The Garrison Family

Homemade Laundry Detergent.

2011-12-13T09:30:00.002-06:00

Okay ladies :)
here is my recipe i used.
5 gallon bucket with a lid
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
1 Bar washing laundry soap - Walmart only had the Fels Naptha so that is what I used.
Examples of laundry soap include Fels-Naptha, Ivory, Sunlight, Kirks Castile Bar Soap, or Zote.

Started with grating the bar of soap - if you have a regular food processor you can use that. You definitely want it shaved.
Add about 3-4 cups of water to a pot, bring to a boil, place half of your shavings in, melt, add the rest, melt.

While you are melting fill your 5 gallon bucket half way up with HOT water, some say boiling some say hot tap water, i think it kinda would depend on how your tap water is. I have my water up pretty hot for the sink. so I just used the tap water.
Pour 1 cup at a time the 2 cups borax and 2 cups washing soda. Stir and let each cup dissolve before adding the next.
You will know its dissolved when you can no longer hear the gritty sand sound.

Once the soap is melted pour mixture into your five gallon bucket. Stir and then fill bucket almost full (about two inches or so to the top). Give it a final stir and place the lid on it. This mixture is fairly heavy. Move the bucket to a place to sit over night.

When you open your bucket you will find a thick almost jello like substance. Use your stirrer and start mixing it up. You are going to get a funky texture. It will be a little chunky... after about five minutes of mixing you will get a fairly decent consistency.
At this point you can put the stuff in your bottles --- use old detergent bottles, milk jugs, juice containers....

So this makes 5 gallons of detergent. I spent about 8 bucks on my supplies (minus the five gallon bucket which is about 4 bucks). Next time I mix it up I will only have to buy a bar of soap. You will have enough borax and washing soda for at least 5 batches.

I used 3/4 cup of the solution in my wash. I poured some in my "tide" lid to see how it compared... and Im gonna guess Tide and other detergents use about 2/3 cup. I have heard 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup will do the trick.

I tested my first load out on towels. I couldn't tell one difference in how it cleaned. Only difference is your stuff will not have a heavy laundry smell --- which is VERY hard to get used too. I've used the Hypo allergenic soaps before and always miss the smell, but seriously i want my clothes clean I shouldn't care about the scent.
I use downy dryer sheets, I cant use the liquid cause we are on septic and was informed that downy will coat your septic tank and make you have to clean it out more often. (OUCH on the pocketbook)

For those that want a smell, which is always nice. Here are some ideas from a website on essential oils to add.

Flowery sweet blend: 2 parts lavender essential oil, 1 part vanilla essential oil
Flowery savory blend: 2 parts lavender essential oil, 1 part rosemary essential oil
Flowery fruity blend: Equal parts geranium and sweet orange essential oils
Romantic blend # 1: Equal parts rose and geranium essential oils
Romantic blend # 2: Equal parts jasmine and ylang ylang essential oils
Herbal lemon blend: 2 parts lemon essential oil, 1 part lemongrass essential oil, 1 part chamomile essential oil
Fresh citrus blend: Equal parts lemon, lemongrass, and tea tree essential oil
Citrusy blend: Equal parts lemon and sweet orange oils
Minty blend: Equal parts peppermint and eucalyptus oils

You will need to mix/shake each time you use it.
The Duggers actually dilute theirs by when they add their stuff to their jugs they put half soap half water. Which probably will help in the shaking/mixing process. Which would make 10 gallons. But I think ill just use the 5 gallons and put my soap in a minute before i load the clothes.
THIS IS LOW SUDS. in fact I didn't even see suds. I was warned about this and was told suds do not mean clean lol so i didn't fret about it.
You can use this in your front loaders.

I think your water has alot to do with the whole thing. I hear that if you have hard water the washing soda will help it. That is why I used the 2 cup. Some recipe's will be 1/2 cup to 1 cup.
So, there are 128 ounces in 1 gallon, so I made 640 ounces. 8 ounces is a cup and I use 1/2 to 3/4 a cup --- so im gonna guess I'm gonna get around 106 to 160 loads.
My small container of Era is 32 loads which is incorrect cause i use the #3 line so im assuming that means i get basically 10 to 15 loads of clothes. so at 33 cents a load.

Now lets say I can get 5 batches out of the stuff I bought. I use 2.50 basically each time i make a 5 gallon bucket.
so 2.50 and 160 loads :) equals 2 cents a large load.

If i was buying scent free detergent I wouldn't hesitate at making this detergent. Everything came out with no smells at all... which is odd right.... and kinda comforting lol ....
I enjoy my clothes smelling good so I might add the essential oils.
If you want the oils add it after it cools. I would just had like 4 drops per bottle. Essential oils are more expensive and will make your costs go up.

Jace is 1 years old

2011-10-25T12:41:00.004-05:00

We had a jungle party.......... featuring monkeys :)
Definitely my smallest kiddo. :)

My handsome baby!..!...!
MMMMmmmmm a ear.
Yummy Mommy!!!
Way exhausting to eat cake :).

who knew the balloon would be the hit of the day.

We sure enjoyed having family up for his birthday. Thank you all for coming!

Lots of changes

2011-08-31T12:39:00.002-05:00

We are moving! Can you believe that? Jill LeAnn Garrison is moving out of Ponca City. I'm still in denial. 33 years is a long time to live. Here is to new adventures.
We close on our new home on September 16th. We are very excited about this new opportunity.
We of course are alittle shy on this move cause we might be moving again come first of the year when the Conoco Phillips - downstream/upstream split is finalized and everyone is told where to respectfully go.
But we are making the move and hoping it isnt short lived (unless they wanna move us back to Ponca City :) ).

I thought I would let everyone know what our new address will be - So update those Christmas Card lists.
The Garrisons
64 Hazlette Ln
Bartlesville, OK 74003

(we will be changing our phone numbers at some point just dont know when that will be but I will be sure to let everyone know when that happens)

Two New Layouts

2011-07-08T01:20:00.004-05:00

Two layouts I have done in the last two weeks... Trying to get some scrapbooking done, Ive been slacking.
We just got home from our annual 4th of july garrison vacation to Lake Eufuala. I will be posting some photos soon.
BTW - I am having a scentsy party/order in the next few weeks and will be launching a design class in order to help people learn to do digital scrapbooking and/or photo cards. (anything using photoshop elements)

Halloween 2010 - Scrapbook Page

2011-06-28T22:41:00.003-05:00

scrapbooking!!!

2011-06-28T12:35:00.004-05:00

I did these two layouts lastnight. I need to do this more, its about the only thing that keeps me calm and relaxed.

November 2010

2010-11-15T09:55:00.002-06:00

Here is Brants dad Gary, His Grandfather Gerald, Him (Brant) and Braden and Parker.
Brants Grandfather passed away last weekend. It was sudden and not expected. We traveled to Elk City for the funeral and to spend time with family. Gerald was an ex policeman and at his funeral the department honored his service with a 21 gun salute. The boys each got one of the spent bullet casings. They were so excited. Death is a hard concept for little ones and probably harder on me in explaining it then them listening to me.
We wish we would of gotten more time with Great Grandpa. We will see him again one day and get to spend eternity getting to know him better.

New Venture

2010-11-15T09:52:00.002-06:00

Im selling scentsy!!! Its a great product. Wickless candles. Wonderful scents that fill your home, car, closets even your hands!
Please check out my site and let me know if your interested, I have all the scents at my home and can come to you or you to me to smell them. I will be having several open houses where my door will be open to anyone. If you want to host a part (and get a gift for doing so) let me know!!!

Here is my site

Fall

2010-11-15T09:43:00.003-06:00

Wow have I been slacking! Here is me trying to catch up. So much going on!!!

Braden, Jill, Jace, Parker October 30th 2010

Parker with his Pumpkin

Braden with his Pumpkin

(my pasty sparkly vampire husband)

Jace as a Ghost

Braden as Iron Man --- Parker as Batman!!!

We are ready to go trick or treating!

Halloween was great. We love this time of year. Everything was great except Braden was not feeling well and didnt get to enjoy Halloween to its fullest!

Jace Noble Garrison : Official Announcement

2010-10-20T20:29:00.004-05:00

Finally got it done! Yeah --- Took his photo tonight --- I laid him down to go yell at his brothers because they werent laying down for bed and was like Oh mercy that is precious! Amazing how things come about!

update

2010-10-15T23:12:00.004-05:00

update: on the garrison family

Jace had his two week appointment this past Thursday. He is weighing 5 lbs 4 ozs and is 18 inches long (guess they got it wrong at the hospital on the length - but it is already wrote in the baby book) LOL
We get to go back in two weeks to see if he is gaining weight. I am pretty sure he is gaining cause he is eating more!

Braden the morning of my birthday (which was picture day)

Parker thinks he is top dog when he gets to hold Jace.

This was the friday that I got released from the hospital. At Grandma Bentleys!

Every morning is awesome when you wake up to that face!

Our first Sunday to go to Church!

Jace had his first bath this past week, he hated it, but he loved the one I gave him this morning, made sure the water was warmer LOL... and he wiggled around and coo'd.

Our family has been battling some stomach bug. We have been throwing up and fevering, we are praying it is out our system cause it was miserable! I think we are doing better now. At least I hope!!!!

Jace 6 days old!

2010-10-04T21:31:00.002-05:00

Well Mommy and Jace are back home. We came home from staying at Grandma and Grandpa Bentleys Friday and Saturday night. Sunday was our first night home. It went smoothly. I was rather shocked I didnt have two other boys trying to crawl into bed with us. Jace is sleeping pretty good for 3 hour blocks, which is pretty good for such a tiny baby.
This outfit he has on tonight is the only thing in my collection from two babies that was "newborn" size. Even newborn is too big for him. We need preemie size LOL. But what is the point in buying preemie when Jace is it for us. I think he is doing well, seems to be eating better, definitely is poopin' and peein' better then he was at the hospital. We had to take him back in for some Jaundice but they called late this evening and said that just continue doing what we are doing that it is decreasing and will be fine and to call them back if he turns more yellow. So onward to our 2 week "well baby visit".

I'm feeling bad about Parker right now. Him being the second child, I wasnt all to excited about certain things, and even though this is number three, I know it is/was my last so i want to cherish it.... what a crappie situation for Parker. I'm glad Parker is demanding and lol attention getting cause he will make sure I am paying attention to him enough.

I'm pretty lucky to have the three boys I have. Granted most days they seriously drive me insane. The 5 days I was without them around me I missed them terribly and when they were around and acting up I still missed it.

The sisters in our ward are so kind, we've had dinner made for us the past few nights and they are just all so considerate. The boys have loved their cooking. Again so blessed.

I'm feeling better, pain is still there, and I need to remember to take the darn pain pills before I have pain so that I'm not in a bad place by the time I get around to it. I'm in the mood to go shopping LOL which I'm sure isnt good but I think its a good sign of where I am in my recovery.
I'm working on Jace's announcement. Hoping to get a good photo of him tomorrow in the sunlight. He hates bright light and the flash just urks him off!

So anyhow. that what is happening with us. As soon as I have more exciting lol news I'll be sure to share.

He is here! Early!!!!

2010-09-29T00:09:00.002-05:00

Well this little guy decided he couldnt wait any longer. Went to the hospital today for my usual Tuesday appointment for Ultrasound and Non Stress test, and found out my Blood pressure was way to high and my body was just not handling things right. So around 12:30 I got word that I would be having a c-section before it became an emergency.
So today was the worse day that this could go on. Brant was in Bartlesville, Dad and mom were headed for a doctors appointment in Tulsa for the afternoon. So they had to come pick Parker and Braden up and take them with them cause no one else would of been able to pick them both up at that time.
Brant made it to the hospital around 5:10 which was just in time for my epidural, and then I was whisked away for the c-section.
Jace Noble Garrison was born at 6:05 and weighed a whopping 5 lbs 13 oz's and was 19 inches long. HE IS TINY.
He is doing okay, for being 35 weeks along, he is having alittle issue breathing, they have him under observation currently. :) I'm sure this strong little fella will work it all out.
Im doing great except I'm itchy and cant sleep even though I'm exhausted.
I'll probably be in the hospital till Friday, as you all can see I have access to the internet via a laptop and will keep everyone posted with information and photos.

Things yet to do...

2010-09-27T23:29:00.002-05:00

Baby Jace will be making his appearance in 7 days! well actually less then that but close enough. Brant and I thought he was going to get a "shift" off to be with the baby and the boys during this transition and my recovery from the c-section but no, his employer feels One paid day off for the birth of your child is enough. He can take vacation time or unpaid leave but I told him not to worry about it. My parents are awesome, so I am gonna bunk with them for the first two weeks, since I cant drive for two weeks.
Wouldn't be the safest thing to have me at the house with; a newborn, a flight of stairs, a c-section, and a onrey active three year old. So Brant will go back to work on Saturday night, October 9th. Work till Tuesday morning and be back for a few days then be gone for like 7 days. So I'm sure my parents will enjoy the little break they will get. I am sure my mom and dad will be going crazy. The boys have so much energy. I hope I have the same response to my second c-section with this one, I felt pretty decent. I'm so hoping though with this two weeks with help that I'll be able to get my milk supply established which has always been an issue for me.

So still to do:
Get stuff ready for Braden. His first Picture Day is Oct 7th, which I'll still be in the hospital. So I need to make sure what I want him to wear is ready and instructions on how to do his hair lol (daddy doesnt seem to mess with his hair) . You know if I send him to school and his photos turn out goofy I'll blame his father for the rest of our lifes LOL.
I need to get alot of sleepers and onesies ready to be taken to gma's not to mention diapers (I think I can get this all sorted out the one day/night I think I'll be out before Brant has to go to work. )
I have his car seat and co-sleeper ready and a few blankets have been washed. Think I need to look for where I stashed all the other ones LOL.... Im such a good stasher. I got that from my mother.
Still need to go to storage and pull out some older clothes for Parker. So that is on Brants to do list.
Hmmmmmmmm doesnt appear I'll need to do much more. I'll have to accompany dad over twice a day to let the dogs out and check the mail.
I think I'm ready for this.... hope everyone else is LOL.....

Jace Noble Garrison

2010-09-16T16:47:00.002-05:00

5lbs 7 oz - roughly 18 days left till we meet this chunky monkey.

I tell ya what this whole pregnancy has been a roller coaster for me. I'm very glad it is my last, I know in my heart there is no way I could physically do this again. This pregnancy has been a test of emotion, will power, and strength. Health wise I have never felt so ODD. I'm ready to be in control of my health again and stop this battle that I feel like I lose every time I show up at the dr's office.

Today was no exception. Never have I had issues with blood pressure (at least while pregnant) and low and behold it was slightly elevated this morning, which has now caused the specialist to order an extra ultra sound per week. So two non-stress and two ultrasounds and one OB visit. GRRRRRRR why dont I just go live at the hospital LOL. Nevermind it would drive me batty as much as I am looking forward to the 2-3 day break while I recoup from the c-section and tubal.

Oh well... October 5th at 7:30 am we will finally get to meet this little boy. Or not so little lol... He is slightly bigger then he needs to be weight wise but after a 10lb 6 oz lol at long as he is under 10 I could care less LOL.

Baby is healthy, doing his practice breathing, growing steady, seems to handle my onset of contractions so hopefully we will deliver without any hitches!

OU Football

2010-09-10T23:19:00.004-05:00

Last weekend was the season opener for Oklahoma University, they won, not like they wanted but we at least won. The boys didnt watch much of the game but they showed their team spirit and amused momma for some photos!
Today on scrapgirls.com they had a challenge posted that the only rule was you had to start with a simple black background. Seemed simple enough but at the same time there are so many ways you can use BLACK. Oh well I knew I wanted to do something with this OU picture.

Jase Noble

2010-09-10T14:53:00.003-05:00

I think we have finally picked Jase Noble. At least I hope it is final.

Jase is breech, which is just fine with me, last night was the first night in about a week and half I didnt wake up to pee every hour. So he can keep his chunky lil head up by my ribs. Now if I can get him to stop playing footsies with my hip bone I'll be good for the next three weeks.
I'm still holding out hope that MAYBE just MAYBE could come earlier then October 7th but I wont hold my breath.
Baby is weighing around 5lbs so in 4 weeks I'm gonna assume he will be around 9lbs. I'll be okay as long as they keep him under 10lbs. He is still doing well, growth, movement, doing what he is supposed to be doing. The ultrasound tech ( a girl i went to kindergarten to high school with) showed me his hair flowing in the back, guess we will be having another parker wayne that has lil baby ducky waves... how fun.

We were unable to get to my Specialist Thursday, a tire blew out on the highway and because of some lug nuts brant was unable to get the tire changed in enough time and they were not very nice about me being but 10 minutes late.... So I'm rescheduled for Thursday the 16th.

Update: Baby and the Boys

2010-09-04T22:07:00.002-05:00

The boys all ready for the first OU game of 2010. I made some chili (thanks melanie we love your mom's chili's recipe) Watched a stressful OU game , you know lately OU manages to stress me out each game. OH well, a win is a win.

Went to Dr. Holmes this past week, blood sugar is starting to go wacky, had an odd ultrasound the Friday before where when my fluid was measured it was extremely high 25 cm to be exact. Which was up from 17 from my specialist. I have gained like 8 pounds in two weeks which to me seems like a long but I'm still at around a minus 10 for the entire pregnancy. So obviously something is happening lol. Anyways the extra fluid had me stressed, mostly because I remember how miserable I was with parker, I swelled up, he swelled up, just didnt want to deal with it again. Dr said he needs me to go three more weeks. I'm holding him to that... no.. well your doing so well lets wait till 38 weeks lol... But I know that he has me a week ahead of the specialist so I dont know what is gonna happen lol... SO, last week of September or First week of October. There is part of me that says wait till October, but the other part says NOW NOW NOW, the sooner the better.

I go to Dr. Holmes Tuesday, do a non stress test Tuesday, then I head to Tulsa on Thursday for my specialist to do a Non Stress and Ultrasound, then I guess I go back on friday for another one? LOL maybe I can skip friday, I will ask dr lol.... just is nice to set on my tush for the day ya know? LOL.....

I have alot that needs to get done this week, Brant is off for his 7 days which will be the last time before the baby is here, so I need him to ONE, finish some projects and two get me the baby clothes out of storage, and a few baby items. Might be helpful to have a car seat lol and the co-sleeper bed lol... the rest of the stuff can wait..... well crap i dont know what i have storage and what i have in the garage... That is priority number one for me this week.
I'll be back in touch later this week after I hear from the specialist. She wanted to see me this time and one more time before I delivered maybe she will change her mind! I can hope!

Some scrapbooking Pages

2010-08-22T16:29:00.003-05:00

I've been a scrappin' fool.

This was a challenged issued on Saturday to only use red, blue and yellow

This was a challenge for Friday, doing a non-christmas layout with a christmas package.

Baby Update

2010-08-19T17:40:00.003-05:00

Well, Wednesday we headed to the specialist. I still have not gained one pound which isnt bothering me one bit, my belly is definitely growing and baby is growing, so as long as it isnt taking away from my butt or my legs lol im okay with any fat loss.
Baby grew three weeks worth of growing in three weeks so that means the placenta is working still and they checked the pressure of the umbilical cord and it is good. Specialist will see me again in three weeks. Feels that I should be able to make it to 37-38 weeks so that is good.

Baby was very active, like he usually is. Which is a good thing.

So I'm back to being on rest but not like bed rest....

Braden is loving Pre-K, he is getting annoyed with some little boy in class that keeps getting in trouble for talking. Which cracks me up. He was so distraught over it yesterday he didnt want to go back to school today.
Had Brant take him to school this morning and he REFUSED to let Brant walk him into school. He said he could do it himself. Seriously he is 4 going on 10. Oh well I guess the reverse would be unbearable. He definitely has the traits of an Oldest sibling.

We stopped in Bartlesville lastnight on our way home, we were tickled to find a home that seemed from the outside to have everything we wanted, and a few bonuses. But low and behold the inside was ODD and would need work; potential yes... but some of the structural issues we have no idea what kind of can of worms that might be to fix and leaving them alone would annoy brant alot. So, even though it was almost there, still not there. We know the right place with the right stuff will come along one of these days, just hopefully before lol June.

Scrapbooking Pages - School

2010-08-17T13:00:00.001-05:00

First Day of Pre-K

2010-08-12T15:32:00.004-05:00

WHAT AN AWESOME FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Braden woke up this morning and was so excited about going to Pre-K. I couldnt of been more pleased with how he behaved. Good attitude, silly attitude. He told me how proud he was of me lol for his lunch. (Which they didn't look for in his locker so he ate hot lunch - but is currently sitting at the table wanting to eat his lunch)

I think Parker was happy for his Brother. Such handsome lil boys I have.
Our car ride of course got interrupted by a policeman, daddy got a warning. Didnt slow down fast enough. DORK.
I was trying to get him to smile but silly faces is what I got. I kinda felt like this though.
He was so Happy.
He went right to a place and sat down to play with Play dough, no tears, no whimpers, barely got a hug and kiss out of the child, he was happy as punch.
How about that, my child that rarely will take a nap, laid down and took a short nap.

WOOOHOOO We all did it! One day of school down, how many to go?

Move In Night - at Woodlands

2010-08-10T20:33:00.003-05:00

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT: SCHOOL IS HERE.

Braden starts Pre-K this Thursday. We met Mrs Lively tonight, I'm positive Braden will just love her. I'm so excited for him. I'm not sure how excited he is, he was alittle over whelmed, but I'm pretty sure he will LOVE it.

"rest" --- what is that?

2010-08-02T12:56:00.002-05:00

Well, no photos, but an update.
Went to the specialist on Friday, baby is behind again, about 3 oz's smaller then they would like to see. Placenta is rapidly aging. They are concerned. So they have put me on rest. Dont want me exerting alot of energy. Today I called to see what they are concerned about, placenta separating? preterm labor? None of the above. They feel that it is critical to get the baby everything as possible for him to grow properly and if I over do or dont eat enough or stress out my body will use it and the placenta that is already struggling will pass through less.

PLUS, I start twice a week non stress tests and one ultrasound watching the blood flow from the placenta to the baby, each week till they decide the baby needs to be born. So, we might have baby sooner then we thought.

If I get through this week I'll be golden. Braden hopefully will be starting Pre-K next week!!!! Baring no room at enrollment tomorrow. (Keep your fingers crossed). I think I can do this with one kid. But two when your not supposed to do much has been horrible.

Not to mention an unforeseen complication with my car on saturday on a road trip to Elk. GRRRR when it rains it pours!

Profile 3D

2010-07-27T20:48:00.004-05:00

I always find humor when I get in the car to see where my belly is going to touch, if I dont exhale I'm pretty good! I didnt figure out my steering wheel will scoot in. So when I got done at the OB's today I had like 2 inches left... Hopefully that will last till delivery. LESS THAN 9 WEEKS!!!!

Did some editing to make it easier to see his outline!....
I think me might have a little combo going... the nose is definitely like Parkers.... and he has pouty lips but wouldnt show them in 3d. I've never had a thumb sucker and he had his hands up the entire time.

I went to the OB's today, go to the specialist on Friday. I wasnt expecting to see baby today, thought it was a routine visit. But imagine my shock that we did a quick ultrasound, and he flipped over to 3d!!!!!

Gosh I love technology.

Baby is weighing 2 lbs which is where he should be. So that was cool. He was nice and calm for Dr. Holmes, probably cause he didnt press hard against him and tick him off.

Ultrasound News.

2010-07-08T21:48:00.004-05:00

Like it would fall off or something, but we are definitely still ALL BOY.
I have to say, and I know I'm basis, but oh my gosh I think we make pretty babies LOL. Not that you can see much but, he is too freaking adorable.
He definitely still has an attitude, very active, kicked at the ultrasound machine often. This lady that did my scan today had us watch as he would move his eyes around looking around. This is the first time I got to see him making the sucking motion with his mouth. SOOOO cool what technology does allow us to see.
Well I honestly thought I would go in and things would just be dandy, and for the most part they are, and most likely will be just fine but now on top of all the other worries, I have an "aging placenta" (doesnt that make me feel young)... anyways they say that it shouldn't know these signs of aging for another 6.5 weeks. BUT could mean nothing. They will have me come back in 3 weeks to check.
Baby is up to 1lb 8 oz's ..... and goodness he is a kicker!

I found out this past weekend that some of the family hadnt heard we were expecting so I apologize immensely I forget that people dont check on blogs like I do. Or dont have facebook. I totally forget to send out emails most of the time.

Summer Vacation 2010 - Lake Eufaula

2010-07-08T21:27:00.004-05:00

Our annual family get together went off this year without much glitches, even the weather KINDA worked with us.
We spent alot of time at the trailer enjoying being with each other, eating, playing train domino's, and even got some lake time in there.
Brant, Stefani and Brock
Loading Parker Wayne on the new jet ski for his turn.
Parker definitely is three! He decided last weekend, I think it was, that he could swim without holding onto anyone. It was so nice not having someone attached to ya. Plus he enjoyed himself SOOOO much more.

Papa G, waiting to load the boat in the water.
Nana and Braden on her new jet ski
this look was half disappointment, that i made them wait to take a photo, and excitement that they got to get in the water!
Flag, water, sun starting to set. BEAUTIFUL
Sun setting on Lake Eufuala.
July 5th, we let off fire works. The Garrison brothers did the show. We need to review firework safety I think, had a few mishaps but no one was hurt. The weather was nice and there was lots of pretty colors, lots of "THAT WAS AWESOME" coming from braden and parker watching with his ear's plugged.

The boys in their Sheriff Woody towels.
They played alot of catch.
The boys just love being out on the water. This past winter we sold our boat to Brock (brants youngest brother). We missed it this week. We will definitely be finding one next year that can hold all of us and do what we need it to do.

Seriously this is the only time....

2010-06-22T00:33:00.002-05:00

Seriously this is the only time you will probably see my belly lol, I've had many many requests to see this big belly and well this as good as its gonna get, I will only get bigger and bigger so I doubt I will let a camera within 50 feet of me in the next few months.
SO ENJOY.

Baby Boy #3

2010-06-11T18:55:00.007-05:00

We are back home from a very long day, Bartlesville, Tulsa and back. We met with our specialist today, I being the neurotic mom I am was kinda nervous because there was enough of a concern about the size of the baby's arms and legs that she felt the need to let me know but just like most things, everything was just fine. Baby is weighing 13oz's up from 8 oz's and is up from a 10-15 percentile in height to 25% so we are back to being normal. Whatever normal is for 21 weeks. It just amazed me how much baby had grown in three weeks. He seriously doesnt like having the ultrasounds done cause mercy does he throw a good ol' fit! The tech kept saying goodness this baby wont hold still. He at one point decided to just turn and face my back, small gesture of seriously leave me alone. The little guy was still alittle guy lol, nothing fell off and he was very showy with his "parts" just like last time. He definitely is looking like my other two did with the heart shaped faces. So cute. I hope this doctor uses her spiffy machine so I dont have to fork out more money for a 3d 4d one. Since she gets 35 each time I see her. Due date is set for the 22nd of October, but there is no way that will be the date just cause they dont let repeat c-sections go full term. So it will probably depend on how much fluid i retain/ produce so we might have the baby around the 11 or maybe even around my bday. SOONER the BETTER (as long as baby is okay with that). Here are some shots from today.

CUTE lil face - you can see his eye sockets, nose popping up and pointy lil chin.
Little baby boy in all his glory. No doubt.

Did I mention?

2010-06-10T01:43:00.006-05:00

Im obviously not a good blogger anymore?

Just thought I would let everyone know that like three weeks ago we found out infact we are having our FINAL
BOY
We are headed to Tulsa again in two days (Friday) to get yet another ultrasound. They have increased my insulin almost double now. Which I have to shoot myself four times a day so it doesnt really matter to me how much i'm giving myself, except my insurance doesnt pay enough lol.

Anyways. We got our market analysis back from one Realtor, waiting on the slow poke other one. It wasnt as bad or as good as we hoped but we know that with the finishing of some projects we possibly might make some money off this property. Which we've already done that over the years. It will be sad to see this home go cause there has been alot of things we have been through and see happen in this house. 8 years in one place. At this rate we have no idea if we will be Bville anytime soon or if we will slow play it and wait.

Im not gonna stress, I'm enrolling Braden in Ponca Schools since I dont know if we will be gone or not.

Right now we have been considering staying in ponca lol, we know we can get more out of our budget if we buy in ponca since the market is crappy. its hard to pay alot of not much over in bartlesville. It is such a challenge to find exactly what we are wanting anyhow.

My brother is moving to the Virgin Islands, St. Croix.... i know.... i hate him too LOL. I do hope that means I can visit someday LOL, when im not pregnant and might not mind being in a swimsuit. Oh yeah and when i can leave my kids at home. LOL. Anyways big changes on the horizon for my parents with both kids leaving ponca within months of each other. Not sure how they will handle that.

I will post on Friday and have photos. I finally figured out how to tether my Andriod phone to my laptop so I can get on the net when we are out of town. We are headed to Eufaulla this weekend so Brant can help on a project. It can be boring for me while I'm there, and being pregnant makes it even more boring so I was so tickled when I found a free app that would connect my phone/laptop. GOOOO ME.

Update - Baby/Insulin/Doctors

2010-05-04T13:11:00.002-05:00

So final baby garrison got yet another ultrasound today cause he couldnt find the baby with the doppler again lol which is fine i like seeing the baby.
I hear now that I'm high risk lol I'll be seeing alot of this baby.
They increased my insulin to 25n 15r 15r 15r 20n - he thinks he is still low balling it but doesnt want me to bottom out.
Dr. Holmes has a wonderful bed side manner and seems to talk to his nurses alot cause all my conversation I had with the nurse he knew about and addressed each concern.
He tried to relieve some of my stress by giving me a different outlook then I've been taking which is very comforting he would take that extra time to make me feel better.
He spoke to me about this specialist that I will be seeing and talked to me about how we would handle the 32 weeks and beyond part which seems very intense with many visits to him. But I like that he is going to monitor everything and can take the baby if there is any cause of concern.
Ultrasound machine said i was 16 weeks 4 days which means it wont be too long and we will get the big ultrasound.
He asked me today what i thought I was having and I told him.... well, my body sure is reacting differently to this one so I was thinking girl, but everyone I know around me is having girls and I think they are using up all the girl spots LOL, so probably another boy LOL. He chuckled at me. Anyways. Here is a decent ultrasound profile shot. Baby was in deep thought and started moving around during the ultrasound. Always nice to have window into their lil world.

With that I'm gonna head out for a late lunch and a haircut.

Branson Vacation

2010-05-02T21:27:00.002-05:00

Well I guess I'll tell this story in reverse since the darn photos went in opposite order.

So as many know I've been a gestational diabetic with all three of my pregnancy's. Braden I could control it by diet alone, Parker it was with the diabetic pill and now with final baby I've been put on insulin. I'm giving myself 5 shots a day. Plus pricking my finger all the freaking time.
Not enjoying the shots. I just might keep a count down of how many times i get to prick myself again.
We vacationed in Branson MO at the end of April.
We enjoyed the Dixie Stampeed ALOT. The boys loved the horses and the food. Braden loved the soup so much he chugged it (no silverware) and Parker just ate everything he could see and then proceeded to throw up while in the backseat.
Family photo at the Stampeed.
Boys loved the swimming pool. They were so excited. I didnt get to participate I was up in the room sick. The boys of course caught my crap a few days later and we have been miserable together.

This weekend has not been good. Been getting used to the insulin trying to eat all the time, trying to keep the boys semi entertained while they are cranky and not feeling well. Just very overwhelming. Glad the weekend is over. I have two doctors appointments this week. One with Dr. Holmes my OB, and then one with my Diabetic lady. I'm sure they will be upping my dosage of insulin cause my numbers still arent where they want them. But I've been fighting this cold and alot of stress so that isnt helping my numbers one bit.

Easter.

2010-04-05T00:03:00.003-05:00

Easter was soooo nice!

Parker in Blue, Braden in Brown. This was about as nice as it got for both of them looking at me without some horrible cheese, funny face look.
Parker was a great egg finder.
Braden was a total spaz while trying to find eggs.

Okay I'm a horrible blogger. Horrible. SLACKER. LAZY BUM. But I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow will mark the start of my 12th week of pregnancy, and I'm finally starting to feel human, still spontaneously taking naps, fall asleep after dinner, and have moody episodes of tears. My appetite is still odd. Feel hungry, eat two bites get real full and cant eat anymore.
Brants job with conoco will be moved to Bartlesville on July 15th. May 15th we can start the process of getting the house on the market and all that fun mumbo jumbo. So as you can see we have alot of changes coming our way. New town, New baby, new new new challenges. Braden will be in Pre-K this coming year. I'll be in a town other than Ponca City for the first time in 32 (almost 33) years.
We dont know if we will be in Bartlesville, myself personally would rather be in Bartlesville. Husband is wanting to live closer to Tulsa, in Collinsville or Skyatook or some town inbetween. While I think it wouldnt be that bad, I still really like the idea of the boys getting to be in a large ward family like they have in Bartlesville. So I'm hoping we find a property that we all love and is affordable inside Bartlesville. We have our eye on a house that meets almost all of our wants. But with the price the way it is I doubt we will get the chance cause it is priced to sell.

Anyways. So, this is baby number three and final baby for Jill. Im closing the baby factory after delivery. Which is another thing. Love my new OB in Ponca, he is a DO which, for some reason I adore their bed side manner and laid back caring approach, I dont know if i wanna change, but I dont know if I wanna drive back and forth all the time for the end of my pregnancy which will be full of stress tests and all that crapola. SOOOO I have some decisions to make asap.

Things Ms Jill has been up too

2010-01-17T02:15:00.004-06:00

Photo taken at the beginning of December.

(yes i do know how to spell served. The typo has been corrected.)

Needing to get back into scrapbooking - so this was a page I did to refresh myself.

Girls - 2010 Mutual Theme
Boys - 2010 Mutual Theme

Wow Im a Horrible Family Member and Friend

2010-01-17T01:51:00.005-06:00

Rubber ducky nativity. Odd. Strange. Cute.... did I say ODD. Got these from Katrina, the things you can find on Oriental Trading Company
My christmas score at the Garrisons Family christmas in OKC.
Parker Wayne LOVED this blue car at the Tulsa Mall.
And no surprise Braden liked the Fire Truck
If you ever get the chance go to Cheasepeak during the Christmas Holiday and check these tree's out. We are talking HUNDREDS of tree's in all colors done just like this one. Pretty Cool.
This was our christmas photo that I swear I was going to send out and was just a Lazy Bum. I'll try to do better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-30T21:23:00.003-05:00

More photos to come!
Braden - Fireman Parker - Pirate

Fall!!!!

2009-10-20T18:46:00.004-05:00

Well it was a wonderful Indian Summer Fall day in Oklahoma. I'm not feeling too hot but thought it would be a good idea to get some Halloween/Fall photos up. So enjoy.

This was as good as it could get with these two. Its getting harder the older they get to get them both to obey.
These photos were taken a few weeks ago. Beginning of October. We are out at the Duck Ponds near Lake Ponca. Beautiful weather and beautiful surroundings. And crawling with caterpillars.

Random Coolness

2009-09-30T13:36:00.003-05:00

Okay so after dinner yesterday , took a short drive.... and saw Ponca Lake so calm .... Note to self.... I wanna be this peaceful one day!
Went outside to watch the boys run a muck in the yard and i had a visitor!!!!!

Updates Galore: Warning LONG

2009-09-09T17:51:00.007-05:00

Okay a nice trick I like to do when I'm feeling under the weather is; bathe, primp and take a few snapshots. Here is me today... feeling better than I have for several days.
The girls at church made YUMMY fruit pizza, if you want the recipe email me.

After the wedding weekend we stopped at "old chicago" in edmond and had a very YUMMY lunch/dinner. I recommend the kids pizza and I had steak and shrimp and a to die for baked potato oh andddddd steamed veggie medley HEAVEN. OH MY IT WAS GOOD.

Here are the boys and everyone during the "run" through rehearsal.
Braden got the Garter!!! Not sure what to do with it but I guess we can call him an Indian?
I'm not sure if it is that he is 3 almost 4 or if the music was just hoppin' but OH MY did my two boys BOOGIE lol.... comical!
Here is my handsome Braden --- gazing at the candles floating in the bowls at the table
Parker giving me a look of..... stop with the camera.
Caught Braden in a moment of cuteness.
OH my parker is adorable --- I love when he says Cheese for the Camera.
Would of been a great photo if Parker didnt have his "what you talkin' about willis face" on.

The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a blast. All attending had fun!

ANNOUNCING --- I got a new (to me) CAR!!!
I have loved the LS (Lincoln) since the moment they were made. I had test drove one about a year or two ago and loved the peppy v8. I got one!!!!

The car is a creamy tan color ..... plans are in the works for some chrome accents! I totally adore my new car.

Update - August.

2009-08-26T02:48:00.003-05:00

Okay what possesses a child to draw on themselves like this? I just love that these two turkeys were in trouble but still wanted to say CHEESE.
Saturday while Brant was off for fun with his Brothers before Brocks big day this coming Saturday, my parents, myself and the boys went to Shilder Oklahoma to a car show. This was my favorite car there. I think it was mostly cause I hadnt seen a 70's mustang that caught my eye before. Love the Blue and Grey!

These are photos from the Swim Party the Primary had about a month ago. Yes that is basically all that attended. Our poor little ward is shrinking! The boys had fun. Adults had fun laughing at the kids! Good times.

What else is new.
We sold our truck. We had a sour deal go down with "friends" that caused a real bad taste in our mouth with the vehicle. So we sold it. It went very fast and now has a happy home on a farm in some farm town in oklahoma. It was a good truck, fun times.
I'm looking for a car and brant is looking for some goofy "tinkering -towing-make how i want" vehicle, what that will be is still left up in the air. So we are living with one car right now which is rather annoying. We placed a bid on a Sonata for myself, pretty car.... if we dont get it I have my eye on a few Lincoln LS's that are just so pretty and peppy.

So that is all that is going on here. I was informed tonight that I was lazy and needed a job, and a few other things, dont you love it when self righteous people interject themselves into your life. Dont you love it when they are that awesome they can judge your choices. Choices that were made in respect to your children and not your bank account? Amazes me what clicks off inside someone's head to judge someone else. I've concluded that miserable people need their own state. Cause miserable breeds miserable. What miserable people dont know is that some of us dont hinge our self worth on what others think of us.
I'll step down from my soap box now. Moral of this last paragraph Miserable people Stink!

What to do at almost midnight?

2009-08-12T11:48:00.003-05:00

See the purple circle on Parker's head?....

So the Parker has been getting out of his crib for the past week and will go from room to room getting himself into trouble. Last night we turned off all the lights upstairs so that it might discourage him. He decided he would go into our room. Well he couldnt see the edge of the bed and went face first off the end. Landing on the hardwood floors. Brant ran upstairs and by the time he got there it was already swollen. So he was in a panic. Now being a mom of two boys that seem to always fall, always bang themselves up, I wasnt too worried. Which I think kinda ticked the husband off. He insist I call the ER and see if we needed to bring him in. I to appease him made the call. They were like "if you want too" bring him in... but he should be fine just monitor him. And monitor Brant did. I think the little boy went to bed around 1 am this morning.
This morning he was up and chipper with the sunrise and after breakfast and after braden insisting he needed to be a dinosaur I got them to let me take a photo.

Kids seriously are not too fragile lol... now the frame they just knocked off the end table that shattered into a million pieces....................... thats fragile.

Braden Update

2009-08-02T20:54:00.002-05:00

I've been afraid to post this, in fear somehow we will regress, but I'm pretty sure we are potty trained! Now for Parker, which did number 2 and 1 on the potty today after church. I think we have 5 more diapers left for him and we are going to pull ups! Wish us luck maybe by 2010 this house will be DIAPER FREE.

Whats new with us!

2009-08-01T00:02:00.003-05:00

Warning: All photos were taken with a camera phone ---- so sorry!
After getting back from vacation we headed out to an evening on the water. Sunsets are just so beautiful, but on the water they just become breath taking.
I LOVE to draw in the sand.
This week it has been --- PROJECT WEEK. First project at hand is the play room. On the back of the boy's room is a 10 x 7 (roughly) room -- used to be a screen porch we think. It has been enclosed like sunroom. We've used it as storage. With the intent to use it as a craft room or something. With the growing knowledge that my boys will literally break anything of value or worth in the living room, a play room was born. To let you know what has been destroyed this year alone; brand new laptop, flat screen lcd tv, three precious moments, two OU collectible vehicles and........ well probably more but these are the things that I can recall right now. I've already moved all toys to the upstairs hoping it will force them to play in their room. Nope hasn't worked. So now, we are hoping that with the play room they will have their own place.
Cars is the theme of course. Cause "Cars is my favorite movie in the whole world". Both boys are in heaven so far with the decoration.
Still left on the list to finish the room. Curtains; doing a valance with racing black and white checks with a red accent on the bottom. Floor; black and white check (still need to order one more box ran out today). Build one shelf unit for the tv, so the tv can be anchored down. Chalk board; the windows let in alot of light so I am going to take a thin piece of wood and insert them into each of the bottom panes of the windows and then paint them (actually before i put them in there ) with chalk board paint... then do some peel and stick Velcro and they can have fun scribbling and drawing things.

Braden dressed himself this day. Needless to say grandma was going to take them to the park, but when she saw him like this she decided they could stay home.

So that is what is happening over here. We have at least four more projects to complete this week. So there will be more updates. Now I will go and finish re-arranging the living room.

Did you know?

2009-07-17T14:59:00.003-05:00

Has a new client - The Bag Lady here in Ponca City! I'm so excited to work for her, she has a wonderful shop! Has been a great friend for a long time! I'll post up some more information about her site and for you all to go and drool over her new items ASAP.

BTW - If you are needing something to put in a frame -- Ask me about scrapbooking your favorite quote, scripture, diddy, photo. Makes a simple statement!

Words of Wisdom - From Braden

2009-07-17T14:06:00.003-05:00

So today has been a day. Something that has been brewing for 5 months has now taken its rightful seat as "being dealt with". In the process I wanted to share something that Braden said to me today.
I've been rather ticked off most of the morning, the boys have been entertaining themselves, albeit by making a horrible mess in the living room and feeding the dogs and themselves 11 donuts. They werent in my hair while I was gathering information, obviously.
I decided that they needed a nap so I went in to change Parker Wayne. In the process I shared my disgust that they had destroyed the living room like they did. And some of my anger from my other dealings were evident. Braden said "Im sorry for hurting your feelings mommy" I said, "Thank you Braden" he said "Thats what Jesus do" I said, "Thats exactly what Jesus would do" he said "I apologized" , I proceeded to pause for a moment and say "Braden it isnt you who I am mad with, Im sorry for being mean" --- He said "are you mad with Parker?" I said "No not even Parker" and didnt feel like slandering someones name in front of my child and left it at that.

There are days when I understand why I have children. There was a time when 1. I didnt think I could have them (and was basically told it would be incredibly hard to have them) and 2. Since having them wondering WHY?
Moments like today when you see people that have no sense of right and wrong, that have shown you nothing but slaps in the face for so long and all you want to do is stay in a poopie mood, its moments like today that you start to understand the miracle of children.
Why I was blessed with them. Why I might not do the best job. I am teaching my children the right principles. Even though I might not want to do everything I should I am trying to only allow them to associate with people that can uplift and strengthen them as wonderful little boys. They are so blessed to have examples of the right way to live. How even though people like to kick you, you can be as Jesus.
Granted there are days those lessons are not apparent in their choices in wrestling with each other or the act of not sharing those cool toys.
I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father sent me these children. They are so sweet, they teach me daily that, there is in fact a God, that his plan of Families is perfect.

Point of change --- I will be editing my blog soon --- moving things, deleting things, so things might look alittle different.

Day 6,7 and 8 Summer Vacation

2009-07-08T23:41:00.011-05:00

So Day 6 Monday (July 6th) --- lazy day --- kids swam, I went to target, we all did dinner at Chili's --- I must say that a Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Burger is just the bomb! Anywho - we got back to the house and loaded the kids up and headed to Elk City to spend some time with Brad, Abby and Grandma Dot (lowery -- I have a grandma dot too -- but she is a wagner) We got to Brad's home around 1 am. The boys were cranky and miserable (SORRY BRAD). They got up of course at the first morning light and oh my they were not in any better mood! We went to the super market and got stuff for some sandwiches and headed to the local park -- Which I have to say is very nice --- lots of ponds --- TOO MANY ducks --- a play ground --- put put golf --- a train --- and carousel ---- a pool...... I think tennis and there might of been more.
This was the view while we ate lunch --- begger's I tell ya --- Braden kept telling the ducks... just a few more minutes (we informed him that he was not to feed the ducks but I guess he wanted to still give them hope)

Here is the nice brand new play ground they had. Parker Loved the slide.
So much he was very unsure about sharing it with some strange boy. Look at the expression lol.

Braden in total concentration. How might I know this? Check the TONGUE action.

Parker has issues with letting go LOL....
It was HOT ---

Parker has developed an obsession with bark on tree's --- not so sure why. We keep telling him it isnt a nice thing to do to the tree but it is one thing he just keeps doing to any tree!

Braden wasnt too happy --- he was in a time out for throwing the pebble rocks for like the 5th time.

Okay so we took the kids to Elk City Lake (or over grown pond jk) --- Parker loved the YUCKY foam stuff... gross.... seriously how does this form and what is it... wait i dont want to know!

Braden quickly found out western Oklahoma is not like northern Oklahoma or Central Oklahoma for that matter lol.... You must wear shoes when you walk around---- STICKERS!!!
This is P-wayne imitating his daddy and his uncle.
There were at of splash fights
Lots of Abby throwing
The boys --- doing a total Baywatch moment.

Day 7 --- we visited with Grandma Dot one more time and then headed home!!!

We had a great vacation. We have learned a few lessons this vacation. 4 days is about our max. We need a large vehicle with limo glass separation. So here is to next year when we dont overload ourselves.

OH wait --- cute things the boys said and did this vacation.
Western Oklahoma (RED DIRT) --- Braden says to me as we get out to go visit grandma dot -- its muddy here --- i look down and the red dirt doesnt look like our dry brown dirt --- so I had to explain that they have red dirt and we have brown dirt

Brock and Steffi taught Braden "DOWN TEXAS" with the hand sign -- he is pretty proud of himself.

Braden has this thing about everything costing 8 dollars, not sure what started it but it was expanded upon when now everything is from Home Depot.
Asked -- where did we get Parker.... from the home depot --- how much did he cost --- 8 dollars.

Braden is singing songs alot more... tonight he was singing Popcorn Poppin' on the Apricot tree to his nana as we stopped back by on our way home.... Somehow it was "you can make a popcorn treat --- it wasnt really good" blah blah .... I love it really it is soooo amusing! When we were driving home we sang several songs --- including that one and he told me how much he loves SHARING TIME.

Parker is repeating everything and putting together sentences! Growing up I tell ya.

Braden is almost potty trained --- He only had three accidents! Way to go SON!!! You just might actually be able to attend pre-k (granted he has another year but come on i'm tried of diapers) --- As soon as he is done the other one will start cause I think he is ready!

Trying to think of anything else to share...... OH one naughty one that I swear my boys are just full of information I dont want to know and maybe I shouldnt ask.
Braden has been keeping his hand down his pants... I always assume it is cause he needs to pee so I always ask.... Do you need to pee? He will say no ... I will say get your hands out of your pants... and usually he will and then shortly there after put it back.... sooooo he is in the bathroom with me it was my turn on the potty and he was again playing with his "stuff" and I said Braden please get your hand out of your pants, he looked at me blankly like --- what nerve you have mom, I said why do you play with your pee pee--- he tells me he likes it... I said well we dont play with it and he then informs me "its like my truck mommy its a toy" --- I quickly snapped at him --- that it was not a toy!!!! Seriously do I need my husband to have a talk with him already about the birds and the bees??? Goodness me!

Day 5 Summer Vacation

2009-07-08T23:31:00.004-05:00

Sunday (July 5th) We made it back to Oklahoma City to Papa and Nana G's to celebrate Brad's completion of his Devry Program (WAY TO GO BRAD). Brad brought his step daughter Abby with him. Talk about a tall girl!

Abby is in the pink suit --- she will be 9 I believe next week --- she did this jump into the pool all night and I truly believe she could almost jump the whole width of the pool if she wanted too!
Parker wasnt in the mood to be in the pool the whole time --- specially without his daddy --- but he enjoyed throwing the balls in the pool and flirting with steffi!

Brant and his youngest brother Brock found it amusing to splash as much water as possible. Probably to irritate their mother (some things never change huh)...

Day 4 Summer Vacation

2009-07-08T23:18:00.004-05:00

JULY 4th - We had all decided we wanted to watch the fireworks on the water this year so decided that the deck project was most important for the day. So the guys started on it after breakfast. The boys found it alot of fun to play in the sand/dirt under the deck. They played for HOURS under there.

Parker most of all enjoyed the dirt. We caught him several times pouring the dirt on his sweaty little head!
Brant and his buddy -- daddy long leg's --- this spider walked up his chest and up his face and onto his head, i cant remember what was going on but he couldnt react to it cause he had to hold something or something like that lol... His father was rather impressed.
P-wayne drinking a pop like a big boy.
Picture from the front of the trailer, beautiful Great Myrtles and there is a very pretty rose of sharon just down from there....
This is what P-wizzle (brants new name for him) does when there are fireworks.
Brant and Braden --- this is about as good as it gets with braden. He likes to watch but doesnt really enjoy the flame.
Parker being a nut --- oh to be flexible again...

Now on a side note about the fireworks. Uncle Brock and soon to be Aunt Steffi did get the boys some SNAPS. Which at first Parker wanted nothing to do with. Then he found out he could stomp on them and he just loved that --- he loves bubble wrap (like who doesnt?) anyways... He did throw a few and snap em so that was great. (dont tell the kids but i think we have like 6 boxes still)

Day 3 Summer Vacation

2009-07-08T22:58:00.005-05:00

Friday (July 3rd) probably one of my favorite days on vacation. We got up and did breakfast, I made Biscuits and sausage gravy and it turned out yummy! Then we loaded up and were out on the lake early. We found a nice little beach on the less windy side of the lake. The kids and BIG KIDS had fun digging holes and flooding them with dirty lake water.

This is my mother in law Karen.
Father in law Gary (setting up horse shoes)
Brant starting the hole!

Brant throwing a horse shoe --- This was my view for like 2 hours --- Gary, Brock, Brant and Steffi played horse shoes. I worked on my tan, and relaxed.
Parker was OUT --- I had been sitting where that white square was and eased myself out of the seat and propped his head so to think that i was still there. Didnt phase him one bit.
We all headed back to the trailer, This is brant and his baby chicken hair
Isnt this the dream location!!!
after we napped we went to Uncle Feltons and Aunt Karens lake place and had yummy brisket and a wonderful Asian salad (which reminds me i need the recipe) Then as we were headed back to Karen and Gary's trailer the fireworks went off so we headed back to the water to view them. My camera was not charged so these fireworks photos are from my cell phone.
We pulled over and put the lawn chairs in the back of the truck and enjoyed a great show. Braden loved them. Parker doesn't like fireworks. Which is so odd. He covers his eyes yet kinda peaks out to see them.... not sure what is up with the child. There is always next year!

Day 2 Summer Vacation

2009-07-08T22:35:00.004-05:00

(Thursday July 2nd) Yes we made it out on the water for the first time this summer!
Parker was all smiles - He loves the boat, he just lets the wind rush on his face and goes limp. Meanwhile I am grasping onto him and the side of the boat each time we hit a wave LOL.

Quick pose before we let them in the water!
Braden loves the water!!!
Braden's footsteps ( I think) thought it would make a great photo.
Dont you love the Oklahoma sunset. In this photo are Brant's Parents boat, and their jet ski.
Beautiful lighting -- our boat and the in-laws boat.
Parker loves, sand, and balls! HEAVEN!
Parker was very brave this year, he decided he was going to walk out to all the people, of course he didnt make it too far!

Day 1 Summer Vacation

2009-07-08T22:24:00.002-05:00

Wednesday July 1st our vacation started without any sleep Tuesday night. Okay maybe an hour or two scattered throughout the night. We needed to be up and on the road by 6 am to make it all the way to Elk City Oklahoma for a funeral. Brant's cousin, Lindsey, died at the age of 24, she was born with serious health issues and lived her entire life in an assisted living facility. I had never met her, Brant remembered her, and felt that we should be there for his uncle. We took the opportunity to take a four generation photo. Gary (Brant's dad), Gerald (Brant's grandfather), Brant and our two boys Braden and Parker.

Below is a photo of Brad, Gary, Gerald, Brant, Brock, and Braden and Parker
We then went to lunch with the Garrison Klan at Lupe's in Elk City, decent little joint. We then headed back to Oklahoma City where we had dropped the boat off and loaded everything back up and headed to Eufalla --- So lets count the hours of driving in one day -- Ponca to Elk - 3 hours ---- Elk to Eufalla 3 hours total 6 hours! The boys were rather done with it. I was pretty done with it. I did try one of those 5 hour energy shot drinks. THEY WORK lol, and they don't make you feel sick like the energy drinks!These two photos are after we got to the trailer and the boys could expel some energy!

Celebrating Parker

2009-06-27T10:41:00.008-05:00

My Baby is TWO!!!

Two years ago this HUGE 10 lb 6 oz baby joined us, this lil guy was so over due, swollen and looked so uncomfortable, BUT he was so beautiful with his dark hair and BIG BLUE eyes. One thing I enjoyed was since Braden was around everyone was worried about how he felt so I got alot of time with Parker. Lots of snuggle time, gazing time, oh how I miss that. Parker was a momma's boy for a little time! One lil piece of information on how two babies can be so different. Parker was 10lbs 6 oz's - at a year he was 20lbs
Braden was 8 lbs 2.5 oz's - at a year he was 31 lbs
Parker is I believe right at 30 lbs now (when wet)
Braden is around 45 lbs .
Parker was born with dark hair - and now has WHITE blonde hair
Braden was born with a redish brown FUZZ --- now has dirty dishwater blonde hair like his momma.
Parker has BRIGHT light blue eyes like my Grandpa Bentley
Braden has dark deep blue eyes like his father.
Gotta love what the lord creates! Two beautiful little boys.

Okay forgive me the photos are in reverse order, silly blogger thing takes them and reverses them which I forget about till I already upload them. I would rearrange them but then you wouldn't be able to enlarge them.

Here is Parker with his cake!

Parker was soooo Proud of himself - blew the candles out in one lil blow.

He loved getting sung to!

Goofy look....

Braden loves birthdays and will tell you that his is coming up soon. (Not till November) But he at least can be happy for his brother's birthday.

Parker Wayne is a pure joy. He is literally a child that makes you want to have 10 more. He has a sweet spirit. Loves his brother. Puts up with allot of bossing around by his brother. His smile and giggle are the sweetest, cutest, melt your heart things I've ever experienced. He is a good helper! Wonderful sorter! Picky eater, doesn't seem to like meat right now. Polite child. He might of been an accident but oh what a wonderful one he is!
He has hit the terrible twos, can throw a good fit when he is ticked off, yells at me when his brother gets in trouble, and can be very demanding, especially hates when you don't move fast enough for him after he has said Pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.
I do love my Parker Wayne

Parker is two , shhhhhhhhhhh dont tell him

2009-06-25T20:43:00.003-05:00

So dont tell Parker this cause we arent celebrating till tomorrow afternoon - But my BABY is 2 years old! WOW --- what a two years it has been. Tonight I blew up the pool --- yes I have alot of hot air. Put it to good use, though I was alittle lite headed afterwards.

We started out nude.... but sent bubba in to get some underwear! Goodness me his smile melts my heart!
So look for a post tomorrow. We are going to be busy lots of things to get done tomorrow --- including me getting a cake.

Farmtown Addiction Continues

2009-06-25T09:37:00.003-05:00

You've gotta admit thats a pretty cool looking farm LOL

Its "tricky"

2009-06-16T22:48:00.003-05:00

Scene: Womens bathroom - softball field.
Characters: Mom (me) and Braden
Start scene:
Mom: Do you want to sit or stand Braden?
Braden: Stand
(assume position and attempt to pee)
Braden: Its not working
Mom: It isnt?
Braden: Yeah its tricky.

End Scene ---- laugh all the way home!

Fire Flies

2009-06-12T22:07:00.003-05:00

Just got done with the kiddo's catching some fire flies and putting them in our bug catcher... they've been put just outside the doorway so no one lets them loose in the house! I love fire flies!!! Always a sign of June in Oklahoma and I think they have to be one of the most enjoyable bugs out there. On Mrs Spiders Sunny Patch cartoon they make sweet little shows... love love love fire flies... I haven't shown my boys how to tear their rears off and wear them as jewelry. Actually I'm shocked my mother hasn't amused them with that little gem of an activity. The house is peaceful and messy but peaceful... now what to do tomorrow? I'm thinking water.. but probably will rain and be nasty and spoil those plans! Saturday is a special day... its the day we get ready for SUUUUNDAY.... goodness sakes someone slap me to get these primary songs out of my head!!!! Oh well... I think the boys need another hair cut not to mention their nails... holy heck they grow fast!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

2009-06-11T01:11:00.002-05:00

Oh what do you do in the summer time when all it does is rain? Do you annoy your children with pop rocks, silly string and play dough? Is that what you do? So do I?
For some silly reason I've been singing the Primary song Oh what do you do.... this week, I've been rather goofy with it in fact. Today I went to the Dollar store to get some things for girls camp and found some stuff to entertain me (yes me) today.
When the boys got up from nap time they had Pop Rocks for the first time, those willy wonka juice waxy things (puke)..... then we played with some play dough... made lots of snakes ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss and lots of balls, or as Parker calls them Bobby Balls (which I'm pretty sure is Bowling Ball)... then still not entertained enough and with it slightly drizzly outside I decided to chase the kids with silly string.... you will notice the across the street neighbor's grandson came out to see what the noise was about.

This is Parker doing a roll... not really this is as far as he will go lol but he is amused none the less.

Yes yes i know.... bad LOL... but I am finding such humor in Braden right now. So let me set this photo up. The neighbors have a HUGE dog that has been terrorizing the neighborhood lately anyways it came over and peed on the bush and then the front tree... Braden said .. what is the dog doing? I said... Peeing on things... he said WHY (the wonderful why stage is soooo fun isnt it) I said cause that is what dogs do they pee on things! He said I need to pee.... I said then pee.... he then dropped his underwear... I said not in the front yard.... Brant asked him to go inside but he didnt want too ... so I said do it behind the bushes and this is where he went... Parker watched closely and applauded his brothers "peeing" effort. You think he will mind if keep this for his Senior graduation?

Silly string makes for a great wig!

Braden on the run!!!!!!!!!

Parker thinking I wont come and get him LOL.... WRONG

Car show - Lake Ponca

2009-06-06T15:35:00.006-05:00

This afternoon (Saturday June 6th) we headed out with Grandma and Papa B to Lake Ponca for the Annual Classic Car show (and corvette show).

One of my favorite cars was this 54 Corvette! She was a beauty!

Loved this Sting Ray and DROOL over this 442

I had just tapped Parker on the tush with my foot and he was telling me "My Butt"

Isnt this powder blue Thunderbird to die for? The classic T-Top Trans Am isnt bad either!

Papa, Parker and Grandma B

Too cool, a place for the golf clubs!

This Blue/Purple car was just COOL.

I love a good hotrod paint job!

This Blue and White pick up was one of my moms favorite.

Girls Night

2009-05-29T00:21:00.002-05:00

This could of been a shot from tonight but... I found it online. Kylie did have cute pink dice for us to play with. Tonight we started a once a month Bunco - Girls Night Out. It was so nice to get out of the house and meet new women. I love the game cause you dont have to think much, nor do you have to figure it out. You just roll the dice. Pretty darn simple! Which works well with women that are probably pretty frazzled anyhow! Just wanted to say thank you for Kylie for putting it together. I'm currently working on some sheets (score cards) for June's get together. Since the ones we were playing with didnt exactly fit what we were doing!

This go around we are going to bring finger foods.... now to search the reciepe box... I will probably have to go snatch something from Melanies Blog!

Whats new

2009-05-22T17:40:00.003-05:00

Wednesday night we had our yearly hotdog feast lol at the duck ponds! All my beehives made it which just made me so tickled! Love it when we get 100% attendance! I donated hotdogs--- cause I have them running out of my ears!
I was going through these photos and GOSH I'm getting really sad that we are losing so many to the move to Houston!

Softball started up Tuesday! Fun Fun for our family. We love to go out and support the men at church and its a great time for the ladies to talk and cheer. My kids love the ball park! Love all the rocks and all the other kids that are around.

We've been busy like usual. Not sure why but it seems like life is on fast forward and I'm just not sure I move that fast LOL.

So projects started:

Fence (all materials are in the backyard)

Playroom (floor finally arrived so that needs to be installed)

Deck

Softball

Girls Camp is rapidly approaching

Too much is going on!!!!

Seriously so much to do that I'm like, whoa seriously. Ran into a good friend of ours that I hadnt really seen in at least two years ( I think thats really bad i cant even remember that) anyways used to work with him and he used to spend nearly every night at our home watching the news with us ... ricky and I enjoy discussing politics... Anyways he got married and well you know how marriage works... busy busy boy and come to find out they had a baby girl 3 months ago! Adorable (at least from the photos) so, I need to call and set up a dinner.... adult time is so helpful when life gets crazy... problem is .. when do you fit it in... answer... YOU JUST DO IT. So I need to sit down and figure out the schedule and find a good time to do a ROOK night with food and drinks!

On a side note - Farm town --- I've caught brant again but he will go ahead tonight I'm sure... But by gosh I am going to do some good farming tonight!

Two Layouts for a New Package

2009-05-19T03:04:00.002-05:00

Two Layouts done lastnight with SeaScape - A new package from Dirty Feet Designs. Love the colors in this package. Hopefully we will have lots of photos from the beach this year! Here's to hoping! On other news - Brants Church softball team's first two games are tomorrow (tonight) so YIPPEEEEE softball is starting again which means lots of nights at the ball field with awesome people and lots of time for the kids to play and get FILTHY... what better time to spend a summer?

Farm Town Addiction

2009-05-18T20:47:00.003-05:00

BEWARE FARMTOWN IS ADDICTING Isnt my farm adorable... look at my lil animals... in the photo above you can see my grapes are ready to be harvested.... Who wouldnt enjoy being a farmer! Okay you might think I'm joking but I've watched it happen in someone else. I know it is not just an excuse not to do my dishes, or ............. get dressed. No in fact my my husband basically is doing his daily routines around when his crops are going to harvest. He will stalk people's farms so he is around when they need "workers" so he can get more cash... he is a sneaky lil farmer! He has already jumped over me in the "levels" of the game. But really I wanted to share this lil addiction that has happened to ma and pa garrison cause I think I have a pretty farm!!! This game is like a Sim City game where you are given a task --- create a farm, plow, plant, harvest, sell your crops, keep animals, create tree groves..... work for other people... buy more land and so forth --- it is in its beta form right now and yes that means there are glitches... like my animals not staying in their fenced in area (no wise cracks like --- Jill that happens in real life) I mean seriously I put them for a reason I dont like chasing them around the farm.
Anyways if your on Facebook check out FARMTOWN --- and add me as your neighbor, I will stop by at least once or twice daily and rake your leaves, water your crops... heck your farm might be hit by a tornado and need serious help! I'm there for ya!

What I made for the Boys Grandma's

2009-05-13T13:33:00.002-05:00

Finally finished today --- there are still some summer photos I'm looking for but I'm afraid I'll have to find them on CD -- I am not sure where I stashed them .... These are 4x6 scrapbooking layouts --- Unusual sizes are very popular right now mostly cause not all of us can afford some of the prices it takes to print the BIG layouts (specially if you are doing them as gifts)... Everyone prints 4x6's and they are cheap --- and EVERYONE has a 4x6 album laying around!
We gave digital frames this past christmas to both sides of the family, I'm thinking I need one now cause I would love to be able to look at these layouts often.

Mothers Day ----

2009-05-12T13:28:00.002-05:00

The second mothers day after having Braden I asked for a Charm Bracelet... I love charm bracelets!!! LOVE THEM. I thought it would also be an easy way for Brant and the boys to give me a gift. Well lets just say its be lacking in the whole getting a charm routine... I got three all at once... and then I got the lil booties one for Parker ..... and then... much to me surprise... a new one this mothers day... an Open Heart pendent
Now what is cute about this whole thing is Braden and Brant picked it out while we were at the Mall on Friday --- Braden of course screams from the escalator Happy Mothers day.... and then proceeds to tell me he got me a necklace...
It was mothers day Friday and Saturday and Sunday and he is having a hard time understanding it isnt my birthday but it was so sweet... Sunday morning i can hear him from the gate that we put up in front of his door ... Happy Mothers Day!!!! Of course I think it was a ploy to get me up lol... but it was so sweet!!! I think this might of been my favorite mothers day to date!

Wood, Flowers, and Canopy's

2009-05-12T12:27:00.005-05:00

Well I havent been doing alot of updates... I know I know.... I'm a slacker but I've been kicking butt and taking names on creating digital scrapbooking layouts! Its my new obsession, okay old obsession making a come back... Anyways life has actually been continuing around me, imagine that. So as I was checking on everyone else's blog I thought I probably should take the time to show what has been going on around here.... so lets take this past week!
Mom thought she was having a heart-attack --- or dad insisted that it was probably a heart attack so she was taken to the emergency room .... when they gave her the nitro patch all the pain stopped so they were pretty sure it was a minor heart-attack. The did testing and nothing was damaged. Dad asked if it wasnt a heart attack what else could it be? Since the nitro patch worked and the last time she was in for what they thought was a heart attack it was a pulled muscle and the nitro gave her a severe headache. The doctors said that nitro works on soft muscle which would be the heart or the esophagus. So they were still leaning towards heart issues, since mom has a serious family history of it and if you go off when her sisters had their issues she was on borrowed time. So they scheduled for her to go get tested in Oklahoma City.
So I took the kids down to spend time with Nana and Papa G while I stayed with mom and dad at the Heart Hospital. Now compared to when my Aunt Debbie goes to Wichita things were so DIFFERENT. When Aunt Debbie goes it is literally an all day affair and sometimes a two day affair. I was prepared... Brought three books (well vampire Chronicles - Anne Rice). Get this... once they finally got her to the surgical room --- she was back in 15 minutes and was told she would be out of the room within 30 minutes.... 15 minutes to eat and then 15 minutes to get dressed stand and read discharge papers. Okay so if any of you know anything about an Anagram or have went through it like my aunt does. You are supposed to lay still with a sand bag on your chest for 6 hours!!! Imagine our shock and hesitation about what they were saying. Dad asked... did you go through the groan? They said yes, he said, cant she bleed to death? The explain some new plug that blocks the artery and then dissolves slowly so a clot then forms.
WOW - and get this NO BLOCKAGES --- nothing the matter with her heart! So looks like it is very severe acid reflux. Which sucks but is so much better than a heart issue!

When we bought this house in 2001 the first spring came around and I was so excited to be able to plant something in my flower beds... I love old traditional flowers, heirlooms if you will. One of my favorite flowers is a peony --- My peony was a baby when she was planted.... didnt fully bloom for at least two years... I almost thought about cutting it out and planting something else... but the last three years I've gotten BEAUTIFUL big blossoms... now if I could figure out how to make their stems stiffer or something (yes i know this is common with them) I cut one off Saturday and placed it with some Iris's in a vase... GOODNESS me they smell delightful! I mean seriously i could rub it all over me and wear it as perfume!!! Here is a close up of one of them outside... notice the ant? Did you know that it takes ants to open the bloom? Without ants they wont open. And if I was an ant like this one I wouldnt leave either!
Here is a pot that I did back in March - Beginning of March to be exact and we had snow and lots of frost filled nights/mornings but for the most part things are still happening with the pot.... I added the Petunia that I got from church on Mothers day.

Our project that started this weekend was to put up this Canopy. We bought it off a family from the advent (conoco's for sale ad's) for a steal... granted we cant find the second half of the screen --- which I could of swore I put in the truck... but oh well... so, this was the state of it this morning. Brant is headed to OKC as we speak to pick up fence paneling, and decking material.. he is going to build a platform for the Canopy and we will be putting in a privacy fence. I've been promised a fence for at least 3 years now, so I'm not holding my breath but I'm so very excited at the possibility of being about to relax in the backyard instead of panic when one of my monsters disappears out of site...

This is a photo of Braden before we headed down to Eufaula to pick up the trailer two weeks ago... Doesnt he look good in red.... just like his father.

Now for the story you wont believe. Take in all the photos and brace yourself for the story.

Yes ants, bugs, something cored out the tree.... about a six inch hole up the center of the tree and all the way to the base... there was plastic sacks throughout the trunk.. Imagine brants surprise when the blade started chewing up plastic walmart sacks!

Okay so we had this tree that was at the entrance of the driveway from the ally.. It has always been an ugly tree and always spits nasty things on the truck.... we've been wanting to take it out for years and have a wider driveway but never really had the cash to have someone come and do it. Now Brant in all of his wisdom decided that he can do it.... and proceeded to start this project around 5 yesterday evening. Let me just tell you that the Lord really does watch out for you and sends people to help you even when you dont ask. A series of events happened that would just prove to be awesome. The chain was dull, ran out of gas and oil and it was dinner time... he had started the first cut into the tree when this occurred so we all loaded up... got dinner then went to the store and came back...

As he fired up the chainsaw some people were moving into the apartment next door. Low and behold a TREE CUTTING man was helping the boy move in. He proceeded to walk over and told brant that the tree would fall into the apartment (our apartment) and brant chuckled and said I hope not. And the man walked away. Five minutes later the man comes back over and says... You do know I do this for a living? Brant said, no sir I didnt and I would love any advice. The man proceeded to tell him that even though the angle of the cut was correct in theory that the tree was top heavy and leaning towards the apartment and would spin on the trunk and take out the apartment (and the garage for that matter) .... so the man said lets anchor this side of the tree to my truck and give it the pull that it will need to stay away from the apartment.... he climbed the ladder and tied the rope and then anchored it to the truck and then instructed brant on how to cut the rest .... and well it did still swipe the apartment but only took out a motion light or...well half of it....

I had a sick feeling about the whole cutting process... the tree didnt look right to me but I didnt know what it was... I was more concerned that it would spin and hit the neighbors apartment ... that would of been HORRIBLE....

So yeah thats what has went on in just a week of time lol around here. Im exhausted just talking about it! lol

Announcing....

2009-04-30T10:27:00.002-05:00

I've decided to start a scrapping blog.... so i could just put all my layouts there.... so to see new layouts.... go to http://jillslayouts.blogspot.com/

You Color My World

2009-04-29T13:48:00.003-05:00

Today they decided to post an image of a fruit loop box as our inspiration! VIOLA -- My layout.

Birth Announcement Photo

2009-04-28T13:49:00.003-05:00

Our challenge that was issued was to use the blue on blue stripe paper in the layout. I decided to do a page for Parker --- he is rather short on the pages that I've already done.

Baby Powder and John Deer Trucks

2009-04-25T19:54:00.004-05:00

This was saturdays challenge. I had to use RED and could use yellow as an accent... there are a few more colors but mostly RED.

Hard at Work

2009-04-24T17:12:00.002-05:00

This is a photo of braden from back in October when we were going to the Lowes kids work days --- gosh we need to do that again.... note to self.
Anyways did this layout for todays challenge over at scrapgirls.com. The challenge was to use alphas and fonts --- at least 4-5

Summer 2008 Layout

2009-04-18T16:31:00.003-05:00

Not sure if i want to make some changes on this one or not.... its bottom heavy and i'm not real good about allowing something out of ballance.

Quiet 21 month old...

2009-04-18T15:18:00.001-05:00

equals chocolate messes!

Saturday Color Challenge

2009-04-18T13:15:00.002-05:00

Today we were to scrap what colors we had on ---- orange/coral sweater and blue jean shorts.

Cutest Quote

2009-04-17T18:32:00.003-05:00

Im thinking this will be a good daily moto:

Bad Hair? Natures Gift?

2009-04-17T15:45:00.002-05:00

So Fridays' challenge was about Bad Hair Days - anyone that knows my poor boys they know that their hair grows straight out.... like their father's. Anywho.... I decided to not do an embarrassing photo cause oh boy do I have alot of the mad scientist photos, I thought it would be better to remember the positive out of spiky hair!

Revised Weekly Schedule

2009-04-13T19:24:00.003-05:00

So last year I came up with something that I could put on my Fridge to remind me of the things I should do during the day. Decided to do a face lift. Change things up alittle. I'm going to start on my family "notebook" too - which will have a more detailed list of things for the day. Plus important things concerning the house, phone numbers, paint chips, meal plans, coupons.... just a Central place for all my stuff!

Bradens 3rd Birthday Layout

2009-04-13T19:20:00.003-05:00

Yeah so dont judge me lol... I'm finally getting some time to get some pages done that yes I so should of already done. Life gets in the way sometimes!

Anyways this is of Bradens 3rd birthday party! He is so freaking cute, sweet, adorable, ornery...

ALL BOY for sure (well except his scream --- goodness me it is horrible).

Easter Egg Hunt - Play Date

2009-04-13T14:21:00.004-05:00

We got together last week for a Play Date easter egg hunt and lunch. Went very well! This was parkers first time to do the easter thing! The is the only photo that the majority of the kids were looking at the camera!

Prairie Dogs

2009-04-13T12:22:00.003-05:00

So... you might be wondering what is going on with Jill, these are obviously rodents. Well, in Ponca City out towards Kaw lake there is a Prairie Dog Preserve. These little guys are so fun to watch. They are entertaining, active, curious, and well ADORABLE.
With the move approaching next year (we think) I thought it would be smart to scrapbook those things we enjoy doing as a family.

Easter.... Layout

2009-04-13T00:58:00.002-05:00

Here is the second page to go with the first easter page I made earlier last week. I enjoyed putting this together - the boys had so much fun at Grandma and Papa Bentleys. We decided to do the easter egg hunting on Saturday since Easter Sunday was RAINY all darn day.
And yes... you will notice we are serious OU Fans --- ha ha ha ha...

Rainbow for Young Womens

2009-04-08T15:05:00.002-05:00

So as some might know I am serving in the Young Womens Presidency here in Ponca - and was doodling around trying to learn how to use some tools - I found a tool that will bend things... and I started thinking.... the rainbow for YW's needs gold now. So I put together some different papers and then embellished it and added something GOLD =-) now there is an up to date rainbow for the YW's Program.

Parker the Vegetarian

2009-04-08T01:51:00.003-05:00

Okay so todays Tuesday (yes i know it is wednesday at 2 AM) Freebie Scrap Challenge was to use this brown paper. I was really puzzled on what to do. Lets face it I have a crud of things to scrap about. 3 years of Bradens life, almost 2 years of Parkers life.... what did I want to do, what did this paper inspire. VIOLA .... my stick chewing, leaf eating son. He does like salad... though I think my kids will eat anything with ranch on it at the moment. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Red High Heels

2009-04-06T18:11:00.003-05:00

Yes - Red High Heels - good Country Song (Kelly Pickler) but oh so fun to wear. Yes I've shown these beauties off before but today the Scrap Challenge was your favorite pair of shoes. I could not pass it up!

Spring 2009 Layout Challenge

2009-04-04T12:36:00.003-05:00

Well I'm trying to get myself back into scrapping on a regular basis so one thing that has always helped me is on http://www.scrapgirls.com/ messageboard they post up daily challenges.
Today it was a Spring Layout using Yellow and Green... how do you think I did?

Please forgive the mess

2009-04-03T02:04:00.004-05:00

Sorry everyone I'm trying to teach myself how to do these darn html backgrounds and make it spiffy so bare with me for a while.

I need sleep as it is 2 am - and the kids will be up in 6 hours (if I am lucky).

So at least things are readable and functioning right now. I'll be back to dabble with things once I figure out how I want things to look.... there are so many choices when it comes to backgrounds.

Okay got the banner and backgrounds up for the Spring and Summer cause I am so not in the mood to mess with this stuff again.

Next on the list - Side Images!

4x6 Easter Layout

2009-04-02T23:10:00.001-05:00

Here is another layout - this I think will be the easter card that gets sent out... what do you think?

Easter Scrapbook Page

2009-04-02T19:48:00.002-05:00

So here is my easter page so far... How do you like it?

Easter Picture

2009-04-02T16:45:00.003-05:00

Which one is your favorite?

I think this is my favorite "together" photo.

So the plan is.... take a few of these photos and make an easter 12x12 layout and a 4x6 photo card. First to send out to family and second to showcase at Oh My Heavens (.) Net

Oh My Heavens: Digital Designs

2009-03-27T17:50:00.003-05:00

So for those that might be wondering what I am up too lately. I am working on a new business venture. My husband wants me to get a job, well he wants me to do something other than watch the kids all the time. So since I've been doing alot of digital scrapbooking for Young Womens and have alot of luck with people at least downloading them which in 6 months I've had alittle over 14000 Downloads.
So right now I have the domain name http://ohmyheavens.net , I am currently trying to get some things done and organized to show examples of each. So I'm kinda excited about the whole process. It is something that calms me and keeps me entertained. So supposedly I am going to get a set of time each day that I wont have to be bothered and I will be able to work on things. I'm excited. Right now I'm trying to work out all the places that I might be able to set business cards or brochures at, or flyer's on bulletin boards... or mass emails lol... Not sure. I think it is so much fun to work with other peoples photos, its awesome to help make their memories even more cute =-) or special.

Anyways. Wish me Luck! If anything it will give me an excuse to do more digital art and hopefully take some classes on more digital art programs to learn how to use some of these programs to their FULLEST.

How does the easter bunny know?

2009-03-25T00:12:00.009-05:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT EASTER AND THE EASTER BUNNY

So I've been using the Easter Bunny as a bribe for a week now. I've been telling Braden that the Easter Bunny wont come if he isn't being good. (Yeah I know that is Santa Claus - but he is 3 he doesn't know any better). So Last night when I was shopping at Walmart I came across these Gel clingy thingys. I thought they were adorable. So I had Braden and Parker assist me in putting them on the TOP (yeah I'm no dummy) pane of the storm door. I told Braden that we are decorating so the Easter Bunny can find our house. He of course went upstairs took his nap and when he awoke he asked if the Easter Bunny stopped by yet. The child has no concept of time. So do you think he will keep it up for Two more weeks? Pray it does, I love bribes.

So, Okay I know that Robert Downey JR. Is my man, but Simon Baker AKA Patrick Jane is quickly taking his place. We got our TV Guide magazine today that usually gets thrown in the trash cause we don't use it, but oh no this one did not make it to the trash and I'm thinking about framing it and putting him on my desk. PRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. For any of you that love a good sitcom watch the Mentalist. Check your local listings!

Brant turned 30 Sunday! I'm so glad that he is now in the 30's with me. Parker loved the cake as you can see, he started relaxing while he was finishing his cake (actually his second piece of cake).

Braden knew it was Daddy's Birthday and minus cake, candles and singing you must be photographed while enjoying your day. Braden found his play camera and didn't miss a shot. Notice that his hands are filthy with chocolate cake, didn't stop him.

One of the Birthday Boy (or Man as he is correcting me) blowing out the 1 boot candle I had left over from Braden's Birthday - For some reason I couldn't find the crayola ones I had lol. We enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to daddy, Braden knows the song decently. Parker smiled and I think applauded at the end with excitement.

Store bought - DON'T JUDGE. Notice the finger smudge on the yellow balloon. The resident Monkey (aka PARKER) decided he was ready for cake and helped himself. By climbing into his chair and then onto the table top.

We enjoyed dinner at El Patio after a Sunday Drive. Not sure what was going on in the picture other than me annoying him with my camera phone.

Friday Night we went to the OKC Thunder Game. If you click on the photo you will notice a balancing Bison. He is rather scary and if I was a child I think he would haunt my dreams, but he was entertaining. Cant say the game was all to entertaining. The atmosphere of the game was just odd. Not sure why. We so enjoyed the Hornets game we attended last year. This was just fizzled and the team wasn't on and well... we lasted to the end of the 3rd quarter then went to the Olive Garden. We sure hope they continue to get better, they didn't do half bad for their first year here and how the beginning of the season started for them. Cross your fingers we can get Blake Griffin in the draft. The Thunder played the Utah Jazz, there was a cute couple with a baby girl that was routing for the Jazz. It was cute, the lady entertained us with her hootin' and hollerin' ---- she had something to cheer about.

FINALLY BUNK BEDS. Braden officially has been moved to a big boy bed and he is actually staying in it all night. He was so excited to get the beds. He loves to play on the top bunk but has informed Parker that he can sleep up there. I'm thinking he is a scardy cat. We haven't moved Parker into the room yet, they just don't seem to know how to turn it off. Any pointers on how to integrate two rowdy boys?

Look at those legs! What a cutie! As you can see Parker is not afraid of climbing... now if we can make sure Braden doesn't knock him down in the process we will be moving in the right direction.

So we decided to get some fish one night on a whim at Walmart. I have bad luck with fish but I was hoping my new found motherhood skills would help me be a good fish caretaker. NOPE as you can see we had 4 fish (you cant see one of the sharks) as of today we have 1 tiger barb and two snails that we added last weekend. We stink! I'm thinking we need to get some more fish.... but the Barb is aggressive so who knows what we can get to go with him.

So like I said in the post below I fell down the stairs - This is the 3rd day I think, the one below is from the first day. I am almost completely off the pain meds and muscle relaxers. The chiropractor really does seem to be helping somewhat. At least with the soreness. Only issue is I didn't know I had hurt my shoulder blade and when the massage guy started he located like 6 knots. I got a lesson on why you get knots cause I get them a lot. Something about congestion and then tweaking it, I also heard that if don't drink enough water that sure doesn't help the situation. I'm horrible about drinking period so I now have a clue of why I always get knots in my muscles. Note to self. DRINK MORE WATER PLEASE.

Things sometimes dont go your way...

2009-03-18T01:58:00.002-05:00

Gosh this is a hard thing for me to admit, cause goodness sakes I like to have control. Let me tell ya some of the good that has happened then I'll fill ya in on why I've been absent.
We got a new computer. Amazing how cheap you can get a computer when someone orders ones and it gets scratched and sent back... might I recommend that to anyone that is in the market for a new computer, check out dell.com/outlet - there you can find things that have been refurbished (and certified) or scratch and dent. I'm totally loving the new machine, the little amount of time I've been on it.
Brant was officially offered his position with Conoco Phillips, which means when they move us, which seems to have been moved up, we will move to Bartlesville.
The weather here is beautiful, spring has arrived.
Hmmm what else is good... I know other good things have happened.
New Favorite CD - Zac Brown Band - they are the ones that recorded Chicken Fried, but oh my the rest of the cd is just awesome. If you are a Van Morrison fan, you'll love them. They are country but very soul country. Cute songs.
Hmmm... what else is good. Started a new book - "Living the Truth" - it is supposed to help me deal with the "shields" or defenses I put up in life. I'll do alittle write up on it when I actually dive into it, which by the way, the author makes you commit to reading it in 30 days.

Okay so now for my bad news. Or painful news. Sunday morning I was being lazy and didn't get up and around quickly for church, I was soaking in the tub, kiddie gate securely placed at the top of the stairwell. My monkeys decided they couldn't wait for mommy to get done and as I heard them running down the stairs I thought... no no no too many things they could do while I probably fall back asleep in this tub. So out I flew. Without drying my feet and slipped and slammed my back against the stairs (hard wood floors). Yeah I knew something wasn't right but I went down got the boys in tears and told them they had to stay in their room while I finished my bath - cause I swore it was a stinger and it would go away. As I got back in the tub which hurt so badly, I called my husband in tears, telling him I think I need to go to the er. His job is not one where he can just rush out. So he said call your mom, I'm like Sacrament has already started. He said I will figure it out.
So he called many cell phone numbers and no one answered, finally called the ward building and mom and dad were on their way. Now remember I did this all in my birthday suit. So as soon as he said your mom and dad are on their way I got out of the tub and had my poor 3 year old help me get dressed. So odd having him hold your panties saying help momma.... they were troopers and I was so thankful Braden was old enough to follow directions.
Mom and dad got there and we went to the er, brant met us there.
Nothing was broke but OH MY HEAVENS I've been in such pain ever since. They gave me some heavy drugs that Sunday and I really don't remember alot from that past week. I came too Wednesday when I was realizing my pain pills were not refillable and they were vanishing. So I ran out and thought no no no I should be better I'll take Ibuprofen, Friday night I threw up cause lets face it when your not feeling well and you take pills they just don't sit well... and Ibuprofen was about all I had on my stomach. Throwing up with hurt ribs! NOT FUN. Saturday I marched myself down to the Urgent Care center where they were able to refill my muscle relaxer and give me some lower but still good pain killers. Tomorrow I go to the Chiropractor. The urgent care center tells me I shouldn't be in as much pain as I am - and that if it isn't significantly better by the end of the week they would want a cat scan to see if I tore a muscle or have soft tissue damage. I can tell ya this much. I'm functioning so much better. I have pain when I on my back or have over done it and twist a certain way, when I agitate it, it feels like something is ripping or tearing... goodness me it hurts. But I'm doing so much better.
So yeah I've been MIA.
I haven't gotten things installed yet on this new computer but that is my goal for tomorrow morning. I need my design software and I need to hook the old computer up so i can finish the other backup of my C drive (already have D). I'm so looking forward to scrapbooking on this thing. It has more ram then my first computer had hard drive space. Like by 200% lol... amazing how computers change in 10 years.
Sorry no photos this post. But with this weather being so darn awesome I think I might take the boys out in the morning and get some new photos of them. Parker hit his head hard Tuesday while at Grandma, I am hoping it is healed before Easter - I've got the boys some cute "Island Chic" outfits for Easter (white linen pants - I'm INSANE).
Brant's 30th Birthday is Sunday - so is his Baptism. So I will have lots to Report on. Friday we are going to see the THUNDER.
I've submitted my NCAA brackets to the local radio station. Anyone want to challenge me?
So lots of things to blog about, and I plan on it. Bare with me!

So on the list of photos -
Bruise, Computer, Boys, Spring Things....... I think that is it? OH I got a new haircut... I'll take a new photo showing that lol...

Alittle more information - Im Spoiled

2009-02-25T14:03:00.003-06:00

Okay forgot to tell you all that I got matching ear rings to my New Years gift (open heart necklace) for our anniversary. Arent they lovely!

Another shot of these beautiful flowers

Here is the New Yeas gift. I wear it almost every day!

So Valentines morning I walked downstairs to put my contacts in. When low and behold Braden had switched the solution for Coke. Needless to say that was my last pair and they have destroyed my old glasses so they dont really sit well on my head. So Brant decided it was time for a new set of glasses. Whatcha think? Dont I look smart LOL. You might be thinking they are black. Nope they are a deep plum purple. I love them. Enough I havent even ordered my contacts LOL. But dont fret summer is coming and my rear will not be wearing glasses much during the summer!

For those that were wondering, it does appear in 2010 or 2011 we will be moved to Bartlesville. Which we is better than Houston, if there has to be a better. But they said its 97% sure Bartlesville but with Conoco Phillips you just never know.

Thanks for all the prayers of comfort everyone has provided. These past 4 months have been rather difficult. But I'm beginning to see the clouds start to part and there are sweet sunshine rays visible!

Update

2009-02-24T19:12:00.003-06:00

7 Years - 02-20-2002 - Brant sent me these lavendar roses fom Vera Wang on Friday - not sure I've seen lavendar roses before. They sure are pretty, beautiful infact.

This is a photo of the boys a few sundays ago. Arent they just the cutest thing on two feet?

So I have a crap ton to update people on, but, Im just not in a good mood! So I'll be quick. Brans position with Conoco will not be moved till 2010 or 2011 so we will be Ponca for the time being. So life goes on.

Being a Girl

2009-02-11T10:50:00.007-06:00

Okay so for those that know me, this will not be a shocker, for those that dont something new you will learn about me today. There are few things I obsess over 1. Shoes 2. Purses 3. Intimates 4. Nails So when thinking about what to blog about, I thought why not do something about me. Plus include a new photo of me.
So I've been having fun with polish lately. Above, Black, below, Purple. Have to be two of my favorite colors for toes right now. And the shoes arent too bad either! Oh and can you tell from the black to purple the tanning? Did you know that I love to tan? I love warmth and these winter months get to me!

Here is a new photo of me. I so dislike digital cameras and the fact that you can see every darn line on my face not to mention age spots, blemishes, and everything else I love to cover up!

ARENT THESE SHOES ADORABLE. Please if your in Ponca City, stop by the Bag Lady shop, on 7th near the High School. Kylie runs this shop and has the most adorable shoes and purses and clothes! Not to mention if you have little ones.... cute cute cute lil people clothes!

So we had a slumber party about a month ago with the Young Women and one of the hit colors was this blue that Madyson had, I took special note and had to run out and add blue to my collection. Then during the super bowl I was reading in Glamour and saw these cute lil art pens to do stuff on your nails. I've been having fun check out the hands and toes!

I've kinda decided that there is probably a reason why i dont have girls of my own. I'm alittle wrapped up in myself all the fun it is to be a girl that this house would puke girl if there was another one here.

Life has been good, we are still waiting till Monday and Tuesday to find out the "move" information. Brant has set a date to be baptised, New Beginnings is over and went well, I've had 11000 plus downloads on my Young Womens site, things are just becoming more and more busy and rewarding.

Yesterday I finally started one of my resolutions for 2009 - a Gratitude Journal. I think it will help me, understanding all the gifts you have in your life always reminds you things aren't so bad.

Parker's 18 Month Check Up

2009-01-27T09:57:00.002-06:00

So we ventured to the doctors Monday. Parker is 19 months old. He is 32 inches high and 27 lbs. We are healthy healthy, but are having issues with some allergies. We will be trying some benadryl each night to see if that helps him.
Parker has started repeating alot of things. He is a very good little parrot. He will say "I want that" or " I want more" which is more than Braden ever said even at 2. It is interesting watching these two grow and how different they are.
Doctor noticed he must be an active boy by all the bruises and cuts... and we have bigger brother to blame for the most of them. There is alot of wrestling and rough housing in the Garrison home and Braden has started his biting crap when he gets frustrated. LOVELY.

Oh Braden had his First scripture Sunday! He did a pretty good job. It was pretty darn cool!

Slacker Town

2009-01-22T10:44:00.006-06:00

Yes I'm a Slacker - we have been real busy, with what, other than messes, I dont know. But I am thankful that the Holidays are over and that life has almost returned back to normal.
Here is alittle over view of the past lets say.... 30 days... (i think that covers all the photos)
The Boys: Christmas eve my Uncle Spike decided that the lovely green and red cupcakes that they had brought to the party deserved a home at my house. Insisting to him that we did not need them somehow they made it home with me... Now I hope Uncle Spike understands why we didnt need them, it wasnt really the sugar intake... it was the potential for DISASTER.

One afternoon after we noticed braden had been absent and quiet (dangerous combo) we found him like this. Im not sure purple is his color. I think mom wears it much better.

Brant snapped this photo after a very long day. This was after the sugar incident (which you will read about later in this post).

Sugar Incident: January 19th

I've been working on a website the past few weeks. It has been consuming alot of attention mostly cause I'm stumped. The quality of art Im working with is ticking me off and I think I have been zoned out alot lately. The office is against the laundry room and kitchen. I could hear noises but I was unsure what they were... It kinda sounded like a rustling of papers, but there arent papers in the kitchen, and this sound had been entertaining them for a while.

I walked and found this.

Did you know that 4 lbs of sugar makes for great SNOW. Yes the boys were doubling fisting handfuls and then tossing them over their head.

I will be cleaning sugar for a year probably. It went everywhere, on top of cans, in boxes.... OH MY how I love my boys.

Our House: Progress

We've been working on the house! The outside for the very first time is all painted. All trim work is done. Apartment is all one color. The house is all one color. The only thing left is the front porch and we will do that this spring when we do some landscaping.
For Christmas my parents wanted to do Curtains for the house. Mostly cause they knew we were hosting and were probably mortified that we've never settled on a curtain for any room.

Plus we did some painting.

I just realized while writing this that it would be helpful to see a photo of 1. the house and 2 each of the windows that we covered. I will do that this afternoon when Im sure I will need fresh air to SCREAM. So hold me to a photo or two of a painted house and some homemade curtains my mom made.

Here is the dinning room. We painted it a stormy blue. Probably one of my favorite of our choices through out the house. Love the mood it sets. Love it in the sunlight and the darkness of evening. Love just turning this little lamp on at night and seeing the color. We are doing the room in this blue and accenting with White and Red. I've got some Frames to put up and we are looking at making a little corner art studio for the boys stuff. We will see.

Of course this was before Christmas. Brant and I have had issues with curtains. 1. We never can agree. My style is different that his, not that I cant appreciate it or even like it. Its more of a stickler to well I've already done this in the room that wouldn't go with that... so.... I went with what I liked and what my parents liked too and I think it is just awesome. The mood change in the room with curtains, AMAZING. The room is so warm. I love the sunlight through the curtains, it has a nice warm amber color to it.

I'll go through today after nap time and after the cushions to the couch are done in the drier - yesterday the boys found Hershey kisses and proceeded to devour them and in the midst smeared chocolate all over the denim couch.

ANYWAYS.

Another view.

Our family is going through alot right now. Lots of changes, lots of possible changes, two kids that really seem to take up an entire weeks worth of time in a matter of 12 hours. So I apologize, I've been at the computer daily but for some reason really havent known what to share. Strange huh.

We do hope everyone is having a great month of January. We hope our month ends better than it started. Actually I hope that for everyone!

New Years Eve

2009-01-01T14:07:00.002-06:00

So last night was a good night to end the year! Wow I've been blogging for alittle over a year. How cool, there are moments (like recently) where I just don't get on enough to do a post but moments like last night make me want to share share and share.
I was getting ready to go to our Youth's - Brand New Year party and until there is light in the spare room where my vanity is to go I put my makeup on downstairs near the computer lol - silly i know. Anyways after I got done the boys were in the office and thought... lets take a photo.
They love playing with the web cams. so here is the product of last night.
Parker loves to stick his tongue out and be foolish. I thought we could join in on the fun.

The one body part he will always answer (usually by honking someone Else's nose) is his nose....

I'm getting alittle flustered at this point cause they will not look at the right camera and wont stop wiggling on my sunburn (fake tanning bed burn).

This is about as good as it gets! And I must say I was pleased to see us three together and smiling and having a good time.

Growing up my parents would either have my grandparents or my godparents over to play Rook. Rook is similar to Hearts, kinda the same concept with the betting and the trump... but not done with face cards... Plus there is a mysterious Rook (a bird - crow looking thing) that is worth the most out of points - it is coveted always.

Anyways we've not played cards with my parents in a long time. So we asked if they would play with us on new years eve. They obliged. Brant knows my dad is a very good card player - he is a card counter and knows strategy very well... so instead of couples we did men/women. Which made Brant happy so that he could be with my dad.

First game as you can see they whooped mom and I... there were many exchanges between my father and mother and sly trickery on my dads part to get her to play cards thinking one way..... the phrase "tonight is going to be cold" kept being said lol....

Anywho.... As you can see the women came back on a BIG come back and whooped some rear for the next two games.... I must say mom did rub it in their faces often... we were both giddy that we had beat them as badly as we did... I took the score sheet up and am thinking about framing it.... it is on the Internet now for all the world to see just how good my mom and I at Rook.... got any takers for next game?

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T01:13:00.001-06:00

Enjoy. Photos to follow.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T22:03:00.002-06:00

Seriously this year has flown by! I did not get cards out... I swear when will I learn. But instead of Christmas Cards... i think I will just make a new tradition since I always get around to doing something towards the week of Christmas...I'm gonna start sending out Happy New Year Cards!
So to those of you that I got a christmas card... I'll be sending one to you and if you would like one send me an address.

Snapshot Sunday

2008-12-07T22:34:00.003-06:00

Yes this is my kitchen table - got all the fall stuff gathered up and ready to be packed up.

Outside Decoration

Here is the new color of the entry way. My parents came and painted last weekend while we were out of town. Aren't they nice. We still have to paint the trim.. strip the wood on the banister and paint the stairs! oh and the ceiling (we not that's kinda backwards)

Yes Yes Yes I know 7 days late.. but oh well... at least we got alot of practice of how to put the countdown pieces on the tree. I can already tell this is going to be a pain in my rear. I still need to go to walmart and get one of those 3 M sticker hooks ... It wont be in that exact location.

The tree in all its pre-decoration glory. Thats right... It has lights and the star lol other than that...... the boxes are ready to go through tomorrow night - Prefect family night activity!