Chase me, Mommy!

This is what we did this morning. This is what we will do later this afternoon. And, probably some more tomorrow! (this happens a lot in our house)

Jonah will walk away from me and I will either 1. reach out to grab him/pull him back to me or 2. chase him to the other end of the room. Sometimes Jonathan is the one doing this. Sometimes Jonah chases one of us. 

Happy Weekend.

Splashing in the...Grass?

Yes, you read that right. This week we have been splashing in the yard. 

We've had abnormal amounts of water accumulating around here. It has been raining off and on for many days.  So, Jonah and I decided we were going to enjoy it (after day 3 of solid rainfall).

Gotta get all those ducks in a row. 

Sorry about the reflection. It wasn't until the very last that I figured out the flash was causing that. Oops.

He and Harry had a good time getting outside...after being cooped up all day.

Helpful Hints: Washing Overalls

I know, I know. I just did that post about our Mountains of Laundry!  Today's is a bit different. I'm going to give you one of my secrets of the trade. This is one of my favorite "tricks" to keep baby clothes looking nice.

Jonah has these really cute overalls:

They are called "turtle in my pocket."

The little stuffed animal is attached with a really thick thread and can pop in and out of the pocket to be played with (or chewed on, as the case may be).

I don't know if you can see it, but there are turtles printed at the hem also. 

Overall, they are pretty cute (pun intended)!

Problem: overalls (specifically the buckles)  have a history of getting tangled/mangled in the wash & breaking in the dryer. Plus, I have to protect the cute little turtle in the pocket.

Solution:

Turn the overalls inside out, which puts the vulnerable parts on the inside.

Then, put them in this laundry bag!! This particular one  is intended for lingerie, which makes it the perfect size for baby clothes!

No more tangles. 

(this solution is also great for tights)

Linked with:

Works for Me Wednesday @ We Are THAT Family

Easter Sunday

yep, those owls are smocked on there!

he's waving...love it!

Jonah had a cute little outfit made by Grammy Pammy!

When I was young she made me a new dress each year for Easter...she's very talented with a sewing machine. She loves to create cute things. Sadly, Jonah is quickly outgrowing handmade "cuteness". I'd better have a baby girl someday!

Our Easter Sunday was a bit unconventional. We physically went to church, but not as a family or to the actual church service. Our church likes to have the Easter service in a local theater (to integrate a large crowd into one worship service). With that comes added responsibility. So, Jonathan and I helped out. He was helping with hospitality...they served doughnuts and coffee to everyone! (early that morning he picked up 100 dozen krispy kreme...yes, you read that right, and no, I'm not exaggerating)

I helped in the nursery. I (and several others) loved on some babies while their parents enjoyed the church service. It was fun. Jonah got to be with me! 

After church, we jumped in the car and drove down to be with my family. 

(i forgot the camera, it was raining, and my dad had to work, so NO family picture this year)

Our usual family tradition is to fly kites after lunch on Easter. I LOVE that tradition, so I was pretty bummed that it rained so much. 

If you haven't already seen it, watch this video. It is a fun, non-traditional way to celebrate what Easter is all about:

Weekend Update: Grandparents and the City.

We recently completed a very busy weekend.  I don't have the pictures to truly express how much we jammed into one weekend, but I'll share what I've got. I think you will like it!

First, Jonathan's parents came to visit. They arrived Thursday afternoon.

On Friday we had some surprisingly good weather and headed out to Silver Dollar City.

Our first stop was the Russian circus. Then we headed over to Geyser Gulch where he played in the ball pit and the geysers! The weather turned out much more sunny and warm that I'd anticipated, so the water felt nice. We didn't mind the wet pants at all.

Grandpa even helped him shoot some water at a target!

 We walked around (a lot)...we saw a man who yodeled...we ate some food (and made a mess)...then we took Jonah to ride a ride, which was a first in his little life!

Jonathan went with him. Here they are in line for the froggy!

The frogs go up and down. 

I thought he might get nervous, which he was a little through the ride, but by the end he was smiling. 

Here we see the boys looking at the water-ball-sculpture-fountain thing. I know it is more significant than that, but I really don't know what it is  or what it is representing, so there is my rough description. What I DO know is that Jonah was enthralled with it!

I also love the way we see all three generations of Atkins guys standing in this photo. It's a keeper!

 I'm sure I left out some of the things we did. It was a busy and fulfilling time at our local amusement park. Here you can see how Jonah REALLY spent most of our time that day:

(in the line to ride the tram back to the car, where he promptly fell asleep)

 

{small pause for our drive home and a little nap}

Then, later that same afternoon:

Jonah and Grandma had fun with some bubbles!!

The poor kid tried to blow some of his own, bless his heart. He ended up with a soapy mix all over his face (and in his mouth...but that didn't stop him from trying again!)

And when he got bored with bubbles, he helped Harry find/retrieve the ball so they could play!

I was going to include our Easter festivities in this post as well, since it was a part of the weekend. However, this is quite long, so I think I'll do that one for tomorrow!

100th Post!!

Wow! Can you believe it!?! 100.  Nevermind that it took me 10 months to write 100 blog posts. It is still a milestone. So, to celebrate I am going to showcase some of my favorite pictures from the past months. 

I'd love to hear from you. What have been some of your favorites?

And one to grow on!
(jonah found these "bubba" teeth today...he came walking up to me ...so proud of his discovery...how could i resist a photo?!)

Mountains of Laundry!

do you ever feel like you are drowning in laundry?

i copied that picture from the internet. i am not brave enough to show you my real-life pile in my real-cluttered house. my pile is twice this, probably.

so, here's what i'm gonna do. i'm gonna fold it one piece at a time. then, when it is all nice and pretty i'm gonna put it away. immediately. none of that sitting around folded in the basket at my house. nope. straight to the closet.

SEE:

isn't that better.

oh, wait. still not my real-life picture. oh well, it's fun to dream, right?!

wouldn't you just LOVE to have a closet that looks like this:

(can you hear the angels singing?)

i love this. i love the pink, i love the cute little dresses, and THAT BENCH...please notice the bench!

Car Adventure: Part 2!

We have officially entered a new era!

The Atkins Family owns a MINIVAN.

Whoo Hoo...let's hear it for the swagger waggon (or a somewhat simpler version).

We like our new ride. It suits us well, I think.

First, we had to say goodbye to the car. 

Jonah "picked" me some "flowers" for the occasion.

And now, we have welcomed the MINIVAN with open arms!

Isn't she a beauty?

Now, I think she needs a name. (I don't know why it's automatically a "she" or why "she" needs a name, but that is just the way it is). Do you name your cars? I always have. It's kinda fun to be going up a big hill (plenty of those in our Ozark region) and say "C'mon Betsy, you can make it!"  So, I'll take suggestions, but will work with Jonathan on our final choice! (we can't use Betsy, cause that was the name of the car...and unlike some people ...*ahem*, my sister,... I can't use the same name on a different car)

Morrels!

Have you ever tasted a wild mushroom? Not just any old mushroom, but specifically a morrel?

There are lots of locals who hunt them. These people have specific locations they hunt, locations that are TOP SECRET. Jonathan used to hunt them back on his family's property when he was growing up. He knows all about where to look and what exactly to look for (how to avoid the false morrel, which is poisonous). 

A couple of years ago Jonathan was out somewhere and found a few...which led him to hunt for more. Which, then led him to his "spot" where he searches each spring when the time is right. They are very yummy. I like them a lot. They have to be soaked in salt water overnight. Then, we flour them and fry them in butter!! Mmmm....mmmm....mmmm!

Jonah thinks they are pretty good too!

Last year was very disappointing. This year made up for it!

Adventures in Surgery: Third Time's a Charm

Last week I had an unusual adventure! I accompanied Emily to her most recent surgery. Another attempt to correct her middle finger! For those of you who don't know, or who may have forgotten, Emily broke said finger nearly 4 years ago. She's had two previous surgeries to correct it. There are screws in there and everything. Before surgery the Dr. said he'd be removing the screws and improving her mobility by 30%. Well, he was wrong on both accounts. He had to leave the screws (it was either that or destroy the bone to get them out...she'll live with them!) But, he was wrong on the mobility also. I think her last update was that her mobility has improved by 150%!! Much better than hoped for! (no more giving people the "middle finger" without being able to do anything about it)

We headed up to her appointment bright and early Thursday morning. The above picture was right before they called her back. They got her all set and I went back while they went over the procedure/plan. Here she is ready to go:

notice the black mark....so they make sure they do the right one! (don't worry, they did)

Then, I got to wait! The time seemed to go by more quickly than I'd anticipated. I think all the phone calls helped. I fielded several calls and texts on her behalf...well wishers checking for an update.

Finally, the nurse came out and ushered me to a room where the Dr. would talk with me. He came in very excited about how well the procedure went. He said it was a major success, other than having to leave the screws in.

They let her recover some, and then called me back to sit with her (apparently she asked for me quite adamantly) When I got back she was still under the influence...but INSISTED she was ready to go. She tried to get up and walk out. Really, you had to be there, but let me tell you, she was DETERMINED she was ready to leave (still in the hospital gown, mind you)! She said to me, "They don't believe me, that I'm tough, and I can go now!" And, then, she immediately laid her head down and slept for a minute.

We waited a few minutes more, the nurse and I talked her into resting a few more times, and we visited with the Dr. for some final instructions. Emily kept trying to pay each nurse. She asked the nurse who helped her put on her shoes if she could pay her. Then, she wanted to pay the nurse who helped her to the car. On the way to the door she said to me, "Do you have my purse? I need the keys, I can drive." The nurse very nicely and very firmly assured her she would NOT be driving!

I must say, even medicated Emily is VERY kind. She repeatedly asked if I was too bored, or if I needed anything. She thanked every nurse constantly. At one point she leaned over to me and said she "didn't want to be a burden to anyone." And later, over lunch she told me how pretty I was...isn't she sweet!

 post-surgery...sporting the "club"

I got her fed and then took her home where she could rest. I left her in good hands paws! "Club" elevated, Cooper by her side, and pain pills swallowed...she's all set!

Here is a follow up photo...when the "club" was unbandaged (by the way, she nearly passed out when they unwrapped and straightened her fingers the next day...very painful)

Hopefully this was her final surgery on the finger! Hopefully it continues to heal nicely and functions better than before.

Ok, I got in trouble. I left out a final picture. If you are easily distressed, don't look.  WARNING: THE PHOTO BELOW IS SLIGHTLY GRAPHIC. 
(I know, I know, some of you are dying to see it)


It really isn't all that bad, but I don't like to catch people by surprise on this sort of thing. This is what Emily's finger will look like for the next couple of months:

there is still a bit of bruising and swelling. it will subside, the stitches will come out...then she will have the "souvenir" scar for years and years...we can keep it as a memento of our day together!