Alex

Alex has 3 months to go before he turns two... EEK!! My baby is growing up so fast. Today I thought I would share a few fun videos taken off of Daddy's phone. Could he get any cuter honestly?

Corndog... taken a few months ago

He decided Grandma's corndog didn't look too shabby and helped himself to the whole thing.

So much for a snack while shopping, sorry Grandma

We went out for family night with some friends to Leatherby's.

This was supposed to be Daddy's shake.

Shake... a few weeks ago

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I just wanted to take a minute to tell my Best Friend and Sweetheart Jason just how much I love him.

Although today is a great day I can't say it's much different than any other day. Luckily I don't have to wait until Valentine's each year to know just how much I am loved. Jason is wonderful at showing and telling me each and every day. Here are just a few things I love about him.

He is an amazing provider so that I am able to stay home to raise our son.

He is truly my Best Friend and is there for me whenever I need him.

He believes in me when I do not believe in myself. Sadly this can sometimes be a full time job!

He helps with the housework. We decided early on in our marriage it wasn't going to be his chore or her chore. It's our house and we work together to get things done. No hubby to do lists here, he just seems it needs to be done and does it.

He supports me in whatever I want to do. He puts up with my crazy stamping habit and helps me out so I can teach classes in my home. Whether is watching Alex, setting up tables, cleaning or making the goodies I can always rely on him.

I love that we share our days with each other. There is something so wonderful about knowing you have someone to share your highs and your lows with.

I love how goofy he can be. I have many blackmail pictures of him being a dork. I love it! He always know how to make me laugh.

I love that he can cook and makes a mean meal.

I love how handsome he is and how I still get butterflies when I see him across the room.

He is an incredible father!! Hands down I could not ask for a better Daddy for my son.

I could go on and on about how great he is but I hope he already knows it.

I love you Jason... SYFAE Happy Valentine's Day!

Always a Ham

It's snowing, I'm sick and am trying to get prepped for my upcoming Stampin' UP! classes. It's not been the greatest day until Irecieved a few e-mails from my Aunt Sheila. It's crazy how a few old pictures can bring a smile to your face and make you giggle until your sides hurt. Those who know me best have heard I was quite the ham as a child and loved to be photographed or video taped. Here for a few fun pictures of me as a little girl. Thanks Aunt Sheila!

Me with my cousin Jesica goofing off, we had many fun times together.

Easter morning with my cousins Jesica and Spencer,

what is up with that pose and those shoes?

Just me... don't you love those eyes?

25 random things about me

Not much to blog about lately just busy spring cleaning, getting ready to eventually move as well as prepping for my upcoming Stampin' UP! classes. I did however decide while I was posting my random list on Facebook I might as well add it here. If you decide to do the same please let me know I would love to read your list.

Here are my 25 random or not so random things about me.

1-When I was little my dream was to be a teacher or ice cream LADY when I grew up.

2-I refuse to see a movie without popcorn regardless of how full I am off of dinner. Usually the choice of a theatre will be decided by how good their popcorn is.

3-I lost both my father and brother before my tenth birthday.

4-I HATE DOGS!!! I have been terrified of them since I was a baby.

5-I love bread, good chocolate and Diet Coke and could live off those alone I would however be happy to live without candy with no hesitation.

6-I read the obituaries daily… I am kind of obsessed with death I suppose probably due to number 3.

7-I love public speaking and had a full ride scholarship in college for it.

8-I am shy and hate stamping in front of others especially demoing products, I know it does not seem to mix well with number 7.

9- I love my unique name but hate when it’s misspelled or mispronounced. There is an E on the end people its Shar…. E. Aggg some other people’s children. =)

10- I have a difficult time filling out a form in order. For example paying bills this morning I would write February, then my name, then back to the 9, then down to the total, then up to the person it goes to. How annoying I know but I can’t stop.

11-I play the piano and the violin and can’t wait to own a piano of my own one day.

12- I love dates and remember many of them whether it’s a birthday of an old friend or the day I got engaged, had my first kiss with Jason etc… I love dates.

13-I like writing out To Do lists and crossing things off. If I do something that wasn’t on my list, then I add it and cross it off. My friend Natalie always knows that Mondays are my large to do list days so don’t ask me to play.

14-As my friend Haylee put it so well… I am also addicted to the Internet (blogging, email, facebook). I can't go more than a few hours without feeling this overwhelming need to check all three "just in case" I have a message or a new post to read. I also check it in the same order each time....slightly OCD. I was scolded by my old boss and co-workers for checking my work e-mail account from home. I just had to though.

15-I miss clogging from my youth and would love to get back into a clogging group.

16-I love impromptu speaking and often have dreams of being called up on stage out of the audience by Shelly Gardner to speak at convention. WOW wouldn’t that be a dream come true. I also love speaking in church. It’s better if I have little time to prepare.

17- I love to cook and bake. Really I love anything to do with food but creating something in the kitchen really makes me happy.

18-If I could add two talents to my list it would be Gymnastics and Cake decorating. I guess I’ll keep dreaming.

19-I met my hubby online and couldn’t be happier. Probably doesn’t shock you after reading number 14.

20-I am closer to my niece in age then I am to my sister. Call me Great Aunt Sharie… crazy huh? Yup my niece has a daughter.

21- I have never been to Hawaii or on a cruise but dream of going one day.

22-I have to have all of my empty hangers at the end of the closet and go crazy if they aren’t. Lucky my husband has finally figured this one out.

23- I have never smoked or drank unless you call the sip of alcohol I was accidentally served at a restaurant once. I guess having a history in my family of health problems due the two have leered me away from ever adding them to my list of addictions (DT and Chocolate).

24- I am a hopeless romantic in all aspects.

25- I cherish my friendships and love to do little things to make my friends smile whether it’s making them a gift or offering a sincere compliment. I have amazing beautiful friends, I feel so blessed!!

Kids say the darnest things or wait is that me?

It's the little things in life I love to remember. So I was talking to Jason a few days ago about some of the strange things I say. Not wanting to forgot them I thought I record a few.

While dating Jason we were watching a movie one night. It was a getting a bit late and I was tired when I muttered...

" When you say goodbye to me with q-tips it makes me sad."

Just as soon as I finished my sentence I asked him if I had said what I thought I had said. His response was Yes, I think it's time for me to go.

"I'm making pice and rasta tonight for dinner." This is what I told Natalie S. at work one day when explaining the type of Rice a Roni I was going to make. I was pregnant and a bit crazy so I often mixed my letters up. She still teases me for it.

A few weeks ago I was getting ready for bed and grabbed the chapstick off my nightstand. As I put it on my lips I knew something was a tad bit different.

" This chapstick is the same only different" I told Jason. Wow was his response ya that makes a lot of sense.

So it was strawberry instead of cherry... you totally understand what I was saying, right? We all know that kids say the darnest things but what about you? Am I the only one who's lights are are but no one's home?

On a side note Alex's two teeth are making their way in and life is looking a bit brighter around here.

Friends

Friendship is a rare and precious commodity. If you have a friend, who truly understands you and accepts you despite your shortcomings, then you are the luckiest person in the world.

I just wanted to say thank you to my friends. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Whether you left me advice, took me out for a girls night, brought me cookies or let me vent to you on the phone I really appreciate it. Over the past few days I have been surrounded by friends who seem to understand and accept me for who I am. Women who have gone out of their way to let me know they care and that I am normal and will survive this journey called Motherhood. Thank You, Thank You, these two little words do not do justice for my gratitude I feel towards you. I also want to say Thank You to my BF Jas who is always and will always be there for me. Thanks for me letting me have a night away yesterday, I really appreciate it.

On a happier note... Alex is sleeping better, throwing less tantrums and eating his food. Hallelujah!!

Pinocchio

" And when he was naughty he grew ears and a tail."

Don't bother calling him Alex anymore it's now Pinocchio. The famous words above from one of Alex's favorite books has rang through my ears more than once in the past few days or even weeks. He has sprouted ears and a big bushy tail.

My sweet boy has officially hit the terrible twos. He is NAUGHTY!! He fights me with ever diaper change. He is all boy throwing things, hitting people and having tantrums. He refuses to eat anything and everything I give him. One day he will eat say roast and the next day he gags on it. Even his old stand by food he is refusing to eat and throwing it on the floor. Every meal has become a guessing game as to what or if he will eat. At dinner time he usually has a meal and full sippy cup of warm milk. Since he has cut back on eating dinner guess who is no longer sleeping through the night because he wakes up hungry. I refuse to feed him in the middle of the night of a daily basis because he thinks he needs it. As strict as I am or as mean as I am I guess I should say Jason is a push over. Alex has his Daddy wrapped around his pinkie finger. Jas loves cuddling with Alex drinking his milk and watching TV in the middle of the night while I sleep. One or twice while Alex is teething is fine but nightly doesn't fly with me. Last night I told Jason enough was enough and he was not allowed to go in to Alex's room. I was up from midnight to four because I refused to give in but then I finally caved. I was tired and sick of fighting him. At 4 am I sat rocking my baby watching the guys shovel the snow off my sidewalk and the plow in front of my house. I tried for a moment to just cherish Alex being little and healthy rather then being upset at myself or him.

Tonight we will try again to just let him cry it out. I know he is a not starved and it's only become a convenient habit. It's so hard however when you know a quick fix.

He is very smart and knows exactly what he is doing. The other day I was cooking dinner and told him to leave this tray alone. He would pull it out a little but as soon as I looked at him he would push it back, and grin at me while laying on his tummy kicking his feet. He did this a few times before I pulled him away from the situation and put him in our version of time out.

It's almost like he is so smart that he is thinking up his next naughty move all the time. Now don't get me wrong he has his good moments too.

So why has all of this changed, who knows. I believe he has been teething on and off but I can't say that's the excuse for everything. It's amazing how one minute I am so overwhelmed with frustration and the next he is bringing me such joy. Being a Mom is such a roller coaster ride.

I have not gone completely insane yet but only due to my amazing husband. Whether it's calming me down, taking over before I loose it, letting me sleep, cooking dinner or babysitting kids so I can have a impromptu girls night out he is incredible. I am very lucky to have him as my BF and hubby and Alex is even more lucky to have him as a Dad. I really don't know what I would do without him.

I asked Jason yesterday if it would be okay if we cut out bed time, feeding and changing Alex's diaper from our schedule. I am thinking that would make my life a day bit easier. He didn't think that would work too well.

I really don't mean to complain I know I have it good. My baby although naughty is healthy and adorable. I have a roof over my head, am able to stay home and have an awesome husband. I just struggle with how I can't handle one when other friends are balancing multiple kids or adding them to their family so close together. For now one is plenty for me!

Besides venting I am writing this for advice from the many incredible Moms out there who are reading this. Please tell me I am normal for feeling like I am at my wits end. Please tell me I am not alone that this is normal and this too shall pass. For now I am will get through day to day with my Dt. Coke and perhaps a little chocolate. It's a snowy day and besides napping and my mile long to do list I think I may stamp or bake in my jammies. =)

Well thanks for letting me vent if you have read all the way to the end of this post. I hope something changes soon before we have to change his name to Pinocchio OwYoung, doesn't really sound good.

2009 Resolutions

Here is a marathon post.. you have been warned. I've got to catch up even if it kills me. First off I have to share the exciting news of the day. My BFF (since the age of 2) Laura had a precious baby boy today. No name yet but he is stinkin' adorable!! He was born at 4:48 this morning and weighed in at 8 lb 12 oz and 21 inches long. He is a big baby with full head of red hair. I can't wait to hold him. When I get more than a mobile picture I will be sure to post one so everyone can see how cute he is. Congrats Laura & Chad and to Eve the new Grandma =0)

January is coming to an end and I haven't posted about my 2009 resolutions. As the year came to a close I looked over my list of New Year's resolutions for 2008. It remembered me of where I was at when I wrote those. Baby blues had gotten the best of me and although I had the whole world at my fingertips I felt very alone. Sadly this is very common but still not a ton of fun.

This year things are looking up. Alex sleeps through the night or at least most of the time. Sharie with sleep is much different than a Sharie with no sleep. I haven't really made any drastic resolutions for this year. Of course I vow to be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter sister etc. but I don't have a bunch of things I want to be different. My main goal is to take some time for me and to not be so hard on myself. I am by far my own worst enemy. Who needs enemies when you have yourself to fight with.

I will continue on with a majority of my 2008 resolutions. Here is a review of them, what I have done this past year and what I will continue to do throughout 2009.

-Read to Alex daily

This one started as a chore because Alex had no desire for me to read to him. In the past few months we have spent hundreds of hours reading. He has really grown to love books. His cousin Shae grew tired of a book and since I told her how much I loved it she decided to pass it on to Alex. It's one of our very favorites. We read it daily if not a couple times a day. It's an adorable book for many reasons. A classic tale with a twist, the use of numbers, the pictures, the way the Wolf hides in each page and the way she has included numbers to search for throughout the book. I love asking Alex to find things like a piggy who wears glasses like Mommy or a hat or necklace. If you don't have this book in your collection I would recommend picking it up. I think I will order a few more of her books, they are fun and educational.

-Read two books a month if not more.

Well I failed at this one. It lasted a few months but then I put reading a book on the back burner. I would like to try and ready more but setting a limit of books a month is more pressure then fun for me.

-Stay updated on my blog.

A work in progress!! Did you notice I changed out my background, that's an improvement right? I try to do my best to keep it updated and overall I think I do okay. It started as a journal of sorts and unlike any other journal it's still going so that's a good sign right? I need to stay on top of it so that I have more posts, shorter and can eliminate the words Catching up when referring to my blog.

-Have a date night in or out once a week with Jason. Just spend more quality time together.

I think I have a pretty good marriage and an amazing husband. Anyone who knows me knows I adore spending time with Jas and overall I think we do pretty good. I guess what I would like to change is putting our marriage as more of a priority. I want more PLANNED nights without Alex whether that's getting a sitter or staying in and putting Alex down to bed early. We are currently planning a night away in the next few months so we are working on it.

-Take at least two baths a week again this is to keep my reading going and my me time in check. My showers are usual quick often while Alex is napping, screaming on the floor or after Jason gets home. It's not often that they are relaxing so bath time is a must.

I don't take near enough baths however I don't feel like my showers are so rushed now. Alex has grown up a ton in the past year and is able to shower with me. If I need a break I will often shower while he is napping which also works. I usually end up showering with Alex though. For some reason Alex makes showering more of a play date than a chore.

-Stamp once a week at least, I need to get back in the habit of taking time to stamp. I love it but it's hard when you have a little one. I need to get going on my classes which will help get me stamping.

Well... I definitely stamp more but perhaps not once a week for myself. I am offering classes more often and have a few in the works as we speak. I also just finished up a class last week and made a few homemade gifts this year. Valentine cards are on my list next so I'm working on it. I really need to reorganize my office before I play.

-Mail Random cards out to friends/family once a month. This is a way to put my cards to use. I love to randomly send a pick me up, thank you or thinking of you card. It makes me happy!

Not doing this as much as I would like but I've done it. I sent cards to some family/friends who had some rough times this year. I also have been better lately with thank you cards and hope to continue on that this year. If you need a card, holler.

-Last but not least is to work on my self esteem, try not to be so hard on myself. Have you watched the new show on lifetime called how to look good naked? If not I would highly recommend it. Strange show, wonderful concept. It has really changed my opinion of myself.

This will always and forever be on my to do list. I have my days but doesn't everyone?

Goals to add to this year's list:

Exercise 5 times a week- I have been pretty faithful with this one. I love having workouts on demand and have told myself even 20 minutes a day is better than nothing at all. It has definitely helped with my self esteem which rolls over to other areas of my life.

Cook new things- I have also been pretty good lately with cooking at least 5 days of the week and thanks to two new cookbooks I have been trying some fun new recipes. Need any?

Speak my mind now- Sounds strange but I have tried more lately to say what I am thinking. If I like some one's shirt.. I tell them. If think someone looks great.. I tell them. I have even gone out of my way to write people sometimes total strangers to tell them thank you. If someone has touched my life in some way I let them know. I guess I just realize how short life really is and why hide my gratitude or compliments inside so with that said...

If you are reading this odds are you have impacted my life for the better. In some way I am a better person because of you, so thanks.

Happy New Year!

20 months old going on 2

Alex is 20 months old, just shy of turning 2 and he knows it. Although he has been a fabulous sleeper lately he has been a pill during the day. Laura wanted to see his short "older" do. Here are some recent pictures I took of him after his latest haircut at cookie cutters which he royally hated. He is getting bigger and smarter everyday. I am amazed at what he understands and replies to. He is such a stinker one minute and bringing joy to me the next. I have also included a video of him getting a kick out of his Ducky. He has recently figured out how to pull the string himself and let me tell you it's pretty exciting. Have a great weekend, I will be back again soon with more posts to come. Will I ever catch up?

Lots of memories, lots of pictures, little time

Yup playing catch up slowly with many posts, see below as I slowly play catch up of our Holidays fun