This morning I woke up to......

a text message from my husband that said:

"I want u to know this morning when I woke up, I laid there
wide awake for 5 minutes and just gave thx for u. I love u so very very
much!"

That made my day, and was just one of many reminders why I am so in love with that man. He's my Mr. Incredible ;)

Halloween Happenings!

It was a VERY Happy "Weeeeen" in the Scarlet house! Connor wasn't really interested in carving a pumpkin this year, so we made an Elmo pumpkin instead! He was very proud of his "puuuunk-in"

Silly Daddy.....

Annnnnd Silly Connor :)

Me and my favorite little Pumpkin :)

Showing off the finished product!

Holding Elmo's hand....(actually I think he was taking it apart, but holding Elmo's hand just sounded more cute!...or is it cuter?? Who knows) ;)

Putting his pumpkin by the "Pig Back!"

Mommy's super trendy pumpkin! I got to use a power tool to make it! YEAH!

Friday night we went to a costume party in Greenwood with some of our friends! We coordinated costumes with our neighbors!! Justin and I were Rubble Trouble :) I had the honor of doing Barney's tatoos...coloring on Justin's arm was really fun...just sayin' :)

Justin and Richard, and Macon and I entered the male and female contest as pairs. Wilma and Betty, and Fred and Barney each took second place. I believe the boys had it won, but due to "politics", they gave the prize to the other guy. Either way, it was an absolute ball :)

Saturday, we attended Brett's 2nd Birthday/Costume party! Connor had a blast in his "pig back" football gear. Here he is with Coach Daddy :)

The helmet was a little big, but thats ok. Our next door neighbors gave the helmet to Connor out of their garage sale. Justin refurbished it.....he cleaned it, spray painted it, added hog stickers and a mouth piece, and voila....perfect accessory for Connor's costume :)

Drew, Adrinne, and Brett! (aka, the Priest, the Nun, and the Little Devil!) See what happens when a Priest and a Nun get together? ;)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Here is Connor walking up to his first door to trick-or-treat! We visited Gramma and Papaw's first.......

Checkin out the goodies!

Next Stop.....Nana and Granddads!

That evening, we trick-or-treated around the block with Connor's friends, Baylor and Benton (aka "Baaaay" and "Bent"), and Ainsley. He really wanted to keep up with the big kids, but isn't quite to the point of running that fast...SOOOOO, I am still a little sore from carrying him up to the doors, setting him in place, and carrying him back to the sidewalk :) Connor wasn't really sure about trick-or-treating this year. He would back away when someone would open the door, but by the end of the night, we still had a decent little stash of candy :) Overall, he had a GREAT time just being outside with his friends! Hope you all had a happy and fun Halloween!!

What Kid Doesn't Love.......

....the BEATERS! My mom used to give me one (ok, sometimes both) of the beaters she used to whip the cream, make the frosting, beat the cookie dough, and make anything and everything else sweet that involves the beaters! :)

Sooooo......what did I do now that I'm a mom?

The same awesome thing my mom did for me :)

First Stitches.....

Well, not this past Wednesday but the one before, Connor had his first set of stitches in his ring finger and pinky finger on his right hand.

And the story goes like this:

Tuesday night I made Connor a fan potato. I didn't put it on a tray, so butter dripped down into the bottom of the over. I meant to wipe it out, but life happened and I didn't. Wednesday night, I put a pan of fries in the oven. The butter from Tuesday night caused a huge cloud of smoke in the oven. Justin noticed the smoke and opened the oven to make sure nothing was on fire. I suggested we open the doors to get the smoke out before the smoke alarm went off, so Justin headed toward the back door and opened it. Connor wanted to go outside, so he went to the open door and grabbed it saying "ah-ba, ah ba" (that's Connor language for "outside"). About the time I went to grab Connor to tell him that we weren't going outside, Justin opened the door leading to the garage. Before I could pull CJ away from the door, the vacuum effect sucked the backdoor shut on his little fingers, and the metal kick plate that we have mounted vertically (so the dog's don't mess up the door when they scratch) sliced through his little fingers. I grabbed him instantly thinking it probably hurt, and I hoped that they weren't broken. All of the sudden I noticed lots and LOTS of blood coming from his hand. I looked and instantly knew we needed to go to the Urgent Care clinic. (Entirely too many of my friends have spent several horrible hours in the ER, so we opted for an Urgent Care clinic instead....luckily this happened at 5, and they were open until 9) We got in the car, hit the hazards, and Justin got us safely to the clinic. We were in and out of there in 2 hours, but between the continuous screaming, the constant flow of blood, the x-rays, the bickering between Justin and I, wrapping him in a papoose, the lidocaine, and the stitches....it felt like were there forEVER!

Yes, I said bickering.....you never know how you will act in that situation, and you can't predict it. The moment is the moment, and with that many emotions running wild, stress is bound to catch up with the two people who feel responsible, and who feel that the other parent is responsible. We spent the first hour of the entire situation blaming eachother, which we both know is wrong. But we aren't perfect, and I am not ashamed of that :) We were just two parents dealing with something that was horrific, and didn't know how to handle it.

Connor ended up with 7 stitches total. I did really well keeping it cool in front of Connor, but when they started injecting lidocaine directly into his cuts, I told Justin was going to step outside and call my parents. As soon as I stepped out of the room, a nurse asked me if I was ok. At that point I had a short 60second cry fest. I then called my parents to ask if we could stop by after we left the clinic, pulled myself back together, and went back in the room where they were finishing up his stitches.

He had to wear a brace on his wrist and hand for a couple of days to set the stitches up. He didn't seem to mind to terribly much. He found it amusing to bang it on the table, toy box, floor, and anywhere else he could find that it made a loud sound. Lol :) After we left the clinic, we went to Nana and Granddad's where we were welcomed with lots of love and PIZZA! Connor was happy to see them, and went on about his business as if nothing happened! I was thinking, "HEY! Why are you so happy now! I am still bummed about all of this!"

When got home around 8pm where Gramma met us with some medical supplies to take care of Connor's fingers for the next few days. Justin showered while I talked to Karen about how this was just an accident, boys will be boys, and how Connor is now like his Papaw (since he had stitches in his finger a while back). I still couldn't help but feel so terribly guilty. I cried a couple more times that evening, but just had to face reality that these things just happen sometimes.

After 9 days we went to see our friend Kelsey to get the remainder of the stitches out. 3 of the ones in his pinky finger randomly fell out somewhere, but that's ok....less to pull out :) It was quick! Of course Connor screamed his head off, but when it was all done we was JUST fine, and we were able to put that chapter in out lives behind us :)

We are so thankful to all of our friends and family who offered support and prayers during what seemed to be such a difficult....looking back, it was just a minor blip in our lives, and if Connor ever plays any sports....well....we'll just leave it at that.

Here is a picture of Connor the morning after the disaster....I gave him Oreo's for breakfast....yeah, so what? That little guy could have whatever he wanted that day :) Oh, and hey, let's not forget that the MORNING of the incident, he had been to his 18 month check-up, received 2 shots, weighed in at 27lbs, 6oz and measured 32.5in long! He is getting to be such a big boy! We are so blessed by this little curly headed monster :) Oh yeah, and his eye....well he fell and hit it on a dumbell the day before....things come in 3's, so we should be good for a while (knock on wood!!) :)

Blessed Weekend

We just had an absolutely amazing weekend, and I just don't want to forget it, so I have decided to blog about it. If you are uninterested in reading the detailed ramblings of our weekend, just be sure to scroll down to the bottom to see a really awesome picture :)

FRIDAY I made another (this was my second in a week) Pavlova. If you don't know about this yummy dessert, be sure to look it up, or give me a couple days and I will post a recipe! They. Are. AWESOME! Anyway, I made this dessert to take to our friend's, the Moody's. They have a beautiful log home and some land out in Booneville. We enjoyed pizza and watching the kiddos play for a while before we took off on a 4-wheel adventure. It was Connor's first, so Momma was just a leeeettle nervous....ok, a LOT nervous! But Justin took it easy, nothing extreme, just a few hills and a mud hole. Oh, and you should have seen Justin's face light up when Connor was clapping and laughing....Dad was like a kid on Christmas morning :) He absolutely loves sharing his passion for Jeeps with Connor....and from a Momma's perspective, it's one of the sweetest things to watch :) Don't get me wrong, I also like being a part of it...mud, 4WD, driving up damn near vertical hills....I have always loved a little Jeepin'...have since high school! Before heading home from The Moody's, Jeannie shot off a few fireworks....Connor thought that was pretty cool :)

SATURDAY we spent the day together as a family. While Justin did yard work in the morning, I took Connor to the store to get our "game day lunch." We all sat around our new kitchen table and watched the Hogs put a stompin' on Georgia (first win in 17 years....AND on their turf!), and enjoyed a healthy lunch of chili dogs and fries! Connor isn't much for hot dogs, so I made him some pizza...also super healthy ;) I also made another Pavlova to share with the Hossley's since we left the one I made Friday night with the Moody's. That evening, Nana came and hung out with Connor for a couple hours so that Justin and I could attend the beautiful southern outdoor wedding of Andy and Kris Scott. I am SUCH a detail oriented person, and I was just so overwhelmed by the details of their wedding.....and it wasn't an elaborate affair at all. I know that a ton of work goes into those things, but it just seemed so simple and so unique...blue gingham, mac and cheese, fried okra, pies to go along with the wedding cake, wild flowers, straw, a guest book that was a canvas painting of a bare tree where the guests used green ink to put thumb prints on the tree and then signed by their prints, the bride got off of a trolley car to walk down the aisle....I mean the whole thing just amazed me, I loved every bit of it! After the wedding, we stopped to say hello to the Jansen's, and then headed home. Justin and I sat on the back porch and drank sweet tea until 9:30...we talked about everything under the sun. It was so nice :) I also managed to get a foot rub out of the deal! ;)

sidenote: We just got this new kitchen table that I spoke of about 2 weeks ago. We had one at the old Galven Way house, but when we moved here, we put that table in our formal dining room, and we have only used it a couple times. It's one of those big square counter height tables, so for a small family of 3, it's not a very intimate dining experience. Our new kitchen table literally transformed our warm house into a home....we don't look at is as a kitchen table, but as a new chapter in our lives. Dinners, family talks, homework, and artwork are just a few of the memories that will be made by that 48inch round 4 top that sits so beautifully in our kitchen. And no, this isn't the awesome pic I suggested you scroll down to if you didn't want to read through my ramblings....keep going lol :)

SUNDAY had a nice start for Momma :)....Connor woke up at 7. Justin got up with him, changed him, fed him, and then took him to CV's (a local grocery store managed by my Father-in-law), and Walmart. They returned home at 9:45 with a cinnamon roll just for me :) Oh, and I had just gotten up....HA! How sweet is that?! Then Brett came to play with Connor for a couple hours while his Nana went to church! Brett's mom and dad (our dear friends, Adrienne and Drew) were in OKC for the weekend celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary!! Adrienne ended up not feeling well...we think she has strep :( Hope she feels better soon!!! After Brett left, I went shopping with Macon while Justin and Connor ran some errands with Richard, Baylor, and Benton. We had a great girls day while the boys went to Academy Sports and Home Depot, and then ran around in the back yard shirtless, drinking sweet tea and getting absolutely filthy! Well, that last part was just the little boys...or maybe not lol who knows? :) Macon and I stopped to pick up some pizza and we just spent some good quality time with our neighbors, who we consider family. Justin and Richard are such good dad's :) This was literally one of the best, most fun days in Connor's little 18 month old life. He loved hanging with the big boys :) I felt truly blessed today. And now for an awesome picture that captures the perfect ending to a wonderful day:

By the looks of him, no one would every know that my little one has just pooped his pants....

Have an awesome week! :)

Goodbye Summertime!

Today is Labor Day....this "officially" marks the end of summer. Am I sad? Kind of.....we had a really great Summer! But am I happy? OH YES!! We are well on our way to FALL, my most very favorite season! :)

The last weekend of our summer was incredible.....I am so glad that there are a few more hours left to enjoy some family time!

Friday night, Justin, Crystal, Stephanie, and I went to see John Mayer in Tulsa! Mom and Dad were also there, but they were sitting on the other side of the arena....almost directly across from us! I kept glancing over there to see my mom doing the "mom dance" and having a really good time! The concert was awesome!! Now I get goosebumps when I listen to a John Mayer song that I saw him perform!! On a sad note, there was a 17 year old girl, Micayla Patterson, who was killed in a car accident in downtown Tulsa. She was leaving the concert. She was from Springdale, played basketball for Har-Ber High School, and from what I can gather, was just an all around good girl. It really made me think about how we should all enjoy life a little more, and really, don't sweat the small stuff. Rest In Peace, Micayla......I know that there are so many people who's lives you have touched, including mine. John Mayer also dedicated his concert to her. You can read his note Here. Classy.

Back to happy.... :) Saturday, we just hung around the house with Connor and went to bed early...we were exhausted from the Tulsa trip! We also watched a little of the Hogs play Tennessee Tech. 44-3, GO HOGS! Razorback Football season is OFFICIALLY here!

Yesterday we had the Hossley's over for dinner! Sliders and Fries.....ooooooooo, and yummy peach pie that Macon made! I just love watching Connor play with Baylor and Benton.....they are so sweet to him, and he really looks up to them. Sometimes he wants to do what the "big boys" do, and he gets frustrated because he's just not quite old enough. Soon enough son, soon enough :) I will admit, I did get a little sad when we were all eating dinner and Connor didn't want the little pieces of burger I had cut off for him....he wanted the whole thing, so I gave it to him, and he ate it just like a big boy. He is just growing up SO fast! It's amazing the things he can say and do these days! We spend LOTS of time watching different clips on YouTube....from Mickey Mouse, to Razorback Football, to the Razorback Fight Song, to "Teach Me How To Dougie"......he loves it all!

Today we are just doing LOTS of playing! Hanging out and enjoying some time together as a family before the hustle and bustle of the week fires back up tomorrow. Right now, Justin and Connor are sitting in the recliner....I sure do love those two :) I'll snap a quick pic.....

Well, after I wrote this post, we all hopped in the car and took Connor to Petco! He loved looking at the "feeeesh" (fish), and pushed away from the cage holding the iguana (yes!!! lol). We love taking him new places and watching him experience new things. One of the many joys of being a parent.....we wouldn't change a thing :)

This boy has some SERIOUS Hog spirit!

Football season has officially started, and Connor has just completed the Scarlet Hog Spirit Training Program :) We couldn't be more proud!

Take that, Longhorns! Oh, and Tigers! OH, and Rebel's too!

(Longhorns, and Tigers, and Rebels's, OH MY lol!!....my dorky brain just came up with that after re-reading that last sentence...I know, I know.....)