Bounce U

We love Gamma and her Groupons! We were able to play in Bounce U with Nick and Emmy today. They had lots of fun and Camden was worn out! Thanks Gamma!!

Miss Jenny

We spent the afternoon with Jenny, Camden's old babysitter. Camden was in heaven-with Emily tickling him and TJ's monster's trucks! Jenny watched Camden from the time I went back to work when he was 9 weeks old until he started at Victory last June at 2 and 1/2. I am so thankful she took such good care of our sweet boy while we worked. Jenny will always be very special to us!

Potty Training Part 2

So, the second part of potty training Little Man hasn't been as smooth. He doesn't not like going on the big potty, so we brought back the potty chair. He holds it until he can't anymore. Then, he only goes after an hour or two of whining and much coaxing on my part. He wants nothing to do with Todd-ugh! The first time he went, we headed to the gas station for orange tic tacs. None of the candy I had onhand would do. He was in his pajamas and barefoot, but I was one proud momma-I didn't care. Last night when he went, I decided that the gas station, although convenient, was much too expensive! We headed to Dollar Tree and he picked out a Crunch bar. He only ate half of it, but being the person I am, I saved the rest. Well, thank goodness because tonight at 9:00-he had to go and asked if we could go get another Crunch bar! Tomorrow, I will be picking up some rewards and more orange tictacs and Crunch bars, so this trend continues!


This isn't a very good picture, but you can tell he was very proud of that Crunch bar!



Grandma and Grandpa Bailey

Todd has been mowing my grandparent's grass for several years.

It has been a blessing to be able to help them out as well as supplemental income for us while Todd looked for a teaching job. Sometimes, Camden and I like to go along. This week, everyone was healthy, so we decided to visit. Grandma and Grandpa "Belly" love seeing Camden and Grandpa even turned on cartoons for Camden. Camden showed them all his new tricks.

To give them a break (since 3 year old boys have quite alot of energy and can be very loud), we went outside for Camden to ride his tricycle.

Grandma "Belly" had a snack for little man when we came in.

Camden thought going to their house was "very cool" in his words. I am so glad these wonderful people have been able to be a part of Camden life just like they were while I was growing up!

Sleepover at Aunt Mickie's

Camden had a fun night at Aunt Mickie and Uncle Adrian's this weekend. We dropped him off about noon yesterday and we went on a fun double date with the Bates'. Uncle Adrian and Aunt Mickie took Little Man to the "Maggot" House as he calls it. He is so spoiled by them, but it makes my heart happy! Aunt Mickie said he was a very good boy. He loves having "his room" and slept all night! He also likes playing with the cats and Aunt Mickie's Ipad. They brought him back for church this morning and we were glad to see him! It's crazy how much we miss him in just 24 hours.

Gramma's Birthday

Happy 60th Birthday, Gamma!

Camden

Camden, you are at a very challenging age. The twos were not so terrible for you, but three, on the other hand, is proving to be a trying time both for you and Mommy and Daddy. You have always been such a easy going pleasant boy and I think we got spoiled. You have started whining, asking us to carry you everywhere and just being unpleasant and disagreeable for no apparent reason. I think your favorite words right now are "No, I not." Bedtime seems to one of the worst times. We follow the same routine we always have: brush teeth, Mommy reads and then Daddy reads. We pray together and give kisses, hugs, fist bumps and high fives. Then, you are supposed to go to sleep. You fight us on brushing your teeth. You say you don't want to pray. You insist one of us if not both, rub your back. Then you will tell us you need to go potty. You will find some stuffed animal you need that isn't in the bed with you or tell us you need a drink. It is definitely not our finest hour to say the least. But I pray that God gives Daddy and I the strength and wisdom to raise you to be a well behaved and polite little boy. We will get through this stage! I love you, sweet boy, even if you do try my patience many, many times each day!

Monday was "an at home day" for Camden and Mommy. You like to say "Mommy, I 'kip school today?" It was a very rough day, but I caught these pictures during a happy moment. You were driving your car and all of the sudden, you stopped, got out and said "I be right back. I just getting a soda."
Wow-my words exactly-can you tell who is always leaving you and Daddy in the car to go get a fountain soda?

We also took a walk and you insisted on bringing your "shield". It's not worth the battle to tell you it's a sword.  

A lazy Saturday

We spent a lazy Saturday in the pool with Todd's friend Chris, his fiance, Sharia and their kids. I will have both Ethan and Maddie in my 3rd grade class this year! The kids had fun swimming while the adults talked and then we all swam. It was a relaxing time and we are looking forward to their wedding in October!

My favorite quotes of the day from Lil Man:
"Mommy, Daddy will find it (his misplaced ball) because he is a great finder!"
"I took off my floaties and I sinked!"

Swimming wears me out!!

A New Job

A proud new Hillsboro Hawk teacher and coach

After 2 years of praying and searching, Todd has a full time teaching job! Hallelujah for answered prayers! He will be teaching special education at Hillsboro High School and coaching football and track. Originally, he intereviewed for a para position at the high school and got that job. Then, the middle school principal, who Todd went to high school with, called and asked Todd to interview for an at-risk position at the middle school. He didn't get the at-risk position, but was told he was a good possibility for a special ed position at the middle school. The position had to be posted in house for a week. Meanwhile, that principal went on vacation. On Tuesday, the high school principal called and offered Todd a special ed position at her building. Wow! God is so good. I am so proud of Todd  for going back to school and completing his degree. It has been hard financially while waiting for a teaching job, but God has been faithful and we have not wanted to anything. We are blessed!

St. Louis Zoo

Sis and I took advantage of the cooler weather to take Emily and Camden to the Saint Louis Zoo. Camden kept asking if we were going to the big zoo? I guess after the The Little Zoo That Could in Gulf Shores-the zoo in St. Louis is a big one. ha!

The new exhibit is an underwater viewing of the sea lions. This is really neat!

We also got to pet the sting rays and Camden loved it! He got so excited when he felt one.

 

Riding the train is another must! Aunt Beth is a zoo member, so we got all our rides for free, even the carousel.

We also visisted the penguins and puffins and Camden demonstrated his penguin waddle for us!

Camden really wanted to see a zebra, so that was a must. But he and Emmy were running out of energy by this time.

This is how the day ended-a little boy napping in a big boy's bed...