Questions Answered!

I know ya'll are probably thinking I forgot! I did have a lot of questions asked (some in person!), so here goes with a few:

What did you do before you had Moses?

Well, I have my real estate license but I was working full time as a case manager at an insurance brokerage firm. Basically I was the communication point between brokers and the big companies they were selling the polices for. I loved the people I worked with and I miss them tons. Sheila, if you are reading this I know I need to visit!

Do you want more kids?

Yes, absolutely. You guys will be the first to know...ha!

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Wow, good one. Whenever writing anything, pretend it will be printed int he NY Times. Hands down the best advice. I have a lot of notes and old letters from my grandparents. Nothing scathing at all. But how easy is it to fire off an email, text, or Facebook status message these days? Once you do it.is.there.forever! People can virtually see or keep it long after. I personally am very fond of the draft feature or just open up a "blank sheet" on my computer and write something to myself. I think this has saved me a lot of grief!

What is your parenting style?

Umm, whatever works? No, I try to fix problems as soon as they come up. If it is going to be no every time, it has be no right now. If you let kids get away with something once they will think they can do it every time. I use time outs, distractions, and we talk about expectations. I require an "ok, mom" after I give directions. So, far it's working for us. If you see me in public and I'm losing my mind you know it's not!

What kind of camera do you use?

A Nikon D40. I want to upgrade and take some classes in the near future.

Do you still coupon?

YES! I have figured out style of couponing that works for me. I am still saving a solid 30%.

How are your New Years Resolutions going?

Oh geez, I am so busted. I have been most successful at Bible study. It is on a "school" schedule and I will start back in the fall every Wednesday. It has been the biggest blessing for me. I want get into the weight loss...blaaaah!

This was fun! Please send more!! You can leave a comment or send them via email starrose@hotmail.com!

One more month...

This big boy will be two! This last month has been full of changes for Moses. He has gone to the potty twice, but has since lost interest. I am going to work on that more at the end of August...maybe. Also, no more crib. He started climbing out of the pack and play at my parent's house and then his crib when he got home. He is now sleeping in the toddler bed. It is going SO much better that I thought it would. I listened to some great advice and we do not insist that he stay in his bed. He has actually fallen asleep in it a few times but usually crashes on the floor. (There are just a few stuffed animals that he can get to.) He cries a little when we leave him, no more than he did when he was in a crib. When he is asleep we put him in the bed and he is good till the next morning. Naps are shorter but I think in a few weeks it will even out. I am SO proud of him for doing this well.

He is also talking up a storm! He is speaking in sentences. A lot of his phrases are:

I want... (rocky, cheese, cracker, etc)

I like .... (chicken, cookie, Buzz)

Silly...(Buzz, dog, daddy)

Love you daddy!

Catch fish, papa!

There are probably a lot more but those are the ones he uses the most. He is getting SO smart. He'll try to distract you with one thing so he can get to something else he's usually not suppose to have. He has become much more obedient (jinx!) when we tell him he cannot do something. Honestly, as family we don't ever really eat out much so I have kept my promise about never taking him out to eat again, ha!

Probably the biggest thing in Moses' life right now is Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear is his most favorite thing in the world. He gets to watch the movie once a day, usually while I am cooking dinner. He does not move. He laughs and talks to the TV. When we go to Target, we pick up a Buzz toy and it rides with us in the cart. (We have explained to Moses that Buzz lives at Target and we put him back and say goodbye before we leave.) We are thinking mommy and daddy might pick him up for Moses birthday.

I am so happy we have such a loving sweet boy. Everyone who knows him just adores him and he seems to love people too. We love you buddy and can't wait to celebrate two years of Moses in just a few short weeks!

G-Chat with Gaga and Papa

We tried g-chatting for the first time last night with Gaga and Papa. Moses really loved it. After talking for a while, he wanted to know where their dog Sunny was! He really wanted to talk to whole family. I think this will be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends!

Hey Baby Barnes!

Emily and Barnes came to visit yesterday! I was SO excited!! Emily lived so close when Moses was born and we miss her and Will so much, especially since they have possibly the cutest baby in the world now! Isn't he just the cutest!

Moses did pretty well with him, but you can tell he is really used to playing with toddlers. When they pulled up he took one look at Emily and said, "Baby Barnes?" He gave him hugs and kisses and a few toys and tried to hold his hand. He had a few moments where he wasn't exactly as gentle and then took it out on mommy, but he was pretty good for the most part.

We had so much fun Emily and Barnes! We hope to see you again very soon!

The End of Vacation

Towards the end of our beach vacation, Auntie Amber came to visit. She was SO sweet to bring Moses some beach toys. I even got to have some beach time with her while Moses and Daddy took a nap.

We also took some time to take Moses to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. At first he wasn't too excited. I honestly think that he was afraid that the fish could get him (thus the reason for the pacifier out in public). Once he realized that he was "safe" he ran around shouting "Catch fish!"

After chasing fish, we took Moses to eat at El's Drive in where he accidentally had a burger El's way (mustard, chili, onions and slaw). I didn't think he would eat it, but he could not get enough.

We had a great time at the beach and really enjoyed having Brett to ourselves for a week. I was SO sad to see him go back to work. We had such a nice time "vacationing" at my parents and then hanging out with each other at home. It has been so weird this week being back on schedule. Hope we can do it again sometime soon!

Wish you were here....

We're tired, so we need a vacation. We've been spending our 4th of July at Emerald Isle. It makes me feel sorry for people who don't live near the NC coast. How sad for them!

So, we're busy with moon pies, boat rides, sand castles, and other things. We'll write more when we get home.

Hello Summer

You're my blue sky you're my sunny days

Lord knows it makes me high when you turn your love my way,

Turn your love my way, yeah