Off to Nana and Papa's House

A week ago Saturday, I drove Maddox down to Iowa to drop him off with my parents for the week while I was in Florida with LEEP. I was very sad but it sounds like he had a very busy, but good, time with everyone down there!

I met them at a graduation party and had to share with everyone (darn people) that hadn't seen him in a while. When it came time to hand him over I shed a few tears and didn't want to let go. To be honest I thought it would be a lot harder to drive away but thankfully, I didn't have to worry. I knew my parents wouldn't let anything bad happen to him so that was a little bit of a relief. :)

While at my parents both JR and I were lucky enough to receive daily (sometimes multiple) video and picture messages. (Thanks Nana!) Those really did help me get through my days away from him.

Sounds like Maddox really made the rounds and hung out with lots of wonderful people so that was great to hear. He was quite the hit with his Great Grandma and Great Great Aunt when he stopped by to visit. I don't think he ever slowed down so maybe he didn't really notice we weren't around. (nah, he totally missed us, right?!?!?!)

When I got home Thursday night I couldn't wait to get my hands on Maddox. He looked SO big! Thankfully Justin picked him up early because I don't think we could have shared!! I am not sure who missed Maddox more, Justin or me!

Let the Blogging Games Begin!

With being in Florida with LEEP last Sunday- Thursday and then Frontenac Friday-Sunday I've gotten VERY behind on lots of things. With so much to share, I have lots of updates coming with TONS of pictures so please beware! Maddox has changed so much in the past 2 weeks and grown faster than I could have imagined! Can't wait to share our new stories.

Where's Mommy?

Just a few more days in the sunny Florida weather for me but I figured you all had gotten used to my random posts about Maddox, I had better plan ahead.... I think this is more for my benefit but I tell myself you all are interested too!

So........... I know that I am missing my lil' peanut right now so I figured you all would be too, right?!? wink, wink!!

Flat tire, where did the other shoe go?!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(insert the phhhhhhllllllllllllllllllll here)

I am so brave, I can stand without hanging on to anything... I hope Mommy doesn't miss any other crazy stunts that I like to pull

I's gonna get you!

Hey, there are 2 of us!

So Big!

Giggle Monster

Can we go outside?! I just really wanna go see my mommy....

Well, that is what I HOPE he is saying!

Can't wait to see you in just a few days! Mommy loves you!

Mommy Guilt

I've got it.

I knew it would come.

It is an ugly beast but I've gotta deal.

I started to pack Maddox up to head down to stay in Iowa for a week with Nana and Papa and I feel guilty. It is my first time leaving him overnight (EVER) and I am beginning to really feel a heavy weight on my shoulders.

As I laid him down tonight I teared up a little.... I began thinking that I won't be putting him to bed till Thursday and that is tough. I'll get through it but it is tough.

I wanna travel, I want to do things that don't always include my kids but I just can't shake the darn Mommy guilt. I guess on the upside I will only have to deal with this for the next 70 (hopefully) or so years that I am still around and able to be a Mommy.......

Wish me luck!

7 Month Milestones

Today Mr. Maddox turned 7 months (WOW!) old! I can hardly believe how much you have changed in the past month.

Here are some of the latest happenings in your life:

• size 2-3 diapers
• 6 month clothing
• 6 oz bottles/ 8 oz before bed
• You eat cereal for breakfast
• 1 vegetable and 1 fruit for lunch and dinner- such a good eater!
• You weigh in at 18 pounds
• You still sleep through the night going down around 8:00 and getting up around 7:00.
• We went through our first bout of ear infections, which wasn't fun.
• You love to jump and squeal!
• Standing, jumping, and playing in your crib will entertain you for hours!
• We think you will be quite the little outdoors man! You stand at our back patio door and just stare outside.
• Grass doesn't phase you, you'll eat anything!
• You love to be thrown up in the air and will giggle uncontrollably when we tease you with it.
• Bath time is a favorite play time for you.
• You have learned how to crawl EVERYWHERE and we can NOT keep you out of the dog dish!
• Once you mastered crawling (in less than 2 days, OMG!) and now are pulling yourself up on anything and everything.
• In a matter of a few days you figured out that sitting was much better than just falling straight back!
• You noggin has had quite a few beatings since you started your movement adventures.
• You are still a very happy baby which Mommy and Daddy love!

There are so many things I know I am forgetting but, let's just put it this way..... In Mommy's eyes, you are perfect!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

LEEP summer vacations have begun which means........ I am headed out on 2 of those! First spot this summer is Disney World (shoot!) and then New York City in July. Both are going to be great! I haven't been to NYC for about 12 years so I am really excited to go back. Disney is probably one of my favorite places to go EVER so I am of course pumped about that!

When I say vacation I mean, vacation for the participants, NOT so much myself! Don't get me wrong, I have a great time but it is A LOT of work! I imagine it would be equal to taking a group of 9 or 10, 8 year olds to some of the hottest tourist spots and doing my best to make sure they were all happy. Trust me that doesn't always happen but we do what we can.

So, I leave on Sunday morning at 3 a.m., leaving my sweet baby for the first time. (still can't quite believe I am doing it!) It's JR's busy week at work so Maddox is in for a little Nana and Papa action next week. I am not sure who is more excited, Nana or Maddox! 

I did warn Grandpa that his newspapers would be shredded in 2 seconds flat so he had better get them put away. Mr. Maddox is pretty darn quick these days!

Summer's Coming

Maddox says he can't wait for summer

even if his hat makes him look a little goofy!

Love Him

I "picked" Lee at the beginning of the season but tonight solidified my choice- Amazing!

Crappy End to a Good Night.

On the way home from St. Paul JR and I ran into something we weren't planning..... About 35 minutes north of home our Tahoe sputtered, chugged, and then DIED! Oh what fun!

So at 12:45 am we called my mom to come and get us. In order to have AAA tow us she had to present when the tow truck arrived. Unfortunately this meant she had to pack up Maddox to come and get us. Thankfully she found us no problem and we were on our way.

(would be a good idea for everyone to get a AAA Card! US INCLUDED, right Dad?!)

Now for the uber crappy part..... Fuel pump went out and now we have to replace that. Can we just win the lottery already, geez?! Oh well, at least the concert was fun!!

Jason Aldean Concert

Well, Friday night was FANTASTIC!

(as if there was any doubt!)

We got to the Xcel Center, checked in, got our tickets and passes, and waited.... we waited for our big adventure backstage. Our group was huddled together and it felt like we were going somewhere TOP SECRET!

(very cool!)

The "Backstage Crew" (that is what I liked to refer to the group as) settled in to a nice room full of all the yummy food you could want! We were able to enjoy a few beverages courtesy of COUNTRY Financial and Road Trips and Guitar Picks.Great way to get a night like this off on the right foot.

(Shout out to Randy our sweet bartender!!! You rocked!)

And then it was time..... Time to meet the man we had all been waiting for! It was a pretty awesome feeling because you could just feel the energy in the room change. Everyone was pumped and then it happened...... It was our turn to come face to face with one of our favorite performers!

Here's how it went:

Justin (all calm, cool, collected): "Hey Jason, I'm just, great to meet you!"

That's my boy, always the smooth one! And, thank goodness he was because the butterflies were definitely fluttering! I was so nervous I would say sonething stupid I stayed focused on thanking him and telling him that we really enjoy watching him perform. Lame I know but I am just thankful I didn't passout!

Here we are- looks like we are long lost friends, doesn't it?!

After we made it through the photo line it was time to put my stamp on the "Wall of Fame" signature wall. The picture looks pretty freaky but it was fun! Lots of Hawkeye fans have signed it which was great to see!!!

And then we were lucky enough to be serenaded with "Big Green Tractor" by Jason and 2 of his bandmates. It was SO amazing! We were literally 5 feet away from Jason when he started to sing. I was so starstruck and overcome with emotion I got really choked up when he started to sing. It was literally one of the coolest experiences I have ever been lucky enough to take part in. I did feel a little like a school girl seeing her crush!!

Before we headed down to our seats we realished in a few of the the photo opportunities backstage. So many great photos, so little space on the blog! :)

And here we go, time to get the party STARTED!!!!

"Crazy Town" was the show opener and what a way to get started!

The hits kept coming; "Amarillo Sky", "Why", "The Truth"

and "Big Green Tractor"

"Johnny Cash"

And Coming.....

"Country Girl"

"Hicktown"

And the show finale was his rendition of Kid Rock's "Cowboy" which brought the house down.

The energy in the arena was AMAZING! Everyone was so pumped and he put on an outstanding show. Believe me if I have another opportunity to see him live I will be there in a heartbeat. He is quite the entertainer, well worth the ticket/gas/etc. to get there!!!

Thank you again to COUNTRY Financial for this awesome opportunity. It was a night I will never forget!

I'm Famous?!

Saturday was the 4th Annual Torch Ride supporting Special Olympics here in Mankato. LEEP is a co-sponsor so I was there running the registration table along with my mom, JR, Inge (LEEP), and Maddox. My mom had helped in the past and was ever so happy to come back again this year! This year we were lucky enough to have some TV coverage so make sure you take a look. Torch Ride Video-KEYC Mankato I was interviewed and made my big TV interview debut.... probably should have thought through my statement a little more!

 It was a great day with B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L weather MUCH better than last year which was 43 degree, windy, and rainy!!! Such a wonderful day! Thanks to all that helped get the word out and make the day a success.

Country Music Love

Well, tonight is the night! We are off to see Jason Aldean (BACKSTAGE!!) and Brooks and Dunn at the Xcel Center in St. Paul. We can't wait!

I've been a country music fan since day one. My mom always had it playing in the car and at home so I have loved everything from Johnny Cash to Garth, Reba to Tanya Tucker, and Travis Tritt to The Judds. It's just part of me. Lucky for me my hubby loves it too so it wasn't a hard sell when we started dating. :)

I remember when line dancing became the "next big thing" and everyone was doing it. I tried to learn it but at 7-8 years old it wasn't that fun. I was much more into grooving to my own style. don't worry though, every time I hear "Boot Scootin Boogie" I still get down. (but it ain't pretty!)

when we heard it was the Farewell Tour for Brooks and Dunn, Justin and I were trying to win tickets. At the time I wasn't aware Jason would be performing so let me just say it was a DOUBLE bonus when I was asked to be a blogger!

Can't wait to see all of the action and sing my heart out! Don't worry, I won't record that so you have to bear witness, I wouldn't want to put anyone through that!

Stay tuned for some insight to the world back stage at a concert. This is all new to me and I can't wait to share all about it. Look out Jason, your biggest fan is coming at you! :)

Thanks again COUNTRY Financial, http://www.tripsandpicks.com/ for the 2 backstage passes and tickets to the show.

Five Question Friday

Enjoy the Five Question Friday this week. Don't forget to check out Mama M's blog and do your own questionnaire!





1. Take your pick...date night, girls night out, or night out alone?
I think I would have to pick date night as we don't get those very often. With Justin's work schedule and having Maddox, our date nights have become pretty rare. I know, I know we need to make time for the 2 of us but to be fair, I enjoy time with the 3 of us quite a bit!

2. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
No, but not sure I would want to!

3. What is your favorite flower and why?
Hmmmmmmmmmmm that is a tough one! I like lots of flowers for lots of different reasons. I would say Gerbera Daisies or Daffodils. I love both of those so much and you really don't get to see either one all that often.

I am also a big fan of any flower I can grow. I love having a flower garden so those are always my favorite too!
4. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
Be patient, the best things in life are worth waiting for!

5. If you won the lottery, what is the very first thing you would do?
Pay off all of our debt.. Buh Bye student loans!

Mr. Golden Sun, Where Are You?

"Mommy, where is the sun?"

I've been looking but can't seem to find it anywhere.....

.....is it over there?

.....how about there?

Come back Mr. Sun!!

Do you think he heard me? I really want to get outside and have some fun!

Yep, It's the Real Deal!

I got my confirmation email today with all of my information for the concert Friday night. I will be face to face with one of my favorite country music stars right here in Minnesota! I will be so close in fact, that I will be able to tell you what he smells like (and apparently it is good!)

Friday night JR and I are off to St. Paul to catch Jason Aldean as he opens for Brooks and Dunn at the XcelCenter. I am counting down the days (hours really) before I get to enjoy some of Mr. Jason Aldean's greatest hits live!

What am I most looking forward to you may ask? Well, let me think.... If I had to narrow it down I would have to say; getting my picture taken with an amazing artist, getting a chance to ask him a question or 2, and listening to "Big Green Tractor" (among all the others!) filling another arena. I can hardly wait!!!

Here's my dilemma, what question do I ask him?! I dont' want to sound like a total dork but I want to ask something that isn't "ordinary". Any suggestions?!?

Thank you again to COUNTRY Financial and http://www.blogger.com/www.tripsandpicks.com for the opportunity to do this and see a GREAT show! I have always wanted the chance to go backstage for a concert and can't wait to do so!!

That's Enough!

Apparently at 6 months old you decided to become quite the little pistol.... (or maybe that is just because you are my child) Obviously you have become one of the most adorable little creatures EVER and I think that is just to drive Mommy and Daddy crazy! Now when you are naughty (and you know it) you just flash your toothless grin and get away with it.

Well, NOT anymore!!

(sounds tough doesn't it?)

Mommy is laying down the law and you WILL be going to bed when I lay you down.

No more climbing the walls like a monkey.

No more screaming and shrieking like there is no tomorrow.

No more jumping up and down eventually falling and getting your foot stuck in between the mattress and crib sides.

No more gnawing on Bear's disgusting bone.

No more banging on the glass of the back door.

No more playing in the dog food.

No more pulling of Mommy's hair.

Nope, no more. I am going to be very firm with this!

OK, fine..... Maybe I will start being firm tomorrow you cute little turd!

Happy Mother's Day

Maddox~

Today is a day I have looked forward to my WHOLE life.... I had wanted for so long to be a mommy and finally, this year I got to join that club. You have been such a precious gift to Mommy and I can't believe how much you have already filled my heart with love/joy/hope/and the list goes on.

Everyday you are growing and changing, making me more and more proud. I love watching you figure out new things and experimenting with your new found freedom. I love you more than I ever could have imagined and I can't wait to see how many more amazing things you do in the years to come.

I love you my little Peanut Boy.... Thank you for making me the happiest mommy in the world!

Love you always,
Mommy

Mommy's perfect little angel on Mother's day!

Long Lost Friend

For lunch Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a long lost friend Fernanda, from Brazil. When I was a freshman in high school she was a foreign exchange student that I got rather close to. She was so much fun! Anyway, she recently graduated from Orthodontics schooling in Brazil and came to the US for a seminar. While she was here she decided to come back to Iowa for a quick visit. It was wonderful to see her!

I am still amazed at how well she continues to speak English. Speaking multiple languages is just fascinating to me (I am not that talented!)

I'm a Big Kid Now

I walked into Maddox's room after nap time the other day and this is how I was greeted.....

Then it was time to show off... we did a little jumping, squealing, and laughing

chattered our hearts out

Tasted the wood SEVERAL times

(apparently cribs taste pretty good these days)

And then, we did the cutest thing ever....

played peek-a-boo through the slats.

"Where did you go, Mommy?!"

I love that little boy more than I ever could have imagined. What a gift!