Mommie's Little Helper
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.
He takes after me
Our children are the light of my life. Our oldest son is 4 and a half. (can't forget that half) He is wonderfully intellegent for a child his age. He takes after both his Daddy and me. Combining my husbands love of gardening, and my love of photography. Today we ventured out to the front yard. (its been so hot lately inside is the best place to be) He with his little HP 1MP camera in tow, and me with my little A80. We photographed what locals refer to as "Maypops". A strange little plant that produces pod like objects. I have him convinced these are alien pods, and if left alone, will hatch. (snicker) He believes me, I am his Mommie afterall, why shouldn't he?? ;-)
25-JUN-2006
Fried Green Tomatos
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!
24-JUN-2006
The New "Family" Member
Please Meet Hoppy. We found him outside near our son's pool, and decided to let him keep him, and we will figure out the details later. The Entomologist has been wanting a pet all his own, and this fit the bill nicely. We are going to head out here in awhile to the hardware store to purchase a few crickets for him. I am going to do my part, and research what is needed to see that he can survive in captivity. I know that it would be best to return him to the backyard, but I am not going to break my son's heart for that. We will manage, and Hoppy will have a great owner that loves him dearly.
UPDATE: Hoppy is an American Toad. Does not cause warts, and will eat a variety of different 'critters'.
It Will Never Be the Same
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.
He's just a politician
The State House grounds are covered with squirrels, and several variety of birds. It is not out of the ordinary to see folks sitting on the lawn, feeding the squirrels by hand. This one was kind enough to stop for the local paparazzi.
15-JUN-2006
South Carolina State Capitol Building
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.
15-JUN-2006
James F. Byrnes Statue
"You can not lift the state economically without raising the education level of people." James F. Byrnes
This is a small part of a larger statue on the Statehouse Grounds, but from my angle and the lighting, I was unable to do this wonderful statue justice. A small part is better than none.