Four!!!

Landon recently turned 4 and so far we have had 3 of his 4 birthday celebrations.  One for each year I guess ;)  First we had a combined party with cousin Max with a few family members, then we celebrated with Mema and Pops Busch on his actual birthday morning - complete with a fishing trip where he caught FOUR fish, and also a celebration at school with his class.  In a couple weeks we will have a pool party with his friends.  He was kind of confused that it was his actual birthday, because he wasn't having his friends for a party and we went to our friend Lucas' party.  I would tell him Happy Birthday and he'd tell me..it's actually Lucas' birthday mom, not mine.  I guess when your little it's not a birthday until it's your party :)

HUGE Ice Cream Cake Mema Maggos got for the boys

The Birthday boys...Max 2, Landon 4

Max and Brody enjoy the leg rides from Mema and Aunt Norma

At a Grizzlies baseball game for Lucas' birthday...Landon was very excited about going to the game

Lucas the Birthday boy and bro Tyler sporting their crafty visors

Some kiddos at the party...group shots are not an easy feat these days :) 

Landon obviously enjoyed the cupcakes at the party :)

Holler, we have a Baller!

You never want your kids to suffer or have any harm come to them, so yesterday was emotionally a hard day.  Brody has had his left testicle stuck in his belly since birth.  We had waited and hoped that it would fall into place on its own, but unfortunately never did, so surgery was in order.  I was most worried about not feeding him for over 12 hours, but God miraculously took care of that prayer and he did AMAzing!!  So happy all morning until they took him away from us and into the operating area. 
I was honestly not that worried about the surgery.  I tend to be a planner, but not a worrier.  So all my ducks were in a row and I thought we were good.  I even had buckets and towels for the car ride home just in case Brods and the anesthesia medicine didn't agree with each other.  However, I was not prepared to have to make so many decisions that day.  First the nurse started telling me all the side effects and what could go wrong during the surgery - umm, I am a big believer in ignorance is bliss, so this knowledge was SO not helpful.  I agreed to let them operate despite my new list of things to think about.  And then had to decide whether or not to give him Verset (spelling?) a relaxing medicine that would supposedly make him calm when they took him away from us and put him under.  The side affect is he would wake up angry and irritated, but wouldn't remember the surgery.  I hate to decide where and what to eat let alone a major health decision.  So here I was, and Josh wasn't much help and just told me whatever you think.  I am not a fan of extra medication, but thought it might be best since Brody was getting a little anxious at this point - we had been at the hospital for over 2 hours and the surgeon showed up 40 minutes late.  So I decided yes he could have it.  Not sure if it was the right decision or not, because he still cried when they took him, but only for a second.  Then after they took him away I thought okay nothing else to do but relax, pray , and get my hungry hubby some breakfast at the cafeteria.
As soon as we sat down to eat breakfast, my pager went off.  Freaking out since I knew the surgery couldn't be over yet- I contemplated running up six flights of stairs since the elevator was taking FOREVER.  I finally returned to the waiting room and received a phone call from the doc.  Doctor - " I am having a hard time finding his testicle.  I can't feel it like I did at the office, so I want to put a scope through his side and belly button in order to be sure it's there.  There is a possibility it is missing or is too small to function and we will remove it.  So is this okay?  Again another stinkin' decision.  What do you mean you can't find it?  It was just there earlier today?  And in your office?  And we have felt it since birth, but for some reason right before  the surgery that ball decided to roll higher and resulted in another incision in his side and belly.  Was upset as my mind thought about Brody having one ball his whole life, or not being able to have kids, and just prayed.  In less than 10 minutes got a call back that they did indeed find it and would proceed as usual.  Thank God!!!  And that was it - an hour or so later he was done.  Crabby, but done.  Those side effects from the Verset were awful.   Took him almost an hour and half to calm down and really recognize me.  This was the worst part for me!  Very upsetting to see him so upset and unresponsive to my face and touch.  But then he finally came to and smiled, and surprise, surprise said, "Pees, pees, pees!"  His way of asking for food :)  Some milk and graham crackers and my boy was coming back!  He never even threw up and the rest of the day was smooth sailing.  Thank you friends and family for your prayers and thank you God for protecting my baby!  We now have a double baller :)  Daddy is so proud.  On a funny side note - today after his surgery I was like oh no his testicles look really swollen (side effect to look for), umm that was because he now has them!  I just wasn't used to seeing them and looked strange to me for a sec :)

Dad is not so thrilled about me having the camera and taking pics...."This is not a vacation." 

Me: Nope, but it is a memory :)

Modern day miracle!  Happy boy on the ride over...even with an empty belly.

Having fun in the play room - children's hospital is an awesome facility!!

In his gown with no idea of what is about to happen.

Trying to rest after surgery...poor guy!

Little IV

Awww!!!!  Finally some milk!  Huge gulps!

Mommy's noggin after he started to recognize me again :)

Pointing to Mommy!  Yeah that stupid Verset is getting out of your system.........

Sat like this for 3 HOURS!! on the couch the night of the surgery.  I have never seen him so still...not sure if he was overmedicated or just smart enough to know if he moved it would hurt.  So pathetic, but thankful to have gotten more cuddle time in one night than I have in his whole life! 

Today he is doing well - happy for the most part, but cries super hard whenever he falls.  Trying to keep him from walking too much, but my efforts are mostly futile at this point :)  Hopefully he will heal up super fast!

Confessions of a Clothesaholic...

Hi, I'm Erin, and I'm a clothesaholic.  And an accessory junkie, and why we're at it - a shoe lover as well!  I guess it started in high school when I began spending my paychecks on cute outfits.  I mean not my whole paycheck...but I liked the new clothes, the way I felt, and I would receive positive comments, so the cycle began and then continued.  I bought clothes, and accessories, and sometimes shoes.  However, I recently had a moment of insanity realization that clothes are a weakness for me.  After some sermons at church about materialism and being thankful for what we have - I was looking at my life and trying to see if there was anything God was calling me to change.  Of course my initial response was I'm good - nothing to worry about here.  I mean I am not a superficial person, I help others, find bargains and make good use of the blessings God gives me so what would I possibly need to change?  And then I got this little nagging thought - what about your clothes? and then another one - jewelry?  shoes?  Aw, maybe I just had some Mexican and was having some issues digesting - I mean God wouldn't really want me to give up my passion.  And besides - I only buy stuff on sale, every once in a while - and only if I really like it...I mean what's the harm in that?  God wants me to be happy right?
 But it kept occurring...that annoying little thought.  Don't you have enough clothes?  Maybe it's only $20 or $30 here or there, but what could you use that money for to help someone else or further my kingdom?  Oh geez...why did I order that burrito - or is this really God calling me to change?  So then it happened - the dumbest  unselfish decision to not buy any clothes, accessories, or shoes for one year!  A year!  Really?!?  What the heck was I thinking?  A year...that's a long time!  And not just clothes, but accessories!  How's a girl supposed to live?  Especially one that loves clothes and accessories!  Yet, here I am 6 months later - and not once have I bought clothes, shoes, or even just a tiny little accesory to liven up my now all too familiar wardrobe.  Not only that, but I have 4 gift cards - had them since Christmas - and I have not spent them.  Nope!  Just sitting in my wallet...waiting.  (Sigh)  Not to mention some AMAZING deals I have passed up - cute stuff - close to free stuff, but nope - I had to listen to God.  Sometimes I hate that voice - that voice of pure wisdom, and reason, that eternal outlook - why not just enjoy today?  But, that's not why I am here - that's not what I am supposed to do.  And he blesses me for it, even when I don't willingly listen and drag my feet.  And since he already knows everything, I need to confess to you all that I did cheat - once.  At a yard sale.  I have never bought myself clothes at a yard sale.  But here I was salivating...I was like a junkie- and my drug of choice was a shirt - an adorable shirt - for a $1.  A dollar!  No harm in that right?!?  So I bought it.  But then realized this is maybe why I felt God calling me to do this.  Clothes do not define me- even the cutest, perfectly fit shirt.  With accessories that pop!  Nope, through this God is teaching me to think about others, the little things, and not focus on myself and my appearance.  My outfit might not be perfect, but my heart is hopefully changing which will make my look better than any outfit ever could.  You ever met one of those people that just shine?  Like you can just tell they love the Lord and he's their passion.  Well that's my prayer, that people won't look at my stuff - the clothes, accessories, and shoes, but they will see God in me.  A passion and love for him.  So what do you need to change?  What is God calling you to do?  It may not be easy - might even be painful, but He will make you stronger and better in the process!  In the meantime pray for me and the next six months!!  And feel free to buy me a shirt or accessory :)  I mean...I didn't feel called to deny a gift from those I love! 

Buh bye baby!

Lately I feel like overnight my boys are changing.  It's exciting to see them maturing and their personalities shine, but also sad to see them growing up so fast.  Everyone always tell you that, but I am starting to see what they mean.  Landon will be four in a week and Brody just turned 15 months. 

Brody is now a walker and recently a talker.  He will moo and quack when you ask him what a cow and duck says, he says please, mommy, daddy, tractor, car, go, yes, book, uh-oh, doggy, hi, bye-bye, papa, and lots of jibber-jabber that I can't make out.  He points to his head, mouth, and belly.  He is also becoming very adapt at expressing his needs...like his father he wants what he wants when he wants it :)  His latest somewhat endearing/annoying sign is he vigilantly shakes his head no at any food he thinks he dislikes.  His head is shaking a lot these days as he is becoming extremely picky, but he still wants to eat a LOT so it is challenging to find enough food that he will eat.  He has also begun screaming quite loudly about EVERYthing - I am trying to be consistent and work with him on using his words, but I am praying this a short phase, cause man I hate that screaming!!  Good thing he has the sweetest, best smile!

Landon has been such a joy these days.  He is so animated and full of jokes and laughter.  He is always making up words, songs, prayers, and anything he thinks is funny.  Man does this kid love to be laughed at!  He has also been a momma's boy lately wanting to be by my side all the time.  He even lets me cuddle with him now - which I love!!  We always have a special time each night when I sing to him and he asks me what's on the schedule for the next day.  He likes to help me plan activities for my preschool class.  He has also been a great big brother and even makes Brody say please before he will share a toy or food with him.  If Brody falls he will run over and give him a hug and kiss and tell him he's okay.  He really is the perfect big brother except for grabbing stuff out of Brody's hands.  Although, Brods is so strong and has recently been winning at tug and war.  We have always warned Landon to be nice to him, because one day Brody might be bigger and stronger!

On a side note - I did get to sleep in until after 8 today, so maybe this getting out of baby stage won't be so bad after all!  I love my boys and feel so blessed God gave them to me!

Mr. and Mrs. Buxton

We recently headed to Daniel Boone's homestead in Defiance, MO, for our friends Jason and Katie's wedding.  The weather called for rain, but it turned out to be an absolutely perfect day!  Josh had been to the area as a kid on a field trip with his Grandma - she always took them on little adventures :), but it was my first time in the area.  Everything was so calm and beautiful - the perfect little quaint spot for a wedding.

Lilly is always so excited to see her daddy, and when he walked in

front of the chapel she came running over saying Daddy!  Daddy!  So sweet :)

You could just see the love on Katie's face and in her eyes - so happy for them!

The happy couple

Allan had to work, so Jen flew solo; but she looked beautiful enough for them

both.  Her hanging out in the outdoor kitchen.

Brian figures he better take his pregnant woman to the chapel ;)

Such a good looking couple - you know this baby boy will be a handsome

little guy just like his bros.

The only man I would want to be with.....God blessed me with an amazing hubby

and I hope the Buxton's find as much joy in marriage as we have!  Not everyday is

full of roses and sunshine, but I can't imagine life without him!

Helpful Hints

Two helpful hints I recently discovered.....

1)  Designate an old towel as your dryer towel.  Always put it in the dryer for each load and the dry towel will help soak up the water in the other clothes.  Saves on energy and shortens drying time.  Try it....really works!!  I haven't had to do that extra 5 or 10 minutes since I started doing this.

2)  Flour is a miracle worker on burns.  Keep a small container in your fridge or by the oven and if anyone has a burn put it directly in the flour.  (Don't run in cold water first)  Supposed to not have any marks or blisters if you do this.....now only if I had known this before the pressure cooker exploded on my arm last week!  Praying I don't have a scar!

Happy Mother's Day!

After looking at some cheesy, overpriced cards we decided to make our own this year.....

My personal favorite was Josh's card to his mom...I came up with the idea and he executed the plan!  Landon thought it was so funny that Mema's card had a potty on it!

I mean what mom doesn't want chocolate for Mother's Day????

At school we had a muffins with mom breakfast and needed placemats to decorate our table.  I interviewed all the kids and asked them questions about their mommy.  Here's Landon's answers.....

Brody's Dedication

We recently did a parent dedication at church for Brody.  We wanted to commit to raising him in the way God intended and have our family and friends to support us in the process.  Pastor Gary did the ceremony and our good friends Brian and Krista also had Lucas dedicated as well.  Here is the description I included about Brody.....

Brody Maccoy Busch, our little Brodster, was born on 2/10/2010 and is almost 15 months old. He has two major passions in life - food and people, and in that order. There is not a time I can open the pantry cabinet or refrigerator door without hearing his attempt at saying pease, peese, in hopes of getting more food. Or the occasional birdlike screeching to FEED ME! Food does win over a boys' heart, but he wins over people's hearts all the time with his joy-catching, infectious smile. This boy can light up a room with the smile that lights up his face! Most parents hope to find a picture of their child smiling, but I have a hard time finding a picture that he isn't. A big, happy boy that's not afraid of anything standing in his way. We often call him "Tank" for his ability to climb through and over anything. He always takes the quickest route no matter what lies in the way. He already knows to fold his hands and pray and it is our hope that his life will bring him to be a servant for the Lord with the same joy, determination, and passion he brings to our lives!


Brody was in a great mood and was a little ham during the show - he even folded his hands when Pastor Gary said he knew how to pray!  So sweet.

Lucas - he was excited about the trampoline on stage and kept looking at it, so this was my best shot!

Brody hamming it up!

Easter (cliff notes version)

We had a lot of Easter festivities this year - Easter egg hunt at school, Glazebrook park, mema Busch's house, my Aunt Sarah's, and a party at our small group for the kids.  Here are a few pics of the events........

My Little Bucket Head

On the hunt - Landon was more into it this year, but would get one or two eggs and be so excited that he would stop!  Love that he is still pleased with the small things in life!!

My Bunny Brody

Not loving the ears...sorry Mema Busch!

No one liked this creepy Easter bunny at the Glazebrook Park hunt - Brody, Max, and Landon ended up in tears or running away.  Wonder at what age Landon will no longer be scared of these mascots?  At least this year he was a little better - punched Goofy in the nose at Disney World!  Now we don't get that close :)

Love those two little bunny teeth!

And finally, the photo shoot of my boys on Easter....we managed to get one decent photo, but this first pic shows me what Landon thinks of having his picture taken!  He told me he was trying to make his hand in a cool shape...um let's shoot for another sign next time buddy!

Oh my GOSH!!  My kid is much sweeter than he appears in this photo!!! 

The best for last....