8 Seconds

8 Seconds was all it took 5 years ago...and I was in LOVE! Five years ago last weekend, was our first date. He planned it all out himself and surprised me by taken me to the Rodeo that comes to Cleveland every February. It is absolutely my favorite date of the year. We've been able to duplicate the date three times in the last five years and I can't wait until next February...it is so great...I love it. I think this year was the best because we were able to buy decent tickets...front row baby...right next to the gate...dirt was flying and horses/bulls were up close and personal...way exciting. The Rodeo Clown even came up to us and took our picture and then took my camera and ran around snapping pictures of the audience as part of his before the show entertainment. After the rodeo, they always have a country music concert by a new artist that most haven't heard of. This year, I can't remember his name, but he was really good...I enjoyed him. Ben and I have created so many memories in Ohio, it's so fun to stumble across them...these dates to the rodeo, I will always hold close to my heart.

A better week

I'm so happy to be healthy again. The boys are acting so much more like themselves and have had a better week. My mom came up this week to play and spend time, it was nice to have some extra hands and help with the boys. She always brings Max and Seth's favorite toy...Butter Bean...my Mom's Chihuahua. She's the perfect size and puts a big smile on their faces. Max loves to feed her and play fetch, it's really cute. Seth just tries to grab her (he's been working on his hand eye coordination these days...it's so fun to watch him concentrate on something) and we try to keep the dog from licking him to death. I think Butter Bean puts up with the two of them so well because of all the snacks Max tracks around the house.

Another reason I can tell my family is feeling much better is because of the chocolate cake they made while I was at mutual last night. I wish you all could have tasted it...it was the best.

Yes, last week was not the best, but I'm a strong believer in the hard times make you truly love and enjoy the good times...we wouldn't know happiness if we didn't know sorrow...and I'm so Happy right now!

Nice and Quiet?!...NO!

Driving past our home one would think that we've been pretty lazy and that our week has been uneventful...the snow hasn't been shoveled, the car has been in the garage most of the time, the mail has only been checked every other day, a few newspapers have collected at the end of the drive...but, on the inside things have gotten pretty exciting...no, messy...no, crazy...no, sick...no, gross...I'll just let you decide.

I thought we were done being sick once we pulled in last Sunday from being in Georgia for the week, but the fun had just begun. Seth's cough seemed to worsen, so we took both the boys into the doctors on Monday to find out he had broncitis. They sent us home with a breathing machine to do every 4-6 hours and said that it would just have to run it's course. Tuesday morning, Seth threw-up twice and then once more that night. After we got the boys to bed, Ben started with the stomach flu all night long...by 3am, I was starting to wonder how big his stomach could possible be. I felt so bad for him...he was so sick. By Wednesday, we were finally finished with the stomach portion of the flu, now we are dealing with the sneezing, coughing, and runny noses of little boys (that almost sounded like the NyQuil commercial).

It may appear that we've had a nice quiet week from the outside, but it just goes to show...you never know what goes on behind closed doors!

Vicks: Mother of the Year

I saw this clip on another blog and thought it was hillarious and wanted to share with the rest of you...hope you mothers out there will enjoy it! I would love to do this the next time Maxton freaks out!!!

Home Sweet Home

Just got home from Georgia. Me and the boys went down to visit family and get away for awhile. We picked up my mom on the way down and had some good times. Here are a few highlights:
*Surprized all our Grandparents...they had no idea we were coming!
*Stayed at the King and Prince Hotel...ocean front.
*Maxton and Seth got to visit and get to know their Great-Grandparents a little better (all four are alive...what a blessing).
*Wore flip-flops all week.
*Maxton and Seth never wore a jacket.
*Ate some good sea food.
All those highlights should outway the fact that me, my mom and Maxton got the stomach virus right?!? There was someone sick on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday out of the three of us! I'll spare the details. It's something I'd rather forget. I'm glad we went, and I'm glad were home...Home Sweet Home!

My favorite picture from our trip. My Grandma Wood with Me and Seth right in front of the ocean on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Happy Anniversary Dr. Hale

A view of Ben's office taken by Ben while flying with a buddy one afternoon...it's the white building in the center.

Today is a special day for us, more so for Ben I should say. This day one year ago, was Ben's first day working at his dental office. We had signed the purchase agreement on January 24th, but the practice was offically Ben's on February 1st. I must say, the night he came home from his first day at the office, he was extreemly nervous and worried about how things would work out. Since that night, he has really put 120% into the practice. Ben has given the office much time and tender care...working every Friday and Saturday for the first six months, on top of his already four day work week at another office. I'm really proud of him and how well this first has been. I must also thank Ben's staff...they stuck by him through the change of doctors last February and we both really appreciate their hard work and help during this year as we've layed down the foundation for hopefully many anniversariers to come. Congratulations Dr. Hale and Staff!