Why is this so LOW???

I don't know why this is posted so low on the page-I didn't change anything in the template! Working on fixing this... (ugg)

What I'm up to these days

Here's what's going on:

1. Mason's one year professional photos were taken this morning. He did not have his usual morning nap so he was a little cranky and very clingy, but I think we ended up getting some good shots in spite of that. I love our photographer, Amber Lanning.

2. Last week we finally cleaned out our office closet (way overdue) and moved my scrapbooking supplies from Mason's closet into it so I can actually scrap after Mason goes to bed instead of going in with Wayne's headlamp on quietly digging for supplies!! (It's quite a site to behold!) Man, that was one long sentence! Since then I have already completed several pages--I just needed a little inspiration & motivation from 2 peas in a bucket and to be able to get to my supplies!

3. Our 8 year wedding anniversary is tomorrow, July 31st. We went to Branson over the weekend and left Mason with my parents--he has never spent the night at anyone's house! Yes--he is sheltered! He did wonderful--he actually slept better at their house (go figure) We missed him a lot but it was nice to get away and have some time to ourselves. We went to the Titanic Museum which was pretty neat and the Butterfly Palace which turned out better than I expected. (picures above) Other than that we hung out in our jacuzzi suite and had some nice meals. The traffic was horrible but it was a good trip.

4. Southern Living at HOME parties. I have several parties booked--and they're fun--it dosen't feel like work. The new Fall catalog is out and I want everything, as usual. They finally have the entire catalog on the website instead of just a sampling--see it at: https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s01/catalog.aspx?repid=534206

5. My best friend, Victoria's (aka Tori) Birthday--is TODAY!!!July 30th!!!!! That's right--8 years ago today she had to spend her birthday at my wedding rehearsal! poor girl. Happy B-day, Tori!

6. Junior League--starting a new league year. I'm on the same committee as last year (2 year placement) so I'm pretty comfy with that right now. I usually like to be challenged, but right now with the rest of my challenging life, I'm glad it's not for me right now. :}

Well, that's all the high points for now!

Vintage Clutches

Love these from Vintage Clutch!!! Too bad they are a little expensive or I'd have several!
Check them all out at:

http://www.vintageclutch.com/products.php

One Year Ago Today...

Looking back one year ago today,

July 10, 2006 ...

Mason Cole

Born 7-10-06 @ 5:53pm

Weight 7 lbs 10 oz

Length 21 in

Mason's First Birthday!

Mason's First Birthday party was on Saturday. We only invited our families (and it was still overwhelming!) Mason was a little freaked out when he awoke from a much needed nap to find the house full of people.

We served hamburgers and hot dogs and all the sides. He had a great party and was in a good mood--especially while tearing into that cake--and after when he had a sugar rush! He got a lot of cute toys, books and clothes. I can't belive my baby will be ONE tomorrow!!!

No More Bottles!

Mason has decided that he's done eating from a bottle! He's been eating more finger foods and suddenly, over the last week has not wanted a bottle at all! When I've given him one, he'll eat half of it then start goofing around with it. He has little interest in it at all. This is amazing--I thought we were going to have to wean him and it would get ugly--but that's what he did with his pacifier months ago--he just didn't want it anymore! Aren't we lucky parents???

My Little Backyardigan

Mason LOVES the Backyardigans!!! They are so cute and I must admit that Wayne and I are both addicted, also! I find myself singing thier songs everyday. Mason smiles and dances to the music--although in these pics he's just glued--in a tv coma! I only let him watch a few a day--I don't want him to watch too much tv. We happen to have 23 episodes Tivo'd!!! We love them!

Mason's First 4th

Mason's first 4th was pretty uneventful. We stayed at home and Mason was in bed by 9:00. I thought the neighborhood fireworks would scare him or wake him but he didn't seem to mind--he slept right through them! They were very loud, too! Wayne and I sat in our backyard and watched the local show--just like we did last year, except I was expecting Mason then. My due date was July 3rd last year so it was kinda bittersweet for me--I have to admit I was sad. I guess it's just a Mom thing--and now that he's growing up and doing so many things I really miss the tiny baby that he was. He's such a sweetie!

HAPPY 4TH!!!!!!!!!!

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SAFE

4TH OF JULY!

THANK YOU TO OUR TROOPS--PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE!

The Starfish Story

I was reading the latest issue of Parents magazine and came across an ad for Pepperidge Farm's new Goldfish crackers, including starfish. (It's to promote a charity that helps kids achieve goals.) Anyway, this little story accompanied the ad and I thought it was so inspiring!

The Starfish Story

A little girl was walking along a beach that was covered with thousands of starfish left dying in the sun by the receding tide. Seeking to help, she picked up a starfish and tossed it back into the ocean.

A man, amused by her action, said to her, "Little girl, there are too many starfish. You will never make a difference." Discouraged, she began to walk away.

Suddenly, she turned around, picked up another starfish and tossed it as far as she could back into the sea. Turning to the man, she smiled and said, "I made a difference to that one!"

The man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had said and done. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing the starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.