July 6, 2006 To me, it is amazing how children would much rather help with chores, than play with their toys, until they reach a certain age, I am sure. However, we are still in the "its fun" stages with both of our boys. Anytime the dishwasher is open, the baby will climb in. He also likes to ride on top of the vaccum cleaner. Every stage of a childs life is better than the last. We are in the discovery stage with the baby now, I am looking forward to what tomorrow will bring, as he will be 10 months old....already.

I was born and raised in the south. I love sweet iced tea, southern fried chicken, and good home made cat heads. (large biscuits for those of you that don't know) My husband, on the other hand, was born and raised in New York. His taste buds are not accustomed to the "Southern" foods that I have a wonderful love for.

After visiting my mom's garden the other day, I asked if I could please have a few green tomatos for frying. She brought over four nice sized green tomatos yesterday, and I made them for MY breakfast this morning. I say MY, simply because my husband will not eat much fried food, so typically, I don't bother to fry anything. Which is fine, but occasionally I like a treat, and oh boy were these wonderfully delicious!

Life as we know it will never be the same. Not for my husband, myself, or the family cat. We have children.

Having children really does change everything. Suddenly you see yourself looking at the world thru their eyes. Colors of the rainbow are more vibrant, more vivid. You look forward to rainy days, just so that you can build an inside fort made of blankets and pillows. Playdoh becomes a staple item in your barrage of playthings, and clinging pots and pans have never sounded so musical. Long days at the park, snuggle time, coloring, and blowing bubbles take on a new meaning.

I asked our oldest son, who was almost 4,at the time, to wash his hands and face so that we could take a few pictures of him and his baby brother. An assignment that he accepted gladly. I few moments later I heard the water running. "Please go turn off the water in your bathroom", I asked. "Sure thang", he replied. A few moments later myears were met with a loud bang and crying. I ran down the hallway to be greeted by my son lying on the floor, surrounded by water. Yes, that's right, he plugged up the sink, and left the water running. We were flooded. When I asked him why he left the water running, his reply was, "I'm not sure mommie, I guess my brain wasn't working."

Sure there are sleepless nights in the beggining, and nights that you have to chase away boogy men, that's just a small part of it. Yes, becoming a parent is certainly a challenge. Since neither of our boys came with a little instruction book, we always find ourselves second guessing many of the decisions that we have made for them. It's hard, but certainly worth it. The best thing about not knowing exactly what is right, is, neither do they. ;)

It's wonderful, parenthood. Being a stay at home mom has certainly kept me busier than I ever was when I was a dental assistant working almost 40 hours a week. I am more tired at the end of my day, and when I lay my head down at night to drift off to dreamland, I know that I am making a difference. I know that I have met my lifes calling when I see our children smile, and my oldest comes to me and says, "Mommie, do you realize how much I love you?" For me, life is good... life is great.

Our State Capitol Building is located in the City of Columbia, and is home to the State's General Assembly. Started in 1851, the capitol building was not finally completed until 1907.As Sherman's army swept thru the City on February 17 1865, the State House was burned. The State House bears 6 bronze stars indicating where it was hit by Sherman's cannons.