Tyler and Meagan Dees

Snow Day

2012-02-15T06:40:00.005-08:00

I'm convinced God knew how tired we were for the weekend and blessed us with a SNOW DAY Monday. I'm even more convinced because it was all gone and warm the next day. When Siloam calls of school- that usually means that that roads are bad enough that Ty sometimes gets to stay home too. We had a great day of just being home- he got a lot of work done and I got a lot of my to do list done as well.

Roman loved the snow. We let him out in it right away Monday morning. He kept saying, "uh oh" as if something had spilled everywhere. It was cute.

Tomorrow (thursday) we go up to Omaha for state wrestling. Ike's SR year of wrestling. Let the butterflies and hives begin :) I'd appreciate the added prayer!!

Rome brought his sleeping buddies under the table where Ty and I were working so that he could hang with us- it was adorable how many trips to and from his room he was taking to bring it all :)

His other go to place to hang was in his wagon- with his milk, cereal, and his ipad he's good to go :)

Disciple Now Weekend

2012-02-15T06:24:00.005-08:00

This past weekend, our church had it's annual Disciple Now. D Now is basically a week long church summer camp crammed into a short weekend. Ty and I have been helping plan this for about 3 months and have been so excited to be a part of it!

We had a huge crew of about 80 kids. It started Friday night and ended after church on Sunday. It was an interesting balance for us. We hosted a home of high school boys. Because of Rome, I couldn't do a house of girls. I would have loved it and it ended up that I really missed not being able to have a group of girls. It's tricky being involved in ministry when you have a little one. But it's just for a season :)

Our group of guys that we had at our house were such good guys. Roman LOVED them and constantly ran to where they were just to smile and show off a bit. I loved his eager and bold spirit!

We finished the weekend by joining Kerwin and Lois, Rissa's fam, and Russ for a nice lunch at Market place. Then home to sleep :)

Our group of guys

cosmic Bowling the first night

My good friend Ariane helped me do the registration table- BIG help!!

Ty helped lead music and was in charge of doing the games for the weekend.

Rome and his friend Ryan played together for most of the weeknd.

Rome loved the music- he was always dancing around.

Crazy February

2012-02-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought, "I really need to start blogging more." I get busy!

Since the last post, we've found out Isaac GOT his scholarship! WOO HOO!! (now to convince him to come to JBU!)

I started watching the sweetest little baby, Avery. She comes 2 1/2 days a week and she is perfect. She only cries when she's hungry! It's so good for Roman to learn that mommy still loves him but that my attention sometimes needs to be on Avery. He's handling it well and he LOVES to be my helper. It's good practice for both of us for the possible future!

Last Sunday we had a Super Bowl party for the Youth at the church. It was fun to have a few hours to just hang with the kidos. We have the best youth group! I LOVE the kids!

We have Disciple Now at our church this weekend. Both Tyler and I have been really busy with this. He's doing a lot of prep for the actual event and i'm helping with the behind the scenes stuff.

Ty's playing basketball and finishing up 2 grad classes (3 more weeks 3 more weeks!!)

I'm still Coaching Gym and maintaining my working out schedule! Every day! It's so relaxing going each night when Ty gets home. I'm reaching my goals that I set as well so it makes it that much more rewarding!

We got a new kitchen table. This is actually our FIRST kitchen table. It was fun to sit down and have a family meal- we usually just eat at our own convenience or when we're hungry.

Roman's birthday is coming up! I've been planning the party and have so much more to do! it'll be low key but really fun! i can't believe he'll be 2!!!

A week from today we'll be on our way to OMAHA for Ike's Sr year State competition for wrestling! So excited to get to watch him but ALSO to have a weekend with great friends and family. There is no experience like state wrestling. Not just for the competition but for the 3 days of just being with so many amazing people. It is something that I look forward to every year!

ADVICE: If anyone has some advice about hotel stays with a 2 year old let me know- our last experience was horrible and I'm scared to death how this will go. He doesn't do well in the pack and play- PLEASE help me!

Oh and did you watch the duke game last night? I've never seen my husband (world's biggest duke fan) so excited! it was an amazing finish!

Scholarship weekend

2012-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had a super fast 24-hour visit from Mom, Dad, Ike, and Jay. Ike got accepted to JBU and had to come down to interview for some potential scholarships.

Boy, was it an experience! I never have had to do anything so intimidating as Isaac had to do. He had 3 separate interviews, either group or individual, that determine a certain number of scholarships. This was the biggest group of kids that JBU has ever had competing for these few scholarships. Isaac did great! He definitely didn't fit in with most of the kids there! :) I continuously teased him that he not only had the brains to be here but also the bronze :)

It was fun to have them here for a short time (especially during the hectic busy wrestling season!!)

They also brought Roman down his birthday present. Rome has LOVED the wagon! he sits and plays in it. He BEGS to go outside for a ride. It's super fun!

gummy bear

2012-01-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

One of Roman's favorite things is you tube on our ipad. He can navigate from video to video. His favorites are elmo and mickey mouse. And occasionally he'll find some real gems. He LOVES the laughing baby's and he loves all the crazy basketball trick's people do on there. The other day, he found this REALLY annoying video. Since he found it we've watched it many many times a day.

Yesterday, I caught him dancing to the video- it was adorable. I tried to video it sneaky-ly so that he wouldn't stop. He danced for about an hour- it was so funny!

Fun with Laura and Brody

2012-01-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

A week ago Wednesday, my friend Laura and I went over to Fayetteville for the morning. She has a little boy, Brody, who is 6 months older then Rome. They play so well together and Roman just LOVES him! We went to Chick fil A for lunch and then over to McDonalds to play at their great play place.

We also decided that we were gonna tackle the fitness world and signed up at Anytime Fitness! So far we've worked out almost everyday- later at night while the kidos are winding down/sleeping. It has been wonderful. Despite the first few days of being so sore, it has been so energizing. Getting to know Laura more has also been great. She is such a good friend!

Our Family Christmas

2012-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Our tradition is to have our little family Christmas on New Years Day. This year, since New Years was on a Sunday, we had to have a speedy Christmas before church.

Tyler made Mickey Mouse pancakes!

Rome got elmo slippers- he LOVED them!

Hugs

kisses

He got a stool so that he could go potty in the potty chair :)

Rome loved his hat he got!

(Roman started running a fever Thursday night and it was still there on Sunday- we ended up taking him to urgent care on Monday because he was still feeling awful! Turns out it was strep and a double ear infection! POOR KID! That's why he's crying in the pics!)

NE Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we headed up to NE for Christmas.

We got away in the early afternoon and first stop was Lincoln. Mike, Shelby, and Sloane have recently moved to Lincoln. We got to stay with them in their AMAZING apartment. The next day, after Ty and Mike did some Walmart visits for Ty's work, we had breakfast and all went to Mom and Dad's.

Christmas Eve night, we had our traditional soup supper with all the family that could come. This year we were light on family. It was our family and then Gma and Gpa Bokel, Gma Clancy, gma Elge, and my Uncle Bruce. After we were done eating, we started playing Phase 10. This game became a new tradition with our family. We ended up playing every night.

Rome had a rough night, he went to bed great but woke up at 1. He (and ME!) were up till 4. He FINALLY fell back asleep. Tyler was amazing and took care of Rome when he woke up at about 8- I got to sleep in a bit (thank goodness!!)

We opened presents and then had our Christmas brunch. That afternoon, we all relaxed and napped. We finished the day with a delicious ham and potato supper. And then a round of phase 10. This was one of my favorite memories with my family. It was just us kiddos and spouses playing. We started about 10 and played till nearly 2:30! I can't remember the last time that I laughed so hard. I still crack up just thinking about the funny moments. I will always CHERISH that memory!

Monday night, Tyler and I had a treat. We were going to go stay over night in Lincoln without Rome. My fam was going to watch him so that we could celebrate out 4 year anniversary. It was such a good time! I was a little nervous about Rome but between the 7 of them watching him, it went great!

Ty and I stayed at the Cornhusker Hotel in down town Lincoln. We went over to South pointe for dinner and a movie. We also hit up Trader Joes- It was fun to go there with Ty. There's a buzz about this place and so Ty and I were eager to see what the fuss was all about.

The next morning, we slept in till 9:30!! We then went back to South pointe to shop and have lunch. Then we headed back. I have forgotten how easy it is to travel when the only bags i'm responsible with are my own. We left the hotel at 10:30! only 1 hour after waking up!

For the rest of the trip, we just stayed at home. Rome rode some tractors, the boys played a lot of Xbox football, and Wii Just Dance, and Call of Duty.

The wrestling moratorium lifted on Wednesday and so all the guys went to Isaac and Jaydon's wrestling practice. It started at little before 10 and went until about 2. With all the holiday eating, the practice had to be a good one for the guys to loose that Christmas weight!! Ty went to watch, but got pulled into wrestle and to condition with them. He, not doing everything the guys did lost 4lbs! Isaac lost 6 or 7. I'm so glad i didn't have to go, ha!

Wednesday night we had our photo shoot.

Thursday morning we left for AR. We stopped in Kansas City at the plaza for lunch and shopping. It was a good break for Rome! We got back last night to a clean house!

We had SUCH a good time in NE!

Pajama outing

2011-12-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

The Sunday before Christmas evening we decided to do a Christmas Pajama outing. When Tyler was little, his family would sporadically decide to take the kids out to do something while in their pajamas- pajama outing. This was something that we wanted to continue the tradition of doing.

This night, we bundled up and headed off through braums drive thru and then on to a christmas light display that was linked up to the radio. Roman LOVED the lights and clapped and danced with the music.

We finished the night with a few red box movies and then headed home to watch them.

Dees Christmas Weekend

2011-12-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we celebrated our Dees family Christmas.

After Friday night's events (see last post), we got together again for more fun on Saturday. We all met at Kerwin's to open gifts and eat our Christmas dinner.

Cherissa made an amazing meal of homemade mac and cheese and a delicious honey ham. Following dinner, we had our white elephant gift exchange.

On Sunday, the Siloamers went to church and then met up with the Owasso crew for lunch after church. Russ hosted the entire family at his house, while he and Mitch cooked a Chicken pasta dish that was great!

best husband ever

2011-12-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Tyler is such an incredible husband.

Tonight starts the Dees family Christmas weekend. We were to go to a movie while the kiddos were babysat by my friend Ariane. But, Rome's been sick for the last 3 days. I thought he'd kicked it but sure enough, we had some more fun time with his sweet head over the bucket. :(

I brought Rome home and Ty went with his fam to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie.

Ty just walked in a little bit ago to check in and brought me this

DELICIOUS and SCRUMPTIOUS treat.

It's the very reason why I like to go to movies.

He's amazing...

Charity Ball

2011-12-14T07:27:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday, Tyler and I went to the Mercy Hospital Charity Ball.

It was at the embassy hotel in Bentonville. We went with a few of the people Tyler works with. It was unbelievably beautiful. We enjoyed the night away. Roman stayed with my friend Ariane.

There was a Four course meal, a live auction, and a mini concert by Jordan Sparks.

We had a great time!

Bonfire

2011-11-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

The bonfire went great! We had hoped to have around 30 kiddos come and were amazed to see close to 55-60! It was fun to have the kids get here, and then ask if they could text friends to come.

It was fun to see them all be able to be comfortable here. They quickly made themselves home in our man cave and Rome loved having so many new friends around to play with him.

One of my favorite parts was towards the end when all the kids crammed into the man cave and Ty led worship. It was so fun seeing them all sing and laugh and have fun. But I LOVED seeing Roman be confident enough to walk through the kids to sit by daddy and his "uncle" dave.

Here are a few pics:

November 18- Random thoughts

2011-11-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Life has been crazy lately. It seems like we're constantly running and running.

Since Tyler and I started with the youth at our church, we've had lots to do. There's worship practice, planning for events, getting our house ready for the big bonfire we're having tonight, and actual youth group. It's added to our schedule but we LOVE it. It's so fun meeting and hanging with the kids at our church. Though we're busy, it is something that we all get to do together and we are thoroughly enjoying it.

Since I started back coaching gymnastics, Monday's fly by. Rome goes and hangs out with my amazing sis in law- Rissa. He's started to get the hang of it. He even waved goodbye to me!-(tear from momma!)

I love hanging out with my three classes of kidos. I have been blown away at how being a mom has made me be such a better coach! I teach kids ages 18 months-4 years old. Since i'm with Rome all the time, I feel I can relate to these kids better then I could when I was a single college student! ha!

Gymnastics has also brought a place where I can take Roman in the mornings to play. He's caught on well and can do most events- he listens well and likes to learn the new things.

We're finally wrapping up the mowing season- I can't remember if I blogged about it- but last April, we bought an established mowing business in town. We've had a crazy schedule- Ty mowing when he gets home at night 6-9. And giving his Saturday's to mow. Now that the weather has cooled, we're still mowing but in longer stretches. This has taught me to keep GOOD records. I never realized the time it takes to do this- but it has been fun!

I've also been working for a lawyer over in Westville. It's been amazing- I get to do all the work from home- just a few hours a week. It keeps me fresh and my mind thinking :)

Even with all the business, we're enjoying every moment of life. Rome's like his daddy and functions extremely well with going and going and I'm learning to, after all my last name is Dees :)

Razorback Game

2011-11-17T20:50:00.002-08:00

Callin the hogs

kisses for hil

TP Game

2011-11-17T20:50:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, Roman and I went to the toilet paper game at JBU with papa Kerwin. We arrived just as Rissa and Lucas' family was getting there. It was fun to spend the pregame time with them and then to see the toss- It was fun to go with Kerwin too!

Max put these on his ears and then literally two minutes later...

Roman did it too!!

We got home and he was tired!

Halloween

2011-10-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

For this halloween Rome was a Hobo. Complete with guitar and beard.

It was fun getting him ready for the church harvest festival. He was such a good sport to let me put makeup on him :)

Here are a few pic... (excuse the quality- we'll get better ones tomorrow!!)

Also, today, Tyler and I got to go to West Side Story at the Walton Arts Center. It was amazing!! Grandpa Kerwin watched Roman this afternoon so we could go!

and it just occurred to me that he's wearing the same shirt he was wearing in my last post- i promise i have more shirts then that one for him :)

pumpkin patch

2011-10-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

This semester, Tyler, Rome and I started helping with the youth at our church. This past Saturday, we went with them to the pumpkin patch/corn maze.

It's been so much fun watching Rome hang with the big kids. They are all so kind and so welcoming to him!

Here are some fun pics.

18 months

2011-10-21T06:29:00.001-07:00

Roman is technically 19 months BUT I wanted to put in some of his 18 month facts before I forget them!

Rome weighs about 28 lbs.
He's in 24 months-2T clothes
His shoes is 7 but if he wears socks he can fit in 8-9.
He says, dada, mama, ball, bye bye, tractor (ta-to), dog, football (fooball), no, please (pa leeese), love you (ah you), banana (na na), grandpa (papa), Max and Maggie, (Ma), Razorbacks (Piggie) and he's trying a lot of the words we use.
He LOVES outside and could live out there if I'd let him
He's in size 4 diapers
He drinks milk like its going out of style- like almost a gallon in 2 days.
He Jumps with two feet while making baskets
He likes to draw
He loves suckers
He likes to brush his teeth
He brings me the hairspray and brush for "cool dude hair"
He's into Mickey Mouse, Elmo, Tractors, anything with a ball, and Razorbacks (Piggie)
He puts his hands in his pockets.
He can unbuckle himself in his carseat (ugh!)
He Loves putting on Ty and my shoes and walking around
He gives everyone kisses
He tells everyone in walmart bye bye when we leave
He picks up his toys
He's quick to help us on every project- if we are using a tool he'll go get a tool as well and come right over next to us to help. (precious!)
He does the "cut the pickle game" and then always thinks that he's gonna get tickled
He's fascinated with all kids older then him.

Here's a few pics that Mckenzie from JBU took of Rome...

Kerwin's Birthday

2011-10-11T15:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Kerwin's birthday. Cherrissa invited us all over to his house for a birthday chili. It was such a fun night! All Kerwin knew was that some of the family was coming over. What he didn't know was that she had invited a few of his friends and their families to come over as well. (a few being almost 50:)

Russ went over to do a final clean up and Cherrissa and her kidos came over to work on the chili. Rome and I got there a little before Kerwin got there. Tyler and Lucas joined a little bit after that.

It was fun to relax a bit with him until family after family of friends arrived to wish him a happy birthday and to join us for some chili and cake.

It was fun to see Kerwin's joy of having the house full of his friends and almost all of his family.

It lasted three hours but the conversations were rich and full.

A highlight of the evening was watching Roman be such a big kid! He ran and played almost the whole evening with the other kids in the backyard. He'd run to ty or I needing a drink or because his shoe fell off- he'd get his problem fixed and race off to join the other kids. With one little friend, I looked out to see them holding hands! SO cute! It was a JOY to watch!

Siloam Homecoming

2011-10-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Tyler, Rome, and I went to the Siloam Homecoming game. Before the game started, we went to the steakhouse here in town.

Arkansas Basketball Coach Anderson and his wife were also eating at the steakhouse! We couldn't resist asking for a pic!

Later in the weekend we went to Buffalo Wild Wings for Lunch. I thought Roman looked SO big in these pics!

NE Wrap up

2011-10-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more pics from the time in NE.

Rome and I picked up my grandma Elge (Rome's Grandma Great) and went to lunch at our small town (Aurora) bowling alley. It was fun to spend time with her! The summer before Tyler and I got married I worked 16 hour days at a place in Aurora. Grandma brought my an iced coffee from McDonalds everyday. We also went to the bowling alley to eat on the days that I got off early for the class I was also taking. It was fun to visit the bowling alley again!

Roman absolutely LOVED baby Sloane. I was in AWE that he was so kind and gentle to her. He would constantly give her uninstigated gentle kisses. He even would come and sit by whoever was holding her. He would then put his arms out to hold her. He did so well! It gave me hope for a future baby :)

This is a pic of a cute dress my sis gave me! It is one that is too cute and trendy for me to have ever picked out by myself- but i'm glad that she gave it to me because sometimes I need a little stretch in my closet! It turned out SUPER cute!

family pics

2011-09-28T20:02:00.001-07:00

The night before we left, we went out and took some great family pics. Dad gave us a hayrack ride as well. It was such a fun memory! (Oh, and mom made the most DIVINE ribs I've ever had- Rome ate more then i've ever seen him eat of any meat!)

Homecoming

2011-09-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Friday night was Isaac's Sr Homecoming. It was special because our whole family was there to watch. They ended up winning against our arch nemesis: High Plains. (woo woo)

Jay's Game

2011-09-20T06:09:00.001-07:00

Last night was Jaydon's first Jr. High game. He played GREAT! They ended up winning 22-20 against Palmer! yea!!

Here are a few pics...

Coach Ike

Look at that block for the runner!!

brothers :)

Jay wore many hats- runner...

Kicker

Blocker

the fans

Rome had popcorn, his face was so sticky the popcorn stuck! haha!

Weekend

2011-09-18T19:52:00.001-07:00

This weekend we spent Saturday watching football (wins for NE and AR! woo hoo!)

Saturday night we had some yummy soup and got together with Grandparents on my mom's side. It was fun to see them and to catch up a bit! Later on, Mike, Shelby, and Sloane came over.

Sunday we went to church and had a laid back day. We went up to NC to practice a bit of football for Jay. His first game is Monday night! We're all excited to see him play!

Here are a few pics from the night...

this pic cracked me up- jay is trying to make ike mad and to make us all laugh at his posing for the camera- love it!

he kicked it!

papa took rome's milk!

what a fun day!

Ike's game

2011-09-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last night, we went to Bladen NE to watch Ike's team play Silver Lake. It was FREEZING! It was fun to watch Ike (#33) play. Shelby and Mike came up as well. Shel, Sloane, Rome, and me stayed in the car for about 1/2 the game. It worked out perfect that we could still watch the game! They ended up winning 56-14. It was a Great game!!

Husker Harvest Days

2011-09-17T07:14:00.001-07:00

During the first few days we were up here in NE, we went to the annual Husker Harvest Days. It was fun to meet Shelby and Sloane and to go through the event. Husker Harvest Days is a 30+ year, 3 day, show of over 600 exhibitors. They are mainly all about farming (equipment, supplies, etc) They are known for the fun freebies (hats, pens, etc).

When Shelby and I were little, Dad drug us along to this. About 7th grade, we quit going so we didn't have to miss school. This year, it happened to be while I was home. It was fun to visit the extravaganza and spend it with our babies :)

Sloane had a blow out- we changed her in the grass...

20 min later, Rome did the same thing!! ha!

Sunday!!!

2011-09-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today, Rome and I had an easy going morning. We did some laundry, played outside, and just hung out. I decided that for the afternoon we'd go eat lunch and do some shopping.

We ate at Marketplace in the mall. Yummo! our favorite!

Roman the entertainer- he sucked this cup up so it stays on his face and I busted out laughing. He continued to do this the entire meal hoping for laughs :)

Rome ate over half the fries and two chickens without the breading! yea!

heaven

riding in the car- (ps the don't have the mall play place anymore- SAD)

Rome got new sippy cups! happy boy!

I got some SUPER cute sparkle jeans- happy mom!

(thanks ty!)

This evening, we went on another long walk, played outside again. Then Rome went to bed at 7:30. EARLY!

We are so eager to have daddy come back tomorrow! I know he misses him almost as much as I do :)

Saturday

2011-09-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today we woke up at around 7. We had a fun morning. Just cleaning and playing. This afternoon we were to go to Max and Maggie's bday party. A half hour before we were to leave, I got a migraine (YUCK!) I was able to finally take my strong medicine because we're no longer breastfeeding (more to come about that later).

When it faded, we went to the party a bit later then we wanted. It was SO fun! Rome loved watching all the kids. It's so fun to see nieces and nephews grow up! I JUST love them!

pinata!!

We went on a long walk and went and played at the park. Rome's exhausted! yea! Now time for Reese Witherspoon in Vanity Fair... YEA!

Friday!

2011-09-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today was day one!

Rome's in bed- exhausted little boy!!

here's what we did...

We watched Ian today. Ian is almost 3 and it's GREAT having him here for Rome to play with him! Ian has a paci- and roman, who NEVER took a paci, wants to be like Ian. I contiually see this...

What's hilarious is he doesn't know what to do with it. So he just bites it. :)

Tonight we went to the Siloam Springs football game- Rome was GLUED to the players, he even stood at the fence and just watched. When we'd walk around, he'd just want to watch the game.

We found Grandpa!!

We came back home around 9 and he went to bed without a tear.

Mommy and Rome weekend

2011-09-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today starts our four day weekend of JUST Roman and mommy! This is the first time we've ever been alone this long. Ty's going to a golf weekend with some of his friends to St Louis and won't be back till late Monday.

I've been trying to think of some things to do that would make the weekend special. We'll see how the plans go!

Roman's new jersey

2011-08-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

We got a JBU jersey made with ty's number... It's fun seeing hims play in it. It's crazy to see this number and name on this little guy. It's crazy to see this and to anticipate seeing it on many jersey's in the future.

6 years ago... Part 4

2011-08-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tyler's first bball game was November 4. My family was coming down for my birthday (November 6) Everyone was a bit nervous- I hadn't really filled my parents in on everything going on with Tyler, but when they showed up and I was wearing a shirt with "Dees" on the back- they caught up quickly.

The weekend was fun- we hung at the hotel with my family- Tyler got to know them and they got to know Tyler. Tyler left on Sunday night for a bball trip and we all went up to JBU. Tyler asked my dad to talk to him privately while my mom was taking pics of us all. I was DYING from curiosity about what they talked about. Afterward Tyler told me bye and left for bball. I didn't have a cell phone and we didn't have facebook so he couldn't let me know what they had talked about. And dad wouldn't tell me either. it was a LONG few days. My family went home that Monday- it had been a crazy weekend.

Tyler got back a few days later and still wouldn't fill me in. I finally caught on that they had talked about Tyler and I dating. When Tyler and I kissed for the first time November 9th, I figured we were finally official :)

And the rest is history...

GOD IS SO GOOD!

6 years ago... part 3

2011-08-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

We continued spending time together. Not alone but still always with our friends and in a group. We decided to go with Eva to her home in Kansas for the weekend (October 22-24) It was fun to hang with them-

We went and watched BBall practice- (we actually snuck in and then got kicked out-haha)

After getting back from KS, Tyler and I definitely knew that there was something between us though it wasn't official. Our group got together in the next week and we watched many movies and spent lots of time together...

Here's our first posed picture...

Oct 25, 2005

6 years ago... part 2

2011-08-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

fast forward about a month...

I had just returned to JBU from fall break. The week before I came home was rough. I was SO homesick. During that short fall break weekend. My parents and I talked and decided to try JBU till Thanksgiving (just 6 or 7 weeks away) and if it's still just as bad- I could come home. I remember praying by our fireplace in my parents living room that God would reveal why I was at JBU quickly- That next Monday- I met my good friend Eva. She met that close friend need that I was longing for. We went shopping a few days that week which just made school FUN. We spent most of our free time together and that Friday night we went to the Siloam Springs High School football game. ( I think it was the last week in September or first week in October)

It was the first time I had come to a football game- it happened to be homecoming. The home side was PACKED and we were trying to figure out where to sit- it was then that I saw a friend that I had met a few weeks back- Andy. He was with some other guys that I knew. We all decided to go sit on the guest side of the football field which wasn't so packed. After we had been there a bit. I heard Andy on the phone with a friend- his friend had said he was on his way from bball practice at JBU. A short time later, his "friend" came over and sat with us. It was then that I figured out that this was TYLER! During the game I laughed harder then I had in such a long time. Tyler was so funny and I could tell that all these guys were close. Eva and I had such a good time and I just loved getting to know Tyler more- I could tell he was going to be a good friend.

The next few weeks were fun as Eva became interested in Tyler's friend Adam and as they started a relationship, a relationship with Tyler happened easily. Though a bf/gf relationship didn't happen right away with Tyler, a strong friendship grew.

We were still in the just friendship phase when we were in the guys dorm just hanging out- Tyler had made up a game for the guys to play- baseball with one of those plastic candy canes. I remember thinking Tyler was so hot :)- I felt silly thinking this because we were JUST friends- it's a funny memory to recall thinking back now... here's a couple pics of that night...

Eva and I

Tyler, Me, Eva, Ben, and Ben

Then in the second week of October, Tyler and friends through a grill out night at his parents house in order for me to come (I didn't find this out till after the event had started). Eva, Adam, and I got to Tyler's and I was surprised that to see how many people were there! We had hung out many nights since that night in the dorm- but there was a vast amount of people I hadn't met yet. It was fun and everyone was nice and welcoming. After a couple of hours- we were gonna watch a movie. Eva and Adam told me then that Tyler was interested in me. I was blown away because I was a bit naive (but happy). haha :)

Our friendship grew as did our attraction...

6 years ago... part 1

2011-08-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

With JBU starting school soon, I was reminiscent that six years ago, I met Tyler for the first time. Also I've seen this on a few different blogs and thought that this was a great idea to help preserve the story!!

I had just left home in NE for Arkansas. I was starting school at John Brown University. I was nervous- not only for school and all the new things that came with it- but also for being away from home. I had NEVER been away from home-- I was a home body that was crazy to go to a school 9 hours away. But I was also so excited. I knew that God had provided and made the way for me to go to JBU so I knew that I needed to trust Him.

Tyler and I met for the first time during the first week of school (last week of August). My friend Lauren and I went to her friend Ben's house. They had met in one of her classes and he invited her over to watch a movie with some of his other friends. She had asked me to go with her, and since it was a Friday night and I wasn't up to anything- I quickly agreed. We got to Ben's after they had already started the movie. We snuck in and I was surprised to see a packed room of people. Lauren went and sat by Ben on one couch- I looked around the room and there was one spot left on the other couch next to a guy I couldn't really see because of the room being dark. I quickly learned that his name was Tyler and I also picked up that he was HILARIOUS. He filled me in on what was going on in the movie- the conversation was light but fun. He made me laugh and as we talked during the movie we were shhhh-ed numerous times by the rest of the people trying to watch the movie.

Lauren and I left before the movie was over and though I never saw him in the light, I knew he was pretty special...

The movie we watched

BEAUTIFUL night!

2011-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last night we had SUCH a great night- it was a beautiful 82 degrees that just cried out for us all to be outside!

New things...

2011-08-01T20:58:00.005-07:00

We've had some changes happen recently with out family. Ty changed jobs from Sara Lee and is now working for Welch's. Still in Bentonville and still in the vendor world. The change has been fun- he had a week off between- that was nice to get to just have some family time for awhile. With Ty's new office, we had some fun getting it ready a couple Sunday's ago.

Rome playing at Walmart-

Ty's office

Rome has LOVED putting on daddy's shoes after he gets home...

Aunt Mimi

2011-08-01T20:58:00.001-07:00

For the last two weeks, Aunt Carol's (aunt mimi :) been staying with us. It has been such a treat to get to know her so much more. Roman simply loved her! She came up to visit and to be here for the Cherissa's new baby.

Making cookies with Max and Maggie

Playing outside with the water ring aunt carol gave Roman

Aunt Carol bought a bunch of water activies for the kids to play with.

Branson

2011-08-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, we went to Branson for an over night trip. We wanted to shop and eat some good food. It was a fun trip. Rome did great sleeping in the car. Sleeping that night at the hotel was not so good. We sure made a memory- Rome woke up at 1 am and i tried to get him back to sleep for 3 hours. At 4, I reached my limit and woke up Ty to help. He decided to take Rome around driving while I stayed and slept. (AMAZING HUSBAND!!) I woke up at 7 to them getting back... Ty took Rome driving. He fell asleep about the time they got to the Landing. Ty decided to park and sleep in the car. About an hour and a half later, Ty woke up to a dead battery! After many attempts to get some help, he finally googled mall security. They got him fixed up and he was on his way back to me about 6:30. Rome woke up at 7 and they came in from the car. WHAT an adventure!

Tractor ride :)

He LOVED it

You know he's tired if he sleeps like this!

Eating at the BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!

look at that resemblance.

Ty's known to his nieces and nephews at " unlce T-bone"

We read about tractors during our lunch :)

We left late afternoon to come home. Such a fun trip!

Sunday with family

2011-07-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

We went to church and it was fun to have Sloane and Shelby with Rome and I in the nursery. Rome "held" Sloane for a bit and we got some cute pics.

We came home to eat lunch and then Shelb and I went to Cherissa's baby shower. All the baby gifts and fellowship was so fun! it makes me SOOO excited to get to meet this new nephew in just a few weeks!!

We had to get back before the shower was over for the guys to go with Kerwin to look at the new school.

Shelby had a GREAT idea to do some Chalk pics with the kidos. they turned out great- she's SO creative!

Sunday night we went to Cherry Berry for dinner- we're awesome, right? and then the guys went to Russ's for some fun time with the guys.

Mike, Shel, Sloane, and Jayd left Monday morning for home and our house has been so quiet! it's hard to get back to just Rome and I being here :)

More family

2011-07-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, Mike, Shelby, and baby Sloane came down to pick Jayd up and to hang with us for the weekend.

I can't tell you what a joy it was to see Sloane again. She's now 6 weeks old and It was a treat to get to hold her and see some of her first smiles :) She's SUCH a good baby! she travels like a champ!

isn't she the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen :)

She sleeps so good! Roman just loved her. He's started giving kisses (which is him just sucking on your cheek) he kept trying to kiss sloane- but since she's so small i had him just give her toes kisses. Each time I was holding her, he came up to me and tried to move her blanket so that he could find her toes to "kiss" it was sweet. And he's got the high 5 and pound it down- he kept doing it to her too- they're gonna be such good friends :)

We painted Sloane's toes nails- SO fun! her first pedi :)

We all went to Fayetteville and went shopping/fast lanes/ and good ol' CICI's pizza!

the guys were SO nice to let me and Shel shop without the babies for a bit- it felt like back when she was at JBU and we went shopping. So fun!

We dove in mom and dad's van-Mike and Ty were in the front- the babies in the middle and us three in the back- Isaac couldn't come because of wrestling and other things- BOY did we miss him!!!

July 5th

2011-07-05T21:58:00.001-07:00

We ended up doing our little firework time on the 5th. Rome was a bit scared of all the noise but he still wanted to be with the boys...

Naturals game on the 4th

2011-07-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

For the fourth this year, we went to the Naturals baseball game and watched them win and then also the "best fireworks show in NW Arkansas."

It was fun! Rome got scared at first of the fireworks but after hugging me TIGHT he relaxed a bit.

Nebraska Fourth

2011-07-03T19:43:00.003-07:00

This last weekend, my family came down to spend some time with us. Jaydon will stay with us through out the week. Next weekend, Mike, Shelby, and baby Sloane are coming down to spend the time with us and then they'll take Jaydon with them back to NE. We had a fun little time doing a bonfire and watching the fireworks.

Making Chicken Bacon Ranch BLT's :)

Dad working on our mowers for the mowing business- AWESOME!

The Boys

Ty decided to make the fire bigger...
Bright fire...
back to normal...
Roman cheering daddy on :)

Jaydon wrote his name :)

Gma and Gpa Abercrombie

2011-07-03T19:43:00.001-07:00

On our way home from Memphis, We stopped near little rock to see Ty's grandparents. It was so fun to see them and to spend a few hours with them!

Memphis

2011-07-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to Memphis and to Little Rock to see Ty's grandparents...

We left on Wednesday to get to Memphis. Our priority was Rendezvous Ribs. and they were amazing!

What a fun trip! It was a fast couple days-

KISSES

random fun

2011-06-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Rome's been fun lately. He's relaxed in his seat...

He's been a pickle about sitting still lately. But he sure is CUTE!

swimin

2011-06-27T20:29:00.002-07:00

Last week we went swimming with Ashton, Kas, and Jerry. It was a fun break from the aquatic center.

"cool dude"

2011-06-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

we try and go on walks most days while Ty's at work. Rome does NOT go for the stroller anymore- he'd rather walk! and YES he'll walk the two mile route I like to do while at my side. He's crazy!

fathers day

2011-06-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

The day following the zoo trip was Father's day. We stayed over in Tulsa and went to hear Kerwin speak at a church there. We ended the day with going to Dave and Busters to eat and have some fun time with the games. It was fun! Rome got a teddy bear HIS size and it had daddy's number 24!

zoo with rob and kelly

2011-06-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

a few weekends ago, We went to the zoo over in tulsa with our friends Rob and Kelly. We had so much fun! it was awesome watching Rome be so captivated with the animals. he LOVED the elephants. we went to the cheesecake factory after a nap at our hotel. Rome loved it and was great through the whole day!

peek a boo

2011-06-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Rome's new game is peek a boo in our closet- super cute! he'll hide in there until i find him for me to say "peek a boo"

Mike and Shelby's

2011-06-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ty came up for our last weekend in NE. We ended up going to hang with Mike, Shelby and Sloane. We went to a fun event at their park. It was so much fun enjoying outside and their amazing park! Sloane slept the entire time!

Farm boy

2011-06-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

While in NE, Rome went from being a shy little boy- not so sure of all the farm equipment- to a brave tough boy aching to be outside every moment of the day! He learned how to make motor noises when he sees trucks and tractors. he now answers, "what noise does a tractor make?"

Four wheeling and grandpa's tractor

guitar hero and breakfast with the uncles

planting trees (finding worms- see last pic above)

riding in the tractor and pay loader

First swim of the season

2011-06-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

While in NE, we all went swimming for the afternoon.

It was fun for Roman- he went bananas as he saw all the things to play with.

It was fun too because his uncles were with him :)

Sloane is born!

2011-06-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

Rome and I met dad and Jay 1/2 way the Sunday before Sloane was born. Shel had been on bed rest for 3 weeks before so everyone, especially her, was ready to meet this baby! She went in to be induced on Tuesday. It was SUCH a blessing and privilege to be there while we waited in anticipation! Mike and Shel live about an hour away from my parents house. We went over Tuesday night and stayed at their place while we waited. Early Wednesday morning, Mom and I went back over to the Hospital. Shel's water had broke and her contractions were increasing. She was AMAZING at handling those rough contractions. She finally got her epidural and her dilating flew in just a few minutes to a 10. A few hours after, SLOANE TAYLOR SWANSON was born!

Mike and Shel let us all come in and meet her soon after she was born. I was amazed to see Beautiful hair and BRIGHT eyes! watching her make eye contact with Shel was so heart melting to see. She is just PERFECT!

daddy's whiffle ball game

2011-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

During the first few years that Ty and i dated/engaged/married, we had a summer tradition of whiffle ball with friends. We didn't play last summer but this summer the boys got it going again- Sunday night was opening night. It was a different game because we're all at different stages of life then we were when we played before. It was still really fun and Roman LOVED watching daddy play!

big belly

2011-05-17T05:58:00.001-07:00

Since seeing Shelby a couple weeks ago, I keep talking about Shelby's baby in her belly- Rome laughed so hard when i put a ball in his belly- we kept teasing him that he's just like Aunt Shelby :) haha!

clouds

2011-05-17T05:57:00.001-07:00

the day after i got back from NE, Rome and I were playing outside. I had just talked to ty about how the clouds in NE are so different from AR clouds. I was surprised to see that this day, we had NE clouds :) I couldn't help but take some pics with my phone!

Shelby's Maternity pics

2011-05-03T09:29:00.003-07:00

Rome and I went to Kearney to see Mike and Shel. While we were there we got to take some maternity pics- here are some of my faves!

Uncle Ike, Jay, and Mike

2011-05-03T09:29:00.001-07:00

While home, Roman just LOVED playing with his uncles- They'd play outside, inside, everywhere. It was fun to hear Roman's squeal in delight when they were chasing or wrestling him.

During our photo shoot with aunt Shelby, Uncle mike taught Rome how to throw rocks into the lake. He LOVED it :)

Planting Corn

2011-05-03T09:28:00.004-07:00

While we were home in NE, dad was able to get some planting done close to the home place. We were able to ride with him- it was fun and Roman enjoyed it! Because of dad's guidance system, you cant touch the stirring wheel because it will take the tractor off of the auto pilot. Rome didn't like that- he liked getting to "drive."

Shelby's shower

2011-05-03T09:28:00.003-07:00

Rome and I got to go home to NE for Shelby's baby shower. It was a lot of fun planning and organizing the event. It all fell into place nicely and it was exciting to see all the blessings Mike and Shelby received by their friends and family!

Shelby's gift from the hostesses and mom (a lazy boy rocking chair fit for her petite frame :)

Hostesses minus aunt bethie and aunt amie

(L to R) Megan Carlson, me, shelby, Jane Davis, Jewel Faeh

Easter pics

2011-05-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

Rome had his first easter egg hunt at our church- because of the crazy rain we got, they did the hunt inside. He went crazy finding the eggs- he thought they were balls so once he grasped "make a basket" he enjoyed putting the eggs in his basket (bball boy through and through!)

Ariane was quick to help Rome get the high ones :)

Razorback baseball/Date with Rob and kelly

2011-04-16T20:43:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night we went out with our friends Rob and Kelly. We went to Catfish Hole and then to the Razorback baseball game. Roman LOVED running to the stadium and then running around the people.

Running to the game!

so excited!

the guys

Rome with the RBI girls :)

Rome and Kelly

Rob and Kelly

Rome calling the hogs:

Date with my hubby!

2011-04-16T20:42:00.001-07:00

On Friday night, Tyler and I got to go on a date, JUST the two of us. Tyler did a great job planning all of it. We went restaurant "hopping." We went to Market place for appetizer and entree and then Bordinos for dessert. Ty even had a list of dinner topics to talk about (he knows me too well to know that a list makes me happy :) we even got to go to target for a few minutes! It was a wonderful night.

Ty's white chocolate Creme Brulee

Lemon Soufflé Cheesecake with Blueberry Sauce

AND Rome did well at Aunt Rissa's. She sent us a pic of him in their little car. He had a blast and as soon as we got home he fell asleep and slept all night long!

Sleep Training: Night three

2011-04-13T18:38:00.001-07:00

7:00 pm

went outside and walked till 7:50

8:00 pm

bath, book, bounce, and prayer (i need a "B" word for this one)

8:25 pm

lay him down. this time was different. He cried as soon as i layed him down (same) BUT usually he hugs me over the rail and falls asleep in my arms. This time he let go of me and layed on his pillow/mattress.

I left him crying and seriously- 30 sec ( i didn't even get the timer set) he was sitting falling asleep.

he did that for 3:00 min and then laid down and he was out. WOW!

10:30 pm

Ty got home from class and Rome's still sleeping.

6:10 am

I woke up to Rome kinda crying but put himself back to sleep

7:45 am

I went and got Rome- he was playing in his crib.

well i've been amazed. He caught on SO much faster then I thought- thank you all for your encouragement it's been so uplifting! I had thought i'd do this "journal" for the first two weeks because I had anticipated it being a struggle- BUT i never dreamed it would go the way its going! yeah!

Sleep training: Night two

2011-04-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

well i'm shocked. something must be wrong.

8:00 pm

I started our routine promptly at 8:00pm. we were done and reading our book (brown bear brown bear what do you see) and then i bounced him for 10 min. at the end of the 10 min. I prayed with Rome- asked for peace and good dreams for this sweet boy. He was asleep and i layed him in his bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was awake and screaming. I told him i loved him and that we're doing this so that he can become a confident and independent boy! he kept crying :) I left the room to go work on Ty and my dinner. I started the timer for the first 5 min. I was shocked to see that he calmed down and sat down in his crib completely quiet. I watched him on our moniter and saw that he was starting to fall asleep... He layed down and was out 15 min after I layed him down!

9:30 pm

he woke up- i was on may way to see him and he layed back down and fell asleep by himself! WOW!

2:30am.

Rome's been waking up and he whimpers and then lays down and puts himself back to sleep!

7:30 am

Rome slept in his bed the entire night. he woke up probably 6-7 time, but he cried himself to sleep.

i'm encouraged :)

sleep training: Night one

2011-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

what's this about?

midnight:

I think this is the hardest thing i've ever done. It's midnight and Roman's been crying himself to sleep tonight. We started at 8 pm. He fell asleep around 10 and slept till 11. He's been crying for the last hour. I go in and check on him every 15 min. He keeps falling asleep standing up and then waking himself up when he moves. He's so tired. I'm so tired. I just wanna bring him into my bed and then we can all sleep. This is so tough! Will he ever lay down? My momma heart is breaking. Yuck...

12:30

Good news: he fell asleep. bad news: he's sitting. i'm gonna sneak in there and try and lay him down...

GOOD! he's sleeping on his blanket. I got praise music going (it's been going all night)

3:15

Woke up panicked. I went in to hug him but not pick him up. I told him he's doing so good to sleep in his big boy bed!

3:30 he's looking around and crying more in his crib...

3:40 he's standing at the end of the crib- he'll lean his head on the rail and fall asleep only to wake himself up again after a min of sleep...

4:00 he's asleep. he finally laid down and is out.

it's 8:00! Rome woke up 1/2 hour ago. i was SO happy to go scoop him up out of his crib this morning!

WE did it! the first day's done! Looks like we'll get a good nap this afternoon :)

pray for us tonight as we do Night two!!

Sleep training: Intro

2011-04-11T22:00:00.001-07:00

Well, its time. I don't like it. I LOVE sleeping with my baby. But I know that he needs to learn to sleep on his own. I know that this is gonna be hard but necessary. He's a big boy! and he needs his big bed!

My idea is to do a nightly journal of sorts. I'll write throughout the wake ups and keep track of how he (and me!) does. Sorry if it's boring. I want to do this for me more then anything- to show that this hardness is worth it!

Scentsy!!

2011-04-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

I DID it!

After thinking and thinking and thinking about it I finally became a Scentsy dealer!

I'm so excited!

A few months ago, I went to my friend Ashton's house for our Bible Study. When we walked in, I smelt the best smell. There was a this warmer in the living room and then a cute little plug in warmer in the bathroom. They smelt so good! Ash, told me all about Scentsy and even let me borrow a warmer for use in my house. I've been amazed at how long the scents have lasted. They are so yummy. I saw that Walmart started carrying a better homes and garden version of Scentsy- I even got one to try BUT the smell was gone in less then a week! Scentsy's has lasted for months!

I wanted to announce on my blog too just in case you guys are wanted unique and classy gift ideas :) they have so much to choose from!

Go ahead and look :) and Let me know if you have more questions!

https://meagandees.scentsy.us/Home

Fun With Max and Maggie

2011-04-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

Rome and I got to go play with Max and Maggie for a bit a couple weeks ago.

He had a blast having kids he could wrestle with! He'd climb all over them whenever he could!

Towards the end of our visit, it warmed up a bit outside and we went out to play. Rome ran straight for their little car. He loved having max and maggie push him in it. He'd just sit calmly and enjoy the ride :)

hey roman, where's your belly button?

2011-04-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Rome is fascintaed with belly buttons. he's quick to find ty's, his, and mine :) it's pretty cute to watch his face light up once he finds it!

bye-bye is now two hands :)