Happy Birthday Homeboy!



Believe it or not, while I was suffering from the blow of turning 40 and episodes of sobbing uncontrollably, we also celebrated Homeboy's 5th birthday!  Turns out, we share a birthday! 

 

Homeboy continues to amaze us with his mischievious ways.  It's like he will never out grow the terrible two's or something!

 

Infact, just this week he made a growth chart on his bedroom wall!  With crayon.  Purple crayon.  There are many lines to measure his growing milestones.  He is quite the budding artist and likes to display his talent on our couch, walls, floors, car, clothing and even bedding.  Despite where he chooses to display his artwork, he is good!  Never did I imagine that I would still be hiding markers and scissors from Homeboy still! 

 

Homeboy is quite witty and says some funny things, quite often!  Yesterday he told me, "Mom!  Tomorrow I must look handsome!  Not cool, handsome!"  He loves rock and pop music and knows most of the words to the song Moves Like Jagger from Maroon 5.  If he likes a song on the radio, he forces us to stay in the car until it is finished playing.

 

 

Homeboy's new thing, when having his picture taken, is to do the head-tilt-smile exercise.

 

Here's one to the left...



...and to the right.

 



... and to the left, again.

 

Homeboy is constant entertainment for our family.  I'm excited to see what wonderful things he will think of and the things he will accomplish in the future.  He's such a silly, smart, and curious little boy!  We love you Conner!



You say it's your birthday! It's my birthday too! - Part 1

Last Friday was me and Homeboy's birthday! 

"Celebrate good times!  C'mon!"

It was four years ago when Homeboy, forcibly, arrived on my birthday.  What I mean by forcibly, was by having him turned (ouch) because he was breach my entire pregnancy except for three days, then I was induced.  That little process actually happened the day before my birthday.  I must say, that was the most memorable birthday, ever!  And the best!

I have to admit this birthday was a little bitter, for me.  I had talked to my mom on the phone earlier in the week, and she asked, "How old are you going to be, again?"  When I told her, I heard her gasp and then I heard her gulp.  You know you're getting old when you get that reaction from your own mother.  But I know what she was thinking.  She was thinking she can't believe she has a child that old and that her baby is getting older!  Right, mom?  Right? 

And just to let you know how old I am...

I am now in my last year of my thirties. 

Gasp.  Gulp.

Last Friday, this creature appeared in front of my house, again.  Just like last year.  Homeboy kept asking me, "Why is a scarecrow here?  We don't need the birds scared!  We like the birds!"

I know, my son.  I know.  Why?  Why!?!?!?! (shaking fist up at the heavens)

Oh well, it's the thought that counts.  Despite the nightmares that may have come to pass, that night.

This year we had some visitors help celebrate our birthdays!  My parents came from good 'ol Wyoming and my younger brother and his family traveled from Colorado to Logan, Ut. so he could run a marathon there.

Nuts I tell ya!  Nuts!  There he is, crossing the finish line.  This was his third marathon and I have to admit it... I shed a tiny tear when he finished.  And I may have felt my heart swell a time or two, while watching him.  Dork.



And here is my dork, brother, moments after finishing the marathon.  Bloody nips and all.

After the race we all went to Maddox to celebrate and then Homeboy got to open some of his gifts.  

The SWAT uniform is from Grandma and Grandpa Parry.  I think he has taken on the role of SWAT officer a little too serious.  I've been cuffed numerous times, already.

I must admit, even though my birthday is no longer priority with in my family... I am so lucky to share it with my silly boy!  I cannot believe he is already four and I panic a little just thinking about him getting older.  He is witty, clever, smart, silly, and sometimes moody.  He loves to play outside, especially in undies.  *sigh*  He is a momma's boy and I secretly enjoy this.  He loves his big brother and also loves to tease him.  We love ya Conner, boy!

I can't believe my baby is four!

Gasp.

Gulp.

You say it's your birthday! Part 2

For some odd reason, I like to torture myself.  Homeboy's birthday was not only celebrated on the day of his birth, but through the entire weekend and Monday.  It's a sickness.

I made a banner out of burlap and I used Heat-n-Bond to apply the letters of Homeboy's name on the pennants.  Cute!  I'm going to put the banner in his room once I get around to re-decorating it.  Someday.  Some year.  Some time.

Tissue paper and burlap pom poms.  Awesome.

The "spread".  The pennants on the front of the table spell "Grub".

I love a Cowboy theme!

I made a WANTED sign to take pictures of each of the criminals that attended Homeboy's little shin-dig.  I burned the edges of the sign to make it look authentic.  Then I decided to try to burn a little hole to the side of the word WANTED.  The sign quickly went up in flames.  Nice.  While hosing the sign down, the smoke alarms started to go off and chaos ensued.  Actually, not really.  There was more chaos going on, on my end.   I expected my hubs to jump out of our bed and come to my rescue.  Not so much.  After the Flames of Death were controlled, I went to explain my actions to him.   He was not concerned.  He was not shocked.  His reaction was, blah.  He said, "Got a little carried away, huh?"  It was as if he knew I was up to one of my crazy projects.  Turd.

Angry eyes!

Check out Homeboy... I told him to look mean and angry.  Like all of the times when I tell him "NO".  Instead, he looks like a lil, cherub, angel.  Figures.  He can be deceiving that way.

Below these cute, mugshots, the sign reads: 

$100,000.00

Reward

Wanted for disturbing the peace, streaking, and bad behavior!

(this is my reality, on a daily basis)

I found the idea to fill balloons with candy and prizes on Pinterest and then have the children pop the balloons with darts!  I tried to place the balloons in the shape of a cowboy hat on the board, it ended up looking like a uterus.  The kids loved this and everyone's eyes are still in their proper places.

Homey even got in on the games.  What a stud muffin.  And check out "Pectoral Man"! 

Homeboy and his cake!  "Pectoral Man" picked out the cake.  He picked out chocolate cake with white frosting.  He has fantasies about this cake.  The man loves chocolate, so much so, I think he may have a hidden ovary somewhere in his guts.

 

Homeboy raked in the birthday goods this year.  He has been asking for a bike for months and much to his delight, we just happened to have one hidden in the trunk of our car for almost two months!  He still has not mastered the science of riding a bike and so far, despises the bike.  In his own words he says, "Stupid bike!  I can't do it!  I hate da bike!"

In due time, I'm sure he will master the bike riding thing and I'm positive I will be chasing him down the rode as he pedals furiously, in the buff.  Just like his Uncle Larry.

A birthday to remember!

Last Thursday, Homeboy and I celebrated our birthdays! Woohoo! Party on man!

Homeboy celebrated his 3rd birthday and I celebrated my 28th. And yes I am aware that would make me only the age of 15 when my oldest son was brought forth, unto this earth. I was young, and me and my husband were in love... You know how it goes.

Okay, not really. I lied. On Sunday, the children in Primary, sang to me and one of our devoted teachers - Happy Happy Birthday, Children Dear. I was secretly impressed with the phrase "Children Dear", when those lovely words were sung to us. One of the Primary children asked how old I was. In response, I replied, "Twenty-five!" The children believed me and still thought that was old. The adults - not so much. I'm positive I even heard some chuckling. Once I was home from our Sunday service, I began to feel guilty that I had the gall to lie to the innocent children in our ward, about my age. And in the House of the Lord, no less! I have no shame. I'm a horrid example.

Last week was not only monumental because of our birthdays, but it will forever go down in history as one of the busiest weeks. EVER. Among planning birthday celebrations and such, it was our ward's Primary Program on Sunday. Oh the nerves that I felt previous to the program! It turned out flawless and I could not have been happier with the children! I'm beyond thankful for them. Once the program was over, I threatened to turn "cartwheels of joy" in the hallways of the church. Then I feared I would be caught by the Bishop and the mental images of me became so disturbing, I came to the conclusion it would not be appropriate.

This pretty lady landed on my front doorstep, the day previous to my birthday. I have named her, Regina. Our ward's Relief Society Presidency has quite the way in celebrating our birthdays! Regina brought much entertainment those couple of days! A couple of people nearly crashed into my mailbox, as they were driving by, and a few children ran home to their mothers, as they caught a glimpse of Regina on my doorstep. The fear in their eyes, said it all. I caught Homeboy standing on the steps leading up to the doorway, just staring at her outward beauty.

However, I must say... the craftsmanship is outstanding! Regina was even wearing pearls!

Sadly, Regina's stay was short lived and I shed a tear as she suddenly disappeared from my doorstep. Now I am contemplating whether I should thank the Relief Society Presidency or send them my therapy bill. I was truly touched that they acknowledged me on my birthday!

(Regina even dons a delicate bust-line!)

There were a couple of times when Regina startled me. Especially at night. Her shadow-y figure provided much protection from any bad people, with naughty intentions, from breaking in. Eat your hearts out, ADT Home Security Systems!

In the end, Regina provided me with some laughs, some excitement, and protection. But most of all, she provided me with a feeling of happiness. Happiness in knowing that the lovely ladies in my ward care about me and love me on that one particular day. Which,I am sure we all secretly long to feel special on. Even though we would like to ignore the fact that we have just turned 28. (ahem. clears throat. looks down to avoid eye contact)

Giveaway! You say it's your birthday?!?!?!

Exactly two years ago, me and the hubs entered the hospital to have my baby "turned" and then have labor induced. Good times. Good times.

All day I was pretty confident that my babe would enter into this world on the 15th day of September, and not on the 16th day...my birthday.

True to his nature, he was having none of that! He was born at 2:00 a.m. on the 16th. Figures.

So in celebration of me and Homeboy's birthday, I decided to have a Giveaway!

It's my birthday! It's my birthday! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

Check it out.

Wouldn't this birthday banner look so cute on your mantle? Or in a doorway? Or your wall?

I made it with fun, bright colors and added a couple of party hats, some buttons and ribbon! Ca-ute!

To try to win this festive, birthday banner, you just have to answer one simple little question...

When is your birthday?

See! So easy!

You want another chance to win? I know you do. All you have to do is link my blog on your cute blog then come back here and mention that you linked me in the comments section!

The Giveaway will end on September 18th (Friday) and I will announce the winner on Saturday.

Good luck friends!

Wasn't it just yesterday?

Last week Cody turned the big 1,2. That's 12 years old people!

It seems like it was just yesterday that those two pink lines appeared on the ol' pregnancy test, revealing what would be inevitably, my life changing forever.

It seems like it was just yesterday, when I ordered my husband to throw away our live Christmas tree, because I believed it smelled "rotten" and I would gag and experience bouts of nausea whenever I got a good whiff of blue spruce.

And wasn't it just yesterday when my doctor told me I had THE worst stretch marks (extreme itching and bleeding) he had ever seen on a pregnant woman?

It was just yesterday when I experienced 15 hours of gut wrenching, back breaking labor, vomiting, and of course my love affair with the epidural man? "Oh how I love thee, epidural man!"

And then finally after a very long, uncomfortable pregnancy, and then labor, my sweet baby Cody was placed in my arms. It was just yesterday, wasn't it?

I marveled at this miraculous being. I soaked in every detail of my pink, reddish, brown haired, babe. And he even sported a butt chin, to boot! Just like his daddy's.

12 years later, and I feel overwhelmed, that time has gone by way to fast. My son will be passing the sacrament this next Sunday for the first time and next year he will be attending the big, bad, school...Jr. High! (insert hyperventilating)

My heart aches just a tad, knowing that I will no longer be searching for his cute little mug in the crowd of fellow Primary kiddlettes, as he pretends to sing during the Primary Programs.

He's off to bigger pastures. Not necessarily greener pastures, just bigger. Because these past years have ALL been green pastures for me.

Birthday re-cap

One week ago was mine and Conner's birthdays. On the same day! One might think that it could be difficult sharing a birthday with their child, but I have found it to be a unique and a special experience to share with him. Even though in the future I will most likely be planning his birthday parties and running around like a mad woman on that day, I really don't seem to mind having his birthday celebration over shadow mine.

Me and Conner getting ready to blow out the candles on our cake. The cute little boy on the right is my nephew Jace. And guess what? His birthday is the same day also!!!! That's how we do it in our family. In fact his baby sister was just born on her daddy's birthday in August!

Whenever one of my kids has a birthday, I tend to reminisce about how fast time has gone by and how much they have changed. Conner's 1st birthday has been a little hard on me. It seems like it was just yesterday when I met Conner for the first time and he was placed in my arms. I was amazed at how tiny he was compared to his older brother and the color of his hair. The nurses commented on his frosted tips on his hair our entire stay at the hospital.

Conner has been such a wonderful blessing to our family. It took ten long years for him to arrive from heaven, but he was worth the wait.

Happy 1st birthday Conner!

You Say It' Your Birthday!

You say it's your birthday (du, na, na, na)

It's my birthday too - yeah

They say it's your birthday (du, na, na, na)

We're gonna have a good time

I'm glad it's your birthday

Happy birthday to you!

Today is my baby's birthday and mine!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks around here and I promise to post and document the crazy happenings that have been going on. But right now, I need to gear up for cake and ice cream, light the birthday candles for me and Conner's cake, wrap gifts, un-wrap gifts, and take advantage of my husband (NO! Not that way!) I mean...make him do things he hates. Like shopping, cleaning, and kissing the ground that I walk on. It's good for him.

It's my punk's birthday!

Eleven years ago, I became a mommy for the first time.

We found out that I was pregnant with Cody at a very difficult time in our lives.
Steve's mother was terminally ill at the time and I remember thinking that it wouldn't be a good time to be pregnant. On the day of Steve's mother's funeral I suspected I was pregnant. A few days later, my suspicions were confirmed. Turns out, he was an incredible blessing.

Don't I look lovely? I often remind Cody of how hard my pregnancy and labor was with him. Here's the proof. Yikes.

I gained around 65 pounds when I was pregnant with Cody. I was hoping he would be a 50 pound baby. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 and 3/4 inches long. That meant the rest of the weight was all chubb.

Love his big blue eyes!

This seems familiar...except the contents of the mess are different.

He's full of personality.

He has a great smile. He gets that from his momma. The kid is incapable of taking a bad picture!

He has been known to make a mess or two! Such as the time when he climbed on the counter and flooded my kitchen. That's blackmail material people!

He has a lot of determination.

My little punk is a brain. He didn't get that from his momma. He's a straight "A" student and his teachers have raved about his math skills. This is a picture of him at the Math and Science Olympiad. The Math and Science Olympiad! The only Olympiad I would ever have participated in, would be the "nose picker Olympiad", or something dumb like that.

He is a wonderful example.

He is the perfect big brother. I'm amazed at how much he loves his baby brother. He never complains when I ask him to check on Conner, get me a diaper, see what's in Conner's mouth, and watch Conner. The list goes on and on. I appreciate him sooooo much!

Happy Birthday Cody!