Birthday Fun

Growing up, my parents always did their best to make my brother and me feel so special on our birthdays. We got to choose what we wanted to do and they went above and beyond. Now as a mom it's one of the many things I look forward to each year. I LOVE making the boys feel special on their big day! I believe that every person should decide how they want to spend their birthday but until they're old enough to make that decision I feel it's my right and privilege to make a big deal out of the boys' birthdays because you know what? Both boys are a big deal to me EVERY day and I want them to know how special I think it is that God chose me to be their mom and that HE handpicked the day they'd be born! Yesterday was no exception. Easton had no clue what was going on but he seemed to enjoy the special treatment from the clown pancake breakfast to lunch by the carousel to his favorite dinner to the "birthday train" ride to his first cupcake to opening presents. (And he'll get to look at pictures when he's older, knowing he was spoiled on his 1st birthday, just like P likes to do.)
One of MY favorite things about Easton's birthday was my oldest and his compassionate heart. He asked, without any prompting, if he could use his own money to buy his little brother a birthday present. I took him to the Dollar Store where he picked out a set of Bubble Guppies maracas and proudly gave the cashier his money for them. When we got home he wanted to wrap the gift all by himself. For the rest of the day he kept hounding me as to when Easton would get to open his presents because I think he was more excited than Easton was. P happily helped Easton open his gift then quickly showed him how to play the maracas. It made my heart happy to see Easton so excited about the gift his "Bubba" picked out for him. All in all it was a special 1st birthday for Easton, one he may not remember but I will!

                                     

Happy Birthday Lil Man!

A year ago today we woke up to the worst snowstorm of the season. I told Rob that I didn't want to go to church because I had had so many contractions the day before and the weather was nasty. We decided to hunker down for the day, enjoying the snowfall, football playoffs and our small family of 3. Little did we know that later in the day, when the Packers' big game was starting, I would go into labor for real. We got to hospital and I called my friends that were supposed to keep P for the night when I went into labor. Since I was 3 weeks away from my actual due date they were busy and/or out of town. So we called our friends that lived an hour from the hospital and asked them to make the treacherous drive to get P so Easton could make his big debut. Once P was picked up, Easton came into the world a few minutes later. And the rest, they say, is history!
Ironically Easton was named after my beloved Papa and he looks like my side of the family. He also loves music, a passion of my late Papa's. Easton dances every time he hears music and uses anything he can to drum. He also has quite the stubborn streak that my side of the family doesn't take any credit for (cough, cough!). He has brought us so much joy- and a little frustration- this past year. Every day I am thankful for my 2 happy, healthy boys that continue to bless so many lives on a daily basis! Today I'm especially thankful for that snowy day one year ago today when we welcomed our bundle of joy into the world, making our family complete. Happy 1st Birthday Easton William!

Christmas Day and 2 Days Later

I'll be honest and just tell you I was dreading Christmas this year for many reasons. The main one being that Rob was on call. I didn't know what Christmas would look like so I tried to stay optimistic and pray for the best. Prayers were answered and it was a great day! Christmas Eve Mom and Dad Herrington and Jay came to town. After dinner we went to the Christmas Eve service at our church (which left much to be desired in my opinion). With two tired boys, we left at the offertory and came home so we could go to bed early and wait for Santa. Christmas morning was a real treat, seeing Christmas through children's eyes! Easton just wanted the wrapping paper and every gift P opened came with the exclamation, "Oh cool, this is what I've always wanted!". To say I got spoiled was an understatement. Rob went above and beyond to make me feel special this year by putting so much time and thought into my gifts. My big present?? A date to a Kings vs. Pelicans basketball game next month and a personalized "Bibby" jersey (my favorite player from back in the day). After opening the presents came the daunting task of putting all the boys' toys together. Between my mother in law, Jay, Rob and I we were able to tackle everything without losing pieces or throwing things (a huge accomplishment might I add). Our day came to an end after a simple, but filling Christmas dinner of fried turkey and all the fixins'. The MS Herringtons headed home and our little family laid down for naps. After getting a little rest I spent some time going to the neighbors', dropping off gifts (wow! The neighbors sure spoil the kids around here) and visiting. The best part of the day? Rob didn't have to work! Our first Christmas here, with Easton, was spent as a family- the best present I could've been given!
It was a great day but the thought of my mom's impending surgery loomed in the back of my mind all day. I knew that my parents were NOT enjoying Christmas. They didn't open gifts on Christmas day and my mom didn't have the energy or appetite to eat more than a small helping of chicken noodle soup. Luckily yesterday that problem was (hopefully) fixed. She went in for a 2+ hr surgical procedure, while we all waited on pins and needles praying for the best. Saying our prayers were answered is an understatement! God provided miracles yesterday, starting with the surgical procedure itself and ending with her early release from the hospital. It turns out that the massive pain she was experiencing wasn't just from adhesions that have built up since her last surgery but from hernia mesh that a previous surgeon had used for a hernia repair. The mesh was a tangled ball mixed in with the adhesions in her abdomen area. The surgeon was able to cut the mesh free and didn't see signs of a hernia that needed to be repaired. My mom was even released yesterday, which is HUGE! She's never gone home the day of surgery because of roadblocks in recovery. When I talked to her last night she sounded exhausted but relieved. I'm just praying that her recovery continues to go as smooth as everything else did yesterday. Praise the Lord for so many answered prayers!!

I'll leave you with a few fun memories from Christmas day....

My Parents, My Heros

The older I get the more I admire and respect my parents for their strength and character and marriage. My mom has been sick for 2 weeks, on complete and utter bedrest. She is miserable to say the least, both physically and mentally. Christmas is her favorite time of the year and she has not been able to enjoy it. She had to cancel her Sunday School Christmas party. She left the Christmas tree decorating to me and P. She has not been able to send out Christmas cards and on the rare occasion she's able to sit up for a few minutes to wrap a gift or two she pays the price the rest of the day. But she maintains as positive as an attitude as possible. I try to call a couple times a day to check in and whenever I ask how she is she says she managing and then proceeds to ask about our life and the boys. In 2 weeks I've rarely heard her complain despite the circumstances. She is a rock. My dad, too, is a rock. His compassionate servant's heart has kept me in awe. During the night he wakes up a couple times to administer my mom's pain meds and check on her. During the day he leaves her for short periods of time to do Christmas shopping or pick up her prescriptions or run necessary errands. He doesn't leave her side for very long, fearful that she'll pass out. At home he tries to keep her spirits up and her pain level down. He does the laundry, answers all the calls of concerned friends and family, tries to get caught up on his work from the home computer, addresses Christmas cards, puts up Christmas lights and wraps presents. He cooks all of the meals and even had to help the neighbor yesterday when he (the neighbor) called, asking my dad to come help him until the ambulance arrived because he was in so much pain. When my parents said their vows over 40 years ago they took them seriously. They both meant, "In sickness and in health, till death do us part." Both of them go through the motions each day, counting down until my mom's surgery on Friday, without complaining. My dad serves her with a cheerful heart and my mom is so appreciative. I can't even count in the past couple weeks how many times my mom has said, "He's my rock. I couldn't have gotten through this without him." Both of my parents continue to amaze me and I am so thankful for the example they set as individuals and as a married couple.

Personal Ammendment

Yesterday I blogged about the Phil Robertson saga. I read it a few times and had Rob read it before I published it because I wanted to share my opinion without offending. Almost everyone agreed and/or gave positive feedback on it. "Almost" being the operative word. So let me clarify. I did not say I agreed with all of what Phil Robertson said. Just like when I watch "Duck Dynasty" there are times I think he comes across rather brash. But that's who he is and I don't have to agree with him. One of the main points of my blog was that freedom of speech, our constitutional right, is being taken away by liberals. They have decided, through bullying, what's ok to say and what's not and I'm not ok with that. I said the same thing a few months ago with the Paula Deen saga. I do not agree in any way, shape or form with what she said. The "N Word" is my 2nd least favorite word in the English language (with "fag" being my 3rd least favorite). But I don't believe she should've been punished so harshly for what she admitted to saying over 20 years ago. To me freedom of speech is just that- freedom. The world is a large place and there are going to be people that, on a daily basis, ruffle feathers intentionally or otherwise. That's life. Most people learn from their mistakes while some, unfortunately, do not. But people have the freedom to say what they want. That's the beauty of living in the United States.

~and back off my soapbox for what I hope is awhile.......

First Ammendment vs the Bible vs the Media

I went back and forth about whether I was going to blog my thoughts on the interview that caused Duck Dynasty and the network A&E to be flipped upside down. But the more I think about it and talk it over with Rob, the more I feel I need to take a stand on my soapbox.
If you live in outerspace you may not have heard but Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty, gave an interview where he blatantly answered questions. In what he said, he quoted 1. Cor 6:9-10......"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."  If he would've just quoted the Bible verses I doubt there would be so much hoopla. But, here's the part of the interview that a) the media is not reporting in its entirety and b) has been getting the most media...

“We’re Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television,” he tells me. “You put in your article that the Robertson family really believes strongly that if the human race loved each other and they loved God, we would just be better off. We ought to just be repentant, turn to God, and let’s get on with it, and everything will turn around.”
What does repentance entail? Well, in Robertson’s worldview, America was a country founded upon Christian values (Thou shalt not kill, etc.), and he believes that the gradual removal of Christian symbolism from public spaces has diluted those founding principles. (He and Si take turns going on about why the Ten Commandments ought to be displayed outside courthouses.) He sees the popularity of Duck Dynasty as a small corrective to all that we have lost.
“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. “Sin becomes fine.”
What, in your mind, is sinful?
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he says." Then he paraphrases Corinthians...

(If you want to read more you can find the entire interview at: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/television/201401/duck-dynasty-phil-robertson#ixzz2o7dy6WPh)

Do I personally believe that homosexuality is sinful? Yes. It clearly states several times in the Bible that homosexuality is wrong. Do I believe that the Bible tells us to love one another? Yes. The Bible also states several times that it's our job, as mankind, to love one another despite sins. Do I believe that homosexuals will morph into bestiality? No. I know a few gay people and what I've learned is that they are the least judgmental people because they're used to being judged themselves. I've learned that most of them struggle with their sexuality because they (for the most part) know that the Bible says it's a sin. I've learned that some are open and proud while others hide their sexuality because they still fear society (Case in point- Bob Harper on "Biggest Loser" just 'came out' because he worried about society.). I've learned that homosexuals show less PDA than man/woman couples do because they respect that not everyone agrees with their relationship. Do I believe in the First Amendment? Yes. The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances". (I find it ironic that religion and freedom of speech is mentioned in the same amendment.) I feel that liberals have taken over the media to control what is right and wrong to say. The liberals have started dictating Freedom of Speech, often taking things out of context to stir up controversy.

Here, in my opinion, is where things go from black and white to a gray area. Whether you agree with what Phil Robertson says or not, his Freedom of Speech is being violated. People should be allowed to say what they believe, even if some- or all- people find it offensive. He was not representing A&E during this interview but rather his own family and personal beliefs. He's being persecuted for being open and honest. Do I agree with everything he said? No. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop watching the show or buying Duck Commander products for Rob (I will stop buying Duck Dynasty products because A&E get a profit from these sales). I feel that "poor" (and I use that term extremely loosely) Phil is getting a bum rap. He's a 67 year old backwoods Louisiana man whose faith is strong and who has probably not had to worry too much about what he's said in the past. I admire his strong Biblical faith, his testimony and that he stands firmly against what society deems as right or wrong these days. I wish more people would publicly stand up for what they believe in, not worrying about what others would think, just like he did. I wish people would be deep rooted in their beliefs, whether it's the Bible or something else, and not waiver...just like he did. I admire his strength and character, the fact that he says what he believes no matter if he's the only one on the face of the Earth to have that same belief.

I'm sure this isn't the end of this saga. People are pro-gay or pro-Robertson in this debate. People are boycotting places and products because of the side they take on the issue. The Robertson family is standing firm behind Phil, saying that he coarsely referenced his Biblical beliefs in the interview. There's talk that the show will now come to an end because of all of the controversy. One thing I know for sure is that, regardless of the outcome, the Robertson family will be just fine because God and family are the center of their universe.

This and That

Instead of making excuses for not posting in almost 2 weeks I'll get right to catching ya up on our lives......

The boys and I stayed an extra day in Cali because my mom ended up in the hospital. She was released hours after she arrived at the ER but is still in CONSTANT pain. She's scheduled for surgery a week from today but is on 24/7 bedrest until then. She is like me and doesn't do "laying around" well so she is absolutely miserable- both physically and mentally. If you can keep her in your prayers we'd appreciate it.
We got home late Tuesday night, got our tree and finished decorating for Christmas on Wednesday and Thursday morning my brother flew into New Orleans. He spent the weekend at a drum clinic and the boys and I spent the weekend spending time with him and my sister in law when we could. (Rob hung out with us on Thursday.) It was fun to see them and be a tourist in New Orleans.
Last week we added a new addition to our family- an adorable hound/mutt puppy. We have been promising P a puppy for months now. He asked Santa for one and has been so patient in getting one. So he and I went to an adoption event last Friday and immediately fell in love with "Brutus" (but we didn't like his name). P affectionately renamed him "Coconut". He also answers to "Cocoa" and "Coke". He has blended into our family quite well! In fact, he and Ruby have become fast friends and rarely go anywhere without the other one close behind. At night, when the boys are asleep, Ruby and Coconut curl up together by the tree and fall asleep until it's time to go to their crates. I hope that he continues to work out for our family because I've already got a soft spot for him.
This week has been spent doing Christmas events and getting things done around the house. Wednesday we only left the house long enough to take and pick up Coconut from the vet (He got his manhood taken away). The housework still has not gotten done to my liking but at least the boys are a little more on schedule.
I'm going to finish this off with a lot of pictures of our trip to Cali, my brother's visit and Coconut. Enjoy.........

Catching Up

Can you say SLACKER?? I thought I'd be all caught up on computer stuff by being at my parents' for the past couple weeks but, alas, that hasn't happened. So I am going to do a few blogs to catch you up on things and put the rest of the stuff on the back burner...like always. *Sigh*

11 MONTHS???  I can't believe that in one month (or less than that now) our baby will be 1 year old. Although he hasn't done much in the way of outward developments he is starting to develop his own personality. And, oh what a personality it is! Like his big brother, he is social and loves to be around people. For the first time in several months, he got over his separation anxiety and loved going to my family members while we've been visiting. Easton loves making people laugh and will mimic people just to ensure he'll get a laugh. He'll fight a nap if he knows there are people in the other room having fun. He's also developed a stubborn streak. If I tell him "No" he looks at me and then goes back to what he was doing- most of the time. Or if he isn't getting his way he'll let you know. Or he'll get impatient if someone has food and is not offering him some.If I read him a book that doesn't have a sensory aspect, he'll take the book out of my hands, shut it and put it down. He definitely lets you know what he wants and doesn't want. For outward development he's started saying, "Mama, Dadda, and Doggy" as well as "Bubba" (which he's been saying for awhile). He has 5 teeth and most of his nourishment now comes from table food. One of his favorite past times is dancing and that boy has some rhythm! He keeps us on our toes and sure is a lot of fun!

 

ELF ON THE SHELF
For those of you that don't have kids or your kids are grown, you may not know about the fairly new phenomenon Elf on the Shelf. On Thanksgiving evening you, as the parent, are supposed to read the book Elf on the Shelf  in which your elf (You name it the first year it's with you) plans its arrival from the North Pole. On Black Friday the elf shows up somewhere at your house. From then until Christmas Eve the elf keeps watch on the children every day and then uses its magic to fly to the see Santa every night while the children are sleeping to report if they've been good or bad that day. Then it returns in the morning, but never in the same place as the day before.
Some parents go all out for their elf on the shelf. Our elf, Shooby, is rather a boring elf....mainly because this mama wants him to be fun but not detour from the meaning of Christmas. On Facebook I see parents go all out with the things their elf does, usually something that involves getting in trouble. Although I find it cute, I a) don't have the energy to create messes that I'm going to have to clean up each day and b) find it counterproductive that the elf gets to get in trouble but then reports to Santa each day about whether the children have been good or not. So Shooby brings enjoyment without being the main focus of Christmas. It's fun watching P look for him in the morning, seeing  Christmas spirit through the eyes of a child.

 

CALI TRIP
We've been at my parents' for the past couple weeks, visiting for Thanksgiving. Like our last trip, the boys were plagued with illness a few days after arriving. It wasn't until P got sick that I realized that both boys had hand, foot and mouth. (No, it's not the cattle disease) Both boys were miserable for a few days. Although it's uncommon for adults to catch the virus both of my parents and Rob got sick with a head cold/sore throat/cough. So the first week was mainly spent around the house, laying low. But we did go ice skating and Rob, Easton and I went to Reno (see previous blogs for more about that). The second week here I got to see some friends, which was fun. I loved catching up with girlfriends sans kiddos. The boys got to sit on Santa's lap (again) and I was able to do some Christmas shopping. My parents worked part of the week so I met up with a friend and her kids to do a breakfast meet n greet with Santa one day. One day the boys and I met my mom for lunch. My mom and I had a chance to sneak away and get pedicures. This weekend we got my parents' Christmas tree up and partially decorated. It's been a fun, mellow, relaxing vacation. I'll put pictures up in a few days so you can see the fun moments we shared together.

OK, tomorrow will be a long day with being on an airplane all day so I'm going to call it a night. I'll be blogging again in the next few days. Until then......

Finishing up Days of Thanks

With so much to do every time my parents are entertaining the boys, my priorities have not been blogging. Sorry. (It's been photography and Christmas gifts.) So I will finish my Days of Thanks with a general blog about Thanksgiving. Wednesday P came down with the same virus Easton had had the week before. Not knowing that, we took him ice skating for the first time. It was fun to watch my brother take him around the little rink several times. I wanted to give it a try but everyone convinced me that I'd probably end up in a full body cast if I attempted it. So I enjoyed being the photographer instead.
Wednesday night I was thankful that Rob made it to Cali to spend Thanksgiving with my family. He got in late and was exhausted but it was so nice to have him, my brother, my sister in law, parents and sons all together to celebrate Thanksgiving day together. My mom went above and beyond to make a nice Thanksgiving dinner. P was under the weather so we had a relaxing day and all took naps. My dad played "Bodyguard" Thanksgiving night when I went against everything I believe in on holiday commercialism and hit a big electronic sale. We were in need of a laptop and I saved over $200 so I guess it was worth it. I also got a trampoline for the boys (Easton when he's older obviously) by being persistent, saving over $100. If you know me, you know that saving a dollar or two brings me much enjoyment. So saving over $300 made me downright giddy!!
Friday, Rob, Easton and I rented a car and headed over the mountain to home (What I consider home). We were only there for 24 hours but we were able to see 5 different sets of friends. We stayed at our good friends' house, where we dined on steaks and enjoyed visiting with them. It was sooooooo nice to hang out with friends as a couple. That's one of the things I miss the most so it's one of the things I enjoyed the most. It's the thing I was thankful for Friday-Saturday....time with friends.
The thing I am most thankful for is my Lord, who is the One who has blessed me beyond means. I have more than 30 things to be thankful for and it's all because of God's blessings. He's the One I'm thankful for.
Thank YOU for letting me share my days of thankfulness with you (like you had a choice!). Until next year.......