A Sad Story that Affects MANY People I Know

Don't know what to get your wife/baby momma for Christmas?

Dear Dads (or Moms who read this and then forward on to their husband),

I know what you can get your wife - from your child - that is special, easy, and can go on and on through many gift giving holidays.

A charm bracelet. Easy as that.

Start with Christmas and get the actual bracelet and just one charm. Then, as years go on, through Mother's Days, Birthdays and Christmas', your child can always just go and pick out a charm for Mommy and give it to her. It is seriously so easy.

Here is an example (I will use James Avery jewelry, however there are many more companies that sell charm bracelets. I like James Avery because they have an entire "Create Your Own Charm Bracelet" feature on their website):

Here is a nice starter bracelet to add charms to.

The medium twist bracelet in silver - $49.
Then add charms! Here are a few of my faves right now...

• The jingle bell charm (for Christmas)
• The Birthday Cupcake Charm
• The ABC Apple Charm (I am a teacher)
• The Popcorn Charm (I LOOOOVE going to the movies and eating popcorn for dinner with Rian)
• The Peace Charm (because I love Peace signs and anything peace really)
• The Initial J
• The Baby Shoes Charm (you can get names and birthdays engraved on the bottom!)
• The Flip Flop Charm (because it reminds me of summer and Mexico)

These are just a few I like, but really, if Cameron picks it out...I don't care what it looks like, I will love it!

What's Going to Happen?

Cameron is doing and saying some of the funniest things lately! I write them down in a journal/baby book, but I thought some others might be interested too!

• Cameron HATED wearing anything on his head until about a month ago. Somehow, I convinced him that if he wore a hat, the sun would stay out of his eyes. This did the trick, and now almost every day for an entire month, he has worn a hat. This includes his CSU Ram hat, his Disney Squirt hat and a silly straw hat. He loves wearing them so much, he even wore the hat to take a nap in the other day. He will wear it backwards or forwards and it is so cute. He loves it so much that he even had to wear it to his uncle and (now) auntie's wedding rehearsal. I was terrified I wasn't going to get him down the aisle on wedding day without wearing one.

Cameron making a silly face while wearing his Squirt hat.
Cameron at the rehearsal dinner. I tried to class it up with some linen pants.

• When Cameron and I get home from work/school/daycare everyday, we walk in and immediately let the dogs out to go potty. Apparently, I was calling Macy "Honey" a lot. One day, we walk in and Cameron says, "Go outside Honey!" For the rest of the day he called Macy Honey and he still does it occasionally.
  
• He is TALL and has BIG feet. He almost wears a size 9 in shoes and on his 2nd Birthday he was 36 inches tall!
• Cameron growls, screams, hoots, hollers, etc. Whatever noise an animal makes, Cameron likes to pretend he is that animal too and will make the noises.
  
• He loves to play outside. One of his favorite weekend pastimes is picking up dog poo with his Daddy. Rian and I are not sure where he got that from, because neither of us like to pick up dog poo.

Cameron playing with his Daddy outside by the Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat this summer!

• He loves going to the zoo which is great because Rian's parents got us a membership for Cameron's birthday. We have it really timed out well so that we get to see the seal show and then go watch the Lions eat their lunch. Cameron grows at them to try to get their attention.

Cameron pointing to the Seals at the zoo with his cousin Noah.

• He loves babies. He loves to see real babies, he loves to play with his baby doll, he loves anything that has to do with him. His latest thing is getting his baby doll "Baby Kearney" and putting it to sleep on the pillow and covering it up with a KiKi so it doesn't get cold. He also thinks it is too funny when Rian or I cuddle with Baby Kearney.

Cameron playing with Baby Paul. We now refer to every baby we see as "Baby Paul".

• Cameron likes to dance! When he hears a beat he likes, he either starts jumping around or dancing. One of his and Daddy's favorite songs to dance to is Memories by David Guetta. This happened last night. The song came on, Cameron yelled "Yay!" and then said, "Shake your butt Mommy!" So cute.
• If we are watching Cars or Princess and the Frog for the 5 millionth time, Cameron will walk up to you and breathlessly whisper "What's going to happen?"
• My little dude still loves to cuddle with his Mommy and Daddy. You can tell when he is getting tired, because sometimes he will just come up to you with KiKi and sit in your lap, or he will ask. Or, he will ask if you want to lay down on the couch or in bed with him. It is very hard to say no to a little guy asking to cuddle with his Mommy or Daddy.

Cameron cuddling with Daddy after a long day.

• He sings along with us! He knows a few songs, so he tries to sing along with us. There is nothing more precious than hearing a little, sweet voice coming out of the backseat singing the "Elephant Song" with us.
  

Tears (and tears, and tears, and tears) of JOY.

Here is a teaser picture from our recent family photo session.

To see more click HERE. Then follow Julie Harris' blog, she is a creative GENIUS.

Hug Time

Cameron's favorite book is Hug Time by Patrick McDonnell.


Click HERE to hear someone actually reading Cameron's favorite book!

Cute Etsy Shop

Check out Volume 25 on Etsy. So cute!

I bought this today!

Amazing Quote!

I read this on another blog today and had to post it here so I will remember it!

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” -Anonymous

So true!

The Stilletto Award

My friend Elaine at FIRST BABY BUMP nominated me for my very first blogging award! I got so excited that it has pushed me into actually doing a better job of blogging! Thank you Elaine! Check it out!

What is a Stiletto Award???

There are thousands of blogs, and there are hundreds of awards. The Stiletto Award is a little different than most!

The Stiletto Award Is For Excellence in Blogging!

I want to salute the women who balance life, family & relationships with style & class! Those women who share their experiences with us…who encourage us, inspire us, teach us, make us laugh and basically keep us going! You know who they are! While you read this blog, your family is looking at you wondering what the heck you are laughing about so hard…or why the tissue is necessary for internet browsing. It’s the one that the kids are excited about cuz a new post means a new craft project or family outing. The one that inspires you to be a better mom, friend, person in general. The one that reminds you that we are all “in this life together” and you’re not the only one going through the hard stuff. The one that you secretly wish your blog was like…

If you’ve received this award, someone out there thinks you deserve it! Be proud! Display the badge with honor! You earned it…after all it means that you brought something special to at least one other person, and really, isn’t that what life’s all about????

THE RULES!

This blog is meant to be shared, to be given out, to be bestowed upon any and ALL women who exemplify what the stiletto represents. If you’ve received this award, here’s what you do:

1. Display your Stiletto Badge of Honor on your sidebar! Wear it with pride!

2. BRAG ABOUT IT
3. SAY THANKS
4. SHARE THE LOVE
5. DO WHAT YOU DO...keep at it. Keep inspiring and encouraging and sharing your life! We love it and we thank you!!!

Baby Boy Vaughn

Paul Ryan Vaughn was born on Friday April 16th to my friend's Elaine and Ryan! Isn't he so cute?


I haven't seen him yet because Cameron has a runny nose (not sure if it is allergies or a cold yet), but I don't want to freak out the new parents. Someone did that to us when Cameron was a babe and they brought their kid to visit. I knew he was teething, but it totally freaked me out at the time, and I don't want to do that to someone else. So...we will be patiently waiting to see this sweet little guy!

Spring Break 2010: Day 4

1. Rian took the day off!
   
2. Doctor's appointment at 8:00am.
3. Took Cameron to gymnastics and had some serious playtime.
4. Chipotle for lunch.
5. Afternoon of watching DVR'd shows (Parenthood, Gangland)
   

Spring Break 2010: Day 3

1. Slept in!
2. Met my Mom and a few of her friends for lunch at Olive Garden.
3. Rian got home!
4. Went and got measured for my bridesmaid dress for Brett and Kristi's wedding.
5. Hung out together all night!
   

Spring Break 2010: Day 2

1. Slept in a little bit.
2. Went shopping with my Mom. Got a dress for Erin's wedding and an Easter/Wedding outfit for Cameron.
3. Went to Chili's for lunch.
4. Crocheted while Cameron napped.
5. Walked up to the park with Cameron and played on the slides and swings for a while.
6. Watched some Yo Gabba Gabba and then the babe took another nap! (I think it was the wind at the park combined with us walking there.)
7. Ate chips and salsa for dinner.
8. Gave the babe a bath.
9. Watched Biggest Loser and American Idol minus commercials!

Spring Break 2010: Day 1

1. Slept in.
2. Watched Aladdin with the babe.

3. Went and got my hair done.
4. Ate milk and cookies.
5. Watched Enews.
6. Got Tokyo Joes To-Go.
7. Ate while watching Dancing with the Stars
8. Watched Jungle Book with Cameron until 9:45. (I let him stay up late and watch a movie...it was a blast.)

Not done yet...to be continued!

Sleepy Time Items

Cameron is so cute.

His new "thing" is to take a new item with him when he goes to bed every night. In the past, it has usually been a stuffed animal. However over the past two weeks or so it has changed to a bunch of different things. Here are a few sleepy time items so far:

• basketball
• the farmer from his Fischer Price farm (a small plastic guy)
• the St. Patrick's Day card that Elaine sent in the mail to him - cute side story on that one. I gave it to him in the car to open. He proceeded to open it and pulled out the card and yelled, "Oh awesome!" Isn't that so cute? He then wanted to take it with him when he went to bed that night.
  
• Books (see picture evidence from last night below)

Tales from Daycare

I was a little worried about Cameron this morning because I didn't think he was feeling well. Here is an email I just got from Mrs. Dawn:

He is just fine. Was smiling about 3 minutes after you left. We are getting ready to play in shaving cream-- a little tactile stimulation today---fun, fun!! No fever and seems to be feeling okay. I've added Cameron on the 25th and yes you can just add that to your next payment. Have a splendid day!! D

I am So Proud and Excited!

You have most definitely heard me talk about one of my best friends, Christine. (Remind yourself HERE).

While fighting cancer, her mom, Val managed to write a book based on her own life! SpyMom

Until Val Agosta’s diagnosis, few knew how passionately she—a lover of Nancy Drew mysteries as a child—fantasized about becoming a hard-boiled female gumshoe. Motivated by her illness to finally pursue her goal, Val opens her own private investigator firm and becomes an undercover mother.

Using woman’s intuition and “mom smarts,” powered by a deep faith, Val turns everything that might be considered a liability—gender, age, family, illness—into assets and becomes an inspiration to anyone pursuing a dream despite tremendous odds.

IT IS COMING TO BOOKSTORES AT THE END OF THE MONTH! Christine wrote the afterword!

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE:
SPYMOM

I have pre-ordered 10 copies for myself to give to my family and friends. Maybe I can get you an autograph. My bestie is famous!

For Uncle Clif

Happy Birthday last month! A little late, but better late than never!

Cameron Started a new Daycare Today

Here is the email I just got from Dawn, Cameron's new daycare lady:

Good Morning--Cameron is here and doing fine. Had a little trauma this morning in the transfer from dad to myself but it was very short-lived. We are headed off to the library soon for storytime. Rian told me you would like to pay bi-weekly which is fine with me. Your payments may vary some depending on your schedule but are consistent for the month of December. You are not scheduled for the days off while school is out but you are paying for two days of care which you are welcome to use. Just let me know if you would like to do that. Have a great day and I'll see you at pick up!!!

Tell me that is not the nicest thing to read?! (especially when you are stressed about new daycare). I cried for about 10 minutes during class, thank goodness my students are working on a group project!

My Poor Bestie

Here is an update from Whitney's caringbridge.org blog:

A lot has changed since my last update. Basically my flu results came back negative but this weekend I developed bad mouth sores. Fast forward to today and I am being admitted to the hospital. I am running a fever, having trouble eating and drinking and am in a lot of pain. The left side of my tongue is extremely swollen and I have sores everywhere!

The chemo drug Methotrexate that I was given last week destroys the mucus membranes around the body, including the mouth. And on top of that my immune system is compromised so I have no defense. Needless to say, horrible mouth sores are very common with this. They are in fact very surprised I hadn't had mouth sores in the previous treatments.

So I will be heading over to Presbyterian St Lukes to receive IV fluids, IV antibiotics, and even a pain pump. My pain is so severe that I have a pain patch and have tried liquid Morphine and am still experiencing a lot of pain.

So I should be out in about 4-5 days and they don't see this delaying my next treatment, thank the Lord. And I guess if I was to be hospitalized at least it won't be the 3 week stay like last time.

This is Why I am a Teacher

I have had a rough couple of years with students who weren't the greatest and were a little mean and overall...yucky. So Rian and I decided to have some of my favorite students over for dinner before the school year started. This was so (hopefully) their good student "ju-ju" would rub off on me, and I would get good students this school year. Here is the picture from that night (with a couple of extra people in it) I will tell you who everyone is and why I love them.
(Clockwise starting with Cameron)
Cameron: I love him because he is my baby and really, really cute and smart. I have also noticed recently that he has a love for playing and listening to music.

Lindsay: My cousin who graduated in 2009. She is attending the University of Wyoming. She is awesome, cool, pretty and wants to be a Special Ed teacher in the future.

Ryan: Graduated in 2008. He now plays basketball for the University of Denver! So cool! I love him because I had him for a couple of years in high school, he is funny, likes a lot of the same things I do, he trusted that I knew what I was talking about when it came to basketball, and he ALWAYS had girlfriend drama.

Emily: Graduated in 2009. Now going to Carroll College in Wisconsin. She is HILARIOUS! Her sophomore year when she was in my class she told me she had a crush on a certain senior. The next day I decided to do a group project and I paired her and him together on purpose! She was so embarrassed, but we still laugh about it today. One of my students who took 3rd in the NATION in DECA! Did I mention she is hilarious and has one of the best hearts you could ask for in a teenager.

Hayley: Graduated in 2009. Now going to Pepperdine University in California. Class valedictorian, placed 3rd in the Nation in DECA (with Emily as her teammate), has a good sense of fashion, and is awesome. If you ever meet her, ask her about how she got asked to Prom her senior year, so embarrassing and funny (well I think it is funny). She also has a good heart and I will love her and Emily for LIFE!

Abby: Graduated in 2007. I actually never had her in class, she was a DECA officer, and I just became close with her through that. She is on a full-ride scholarship to the University of Kansas and she just got back from traveling abroad last semester. Abby is awesome, trust me. Rian, Cameron and I and her entire family enjoy going out to dinner together every few months and loving on each other. The thing I love best about Abby is that she will tell you how great, cool, awesome, nice you are on a daily basis.

Schuyler: Graduated in 2007. Now attends Colgate University in New York. I also never had him in class, but he is awesome. One of the students who we met at the OAR concert this summer. He went on the NY trip that Rian and I did in 2006. He tested Rian's limits, but now we know, he is just like us, and that is why we like to hang out with him.

Nelly: Graduated from the school of Bad Ass. She will be mean and awful to you, and then when she decides you are good, she will love you like crazy. She is the most loyal dog I have ever known. Sweet girl.

Tyler: Graduated in 2007. Now attends Regis University in Denver and plays for the soccer team. This is a kid that Rian and I first got to know really well on the NY trip. When Rian and I got home from the trip, we decided that this was a kid we wanted to be friends with after he graduated. We are friends with him, and he is an awesome person, who is smart, funny and helped me fix the garlic bread mess I created that night. He also attended the OAR concert with us. So so so fun.

Kevin: Graduated in 2008. Now attends CU Denver with a "crazy high" GPA. One of the kids who just got through high school. He did what he had to do to graduate and now he is kicking ass in college. I knew from the day that I saw his DUKE sweatshirt that we would be friends for life. He is quiet and shy, but he is an amazing guy and will do amazing things in life.

Shawn: He came with Lindsay that night, so we don't really know him. We like him though, he laughed at all of our jokes. A very good trait to have if you ask me.