Cool Citrus Basil Lotion

Ever since I got pregnant this round - the mornings are well... just medium. I don't get sick (usually - except for today) but boy am I nauseous and on the verge at every moment! I keep myself from getting sick by (for some reason this works and I don't know why!) putting my hands in cold running water and closing my eyes. Isn't that weird? It is very bazaar I think but it works and at that time you'll do whatever works! Another thing that I've found that is totally working for me is smelling the fragrance of Bath and Body Works lotion Cool Citrus Basil Lotion! I found this in my cupboard about 3 months ago. It works like a charm. For some reason my nausea totally subsides and it gives me sort of a burst of energy! If you are looking for a yummy new scent for summer try it! It is delish!

The Legacy

Ben's Granny passed on Sunday. I had met her last summer. I only got the chance to meet her the one time. She was already suffering from dementia and was struggling. Although she was already fading she showed signs of that feisty, kindhearted Granny that Ben and my mother-in-law knew. She smiled and she joked around a tad. It was a beautiful moment to have spent with her.

It is truly amazing that she was with us as long as she was. Ben struggled with the fact that she was in her state for so long... he wanted to know why God would do that. Obviously, I don't have the answers but the only thing that kept running through my head is how many people she may have touched even in the unfortunate state she was in. We don't know how many times she came in and out of her dementia and in that opportunity sparked a smile or a kind word to another patient living there or possible a nurse working at the home. Maybe it was a nurse who was trying to figure out why she was working there and that little Granny spark of smile completely answered her questions. Maybe it was a patient who was missing his/her family and found comfort through Granny. We will never know why he kept her this long but I know God uses all of us in amazing, unforeseen ways. We never know when it will be, who we will be with or how he'll do it. This is the only answer I have to this frustrating question. We must have faith and take comfort in the fact that God is in control and knows what is best for our lives.

I'm so blessed to have met Granny. Ben and I are both so thankful that our Pauly was able to have met her and we were able to take a few pictures. She was 97, I believe, when she passed. It is amazing to think of the things she did or saw in her life. I've heard she truly had a heart for God and I feel we do have a special connection, even though I never really got to know her and that is that we both are playing a part in the same legacy and that is the Legacy of our Lord and Savior.

Sami's Super Easy Greek Salad

1 can drained and rinsed garbanzo beans
3 tomatoes (med. size) cut into med. pieces
1 small onion cut into rings and separate the rings
1 cucumber (I like to peel) cut into med. pieces
1/2 c cilantro chopped
1/2 c feta cheese
3 T red wine vinegar
1 t oregano
1/2 t garlic powder

I made this recipe up this weekend and I just HAVE to share it! You'll find this recipe colorful, healthy and tasty! It's super easy to throw together and stays nicely in the refrigerator if you have leftovers.

All you do is put these ingredients in a bowl and mix. You can put it in the fridge so the ingredients and meld together or serve immediately. I served it with grilled chicken breasts and warm pita bread. Hope you love it!

Oh My!

So... my boy has now picked up from me the term "Oh My!" This is something I started saying probably 3 years ago. I can't help it - I say it when someone says something that is shocking or does something shocking. I admit it sounds super funny when I say it and about half ridiculous. I tried to stop but I can't! My mom and sisters and of course my husband makes fun of me all the time. Now it is like Pauly is mocking me... it is pretty funny each time he says it because lately he has been saying it for everything!!

Pretty Aprons

I am obsessed with pretty aprons and have been on the hunt for an affordable one for myself for a while.

But, like most of you mamas out there - once I find that exact moment when I do have the money and I'm standing in front of the item I've been wanting for a while something comes over me and I think well... little man could really use some new t-shirts, and he needs a potty chair, this and that. So I usually don't end up buying whatever I wanted or doing whatever for myself. I went a whole year without a "professional" haircut last year (I did get one from my sister-in-law but if you don't get to get your hair washed professionally it doesn't count :)

Someday... (pathetic sigh...)

Today I ran on to these in Etsy and I just love them so I wanted to share. They are by GreatGoods! The black one is my favorite :)

I'm Barack Obama!

Today we went to the Library for story time then after we went across the street to the Julia Davis Park play area. It was a really cool little area with great toys for younger kids! Paul loved it! When we first arrived there were a ton of kids! There were a couple girls that loved Pauly and wanted to carry him around like they were his little mamas. (Their daycare instructor put the kibosh to that - thank you!) Then there was a sweet little girl who was making sure he was okay going up and down the steeper set of stairs, then there was Barack Obama! Yeah he was at the Julia Davis Park today don'tcha know?

Well... not really but there was a little blonde kid running around with a YMCA t-shirt yelling! "I'm Barack Obama!" It was kind of cute. He seemed like a loner type kid because later I noticed no one sat by him at lunch time...poor thing, but during his announcement speech- he happened to be standing by Pauly when he yelled - yet again, "I'm Barack Obama - the President!" Well you should of seen the look on Pauly's face - if I was guessing what he was thinking it was... "Who the heck is that? and WHY are you yelling at me?" This kid then said to Pauly, "Don't be afraid, I'm Barack Obama!".

By this point I was just about rolling on the little cement perch I was sitting on. It was hysterical - between the kid yelling and excited about being Barack Obama and Pauly's look he gave him - I had wished I had a camera! Maybe you had to be there...

Later on, I had to pry Pauly off a sweet little girl that he was just smitten over. He was running after her all over the play ground, just following her everywhere and then he started hugging her. That is when mama had to run and help him because her daddy was on his way! What can I say, my kid knows when a girl is cute - just like his daddy I guess...

Blahty Blah! Blah! Blah!

Oh my Goodness is this blahness ever going to pass? I mean this pregnancy leaves me for days and days at a time just totally blah! I'm tired, don't have any gumption to get up and get going, no energy, can't be inspired - just BLAH!
I catch myself in this numb half asleep feeling and I'm like "Perk up girl! Get going! There is lots to do!!" -then I just sink back into my chair and stair at the tele. Ugh! I'm going crazy! My house is a disaster (inside and out) and my boy needs to go outside and play, I stink and my toe nails need repainted!

I just need to come out of this shlumpy way! I've found today that I really respond to a few things so I'm going to try and trick my way out of this ditch. I really like yummy smells. I pulled out my last plug-in smelly from Bath and Body Works (White Linen is what I think it is) and Music too is a huge energy booster for me and I love French Music so I made up a play list and put that on my other Family Blog so all I have to do is pull it up and I can listen as I bop around the house. I think tomorrow I'll go buy some bright flowers and get them put in a few rooms. If you have any other ideas I'd appreciate it.

I think next, maybe this evening when the boy is asleep, I'll make a check list and work on it item by item. and just keep waddling along!

Guess who turned 2!

Our little girl Macarti Rae turned 2 yesterday! Mama Casi baked a cake for her and this little bicycle is from Mimi and Papa!

We wish we could of been there for your birthday Cart! You are such a sweet baby girl! We love and miss you!

Uncle Ben, Aunt Sam and Pauly!

New Music, New Look, New Fun!

Hope you like the New Look for the Melton Family Blog - I compiled all my favorite French Music! Hope you all Enjoy! Pull up a chair, kick off those flip flops, grab a cool drink and listen to the tunes. xoxo, SJ

Who, What, Where, When God?

You know when your mind is just boggled full of questions and you wish they would be answered NOW! My husband and I are struggling with a personal matter right now and I just wish it would GO AWAY! You know! I wish that I could just run away from it... although this is not the type of people we are - we want to always be known for our reputable integrity and for being responsible. BUT HONESTLY! just this once? Can't we just walk away? I just want an answer for this now God! Help us! We need your guidance!

My wonderful husband, knowing the state I am in (pregnant belly and all), has said he will do most of the leg work to take care of this situation which I am ever thankful for - but in the mean time I'm trying not to stress, but I just do. It is the way I'm made up - what can I say :)

I know what I can be doing and that is praying and I will continue to do so. Thank you dear Lord for my husband. He works so hard to take care of us and I love and trust him so.

It's a little late but Mother's Day was Awesome!

My Mother's Day was pretty great! We went to church early and came home and had a Mediteranean Feast with my inlaws. Yes, I cooked on Mother's Day but it was totally not a big deal! The boys got me a beautiful card which I was actually pretty surprised and we spent all afternoon out on the front lawn on a blankey and playing with toys, balls and bubbles! Here are a few fun pics of our little fam.

Pauly and I spent a week in Washington!!

Well, as many of you already know about 2 weeks ago Pauly and I ventured to Washington and spent a week with my sister. We had a fabulous time and the week was packed full of delicious food (just ask Pauly - he loved Aunt Jo Jo's food!), lots of outside playing time (I have a tan - it's a miracle!), and fun outings with the Browns! First off when we got there we took a tour around the house and I got to see Jodi and Brian's place... they have worked their little hearts away at this place that looked like it was near death when they first got there. Her house is adorable, painted a awesome tan/yellow and she has hanging baskets of red flowers hanging from the eves. She also has hung an American Flag that yours truly gave her years ago. What can I say - I'm a fan of having an American Flag out front - it is just my way. She is a heck of a gardener and yard keeper. Her yard looks very well trimmed and you should have seen how darn cute she looked wearing her cute little (well not that little) shorts with her irrigation boots mowing her lawn on her riding lawn mower with her sweet little farmer boy riding along. I got a pic of it but I haven't processed that one yet... (first I've got to find a new place to process my film - that is another story!)

She had a menu all planned out including the first night she made me BBQ pulled beef sandwiches - they were divine! That evening we went for a ride in the pick up and we drove around the ranch/farm. It is amazing the land out there... rolling hills of green wheat fields. Gorgeous! The next day we took the kids in to play at the park and she gave me a little tour of their cute little town. The kids went crazy on the big slide!

The kids had a great time hanging out together! They have a little tikes playground with swings and a slide and they played on that and in the water for hours. Pauly especially liked the little car they had. Birch and Pauly would (as well as they could) would take turns with the car and toward the end of our visit they were getting a long really well.

Pauly loved Bailey Boo - he was pretty sure she was the next best thing right behind his Aunt Jo Jo's cooking. She was such a doll while we were there. She let the boys ransack her bedroom and was such a good helper with the boys. She is the sweetest thing! She is beautiful just like her mama.

Later on we went to Portland to Cat Tales; which is an all large cat zoo. It was awesome! We saw a white tiger, lions, leopards, a HUGE mountain lion and tigers... and bears! Really bears too! They stunk bad!

More pics to come later! Love you all and thanks for such an amazing time with ya!

8 Things Thursday

8 things I am looking forward to...
1. Finding out whether our baby is a boy or girl
2. Seeing Jodi again in July
3. Paying off debt
4. Driving my new car more ;)
5. Seeing my family at the Family Reunion in July!
6. Meeting my new baby!
7. Seeing the ocean - someday
8. Organizing and Decorating to get ready for our new little one

8 things I did yesterday...
1. Made Blueberry Pancakes for breakfast (my husband's fav)
2. Laundry
3. Rearranged my living room with my new TV table my Aunt Louise gave us
4. Played outside blowing bubbles with the little man
5. Took a nap
6. Cleaned
7. Made a delicious dinner (Chicken Breasts on the BBQ, Zucchini and Green Bean packets, over Whole Wheat Pasta drizzled with Herbs and Olive Oil)
8. Watched Wipe Out! (Hilarious! Watch it if you haven't already!!!)

8 things I wish I could do...
1. See the ocean
2. Live within 25-30 miles of both my sisters
3. what the heck my mom and dad, Granny and Grandad and all my sister-in-laws! What can I say I love my family!
4. Have Air Conditioning installed in my house
5. Grow my hair past my shoulders
6. Lose 100 lbs :) ( I might be over exaggerating - and yet I may not be:)
7. Go to Alaska
8. Go on a fabulous European trip just me and my hubby

8 shows I watch...
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Ugly Betty
3. HGTV anything!
4. Food Network - especially Barefoot Contessa
5. MASH (NOT by choice - my husband adores it and I don't mind...
6. NBA (Again not by choice and if I had it my way the NBA wouldn't exist!
7. FOOTBALL!!! Now that is more my style!
8. Anything cartoony especially Disney - as I've said before my son is my excuse for getting to watch cartoons!!

8 Favorite Fruit:
1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Bananas
4. Blueberries
5. Pears
6. Pineapple
7. Peaches
8. Grapes

8 places I would like to travel:
1. Anywhere with the ocean... (HINT HINT)
2. Spain - Basque Country
3. Alaska
4. East Coast (northern)
5. France
6. Italy
7. Disney Land
8. Victory, is that right? well in Canada

8 places I've lived:
1. Boise, ID
2. Nampa, ID
3. Howe, ID
4. Lovelock, NV
5. Jerome, ID
no more yet...

I don't even know 8 people to tag - so if this looks fun Do It!
Hugs, The Lady

Highlights...

Last Tuesday I had an Dr. appointment and heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time! I love that sound!


Little Guy is completely weaned! Hurray - on to potty training in a few months! Maybe we can be on a strong road to being potty trained by the time #2 is born

I'm going to see my sister in Washington (I haven't seen her since Thanksgiving!!) in May! Yay! Can't wait!


I'm 13 weeks already! I finally found the energy to get off my couch!

I admit I've been voting for the first time on Dancing with the Stars... I can't help it! I love Ty! He tries so hard and has made so much progress!

I'm getting sick of my hair but I know I just need to hang in there while it gets through that obnoxious stage where it barely fits in a pony tail.

I am so excited for our good friends expecting their first... it's a boy! Congrats Raul and Carmen!!

It is two days before Mother's Day and I barely figured out what I want to get/make her... better get on it huh!

I"m alive!!!! It's a miracle!

As most of you know - I'm about 13 weeks preggers... just coming off of the 1st trimester! Thank you Jesus! For the past 12 weeks well... at least 8 (I found out I was pregnant when I was 4 weeks a long) I've been hiding out on my couch for most of the morning sleeping as my poor little son has become very familiar with... as he calls it... Move it! Move it! aka Madagascar! He loves this movie and I did too for the first 300,000 times but now I'm sick of it! Although, the other day when Caser was here and Carti... we rented Madagascar 2 and that was fun... Loved it! Ben did too! Ben's favorite part is the song that Moto Moto sings to Gloria... It is hysterical listening to Ben try and sing it in his deep deep voice!

So yes... Casi and Carti came to visit this past weekend... It was... nice. It was nice to see my sister and that little Carti is growing and talking a hundred million miles an hour. The first morning we took the kids to the park and they played till they couldn't function. The played on the swings where with every push Paul was giggling and giggling - it was pretty funny. Then they would walk up and down - up and down the steps to go down the slide. Pauly decided the stairs were the most fun part about it and would go up and down and when Carti came around to go back up them he would kick at her... what a stinker huh! Don't worry she got him back plenty... within the next couple days she body slammed him once... slapped him in the head several times and by the end of the weekend... every time he saw her coming he would run to me to pick him up. Carti better watch out because when #2 comes along he'll learn a little self defence and she'll have to watch out!

Other than all the self defense that was being performed there was plenty of hugging and playing. I got the kids on video tape brushing eachother's hair... well Pauly would brush Carti's then he wouldn't let her brush his... it was funny! He was very particular about her hair and she probably sat there for 10 minutes letting him brush her hair. It was so sweet!

BUT anyhow I'm doing great. We heard the baby's heart beat so all is well and my body is not embedded in the couch any more - I'm alive!!! It's a miracle!

Crazy Eights!

I saw a fellow blogger had this cute idea - so I am posting it on my blog today!

(8 things I am Looking Forward to:)
Seeing my sister hopefully in July - Man I miss them!
My sister Casi coming to visit in May!
My family coming next weekend to visit!
The smells of summer - lawns being mowed, bbqs and hopefully a little paint!
Getting a little of that sun kissed brown skin!
Going swimming as a family (little man should really enjoy that this year!)
Finding out if we are having a boy or a girl? What's it gonna be?!
Meeting my new little one in early November... I'm already 10 weeks - can't believe it!

(8 things I did yesterday)
-A large majority of the day was spent praying for my mama
-and Little man and I had errands to do
-Then off to the park for a little fun!
-Got in a friendly (shall I call it disagreement?) with a friend... I think we sort of agree too though but- all is well... I know I probably did too much worrying about this one BUT hey I'm hormonal!
-Made Beef Stroganoff for dinner - turned out great! Yum! Yum!
-Made my menu for the next couple weeks along with a grocery list
-Watched Bambi with the little guy
-Did some housework

(8 things I wish I could do:)
-Knit better - I can only make scarfs and they are sort of scarfs at that
-Be at the top of my game between being a wife, mother and homemaker and most importantly always shining for Christ (But hey nobody is perfect so we've got to keep truckin' along huh!)
-I wish I could get our house refinanced! We've got an ARM-please pray for us! We were idiots! but I guess you learn from your mistakes!
-I wish I could also do something small at home to pitch in financially - nothing big just something...this is something Ben and I are always trying to think of and obviously there are a few obvious things like babysit (but I don't really want to raise other people's kids and I believe that has added negatives for our family), I could do some type of Avon, Mary Kay (but it just isn't me), I know there are a hand full of other things but everything so far always seems a little too shady for us...
-I wish I lived closer to all my family!
-I wish I could remodel our house! I don't mind the location but there are a few quirky things about it - ya know... why not.
-I wish I could afford it so we could eat organic
-I wish I looked like Charlize Theron - well her body anyways!

(8 shows I watch:)
-American Idol
-Dancing with the Stars
-Food Network - My fav is Barefoot Contessa! Go Ina!
-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
-My Friends Tigger and Pooh (I'm telling you - my son is my excuse to get to watch cartoons - I love it!)
-HGTV
-E!
-Grey's Anatomy

Do it! It's fun! xoxo, SJ

-
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thank you jesus!

Just want to put a little "Praise Jesus" out there! My mom had a little health scare that the doctor's had to check on and to do so they had they had to put her out and check on it... she is doing great and the scare is nothing to be scared about! Yeah! Praise the Lord! We are so thankful!

Run Fast!

Lately my boy has been catching on to how fun it is to run! He will walk into the kitchen, put his back to the farthest hard surface (which is my china hutch) and looks forward plotting his quick steps!! He runs with his hands pretty strait to his sides now and his little feet are very quick moving not yet lifting up his knees - he is being very cautious of each and every step. He always runs to me and bounces off my body... (which is kind of scary when I'm laying on my side on the couch - I have to protect myself - he is a solid little guy! I tell him - You're a fast runner!!! - and he gets a little smile on his proud little face... turns around and heads back into the kitchen to do it again!

Today at the park we (can you believe this chunky, preggers lady ran?) ran from the toys to the jeep which was about half a football field... I know! This park sucked - we're not going back! But he loves running and now I know every time he'll want to run.... Here comes the fat girl! eeeek...

Got a vacation... sort of!

Well my Easter was both exciting and just plain ole crappy! I got to sneak away at a moment's notice to go spend Easter with my ma n pa. It was so exciting to see them after not seeing them in about 2 months. My boy loved it and it took him but just a second to get in the Mimi and Papa's house groove! He also got some time to play with his best little Macarti Rae - you should of just seen these two playing in the dirt with the bucket and little shovels that Pauly got for Easter. Macarti was totally throwing dirty on Pauly and it was blowing back into her face. Her hair was full of dirt. Pauly was taking little bites here and there of dirt... he must be lacking some minerals in his diet I guess :)

Easter Day is where, unfortunately, it all went down hill as my back went out - AT CHURCH By the way! It stunk! But my mom and dad totally pitched in to help me with Pauly so I could get on the mend. I totally ruined Easter as we were all going to go in to IF and eat and everything! Oh well... they all told me not to worry about it so I'm not. I had to cut my trip short and came home on Monday. Barely made it... my back is a lot better and I'm very thankful for the time I did get with my family!

It will be better next time for sure!

Easter 09

I went to my husband on Friday, out of no where and yes waking him from a nap (remember, he was on vacation) I told him I had to go home! I missed my parents and just being back home seems to always recharge me! I hadn't left the house in about 2 months (left as in left the city I should say...) and it was just time for me to get out of town! My hubby said - of course go and proceeded to go get the jeep's oil changed so I could get on the road asap. My parents' home is about a 4 hour drive. I threw in a bag clothes for the weekend and then some for little man and me - threw together my house hoping the hubby would try and have it in a somewhat similar when I get back.

We got on the road within an hour and I got to mom and dad's that night around 10 p.m. I drove through a rain/snow storm that was SCARY! It was one of those that the snow is blowing toward you and you feel like your in a tunnel... I just had to be careful and watch the lines on the road (which were a little hard to see) Little man and I did the ole drive through McyD's - Dollar Menu style and he wouldn't go to sleep until I got within 10 miles of Mimi's house. He is such a stinker!

Easter weekend was a combination of me just trying to get in every ounce of the country's fresh air I could, time with my mom and dad and sissy and her baby girl as well as other family. For Easter Day we got up at 6:45 and went down to church and was served a delicious breakfast made my the church's teen group (I totally served breakfast back when I was a teen for Easter Breakfast - totally fun! It is something the teens have done even when my mom was party of that Sunday School Class! Pretty cool and really yummy!) Then we went back to Mimi and Papa's (which is what little man, as well as all the other grandkids call my mom and dad instead of Grandma and Grandpa - their special so they get special names :) Anywho little man opened his Easter Basket full of fun and we all got dressed for church!

The worship was wonderful! My dad and sis sing as part of the worship team so a lot of time when little man wasn't asking for a cracker he was waving at Aunt CiCi and Papa - so cute! Then during the message we went and took the kids to another room to play where they continued to run circles and ate little apples that were on the foyer table for anyone to take... they kept eating their apples and dropping them and so they weren't the cleanest apples ever. In fact, they were pretty gross after that so I threw little man's away.

Then when church was over we (all my family) we going to get in the car and drive an hour to the nearest open restaurant (yes my home town is out in the middle of the Bonneys!) BUT we didn't end up going as I had a huge back spasm that nearly took me to my knees... I've had back problems nearly all my life - well at least since I blew my knee goat tying...what a nightmare!

We got home and I tried to take a nap while Mimi and Papa watched little man but I only woke up a half hour later to find out that I couldn't hardly get out of bed - then once I did I had another hard spasm that had me screaming, my little boy scared, my mom near calling 911 and my dad running around trying to help any way he could. After that I turned completely white and I thought for sure I was going to loose my cookies or pass out... Neither happened. I made it to the kitchen counter where I leaned for about 20 minutes. That night I slept in my dad's chair and the next morning I was feeling better so I packed the jeep back up and we came home!

I was so bummed since our little fabulous plan of a Easter Day was ruined as well as Mon and Tues I was planning on watching my siss' little girl so her and little man could play and I wasn't able to do that either.

Well... I was able to sleep last night (Thank you Jesus!) and today I'm trying to get around, take care of the little guy and unpack some. As well as work on my house as in a week and a half I have company coming and my house is screaming for Merry Maids to come!

So thankful though really, that I could go for the little time that I did and see my ma and pa and family. My boy had a great time and no matter what comes up we always are so thankful that we could go visit. Besides, this Easter doesn't hold a candle to last years... which really sucked by the way!

it's a beautiful day

today is such a beautiful day it is... not only because it is raining, snowing and sunny all at the same time but because i am just coming off my little break from my little man and boy what a beautiful break it was.... but I'm ready for my BOY to be back! i feel so blessed to have family near me that love and adore my little man so much! they would take him in a heart beat at any time i need some help or a little break.

last night was such a blessing to witness to of our new friends recommit their vows to each other and their daughter. the location was so beautiful not only because of the decor but because of the event that was taking place. i got to visit with even more new friends (whom i'm just so taken a back at how the Lord has brought me friendships after i so very much needed them)

after the ceremony my man and i went out to a little cafe/pub (the actual location where we met) and we munched on the actual meal that we shared the very night we met. we got to visit and laugh it was so special... i love him so!

now I am just coming off of a little break from cleaning and getting energized to go again. i've got the kitchen left and laundry of course is never ending... but so thrilled to have my little man home in about an hour... i miss him so!

When is my vacation?

Today, Friday... after Ben is off work - he is officially on vacation for a week! So fun! It will be so nice to have him home. We are not planning on going any where - we are going to work on our back yard, our (hopeful) well will get a pump on it and we will just spruce everything up outside! I can't wait to plant my new flowers seeds I got from Chris and Misty's ceremony last night (which was beautiful by the way!) I've got to pick out the perfect spot. A couple years ago when my Grandma Great died I had thought about selecting a little corner of my yard and have a little flower garden in her honor as she loved her some flowers!!! She was such a talented woman... I miss her so.

Anyway back to vacation! Ben has quite a few things planned around the house and it will be some wonderful Pauly, Daddy and Mama time which is fine by me... I love that idea much more than going anywhere and spending any crazy amount of money. Just us!

Last night was my little vay-K from my little boy. I do miss him so though! I slept in until 11 am and feel like a million bucks! Thank you Granny and Grandad - such an amazing gift. A night off... after the little ceremony my hubby and I went out to Old Chicago (which is where we met by the way) and we shared some chicken fingers, french fries and veggies (the exact same meal we shared when we met) It was so sweet. They were just starting karaoke when we left and all the memories just came swimming back to me of that night when we met and the little dash of a smile he gave me as he walked by me only to go to the restroom and come right back to me and sit down and start eating my chicken strips :)

What a wonderful little break this has been but BOY I'm ready for my little man to come home! Right now I'm listening to what I call CAFE music on our iTunes... Ben has compiled a combination of oldies, french music and old/new music (which consists of like Adele and Michael Buble {mom don't hurt yourself}) I have now cleaned the livingroom and Pauly's and now I've got to do a few other things and hopefully get in a shower before little man gets home... so glad!

5 things

I was tagged to do this by my sister Jodi. It was super fun to jog my brain and look forward to the years to come!

5 things I was doing five years ago:

Working as a collector for Sears Credit
Planning a wedding
Enjoying manicures and pedicures whenever I liked!
Loving my daily Starbucks
Learned about my new niece or nephew that was coming that year in December (Bailey Boo)


5 things on my to do list tomorrow: (supposed to be today but it is 9:38 p.m and I'm done!)

Enjoy a vow renewal of my new friends!
Take Pauly to his Granny's (to spend the night :) A little ME time :) (too bad I'm broke!)
Clean my house!
Take a uninterrupted NAP (thank you Granny and Grandad)!

5 thing that I would do with a million dollars:
Give some to the Lord
Give to Family
Pay off our debt
Build a house on a hill
Travel

5 places I have lived:
Howe, ID
Lovelock, NV
Nampa, ID
Jerome, ID
Boise, ID

5 Jobs I have had:
Hot Stuff Pizza
JB's Restaurant for a day (then I realized I can't tell the guests to get a hold of their kids and to JUST EAT IT!!)
Movie Rental place in Nampa (Can't remember the name!)
Sears Credit
Idaho Community Foundation

5 Things I want to be doing in 5 years:
Raising 2 or more kids
Volunteering more
Be Debt Free (besides mortgage and our mortgage be loan!!)
Playing some type of sport (maybe with the "Y" basketball, softball... something!)
Striving every day to be a better Lady of the House

5 people I'm tagging:
Mom
Krista
Mom's in the Fish Bowl
Rainy Day in May
whoever else wants to share!! It's super fun!

Madagascar... over and over and over and over

So my son has a new obsession... actually I think this is his first obsession! He hasn't ever really had a toy that he absolutely can't live without or a blanket he can't live without BUT lately from the time he wakes up in the morning to when he goes to bed ... well at least 20 times a day he asks to watch this movie... he obviously can't say Madagascar because he is only 18 1/2 mo. so he says "Mov - mov... " and he is refering to the song on there "I like to move it!" I too love this song and I am not kidding every time I watch this movie I see something that I didn't see before. It is super funny! It is a little dirty though... like the monkeys wanting to fling poo and the king tells them to shut up and stuff... I've got to say the entertainment for a toddler though is awesome! He loves the characters and they are all so over the top! I sure don't mind him watching it over and over but the first he says shut up I'll know where he got it from and we'll have to have a talk about it... as I'm sure we will about a lot of things that are on television. The song on there is good for housecleaning too! Gets you up and moving! I'm excited to watch #2!

I wonder what the neighbors think...

So yesterday we went to run errands. I am on Bunny Patrol for my cousin who is out of town so I go over to her house every day/ every other day to feed her bunny and goldfish - we also had to do a library run, a run to Ross (I heart Ross)! All in that buzzing around I got home to find that my house keys were missing. I took like a 1/2 hour to try and find them in my jeep and finally decided my boy needed lunch and I wasn't fining them SO all I could do was break in to my own house (as Ben, who has the extra key, was at work and unreachable at that time) So luckily the ladder was outside I found the only window in the house that wasn't locked because we had used it for Christmas Lights - put my ladder up against it, pried the window open and broke into my own house... you should of seen Daphnie's face! She was concerned!

I had to do this once before when I locked my own keys in the house... it was the Summer of 07 and my husband was at Boy Scout Camp. I had went outside after it had finally cooled off to do some yard work and spray off our back patio because there had been a storm and well some how ended up locking my self outside. I then had one of my nursery windows unlocked because we had been painting in there and I had to crawl through one of them. I'm not a small gal and to boot I was 7 months pregnant so that was insane! Barely Fit!

Yesterday when I did this I called my mom - I'm telling you I think I go brain dead when I'm pregnant... almost to the point of scary! It is super weird! I spent yesterday afternoon calling all the places I had been to see if my keys had been turned in... This morning I found my keys under Pauly's car seat... little stinker had got them out of my purse and flung them!

I've now broke in to this house 3 times... Thank God I've always found a window that wasn't locked... but now I'm wondering should I go around and lock windows or should I make sure I leave one open for myself... hmmmmm...

Attitude Adjuster!

When we were growing up my mom had a stick called the Attitude Adjuster! In puffy paint, she had "ATTITUDE ADJUSTER FOR SAMI JO, JODI DAWN, AND CASI JEAN" wrote on it! I actually can't remember - even one time getting spanked with that stick but it was there just-in-case! And it is a funny story to tell as and adult! My mom cracks me up!

But right now I need that stick... for myself! Although I feel like I am walking, breathing, speaking, eating all in slow motion because I am so tired... (totally feel like this!) I can't even think... (I got this way with my last pregnancy too during the first trimester) and I know I need to rest if I'm tired but I think it is almost a laziness now. I'm known for being lazy and I just can't seem to get out of my funk. Spring is here! I should want to do Spring cleaning and yard work. I've been trying to make sure to eat good and drink my water - not just starting now because I'm pregnant but I've been working and succeeding at this for a while. I used to be a list girl too... I would write my day down and get to work on it - checking things off as I accomplish them.

Being a stay-at-home mom is tough for me sometimes that way I guess if I let it because I very easily take on the attitude that who cares if I get dressed today - no one sees me, no one cares anyway! Why should I clean my house, I'm too tired .. .. .. .. is it nap time yet? or I'm hungry! I'm gonna puke!! I guess I just need to be patient and do what I can and the rest will come!

Something, of course, that always helps is waking up earlier than my boy and blogging and reading my Bible. I'm very thankful for my mom and sisters though who tends to send me little emails of verses and encouragement - I'll keep plugging along and I know I'll come out of this funk and feel better for it! There is lots to do around here and most importantly we have a very important guest coming to visit in about 8 months! :)

The Perfect Baby Handbook by Dale Hrabi

This was a book suggestion from a great friend of mine and I personally have not read it. It is being released today and you can read more about it here. It is by Dale Hrabi - from what I've heard about it it sounds like a fun read to learn about baby topics and how to handle them/learn more about your babies. There are so many parents out there that are so anxious when it comes to babies and raising them. In the beginning when I wasn't sure if I was truly doing the perfect things for Pauly in that perfect mother way - My mom mentioned to me that many idiots (even ones that I knew) had raised kids so she was fully confident that I could do it.

I'm sure you and your spouse have also had those moments after you have left those "said" people who you just aren't quite sure of their parenting ideas "Wow! Can you believe they raise their kids like that? They let their kids just run the show!" - I know Ben and I have! Some people are just nuts with their kids! Then the moment passes and we both are always thinking the same thing... are those people thinking the same thing about us right now :)

Amazon's Product Description included this statement -

The Perfect Baby Handbook provides much-needed comic relief from the pressures of modern parenting, and gives comfort to moms and dads who can say with a sigh of relief, “At least, we're not this bad.”

Misty Wagner at the Rainy Day in May Blog is my friend and she is the one that turned me on to this book... go check out her blog! It is a fun read!

I'm excited to read this book now for obvious reasons... the other day I went down to my baby book stash and grabbed a handful to get reacquainted with but if any of you end up reading this one or have already let me know what you think!

We loved it!

If you haven't went and rented the new Disney Movie BOLT! GO DO IT! We rented it this weekend and it was totally fun! Pauly is still pretty not interested when it comes to sitting down and watching a movie but he watched pretty much the whole first 1/3 of the movie! Could be because he is totally obsessed with dogs lately! We totally loved this movie and you'll just die when you see the hamster - he is hilarious! He was definitely Ben and my favorite! His name was rhino if that gives you an idea how funny it was! Anywho - just a suggestion for all those with chillens/grandchildren.

Remember my funk?

Well... about a week ago I figured out my funk... remember about two or three posts ago I told you all how I couldn't get out of bed and was so tired and just completely and utterly draggin' my butt! Well I found out...............

I'M PREGNANT!!!

If that won't put you in a funk I don't know what will! I am very very early in the process about 6 weeks along - we went to the dr. this past Wednesday and DID get to see the heartbeat and found out my due date is November 10th!

For most of you who know I did go through a miscarriage right before I got pregnant with Pauly - so this first stage I would really appreciate all of your prayers as far as everything going alright. This first trimester just freaks me out! BUT I do my best to not think bad about it and just remember to Give it to GOD!

We are super excited and I'm not sure if it really has hit me yet... but I'm getting more and more excited every day!

Think Spring!

I was fortunate enough to be raised around on a farm so when Spring rolled around we would see all the new life that the warm sunny days had in store for the world. New baby calves, lambs, and kittens.

Baby kittys my favorite - my sisters and I would always take our baby doll dress up clothes and dress them up in dresses and hats. They would just purrrr...

My Grandma Pattie had sheep when we were growing up and I loved visiting her lambing shed where a lot of the baby lambs were born. Sometimes we would have to take care of the lambs if something went wrong and we would feed them on the bottle. We loved helping her and later when we were a little older we got some lambs of our own.

For an alternate income in our home my mom raised bottle calves and sold them when they got bigger. We had quite a few and it was part of our chores to help her feed and water them.

Spring also reminds me of the smell of lilacs which is probably my favorite flower smell. My Grandma's whole driveway was lined with lilacs - purple and white ones. We had one smaller bush at our house. To this day I love the smell and I think they are gorgeous!

As many of you can relate I'm sure - Spring is when my hay fever allergy always flares up. When I was little there was always random pollen irritating me or there was a nearby farmer who was swathing hay or combining grain. Our little valley was just a huge sneeze for me... It was pretty common for my little face to be swollen up and I was trying to keep my hands down from itching my eyes out. I don't have allergies near as bad now - but I also live in the city. HUGE difference :)

Spring is also when High School Rodeo would start so many of my spring memories is of us girls on the road together going to rodeos. Listening to Patsy Cline and Dean Martin. Oh! and don't forget the practicing! We would ride every night almost all year long - My parents have an arena in front of their house. I would so love to go back and be a fly on the post and listen to the conversations between us sisters... and the arguments :) I'm sure it would be hysterical!

Casi, Jodi, and Sami (My sisters and me!)

Boo Hoo!

We are all sick here at the Melton House. We were all so stoked because my sister was going to come visit this weekend with my sweet little Macarti Girl. We were going to go to my Husband's Rugby Team's first game (he is coaching High School Boy's Rugby) and we were going to do a little visiting, movies, going for walks and all that fun stuff.

Oh how I wish they could still come. This croupy cold stuff just hit us on Wednesday around noonish and my poor little boy is just draggin'! He didn't hardly sleep a wink last night and went to sleep about 7:30 p.m. tonight which is about 2 hours before his bedtime... so I wonder when he'll wake up... we'll see if mama can get some sleep tonight. Speaking of which I better hop to it. Hopefully soon I'll get out of this funk and sick-o-ness and get back to regular blogging... Yes Krista girl - I too hate hate it when my kid-o is sick!!

Cute as a Button!

When I was a little girl, both my mom and my grandma Pattie had a huge container filled full of buttons. I would spend hours running my little hands through all of the buttons trying to find my favorites and just the feeling of the cold buttons in my hands and the sounds of them as I'd pick up a hand full then drop them back in the container. I am a huge fan of buttons and I love that you can do all sorts of fun things with them!

Below are some awesome ideas that people have thought up for using buttons in a different way rather than just the traditional to secure clothing. They're great!

This bow was found at bows2cute.com

These craft pics were found on ladyfort / sallyent's photostream in flickr. They have really cute stuff there - I couldn't find a business website or I would post that too. Very creative!

These buttons were placed so perfectly to fancy up a button sachet. These are found at the whiteaisle.com - I think these would be a fun party favor!

This was found at free-holiday-ideas.com

Great idea placing the buttons around the bottom of the cake! adds a ton character. This one is found at junebugweddings.com

I'm Back! Finally!

So... I haven't been blogging because our Internet modem died and they said they mailed it when they really forgot and we should of had it last Thursday but we just got it last night. The good thing is that since we went without Internet the company is going to credit $10 back to our account for when we went without and it was their fault!

It was totally strange not being able to have the convenience of checking things on the Internet and the I was really starting to miss being able to write on my blogs and to be able read some of yours.

BUT I am back and ready to get going again. Since my last post - Seems like not to much has gone on although some things have happened that are "in the works" right now so I can't disclose them quite yet... (Some of you know what I mean :)

Also my sister Jodi joined the blogging world so go visit her blog here - I can't wait to be able to read her blog of all the fun things that family is doing. I love her stories about her kids. They're hilarious!

I'm in a funk!!!

I just am! I don't know what it is or why I feel this way... I couldn't get up and going this morning - Pauly literally was playing on my bed for an hour - watching Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when I finally got up and got breakfast - (granted he woke up right at 7:30 which remember the whole time change thing is sort of 6:30 in my mommy world)...

I do give myself a little credit tonight - I made yummy roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed carrots for dinner.

Tomorrow my goals are to just get out of this funk and get going!! I always feel so much better... hopefully soon I'll get used to this time change :)

Tonight we are watching dances with the stars and so far both Ben and I are rootin' for the Gymnast!! Go Shawn!

Do you dare?

The other day when I was looking through some google images I found these three rooms that have very BOLD decor, paint and bedding! I just loved them and thought... Would I dare? Would you?

STOP and smell the roses...

With man this may seem impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

We had a pretty great weekend. We had a Blaze King Stove sell on Craig's List which put an additional $200 in our pocket and may all God's people say "AMEN"! We plan on using that and some of our tax money we got back to put into a garden and a little grass in our backyard. We will also put some money into a pump for a possible well Ben found on our property. That will surely cut down that darn water bill!

This verse above reminds me of new beginnings and what Springs has in store for our little home here. Yesterday when Pauly and I were outside playing I saw two robins pecking around in the lawn and I was so excited to see their ruby red breasts. They're gorgeous!

It got me to thinking about how impossible you would think it would be for a egg to turn into a bird. Such a beautiful metamorphosis. The robin's egg is a gorgeous shade of well yes blue... Robin's Egg Blue is one of my favs! The immaculate hand God has in every single thing BIG and small in our world. Whether we find it really important to dreadfully nonexistent and blah - it all cycles and changes and is beautiful and perfect because of his wonderful GRACE and impeccable plan and creation.

If it were all to stop what things would you finally notice because they went away or stopped? It is crucial to remember to open our eyes and appreciate everything we possibly can, because we never know when that one thing that we haven't appreciated might some day - be gone forever. Must have no regrets.

Photo by: Rosemary Cluley

I kiss the palms of your tiny hands and then lay them on my face.
I shut my eyes to savor the moment.
I love the feel of your soft precious skin against mine.
I grab you by your cheeks and pull you in for a big lip smooch.
I stroke your hair and help it all lay down, parted to the right.
You're my little man.
Your little arms swing back and forth as you run barefoot on our warn, sun kissed, wood floor.
I chase you through the kitchen, to the living room and on to your bedroom.
You trip and fall over the edge of the blue wool rug that graces the floor of your room.
I grab you up quick and hold you tight, your poor little eyes filled with tears.
You lay your head on my shoulder while you weep.
You squeeze around my neck with your tiny arms, still needing comforted.
The tears fade away and I inspect your little body.
You get a grin back on your face and you talk to me in that little adorable language you have.
I just nod and smile.
You grab your favorite book and plop yourself in my lap.
Your little head against my chest and your little hands in your lap.
You point at the pictures and repeat some of the words as I read to you.
You are so smart.
I wrap my arms around you and squeeze you tight.
We jump up at the same time and I hold your hand as we run through the house.
We play with the dog and you give her kisses.
She loves you.
You help me with the house chores as we wait for Daddy to come home from work.
Then suddenly we hear the door and you scream!
It's Daddy!
You run to him, he scoops you up and squeezes you tight.
His whiskers tickle you and you make a funny face.
You give him a kiss.
He asks you about your day.
You answer again in the little language you have.
He nods and smiles.
We eat dinner as a family.
You feed yourself with a spoon.You are doing such a great job!
We enjoy our night together wrestling, laughing and reading books.
Bedtime now and you kiss daddy goodnight.
You fold your little hands together ready to pray.
Your eyes shut and you are whispering a little prayer to yourself.
I pray with you and then give you a goodnight kiss.
I tuck you in and tell you I love you and that I will see you in the morning.
Soon, you are dreaming...

I kiss the palms of your tiny hands and then lay them on my face.

I shut my eyes to savor the moment.

I love the feel of your soft precious skin against mine.

I grab you by your cheeks and pull you in for a big lip smooch.

I stroke your hair and help it all lay down, parted to the right.

You're my little man.

Your little arms swing back and forth as you run barefoot on our warn, sun kissed, wood floor.

I chase you through the kitchen, to the living room and on to your bedroom.

You trip and fall over the edge of the blue wool rug that graces the floor of your room.

I grab you up quick and hold you tight, your poor little eyes filled with tears.

You lay your head on my shoulder while you weep.

You squeeze around my neck with your tiny arms, still needing comforted.

The tears fade away and I inspect your little body.

You get a grin back on your face and you talk to me in that little adorable language you have.

I just nod and smile.

You grab your favorite book and plop yourself in my lap.

Your little head against my chest and your little hands in your lap.

You point at the pictures and repeat some of the words as I read to you.

You are so smart.

I wrap my arms around you and squeeze you tight.

We jump up at the same time and I hold your hand as we run through the house.

We play with the dog and you give her kisses.

She loves you.

You help me with the house chores as we wait for Daddy to come home from work.

Then suddenly we hear the door and you scream!

It's Daddy!

You run to him, he scoops you up and squeezes you tight.

His whiskers tickle you and you make a funny face.

You give him a kiss.

He asks you about your day.

You answer again in the little language you have.

He nods and smiles.

We eat dinner as a family.

You feed yourself with a spoon.
You are doing such a great job!

We enjoy our night together wrestling, laughing and reading books.

Bedtime now and you kiss daddy goodnight.

You fold your little hands together ready to pray.

Your eyes shut and you are whispering a little prayer to yourself.

I pray with you and then give you a goodnight kiss.

I tuck you in and tell you I love you and that I will see you in the morning.

Soon, you are dreaming...

Tea for two - well actually three...

At my church our Women's Group has started a Mentoring Group. We started this group this past October. The idea was that this would a great opportunity for women of all ages learn to get to know each other better and appreciate what every woman has to bring to the table. For example: each group was made up of approximately 3 ladies of all ages. What we do is we meet once a month to visit and fellowship and then all the time we are praying for each other and then we once a week we also try and remember to drop each other a phone call or a note in the mail.

This last weekend my group met. Every time we meet we alternate between each other's houses and this time it was my turn and I tell you I had such a wonderful time preparing for this little get-together!

The theme for my party was "Tea Party". I called my mom for all the fun Tea Party sandwich ideas and I ended up making Deviled Ham sandwiches, Egg Salad sandwiches, Chicken Salad sandwiches, Cucumber/Cream Cheese sandwiches. I also made a Carrot Salad as a side. One lady brought a Green Salad and the other brought a wonderful Fruit, Yogurt and Granola Parfait! We had quite the spread and I made sure before we got back from church that my table was all set and I had a three-tier little holder that I put on the bottom cookies, then peanuts and the top I put little mints. Of course along with this wonderful spread we had tea, coffee and ice water.

I had went to the local thrift store and bought precious yet affordable tea cups and plates. They were all white and matched. They were $ .75 each. These played as my party favors as well!

We ate, visited, cried and prayed together. These ladies just mean the world to me and I'm so blessed to have them in my life! Have yourself a lovely little tea party soon!

and counting...

Church this Sunday was awesome! I was there alone - well Pauly was in Nursery (hopefully behaving) and the husband was re cooperating at home as he had worked 6 days and nights right in a row - he needed to just relax for a little bit! I don't mind going to church by myself with Pauly it can be a little challenging but overall I love going... period! The music was awesome - we sang old hymns like "In the Garden", "Come, thou fount", and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" It was just what I needed... you know when you've got fogged over and your eyes aren't focused. It really hit me in church when I realized how blessed I am.

There are so many people right now going through so much loss, hurt and turmoil in this world. I think about those people and it really makes me realize how silly I've been, how petty, selfish and completely un-acknowledging Christ and what a blessing he is to have in my life. Without him I'm nothing and any frustrations or lost feelings I ever might have if I didn't have him would control my life... but because he is in my life I can give it to him and I know he will never leave me!

I'm counting my blessings this week left and right! From my alone time in the morning, to my patient and loving husband... to the fact that I have a perfectly healthy body and I'm hardly ever sick to my beautiful precious son. So many things- somethings big some things small! We can pay our bills, my husband has a job, I woke up this morning and my wonderful family, church family and friends...

The list goes on and on!

Cruise to my loo my darlin'

This was found on Wikipedia.org

Made by Velorbis

Can't you see somewhere on this one - belongs to: The Lady?

Made by Land Rover
All I have to say about this one is ... Yes! Please! http://www.rei.com/

Pinky Pinky Pink! Love Love this one!

I know it's a boy's bike but it is gorgeous!

A Bike Store

This color is so awesome!