Preparing to see his family!

We'll be heading to SC in a couple of weeks and we're preparing for the trip on several fronts around here...what will we pack?, when will we pack?, how long should it take us to get there?, how long will it take us to get there?, etc. As we get closer to our departure date, we are trying to maximize Boo's exposure to pics of his family so he'll be familiar with them when we get home. I have photos on his wall and a little photo album we carry in our diaper bag (thanks to the Bradleys) and I even made a slide show on the computer, but I wanted them to be larger, more life like. So, I thought, I'll videotape the slide show as it plays on the computer and then play it on the TV (archaic techno mind that I have). But, to our delight, B discovered that our TV has a USB port, so all we had to do was put the pictures on a flash drive and add a little music to set the mood, and voila` a life size slide show appeared. We even found a pic of you Aunt P!!

So, here's a video of Boo looking at you!!

In my mind I'm going to Carolina...

That tickles, Dad!

Boo would like to give a BIG BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUT to his buddy (although, they've never met) Tanner! He turned one year old today!!! Happy Birthday!!!

Wine Thursday

All of you parents out there know how hard it is to connect with your spouse when you have other wonderful beings needing your attention. Well, taking a cue from our friend Elena who has been enjoying a "Margarita Wednesday" with her girlfriends while their husbands are deployed, B-man and I have decided to institute a "Wine Thursday" at our house ( I know, Wine Wednesday has a better ring to it, but B is in school on Wed nights).

We've been doing it for about a month now and it's been GREAT! We're committed to doing it every Thursday, so we know it's coming and it's something to look forward to. The rest of the week, I usually rush off to bed after G goes to sleep as I'm one who has always valued 8 hours of sleepy time but, on Thursdays, after G-Boo falls asleep for the night we pour a glass of wine and sit on the back patio in the rocking chairs and just talk for a while. It's a great chance to finish conversations started throughout the week, reconnect, and to talk about whatever we want. Murray and Sandy have enjoyed frolicking in the cooler nighttime temperatures and lying in the grass.

We've also enjoyed watching the lightning bugs and picking out constellations in the sky. Murray and Sandy have enjoyed chasing the lightning bugs. It's cute to watch...don't worry, they don't usually catch them :)

Perhaps this is something you all could start in your own homes, it's definitely been a great addition to our home! Thanks Elena for the idea.

BeBe...I got your comment...more pics soon to come!

What we've been up to lately...

We've been pretty busy having lots of fun here in Fayetteville this past weekend. It started out Friday afternoon with a trip to the pool. Boo was very curious at first, but quickly got into it kicking his feet and pumping his arms. It was so nice to get out in the sun! Don't worry, I smothered him with 50 sunblock (even his hair...yuck) and he wore a hat the whole time. What did we get for taking our boy to the pool you ask?? Well, he slept through the night from 9:15 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.! Woohoo! He followed that up with another full nights sleep Saturday night as well. Last night, however, we were back to him waking around 3 a.m. for his middle of the night feeding. But, there's hope....

Saturday morning Boo and I went to the local farmers market in town. We had such a wonderful time. There's something about buying produce grown locally that just makes you feel good. There were all kinds of festivities too, little bands on the street corners, singing groups, and I even saw a magician doing some tricks. I treated myself to some fresh squeezed lemonade, and when I say fresh, I mean they made it right before my eyes. It was so refreshing. I encourage you all to attend your local farmers market. Click here to find one. Once you get on the farmers market website, just click on your state on the left of the screen to find one near you. I'm sure you'll enjoy your experience.

We rounded off the weekend with a surprise for G Boo...an exersaucer. I've been eyeing them in the store, but they're so expensive. So, I looked on craigslist, and found one that a lady was selling. I went yesterday to check it out and, of course, came home with it! It was an experience though at the sellers home. She knew I was coming, yet when I got there, no one was home. They had run to wal-mart "real quick" and were late getting back. Then, she had to dig it out of the garage and forage through boxes to find the instructions and some accessory pieces. After that, off into the house she went to get some more toys that attached to it. Where were the toys?? Under the entertainment center of course! It was also less than spotless. I scrubbed it down good when I got home. I guess my point here, is that if I was selling something...first, I'd be home when I said I was going to be, and I'd have the items all together and CLEAN! But hey, that's just me. :) Anywho...it looks great now and I got it for half of the original price. So, not too shabby! And Boo seems to already be enjoying it. If you're not familiar with craigslist, check it out here. It's kind of like a garage sale online. Again, click on your state and then town and search away!

Here are some pics and videos. I know it's a lot...but we're just so proud of him, we can't stop sharing (my nice way of saying "bragging")!

My farmers market fare!

Banana peppers, blueberries, garlic, squash, cucumbers, and flowers!

Boo, in his new office! (Office is a term picked up from the Halls)

Hmmm...very interesting!

I think I can fix this!

Good morning! (I know it's black, but click on play...)

Playing with Daddy!

One of his new tricks, blowing bubbles.

Still sucking on his papeyer, when it's no longer there. So cute!

Mom, you're so funny!

Love those hammies!

THE END! Thanks for taking the time to view our Boo!

Have a great day!

Fire Rips Through Cypress Campground...Again.

I'm so sad to report that another fire has ravaged tents at Cypress Campground. If you remember, back in April, there was a fire that destroyed several tents. That fire was ruled suspicious, but as far as I know, the culprit was never found. And early yesterday morning, fire raged again, destroying 9 more tents. The last tent that was destroyed had a cement brick wall that slowed the fire enough to allow the firefighters to put out the blaze.

Fire has ripped through the campground before, but never 2 fires so close together. I can only imagine how sad the site appears in person. We will get our firsthand look in July when we go home to visit.

I'm a little at a loss for words. It's quite devastating for all involved. There are so many wonderful memories at the campground...

Here are some photos taken from http://www.charleston.net/.

Birthday Wishes!!

Happy Birthday Sandy Girl!!!!

Our Sandy Girl turns the big EIGHT years old today.

She's not a big fan of her party hat...

We also would like to say Happy Birthday to Bub, Sandy's brother, back in South Carolina!

Sitter Social

Yesterday, I attended an event called a Sitter Social. "What is that?" you ask. Well, it's kind of like speed dating but instead of looking for a date, it's all about finding a babysitter. We've found that because we live so far away from family and because we don't know that many people in town, it's been hard to get out of the house for a date night.

So, this company in town, Life Made Simple, offers nanny services, babysitting services, housekeeping/organizing services and so on. They also do these sitter social events once/month. They gather babysitters from the area and compile their resumes, photos, availability schedules, and references in a binder for each Mom to have. When you arrive, you get your binder and find a seat. Then, all of the mothers take turns getting up and introducing themselves and tell a little about their families and what their babysitting needs are. After that, you're paired up with a potential sitter and you get to interview them for the next 5 minutes or so. After the 5 minutes is up, the babysitters move on to the next mother until you've met all of the sitters. So, in a matter of 2 hours, I met about 10 potential babysitters!!!!!!

I know what you're thinking...a little scary, huh? Well, I agree and was skeptical at first, but intrigued enough to attend the event at a quarter of the price because of the MOMS group I belong to (thanks again Rachel for suggesting it). I left the event, however, feeling very optimistic about having a date with my husband in the near future. Out of the 10 young ladies, I felt there were about 4 0r 5 that I really felt comfortable with in the interview process. Some just didn't have a lot of "baby" experience and some flat out said they weren't that crazy about dogs. And, if you know us, you know dogs are definitely part of the deal. Which reminds me, some gals even listed pet sitting as a service that they would provide.

As part of the fee that you pay to attend, you can also get a background check on any of the girls that you are interested in having babysit for you. So, I'm currently waiting on that information now. As it turns out, all of the girls that I am interested in are regular babysitters employed through Life Made Simple . This means that they have all been through 2 long application processes, an interview, have had their references checked, are CPR certified, and have had a background check done on them. Apparently, any babysitter can attend the sitter social event as long as the register through Life Made Simple. These girls have not been interviewed, etc. Is this making any sense??? I feel like I'm rambling...

Anyway, I hope this turns out to be a GOOD thing and I though to myself, what a GREAT service this lady is providing and it's something I've never heard of before (maybe because I'm new at this motherhood thing).

Now....How do I get to the point where I'm willing to let someone other than family or friend take care of my little guy??????? That's the million dollar question!