My 100th Post!!! And Worlds Worst-Mother-of-the-Year Award goes to....

WOW! This is my 100th post!!!

This week has been good, got a lot done, and stayed busy. I have several pictures to post, so bear with me...

First up is pictures of Lauren's scrapbook. I finally am getting around to decorating it, but after 5 months, I still haven't done any pages. That's all gonna change this week I hope. The first picture is of the cover, then what I managed and just a close up of the paper and some jewels I put on it. I still have more to do, but I've got a 'scrappers block'. I'm just excited to finally have accomplish something... I still need to finish my pregnancy album.











Here are a few pictures of the princess goofing off in her highchair. She is definitely loving her food right now. I am proud to say we are on a decent schedule now and she no longer fights her sleep... I'm trying the sleep-wake-play-eat-and sleep method. It's working pretty good and we are now at a point when I lay her down in her crib, she knows it's 'sleepy' time and she doesn't fight it at all. It's incredibly cute though, because she has found her thumb, and thats her way to fall asleep. So now anytime she is tired, in her mouth goes the thumb... In the picture below you can see she is leaning to the side; that's her other new thing as well.




She loves to lean out of anything she is in, or in your arms she likes to lean backwards and even upside down.

She is such a ham!!! She really has a wonderful personality, and hardly ever meets a stranger. But she also has a temper... I don't mean like a little fit thrower... I mean all out, lets-you-know she's ticked. And it's funny when she's mad, and you try to talk to her, she 'growls' even harder!

After her diner time pictures, we went for our bath, and while I was getting the water ready, she was making some hilarious faces. The second one is her trying to blow a raspberry and growl at the same time. She's extremely vocal now. For example, in church this morning, the preacher was asking his usual names for the prayer list... no one else had anything, and the whole church was quiet, and Lauren just busted out with some vocalization. Everyone looked at her, and Norm, our preacher, said he would take that into account as well. It was cute...


















Here are a few pictures of her during play-time. She's already spoiled rotten with all kinds of toys. This play mat was a wonderful gift from a lady in town; it plays music and the cow swings back and forth. Lauren loves it!
























The three pictures below are an almost every night ritual. Levi comes home and Lauren get's her 'Tummy Time'. They recount the day together, and she tells daddy all about how mean mommy is to her. Every night, it's:

Levi: "how mean was moma today?"

Lauren: some wild noise or coo

Levi: "really? she was that mean??? does she need a spanking? Cuz daddy will get her for you if she was mean to you. You just tell daddy and he'll take care of moma!"

and usually Lauren just grins and giggles and lots of kicking!








<--- How about them toofies? click on it and you can really see them!






Here are a few fun pictures I did the other day to mark her turning of 5 months old. Can you believe she's 5 months? I know I sure can't... I had my wedding dress out, and thought how fun it would be to get some shots of Lauren on it... but I couldn't really think how. I have a lot of ideas I still want to try, but here are the results from a few days ago. She was getting tired, so I didn't get much time.

<---- I know this shot seems silly with the drool and all. But on a day-to-day basis, this what I see. She's still drooling a lot, and I just love that contemplative look. She has this look a lot. So in my title, I put the WWMOTY (Worlds Worst Mom of the Year) Award goes to...... ME! I felt so awful, and I still do... One day last week, we had to go to the bank. I put my backup hard drive in a safety deposit box. Well it's in this nifty little hard metal case. So it's a very cruddy day outside, and I (as usual) am in careless hurry. Getting the whole carseat in and out of my car is not easy. I need two hands. So I set the hard drive on the headrest of the backseat. As I go to pull Lauren out, the hard drive slipped right off the seat and on to Lauren's little head. At first I thought she was going to be okay, she just looked stunned. It took her a minute to realize what happened, but when she did, the tears came. And i had no choice but to put her back in the car, me to sit down in the back seat, and hold her and cry myself. I seriously considered driving back home, but I finally mustered enough courage and strength to go inside. The girls at the bank made me feel a lot better telling me their worst mom moments. She had a little knot for a day or so, but she's
happy go lucky now. I'm just extremely grateful that it wasn't on her soft spot...

Well, not much else to report. We celebrated my nephew's birthday today. He's the big 3!!! It was so cute when he got a scooter, and asked so sweet and innocent if that was for him... He's such a cute kid.

OH! I got a part-time job at the post office. I am excited. I took a postal test several years ago and received a few job offers, but at the time it was too far to drive. I will mostly work Saturday's, and a few afternoons. Basically I am Post Master Relief or PMR. But eventually when Lauren get's bigger there could be possibilities. Which I think is wonderful... I love how God takes care of me and I have found that it's always in his own time. Kind of like that song 'unanswered prayers'. A long time ago, when I needed it most, I couldn't get that job. Now it's basically handed to me and I feel so blessed. On top of that, I have a few photography gigs coming up, nothing too major, and then I have been asked by a bank to not only take the bank's pictures, but to also created their billboard. I would like to get a couple under my belt and move forth with the digital creations as well. Just goes to show, you don't have to have a college education to be a someone. I am blessed to have the talents I have been given.

Well, I better wrap it up... it took me almost 45 minutes to type this and put the pictures in the correct order. I'm surprised that no one has commented on me morphing into Meryl Streep, I'm still amazed! A girl can dream right?...

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Lot's of love!

Shannon

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Dynasty - Old pictures

Who would have EVER guessed Meryl Streep! I found this on someone else's blog, thought hmmm looks fun. But I was awed when it came up with 73% Meryl Streep. That's CLASS, I'm proud to have that as my celebrity look-a-like... anywho, you can go and make one yourself.

I'll post a new blog later!

Too Much, Too Fast, Too Short!

Oh my gosh, this weekend flew by! We had so much fun though! We picked Hunter up Friday afternoon. We got home a little after 9 o'clock. Which wasn't too bad considering the trip was an adventure in itself. First we went through Amarillo, and stopped at Cavendar's Boot City, which is one of my new favorite stores, and Hunter's too! Hunter got a new pair of boots, which he is sporting in the picture, spurs and all! He loved them. He also got a belt buckle that matches his new belt. Afterwards, we stopped at 'Big Texan', which is a restaurant, and ate a wonderful steak. Finally we decided it was time to head home.

We just happened to stop at a convenience store about an hour and a half later in Groom Texas. While Hunter and I were inside, Levi recognized a 18-wheeler in the empty parking lot that looked like it was broke down. When we came out to the car, he decided to go check it out. Sure enough it was a man here from our home town, he was on his way back from hauling cattle somewhere out past Amarillo. Apparently he had just pulled in a few minutes before us, and was getting ready to have someone drive all the way out to pick him up. So we offered to take him home. Funny how things work out, because Levi didn't really want to stop, but Hunter and I both convinced him to. The farmer was absolutely grateful... Then our low fuel light came on about 30 miles from the house, and no stops in between. But on luck and prayer, we made it home just fine. That was a good learning lesson!

















Here are some picture of the princess getting some lovin's Saturday night.

The weather was terrible here Saturday, so we made it a family day, and night. We rented a movie, made some dinner, and played Rodeo-opoly. Hunter beat me twice, then Levi played. I'm stating for the record, I am not playing with Levi ever again. He pummeled us on Saturday night! Then Sunday, Hunter and I thought our luck might change, so we tried again... Levi beat us!!! And I'm not talking a little beating, I mean an all out, landslide!!! But we had a ton of fun! I'm still plotting my victory... just waiting for the right time!





















Here are some picture of big bubba doing his 'brotherly duty'. He manages to pick up right where he left off with Lauren, and take over. He loves to feed her, play with her, kiss her, and everything else in between. And she doesn't mind at all. She loves the extra attention, and a new face to look at...

I still can't believe how much Hunter has grown up, and how fast....

I still can't believe that Lauren is 5 months old today...

The time really does seem to fly!

I taught Sunday school again this week. And Hunter really enjoyed having me there with him. We had a great lesson on the Pharisee and The Tax Collector. Basically it was about being 'Humble'. Afterwards, the boys from across the street came over, and they played trampoline 'Twister'.




I'm not real sure how you play that any different on a trampoline, but I do know they managed to wear the Twister mat out!

Later, Levi took Hunter down to the barn to shoot his shotgun that he got for Christmas. Hunter loves to just shoot his guns. There doesn't have to be a target or anything moving! Just that manly thing to shoot the gun... feel the power! I still can remember his first gun, a little cricket .22 single shot rifle. I may have to see if I can dig out the old pictures of him.








Don't you just love those jeans tucked in the top of the boots!















Levi's mom kept Lauren for us, while we drove back out to Hereford on Monday. I thought to bring Levi's camera, just in case... and Lucky me, I was able to catch Lauren sitting up for the real first time. We had been practicing, but this was completely on her own. I had told Hunter the last time that he was here, that I bet Lauren would be sitting up by the next time he came back. Well, she did it. And he was so excited to see her do it. She really thought she was doing something special, and had a very-concentrating look most of the time. I guess sitting up is hard work!

Now along with sitting up, we have made two other milestones this past week. Lauren can now 'blow raspberries'... and she can roll over to get to where she wants to go. As I am typing this now, she has rolled twice to get close to my computer chair and is blowing raspberries at me. Oh Lordy help me once she really gets mobile!

Oh, and she's definitely talking more, and finally has learned to squeal! Thats a real joy!






























Nana, enjoyed her time with Lauren. They played a lot and Lauren helped Nana work on that 'very frustrating game' I emailed her. If anyone loves brain bogglers, you need to try this game: www.levelgame.net

It really has no rules, just try things. And keep tabs on your passwords in case you want to come back.

The trip back out to Hereford was nice... very quiet... but nice. Hunter is always quiet and less talkative on the way back out. We did stop at an awesome rest stop just on the other side of the state line. There was a roadrunner out front, and I tried to snap a few pictures of him, but he wouldn't stay still long enough. The rest stop is underground with the top being a look-out point. I tried to play the license plate game with Hunter... see how many different states we could find. But he fell asleep right around Amarillo and we had seen 9.




















We took Dixie back with us, she loves to go. She really gets comfy... I snapped a picture on the way back home of the pretty sky out the back window. It was nice to see such a pretty sight after the ice we had on Saturday.

Well I guess that about sums it up. I'm including a video of Lauren 'blowing raspberries' at me just a few minutes ago. If you look close you can see not one, but now TWO teeth.

Well, hope everyone is doing good! Drop us a line or a comment.

Playing catch up...

This weekend will be yet another long one, so I thought I better play catch up and get some things posted, before I have too much to post next week. I most likely will not post again until next Tuesday or so.

<---- These are the pretty carnations that Levi brought home for me and Lauren. The pink one is her first Valentine carnation. No Levi is not cheap, I like roses, but they are so generic. I told him one time a long time ago, that I like flowers, much like the flowers in my wedding. He still tends to lean towards carnations this time of year, but one day I may sway him on over to actual flowers. I just think that EVERYONE gets roses, I want something different. And to be real honest, I don't care all that much for flowers as a gift anyways. And Levi did get me a very nice, spa quality (and spa priced) robe. So I'm very happy. We spent the night eating a home cooked dinner and watched 'The Heartbreak Kid' with Ben Stiller (note to any parents who have not seen this yet, it is not a movie for kids... at all!). I think it's funny how life can change so much. I'd rather cuddle up with a good movie and a belly full of a good meal, than to go out and be wined and dined somewhere where they can't even cook a steak like I want.

The first picture below is Lauren eating a 'tater'. Lauren generally sits with use when we eat diner. Sometimes if it pans out right, she even eats her food while we eat. Tuesday night I cooked up some home fries that were rather large and soft. She was watching me and Levi eat so we thought we'd see if she's eat it. She ate a whole 'fry' minus the skin. She just sucked and sucked, and we were careful not to let her choke. She LOVED it! I could tell she wanted more, but instead, got her usual jarred baby food. So I imagine it will not be long before she is eating table food. She seems to understand 'guming' he food and swallowing.

The second picture is from yesterday, Valentine's Day. First I had an interview for Post Master Relief at our post office, it's just mostly Saturday's, but I hated not to interview and get my foot in that door. Once Lauren is older, it might be possible to go somewhere else full time. Afterwards, we met the girls from work in Burns Flat for some lunch. It was so great to see them, and let them play with Lauren.

























So here is the valentine's card that I created and sent out.















Here are a few layouts I have done recently.

















































One day Grannie Betty came over and held Lauren. She really was hamming it up, so I got the camera out. These are some of the shots I caught. She really does have 'many faces'. She's such a turkey. Grannie Betty kept her for me yesterday while I rant to my interview. When I dropped her off, she was asleep in her carrier. Grannie said when I got back that Lauren started really fussing in her carrier, and cried. As Grannie was trying to get her out, she said Lauren immediately quit crying, and starting smiling and giggling. I think someone is a little spoiled.


























Well, we leave in less than two hours to go get Hunter. I am so excited to see him, my heart is just jumping! One of my really good girlfriends, Dana, is coming by to pick Lauren up and will keep her for us tonight. We will be back around 8 or so. It's three hours out there, and three hours back, but we may stop and eat a good dinner with him. I know he is excited too. He never really has enough time here. We rush him around to see everyone and do as much as possible. I know top of his list is too beat me at 'Rodeo-opoly' again. Little stinker is good!!!! Seriously, I don't play that 'let them win' game. He's just good!

Well, I shall return sometime next week with more pictures and a weekend update.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Love Levi, Shannon, and Lauren!!!

Fun in the sun

So here is a better picture of the tooth as promised. And for the record let me say it's a lot easier to deal with the fussiness when you know whats wrong. Now I know rubbing her gums can help, or teething tablets might be
needed... vs. just wondering and wondering.

All is well here. I am working on my third week as a stay at home mom (SAHM). It has it's boring moments, but it's also been a lot easier to get some things done, and stay on top of others.

I have always heard that being a SAHM is harder than having a real job... now I don't necessarily agree, by the time you factor in work, cleaning house, and quality time with your children and husband. However, I do see how hard it is to keep a child full time, day in and day out. While I do get more things done, I also find that I spend a lot of time comforting Lauren and entertaining her. It takes special people to keep infants. And I have complete sympathy for the parents with multiples.

I have been having fun playing with the camera. I noticed some warm sun coming in the back door yesterday and
decided to make a pallet on the floor and play with Lauren. Dixie decided to join us. I shot almost 60 pictures, but here are my favorites.

















































Not much else to report... I have a full agenda tomorrow. We do get Hunter this weekend, and we are excited. But as always it's going to be a busy and looooong weekend. We always rush him around to see everyone.

I'm working on getting a clarinet right now. I played for a total of 7 years in school. We have a major event coming up at church and I thought it would be fun to play it. So as soon as I get it, I gotta get to practicing.

Wednesday night we have a dinner where the men cook for the women for Valentine's. Oh, and I am officially a youth Sunday School teacher now too. I taught my first class this past Sunday. We had a lot of fun, the kids are excited for what we have planned.

So I guess that's it for now.

I'll post more this week. I have a 'special' project I am working on...

Love to all!

Shannon

Fathers intuition!

Levi has said it all along...

And I have felt it...

But I wanted to believe the Dr...

I mean dr.'s should know what they are talking about... right?
So I part of me wanted to believe him. And part of me knew better not too.

What am I talking about you wonder... you be the judge:



















Yes ladies and gentlemen! That is a tooth!!! (the camera focused on my finger, and she kept moving, so this is as good as it gets for now.)


Today, and most of last night, I spent my time fighting with my daughter... over eating, sleeping, playing, whether I can stand up or sit down with her; you name it, we fought over it! Or so it seems! And all because of this tiny little guy!

So it started a few months ago, I'm sure I've posted about it. And Levi all along has said he guarantees she is teething. But the dr. told us thats not likely. He even told me kids shouldn't and don't run a fever while teething. WRONG! We even went as far as to call my dad several weeks ago and see if he could remember when I teethed. He said he thought I was around 8 or 9 months old. My books said that babies tend to follow their mothers path in teething... so then I thought maybe not. But the drooling got worse, and the 'guming' kept on, and the fevers, sudden fussiness... all of it, and just when I am about to pull my hair out... voila!

I'm just glad to finally know that is what's really wrong. But, I can't believe how fast my baby is growing up!!! I want to make her stop right now... The best part about staying home: I did it just in time... she has found her voice this week, and even more, she's officially rolling over from her back to her stomach, a much harder feat than from her stomach to her back. I am so thankful to be here for it all... cameras in hand!



So in other news, my one last splurge (well, ok, two) in my leap to becoming a stay at home mom (read: no money... poor... broke), I bought a new lens for my camera. I got it in the mail today and have had fun playing with it. It's a sigma APO 70-300 mm AF in gently used condition. I won it on ebay for the low wonderful price of $100. She had it priced at $129 or 'Best Offer'... Next is an external flash, should be here Monday.










From my front door:














(yes, I have a 'junk yard' next to me. It's not the prettiest sight, but what do you do?)



Well, not much else to report... I'm sorry that I don't have any new pictures to post. I'll work on that this weekend... I have stayed busy this week. I took the Sentinel Jr. Livestock show pictures on Tuesday, which took a heck of a lot of editing. I had a dr. appointment today, all is well, just a follow up on my gall-bladder attack.

Well, I better get some sleep!

Love you all!!!

Shannon