The truth about blogging....

Let's face it, as bloggers, we are able to share lots of sweet & funny stories with our family & friends. We upload our cutest pictures & allow everyone to see into our lives. We hand pick what we want to share & paint the perfect pictures for everyone to see. It all seems so perfect.... but the truth is, nobody's perfect all of the time!! And trust me, tonight, nothing's perfect around here!! I will say that I have been blessed with a precious daughter who means the world to me. She has always been a very good girl & usually very well behaved.....BUT NOT TONIGHT!! The holidays have her so far off of her normal schedule it's not even funny. I decided that tonight I was going to begin bedtime boot camp. She has been SCREAMING & CRYING now for 45 minutes. I am seriously about to pull my hair out! She will not give up--all because I turned her tv off & told her to go to sleep. I would kill for someone to give me that offer at 8:30 pm!! I heard a flying object hit the floor earlier which warranted her a spanking, but otherwise, I'm trying my hardest to tune her out (my head=throbbing, my nerves=frazzled). Calgon, take me away!!!! How's that for blogger's honesty?

*Update* -- After answering several bedside, nose blowing requests, I caved a little. She is so smart, it's scary. She knows exactly how to work me... She looked up at me with her eyes half swollen shut & said, "mommy, will you rock me?" Now I know what you're thinking....I'm weak, pathetic, everything Super Nanny frowns at, etc, etc, but I couldn't resist. Dylan has never really loved "rocking" & to me, there's nothing better than rocking a child to sleep. I took her in the living room & rocked for probably 2 minutes max & she was out like a light. I took her back to bed & layed her down. Her eyes opened wide & she said, "mommy, i don't need to blow my nose." Then she leaned up, gave me a big kiss & fell fast asleep. Ahhhh......the joys of motherhood!! I love my perfect lil angel! ;) Thanks for listening!

A Dark Christmas...

Dylan & I spent a couple hours of our Christmas day in the dark. For some reason, our power went out!! I knew something was happening late that morning. Rachel & Graham had stayed with us on Christmas Eve, & while they were getting ready, EVERY light in the house was flickering. It was a bit freaky.... I called Ryan & had him come home & check it out. He called some automated OG&E number & headed back to work. Then about an hour or so later....NO POWER!! We were left in the dark. It was a bit depressing, but we made due. Thankfully, Braxton had given Dylan this Easy Bake Oven (that cooks with ICE...go figure). It takes no battery or electricity, so baking we did. Dylan loved it & it gave us something fun to do in the dark--thanks, Braxton! Ryan came through for us though. He somehow has an OG&E Supervisor's phone number & he called him (on Christmas) & shortly thereafter, we had power again. It's not much fun spending Christmas alone, but having no electricity took it to a whole new level!!

Cookies & Wine

On Christmas Eve Eve, Josh, Mary & Braxton came over so Dylan & Brax could make cookies for Santa. Well, actually I had already baked the cookies & left the decorating to them. It was fun to watch them go at it. They worked diligently on their cookies while being supervised by Meatball, aka "Bubba". Afterwards, Pete, Katie, Jordan, & baby Karlee stopped by. The night started as a children's cookie decorating night & ended with lots of wine & Wii playing by the adults. It was so much fun!! Dylan & Braxton didn't mind. They were elbow deep in Play-doh having the time of their little lives! Pete also got his VW bus he's been waiting on FOREVER so he took Katie, Mary, & I on a spin around town. It was my first experience in a Sweet Pickles Bus...fun, fun! (In case anyone is concerned, Pete didn't drink the wine).

~Total concentration~

Dylan's cookies for Santa

PRESENTS!!

& Play-doh!!!!!!!!!!

What a Crew!

Swing batta, batta....

Mary, Jordan, Katie, & Dylan all piled in the tent. The things we do for these kids...

Sweet Karlee~how she slept, I'll never know!

The joyride in Pete's new toy....his very own VW Bus!

Christmas at Mimi & Poppy's...

If you haven't noticed, because everyone's lives are so hectic & we all live in different places, my family often celebrates Christmas a little prematurely. We choose to do this so we can have at least a whole day together, uninterrupted. We got to Muskogee to dad & Christy's late Saturday night. We woke up this morning to a delicious breakfast & followed it with our stockings. Every year, they have a stocking packed full for each of us & one enormous one for each family. It's always SO much fun to see what's in them...you never know, but you can bet it's always good! We all got great stuff & Dylan really got into it this year. She was really excited, but the biggest surprise to us all was in the bottom of the big stocking. They got us & my sister's family a Wii!!!!! I was so excited. I have wanted a Wii forever, but didn't have an excuse to have one. No excuse needed anymore!! I am a proud owner. As soon as we were finished, we had one hooked up & the games began. Did I mention I hold the record for the highest bowling score? 186 to be exact.... We all had so much fun. Dad had no idea what a Wii was so we must give an extra THANK YOU to Christy for being in the know. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't go & buy another for themselves. They loved it too! Memaw, Uncle David, & Aunt Karen joined us for lunch (& Wii) & presents (& Wii). We had such a wonderful day, a wonderful weekend. I am so thankful for all of my family. From Tulsa to Muskogee, I loved every minute I get to spend with each of you. Thank you for everything & the wonderful traditions we share. We are very blessed! She's so excited...

The Wii's!!!

Mimi & Dylan hanging out

Focus on the great stocking, not on the appearance!!

Christmas at Grammy & G daddy's

On Friday night we headed to Tulsa for Christmas at my mom & Jay's, aka Grammy & G-daddy. Mom made all 3 of the kids aprons for their annual Christmas cookie decorating. They are so cute!! Unfortunately I broke my camera right before this began so I missed that magical moment... yes, I was devastated!! (Ryan says he thinks he bought the replacement plan. Keep your fingers crossed for me!) We ran out & bought this replacement camera to fill the void until I can get mine fixed. How could I be without a camera during Christmas & Dylan's birthday?? Anyway, I was able to capture the kids & my mom decorating the gingerbread house (which fell apart shortly after these pictures were taken. Oh well!! It was fun while it lasted! We had a great day spending time with family, delicious food, & lots of great presents. Dylan got a new tent(& lots more).........SHE LOVES IT!! Now we are departing Tulsa, heading to Muskogee. The Christmas tour continues............

One week til Christmas....& we're tired!

Can you believe Christmas is only a week away? It's so crazy how busy this time of year is. My itinerary is packed full! I can tell you what I will be doing every minute of every day until Christmas day. I'm "a planner" & love an agenda, but seriously, that's a little much!! Tis the Season, right!?! ;) I've had a harder time getting myself into the Christmas spirit this year. I'm not sure why, but I'm hoping that spending this weekend with my family will help. We always have such a great time! In saying that, it reminds me that I still have so much to do before Friday so I must quit blogging & get busy. I'm soooo tired..... (& yes, I'm feeling a little sorry for myself). Have a fun & safe weekend everyone! Ang

Dylan's Christmas story

"Chicken Fried"

Brandon (earlier post) sang this at his show. She loves it (if you can't tell)....

& poor Meatball~he endures SO much!

As close to Santa as it gets...

Last Sunday, Memaw & her friend, Betty came up to do some Christmas shopping. I got Dylan all dressed up just in case she wanted to sit on Santa's lap. The closer we got to the center of the mall, the more against it she became. She did smile & wave at him (which was huge), but then insisted we get the heck out of dodge. We went to the merry-go-round instead. So far, we are 0 for 3. She's been alive for 3 Christmases & we have no pictures of her with Santa....Oh well, maybe when she's 12!!

Dylan's 1st concert...

On Saturday night, we headed to Alma to watch one of my co-workers, Brandon Butler, perform. He is so talented!! He is a singer, song writer, guitar picker & he is working with agents & on an album. I hope he remembers the little people when he's rich & famous. I've told him on numerous occasions that I need him to have Dylan in a music video. A beautiful little girl running through a field of flowers as a sappy country song plays.... Can't you picture it?? He says he will do it, but I also fill out his evaluation & approve his vacation days SOOO he probably wouldn't tell me no!!! (Brandon, now everyone knows our agreement. If you don't come through with this, my blog followers may not buy your album . I'm just saying.....) Anyway, we had a great time. It was an interesting atmosphere, but fun none the less. Several of my friends & co-workers were there so that made it even more enjoyable. Dylan ran & danced all night long. She would get right in front of the stage & yell, "Brandon, look at me, look at me. I'm dancing!" It was pretty cute. She's a fan already!!

Ladies & gentlemen....Mr. Brandon Butler

She was loving life. Look at all the dirt!!

Dancing with Daddy

Dancing with Kim's daughter, Haylee.

Being serenaded.... I get that everywhere I go!!

Amy, me, Dylan, Brandon, & Kim

(this is a horrible pic of me)

I heart Bunco

When I first heard of Bunco, I have to admit, I thought it was for "older" people. I had no idea what it was or consisted of, but for a night with the girls, I would do it!! We had our official "first" Bunco tonight at Jennifer's house. It was SOOO much fun. Twelve girls laughing, eating, drinking, & competing! Everyone had such a great time. I'm already looking forward to January Bunco!!

(And come to find out, Bunco is for all ages, regardless if Memaw had to teach me the rules...)

Strep Throat Eve...

Here are some pics from dad & Christy's last Sunday. This is when the sickness began. Bennett & Dylan were both diagnosed with strep throat the following day... :(

Hailey, Sophie, Bennett & Dylan

I'm pretty sure they aren't supposed to be doing this....


Dylan loves "sour" cream (whipped cream)

Dylan & Hailey throwing leaves

Hailey & Bennett working, Dylan supervising.

On the road to recovery...

I think it's safe to say that Dylan is feeling much better. She has been fever-free since Monday night & has finally regained somewhat of an appetite. She still has a red rash all over her body, but Dr. Jon said this is normal with strep. She refers to it as her "itchies". When I got home from work today, she was running around in just her panties. Ryan said she wouldn't keep clothes on. I guess "the itchies" were aggravated by her clothes?? Anyway, she did request to dress up as "Princess Dora"~~ a Snow White dress, crown & Dora purse. She wore this around for awhile, & then she stripped down again. I finally did get her to put her pajamas on. I hope they stay on! I'm so thankful that she is feeling better. I can tell she still isn't 100%, but we're getting there. She is excited to be going back to school tomorrow. Maybe that thought will help her sleep tonight...(& me too PLEASE!!!)

Strep Throat...

I'm saddened to say that I took Dylan to the doctor today & she has strep throat!! She started running a fever on Sunday when we were at Dad & Christy's for Thanksgiving. Luckily, Christy had some Children's Tylenol so Dylan bounced back pretty fast. She didn't want to miss a second with her cousins, Hailey & Bennett. She was able to have a good time along with the rest of us, but by the time we got home Sunday night, she was burning up with fever again...103 to be exact. She went to bed at 7:00, only waking up to take her medicine. I had her fever down to 99 when I went to bed, but at 2:00 a.m., she woke up miserable again...back to 103. I stayed home from work with her & took her to see Dr. Jon. I honestly thought it was going to be an ear infection, so I was so surprised when he said she had strep throat. Dylan was so brave & let him swab her throat without throwing a fit! I was surprised. She was too busy telling him stories about her "Bubba, Bubba Boo". I have never had strep so I have no idea what it's like, but I hear it's horrible. She has been pretty pitiful today (I'm having to type this with my left hand because she's curled up on my right side...not easy). My heart goes out to her. I would give anything to switch places with her... My camera is in the car & I am exhausted so maybe I will post pictures tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for all!


On a side note, why is it your child can have a high fever for 24 hours but as soon as you take them to the doctor, they're back to 98.6? Seriously, it happens every time! And as soon as I got her home, she was back up to 102!?! Does this happen to anyone else? IT'S SO FRUSTRATING!

Happy Thanksgiving (2 days late)

I have had such a busy week! In 3 out of 4 days, I drove to Fayetteville & back, Tahlequah & back, & Tulsa & back. This was also in addition to working all week!! I didn't even find the time to make a Thanksgiving post. I'm pretty disappointed in myself about this. For over a week, I've had an ongoing list in my head of things I am thankful for & I had planned to share some of them with you. Since I am a day late & a dollar short, I will spare you from "the list", but I would like to say that I realize how truly blessed I am. I have so much to be thankful for & thank God everyday for the blessings in my life! I have a wonderful family & wonderful friends. I love you all.

We still have one more stop...Thanksgiving at Dad & Christy's tomorrow. We are looking forward to it!! Maybe I will actually remember to take my camera. So far this week, I have forgotten to take it anywhere I've gone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving & survived Black Friday!!

A Thanksgiving Number....

I hope you're proud, Cat. I passed your song down to my daughter!

Here are the "original" lyrics....
"Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Fat Turkey, Fat Turkey
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Fat Turkeys Are We
We're Not hear for Livin', We're Here For Thanksgivin'
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Fat Turkeys Are We"

8 seconds to glory...

On Friday night, we met Josh, Mary, & Braxton at Ed Walker's for a yummy, greasy dinner. It was a lot of fun & the kids had a great time, ESPECIALLY after dinner when they got to ride the red pig!

Hope you're having fun in St. Croix, Josh & Mary! I'm so jealous.... Miss ya! :)

Happy Birthday Ms. Chris!

We would like to send a very special birthday wish to Ms. Chris...

We love you so much & can't express how thankful we are to have you in our lives (you too Mr. Marty but it's not your birthday). Dylan is such a smart, sweet girl & we know that you all have helped make her who she is. We can't imagine our lives without you. We love you so much & appreciate you more than you know. I hope you have had a wonderful day. Happy Birthday!!

The Big Trim......

We went in today for Dylan's haircut. So far, so good....we still have curls! Dylan was a little skiddish at first, but all it took was a dinosaur for her to hold & she was ready. Katie cut about an inch off, maybe a little more. I think I could've done more, but she encouraged me to take it slow this first time. She probably didn't want to deal with me (or Ryan) acting like a blubbering idiot if I didn't like it. Dylan's hair looks much healthier & she is so proud of it! I told her earlier that I loved her new haircut. She looked up at me so seriously & said, "Thanks, mommy. Katie do it. I'm glad you like it." Such a big girl! Thank you, Katie!!

WARNING...

This is just a "friendly" WARNING....

Tomorrow I am taking Dylan to get her hair cut. Why you ask??? Because she needs it! It has gotten a little stringy underneath & is way past due on a trim. In fact, she has only had one other hair cut when she was 6 or 7 months old! I hope it doesn't take her "beautiful" curls away... Katie (Dylan's beautician) says it may make her curls bounce back up, but REGARDLESS, it is a decision I have made & it needs to be done. Basically, I don't want to hear "why did you cut it" or "what were you thinking"! It's just a little trim, but I'm struggling with it SO if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!! I might cry....

Love to all!
Ang

"The" Lunch Bag

Last night, Dylan & I went to Kohl's to use a free $10 coupon I had. Needless to say, I used it on Dylan. She looked at all the toys & liked many, but she fell in love with this Sesame Street lunch bag. I'm not sure what the big attraction was, but she couldn't part with it. She told me a lot of stories about what she wanted to do with her new lunch bag & about "all the picnics" she would take it on. Seriously now, that's pretty cute! How could I resist? When I went into her room to check on her before going to bed, she had put it in bed with her & was holding on to it. It was precious!! Being the good, memory making mom I'm striving to be, I decided to get up a few minutes earlier than normal & make her a picnic breakfast in the new lunch bag. She was more than excited when I told her the surprise that awaited her! I don't think buttered toast, peeled apple slices, & juice have ever tasted better. She ate it all!!

Sleeping with her new treasure

"What is it mommy?"

5:45 is a little early for the paparazzi!!

Last week in review

Last week, Dylan got to spend a lot of time with some of her favorite people! On Tuesday night, we took her down to Josh's house for a post-bath, play date with Braxton. They were so excited to see each other!! They SHRILL screamed almost the entire time....just out of pure excitement. They L-O-V-E each other SO much! On Wednesday night, Katie & the girls (& Jordan) came over for pizza. It was a lot of fun. Dylan loves spending time with Punka & Baby Karlee. We had quite an exciting night, didn't we Katie?? :) On Thursday, Dylan & I went to Jennifer's house for a scentsy party, where she got to see several of mommy's good friends. And then on Friday, Dylan & I headed to Fayetteville to stay with Aunt Rachel. We shopped, ate, shopped, & ate. Carraba's & PF Chang's in 2 days=HEAVEN! It was a lot of fun!! We could've stayed longer!

Braxton & Dylan~~ can you tell they like being together? :)

Dylan playing with Baby Karlee

Punka, Dylan, & Meatball "playing kitchen"

The girls playing with Dylan's Dora AquaDoodle

Posing outside of Build-A-Bear in Rogers. She was so proud of her new puppies!

Isn't she cute??