Halloween 2010

"If you don't have a moving buddy, GET ONE!"
- Woody

Of all the movies that Murphy could love and want to watch everyday, I'm certainly glad it's one of the most cleaver Disney has ever produced! Thank you Toy Story for a fun Halloween 2010!

Check In

I'm welcoming myself back to my blog after a bit of a hiatus. I just didn't feel like it, but today I do.

Here is the top 5 recap:

1. First and foremost, we are expecting baby #2 Feb. 8. Molly Frances Dunn will join our family and Murphy is quite excited about the new baby. But she isn't here yet....

2. Murphy turned 2 years old in August and has really come into his own the last 2 months. Full sentences, making his own decisions, getting very good on the potty, demanding cookies for breakfast (which doesn't happen) and loves all things boys- cars and trucks and trains.

3. I finished a 5th convention with work which I can't believe I'm still doing. Almost 5000 people in SLC this year- somebody please help me say no.

4. We've had terrific visits with both families in Michgan this summer and fall and wished we lived closer to both- it makes it so hard to come home to just our little family and Aunt Nancy.

5. Feels like life is busier than ever but oh how that is all about to change after the holidays.

M running through the corn maze trying to catch dad

what's a day at the pumpkin patch without a corndog

he could have sat on this train the entire afternoon- he loves trains.

train ride in Michigan while visiting Lala and Pop

Birthday fun- we rode the Heber creeper and little Bentley B was celebrating with us from Colorado.

Choo choo!

Phil

My sister's blog says it best (and i haven't been ready to personally post:)).

http://texasnancy.blogspot.com/

cookie monster - continued

M is definitely a product of his mom, who also LOVES cookies!

family

...on every level is what is most important.

we had a real special weekend in Waco visting with dad again. we were all home and it was real simple and will be remembered for Melanie's baptism, her birthday, mom's birthday, dad being able to come to the park and spend time just talking. it was simple and most sweet.

the whole fam

cookie monster- his favorite new word. eyeing the table at the baptism

the girls

allison and M

grandkids at the park with Grandma and Grandpa

please notice the circa 1980 skates and vintage honda kick and go. awesome. my parents have some real jems in the shed

a bright spot

there are few bright spots in our life right now as we continue to deal with the difficult outcome of my father's courageous battle with cancer but below are a few that make the days a bit better. They both start with M.

f for parenting

good news: M is ok

bad news: the inevitable happened, he fell out the doggie door

good news: he has cat like reflects and caught himself with his arms instead of landing on the cement on his head

bad news: i don't think he was scared enough by doing a handstand out the door that he may think it was fun and want to try again

good news: mom and dad were right there, i was outside with the dog, he was watching but wanted to be outside too, not just peering through the hole. I picked him up and his eyes were big as saucers and he whispers "hi". his new favorite word. "hi" was not what i was thinking.

good news: again, M is ok and it didn't equate to his first ER visit

bad news for M: we will have to keep the slip on the door

point of reference for you- it's a big door. (i've actually come through it at the old house when i locked myself out)

proper use of the door

happy 18 months to M

8.04.08

Seems like yesterday! Love you little man.

rockin out

enjoying a johnson family favorite, for the very first time. homemade chocolate frosting on a graham cracker. yum.

working like mom

snickerdoodles

There are many things I love about the Harmons, their delicious bakery style Snickerdoodles are one of them. Like homemade, that good. They come in a plastic container of 8. I made my way to cookie number 6 and when I broke it open, a large piece of paper was inside the cookie. The paper indicated nothing about winning something, or a clue to a treasure, of course it shouldn't have been there. I would take them back in the coming days to get my money back and maybe provide the bakery with an object lesson of what NOT to do while baking these cookies.

I arrive at customer service and told Barbara that I needed a refund for my cookies that had a foreign object in them. "Do you have your receipt?" No. "Without a receipt we are unable to issue any cash refunds." I said, " I didn't anticipate returning the cookies, I love them but there is something that shouldn't be in there, can you see it? It's not like i'm trying to return items that i just bought too many of or changed my mind and don't need. "I'm sorry, that's policy. I can issue you a store credit?"

People, we're talking about $5 bucks. Now it's not about the money it's about a riduclous policy.

I said to Barbara that I felt like this was an unusual circumstance. The container has your Harmon's sticker on it, there is no doubt i bought them here, i want my $5. She honestly told me no again. There is PAPER sticking out of the cookie I wanted to eat. I asked politely if i could speak with her manager. She grumbled under her breath and handed me my $5.

Again, no photo to document the cookie. Do not let this dissuade you for trying the cookies the next time you are there.

the am

I'm sure this scenario will be familiar to some.
5:45- me time on the treadmill
6:45- M wakes up, not good, pretty early mom just got out the shower. ( I like to be ready when he wakes up. It is much easier that way)
Eat breakfast, get clothes on
8:15- get his sweatshirt on because we’re walking out the door.
He sits on the dogs bed and thought it would be fun to pull the plant and stand on him.
8:16- M is upset because it scared him.
Dirt and mess all over.
I get the broom out to sweep up- M MELTDOWN - the broom is his new favorite toy, but it had a purpose at 8:18 am.
MELTDOWN continues and to retaliate he swirls both his arms in the dogs water dish soaking his sleeves.
MOM not happy. Need new sweatshirt, not changing damp shirt.
Timeout on the rug, Murphy continues to Meltdown the dog starts whining because M is so mad.

Late getting out the door.
Throat hurts, on the verge of being sick.

Arrive at Becky's, MELTDOWN ensues. This is a rarity. Usually he waves goodbye and is off to the high chair for second breakfast. Not today.
Somebody hated Thursday today. Sorry no pics of the meltdown.

it's been a while

For those who follow M- here are a few new pics (old, but unseen shall we say)

santa brought him a train set that he just wanted to sit on...awesome.

auntie nancy with a one man band toy- he loves it.

visit with Grandpa J- he turns 89 this year!

and reading with Grandma J

Jello at grandmas

do as i'm doing...

where m is the happiest, both of them

matt was getting ready to take the dog for a walk, M gave it a try around the house, it was hilarious. he was mad when h and dad left for outside, without him

discovery kids museum

everyday this is the scene- murphy is just as guilty as the dog

I WIN.

my therapuetic batch of homemade cinnamon rolls (pre-icing, they got even better)- delicious.