Pumpkin Patch-McGee Farms

While we were visiting AL we wanted to go to a Pumpkin Patch because we haven't found any locally in GA. Shawn missed James first visit to one b/c he was deployed last year. But James wasn't walking yet so he didn't miss too much. This year we went to McGee Farms in Florence. It was a nice farm with goats, a place for kids to jump on the hay, pumpkin picking and flowers. We took a hay ride to pick our own pumpkin and James picked the most perfect pumpkin on his own.

Visit to Alabama

Before heading to my 10 year reunion we visited first Gran and PawPaw (Shawns mom and husband) in Huntsville. James had a great time riding the "trucks and tractors" and fishing with his dad. James is definitely well loved and knows he can get away with anything :). He enjoys playing with his cousins...although it can get loud and a bit crazy trying to keep on track. Somehow Shawn always ended up in the peaceful "man cave" during those times. Aunt Susan and Chresta came to visit as well as the newest addition, Braxton Tucker. He was SO little it was hard to think James was that small. James did pretty good sitting through a 2 hour Church service and was so funny b/c when the preacher said "Amen" during the sermon there was our little man to shout it back at him!! I am just thankful for nursery b/c I would be a wreck!! But he did very well. Despite the differences we may have it makes it go better b/c I see the joy it brings to James to be there for that time.

After visiting there it was off to my mom's house. Of course James ate Chinese with Andrea and Brent (aka B) twice!! He loved Blackie and Oscar (Oggers). He went on his first fishing trip with Shawn and his dad while I went to the ballgame with friends. Shawn said he did great and help reel in fish and throw them back. I still can't believe he will be 2 in November.

Although going home to AL is fun and nice, it is wearing too. James rarely is in bed at his normal time which makes coming home hard and getting back on schedule. But we do it. We won't be home again until November so we have a little break :).


Bottom line is we love our families (despite differences) and we love James interacting with them. He is one loved child and it shows!

Wonderful day with my hubby!!--RARE :)

Today was a great day. Shawn and I dropped James at MMO and went to get me a new wedding set b/c my diamond got lost out of my other set. We went to the mall and picked out a very pretty set that I am scared to wear but it will be ok. I should have it by Sunday, I feel so weird w/o my ring!! Shawn was so great when we picked it out b/c he said I was worth every penny!! AWWW....He was so sweet today and almost like when we were dating. Sad that we take eachother and our time together for granted even though he was gone for 15 months. We still need date nights w/o James and it is hard but we appreciate our time together!

Trip back to GA

Ok too funny!! Shawn had the brilliant idea of driving back during evening so James would sleep. Well he slept and then woke up and decided to watch TV around 3:00 a.m. He said it was bright so we put his sunglasses on in the car while it was dark so he could watch Baby Einstein. It cracked us up b/c he looked SO funny!!

We are back in GA and a bit tired but recouperating!! We miss our home when gone but miss our family when here...CRAZY!

Firetrucks

Before we drove home on Wednesday we took a trip to visit the Firetrucks with the Mommy group here. James had talked about seeing the firetrucks all week so we couldn't miss it. Well as usual things weren't on his time so he had his melt down. They gave a tour of the fire house and all he wanted to do was see the truck. But when the time came he still pitched a fit so we left early and didn't get to get his fireman hat which made me sad. I don't get why he pitches fits but he was the ONLY child who did. I just don't get it...I try so hard and he acts up anytime in public!!! URGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can see his tears in the pictures and the fit he threw. But now he says "I ugly at firetrucks" so he knows he was not acting good. We tell him that he'll do better next time.

I miss James :(

Today Shawn took James to Huntsville to visit his side of the family while me and mom went looking at houses and just talking. We made an unplanned trip to AL on Wednesday b/c my mom just needed some support b/c of her jerk soon to be ex husband. It was a nice visit and I think we got some stuff accomplished. Once James arrived home all he talked about was Uncle Matt jumping in the pool with him and PaPaw's tractor. Shawn said Matt held James hand while he jumped off the diving board and that James loved it.

Anyway back to James going to HSV without me. This was the first time I had been away from him for that period of time. For the past 2 years I have stayed home with him and he has been the center of my world. I thought it would be great but I was SO depressed and bawled like a baby when he left. I think I called Shawn every 2 hours to make sure he was ok. He was fine and enjoyed spending time with the cousins and family. Gran and PaPaw's house has lots of toys for kids like tractors, 4 wheelers, pool etc. My mom and I spent time together and my sister and I went to Florence to get a cookie...so not good for diet but so good going down. Plus had to get James one b/c I missed him. I thought maybe going to work would be good for me b/c I don't want to be this sad as he slowly leaves me. I am going to check on a foster care job back home but if it is meant to be it will happen. It will be hard being without him so I don't know. I miss him so much and it is amazing how quickly our lives change once we become mommies. My world revolves around a little round, short man :). Yes he tests me often but I wouldn't change it for the world. I struggle with my weight right now but ya know that too isn't top priority as long as I am healthy and doing what is best for me and my family. God will take care of the rest. I am just so used to being the "skinny" girl so it's a bit hard. Motherhood is the toughest job I'll ever love!!
James is so funny and I can't wait for him to get home in about 30 minutes!!! I missed him SO much!!! On the way here he was stubborn and being a bit crabby b/c he refused to nap the entire 6 hour drive. Shawn said "don't make me pull this car over and spank you" JAmes looked at him and said "Daddy you ugly" Then looked at him again and said "Daddy you CRAZE (aka CRAZY)" Shawn and I had to look out the window as we were laughing hysterically!! So funny!!

Labor Day 2008

This weekend was a lot of fun. My sister came down for the long weekend and it was nice to have her around. I think I am so lonely right now b/c I haven't got the chance to meet anyone or get out just b/c of the whole moving thing :). Plus having Shawn home we don't want him left out.

All of us went to Monkey Joes, ate Chinese (James favorite), shopped, had a cookie at the mall (YUMMY) went swimming and just hung out. James loves his aunt "dra" and would wake her each morning with cars on her bed :). At the store if I walked off from her he would yell for her across the entire store!! So funny!!!

It was also the first Alabama football game that Shawn has been home in a while. Aunt Chresta and Uncle Matt bought this Alabama Jersey for James last year and now that daddy is home I am sure he will sport it each Saturday :) He looks so handsome.

On Sunday James took his first pee pee in the big boy potty!! We were so excited that he kept trying to strain more out :). So funny. He just said he wants to sit on potty and he did and out it came. So funny how something so personal and a bit gross is exciting for a parent :)