Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Thankful Tuesday...

-- I thank God for a wonderful Saturday at the zoo.. Can't tell you how much it makes me smile that we got to have a family day and it was perfect. :)
-- I'm thankful that the rain has slowed down and the sun is shining! Whew, it was some wet, hard days inside!
-- I'm thankful for whoever invented the Chi, the hair straightener. Gosh! It performs miracles on my hair everyday.
-- I'm thankful that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.. The tunnel is trying to get Jalen to be able to put himself to sleep. Once we get started, I have a feeling that after a week or two, we'll be able to finally get things done at night.
-- I'm thankful for a wonderful teaching experience last week. I was able to teach a lesson during my practicum and it went great!!

My life may be a crazy one, but it is mine. I'm not perfect. I have bad days. I cry when I get frustrated. I yell. I roll my eyes. I have my moments where I say crazy things, but you know what, it's all me and I'm thankful I have people who love me!!!

What are you thankful for?

Monday, March 30, 2009

Zoo, Life, Jalen, etc...

On Saturday, we braved the weather and went to the zoo. It was a wonderful time and I can't tell you how happy it made me to have just the three of us hang out for a day. Nicholas, Jalen, and I started our journey around 10 and got to the zoo around 11:15. We went through the entire zoo without a single rain drop. When we were finishing up at the elephants, the rain poured.We hopped on the tram. Ran to the car. Made a few sandwiches. And headed home! Jalen loved the monkeys because they were hitting each other on the head with sticks. He liked the ostriches, too. They came about 2 feet from us. We were sad the polar bears weren't out. They're sick! Overall, it was a wonderful day and I thank God I was able to spend the day with just my boys! :)

Lately, we've been battling the sleep issue with Jalen. At night, we put him to sleep. We lay with him until he falls asleep. We know he's a little old to be doing that but with our current situation it is what has worked best. But, now, he's getting to the point where he likes to lay there forever, talk, scream, yell, be funny, etc... It's hard for us. Hopefully, this week, I'll get a room painted and move his stuff out of mine. It will be a huge change for both of us, but I figure after a rough week, he'll get used to it. Pray for us! It will be hard but eventually we'll all be under one roof and we'll be glad we endured a rough week for peaceful years.

You know, motherhood is the best, but hardest thing I've ever gone through. I always say I never knew what love was until I met my son for the first time. Sometimes at night I lay in bed and I smile, laugh, cry, and just shake my head at things we've been through. I remember having him like it was yesterday, so for everyone that says they don't really remember, I don't know what you're talking about. I remember bringing him home and sleeping with him on my chest. I remember his smiles and his crazy afro (that I really do miss). I remember the outfits he wore when he was a baby. I remember the nights we were wondering how do we get him to stop crying! I remember when he was sick and throwing up all night. I remember when we had to walk him in circles around the kitchen to get him to go to sleep, but when we would stop, he would wake up. We'd take turns taking laps. I remember his first steps. I could go on forever. What I'm getting at is that there are times in life that when you're in the moment you're wondering when it is going to end, but once it is over, you're wondering why you wanted it to end. Kids grow up way to fast.

Driving home from work tonight I heard this song -- it brought me to tears. Just think about it...
Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long
He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It won't be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle
And he'll raise her veil
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long

Monday, March 23, 2009

Prayer Request

I couldn't imagine what I would do if something ever happened to Jalen. Take a look at the blog titled My Charming Kids and pray for this family who's son is basically fighting for his life. Thank you!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Ultimate Blog Party 2009

Well, I've found something called the Ultimate Blog Party, which links people together and shares new blogs! Figured since I fell into the blog world, I might as well join that too! :-) If you'd like excellent new blogs to read check it out by using the side button. Also, if you're taking a peek at my blog from the Ultimate Blog Party, welcome to our life.

As part of the party, you're suppose to introduce myself -- My name is Alyssa. I graduated high school in January of 2006 and on August 20, 2006, I welcomed Jalen Nicholas into the world. He's all boy, all Mommy's little boy. I work part-time, go to school full-time, and manage all of the Mommy things. I've learned that in life you have to remember it is the simple things that mean the most. I can't tell you how many times my little boy's smile makes my day or my lovely boyfriend's kisses on the cheek mean the most. I don't need all the big, expensive things, just a shower to myself every now and then or a trip to Target (even with Jalen)! I love to do crafty things. I'm a little behind on my pictures, but give me a break, I'll get them on here within a few days. Enjoy looking around and welcome to our life.

Join the fun... http://www.5minutesformom.com/5808/ultimate-blog-party-2009/

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Thankful St. Patrick's Day!

I'm not lucky, I'm blessed...
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
* The good thing about family is you don't keep score... you just help each other out *
(Could not have been said better by my sister!)

- I'm thankful Jalen's fever is gone, his nose is not as runny, and his lips look a lot better!
- I'm thankful for the patience I had this past week..
- I'm thankful for the rain, even though I'm ready for it to be hot and sunny
- I'm thankful for Jalen sleeping through the night now. When he was sick he was up the entire night and we slept with Elmo on!! We never want to watch those Elmo's again.
- I'm thankful I got Jalen's Easter basket I love on sale thanks to coupon codes on the internet! Something that was supposed to cost me $50 only cost me $30 including shipping! :-)
- I'm thankful that my practicum is almost over b/c I'm ready for a break!

What are you thankful for?

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A New Project..

Sometimes I get in creative moods and want to do something cool.. My last project was a J for Jalen out of crayons, which I need to post. This time I am going to make a quilt out of Jalen's baby clothes. I'm not going to use all 10 tubs of clothes, but my favorites! Maybe once I am done, I will part with the others, but I doubt it. :) We'll see... I'll keep you updated.

PS: Everyone needs to tell Jessica to make a blog about Ryan and her adventures! :-)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Finally!!

Well, Jalen has been sick now for 2 days and he is miserable. It's so sad to see him the way he is. We went to the doctor yesterday and the poor guy had to go through flu testing, strept testing, having his blood taken, and having to pee in a cup! He was one tough guy! They concluded he has a virus. If his fever, which was 104, doesn't go away by Friday then we have to go back. We'll get back to normal soon!! :-) Lindsay and Dwight got a new doggie we're ready to go visit. Miss Chloe came home yesterday. I'm sure Jalen will be able to keep up with her. She was digging in a pot of dirt when I checked in last. Well, here are the new pictures! Enjoy!!






Eventually, we're going to take these two guys pictures together professionally!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

My goal today is to add new pictures!! I've got so many cute ones of Jalen at Marbles and just out in the yard. Also, I have precious ones of my nephew and Jalen together!!!!

Another Tuesday!

- I'm thankful, even though Jalen is sick, I am able to care for him...
- I'm thankful for this beautiful weather we were able to get out in...
- I'm thankful I got to see my cute little nephew today with his little plaid outfit on...
- I'm thankful for being able to finally wash the dirt that has been caked on my car for a year now off...
- I'm thankful Spring is coming and then, summer... I love warm weather!!
- I'm thankful my Dad bought Jalen some new clothes :-)

What are you thankful for?