Guest Post

I am the guest post today on the Mommypotamus.

Not to toot my own horn, but it's the story of birthing my children - something I am pretty proud of. So - TOOT TOOT!

Go read it, and tell me watchya think...

Why Choose a Birth Center

Sweet Pea

I have a sweet pea, and I am not afraid to share it.

She might be a sweetheart and a lover of animals. She might even be the best big sister in the whole wide world. But she is NOT my sweet pea. And this one? She might be a little bit ornery, a big time hugger, and a bottomless pit when it comes to food. But she is NOT my sweet pea.

Well, that that leave this one. He may be sitting up like a big boy now, giggling all the time, and being the most perfect baby boy alive, but even he is NOT my sweet pea.

This is my sweet pea. And boy is it sweet.

Not, not the girl in the red gingham dress, although she is pretty cute, its the sweet pea in the back I am talking about. You know the one that was created and patent under the name Sweet Pea.

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This Sweet Pea is awesome and it is one of the most fabulous toys my kids own - and they own a lot!

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So what is it exactly? Well, I am so glad you asked.

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The Sweet Pea is a child size, child proof, child friendly MP3 player. Oh, and it is a lifesaver.

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It is different from a regular MP3 player in many ways. My favorite being that you can drop it in the toilet, and it still works. Yes, that really happened to us.

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But other than being toiletproof, it functions most like an MP3 player, with its downloads from iTunes and its display of song and artist, but the similarities might just stop there.

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Here is why I love it....

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The only functions your child can actually perform alone is turning it on, pausing it, and changing the songs. The volume can only be controlled after holding down two buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds and playlists can only be changed in the MENU section. Genius.

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You can create different playlists so that you can choose to play different songs at different moments. For instance, we play the "Play" playlist while we are coloring or dancing around the house. And we play the "Night Night" playlist when EK is falling asleep of needing some quiet time while her brother and sister nap in the car.

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I mean, its fabulous. Wait, did I already say that?

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Here are my kids, with the Sweet Pea in action....

It really is wonderful, especially if you are like me and need some "distraction" from time to time. It keeps the girls entertained in the car, keeps them quiet as they fall asleep, and provides great "sing-while-you-playdo" background music.

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We have also uploaded some Scripture put to music on this thing, and there is nothing better than hearing Scripture coming from a little toy as my children prance around the house.

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It really is fabulous. Ok, I'll find a new word.

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So there it is, my "I can't live without you" toy of the week!

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Oh, and just to give you another incentive to go buy this wonderful piece of machinery (as if you needed one after that beautiful product review), enter this coupon code at the checkout for $10 off - 25RT5. Now, go on - what are you waiting for?

Jaws

Hi. My name is Stone. And I am the cutest baby in the world.


I love to spend time on my belly, sit up like a big boy, and put ANYTHING into my mouth. Yes, even grass.

I look just like my daddy, and have his laid back personality as well.

I have bright blue eyes, lots of drool, and enough chunkiness to be a contestant on the biggest loser.

Oh, and I have two teeth.

My mommy can't get enough of me.

It was the best of times

Last weekend, we headed North to visit Memaw and Poppy and their lovely crew.

Boy, did we have fun.

You would never have guessed that there were four teenagers living in this abode. What with the little tykes kitchen in the living room, the dora dolls on every chair, and the books and purses strung all over the floor. Not to mention there were princess folding chairs where my dad's favorite recliner once rested; a crib in my 16 year old adolescent brother's bedroom; and my parents dvr was full of things like Wonder Pets and Yo Gabba Gabba.

Boy, it sure must be somethin to be a grandparent who is completely smitten by grandchildren.

At least it sure it something if your name is Peyton or Ellie Kate.

So what did we do all week long?

Well, we initially made the seven hour trek to celebrate my little (although he towers over me now) brother's high school graduation. We are so proud of him!

But of course we got in some good outdoor playtime while we were there...
And we climbed onto Memaw and Poppy's bed and fell asleep after I specifically told her to stay put in her own bed! I swear, there is something written on the threshhold of that house that says "Rules - BE GONE!"

And we spent sometime in the "swimming." An activity in which we all had a hard time watching come to an end.

And we just did some all and out hanging out...

And what trip to grandma's would be complete without plenty of hugs...

Seriously? Where did I get all these blonde children? Clearly not from my parents.

Anyway, we had a great time and while it was difficult to see our precious time come to an end, we are thankful for the moments we DO spend together.

Oh, and its also comforting to know that the next time we hang out, it will be on the southern beaches of Florida.

Hallelujah.

A Mom Moment

Twenty things I have said this week that I never imagined would be uttered from my lips.

1. "The toilet is not for splashing in."

2. "Peyton, stop nuzzling your sister, she clearly doesn't like it."

3. "Sit on your bottom or mommy is going to lose it."

4. "Do not lick your brother."

5. "Girls, you need to share your trash."

6. "Sebastian (Ellie Kate's stuffed monkey), stop being cranky or you are going to have to sit in time-out."

7. "The Lion King needs to take a nap, its really tired."

8. "Yes, honey, you can pray for your pineapple."

9. "For the seventeen banjillionth time, we are going to see Memaw on Thursday."

10. "I am so sorry, ma'am. If it makes you feel any better, she tells me everyday that I have a baby in my tummy."

11. "Well, Peyton, if you stick your finger in his mouth, of course he is going to bite you!"

12. "See that little hula girl over there? Can you go get if so your brother can chew on her?"

13. "If you take one bite of your squash, mommy will do a somersault."

14. "Well, mommy likes to run for fun, not because I am being chased."

15. "Because God gave us toilets to do that in."

16. "Toothbrushes do not go up our nose. Even if it itches"

17. "Mommy's make-up bag is not your personal playground."

18. "We have to take turns falling down the hill."

19. "I get to have daddy sometimes too!"

20. "Try your broccoli, try-a try your broccoli, try your broccoli, its yummy to your tum." Sang to the tune of Alouette.


I hope that provided you a good laugh. Oh, and someone remind me to buy a new toothbrush.

Leave me with your best "mom moment" from this past week!

Happy 30th Birthday

To my best friend in the entire world,

You are sumthin else. I am not sure how I got so lucky as to find the man of my dreams, but I found that in you.

When I met you nearly eight years ago, I thought you were the most handsome, charming, and honorable man that would ever walk the face of the earth.

On our first outing, I remember sitting across from you at Santa Fe steakhouse and thinking there was none better than you. I thought God had pulled out all the stops and I had a hard time finding any fault in you.

Several months later, sitting on a park bench in the middle of downtown, as we talked about our futures, and you shared with me your heart for young people, I fell in love.

It was only a short time later that I left for a mission trip to Argentina and my heart ached as I spent ten days away from you. This man whom I had spent nineteen years without, I soon realized was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Nearly nine months into our courtship, I found out that you had spent almost every Saturday morning across the breakfast table from my dad, gaining his trust and permission to pursue my heart. It was at that moment you gained my trust.

After three and half years of ups and downs, you got down on one knee on the fifty-yard line of the Ohio State stadium, and asked me to be your wife. I had never wanted anything more than what you gave me in that moment.

On December 17, 2005, I promised to love, to honor, and to cherish. I will not soon forget the way you looked at the end of that aisle. From that day when you said "I do," you have taken care of my physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You had big shoes to fill from my dad, and I (as well as my dad), would be proud to say you have filled them with great triumph.

And who could forget the day I walked out of the bathroom of the Arlington Hilton, holding a stick in my hand, and told you that you were going to be a daddy. You never looked prouder. I am so glad I could give you that gift X 3 (so far!).

This past year has been a battle year for us. A year that some marriages could have failed and crumbled. But not ours. I love you more and more each time I wake up. You have made stands for our family and stands for you integrity that will leave a legacy with many people - including our children. I have never been more proud than I am of you today.

So, Happy Birthday to the best husband, dad, and friend I have ever known. If the first thirty years are an indication of what's to come - I can't wait!

I love you, Ben.

-Me.

Ramsey children, one day, as you sit and read this, know how much I love your daddy. Boys, grow to be strong and tender-hearted, just like him. Girls, seek to find a man who will be slow to anger and quick to forgive. One who will stand for righteousness and love his family more than his life. Your daddy is a great man and you are truly blessed by his example. He is growing to be more like Jesus everyday.

Happy Hour

There are so many things I miss about living in Texas.

My friends, a wonderful Bible study, the great shopping, Whole Foods, and my own house - just to name a few.

One of the things that tops the list though, is having a relationship with a local farmer where you can go and buy organic meets, fruits, vegetables, and milk. It took me three years of living in Texas before I had managed to find places to meet all those needs.

And then we moved.

Somebody wrap your arms around me while I throw myself a pity party.

Oh wait, that was my attitude last week - before I took my first step into finding serenity in this world again - you know the kind where I can buy what my grandma would have.

And there was only one person more excited about this first step...


When I told Ellie Kate we were going to go buy raw milk from a farmer, and asked if she wanted to go with me, her reply was simple, "Can I bring a cup, mommy?"

My kids love the goodness of raw milk. Now before you pasteurization-lovers start throwing rocks at your computer screen, remember how upset you will be later tonight about the giant hole in your PC.

And also take the time to do some research on all the vitamins and nutrients (not to mention yumminess) that comes with raw milk. All the vitamins and nutrients that are lost during pasteurization.

That's not to say I don't love you all any less. It just means I will run faster on the playground :-).

After speaking to the farmer's wife for a good 45 minutes about the diet of the cows, the condition of the grass, and the routine of the farmer, I knew I had found the place for my dairy needs.

Too bad it was an hour away. Its too bad there aren't any dairy farms smack dab in the middle of a metropolitan area. Too many skyscrapers, I suppose.

I was willing to make the drive, reluctantly, but still willing.

And then the heavens parted.

His wife informed me that the farmer makes a trip once a week to an all-you-can-eat-buffet and it is less than five miles from my house!!!

I won the lottery.

I called Ben and shared my excitement (and it challenged any 13-year-old-girl Justin Bieber moment) with him to which he responded, "gee, honey. sounds great. Can I call you later."

I love that boy and that is all that matters.

So I started counting down the moments until Monday afternoon at 4:00. At which point EK and I jumped in the car and headed to the local stuff-your-face bar.

This is what we found in the parking lot...


Isn't it beautiful?

That's real dirt people! No fakeness here, straight from the utter to the bucket to the bottle, to my hand. My mouth is salivating.

And we hit the jack pot. He sells eggs from his farm too. I resisted the urge to buy 700, and settled for two dozen.

I love how all the eggs are different colors - you know the way it should be. No bleaching here! (The dozen not pictured had one green egg in it! My kids thought that was awesome.)


Oh man, she was so excited, she made my crack open the bottle and pour her a glass.

EK and I have decided to call it "Happy Hour." And every Monday at 4:00, we will take our cups, relax in the bucket seats of our mini van, and enjoy the goodness of raw milk. Feel free to join us sometime!