We just had to have some drama!

Recently, life with a three year old has become more of a challenge. Nothing comes easy, and everything is a struggle. When we carved our pumpkin, Cooper pitched a fit because we wouldn't let him use a knife. Then he wanted to use the scooper thing, but whined when he got is hands dirty.

Halloween night started out just fine. It was dusk and we hit a few houses on our new street. Kids were everywhere and we got to meet some of our new neighbors that we hadn't met yet. Then, we took Cooper to some of Diana's friends houses to trick-or-treat. Around 7:30 he started to get tired. He asked me to hold his bucket (at first - NO ONE could hold his bucket), then we wanted Daddy to hold him. So we called it quits and were home a little before 8:00. He was checking a few things out and actually wasn't trying to eat all the candy he could grab. He was really studying his stash. But then, he kept putting is hands in his mouth. He has one of those white bumps on his tounge that hurt. He kept messing with it until he accidently stuck his finger too far - and you guessed it - puked. Oh well, he had a good time anyway. Here he is in his costume, and click the flickr link to see more.

For the love of peas...

Night before last, we were having a lovely family dinner of grilled chicken, augrotin potatoes and peas. Cooper has decided that he likes to eat at the table with us, instead of at his high chair. He feels he's a big boy and likes it, so we've been letting him. Recently, he's been sticking his finger up his nose - A LOT. We are constantly telling him to get his finger out of his nose. Even at the dinner table. The other night was no exception. Towards the end of the meal, again, we told Cooper to take his finger out of his nose, here's how the rest went:
Cooper: (whine, pout)
Me: What's the matter?
Cooper: It hurts.
Me: What hurts, your nose?
Cooper: uh huh.
Me: Why?
Cooper: Cus ders a pea in der
Me: WHAT?
So, I grab the flashlight and take a peek and in his right nostril is a pea. Plain as day. We grab the tweezers and I can't get it. So Don takes over. We can't get it with the tweezers. Don tries to sprinkle pepper near him so that he will sneeze and the pea will come flying out - no luck there either. Don finally gets Cooper calmed down a little and then gets a toothpick. He's then able to get the pea out. I was a basket case the whole time. I was even calling the nurse line that is set up with our insurance company.

This may be a sign of things to come!

Monsters

I realize that Cooper's sleeping arrangements are probably a result of my own guilt. Guilt for working away from home. Because of that guilt, I rocked Cooper to sleep for the first two years (or maybe 2 and a half years) of his life. It probably would have been longer, but he grew a little big for my lap. So, we transitioned Cooper to our bed. We lay with him and let him fall asleep. After he is asleep, Don takes him to his room. This worked fine until a little over two weeks ago when we moved into our new house.

Cooper would occasionally wake up in the middle of the night and knock on our door to sleep with us, but it wasn't often at first. Then, it got to be EVERY night. Don and I decided that we needed to put Cooper back to bed. So we started doing just that. The first night in the new house, Cooper slept with us, because we hadn't put his bed back together. The second night, he woke up and Don took him back to his room. By the third night, I thought we were home free. No such luck. I woke in the morning to find him alseep on the couch. I thought it was strange and dismissed it. The next night, same thing - sleeping on the couch.

Cooper says that there are monsters in his room and he wakes up and gets on the couch. This scares me as we have tile floor in the living room and he could fall and hurt himself.

The night before last, I was in the kitchen, Cooper was in our room, ready for bed when he yells out "Mommy, mommy - come quick - there's a monster in your room!". So I run in there to see what he's talking about. I ask him to show me where the monster is and he points to the wall by Don's side of the bed. He points right at the shadow of the lamp on the wall. So, Don and I attempt to explain to him what a shadow is and that they are harmless. Both Don and I thought it was a success.

However, that night, he woke up and was on the couch again! Man! So, we had another talk about shadows and reminded him that God is bigger than everything, and he is always protected, etc.

When I woke up this morning, there was no Cooper on the couch. I thought we had our first success! When I dropped Cooper off at Grandma's house, he was anxious to tell her that he slept in his big boy bed all night, and we both expressed just how proud of him we were. I called Don this morning to share this with him and he informed me that Cooper had gotten on the couch in the middle of the night. Don woke up at some time and went the the bathroom and decided to check to see if he was on the couch or not, and sure enough, there he was. So Don put him back in his bed. But the good news is that he stayed in his bed for a little while?

I just don't know what to do about this. We are going to get "Monster Spray" (kinda like a repellent) and see if that works.

I have no idea if I actually have any readers, however if I do and anyone has any suggestions, I'm open.

Where to begin

I hardly know where to begin. It's been forever since I've blogged and oh so much has happened since I last blogged. I'd like to say that I will try to catch up, but I'm realistic - I won't do it! But I will say that I will try harder to blog more often.

Better late than never

I can't believe it's taken me so long to blog. Cooper and I had a great vacation at Nana and Papa's. Cooper enjoyed making everyone crazy (except Gram Fran, he just loved on her!). He went fishing, swimming, and did lots of shopping.

Cooper lovin' Gram (she LOVED it!)

Cooper driving the boat! - look at the seriousness on his face!

Where are the fish Papa?

Papa, Nana and Coopie!

I owe my parents another apology...

Parental units: I'm so sorry for the stress I caused while learning to drive a car. I saw the agony on each of your faces and blew it off, figuring that you were blowing what ever I did wrong, or however I scared you, way out of proportion. YOU DIDN'T - AND I'M VERY SORRY!

I have come to this revelation because Joseph is driving. My first experience with him behind the wheel of the car was calm and almost pleasant. We just went to Walgreen's and right back and we took the neighborhood roads, so he didn't go over 30 mph. He did fine. This past Saturday, he drove us around for a little bit - doing much better - stopping before the actual stop sign, traffic light, etc. And Sunday, he wanted to drive us to church. I felt safe with that, praying that God would protect us on the way to His house to worship. Joseph did good, once we left the house - the driveway and the alley though, are troublesome for him. We have a long driveway (bordered by a 7 ft. wooden fence) and a narrow, one lane alley to turn into onto our street. Joseph was having a hard time making the exit, so I told him to back STRAIGHT back into our neighbors driveway, then he can just pull out. He veered a little left, which because of the neighbors fence behind us didn't leave him much room to cut it right and leave the alley without driving in the grass or hitting the big green electrical thingie at the end of our driveway. He decided to give it a try anyway and got VERY close to the thingie (as evidenced in the photo). When I screamed his name and he finally stopped, the front tire was a little stuck in the mud of recent rains. So he gave it more gas, almost backing up into the neighbors fence. Once he put it in drive again, he did fine. But he left behind this little sink-hole!

When we arrived at church, I asked Joseph what he learned with this driving exercise, he said, "when you yell like that, I need to just stop". I felt pretty good about that lesson!

Just an average evening

At our house. Joseph had his girlfriend over and they were watching a movie, I was cooking dinner and Cooper was right under my feet. So, Don took him outside to play for a few minutes. Don pokes his head in the front door asking me to come outside. And there's Cooper sitting up in the tree. He looked right at me and said, "mommy, I'm tall!". He was very proud of himself.

Other funny things he's said recently - we were all wrestling on our bed (Cooper was in his jammies and also wearing his Bob the Builder safety goggles) when Joseph walked in to see what all the noise was. Cooper stood on the bed, took his goggles off, threw them on the bed and looked at Joseph and said, "you want some a dis bubba?" Don and I just started laughing hysterically. We have no idea where he heard that from - but it sure cracked us up!

More news

Well, Don's recent showcase has resulted in a recording contract for the band! He is so excited - and I just love seeing him this excited.

Joseph has decided that he wants to live with us full time and finish up his high school career with us. I can't even express how happy we are about this. I really feel that this is a good move for him! I am a little cautious, as he made the same decision two years ago, only to move back to his moms within the first week. We were crushed. Hopefully, this will not be the same.

I just got to thinking about all the really fun stuff that goes on during his senior year, and it's really going to be exciting for him.

Cooper is doing great. We are having a little struggle with going to the potty - he would rather not do it. Other than that - just typical toddler rebellion.

Brain Malfunction

Day after day, after day I have stood in the shower and thought of wonderful things to blog about - but when I get around to blogging - my brain freezes. Nothing. Just air! Strange. I thought I would just write about weird things today.

I am disturbed that there has been more news coverage over the death of Anna Nicole Smith than of Rev. Jerry Falwell. How sad is that! Lame actually. But the good thing is that he as already gone before the Lord and is having a great time in Heaven. That is awesome!

I really can't believe that summer is here already. It seems like time is just flying by! As a family, we've started walking around the neighborhood and Cooper really enjoys it. I pull him in his wagon - which he loves - until mommy hits a big bump and he gripes. Just like a man! Oh well, he has to learn to adjust.

Joseph is recovering. He has strep throat AND mono! Poor thing. He may or may not be able to finish the school year. We will have to see. Whatever strep variation is going around is hitting hard - it has taken my boss down for three days and he is NEVER sick. I hope and pray that I don't get it.

Don has a BIG day today - he is having a showcase for one of his bands and a record label is flying out to see them. I am praying for success!! This would mean so much to Don and we could really use the commission money.

Other than that - not a whole lot of knitting. Which I really need to get on the ball - as my step sister Karen is pregnant with her first. They aren't going to find out what it is - so I'm just going to wing it. I'm thinking a log cabin baby blanket - but haven't fully decided. Either way, I need to get started.

National Day of Prayer

Yesterday was National Day of Prayer. This was my first year to participate. I was nervous, but it was SO worthwhile. Our church did a 24-hour prayer vigil. My time slot was from 8:30 - 9:00 PM last night. Man - that was an awesome time spent in prayer with the Lord! At first, I couldn't imagine, praying for 30 minutes straight - but it was so easy. I left feeling so fulfilled. I hope this is something we do year after year.

Crazy things Cooper says

Cooper just cracks me up. The things that come out of his mouth are getting funnier and funnier each day. Last night, I dropped him off in the nursery at church and I went on to Pastor's Bible Study. I went to get him and Wendy stopped me to tell me what Cooper had done. I braced myself, because I didn't know what to expect. She said, "Cooper called for me - 'Miss Wendy, Miss Wendy' - so I went over to see what he wanted" (there is a half door to his class room) so she walked over, peered over the door and he looked at her and said, "ya know - you could open this door if you really tried". Wendy said she had to turn away and just laugh! Now, he wasn't trying to escape his class, as he really enjoys it - he was trying to get someone to take him outside to play on the playground! He's a smart boy - resourceful - and not afraid to ask for what he wants!

The other thing is that he calls Tiffany HIS girlfriend - when really Tiffany is Joseph's girlfriend. When Tiffany comes over - Cooper just won't leave them alone. He's always wanting to show Tiffany something or even just hang out in Joseph's room and play with his cars while Tiffany is there. We don't let Joseph shut the door when Tiffany is there, so Cooper just walks right in. No wonder they always want to hang out at Tiffany's house!

I made it through the first quarter...

of 2007 without buying any yarn. I have managed to keep knitting from my current stash. But I broke down last Friday, and bought a few balls. I couldn't help myself. Michael's had balls of Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn on sale for .99! And it's normally $1.49 there. It was out of my control. I thought about it - saw it in the sale flyer from Sunday's paper - and refrained from buying it until Friday - I just couldn't take it any longer. I knew it was there and I had to buy it. I was good and just bought yarn for a few baby gifts I have coming up. I only bought 8 balls. I wanted more - but I was strong! YEAH me!

Another crazy MIL story

I called my MIL yesterday to check on Cooper like I usually do. She told me what he had for breakfast, we talked for a minute, etc. Then she said that she was outside cleaning her patio furniture and that Cooper ruined his shirt - here's how the conversation unfolded:

Me: How did he manage to ruin his shirt?
MIL: Well, he was playing in the dirt, and I was spraying my furniture with that spray cleaner with bleach from the dollar store. When I got to scrubbing, I got distracted and didn't notice that Cooper was playing in the bleach puddle on the chair.
Me: What?
MIL: Well, you shouldn't put him in good clothes to come over here - I had to get that done.
ME: I realize that you need to do certain things around the house, and his ruined shirt is not my concern, I'm concerned that he was playing with bleach. That's very dangerous.
MIL: I washed his hands.
ME: That's great, how long was he there, did he touch is eyes, did it irritate his skin? I don't use cleaners with harsh chemicals for this very reason, I don't want my child exposed to those dangers.
MIL: It was that cleaner from the dollar store, so it probably didn't have any bleach in it.
ME: If it bleached his shirt, IT HAS BLEACH IN IT!
MIL: Well, I had to get it done. I'll buy him another shirt.

She just doesn't get it. It wasn't a nice shirt that I put him in, it was just a play shirt. I wasn't concerned about the clothes, it's just that she is absent minded sometimes and doesn't keep a close enough eye on him to see that he was playing in a puddle of bleach! I am grateful that he wasn't hurt in any way.

Mini-vacation

Earlier this month Don, Cooper and I took off for Nashville. Don had business there so Cooper and I tagged along and visited with Grandpa Walt. That was Walt's first time meeting Cooper and the first time I had seen him since my wedding (which I had to quilt him into attending). It was strange visit mostly because when I mentally picture Walt, I picture him more the way he was years ago - when I was a child. He was always more outgoing than my Memaw, always wanted to do things when we visited, but as time has taken it's toll, he doesn't do as much, and much like my Memaw, he doesn't venture too far away from home. I wasn't expecting a ton of entertainment mind you, just a good quality visit, which I got, but I wasn't prepared for him seeming so much older. He wasn't getting around as well as he used to, a little limp and his stairs looked like a struggle to him and that hit me even harder. I wasn't prepared to see him so much more frail, not that he is. I don't know what I mean - it was very nice, but different.

While I was there, he gave me my Memaw's wedding ring. I REALLY wasn't expecting that. The only catch is that I have to keep it in the blood-line, so any daughter, grand-daughter or my neice will eventually get the ring - but I'm not giving it up any time soon, that's for sure! Here it it is. The photo just doesn't do it justice.

We only stayed in Nashville for a day, then we went to Memphis to visit with Nana and Pawpaw. Cooper had a ball playing with his cousins and playing golf with is Pawpaw. I think now the Easter bunny is going to bring Coop some golf clubs. Here are some fun pics from our trip. Also, Don and I went to Graceland (I've been there before, but he hadn't) and we left Coop in the capable hands of Nana and Pawpaw. While we were leaving to go to Graceland, Don and I realized that was the first time we left Coop during the day - weird but refreshing to spend time just the two of us.

We introduced Don to Memphis BBQ. As a Texan, his idea of BBQ (beef) is VERY different than Memphis style (which I prefer, but what else would you expect from a Southaven girl?).

Good Manners

I have to say that I am very proud of the fact that Cooper is developing good manners. He says please (most of the time) when he wants something, and he always says thank you for things (he prounces it "kank ewe"). When he has candy or crackers or chips, he will always give you one (although sometimes you have to ask for a piece of his candy). And when I (or someone else) thanks Cooper for something, he very promptly responds "you're welcome". Each night at dinner, he gets to sit first and gets his plate before anyone. Once everyone is at the table he is the first to fold his hands to pray. And promptly yells "AMEN" at the end! All day long I hear him, "watch mommy, watch me". He likes for me to watch everything he does - I do, out of the corner of my eye!

Tina's Birthday - and mine!

It's birthday season for Tina and I again. We had fun. And for ONCE I was meaner to her than she was to me (so far anyway). I did the "40 over the hill" theme in her office and mine is pink shoes. Check out flickr to see more.

The MIL strikes again

There for a while, things were fine and dandy on the MIL front. She's been argueing with EVERYONE lately, and just before Christmas, she decided that she wanted to keep Cooper over at her house instead of her coming over to our house. Don and I agreed, that way she would be out of his hair as well.

Since this, she came over to my house the day after Christmas, and that was it. She hadn't been there since. Again, fine by Don and I as we don't have to listen to her. This past Sunday evening, Joseph decided he wanted a haircut by his Grandma. She came over to do the haircut but stayed in the garage with Joseph so that she would send Cooper into a tizzy right before bedtime.

I need to back up here and say that because she hasn't come over during the day (or at all really), that she hasn't done Joseph's laundry. This is where I come in to attempt - AGAIN - to teach him how to do it on his own. Just before dinner time on Sunday, I gave Joseph a lesson. My clothes were in the dryer and we started a load of Josephs clothes.

After dinner, I had to put Cooper to bed. And when I was done, I went to get my clothes out of the dryer so that I could continue the laundry lesson with Joseph. I walked into the garage and found my clothes piled on top of the dryer and Joseph's clothes missing. I went into the house to ask Joseph were his clothes were and he said, "Grandma took them, she said they would sit there and wrinkle, so she just took them". I got onto Joseph because he knew that this was a learning project and he let her take them. I went back into the garage to finish putting my laundry away and I just kept fuming. I told Don what happened and he just shook his head. I wasn't sure how I was going to deal with this, but I then decided to call her:
MIL - Hello.
ME - Hey, did you take something while you were here?
MIL - Yes, I took Joseph's clothes so that I could iron them.
ME - but they weren't even dry yet.
MIL - yeah I know
ME - I wish you wouldn't have done that - I was trying to teach Joseph how to do laundry.
MIL - oh, well, he already knows
ME - NO HE DOESN'T.
MIL - well, I didn't know.
ME - And that was very rude. You don't just walk into someones house and take things without asking.
MIL - Well, you weren't around.
ME - I WAS IN MY HOUSE! All you had to do was poke your head in, but no, you just took it upon yourself and over-stepped your bounds. You had no right to interfere.
MIL - hung up.

I called her back three times and she didn't answer. I told Don what happened and that he would have to take Cooper over there the next day because I had no desire to see her. He ended up keeping Cooper most of the day. Don took the brunt of the abuse from his mom, as he usually does. But I did comment to him that I'm the third wife that hasn't gotten along with her - WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT HER?

MIL and I made up yesterday. The Christian in me can't hold a grudge for too long.

New Knitting

I finally have something other than a dishcloth finished! It's the Moss Grid hand towel from Mason Dixon knitting. I've worked on it for a LONG time, mostly because my hands would cramp on the smaller needles. It's made with a six-ply cotton (can't remember the name, something I found a Hobby Lobby) on size 5 Clover bamboo needles. I really prefer bamboo when working with cotton.

This one is still in progress - it's a Mason Dixon log cabin inspired throw. Made from Home Spun (all one color - just knitted log cabin style for some added dimension) and using size 11 Clover Bamboo circs.

That's about it for now - I have to work on a felted project for mom - hopefully for mother's day.

Happy New Year

Man, Christmas and New Years' have come and gone. I can't believe it. I've got to blog more - I've got too much to try to catch up on! Cooper's Christmas was great - check out flickr for pics.