Busy Week

Ok...sorry it has been a while since my last post. This move has been....drawn out, yep, that's a good way to put it. We were trying to do it in the most cost effective way, so we only rented a small uhaul trailer for one day, but JJ also had to work part of that day. We also have had to work around not only his schedule, but the schedules of those who have been helping him do all the heavy lifting. Besides the fact that moving with a 1 year old is almost impossible in itself, we have had another major setback during this whole process. MICE! Our storage unit was surrounded by a wooded area, and they decided to use our unit for their nesting area. So, everything had to be unpacked on the back patio to prevent critters from coming in the house (none did though), and then had to ALL be cleaned or washed. We only had 2 major casualties though. Our big red chair that matched the big red sofa (not a major loss, we hate that furniture, but it was a free hand-me-down) was so full of mouse droppings that I did not even want to try to clean it. Our guest room mattress set also had to go to the dump. The mice had used the stuffing from the box springs as their nesting materials. It too was a free hand-me-down, so there was no question, it had to go. We had a few other small things that were damaged, a lamp, some curtain rods, a very comfortable quilt that I got as a hs graduation gift from the Neals. We can only thank God though that it was not worse, and that our major piece of furniture, our king size bed, was not damaged, not a stain on it! You would not believe the amount of dust that came out of the two sofas, and our mattress though! Wow! I have listed some links for pictures of the house. As soon as we get things a little more settle around here I can post more. Front of House. Back of House.  Kitchen/Living/Dining.  Dining/Kitchen.  But, despite all the 'tests' as Cindy would say, we are very happy in our new home. 

To Clarify on the Jersey

Just to clarify...Joe is the Cowboys fan in the house. JJ likes the Steelers, and Cindy likes the Saints. I really don't care who wins as long as the game is a good one. 

Pleasant Change

The hurricane blew through here last week and left a big mess. We didn't get any damage, but we did have several big tree limbs to clean up the next day. There are still large portions of Shreveport/Bossier without electricity, and there are still trees down all over the city waiting to be cut up and cleared out. But, since Ike has gone through we couldn't have asked for better weather. The lows have been mid 50's and the highs have been mid 70's. James did not get to play outside much this summer because of the heat & humidity, so this has been a nice change. We have been able to take him outside every day since and he has loved every minute of it. 

Although, you wouldn't know it by the pictures. For some reason, he was not in a smiling mood. 

Poppy bought him his Cowboy's jersey. It is way too big, but he really likes it. 

Dinner Time

We have been working with James for a while on keeping food on his tray instead of the floor. We have had success! But...Mommy should have chosen her words better. Instead of saying, 'Leave your food on your tray', I was saying, 'Leave your food on the table'. He does just that now. I guess I got what I asked for. 

This is what happens when you let a 1 year old fee themselves mac & cheese.

And this is what happens when a 1 year old doesn't want to eat their peas & carrots...He now hides food in his chair-notice the sneaky little hand beside him. 

Smile Award!

I've been awarded the "Smile Award" by Kristi of Richards Family 4. Thank you so much Kristi! Of all your blogging friends, you chose me as one of your 5! I am very honored! The rules of the Smile Award is that you must pass it on to those that feel represent what a 'big ol' smile' is all about...

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times-we are all human!).

2. Must love one another.

3. Must make mistakes.

4. Must learn from others.

5. Must be a positive contributor to the blog world.

6. Must love life.

7. Must love kids.

The rules are:

The recipient must link back to the awards creator (The Babblings of Mere).

Must post these rules if you receive the award.

Must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.

Must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award (see above).

Must post characteristics of a recipient.

Must create a post sharing your win with others.

Must thank your giver.

My problem is that only 2 of my sisters blog, and none of my friends do (besides Kristi). 

1. Amber (my sister) at Sam, Amber, & Kaycee Burress.  She is married to a great man & mother to a beautiful little girl! She works full time, commutes to SA from Center Point to go to pharmacy school full time, and still has time to study, do homework, and be a wife and mommy.  She also takes time out of her busy schedule to call her little sister on a regular basis just to check in and see how we are doing. She always seems to know when I need her most.

2. Misti (my little sister) at Aunt Moozer. This one can make me laugh any time, day or night. She is completely goofy and loveable, and so full of joy. She truly just loves life. She also loves her family completely and would do anything for any of us. She is a wonderful Aunt Moozer to her niece and 3 nephews, and will someday make an awesome mom!

I am sorry that I only have 2 people listed, but besides Kristi (who gave me this award), none of my other friends blog.