. it's our thing

At Carson's baseball practice running the bases at the end of practice. He got a little turned around and went the wrong direction after 3rd but he sure looked cute.

This is what you 6 year old cousin with a million dress up and dance costumes can do to you.

The gang at the Drive-in ready to watch Cars 2

Carson reading a book to Julian. After the book, Carson got Julian down on the ground with the book and pointed at the words making him repeat every word. He was teaching him how to read.

Visiting with his Mimi Stella.

Giving his "Amar" some love

Before we headed to the airport, we stopped by Kecia's house to visit with the new babies. Kyre'a (I have no idea how to spell it) and Ava. Both so beautiful.


My great friend, Sally D, was able to stop by for a few minutes to visit. Her kiddos are getting so big. Our visit was much tooooo short. I hope we can get together again soon. Miss ya girl!

I love summer!!

2011-06-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well my last blog was Mother's Day so I am a little behind on the updating but let's see...... after mother's day, we finished the school year and our summer fun began!!

MOM: My mom has a camper trailer so she came and parked it here in Spring for the WHOLE month! I cannot even tell you how much I LOVE having family in town, especially my mom! Julian and I are going to be lost without her when she leaves. Julian had his first official sleep over away from home and away from mommy at "Big's" house and he has been staying with Big about every other night.

PAINTING: With the help of grandma babysitting and Jerry's brother, Marlon, with the roller, I have gotten two rooms painted so far. Now that Marlon has a job I will be working solo but I think the goal is going to be getting two more rooms painted and that's the end for now. After we got the bedroom painted, Jerry and I were finally ready to go get our new furniture. We have only had a bed and TV since we moved in. I LOVE our new furniture. We found it back in March and I have been wanting it ever since. Maybe now we can get a crew to come in and paint the big main areas and wipe it out in one day instead of taking me for-ev-er!!

WATERPARK: So Julian and I discovered a very small waterpark in Conroe. Our first time Grandma went with us and we met Carol and Boston there. It is perfect for kids Julian's age. Since he wants to be outside all day playing in the water anyways, it's so much more pleasant if I have some water to sit in while he is having a blast. It is very inexpensive and Julian has had a blast every time we have been there. We went alone one day and then the past few times we have met friends. There is a big huge play structure in the middle of a 1 1/2 foot pool with all kinds of squirting water and a huge bucket and two little slides. Julian has never wanted to try the slides as much as we wanted him to. I knew as soon as he did it once he would be hooked. Sure enough yesterday we went with my friend Katie and her two girls Hayden and Maddison and he finally wanted to try it with them. So I took him up the first time and let him go down and Katie met him at the bottom. Before I could get down the steps to meet him he was already on his way to do it "ONE MO TIME!!" He was hooked for sure. The girls took him back several times until they were tired of sliding and then he decided he was brave enough to do it solo. He had a blast. I can just sit in the water at the bottom and watch him go up and down and he LOVES it!!

SWIM LESSONS: Julian was supposed to start swim lessons on the 6th but due to faulty information given to me over the phone, we were not able to get a spot in the class. So he started on the 20th. It is a parent/child class and he is the star student for sure. He LOVES the water. He sings the songs out loud and he pretty much rocks everything the tell him to do. He isn't a huge fan of blowing bubbles in the water but he'll do (a little). So we have 4 more day of lessons and the we are free!!

SUMMER GOALS: I feel like we have done a lot so far but I still have several things on my list that I wanted to do before summer it over. I guess I'm trying to make up for last year when I was stuck inside on the couch for 8 weeks. I still want to take him to the zoo, beach, and several other places but he would be perfectly happy if we just went to the waterpark everyday.

10 Things I Loved About Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

In no particular order...

1. I got to spend Mother's Day with my Mother! how about that!!

2. I am thankful God chose me to be Julian's mommy

3. My mom made me my favorite meal, chicken fried steak! yummy

4. Jerry was off work all day on a Sunday ... unheard of

5. I got a 2 hour nap.. also unheard of

6. Jerry got me a Samsung Galaxy Tablet (sprint version of ipad but better!!) .. LOVE it

7. Dinner at Red Robbin with my mother

8. My two new plants for my flower bed that are beautiful and shall remain nameless because i do not remember what they are called.

9. A great service at Grace Church with my men.

10. A relaxing afternoon playing in the water sprinkler, washing our cars, and watering plants.. a lot of water was wasted but it was a good time with my baby boy

Resurrection Day 2011

2011-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Private King's deployment party weekend!! Family reunion time!!

2011-04-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

playing with my new camera during our much needed stop. fry.. there is NO place to use the restroom in woodson tx.

gradma and her babies

what a sweet cousin

julian and mamar

miss taylor chasing bubbles.. i love my camera

proof of a LOT of fun being had

first time i have been on a horse in probably 5+ years.. crazy.. julian is still talking about Check 2 weeks later

so much fun on the four wheeler. this is how he finally fell asleep for a nap

don't have the cutest niece and nephew ever!!

nap time

riley paige is already a great babysitter... miss addi jane is getting so big

ohhhh biiiiggg!

just a swingin

grandad and "the sisters"

grandad and "the cousins"

grandad and "the greats"

IT'S A........

2011-04-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

SONY!!!
Jerry got me a new Sony camera and it's AWESOME! My old camera had no flash and wouldn't take a picture half the time so my picture taking was on a serious decline. I started talking about "when I get my next camera, I want it to be a really good one so I can get some good pics of J and I thought we were waiting a while to get . Next thing I know a day or two before I was going home for a family reunion, Jerry called me at school and told me he had forgot some of his work stuff in my car and he was stopping by on his way to work so I needed to go out and unlock the car for him. He pulls up and says "surprise! I know you could used it this weekend and I knew you would want to play with it all night to practice" So that's why he dropped it off at school. Jerry is a keeper!! :) These are the first few pics I took with it and I have taken about a million pics already. I need to learn how to edit them all kinds of crazy ways and then they would be even better!! Can't wait to learn and get better at this.

big boy basketball room

2011-03-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

One room down, MANY more to go. Our house is a blank canvas. Julian's room has been "trains" since he has been born and he had been given so many basketball things that I decided when we changed it, it would be a basketball room. Which is ok with Jerry and I :). While my mom was here to watch Julian, I did the painting. I found the basketball wall idea online. Jerry was not a believer until he saw the results. I am happy with how it turned out. Julian just said "eww ball" "eww wall" :) haha

A once in a lifetime!!

2011-03-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Skydiving!!

St. Patrick's Day 2011 was one word.. AWESOME!! Thanks to a Groupon that was advertising around the same time as Jerry's birthday back at the end of December, Jerry and I got to go skydiving for his birthday!! Poor Jerry had to wait 3 months for his birthday gift but neither of us were too interested in skydiving on January 5th in the freezing temps. :) Jerry and I were super excited. My mom was a little worried about my knee and the landing so I politely asked her to keep Julian at home while we went.. Ha! I told her that it wasn't the 30's and I probably wouldn't be hitting and rolling or anything like that. I was right. You are asked to raise your legs anyways and we pretty much landed on our bottoms nice and slowly. Did I mention that it was AWESOME!! Suprisingly neither Jerry nor I were nervous at all! We were both just super anxious to get up there and jump. We had originally planned to jump on Saturday the 12th but we were called to reschedule ours due to a random inspection so since we had some friends who also got the groupon and were scheduled to jump on the 17th, we decided to meet them there and experience it together. I am so glad we did. We had a lot of fun with Kristin and Coach. We had to drive an hour and 1/2 to Eagle Lake, TX. We arrived right on time at noon. We were told to expect to be there 2-4 hours and my "very patient" love wasn't that excited about that. At first we thought it was going to be an all day thing until the first group went up.. From the moment the plane leaves the ground till it lands and the jumpers land was exactly 12 minutes. So we were in group 8 and were out of there by 3:00.. Fun! Fun! It was definitely an experience for the record books.

Real or Counterfeit??

2011-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

One of the pastors used an awesome analogy at church this morning. The way they train bank tellers to identify counterfeit money is by never ever showing them any money that isn't real. So when/if the time comes and they are counting money they will be able to recognize the fake. He used this analogy to say how we should teach our children how to identify love that isn't real.. by showing them the real love of Jesus.

So this is my prayer for Julian. I pray that God's love reflects through me and others in his life and he only knows the real unconditional love of Jesus. So one day when something fake comes in front of him, he will automatically reconize it as counterfeit. I pray he only knows God's Love!!

Thank You God for loving me as I am! Thank you even more for loving me toooo much to leave me this way!!

the WINTER BLAST of 2011 :)

2011-02-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome NO SNOW snow day!! The whole city of Houston was practically shut down and I liked it. I know people from places that actually get real cold weather think we are crazy but no one down here knows how to drive in anything slick (rain included). So yes I am happy we had a snow day and I am happy I did not have to drive on the "ice." I am not claiming to be one of the ones who know how to drive on snow or ice.. I don't!! Our friends, the Richard's, were staying a couple nights for Rachel's dental confrence. We had a great day off hanging out watching movies and playing ping pong. Fun times. I wanted sooo bad to wake up to at least a couple inches of snow like we were told because I was definitely going to slide down the hill in front of my house. But NOPE, not this year.

Potty Training Update: Julian is a rock star!! He has had some "adjustments" pooping on the potty. He hasn't had any accidents but he would just hold it and not go. He has had to have several ennemas but we have now officially asked and gone potty 3 days in a now. He even asked to go at Wal Mart (no where close to the restroom) and we made it there and successfully walked out of the store dry and wearing the same clothes we walked in with. Even though after stepping foot in that disgusting restroom i almost would have rather him have to go out to the car and get changed. :) maybe not. Anyways, he is doing awesome. We are going on one month now in big boy underwear and he is doing EXCEPTIONAL!!

I would love to update more but because my lap top has no battery and the plug in has to be in a certain postion and can not be moved a milimeter or it will turn off I have to be in a very awkward and uncomfortable postion and every second I am typing the more pain I am in. so bye

Mission: 3 day potty training!!

2011-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

So I took off work on Friday so I could have 4 days with my big potty training boy. The book that we read was called 3day potty training by laura jensen and I have friends who have done it and been very successful. So we started Friday morning and we have been in big boy undies ever since!! Basically the 3 day plan is to devote 3 whole days to stalking your child and reminding them every 5 seconds to tell you if they need to go potty and if you catch them in the act you rush them to the potty and remind them to keep their underwear dry. Lots of positive reinforcement for going in the potty. I didn't know exactly what to expect but and I had my moments of frusration and boredom stuck in the house following julian's every move for 3 whole days but I think it was a huge success. He has been in big boy underwear for 4 whole days now and he has only had one nap where he wet the bed. Julian is a rock star what can I say. My friend Jen who just went through it a couple of weeks ago with her son, Cameron, was a lot of help and support. Today we even went to mall for a couple of hours to play and eat lunch with Carol Dockery and her boys and Julian did awesome. Home to a dry nap and then a little trip to Petsmart and all that and we are still in the same clothes we put on in the morning! I am so proud and excited. I am praying Julian and I continue to have a lot of support through this. I am praying Julian does well for the babysitter and she is able to help in the process too. I am praying he and I continue to get more confidnence and figure out how this all works. CAN YOU BELIEVE MY LITTLE GUY IS POTTY TRAINED!!? It really feels like this time I have with my precious little boy is going by too quickly.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am ashamed I have as few pictures as I do for Julian's 2nd Christmas. We had a blessed Christmas even though Julian spent most of the time sick. My mom came to Houston on the Friday school let out so she could spend the weekend with Julian while Jerry and I finished up the last minute shopping. We had a great weekend and were packed up and ready to drive home to Knox City on Monday morning. We had a great trip minus the part where Julian only took a 15 minute nap and the part where I got pulled over for a speeding ticket :( But we made it and we had a great week with Grandma, Mamar, Riley, Stephanie and my beautiful niece and nephew. Julian loves to be out at Uncle Riley and Aunt Stephanie's house with all the room to run and play and all the animals. Emmitt made the trip with us and he was a trooper. He suprised me at how well he was potty trained and how great of a traveler he was. Too bad he sheds so much but we love him regaurdless. We always have our big Adams Family Christmas on Christmas Eve so we usually do our immediate Carver Family Christmas the night before. Of course that day Riley Paige and Julian both had trips to see Dr. Duke. Julian started getting really goopy eyes and runny nose. His eyes never got pink so we assumed it was just a cold settling in his eye. We got a perscription for antibiotic eye drops and went forward wtih children's motrin and the drops. Both of which he HATED!! Jerry got to KC that evening and we had a great time with the fam that night. Julian had a great time opening his presents and having fun with his cousins and Buzz and Woody of course. He is obsessed with buzz and woody I tell ya! The next morning Julian had goopy eyes again but we made it to Rotan for Christmas Eve. By this time eye number 1 was better and eye number 2 had gooped over but everyone still confident that it was just a cold in his eyes. We still managed to have a great time visiting with all the family. We were packed up and headed back to Houston about 5. We had a great trip back home. Emmitt was a great traveler. Julian did great as well. He went to sleep about 7 soemthing and was out until we got home around midnight. At this point we were continuing to give him Motrin but he continued with the runny nose and goopy eyes and a little fever. Christmas morning was such a memory I will never forget and I wish I had it on video. I brought Julian downstairs and all he said when he saw what Santa had left him was NO NO NO NO NO and just cried and wanted to lay his head down. After the next dose of Motrin set in he ventured out a little to see all his toys santa had left but he never got too excited. We had a great day just watching basketball and having out. The next night Julian's temp was extremely high. One time we woke up it was 104 but we had fallen asleep through a dose of motrin so we gave him some and waited. It had gone down after an our to 99 something and so we thought we were ok but then a couple hours later it had spiked again. We were immediately on the road to the ER. When were arrived the first few temps they took were 106.4!!!! YIKES!! Needless to say we did not have to wait and we went staight back to get a rectal temp taken. It was 104 so the doctors weren't as freaked out but still very concerned. After a couple hours of some test for strep and a couple doses of motrin and tylenol and a perscription from the doctor, we were on our way home to rest. After we rested and kept him drugged for a couple days :) we were back to normal. We had a great rest of the break. I had been planning to do the potty training that week but since the side effects of the antibiotic are not that pleasant I decided to wait on that. We had a great week just hanging out together. Sunday morning, the day before I am supposed to go back to work, I wake up and my eye is caked over!! I immediately started to drops and never had too many of the symptoms but it did hit both eyes and it was pretty yucky. I think our house is back to being in good health now. We are starting our year off healthier and ready to see all the great things God has planned for us in 2011.
Happy New Year Everyone!

Santa or no Santa??

2010-12-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying I BELIVE!! :) This week during lunch there was an ongoing debate about letting your children blieve, lying to them, never telling them about santa at all, tell them at what age, will they be betrayed, etc..... We had a great service in church today and I guess it confirmed my positon all week. As parents we can chose to raise our children as we want! It's called freedom and I am thankful for that. Weather or not your children believe in Santa or not, I believe as long as you teach your children to reflect God's love and giving spirit during this crazy Christmas season then you do what you do!! So thanks to a great ongoing lunch debate/conversation all week, an awesome service at Grace Church today, and a great Veggietales movie about St. Nicholas last night with Julian, I am happy to say "As for me .......I BELEVE" :)
I believe that God gave the biggest gift when baby Jesus was born.
I believe that God gave the biggest gift EVER when he GAVE his son to die on a cross for all of us to have salvation.
I believe that St. Nicholas was a more generous man than I could imagine and it is something that I admire.
I believe that any symbol that helps us to remember the importance or giving selflessly is ok in my book.
I believe that being excited about Christmas is ok as long as we remember the reason for the season.

I pray I can help Julian grow up in a way to have the generosity of St. Nicholas.. I pray he will always allow Christmas to remind him of God's greatest gift. I pray he is a reflection of God's love and goodness.

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you have been good this year so Santa can stop by your house. Last year's picture:

Happy Birthday Julian!!

2010-12-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our baby is 2! Terrific 2's.. bring them on! We had a great birthday weekend. We celebrated his birthday on his PaPa's day (the 4th) and we made sure to kiss and send PaPa a birthday balloon. I always wish my dad was here to meet Julian. I know they would be a trip together. My dad would be so proud. It was all Backyardigans this year. Julian loves loves loves him some Backyardigans. Thanks to a Pablo pan sent from Lawrence and a lot of cake making advice from Kel, we actually ended up with a cake that actually resembled Pablo. Of course Grandma was here to celebrate and a lot of great friends came over and joined in as well. We had a bounce house from my school which was fabulous because we used it alllll weekend. Julian had a great weekend. It is just amazing that 2 years have gone by. He is so big and becoming more and more independent everyday. He had is 2yr check up on Tuesday the 7th and he was still well above average on all measurements. 37 inches tall, 32.7 pounds, and a big head. Once again we were able to Praise the Lord when we were able to answer Yes with 100% certainty to all the "check-up questions.

Can he throw a ball? We wish we could get him to stop throwing everything. It hurts. Especially when it's a hard sippy cup flying unexpectedly from the back seat. ha

Can he kick a ball? uh... check!! too hard and again we wish he would stop kicking everything. Especially Emmitt. Poor Emmitt

Can he run? uh.. faster than me.. which is very embarassing when you are at a park and you child is running away from you. hopefully when I am fully recovered I'll be able to beat him again.

Can he jump? haha.. yes! off of the top of the couch.. off anything.. no fear

Does he have at least 50 words? X1000

Does he use 2 word phrases? Some examples: "Come on Emmitt," "No one's home," "You push," "In Car," etc.....

We are slowly introducing small bits of milk, cheese, and egg. Starting with things that just have a little in the ingredients. So far we haven't seen any crazy reactions. Yay!!

Oh! We are beginning the stages of Potty Training. Julian will tell us "Poop" or "Pee Pee." They are used interchangably. He will go anytime you put him on the potty. He is obsessed wtih flushing so whatever he has to do to get to flush he'll do it. lol. So I am thinking we are really going to try over Christmas break to get this Potty training thing happening.

We are so Thankful for being blessed with such a healthy happy baby boy. We are so proud to be his parents. I tell him everyday that God made him to do great things.. God made him to change the world.. He can do anything.. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.

Happy Birthday My Love!!

God is so cool!

2010-11-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving God answered a big prayer! Jerry got to hang out with his oldest son and Julian got to meet his big brother, Jerrious. I have talked about Jerrious with Julian and shown him pictures since Julian was born. So it was super cute when Julian repeated his name and it sounded a lot more like "juice" than Jerrious but it's so cute the way Julian says his name. Jerrious was 11 when I first met Jerry and it has never been a question how much Jerry adores that child. Circumstances were not like Jerry would have wanted at all but when Jerry even mentions his name you can see how proud he is to be his father. So this has been a huge prayer of mine for 5 years now. I always prayed that Jerrious was healthy, safe, happy and successful and that God would give him an open heart so someday he can reconnect and get to know and love this great man that I get to everyday. Jerry has seen Jerrious a few time for a very short time in the past 5 years but a few weeks ago God really began answering prayers when Jerry received a call from Jerrious' dad. Since then Jerry and Jerrious have been texting and talking and Jerrious wanted to come meet his other side of the family. Jerrious came over Thanksgiving night with his mom and his dad. It was super emotional for me.. I just kept saying to myself "thank you Jesus!" I definitely played it cool because how dorky would it have looked if I would have come out crying. LOL. I could tell Jerry was so excited for the opportunity to hang out with him obviously. The next day we even got to go over to their house and visit for a couple of hours. The verse I quoted on the title of my blog, "God can do anything, far more than you could ever ask or imagine." It is so true. I mean my prayer has been that they could just get back in contact and communicate. But not only did that happen a few weeks ago but God made it possible for Jerry to get to spend several hours with Jerrious. Julian and I even got to meet him. So I would say that is far more than I asked for or even imagined. I am so thankful we got to see that Jerrious is happy, safe, successful and all of the things we pray for daily. I pray the same prayer still. I pray God continues to give Jerrious and his family a open heart and open mind and that Jerry and Jerrious can build a relationship. I pray that Jerrious is happy, healthy, safe and super successful in everything he does. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to begin getting to know this wonderful 15 year old. We are already looking forward to the next time.

Trip to Mandy's (a little late)

2010-11-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

We had a great trip to Mandy's in October. We went last October also so maybe we can make it an annual thing. Julian did great on the trip. It was my first time meeting Miss Whitley and she's as precious as I imagined from pictures. So cute! Brett is such a big boy. He definitely was Julian's boss for the weekend. Mandy wasn't a fan, but I enjoyed the help. :) haha I'm glad we got to enjoy some time with the Shows!!

matching PJ's -- they can kill us when they get older :)

two little monkeys jumping on the bed

with Mandy's mom (Nelda)

Ready for the zoo!!

Two little monkeys swinging from a rope

I don't think Julian saw an animal while we were there.. He only saw the WATER!!!

Tired little boy

At the Pumpkin Patch in China Spring.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

Julian and I had a great Halloween together. I have all these fun "family tradition" plans in my head which Union Pacific Railroad seems to try its best to destroy. I will not let them beat me!!! :) So our jack-o-lantern was carved by me myself and I while Julian was sleeping and Jerry left for work. It worked out fine and I just pray better for better luck next year. Julian was supposed to be Pablo from Backyardigans but he wouldn't keep his "head" on so he just looked pretty silly but still the cutest thing ever. We were the first trick-or-treaters out so we just made the loop around the neighborhood and stoped at 4 or 5 houses that were pretty festive. Julian is so painfully shy. He doesn't do great being friendly "if you will." :) We had fun and got home in time to light our Jack-o-lantern, turn on the "spooky" espisode of backyardigans, and pass out candy. Happy Halloween 2010.

All about Emmitt (for Sal)

2010-10-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

a Cock-a-Mo
Emmitt's dad: black cocker spaniel
Emmitt's mom: white miniture american eskimo
both parents 20-25lbs full grown so he should be somewhere around there
at first vet appointment we was 9 lbs
he eats puppy chow
his birthday is July 4th 2010 which makes him almost 4 months
he is NOT potty trained as of today.. we have had minimul accidents but enough not to trust him
poor guy is about 90lbs smaller than our other baby, Chaos
Chaos thinks he has a best friend to play with but Emmitt isn't that sure yet
actually not sure if Chaos thinks he's a new best friend or a new chew toy
when we let them out together, Emmitt just rolls over and plays dead and gets very very slobbery
one day he was scared of the stairs and the next day he was running up and down them
Emmitt and Julian are hillarious together
Julian doesn't want Emmitt taking his toys but Emmitt can't resist
Julian likes to be in Emmitt's kennell way more than Emmitt does

Well that's all I can think to share about Emmitt. :)

We LOVE Emmitt

pics

2010-10-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

New House

Our newest addition: Emmitt. He is a "Cock-a-Mo" (cocker spanier/ miniture american eskimo)

Emmitt

My little Handsome!!

At the park 10.10.10

lol!! Great picture

Julian and I out with the Richard's at Texas Roadhouse... YUM

so GQ!!

Chaos: getting bigger and bigger everyday!!

"life's about changes nothin ever stays the same"

2010-09-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! I made it past a month without posting an update. This update will be a novel i am sure so i'll break it into chapters. Chapter 1: Knee Update, Chapter 2: New job, Chapter 3: NEW HOUSE, Chapter 4: Julian, Julian, Julian

Chapter 1: Knee Update
So wheen I started PT July 29th (7 weeks out), I could bend my knee 23 degrees. I am 3 months out of surgery now and I am at 114!!! It has been a long hard battle and though the pain has been horrible, the pain of spending a day at work, then straight to PT, then to get Julian, then home to a new house with tons of work to do, has been CRAZY!! But i'm at 114 so that's greatness. Thank You Jesus! I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I know I have a long way to go till i'm 100% but I did ride a stationary bike and an eliptical for the first time this week.. Yippeeeee

Chapter 2: New Job
Well LOW AND BEHOLD after my school district stripped me from my friends and family at Hinojosa and put me through some major horrible stress being cripple and having to start a new job in a new grade level at a new school, well 2 weeks in they look at "attendance numbers" and they HAD TO HIRE A NEW TEACHER AT MY OLD SCHOOL!!!! What the!! So needless to say I am still a little bitter. So I guess that just means there is now one more person on hinojosa staff list who has to leave for me to get a job back there in the futre. It's just crazy that I had always said, I would be crazy to ever leave my first job at Plummer because it was so great. 5 great years in Cedar Hill. I would say the only reason I would ever leave is for a good paying job with Head Start. Well after a year in Houston the perfect door opened at Hinojosa. I had the best co teacher, Melissa. I had the best administrators. I had the best co workers and friends. This chapter should be called my OLD job. :) Well I am at an elementry school now. I know it's a great school. I know if I had to go anywhere, that it is was definitely the highest recommended place. I am 6 weeks in and I'm still alive. It would be great to get my feet under me but with PT and a new house and pain 24/7... it's hard being the "new girl" again for the third time in 4 years. :) Prayer, i need prayer!

Chapter 3: NEW HOUSE
Jerry and I are officially in our new house. We love LOVE it. Pictures will be posted soon as soon as I get my house clean and remember to take pictures during the 2 mins that it remains clean. We have 2 guest rooms so we are looking forward to visitors :) So in the process we are becoming LandLords for the first time. We have a couple who is committed and moving in to the old house next week. Showing it to people, was hard. I love that house (NOT AS MUCH AS OUR NEW ONE). So we are praying all goes well renting out our house.

Chapter 4: Julian, Julian, Julian
Julian is still the cutest and most precious little boy alive. His hair is getting bigger and bigger everyday. Everyone says he looks like Korbin Bleu from high school musical. haha not sure how i feel about that. Not many people are on the fence about his hair. People either tell me it HAS to be cut or "You better not cut it." He is talking more and more. He repeats most every word you say. Except "Grandma"! I think he knows how bad we were trying to get him to say it all summer while she was here and he refuses to say it. I won the award for the Worst mommy in the world this week. Evidentally his feet grew 2 sizes in the matter of a couple days. One day his shoes fit and the next they didnt' come close to fitting. Jerry and I took him after school yesterday and bought him one pair but he definitely needs more. It's getting cooler and I'm thinking he shouldnt be wearing flip flops in the middle of winter.

ok I stayed up 30 mins later than normal just for this blog. I'll have to post pictures later. Night Night

progress

2010-08-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well I guess whether I like it or not, the first day of school has come again. And like it or not, my mom had to leave and go back to her own life. We loved every minute she was here. Julian was her little shaddow all summer. He wore her out I am sure but he definitely preferred her over anyone. We are looking forward to when she is able to come back this way in a couple of weeks. I will be starting my NINTH year of teaching. Crazy it has been NINE years!! Seems like just the other day I was 21, just graduting, bridesmaid in a million weddings, picking out an apartment, worrying about my first day of school, and buying my purple furniture. Well nine years later and I am still worried about the first day of school. Only now I know that the worrying is pointless. Even though I must say I am less prepared this year than ever. Being at a new school and not knowing what's happening and adding being cripple to that has slowed me down a lot but like it or not, Monday will be here and then Monday afternoon the kids will be gone. So much to do and too much pain to do it with.. Speaking of pain, my knee is still very achy but I guess PT is going well. I started off at 23 degrees and it's been 3 weeks and today I made it to 80. My doctor wanted me to at least 90 by Sept. 7th. I'm confident I'll make it for sure. Was hoping I wouldn't be limping much by the time I hit 30 in less than a month but I'm afraid that's not very realistic. Limping or not I am very blessed to be 29, oved, healthy, happy, and employed of course.

Oh, in other news!!! We are moving next week to go along with long days at school and PT! Even though I am not excited about the stress of moving, I am SUPER excited about our new house. As soon as we get out of this one it is going up for rent. I am so excited to set up our new house and all the extra room we will have to actually fit our things and ourselves. Chaos, our dog, gets a little less room in the backyard and a little less shade but if we could figure out a way to get that guy to stink less, he could join us inside a little more. Julian might have a place to put some of his toys besides just in the middle of the living room floor. Yay we are moving. Pray for Jerry and his recruits! The knee, first week of school, and Julian are a little too much for me to handle and he has assured me that he will get it done. Luckily the two houses are not far from each other so that will help a little.

Julian started back with Ms. Sylvia on Wednesday. Jerry dropped him off and I think it was a heart breaker for everyone involved but Julian survived and he is back to his normal self excited to see "Ta Ta" everyday. He is such a drama king! He likes everything just perfect even when you arn't sure exactly what "perfect" is. Especially when he is throwing, bouncing, dribbling, shooting, or kicking a ball. He might get a little of the competitiveness from either of us.. take your pick. My competitiveness and his daddy's impatience :). He is talking more and more. We tried all summer to get him to say "Grandma" and of course he said everything under then sun but Grandma. Of course when he came home on Wednesday and she wasn't here, he was asking for his "Grandma" just as clear as day. Did I mention he is obessessed with her. He can pretty much repeat anything you say. For some reason he acts like he thinks he's cute. I have no idea how he got that idea. :) He is so smart. He knows exactly what you are saying and he is very clever about how he responds. Sometimes he acts like he doesn't hear you and other times he does it just the say you say. His fro is getting bigger and bigger and most everyone thinks it's time for a hair cut but neither daddy nor I are ready for that yet. He is still struggling with his sleeping really bad. His time of perfect sleeping left and has not returned for us yet. I'm hoping getting back into a routine, will help him and I tremendously. He still loves Barney but now he is watching a lot of The Backyardagins. Mainly because it is the cutest cartoon every created. Grandma, Jerry, and I all agree that it's hillarious. With characters with names like "Uniquequa, Tyrone, Pablo, Austin, and Tasha" how could you ask for anything better. Their dance moves are the best. The opening song is pretty slow and when Julian dances to it he almost tips over he's moving so slow. It's funny.

Well I am exhausted and my men are playing a little soccer in front of me so I better go get in on the game. Well... at least a little with my good leg.

Pictures of the new house coming soon.

trip to the beach

2010-08-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

I've been saying I would like to take Julian to the beach sometime this summer but I am just now getting where I can half way endure the pain of sitting in the car for a long period of time. So today we had nothing to do and we decided since I can not get into my classroom yet to move in, I guess today was the day for the beach. Julian loved loved it!! He would have stayed all day but Grandma and I decided it was time to go after about one hour. He got the experience of running, splashing, chasing birds, etc... but we would have fried if we would have stayed much longer. It was a short trip but very very sweet. I hear a lot of crap about how bad Galveston beach is but for just a little 1/2 day trip to splash around at the beach I think it's pretty great. Next summer it will be ON and crackin. Julian and I have some making up to do on all our beach, water park, museum, and every other kind of play place.

Knee Recovery

2010-07-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

It has been 41 days since surgery. Thas is 6 weeks today I guess. I had my first post surgery appointment 10 days after surgery and since then, I have worried, worried, worried, waited, wodered, etc... I needed an apointment every week I think just for some confirmation that everything was on schedule and everything was ok. It hasn't been the funnest summer for me or for my son or Jerry or my mom. They have all given their whole lives pretty much to help me and to take care of me. And for that I have no idea how to thank them for that gift. They are the only reason I am not depressed and crying everyday. (even though i do have my days) It's a horrible feeling being so helpless. This summer has definitely given me a different perpspective on thing. Being so active, it is very difficult sitting back and letting others do everything for you. So I finally had another doctors appointment Tuesday 7/27 and I was reassured that everything is normal and i'm not going to just have a stump leg for the rest of my life. He is confident that with a lot of hard work, I should be back to normal. I really just wanted to know that I would be able to drive in 2 weeks for our first day of school. He couldn't guarantee that but I started PT yesterday the 28th and I understood quickly what he meant by HARD work. At first my PT will be in the water and I guess I will work my way to land things like walking and the bike and things. It's hard sitting there and watching the look on the PT's face when she sees my scar and sees how far i CAN'T bend my knee. My doctors goal is for me to be able to bend my knee 90 degrees in 6 weeks. Yesterday I could bend it 25 degrees with the PT pushing hard and me almost screaming. So I have a lot of hard work for the next 6 weeks. Prayers appreciated!! "with God all things are possible"

Summer 2010 Trip to KC

2010-07-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have had quite a summer! One of the big things I considered before deciding on doing the surgery this summer was that "Julian is only 18 months" he will enjoy doing more next summer. Which I still believe to be true but also have a hard time with the fact that he has been stuck in the house with me and his grandma and daddy all summer. They take him out as much as possible but the mosquitos here are NO joke. There is no wind to blow them away or distract them. They are miniture mosquitos that are on a mission for the blood of little innocent toddlers. :( As a result of my inablility to care for my child this summer,he has become incredibly attatched to his grandma. It's going to be a sad day for the both of them when she has to return to her life and leave him in the care of his mommy and daddy. This boy LOVES his grandma. But really.. what's not to love.. She is a complete blessing for giving up her whole summer to care for him and I. I knew she needed a break and needed to see her other amazing grandchildren so I sucked it up and decided to make the 7 hour trip home. We had a great trip. Maybe not the safest way of traveling because sitting in the very back has not seat belts and with the hard seat and NO shocks on my back tires my back and booty were about to die but we made it and had a great visit. We stopped in Cedar Hill on the way there to visit with my Plummer Family and had a great time with friends. Stayed with Deb for the night and then had brunch with the Henry's on Sunday morning before Tanya's baby shower. Can't wait to see pictures of that sweet little girl. And more importantly find out the name!! While we were in Knox City, Julian got to spend a lot of time with his cousins, aunt, uncle and great grandma. He immediately took to Riley Paige. It took him a little longer with Carson but he finally opened up to him. He went out to their house pretty much everyday and loved being outside playing the whole itme. He loved the dogs but I think he loved the horses more. He loved seeing the "Moooooooos" too. Here are some pictures from our trip

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Jabber Jabber Jabber

2010-06-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Went to my check up today with the doc and everything is looking great. It was my first day out of the house and I must say it felt fabulous! I am supposed to go back in 4 weeks and I will most likely start physical therapy after that. So for the next 4 weeks basically I can do what I can do and can't what I can't. So whatever I can do with my brace and my cruches, i'm good to go. we'll see. My little man has been great duing this whole thing. My MOM is HEAVEN SENT!! Julian and Grandma are a little attached right now. which is a little difficult for me over here helpless. But I am so glad they are getting to love on each other so much. Since we came back from TN, Julian has become a little Jabber mouth. Literally he never stops talking. He jabbers jabbers and ends his "sentence" with a word like "ball, dada, juice, cup, etc..."

Here is a video clip of out little Jabber mouth. He is very annimated in his stories that he tells. This particular story that he was telling my mom this day must be a never ending story because he is still telling it to us yesterday and today. I'm sure it's "to be continued" till tomorrow also.

Post Surgery

2010-06-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am officially on day 4 of my recovery. The doctor who did my surgery seems very up on his game. He is the team phisian for the Rockets. I was very confident in his ability. Being knocked out is the weirdest feeling. Knowing there was 3 hours of your life that you have NO clue what happened. The original play was to do a Lateral Release (basically just reposition the knee cap), Tibial Osteotomy (break the to of my shin bone and repositon it using screws and stuff), Medial Plication (i really don't know what that part was) and a Trufit Application which was place fake cartlidge the be placed where i have none and a cyst has been formed. Evidentally when he got inside thre he wasn't aware of the ammount of harm that had been done to the back of my knee cap so he had to add anothe procedure to the mix called a Microfracture (which from what i understand is when they drill little wholes into the back of your knee cap to break it in several places which will start the natural healing process.!!

All that to say, Thanks for all your prayers! I am alive and God is good!

Watching Julian run my mom and Jerry ragged, is a struggle for me. It's had to sit here so helpless. But I am blessed with a wonderful mom and an amazing man to take great care Julian and I.

18 months

2010-06-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Julian was 18 months last week. He is doing great. He had his 18 month well check appointment on Tuesday and he is doing great. He has gained a couple pounds which is something I was concerned with being as his diet is very very limited. After he as diagnosed with all his food allergy stuff I was supposed to be contacted by Texas Childrens to get an appointment with a nutritionist to help with his diet. I called a million times just to be told I can't call, they have to contact me. They never did. When I was at his pediatrician, I told her and she got the nurses on it right away and before I left the office, I had an appointment set up for July. I'm not sure what all I can even get him to try but it will be nice to hear what he should be having and new ideas to try.

Julian truly is the funnest little guy to hang out with. He is talking more and more and we can understand more and more every day.
He loves Barney! I have never been a fan of that purple dinosaur thing but he was introduced to it at Ms. Sylvia's house and if you ever see him sing wheels on the bus doing all the motions, or "I love you, you love me," and watch him hug and kiss you and then when the show is over he gives you the remote and ask for "Ben" :) You cant resist but let him watch it because he's too cute. :)
He loves the water. I've taken him to the fountains in the Woodlands and taken him swimming a few times and he loves it. He likes to blow bubbles in the water.. STEP ONE! He will kick and paddle when you're holding him. STEP TWO!
He doesn't know how to walk any more... He only runs. It's the cutest little run you will ever see.
I am so glad to be out of school!! I love my summers. This summer will be interesting and a little painful I'm afraid but my mom will be here to help with me and Julian so I am looking forward to that. Since I only had 2 weeks of summer being able to walk, I've been trying to make the most out of it. Today I think we will go to the park, swim, and play in the sprinkler.
Jerry left last night to drive to OK City for a wedding he is in.. Julian and I will fly out in the morning to Tenn. Jerry will be driving there after the wedding and meeting us there for his Mom's graduation on Sunday. I'm afaid Jerry will be very very sleep deprived.
Wish us luck. Our last flight experience a couple months ago didn't go so great.
Here a couple pics we had taken a couple weeks ago.

Say a prayer! Safe travels, and successful knee surgery next Friday!! Thank you Jesus, AMEN!

10 days... 19 days... 26 days...

2010-05-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

10 days left of schol
19 days till we go to TN to see Grandma Curry graduate
26 days till my knee surgery which I am already nervous about

Here are a few pics of the little dude. He is almost 18 months and he's so silly. He talks 90 to nothing! He is still obessessed with wearing everyithng as a hat (you see below with his bowl of noodles). He loves to jump and run everywhere.

This is Julian with a face full or Oreo... He loves to show his teeth and give you lots kisses when he good and disgusting.

Julian is all ready for church.

Julian's first time bowling. He loved it after he got the "taking turns" thing down.

17 months

2010-05-05T19:46:00.001-07:00

Our little dude is 17 months on this wonderful Cinco de mayo!! Julian is a mess but we are blessed beyond anything we could have ever asked for or imagined so we just thank Jesus for him daily. He will repeat everything you say. His words he used are:

1. "ball"

2. "bowwwl" (bball goal)

3. "ca ca" (for Chaos the dog...hoping this one changes soon so he's not calling our dog poop the rest of his life.)

4. "cup"

5. "I stuck"

6. "shit" (for shoot the ball)

7. "hot"

8. "hawt" (for hat)

9. "shoes"

10. "cocks" (for socks)

11. "dut" (for dirt)

12. "poop"

13 "yuck" (sounds like he choking on a hair ball)

14. "dog"

15. "jump"

16. "dadada"

17. "mamama"

18. "tatata" (for sylvia, his babysitter)

19. "tata" (for taylor, 4 year old friend at babysitter)

20. "balloon"

21. "balabala" (for banana)

22. "boo boo" (for mosquito bites)

Those are his most popular that i think of right off the top of my head. He also signs for "more," thank you, please, all done, etc..

He is doing great with his allergy stuff being off milk, cheese, and egg products. He is still a CHAMP at going to bed at 8 every night. He is such a big boy. His hair at its longes point measures from the tip of my middle finger to mid wrist when wet and pulled straight. Funny that hair that long can curl up so tight.

Julian really is just an amazing little guy. He is such a blessing and an answer to prayer.

In other news:

I found out at the end of April that I had been put on the "excess" list again. Which means because of cut backs in Aldine ISD, and reoning, I needed to search for a different position in the district. NOT FUN. I don't even want to think about leaving Hinojosa. I love my friends there. I work with the most wonderful, Melissa Garza. I don't want to teach without her. They have been my family away from family in Houston. We are still praying every day that things will work out that I am able to stay but everything is up in the air until we know what Jobs are offered to whom. We shall see?? I interviewed with 7 schools at the job fair and i have had one follow up interview with a school I have heard a lot of nice things about. I am hoping that that is my 2nd option. First and foremost I would like to stay where I am.

Sounds like a fun summer for me....

2010-04-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

Well the verdict is... Surgery.
They say 3rd time's the charm so this is it for sure. This is nothing like my other surgeries though. Before I had arthoscopy where they put two littlw holes in my knee and went in with little tools and scraped and took out little chipped pieces. MRI showed neither of the surgeries helped much because bone is rubbing bone which has caused a cyst to develop.. so yadda yadda yadda... there is a much more complex surgery for this knee of mine... it will involve a lateral release, medial plitation, tibial osteotomy, and a tru-fit application. If you understood any of that, you know more than me. All i know is they tighten some tendone, loosen another to reposition the knee cap and then they BREAK my tibial bone to repositon it and put screws and then put fake cartlidge somewhere and i guess that's about it.. All of this translates to me as PAIN and 2 months of NOTHING for me (6 months to a year for full recovery). THANKFULLY I was blessed with the most wonderful mother on the planet and she is going to come live with us to take care of me and Julian. Surgery is planned for June 18th. Things to do before surgery:
1. turn living room into 1/2 bedroom for me
2. deep clean my house
3. get flower beds looking nice
4. get life organized
all while speding every second outside playing with Julian and taking him everywhere I am not going to be able to take him this summer.

I am scared of the surgery and not being able to do anything with Julian but I am looking forward to a more healthy future for me and my family. I know it's in God's hands and I wouldn't want it to be anywhere else :)

Well there's the knee update.

Julian, Oh Julian!!

2010-04-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!!

Chaos is now 4 months and 38 pounds. He's a big guy. Very cute but definitely living up to his name.

ALLERGIES:

So blood test revealed Julian has an allergy to milk, cheese, and egg whites. Boy we have had a great time lately trying to figure out anything this baby will eat. First of all he was already a very picky eater and now adding this to the mix, cut out a lot of the foods he actually would eat. Needless to say, we are still learning and reading every label in the store. Hopefully we will get an appointment with a nutritionist at Texas Children's soon. We just want to make sure we are doing everything possible for him to get all the nutrients and all that he needs.

Here is a video of our little guy. While picking up poop, I discoverd he obviously learned how to climb up the slide and go down alone. So I saw him and I rushed over because it is obviously not the safest thing for a 16 month old to be doing alone. So I would help (spot) him and then let him slide down by himself. Keep in mind he did this very successfully three times before I went to get my camera to record him. Well I hope everyone doesn't think I am the worst mother ever after watching this but also keep in mind that he was and is JUST FINE!!

Spring Break 2010 Pics

2010-03-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

We had a BLESSED spring break!! Went by toooo tooo fast but we made the best of it.
The pics are backwards starting Saturday and going back to Monday.
Spring Break summary:
Monday... walk with Chaos and Dad... bike ride... walk.... outside time.... a little shopping for a dish washer.... and dentist appointment for me (only one more appointment and i'll have my crown on and be done with the dentist for a while hopefully).. then first trip to the park for the week.
Tuesday... knee doctor for me... then quick trip home to make it to J's 15 month check up... 33 1/2 inches tall, a big head, and he had lost some weight due to his stomach issues, referred to an allerist, blood drawn for food allergies (results show he is allergic to Milk, Cheese, and Egg whites), to the grocery store to hunt for any food without milk or soy (not easy with such a picky eater)
Wednesday... I took Julian to the rodeo... everyone in Houston calls it the rodeo but it was actually just like going to a civic center with lots of booths and lots of food stands with a carvival outside and a huge stock show in the back of the building.. we did not attend the rodeo.. but julian did enjoy walking up and down the isles at the stock show looking at the steers and the pigs. Julian wasn't a huge fan of the petting zoo (neither was I)... there were a zillion people in there and a zillion goats all pushing people for food.. we did manage to find a couple babies in a corner by themselves and Julian actually got out of my arms to pet them and enjoyed it. There were pony rides but the line was a mile long and being someone who was around horses daily growning up, it is hard to imagine i would have to wait in a mile long line to let my kid ride a dang pony... we are just going to really have to make the best of our trips home with all the animals and horse rides... overall Julian and I were only there for about 2 hours and we left... another trip to the park with dad later when we got home
Thursday... I don't think we did anything... I think I cleaned a little and we did as little as possible.. oh yeah Thursday evening Carol and the boys came over and we went to the park for a little while and then back to our house for burgers and fun
Friday... dropped Julian off with his babysitter and it was back to the knee doc for an MRI for me... and then hurried back to get Julian to make it to his appointment with the Allergist... the allergist didn't have blood work results at the time so he did a back prick test and none of the food test reacted on his back.... I guess the blood work shows a more clear result and came back positive for the milk, cheese, and egg whites... after his appointment we met Carol and the boys at the mall for lunch and playing a the play yard at the mall
Saturday... Julian and I did a little shopping while daddy was at work and hung out inside for a change while it rained
Sunday... worked the nursery at church and then back home to get ready for work the next day.. and dad stayed with Julian while I got to go get a pedicure!! whew hew

I had a busy break but it was so great spending so much time with Julian. He is obsessed with being outside. He loves being in the back witih Chaos or in the front walking down the sidewalk or in the garage in my car or "shooting" the ball outside... he isn't that picky as long as he is OUTSIDE!! he will bring you his shoes and he knows if his shoes are on that mean he's on his way outside.

We are finding more and more things he can eat the do not have milk or soy or egg... Luckily they don't seem to be severe enough where they think it's impossible for him to grow out of them. They say usually by age 3 or 4 they can outgrow them. So say a prayer.
As for my knee it doesn't look like there is much hope. I still go back to talk to the doctor on the 12th of April to see the results of the MRI but over the phone it seems like my only option would be a very extensive surgery with a long recovery time and a surgery that's not really even gauranteed so looks like i'll be living with it ..

So here are a few pics of Julian during spring break this year. The first is when i tried on an outfit I had bought for him from Target. The outfit was very cute on the rack and cute on but it was VETOed and he will be wearing something else to church for Easter.

Allergies? Enzyme dificiency? Lactose Intollerant?

2010-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Julian, I really wish your body could tell me what is wrong and causing all of your "poop issues." Not only would I like you to feel better and to be more "regular" but most importantly I have a very sensitive stomach and all these exposions are disgusting and I am too tired in the middle of the night to bathe you and wash another load of sheets and clothes. :) It is a really good thing we love you and know you are worth every penny and much much more!! I am having a blast with you and your daddy during our spring break. We are spendinging a lot of time at doctors appointments trying to figure out your tummy issues but you have been a trooper. The weather has been beautiful and you would eat, sleep, and bathe outside if we would let you. I hope your tummy decides to get better soon so I can relax a little bit and know you are getting all the nutrition you need. But until we have it figured out, it is NO MILK and NO SOY for you. Spagetti is your favorite food group and it's a good thing they make spagetti sauce without milk or soy. :) Please get well soon!
Love, Mom

Julian had his 15 month check up on Tuesday. He is now 33 1/2 inches tall (95%), and his head is in the 95% and he was 23 lb 15 oz (which is less than he was a couple months ago, but considering the stomach issues and all the poop, it is not suprising).
He can say dada, momma, ball, cracker, cup, balloon, "tout tide" (outside), and his favorite phrase that he uses nonstop for everything is "I tuck" (I'm Stuck!)
He can run now (it's more like an uncontrolable power walk)

Everyone say a prayer that we figure out this issue Julian is having with his tummy or whatever. Some answers would really be nice so we can move forward and know what is ok to feed him and what isn't.

new bedtime routine!!

2010-03-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

So I was encouraged early on by several friends to get my baby on a "schedule." I soon realized that I didn't have the life style or personality to do what I had originally planned. I never regret for a second all the millions of hours have spent rocking and cuddling with my little man at night. I always said the time would come when he would let us know when he was ready to put himself to bed in his crib. Well he has been telling us loud and clear the past few weeks. He had just started fighting sleep more an more every night with me and so I had lunch with some friends, and talked to his doctor while I was there all in the same day and so on Wednesday I came home on a mission ready to put my baby in his bed and let him fall asleep on his own. I pictured it taking us hours of listening to crying to get him to sleep. Our routine has always been: dinner, bath, brush teeth, pajamas, downstairs to play, cup, upstairs to go night night! the only change is instead of laying down with him in my bed, we go to his room and read a book and sing a song and turn out the lights and say good night. The first night he cried hard for about 2 mins and then whined for about 4. By minute 6, he was OUT. The second night we were rocking and reading a book and he reached for the bed so I said good night and left. He cried for about 30 seconds and by minute 1 he was OUT! The third night he reached for the bed again and when i put him in the bed he laid his head down and closed his eyes... not a peep! Tonight he got up out of my lap when I was reading his book and tried to climb in his crib. So I put him in and said our good night.. not a peep!! I have known for a while he has needed it but didn't really know how to go about it because I thought I had "missed the threshold" and it would be too hard. But Praise God!! he has done great and we haven't had a fuss about going to bed and it makes me feel so much better and I know it makes him feel so much better too. WHEW HEW!

Yay for Julian!!

Welcome Baby Chaos!

2010-02-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

As of Thursday, February 25th, we are officially the proud family of a 10 week old American Bulldog who is now named Chaos! The name definitely fits him. Jerry has been interested in this breed for a while and so we have both researched it and also have a friend who has one. They are huge!! Everyone I've ever spoken to who has had one, LOVES them and says they are the best pets; loyal, protective, brave, etc... We are very excited to have him. We lucked out because the lady selling them was actually keeping him because he was the "pick of the litter" and then later decided to sell him because she felt he was too active for her. He is actually pretty laid back so far but that could be the newness of everything. So he was one of the last three and we even got him for a lowered price because she's at the point that she's just ready to get rid of them. He comes from a really huge bloodline so he has the potential to be around 140 lbs. Julian loves having him around. Chaos likes that Julian is his size and wants to play a little too much sometimes and Julian is NOT havin that! But for the most part they have been great together. Here are a few pictures of our newest family member.

Trip to see our Ballards

2010-02-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Julian givin Brooks some loving on our last night there. Julian and I in Coach Self's office in front of the National Championship trophey.

The boys playing on the floor before they are ready to run out to the tunnell.

In the locker rooms.

On the new practice court. Check out the national championship floor from San Antonio! very cool

Julian's own personal tour of the Fieldhouse from uncle Brett. In the men's basketball offices.

Julian and I after the game.

Super Mom Kel! Brooks sleeping away with all the noise.

Enjoying a litle pregame warm ups. or more like keeping his eye on those Jayhawks and making sure they don'g get any closer. HA!

Julian was not a fan of baby Jay.

A little Jayhawk Football with Kaden

Waking up with Kaden.. Pancakes on the way!

A cookie break from a tough game of basketball.

Airport fun! If it could have only entertained him from about 5 more hours! YIKES!!

I have had this blog written since Feb 15th (the day we returned from Kansas) but I am just now getting back around to actually posting it. I was waiting for time to upload pics to this blog..

Our trip began Thursday (Feb 11th)... We headed to the airport for a 5:30 flight. All went well until about 5 when we found out that we were being delayed until 6 because we were waiting for a flight attendant to arrive from her flight that had been delayed.... long story short.... flight attendant arrived at 8 and we were on the plane by 8:15 only to find out 15 mins later that we were having to wait for another flight attendant because the first one was "timed out." ... 2nd flight attendant arrived only to find out NOW the pilot and copilot had "timed out" and we were waiting for another flight crew. yadda yadda yadda......... our plane took off around 9:30 and we arrived in Kansas at 11:30. ALL THIS WITH A 14 MONTH OLD!!! HALLELUJAH!!!

HOLY MOLLY so we got in bed around 2 am that night and Julian was so gracious sleep in till 7:30.

Friday... fun loving on Baby Brooks, picking Kaden up from the babysitter, naptime, swim lessons, and dinner with Kel and Steph. I was still very much mentally and emotionally exhausted from the 7 hours of HELL the night before so it was an early night for Julian and I

Saturday (game day!)... woke up, up and about and on our way to visit Kel's grandparents (GG and Pop), lunch, KU store to buy Julian a shirt, target, naps, and getting ready for the Jayhawks... We had a great time at the game. It really is cool getting to experience a KU basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse. Anyone who loves sports should do it for sure. and Julian got his first experience at age 1 so he's a lucky little boy. They were playing Iowa State so it wasn't a very close game but it's not like I really was able to see much of a game anyways. It's definitely a different experience watching the game with 14 month old. It was more like trying to keep Julian from tumbling down bleechers while a game was in the background. :) So it was a great night. We had lots of fun. I can't wait for Julian to get a little older and go again.

Sunday... Julian and I got a personal tour from Brett of the new renovations to the Basketball facilities. The last time I was there was 3 years ago and there were a lot of very very cool changes. Julian loved walking around and finding all the basketballs (real and on the walls). After our tour we had lunch with Steph and back home for naps, after nap time we went to Granny Debbie's (kel's mom) house for dinner. I forgot the name of the soup but it was WONDERFUL! Baths at Deb's and home to bed.

Monday... woke up, and to the airport! We left on time, we arrived on time!! PRAISE GOD!!!

We had an AWESOME trip.. it started crazy but I am so glad Julian and I got to make a trip to Lawrence to see our Ballards and meet Baby Brooks. Kaden is getting so big and so much fun. He is at such a cool age and he's such a great big brother. Julian had a great time following him around. Kaden really wished that Julian could talk and follow his directions but J is not quiet there yet. Kaden kept saying, "Mom! He can't talk!" It was hillarious. I so wish we lived right down the street from each other so our boys could grow up together but even though we don't, I am looking forward to our annual trips, meetings, vacations, or whatever it takes to get together.

Things a baby should know....

2010-02-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

1. babies should know that when your blood sugar is extremely low, mommy needs a small break to get some sugar and a calm moment to regroup.. they don't

2. babies should know that when mommy's toothache gets so bad that she wants to cry, it's not the best time to try to head butt you

3. babies should know how to use the potty or at least know that when mommy has just cleaned your booty and put you down to run to the bathtub, it is NOT a good time to poop all over the carpet and step in it just for fun

SIDE NOTE: YES JULIAN YOU DID THAT! EVERY NIGHT I STRIP YOU DOWN. EVERY NIGHT YOU RUN AROUND AND ACT SILLY ALL THE WAY TO THE BATHTUB. NOT TONIGHT. TONIGHT YOU DECIDED THAT IT WAS A GOOD TIME TO RUN BACK INTO YOUR ROOM AND FINISH YOUR BUSINESS. WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE DOOR YOU WERE ALREADY PLAYING IN IT. I'M TRAUMATIZED!!!

4. babies should know that sometimes mommies are not the best cooks and not organized enough to manage time well enough to have new things cooked every night.

5. babies should know that when you sneeze up a bunch of snot in the car seat ... you should wait two seconds so mommy can turn around and safely wipe it away insead of taking it upon yourself to use your hand to spread it around..

I need prayer!! :)

Here is a picture of my CLEAN baby after the fact. Such a cutie pie!

Chuck E Cheese.. a milestone!!!

2010-02-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Julian had his first trip to Chuck E Cheese on Sunday.. YIKES!! I left thinking it might be my mission in life to make Julian hate that place. We had our second trip on Tuesday for our school PTA meeting. Sooooooo much more enjoyable. So I guess I just decided I might have to just make him hate chuck e cheese during the weekends :). We have 2 more Birthday Parties to attend during the month of Febrary at Chuck E Cheese and I have a feeling that this is just the start of a lot of Chuck E cheese fun.

He came home Sunday from Chuck E Cheese with a balloon/ punching bag.

Here is Julian wearing his cute little shirt he received from Miss Katie and the cute little Boston Red Sox hat. He's so stylin!

My first Scentsy party went really well. It was beautiful outside that day. My mom and I made waffles for everyone and all the kids got to run in and out. Here is Auntie Melissa (my para at school) pulling Julian in his FAVORITE!! He loves his wagon!

Julian and I took a trip to Dallas during Januarty and of course we couldn't leave without going to TONS Mongolian... my favorite place!!

Here is Julian with Luke, one my teacher friends from my old school in Cedar Hil.. this is her little boy who is about a month older than Julian. Cute little boys!

Just wanted to share a few pictures from the first month of 2010!! As you can see, Julian is growing like a weed. He is at the stage that he thinks he should climb up and fit in everything and he gets soooo mad when he cant fit in something. I'm not sure if this is a "stage" or if this is just Julian. :) haha I need to get it on video because it's hillarious watching him trying to fit himself or a huge basketball inside a tiny little hoop.

I miss my friend.....

2010-02-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 21st I lost my best buddy, Odis P. I miss him sooo much and it may be crazy to some but for those of us who don't consider their pet, just a pet but a best friend, you understand. Everyone misses him. It's hard to imagine that we just move on with life without him and how could I ever every find another pet as good as him. He was really special. He knew when I was sad and would cuddle and lick my tears (if i'd let him), he wanted to go anywhere i went and he gave me the most pathetic saddest face and would creeeeep back to where he was laying when I wasn't taking him with me. When I was happy, you would have never seen a dog more happy. He really was with me through it all. He couldn't have been better with Julian from day one!! As crazy as he could be sometimes, he never was too rough with Julian. He let Julian try to kiss him and lay on him and crawl over him and bite him and pull his tail. I lost my best buddy (my first born) and i'll never forget him. His collar is hanging on my rear view mirror and even though i cry every time i get him my car now, I want to remember him everyday and I know that's where he loved to be. He would prefer to be riding right in my lap even if i was 9 months pregnant and there was no room for him, that's where he wanted to be. My laptop screen saver is a picture of Odis and Julian and when Julian sees it, he gets so excited and says,"OOOOOOOO." I miss my baby!! I can't even believe he's gone. xoxoxox

I have been a big slacker in the Blog department lately but I'm trying to get back on track. The first of January our church went on a 21 day fast. Lots of people gave up a lot of different things. I really felt convicted about the time of my life that is completely WASTED that i will never get back that i spent reading abouth what so and so's child did all day long and yadda yadda yadda. I love facebook for staying in touch with old friends and sharing pictures, but really!! it's too much and some of those "friends" couldn't care less what i am thinking and what's up with julian. I know that, because over 90% of the updates are things i waste my time reading and after I finished reading it I am embarassed that i'll never get that minute of my life back because i chose to spend it reading what time that person got off work, worked out, took a nap, went to church, the recipe of what they cooked for dinner,lkjd;ajdf;laj;erua;uerf!!!!!!!!!! I barely get a chance to spend quality alone time connecting with my family and friends, whether by phone or by blog or in person. I come to my blog world and love hearing what my best friends are up too and their random thoughts. So my "fast" was NOOOOO facebook or lap top while Julian is awake. and NOOOOO TV before 7 and only after 7 when it is a certain few shows.. my baby may not be paying attention to it and i may be playing but i have no desire for any of the stupid bachelor or any of that seep in my baby's brain. So the actual 21 day fast is over but I'm thinking I never intended it to be just a 21 day thing. I am so blessed to have the things I do. I am incredibly blessed to have a healthy baby boy, a man who loves us and takes great care of us, a family who loves and supports every move I make, and friends that are like family. thank you thank you Jesus!!
Ok so i'm back to the Blog world today and I want to become more consistant with this not because I think everyone is disappointed they don't see an update but because I want my son to be able to look back someday and see what was going on when he was young. After all, I started this blog for him. Before I even knew he was a "he," I wanted to blog so I could share my jouney with him someday and he would never ever question how much he was loved from before he was even created.
Julian will be 14 months old on Feb. 5th. I can't believe that my baby is changing and growing so much everyday. You would think he big changes would slow down eventually, but he amazes us everyday. He copies everything we do. He tries his best to repeat the words we say and he picks up sign language so quickly. He is such a big boy and tries to run everywhere. He is also such a "helper." He wants to help even when I the best help would be him just leaving me alone :). He would shoot baskets all day long if we would continue picking him up to his goal. He still has no interest in milk but luckily he loves his yogurt and yogurt drinks so we are thankful for that. He can say; more, please, and all done, in sign language. He can say ball, momma, dadda, gooooo!!!! He can follow directions like "go get your jacket" and "bring me the basketball" (and btw, he knows the difference in the basketball and football). When Jerry walks in the door, there is nothing better than seeing how excited and happy he gets to see his daddy. Jerry is so good with him. His hair is growing a lot thicker and I think curls get tighter everyday. I am not sure if I'll ever want to cut it. His eyese are still a very unique color. He loves to play with his friends at Ms. Sylvia's everyday while i'm at work. I learned that we need to work on sharing and taking turns on Sunday during our first visit to Chuck E Cheese. YIKES!! That place is crazy!! He can tell you "what the Indian said" and he can tell you where is belly button, hair, mouth, and he's really close to the nose. (belly button is by far his favorite). He loves to read books. Well, half of the book at least! He doesn't give me much time to finish a book and i'm a pretty slow reader in general so doesn't work out well for ever finishing a book.

Julian Travis Curry, you are amazing! You were created to do great things. You were made in the image of God. You were purposfully, uniquely, and wonderfully made. Jesus put you in my heart before I was even born and YOU are proof that God gives you the desires of your heart. because God gave us you! I tell you these things everyday. We say the ABC's of "who you are" often!! I want these sayings and these beliefs to be part of who you are. I want you never ever to forget who you are. I want you to always know that God created YOU to change the world and to do amazing things and to love people and show people the image of God. I thank Jesus for you. I am a better person for being your mom.
I love you,
Mom

Welcome to Scentsy!!

2010-01-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

I am officially a Scentsy independent consultant. I am really excited about it. I love the product and I think I am not alone. I'm not looking to get rich quick or anything I just think it's a great product that people like so I can share it with people and see where it goes. I couple of my friends have been selling it for a while and they are both doing very well with it. Please check out the product at my website: www.lacy.scentsy.com
Everything else is going great. We've been back to school for a week. Getting back on a schedule has helped Julian tremendously. Me...well not so much. I am not doing so well with waking up early AND having to get ready and work all day. errrr!! This past week our school had 16 or so student teachers from Wisconsin and I had a new teacher every day. This is happening for 2 weeks!! yikes!! I haven't been able to get anything done. I hope I can catch up on my lesson plans some day. I was also launching the "Biggest Loser Teams" at our school on Friday. I had 32 people sign up and I think most are pretty excited about it. I am excited about it also and I seem to be a good motivater to people but not so good to myself seems like. I need to get on track that's for sure. So needless to say I had a busy week and I'm sure the week coming up isn't going to slow down much. I received my Scentsy starter kit Thursday night so I have had a "crash course" this weekend reading everything and trying to get some training so I can begin the business.

Julian is doing great. He is still NOT drinking milk. We attempt to give it to him every few days now and he still spits it out. Thankfully he LOVES yogurt. Pretty much every kind. (no rasberry pear yogurt though.. i'll admit it was nasty)
A few Julian updates:
no milk
talking a lot more
he says more, all done, and eat in sign language
he can tell you where his mouth is and his hair and he attempts the nose but he always hits his mouth so we're working on that
this cold weather one day warm the next freezing the next... has really got his skin dry dry .. his excema is no joke right now. thinking about taking him to the peditrician tomorrow
his words: momma, dada, bye bye, ball, and today he shouted Jesus very clear
no matter what he is doing if he hears any music (tv, ringtone, ANYTHING) he must stop to dance. he loves praise and worship at church. he was clapping and raising his hands like everyone else today. he had everyone around very entertained.

i guess that's about it. hope everyone is well. we are looking forward to our trip to dallas this coming up weekend to see all our peeps. then in one month julian and i are flying to Kansas to see Kel, Brett, and Kaden and we get to meet Brooks!! And we get to see everyone else too i'm sure and i'm very much looking forward to it.

k, bye

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I can't belive it's 2010. 2010 seems like such a crazy number. Jerry's two nephews have been staying with us through out the Christmas break so for New Years we all stayed up and played Monopoly all night. But guess who was the lucky one who got to wake up at 6 with Julian?? :)

We have had a great Christmas break. I can't believe it's gone by so fast and I'll be starting back to work on Monday. I am not looking forward to that but I think getting back into our routine will be good for Julian. Poor guy got sick the first day of the break so we dealt with that for a couple days, then we took the road trip to Knox City with my mom. We had a great time and we LOVE being with Grandma (I get to sleep past 6) but it's still out of Julians schedule and it definitely showed. During our stay at Knox City Julian woke up one morning and had a bottle and then from that moment on WILL NOT touch milk. We've tried it every possible way trust me. So Julian has been a Yogurt eating maniac. Julian must have still had the sick bug a little because he managed to infect everyone he came into contact with. Jerry, Me, Grandma, my 85 year old Grandma, my 94 year old neighbor, both cousins, and his Aunt Steph. I'm sure everyone was so happy we came to visit :). Christmas eve we woke up to a blizzard and made a stupid decision to make a one hour trip to my grandad's house. The trip took us over 3 hours and we stayed there for a couple hours and hit the road home to Houston. Because of he snow storm we had to take a longer route home and it ended up taking us 9 1/2 hours to get home. We made it home about 10 mins before Christmas. Just in time to get in bed so Santa could make his stop at our house. Poor Jerry drove to 10 hours to Tenn to get his nephews, 10 hours home. A few days later they drove 7 hours to Knox City to spend Christmas with us, 3 hours through snow storm, then 9 1/2 hours home. YIKES. Needless to say, we were very thankful to be home safe and sound and we don't have any road trips planned in the dear future. We have had a great week with Jordan and Jonathan being here. I know Jerry has loved playing video games 24/7. I have loved having them around. I've lived in Houston for 3 years now and I have never been to the Galleria so when Jerry was at work one day I took them. A few seconds after walking in, I soon realized why I haven't been and why I won't be returning. I definitely don't have the money for that place.

Christmas... Blessed!

New Years... Blessed!

Can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year! Here are a few pictures from the Christmas break. Check out this video... too funny. Julian loves spending time with Jordan and Jonathan. You see he get's his rhythm from me of course :)

we have allllll played with the tractor growing up.

I didn't get a good "blizzard" picture. This was after a couple hours of sun.

Mission: SANTA!!

2009-12-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Even thought I knew handing him over to a strager was going to result in a cute little crying picture like this, I was on a mission this year to find get his picture taken. I heard of all these good deals so I was set on getting a good santa at a good price :) In other words, I didn't want to pay a lot of money for a crying picture of Julian and Santa. We decided to go to Walgreens. My friend Selina brought her little girl Ava over and we went to Walgreens. We walked in and quickly made a Uturn when we saw this skinnies most GHETTO santa ever sitting on a rickety chair in front of a really bootleg get up they called a "background." It was funny so we just got in the car and set off to find another Santa. I had heard about Santa being at Old Town Spring so that is where we went. The picture quality was horrible but we have scanners and it's just the fact that I wanted his picture with Santa. Mission accomplished!!

Julian's #1

2009-12-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

He's ONE!! (and one day) We had such a fun time yesterday for J's birthday party. He's not that big of a fan of crowds (especially crowds of people he doesn't see that regularly).. So we had that working against us but he did great. The weather was great. We had tons of great friends here to celebrate with us. His party theme was the foam hand number one thing "Julian's #1." I love being his number one cheerleader :) All the planning and anticipation was well worth it. Praise the Lord!! Julian got a ton of new toys which were awesome!! I, being the genious I am, planned his party from 2-4 which is his afternoon nap time. God is good though and let him take a 3 hour nap in the morning so he was still good but by the time 4 got here, he was out! But he got to wake up to all his new toys. Here are some pics from the party. The video is from today. His cousins, Riley Paige and Carson, gave him the rocking horse and you can tell he loves it.

Thank you everyone! Not just the people who were able to be here but everyone, all of our family and friends who read this (the ones who don't read it too). Everyone who loves our little man and prays for him and supports!!! We love you!

Julian's #1 (a Lacy Carver original)

Julian loves loves his grandma

Enjoying a little birthday cake.

He loves his Lightening McQueen power wheel. But he's too busy trying to figure out how to be a stunt driver and stand up on it to figure out how to push the button and go.

With my great friend from Dallas' little boys, Grant and Blake

Like everyone says, his favorite toy was the gift sack. lol!

Thank you everyone!!

2009-11-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!! Ours was wonderful with a very short trip to Jackson, TN. It was Julian and I's first time in TN. It was such a blessing to get to introduce Julian to all the family that he hadn't met yet. The food was wonderful. I think I am pretty open minded to trying new food. I tried my first taste of "chitlins" (i have no idea how to spell that). Let's just say... I will never be having that again. EVER EVER!! "Try it with hot sauce" they say.. (for all my people, this doesn't mean picante sauce) :) haha. Well all I can say is that at least i was open minded and tried it. Moving on. We had a great time getting to see where Jerry grew up and went to school and did all his hoopin and all that but most of all getting to enjoy his family. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Uncle Maurio

Jonathan (Terri's son)

Jordan (Maurio's son)

Caterious (Terri's son)

Great Grandma Carrie

Jerry's Great Niece, Anyah

Grandaddy

Favorite picture of the holiday

2nd favorite picture

This is at home before we left on Wednesday morning. Just sharing cuz it's funny. Julian thinks all toys are more fun if he's standing on top of them.

Hope everyone had a blessed Holiday.

Thank you, Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving and everything it stands for. Not just the food but the reminder that we have so much to be thankful for.

Have I ever mentioned that I love this little boy. He is a big mess an'd into everything, but I am so thankful to be this little guys mommy. I set up the christmas tree Saturday night (early this year because we are going out of town). Sunday morning Julian woke up to Christmas!! He just kept making his happy/suprised sound and pointing. (you'd just have to hear it) But he was more obsessed with the vaccum that was still out. lol! We weren't sure if the tree was worth the fight but has done so well. Plenty of "no no!" but he's doing great. Yesterday his new obsession was the kitchen cabniets. He discovered that if he threw everything out, then it makes a perfect little tunnel just for him.

I washed the carseat getting ready for the 10 hour road trip and this morning he discovered that it was fun toy until he stood up in it and it fell forward and he flattened his face on the floor. oops!

He thinks that crawling up onto the fire place and standing up is fun and we are very consistant with NOT letting this happen. Julian is a little sneeky though. He backs up slowly and sits and smiles and thinks that is ok :) too cute not to take a picture. Then the NO NO and off the fire place came.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

soooo thankful.....

2009-11-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

...... for my healthy baby boy

Here are a few pics of our "ALMOST ONE YEAR OLD"!!! WHAT?!!! I can not even believe that Julian is almost one. When I watch him running around everywhere making our lives a living... JOY, I can't even belive he was inside my belly last year at this time. He's supposed to be my little baby but he's becoming more and more independent everyday. Don't get me wrong.. he's still a momma's boy and needs his daddy time too. Here a few picstures we've taken the past couple weeks. Some may be blurry because they were taken with my phone and he never stops moving.

The boy LOVES to be outside... he loves watching Odis outside too but he would much rather be out there with him. I would love to take him out more but this town is INFESTED with mosquitos.. It's miserable.

The plunger is his new favorite toy.. As disgusting as it is, it was too funny not to take a picture of it.

Julian joined me at a bridal shower this week and while I was distracted, Ms. Sweet discovered that my man LOVES him some cupcake icing.

This is Julian's new swingset from Grandma. He really loves to swing and watch odis play but we don't get out there as much as we'd like because of the darn mosquitos. errrrrrr

Julian's schedule used to be: Go to bed at 8, up at 6:30 ish. I wished then that he would sleep a little later on the weekends but I was used to it. THEN>>>> the time changed. It has been rough. We are still going to bed at 8 or 8:30 and now we wake up at 4:30 or 5. NOT FUN!! I can't get the boy to sleep his regular 10 hours. It's crazy. So this picture above was taken one morning about 2 miles from the house. He woke up 4:30 that morning and then he needed a nap. I was just laughing and telling him... He could have stayed asleep and then he wouldn't have needed a nap and everyone would have been happy. :)

HE CAN CATCH A BALL!!

2009-11-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

So I am really not as good at this posting thing these days. It's hard to use the lap top because the little man is obsessed with trying to pound on it.. and then it's definitely hard to grab a second to sit at the other. "Why not when Julian goes to sleep?" you might ask... WELL I seem to have a little trouble staying awake longer than him. We usually lay down together and i have every intention to get up and put him in his bed in about 2 mins but never fails 2 or 3 hours later i wake up and there ya go... and then.... now that we do not understand this little time change thing and since we wake up at 4:30 most mornings, well I try to take advantage of any extra sleep I can get...

Yeah so the day before yesterday he said "ball" for me like 3 times but he hasn't said it to anyone or me since. So yesterday Ms. Shiloh was trying to get him to say "ball" and discovered that the little dude can seriously catch. No I didn't believe her at first but he sure enough can. He throws it back to you too! Well he throws it somewhere? When we got home he did it a few times for me but he had to shoot the ball in his goal before he would throw it.

Ok so Julian had a great first Halloween!! A friend of our had a party for their kids and their friends and families and so we grabbed our little Spiderman and joined in the fun. Here are a few pics of the cutest spider man ever! He wouldn't keep the mask and hat on at all. He found a little girls "old granny" wig on the floor and thought it was hillarious and then he found her cain. Since he wouldn't wear the mask i tried to put the hat on him but then he just looked more like a doctor dressed up like spiderman so we just went with the no mask. We are looking forward to next year!!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!!

Can you believe Julian is 11 months today! It's so crazy to think he was in my belly last year at this time and now he's running around everywhere bringing so much joy to our lives. We adore this little guy so much.

Take care!

Updates

2009-10-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

1. julian is walking everywhere. trying to run
2. julian is going to be Spider Man for halloween!! whew hew!!
3. his two top front teeth are the biggest (cutest) baby teeth i've ever seen
4. his birthday is coming up soon.. invites are ready.. Dec. 5th. Be There!
5. he is definitely improving his "momma" and his "bye bye" . he's had his "dada" down for a while
6. he is getting a bit of a fro going on
7. he's loves to swing
8. he can shoot baskets!! in desperate need of a bigger goal for him cuz his is for when he was barely sitting. :) so he more like hover's it now
9. speaking of baskets.. Kansas Basketball is starting next week!!! ROCK CHALK
10. both bff's are prego at the same time again- Kel in January and Mandy in May
11. no ESL stipend next year. boo to budget cuts
12. HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

one month of walking

2009-10-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Walking one month after the first steps:

He is now walking everywhere and really doesn't crawl that much at all. Please ignore my phone conversation in the background. Bad timing for a phone call but just wanted to share my cute little boy walking. Notice the video has to be cut off early because he picks up a leaf and decides to eat it. There are so many different kinds of baby food that this little boy will not touch but anthing off the floor is delicious!!

Trip to Mandy's

2009-10-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Julian and I drove to Waco Friday night and spent Saturday with my best friend from Tech, Mandy, and her little boy and family. We had a great time. It was so great cathing up. Julian did great on the way there and then woke up and was ready to go once we got there at 11:00 at night!! Needless to say Julian and I did not get that much sleep but we had a great day Saturday with Mandy and her family. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:
Here is my baby J with his "Baby J" :)

Julian and I

Mandy getting her some Julian lovin

It is not that easy to get 2 little ones to look at you, smile, and then actually get their whole heads in the picture. Julian had a great time with his friend Brett.

Julian's first time sitting forward in one of Brett's carseats. For some reason he kept his hand up like this. I guess he wanted to be ready to wave at any time.

Updates:

Julian is walking more than crawling

He has 4 teeth.

He crawls a set of stairs very very fast

He is awake so gotta go because he is OBSESSED with this laptop and thinks it's a drum. GEEEEZ!!!!

WALKING!!!

2009-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

He broke is "8 step" record today. Well on camera at least! I'm sure he's broken it several times but I finally got it on camera. I can't believe how big he's getting. Oh and don't mind the mess in the background. That is called "JULIAN!!"

I've always heard stories of babies falling asleep in the high chair while eating but I really couldn't image Julian ever settling down enough to do that. But I was proven wrong tonight. Julian makes recovering from the flu so much more enjoyable :) Even though I am sure i have exposed Jerry and Julian, I have tried to wash my hands a million times today. I'm praying they don't catch this crap.

My mom is on her way tonight!! And Jerry is leaving tonight to drive to Tenn. I'm sooo glad my mom is coming. This was a very inconvienient time to get sick but sooooo blessed to have Jerry who is amazing and then did i mention.. MY MOM IS COMING!!! yay looking forward to a restful weekend.

Hope everyone is great! Take care

8 STEPS!!!

2009-09-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

My little baby just sort of started walking today. Last night he took 2 steps towards me.. When I got to the babysitter today she said he took two steps for her today and she thought I had missed it but I was proud to say he did it for me last night. So I wanted to see and he took 4 steps! then a few mins later on the kitchen floor i tried it again and he took 8 steps and i actually think he would have taken more if i could have moved back anymore. I CAN NOT BELIEVE MY BABY IS STARTING TO WALK!!!!

Prayer request:
1. Jerry and his job search
2. Julian being introduced to milk protein again.. pray that his tummy has developed enough to handle milk products!!!

9 months!! Dancing!! Standing!!

2009-09-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

Julian was 9 months on Sept. 5th. We had a great Labor Day weeknd. We traveled to Rotan for a family reunion and had a great time with the gang. Jerry and I decided to start out Friday about the time Julian would be getting sleepy. It was a great idea because Julian slept the whole 7 hours there and then a few more when we got there. Not so great for Jerry and I being awake the next day :). We got in around 3 and didn't get hardly any sleep but we managed to have a great time the next day with countless games of volleyball, softball, kickball, basketball, etc... We came back on Sunday afternoon. Julian took a great nap but then he was awake. He doesn't seem to be a fan of his car seat after 4 hours awake in it. To make a long story short we got 15 mins from home with a sleepy sleepy baby that was TIRED of being in his car seat and we ended up having a car seat, back seat, a baby, and a mommy covered in PUKE!! fun times!! Car seat, back seat, baby,and mommy are clean now and all is well. :)

Julian had his 9 month appointment on Tuesday morning. He weighed in at 22 lbs 9 oz, he is 31 inches long, and his head is still in the 95th percentile. So we are so thankful to have such a healthy happy baby boy. Here are a couple videos I took one day this week after school. He is such a hoot to hang out with. I love being this little guy's mommy.

Video 1: Just a little bit of Julian and Odis playing together. Notice he stands alone now. They didn't know I was in the kitchen with the camera. Of course Odis thought he was alone so the video ends with Odis steeling some of Julian's treats off the table.

Video 2: Julian is a big dancer these days. It started with a singing toy but now he'll dance to anything- even his mommy being silly. I can not seem to get a video of him really "gettin it" but this is just a sneek peek of his dancing. :)

Happy Birthday Odis!!

2009-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Odis is turning 5. Can't believe it's been 5 years. Just thought I would give my little Odis P. a shout out. I'd post a pic but he's in trouble right now coming in this house acting all crazy. (imagine that) Plus the dog is in the background of most pictures i take of Julian so if you wanna see him just keep your eye out. :) he's there

Anyways to more important news: Julian is growing like a weed. He is so close to walking and that makes me sad because he's growing so fast. He is letting go of everything and standing there. Then he realizes he's not holding on and slowing sits down. He is also walking behind his little walking toy thingy.

He will be 9 months on Saturday! He will have his nine month appointment on the 8th so I'll update on the measurements then. We had an appointment a couple weeks ago when he was sick and he was already 21lbs 5 oz i think and that was when he was poopin and pukin so we'll see. I wish they measure his hands and feet because they would be off the chart I'm sure :) haha.

He officially has 2 whole teeth now.

OK AND HERE'S THE STORY OF THE MONTH. Jerry discovered a few weeks ago that a co worker got their formula covered. Soooo after a lot of "phone work" we finally discovered that ours is covered too because it's a diagonsed protein sensitivity. WHAT?!?! WE COULD HAVE BEEN GETTING IT COVERED FOR NINE MONTHS??????? That's right folks. Since January we have paid over 1600 bucks for formula. We should be receiving our first perscription of formula anyday now for a months supply FOR $20!!!!!!!! YES $20!!!!!!!! SO WE COULD HAVE PAID 180 SO FAR INSTEAD OF 1600..... We are Thankful for the next 3 + months!!! Pray with us that Julian's tummy will get over this "sensitivity" and be able to transition to real milk with real protein when he's one.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!!!!! DO YOU REALIZE THAT'S 1400 bucks difference!!!! Why would someone not mention that it was a possibility?? errrrrrrrrrrrrr

We are thankful We are thankful We are thankful!!! I'm trying to not be mad. errrrrrrrr

Ok so in other news: I started school on the 24th... kids cried.... the end :)

Going home for a little family time this Labor Day! Yay

Thats about it. Hope all is well. Here a couple recent (well taken in August at least) pics of our little dude.

I love you Dad!! Miss you!! XOXO

2009-08-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Today makes 3 years since my Dad passed away. I miss him every day. I am so thankful that Julian gets to carry his name. I loved him so much and I feel like he was taken way too early but I am grateful he was my dad and I got to be his little girl.. I just wanted to share a few pictures of Julian's PaPa....

Travis Craig Carver

December 4, 1951 - August 15, 2006

growling

2009-08-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

My baby can growl!! :) It's soo funny. We discovered that he would imitate my nephew when Carson was pushing him in the stroller. Now I think it's getting old for him but he'll still imitate us and sometimes even Odis if he starts growling at someone walking past the window.

Monica's her name... Photography's her game!!

2009-08-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful photographer!! Her name is Monica Hernandez!! She lives in Lubbock, TX and if you or you know anyone who lives in Lubbock and needs great pictures taken, she's your girl. http://mhernandez.zenfolio.com/

Oh yeah, she was my roommate for almost 3 years in college and my mom and I were staying with her last night. I mentioned how I was wanting to get Julian's pics taken and she mentioned how she had this great camera and had been taking pics lately and.... shaBANG! she took us downtown Lubbock before my cousins wedding and the magic happend :) SHE is such a BLESSING!! I can't wait to get some blown up and framed in my house. She got soooo many great ones. These are just a "few" of my favorites. I'm too excited about them to wait and really pick out my official favorites. I want to share them!!!

Julian and I are home safe and sound from out week in west texas. We had such a great time. Julian is in MUCH need of his own routine and his own "schedule."

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF MY FAVORITES. THERE ARE SOO MANY MORE GREAT ONES.

He's ALL boy!!

2009-07-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well today we have had two first. Julian's first bump on his head (you can kind of see it in this first picture), and Julian's first busted lip. Unrelated injuries. His transition from sitting to crawling isn't always so graceful and definitely not a slow process and well there juste happened to be a table leg in the way. Then later on today he just got a little to confident. He is taking steps while he's holding on to things and he decided to go all the way and transition from the couch to the coffee table. I felt so bad because I could see it coming but i just couldn't get there soon enough. The coffee table won. :( It was just a little bloody gum and a little quick "cry it out" and then he was all better and he and coffee table were friends again. So now we've had a swollen lip from the floor, a bump on the head from the table, and busted lip from the coffee table. I'm sure there are many more to come. I am praying we can keep injuries on the minimum because I discovered that I do NOT like seeing my baby with blood, bumps, or bruises. It hurts so bad to see him like that.

"Look Mom! I found a LITTLE dog"

"I got him! Why doesn't Odis let me do this?"
"Can I have him! This is fun!"

Julian and I met up with a good friend from Tech, Jennifer, and her 10 month old, Cameron, at the Children's Museum last thursday. It was so much fun getting to see them and catch up and to let Julian and Cameron hang out. I tried to get Cam to teach Julian to crawl "right" and stop the army crawling but I don't think Julian sees any point in that when he can get anywhere he wants just as fast.

CHEESE!

Julian likes to visit friends with toys!!

Julian's babsitter, Ms. Sylvia, had us over for brunch the other day. Julian took a ride in the police car. They got to see how much fun it's going to be when Julian starts back in Aug. The were amazed how he was everywhere and in to everything. I just laughed and SAT on the couch while they chased him around for a little while.

vidoes to share

2009-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

here are just a couple little clip of my life these days.

Julian crawls to the cords, We tell him NO NO and put him back by his toys, Julian crawls back to the cords.....

Julian crawls to the TV to grab the PS3 and eject the disk and chew on it, we tell him No No and put him back by the toys, Julian crawls back and pulls up on the pillows, etc...

Julian crawls behind the couch and gets stuck or bumps his head, we say no no and put him back, and I THINK YOU GET THE POINT!! :)

summer is flying!!

2009-07-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already the middle of July!! YIKES! I don't even want to think about it being over in a month! :( I am blessed that I love my job but as much as i love teaching and i love my job, it doesn't even compare at all to how much i love being home with my baby 24/7. I am so thankful to have a great babysitter like Ms. Sylvia who loves Julian so much BUT that doesn't keep me from wanting to spend every second with him. I was thinking that i might actually have a little time this summer to get some things done like: keep the house clean, organizing, etc... My excuse during last school year was (for the first 1/2) I was prego and tired and swollen when I came home from work, (for the second 1/2) I had to spend every second possible with Julian. So needless to say being home with him all day everyday doesn't seem to help me get any more done than before. Here are a few Julian updates. Some of which you already know.
1. Julian learned to crawl in the middle of June
2. 2 weeks later he was pulling up on everything
3. He got to meet his Curry family from Jackson
4. He had his baby dedication June 28th
5. He will get to go on a plane to Lubbock for the 2nd time on July 26th (pray for us)
6. He still has NO teeth but his gums are so swollen and he has been aggressively chewing on everything for 3 months now
7. He loves loves loves the water
8. He loves to go on walks but mommy.. not so much a big fan (especially the mosquitos and the "feels like" 106 temp)
9. We have learned that when he's sick he could possibly win a Projectile Vimmitting contest
10. and maybe a army crawling race too. the dude is fast
11. He is becoming more and more a "mommy's baby" everyday
12. He has been to the Children's Museum 3 times (will be 4 times on Thursday)
13. He has been pooping regularly!!!!! yay!!
14. He'll eat most any baby food (except carrots) but try to introduce a little table food or any thing with a different texture, when swollowed results in gagging which results in a mess for mommy and daddy to clean
15. He still has his protein sensitivity which just means no chance of switching to the cheeper formula. Pray that we can get over this before he's one and can have regular milk products after that.
16. He is still obsessed with electrical cords
17. He has experienced his first (hopefully only) round of double ear infections (not fun for anyone involved and not 100 % certain he's completely over them)

Just a "couple" updates.
Looks like our little guy is waking up now so I better go. Hope everyone has a great week.

LC

new everyday

2009-07-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here is our Electrical Cord Obsessed little man. Don't worry, non of the cords were plugged in to anything or allowed in his mouth. He was so happy when he came across a little box full of cords.

My crazy boy is EVERYWHERE and into EVERYTHING!! He thought he was sneaking away from Daddy but I surprised him in the hall way. Notice: still no teeth. He's working hard on getting some though.

Julian is a big fan of the window. He loves to look outside. He used to like sitting and looking but the "sitting" days are over I guess. So cute looking at Daddy outside with Odis. You notice he is eyeing that little space behind the couch. I'm sure he sees some sort of plug or cord back there he thinks he might be able to get his hands on.
So much for sitting and looking outside. As of yesterday, we must pull up on Everything!! It hurts when we wobble and fall and hit our lip but doesn't stop him.

We had lunch with a good friend yesterday and Julian got to spend some time with his little friend Dorie. She is about 4 months older but she obviously likes them younger :). They are so dang cute talking to each other.

I mean he just pulled up for the first time yesterday once. Then today he was pulling up on everything!! He likes his little toy though. Thanks Pari!

Like I said, he was eyeing that little space behind the couch. He is crazy I tell you. He can get pretty much everywhere and even the places he can't get, he will try until he gets stuck.

We are improving our sippy cup skills.

Curry Family Visit/ Dedication

2009-06-28T19:34:00.001-07:00

Julian's Curry family drove in from Jackson, TN on Thursday. We have had such a great weekend. I am so glad they finally got to meet our little guy. I think they like him "just a little bit." :) The first night we went to daddy's basketball game. A curch league

Friday night for Julian's grandaddy's birthday we had to introduce them to the famous Potato Patch. Here is Julian with his two big cousins Jonathon and Jordan, both very good babysitters.

Saturday we all headed south to visit some of Julian's relatives and then off to the beach at Galveston. It was interesting seeing all the changes since IKE hit. Julian's first time to touch the ocean. Maybe someday he can touch some ocean that's not so brown.

Julian and daddy at the beach.

The whole crowd chillin.

Sunday was Julian's dedication at church. We all went and our good friends Jeana and Jerod and their kids came also. It was a special day for our little guy.

This afternoon we did a little sight seeing downtown Houston.

Julian had the best seat in town on daddy's shoulder.
Julian was asleep for the first 20 mins of our "sight seeing." Someone (no names) failed to mention that we were actually getting out of the car and going to walk around down there or I would have brought the stroller. Needless to say, I was a little tired walking with a sweaty heavy baby. Julian's cousin, DeAsia, and I took a short rest.

Julian has had a great time for the past few days meeting all his family. I hope we are able to take him to Jackson someday soon so he can meet the rest of the bunch. There are many many that were unable to make the trip and we missed getting to meet.

Hope everyone has a great week.

PS. it's soooo hot

on your mark.. get set... GOOOOO!!!!

2009-06-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

My DSL has been out for a couple days so I'm just now getting to post this. I think I took this video on Friday (6/19). Oh how things have already changed. I am telling you, this kid is off and running. He is OBSESSED with cords. He wants any cord coming from the wall. Obviously this is a highly dangerous obsession so it keeps me very very busy. So I'm not sure if i should just unplug everything in my house and cover all outlets and live in the dark with no entertainment, put this boy in a cage, or tie him to a poll. :) haha. I guess I'll just keep chasing him around everywhere and telling him no. He dosen't seem to understand that word yet. He is so dang cute. He army crawls/ inch worm crawls/ pulls his body across the room. He isn't at all interested in any of his toys... just cords.

Here are a couple pictures I took earlier that day when the sun was hitting his fro just right. Everyone needs to go all natural with the hair every once in a while:) and Odis loves Julian's musical talent.

I have soooo much to do this week getting ready for company. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone but lots to do. So I guess I better get to it then. Have a great week everyone.

pics

2009-06-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Julian's new whiny sound

2009-06-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday (6/12) Julian started exploring some new sounds while babbling in his crib. It started out as dadadadada and babababa and mamamama etc.... and then turned into the same sounds but whining and then I took this video on Sunday. The sound is gone now but he's still smacking his lips the same way and it's the funniest thing. (and the saddest face - i just can't help but laugh). And notice he doesn't like it when a friend takes his toys. And notice when i laugh at him, all of a sudden he forgets his whining and thinks he's funny.

1/2 a year!! / Baby Dedication

2009-06-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

I always post about Julian's check ups and I posted my pics from dallas and forgot. He went in on the Tuesday morning we left for dallas for his 6 month check up. CRAZY that he has been around for 6 months. He is such a big boy.

He weighed 19.35
28 1/2 inches long
and he still has a big head :) (it's perfect!!)
he got his shots and was a champ. poor guy
Julian can now sit up alone
He is sooooo ticklish
he is very close to crawling
somehow he still manages to get anywhere he wants
i sure hope he gets a tooth someday soon. his gums are so swollen
he likes to chew on everything. his toes and my shirts seem to be a few of his favorites
he loves the water. he has loved all his swimming experiences so far

Also, just FYI Julian will be having his baby dedication at my church (Grace Church of Humble) on June 28th at 11:30. We have a lot of family and friends coming to church with us that day. Grandma and Grandaddy Curry will be there!! Some of Julian's cousins from TN will also be there and we are so excited for Julian to get to meet them. Also I think my aunts will be making the trip with my mom so I'm looking forward to seeing them as well. So I just want to invite you if I haven't already. If you are not able to come we totally understand but wanted to THANK all of our famly and friends that love to keep track of baby Julian on this blog and pray for him. Thank you thank you! I know that you all have been praying for him since he was in my tummy and it means a lot. God is soooo good!

Congratulations Debbie

2009-06-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Julian and I went to Dallas to surprise Aunt Deb for her graduation party. Just got back today. We had so much fun seeing everyone. Here are a few pics from our trip to the big D:

We loved getting stay with Ms. Cindy

Congratulations Aunt Debbie!!!

Ms. Tanya

The 3 Stooges

Just takin a ride on Blake's big wheel.

Julian's Barnes Brothers

mommy initiation

2009-06-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here is Julian at the Children's Museum today. He is so close to making something happen with this crawling thing. I think he might have officially crawled today but we'll keep waiting till we get it on video to call it "officially."

Yeah so we went to the Children's Museum of Houston today with one of my friends and her cute little 2 year old, Nicholas. J took a nap on the way and was wide awake and looking around and "exploring/learning" for a good 2 hours before we made our "descent" (ha!) We had a great day at the museum. The whole 2nd floor is just for babies and it was so much fun watching him roll and scoot around. I got some cute pictures.

So I think I was officially "initiated" into motherhood today. I have already been through sick screaming baby, projectile vomit, poop all over and up the back, spit up on everything before i go to work but today it is OFFICIAL. I drove home today with what I thought was a sleeping baby. Evidentally he was up to much more than that. I never heard him make a noise or a movement but the boy had some things going on back there. By the time we pull into the garage I have to go to the bathroom so bad I wasn't sure I was going to make it. I pull him out and wake him up with my running. I get him out of his seat and smell a little something but apologize to my baby and tell him as I'm running that he is just going to have to sit on this bouncer for 30 secs while mommy gets to the b room. Well i put him in it and then all of a sudden i see something on his face and then all of a sudden i see really dark green EVERYWHERE. It was covering my arms and shirt already. I STILL NEED TO USE IT. but i wash my hands and arms quickly and grab a towel, i glance over and see his car seat is covered, and realize i have to get my baby out of that bouncer and when i am able to assess the problem. it was worse than i could have ever imagined............ the rest of this story consist of....... screaming, cleaning poop, gagging, cleaning poop, bathtub too cold, baby screaming, spraying off poop, 2nd bath of the day, cleaning more poop, nice clean baby, mommy cleaning more poop off stuff, disassembling all toys and car seats and everthing and washing everything washable, cleaning more poop, lots of gagging, and I AM STILL SMELLING POOP!!!! (of course as soon as he's nice and clean and i have cleaned all the poop, Jerry walks in the door. hahaha)

beach day!!

2009-06-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today was Beach Day at my school and I have been promising that I would bring Julian up to school to meet my kids for 6 months now and well since school's over tomorrow, better late than never. Grandma is here babysitting this week so she brought Julian to join in the fun :). He was the cutest one there for sure.

since he didn't get to get too wet at beach day I took him swimming in his pool when we got home.

this is just a pic of my slam dunk baby. he is sooooooo almost fixing to figure out this crawling thing. it's so funny to watch him up on his hands and knees trying to figure it out.

cute baby pics

2009-05-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

just me being cuteready for church stylin in my new flip flops

mommy playing dress up and discovered my high waters

my first swim suit

a big first

2009-05-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

so today was julian's first time in a hi chair at a restraunt. it's funny because i would have never thought my baby was big enough for this. but he is sitting up now and pretty stable. it just never crossed my mind. HE'S MY BABY!! but here is my baby sittin up like a big boy. these two pics were taking with my phone. they aren't the best pics. the second is just a pic of me trying stuff on him in Old Navy. :) have a great week!

the difference a week makes

2009-05-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

So on the 13th I posted a video of Julian showing off his walking skills. Here he is in the walker 1 week later on the 19th. The boy is a racer!! Just now he was in it and he seriously followed Odis into the kithen and made the little circle and he would have made it back into the living room with me but he got stuck trying to come through the door and then he flew past the door and couldn't back up. It was the funnies thing. It's not like it took him an hour either. The boy was Cruisin!! Then again I picked him up and he had pooped so maybe that was helping him along. :) So here is just a little short clip of his racin skills improving :) haha I love this kid!!

Oh and Julian finally rolled from his back to stomach twice. I haven't seen it but he did it for the babysitter twice yesterday.

So far Julian has had Squash (yum), peas (yuck), apples (yum), sweet potatoes (yum), pears (yum), peaches (yum), carrots (yuk), prunes (yum), and bananas (yum- but since we are working on being a little more "regular" they were cut out of the diet.

10 more days of work until I get to be home with my baby boy everyday!

pics this week with julian

2009-05-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

"he get it from his momma!" He likes him some Sonic. (I just realized it looks even funnier with him holding a cup that says "happy hour")

look at me sitting up!!

(too bad i wasn't taking video because he fell over about 2 seconds later. ha)

Just hanging out in a basket of laundry right out of the dryer while I put his Johnny Jump.

Swinging in my "baby" swing out in the garage while watching daddy. He definitely has daddy's broad shoulders and chest)

I love prunes! and it's a good thing cuz I NEED them.

looks like he's punching something

I finally joined

2009-05-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am officially a member of Grace Church of Humble. I have been attending Grace since last Mother's Day pretty regularly (except for a few hard pregnancy weeks and a few hard newborn weeks) but everytime I've gone I have Loved it and felt like the word and worship were planned just for me. It is the most diverse church I have ever seen or heard of. There are 38 flags on the walls of the sactuary and I really wasn't sure what they represented until today. They represent all the nations that the members there have come from. They do not base it off of where your parents or grandparents were from. They base it on where YOU were born. That is pretty amazing to me. So I am excited I finally did it. They have a membership class you have to attend to find out more information like all the values of the church, meet all the pastors, and figure out where/when/how you can get connected. The class was today at 2:30. I was thinking it might be about 2 hours and that was a huge commitment for me because I HATE being away from my baby for a second and I am not all that fond of leaving him with people he doesn't know, even though I do not doubt they will do a great job taking care of him, I just do not like being away for a second because I work all week and feel like I miss so much. 14 DAYS till summer and I can be with him everyday all day. So anyways I am so glad that they did not tell me that the class would last until 6. I don't think I could have ever convinced myself to go BUT I went, I loved it, I got to check on Julian regularly and he was doing great and took a long nap so it worked out great. So Yay! That's all, the end. bye

Mom's day #2

2009-05-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Remembering my first mother's day last year. Life was definitely different. Life was so uncertain. Life was crazy. Last year on Mother's Day, I was still in shock a little bit. I had barely told my mom about my little miracle baby inside me. Even though I was only 7 weeks pregnant last year I was a Mother. He was a He. God already knew the plans he had for Julian, He new his name, he knew every hair on his head. I on the other hand DID NOT KNOW anything! I didn't know what in the world had happened to my life. I'm so glad I serve a faithful God. I was uncertain about living so far from my friends and family -- God found me a wonderful home which I love, He opened up a head start pre k job which i love as well and with the job came lots of new friends and a wonderul future in Houston. I was uncertain how I could afford a baby when i could barely survive myself -- God has made it work out well for us. I was uncertain about my diabetes and such a high risk pregnancy and how that would effect Julian's health -- God brought me my perfect little baby boy. I am sooooooo thankful!!

2009 was my second Mother's Day: I am blessed!! Woke up, Jerry cooked breakfast, we all went to church, (julian cried in the nursery for the first time which was sad), Jerry took us to Salt Grass for steaks after church, back home for a good nap with Julian, some golf on tv, calls from my 2 best friends, and an evening just hangin with my dudes. It was a great day just hanging out and being a mommy!!

oh and did i mention i have the most wonderful mother in the world? well i do! she gives me something to aspire to as a mom.

I posted a couple videos for the first time but bare with me because I am not a professional photographer. The first video is Julian showing his walking skills. The next one is Julian and I just laughing. It is hard to get him to laugh while holding him with one hand and the camera with the other, but you can get a little of his laughing.

I love being this little guys mommy!!

5 months tomorrow... CRAZY

2009-05-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi. Well nothing very new to post. I put a couple pics because... well... that's what I do. His latest very cool discovery were his toes. It was a couple weeks ago but here is a pic. Oh and his latest latest thing we discovered on Friday is when he is handed to someone unfamiliar, he pouts his little lip and makes the saddest face you have EVER seen and then he reaches for his mommy!! (oh and he reached for daddy too.) It was the best feeling. That unfamiliar face happened to be my mom sadly but it only took him about 10 seconds to warm up to her and then there was no more reaching for mommy. He loves his Grandma!! So our little dude is just wonderful and the happiest little guy. Except for when he gets a little impatient or too tired, because he will for SURE let you know!! He is sleeping great. Every once in a while he wakes up for a midnight snack but he's been sleeping like a champ.
Well Happy 5 months to my little man!!!

I CAN SEE! I CAN SEE!

2009-04-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

As of Friday, April 24th, 2009...I CAN SEE!!
I had my lasik eye surgery yesterday. It is pretty amazing. I was a lot more nervous than I thought I would be but the thought of anything happening to your eyes is pretty intense. It turned out great. Jerry got to watch the whole thing through a big window and on the TV screen. Before I went in I had to go up and do several of the normal test and then the doctor comes in and does the final "which one looks better? 1 or 2, this one or this one, a or b" just to get the final prescription that they use to correct the eye during surgery. My favorite part was that my doctor had Jerry sit in the chair and he showed Jerry what I've seen for years without my glasses. I guess Jerry has heard me say how blind I was before but until he was sitting there and completely unable to even see anything when the big E was on the screen and the doctor had to put his hand right in front of his face to see anything, that he was amazed that I could actually be that blind. So we go there at 9:45 and I was donating my glasses to South American missions at 11:30. I have a follow up appointment this morning at 9:30 and can't wait to go in and see what my perscription is. They say that your eyes arn't officially their best they are going to get for a couple months but I CAN SEE already so I guess it's only supposed to get better. whew hew!!!

UPDATE: I had my follow up apointment this morning at 9:30 and my vision is almost 20/15. Better than 20/20!! that is so crazy. just 24 hours ago I was 20/650 in one eye and 20/725 in the other. CRAZY!!! God is sooooo cool for creating Lasik. :)