What A Difference an Hour Makes

I have officially started working my 19.75 hours at work. Now, I thought I was going to have all this free time and not know what to do with myself, but I was wrong. Turns out my 19.75 hour work week is going to be more like a 35 hour work week (at least until school starts). So, Tuesday and Wednesday I got off at 3, instead of 4:30. What a difference! My mood was better and I was excited to be going home which made my time with Trenton that much better. I would pick him up early and we would go to the grocery store. We will not be going back to Publix for a while because they have an Elmo balloon display that I cannot avoid. I would cook dinner and each night bake something (one night brownies, another night a strawberry cake), bathe Trenton and settle in while Wes was outside stripping furniture.

This morning, I was scheduled for something different - I came in at 10:30-5. So, I woke up at normal time and got ready. Took trenton to daycare and thankfully, this was the first morning he didn't cry when I left - I was going to take him in late, but I am SO glad I didn't. When we got there the teacher was rolling the the TV (Trenton calls it TB) and they were going to watch Elmo. I put Trenton down next to his buddy Eli and he goes "Bye Mommy". I was so glad.

I went home, cleaned the kitchen, cleaned the bathrooms, dusted the den, loaded and started the dishwasher, took out the trash, and got ready for work. What fun! I am enjoying part time, but I am not looking forward to the lower paycheck. I know it will all be worth it in the end when I graduate! SPRING 2012!

Gone, But Not Forgotten

I want you all to know that I have not forgotten about this blog. Life has been super busy for the Ellis Family and I hope to post pictures soon. It took me getting a note from a dear friend to remind me that although the blog takes time, energy, and some planning, it is a way for my friends who do not get to see or talk to me everyday to know what is going on in our lives.

So, we are still looking for a home for Bandit...any takers?
We just got back from vacation - we went to see Ansley and Shelby in Nashville.
I am transistioning from my full time position at the Bank to a part time position.
We are redoing a few rooms in the house - I get bored easily.

Not too much, but between work, a 2 year old, and school - we managed to stay busy. So, please keep checking back. I do hope to do a better job about this.

Bless His Heart

My precious baby has been down for the count. Yes, he just went to the doctor on Wednesday, but over the weekend he started coughing. At first, it wasn't anything major, but Sunday night it got progressively worse. He developed a fever Sunday night and maintained it Monday morning. I took him to MCG to the Pediatric Clinic and they gave him a breathing treatment and sent us for x-rays. The doctor could not determine if the wheezing was his natural breathing (product of a TE Fistula baby) or something more. We didn't wait long, went home with an inhaler and 1 prescription and waited to hear back from the doctor regarding the x-rays. Not an hour later, the doctor called and T has an infection in his lung. It is small, but there. So, my 1 prescription turned into 2. T was sleepy and very whiny...not his normal self. I selfishly enjoyed the cuddle time!

Tuesday rolled around and he still couldn't go to school. I needed to come to work, so we worked it out where Granny kept him from 8-12, Wes had him from 12-1:30, and I had him after that. I could at least get my co-workers through lunch. Trenton started to feel a little better, but he was still whiny. His cough was still there, but he seemed to be in better spirits. Then, the night rolled around....

Around 6:30 T went to bed and everything was fine until around 12. He woke up crying and coughing. Wes went and got him and we both held him and tried to calm him down...he went back in his crib. 2 AM - same routine. I go downstairs to get him some tylenol, and for the 3rd night in a row, Bandit has pooped in the house. NOT FUN! T gets tylenol and we let him lie in our bed for about 10 minutes..back to the crib...3:20 - he is up again. We get him back in the crib and he sleeps until 5:20...I get up, get him, put him in the bed with Wes, shower, let the dogs out and I am up for the day.

My entire routine was off...Trenton was dressed and ready for school even ate about 3 bites of breakfast and it was only 6:20! Still coughing and a little needy, we sat in the den and talked and watched Sprout.

I took him to school this morning. He doesn't have a fever, but he isn't 100%. Very needy and he ran to see his Ms. Mitt, who took care of him when he was in the infant room. He went to her and she helped me get him to his class. Ms. Mitt is such a God-send. She has constantly cared, loved, and prayed for my son. Not saying that other teachers didn't, but Ms. Mitt holds a special place in my and Trenton's heart. I mean, for him to run to that classroom and see her...that speaks volumes to me!

Trenton's "I don't feel good face...."

Trenton has a new favorite thing, running around and pretending to draw with his new pen.

When Trenton watches Sprout he likes to lean against the furniture for the best view...

We leave for the beach on Friday, so this could be interesting. I hope he gets to feeling better. So far, no calls from daycare...it is 10:30..that is pretty good, right?

He has learned how to "blow his nose" through this...he knows to put it to his nose and then he dusts the table..we are getting there, right!?

T's 18 Month Check Up

Wes took Trenton to the doctor today for his check up. Wes is a good Daddy and takes Trenton to all the shot appointments. :) Just a quick update, he is 25.6 pounds, 33 inches long, and healthy. This is a picture of Trenton I took yesterday on our way to Publix. Trenton has on his new shoes (SIZE 6!) that he got Sunday. He is so much fun to be around and he is learning so much!

Something About Those Sporty Imports

When I was in College I got a new car, my father LOVES car shopping, so we went and I got a Saab 93. I loved the way it looked and the way it drove. I LOVED that car, but then I graduated and the repair bills were all mine. For some reason, that car missed the shop when it wasn't in it and would break down.

Prior to any of the break down, my first week of ownership, a High School kid hit my car that was parked in the parking lot. Got that fixed, then on the way home from school one weekend, a log flew off the back of a logging truck and into the hood of my car. True to the make of the car, it got me home - the turbo was shot, but I made it. I remember I called Dad and told him (I think he made out what I was saying through my sobs). My Dad said, "are you okay? Is the car drivable? Don't call your Mom. She is in Bible Study and we will let her know when you get home." That was hard. I wanted my Mommy. :) So, I slowly made it home and pulled into the drive. Mom was home, she ran out the door, hugged me and said, "sara, you could have died!" I cried. She cried. Dad was in repair mode. The Saab (Claire was her name) was repaired and got a new turbo and everything!

After graduation I moved to Greenville, SC where there is a Saab dealership. I quickly became friends with the service department there. I did not have the best relationship with the service department in Augusta - one man in particular. However, since I had my first "real" job, I was responsible for car maintenance. I sure wish I had asked about how much it costs to maintain the Saab. Every oil change, $80. But, every oil change uncovered new problems. Brakes, $600, Tires, $900. The car started to just shut off for no reason as I was driving..we would hook it up to the diagnostic test and everything was fine. That car was too electrically driven, and boy did I pay for it.

When Wes and I got married he had a truck. Long story short, we traded his old truck for a new truck. Then, I got pregnant and the Saab was costing about $800 a month to maintain - it was still breaking down. So, we traded the Saab and I got a Rogue. Then, Trenton came and with his medical complications, we were looking for ways to cut costs, so Wes made the ULTIMATE sacrifice and traded his beloved truck. We went car shopping and he decided he wanted a car. He test drove bunches, but ended up with a VW Passat - yes, it surprised me too.

Well, apparently, this Sporty Import has a target too. Since getting the VW, Wes has been in 2 accidents - close to each other - both his fault. Then, he went to a meeting last week in Savannah and calls me to tell me he got pulled over. I was not excited. Thankfully, he didn't get a ticket. He was pulled for illegal tint. The tint wasn't illegal, so he was let go. As we are on the phone, he goes, "I have to go, the cop is pulling me again". I am a NERVOUS wreck. I have no clue what has happened. About 10 minutes later, he calls me and tells me the dispatcher had entered his information incorrectly and they thought he was a different person - um, not cool. Wes called me all nervous too - that had to be a little scary, pulled twice by the same cop within 3 minutes. Thankfully, it was all straightened out and he continued home.

So, while my car, Claire, had a tendency to break down and cost a lot of money and be hit by other people/things, Wes's import tends to be the offender. Apparently, if there is an import around me, you can bet it will be a headache. Needless to say, we are NOT buying another sporty foreign import again. As foreign as I will go is Nissan! (sorry, Dad, love you!)

Busy, Busy Boy

Yesterday was a long day, but a great day! I had one of my most favorite Trenton moments to date. So, I have decided to try and tell the story and put pictures of how busy he is now. He is very independent, but very attached to Mommy. Every morning it is "Mommy, My Mommy, or nomommy,nomommy, no."But, here is what happened yesterday...I went to pick Trenton up from school and the teacher was about to put him in time out. Trenton saw me and looked down. He knew I would not be happy. He had taken another childs cup, put the milk in his mouth, and spit it all out. He had milk all down his shirt and on his chin. I said, "Trenton did you spit milk?" He ran to me and hugged me. I said, "Trenton, you need to say you are sorry." He put his head down and in the most quiet voice said, "sorry." (insert precious baby voice) It took everything I had not to sweep him up and love on him, but I said, "Trenton, you need to go apologize to Ms. Sarah." Off he ran and he hugged her and got down and shouted, "bye bye" and ran to the door. I stinkin' love this child.

It gets better too. Wes had to close, so Trenton and I did the nightly routine alone. He ate and we got in the bath. He was in the tub trying to open his marker (tub friendly marker) and he started whining. Trenton whines when he wants something because he still doesn't know words. I said, "Trenton, you need to say, help please." So, he looks at me very seriously and says, "he peas". I ate it up. From then on, he would say, "he peas" all evening. I loved it. Then, we played with the tool box that Aunt Lee Lee gave him (he LOVES it!) and he looked at me and said "night night" and his little fanny put his toys up and scurried up the stairs. Just then, his Daddy came home and got to put him to bed.

Trenton had so much fun eating his cupcake and playing in the icing....

Trenton loves McDonald's sweet tea...almost as much as Mommy and Daddy.

He was exhausted this weekend after he stayed up late playing 2 nights in a row.

Trenton had such a good Easter with his Elmo basket. He was one happy boy just carrying Elmo around.

I love this picture...Trenton and Wes were watching the truck race together and Trenton was telling the trucks to Go, Go, Go.

So, Trenton is getting so much busier and he is learning words. He understands so much more than he can say. He puts his clothes in the dirty clothes hamper, he knows when Mommy says time out what it means, he is such my little miracle!

Ellis Family Easter

I don't have the pictures uploaded yet, but do not fear, they will be coming.

We had a very busy Easter weekend. We had a Church Easter egg hunt on Saturday morning and Trenton had so much fun! He made crafts, wandered around the Church, got his picture made with some Easter eggs (he calls them balls). The hunt was another story. Trenton did not understand the concept of putting the egg in your basket. So, he just put one in his basket and dumped it on the ground. Then he noticed an older boy, Tyler running around and stomping on all the eggs. That seemed like more fun, so he tried to do that. He realized his Mommy wasn't going to let that happen, so he decided to garden. Yes, my child sat in the mulch and ate dirt and picked at plants. Happy Easter! :)

That afternoon the Ellis Family had lunch but we couldn't go because Trenton needed to nap in preparation for his second Easter egg hunt at Journey. He slpet a lot. That evening we went to Journey with Wes's family and Trenton was not having the nursery. The problem is Trenton's Aunt April is in charge of Journeyland and every time she would walk by, doing her rounds, he would cry. So, Aunt April had to take Trenton with her...oopsie! However, I was glad for April because it gave her time with Trenton.

After the service Journey had their egg hunt. Um, there were a ton of people! They were giving away a 42" flat screen, but each family could only get 8 eggs, so Trenton had to choose wisely. Given the fact that he didn't care about egg hunts, we knew the TV would not be ours. Although it was supposed to be a family activity, I stood back and let MeMe, Wes, and Trenton go. I was not going to brave the storm. Trenton walked away with very little candy, but one egg shaped like a football that he enjoyed. Ansley won some prizes and every one had fun. Following the egg hunt, we went to MeMe and Pop's so Trenton could open his Easter basket - pics to follow - he racked up on clothes, food, and a toy!

Sunday Trenton did not wake up until after 8, so sadly, the Ellis family didn't make it to Church Easter Sunday, but we did go Easter Saturday. Trenton did wake up to see what the Easter bunny had brought him - all things beach - a sand toy set, an Elmo book (you have to have something to read on the beach), bubbles, and some candy. Trenton woke up around 815 and went back to sleep from around 9:30 til 11:15. Then we headed to Aunt Nana's house. Trenton was still not completely rested, but he likes to eat and we thought about swimming. We saw our family there, ate lunch, and put our feet in the water, but the water was too cold. So, we just stayed there for a while and went home for Trenton to go to bed. He slept from 3-6:15, woke up, ate, and went to bed around 8:15 and slept til 6:45 the next morning! GROWTH SPURT!

So, it was an exciting Easter. Pictures soon!

Numbers Don't Lie.

8: the number of toes I have that currently are able to move. 4: the number of times Wes ran out of the bed to the bathroom with the stomach virus 5: total combined hours of sleep had by Wes and myself - we alternated last night. I won out on taking care of Trenton since Wes is contagious. It was a rough night. I ran into the dog and somehow, his (Baxter) paw went between my two last toes. I fall to the floor crying, Wes runs to the bathroom - sick, and Baxter is just confused as to where to go. Thankfully, Trenton slept through the madness! We were all home this morning and poor Trenton was at a loss. His Daddy was sick and his Mommy was moving slower than he was. He really took advantage of it. I think he ran around the couch and touched everything he was not supposed to. Yes, I called my Father, but there really is nothing I can do. I am at work, attempting to be helpful, but it hurts. I have broken toes before, but nothing like this one. So, even though we out number Trenton this morning, he won. 1 baby getting run of the house because of 2 broken parents.

Old McDonald Had A...

Tummy ache!

This was a big weekend for Trenton. He ate, and ate, and ate, but it made for some good memories.

It all started when Nona went with Trenton and me to Chick fil A. It is rare that Mom gets to see Trenton outside of playing in the house, so this was a good adventure for them both. I could not have asked for a better Trenton! Mom got him a kids meal of 4 nuggets, we substituted fruit for fries, and an apple juice - healthy, right? Well, then I taught Mom of how you can trade in your toy for an icedream. Mom and I agreed that Trenton was not quite ready for a book on meteorology, so we traded. Trenton had already eaten all of his nuggets, all of his fruit (except the grapes) and then I brought the icedream over. He LOVED it! Who wouldn't

The only thing Trenton couldn't figure out was why the ice cream didn't stay solid.....

No worries though, he still ate it....all of it!

That night, Wes decided we would go to Old McDonald's Fish Camp. Trenton loves ducks, so we went and fed the "quack quacks". When we got there, Trenton yells, "QUACK QUACK" and they all run, naturally. Then, we went to feed them and he thought they would be like Baxter and come to the food. He did not want to let go of the duck food...it was so sad. Trenton ate a lot there too. We did find out he loves honey mustard. He ate crab, fries, chicken, grits, but he LOVED hush puppies!

That night Trenton did not sleep at all! He was up all night...I wonder why....

Master's Week

** DISCLAIMER, I do not think all visitors are this way, nor are all Northerners. I have dated Northerners and I had no negative experience with them. *** It is Spring Break here in Augusta which means one thing, The Masters. For many people this is an exciting time and they long for this time every year. For me, this is a time where I can't do my normal routine. I don't hate it, but I am not in love with the Masters and I am certainly not in love with the change of routine. This year things are a little different. The misery that the Masters brings started on Sunday. I went grocery shopping at Publix. Well, many visitors rent houses in North Augusta and they were all in Publix. (overdramatic, but still) There was this one family in particular that really seemed to just rub me the wrong way. Excuse me while I vent... It all started when they stopped in the middle of the road, right in front of the door, to let the Mom out. Really, the Mom couldn't walk from the parking space? Then, their son finally realizes he can get out of the car (he was otherwise occupied by his cell phone), and the Dad decides that he is going to just hang out for a while to make sure that they make it in okay. Well, North Augusta is not that riddled with crime that the walk from the car to the Publix is the danger zone. STRIKE 1 I go in the store and get my buggy and just keep moving. Well, I thought...the son is standing in front of the door - still on his cell phone - oblivious to ANYONE behind him. STRIKE 2 STRIKE 2.5 I call it this because the Mom does the same thing. I go to the bakery section and she is looking at cheese with her cart in the middle of the aisle...so apparently being oblivious is genetic? I keep moving, no big deal. Well, this turned into one of those situations where we followed each other around the store. I would avoid aisle, go long, stay put, but there they were. See, the son would wander around just talking about golf on his cell phone. He was everywhere. It was the cracker aisle that pushed me over the edge. It reminded me of when I was in Chicago with Ansley. We were shopping in a store and looking at merchandise and this person said, "Excuse me" to Ansley. Naturally, Ansley moved out of the way for the boy to cross...oh, no, he stood there and looked right where Ansley was...directly in front of Ansley! Well, these visitors, they did the same thing! I was looking for crackers for Trenton and the Mom (who was not a natural color) said "excuse me" and just stood right in front of me to look. Here comes husband to do the same thing. STRIKE 3, 4, and 5!!!! I don't say anything, I just kind of huff away. They don't care, they aren't going to change. I just have to adjust for a week, until they leave my friendly, Southern, town. Thankfully, I check out in a different line. We leave around the same time and I am not surprised that the Dad was pulling the car TO THE DOOR to load the groceries. Really! Publix will even take them to your car and you don't tip. I leave, thankful I am a Southerner, who is observant, and respects those people around me. It is because of that upbringing that I did not lash out at these people. By the way, the son was still on his phone. (Trenton, this will not be you!)

Oh Hammond Drive...

It rained here last night. Not really rained, poured. At one point in time the winds were a strong as 60 MPH. That is harsh! The good news (for me) I slept through it. Well, until 5:40 AM when I woke up sweating and yelled at Wes for turning off the fan when he wasn't even under the covers. OOPSIE! Well, it was true...the power was gone.

I could hear Trenton in his room chatting it up with Elmo, he was fine, but it was HOT! I get up, shower (while Wes is still home) by candlelight. That was not the most pleasant shower, but it was fine. Get dressed, by the tiniest flashlight ever created. Wes gets ready and leaves. I go to get Trenton up so we can get dressed and go buy some b'fast. I can't cook with no power...I am not quite that Little House on the Prairie. I go in Trenton's room and he and Elmo are wrapping up their conversation. I tell Trenton it is dark and we have no power, so we can't turn on the lights. He loves to help Mommy, so I tell him he has to hold the flashlight so I can get him dressed. What does he do? He sticks it in his mouth. Helpful, son.

We make it through the dressing phase and we go downstairs...carefully...he is still eating the flashlight. There are some candles lit. We get to the kitchen..thankfully it is not as hot. Trenton is going "eat, eat". I put him in his highchair and throw some fruit loops on the tray with his milk. He loves the fruit loops with marshmellows. I give him the light so he can at least see what he is eating. Trenton and I enjoyed a nice flashlight breakfast.

In this picture he was asking why am I taking another picture when there are not lights. He looks like a lost child..his outfit was pieced together. He kept me entertained and was constantly telling the dogs what to do. He is bossy..not sure where that came from. :) I am hopeful I will go home to electricity. I am just glad I didn't go to the grocery store and stock the fridge.

But Mommy...

Trenton is a mess! There is no other way to describe it. I love hearing him say his few words. He LOVES Elmo. That word makes sense. He has 2 best friends in school, Harper (are-per) and Eli (ALA). He is constantly moving and would love nothing more than to run around naked all day. In fact, he even followed Bandit's way and peed on the carpet the other day...I guess he was just doing what the dog taught him. :) So, with all this running and talking it is only natural that he knows the word "No". In fact, the other day the dogs were arguing and Trenton starts shaking his finger at him and going "no, no, no!" Well, he can dish it, but this child can't take it.

Yesterday afternoon, I was uploading pictures on the computer and Trenton kept trying to take the computer and carry it around. I looked at him and in my stern voice...which isn't that bad. I said, "Mommy said No, Trenton" This is what I got....

Clearly, I am NEVER to tell this child "No."

How The Lottery Changed My Life...

Wes and I love to play the game where we spend our pretend lottery winnings. I would love to be one of those people who say that we can't really win because we don't play, but we do. My husband has 2 addictions. 1 addiction is scratch offs. There was a time last year that he kept winning small amounts of money and getting more scratch off tickets and we actually won enough money to buy Shelby some amazing shower presents. However, there are times that Wes plays and he loses. Well, this past Friday, he played. I didn't know he was playing. He has an account at another bank that I have a debit card to, but he gets to use for whatever he thinks he needs. Friday he meets me for lunch, this has become quite a nice part of our routine. It gives us a chance to sit down together and we try our best to talk about anything except Trenton. This past Friday was no different. I got money out of our account (where I work) and we went to Zaxbys. Walking in the door he proudly says that lunch is on "him". Meaning, at least I thought, it was coming out of the other bank. No, he is proud because he bought a scratch off and won about $60. We eat lunch and he tells me he is going home to get things done around the house. It is Friday, and in banking, at the downtown location that means busy. I am too busy to even check my email until around 5. I check it and there it is, an email from Wes that says to check my phone. I quickly grab my phone and there it is, his other addiction.....

tattoos. My husband is officially branded. This was completely his idea. I have a feeling this is not the last tattoo. We (I) do have the rule that he cannot get a tattoo that he cannot cover up. this one, under his watch. This is his 3rd tattoo. I am not a fan of tattoos, but I still love him....tats and all.

*** I am not sure if everyone in the family has noticed this tattoo or not. I received permission to post this. ***

Baxter's Big Adventure = A Stressful Night for the Ellis Family

Last night was awful...awful is truly an understatement. For those of you who know me, you know I am a HUGE animal lover. Prior to having Trenton, I would definitely say I was much more attached to my dogs than anything else. I love and hate this about myself. I love it because I always had a dog growing up - something that my father secretly wanted, but Mom was not always in agreement; however, she would let her little girl have one. I hate it because it can really hurt me when something happens and I try to make every stray dog mine. When I do this Wes says, "if that dog is walking down this street when we come back this way (on the way home) then you can have it." He knows it will not be there.

Recently we got Bandit - a rescue that Wes wanted to keep. I thought it would be good for Baxter, he would have a friend and it would help keep him exercised and happy. Well, I don't know what happened yesterday, but something sure did make Baxter change.

I had to work later than normal last night, and Wes had to run an errand after work. When I got home I went to let the dogs in and there was NO BAXTER!!!!!!!

I screamed. I screamed his name, I screamed a bad word, I called my husband...completely sobbing. Animal control had closed, Baxter was not in the yard. I was devestated. Baxter can jump our 6ft privacy fence...neat trick, but not a good idea.

Wes comes home and I get in my car and just ride around screaming his name, talking to anyone that is outside. I go to the river, I go to the park, I go to the woods, I go to my Granny's house (we walk baxter there a lot). I call my Dad. I hear it in Dad's voice - he is a touch worried, but he knows Baxter will come home. He says we will check in after a few hours. Baxter will find his way home.

Meanwhile, Wes makes posters, goes out to look, does the same routine I had just done. I keep thinking that Wes will pull in the drive way with Baxter's head poking out the window...he doesn't. I put it on Facebook, friends call to help search, friends re-post it on Facebook...it is a community effort.

I start fearing the worse. The sun is going down...I go back out. I can't just sit. Well, about this time NA Public Safety comes down our street 2 times. I find that weird, but just keep going. Well, while doing my rounds, I meet our neighbors...the ones that previously called animal control on Baxter - Jimmy and Tina. Jimmy, being an avid smoker, is able to tell me that he didn't see Baxter, but saw another dog that went to our front porch. He tried to knock on our door, but naturally, we weren't there. I knew it was another dog because this was 9:30 AM. The last sighting was at 1:30 PM when Wes came to check on him.

Jimmy, the pulse of Hammond Drive, tells me that NA Public Safety was responding to a call regarding something, not someone...he said to call them and ask. So, I start walking down to the house where the police responded - about 4 doors down. Meanwhile, my sweet Uncle Hal and Aunt Donna had called and offered to help look. I told them it was okay, but there was Hal, circling the neighborhood and trying to find Baxter. So sweet. Well, NA Public Safety tells me that it was a smoke alarm...really, fine. He tells me to call animal control and leave a message.

I have left a message - actually 2 at this point. Baxter is missing NOW! If animal control had him, they should have called! He has 2 tags and one has his name and my number on it. Wes and I just sit in the den and stare out the window - anticipating his return. I am thinking the worse. Around 11:30 we go upstairs to bed...that just starts me crying worse. Baxter sleeps with us! I don't know what to do with the extra room in the bed. I want him home.

We take turns sleeping - at least that what it feels like. Neither of us had a deep sleep, we were listening for that bark at the door. Following the suggestion of one of my FB friends, I put a blanket on our porch that smells like me - she said it helps him follow the scent home. I am hopeful it will work.

Around 4:30 I am wide awake. I sit in bed for a while and just think about Baxter. Finally, around 5:15 I decide enough is enough. I go get my keys to get in the car. As I open the garage door, I hear a jingle...could it be?!?

Baxter comes darting in the garage from the front porch...where the blanket was and I am thrilled! I cry, I run inside and scream for Wes. Wes comes running and he cries. We are so excited. Baxter, he is glad to be home, but TIRED. Baxter is a little stinky, wet, and his eyes are bloodshot. He eats 2 bowls of food, says his hellos and lies in bed.

He gets up only when I go to get Trenton. We walk into Trenton's room and Trenton looks through the crib and screams, "CRACKER!" He can't say Baxter. Trenton is thrilled too! So thrilled that he gives Baxter half of his french toast.

Needless to say, Baxter stayed inside today. Bandit is outside. Bandit has to be outside because he likes to chew things....and by things I mean EVERYTHING!

I called animal control this morning and left another message that Baxter was found and safe. I also apologized for being so frantic during the first 2 calls.

Oh, and Jimmy wants our numbers and to get to know Baxter so Baxter isn't afraid of him and comes when he calls him. All in all, they are nice people. They feed every stray cat on Hammond Drive and own about 5 cats, but at least they showed genuine concern for my Baxter.

Thank you for all the support, care, and prayers while we looked for Baxter. I am glad he is home safely and he is probably asleep at home. He was exhausted! I will always wonder what he did, where he went, but I do know that he will NOT be staying in the back yard EVER again!

Birthday Wrap Up

Trenton practicing on his tricycle.

He wanted to push it himself.

The wonderful dinner my husband cooked for me...


My so cute outfit my sister gave me...

Trenton was happy it was Mommy's Birthday!
Gorgeous flowers Wes gave me...they are still alive!


My favorite...cookie cake!

I must confess that I did a horrible job taking pictures on our birthdays. For the Ellis Celebration I was sick, but thankfully Mary Jane had her camera. For the McRee Celebration we were all exhausted from chasing Trenton! I am hopeful that when our new camera comes in I will do a better job at taking pictures. For now, here are a few shots from our birthdays!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WES

Today is my husband's 30th birthday!!! Wes, I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate all our patience through our "poor year" as I finish school. Not to mention your patience with me as I try to figure out just how this Mommy roll works. :) Trenton and I are so blessed to have you as our provider, friend, father, and husband. You are a hard worker and you are truly dedicated to your family.

I am sorry you didn't get a huge party, but I am hopeful you will enjoy your golf weekend with NO wife interruptions! :)

We love you! Happy 30th,
Sara, Trenton, Baxter, and Bandit.

PS, talk to Bandit...I had to chase him around the house this morning to get him to go outside...that is your dog. :)

Commitment

To me, the word commitment tends to be overused or maybe the definition has changed and I didn't get notice. It seems like many of the places I work, or the daycare my child attends, or the school system has a different definition of commitment. I worked at a private school and I quickly learned about the influence of politics on the business world; however, not until I had Trenton did I realize just how much the lack of commitment people have to their responsibilities upsets me.

What brings this all about is the fact that I am leaving work and looking at changing some things in my life...my last full-time day is July 29th. I hope to stay on as a part-time employee through December, but we will see if that happens. Irregardless, I had someone ask me the other day if I really was positive I was leaving. At first I thought they meant this as a compliment, but then I got to thinking - it is easier for them if I don't leave, but I made a commitment to myself and to my husband that I would complete school and do what I love for a career, to me, that is something serious. So, yes, I am sure I am leaving. I am about to be 27 years old and it will only be harder to finish grad school the older I get, so I am leaving.

Marriage, that is a commitment. Wes and I have been through some difficult times, some times where I didn't really want to see him at all, but you make it because ( I love him) that is a commitment I made, it is a promise I made to my husband. Recently, I have seen the effects of what happens when one person in a marriage had a very skewed and misrepresented definition of commitment. It isn't fair. Should I really have to get my husband to define what commitment means to him? Is it really something where you just decide you want to try something new and do it? No, it is a forever thing - marriage is not easy, but there are very few circumstances for which I would throw in the towel.

The other side of commitment regards policy. I have encountered 3 different instances with 3 different organizations who seem to think that the world is full of gray. I understand there are times to be black and white when it comes to policy and procedure, but I get frustrated with the gray becomes the norm. So what if you are on the Board, your child should be held just as accountable as any child. So what if you think you are entitled because you can drop a name, I really don't care. I guess I am just not jaded enough yet. I see rules and policy as just that. If the rule states something and my child or myself breaks it, then we are to receive the same punishment as any other person. I guess I just don't understand what the exception to the rule has become the rule? What happened to the commitment towards equality?

So, before I am asked to make another commitment, I think it only fair that person asking for the commitment clearly state what their definition of commitment is.

Daddy & Trenton's Morning Out

So, this morning Wes was off and I attempted to sleep in, but for some reason Wes was not going to let that happen. He couldn't sleep, so he got up and started talking to the dogs, flailing around in the bed and it was only 5:45! So, there went my sleeping in until 7. Since he was up, I just sat in bed and listened to the TV and Wes make more noise than I could possibly imagine. Then I thought about it...Wes had to be excited for 3 reasons: 1. he didn't have to work today, 2. he is going racing this weekend, 3. it is his morning with Trenton!

Wes had been talking about taking my car to get the oil changed and the new dog (Bandit - yes, he is officially ours) to the vet. My boys were up and out the door and I had a blissful hour to myself. I loved this hour. I thought about doing laundry, but it just didn't seem right. This was MY hour, I threw the dogs outside, and just enjoyed my house. I looked around at the floors which needed to be swept (a daily task with 2 dogs), the laundry, the dust, and just sat. I slowly ate my breakfast and cleaned up my dishes, I took my time watching the news. I loved the morning. It is mornings like this that I appreciate my husband and his days off. Normally, Wes is out of the house by 6:30, so this was really nice.

On my way to work I get a text from Wes. Apparently, my boys had gotten off task at Wal Mart. We were supposed to stay to our strict budget of oil change, things for Trenton and done, but then I get this picture....

My little man is getting ready for sports. I pray that Trenton likes sports because I know his daddy wants him to and he is favoring his left hand when he throws....we will see. Looking at the account, I don't think they bought this, but he is just too precious!

Our new child, Bandit, just got back from the vet. He is between 1.5-2 years old, weighs 56lbs, and is healthy.

So, add one more boy to my life...the Ellis family is growing up.

Are You My Mommy?

Hi, My name is New Dog and I am looking for my Mommy. Have you seen her?

The Ellis Family has grown, but we are hopeful to find this new dog a forever home. Please let me know if you recognize this dog OR if you want a precious new addition. He and Baxter get along as long as you feed them separately. Last night, they struggled over the bed, but in the end, B won. We are calling him Martin, New Dog, and Bandit. So, help us find this doggie a home

Let me know if you know who this precious puppy belongs to. We found him on Martintown Road.

Annie Boo

Being the animal lover I am, I cannot eloquently post about the passing of our sweet Annie Boo. Please read Ansley's blog to hear all about our precious older "sister" and Tucker's best friend.

www.theboatmans.wordpress.com

Certainty

This post will be a little morbid, but it is the reality of life. With life, there is death.

Recently, I have encountered a lot of death - be it people I knew personally that passed or people who I know lose a loved one. Now, I am not sure if death is easier when the person is older, but Wes and I have recently had friends lose a newborn and then another friend lose a grandmother. Does that make it any easier? I know that when a person is older, you may be more aware of the finality of life, but still, it is a loss of a loved one.

This got me thinking and talking (to my Mom) about death. Now, I know that everyone will die. I usually don't think about it a lot, but recently I have been. In the past few weeks there have been at least 3 deaths (they say it happens in 3's), but from December to January there have been a lot. On top of all that, I watch "How I Met Your Mother" and it was talking about death.

Do I want to know that my family member is dying? One of my friends recently lost her father and they knew he was dying. Does that make death any easier? I mean, doctors can be wrong, they may give your relative a month to live and 2 years later, they pass away. Or it could be the opposite. I know that when I lose a relative I want it to be peaceful, but do I want to know this could be the last conversation I will ever have with this person. That is a lot of pressure to put on a conversation. I know they say not to go to bed angry because nobody is promised tomorrow (plus it isn't healthy) but really, what is the point of being angry at all?

So, that is what has been on my mind. Would you like to know? Would you like to script your last conversation with your loved one? What would you say? I am at a loss.

Type "A"

In my new position, I am constantly picked on for being too Type "A". I don't have to have things certain ways, but sometimes I just find it easier to do it my way. For instance, I am in charge of the vault and I like things certain ways, so don't bother it. When it comes to how things are done in my station, don't bother it. I was raised to be efficient and organized, and many times I am more mature than my older counterparts, so leave my type A alone.

I have started to realize though that I am on the tail-end of my time with First Bank. Contrary to being told I am valuable, I am not valuable enough to keep on part time from August-December, so I am out looking for a part time job. Like my "type A" self, I am starting early, putting out feelers, and getting the job done.

I thought I was Type A until I met a lady the other day that actually takes the time to organize the notes her children send home in page protectors based on their importance. Not only that, she categorizes her canned goods - to save time when cooking. I am curious, just how do you have so many canned goods that you get lost when looking for something? I don't feel as though I waste a lot of time on hunting down a canned good. She also makes sure her spices do not cause a headache by alphabetizing them. Her children also follow this regimine and they do not eat the last morsel of food without adding it to the list. Well, that one is good, but really, what boy would do that? She also stressed the importance of having your children sort their laundry. Well, Wes doesn't do that, so how will Trenton?

Disney World

I don't know if many people know this about me, but I HATE Disney World. Well, let me rephrase that, I hated Disney World in 1988 when we went. Now, let me elaborate even more, I think my Father is the reason I hate Disney World. (love you, Dad)

When I was a little girl, I was impressionable, like every other little girl. Anything my Dad thought, I thought. Well, Dad hates Disney World - crowds, lines, hot, loud, expensive - these are not my Dad's favorite adjectives. I am still not a fan of crowds, lines, hot, or expensive, but now that I have a child I have had a change of heart. Something that I would normally assign to a g'parent, friend, sister, someone other than me, Wes and I will do - take Trenton to Disney World. Not this year, it is our poor year, but sometime. Plus, 14 months isn't the age I would want to take.

What brings me to all of this is Wes is going out of town on Wednesday. He is going to a meeting for Sherwin Williams in Disney World. He came back year LOVING it. He likes to ride rollercoasters, I do not. I will ride the ones Trenton will be able to ride, but that is it. So, Wednesday Wes leaves us until SATURDAY! Trenton and I will be okay, we will have friends and family to help, but what I look forward to most (even more than taking Trenton to Disney World) is when we pick Wes up from the airport and the face Trenton will make when he sees his Daddy for the first time in a week. That, my friends, not Disney World, is the greatest place to be on EARTH!

Back to school...

Today is my first official day back on the ASU campus. I am excited because it is getting closer to OVER, but I am dreading it because this class is 16 weeks. Now, I know 16 weeks isn't that long, but I also have an 8 week online class, as well as this "promotion" at work which allows me NO time to do anything, so I am apprehensive. I am also apprehensive because this puts me closer to the time Wes and I truly start our "poor year". We are calling this year that because I start my practicum in August and can only work part time (anybody know of any part time jobs with really flexible schedules?) then in January my internship starts and I can't work at all. OOPSIE! So, we are giving it all to God and trusting in Him that we will be okay. We have already started cutting costs and trying to save for things. I just have to remind myself that it will all be okay.

I am taking an online class for 8 weeks and it is probably the most time consuming class of my Graduate program. Legitimately, this class has discussions, assignments, and bi-weekly evaluations. Now, normally that wouldn't be a lot, but our first assignment requires me to look up 4 research articles and write an abstract for them...really? They already have an abstract. So, I am working on that in my "down" time while I also deal with my other responsibilities.

So, tonight my 16 week class begins. The great thing is instead of the normal 5-9, it is only 5-7:45. :) So, please continue to pray that I will find a part time job (it doesn't look like FB is going to keep me around) and that I find a job post graduation. It will all be okay.

That is a Pretty Blouse

Here is my morning at daycare:

Sara: "Morning!"
Daycare Worker: "Morning!" Just put Trenton at the table.
***while I put Trenton in the chair***
Daycare Worker: "Are you pregnant?"
Me: "NO!"
Daycare Worker: "That is a pretty blouse".

That is not acceptable. I have come up with these responses with the help of friends,

"No, I just gained a lot of holiday weight"
"No, I am just naturally glowing like this"
"No, but apparently I am missing a good opportunity."

I love my life.