My world

Wow!  It's been a while since I have been on here.  Life has been pretty hectic lately.  But today something happened at school that brought me to a complete halt.  Made me so thankful for "my world".  Made me always want to protect my world.  I have yet to find someone who says it is illegal for me to wrap my world in bubble wrap to protect it from harm.  Although there are moments where I am incredibly frustrated with my world, I wouldn't change it for the anything!!  My world is super crazy...but simply wonderful.  I can't wait to wake up tomorrow to my world again.

My World!!

Nice Jesus

What a sad day today in church.  We were informed that one of our deacons passed away earlier this week and so did another parishoner.  We were also told about a sick little baby who was going to be having surgery.  That baby was baptized today.  I can't imagine what those parents must be going through today.  As I listened to Fr. Rick talk about these situations and I held Gus even tighter with tears in my eyes, I looked up and saw an old man.  He did not appear to be in great health.  Had a walker, was hunched way over and had a neck brace on.  It appeared that his daughter brought him to church that day as the young woman next to him was so gentle and loving towards this man.  And when I saw his face he smiled at us, and waved to Gus.  Of course Gus was a waving fool and looked kind of like one of the Beverly Hillbillies with all of the waving he was doing.  But seeing this man filled my mind with thoughts today.  He seemed so happy to be there at church and after listening to the priest today, probably so happy to be alive.  And I thought to myself...someday when I have reached my later years (I refuse to be old...so we will just refer to them as my later years) I hope that I, too, can exude such joy.  I think so often we are bogged down with trivial things in life and we get so busy and bogged down.  So many things seem like a burden.  So many things seem to be so important, but they really aren't.  If only we took more time when we are younger to enjoy life instead of letting it pass us by.

While trying to keep my little hillbilly (see reference above) quiet during church today, we decided to walk a little bit.  With as loud as Gus can be these days, we sit behind the glass so that the rest of the congregation can worship without his "joyful noises".  So Gus and walked in the entryway and he kept running over to the banner on the wall of Jesus and his disciples.  He kept pointing up and it and yelling.  So I picked him up and let him touch the banner.  He immediately smacked Jesus in the face.  Great!  Just what we need....another Roman beating up on Jesus.  So quickly I grabbed that pudgy little hand and showed him that we have to be nice to Jesus.  Gus then proceeded to pet Jesus and each disciple as he said "niiiceee".  (Those who have been around Gus lately know that we are working on being nice.  He will say "niiiceee" as he pets your cheek and then gives you a kiss on each cheek. Not sure where he picked up the European style of kissing, but I will take it.) 

That's right, "nice Jesus".  He repeated this many times throughout Mass today and so we have lesson #1 in Gus' religious education...so many more to come.

Things That Just Bug Me!!

This week I have just discovered some things that just down right bug the heck out of me and I need to get them off my chest!

1) Why is it that every waitress that we have had recently seems to think that it is okay to put the food we ordered right in front of the curious little 1 year old?  Does she not realize that he is going to instantly reach for it and make a mess?  Isn't this common sense or is it just me?

2) Cow like gum chewers.  If you choose to chew gum, could you please not check it like a cow chews his cud?  It bugs me to hear that and see that!

3) My husband made me take down my original #3...and yes...that bugs me.
4) Stress.  I don't really have much to say about that but it really bugs me this week.

5) The kid in my 5th hour who ALWAYS interrupts me when I am talking to another student.  "Really?  You can't see that I am talking already?  Wait your turn you crazy kid!"  Okay...I usually just say, "I will be right with you..."

6) My stand-by favorite black flat dress shoes finally went to their final resting place this week.  I am so sad.

7) The media.  Why do they have to portray some things so incorrectly?

8) Temper-tantrums + Gus = frustrated momma

9) Economics.  I'm really not loving teaching that class right now.

10) Those who come "late to the party."  I put together a large district wide order for staff apparel.  Now that people are getting the items delivered to them, other people decided they want to order now.  Seriously?  I'm not here to accomodate every one's needs.  Do your own order!!

11) Trains.  Have I ever told you that we live near a corner that the train tracks cross two sides of that corner?  And the other route I would take is under construction?  Well let's just say it is really annoying!

Thanks for letting me vent...I feel better.  :)

NAAM 2010

In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month:
Natural Child: Any child who is not artificial.
Real Parent: Any parent who is not imaginary.
Your Own Child: Any child who is not someone else's child.

Adopted Child: A natural child, with a real parent, who is all my own.

I saw this posted on a friend's facebook status.  She, too, is blessed by adoption....two times over!  She has two beautiful daughters.  I love that she posted this today.  It is so real in our lives.  As adoptive parents we often get asked a number of questions.  Many questions come from people who are genuinely interested and want to know more about adoption.
 
What made you decide to adopt?  Did it take a long time?  Will he ever meet his birthparents?  How old was he when you got him?  What agency did you go through?  Will you adopt again?  How much does it cost?  Is it hard to adopt?  How much do you know about his birthparents?
 
And then there are those other questions...Don't you want children of your own?  Have you talked to his real parents?  How much does it cost to buy a baby? What made his real mom give him up?  These questions can make me crumble.  But what I have found is that they have made me stronger.  I have come up with some really polite ways of either answering their stupid questions or a polite way of saying, "Take a hike, you ignorant fool!  Think before you open your mouth!"

I love that we have an opportunity to educate others about adoption for a whole month!  I'm so excited the National Adoption Awareness Month is here!!  So stay tuned.  We will be creating awareness on here and also in our community throughout the month!

This picture was taken a year ago.  Coming soon...our NAAM 2010 picture.

This time last year...

Last year I posted this when we celebrated our first National Adoption Awareness Month as adoptive parents.

http://www.stapeshouse.com/2009/11/happy-naam.html

Stay tuned for my 2010 NAAM post....coming soon!

Halloween 2010

More to come....

You can never say that school is boring...

Anybody who says that school is boring is so wrong!!  Today was quite eventful.  Below is the statement that was released after our school day today:

At 12:25 Flat Rock Community High School received an email from an outside source claiming a bomb would be detonated at 12:40 PM. Police and Fire officials were notified immediately and all high school students were evacuated to a secondary secure location. The building was searched by Flat Rock Police and Fire along with the Michigan State Police Canine Unit. The all clear was given and students were returned to class at 2:10 p.m. and were dismissed at the usual time.


As part of the Flat Rock Community Schools’ safety protocol, Bobcean Elementary School was placed in partial lockdown. Barnes Elementary School and Simpson Middle School were not affected.  Students were safe and secure at all times; Flat Rock Police detectives are investigating the situation. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unfortunate event. The safety of our students is always our primary concern.

So how did MY part of the day go?  I got a call from my husband who was one of the few in the building who got the email.  He checked his email at 12:35.  He called me in the office because he couldn't get ahold of anyone else.  I ran to get the principal.  While he called the authorities, he told me to pull the fire alarm.  (Yes, I felt like I was going to get into BIG trouble for pulling it, but you do what you have to do in times such as this.)  The building was evacuated.  Once outside, we needed to get the kids as far away as possible from the building.  I needed to run to the other exits of the building to let other staff know to get kids moving.  I couldn't run in my heels so I had to kick them off.  When I was done running, I tried to go back for my shoes...no luck.  The police officer said they were too close to the building so I was out of luck.  Like Cinderellas at the ball....no shoes.  So I continued to walk in my socks until one student offered up his sandals to me.  (Side note- this kid causes nothing but trouble in my classroom, but for this one day, I was very thankful to have him with me.  Thanks for the sandals, bud!)

We were outside for quite a while and then once the building was clear we were allowed back in.  The statement above was read aloud to everyone and it got me thinking.  I was a staff member here today, I knew what was going on, I knew that all of our kids were safe.  What if I were a parent?  What if this was Gus' school?  What if he was one of the kids standing out in that parking lot and I heard that there was a bomb threat? Would my son be safe?  Was he well taken care of there?  Was he free from danger?  So scary to think about.  Of course there were instant tears about how scary that would be.  Tonight, I overheard Joel talking to Gus.  "I'm so glad that everything went well today so that momma and daddy were kept safe so we could come home to you."  Again, instant tears.  I didn't even think about the fact that something could happen to me.  Or both of us for that matter.  How horrible to think that if this threat really turned something up, that both of Gus' parents could have been harmed.  It makes me sick to think about!!  Thank God that the responsible party was apprehended.  The possible consequences could be up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.  I am torn with that.  I hope it wasn't some kid who made a terrible mistake.  But at the same time, as a mother, those consequences don't seem tough enough considering what could have happened had the threat been real. 

Our staff and students did a great job of working together today and I am proud to be a Ram today. But I will be quite content to NEVER have another experience like this one again in my entire career!  And on that note, I am going to go grab a diet coke, kick up my feet and relax with my little family!

EEEKKK....it's CHUCKY!!!

Well, tonight I experienced one of the scariest things I have ever encountered.  I thought I was going to die.  Hope this doesn't scare you.....consider yourself warned.  You may want to close your eyes....



Looks cute right?  Harmless?  Well this little frog about gave me a heart attack today. 

I was running some errands today while Joel was giving Gus and bath and getting him in bed.  As I was driving down a dark road, I heard a small little voice in the back of my car.  "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands..."  I almost wet my pants!!  Ugg....my heart was pounding outside of my chest.  The first thing that came to mind...CHUCKY!!  Do you remember those movies??  To this day, that d#%m doll in the scary movies still scares the heck out of me.  All I could think about in the car was that Chucky was in the back seat and I was about to die.  That was it...that was the end of me.  I'm not ready to die!  And certainly not by the hands of Chucky!!!  And then I got a grip.

It wasn't Chucky...it was just Gus' Leap Frog, Tad.  Lately Gus has been loving on this frog.  We have taken it in the car with us and he has a grand time in the backseat laughing with Tad.  Turns out we accidently left it in the car.  I must have driven over a bump just right in order to press his hand and allow him to start singing.  So all is safe and sound now, but you better believe I am on the look out for any doll that might come to life and kill me.  You think I'm kidding, but those of you who know me well....I have a very over active imagination and constantly freak myself out!!

Hope I can sleep tonight....

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch

Gus and I decided to take advantage of this beautiful fall weather that we have been having and go play at the park.  Couldn't help but post some pics of my little man who LOVED crunching through the fallen leaves!

A Lost Dream

My mind has done a lot of thinking today.  A very good friend of mine just found out that she is pregnant.  I am SO excited for her....excited beyond words.  But it got me to thinking about when we started trying to start a family.  I dreamed about how excited I would be to tell my husband.  I brainstormed creative ideas and fun surprises on how I was going to tell him he was going to be a daddy.  I even thought about how we were going to tell our families.  We were going to get them all those mini staplers.  (Get it?  Baby "Staplers"...Baby Stapleton??  Cute, right?) 

With each passing month of disappointment and with each loss, that dream slipped further and further away...to the point that I completely forgot about it.  I gave up on getting my hopes up and trying to plan ahead for what could be.

When we decided to adopt, we tried to be a little creative with the way that we informed family and friends.  We came up with a catchy little poem and sent out cards to what seemed like everyone we knew, including everyone that we worked with.  We created our blog to help keep people informed.  When I got the call that changed our lives, I couldn't wait to tell Joel and when I finally got to tell him, I just spewed information.  And when we told our families we did it through tears on the phone so I am sure that they could barely understand us.  (The hyperventilating kind of tears.) 

*Side note*
Yesterday I read an article that someone wrote about telling friends and family the exciting news and how just because you are adopting, it doesn't mean that it is any less exciting.  If you get time, take a minute to read the article.  It is so true!!

So for as long as I had dreamed about how perfect it was going to be to tell our friends and family and to share in the joyous news, I realize that it was just a dream.  Dreams come and go and get replaced with new dreams.  And the reality of it is that my biggest dream came true!

"How much did your child cost?"

This is a MUST read!!  This is from a blog that I have been reading.  This post was so powerful and so important to me that I HAD to share it.  Please, please read it!!

http://www.danoah.com/2010/09/how-much-did-your-kid-cost.html

"Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother"

I got this book before Gus was born....but didn't dare to read it until recently.  What if this book talked about the some of the thoughts I had?   Well, the author hit the nail on the head with many of these thoughts.  There were moments that I felt as though she wrote my thoughts.  At first I was a little ashamed that I had some of those thoughts but then I realized that this is reality for an adoptive mom.  I decided to chat a little bit about it here.  You will see a series of posts here of thoughts I had as I read the book. 

Chapter One: To Produce or to Purchase?

Wolff describes her struggles with infertility in the first chapter and how she and her husband decided to adopt.  Deciding to adopt wasn't difficult for us.  Before we were married we discussed adoption but we planned to have natural children as well.  When our plan to conceive didn't work out, it didn't take us long to realize that God was sending us in the direction of adoption.  No, it is not easy to adopt and yes, it is expensive but neither of these things gave us a moment of thought.  We did not even think twice about it.  We would have spent money on either path...fertility treatments or adoption. 

It wasn't until after Gus was born and he went with me to the hair salon that the money factor was brought up.  The women of the salon all gawked at him and asked lots of questions.  Many of them there knew that we were adopting.  One woman, who I had only met once before made a comment that made me pause. 

"How nice.  You did it the easy way and just bought a baby." 

Really, lady?  1)  Who would say that?  2) There is NOTHING easy about adoption.  3) We ALL pay for our babies.  Perhaps not the same way that we did but rather in paying insurance bills for doctor's appointments and hospital stays. 

After this woman made this comment, I tried to pick my jaw up off the ground, but was having very little luck.  Luckily, another woman jumped in and changed the topic.  But it really made me think.  Is this the perception that people have of adoption?  Baby buying?  I know that there was a time when this world (and it still is in some parts) had people actually selling babies, but luckily society has changed and we went through an extensive process...we didn't just write a check.  From that day on, I decided that I cannot change the thoughts that people have on adoption...but I can certainly try to educate them on adoption and separate fact from the myths.

Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am"

Thanks to my friend, Amanda, for sharing the video above on her blog. Gus was MESMORIZED by it. He could not get enough of it! He was dancing around with it. So we thought we would pass it on for others to dance around with it.

SASSY Babies and Blogging Mommas

I was extended a great opportunity to attend the 2010 Blogger Bash sponsored by Sassy, Inc last Friday.  And the best part...Gus got to go with me!  I got to spend the whole day with my little man and with being back to work, days like this are pretty special.  We joined a bunch of SASSY babies and their mommas who are bloggers for a couple hours of fun.  And speaking of fun!  One of the bloggers is a friend from college and it was super fun to see her there! 

I learned so much about this company and about their products and I have some new favorite items.  (I have found my new "staple" for baby gift giving....some of these items are AWESOME!)  Gus had a great time playing with all of the toys, running around like a crazy man and playing with the wonderful staff at the Bash.  It is obvious that the employees of this company truly do love kids and want to create great products for them.  Just watching them interact with Gus it was obvious that kids come first!  (Special thanks to those staff members who entertained Gus so that I could actually focus on the products being shown!)  I intended to show you just a few items...but you know me.  I tend to get a little carried away.


Water Filled Teethers

It is so silly why I love these.  Not only do I just love teethers in general because Gus loves them, but FINALLY a football one!!  Many of the Sassy products incorporate both a black/white pattern and a bright color which makes it easy for them to use a soccer ball with one of their rattles.  Gus was given one of those rattles when he was born...but if you have learned anything about our family, we are a football family through and through so the soccer ball did not go over well.  I was THRILLED to let Gus get his hands on this football teether simply because it is a football.

Vibrating Textures Teether

Okay.  This teether is just down right cool.  It vibrates when Gus puts his little mouth on it.  I have seen other teethers that vibrate but it is tricky to get them to work.  With this one all he has to do is bite on the water filled parts and it starts to work.  Gus tested it out in church on Sunday.  It kept him entertained for a good 10 minutes.  For anyone who has met Gus, you know that this little boy does not sit still for anything.  He is teething right now, so I am sure that it felt good, but I didn't expect it to entertain him for so long!

Look Book

My mom bought this little book for Gus when he was very little.  Unfortunately, we do not live near family and we really want to make sure that Gus knows who his family is.  Each page has a slot where you can slide a picture in.  Gus' book is filled with pictures of his grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins.  I think that this is a great way for a little one to be able to start recognizing faces.  And if you don't want to put pictures in it, each page has a fun pattern for little ones to look at as well.

Fill and Spill Barrel

I'm not really sure what it was about this collection, but Gus LOVED it.  He carried those bananas around for quite a while and he loved to share them with the Sassy staff members.  He passed them around from person to person.  Who knew that my kid would like bananas so much?

Bumpy Ball

This was the very first toy that Gus got his pudgy little hands on at the Bash.  I liked it because he could easily hold onto the bumps and throw it around.  I also liked how when he threw it, it didn't roll away...it bounced around a little bit, but it didn't go too far which meant he wasn't off and running.  He was able to play in a smaller area.  This would be perfect for him to play with when he goes to cheerleading practice with me.  It wouldn't cause him to run off to chase it down.

Less Mess Training Spoons

These little spoons are GENIUS!!  I know that there is a lot of thought that went into them.  The holes in the spoon, there are little spots for little fingers but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the guards that they put on there so that Gus cannot jam the spoon down his throat.  Just recently we have started letting Gus use his own utensils.  I can't stand it when he gags himself.  1) Who really wants their kid to jam a spoon down his throat? 2) I hear him gag, and I gag...and I hate gagging!  I just love that someone thought to stop our little monkey from jamming a spoon down his throat.  (Thank you spoon creator genius!)

Crumb Catcher Feeding Bib

Okay.  I will admit.  I HATE plastic bibs.  I just think that they are yucky and tend to feel slimy or crunchy.  And I hate bibs with pockets.  They never seem to catch the food that Gus drops and they never seem clean enough.  I may just actually LOVE this one.  This bib has a soft back so it isn't as "crunchy" as others we have tried and it is machine washable.  The little tray actually comes off and can go in the dishwasher.  It actually makes sense and is Momma Stape friendly.

Modern Soft Sided Organizer

I HAD to add this.  It wasn't even one of their products that they were showcasing to us but I am so smitten with it.  They simply brought it full of toys for the kids to play with.  The cool thing is that it is soft.  No sharp corners for an eager little boy to bump his head on as he collides with it to get his toys out.  And it doesn't have any heavy lid or hinges where pudgy little fingers could get pinched.It also has handles so it is easy to move.  Shh...don't tell Stape, but this is something that WILL be finding a home in our humble abode.  It will be perfect!

Need a great baby gift? Be inspired. Visit www.sassybaby.com.  There are so many great products that new moms and dads would love to have for their new bambino.  Even if it isn't their first baby, they will still LOVE to have these items.  I know I would.  (hint...hint, Mom.  When your next grandbaby joins us, keep these items in mind.)

Sassy has some other PHENOMENAL products coming our way at the end of the year.  Stay tuned to my blog for more details or follow @SassyBabyToys on Twitter for all of their latest news.  You are NOT going to want to miss the new things that they are coming out with.  I am so geeked about these new items!

Do you love this brand as much as I do already?  Become a fan of Sassy on Facebook.  I have loved this brand for quite a while and consider myself quite a fan.  If you aren't a fan already, check out some of these products first hand and I know that you will be a fan.

I would love your feedback on these products, this brand or things that you wish they had.  Send me your thoughts!!



SASSY Gus

It is clear from some of these pictures that Gus and I had a good time and learned a lot.

Gus was smitten.  He chased this SASSY little girl around the whole time.  Trying to steal her toys, her bottle, her food, her shoe....poor little girl.  She was just trying to get away from this crazy little boy!

Gus hasn't quite mastered the idea of "SHARE".  How long until he understands that word?

They had a tub of water and some bath toys.  Anyone want to guess what happened to this pretty little girl when Gus came to play?  Let's just say that she didn't go home with dry clothes.  :(

I had many questions....Gus didn't care as long as he could play with whatever was in front of him.

We had a great time!!!

Fun Times and Breaking News

I have had so much fun this week.  Now that we are in full swing of the school year, I am finally starting to get back in my groove.  It is a little strange because I am not teaching full time this year.  I am counseling for the first half of the day and teaching only 2 hours at the end of the day.  It is a little bit awkward and I feel like I am being pulled in many different directions, but at the same time, it is the best of both worlds.  I get to counsel and teach!!

Unfortunately, Gus has been having a rough week with some teeth coming in so I am sure he has kept his babysitters busy while he is there during the day.  (Once again, THANK YOU Stephanie and Miranda!!)  On the upside, we finally found a second type of sippy cup that Gus will use.  WHEW!!  The other ones that he would use are really hard to find.  I am so happy to have FINALLY found another one suitable to my little picky one.  And speaking of picky...at what age do kids learn how to pick their own noses?  Gus has come down with a cold this weekend and I really hate having to pick his boogers.  But he doesn't know how, so what's a mom to do other than pick her baby's boogies? And thank goodness for Boogie Wipes!  If you haven't tried them for your kids, I highly recommend them!  (I wonder if I can buy stock in them?  That's how much I love them!)

Gus and I also had the opportunity this week to make a quick trip to West Michigan.  (I miss that place more and more.)  We literally went for less than 24 hours this time.  We got there on Thursday evening and my mom watched Gus while I went out to dinner with my friend, Tiffany.  I love getting a chance to catch up with her.  We don't get to see each other very often but when we do, we pick up right where we left off.  I love friendships like that!  The next morning Gus and I finally got to go to the 2010 Blogger Bash put on by Sassy Baby Co.  Oh baby!!  It was so fun!!  Stay tuned because I am going to tell you ALL about it.  But in addition to all the fun that we had, I got to see my friend, Stacy from college.  It was great to see her.  I am so impressed by her and the blog that she writes.  Maybe someday, when I grow up, I will be like her and have a great blog.  So stay tuned to hear about all of the fun that Gus and I had at the Blogger Bash.

AND IN BREAKING NEWS....
Brace yourself.  The link to our blog has changed.  This is a big step in our blogging life.  We originally started this blog as a way for friends and family to go and keep up to date on our adoption process.  (I was getting really tired of hearing, "have you heard anything yet?".  "Umm...no.  I'm pretty sure the whole world will know when we hear something.)  So instead of having uncomfortable conversations about the adoption, we started the blog.  And then it became a place for our family to chronicle our life together.  Recently it has opened up some opportunities that I never knew were possible.  There are a few adoption sites that have our blog listed on their site which have led some people to us.  We have been asked questions by people thinking about adoption but want a real life perspective.  And the coolest by far is the invitation I received to the Blogger Bash with Sassy.  I will always keep this blog as one for our family.  I don't do this as a career or any other monetary gain.  I do this for us.  I do this as a way to get some thoughts out.  But if I have a chance to help others, especially in adoption, then I am ALL for it!!  So a few things will be changing but the important things will remain...our family being the center of that.  But in case you have us bookmarked, you are going to want to change the link.  We can now be found at http://www.stapeshouse.com/.  Okay...how cool is that?!?  Really excited about that.  Please stay tuned.  I am sure that there will be a lot of really fun things coming at Stape's House!

First Day Back

Today was our first day back to school.  I love the first day.  All the hustle and bustle in the hallways, you can feel the anxiety hanging in the air as the new freshmen wander down the halls, new groups of kids who do not know me yet, old groups of kids who feel too comfortable with me and feel like they can get away with anything, a fresh start for everyone...I love everything about it.

Today was a fresh start for me as well.  I started in my new position as part time counselor/part time teacher.  It was perfect!  It was the best of both worlds.  I was a little apprehensive about starting as counselor.  It is a lot of pressure.  By not putting a kid into the right class, you can actually screw up their chances of graduating on time.  That is pretty heavy!  Luckily for them, I didn't have to make any earth shattering decisions today that would affect graduation.

Gus also had a new day today.  He started to go to Miranda's house today.  He will go there every Tuesday and Thursday this school year.  He gets to play with Miranda's nephew, Brodie.  It appears from the pictures I had sent to me, these boys are having a little too much fun.  And according to Miranda's Facebook post, the boys kept her on her toes!! 

So day one with Gus and Bro! Gus needs a nap, we take him up to Bros crib. Bro wants to lay in the floor and take nap too!I then have to trick Bro to get him to come out of the room.Then Bro gets pen marks on the couch.Gus throws a sprite in the toilet, discovered when Bro has to go potty!I then take two steps out of t...he bathroom to throw away his diaper to return to Bro getting his turd out of the toilet DISGUSTING! (From Miranda's Facebook status)

Thanks, Miranda, for loving our little boy!!  And for sending me the pictures today!!  Check it out!!   http://www.stapeshouse365.blogspot.com/

Sassy Baby

We had open house tonight and I have been at school ALL day.  I couldn't wait to get home to jump on my blog.  (We can't access it from school.)  I received an email from Sassy, Inc.  This company makes such great baby products.  I think that Gus might own most of their products.  (And I LOVE that they are a Michigan based company!)  Sorry...I'm rambling.  Today I received an invitation to an exclusive party for blogging moms!!  I get to go (and bring Gus) to meet with their company representatives and learn about their products and see the new stuff that they are coming out with.  In return, all I have to do is blog about it.  Umm....how fast can I say "yes"??  Not only do I get to check out their great products, but I get to take a day off of work, go to my favorite side of the state AND take Gus with me.  Can it get it better?!?

I'm going on the 17th of September so stay tuned!  I am sure that I will have a ton to say.  Who knew that this blog would not only be a great place to talk about my family but also open doors to so many other opportunities?  Loving it!!

Gus goes to Gramma and Papa's

As much as I would like to think that our son sat and twiddled his thumbs and counted the hours until we returned, I know that he actually had a lot of fun.  Gus (& Gramma) kept a journal and took a bunch of pictures.

Helping Papa get his fishing boat ready...didn't get to go fishing this time.

One of my favorite things...the dog cage.

Made Gramma read me every book on the bookshelf.

Got some work done on my tool bench.

Pushing my car....much more fun than driving it.

Long walk up the driveway to Gramma and Papa's house.

I really like rocks.  Lucky for me, Gramma and Papa's driveway has plenty for me to pick up along the way.

At the Hudsonville Fair with Gramma and Aunt Annie.

Holding a prize zucchini.  (When Momma was my age, she took a bite out of the prize pepper!!)

See ya next year, Hudsonville Fair!

"Now where did I put those keys?"

Cheering on the Fennville Blackhawks with Aunt Annie's cheer team!

"Umm....I need some help here folks..."

Didn't get to ride the tractor this time but helped Papa outside and got to play with his ear muffs.

Helped Papa, Aunt Annie and Mr. Nate set up the tent and get it cleaned up and ready for Labor Day weekend.  I don't get to go this time...maybe next year.