Yes, indeed a mess. See why I'm not a fan of carpet?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mess
He asked politely for a grape. It was a tomato. I gave it to him (in the kitchen). He inserted into his mouth (in the kitchen). I thought he ate it and that it was gone. Until, Austin entered the family room and sternly calls out "Camden!" I hear Camden say, "mess."
Yes, indeed a mess. See why I'm not a fan of carpet?
Yes, indeed a mess. See why I'm not a fan of carpet?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Phew....
Like most Sunday mornings I am frantically trying to get both Camden and myself ready for church. I often try to cram in a load of laundry and get the dishes done before church so that when we get home I can quickly get dinner and sneak in an afternoon nap with my family.
I went to our mud room to check on Camden and boy did it stink in there! Cam was on his John Deere Buck and in the back were several diapers - used, dirty diapers I must add. Keep in mind, we keep a separate trash can for diapers and it gets emptied once per week with the trash man comes.
I said, "Camden, those are dirty diapers, phew!" About 15 minutes later when I was changing Camden's fresh dirty diaper, Camden said to me, "Mommy, diapah dirty, phew!" He is such a little parrot.
He does follow directions well and did put the dirty diapers back in the diaper pail upon request.
Do you like his outfit? I told him that we were going to church and Pappy would be there waiting on him. He immediately requested that his boots be put on promptly and he needed his hat. I didn't follow his request to put his coat on. We need clothes first, huh?
I went to our mud room to check on Camden and boy did it stink in there! Cam was on his John Deere Buck and in the back were several diapers - used, dirty diapers I must add. Keep in mind, we keep a separate trash can for diapers and it gets emptied once per week with the trash man comes.
I said, "Camden, those are dirty diapers, phew!" About 15 minutes later when I was changing Camden's fresh dirty diaper, Camden said to me, "Mommy, diapah dirty, phew!" He is such a little parrot.
He does follow directions well and did put the dirty diapers back in the diaper pail upon request.
Do you like his outfit? I told him that we were going to church and Pappy would be there waiting on him. He immediately requested that his boots be put on promptly and he needed his hat. I didn't follow his request to put his coat on. We need clothes first, huh?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Give It Some Thought
If the thought of scrapbooking has ever crossed your mind (even for a brief second), you should seriously consider trying Project Life. You can start anytime (the kit can be purchased on Amazon.com). It is super easy. It took approx. 2 hours for me get my album set-up and figure out my approach, but each evening it takes me approx. 5 minutes to journal on a card (or 10-15 minutes every two three days). I have been printing photos once a week during my weekly grocery run. I have added some extra embellishments just to use up some of my old scrapbook supplies (to make room for more), but they aren't required. The only thing you need to complete a Project Life album is a camera and a pen. This is a stress-free fun project that anyone can do!
As promised, here is a glimpse of my progress with Project Life. I will admit, the photos aren't the best. I haven't figured out the best way to photograph scrapbook pages as they always seem blurry. I think it is due to the fact that I'm photographing without natural lighting. It just gets dark way too soon!
If you would like to participate and have questions, you can leave me a comment or go to beckyhiggins.com.
As promised, here is a glimpse of my progress with Project Life. I will admit, the photos aren't the best. I haven't figured out the best way to photograph scrapbook pages as they always seem blurry. I think it is due to the fact that I'm photographing without natural lighting. It just gets dark way too soon!
If you would like to participate and have questions, you can leave me a comment or go to beckyhiggins.com.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Project Life......
has arrived. Wouldn't you know - it would be delivered at 8:15 p.m. on an evening my hubby was out of town and Camden and I were already in our PJs.
I was ecstatic when I answered the door and the FedEx man was standing in front of me (until I realized I had my PJs on). Camden was excited too. He wanted to "open." So, after a few photos (I had planned on Austin taking a photo of me with my much anticipated purchase but since he wasn't home - I had to take photos with Camden). Of course, Camden didn't want to wait to "open" until after pictures, but I made him wait (I know - I'm a mean, mean Mommy).
He opened the box and had a major meltdown. He kept saying "tactor, tactor, tactor." Yikes - I think he got a little spoiled at Christmas was several boxes full of tractors. I never imagine that he would associate all boxes with a new tractor. Sorry Camden - this present is for Mommy!
Check back for some photos of my album (when I get all caught up)!
I was ecstatic when I answered the door and the FedEx man was standing in front of me (until I realized I had my PJs on). Camden was excited too. He wanted to "open." So, after a few photos (I had planned on Austin taking a photo of me with my much anticipated purchase but since he wasn't home - I had to take photos with Camden). Of course, Camden didn't want to wait to "open" until after pictures, but I made him wait (I know - I'm a mean, mean Mommy).
He opened the box and had a major meltdown. He kept saying "tactor, tactor, tactor." Yikes - I think he got a little spoiled at Christmas was several boxes full of tractors. I never imagine that he would associate all boxes with a new tractor. Sorry Camden - this present is for Mommy!
Check back for some photos of my album (when I get all caught up)!
Monday, January 25, 2010
What a Deal!
I got all this for $50 (regularly $188 @ 75% off).
A local business was closing down their scrapbook store and got lucky. My very patient hubby and not so patient son were so kind to shop with me. It took awhile, wouldn't you say?
A local business was closing down their scrapbook store and got lucky. My very patient hubby and not so patient son were so kind to shop with me. It took awhile, wouldn't you say?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
"Feed Eepie Hay & Corn"
"Yes Camden, you help Pappy feed the sheep hay and corn," Austin and I reply (several times a day). And, Pappy couldn't me happier!
Everything, but the kitchen sink...
Last weekend, Camden and I took a road trip to visit my sis. While it was a long weekend for me (I had Martin Luther King off), the trip was rather short. We pulled out of my driveway at 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon and returned from the 4 hour trip to Missouri on Sunday at 5 p.m. Our plans for the trip were to do nothing.......except for relax and visit with Miles and Allison. So, why would I need to take everything on my kitchen table and then some?
With no plans, I had to take enough toys for Camden and enough scrapbooking supplies for myself - just to ensure no boredom (we don't sit still very long).
Our stay was less than 48 hours - why pack so much.......because I always do!
You'll notice Camden playing with his toys that I was trying to pack. You'll also notice his paci - this Friday morning (Jan. 18th) was the last time he used a paci. I dreaded the thought of him giving up his paci. In only 2 days time, he had chewed up 2 pacifiers. While we were at Allison's, he only asked twice for the paci - we ignored him as if we didn't know what he was talking about. And now, they are gone, gone, gone. All traces of having a baby in our home are gone (sniff, sniff). We are so proud of him for making this transition so easy!
With no plans, I had to take enough toys for Camden and enough scrapbooking supplies for myself - just to ensure no boredom (we don't sit still very long).
Our stay was less than 48 hours - why pack so much.......because I always do!
You'll notice Camden playing with his toys that I was trying to pack. You'll also notice his paci - this Friday morning (Jan. 18th) was the last time he used a paci. I dreaded the thought of him giving up his paci. In only 2 days time, he had chewed up 2 pacifiers. While we were at Allison's, he only asked twice for the paci - we ignored him as if we didn't know what he was talking about. And now, they are gone, gone, gone. All traces of having a baby in our home are gone (sniff, sniff). We are so proud of him for making this transition so easy!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Who Would Have Thought?
Back in 2004 when Austin and I lived in Indianapolis, we helped out in Toddler Town at Prairie View Christian Church in Fishers, IN. I can't remember what the lesson was about, but I do remember that the teacher's book suggested playing a game with Mr. Potato head - a game that went along with the lesson. Austin and I didn't have a Mr. Potato Head sitting around our apartment, why would we?
I did have a friend at work, a mother of three, who graciously allowed me to borrow her kids' Mr. Potato Head. I used the toy for the lesson and then returned the potato. She didn't want the Potato Head back. She told me to keep it - her kids had enough toys. So, I kept it knowing that I would someday have a child at my apartment that needed a toy to play with.
Who would have thought that 5 years later, my very own son would be so interested in Mr. Potato Head. It is so awesome to see him learn this little puzzle. He knows all the pieces and where they go. He even tries to put the pieces in his on head (scary, I know). It is amazing how smart my little guy is!
I did have a friend at work, a mother of three, who graciously allowed me to borrow her kids' Mr. Potato Head. I used the toy for the lesson and then returned the potato. She didn't want the Potato Head back. She told me to keep it - her kids had enough toys. So, I kept it knowing that I would someday have a child at my apartment that needed a toy to play with.
Who would have thought that 5 years later, my very own son would be so interested in Mr. Potato Head. It is so awesome to see him learn this little puzzle. He knows all the pieces and where they go. He even tries to put the pieces in his on head (scary, I know). It is amazing how smart my little guy is!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Snow Fun (Or Not?)
Camden and Daddy spent the day at home the first day we had snow. They were kind enough to wait to play in the snow until Mommy arrived home from work. Literally, it took 15 minutes to bundle the three of us up into our snow gear. We were outside for approx. 7 minutes. I'm not sure how much fun we had, but I did get some good photos.......
Hopefully, we have the opportunity to play in the snow again when it isn't so freezing cold!
Hopefully, we have the opportunity to play in the snow again when it isn't so freezing cold!
Monday, January 11, 2010
And he sits and sits and sits....
.......but nothing ever happens. And, that is okay. About a week and half ago, we got this little chair out. At first, Camden didn't want to have anything to do with it. Lately, he has been sitting on his pot after the fact. Eventually we'll get the before the fact.
This is a portable pot, you know, and we wouldn't want to miss The Wiggles!
This is a portable pot, you know, and we wouldn't want to miss The Wiggles!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy 22 Months
.......that is what is has been for us!
Camden,
You are now 22 months old and you have developed into a little boy. The sweet, innocent baby face is no longer visible when I look at you. Instead, I see 8 big teeth and a few molars peeking through (when I look closely). While your hands are still small compared to mine, they aren't the teeny tiny hands that you had when you came to me. I'm not sure when all this changed, but I now when I talk about you when you are away from me, I refer to you as "my little boy or toddler" not "my baby."
Nevertheless, I love you more each day and it so rewarding to watch you grow and develop. You now chatter up a storm and while I can't always understand exactly what you are saying, the last word of your sentences always end in a clear word that both you and I understand. Animals are now not defined only by the sound they make but the correct animal name. Sheep are now "eep" not "baaas, baas." Cats are now "cats" and not "meows." Cows are now "cows" and not "moos."
When driving down the road, you are such an observer. I will hear you say "cow, bus, tactor, tuck." I will then look around and nearly half a mile away, indeed, I will see the object you are telling me about. Each time we get into the car you will say, "mommy, uggles" meaning that you want me to turn on The Wiggles CD. Oftentimes you make a request and it is always "doctor," as you want to listen to Track 3 the Dr. Knickerbacher Song. This Christmas season you were impressed by all the "ights." While traveling in the dark, you would say, "ook ights" aka look, lights. You refer to snowmen as "man" and you weren't impressed by Santa.
Your favorite snacks include pretzels or "petzels" and of course any shape or flavor of Peeps. For Christmas, you received some chocolate mousse reindeer peeps and seem to love those (you call them "punkins" as you remember having pumpkin peeps at Halloween). You are a meat and dairy eater, and you love corn, beans, and bread (you will eat bread by the slide - even if it is stale). You enjoy milk, apple juice, and orange juice. At Nana's, she sneaks you hot chocolate and cold coffee (at least it is decaf), and I hear you like those beverages well.
Your favorite toys include tractors, trailers, and trucks. If Mommy or Daddy are in another room and we hear you start to scream, it is always because you can't seem to get the tractor hooked to the trailer on your own. Or, you will try to hook a small trailer to a big sized tractor. You can't seem to understand why all tractors, trucks, and trailers are not interchangeable. If you aren't playing with trucks and tractors, we often find you reading books. You will look at books on your own but you also love when we read to you. Firebears, Won't You Be My Kissaroo, and Let's Go On a Mommy Date are still your favorite books. Last, but certainly not least, I want to mention The Wiggles. Each morning you will wake up and request to watch "Uggles." Again in the evening, you request the "Uggles." You love these crazy guys, but I must say that you are learning from watching them.
You are into "mowing." We have not allowed you to ride the lawn mower with the blades engaged, but any type of riding outdoors whether it is on the lawn mower, in the combine, on a big tractor, or on the Gator, you think you are "mowing." Every time we see Pappy you ask to "mow" or "ride Gador." You generally ask in the evenings and Pappy will tell you in the morning you can ride the Gator. So, you often tell us that you "ride Gator in morn'in." Watch out Pappy - Camden doesn't forget anything!
You recognize most of our family and friends. Here are the pronunciations from your perspective: Aaee (Allie), Minus (Miles and Jerry), Dabbie (Debbie), Caig (Craig), Nanny (Shafer), Pappy (Shafer and Yake), Grammy (Yake), Ki Ki (Kiersten), E (great-grandma Evelyn), Eee (Lee), Roj (Matthew - he thinks Matthew is Roger and it is so funny), Dick (Papaw Dick), PD (our neighbor), Ahan (Alan our neighbor), Peppe (Pepper the neighbor dog), Chadow (Shadow our cat), Ongie (Angie), Omoee (Emilee), Mikey (Mike Sprinkle), Baden (Braden). I'm probably forgetting a few, but these are the people that you call by name and talk about often.
You are learning manners. When you ask for something, you will say "peas" without prompting. You do say "cank coo;" however we do have to remind you to do so. You are in a "no" stage. It doesn't matter what anyone asks, the answer is always "no." It isn't a sassy no, just a sweet innocent "no."
As for your personality, you are an outgoing little guy. You love to be on the go and never complain when we bundle you up and tote you along. You will go to almost anyone and will talk to anyone who will listen. You are a strong-willed little guy and ,boy, do you have a temper. As for patience - I'm not sure that you have any. If you do, it must have came from your Daddy. Mommy can sympathize with you - a big temper with little patience. We're lucky to have one patient, easy-going Daddy to put up with the two of us. Temper tantrums? Yes, anytime you are told no, you will throw yourself down on the floor in frustration. I pray that this is just the terrible two stage and it will pass (although Daddy says Mommy still does that when she doesn't get her way).
We got out the potty chair a few days ago. You will hide when needing to do #2 and don't want us watching you or asking what you are doing. You generally follow us to the bathroom and want to flush the toilet; however, you won't dare sit on your little potty. I guess we'll leave it out and hope you become interested in the next 6 months or so.
We said goodbye to your crib on New Year's Day (not that you were upset - you never slept in it anyway). We put up the futon bed in your room and you have slept two nights by yourself. You seem to be resting much better at night since you are sleeping on your own. Mommy and Daddy rest better too.
I have some many funny stories to share, so you'll have to read your journal that Mommy has prepared for you which includes details of our daily routines and specific stories that I want you to know about.
Each passing day, I am reminded how quickly you are growing. While it is sad that each stage in your life doesn't last long, it is exciting to watch you grow and learn new things!
XOXO,
Mommy
Camden,
You are now 22 months old and you have developed into a little boy. The sweet, innocent baby face is no longer visible when I look at you. Instead, I see 8 big teeth and a few molars peeking through (when I look closely). While your hands are still small compared to mine, they aren't the teeny tiny hands that you had when you came to me. I'm not sure when all this changed, but I now when I talk about you when you are away from me, I refer to you as "my little boy or toddler" not "my baby."
Nevertheless, I love you more each day and it so rewarding to watch you grow and develop. You now chatter up a storm and while I can't always understand exactly what you are saying, the last word of your sentences always end in a clear word that both you and I understand. Animals are now not defined only by the sound they make but the correct animal name. Sheep are now "eep" not "baaas, baas." Cats are now "cats" and not "meows." Cows are now "cows" and not "moos."
When driving down the road, you are such an observer. I will hear you say "cow, bus, tactor, tuck." I will then look around and nearly half a mile away, indeed, I will see the object you are telling me about. Each time we get into the car you will say, "mommy, uggles" meaning that you want me to turn on The Wiggles CD. Oftentimes you make a request and it is always "doctor," as you want to listen to Track 3 the Dr. Knickerbacher Song. This Christmas season you were impressed by all the "ights." While traveling in the dark, you would say, "ook ights" aka look, lights. You refer to snowmen as "man" and you weren't impressed by Santa.
Your favorite snacks include pretzels or "petzels" and of course any shape or flavor of Peeps. For Christmas, you received some chocolate mousse reindeer peeps and seem to love those (you call them "punkins" as you remember having pumpkin peeps at Halloween). You are a meat and dairy eater, and you love corn, beans, and bread (you will eat bread by the slide - even if it is stale). You enjoy milk, apple juice, and orange juice. At Nana's, she sneaks you hot chocolate and cold coffee (at least it is decaf), and I hear you like those beverages well.
Your favorite toys include tractors, trailers, and trucks. If Mommy or Daddy are in another room and we hear you start to scream, it is always because you can't seem to get the tractor hooked to the trailer on your own. Or, you will try to hook a small trailer to a big sized tractor. You can't seem to understand why all tractors, trucks, and trailers are not interchangeable. If you aren't playing with trucks and tractors, we often find you reading books. You will look at books on your own but you also love when we read to you. Firebears, Won't You Be My Kissaroo, and Let's Go On a Mommy Date are still your favorite books. Last, but certainly not least, I want to mention The Wiggles. Each morning you will wake up and request to watch "Uggles." Again in the evening, you request the "Uggles." You love these crazy guys, but I must say that you are learning from watching them.
You are into "mowing." We have not allowed you to ride the lawn mower with the blades engaged, but any type of riding outdoors whether it is on the lawn mower, in the combine, on a big tractor, or on the Gator, you think you are "mowing." Every time we see Pappy you ask to "mow" or "ride Gador." You generally ask in the evenings and Pappy will tell you in the morning you can ride the Gator. So, you often tell us that you "ride Gator in morn'in." Watch out Pappy - Camden doesn't forget anything!
You recognize most of our family and friends. Here are the pronunciations from your perspective: Aaee (Allie), Minus (Miles and Jerry), Dabbie (Debbie), Caig (Craig), Nanny (Shafer), Pappy (Shafer and Yake), Grammy (Yake), Ki Ki (Kiersten), E (great-grandma Evelyn), Eee (Lee), Roj (Matthew - he thinks Matthew is Roger and it is so funny), Dick (Papaw Dick), PD (our neighbor), Ahan (Alan our neighbor), Peppe (Pepper the neighbor dog), Chadow (Shadow our cat), Ongie (Angie), Omoee (Emilee), Mikey (Mike Sprinkle), Baden (Braden). I'm probably forgetting a few, but these are the people that you call by name and talk about often.
You are learning manners. When you ask for something, you will say "peas" without prompting. You do say "cank coo;" however we do have to remind you to do so. You are in a "no" stage. It doesn't matter what anyone asks, the answer is always "no." It isn't a sassy no, just a sweet innocent "no."
As for your personality, you are an outgoing little guy. You love to be on the go and never complain when we bundle you up and tote you along. You will go to almost anyone and will talk to anyone who will listen. You are a strong-willed little guy and ,boy, do you have a temper. As for patience - I'm not sure that you have any. If you do, it must have came from your Daddy. Mommy can sympathize with you - a big temper with little patience. We're lucky to have one patient, easy-going Daddy to put up with the two of us. Temper tantrums? Yes, anytime you are told no, you will throw yourself down on the floor in frustration. I pray that this is just the terrible two stage and it will pass (although Daddy says Mommy still does that when she doesn't get her way).
We got out the potty chair a few days ago. You will hide when needing to do #2 and don't want us watching you or asking what you are doing. You generally follow us to the bathroom and want to flush the toilet; however, you won't dare sit on your little potty. I guess we'll leave it out and hope you become interested in the next 6 months or so.
We said goodbye to your crib on New Year's Day (not that you were upset - you never slept in it anyway). We put up the futon bed in your room and you have slept two nights by yourself. You seem to be resting much better at night since you are sleeping on your own. Mommy and Daddy rest better too.
I have some many funny stories to share, so you'll have to read your journal that Mommy has prepared for you which includes details of our daily routines and specific stories that I want you to know about.
Each passing day, I am reminded how quickly you are growing. While it is sad that each stage in your life doesn't last long, it is exciting to watch you grow and learn new things!
XOXO,
Mommy
Monday, January 4, 2010
Remembering Grandma Elrod
While we did have a nice Christmas, we were saddened by the sudden death of Grandma Elrod on Christmas Eve. Papaw and Grandma have lived in Florida for many years. We are grateful that we got to spend some time with grandma Elrod this past summer.
While it was extremely cold outside yesterday afternoon, we were grateful for the sunshine as we celebrated the life of Grandma.
Grandma Elrod - we love you and you will be missed!
While it was extremely cold outside yesterday afternoon, we were grateful for the sunshine as we celebrated the life of Grandma.
Grandma Elrod - we love you and you will be missed!
Another Scrapbook Page.....
To my scrapbooking friends, I challenge you to do a page all about yourself and be sure to include a photo of yourself!
In October, a good family friend took some photos of my family. She got a shot of me without me knowing it. It is probably the only candid photo of myself that I feel good about.
My smile in this photo truly captures how I feel about my life. So, I pasted photo on my page and journaled about the things that I'm grateful for. Someday, my children will enjoy reading what makes me so grateful @ 27 yrs. old!
In October, a good family friend took some photos of my family. She got a shot of me without me knowing it. It is probably the only candid photo of myself that I feel good about.
My smile in this photo truly captures how I feel about my life. So, I pasted photo on my page and journaled about the things that I'm grateful for. Someday, my children will enjoy reading what makes me so grateful @ 27 yrs. old!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Christmas 2009
While Austin is out "playing in the dirt" and Camden is spending the day "helping" Pappy, I'm taking the rare opportunity to get caught up on my blog postings.
Enjoy a glimpse of our peaceful, relaxing Christmas.......
As you can see, Pappy and Nana came over to play and eat brunch and "open peasants." We then visited Grammy and Pappy Yake in our comfy PJ clothes. Early evening we were nested back at home where Camden took a long, evening nap and then woke up and opened more presents, enjoyed his new toys, and of course, watched The Wiggles AKA "Uggles."
Enjoy a glimpse of our peaceful, relaxing Christmas.......
As you can see, Pappy and Nana came over to play and eat brunch and "open peasants." We then visited Grammy and Pappy Yake in our comfy PJ clothes. Early evening we were nested back at home where Camden took a long, evening nap and then woke up and opened more presents, enjoyed his new toys, and of course, watched The Wiggles AKA "Uggles."
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