So I got behind.... I knew I would.

Thanksgiving is over.
And it was goooooood.

I took my camera to both places with hopes of blogging about our day, but I completely forgot to take any!!

This year, Lance's granny did her's the weekend before, and Lance's mom was unable to make it down since she is spending he every moment with her husband... So we did not have a dinner with that side this year.
This was the 2nd year without my step-dad's mom, 
leaving me with just 2 places to go this Thanksgiving day.
I can not tell you how pleasant it was.
I got to visit more...
and sit and eat, and chat afterwards.
And Maddox thought the food was "delicious" and "delightful"!!
And was great all day, despite no nap.

He threw out all the stops at Nana's, being the only kiddo there, he had the attention of everyone.
He probably told his knock knock joke 30 times, and cracked everyone up with his 4 year old personality!
My favorite thing:
My Nana said, "I'm serious, I have never seen a 2 year old with a vocabulary like his"... Maddox replies, "Yes, It's incredible!"

Thanksgiving was nice.
Maddox and I had a great day.
The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have Lance home. He had to work.  :(

I went to my mom's that morning to help cook... and here are the only pictures that were taken that day.

As for shopping...
I skipped the Black Friday thing this year...
Well, kind of!
My sister went to WalMart at 11:00 at night and bought $200 worth of stuff...
(I didn't have the heart to tell her that most everything she bought was still on sale Saturday when I went for groceries!)
My mom and I ventured out about 3:00 and got some pretty good deals...
The mall was not that crowded considering...
I think everyone had gone to bed already!

Now I will try  and get caught up on my 30 day challenge...

Day 4:
These are my parents.
They're pretty great.

They love my kid as much as I do... and they are the first people (behind Lance) that I call when Maddox does something new, fun, exciting, bad, etc...
And my child loves them back.
Sometimes I wonder if he loves them more than me...  :) 

[Honestly put, that's the quickest way to move to my top of my list.
As an adult, sometimes it is easy to see why people may not like you, or act unfair towards you... but when it comes down to my kid;
You love him and treat him fair,
Or you go to the bottom of my list.
Simple.]

I love my parents.

Day 5:
I was suppose to share my favorite recipes....
If I make it, you can guarantee it is one of 3 things-
*easy  *cheap  *made without ground hamburger meat.
Here's a few of my absolute favorites:
(I am not promising that any of them are healthy-- but they are all good enough to share!)

Smothered pork chops:
1 package of boneless chops
1 can of Golden mushroom soup (you can not substitute with cream of mushroom)
1/2 can of water
1/2 small onion chopped
throw it in the crock pot on low for about 6 hours... and enjoy with mashed potatoes and a veggie!
(Sometimes I throw raw carrots and chunk up potatoes in it so it is a complete meal when it is done)

Cheese enchiladas:
1 can cream of mushroom
1 large can (or 2 small) of mild enchilada sauce
Heat in a sauce pan until smooth
(heat corn tortillas in microwave so they roll without crumbling)
spoon mixture into tortillas and add shredded cheese.  (I add onion to mine-- you could add HB meat too)
fill a 9X12 with as many as will fit and pour the rest of the mixture on top.
Cover with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted.
I always open a can of refried beans and make a package of Spanish rice.

Velvet chicken pasta:
1 pkg cream cheese
1 can Golden mushroom soup
1/2 cup white cooking wine
4 or so chicken breasts
1/4 stick butter
2 tbsp oil
cook in the crock pot on low  for 6 hours
Serve on angel hair pasta.
I always make green beans and garlic toast with it.

Easy Loaded baked potato soup:
I will only make this on a day that I already made bacon for breakfast!!
Peel and dice about 8 potatoes (small chunks), throw in a glass bow, cover with saran wrap and microwave 8-10 minutes. (until all the potatoes are soft)
while those are cooking, melt 1/2 cup butter in pot and whisk in 1/2 cup flour
Once smooth, pour in EIGHT cups of milk.
bring to a boil and then reduce heat but keep stirring until it thickens.
dump in cooked potatoes
add 8 oz container sour cream
and 1/2 cup shredded cheese
crumble in 5 or 6 slices of cooked bacon
and chives if you want them.
(it makes quite a lot so you could 1/2 this recipe)

Chicken tacos:
4 or so chicken breasts
1 can rotell
salt/ pepper/ ground cumin
shred chicken after 6 hours on low in the crock pot
saute onion and garlic in butter
serve chicken, onions, monterey jack cheese on corn tortillas with sliced avocado.

Tony's tortilla soup:
(save the chicken leftover from the recipe above and you can skip this part.)
chop up 1/2 onion in pot with a couple tbsp oil
add 3 or 4 raw chicken breasts (diced)
pour in large container of chicken broth
add 1 can of corn
1 can of carrots
1 can diced tomatoes
dice up 1 zucchini
and 1 yellow squash
add equal parts cumin/ ground coriander/ cilantro to taste (maybe a tbsp each?!)
add more broth if needed to cover veggies
bring to a slow boil
grate in 1/4 cup or so montery jack cheese into pot, stir until melted. serve.

top with crumbled tortilla chips, sliced avocado and more monterrey jack cheese.

My version of beef tips and rice:
I made this by accident once and it was so good that I remake it now!
Throw stew meat and a package of stew seasoning in crock pot with about 2 cups of water
1/8 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup worstersire sauce
salt/ pepper/ garlic powder
cook 6 hours on low.
while cooking white rice (or noodles to serve with) make a package of brown gravy by the instructions on the package and stir into meat mixture.
Dump on your rice and enjoy!

Day 6:
A picture of something that makes me happy.

I took these the other day...
Of course it makes me happy because its is my baby biscuit, but more than that-  it makes me happy to have a child who is full of so much bliss.
I think his favorite thing is to be outside... on the tractor... on all this land... 
He is such a happy boy.
I can't wait to meet his brother.

Day 3

Day 3-Your first love

My first love, happens to be the man I married.
The man I missed like crazy today since he had to work.
My best friend for life.

I'm sure my mom laughs as she reads this since there were a few boys in my younger days that I obsessed over, cried over, and one that I thought I loved in the moment... but would have never-ever told how I truly felt--- (or at least thought I felt in the moment!)

But truth be told,
my first true love, is also my last true love;

My husband, Lance.

He's a pretty fly guy...

Here's 29 reasons why!

http://livingtheerwinlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/29-reasons-i-love-lance.html

Day 2

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

It is my written documentary of  our journey  as a family.

"The Erwin Journey"

My blog is my diary.

My blank page, free for me to fill with whatever comes to my head, my heart and my life.

Pictures.

Thoughts.

Wishes.

Dreams.

And lots and lots of my boy.

Unlike FB, I don't worry if I offend, get too sappy, or become too personal.

Because it is my space.

Written mostly for myself,

and for those that choose to visit it.

It is raw, real and completely true...

And that's the "bit of Holly's heart".

We are just "Living the Erwin Life".

Day 1

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

I am Holly Erwin.  I am 26 years old and a pediatric nurse.

I enjoy:  Shopping, sleeping, spending time with my family... my husband... MADDOX... taking pictures... belly laughs... happy memories... vacations... Christmas... date nights... being creative... singing loud & horribly... editing pics... Each of Maddox's milestones... my clean house splashed with pine-sol... good music... at Gruene Hall... great friends... rainy days... pedicures... expensive jeans... hearing "I love you mommy"... Fall... complimenting strangers... having my hair tucked behind my ear... blogging... bargains... old stories... my mom... special glances... sappy movies... good dreams... Mexican food... soup... avocados... diamonds... snow... cooking... kisses to my forehead... and neck ;)... iced coffee... getting flowers... days at the lake... Yankee candles... vacuum lines on carpet... cheap, fun, junk jewelry... heartfelt cries... Maddox's laugh... good make-up... cute shoes that hurt my feet... inside jokes... Reef flip flops... my Mamaw... a good sermon on Sunday... surprises... high thread count sheets... dancing in the kitchen... dresses... sweet tea... going to breakfast... being a wife... being pregnant... BEING A MOMMY... living simple ...happy ...and feeling special.  (just as my side bar notes!)

But for a little more:

I have a best friend named Lance, who I am about to celebrate my 4th year of marriage with next week.

We met nine years ago and became an official couple February 21, 2002.  We became an engaged couple February 21, 2004 and were married December 2, 2006. We are always goofy and funny, but truly-connected best friends.

Together, we have an amazing little boy named Maddox.  He is such a special little soul who consumes our world.  He is extremely smart, caring, compassionate and sweet.  He loves to hug and kiss and has no problem expressing his emotions.  He is also full of energy, hard headed and often stubborn, but determined.  He is obviously very special to me not only because he is my precious baby boy, but also because he is what made my biggest wish in life to come true-- He made me a mommy!

We are now 19 weeks pregnant with our second bundle of joy.   We found out last week that it too, will be a little boy.  This pregnancy is flying by and it feels like it will be no time before we can see his tiny little face.  We are still undecided on names, but have narrowed it down to just a few.  We often find ourselves dreaming about what he will look like-- and can not wait to see if we are right!

I have a large and interesting family.  I have an amazing relationship with my mom and was blessed to be able to move near her recently.  It is just a temporary move, as we have our house rented out, but we sure our enjoying our time in the country.   It has been such a blessing to have my step-dad near as Lance works crazy hours!

I love my siblings to my core, and my nieces and nephews too. 

I have a great group of friends who I love dearly.  God has blessed me beyond measure in this department.  They are all very different, but all beautiful inside and out and some of the greatest moms I know.

That is me in a nutshell.

I do not have all that I want in life, but I am blessed and content with what I have.  

Recent picture:

P.S.  I had to crop myself out of a pic because I am always the one taking pics-- I'm never in any alone!!

15 interesting facts:

1. I love sweet tea.  But I try to drink decaf these days.
2. I am a Facebook and Blogger addict.
3. I rarely ever check the voicemail on my phone.  Once there are 8 or so in there, I delete them all at once.
4. I stopped eating ground beef about 8 or 9 years ago, but during this pregnancy I have eaten in twice.  One of the times was meat loaf!!
5. I can eat avocado everyday.  And peanut brittle.
6. I hate anything that jumps or flies... anything that I can not predict its next move.
7. I want to learn how to use the sewing machine my grandma bought for me 5 Christmases ago.  It has never been taken out of the box.
8. I want to go back to school.
9. My husband could literally tell you 100 things he would love to have for Christmas and I could tell you maybe 3.  Maybe it is because I go get something when I want it bad enough and he talks about it for a year.  Funny thing-- is that is what I did when we first started dating and it drove him crazy!
10. I bought a smaller car and 2 weeks later found out I was pregnant.  (I also completed a 360 on a knee board the day before I found out I was pregnant)
11. I love good makeup. and expensive jeans.  I can buy everything else at Target!
12. I constantly play out crazy scenarios in my head and think of how I would handle them.  This may mean I am crazy-- or it may just mean I am prepared.
13. I love my job.  I think I am pretty good at it.
14. If I could afford a million kids, I would fill my house to the brim.
15. I want fake boobies for my 35th birthday.  (Nursing 80 kids will do a number to your tatas!)

30 day challenge

30 Day Challenge?

A couple of my blogging friends have started this, and I decided to jump on the band wagon! 

I hope I don't wear my readers out by posting everyday for 30 days... but my comments are rather feast
or famine so I will probably either hear "ENOUGH!!" from 6 of you, or nothing at all... 

So I will go for it!!

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3-Your first love

Day 4-Your parents

Day 5-Your favorite recipes

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7-Favorite movies

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

Day 9-A picture of your friends

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-A picture you love

Day 15-Bible verse

Day 16-Dream house

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

Day 18-Something you regret

Day 19-Something you miss

Day 20-Nicknames

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 22-What's in your makeup bag

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Day 24-Something you've learned

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Day 29-3 Wishes

Day 30-a picture

So much to say.....

I know it has only been 5 days since I posted but I have so much to say....


As most all of my blog readers know by now, we are having another baby boy.
It was really fun having Maddox there and experiencing the sono through his eyes as well as ours!
He was really excited and we talked about all of the cool things he could teach his baby brother the entire way home.
I do not doubt for a second that he will be an amazing big brother.

When we first got the news, I was instantly excited.
Lance too smiled but then touched my leg and said, "We aren't done.  We will get a girl, babe."
In that moment I thought that was strange. 
I was excited.

Or I thought I was.

In my heart of hearts, I thought this was a girl.
I had played both sides of the margin through my head and was content with whichever way the cards may fall...
But I think that was because I thought I knew where they were falling.

It wasn't until I was back in the room with Dr Deem (Lance and Maddox had gone to the car) and she asked me, "a boy huh?  Are you okay?" And I realized I wasn't.  I wasn't okay at all.
I had gained another 3 lbs (6 pounds total-- I had gained 5 total at this point during Maddox pregnancy) and my BP was still great... but the rest of my time with Dr Deem was spent gasping into tissues. 

I spent 2 days crying.
And feeling alone, and selfish, and mad, and confused.
I cried more in those 2 days than I have in years.

I have said before that I am lucky to have married such a compassionate, patient, and caring man.
But this valley that I crawled through only emphasized how absolutely amazing he really is.
I knew that I should be excited.  We are having a healthy baby.  And a lot of people do not get that kind of news during this visit.
But it didn't matter.
I couldn't turn off my feelings.

Lance never told me how I should feel, or acted as if he was tired of seeing me cry, or reminded me what I had to be happy about... because he knew I already knew all of those things.
What he did was hold me.
And promised me that he wouldn't close the door on me for more babies.
And told me that I was the perfect mom to Maddox (a boy) and God knew what he was doing.
He helped me look ahead to the awesome things that 2 boys would bring into my life.
And help me see that God is in control of our life.
And reminded me that there is a reason God thought Maddox needed a brother.
And I needed another son.
And he is right.

My husband is a good, good man.
And you should know, as well as he does-- I love him to my core.
I can admit, now-- days later, that I was a little depressed about another boy, because it is no longer how I feel.
I am ready to be a mommy to another boy.

My mom, my husband, and a few very select friends held my hand through the rut.
And Candace helped most because she too went through this when finding out she was having a girl.
She told me, "You are grieving the loss of a girl, be patient. You will feel normal in time, I promise"
And I do.
And I'm back on top.
I remain the only princess to reign as an Erwin in this house.

We are having another baby boy.
And we are excited.
He will be as cute as Maddox.
His daddy will teach him all of the things his big brother has already mastered.
And he will adore his momma, just like his big brother already does!

P.S.
I now look pregnant.
This body change came yesterday.

*******
Change of pace:
Maddox loves matching games on my phone. 
I videoed him playing one so I could prove how fast he is at beating the game... but then I realized how boring it was for you to see him click squares until they all match up and then hear him say, "yay, I did it!"
Trust me, he's good!

He always says the funniest things.
A few from this week:

[we pull into Mexican Inn]

"That's a really big clock momma!"

"It sure is!"

"Yeah, it is TREMENDOUS!!!"

[Lance and I laugh hard... tremendous, really?!]

[Maddox comes into the kitchen smiling from ear to ear]

"knock knock momma"

"who's there Maddox?"

"Orange"

"Orange who?"

"Banana!"

[and then laughs hysterically as if he didn't leave out 1/2 the joke!]

Maddox still tells us things are "interwesting", "dewicious" and "beautiful all of the time.

IE:

[we were at Olive Garden for my sister's birthday and the little boy behind us was acting up]

"He's a bad boy, he's getting a spanking from his mommy"

"hush Maddox, turn around"

"Look at him mom, his mommy spanks him like daddy spanks me!"

"Maddox hush, you don't need to commentate"

"But I love him mom, he's beautiful!"

[aaaaaand now he's the weird kid!!]

Tonight he fell asleep while standing up!

********
Changing again:
He was far from funny this Saturday at the mall, when Maddox went missing.
We parked at Dillard's (as we always do) but on the little girl's side, because we were looking for outfits for my niece Ellie for Christmas.
We had taken the crappy umbrella stroller, which he hates... and can control the pace of by putting his feet down or simply standing up, leaving the stroller strapped to his back like a turtle.
So to forgo a fight, I let him walk.
Big mistake. Big. HUGE.
(that was for anyone who loved Pretty Woman as much as I did!)

We were in the store maybe 30 minutes when I found an outfit for Ellie Belly and was ready to check out.
I literally looked down at Maddox, pulled my debit card out of my wallet, handed it to the cashier, and heard my mom say, "where's Maddox?"
I didn't panic, because remember-- I just saw him.
She said his name a couple of times and started walking around the cash register looking for him.
I said his names a few times too, still not panicked, but got no response.
I then started counting... (he never lets me get past 2.) 
1... 2... 3...
Nothing.

Panic started easing on.

Mom and I both walked out into the hallway that splits the little girl's section and started saying his name louder, while crouching down and looking between racks, and checking other sections-- baby section, shoes, boys....
But no Maddox.

A few people made laughy-type comments, "oh-- someone's lost" ...others looked on with a sad face as if they felt for us but gave no assistance... but a few helpful 10 or so started looking with us.
Minutes went by (which felt like years) and my mom nor I either one were very calm.
The worker called security and had the cameras zoomed in.
I had gone outside to the bell ringer and asked, "Have you seen a little boy come out this door wearing a white Polo shirt and orange hat?" 
I mean, I knew down to the detail of his outfit- white Polo with a navy blue horse, burnt orange UT hat with his name stitched on the side, dark demin jeans from Crazy eight, brown stride rite velcro shoes, white socks with grey bottoms and a Luvs diaper, size 4.
I could sketch the profile of this child with my left hand in the dark.
I just couldn't find him.

Both crying and yelling Maddox's name through tears...
It felt like we were never going to find him.
I knew that if he could hear me he would come.
Maddox can not stand to see me upset-- so with no movement, no"I'm right here momma!", no giggling--I was already anticipating the worst.
All I could think about was the host of America's Most Wanted's son Adam, and the phone call I was going to have to make to his daddy.
How empty I already felt.
How I already could not breathe without him....

My mom had already traveled to the other side of Dillard's still screaming and scared when a worker said, I found him!!  He's right here!!!"

Talk about emotions...
Though my heart wanted to kiss his and squeeze him and stick him back in my papoose where he would be safe forever...
my adrenaline and emotion took over.

As soon as I could touch him, he was being spanked.
I do not believe I have ever had a crowd for such a thing before but I didn't care.
Maddox was crying too at this point saying he was sorry...
and an older lady ran in between him and I reminding me that he was safe.

It was the scariest 7 or 8 minutes of my life.
Horrible.
Horrible.
Horrible.

He was strapped back into that stroller for the rest of the day.

********
Final topic change:

Lance's step dad was diagnoses with stage 4 Melanoma in his brain a couple of months ago.
He completed radiation and is now going through chemotherapy with no positive response.
They originally removed the largest tumor but the others have continued to grow, and one has now surpassed the size of the largest tumor originally removed.
Throughout this process, multiple times he has been given days or weeks to live, but keeps kicking their numbers, but everyone seems to think this time he is truly is down to just days.
Lance and his brother are heading down to see him and be there for support for his mom tomorrow and will not come home until Wednesday evening.
I pray that they have a safe trip, and are able to keep good spirits about them during this difficult time.
I hate that Lance's Thanksgiving break is going to be spent this way... since he goes back to work Thursday,
but I know he needs to go.
And more importantly, his mom needs them there with her.
I feel so bad for his mom.
(and obviously for his step-dad too)
It is such a terrible thing.

Life is short.
And unexpected.

Please pray for Kenneth.
And for Janet, Lance's mom.

Tomorrow is the big day!

I doubt I will sleep a wink tonight.

Our appointment is not until 1:00pm tomorrow.

You know the day will creep by.

And I can not wait... I am overwhelmed with excitement!

I **still** can not decide if this is a boy or a girl.

But in hours... literally hours, we will know!!

Holy guacamole.

(speaking of, I could sure use a bowl right now!  ;)

Yesterday, I told Lance this baby was 100% female.

Today I am certain it is a brother.

Lance holds firm.

"Its a boy."

On the days I agree with him, it is for these reasons:

• This pregnancy, like Maddox's, has been easy.  Super easy.
• I still do not have a significant bump.  Actually, I look rather un-pregnant, for the most part.  Occasionally I get my feelings hurt when people point this out a lot, but I looked back at old pics and I looked the same with Maddox at this point.
• I'm constipated again.  (but not near to the degree I was with Maddox)
• Over-all I am happy and blissful, just like Maddox's pregnancy.

On the days I disagree, it is for these reasons that differed from my pregnancy with Maddox:

• I had nausea my first trimester. (something I never experienced with Maddox)
• My hair is flat, straight, and life-less.  With Maddox, it grew-- and was somewhat thick. (for me)
• I rarely cry this pregnancy, but I get pissed-off a lot.
• I. can. not. stop. eating. (with Maddox, Lance had to make me eat sometimes, I didn't have this appetite until I started nursing)
• My belly is furry.  I've never had much hair anywhere.
• I don't worry and stress about every single thing, or come in with lists of questions for Dr Deem.  My mind is rather calm this go-around.

I think there are definite pros to both sides:

• BOY:
• I still have all of Maddox's clothes, pjs, boy toys, etc.
• If this is a boy, I know Lance will not try and tell me are done having babies.
• All of my friends who have one of each, say that boys have a special bond with their mommas.  And since I have nothing to measure against, at this point- I agree.  Boys love their mommas!
• Boys are cheaper.
• You get the better end of the deal when it comes time for their wedding.
• You don't have to worry about a boy getting pregnant.
• Their teenage years, are typically easier.
• GIRL:
• Rhinestones, glitter, toile, and BOWS.
• A shopping and mani/pedi partner for life.
• It would make us a completely equal, and possibly complete, family.
• Girls tend to be daddy's girls.  And I yearn for Lance to have that.
• Shopping for girl stuff is just more fun.
• I want to be able to see my daughter become a mother one day.  When she is old. :)
• Though girls usually make their mother's life difficult the first, um, 20 years-- they (or at least me and my mom) become best friends from there on.

Though the sex of the baby will be the most interesting topic of the day, as a nurse-- I also know that this sono is also the one where we look at the heart, brain, belly, etc... and most likely the visit where any issues are found, if they are there.

I feel like this baby is completely perfect and healthy, just like its sweet big brother was-- but prayers are always appreciated.

Lets also hope that all of this:

Doesn't cause me to get my hand slapped!
This may be the visit where I gain 8 pounds.
(I had 2 of those visits during Maddox's pregnancy.)

So tomorrow is the big day

That's really all that I had to say.

This time tomorrow we will know what we're having.

Wooo Hooo!!

Off to bed I go!

Here's a couple of picture of my baby boy-- just because I love him:

Chuck E Cheese

My sister-in-law, Jenn, kept Maddox for us when we went to the wedding this Friday night.
It was a bumpy time getting Maddox to Gardner. 
Maddox had been asleep maybe 5 minutes when it was time to move him to G's truck, in a 30 degree tsunami and he went nuts (to say the least)!!  I felt so bad leaving him that way.  (mostly for Gardner's sake...) I knew Maddox would be on cloud 9 when he got to his cousins-- but G had to ride in misery for another 15 miles!!
He said he just turned up the radio and he finally calmed and then crashed again.
But only for a few minutes and they were home.
And the fit started again.
I hate that he was so difficult for him, but I am grateful that he was so patient too.
I guess being the daddy of 2 other kiddos helped!!

I was so thankful that Jenn was able to keep him because I am still pretty paranoid about leaving him places.  (hence the fact that he has only stayed over night from me a handful of times.-- and only with my mom or Aunt Jenn)  So I didn't have to worry about him all night... I knew he was in good hands!

*****
Saturday was Dane's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese in Denton.
I came straight from Dallas to meet them there.
It made me laugh when Jenn told me that Maddox yelled "Chuck E Cheese!!" as they pulled into the parking lot, because this was only his 2nd time to visit.  (and the first he was a tiny baby-- he stayed in an infant seat the entire time!)
Apparently, they have great advertising!

I told Jenn, I do not think I would ever take Maddox just for recreation... He's 2.  It is chaotic.  And flu waiting to happen!!
Maybe that makes me an un-cool mom... or maybe it just makes my child a healthy boy... But it was a nice treat for my boody bear-- and a perfect party for Dane-Dane and his friends!

I was so tired from the wedding and my legs felt like they had been through a meat grinder, so I hated walking around chasing him....  but I think he was a good boy, over all. 
Honestly, I would have let him be a little more independent, but I felt pressure from another mom to umbrella him more than I was... so I did my best!
I love the security system that they have in place now, where you have to have a matching stamp to your child before you can get out the door.

Dane's party was a success, he kept a grin on from ear to ear-- and Jenn had no clean up!! 
The kids had a great time,
 and I think Dane got some nice stuff.
All in all, I'd say it was a win!
Maybe we will go back for Maddox's 6th birthday!!  ;)

Williams wedding

Friday night we went to some of our favorite people's wedding in Downtown Dallas.
We checked in at the Magnolia to get ready and the boys went and had a drink.
We had to be 4 blocks at 7:00pm and at 6:59, we were still waiting on the bus.
The bus that we realized wasn't coming.
So, hectically, we and everyone else staying at the Magnolia (at least 30 others) started scattering trying to get to the Old Red Museum.
We got 1/2 a block and I decided I was taking a taxi... it was totally worth my $20.  Promise.
We had an AMAZING time.
Stephanie was a gorgeous bride!!

For food, they had a meat carving station, a potato station, a salad station, and a pasta station.  It was all wonderful.  ...Good enough to eat seconds actually ;) --Actually I prefer to call it feeding me... and then feeding my baby.
Lisa (remember the cake lady) made her cake... and it was yummmmmo.... and beautiful!
And drinks... they had plenty of that too.
I just brought my tiny (and crappy) point-and-shoot camera-- but I took a few pics from the night!

Now on to the dancing....
This is where my night went wrong.
Way wrong.
Remember I was sober.
And I am 5 months pregnant.
However, I didn't let that stop me from cutting a rug.
And I'm not talking about the 'Feet don't Touch the Ground' and 'Empty Glass' gig, the 2 slow songs me and my husband danced too...
I'm talking about me and this guy:

And all of this:

Here are a few videos:

However, I am still paying the price for all of that jamming.
My leg cramps are unreal.
Why couldn't I just bob and sway to the music...
Did I really need to bump and grind this pregnant body?!
I mean seriously?
I had to take Tylenol PM just to be able to sleep through the pain last night.
It was nuts!
But fun!
We had such a great time... and didn't roll back into our room until 3:00am!
I was back up before 8:00, soaking in a hot tub of water.  :(

 

Things got a little out of hand of course...

Eric got cut off at the bar.

Drunk girl fell down a few times, but made my night in entertainment.

Lance rapped some Vanilla ice.

And somehow talked a grown man to take his shirt off in the photo booth.

And him and Zack took pictures with a bus boy who didn't speak a lick of English.

Kaleb posed as a bar tender.

We licked the ice sculpture.

And laughed until we cried.

We rarely, if ever, have nights like this... but we had such a great time.

I wish I could find the cord to my printer so I could scan in our photo booth pics...

Some of them were actually really good.

I thought it was an awesome idea!

(If I find the cord, I'll scan them in.)