DeTox ... Done

7 days later ... and we're all still alive!

One 5-minute mis-hap Saturday night where East found a paci.

Other than that we survived and it's been a way easier move than I EVER thought it would be.

For those who are wondering what our technique was:

We tried the cutting the paci.
Didn't work.

He just held the paci in this mouth with his hand since the suction wouldn't work.

We tried letting him "throw it away".
Didn't work.

He dug in the garbage and wouldn't move til he found it.

We accidentally "lost the paci".
Didn't work.

Cause we gave in and ran to Wal-Mart.

So, yes, we went COLD.TURKEY.

We got rid of all paci's in the house
(of course, except the one Easton had hidden).

Cory made me throw them ALL away.

Shhh. He doesn't know I kept one.

Cause all moms have to keep one for sentimental reasons.

All in all, this experience wasn't as bad as we thought.

He's actually a happier kid without his paci.

Go figure.

I had 100 people ask me Sunday at church how the week went.

I'm chalking the easiness up to the fact that all you guys were praying.

Next time I have a big-deal request, I'm gonna have Cory announce it from the puplit again.

Worked this time :)

DeTox

Well, we have officially ended day 1 of detox.

It wasn't easy.

It was pretty.

It definitley wasn't quiet.

But Mancub is asleep ... without a paci.

Its been his source of comfort for over two years.

It's also been his security, when we're at church or in crowds.

My heart kinds hurts for him about that fact ...

his "security blanket" has been taken away.

He doesn't do well with crowds.

But, the decision has been made, and it's now a done-deal.

No going back. No hidden pacis in my purse.

No emergency ones in the truck.

They're gone. And it'll be fine. We'll all live.

And when the next baby comes, I'm gonna give them a paci as well.

That's just how we roll :)

For old-time sake, here's a few pics with his paci ...

The Release

Aunt Aundrea got Autumn a butterfly habitat for Christmas.

After 6 impatient short weeks of waiting for them, they arrived.

(You have to mail out a certificate and then they mail you the caterpillars).

Did you know ...

Painted Lady Butterflies have 16 legs?

that the life span of a matured PLB is only two weeks?

the PLB has two eyes made up of 10,000 lenses?

that a PLB tastes through its feet?

a PLB breathes through the side of its body?

that PLB get nourishment from orange slices and sugar water.

(They also release this red nasty fluid after the emerge from their chrysalis.

Gross. Really, really gross. )

After two weeks of the caterpillars making their change to butterflies, we knew it was time ...

Time to release our new baby butterlies.

Enjoy the pics. Here we go:

Here's one of our five butterflies

And another one ...

Miss Becca even got in on the action!

One of the greatest Big Sisters ever!
(Can you see the butterflies in their hand!)

And of course we didn't let the mancub kill touch the butterflies ... but he wanted to "cheese" with Miss Becca!

Do You Feel Loved?

I haven't been this busy in a while.

A good busy.

A week filled with friends busy.

Something to do every day kind of busy.

Sunday speaks for itself ... it was Valentines Day.

Monday we had off work thanks to Pastor ...
We went to Pier Park with the kids. Ate at Bootleg Bar-B-Que.

Tuesday I went into work ... cause I had Monday off, remember :)

Pastor Brackett, Donald and Cory invited Jo Ann and I to lunch with them at Old Mexico.

California Burritos should be on everyones bucket list.

Wednesday I went to my friend, Tracys house. We hit it big there. Tracy has three girls. Autumn is right in between two of their ages. And Megan, the oldest daughter, loves to take care of Easton. So after yummy fajitas and lots of catching up, I was introduced to my first official "stamping" project. Through much help, I accomplished these two cards. Almost too pretty to send to anyone!

This morning I had coffee with two lovelies in my life, Aundrea & Georgia. Then on to work. Lunch time rolled around and I met the one&only Breanna at Applebee's. Tonight Cory & I caught up on Survivor. I'm still attempting to catch up on Lost.

Tomorrow I'm meeting a bestie, Brittany, for breakfast at Corams.

Then I'll enjoy the company of my Renew girls for bowling.

Next week I get to eat lunch with Kristen and meet Baby Cole. I can't wait! I've had baby fever for a year. Maybe Cole will be able to speak to my ovaries or something!

Do you feel loved? ... Cause I do :)

My Thirtieth Photo Roll

I realized I didn't post pics from the surprise party that
my super awesome husband threw for me.

He thought of everyone ... Our parents, our grandparents, brothers, sisters, our team, besties, mentors, dear friends, really .... he did good! And if he forgot you, it's his fault, not mine, I'm sorry.

Without further a-do, here are the pics. Thanks again everyone!

They were singing Happy Birthday

They made up menus with my name on it. How awesome. I still have it hanging on my fridge.

The PERFECT cake my sister made for me. It's so me!

The restaraunt he chose. Since Captain Andersons was closed, Cory researched somewhere that made a mean grouper imperial (my fave).

Everyone took a polaroid then wrote me a lil' note. Loved that idea!

A room full of love, life and memories.

Our once-upon-a-time students who are now partners with us.

Family, Friends, Mentors

These people are our home away from home :)

I don't know how I missed this pic of our table, but I did :)

Thanks honey for an unforgettable birthday!

19 and Counting

Every time I watch the Duggers,
I have to admit a little jealousy creeps in.

I wonder why Michelle got stacked in the baby making genes.

(This is no news to Cory. Although I think he sighs in deep relief at times that I am not a baby dispenser! )

With that being said, I sit here thankful for the two blessings we have been able to have.

They are healthy. They are happy. They are miracles.

Only God knows when and if we will be blessed with more children.

He knows my purpose. He knows my future. He knows my heart.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to me." Psalm 138:13-16

Sugar Rush

We knew the weather was gonna be gloomy today ... and everyone knows I hate gloomy, rainy days.

So we made a trip to Wal-Mart last night to pick up a few items to keep us entertained while we're stuck inside.

The weather was actually so nasty last night, that when we woke up, we saw this. Cory said "you know the only way to get that out, right?" Needless to say, it's still there until someone decides to brave the water!

And then we started our inside fun stuff. I was proud of myself ... I didn't try to secretly "fix" Autumns cookies when she wasn't looking ... or tell her how to pour the sprinkles ... or how to spread the icing so it lays falt. NOPE ... I just let her do her thing. And they turned out so cute! We all made some, even the boys. Hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

And now I have to get back to reality and finish this ....