Weddings and Toddlers

They are much better at getting genuine smiles than the cheesy photographers...Landon is pictured with his Uncle "Mack" (Marc) whom he adores. See my aunt, "KK" cracking up in the background.

They actually want to be a part of wedding pictures...notice he is running to catch up with the wedding party who are going to a nice quiet scenic spot at the vineyard- I think he could have really livened up the pictures...I mean, who wouldn't want that adorable little boy in all their wedding photos?

They entertain themselves during the hours of photos...Raffie loves to eat dirt. At least Landon wasn't eating it!

They finally smile for family pictures... (there are always a whole lot of people who are willing to make goofy faces at weddings).

And one last thing about toddlers at weddings...they don't sleep in hotel rooms with their parents. :)

P.S. Congrats Greg and Haley and LYTM!!

Hand, Foot and Mouth and Mostly Mouth

Yuck! We have been so sad this week! Landon has had Hand, Foot and Mouth- a virus that causes high fevers and sometimes really bad mouth sores- which he got and got badly. He refused to drink for about 24 hours and I was only able to get sips in him. Finally, we got some rectal Tylenol (after realizing that the 1/4th the priced children's motrin was just not the same as the pricey infants taste wise) and Pedialyte Popsicles and lots of prayers and he started drinking again. I had no idea just how nasty that virus really is!

He hasn't been sleeping, so neither have we and now I am trying to catch up on a week's worth of emails, plans, and try to fit in how we will manage our plans for the weekend that include going out of town for my cousin, Greg's wedding. We will figure it all out, keeping Landon first. I know we will do all that we can and some bit of distraction will probably do him some good.

Just a tip, have some rectal Tylenol handy- it is over the counter and though they hate it, it is the lesser of two evils when battling oral ulcers. :) From a mom and PNP who knows!

No, I am not above spoiling my child when he is sick. See his new transfer truck whom he affectionately calls, "Mack". (Obviously from the movie Cars)

What I came home to...

The ONLY way this would be posted on my BLOG was from the back. I came home this past weekend after daddy had watched Landon all weekend to find him dressed in this hideousness. All I can say is we will let him choose, and clearly he will chose the more superior of ACC teams, esp. once basketball season starts. He is half Stan but that doesn't mean he has to be even half a State fan!! I am presently working on, "You say TAR and I say HEELS" with Landon. Hopefully I will have a video clip soon...

So, the reason I was away this weekend was because of a tragedy that I need prayers for. Most all of you reading know my sweet sweet Heather who went to grad school with me and very quickly became a kindered spirit of a friend to me, more like a sister -and her whole family, another family to me. Her father died this past week. Please pray for the whole family (Heather, her two sisters, brother and her mother esp.) and for God's peace to sustain them during this very difficult time. I am so very sad but I know that God is bigger than this sadness.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed on our body." 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Popsicles and Rain

I wish I had a camera today during these moments, but sometimes memories cannot truly be captured to the extent they are enjoyed by film. Today Landon and I shared popsicles while we watched the rain. We sat in blue chairs donated from my mom's school at the edge of the garage while it poured. He has a strawberry popsicle and I had a mixed berry. He continually needed help in pushing his popsicle down so that the wrapper wasn't covering the actual pop. He has the biggest grin on his face as he licked the popsicle and did the "Brrrr" noise for "cold". I told him all about the rain and we talked about the different between thunder, trucks and airplanes- since they all sound the same to a 20 month old. This memory is etched in my mind forever. What a sweet moment to share with my little buddy. I never imagined I could love as much as I love him. Makes me really think about the extent of God's love for me.

Victories

And you thought my kid only ate off of toothpicks!!!! Look at that pincher grasp- and kiwi at that!

Of course, Landon is delighted to be eating a lion animal cracker. He was also making it trot along the poolside chair. He actually ate about 5/6th of an entire gordita last night! I think the little fella is getting it down. Food is a good thing!

In other news, Landon spent the weekend with his grandparents, "Nanny" and "Umdaddy", while Stan and I shared a weekend with my parents in the mountains. It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend with plenty of time for reflecting and peace. We even found time for pedicures for mom and I and golf for Stan and dad.

We needed the weekend. It was supposed to be our anniversary trip to the beach but Hurricane Hannah diverted us to the mountains. We have so many things to be thankful for, esp. for God's love,our health and our family. Going to the mountains and taking a break from the busyness of life helps us to realize these truths.

I have a few things going on that are unfortunately causing me some stress...without going into detail, please pray for me and my peace of mind, for discernment and wisdom in making the best decisions for my family. What a blessing family is and how wonderful is mine. Thank you Lord.

"Up"

If you are wondering what new fun things to do with a 20 month old boy...I have your answer. If you live near an airport with and observation deck, it is a sure experience of excitement and may even get a, "WOW-WEE" like Landon loves to exclaim! Not only are their loud airplanes with motors, but there are also trucks, diggers and buses- a little boy's heaven. Stan and I love to see him point at the airplanes and since we have started taking him, he recognizes airplanes flying over our house even before we do! Little rabbit ears. The other day, he heard thunder and I tried to explain that that noise was not an airplane...still not sure he got that! :) Enjoy the picture and I am going to sit and listen to my Selah as Landon is STILL asleep at 8:32 am! Unbelievable!

Fun Family Times

One week late, but we had a great visit last weekend with "Mom-mom" and her mandolin. Landon especially loves to put her pick inside the mandolin and have my mom have to turn it upside down to shake the pick out. Landon officially started calling my mom "Mom-mom" which is short for "Granmama". Mom actually had the sweetest smile on her face since Landon has named her. He actually named Stan's mom too...She was going to be called "Nana" but Landon has named her "Nanny". It is so sweet how he says both of their names with a little grin and giggle. Boy, I thought he had me wrapped around his finger...

Landon also got to visit with "KK" (Landon's name), my aunt Karen from Arizona. She was in town for my cousin, Greg's fiance's (Haley) wedding shower. We are so excited for Greg and Haley who will be married in September! We had the nicest time at Mez, where we had the shower. If you are local, you should absolutely check it out. The shower was so relaxing, we had yummy food and I got to spend some quality time with one of the very special "other moms" in my life. It was so great to be able to have her here in my home, hosting her. She has hosted me so many times. She has also always been a constant source of love, encouragement and wisdom throughout my life. It was a very special weekend. Thanks "KK" - LYTM and see you soon!