Life of a single mommy....

Being woken up from a deep sleep by a cute, messy-haired blonde is not so bad, especially when it is 7:15am.  Hey. That's "sleeping in" for us, and this is how my Saturday began.  Brian left for Vancouver, for a work seminar on how to efficiently make office buildings more green (or something like that), last Friday.  This is the second trip, of four, he'll have to make to complete his certification.  It's been a whirlwind of a weekend, packed FULL of fun activities for both the kids, and me.  This begins my week as a "single mommy."  I have a new respect for all the full-time single parents out there.  Whew!  Bedtime has, as a result, come early for us all.  But that's okay.  This is how I like it!  Time is precious, and limited...I take advantage of every moment of fun that I can.  Anytime I can make those kids of ours smile, I do!  Being tired is so very worth that.  (And Brian has the camera with him, so the shots I took were with my phone).

Saturday, after I started the morning with a long run, (thank you Ashley!), we went to Anne Springs Parkway, the Dairy Barn, in Ft. Mill.  They were having a BBQ/Bluegrass festival. We met Celeste, Chris, Kyler and Knox out there. The kids had a blast, and I managed not to loose either of them ;)

Meeting "Mr. Ed"  As we pulled up, all the kids were running over to pet the horses.  Payton was right in the mix.  Although she was afraid of them at Rae's birthday party, that fear seems to be gone (thankfully, as Mommy is a former horse owner.  I used to show horses and love riding them, and would love for her to also!) There is a fall festival coming up, and Payton says she's going to ride a pony!  We'll see!

Griffin wanted OUT of that stroller and over to see the horses.  Stat, Mommy!  I'm a big kid now!

Payton and Kyler hugging it out...so adorable!

Griffin and Kyler's little brother, Knox

Don't worry, dude.  I want to be a dentist when I grow up.

Cozy jamming to the Bluegrass band...he loved it!

Right when Payton turned one, we hired a photographer to take some pictures of her, out at the Dairy Barn, and surroundings.  Even though I didn't have my camera this past weekend, I sneaked off, down the same path Payton was photographed, to get some shots of G. 

Okay, it's not Griffin, but I wanted to show one of the ones of Payton in the same spot, at about the same age.

After nap time, we went to visit our friends, Julie and Mike, at their lake house.  The kids played in the sand and water, and we enjoyed watching Carolina beat up on ECU.

September 22...water is still warm enough to swim in!

Feeding the fishies

So far, it appears Griffin will take after his Daddy...he was throwing the bread with his left arm...and although Payton is using her left arm here, she is definitely right-handed

Sunday, after errands and after naps, we went to TBones on the Lake.  It was their annual cancer benefit, and this year, it was for a 3 year old boy named Luke Moore, who is suffering from leukemia. They had bands playing, a huge silent auction, and lots of kids' activities.  We met many of our friends there. Griffin wasn't quite big enough for them to let him in the bounce houses, but Payton and Raegan had a blast! It was another beautiful day, and all the proceeds were donated to such a wonderful cause. 

Sunday night, I'm tired, my back is hurting, but I still had a smile on my face.  The house was clean, dogs had been out, and My Pats were on Sunday Night Football!  Just as I got Payton down, looking forward to a little "me" time, Griffin started crying.  Like screaming crying.  Like something was hurting him.  I ran to his rescue, twice.  I rocked him, sung to him, gave him a couple quirts of Runny Noses (saline solution so he could breathe), hooked up his humidifier, and cuddled with him. He seemingly went to sleep...until the second cry.  This time turned out to be him TOTALLY manipulating me!  He is a smart little boy.  He wanted to play.  He cuddled with me on our bed, watched the Pats/Ravens pre-game with me, played, laughed, and rubbed my arm.  We were both quite cozy, and it was much better on my back then holding him standing in his room.  What a sweet, sweet little boy we have!  When I asked him if he was ready to go back to bed, he shook his head no and pointed to our door.  Well, little "cozy" wanted to go upstairs and play!  We continued to cuddle, I asked him to put his head down on my chest (which he did) and eventually I got him to sleep, in his bed, with no more crying.  I watched my crazy Pats game, one that we somehow managed to lose, until the 4th quarter.  I couldn't hold my eyes open anymore.  What a weekend we had!

Some funny things Payton has said and done lately:
-Me:  Payton, what do you think cows eat for lunch?  Payton: I think they eat hotdogs and sandwiches.
-Me:  Payton, Mommy is going to put Griffin down for a nap.  Please stay upstairs and be quiet.  (a few minutes later)...Payton:  (SCREAMING) Mommy!  I tiptoeing! 

Some things Griffin does and says now:
-Can tell you what a cow, chicken, and dog say.  Says "dah" when he sees our girls.
-Covers his mouth when he coughs (copying his sister...hey, sometimes copy-cat is a good thing!  Way to set a good example, sissy!)
-Blows kisses and gives closed-mouthed kisses now (with a "muAH" sound).
-Gives high fives, and now "knuckles."
-Loves to feed himself with a spoon.
-Likes to "talk" on the phone.
-Understands EVERYTHING.

Griffin is getting taller.  We have moved the basketball hoop up one notch in the last month.  Here comes our future UNC basketball starting shooting guard (hey, he may be tall, but not THAT tall!):

We have had a week of absolutely beautiful weather.  Warm during the day, and cool at night.  I've finally cut the air off and opened the windows (well, until mid-week when it climbs back into the mid-80's!)  We've enjoyed playing outside a lot!

Payton loves to "whistle" for the dogs...

We're looking forward to Daddy's return!  And I think Mommy needs a day at the spa...hint hint :)  Nah, it really hasn't been bad.  It was a great weekend!  xo

NIGHTY NIGHT!

He WALKS! Greek Fest, Wedding, and more...

Indeed....over the weekend something "clicked" because Griffin was shaking his booty at the Greek Festival (while standing/walking) and he is letting go more and more, and taking more and more consecutive steps.  It isn't his primary mode of transportation yet, BUT he's getting there!  He'll be outrunning Mommy and Daddy before we know it!  He says "more, mum, da-da, oh wow, yay" and a couple more words we try to make sense out of, but he TOTALLY understands what we are saying.  He tries to put his shoes on his feet, and thinks it's funny to drop food on the floor for the dogs.  Yay. 

Nana and Granddude were here last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as I mentioned before.  They joined us at the annual Greek Festival, which is always a lot of fun.  We got there early, before the crowds, and Payton enjoyed going on a couple rides.  The kids got on the stage and danced, we all enjoyed some Greek goodies, and we got home at a decent hour.  My friend, Kim, met us there too!

When the paparazzi follows, you have to do what you have to do!  Coolest.Dog.Ever.

Nana and Granddude sat with the kids ALL day and evening Saturday, so Brian and I could attend a friend's wedding.  Shana and Lucian had their big day, Saturday, at St. Gabriel's, then the party started at the Ritz, in uptown.  We had a blast, and couldn't be happier for the gorgeous couple!  I began the day, Saturday, with a (gulp) 12 mile run!  I felt great, but wondered how I was going to navigate the night in my 5+ inch heels!  Somehow with some Advil and wine, I managed just fine :) 

The beautiful couple...meet, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Krant!

Me with the gorgeous bride!

...and the handsome groom :)

And my gorgeous parents!

Dad and his Bestie, "Wally"

My handsome hubby!

Mister and Missus

Father of the Bride, Jack, and Brother of the Bride, Jason

Breaking it down with the groom...

I took advantage of an adult night out...maybe a little too much so!

My baby and me :)

Sunday we went to the Carter's house for some football and playtime.  Payton had fun dressing Griffin, but I have a feeling, before long, Griffin isn't going to tolerate this silliness!  (They do make great bribe pictures for future use!)  We were supposed to attend a surprise 40th and 50th combo party for some friends, but our sitter came down with a stomach bug, so we had some down time and got prepared for the new week.  I touched up some paint on the stair walls with what Brian had labeled "hall/wall."  Well, the paint dried and it's completely the wrong shade.  We have NO idea where that paint came from, but it looks like I'll be re-painting the hall soon.  Yay :(

He had to balance out all the girly stuff with a little football!  Too bad it was an AWFUL week for our teams :(

Mom found some old pictures.  Here are two that I wanted to share....

Amy Topham Tisdale and Me, back in the 70's, somewhere in N. Myrtle Beach.  Yes, we're THAT old ;)

Looks a lot like two little ones I know VERY well ;)  And yes, I was rocking a Darth Vader shirt.