Anna . . .

the letter of the day

2012-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

P is for park.

Tuesday we took Dylan to Torres Park. The Parish did an awesome job renovating the park. It has new playground equipment, two new gazebos, pedal boats, kayaks, fishing, a rope bridge, and a rock and water feature modeled after Monkey Hill at Audubon Zoo. All this right in our backyard!

He loves the slide!

Posing by the rock feature!

Daddy & Dylan!

Us on the bridge!

Kevin would throw the bread in the air and the birds would catch it!

P is for party.

Last Saturday night we went to my dad's uncle's 70th birthday party at Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. We had a great time, the food was great, and it was nice seeing family that we hardly ever see.

Raw Oysters

Kevin tried raw oysters for the first time!

Dylan kept wanting to go outside

People watching! There were 3 bums hanging out across the street. It was kinda chilly outside and one was barefoot!

Looking down from the balcony - Iberville St.

P is for pull-ups.

Guess who is wearing pull-ups now? We call them big boy drawers!

Dylan modeling his pull-ups!

P is for priceless.

I love being a mommy! Sure there are times when he drives me crazy and I want to go hide somewhere but those times are few. It's all a part of being a parent. You love them when they are good and bad! And I have to admit that it is hard to stay mad or upset at him! He is too cute even when he is being bad!

Me to Kevin: "Dylan is being really quiet back there."So I turn to check on him and this is what I find . . . him chewing on his shoelaces!

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was so much fun with Dylan - watching him open up his gifts and seeing the excitement in his eyes

each time he was handed a gift and saw what the gift was. Kevin and I were just as excited as he was (probably even more).

Twas the night before Christmas at the Cazeaux house

Everyone was still wide awake, even the mouse!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

and gifts were piled up everywhere!

Mommy and Daddy's gift!

Opening up presents!

MOOOORE!

I think he likes it!

Dressed and ready to go see Mi Mi and Nanny!

Thanks Nanny!

Mi Mi, Nanny, Mommy, Daddy and Dylan!

Us!

Then we went visit Pawpaw Al and Nana!

Us, Jo Jo, Pawpaw Al, Nana, Nanny, and De De!

We went to church and then we went to Pawpaw and Mawmaw's house!

Us, Mawmaw, Pawpaw, Kavin, and Kain!

On New Year's Eve we went to church for our annual Watch Night Service and then we went to Shoney's. Going to Shoney's on New Year's Eve has been a tradition in my family since forever. We watched some fireworks and then went home to get some much needed sleep! New Year's Day we slept in and then went visit with Kevin's family!

Shoney's!

Us New Year's Day!

Sparkler with Daddy!

Dylan's b-day and b-day party

2011-12-22T16:42:00.000-08:00

Dylan's bday cupcake!

Yummy!

Finger lickin good!

The train conducter the day of his birthday party!

Someone at Rouses needs to learn how to spell! lol

Party invitation and

train party favors I made!

Real simple. All you need is some candy and a hot glue gun!

Super long obstacle course! The kids loved it!

Here he comes!

I don't think he was liking the costume!

But he sure did enjoy his cake!

The birthday boy and his lil friends!

Random pictures of Dylan

2011-12-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Looking at the lights at Christmas in the Oaks

In Storyland. Do you know what story this if from?

Still at Christmas in the Oaks!

Icee!

and Popcorn!!!

The day of his 2nd birthday . . . being silly!

and sillier!

Coloring! Notice how he uses his toy as a seat!

Hiding from the doctor at his 2 year old checkup!

Daddy's hiding too!

Note to self: don't put bubble bath soap in a jacuzzi tub!

A Letter to the Birthday Boy

2011-12-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Dylan,

Today is your birthday. Two years ago, God blessed us with you. You were a nine pound little bruiser born not looking like either of us with your blond hair and blue eyes! We loved you the moment mommy knew she was pregnant and when the nurse placed you in our arms that love deepened. We knew that you were truly a gift from God and made a promise to Him that we would raise you according to His word. We would teach you to love Him and to have your own relationship with Him. The bible says to "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." It is God's promise to us. You have brought joy and happiness into our lives (along with some other feelings when you are being bad!)

We enjoy watching you grow and learn new things. This has been a learning experience for us as well as you.
We love you so much and pray you see many more birthdays!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin

2011-11-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was Kevin's birthday - he is getting old! I'm not going to tell you his age but you can guess when you see his cake. lol Every year we make each other a cake. This year his only request was "something with peanut butter", so I made him a chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling and icing. If you don't like peanut butter then you wouldn't like this cake!

Make a chocolate cake and bake it in two 9 inch round cake pans.

Pour milk and dry vanilla pudding mix into medium bowl. Beat 2 min. or until well blended. Add peanut butter; beat well. Place one of the cake layers on a cake platter; spread with 1 cup of the pudding mixture

Cover with remaining cake layer.

Gently stir whipped topping into remaining pudding mixture.

Spread over top and side of cake.

I decorated his cake with Reese peanut butter cups!

The finished product!

Happy Birthday Kevin!

For Thanksgiving I made a two layer pumpkin and cheescake pie. I had Dylan taste test it first and I think he liked it! You tell me!

He insisted on using 2 spoons!

Look at that pumpkin face!

So do you think he liked it?

Fun at the Fall Fest

2011-11-19T10:06:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Dylan and I went with my parents and two nephews to a Fall Fest at a church in Tickfaw. While my dad sang and played his trumpet and guitar, we all ate and had a good time! There was a petting zoo and a carousel with real horses! Dylan rode a horse for the first time and enjoyed it. He petted the sheep and goats and even managed to fall into some sheep poop! (lol, only my child!)

Slow down!

2011-11-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my lil' man is going to be two soon! Time is just flying by and I'm trying to keep up with it! lol. I feel like the last two years have went by in fast forward. I just want to rewind and pause for a little while. Before I know it he will be graduating highschool! lol. I know that's a looooong way from now but that's how fast life seems to be going.

So much has been going on. Me and my mom went to Ladies Conference and then there was the Harvest Party, Pastor Appreciation, and Youth Explosion. All were awesome and a success and now I can start planning Dylan's birthday party!

Corn on the cob!

Ladies Conference!

My mamma and I!

Beautiful Natchez, MS!

Dylan & Mommy!

Add caption

Playing after the Pastor Appreciation service!

The theme at this year's Harvest Party was western!

Preach it Brotha!

Dylan rehearsing with the quartet!

Fun Day at the Aquarium

2011-10-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we took Dylan to the Aquarium! Residents of certain Louisiana parishes could get in for half off so we took advantage of that and went! This was his first time and he loved it! After the Aquarium we walked over to the River Walk for some Haagen Dazs icecream! We ended the day with a trip to Lowes! lol

He kept calling the sea lion puppy!

Spending Time With Daddy

2011-09-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Dylan fixing the door!

Be careful with that!

He has his own toolbox!

Coloring with Daddy!

Sliding with Daddy!

Feeding the ducks!

I feel bad for this guy. Look at his bill all torn up!

Forgiveness

2011-09-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today makes 9 years that my brother has been gone. On January 25, 2008 the murderer plead guilty and my mother was able to address him. Some of what is written below was actually said to him (the last 2 paragraphs).

Before 9/11/02, I thought I knew what forgiveness was. Sure, I forgave my sister from hitting me or calling me names. I forgave my brother for breaking promises. Basically I forgave anyone who asked for forgiveness because it was really no big deal. The problem was small and the wrong done towards me was the kind you forget about the next day. I had no clue what true forgivness was.

Then wrong was done towards me and my family, the kind you never forget about - my brother was murdered. How can you forgive someone who has hurt someone you love and has taken that person away from you? How can you forgive someone who is selfish, who only thinks of himself when he is destroying the life of your loved one? How can you forgive someone who hurt an entire family? How can you forgive someone who left two little boys fatherless? How can you forgive and forget?

Three things I've learned:
1. In order to be forgiven of your own sins you must first forgive others. How can God forgive me of my wrong doings if I can't forgive those who have done wrong to me?
2. You CAN forgive with the help of God.
3. You don't have to forget. God doesn't ask us to forget the wrong that was done. He just asks that we forgive.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about that night. It's something that cannot be forgotten. It's something that will always exist. But true forgiveness enables me to think about that night without harboring feelings of bitterness and hatred towards the murderer. Bitterness destroys and God has called me to something greater, something higher. He has called me to forgive.

The road to forgiveness is scary and hard, but it's a road worth taking.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

The many faces of Dylan . . .

Which face is your favorite?

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

A look back . . .

Our home after Katrina (I wasn't married yet and still living at home)

Kitchen

We evacuated to Tickfaw to stay with family. Our make shift shower!

Part of the shower!

No electricity so we washed our clothes in a bucket and hung them out to dry.

It was so crowded where we were and hot inside so we slept in tents outside.

This is how we cooked!

Then we decided to go to Maryland to be with church family!

We stood with an awesome couple - the pastor and his wife of the Maryland church.

While we were there we made the most of it! Visiting Washington DC.

Arlington

My 2 nephews went to school and I took online courses.

Waiting for the school bus!

Eating crabs Maryland style with Sis. Libby!

Kevin with his bib! lol

Some of the Chalmette church folk that evacuated to Maryland also!

It was during Katrina that I realized that I couldn't live without Kevin! lol. When my parents told me we were going to Maryland I was heart broken! Kevin was with his family in Baton Rouge but because he loved me so much he left his family and followed us to Maryland. : ) We left Maryland a few days after Thanksgiving. 6 months later I graduated from college and a year after that Kevin and I were married!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you don't know by now . . . Dylan loves Monkey and Monkey loves showing up in all kinds of places!

Monkey's got a bo-bo from Dylan biting his nose :(

Just a thought

2011-08-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Some reason, lately I've been thinking about my friend Sam (I don't want to use his real name so Sam it is). He committed suicide a few years ago.

We rode the same bus in kindergarten, walked to school together in elementary, played with the same neighborhood kids. He would harass me like all boys do girls . . . you know like chase me and pull my hair. Eventually my family moved away but we would still see other when I was at my grandparents' house. He still hung out with my cousin and we talked when he would come over. He was a childhood friend.

Then my brother was murdered. Alot of friends and family came over for support including Sam, but he never once looked at me or told me hi or anything at all. I thought that was odd but later understood.

Sam was there when my brother was murdered. It was my brother, him, and the murderer that night. He knew my brother was dead and where his body was way before the cops discovered his body.

He became a witness when the trial began and a few days later he killed himself.

We would see him in the court house, occasionally make eye contact, even rode in the same elevator. We didn't hate him or try not to be in the same room. Sure I was upset but never once did I hold hatred for him in my heart. But neither did I tell him that.

Sometimes I find myself thinking what if. What if I would have talked to him after he testified. What if I had made it a point to tell him that I forgave him and that God could forgive him if he asked. What if I would have shared God's love with him.

He didn't kill my brother, but I'm sure he felt guilty knowing that he could've went to the cops or done something different but didn't. He probably had alot of what ifs too.

There's nothing I can do now but think about what I could've said but didn't. I can't go back but what I can do is make sure it doesn't happen again.

Don't wait till tomorrow to share God's love and forgiveness . . . do it today.

Our trip to Panama City Beach, Florida!

2011-08-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we went to Panama City Beach, FL with my parents and two nephews. The beach was beautiful and it wasn't crowded at all. It had rained a few days before so there was plenty of seaweed in the water on the first day, but each day it kept getting clearer and clearer - and even with the seaweed, that didn't stop us from getting in and enjoying the water! Dylan loved the water . . . he just didn't like the sand! No sand castles for us :( Here is a peek of our trip. Enjoy!

@ Baskin Robbins the night before we left!

Chocolate!

On our way! Even Monkey got to go!

Getting comfortable!

The view from our balcony!

Splish ...

Splash!

Swimming with daddy!

That's my dad floating in the back! lol

We even got my mom to come in!

He didn't like the sand :(

But he loved the water!

Beach Bums!

Dylan and mommy!

He had just woke up from a nap! lol

Rainbow!

The pool at night!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday!

2011-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Dylan then . . .

. . . and Dylan now!

check out his new backpack! one less thing for me to carry!

playing in the grass with daddy!

worshipping Jesus!

no . . . he doesn't normally suck 2 nu-nus.

swimming at maw-maw and paw-paws!

wearing leanne's glasses!

the cake Kevin made me for my birthday!

boy you look cool with your pants on your head!

he loves the slide . . .

and being the center of attention!

Dylan and Monkey!

Duck . . . Duck . . . Goose!!!!!

2011-07-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Dylan, Kevin, and I went to the park to feed the ducks. We searched the entire pond area and there were absolutely no ducks in the water! The parish is making the pond bigger so maybe they moved them in the process we thought. Then near the street we spot them! They were all gathered together and a guy on a bike was feeding them. So when he goes away we decide to break out the bread. Once that starts we begin to get flocked by ducks and geese - they wouldn't leave us alone! They followed us all around the park until the bread ran out! lol

Check out his hair!

Kevin feeding his flock!

Dylan has a flock too! Everytime he takes a bath he takes all his ducks and lines them up on the side of the tub!

At least he has all his ducks in a row!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Our Trip to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg!

2011-06-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Last month, to celebrate our 4 year anniversary, we went to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! It was about a 10 hour drive and Dylan did extremely well during the looooong drive. We listened to audio books, played peek-a-boo, made weird faces to stay awake (Kevin did), and finally reached our destination!

We stood in a cozy cabin located in Pigeon Forge. The furniture was all wooden and rustic . . . we loved it!

There were various spots where you could get out of your car and look around in route to Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge.

The scenery in Tennessee was beautiful! We went to the top of the Space Needle and had a great view.

We drove 20 miles up the mountains to Cades Cove. There were various areas where you could get out of your car and take pictures and explore.

One thing is for sure, we did plenty of walking on this trip! Can you spot the deer?

That's a bear in the distance!
On our way up to Cades Cove we spotted an area where people were swimming in the creek so we decided to stop on our way back down. Dylan loved the water even though it was freezing cold!

I saw a big rock in the middle of the water and had the bright idea to take Dylan there to take a photo . . . . the rocks in the creek were slippery and I fell in!

On the way down from Cades Cove we also stopped when we saw a sign that said Laurel Falls. Little did we know we had to walk 2 miles just to see the Falls. The pathway was small and to make things worse there was a sign that said many kids deaths have occured from falling off the path! We also left Dylan's stroller in the car so Kevin carried him on the way up and I did on the way down! It seemed liked forever but we finally made it and boy was it worth it!

The next day we took the tramway to Ober Gatlinburg (a ski resort and amusement park).

Once there, we rode the ski lift all the way to the top to a great viewpoint.

Dylan was able to ride most of the rides with us so that was awesome!

Our favorite was riding the ski lift up the mountain and sliding down in a toboggan!

That same day, Kevin went ziplining for the first time while Dylan & I watched from the parking lot! He enjoyed it!

The last day, we went to the Titanic Museum and the Dixie Stampede but wasn't able to take any pictures inside. :( Inside the Titanic we were able to touch an iceberg and feel how cold the water actually was!

Before we knew it, it was time to go home. We really had a good time and plan on going again with more people so we can go to DollyWood!

Wordless Wednesday : Dylan's vaccuum obsession

2011-06-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

swamp tour

2011-05-10T11:22:00.001-07:00

Two Saturdays ago we had a King Family outing . . .we went on a swamp tour! Everyone wore camouflage thanks to Aunt Jill's bidding and if you didn't have any she provided camo bandannas! When Dylan was just a few months old, my cousin who is in the army bought Dylan a camo hat and it was perfect for this event!

Looks like he is making the peace sign! lol

The tour guide said that this used to be a town but then a super storm hit and the whole town died.

He's feeding the alligators chicken

Towards the end of the tour, he passsed around a baby alligator!

Here is a video of the tour guide feeding the alligator!

Easter weekend

2011-05-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have plenty of catching up to do! We'll start with Easter and I'll post about the other stuff later.

The Saturday of Easter we went to my aunt's annual Easter Eggstravaganza. The weather was perfect. We hung out under a tent by the pool watching the kids splash around. Dylan was happy as long as the cheese balls kept coming!

The sun drained my baby's energy! He doesn't look to enthused to be with the Easter Bunny . . .

On Easter, Kevin, Dylan and I were in an Easter Drama. Kevin was a solider who arrested Jesus and Dylan and I were part of the crowd. I had a bag of M&M's that I kept sneeking to him to keep him happy! lol

Afterwards we went to my mom and dad's house for lunch and then to Kevin's aunt and uncle's in Lacombe.

Eating a ring pop!

Dylan loved the scooter! When Kevin took him off he cried for more!

Dylan racked out this Easter . . . too much candy!

Easter weekend was a blast!

bubbles, bubbles everywhere!

2011-04-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

There is a dove nesting in one of our plants outside. I tried to get a closer close up but scared it away. Liked to scare me to death! A few minutes later it returned.

Dylan absolutely loves being outside. His MiMi bought him some bubbles and we have been enjoying going outside to blow them. I am so glad Spring is here! The weather is perfect for being outside!

You may wonder how come there is never any pictures of me and Dylan but tons of him and his daddy? I'm the one snapping away!

Looking at daddy

It seems like everyday Dylan is learning or doing something new. He now gives kisses and even blows kisses! He knows where his ear is and raises in hands in worship! When he wants to type on the keyboard of the computer he says "A" (dragging it out)! He is so stinken cute!

fun at the park!

2011-04-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, we took Dylan to Torres Park. We fed the ducks, slid down all the slides, and swung. It was fun and the little one had a blast! Every time Kevin would break off a piece of bread for the ducks Dylan would open his mouth and go "ahhh", so we had to feed the ducks and him!

Munching on some bread!

Feeding the duckies!

Nutria!

Dylan loved the swing! He screamed in delight the whole time!

Mommy and Dylan

Daddy and Dylan

Peek-a-boo!

Here is Dylan's reaction to the swing!

Mommy and Dylan coming down the slide!

busy busy busy!

2011-03-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

What a fun and busy past 3 weeks! Let's see . . . we had our annual church picnic at the St. Bernard State Park,

Dylan received his second haircut,

Dylan got his very first uncle,

Congrats Jordan & Bret!

Dylan and I attended the Ladies' Progressive Lunch,

On the hammock at KK's house!

Dylan discovered his nose,

This is what he does when you ask him where his nose is!

and Dylan became even more obssessed with cell phones! Now he walks around the house talking on it!

I love his expressions!

"uh, mom . . . a little privacy please."

We also had our annual youth talent show but I didn't get a chance to take pictures. Everyone did so good!

15 months old and our trip to the Sculpture Garden!

2011-03-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

Dylan is 15 months old today! We went to his 15 month check-up today and he weighs 21 lbs. He had to get 3 shots - 2 in one leg and 1 in the other leg. :( We waited an hour in the waiting room before they called us to the back and saw the doctor like 5 minutes later which lasted only 5 minutes. An hour wait for a 5 minute visit.

Here is a pic of Dylan waiting . . .

and waiting

and waiting!

For naptime, I put him in his swing. He'll nap in there for an hour and a half. I normally don't strap him in, but now I have to because if not this is what happens:

Dylan loves the computer. He has 2 toy laptops but would much rather his daddy's laptop. Here he is stitting in the same spot daddy sits when he uses the laptop:

Saturday was such a pretty day so we decided to go to the Sculpture Garden!

He loved the Blue Dog! He didn't want to leave it!

We had a blast there and the weather was perfect! Dylan loves to be outside.

He also likes to open his bottom drawer where his bath stuff is and play with the small bottles of shampoo, body wash, and lotion! I find little bottles everywhere!

Top 10 Reasons I Love Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

2011-02-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

(in no particular order)

1. Dylan and I get to sleep until 9:3o!

2. Every day is quality time for him and I!

3. I don't have to miss any of Dylan's firsts or seconds or thirds!

4. I don't have to rush home from work and throw supper together!

5. I can hang around the house all day in my pjs if I wanted to!

6. Dylan doesn't have to go to day care!

7. I don't have to work just to pay the day care!

8. I have time to take up new hobbies!

9. Less Stress!

10. I have more time to read my Bible and pray!

_________________________________________

Dylan is 14 months now and he loves to cuddle! He also loves hanging out in the fridge and eating Daddy's socks!

Happy Birthday Lance!

2011-02-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Today my brother would've turned 32 years old. I wonder what he would have become? What kind of man would he have turned out to be?

As the little sister, I always thought the best of him. I adored him. He was my big brother. He could do no wrong in my eyes. lol.

He was a great father and if he could see his 2 sons today, he would be proud. Kavin and Kain are great kids and they both have the Holy Ghost!

It's been almost 9 years since he has been gone and he is missed by many.

Happy Birthday Lance!

To read past posts on Lance go to:

www.theessenceofwhoiam.blogspot.com/2010/09/wake-me-up-when-september-ends.html

www.theessenceofwhoiam.blogspot.com/2009/02/just-thought.html

Time to Catch Up!

2011-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

So finally I am a stay at home mommy! I'm blessed to be able to stay at home with Dylan. I don't have to worry about not being there when he learns or does something new, I get to spend all the time I want with him, and I now have more time to focus on God. Sure, I'm missing that extra paycheck and it is definitely a sacrifice living on only one income, but it's worth it!
From my previous posts, I'm sure you know by now that DYLAN IS WALKING!!!! He is a pro at it now! Someone told me it was worse when they start walking but I don't think so (at least as of now). He still gets into the same stuff he did when crawling.
I'm loving being a mommy. I love hearing him say "ma ma". Before he would say it because it was a new word. He would repeat it and repeat it. "ma ma ma ma ma". Now when he says it, he is trying to get my attention. It melts my heart! When he wants a taste of something or his his pacifer he says "ahhhhhhhh". He is learning so much. He knows what we are talking about when we say ba ba (bottle), nu nu (pacifer), cookie, bye bye, sock, shoe, and other words! When we say "one" he holds up his little finger, and when we say "more" he does sign language for the word. And when we say "Where is Uncle Larry?" he does the famous head bobble that Uncle Larry does! LOL.
Between his birthday and Christmas, his room has been full of toys. Well I finally took them all out of their boxes and organized them in his closet.

And he is finally in a big boy seat facing forward and loves it!

We also bought him a smaller stroller for our little strolls in the neighborhood. Our house is right down the street from the levee and the Lebeau Mansion. We love looking at all the old houses in our neighborhood.

Where's Uncle Larry?

More of Dylan Walking

2011-01-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

Dylan has gone from taking a few steps to walking! He still would much rather crawl, but he is starting to walk more and more! Are Kevin and I ready for this???? We shall see!

Dylan's First Step

2010-12-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Dylan's First Haircut!

2010-12-23T09:20:00.001-08:00

Dylan received his first haircut on Thursday, Dec. 16th! He didn't cry at all! He sat in a little taxi cab and let Ms. Katy at Children's Hair Palace cut away! He looks so different with his big boy haircut. Here are some pics of our little man getting his hair cut:

Daddy and Dylan

The finished product:

He is such a big boy and we are sooo proud of him!

P.S. Just a few more days and I get to be a stay at home mommy!!! Yay!!!! I can't wait!

Dylan's 1st Birthday Party!

2010-12-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Dylan's first birthday party was Saturday, Dec. 4th. We all had a blast!

Dylan and I had to work on his birthday, but that didn't stop us from celebrating! My boss and coworkers bought a cake and some gifts for him! Sweet!

Video of Dylan eating his cake!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

2010-12-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Today is Dylan's birthday! Hard to believe that on this day last year at 10:45am he made his grand entrance. Time has really flown by! He is such a blessing and joy to Kevin and I. He teaches us new things everyday. These past 12 months have definitely been a learning experience for all of us.

I love being a mommy. I love walking into his room in the morning seeing him standing in his crib waiting for someone to enter his room. His eyes light up and he gives me the biggest smile possible. I love hearing him call me. He now says mommy but it sounds more like ma-meee. I love when he gives me kisses or pats my back when I'm holding him. I love when he squinches his little nose and starts pouting. I love when he starts blabbering and moving his little arms as if he is having a real conversation with me. I love everything about him. I love him.

He goes to the doctor on Tuesday and I can't wait to see how much he weighs. Any guesses?

He now has 4 teeth. 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom and is now ready to eat big boy food!

What Dylan did in November:

1. Celebrated him's daddy's birthday! Kevin turned 28 on the 23rd!

Dylan at Outback.

2. Celebrated his 1st Thanksgiving! He tried some turkey but didn't really like it.

3. Went to his 1st Celebration in the Oaks! He loved all the lights!

Pam got her eyes dilated and these are the glasses she had to wear.

Ready for church.

You can kinda see his top 2 teeth.

Him asleep in his swing.

Can I get an Amen?

2010-11-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

So we were playing with the mic at PawPaw Jimmy's house and Dylan started preaching! lol He is a natural! I guess because he sees them with the mic at church he knew exactly what to do with it and what to say!

1 more month to go!

2010-11-01T13:43:00.001-07:00

One more month to go and Dylan will be a year old! He is getting so big and learning so much! He is crawling everywhere now and getting into everything. One second he is right beside me and then the next second I can't find him. I promise he is a speed crawler. You should see him in his walker. He doesn't walk in it - he runs!

He hasn't started walking on his own yet; but he does pull up on everything and walks when holding on to something. He enjoys pulling down our books and games from the shelves and is a magnet to the fridge. If we want him to follow us into the kitchen all we have to do is open the fridge and there he comes!

He started giving me kisses a few weeks ago and I love it! I ask for a kiss and he opens his little mouth and plants it on mine. Oh, the joys of parenthood! I love being Dylan's mommy!

As many of you know, I've been blessed to be able to bring him to work with me. BUT . . . come January I will be an official stay-at-home mom and I am super excited about that!

Here are some October Pictures:

At the park with Kavin and Kain

Daddy and Dylan!

Dylan at the Harvest Party. Holy Cow!

When it's nap time, I put him in his swing and he falls asleep sitting up. lol I then push him back so that he is laying comfortably.

Getting ready to leave for Ladies Conference!

Hanging out after Pastor Appreciation!

Pastor Otto took Dylan on the big slide. Check it out!

2 more months to go!

2010-10-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today Dylan makes 10 months old. 2 more months and he will be 1! He just started crawling the beginning of the week and now comes the fun! I've heard that he'll get into everything and my clean house as I know it will be no more! lol. I don't think it will be that bad - just have to baby proof everything.

Dylan has been sleeping good in his own bed. One morning we went in to check on him to see if he was awake and this is what we found:

Dylan still comes to work with me. He loves sitting at my desk and playing with my keyboard so I hooked an old one to his walker! One of my co-workers comes up to him and acts like she is giving him work to do. lol. My boss will sometimes come and get Dylan and take him in her office if I am really busy and he is cutting up. One time I was in the middle of feeding him his cereal and she called me to the back for something. When I returned another employee was feeding him. She heard him fussing for his food so she jumped right in. Dylan didn't miss a bite! lol. God has truly blessed me with an awesome boss and co-workers!

"Uh, can someone push me in please?"

"Alright, now I can get to work."

"Did you say line 1 was for me?"

"Where's backspace? I can't find backspace!"

I left Dylan alone with his daddy for the first time to go to the Ladies Birthday Bash. Kevin said every now and then he would start to fuss and say "ma ma", but besides that he did good. When I came home, he was sitting in the laundry basket with Kevin's socks on! lol.

Oh, I almost forgot . . . Dylan received Perfect Attendance on Promotion Sunday!

I could go on and on about him! lol. But now about me . . . For all of you who don't know . . . I love to read! Me and Kevin used to share a bookshelf but we had to purchase another one to accommodate all my books. So now we have a his and hers! lol. I like to read christian fiction and Kevin likes non-fiction. However, he just finished a fiction book we got at the library and now I think he is hooked!

My bookshelf is the one on the right.

Wake me up when September ends

2010-09-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2002. Eight years ago. I was a freshman in college. I remember sitting in my psychology class listening to the professor lecture on the 5 stages of grief. Then in my anthropology class somehow we got in a discussion about those dying in war. I remember a young man raised his hand and started talking about losing "brothers" on our very own streets. Later on I would remember that day at school.

Then Saturday night, September 14th, I remember laying in bed feeling a heavy burden for Kavin and Kain (my two nephews) so I began to pray for them. I was just getting settled for bed when the phone rang. It was my paw-paw calling saying 2 cops stopped by his house saying they found a body and they weren't sure but they thought it was my brother's. Thats when my world changed.

I can't even descibe the way my stomach felt when my mom started getting dressed and told us what my paw-paw said. We were all in shock and were just hoping the cops were wrong. The cops were right. It was my brother. An off duty cop found his body in some woods by the Lafitte Larose highway. He was shot on September 11th and his body wasn't discovered until September 14th.

My mom and family started making phone calls to let others know. The grief in my paw-paw's house was too heavy for me. Some people prefer not to be alone at a time like that. I , however, prefered grieving alone so me and my dad went back home. I couldn't sleep that night. Instead, I just let the dam break free.

The days to follow were hard so I buried myself in school. I tried not to think about what happened. I just studied. At night though, the thoughts would creep in. I couldn't hide or run from reality. Waking up those first few days wasn't always pleasant. My mom was going through so much.

My mom is such a strong lady. I don't know how it feels to lose a child and I didn't have a child back then so I didn't understand exactly how bad she was hurting. Now that I have Dylan I know exactly how much she loved Lance, Kristy, and myself. I don't even want to imagine ever losing someone I love that deeply. She doesnt have to imagine.

It's been eight years since that horrible night. Time begins to lesson the pain but it doesn't take away the memories. And to be honest, I don't want the memories gone. It is has made me who I am today.

A few things I have learned the past eight years:

1. Time doesn't heal. Time does lesson the pain but only God can take the pain and hurt completely away.
2. God will not put on you more than you can bear. If you are going through something, be encouraged. He knows you have what it takes to overcome it!
3. Trials are a part of our lives. They will do one of two things - they will make you or break you. The Bible compares a person and his or her trial to the process of making gold.

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour
and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7

This is what I read on the internet about gold:

Gold is a mineral, so it is found in the ground, picked and chipped away one
nugget at a time. Then it goes through an intense process of refining before it
becomes desirable to the eye. In order for gold to be refined, it must be
subjected to an intense fire. This fire is what purifes the gold seperating out
all of the impurities. As the impurities are burned away, only the pure gold
remains.

4. Our trials shape us, making us stronger.
5. Don't be ashamed to grieve and to let it all out. Bottling it up inside will only hurt you.
6. The best thing a person can do for a grieving friend or loved one is to let them know that you are praying for them and that if they need anything you are there for them. Knowing that we had a church family praying for us was awesome and encouraging and for that we are thankful.

hello september

2010-09-09T11:15:00.001-07:00

It's September already and Dylan is 9 months old now. He says ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba, and bye-bye. He has two teeth now and still doesn't crawl yet. He lunges forward like he wants to crawl but then winds up on his belly and starts rolling. He's mobile alright - he finds a way to get to what he wants - just not by crawling. He is so active. It's fun to watch him during church when the music is playing. His hands start to moving, his feet start to kicking, and he starts to screaming. lol. He is so adorable. Ahhh . . . the joys of motherhood!

We entered Dylan in a Gerber baby contest and used this pic!

Here is what Kevin and I did in August:

1. Purchased a Dodge Nitro since my Cavalier was totaled.

my old car :( my new car :)

2. Saved tons of money by switching to Geico. lol. (Seriously. Statefarm was way too much.)

3. Tried all month to get our pool clean.

4. Drained and refilled pool. Finally clear and swimable!

5. Planned Youth Retreat.

6. Attended Youth Retreat and had a blast! (I was so busy that I didn't get a chance to take any pics)

Our car was so packed that we could barely fit Dylan in there! lol

I'm so glad August is over and I'm excited to see what September has in store. I definitely have to start thinking and planning Dylan's first birthday party. December 1st is going to be here before we know it.

the months are flying by . . .

2010-07-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

************ long post alert! lol :) *****************

June is gone and July is almost over. This year is zooming by and I'm trying to hold on. lol. Dylan is about to turn 8 months. He now has his first tooth, eats baby food, sits up on his own, waves bye-bye, and claps when we say "yaaaaaaay!". He loves computers and cellphones and everything goes into his mouth now. lol. He loves to smile and laugh and wants plenty of attention. He'll play by himself for a little while but would much rather someone playing with him.

We thought he had his first little stomach bug a few weeks ago. He had a fever, diarrhea, and was throwing up. His doc ran some tests and come to find out he had Salmonella. He doesn't eat eggs or chicken yet so the only thing we could figure was his brother . . . Turt! Reptiles are high carriers of Salmonella and even though Dylan doesn't play with him, someone else could have and did not wash his or her hands . . . He is doing fine now and we go back to doc sometime in August just to make sure it is gone.

This is what daddy does while waiting for the doc

Plenty of firsts for my little man. First bus ride, first time in Oklahoma, first PEAK! We just came back from a youth conference called PEAK with our youth group. It was an awesome experience! Dylan got to go too. He is our youth group mascot. lol.

Before we left for PEAK - "I don't wanna go to bed!"

Shopping in Tulsa. Daddy loves the Vikings.

What an awesome June and July. I forgot . . . We also celebrated my birthday in June and Kevin experienced his first Father's Day!

Kevin made me this cake! White chocolate . . .mmm

26 years old . . . man, i'm getting old.

Can't wait for August. I'm sure it will be an awesome month!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

Kevin,

Happy 1st Father's Day! You are an awesome daddy - the world's greatest! We love you!

Love,

Anna and Dylan

Trip to Fort Walton Beach

2010-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Last month we took a mini vacation to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Dylan's first vacation! It was a 4 hour drive and it went by fast. Dylan slept while Kevin and I listened to Star Wars Attack of the Clones. I never in a million years thought I would say this but I actually enjoyed it. I said I enjoyed it . . . but that doesn't make me a Star Wars fanatic like we all know who. lol. Here are a few pics of the trip.

The hotel we stayed at was located on the beach.

Dylan loved the pool.

He liked these sunglasses:

But not these:

Daddy, Dylan and Mommy's footprints

Our shadows

This is what Dylan thought of the beach. We would walk the beach every morning and the sounds of the waves would put him to sleep.

Kevin looking for shells.

On the way home we stopped at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

Check out Dylan's reaction to the water:

Kevin thought this was funny:

6 months

2010-06-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Our little guy is 6 months old now and weights a whopping 17 lbs! He is such a happy baby. And
he has his first tooth! We found it on Saturday. I know I say this all the time but it is true . . . time is going by way too fast for me! Slow down.

Althought I'm constantly telling him "Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma" to get him to say mama before he says dada, he hasn't said either yet. But believe it or not, he typed mom the other day when I let him play on the keyboard. No lie. lol.

We had a busy month of May. Let's see . . . my first Mother's day, Me and Kevin's 3rd anniversary, our trip to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It was a fun month. I have tons of pics from Florida but I will post them in a seperate post.

Dylan still loves his Jeep as long as Daddy ain't around! lol

He loves his daddy!

Dylan on Mother's day! (Yes, I still have him sleeping in his bassinet by me or in the bed with us. lol)

Cowboy Boots!!!!! All he needs now is a cowboy hat!

He plays good in his high chair when we are eating dinner.

This is why he loves his daddy so much!

Here is a sneak peak of our trip to Fort Walton Beach: I will post more soon!

oops!

2010-05-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Dylan got a walker today. Daddy put it together and we excitedly put Dylan in it. It's a jeep and he loves it. However, it has one major flaw . . . no air bags!

Oh, and by the way, the hit wasn't as bad as it sounds on the video. He didn't even cry.

5 months old now!

2010-05-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Dylan turned 5 months old on the first. He is getting so big and likes to make all kinds of sounds now. Im constantly repeating "mamamamamamama" to him that way he'll say mama before dada. lol. Don't know if it will work though. Here are some pics from April:

Dylan with his Nike's on.

Thanks Uncle Larry!

We went walking around his Mi Mi and nanny's neighborhood.

Dylan and the Easter bunny at the Easter Eggstravaganza

Wearing Daddy's tie.

In his Easter Best.

He grabbed the hanger himself from off the bed and starting playing with it.

What a Difference

2010-04-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how adding a few plants, wind chimes, and a bench can make a difference. This is the first step. Now, hopefully soon we will start on a garden!

Before:

After:

Longue Vue House and Gardens

2010-04-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

March

2010-04-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Dylan turned 4 months old yesterday! People told me that they grow up so fast and now I know it to be true. It seems like just the other day I was holding him for the first time, looking into those precious blue eyes, wondering if he was gonna like me or not. lol. Needless to say, I think he does like me. lol.

I haven't posted in a while. Sorry. So let me give you an update of March:

In the beginning of March, I started working again. It's only three days a week and the awesome thing about it is that Dylan comes to work with me! He is a great employee and does his job well. His job title - Administrative Assistant's Assistant. I definitely see a promotion in the near future. lol.

Sitting in my chair. Notice his employee ID!

Some more pictures of the Dylan

We can actually do stuff with his hair now. We can spike it like his daddy's hair!

Since it's just me and the baby in the car when I go to work, we bought one of these mirrors so I can see him through my rearview mirror. It comes with a remote control that I can press for the mirror to play music.

We finally said goodbye to the old pacifier, but he loves this one just as much. Not only is his hair like daddy in this pic but he is also in a suit like daddy!

Last week we went to the Longue Vue House and Gardens. The gardens were beautiful. The house was pretty cool too but we couldn't take pictures inside the house. (I'll post some pics soon.)I don't know if Dylan enjoyed it though . . . he slept the whole time!

Dylan's big brother was getting a little jealous, but I can't help it he was in hibernation. lol. But now he's finally out . . . welcome back Turt!

3 months

2010-02-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Dylan turns 3 months old on Monday. Time is going by way to fast for me. Here is an update.

Dylan was dedicated to the Lord last Sunday. Kevin and I made a commitment before God to submit Dylan to His will and to raise Dylan according to His word and ways. The bible says "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

On Valentines' Day, I came into the room and found this:

How thoughtful of daddy.

On Superbowl Sunday, while most of the world was watching the game, we were at church. Can you believe that some churches actually cancelled their evening services? Doesn't seem right to me.

Kevin preached that night. So earlier that day, while he was preparing his message, I dressed the baby up and snapped this pic. For all you who know my husband, you know that he is not a Saints fan. lol

Check out Dylan's shoes:

One of our young people bought these for him. lol.

Here are some more pics. As you can probably tell by now, we like taking pics of him on the sofa and lazyboy.

And lastly, here is a video of Dylan talking to his Daddy. We were at his Mi Mi and Nanny's house. Kevin was recording it on his phone too. lol.

2 months old

2010-02-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

When Kevin leaves to go to work in the morning, Dylan usually wakes up for his bottle. After I feed him, I lay him in his daddy's spot.

This is how he starts off . . .

And this is how he ends up . . .

This morning when I checked on him I found him like this . . .

I don't know how his blanket got on top his head. lol. He is a wild sleeper.

Dylan went to the doctor Thursday. He now weights 12lbs 8oz. This is him waiting for his name to be called.

He got 2 shots (one in each leg) and cried and cried and cried. We gave him medicine right before the shot, so a little while later he was out for the count. The doc said he is doing well and is healthy.

Here are some more pics . . .

Him after a bath.

Laying on his belly.

Going to youth service.

Our little man . . .

2010-01-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

He doesn't look 8 weeks old in this pic, huh?

His first bath! He cried at first but after that he loved it.