What's Truly Important

For any of you who know me and know the hubs very well you understand pretty quickly that I am the one who talks the most, ok all the time. Yes the hubs talks of course, if it is about farming or cattle or pigs he will talk to anyone anytime anywhere but in most settings he isn't going to say much, sometimes that is because most of what he has to say isn't exactly appropriate. I have developed a love for the inappropriate over the years. This leads to times when we are somewhere if he speaks up I usually try to listen up because he has something to say with thought and purpose.

One of these moments that stopped me in my tracks happened earlier this week as we were having a parent teacher conference with Charlot's teacher. The teacher and I were talking as normal and the hubs was listening, we were discussing her grades, completing her work, her scores on the Stanford test, how Charlot wanted to do show and tell and anything else we could discuss. When suddenly the hubs says, "All of these things are great but is she a good person, a good friend, is she kind?" I sat for a minute and listened as the teach assured us that yes she is all of those things that she tries her best to be kind to everyone. Maybe we are doing ok at this parenting thing.

Pretty soon the conference was over the hubs told us he had to get back to work and would see us later and Charlot and I headed out to pick up her brother. As I drove the hubs words just kept coming back into my head, is she a good person, a good friend, is she kind?. I just couldn't shake the fact that possibly I was focused on the wrong things, now hear me out yes grades and test scores are very VERY important, but is being kind not just as important. All my years of focusing on her grades never once had I asked the simple question he asked, and I know he didn't ask it to make me think, he wanted to make certain we weren't raising a jerk. He for sure didn't ask the question in hopes it would cause me to blog, LOL. But he asked because he cares.

So get to the point right? Maybe just maybe if we all focused a little more on being good people, being good friends, and being kind we would and could truly change the direction this world is headed. I guess next time you or I might see our kid not performing quite as well as we'd expect weather it be sport, showing, school, whatever remember that yes these things are very important but there is a bigger picture in life that we need to help paint as well.

Be good, be a good friend, and be kind.

Charlot's Famous Shrimp Pasta

My children LOVE shrimp is that strange? When asked what her favorite foods are out of Charlot's, top 10 because who doesn't have a top ten, at least four are shrimp of some kind. But this dish it takes the cake for number two spot on the little bits list...why isn't it number one because tacos are number one and truly I never question or doubt someone who keeps tacos so high on their priority list. 

The awesome thing about this dish is Charlot can make nearly all of it on her own with very little supervision from me! BONUS DAYS!!! She loves to cook and create in the kitchen and obviously by the below picture her brother has no problems being her assistant. If you are in the mood for a quick and easy yet delicious supper this should be on your radar!!! Get your kids involved as well you might be surprised just how much more they will try when they are helping to prepare the meal! Charlot created Conrad recommended! 

Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce

1 lb Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined)

1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

3 TBSP Butter (divided)

1 pint Heavy Cream

1 TBSP Minced Garlic

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Pepper

1 Lemon (zest and juice)

2 Cups Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 bag fresh spinach

½ lb Fettuccine Noodles

Place shrimp in a large bowl and toss with Red Pepper Flakes. In a large pot boil water and salt it prior to adding noodles cook according to package directions and drain. While pasta is cooking in large non stick skillet melt 1 tbsp of butter add in the shrimp and cook until just pink. Remove shrimp from skillet in the same skillet melt additional butter add in cream and garlic and cook over a medium heat allow to reduce until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Stir in lemon juice, zest and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add in spinach and allow the leaves to wilt. Toss the sauce with noodles and top with shrimp. Add additional cheese to the top.   

Here my celebrity chef is making her cooking publication debut, she reminded me she has been in the paper before for coloring contests. Well thank you sweet child I will try to remember just how famous and multi-talented you are. But in all honesty I couldn't be more proud of her and more excited for this love of cooking to continue to develop.

Happy 1st Birthday Conrad

Happiest of birthday's to my little buddy/momma's boy Mr. Conrad. I can hardly believe that it has been a year since we laid eyes on each other and frankly we haven't separated much since. You have taught me that my heart could double in size once again and that the love I have will grow more more each day. You have also taught me that Charlot was a cake walk you may cause me to have a heart attack one day with your fear of NOTHING! But seriously little guy I wouldn't have you any other way. Just look at your face you look at life like no other and see it then charge right through.

I sure am glad that the good Lord decided it was in my best interest to make me your mom. I have loved every minute of it I smile all the time for you buddy. As we grow together we are sure to fight and get frustrated but remember always that momma loves you no matter what and that you truly are a Gift to everyone around you.

On a side note check those pretty flowers out they are at my home yes that's right Charlot and I planted each and everyone! Pollinating season is coming so this is probably the best they will look all year!

   What else can I say HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONRAD, thanks for joining our crazy Daddy, Momma and Charlot love you so much! Now let's go spend your night watching your sister play softball.

I will post pictures from his Baseball party soon!

11 Months

Since this little sliver of Heaven will be turning one later this week I have finally decided to post his 11 month pictures, which were taken right when he turned 11 months, I just couldn't bring myself to post them and see how truly big he is! This boy is so very happy and such a joy to our lives. He is cutting more teeth (everyday it seems), has learned to patty cake, blow kissed, says mama, dada, bye bye, hi, and ought oh.

Just look at that ornery grin we are in so much trouble with this one! He has no fear of anything and will go wherever he thinks he can get without getting into trouble.

I try to do a picture with the two of them each month, this one wasn't super great as she had just fallen off her bike and he was determined he was going to remove her hand from his belly. 

Mr. Conrad you are such a blessing that drives me to the crazy point each and everyday but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love that you are a momma's boy but you could share you love with just a few others every now and then. Thanks for challenging me and a better mom for both you and your sister!
     

9 Months

This weekend a few dear friends reminded me that I have this little thing called a blog, HA! I have been the worst blogger I believe I have ever been recently! Let's hope I can get back into the groove. With that said Mr. Conrad is 9 MONTHS old (ok we are getting closer to 10 months at this point). I took these pictures on his 9 month birthday right before story and bedtime. He was acting pretty dang silly during them.

This month has been full of allergies aka snot, sneezing and wheezing for the poor little guy but he has been a trooper smiling through it all. Seriously he is one of the happiest kids I have ever been around he is constantly laughing and smiling. I can't imagine him being any other way. Currently we are weighing in at 18 lbs, and have nine teeth. His current words are Hi, Ott Oh, Dada.  Conrad is a lover of food, crawling, cruising around and getting into everything, sister, and last but certainly not least his momma. He loves me and stalks me like his prey, cute but sometimes I could use a moment. I will cherish it while I can!

 The above picture is how sweetly they play together Charlot absolutely loves her little brother except when he pulls hair or he touches Truman.

Then the sweet play ends when Sir Conrad goes into full on attack mode and just wants to be all over his sister. 

Oh Conrad we couldn't imagine life without you...you make our days full of joy and honestly terror due to your lack of fear of anything. Please stay the happy, crazy, fun boy you are!

8 Months

So this post is late, surprise surprise! But there is a good reason I swear! I did however manage to take these pictures just before my baby boy turned 8 months old. I took these pictures nearly three weeks ago the very day that all heck decided to break loose for us. Little photo session was so much fun and I am so glad I got it because most of the pigs are too big now. 

Anyway to cut a long story short about why life got even crazier than normal for us is on Super Bowl Sunday my gallbladder decided to completely give out. I mean it had been on its very way out for a few days but Sunday night after we attended a Birthday/Super Bowl celebration I decided I couldn't take the pain any longer. The hubs took the kids to my parents and took me to the emergency room. Pretty much as soon as I checked in they said you are having a gallbladder attack. Then they admitted me and by 8:30 the following morning it was determined I was going to need surgery as soon as possible. So before noon on that Monday my gallbladder and I said our good byes. I went home the next day and began the recovery process, not a fun one at all! But we weren't done with our crazy within a week of my surgery I was still feeling awful, both the hubs and Charlot got a vicious stomach bug. We are all now on the road to full recovery but posting poor Conrad's 8 month pictures had to be a bit delayed. What I can say is I am so thankful for my parents they have been amazing the past few weeks, from keeping our family going to keeping my baking business going they were on top of it! 

Now back to this little sweetie! He and the pigs became fast friends during this photo shoot, well he and the straw did as well. I can't tell you how much joy Conrad brings to our lives. He is the happiest kid, always smiling, and very adventurous. He is crawling everywhere and into everything. Plus has started to pull up every now and again. Scary to think he might be walking wayyy sooner than I'd prefer. 

Currently is sleeping well (I should knock on wood or something), eats pretty much what every is put in front of him, has at least 8 teeth (could be more but sticking your hand in there is risky business) and loves to torment his sister's playroom.

We couldn't imagine our lives without you sweet little boy, you are learning and growing more and more each day. Having you is a joy, a busy joy but a joy. Even though you sharted (you ready that right) on me last night! Another story for another time! Happy 8 months sweet baby boy we love you!!!

A reminder of the importance of blogging...

So I have been a terrible blogger lately I'll be the first to admit it. I want to be better I really do and sometimes it just takes a kick in the rump to do just that. Today I was checkout another ladies blog and I saw all the pictures of her kids from over the years and instantly I knew I had just gotten my kick.

You see I started this whole blog as a way to scrapbook our life that our family and friends could see. As to start off I want to catch you to a little bit of speed in our life. We enjoyed an amazing little Christmas break I was able to be home with the kiddos from the 15th of December until January 3rd. It could not have been more amazing, thinking of Christmas break home with my kids is what gets me through the hot long summer hours of my job.

We enjoyed sleeping in late, going on lunch dates, making Christmas ornaments, playing board games and pretty much just being together. These pictures are a small look at the fun we had.

The Christmas tree and the baby met became friend and nearly came face to face as he nearly pulled it over.

A little snow occurred which called for snow angels...do you think she possibly needs new snow pants???

RaRa came home that's a happy pair right there.

And she brought Christopher, Conrad is finding him to be a ok.

Snuggle time reading the night before Christmas. Please don't mind the Hubs creepy facial hair.

Christmas morning joy.

I got many wonderful gifts this year at Christmas more than I deserved but this one was my favorite. Hand selected and made by my sweet daughter. She knows me so well, inside that wrapping paper...a peanut butter cup, that's the way to momma's heart.

This year was the best, I'm pretty sure I say that every year but each and every year I feel more and more blessed to lead the life I do. Thanks for sticking with us and continuing to read.

Seven Months

I warned all of you that this would more than likely my next post so no my baby didn't age a month a in a week. He just happens to have a momma who slacks a bit in blogging. 

So yes Mr. Conrad is seven, crying a bit, seven months old. He decided to kick his seventh month off with a bang...oh yes he had influenza A. A little scary for momma and daddy but with in a few days he was feeling much better and back to our smiley baby again. This little guy is so much fun, he loves eating especially peas, has four teeth, weighs 15 pounds and is so so so close to crawling. As you can tell by his sweater he is still teething slobber is the norm.

Conrad loves to laugh and squeal and be heard. We kind of refer to it as his dolphin call we hear it all the time.

The previous picture and this one were taken about five minutes apart. I had taken off his clothes which he loves being naked and apparently wanted to stay naked for night because these pj's seriously ticked him off.

This little guys is such a blessing in our life and he is so so loved. My heart is so full when I see the two of them together. Their love for one another is like no other. 

Happy seventh month Conrad we sure are glad you are apart of us!

Six Months

Conrad is six months old!!! Well actually he is getting closer to seven months because I did a terrible job of getting these pictures posted in a timely manner. Let's get realistic I have pretty much been a terrible blogger the last few months! I will do better! Anyway I did take these pictures right when he reached this milestone so at minimum I have the photos dated correctly! Please don't judge when next week I post his seven month pictures, again I will do better!

As you can see I thought a photo shoot in front of the tree would be a great idea. It did make for a few really cute shots but it also made for fists full of fake tree branches. As you can see in the above picture he was pretty great at grabbing ornaments. I was pretty ok with it his sister on the other had nearly had a stroke each time he would take one off. I would have to reminder her that we just have to watch him and take them away.

I think this is his well mother as you can see this ornament was no challenge for me pose and it will promptly be going into my mouth.

At six months this little guy continues to bring so much joy to our lives, he is the happiest baby. I know that everyone has their own opinion but seriously if you have spent much time with this kid you would agree he is happy happy happy. His laugh is so infectious I can't help but laugh right along with him He has one tooth and another nearly through, loves to eat especially peas, and rice cereal with peanut butter. Conrad is also very close to sitting up on his own and would love to crawl but can get just about anywhere with scooting and rolling. 

Conrad you are so loved and adored, Momma, Daddy and Sister Sue wouldn't know what to do with out you! Thanks for joining our crazy and loving to be apart of it!

5 months...plus reflections

Our sweet little Conrad celebrated 5 months with us last week. And I had complete plans to post the following day and well kind of typical it didn't happen. In all seriousness this little boy has stolen my heart in exactly the same and such a different way as his big sister did. Everyone told me that  your heart will grow and you have room in there for another. I didn't really believe it but man oh man were they right. They were also correct about that the love for your other child grows as well. I am nearly brought to tears every single time I see the two of them together she loves him so much and he watches her every move!

I will say that the hubs and I hit the jackpot when it comes to good babies. Charlot was amazing she rarely fussed, played easily, was really happy, and loved sleep. We were worried that we were crazy to chance it again but man oh man did we get the world's happiest baby. Conrad is constantly smiling, talking and moving and shaking. I can't tell you how many people have said to me he is just the happiest baby. And truly he is. We are so bless and thankful. Happy 5 months Conrad thanks for joining in on our crazy.

I have been reflecting on this for quite sometime and I never really had the courage to put the words down but I need them off my heart and out of my head. You see late last month it had been a year since my papa passed away, something I still struggle with. I still cry, I still talk about him because I want Charlot to remember him and I want Conrad to know him, I still think about him all the time.

For those of you who don't know I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for several weeks to confirm my pregnancy last fall. Then my papa passed away and I was never able to tell him that I was expecting again. (When we told him about Charlot he nearly jumped out of his skin). Well lo and behold his funeral was held the day before my scheduled appointment. On Monday we laid him to rest and my heart broke and broke, then on Tuesday my prayers were answered and my heart soared I got to hear our babies heart beat for the first time. Talk about an emotional roller coaster.

The bible says that the good Lord giveth and the Good Lord taketh away, and truly last October he did that for me. It was time for one of the most important men in my life to go home and in the same turn it was time for another important man to enter my life.  I truly see so much of papa in my sweet little Conrad. His sideways smile, his laugh and his desire to be heard (papa always needed to be heard). Some may think it is just me wanting to see it and maybe it is but for me it is his way of saying you did good and I'm ok.

Thanks papa for being the man you were and continue to be in my life I pray I can raise my children to be as full of love as you were. You created a Beautiful Family and Life. Love and Miss you ALWAYS

What a fun fall weekend!

I have had the pictures uploaded for this post for several weeks now but just never really made the time to sit down and write the words out! HA! So now it is officially late like 11:30p.m. on Tuesday evening and I have finally completed all the tasks for the evening, supper, laundry (never ending), mixing up cookie dough, figuring out snack for 20 pre-k/kindergarten kiddos, creating a grass skirt (from a plastic table cloth) and continuing to handel this whole feeding my child from my body thing. Lord of mercy this has been a long day. So why not stay up a bit longer and actually complete a blog!

A few weekends ago my high school celebrated Homecoming and our little Miss had the honor of being asked to be the little princess. Charlot's swim teacher Reagan was the homecoming queen last year and she was so kind to ask our little one to do this with her.

Of course this honor required a few new outfits and a bucket full of candy to throw in the parade. She was so excited to ride in the parade then get to go on the field at half time of the game to help crown the new king and queen.

Standing in front of the high school gym where I played many many basketball games and where I hope to watch her and her brother play someday. This is after the parade she is hiding the bucket so I won't see that she threw very little candy out, she was saving it just in case.

It was pretty dang chilly the night of the game so Conrad thought Pap's lap was a pretty dang good place to be.

Then Aunt Lauren thought both children would provide an excellent source of body heat.

Such a good looking group. Reagan was so sweet and got Charlot her own little crown to wear for the night.

I think they are some pretty proud grandparents. The thing is we are just as proud to call them Pap and Grandma.

Pictures with Momma and Daddy we are so happy that God decided she was ours.

One last picture of our little princess.