It's been a while since I've blogged.

Ryland is done with his antibiotic and I will take him back to make sure his ear is clear. He has hit the "terrible twos" with full force! It's much harder to handle than I thought it would be. He actually bit me yesterday and made me bleed. I was ticked, that thing hurt!!!! He was disciplined and sent to his room. He is definitely head strong and if there is something he wants, he does not let up!

Any ideas or tips for handling two year olds, send them my way. Abbie, I still need to get that book you told me about!

James is working 32 hour weeks right now until he gets more work in the office. He has been busy doing things around the house and just put up a privacy fence with Craig. He's going to be doing side jobs to make up for the lost time so if you need something, just let me or him know.

I am doing well. I've lost 8 pounds, but it's been up and down and up and down. This morning, it was 8 pounds so I'm going with it.

Here we go again....

I took Ryland to the doctor today and he has another ear infection. He is on the strong antibiotic and hopefully, that will clear soon!

James is not in Spartanburg anymore. They cut his project so now that office has bearly any work. He is now back here and I am happy to have him home. I am praying that God will provide work for his office soon.

James is back in Spartanburg this week. Ryland has been pretty good this week so far. His new 'thing' is walking in front of me and saying "fall me" (follow me). He thinks it's cool that he's the leader.

I miss James, but I am so thankful he has work. Times are tough at his office, but thankfully, he has work. I'm also thankful that he is 2.5 hours away instead of Alaska, Washington, Idaho or Houston. These are the other places that have work. While I'd love to see my family in Idaho, this would be a 2 year commitment. Sorry Ash, maybe Christmas?

I am trying to lose weight again. It is very hard to be dedicated when I'm at home all day and the food calls my name...ALL the time. Plus the fact that I LOVE to eat...that's my hobby. I think I must have swallowed a magnet and I am constantly being pulled to the fridge. Sometimes I go to the kitchen and open the fridge to see what new food miraculously appeared for me to eat. If you've ever had a food issue, you'll know what I'm talking about. Anyway, here I go again with the weight thing. Three years ago, I lost 30 pounds. It was hard, but I did it and I didn't deprive myself of eating what I like. I just lowered my calorie intake, and exercised...alot. Then I gained a ton with Ryland and it stayed. Now I've got to work at getting the weight off and the truth of the matter is, I don't WANT to work hard to do it. I just want to wake up and all my rolls be gone...and I'm not talking about bread rolls. :o)

I don't know how many read this blog, but I'll update weekly as a way of accountability to unknown people. Yeah, that should help!

While I'm in the right frame of mind, I think I may take advantage of this nice morning and go for a walk in the neighborhood.

Have a great day...

Happy Easter!

Yesterday we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ! He is risen, He is risen indeed!

We had a great service at church and came home and I cooked Easter lunch. After lunch, Ryland had his easter egg hunt in the front yard. He had a great time and had to put the eggs back where he found them so he could look for them again.

Last night, James and I went through the story of Easter using the resurrection eggs. Ryland would open the egg and tell us what was inside and I would read the scripture that corresponds with the item in the egg. We've been doing this every year and it's a special time for us. I'm excited to see how he does once he really understands what each item means.

Here are a couple of pictures from yesterday. I wanted to get a good family one of us, but it didn't happen. Oh well....

The weekend is over and it's already Tuesday. James is back in Spartanburg this week and b/c it's Spring Break, everything's cancelled. No bible study, kids choir, storytime at the library is over. It's going to be a long week! It's pretty outside, but windy and cold so it's no fun going outside.

James is coming home today from "Fartenburg" as Ryland calls it. We are very happy and have missed him very much. He'll go back next week and who knows what work he'll have after that. God knows, that's who! I am trusting in Him to continue to provide for us.

Ryland has been good this week. He is so silly and loves to be tickled. His new favorite book to read is Dr. Suess's "Mr. Brown can moo". He loves repeating all the different sounds in the book.

Looking forward to a nice weekend with my family unit. :o)

Thankful

This past week, God has once again proven himself faithful to provide for us. With the economy being like it is, the big companies are not wanting to build or spend money which means no work for James. God provided for James to go to Spartanburg for the next two weeks and then he will hopefully have something for the rest of April. In May, he does have work that will take him into the summer.

After going to a women's conference this weekend, my spirit was renewed. Jesus came alive for me again and God providing James this work was just the icing on the cake. I am so thankful and my faith is strengthened. Why do we get in these ruts?

We had a great time at the conference. Some of the guests were Chondra Pierce, New Song, Rachel Lampa, Karen Kingsbury, Angela Thomas, Kathy Tricolli and Stormie Omartian. Great times! The theme of the weekend was "Free to be Real". Love it! My goal in life is to be me, all the time and be real. I used to try to be what everyone else wanted me to be, but now I don't try to please others so much. Can you say freedom???

This was the first time I've ever been away from Ryland for a night. Of course, I had no worries b/c James had him. I never thought I'd be so protective and possessive of my child, but I am. That's me. :o) Ryland had a great time with daddy, but first thing out of his mouth on Sunday was "mommy home!" and he ran and got in my bed to say "hey mommy, hey mommy!" So sweet! It was good for me to have some Shannon time though. I'd say I'm due after 2 years.

Ryland is growing so much. He's learning his colors and does pretty well. He's also learning to count....just not in the right order. He'll say "2,5,6,9" and take off running. He loves to sit and play with his cars and go to the park. He is all boy and thinks he can hang with the big kids. No Fear..... His best friends are Savannah, who he calls "mama" and Tyler who he calls "Ty-Ty".

Didn't know this was going to be such a long post...guess I'm feeling chatty.

Have a good day!