More memories

We are getting ready for a family vacation to St. Louis. I am truly looking forward to it. Darren actually plans to come for a couple of days too. Just planning and thinking of everything that needed to be done made me think of when I was a kid. On our car rides, dad would make up games, puzzles, etc for us to do in the car. He put them in individual folders for each of us with our own clear covers and dry erase markers. I looked forward to this and enjoyed going through them on our drives. Nowadays, there's DVD players, but my dad got creative and we really did have fun.

I also remember when dad would go away on work trips without us. He would have those large brown paper grocery bags for each of us with our names on them. Inside, he would have a present for every day he was gone. They were all individually wrapped, usually in brown paper. We looked forward to it every day and helped us countdown the days. He put thought into these items; something we would enjoy and were somtimes they were specific to us. Other times, they were some that were the same to avoid the fighting over something. Ahh, the good old days.

Savings and sayings

My friends turned me on to being a coupon cutter. There are many blogs out there who do the legwork for you. All you have to do is sign up for free on their websites and have it sent to your e-mail to read the updates. Since I try to check e-mail everyday, this is very simple for me. It will tell me what's on sale at some of my favorite stores like Target or Kroger and then give me a coupon for even more savings. Last week I saved $17 at Target and $45 at Kroger!! I have also signed up for free samples, I've gotten free cards, free sandwiches, etc. I am a true believer now. I have listed on the right some sites that are my favorites. I hope you enjoy.

Becca has been heard saying these things lately:

Beeca was tossing a ball back and forth when I heard her say, “Stop it hands. You need to share” She went on to give them a small lecture on why they should share, while apparently they were disagreeing with her.

Tonight, I was reading a book to her that we’ve read many times. She stopped me and said, “Stop mom, I’ve got it from here.”

She acutally quoted this line from 'Meet the Robinsons' to me, Mom, "I'm always right. Even when I'm wrong, I'm right".

Big boy

My baby turned 4 months old on the 18th. His doctor said he was just over 14 pounds and 24 1/2 inches long. He also said to start cereal and foods if we wanted. So, Barrett tried his first cereal last week. The first day or two, he really wasn't so sure about it.

But after a little bit, he decided it wasn't too bad. Monday, we started trying squash for dinner. That was a definite, "What is that?" look.

Now that he's used to eating something, it didn't take him as long to decide he liked it. As a matter of fact, the next day, he was opening his mouth and I couldn't feed it to him fast enough. We're still working on the swallowing part. He still sticks his tongue out quite a bit, so we usually eat with just a diaper on. Then, we're cleaning his face, belly, hands, legs, and seat. We're trying carrots today. I can't wait until we're on a more regular routine.

10 random memories from childhood

I was reading a friend's blog where she had written 10 random memories from childhood. She said if we're reading it, then we're tagged because she likes to read these types of things about her friends as it helps her get to know them better. Well, I didn't think I had a lot of vivid memories, but I thought I'd give it a try. When I sat down, it wasn't hard to do. So, here are just a few I thought of.

1. When we visited Mom and Pop (my dad’s parents), Pop would always give us a dollar which we thought made us rich. Sometimes we saved it, sometimes we bought something on the way home. When all the grandkids turned a certain age (6 or 7, I don’t remember) they gave us a bicycle. I’ll always remember the stockings that were filled with fruit, nuts, candy canes and maybe a couple of other things.

2. Grandma and Pa lived on a farm. When we would visit, Pa would always wake us up with his not yet shaven face rubbing on our cheeks. Grandma would make a nice breakfast and we would read “Open Windows” (a daily devotional guide) and they would let one of us read the names of the missionaries to pray for on that day.

3. My dad took every Thursday off and work on Saturdays in order to get more done. I remember getting to go with dad sometimes to work (at church) with him some Saturdays. My sister and I would watch movies; I definitely remember watching the Care Bear movie a lot, we’d type on the electric typewriter which I thought was pretty cool, we’d make up stories, color pictures, and dad would let us walk across the street to Texaco to get a coke and a candy bar, my favorite was 3 Musketeers and a Dr. Pepper.

4. We did not believe in Santa Claus but mom and dad still made it fun. I remember waiting until my parents got up to go downstairs in case they hadn’t filled the stockings yet. Stockings would be the first thing we’d open…they’re still one of my favorite things. Mom always made a big breakfast which we’d eat, then turn on Christmas music on an old record player, one of those big boxey ones that sit on the ground. We’d put on several records because it took a long time for us to open presents. They were 6 total and we’d go around in a circle, each opening one present from youngest to oldest and we’d keep going around until they were all open. Several days or weeks before Christmas, mom would start taking requests for Christmas treats. We all got to choose something for her to make, sometimes we would help. My choice was always fudge. She still likes to do this, of course in smaller quantities now.

5. I remember sitting next to dad in church snuggled up to him. He always carried pieces of yellow legal pad papers. He’d pull out a piece of paper and a pen/pencil (usually one of those silver dual pen/pencils) from his suit coat pocket and hand it to us. I also remember him sometimes tapping me on the shoulder; when I’d turn to look, he’d have a peppermint hard candy in his hand. He carried those in his pocket for us. Later, when I thought I was too cool to sit with him, I remember hearing his voice from across the church singing, his speaking and singing voice seemed to carry through the church. He never used a hymnal and he knew most of the words to most of the songs.

6. My dad's job was much more flexible than mom's, so when we were sick, dad would drop mom off at work, and come home with 7-up, crackers and magazines, stuffed animal, and/or those crossword variety type magazines. I didn't love getting sick, but I loved getting this stuff to help us pass the time.

7. My mom worked at a place called the “Lion’s Den”. I don’t remember what kind of shop it was but from what I remember, it was a gift type shop. I remember going with dad to pick her up and loving to look at the huge bigger than life sized nutcrackers. There was also a candy shop downstairs we enjoyed salivating over and sometimes we would bring home different types of fudge and candies.

8. My mom didn’t drive, so my dad took her everywhere. I just remember how sweet it was when dad dropped off and give my mom a kiss. If she went shopping, he’d sit out in the car many times, no matter how long she’d be and read. He was usually had more than one book to read in the car at all times, along with highlighters and pens so he could write and mark in the books.

9. I remember at Mom and Pop’s place in East Texas, they had a lot of land with a pond in the “back” I remember fishing and always trying to catch that one big elusive fish, which I believe someone finally caught but put it back where it belonged. We would sit on the porch shelling beans and I remember the big daddy long legs that would normally be around.

10. On birthdays, we didn’t have big parties but had family time. My mom would make whatever dinner or bring something home from our favorite place and whatever cake we wanted. Sometimes we went out to eat but usually we ate at home. We would go around saying something nice about the birthday person…which wasn’t always easy growing up when you’re mad at your sibling.

Easter

Saturday, we headed out to a friend's house to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt. There were so many eggs, we had to empty her basket a couple of times. In some of the eggs were candy, some had dimes or nickels, some had little toys, some had balloons, some had bubbles and others had tickets. They got to turn in the tickets for little toys. Becca picked out 5 of her favorite. They served cute little treats and had a "roller coaster" and slide that kept the kids pretty busy. She did not want to leave.

Sunday, we went to church and then to the golf course for lunch and an egg hunt. Darren ate lunch with us and then headed off to be the Easter Bunny. Becca, as always, didn't want anything to do with the Easter Bunny. (she's the same way when he's Santa) She grabbed some eggs but of course didn't think she had enough. A nice older girl have her a few of hers. She got to pick out an Easter basket filled with goodies the club buys. I got pictures of Barrett with the Easter Bunny but couldn't convince Becca to get close enough to get a picture. After the Easter Bunny headed in the next room to go home, Becca asked me where he went. I told her he had to go home. I was holding Barrett and Becca decided to peek through the mail slot in the door and then asked, "Why is my daddy the Easter Bunny?" I was then trying to keep her from saying it too loudly and confusing the other kids, luckily there weren't too many standing around by then. She asked daddy when he came out and he told her he was helping the Easter Bunny. She didn't care for this answer too much and asked him several times. Maybe it's time they get a new Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. I've asked Darren to see if they can find someone else but I don't think he's willing as he feels an obligation. Maybe we'll have to stop going because Becca is going to out him to all the kids.

It was cute, there was a little girl who was very concerend about the Easter Bunny. Apparently, she didn't want to get close but always wanted to know where he was. So her mom brought her into the lobby where the Easter Bunny was sitting so they could see him. She sat there for a little while just looking at him. It was very cute. It's also funny, knowing who the Easter Bunny is, and seeing the reactions from kids, especially your own. Some kids, just looking at him brought out screaming and of course my daughter hiding behind me is just too funny.

On another note, I had a hard time finding dress clothes for Barrett. It's probably because we're in a small town, but I looked in 5 or 6 different stores and found nothing for his size. I finally found some at Kohls but really wanted a sweater vest. I haven't given up totally and have found some cute stuff online; maybe I'll get to Nashville soon. I miss shopping in Nashville.

Barrett is 3 1/2 months and has been able to roll from his belly to his back for at least a month now. For awhile, we didn't see him actually do it. Early on, I think while lying on his belly, he'd lift his head up so far, the weight would just roll him over. Now, he's learned to tuck his legs under his body and roll. Maybe he'll walk early like his big sister too.

Last night, we went to a Chinese restaurant and the waiters and waitresses couldn't get enough of Barrett. Our waitress came and talked to him, even wiping his drool with a cloth. He just smiled, laughed and talked to her. He really loves anyone sitting and talking to him, especially his sister. It really is cute to see his reaction when he sees Becca. Here is a picture I took as soon as he saw her:

Here is a cute picture of my BMW. I have a friend whose sister makes all kinds of things like this: clothes, bags, nightlights, lunchbags, etc. I figured he needed a littel onesie like this.

Check out how my baby soothes himself to sleep. I thought it was so cute so I got him on video.