The Rays of Sunshine

5 years ago I took a big step in my life, and  married the love of my life. We have been married 5 yeas, and been together for 8 years. Boy time really does fly when you are having so much fun! WOW, In 5 years, we have graduated college, moved back to our hometown, made many memories together AND became parents. Its been an awesome journey, and we are just getting started. For our Anniversary, we decided that we wanted to go away for the weekend, but being the person I am, I didn't want to go to far away from Derek, since we weren't taking him with us, so we decided to go to Hot Springs. We decided to stay at the Arlington, have a nice dinner, some drinks, and GET A FULL NIGHT OF SLEEP! For dinner that evening, Ricky made us reservations at the resturant called Central Park Fusion, and let me tell you, that was an amazing place to eat. The food was wonderful, and beautiful to look at. See what I mean, here are our plates of food....   See what I mean, ...

When they say A Baby Changes Everything, They were not kidding. We have had one year with our Handsome man! He has changed my life in so many ways, and made me realize how much I love being a mom! PARENTING: Not what I expected, AT ALL. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT, but there are so many things to having a child, that people could tell you about all day long, but until you are a parent yourself, you don't get it! As we approach the birthday of Derek, It has really got me thinking about the past year, so here is a recap of the best of the best of Year 1 with Derek, and being a New Mom: 1) It is the BEST job in the whole wide world.You instantly gain this love for this person you have never meet, then all of a sudden, he is here and your heart grows twice its size, just to hold all the love you have for this human. 2) It is the HARDEST job in the whole wide world. WOW, I never realized how much worry, stress, and sleep depervation comes with a newborn. Someone sh...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Derek's Birthday party was a success. I can't believe I am a parent of a 1 year old. I have to say I was a little nervous about the party and how Derek was going to react to it all, but he did really well. This day was a great day, and I feel so blessed to have the amazing family I have, and all the friends that came to share in this very special day with us. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will let the pictures do the talking: They say you are supposed to make a wish, but all my wishes have come true! His awesome birthday cake! He was really excited about getting to open his presents. He really enjoyed his birthday cake He was even willing to share with his grandpa! My blessing, I am one proud Mamma.

12 Months old = 1 year old!! WOW it is so amazing that I have had this little guy for a whole year! Lets see what all has Derek accomplished this month... He has been cutting 4 teeth, at once, that's been fun! He likes to smack, or chew, and it is really cute. I keep falling for it, thinking, What does he have in his mouth. He also loves to talk. There are a few words I can understand, and then a few that I am not sure what he is saying.  He likes to whisper, and mummer, which is super cute (that's my new saying) Here is a funny, sometimes he will whisper something, and I promise you it sounds like the S word, which is weird cause that word isn't used in our house, but sometimes I have to take a second look, and I just wonder what he is trying to say. Sippy cup success!! That's right, we have crossed over and are only taking a night bottle after bath time! That is amazing for me because I didn't think we would ever be able to move from the bottle to ...