A house of fun!

Julian being silly...

Brenna and Julian snuggling...

Owen and Julian....

Molly and Julian...

Our Day of fun!!!

So today we have had the pleasure of having our best friends children with us! These children are so special to Jeff and I...the are so sweet and loving and just good kids! So they played in the yard, played with the chalk, then we went for a long walk and blew bubbles, then we had pizza and then a pajama party!!! We have watched 3 movies, had pop corn and oreo's and even chocolate milk! Julian at one point said...thanks for coming over guys! He just melts my heart! As you know I would love to have Julian's friends over here all the time! All of his little play friends live in Amherst...so this summer, we are making friends in the neighborhood...so I posted some pictures of our day! Hope you enjoyed yours as much as we did!!!

DO you remember?

SO this blog is to be about my son Julian...well this morning when he came into our bedroom, I made a big deal about the Royal Wedding...Look at the white horse's I said...yeah mommy...let's play ball. Well what can you expect from a little boy! When Prince or should I say the Duke...his mother and father were married, my mother let me stay home from school...I was "sick"...I often wonder how many others little girls at Heim Elementary were "sick" as well?! I didn't seem excited about this wedding until last night when I started to watch all the bio's on them. If you know me well, you will know I love to watch period movies...mostly about the Royal families...for some reason, I love it. So far the King's Speech is one of my all time favorites!

When we leave for school, we have to be out of the house no later then 8:35am! So when I heard they were going to greet the crowd at 8:25am...so what is a girl to do...well, I put on Super Why and told Julian to watch it while I made the beds...wink wink...so I patiently waited for them too appear, then they greeted the crowd...I can remember Kate saying WOW...what Princess or Duchess wouldn't say WOW with that kind of crowd! Then they kissed...I cried...I thought his mother SHOULD be there with them sharing in their special day...so as I watched them, he went in for a SECOND KISS...well, that is when I lost it...I was so happy for them. They are so in love. Unlike his parents...this is true love...one every girl wants...one that I have and I hope all of you have! So I leave you with this happy little post...every girl whats to be a princess!

The Challenges of being a mom!

It is all about being consistent right? But sometimes it is hard...you are tired, or in the middle of doing something...or just fed up with the day and are waiting for bedtime to come...or nap time...like today! So Julian has been talking back alot...not sure where he is getting it from...I am sure school, the play ground or just testing to see how far he can go. Well THIS mommy doesn't stand for talking back...and I never will. So he has been going to be early or nap time early...it has been trying, but I am being consistent and I know I will win this battle...so that is where we are today...the wind is blowing, we have friends in Alabama who's how was spared, but not the street over from them...so very sad! Please keep these people in your prayers. Sending hugs and blessings your way!

smelling of toes...

So everynight when we put Julian to bed we do a few things...we say our prayers, give a family hug and kiss and smell Julian's toes! We have been doing this since he was little...one night Jeff said to me..."how long until he doesn't want us to smell his toes anymore?" I said and hoped "NEVER" So here we are 3 years old and 9 months old and we are still smelling his toes! So tonight, he smelled his own toes which was so funny...but when he smelled them he said "my toes smell like food!" "Food" I said..."yes food!" I have told him that his feel smell like popcorn before, but what kind of food are we talking about? I just left it alone.

Tomorrow is his last day of Easter Vacation...since it is going to rain all day and be 72 degrees, we may just go out side in our rain coats and shorts and play in the rain...I will see how the morning goes! If we do...you know I will post pictures! Have a wonderful night...sending hugs and blessings!

My Father's Birthday and Happy Easter!

We had my parents over on Thursday night for his birthday...it was a very enjoyable evening! Juian loves his papa so much! So this card said it all!

Julian's easter basket

Mommy and Julian

What a wonderful day we had...Julian really enjoyed himself! He slept over Nana and papa's house, while Jeff and I got ready for brunch...it worked out great! But I will tell you this...we are totally full! OMGosh...Jeff out did himself that is for sure! He had a great time looking for all the eggs I hide for him...while we finished eating he did his searching...and yelled every time he found one! It was so cute! He would come running into the dining room to show us the egg he found...it was so cute!

On a parenting note...Julian has been making "mistakes"...he pooped 3 times in his pants at my parents and tonight he peed right in front of me. I am going crazy here...it was 6:52pm and I told him, that he needs to go to bed, because babies go to bed early...I have to break this...he is driving me crazy and I am sure he knows it too...I know that it is the only thing he has left to control...but I need to win this battle...It is now 7:52pm and Julian is asleep! But before that he was yelling from his room "I'm weddy to listen mommy" but the thing is...it is not about the listenign here... I know that this is a test for him...but this testing is not good...so if you think I should do something different, please share your comments! I would love advise on this! I have tried to ignore it, but now it is just getting ridiculous! Thanks...hugs and blessings!

Nana and Papa's...and so it begins!

The outdoor season has began! The warm weather is kind of here! This is where you will find us all summer and I can't wait! I plan on being in the pool everyday! Great training for the 5K!!! Julian loves to be with Maggie and she loves him! Tonight he is having a PJ party and Easter Egg hunt at Nana and Papa's. Jeff and I are preparing for Easter Brunch! I will post pictures tomorrow! Sending hugs and Blessings!!!

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Monday's with Madeline...

So if you are a regular follower of my blog you know that my grandmother and I have a love/dislike relationship...it has always been that way. So we got in a big fight a few weeks back and she said some horrid things...but after talking to friends about it and talking to my mother's best friend (who was very concerned for my mother's health) I figured, i would forgive her for the things she said but could never forget them! That being said...we are still moving her! So last weekend mom and I went over to her house and had help from the 3 guys that work in her complex...thank god for those young men! They did a great job. SO there are still things in her old apartment that need to be removed and cleaned so Mom and I went over there on Monday...well Gram didn't know that I was coming over with Julian...when she opened the door and saw him, she cried...I guess she REALLY did think she was never going to see him again! He was so happy to see her as well...I guess it was the right thing to do. They played, he read her books, danced and had lunch together...he is good for about an hour and a half in her apartment...I guess that is good for a almost 4 year old! They really do love each other and it is very sweet to see them together. I really got the short end of the stick when it came to grandparents...I guess God is making up for it with my son!

SO when we were getting ready to leave, Julian went potty and as I was walking out of the bathroom i heard this "clicking" noise...and then a loud bell...it took me about a split second to figure out that he was pulling the emergency alarm in the bathroom! Dear Lord! So we had to call the office to let them know! So the next time...he will not be able to do that again! Fun was had by all!

Fun Friday!!!

We had a wonderful day! Yesterday wasn't so good! Let's be truthful with each other...Life is never perfect, I show you what our life is like here...Too many times I look at blogs and they try to be so perfect...the perfect mother, wife, sister, daughter...blah blah blah...I am not perfect and I try my best to be the best wife, mother and so on. Julian has been having allergie issues and we are trying to figure out what is going on...some of the meds make him a little crazy! He gets so wired...so we have been trying to figure out the best "cocktail" for him...not so fun!

Today was a good day...he was just wonderful...so sweet and playful...the Julian I love and adore! Not that I don't love and adore him when he is crabby and nasty, but truth be told, I am not a fan of that! He had an Easter Egg Hunt at school, and then a brown bag lunch...which is never easy...what child wants to eat when all their friends are there...NOT MINE! So he ran and played with his friends, which is what little boys want to do...PLAY!

This up comming week, is spring break...so he is off until the Wednesday after Easter...so we are looking to do alot of playdates...field trips and one on one time...I hope the weather is good so we can get out side and go for some walks and play in the yard!

Tomorrow he is going to papa's house so I can go with my mom to unpack my grandmother's appartment...should be fun! Have a great night! Sending hugs and blessings!

John Rosemond!!!

What a busy week we have had so far! On Tuesday night I saw John Rosemond at Clarence High School, my friend Donna invited me to go and I could not pass up the chance to see him! I just love his Child Rearing tips! He has been a idol of mine for a long time! You can check him out at http://www.rosemond.com you can buy his books there and then you can get a CD with it as well! He gave us so many tips on different problems that the audience was having with their children and also told us stories of his childhood! Wow what a difference 60 years makes! The one thing I left with is the Mommy Light. Being the mother of an only child, you are their constant playmate. Now don't get me wrong...I longed for these days...so I am not complaining. But there are things that must get done around the house and mommy can't play all the time (although I would l.ike too!) So I have to either find a light in the house or get a fun shirt or maybe a hawian lay to put around my neck...that will let Julian know it is time to play with mommy! The one thing that I have the biggest problem with is talking on the phone...I know every mother has this problem...and honestly I hate it! As soon as I get on the phone...he starts yelling or asking me for something...it drives me crazy! So I have to do some cleaver thinking here...if you hae any idea's please post your comment...I would love to hear what you have done...and maybe I will put it in my next blog!

As always, sending Hugs and Blessings!

Life is funny...

One day I was sitting in our family room, which is now our libaray and Julian was asleep on my chest...he must have been 5 or 6 weeks old...and Jeff came in a looked so sad...like he had lost his puppy...So I was chatting with some girlfriends at the time and they told me that there will be a day when Julian will wan to be outside playing ball with his daddy and you would be looking at them, sad. Today was that day! The saddness that I am talking about is when you realize you are no longer the only one in their life...your spouse...now, Julian is going to be 4 in August, so I am sure I have had that feeling before, but for some reason today, I really felt it. They are in the yard playing kick ball or soccer...and I am here...by myself, looking out at them...with a happy, but sad heart...I love my boys...I am glad they have each other! Daddy and son...so sweet!

DO OVER!

Ok...so I want a do over today! Julian pooped and peed in the house today! All before 9am! I thought I was going to die! What is going on with him...is he testing me...I know they are always testing...but come on! My lower back is so achy because I have been working out, my legs are like Jello...but once we went outside he seemed to be better! I told him to go upstairs and put his underwear one and he came down with 2 pairs...So he is I guess he wanted double protection for the day! Last night Jeff and I were talking and he said..." OH THATS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM!" I as cracking up...I can't even remember what we were talking about! He is so funny sometimes! For some reason I am so tired today...I feel like I got a lot of sleep...but Eugene got up at 3:30am, so I put in his kennel...it is like having a baby all over again! So I sleep walk in the middle of the night then fall back into bed! So maybe I will take a quick nap! If you are interested in seeing my new blog...let me know! It is a good one!!!

Silly things they say...

This will be short and sweet...so Julian was throwing the ball in the house and I said to him in a very loud stern voice..."NO WAY JOSE!" he stops dead in his tracks and says with a straight face..."WHO'S JOSE!" Oh this kid cracks me up!

Putting it out there...

So I joined Weight Watchers the other day. A mom friend is a leader and my dear friend Joanne is doing so well! I have lost 75 lbs since 12/09, and I have gain about 10 back...not acceptable!!! I need to get my body back! So I have set a goal...I would love to do a 5K! Now I know I can't run...no way in the world with my back...but I can certainly do the walking part. There is one in June at a local church, but I think that is not enough time for me to get prepared properly. I don't want get injured so I want to do it the smart way. I am seeing my PT today, so I will go over with her what my goal is and what she thinks will work best for me. So today, Julian and I started our walking routine...I began with 10 mins...I am going to do it slow...in the past, I have just wanted to get it done fast...today...right here and now, I need to be smart about how I am going to do this and succeed. I have a weight loss goal as well...THAT I will not share...but I know what it is and I HAVE to hit it! I have a little boy who needs to have a healthily mommy! So I am asking you my friends to keep me accountable...don't hesitate to ask me how I am doing and if I walked today! You can either do it here or on my FB page. This is the first time in my life I am making myself accountable! Dear lord I hope it works!!! Sending hugs and blessings!!!

Thankful!

Sorry I have been away the last few days...I had to regroup and get things straight in my head. Life is never easy...no one said it would be. But with the grace of God, He always pulls me through! This has been one of the worst weeks that I can remember in a long time...there have been people there for me...when I need them and I am thankful! Just when you think you are down and out...He is there to guide you back to where you need to be! So today I am thankful for my wonderful husband, the man who has kept me grounded and where I need to be all the time, who makes me laugh and cry all at the same time, the one who makes my heart got pitter patter! My sweet little boy who loves me no matter what kind of mood I am in, or if my back hurts...or when he prolongs bedtime by at least an hour...stays in his bed and talks to me from our room to his and I have to at least get up and stop what I am doing and give him bedtime kisses all over again! Sometimes it is 3 times a night! Love that kid! I am thankful for my parents...so very thankful for them! They are always there for us no matter what! I am thankful for my friends who support me, who are there for me no matter what! I am thankful to be a good friend to them...to be there in a time of need. I have 3 very close girlfriends who I can rely on no matter what is going on in my life or theres! They know who they are! And I love you girls! I am thankful to be home currently while job searching...with no luck! I am just plain thankful!

Sending many hugs and blessings!

Drinking a bottle of wine and blogging...

might not be a great idea! So I am goin to keep it short and sweet...I love my little family I have...I have let loose the toxic ones and have kept the ones who mean the most to me...does that sound harsh? If you knew the story behind this post you would agree with me! Trust me you would! I love my husband, my son and my parents and would do anything for them and they know this. Some people stay in your life for a short time...40 years of being in my life and never getting any love back is long enough...my feelings are hurt, but my heart is not broken...I always knew in my heart that there was no love there. If you are not pretty or skinny, or don't treat this person like they are the only one on the planet then they don't want you around or you have to be the underdog. Well I have never been the underdog and I have never been skinny...therefore I am not usefull unless they needs something...So I have come to a cross road...I am done with toxic people trying to bring me down and hurt me...Never again! Sending you all hugs and blessings!

Life as we know it!

My hubby and I have always worked so well together...this weekend he had 4 days off...it was great! So on Saturday, I got up early and went to a consignment sale and had about 3 hours to myself...I almost didn't know what to do...when I was finished I just wanted to go home, but figured I needed "me" time...I would have preferred to be with my boys! Then Julian and I had a birthday party to go to so Daddy was able to have his time to himself...then we had another party to go to that night...by the time we got home, all three of us were staggering up the stairs! It was a long day! Today we went to church...we sat in the second row...our best friends sit in the front all the time, so it was nice to see them 3 days in a row! Julian was at bible study and he told me that "Jesus is his friend forever" oh does that melt my heart. I love the way he prays...we could be playing and he will just want to pray...Gosh I just love that!

I took him to the Dr's. on Friday...he has had dark circles under his eyes and had been congested so our Dr said to give him Zyrtec or clariton...well we tried the Zyrtec...yeah, well he has more energy now then ever before...he was out of control for the last 2 days, so I am going to try him on Clariton and she how that goes...there is an improvement so it is just a matter of finding one that doesn't make him so crazy! We are going to make an appointment with an optomolgyst...he was complaining about his eye hurting...so just to be safe...we will see what happens!

Monday is Madeline day...we will see what comes from that! It has got me thinking that I need to weed out some of my stuff...so I will be making many stops at good will and everywoman opportunity! No time like the present to get motivated to clear out the stuff! I will let you know how tomorrow goes...sending hugs and blessings!

Something you may not know...

HELLEBORUS NIGER

I was a very active member of the Amherst Garden Club...I held several positions on the board and was ready to be president when Julian was born so I had to decline. I was also on the District 8 board, part of the NYS Garden Clubs. It was a part of my life I really enjoyed! I met so many nice ladies...I was the youngest by many years...I was the age of some of their grandchildren, and I learned so much from them. This past week we lost one of our members. Mom and I went to the furneral, the sad thing was, we were the ONLY members from Garden club who attened. And to be honest with you...I am not even a current member. My mother is past president and I am past 1st vice president...so we felt it was the right thing to do...We seem to do that alot! Her daughter is an only child...and if you know anything about what is the current situation in our family, I too am an only child...so I looked at her and thought...that is going to be me, when my mother dies, and that is going to be Julian when we die. We are very content having an only child...God gave us this amazing gift, so who am I to ask for another gift? But it got me thinking...what will she do now that her mother is gone? She was extermemly close to her mother, like I am to mine. I felt bad for her...I didn't see any of her friends and she has no children. I made it a point to tell her we would do coffee in the next week...and I am going to stick to that promise. Even if it is once a month...I feel like it is somethign I should do. So that is my tangent...on to the rest of my blog...

I still enjoy gardening...I have some winter plants in our garden called HELLEBORUS.

The wonderful thing about this plant is that it blooms in the winter, so it is perfect for our zone. My white ones are already in bloom, but my pink ones are on their way! Today we woke up to snow...just a dusting but still! My Garden is screaming for me! Since I have a bad back I have to pace myself...a little here and a little there. Everyday, I am going to get Julian and we are going to weed. My parents also have a love for gardening...so I know he will be doing gardening there as well!

I love my OAKLEAF HIDRANGA it is in the corner of our front garden next to the house...it has more then enough room to grow...in the spring and summer the leaves are big and green, toward the end of July/early August they begin to turn a nice red shade...the fall they are amazing! So that is my little lesson on my garden! Sending Hugs and Blessings!

Mommy Friends...

"US MOM'S NEED TO STICK TOGETHER!" That is a quote from a dear friend of mine...it was one of the first things she said to me on the first day of school with Julian. Her son Michael and Julian are buddies in school. Isn't that the truth...we do need to stick together! Who else knows how hard it is to keep it all together without getting in our car and keep on driving! I know we have ALL thought about it once maybe twice...but we don't do it...we love our family way to much to leave them...at least I do...and I know that the ones that read this feel the same way! I find that I have way more patience then my husband when it comes to Julian. Is it because I am with him all day, or is it because I don't want daddy to raise his voice at him? I am not sure, but I know that I am not perfect and don't pretend to be. I try not to put too much on my plate, but sometimes that fails. I want to be the best mom I can be...I want to teach him everything I know and more, and I want him to teach me how to be a better mom.

We have been potty training for what feels like FOREVER! Finally, yes finally he is pooping on the potty without me asking him! YEAH! Today, (Jeff was removing a queen bed from our spare room..eventually I want to make that room either Julian's room or just a giant play room for him...at this point, since the dogs are still with us, I am going to make it into a craft/sewing room.) so we were moving the bed out and I was at the top of the stairs when Julian comes walking up the stairs and says "mommy come with me...come with me...I went poop on the potty!" At first I thought he was just trying to get me to play with him...put I could see in his big brown eyes that YES indeed he did POOP! That was a very proud moment that I had as a mom...that I am doing right by my son! He is listening to me, and learning! Yippee!!!

But when I say we need to stick together and having mom friends is SO important, is sometimes we feel like we are the only ones who are going through this...alone...and we are not alone! I have some wonderful friends that I can call upon for advise and they are there in a heart beat for me! They don't make me feel like I was asking a dumb mom question...it is a real question...sometimes we feel alone...but we are not! I felt alone when we had our miscarriages, but once I talked about it I found I wasn't alone there either! I hope my friends know that they can ALWAYS call upon me for advise, babysitting help or making meal for them!

When Julian was born and we brought him home we only had ONE friend make us dinner and bring it over...ONE! I am not sure if it was because I didn't give birth to him and I wasn't recovering from surgery or delivery But believe me...I gave birth to this child of mine...a different kind of birth!Maybe because at that time Jeff was the one who made dinner...that was very disappointing...but we survived...I can tell you I make dinner for sick friends and I love it. When one of our friends have a baby, we bring a full meal over...it is just who I am...no big deal...just me. I have found that once I spread myself thin with a few friends. I feel that sometimes we need to move on with certain people...like a chapter in a book...it is time for a new chapter...ever feel that way? Well that is my rant for the day...I hope you all have a wonderful night...sending hugs and blessings! Always be there for you mom friends...you never know when she really needs a friend!

What a day!

Today was crazy...busy busy busy! I just now sat down...and thought I would write about our day! This morning I went for a long walk, by myself! It was wonderful...then I picked up Julian, we went to my PT...Have I mentioned that I love everyone at PT? They are like a little family...it is so nice to see everyone working so well together! Well you know we love Dorothy...so I dropped off some homemade sauce for her and she gave us some goodies as well! She gave Julian these 2 awesome balls that light up and are so much fun! We played with them all day! And she also gave us these pastries with fig and poppy seeds! YUMMY! She is so good to us and we love her!!! Then we got the car washed...came home and took a nap...today we napped together...he was so good, I wanted to give him a reward for being such a good boy, so we watched some TV then took a nap....normally he was taking 1 hour naps...well they use to be much longer but lately it has been cutting down...today we had a 2 hour nap! It was wonderful!!! Then we rushed out to go shopping for 3 birthday presents, then to Wegmans, then home, dinner, then I had to take Libby our other greyhound to the vets. We knew she needed to get her teeth done...pulled...and sure enough...it is bad! So we have to make sure we get it done ASAP! Jeff put Julian in the tub and they had a great little night together...so when I got home Julian ran down the stairs and gave me a huge hug...it wss so great! I love getting those big giant hugs! I was gone for 1 hour and that is how I was greeted...it was great! We said our prayers and all is good in our home! So that was our day and now mommy is done! Have a great night! Hugs and Blessings!!!

Monday with Madeline....

and it is always eventful! My mother and I have counted...43 bags of "stuff" has been removed by us! Today, I took many bags over to this wonderful place that helps women get back on their feet after being out of work for sometime. Gram has some beautiful clothes, so I wanted to make sure they were going someplace that women could really use them! There are many places that I could bring things to and have! Today, my dear friend, Cyndi and I were at coffee this morning after drop off for an hour of chatting without the little ones...wow was it nice not to be interupted! So she is having a clothing swap...but what is going to do with the left overs...so we were talking about this place...well when I got to Gram's she gave a business card for EVERYWOMAN OPPORTUNITY and I called Cyndi to let her know...I feel like God was watching over me leading me into the right direction!

So here are some of the things gram said today..."I PAID GOOD MONEY FOR THAT", "OH NOW I AM NOT GIVING THAT AWAY TO HER!" and " I JUST WORE THAT...4 YEARS AGO!"

Have a wonderful day!!! Hugs and Blessings!!!