Carving the Pumpkin

Yes, I am so proud of myself for carving the dump truck pumpkin that I took pictures each step along the way!

Pumpkin Party

This weekend was a super busy, but very fun weekend! Friday night my mom and I took the boys to my school for the annual Fall Carnival that PTA puts on each year. Braden was so excited about going, but when we got there the only things he cared about doing were playing on the inflatables, buying a ring pop and giant pickle, and visiting the book fair! He played with several of the kids in my class this year and a few of my former kiddos. After the carnival we met my cousins and their son Cohen at McDonalds so the boys could play. Braden was so tired he fell asleep on the way home and didn't even wake up while I was putting him in his jammies!

Saturday night, while Brad was at the Clemson game, the boys and I got together with friends to eat dinner and carve pumpkins. Braden was as excited as always...the boy loves a crowd! However, Parker was not feeling it and spent most of the evening in my lap or fussing because he wasn't in my lap....what can I say, he's a momma's boy!

It was a fun time with LOTS of yummy, festive food and great conversation. I even carved my first pumpkin (with Parker in my lap)...well technically I have carved pumpkins before, but just with a jack o' lantern face, but this time I used a stencil and carved...drumroll please..... A DUMPTRUCK!!!! I am so proud of myself! Braden wasn't as impressed withit as I was, but oh well! I'm hoping this will become a yearly tradition because I sure did have a great time!

Sacrifice

These last few weeks have been pretty hard. I am a big fan of stability. Structure. The constant. It is comfortable. It helps me feel secure. Yes, I am much like a child. But apart from the big change of Brad not having a job, I have been dealing with other changes. Like me running from God. See I have this issue of being in control. So when I lose that control I rebel. I wonder how long it will take me to figure out that I am not in control...You would think I would know by now. So I have been demanding God to do things for me. Find Brad a job. Make sure we can keep our house. Make sure my children don't have to sacrifice anything...or rather I don't have to sacrifice giving to them.
I have been realizing that my approach to God has been one of entitlement. WOW. I have had the nasty attitude that I work hard, why shouldn't I have what I want or do what I want. When did I stop realizing that everything I have has been given to me? A blessing from a Father who loves me, though I don't deserve it. It makes me think of the song- not because of who I am, but because of what You've done, not because of what I've done, but because of who You are. Yes I am blessed. I am still blessed- not because I work hard or have a nice house or a stable income, but because I have a Father who loves me unconditionally even when I act like a spoiled brat. I have a husband who loves his family more than anything and two precious boys who love me purely because I love them...not because I bought them a new toy or new clothes. Just because I take time to tickle the little one and make silly noises or sit in the bathroom and read books while the oldest pottys. They love me because I invest time in a relationship with them. Which is what I have been lacking in my relationship with God...an investment of my time.
Yesterday at church, Chad talked about the story of Jacob and Esau and how Esau gave away his birthright for a bowl of stew. The question was asked what is your stew that you are willing to sell your birthright for? I just kept thinking that I am so cautious with my time. Many times I will neglect to do things that I feel tugging on my heart because I feel like I don't have the extra time for it. When really I am just unwilling to sacrifice my time. I kept thinking wow, I have been so blessed, but have I been a blessing to others, with all that God has given me. I truly feel that I haven't. And if I have I may not have had the best attitude about it. This week we are fasting- sacrificing something to spend time praying and in my case investing time with my Father. I have chosen to fast lunch this week, but also to give up Facebook for the week. I was convicted that I claim to not have time, yet I spend many wasted minutes on facebook or watching the Food Network. Time I could be investing in a relationship with my Heavenly Father...investing in relationships with people.
My goal is to be a better steward of my time and more thankful for what I have been BLESSED with. To draw closer to my Savior and give away my desire for control. To fully rely on him to provide for us and meet our needs. I am sure that it will be a struggle, but I would like to ask for prayer to give up my own selfishness, my own wants and desires and focus on the needs of others, to be a blessing rather than demanding blessings.

Braden's First Conference

Braden's very first conference was this past Wednesday. I was so very nervous...it is a completely different experience being on the other side of the table! Brad and I met at Braden's school and were greeted by his teacher's Mrs. Melinda and Mrs. Heather. They told us that Braden was a sweet boy, full of lots of spunk and very smart. They gave us a report, marked with G (Good), S (Satisfactory), or I (Needs Improvement)...on a side note I think it is a little ridiculous to give G, S, and I's to a 3 year old). He did get all Gs, except an I in cutting (which in my professional opinion he does a great job) and holding a writing utensil (which in my professional opinion he DOES need to improve on- he still fists his pencil). He received an S in sharing (not surprised!) and an S in listening (apparently he likes to talk...A LOT- not surprised). They told us that he was the only one in his class who could tell them his birthday...good thing he is a obsessed with it!

I am really proud of how well he is doing and I cannot believe how big he is getting...almost 4! Time sure does fly.

Here is an update on things that Braden knows/ can do...

• recognize his name



• spell his name aloud



• recognize letters from his name in isolation



• he can also recognize letters z, m, t, o, and s.



• count to 29



• recognize number 1-4, 6 and 9



• sort objects by more than one attribute (color, size or type)

I am so very proud of my little boy!

Weenie Roast and Marshmallow Toast

Tuesday afternoon Brad and Braden dug a firepit in our backyard so that we could roast marshmallows and cook hot dogs. Braden was so excited about it so he called my parents and invited them over for a dinner of roasted weenies and toasted marshmallows. Brad and my dad got the fire ready and it was such a nice night that we just hung out around the campfire talking and eating! Wishing we could have more fun nights like this!

"Look Mom! Here is the firepit!"

A Visit to Mississippi

At the end of July my brother, Chad, and his fiance, Erica, moved to Mississippi to attend Ole Miss. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I have missed him. Braden has missed him a lot too and we cannot convince him that Chad has moved to Mississippi. He says that Chad's only house is at Grrr and Palpaw's!

This past weekend Brad and I made our first boys free trip (my first time EVER being away from Parker at night) and headed to Oxford, MS to spend the weekend with Chad and Erica. We arrived late Friday night and took a midnight drive around the campus, which is beautiful by the way. I have to sadly admit that it puts Athens to shame. Saturday morning Chad and Erica fixed us breakfast and then we headed to The Grove for some tailgating. It is insane how these people tailgate. They pull out huge flat screens and chandeliers and fresh cut flowers and decorations and really do it up for the games. I have to say they are more enthusiastic about the tailgating than they are about their football team!

We were able to sit together during the game and we tried these AWESOME bbq nachos and now I'm hooked! After the game we headed downtown to look at the little shops and eat frozen yogurt. Saturday night Chad and Erica fixed steak fajitas, guacamole dip, and queso and it was fabulous! I think we ate all weekend!




We headed back Sunday morning and I felt a lot of emotions...missing my boys, yet not wanting to leave my brother knowing that it would be Thanksgiving before I see him again. I am so proud of him and the home and future that he and Erica are building for each other and I am counting the days until I get to see him again!

Parker 9 Months

Wow! Parker is ever where now! He is pulling up and standing on his own without holding onto anything and he has even tried to take a step or two, but he loses his balance and falls. He loves Braden and follows him from room to room. It is so awesome to see his personality evolve. So far he seems pretty easy going, unless he is hungry. He loves to smile and giggle, but is going through stranger anxiety and only likes to be held by mommy, daddy, grr or palpaw. Which is ok with me because I love my little cuddle bug!

Highlights....

• eating solid foods. He loves bananas, well he pretty much loves everything. The only food he hasn't really liked was grits.




• Says mama, dada, bubba, and palpaw. Mostly he says dada. He gets so excited when Brad comes in the room and crawls straight to him.




• Parker seems to be weaning himself from milk. He is only nursing in the morning and at night and occasionally in the middle of the afternoon.




• He weighs 18.5 lbs. Dr. Gamble said that he fell from the 25th percentile in weight to the 10th, but it could be because he is so active for his age.


• Parker now has....4 teeth! 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom. Simply adorable!

Pumpkin Patch

I am WAYYYYYY behind on my blogging!!! So much to blog about and so little time....

A few weeks ago we went to Southern Belle Farm in McDonough to visit the pumpkin patch. It was a teacher get in free weekend so we took advantage of it. We went with several of my school buddies and their kiddos. It was so much fun, but way too hot. It was so hot no one even wanted to look at pumpkins or even enter the pumpkin patch. So instead we watched the pig race, rode the cow train and the hay ride, and jumped on the new inflatable that was a lot of fun. It was fun just like every other year, but next year I will not be persuaded by saving $12 extra and will instead wait until it is cooler outside!

My Strong-Willed Child

What? Are any of you surprised that Brad and myself would create a child that wasn't a type A, stubborn, independent, fiery little ball of fun? Well, I have to say that as much as I expected it, I didn't realize that it would be this hard.

He is stubborn.

He is lovable.

He is independent.

He is funny.

He likes things to be just so.

He is helpful.

He loves more deeply than most children I have encountered and he argues more passionately than ANY child I have ever met.

But as hard as he is to tolerate....and yes I said tolerate, he is my amazing, wonderful, exhausting, precious child and I could not imagine one minute without him in our lives.

Lately I have been reading The Strong Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson because there are some days when I lay down at night to go to sleep and all I can think about is did I do enough for him today, am I molding him to be a kind person, a humble person, a person who loves Jesus and loves others with all his heart, a person who is responsible for his own choices and actions, a person who feels loved unconditionally and affirmed? Am I doing enough for him? And the answer is not always, I am not always the best mother that I could be and that answer is just not good enough.

But I am trying to learn how to love, discipline and respect this crazy, highly opinionated, strong willed child of mine that God blessed me with. I am learning how to shape his will, rather than break his will and it is not an easy job. More than anything I am on my knees asking for guidance when it comes to the daily battles of life.

Braden Wright Hoffman- even when you make my mornings stressful, my days very eventful and at times my evenings positively dreadful, you are still my amazing, beautiful, strong child and I love you more than life.

My Little Giraffe

I love online shopping and one of my favorite places is Children's Place, especially when they have their Monster Sale. Last year, before Parker was born I ordered an adorable giraffe costume for Halloween (I only paid $2.99 for it). I was so excited when the box came until I pulled it out and realized that I ordered a 0-6 month costume instead of 6-12 month. Stupid pregnancy brain!

Today I pulled it out just so I could see him in it one time and he was the cutest little giraffe I ever did see. I am so very sad that it won't fit him at Halloween. Now I need some other ideas for costumes!

On the prowl...if giraffes prowled!

Can you say cute?

Game Day

Since Brad and I pull for two different college teams we decided when Braden was little that we would pull for both teams (unless they play each other) and encourage our kids to do the same until they are old enough to pick sides...I mean teams! So we started the day all decked out in our Dawgs gear (don't they look good in red and black?)...

...and ended the day in Tiger gear!

To make matters even more complicated, my brother recently moved to Oxford, MS to attend Ole Miss- so of course they now have Ole Miss gear as well!

As long as they don't become Gators or Gamecocks we'll be fine!

Parker 8 Months

Whoa Nelly! Parker is on the move....and it scares me! He is already pulling up with or without furniture and trying to take steps! Where did my baby go?

• Parker has two bottom teeth and we are anticipating his top teeth coming in soon



• He is so over baby food and wants to eat "big people food"- he has already eaten more meat than Braden!
  


• He adores Braden and his favorite thing to do is follow Braden from room to room. Occasionally Braden enjoys the attention and agrees to let Park tag along!



• He was saying "mama" and has now stopped and constantly says "dada". Brad is eating it up!



• He gets very excited when he sees me and when I pick him up he buries his head in my shoulder and squeezes really hard like he is giving a big hug. I love it!



• The BEST news of all...... He is hardly spitting up anymore!!! We are so thankful for this!



• Parker is such an easy going happy baby and we just adore him, even if he doesn't always sleeping through the night! :)

Fishing with Palpaw

My dad has been dreaming of the day when Braden was old enough and interested enough to take fishing. Well that day finally arrived this past Thursday. My dad got Braden ready and loaded up the ranger complete with worms and a Cars fishing pole and off they set on their adventure. Braden had a great time and caught 5 fish and my ad had an even better time spending time with his grandson!

Braden's First Day of 3 Year Old Preschool

Tuesday was Braden's first day of preschool this school year. He is in the 3 year old class and will be going Tuesday - Thursday. I haven't gotten to meet his teachers yet because they had Open House on Thursday which was my first day of school and they didn't offer an evening Open House this year, so I'm a little disappointed in that, but my mom took him and he was really excited.

This year I let Braden pick out his own outfit.....he picked a Thomas outfit and I was not super excited, but of course he looked precious on Tuesday and he was so very excited about wearing it! He also got new shoes which he refused to take off after he tried them on. So Tuesday morning he woke up really excited and we got him dressed complete with spiky hair and he has come home so excited about school everyday so far.

Wednesday I picked Braden up from my parents and he fell asleep in the car on the way home. We had to stop at Wal Mart and he was so sleepy he slept in the buggy and only woke up when we were on our way out. He fell back asleep in the car and when we got home I carried him to the kitchen and stood him up hoping he would wake up. Instead he collapsed on the floor and fell asleep. I cooked bacon hoping to wake him up, Parker played all around him, I cooked dinner and Avery kept sniffing him, but he just kept sleeping. When Brad got home he was still sleeping. Brad tried to wake him up, but he was so sleepy that he just put him in his bed and he slept until 6 this morning when Brad woke him up! I don't know what they did at school, but whatever it was it wore him out!

VBS

This past week our church hosted Vacation Bible School for the first time ever! We had over 60 kids which is a lot for our little church. Our mission was to share a love and passion for Jesus with these precious little children in hopes that we could reach not only the child, but their parents/families as well.

Our theme was "Hero Up" so most of the kids dressed up in super hero costumes. Braden is not really into superman, batman, etc. In fact I'm not even sure he can tell them apart! I asked him if he wanted to dress up like a super hero and he said no he wanted to dress up in his race car driver costume. I made him an impromptu cape about 5 minutes before we had to leave since he finally decided he needed a super hero race car cape! He was super excited and I was really excited about seeing him participate in VBS. He loved the singing and dancing, giving his offering, trading silly bands, eating snack, and playing with his friends. He was less impressed with the skits, which I thought were AWESOME, and he usually had trouble sitting still which is completely understandable for a 3 year old.

I am already excited about next year!