Censorship....

So I had my very first dose of leaving the TV on today and Blake seeing a commercial that wasn't exactly what he should be see. Luckily -it went right over his head but he was glued to the screen when I walked in my room. So typically the only thing on the TV is kid friendly when they are awake but I had a moment that I would listen to CMT or VH1 this morning while the boys were playing in my room.

Well I left the TV on and we went downstairs for breakfast. We came back up to start getting everyone ready and Blake had beat Grayson and I up there. Picture this:

I walk in and see Blake glued to the TV (not shocking) watching a Condom commercial. Yep - that right, a CONDOM commercial. There must be a new brand out and it was a pretty graphic commericial. Let's put it this way - if Blake knew what he was watching - he just went to sex ed and learned how to put one on...

Just what every mom wants to walk in and see. So lesson learned - don't leave your TV onto CMT or a music channel because they air stuff like. I had a good laugh only because there weren't any questions with what he saw. So we are back to Diego, Mickey Mouse, etc.

Mom, I am talking to you!

Well I got a little taste of my own medicine tonight from Mr. Blakeroo. My biggest complaint lately with Blake is his lack of listening skills. You know he hears you but he keeps on going doing whatever it is that he isn't supposed to be doing.

So there are times when I have said "Blake, I am talking to you" or "Blake, Mommy is talking to you". So when I didn't turn right around when he beckoned him - Blake then said "Mommy that is a 1"....and so forth. I couldn't help but laugh because he totally got that he was mimicking me.

Watching CMA's

I honestly can't tell you the last time I was able to sit here and watch a show like the CMA's. Granted - it nothing earth shattering but I have to say that I am totally enjoying watching artists and so forth. What would it be like to be famous... Hummmmm....

While we are not famous or anywhere close - we have it pretty good. Who knew 9.5 years ago when I started at Cary PD that I would end up marrying a person that started that very same day. Billy and I are about to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We can look back and laugh at some of the crazy times but I think we would be the first to say that we actually have a pretty great marriage and feel very fortunate for what we have.

I feel blessed to have worked at a great place like Cary PD and have met some great friends. Billy and I do miss those friendships (although Russ lives down the street) and working crazy night shifts - everything always happens for a reason. Sometimes the decisions we make have bittersweet endings. Billy and I are lucky to have great families, the best of friends, and 2 unbelieveable boys that make us want to be better each and every day.

Nothing like coming home!

It is the best feeling to come home and have 2 excited little boys running into my arms. There is nothing like hugs and kisses from my monkeys. I worry that one day they will realize that I am just mom and won't be as excited so I treasure each day that they do. They are growing up so fast and while all days aren't perfect - I wouldn't change a thing.

I always make a big deal and give them hugs and kisses because I miss them just as much. While I enjoy working my 3 days - I love my time with the boys. With Billy being gone - life can be a little busier than normal but the time goes by fast.

Well it is time to go clean up the kitchen! Fun fun....

Go Brett!

So there is a running joke that Brett Favre is the father of the boys. While we all know that it is a joke or possibly a dream of mine - everyone plays along including Billy. The boys will watch Brett play and run around yelling "Touchdown" when he scores and that seems to be a lot lately. I have been a Brett fan for years and I am slowing turning my family into Brett fans - they hate to admit it but the Redskins are helping my cause b/c they are terrible and I mean terrible.

So back to my real life hubby - Billy said one day to me recently - "You know what Sara - I am so sorry that I passed along my lack of patience to both these boys". Blake and Grayson don't have a lot of patience and I am always trying to teach them that but sadly it is in their blood. Thanks Billy!

Thankfully I have a lot of patience but 2 Conner Boys and their Daddy can wear me down some days but I don't know what I would do without them. Billy and I laugh more these days than ever because of Blake and Grayson. They do the funniest things ever.

Oh Grayson

So there is no shortage of personality floating around our house. Grayson doesn't really have any words at this point other than Mama....but what else does he need, right?

Grayson sure does understand what is being said. He is the sweetest little man until he doesn't like what you say or feels strongly about something.

Funny story - Mom and Dad were visiting a few weeks ago and Grayson got frustrated because I didn't know what he wanted at that exact moment. So he decided to hit me a few times in the shoulder - no big deal but I always remind them that we don't hit because we only give hugs and kisses. So I still didn't get what G was trying to tell me so he just smacked me. Of course - it causes everyone to laugh so it just eggs him on.

Funny story #2 - I took G's pacifer from him one morning and told him to give me a kiss. Well Grayson did not feel like giving me a kiss that morning so he hit me - so then I say "Grayson, we don't hit - we give hugs and kisses". So Grayson hits me again and I repeat the same thing. So then Grayson grabbed my hand and went to bit me. Needless to say - he won that battle and he got his pacifer back. This all occurred within 10 seconds..... Love that baby boy but my gosh - he is a handful too.

Halloween Pics

Here are Halloween Pics. Blake had a super cute parade at preschool again this year. Blake dressed up as a pirate and Grayson was a parrot. It is so funny because Grayson totally got what he was supposed to do. He would go up and pick out a piece of candy and then place it in his bag.

We have a tradition now with our friends Chris and Karen. Three years ago - they came over and went trick and treating with us and we have a super great time each year. So now they have 3 kids and with our 2 now - it was a really fun time. The kids were all so well behaved so we went out longer than we originally planned. It is fun to see all of the kids change and they get along really great.

A month has passed

So it has been a fast and furious month for all of us. Blogging has not happened because I have been slammed with our new business. Anyone who reads this already knows that Billy and I brought a franchise called "Kids Closet Connection". We finally think we were ahead of the curve for the first time in our lives.....Kids Closet is a children's consignment sale that is held twice a year. So we weren't sure how it would go but our expectations have been exceeded. We have 170 consignors signed up and our sale begins next week.

We have a lot of help and support from friends and family...Billy and I went out to Kansas City for some training - it was 38 degrees....Yes 38 degress in October....We met a lot of nice people and got to have some adult time....Thank you to Mommom and Bob for staying with the boys. However Grayson wasn't pleased with me leaving but luckily - he loves my dad so he attached himself to him for the 2 day trip.

Well I hope to have more time in a few weeks to start blogging again! Oh wait - the holidays will be underway..Where did this year go?

Grayson is walking

Grayson is all over the place these days. A few weeks ago he started walking a few steps at a time but now he is on fire. There is no stopping Baby G now. My sweet pea is growing up. As you can see - Grayson is right in the middle of Blake and Addie playing at the park. Grayson wants to be a big boy like big brother. Blake and Addie played great the entire time. I often find that Blake plays better and doesn't get all crazy acting when he is around girls which makes it very enjoyable for me..

Preschool 2009

School is back in session and Blake is loving it again. Blake has great teachers and most of the same kids are in his class. So here is the first day of school. Then there is the picture of how he put his hat on at the end of class because he is super cool.

Blake's 3rd Surgery

First - I have to thank Shelley for showing up on my doorstep at 6am to surprise me. After the initial scare of someone knocking on our interior garage door - I was so touched to see one of my best friends standing before me. This is true friendship and I appreciate the thoughtfulness to be there for me because Billy is out of the country. We all know that Shelley is not a morning person so it made it extra special. Thank you Shel...

So Blake was going into have his 2nd set of tubes and his adenoids taken out. Long story short - Blake still has his adenoids. Our ENT was not on his "A" game at all. So his ears were done in about 10 minutes and all has been good. The funny part was when I was walking back to recovery and Blake was telling the nurses how the White Car was in an Accident. So it seems that I have made a lasting impact on poor Blake with the accident back in July.

Anyhow - back to more work.....

Kids Closet Connection

So this is much of a secret to anyone who reads this but Billy and I brought a consignment sale franchise a few months ago. We are having our first sale this coming October. There has been lots of planning and organizing already and it will only get worse as the time gets closer.

Here is our website:

http://www.kidscloset.biz/sales/loudoun_county

Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been very supportive.

Grayson's birthday pictures

I am a little late posting these birthday pictures.....There is plenty more but these are some of the favorites. The last two were printed in black and white were absolutely beautiful if I say so myself.....

Night out to the movies

Last night -Blake, Grayson, and I had a date to the movies. We had a great time and it was nice to fill the time doing something that Blake loves to do. We went and saw the new Disney movie - Ponyo. I wasn't sure how Grayson would do but he was good and actually watched a good portion of it.

We are super excited because they are doing a double feature in October of Toy Story and Toy Story 2. I am thinking we will have to do a family outing to the movies because Billy and I enjoy the movies as much as Blake. I am not sure if Grayson will make it though them but we'll see.

I promise to be better about Blogging....There are so many sweet and cute things that I am missing out on by not blogging. I want these memories our family and if I don't blog then I will forget some of the little ones.

Catching up

So it has been almost a month since my last post. We have been busy like everyone else in the world. Here are some highlights of what has happened and what will be happening in the near future....

This all took place in 1 weekend trip to NC.....
1) Grayson had a birthday pool party at Papa and Nana's house (pictures to follow)
2) Blake particapated in his 1st Cherokee fishing tournament in Cherokee, NC - he caught 7 fish but he perfers to catch and release....
3) We saw Thomas and Friends in Byson City, NC - we didn't know that he was going to be there but it worked out great....

Then we went to our house in Grandy, NC because our renters moved out after 4 years. All it did was make us miss the beach, farmers markets, NC, and our house with the pond. We have it up for sale but are hoping to hold onto it - maybe we will move back eventually. We lived in that house the shortest amount of time but we still love the house and the area. To be continued......

Billy left August 11th to head back overeseas with Russ. They won a new contract so they had to go set everything up. I feel sorry for the 3rd guy who has to bunk with Russ and Billy. He won't be back until Mid-September. I am sure that Billy doesn't want everyone to know this but he gets homesick these days and is anxious to come home.... We miss you and can't wait to have you home again....:)

I have to thank Mary, Jerry, and Billy 1 for coming and helping me with the boys while Billy has been gone and Coleen is on vacation. I truly appreciate not having to take vacation and knowing that the boys are good hands. It makes the time go by faster for Blake, Grayson, and me.

We miss Mommom and Poppop (my parents) while they go back overseas. I know that Blake is missing his movie dates but the time will go by fast.

The final big news is that Blake is having his 3rd surgery. He has to have a 2nd set of tubes put in and then they are taking his adenoids out. As Blake would say - they need to get the bunny rabbits out of his ears. This was a hard decision to make b/c Billy will not be here during the surgery but I am lucky to have Billy's dad here to watch Grayson while I go with Blake. I like to think I am pretty strong but when it comes to my boys - I tend to melt and will miss Billy holding my hand b/c he tends to always stay strong for all of us.

Well that is probably enough for now. Sorry for all the updates at once. We have some more big news but I will wait till another time. WE ARE NOT PREGNANT....

Happy 1st birthday Grayson - July 24th

Baby G is 1....Can you believe that he is 1? I can't because it has flown by.....It has been a joy for us to watch Grayson grow in the last year. He has his own personality and can be a spit fire like his big brother.

Grayson is the sweetest baby but I am not sure what lies ahead in the toddler years. I am pretty certain that he might keep me on my toes.

The first birthday party was here at the house where we celebrated Cooper and Grayson's at the same time. Grayson loved his cupcake and made a total mess.

Then on his actual birthday - Brianna, Billy, Blake, Grayson, and I had dinner at Red Robin. I wanted to go somewhere where they would sing Happy Birthday. G wasn't sure what to think of all these people singing very loudly to him but he didn't cry.

For the final get together - we are going to NC this weekend and will be doing a family get together with Billy's side. So we will have 3 smaller events where as with Blake - we had a 1 big bash here at the house.

Here are some pictures from Round 1.

Grayson 1st birthday beer.... I promise it was empty and you know that his father was the one giving him the bottle. Grayson was proud of his 1st beer.

Miss Cooper being sweet as always and Grayson being full of it as always.....

Never a dull moment

So today we found out that Blake is going to have surgery again b/c he needs a 2nd set of tubes in his ears and then they are going to remove his adenoids. Most likely this will all occur at the end of August - I should know more tomorrow so I will keep everyone posted.

Blake had tubes put in right around his 1st birthday and they made a huge difference for him. He had only 1 ear infection in those 2 years but since they stopped being effective a few months ago and since then we have already had 3 ear infections....

White car has boo-boo....

Blake has a story to tell and this is how it goes.....

White car has boo-boo. White car go crash..4 cars go crash and bump. White car is sad. Black car happy. White car go to doctor because it needs a big band-aid. Police car and firetrucks come.

Blake ok, Grayson ok, Mommy ok, Brianna ok....everybody ok. White car sad...

So that pretty much sums up what happened on Saturday July 11th at 9pm. Long story short, we had to meet Billy and Russ in Marylad to take them some stuff while they were training. Most everything went wrong that night so we had to top it off with a 4 car accident that could have been taped for "COPS".

The car that started the 60 mph accident fled the scene. Occupants from the 2nd and 3rd vehicles were arrested (not sure for what yet but we were told to leave the scene). But all things considered - we are very lucky and the Suburban did its job by keeping us safe.

So here are some pictures of WHITE CAR SAD....

Alligator Adventure

I have to say that we were impressed with Alligator Adventure. Blake really wanted to go so we all went one night after dinner. There was a lot to see and Blake got to pet a baby alligator. Although Blake kept trying to convince me that we needed to take a lizard home. Ummm....no animals like that will ever find a home in the Conner household...

Beach Pictures

We had a great week at the beach with Billy's dad and Dianne. They were nice enough to have us down for an entire week and we enjoyed every minute of it. We had the best weather and it truly was a vacation. We managed to take over 300 pictures but I will spare everyone and not post all of them. There is nothing like being at the beach over the 4th of July.

Chance & Dakota

So I never mention our two dogs that we have had for years. The boys pretty much consume our lives but it is important to mention Dakota and Chance. Dakota was like our first child and was pretty spoiled to say the least. Chance was our charity case because Billy wanted a dog that loved him and only him. That is a whole other story.....

We are lucky because the dogs are great with the boys. Dakota is protective and would die for any of us but is so sweet and loving. Chance is also really good but he is more of a dog and tries to stay out of the way. I want this blog to be about our family and the dogs are a big part of us.

I can't hold my eyes open..

Yesterday afternooon the boys and I went outside to play since both boys were under the weather. Grayson loves to swing so I was pushing him when Blake decided to swing with me as well. The boys were so content swinging that we continued swinging for 20 minutes. I had gotten the camera out to take some pictures of the them and also of the dogs....

I looked over and Grayson had passed out so when Billy and Brianna got home a few minutes later; they snapped a picture of him. He was so adorable but then he woke up 5 minutes later like nothing ever happened.

Summer Illness

Today I am home with the boys b/c our babysitter's baby was sick and plus Grayson started being under the weather. So I took him to the doctor's this morning and he only has eye junk which is easily medicated. But by 11am - Blake had 101 fever and not up to speed. He was totally fine this morning but then he curled up in my lap while I was talking to Shelley and I noticed he felt warm.

So of course - this is all before we leave for vacation but it seems that there are a lot of people sick right now. It has been so nice and it is almost July and the boys are getting sick....

Upcoming beach trip!!!!

We are getting ready to head out of town for a well deserved vacation. We are lucky that Billy's dad and step mom have a condo across from the beach in Cherry Grove. There is nothing like walking across the beach and enjoying the sun and sea. I hope to come back with a tan and some much needed rest.

Blake has been talking about going to the beach since last week. This will be Grayson's first major visit to the beach. We went before but this will be the first of warm weather....There is nothing like being buddled up watching fireworks on the beach.

On the downside - I will be another year older....I can't believe that I am going to be 31. I can't lie when there are times that I would love to be 25 again but then I wouldn't change a thing when it comes to have a really great family with 2 precious boys. Being 25 was so carefree and fun but being a mom is the most furfwilling thing ever. Especially when we have two mommy boys.

First Tooth

Grayson has finally spouted some teeth. He has a top tooth that broke though last week. It is exciting that he is finally getting some teeth but sad too b/c he is almost 1 yr old. Where has the time gone? Time has flown by since but I started working in an office again. I miss my boys but it is good for everyone that I went back to have some adult time. I promise to post pictures soon.

Old Faithful

I haven't been posting nearly as much but I was waiting for that perfect story to share with everyone and I think I found the one. Here is some background to this story...When we went to Disney ....Blake had a pee emergency and we were not near a bathroom and we still aren't sure how long Blake can really hold b/c he typically has to go when he says it's time. So we are in the middle of the parking lot and I could tell that he wasn't sure where to go so I said to Billy "tell him to go on the tire". Who knew that Blake would think that it was the best thing over.

So within a week - Blake asked 4 times "I go pee on the tire"....We were always not near anywhere to stop and no offense - I don't feel like washing pee clothes or carseats. The tire is my lesser of two evils. So anyhow last weekend - we were outside playing and my mom and dad were over when Blake said " I pee on that tree". I immediately said "No way" but Blake was so cute stripping down and wanting to pee on the Willow tree....However, Blake didn't estimate the strength of his flow so when the pee hits the branches - it sprayed up and hit him in the face. So needless to say - we were all cracking up while Blake is trying to pee and wiping his face off. Billy always wanted to potty train Blake outdoors so he got a little bit of his wish....

First Bite

So Grayson received his first daycare injury....he was biten by a little girl on his arm. The little girl was hugging him and decided to bite down on his upper arm. He is fine but he had bite marks.

I will try and update more this weekend. I have some pictures to post of the Blake's last week of preschool. Blake had the very best teachers and made lots of friends. Blake never cried when I dropped him off all year but thankfully he was always excited to see me when I picked him up. We have made some great preschool friends and look forward to the next school year.

They did an end of year program that was priceless. They sang lots of songs and were the best behaved little 3 yr olds. I can't say enough about his teachers because they were remarkable and we are luckily that he will have them next year.

I promise to post some pictures over the weekend.

Dinner with Mickey Mouse

We had dinner with Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale our last night at Epcot. Dinner was good and a great way to finish our trip. After dinner, we went back to Magic Kingdom for a few more rides and the parade.....We took probably more video than pictures but it was sweet seeing Blake in awe of everything. Grayson was a sweet angel for the whole trip. He enjoyed the parts that he was awake for but then slept very peacefully in the stroller and never complained.
Grayson finally warmed up to Mickey by the end of dinner....

Disney 2009

Billy and I took the boy for a quick Disney trip and had a blast. Despite all the rain, we all had a great time and wanted to share some pictures. Blake loved all the new Toy Story rides and enjoyed our dinner with Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. Grayson was scared to death of the characters but then got a little better by the end of the trip. We came back exhausted but determined that we would do it again. It was a blast and a fun trip for the 4 of us.

Blake and Buzz

Blake and Grayson in their Mickey Mouse PJ's

We tried for a photo op but the boys are more interested in Mr. Potato Head.

During the rain, Blake met Minnie & Mickey.

Mommy & Grayson on a ride

Blake and Zurg

Grandparent visits

So Blake and Grayson had back to back visits with their Grandparents from NC. The first trip was made by Billy's dad and Dianne and then Billy's mom and Jerry came over Mother's Day weekend. Blake and Grayson had a terrific time with both sets and have been spoiled rotten. It will take us till the end of month to get everyone back to normal.



It is great to have the grandparents visit from NC. The boys get to spend a lot of quality time and Billy and I get a break and actually get to do some things done. Everyone got to see Blake play soccer and see how much they have both grown.



I didn't take any pictures either weekend really so I apoligize for that. I did however organize a Mother's Day present for Billy's mom. We took Mary, Jerry, and the boys to have their pictures taken and they turned out really great. Blake was hamming it up for the camera and thought he was hot stuff. Grayson wasn't 100% sure of what was going on. He wasn't crying but he wasn't laughing either. G kept looking at me and wondering why I put him down in the middle of all those flashes.


Here is a picture of the boys with Memaw and Pepaw....

My Mother's Day history!

I have only been a mother for the past 3 years but they have been the best 3 years. I also remember hearing how being a parent is the most life changing event. It truly has been and it was an instant love the moment I layed my eyes on Blake and Grayson. I am not sure if everyone who reads this knows that Billy and I weren't sure about having children at all. We were both very career orientated and wasn't sure if we were going to be good parents. I always loved kids and loved being an aunt to Courtney but I just wasn't sure what kind of a mom I would be.

Billy and I literally played "Paper, Rock, Scissors" on our way to Atlantic City one weekend to determine if we would have kids, how many, and when we would start our family. Very high tech system, huh?

So 3 years later and two great little boys.... I feel like I am doing pretty good at this whole mom thing. I love to hear the laughter of two little mischief makers. While we are not perfect in the Conner household - I am proud and honored that I have been given two little boys that uncondintionally love their mom. It warms my heart every time they smile, hug, or give me a kiss.

I can't imagine ever thinking about not having kids because I wouldn't change it for the world. Being a mom really is the best job in the world....

Blake's 1st girlfriend

Many of you have heard about Blake's little girlfriend or future best friend. Blake goes to school and has a best friend "Maddie" who happens to live down the street. Blake and Maddie are so cute together and get along great. Blake actually listens to what Maddie says so that is my proof that there is a little crush there. They ask about each other all the time and often hold hands going into school.

Maddie's mom (Kristi) and I have become friends and we share a love for Home Goods and Southern Living. This is the first year that Billy and I finally enjoy our neighborhood. We have made some great friends. All the kids will grow up together and hopefully be great friends. I keep saying that Blake and Maddie will probably grow up to be the best of friends. Didn't we all have that best friend that was irreplaceable?

9 lbs - where did it go?

Grayson had his 9 mo appt last week and you would never know that he was a 9 lb baby. Grayson is not a big boy at all. He is 17.5 lbs (10%) and only 27 1/4 inches long (25%). I don't remember his measure for his head but it was also 25%.

Grayson never really ate baby food - he hated it no matter what I tried so he has been eating real food for a long time. He doesn't have a tooth in that mouth but he sure does eat. He loves everything that he tries pretty much as long as it isn't baby food.

No-no

Funny story or I am realizing more and more how my little one will keep me on my toes. Grayson loves pulling wipes out the container but now he tears them and will stick little pieces in his mouth. I don't remember when Blake started to know what "no-no" meant but I quickly learn that Grayson does. I jokingly told Grayson "no-no" about eating the wipes and he laughed and pulled it out. But then little jokester took his little piece of wipe and crawled away, turned and looked at me, and then stuck the wipe in his mouth again. This continued for several minutes and I was amazed that he knew exactly what he was doing but also scared that this whole "no-no" is starting again.

Grayson is just growing up so fast. He crawls everywhere, pulls up on his knees, and cracks himself up. He is a little stinker that loves his mom but I think he will give us a run for our money. Only time will tell....

Soccer 2009

Blake is playing soccer this year for the first time. The kids are all 3 years old and they are super cute out there with their coaches. Blake loves his "ballee" but often wants to pick the ball up and carry it to where ever it needs to be. We have a great time every Saturday getting ready and then walking to the soccer fields behind Balls Bluff Elem. We live down the street from their future elementary school so it nice to stroll down there and not have to worry about parking.

Big time slacker

I am sorry that I have been a huge slacker lately. With my new job and all - I just haven't had time to sit down and upload the 200 pictures that were on the camera. There has been plenty of funny stories the last few weeks - some are not bloggable. We had Easter at our house and the kids enjoyed their egg hunt in the backyard. Daniel (Russ and Dana Todd son) and Blake had a great time. Jilly was a little out of commission because she hurt her foot on the way in and she needed her "daddy" from then on.

Grayson and Cooper have gotten to spend some time together lately and they seem to enjoy each others company. They are so quite and sweet together. Neither one of them say a whole lot unless they are by themselves whereas Jilly and Blake are live wires..... There is no shortage of personality with the older crowd whereas the little ones just soak it all in.

Daniel and Blake playing a new Wii game on Easter Sunday.

Blake dying eggs for the first time.

Coming down the stairs to see what the Easter Bunny left us.

Easter Egg Hunt at Ida Lee Park. It was a beautiful day but we had wind gusts up to 50mph.

Blake going down a slide at the Easter Egg Hunt.

Catching up on some photos