Like a Chicken with it's Head Cut Off

Well, it finally happened.

Riley chewed up her beloved "baby" chicken this week. This was no ordinary chicken. It had oddly enough become a part of our family for the past year and a half. We are surprised it lasted this long because Ri chews up every toy we give her. But her chicken was special to her. We're really not sure why she did this, but there are some possible reasons. Maybe she is finally venting over Zach getting some of her attention. Maybe she wants some attention. Maybe it's because I bought her a big bone to chew on. Maybe it's because the squeaker had squeaked it's last squeak. Whatever the reason, I have been picking up bits and pieces of a chicken all week around the house. Her head and two legs are what is left of her.

I have to share a funny memory with this chicken...the first night home with Zach was very memorable. After Jason and I tried to no avail to get Zach to sleep, my mom (to the rescue!) walked around the house trying to sooth him. Riley, our tender hearted love, walked around the house whining with my mom and Zach and of course, her chicken, squeaking it as loud as she could. It was like she felt sorry for Zach and was trying to sympathize with him. This just added to a crazy night and made us all laugh when we were exhausted. Ok, enough down memory lane. This is a CHICKEN.

Looking a little guilty...

but it didn't stop her. I sure am going to miss that crazy chicken. I guess we'll have to go out and buy her a new one!

Never a Dull Moment

Riley loves to entertain Zach!

A Day at the Lake

I know! It seems a little early to be going to the lake in April, but there is no stopping Jason. It was a beautiful day, so we headed out to cruise around and catch some sun. Thank You, Lord, for the sunshine! Zach has never been on a boat, and he loved it! He'll be wakeboarding in no time.

Just chillin'. We weren't in the lake yet, so no worries about his life jacket!

Getting ready to go

Now where are we!?

Burrrrrrr! I don't think I got much sun, but I loved being with my two men!

Day of Firsts

Today was a big day for Zach! It was a beautiful day, so we tried out the jogging stroller. Thanks Ashley for lending me your stroller! He was ready to go as soon as I strapped him in it. A runner in the making...

All smiles...

Riley was really sad she couldn't go with us, but I didn't think I could handle both of them. Maybe someday!

This is Zach after our run. He was a little unsure, but he'll get used to it.

The second first of today...

Zach talked on the phone. He loved it!

The third first was cheering on dad at his softball game.

Jason is the hotty pitcher. Go Yard Dawgs!

College Friends

This weekend I met up with some sweet college friends, Meredith and Jennifer. Meredith also brought one of her daughters Maggie. They had never met Zach, so I was so excited to see them!

Meredith and Zach

We ate lunch at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Meredith's three year old, Maggie, is trying to hide in her chair. She was a little tired of smiling for pictures at this point! It was a great kid friendly place to eat.

We also went to an indoor play area to entertain Maggie. She loved it, and I did, too! There were alot of kids there, and they were hilarious to watch. Why didn't they have these things when I was a kid!?

Maggie and Meredith at the "market."

Our trip would not have been complete without seeing Zach's grandparents and great-grands. This is a pic of Zach's Gigi.

This is Zach's Papa, who he is named after. So sweet!

Zach's Nursery

This weekend I decided to get creative! Now, I'm not artistic at all, but I do enjoy doing artsy projects if I think it will turn out right and if I have some inspiration. I've figured out that I have to keep things SIMPLE. For awhile now I've wanted to put Zach's name on a wall in his nursery. So, I bought some wooden letters, painted them, and then Jason hung them for me. I'm excited how they turned out! Zach likes them, too.

I can't decide if I want to keep them like this or if I want to paint some brown dots or circles on the letters. Any ideas!?

Of course, I had to post my handsome little man!

I had to post this picture of Zach. Shannon took it a few months ago when she babysat one night. I LOVE it! We have no idea why he made this face. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Another Shout Out!

YEA! My sister Mandy now has a blog, and I am so happy! She has a precious daughter Abby who is nine weeks older than Zach. Check it out!

Shout Out!

Wow! Two posts in one day. There is a very good reason...my sis in law Meredith has started a blog, and I am so excited! Check it out! She has a cute hubby (my brother), two beautiful girls, and a baby boy on the way!

This is a pic from last summer before my sister Mandy's baby and Zach were born. Mandy is in the middle, and Meredith is on the right. LOVE these girls.

Oops again!

I know, I know, another post about Oops. I had to show my latest "finds." I have been looking everywhere for a bedside table for our guest bedroom. I love this one. It's perfect!

Bedside table

I thought this cake plate with dome was great, too. Yea for Oops!

Fun Weekend

What a wonderful weekend!

Yesterday my mom, Zach, and I went to our favorite shops and found some fun things. Zach was a trooper and full of smiles. Of course, we had to go by Oops, and I have finally convinced my mom how great it really is! It's true, though, that sometimes you can't find a thing. Luckily, we hit it on a good day. I'll have to post my finds later...

This morning (early!), Jason and I ran in a local 5K, and my dad ran the half marathon. This was my first race to run in since I had Zach, so I was excited. Jason was sweet and ran with me. Thanks, babe! My dad did wonderful as always. I'm always proud of him.

My mom was a great help with Zach this weekend. It's nice to have a third pair of hands! She can really get Zach talking, too...

Waiting on my dad...

Almost to the finish line!

Always an Adventure

My parents are visiting this weekend, so this means there will never be a dull moment. Tonight we ate dinner at a catfish joint in the middle of nowhere. Yeehaw! It was yummy, even though I ate the chicken because I don't like catfish!

Waiting in line...

This cake was on the dessert buffet. It made us all smile. What a "sweet" way to end dinner!

Bizy's

Once a month some of the girls in my small group from church get together for lunch. I am so glad we started this doing this and hope it becomes a tradition!

Lindsey and Stacy

Helga, Zach, and me

April Showers

Even though we've seen alot of rain this week, it's still been a great week! Zach is loving his new toy...the frog is his favorite right now.

Our friends Cari and JJ invited us over last night for dinner. I have known JJ since we were in kindergarden, and Jason and I always have a wonderful time with them. Sweet sweet couple!

Cari and me

Our weekly fam night was tonight! Andy couldn't come, and then I realized I didn't get pics of Shannon or Joe! Sorry, guys! Don't worry, there will be plenty of fam nights to come...

Zach and Cody

Elizabeth made yummy pasta!

Jason and me

One of My Favorite Psalms

"...all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began."
Psalm 139:16