365 Reasons to be Thankful

Day 20 ~ Old Friends

2010-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I took Mason to the birthday party of one of my "old" friends sons. He is turning 4 this week, and Mason will be 3 next week. While we were there, I got to visit with not only them, but another set of "old" friends who have a son a few months older than Mason, and a daughter just a few months younger than Mason. These "old" friends of mine, I have known since elementary school. We have been in each others weddings, and helped each other through tough times. We don't get to see each other very often, so today was a real treat! I had a really great time getting to see them and see how their children were playing, even holding hands with Mason. (Apparently Ava is his new girlfriend. ) : ) It is amazing how far we have all come since our school-days. Each of us married with 2 children, trying to get in a conversation between chasing one child this way, while the other runs that way. I am very thankful that I have friendships like this. With the hustle and bustle of all our children going here and there it is important to keep these lifelong friendships alive. I miss my "old" friends but am thankful for the times like today!

Day 18 & 19 ~ My house and Bedtime

2010-10-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Day 18 ~ My house
The past few days have been nothing short of a monsoon around here. 5 inches of rain in less than 48 hours is not fun. During weather like this, I am thankful for nothing more than a roof over my head and a warm place to stay dry. Granted, this house is not our dream house, but it does the job. And for now, I am thankful for that.

Day 19 ~ Bedtime
We try to be a very schedule oriented family. Granted, since child #2 has come along, our schedule is not nearly as tight as it used to be. But one thing we have always tried to keep the same, for both Mason's sake and our own, is bedtime. Unless there is something going on that is out of our control... the kids are in bed by 8pm. Mason has always been a good sleeper and will usually sleep from 8pm until sometime between 6 and 7am. Bayly is getting better and will usually sleep from around 8pm until about 3am, and then from about 3am until around 6 or 7am. Brandon and I need the time after the kids are in bed, just as much as the kids need that schedule.

Day 17 ~ Adult Conversation

2010-09-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

You never really realize how important it is to have conversation with adults, until you go a day or so without it. I have loved staying home with my kids the past few months and would love to continue doing so. However, I still need adult conversation, about educated topics, at least every other day. I am thankful when I get to have these conversations.

Days 10 - 16 ~ Catching up

2010-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so keeping up with this may be harder than I thought... but I am going to do my best!!

Here goes... a week full of things I am thankful for... and I apologize for the "shortness" of each day.

Day 10 ~ Smiles : )
Bayly has started smiling in response to seeing or hearing things she knows... like the faces and voices of her mommy, daddy, and big brother.

Day 11 ~ My mom
She helps me out a lot. I don't know that I have really told her how much I truly don't know what I would do without her. She relied on my grandma for a lot... and now I rely on her. I like that tradition.

Day 12 ~ 4 Seasons
The weather is finally starting to change... and fall is here! I am thankful that I live in a place that has 4 seasons... even if I do complain about them sometimes.

Day 13 ~ Date Nights
I believe that every couple, especially if you have kids, should have a date night once a month if you can. Brandon and I went to the RV show (I know, we are old...lol) and then out to dinner. It was really nice having a few hours, just us.

Day 14 ~ Brandon's job
Brandon's job with the fire department comes with lots of trials. Its hard when he is not here... doing both day and night with both kids by myself. I am very thankful not only that he has a job, but for the job that he does.

Day 15 ~ Sales!!
I love going to a store and buying over $200 worth of clothes for $60. Clearance racks are the best!!

Day 16 ~ Hugs
Mason gives the best hugs! Even after a hard day, his hugs make me smile every time. I love that boy more than words can ever say.

Day 8 and 9 ~ Good Doctors and Healthy Kids

2010-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Day 8: Good Doctors
Mason and Bayly both see the same doctors. We are patients at a local clinic that has multiple doctors. There are 2 doctors who we choose to see. Dr. "B" and Dr. "S" have been our kids doctors since Mason was a few months old. There have been multiple instances where our kids have had some health issues that our doctors have been very diligent and even sent us to other doctors to make sure that our children receive the best care. I think that a good doctor, especially pediatrician, is so important. I am very thankful that our kids have doctors that we can trust with their care.

Day 9: Healthy Kids
As stated above, both of our kids have had some health issues in their short little lives. However... we have been VERY blessed that these issues have been very small in comparison to many children out there who are struggling with serious illness. I am very thankful that my kids, overall, are very healthy. And most of the time.... they are healthy eaters too. : )

Day 7 ~ Nap Time

2010-09-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

I love my children, do not get me wrong. But oh, how I am thankful for their nap time. Especially days like today where for over 2 hours, they are both asleep and I actually have time to shower, clean, cook... and update my blog! It is these little moments that keep me refreshed and able to be the mom that they need me to be... and I want to be. It's the little things. : )

Day 5 ad 6 ~ Grandparents and Family Time

2010-09-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Day 5 - Grandparents:
I am very blessed to have had 2 of the best grandparents anyone could ever ask for. My grandmother passed away in June 2009 from cancer. My grandfather is still living in their home, right down the street from where I grew up. We love visiting with him. Mason absolutely adores his "great-daddy", and I adore watching them together. I am thankful that Mason and Bayly not only have their grandparents, to spoil them, but great-grandparents who are still living and couldn't love them more if they tried. I am so thankful, and blessed... both for my grandparents, and my children's grandparents.

Day 6 ~ Family Time
We were able to have dinner with Brandon's parents and granddad Friday night, and then spend the day Saturday as a family... just the 4 of us. I savor these moments. With Brandon's schedule, it is hard to fine a whole day where we can take the time to spend time together, just our little family. I am thankful for these days.

Day 4 ~ KLOVE radio

2010-09-16T19:48:00.001-07:00

Mason is getting to the age where even if you don't think he is listening... he is. And often, he will repeat what he hears. It may not be the moment he hears it, but at some point, he will repeat whatever it was that he heard that stuck in his almost 3 year old brain. This scares me. Not that we are horrible people who curse and watch horrible things on tv, but we are human and we do watch things (like the news) that aren't always kid-friendly. I have had to be really aware lately of the things we watch or listen to... and even the things people are saying around us. His little ears will hear, and he will repeat, and he will ask questions. With this, comes what I am thankful for today. In the car, I have to have noise of some sort. I am glad that there is a radio station like KLOVE Christian Music radio that I can listen to in the car, and even if it's just for a little bit, I am not having to worry about what his ears are hearing.

Day 3 ~ A Sense of Humor

2010-09-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

There are certain times in my day where I can make a choice... laugh, or cry. Tonight at dinner, when Bayly projectile vomited across the kitchen floor after I gave her her reflux medicine, and less than 10 minutes later, Mason puked on the other side of the kitchen after getting upset because Brandon was going outside without him.... I choose to laugh. Only someone with a sense of humor can take a situation like this, and laugh. I am thankful for my sense of humor.

Day 2 ~ Grocery Rewards Cards

2010-09-14T14:07:00.001-07:00

I went grocery shopping for a few things today. Spent a little over $50 and saved almost $25 just by using my rewards card! So far this year, I have saved almost $350!! For that, I am VERY thankful!!

Day 1 ~ My family

2010-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am starting this journey of blogging with one thing I am truly beyond thankful for. My family. My husband Brandon, my almost 3 year old little man Mason, and my sweet baby girl Bayly. Without them I would not have the life, or be the person, that I am today. They have made my life change for the better and make me smile each day. Even though there are hard times (every family has them), I know I can always count on them to make me smile, hold my hand, or melt my heart each and every day. For them, I begin this journey of seeing just how thankful I am.

Something New...

2010-09-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday School class is doing a Bible Study about changing your attitude. This week, the focus was on Thankfulness. There was a challenge at the end of the week, challenging us to write down something we are thankful for, each day, for an entire year. Sounds easy enough... right? I'm not so sure. I mean, we could all think of the things we are thankful for... family, friends, food, house... but 365 things. And not just "things", like "I'm thankful for my favorite jeans". I wanted to take it a step further and really think about what I am truly thankful for. My goal for this "change" in my blog is to think of something each day that I am thankful to have in my life. I may not blog every day, but I am writing everything down and I will promise to blog at least once a week, making public these things that I am thankful for. My hope is to open my eyes and see how truly blessed I am... and maybe help someone else do the same along the way.

Spring and Easter

2010-04-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

I uploaded some pictures from the beginning of spring as well as Easter. Thought I would share a few. Ultrasound picture is from about 14 weeks. Picture of me holding Mason is at about 21 weeks. I am almost 24 weeks now!!

All things new!

2010-03-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

I had to add a little spring to my profile... and a little pink! That's right, a new season, and a whole new outlook.. we're gonna have a GIRL! Oh how our eyes have been changed since the moment we found out this little one is going to be a girl. Everything we have and know is boy... ALL boy. Although this will be different... we are very excited!! Now comes the task of figuring out what of Mason's to keep and what we need to get for our new arrival! I am 20 weeks this week... halfway there!

Playing Catch-up

2010-02-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Well... too much has gone on since Christmas!

*I am back in the swing of things with work. We had about 7 inches of snow and missed almost an entire week of school this week. That was nice

*Mason had his first "real" back eye. He ran into my granddad's dining room table. The table won.

*Baby #2 is doing good! We had an ultrasound today and I am measuring good... Due date around August 1st. Baby is strong and healthy.

*This pregnancy, I am catching everything possible to catch, sickness wise. I have had stomach viruses, colds, sinus infections... you name it. Not to mention morning sickness that has travelled into trimester 2 with me. I was hoping it would end with the first 3 months.

*Brandon was in his best friends wedding in West Virginia. It was a fun weekend and they are a very happy couple!

*We were in the ER with Brandon twice in 3 days due to a kidney stone. I can honestly say he seemed to be in more pain than I was when I had Mason. I felt bad for him.

Enjoy some pictures of our fun in the snow, Mason's black eye, and the wedding.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

From Our Family to Yours... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-01T17:55:00.001-08:00

Is it really December already?! I suppose the Christmas tree in my living room answers that question for me. I love this time of year... and this year it is even more special. Mason is 2 and growing more every day. As for our family... it is growing too! We are expecting a new addition around the first of August!! We found out right before Thanksgiving that I am pregnant!! We are very excited and can not wait for this new part of our lives!

11-11

2009-11-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have always remembered Veterans Day... mainly because it is my birthday and I get a day off from work. However, this year, I am thinking of other things on this day. My step-brother is currently in Afghanistan. I have never really "personally" known anyone who was in the war before... but now, it is my own family. This brings a whole new meaning to toady. As I celebrate turning 27, I think of my step-brother, fighting for me and you in Afghanistan each and every day. Please... say a prayer for him today. And tomorrow. And until he comes home. 11-11 has a different "feel" to it today....

Pig Flu and Blessings...

2009-10-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and knew that something was wrong. I was throwing up and had a fever of 101. I went to the doctor and tested positive for H1N1. I am now "quarantined" to my house, where I have spent the day on the couch...alone. Brandon went to work and Mason went to Brandon's parents for the weekend. I think that this is the first time since Mason was born that I have had an entire day to just sit and think. Through the day to day rush, we sometimes overlook our blessings. Mason turned 2 a few weekends ago. Where have the past 2 years gone?! So as I sit here today, miserable and sick, I have realized that I need to slow down and see my blessings. It should not take 2 years and the "pig flu" for this to happen.

Happy 2nd Birthday Mason!!!

2009-10-12T17:45:00.001-07:00

Big Boy Bed

2009-10-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Mason has (knock on wood) made an amazingly easy transition into his big boy bed. He has been sleeping in it for a few weeks now, not waking up in the middle of the night or wandering out of bed!!

Camping

2009-10-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went camping in Boone and visited Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad. Mason LOVED riding the "choo-choo" at Tweetsie. Enjoy some of our pictures.

Good-bye Summer!

2009-09-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our summer is coming to an end as I went back to work two weeks ago and we are now looking towards Mason's birthday! It is hard to believe he will be 2 in just 4 weeks!!

I love it...

2009-08-07T16:50:00.001-07:00

This is how Mason fell asleep tonight. I have been letting him take a book and his truck to bed with him at night. He plays quietly for about 15-20 minutes before falling asleep.

Proud Mom

2009-08-04T16:38:00.001-07:00

I took this picture at my granddad's house the other day and I had to share. I swear I have the most handsome boy in town!!!

Not a baby anymore...

2009-07-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Mason is truly not a baby anymore. He is the most independent little guy I know!! He now refuses to sit in a highchair or booster seat. He has to sit in a "big boy" chair and feed himself. He does really well! He is talking up a storm and amazes me with how quickly he is learning new things. I have really enjoyed being home this summer. We are both going to have a tough time when I have to go back to work in August.

Beach Vacation!!

2009-07-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

We were lucky enough to be able to go to the beach for 4 days with our best friends. We camped in their camper and had a great time. Mason wasn't a huge fan of the ocean, but he loved playing in the sand. He warmed up to the pool pretty quickly. We went out for seafood and Mason was amazed by the crab legs. One night we went to the aquarium and got to see all sorts of neat things! It was a great trip and can't wait to do it again next year!!

The Newest Charlotte Firefighter

2009-07-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

My "little" brother graduated from rookie school with the Charlotte Fire Department on July 16. He is riding Engine 35 and loving it! So proud of him!!!

"Luz You's"

2009-07-10T19:10:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th!

2009-07-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the 4th by going to my granddad's on Friday night and having a picnic and watching fireworks with Brandon's family on Saturday night. It was a great time. However, as I think back on the day, I hope that we all can take a minute and think about why we are able to celebrate a day like July 4th. In a little less than 2 weeks, my step-brother is being deployed to Afghanistan with the Army. Please take the time to say a prayer for him and for all of the other men and women who are the reason we are able to celebrate.

"Durdle"

2009-06-29T15:29:00.001-07:00

Mason and I were getting ready to run some errands this morning when I saw something in the road in front of our house. Being curious, I walked to the street to see what it was. It was a turtle...and not just any turtle...a huge snapping turtle that had obviously just climbed out of the creek in our front yard. Being kind, I tried to "push" him with my foot back towards the creek. He was not so kind. Anyone who says turtles are slow lies. This thing was running!! He turned around and was coming back towards the house. He ended up on some rocks beside the driveway. I decided to leave him there. I hope he continues to travel "down-stream" and not make a permanent residence in my yard. Mason thought is was very interesting...and hence came the new word for the day..."durdle"!!!

Playing Outside...

2009-06-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

...definitely Mason's favorite thing to do. Enjoy the pictures.

VBS

2009-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

This past week we had VBS at our church. I taught the 1st and 2nd grade class, with Brandon's help. Mason stayed in the nursery this year, but will get to be in an actual class next year. That should prove to be interesting. He loves playing outside, so being the only one in the nursery each night, Mrs. Donna took him outside every night for lots of fun!

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Always and Forever

2009-06-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

This morning at approximately 9:30am, I held my grandmothers hand as she went to be with the Lord. She has fought a battle with cancer for over a year and a half, and it was time for her to rest. I will always remember my grandmama as the strongest lady I knew. She was the backbone of our family and she will be dearly missed. Mason meant the world to her...her only great-grandchild. I will make sure he knows her...through pictures, videos, and stories. She will never be forgotten.

Not much longer!!

2009-06-03T16:44:00.001-07:00

Only 4 more days and I will be out for the summer!! I promise to do better at updating this once I am no longer working all day. While you wait, enjoy some new pictures.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T12:14:00.001-07:00

Here's hoping that you and yours had a very Happy Easter! Love, The Sams

Not MY child!

2009-04-05T05:08:00.001-07:00

My sweet, loving, precious baby boy is turning into a toddler....and not in the best ways. He will be 18 months old next Saturday, and I think we have begun to enter what is known as "The Terrible Two's". I see now why they are called "terrible". Not so much for the child...but for the parents. Mason and I had our first "experience" with an all out, full blown screaming fit in the middle of Target yesterday. Needless to say, I took him, grabbed my purse, and left my cart in the middle of the store. Only to realize when I got to the Jeep that I left my keys in the cart...he had been playing with them. So I then took him...screaming...back into Target to get my keys...and of course people were staring as if I was the worst mother on the face of the planet because I couldn't control my child. I feel bad....because I used to be one of those people. One who would stare and say "MY child will NEVER act like that." I have come to realize that I have no control over this. It is his choice how he acts...and at this age, there is not much I can do about it....other than just what I did.

I did it!

2009-03-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

It's been a while!

2009-03-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well....It has been a while since I have posted anything on here. We have had a hectic beginning to 2009. Mason was diagnosed with mono in February and we have been dealing with on and off sickness with him ever since. Brandon and I are doing good. We are staying busy with work, church stuff and family stuff. My grandmother continues to struggle with her cancer daily. Prayers are always welcome and much needed. I am going to attempt to do a slideshow with pictures of all of us from January through now. I will try to post it later tonight.

Ready for a new year

2009-01-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we left to go to Virginia for Brandon's grandmothers funeral. We stayed until the following Monday and on our way home stopped at Pilot Mountain. It was a beautiful day. Enjoy the pictures.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was bitter-sweet for our family. On Christmas Eve night, we lost a very special lady in all of our lives. Brandon's grandmother passed away of cancer. This made our holidays somewhat dimmer, but we know that she was in Heaven for Christmas...and that in itself is an amazing gift. Mason enjoyed opening the presents this year. He loved the bows especially. Enjoy some of the photos that we took Christmas day.

'Tis the Season

2008-12-20T06:56:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Christmas is only 5 days away. Santa came to the fire department last weekend...and Mason was not impressed. Therefore, no pictures with Santa this year. Here are some pictures that I took at home before we went to see Santa. I guess they will have to do for this year.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Mason was a puppy for his second Halloween. It is so amazing to me that he has been here long enough for this to be his 2nd Halloween! He was a pumpkin last year...and so tiny! This year we saw a costume at Target and had to get it. It looked just like our dog, Roxy, who we had to give away the beginning of October. So...Mason was Roxy for Halloween. : )

Birthday Pictures...FINALLY!

2008-11-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON!

2008-10-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that Mason is turning 1 today. It is so true how fast time goes by. He has changed so much in the past year. We are so blessed to have such an amazing boy. We are having his party this afternoon and I will try and post pictures tomorrow!

The beginning of Fall

2008-09-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy since I went back to work in August. I am in the process of planning Mason's 1st birthday party, on his birthday, October 11. It is hard to believe that it has been a year. He has 5 teeth and is saying lots of things including mama, dada, bye-bye, hey, and nana (which is what he calls his sitter). He can shake his head "yes" and "no" and loves to dance to music. He is standing up, but not walking yet. He knows he can get places faster when he is crawling. It is truly amazing how much has happened and changed in a years time. Enjoy the updated pictures!

Little Man

2008-08-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Mason just got his haircut...not the first one (that was at 7 weeks). He looks like such a little man. He is 10 months old, 20 pounds and has 4 teeth now. The bottom, middle 2 and the top, front 2. He is such a boy and we love him so much!!!

Beach Fun

2008-08-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach this past weekend and had a lot of fun. I have lots of pictures I will upload later, but I had to show you these now!

Adventures of a 9 month old

2008-07-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

Mason is mobile...and into EVERYTHING! He is not walking, but he is crawling, pulling up, and very curious. All of these pictures were taken on the same day. He is 200% boy!!

9 months Old!

2008-07-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

Mason is 9 months old today. I thought it would be a good time to let you in on all his new adventures (and ours!)

* He now has the 2 bottom, front teeth and is cutting one on the right side.
* He is scooting and crawling everywhere! We have had to do some fast and furious baby-proofing. The little guy is very curious and gets into EVERYTHING!
* He can say mama, dada, bye-bye, baba (bottle), and is learning uh-oh.
* He can make all sorts of fun sounds with his mouth...his favorite being sticking out his tongue and spitting at you. This one is especially fun when he has a mouth full of food.
* He can "kiss" and we are trying to teach him the motion of "blowing a kiss" to go with it.
* He is starting to pull up and can hold onto the side of the couch without our help for about 20 or 30 seconds. I have a feeling he will be walking by his 1st birthday.
* He weighs 20 pounds and is wearing some 9 month and some 12 month size clothes.
* He goes to the doctor on the 15th for his 9 month old check-up, so I will have all his "stats" then.

He is such a happy baby and usually only cries when he is tired or hungry. He is learning new things everyday and it is so amazing to watch. It is going to be hard on both he and I when I go back to work in August. He has become very attached this summer...and so have I. He is truly a blessing in our lives! Happy 9 months Little Man!

Could he get any cuter?

2008-07-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

I don't think this child can take a "bad" picture. Taken today at Gramma's house.

Heart-Breaker!

2008-07-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken during Bible School at our church. I know I am partial...but he is the cutest kid ever!!!! : )

What's New?

2008-07-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Lot's of new and exciting things happening in our world!

Brandon started his new job today! He accepted a position with the Mebane Fire Department and no longer will be traveling to Greensboro every third day! We both feel like this is a great move for him and our family. Mason is cutting more teeth! He now has the 2 bottom, middle teeth through and I think he is cutting the top 2. He has been very fussy and not sleeping well lately. The joy of teething! I am enjoying staying home with Mason this summer. He is keeping me very busy! The pictures below were taken in the last week or so.

Update

2008-06-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Mason was 8 months old yesterday. So hard to believe. He has been working on cutting teeth for over a month now and one FINALLY popped through today! His bottom, left one is just barely coming through...but it is there! I was beginning to think the poor kid would never have any teeth. Here are a few pictures I took tonight. Enjoy!

And now....Ma-Ma!

2008-05-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Mason has a new word!!!! Ma-Ma! And how appropriate that he start saying it just a few days before my first Mother's Day!

He now has 3 "words"...and I really think he knows what they mean.

BaBa...DaDa...and MaMa....

But I think MaMa is his favorite ; )

PS...I have a WONDERFUL husband who took me to the mountains for a night away from Mason for Mother's Day. Enjoy our pictures!

Da-Da

2008-04-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well....for the past few weeks Mason has been stuck on his latest babble....bababababababa. It was so cute. But now, he has truly brightened his daddy's life....and said "da-da". He calls everything "da-da", but he is definitely saying "da-da." I have never seen Brandon BEAM as much as he did when he heard Mason say it for the first time.

Hard to believe our little man is 6 1/2 months old. A new blessing every day!!!

Time for Lunch!

2008-04-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mason LOVES to eat. He gets very excited when he sees his food...and this is usually the end result of a meal. : )

A few new pictures

2008-04-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

Update...Mason is 6 months old!!!!

2008-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. Our computer has been "on the fritz" but we are finally back online! So...quick update before I go to bed and I will post some new pictures this weekend.

Mason will be 6 months old tomorrow. It is hard to believe that it has been 6 months...but on the other had, I truly can't remember life before him. I thought I was busy then..HA! Life with a child is truly amazing....never a dull moment. Mason is rolling over in both directions now. He loves to roll around, but prefers to be on his back. Instead of scooting around on his belly like most babies, Mason likes to lay on his back and scoot himself all over the place on his back. He's such a happy baby. He smiles and laughs at the sight of you and it makes you feel good all over! Work is going good for me...only 42 days left until summer....and I can't wait! Brandon and I seriously thought and prayed about the possibility of me staying home next year, but for now we think that it will be best in the long run for me to work another year. Please pray that we will be able to find somewhere for Mason to stay next year while I am working. It is very important to us for him not to be in daycare, so we are being picky...but with every right I believe. My grandma is struggling with chemo. She has good days and bad, but lately the bad days seem to out-number the good ones by a lot. Please pray for her and my grandad as well. They are both being really strong, but this is not an easy time.

That will have to do for now...I need to get in the bed. 5 am comes early. I promise I will post new pictures soon.

Lots of New Pictures!

2008-02-24T13:13:00.001-08:00

One more thing....

2008-02-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

I forgot to tell you how much our little chunker weighs now....

15 pounds and growing every day! : )

Quite a change from the 6 pound baby in preemie clothes that we brought home 4 months ago.

Much Needed Update

2008-02-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted anything on here. Between going back to work and our computer breaking...I don't get much of a chance to get online anymore. So...here is a quick summary of things that have happened since my last post.

* Mason is sleeping through the night. He usually goes to sleep between 7 and 8pm and gets up around 5am!
* He turned 4 months old last week...so very hard to believe.
* I went back to work the end of January. Mason has been staying with my sister-in-law and friends from church. Going back and leaving him is so much harder than I thought it would be. I still cry on the way to work at least once a week.
* We have started introducing solid foods. He is just eating cereal and formula now but he has "dinner" from a bowl and spoon...talk about a mess! I plan on introducing applesauce in the next week or so. So far so good...just some stomach aches getting used to the changes.
* We have had our share of the "crud"...between bronchitis, sinus infections, stomach bugs, pinkeye, kidney stones...you name it, we have had it at our house in the past month.
* My grandma has started chemo for her cancer. We are still waiting to find out exactly where the cancer started...but we know that it is in her liver now. Please continue to pray for her.
* Brandon and I are very excited about our tax refund this year...having a baby and buying a house in the same year may have been stressful...but it shows good at tax time! : )

I will post new pictures as soon as I can. Love you all!

PS...We have a motorcycle and car for sale....anyone interested?

Sleep Update

2008-01-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Mason woke up at about 1:15...5 1/2 hours...not bad! I finally got to bed at 2am. He slept for about a 4 hour stretch after that. I don't think it will be long before he is sleeping through the night! : )

Sleeping through the night???

2008-01-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Well, as I sit here at 12:45 am...I decided it would be a good time to blog.

Mason fell asleep about 7:45 tonight...a little earlier than usual. He has been averaging about 3 1/2 to 4 hours of sleep at a time at night now, so I decided to get some things done and just wait for him to wake-up for his feeding around 11:30 or 12. For some reason I am (or was) wide awake. Now, as I am still waiting for him to wake-up, I am getting tired! I guess I should go to bed...could this be our first night of sleeping through the night???

Well, if so, it will be his first night....I am still awake and it is now 1:00 am.

2 month check-up

2007-12-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

Mason had his 2 month check up at the doctor on Friday. He now weighs 12 lbs. 3 oz. and is 23 1/4 inches long. A far stretch from the 6 lb. 1 oz. 19 1/2 inch long baby that we brought home a little over 2 months ago! He is doing well and the doctor was very pleased with how much he is growing. He has definitely made-up for being so small in the beginning! He is really starting to show more personality now too...cooing and "talking", smiling at you when you talk back to him. He is such a precious boy!!!

Wedding

2007-12-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

My mom married her boyfriend/fiance of 15 years this past Saturday. They started dating when I was in 5th grade...no rushing into things for them! : ) They are happy and thats all that matters. Pictures are of my mom, my grandma, my brother, and me before the wedding.

Christmas 2007

2007-12-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

Enjoy! Pictures from Christmas day : )

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Yep, thats right...Merry Christmas. Not Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings...Merry CHRISTMAS!!

"...and she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes; and laid Him in a Manger..."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! He is the reason I am where I am today...so therefore, with all my heart, my family and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

He rolled over!!!

2007-12-12T13:34:00.001-08:00

Mason rolled from his belly to his back today. I didn't see him do it the first time...I had him on his belly and then I looked back and he was on his back! I didn't believe it, so I put him back on his belly and he did it again! I think it scares him though because he will roll over and then cry...like "Help me!" It is so cute. He has been doing it all day...and of course I have been doing nothing except watching him roll over all day! He is only 2 months and 1 day old and he is already growing up too fast!

Just a few updates

2007-12-09T16:26:00.000-08:00

***Mason now weighs 11 pounds!! That is almost double what he weighed when he was born. I can't believe it!!! He is definitely a healthy boy!
***We have poop! And let me tell you...when a baby goes almost 5 days without pooping...when it finally does happen, it is NOT pretty! We have a picture to show daddy when he gets home, because I knew I couldn't explain the true event and do it justice without a picture. Funny the things we get excited about now!
***Mason doesn't like soy milk. And who can blame him. That stuff stinks!
***I am thinking about starting to add a little cereal in Mason's bottle. The poor kid is hungry all the time and I have got to start getting more than 2 or 3 hours of sleep at a time.
***Mason sat on Santa's lap at the fire department banquet dinner Saturday night. He was asleep so he never knew the difference.
***Brandon was awarded with 4 life saves this year. They were his first so it was really special. I am very proud!
***The pictures I am posting are of Mason on Santa's lap and our little guy after his bath. He is really looking more and more like Brandon every day. I can really see it in the last picture posted.

okay mommies...i need your help!

2007-12-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Who knew it was normal for a baby to go 3 days without pooping?! Well, I didn't, so that's why today I did everything I could to try and make my little man poop...and after nothing seemed to work, I finally called the doctor. "Oh!" She said," that is very normal! He could go as much as a week without pooping!" WHAT??!! A week!!! My poor fussy, grunting baby could be like this for a WEEK??? I really hope not...so any suggestions that anyone has that might help Mr. Mason "have a poopie"...please, let me know. I can't stand to see the little guy straining for a week!!!

New Pictures

2007-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Mason is almost 2 months old. Here are some new pictures that I took today. Such a handsome boy!!!

6 weeks old!

2007-11-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe Mason is 6 weeks old! Here are some updated pictures of our adorable, happy baby boy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! These pictures were taken on Thanksgiving day. One is of Brandon, Mason, and I, and the other of Mason and his cousins, Shannon and Wesley. Enjoy!

So Thankful

2007-11-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

This year, more than ever, I have so many things to be thankful for. In the past year and a half my life has changed so much...and all for the good!

I am thankful for...
*an amazing husband. Brandon is such a wonderful man and I am so blessed to have him in my life. He is truly my
hero...working every day in a profession where he could very easily lose his life for the life of someone else. Always
remember our firemen...they are something to be thankful for everyday.
*a beautiful, healthy, growing baby boy. Mason has taught me more about life and faith than anything ever before.
*a beautiful house. So many people are not able to have the things that Brandon and I have been so blessed to have.
*my health. One whole year with no complications/sicknesses with my asthma or migraines!
*my church. Brandon and I joined Oak Grove Baptist Church a year ago and we have been blessed with many friends and
much support within our church family.
*family. My family and Brandon's family are both so supportive and loving of Brandon, Mason, and I. We are truly blessed to
have our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and extended family in our lives.
*friends...old and new. I am very lucky to still be in contact with friends that I have had for almost 20 years!! Brandon and I
have also made some new friends this year, and they have blessed our new life here in Mebane as well.
*my job. It is my calling to teach. I love my "kids" and teaching and watching them grow every day.

On Thanksgiving and always, I am thankful. I have been blessed in my life more than even I know sometimes. I thank God for the path that my life has gone and I ask Him to lead me through all the journeys to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Jealousy

2007-11-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

Before Mason...was Roxy. Right after Brandon and I got married we got a Boxer puppy. Her name is Roxy. Roxy is now a year old and even more exciting...she is a big sister. She has done really well with Mason, being very protective and loving to lick the top of his head and his feet. However, she has also had to stay in her crate more due to the fact that having both Roxy and Mason is like having 2 kids...I get NOTHING done. This picture shows what Roxy thinks of having to be in her crate more. That used to be a pillow. :)

Happy, Happy Birthday!

2007-11-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very special day. It is hard to believe, but Mason turned 1 month old yesterday...and I tunred 25!!! 2 big milestones in one special day! We went to church and then had lunch at my grandparents. We spent the evening at home, just Brandon, Mason, and I. It was really nice. For the first time I actually feel older. I am 25...I have a child...I am married...I am finally growing up! Hard to believe!!! Enjoy the pictures from yesterday. They include my grandma and brother holding Mason, Brandon putting together a bouncy chair (too funny), and one of the most handsome baby boys around!

Day vs Night

2007-11-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

Okay...I need some help!

How do you get your 3 week old to know the difference between day and night? Mason definitely has his days and nights mixed up. He will sleep for 4+ hours during the day, only waking up to eat, and falling back to sleep while he is eating. About 6pm he "wakes up" and then wakes up wanting to eat every 2 hours during the night...not wanting to go back to sleep after he eats. Any and all suggestions on how to reverse this are welcome!!!!

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mason was the cutest pumpkin around last night! We stayed at home, handing out candy (and might I say trick-or-treaters have gotten much larger...i swear these "kids" were my age!) and then we went to "Trunk-or-Treats" for a while. After that we went and saw my mentor teacher, Ellen. Mason got quite a bit of candy...and Brandon and I will enjoy that. :) Enjoy the pictures of our little pumpkin.

PS...I was listening to KLOVE on my way to have lunch with Brandon today and I was informed....only 53 more shopping days until Christmas!!! AAGGHH!!!

Due Date

2007-10-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Today is my due date...October 29th, 2007. It is hard to believe that I could possibly still be pregnant at this point. I am SO glad that Mason is already here and has been here for 2 1/2 weeks...and is perfectly healthy!!! He is such a good baby...he even fell asleep during his first bath and slept through his first church service yesterday. :) He is our angel and we are so blessed!

Family

2007-10-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Being the oldest child and grandchild in my family means that I was always "the first". Therefore, Mason is the first grandchild and great-grandchild in my family. And boy are they loving him! This picture of my mom, my grandma, and my grandad with Mason was taken at my house this week. I love it!

2 Weeks Old!

2007-10-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Mason is 2 weeks old today! He went to the doctor this morning for his 2 week check-up and he is doing great! He weighs 6lbs 3 oz now and is 20 1/4 inches long. The doctor said to go ahead and begin introducing him to a bottle and supplement his feedings with a little formula...he is a growing boy! He is starting to try and hold his head up some and smile :) He is more alert and stays awake for longer periods of time now, but still loves to sleep! He is just precious and I am loving being his mommy!

All that hair!

2007-10-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

It never fails that wherever we go, the same comments are always made. "Look at all that hair!" or "It's pretty bad when the baby has more hair than the daddy!" And it never fails...Brandon always has the same response, whether we know the person or not..."Yeah, we're still waiting on the results of the paternity test." I told him he has to stop saying that because people that don't know us give me mean looks. He just laughs. So...to answer any questions...the hair is definitely from me...it's exactly what I looked like when I was born. So no more questions!

So Blessed

2007-10-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how blessed I am to have Brandon as a husband! He is truly an amazing man. He is a natural daddy and is so good at it! He loves Mason more than anything and it is so adorable! He helps me with Mason and around the house and I just could not ask for a better husband or father for my son. I thank God for him every day! I really don't know what I would do without him.

Life as we know it...October 2007

2007-10-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, after having a lot of friends that are "doing the blog thing" I figured that I would try it myself. And what a better way to start than by introducing our newest addition. Mason Alan Sams was born 2 1/2 weeks early on October 11, 2007. As of now, I still have not reached my due date of Oct. 29th...so it is so surreal that he is actually here! Unlike most women in their first pregnancy, my water broke and less than 12 hours later he was here! It was really not that bad! So...this blog is being made to keep everyone updated on our little man! :) I will post pictures and blogs whenever something new happens...which I am sure will be almost daily. So as for now...here's what's new!

Mason Alan Sams
Born: Oct. 11, 2007 @ 8:33pm
6 lbs 1 oz
19 1/2 in. long

I am doing well and enjoying my time off! I will be out of work until the end of January...enjoying being a mommy!