Updates

Gosh, it's been awhile. It seems I am starting to slack on my blogging more and more. Part of that is due to the fact that we were all sick for over a week. Blah! I have NEVER, EVER had a sore throat like that before. It was unbelievable...and no, it wasn't strep.

Friday the 5th and Sunday the 7th, I spent time over my friend's, Kathy, house. She helped me make a dress for Grace that I had been wanting to do. I am really into being crafty lately. It's so much fun to take a bunch of materials, be it fabric, ribbons, or beads, and turn them into beautiful garments, bows, and jewelry. Here is the dress we made Gracie. It still has to be hemmed, which will be done after the bloomers are made.

Ben has officially started walking. I know, I know...15 months is a bit late, but still with in the "normal" parameters. I wasn't worried about him, just tired of toting him around! He's a hefty little guy...26.5 lbs at his last check-up! He is also officially weaned. *sniff* That was an emotional decision to make. We both enjoyed the nursing experience. I can hear it now from some of you..."You nursed him for 15 months!! That's just not right!" Well, YOU would be wrong. There are HUGE benefits for both mother and child for extended breastfeeding. Did you know that the AAP, WHO, CDC, AAFP, and many other medical organizations not only recommend breastfeeding EXCLUSIVELY for the first six months (meaning nothing else but breastmilk), but to continue breastfeeding for at least one to two years (that varies among the groups) and as long as mutually desired after that. :) Okay...I could go on and on about the wonderful virtues of nursing, but I will quit for now. I am just very thankful that I was able to give that gift to my children.

Saturday, we all went over Grandma and Grandpa Shirley's. My Aunt Janice was supposed to be coming home from Louisiana and we were all going to have a cookout. However, she was, well, detained. :) Regardless, we had fun while we were there. George and I left early to go to Sonja's graduation party. Mom and Dad kept the kids for us. It was only the second time in 16 months that we have left the both of them with someone. We had a really great time at the party. A lot of people couldn't stay or had to cancel at the last minute, but those of us who stayed enjoyed visiting and playing Cranium. Fun, fun! When we finally got back to my parents to pick up the kids, they were both asleep...Ben on Dad and Gracie on Mom. Too bad we didn't have the camera...it would have been a cute picture.

Sunday was Mother's Day. We had a great day. We got up (late!) and went to church. Pastor Paul gave a really wonderful message on mothers. Then we stayed around for a bit to visit with friends and headed to Dillard's to get Mom's present. Mom and Dad picked up KFC and brought it home where we all ate. None of the boys were there (3 of the 4 are in the Army), but at least Mom had her girls with her. Kerry "had too much to do" at his house, but he did show up later...after he ran out of gas on the way home and mom and dad had to go get him.

Mom had received flowers from the boys on Friday. Ryan gave her a pair of jogging capris. George and I gave her a pair of white capris and a coral shirt. George and the kids gave me this. Oh, and I also was allowed to buy more supplies to feed my crafting addiction. Here are a few pictures of the day:

Mom's reaction to Dad's card...she cracked up!

Ben attacking "Bubba" the bear: Ben just looking cute:

The kids and I:

Gracie:

Oh, and in other news...I have now almost made it to my initial goal in my weight loss...25 lbs lost so far this year. Woohoo! (Actually, I've lost 21, but I'm almost there!) Now only 5,000 more to go. Ho hum....