An update is coming

I promise an update soon. It's just hard to find time to sit down and blog here lately. My update will include a few pics from the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend and a video of Mason that you will love.

Be back soon!!

Here you go Susan, Tina, and Jill

I know, I know...I am way overdue for an update on here. I guess I could give you a ton of excuses, but I won't bore you with those.

Boot camp is over and I am very proud to say that I went to EVERY class. As a matter of fact I am the only one in the class that never missed. Yay me huh? I lost inches, but not sure how many. To be honest, I really miss boot camp. The first few weeks of it, I dreaded going but I soon got over that. They are supposed to start having aerobics class very soon and I can't wait. In order for me to push myself, I have to be in a class setting.

School for Mason is going fine. He seems to really enjoy it and is learning so much. Regardless of where he is, if he sees an American Flag he will stop in his steps and say the Pledge of Allegiance and then he goes into My Country, Tis of Thee. It's really cute. I needed to get him doing this on video and post it.

Halloween was good this year. We had a Halloween party with a few of our friends for all of our kids and it was a blast. This is our second year to do this and this year was even better. We had a couple of hay rides and the kids loved it. Not sure how we will top next year. We had a total of 8 kids ranging from age 11 to 2 so we really had a good time with them. Below are some photos of the kiddos.Do you see my Mr. Incredible on the back row?? Hay ride #1...they were so excited.

Me and my Cowboy. (My costume would not inflate properly for some reason.)

Mr. Incredible waiting on his friends to show up.

I have to share another photo with you, but first I have to tell you a story about it. A few weeks ago I went to the Canton Flea Market in Canton, MS and was completely overwhelmed with all the vendors that were there...WOW. Anyway, I had only been there for about 20 minutes when I saw a painting that I had to have. It literally took my breath away. I called Todd and asked his permission to spend so much on a painting and he said go for it. Before he changed his mind, I quickly let him go. ;-) Let me know what you think about it.
The picture, of course, does not do the painting justice but is it not beautiful???? I love it.

Well, it's getting late and I need to get to bed. I hope I didn't bore you.

Toodles,
Dawn

New car, Journey concert, etc...

Hello everyone. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Todd and I had a weekend get-away last weekend. We went to St. Louis to see Journey in concert. It was a blast...love me some Journey. They were awesome. Cheap Trick and Heart opened for them. Heart was wonderful. I have always been a fan of Heart, but now I really like them. Silly me, I didn't take my camera to the concert so I have no pictures to show...sorry.

I also got a new car last week. My wonderful husband drove to Nashville and bought me a 2005 Nissan Murano SL. We got a deal that we could not refuse. It only had 14 thousand miles on it. It's a sweet ride...let me tell ya. My other car was starting to need a good bit of repairs and we just didn't want to put that much money into it. So, now I have a new/used Murano that is the bomb. Oh and it's MS State color too. Go Dawgs!!! (Although they are not doing well this year.)

Below are some pictures of the future Michael Phelps. Mason LOVES to take a bath and wants the water pretty high. He wears his goggles and likes to float or lie face down in the water to see how long he can hold his breath. This kid has no fear, so next year he will be taking swimming lessons for sure.The pictures below are of Mason a pillow case with the pillow. He's a goofy child and is constantly doing something silly.

One last picture of the boy. This one is of his favorite place in the house to be...on our bed, watching a movie, and eating a snack. Yes, he is constantly running around in nothing but his undies. Of course, if we have company we make him get dressed. He's a typical boy.


He is doing well in Kindergarten and is learning lots. He comes home singing a new song everyday. He has only gotten on yellow twice this month, so we are pretty proud of him.

In case I don't update before September 29th, please be sure to eat at Chili's on the 29th. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and Chili's donates 100% of it's proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on September 29th. Please eat there or buy someone a gift card there so they can eat. Thanks. :-)

I must go and play with the boy. Have a wonderful weekend!

Toodles,
Dawn

Don't get confused in the rambling...

Sorry for the long delay in updating. Since school started there just isn't much time left in the day to sit down and blog. Busy, busy, busy.

Mason is having a bit a tough time adjusting to his new structured life. He seems to get on yellow at least 2 times a week. (Green is where you want to stay and if you get in trouble you have to move your name to yellow, then orange, and the last is red.) His teacher and teacher assistant are both wonderful sweet ladies and I am blessed to have them as Mason's teachers. I just hate that he isn't minding at school. Yesterday he got on orange...needless to say I was fit to be tied. We are working on what his punishments will be after school when he gets off green. Right now he is not allowed to watch movies until he gets home from school Tuesday and that's only if he stays on green that day. This kid LOVES his movies, so it's really bothering him. I know in time this will all work out and he'll be fine.

Friday was hat day at school and you had to pay $1.00 to wear a hat. (The dollar went to the PTO.) Anyway, look at my cute little guy with his St. Jude hat on.
It's sort of funny because two years ago he would not keep a hat on his head so I didn't really think he'd want to wear one. When I told him that he could wear a hat to school, he said, "But I don't have a hat". When I brought the hat out he was so excited and put it on immediately. Then my vain child went and stood in front of a mirror to check himself out. I think he's pretty precious!!!

I have started Team Shae again for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. So far, Todd is the only member, but I am sure that we will have more as time goes on. If you are interested in running on our team or donating, go to www.stjudeheroes.org/users/shaesdad. There is a 5K, half marathon, and full marathon. I am always on the side lines holding signs cheering on the runners. It's a neat experience and we wouldn't miss it for the world. It's very humbling to see so many runners running for the kids of St. Jude. I hope you can make it or donate.

Here's a picture of my niece from last year's run. Mindy and Shae were born on the same day at the same time at the same hospital. They were only 3 when Shae passed away, but they were close and Mindy misses him.



Well, the boot camp started this week and this ole' gal is sore. It's only on Tuesday and Thursday nights...which I am very grateful that it's not a nightly thing. I am loving it though...it's fun and I am excited to see the results in the end. Todd has been going to the gym working his booty off. He's lost about 20 pounds. I have lost 6 pounds and some inches so I am pleased. I can tell in my clothes too, so that's always an encouragement for me. :-)

I need to go do some house work. Enjoy your 3 day weekend...I sure will. Especially tonight as I watch the MS State Bulldogs spank Louisiana Tech. GO DAWGS!!! (Go Memphis Tigers too...beat Ole Miss.)

Toodles,
Dawn

Just a quick update...

WOW, what week and weekend it has been. Mason, my precious baby, started Kindergarten last Thursday. He was pretty excited. Todd, on the other hand, was NOT. He is getting better with it though. We have had to change Mason's bed time to 8:30 instead of 9:30. He has to get up at 6:45 during the week and that boy LOVES his sleep. (He's just like his dad.) His first day was good with the exception of him coming home with a migraine. After he got sick and slept for about 2 hours, he felt better. Poor little guy. This is the first migraine he has had since May 9th. (Yes I am keeping a record of each migraine.) Anyway, Friday was a good day for him as well. This week will be rough on him as it's his first full week. He will be fine though because he is so good at adjusting.


Isn't he a cutie?????

I have a very special friend that is in China right now with her husband getting their daughter that they are adopting. Gracie Ann is just beautiful and Tammy & David are so excited. They have to be there for about 10 days before coming home. To keep up with their journey, click on Tammy's name on the right under "My favorite blogs". Keep them in your prayers too.

Have a good night and love on your babies!!

Toodles,
Dawn

Sorry for the delay in posting

I have been one busy woman lately. Between working and going to the gym we barely have time to do anything else. I must say that we do love going to the gym though...even Mason. I haven't lost many pounds, but I can tell in my clothes that I am losing inches and that keeps me going. Also I have had 3 people, including my husband, tell me that they can tell I am losing. There is nothing like a little boost of confidence huh?? I still have a good bit of inches and pounds to go, but I will get there. There is an eight week boot camp starting August 26th that I am seriously thinking about doing. It will kick my butt, but it will boost my weight loss and help get me toned. It's two nights a week for one hour. Wish me luck!!

This past weekend, we went with our friends to their cabin and then to the lake on their boat. Mason decided that he was just as big as the other boys ( 8 & 11) and was jumping off the boat. Then he rode in the tube being pulled by the boat. He was pretty upset that we made him get back in the boat. He had a great time. I will work this weekend on getting some pictures on here of our weekend at the cabin and lake. I also have a video of Mason riding the tube...I will be sure to post the link for that. (Thanks Jay and Michele.)

Susan - here are a few pictures of cakes that Todd has made. We haven't taken a picture of all his cakes and I do regret that. Let me know what you all think.

Mason's birthday cake (Power Rangers)

Have a good night.

Toodles,
Dawn

Ahhh...the weekend is here

Last night Mason and I saw the most beautiful rainbow. I have to say it's been a very long time since I have seen a full rainbow. It was breath taking. It made me think of so many little St. Jude angels that are in Heaven right now. I know that Shae, Emma Grace, Jake, Hannah, and Big Ben had fun helping God make that rainbow. If I had my camera with me, I would have taken a picture.

I can tell you now that I will probably ramble tonight...lots to say tonight. Wednesday was the 20th anniversary of Todd's moms death. She died of breast cancer at the young age of 46. I hate so much that I never got to meet her. It breaks my heart that Mason will never know her on this side of Heaven. I long for the day that our family is reunited in Heaven.

Mason is officially a Hernando Tiger. I registered him for Kindergarten this week. Todd is not real happy about Mason going to school. They get to spend so much time together and Todd is really going to miss him. Mason will be fine in school, I have no doubt. He loves to talk and doesn't meet a stranger. I always say that we will be voting for him one day. He's the little politician.

Todd has been offered a part time job at The Cake Lady Bakery. He's pretty excited about working there and learning more things. He loves to cook and lately his passion has been making cakes. He made a cake last weekend for a birthday party and has another one to make for this weekend. He really enjoys baking and I am so glad. His dream is to open a bakery here in Hernando. There isn't a "true" bakery here and we know that he would do well.

I guess I have rambled enough now. Have a good weekend.

Toodles,
Dawn

Mason's summer

Mason has had a fun and busy summer so far. He went to his grandparents house in Crossville, TN for a week. He went with us to Louisiana for Shake for Jake and is still talking about being down there...he had a blast.
Here he is playing in the sprinkler in our back yard. He LOVES doing this. Don't you just love the small things in life??

He was at my parent's house Friday afternoon when he fell and busted his lip. From what I can tell he bit his lip so it's pretty bad looking both inside and out.

I wasn't there when he fell so it was pretty dramatic from what I hear. His poor little lip is still swollen and it looks like he has a dip in his mouth. Here's another one.As you can see he does have a smile on his face. This was later on that night when we got home and were watching our neighbors shoot fireworks. They gave Mason some sparklers and he LOVED them.It's so hard to believe and it's very bittersweet for us that he starts school in a month. I wish he was 2 again. Would putting a brick on his head stop him from getting older??? I'm not worried about him going to school because I know that he will love it. He's such the little social butterfly and does not meet a stranger. I do feel sorry for his teacher because Mason is constantly asking questions. It makes me wonder just how many time-outs he will be getting in school. :-)

I need to get busy cooking dinner. Yes, I do cook sometimes. I am not a fan of it, but I do cook at least 2 times a month.

Toodles,
Dawn

What a fun weekend

We had the best time at Shake 4 Jake this weekend. My one regret is that I didn't take any pictures...can you believe that? I took my camera, but it stayed in the bag at Jin Jin's house. Soooo, if you want to see some good pictures of the events click here.

They had an event earlier in the day for the kids which Mason thoroughly enjoyed. There was a blood mobile there so Todd and I gave blood. They also had someone there from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. signing people up to be on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Lots of great things for a great cause. I believe a fun time was had by all.

I have increased my workout routine to help shed some pounds. Instead of walking for two miles on the treadmill, I now walk one mile on the treadmill and then I get on the bike for about 2-3 miles. My butt and legs are sure feeling it too. My scale is "out of sight and out of mind" because I have a bad habit of weighing EVERYDAY and I know that is NOT good at all. I weighed Monday and put the scale away and will have to be strong to not weigh again until next Monday. I HATE BEING ON A DIET. Sorry for the all caps, but it's just how I feel. Hopefully in a couple of weeks, I will be updating with some weight loss and will be a bit more positive.

I need to go and get the boy to bed. I'll be back later.

Toodles,
Dawn

Not there yet...

Thanks so much to Jessi for making my banner! I LOVE IT. I have got to work on getting it a little smaller and center, but for now it will have to do the way it is. Thanks Jessi...you're the best!


Well, I didn't lose the 10 pounds that I wanted to. I have been to the gym at least 4 times a week and eating better, but have only lost about 4 pounds. Of course, thanks to Eve eating that apple I had PMS during one of the last three weeks so I know that is part of the reason that I haven't lost more. BTW, when I get to Heaven I will be having a serious talk with Eve about not listening to God. Anyway, I will keep on keeping on and watch the weight slowly come off.

We are leaving tomorrow around noonish to go to Louisiana for Shake 4 Jake. I am so excited to go and see everyone. We are staying with Jin Jin, Jake's grandmother.

Below are some pictures of our memory garden that Todd has been working so hard in. There are more things to add, but it will take time. Enjoy!






Good night all. I'll be back later with pictures from our weekend with Jake's family.

Toodles!
Dawn

I wanna be a cowboy...

Mason's appointment with the Neurologist went well. No MRI is required. If starts having migraines more often they want a MRI. He goes back in December for a 6 month check up. Thanks for praying!!


It's so good to have Mason back home with us. It took less than 10 minutes for him to destroy the living room with his toys. Oh well, I wouldn't have it any other way. He's the Best!!

I love this picture of Mason. There is a story behind it and it's below the picture.
My mom and dad are on vacation this week so I had to find a sitter for Monday and today. My friend that cuts our hair agreed to keep the boy Monday. She has two children, one being Mason's age. The one that is his age is a girl and her name is Brinley. Anyway, my friend has a water slide at her house so Mason was pretty pumped about going yesterday. Well, he did NOT want to get his feet wet at all. He asked if could put on his shoes, but the answer was no. So he went inside Brinley's room and found her red cowboy boots. He finally took the boots off and got his feet wet. I think the picture is so funny. I am so glad that the boots were not pink or Todd would stroke out on us.

Oh!! I lost 2 lbs last week!!! Yay Me! I am currently waiting on Todd to get home so I can go to the gym. Going to the gym has really gotten me motivated to eat better and drink more water. I am really enjoying it. Todd will be joining this week as well. I'll keep you posted on my weight loss train!! Woo Woo!!!

Have a great evening!

Toodles!
Dawn

Mason baby, here we come!!

When I get off work tomorrow we are heading to get my baby!! I can't wait. We have missed him so much. We have talked to him everyday and he is having a blast. Come oooonnnnnn Friday night!!!

Well the diet and exercise are going really well. It hit me this morning that last Saturday when I said that I wanted to lose 10 pounds before I go to Louisiana & that it was two weeks away, I realized that it was 3 weeks away. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks before we go. Sooooo, my goal is still 10 pounds but in 3 weeks instead of 2. That's sounds a little easier. I have gone to the gym everyday this week after work and will be going on my lunch tomorrow. I'll miss Saturday and Sunday, but hope to get back in the groove come Monday. Speaking of tomorrow, the owner of the gym asked me to be in a commercial they are filming tomorrow. Can you believe that??? I won't be speaking (thank goodness) but I will be on a treadmill walking. It's really cool that they asked me to be in it. I will be wearing my BankPlus t-shirt to get a little "plug" in for my bank. I'm pretty excited about it. I'll let you know Monday or Tuesday how it went.

Monday morning at 8:00, I will be needing your prayers. Mason is having to see a neurologist for migraines. He has had about 3 or 4 in the last 5 months. Two of those were back to back within one week. Todd had them as a child so I believe that Mason has inherited them. Please pray for peace for us. I am sure that you know what is in the back of my mind, but I refuse to speak it. Anyway, remember us Monday @ 8:00. I'll give a report as soon as possible.

I need to get packing for the weekend. Have a great weekend and hug those babies a little extra tight.

Toodles!
Dawn

Already missing Mason

Mason will be leaving Monday to go spend a week with Todd's dad and step-mom in Crossville, TN. This will make his third year to do this. He always has the best time and enjoys himself so much. He is so excited about going. We will leave to go get him Friday and spend the weekend there.

Tomorrow Mason and I will be going to see Kungfu Panda (I think that's the name of it). Anyway, going to see a movie with him is so much fun. He is like his momma and he is all about eating some popcorn. I can't wait!!

I finally joined a gym yesterday. It's a new gym that is around the corner from my bank. They are open 24 hours a day which I think is pretty cool. Every treadmill has a TV on it, which will come in handy for me because I have to have something to entertain me while I am exercising. :-) I need to lose at least 30 pounds but my goal is 40. It really sucks that I have let myself get like this. I can remember only needing to lose 10 and now it's 40. What in the world was I thinking letting myself go? Now that I am paying for this membership, I will be more motivated to go. With Mason out of town next week, it will be easy for me to go everyday. My goal is to shed 10 pounds before I go to Louisiana in two weeks. Wish me luck.

Gotta get to bed...I was up early this morning to exercise.

Toodles!
Dawn

Getting ready to Shake!

Hey fellow bloggers. If you read Melanie Massey's blog or Staci Raborn's blog you know that Shake for Jake is just around the corner. I can't wait to go again this year. I am sure that it will be better and bigger this year. Jake has to be so proud of his family for helping other families that have children with cancer.

Please mark your calendar for Saturday, June 28th...Shake for Jake 2008. Bring your checkbook, your appetite, and your booty shaking shoes. It's a blast and worth the drive!!

Raborn's - can't wait to get down there to help out. We love you all!!!

Good night,
Dawn

"Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work I go"

Well, it's time for me to get back to work after not being there for 9 days. A small part of me wants to get back but the rest of me wants to stay home. Todd has to go back tomorrow as well which means Mr. Mason will be up early to go to his Nanny's house. They have missed each other though. That boy sure loves my mom. They are just so funny together. My mother is not in the best health, but Mason keeps her very active and busy. She will miss him when he goes to school in the fall.

Mason is loving his newly painted room. If you know Mason you know that this favorite color is red so one of his walls is red. He thinks it is so cool to have a red wall. I love his room now.

This is a boring update, but it's what was on my mind. Have a happy Monday. Hug your babies tight and never take them for granted.

Good night!

Vacations can sure make you tired

Todd and I have been off work all week long. We didn't go anywhere because I wanted to just hang out at home an enjoy the time off. We have been busy though. We have cleaned, painted Mason's room, went to the zoo, ran all kinds of errands, and Todd has worked in the yard like a mad man. I am worn out and I know that Todd is too. He worked in the yard most of yesterday along with helping our neighbor with some things. I think he will be glad to get back to work and drive around for 12 hours.

Mason loves the color red so one of the walls in his room is now red. He loves it and asked that his bed be moved to that wall. The other three walls are a dark khaki color. It looks completely different now, but that is a good thing.

I will post a pic of Mason's new room soon. Right now I have got to run to Wal Mart for a long list of items.

Toodles!
Dawn

My first post

Well I finally did it. I started my blog. My precious friend Susan has been asking me to start one and she will be so proud that I did it. Now I won't promise a daily post, but I hope to get on here at least once a week. Life, as we all know it, is extremely busy but fun!

If anyone can help with a creative header with some of my pics, please let me know. I want a really neat one with pics of my boys.


I will end with one of my all time favorite photos of Mason with Shae on his shoulder.

Have a great day!