Yeah, today is my birthday! I am now 28 years YOUNG!
I have a fun filled weekend planned. I don't know what Jason has up his sleeve tonight, but tomorrow, we are all going to see "Where The Wild Things Are". We as in Me, Jason, Cameron, Dan, Mary, Tiffany, Mom, Dad, Austin, Grace, and Emma. That is a lot of people. But, it's missing one little tiny person. Mr. Aidan! We can't take him to the movies b/c he is too small. I guess we could take him, but then he may cry or get bored, or get afraid and I don't want that to happen to him.

We will have to do something tonight so Aidan can join in the festivities.

Then, Sunday, I am going out with my girls to Lonestar. Yummy! My tummy is growling already!

For my birthday, I hope to gather enough money to buy a Flip Video. That would be awesome!!
We will see!!

Well, I am going to get back to work though. As soon as I get my pictures, which I should today, I will post more pics on here.

C-ya!
Shanny

A Month of Sundays..

Have you ever heard that old saying, "I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays!" Well, that's me with this blog! Only, it's been about three months of Sundays! I don't know why I stopped blogging there for a while. I guess where it has been so busy here at work. It has been an absolute madhouse lately, with deadlines and people calling constantly! But, October 15th is only a few days away, so I will not have so much to do soon. (I accidentally typed "do do" instead of "to do" the first time. But hey, it would make sense either way! LOL)

Aidan is growing so much! And doing new things all of the time. He now shakes his head "no", and waves "bye bye". He sat up on his own the other day. And he can feed himself. :o) He likes those Gerber Graduates Puffs. It's so funny to watch him eat those. I really really really need a new camera so I can film him before he's not a baby anymore! I can't believe he'll be one year old on November 30th! I'm supposed to have a few more months, but the little booger decided to come into the world 6 weeks early! But, that is okay. I love that little man.

Cameron is really growing too! Every year, I just can't believe how much he changes! I'll look at his school pictures, and just almost cry. :o( My baby Cam is not a baby anymore! He is a sweet young boy. And a wonderful big brother!! And he is soo smart!! He is constantly suprising me with things that he says.

Well, I have to go, but I promise I will not take forever to write again this time. :o)

TTYL!!
Shanny

OH! One more thing, and how could I forget!!??

Jason and I celebrated 10 years together this weekend! We had our first date since Aidan was born. We had a lot of fun. We went out to eat, went bowling, shopping, and topped it off with a trip to McDonalds to get some ice cream. :o) I love my sweet Jason. I always will. I still have the red ring that he gave me when we were in high school. I made sure that all the jewelry I had on that night was something he had given me. Almost everything he's given me (minus the red rubber ring) has hearts on it. Even the diamond in my engagement ring is shaped like a heart. I love love love love him!!!

Happy 10 years together my sweet Jason!! You are a wonderful husband and father!!! I am so happy to have you three boys in my life!!

Thinking about lots of things today

Hey, I am thinking about a lot of different things today. Please visit Kayleigh's blog - http://www.kayleighannefreeman.com/ today and read about and pray for Stellan and Abby. These babies are so sweet. Please pray that God will heal them and let them live a full, healthy life. It breaks my heart everytime I read about one of these angels. But, I try to be strong and know that everything is in God's hands and He knows and will do what is best.

"Dear Lord, Please help these sweet little dolls. Please heal them if it is Your will. Please help them to be happy and healthy for the remainder of their days. Please let them lead a life full of wonderful memories and not memories of hospitals and sickness. Please help their families as they go through this time with them. I love You Lord and I know that You know what is best and You have a plan for everyone. If it is Your will, I pray that these little bodies will heal. Thank You Lord for everything You have done so far to help them. I love You. In Jesus's Name I pray, Amen."

I wish there was something more that I could do. I really want to get out there and help as many children as I can. I feel that God is really wanting me to do something. I will continue to pray and search for what.

Anyway, I guess that is really all that I am thinking of today. It's only ONE thing after all, instead of lots like my title says, but I guess it just feels like lots because it is so big to me.

Well, I guess I will get going. I just needed to get this out there. It helps to get things out.

I love you all. Thank you for listening to me.

Shanny

What a Blessing!

Hey, I have some great news that I got this morning! I had a lady call me from Summit Sleep Disorder Center in NC. I thought I still owed them quite a bit of money, but apparently, not only do I NOT owe them any more money, they actually owe ME! Wow! What a blessing! That is one less medical provider to pay each month! AND...as it so works out...The amount of money that they owe me should be enough to take care of another bill from a certain medical provider (Martinsville Hospital) that hasn't been wanting to work with me one bit! So, see, the Lord knows what He is doing! All I can say is Thank You Lord SOOO Much! You are always there for me and I thank you so much for that! You always help me out of valleys and touch situations. Thank you!!!

I guess that's all I will write for now..Oh, except for one more thing. Go to Kayleigh's website:
http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com and read the blog "7/20/09 Jessica Lynn Cross". She needs our help if we can help her financially that would be great. But, please add this sweet girl to your prayer list.

Talk to you later!

Shanny

It's Friday!

Hey! I haven't blogged in quite a few days! It's good to be back. Let's see, where did I leave off.... Oh yeah, okay, after I got home from DC, I rested...

Then, the next day, Jason, Cameron, Aidan, and I went to a hotel nearby and stayed from Thursday through Sunday with his parents. It was close to home, but it was a lot of fun! They had a nice swimming pool and free hot breakfast (which is always good). It was only the second time that Aidan had been in a swimming pool and he absolutely loved it! He would actually start fussing when we took him out. His little chunky legs got a tan. :o) He liked to stand on the second step down from the top step, which would make the water level about up to his belly button, and jump up and down in the water. He also liked when we'd take his legs and make them splash the water. One time he got upset though, because this other little kid splashed some water and it got on his face. I guess it surprised him. But other than that, he really enjoyed himself.

On Friday night, we went over to the Martinsville Speedway. They had free rides for everyone. There were a TON of people there, so the lines to the rides were 50 yards long! Cameron got to ride 2 rides within about an hour and a half! But, then we went up to the actual race track and they had a country singer there, and I think his name is Clint Yager (spelling?) and he sings that song "Just another day in Paradise". It was a good show, and afterward they had fireworks. I actually have a picture of me holding Aidan's ears while he slept on my lap during the display. I remember a lady next to me saying "You're hands must be better than cotton!"

The next day we went to see The Martinsville Mustangs play baseball and then saw another fireworks display! Aidan actually stayed awake for some of this one. Notice, I said "some". He watched the first part and then got bored with it I guess and fell asleep on Jasons shoulder. He is a funny guy. Cameron on the other hand, found a friend of his there and went to sit with her during the display. Cameron, who is now as brown as a biscuit, really enjoyed being able see his friends. He also loved the pool! If he wasn't sleeping or eating, that boy was in the pool! He can almost swim now. I don't think it will be much longer.

We got a pool for the house. It's one of those that are 4 feet deep. We still need to get water put in it. Jason called the Fire Department and we have to go through PSA to get a permit first, and there are several other steps, and it seems silly to me, "Just bring the water already!" But..that's how it goes sometimes I guess.

After we got home from staying at the hotel...we rested. :o) We were lazy all day long. Even Aidan slept more than usual. Which was a good thing! Cause we were sleepy too!
And, well, this week nothing much has happened. I'm just back at work. I work at BMS Consulting, Inc. We handle 401K Plans for different companies. It hasn't been very busy this week. I guess everyone is on vacation. So..that is also a good thing! :o)

I will try to have some more pics on here soon of vacation and all. It was a lot of fun. I wish I could be a stay at home mom. I sure miss hanging out with my boys all day long!
My father-in-law, Jimmy, wants me to plan a trip to Disney World for the whole family. So, that should be fun...EXCEPT...I have never ridden on an airplane! I've been to Disney World, but it was on a bus and it took 17 hours. But, I was not afraid! I don't know what I'll do on an airplane. I hope I don't do like that man from Twilight Zone and start seeing little gremlins on the wing and such...haha!

Okay, well, I think I've written a small essay...Oh! but one more thing before I go. Check out this website, http://www.goodreads.com/, Good Reads, if you like to read books. My friend introduced me to it and it is pretty cool!

Well, talk to you later!
Shanny

D.C. Tour

Hey! Here are just a few pictures from Mom and I's "tour" today around Washington DC. I didn't add them all because I took some of them longways and I don't know how to rotate them on here! :o) But anyhoo, it was a lot of fun! After we got finished touring, we walked to Maggie Moo's. That was a loooong walk! It was I guess a mile there and a mile back probably. But, it wasn't so bad and I guess we walked off a little of those milkshakes we got. Well, then I ordered some Domino's pizza so I guess we just put it back on...oh well! I'm on VACATION! Tomorrow I get to go home and see my boys! I talked to Jason a while ago and he said they really miss me. He said Cameron said he was ready for me to be home. He said Aidan didn't say anything, he just looked at him. hehe (Aidan turned 7 months old today!) Well, I am going to get ready for bed now. Here are those pictures I was talking about.
I don't think I'll be able to blog anymore until I go back to work Monday, so I'll have to catch you up on the rest of the weeks experiences! We are going to Smith Mountain Lake the rest of the week. I guess...if we don't that is A O.K. with me!

Okay..bye bye for now!

The Lincoln Memorial

The Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial

Watergate


The World War II Memorial

Part of the World War II Memorial

Mom and I's first ride in a taxi cab! We had to make it a kodak moment!

I don't remember what street we were on, but there were several celebrity stars and signatures. This is Johnny Cash

B.B. King

Tom Jones (and moms foot..hehe)

The End!

Tuesday in D.C.

Hey! I forgot to write in here yesterday! I guess I was so tired. Me and Mom had a pretty good day. I slept late while she went to the convention. Then, she got back and we went to meet Uncle Dave and Aunt Sue to eat at a restaurant called "Mike's" over in Springfield, which was about a 15 minute drive from here. It was pretty good. It was 2 stories. It kinda reminded me of the Darryls they used to have in Winston Salem, NC. But, I think Darryls food is better. Don't get me wrong, the food at Mike's was pretty darn good! But, I guess I am just biased b/c Darryls is closer to home. And that's where me and Jason went before prom..so.
Anyhoo, after that we came back here and Mom worked on her presentation for today. That's where she is right now. I think she will do great. She is nervous b/c it's in front of a lot of people, but she always does good with stuff like that. Now, on the other hand, if it was me up there. Well, I probably wouldn't even make it up there. I would hyperventilate and pass out the moment they called my name! But, that's why she's her and I am me! I like to be in the background helping, and I think do pretty good in my little background job. :o)
I need to sign up for classes at Liberty asap. I really want to do something that pertains to working with babies and kids. I just haven't figured it out yet. I just want to help them. So, we will just see where God takes me. Whatever he wants me to do, I'm sure it will be fulfilling.
Well, I guess I will go. I think I will either read some Harry Potter...or! I just remembered that on Stephenie Meyer's site she has posted the draft to "Midnight Sun" so I think I will go and read some more of that. I think it's pretty cool to see Twilight from Edward's point of view.
And oh, I miss my little guys at home! I am so happy that I will get to see them tomorrow! Jason said that Aidan will smile and look at the phone when I call and talk to him. He probably is thinking "What is Mom doing in there?" And my Cammy seems to be having a blast. Jason has been taking him swimming at the park and I think yesterday they went to Hanging Rock so I think he has really loved that.
Okie dokie, well, I guess I will go for now. I will try to get on here this evening and update on todays events if I am not too sleepy. I have been getting a lot of exercise up here, so that is good! We have been walking a LOT!
Well, talk to you later!

Shanny

There's no place like home, there's no place like home, There's no place like home....

Oh my word...I think it would take me a long time to get used to Washington DC! ...Me and Mom have gotten turned around so many times today. First we were trying to find "Five Guys Burgers and Fries" and we got our directions and when we got down there, the place was not there. Then we were trying to find "Maggie Moo's" and when we got to the street it is on it was blocked off. So, we just went around and around and around until we finally found our way back to our hotel. Everywhere we tried to go, we couldn't find! So, we didn't get a whole lot accomplished today (besides plenty of exercise!), but I think tomorrow will be different though. We are going to meet my Uncle David and Aunt Sue. They are from around here and they are going to show us around some so that will be good. Mom said we can go to this outlet mall. I need to get a bathing suit so when I get home I can jump in the pool! Then I hope we can find Maggie Moo's because they have the best ice cream known to man! I want Mom to try some. Yummy!

Goodness, I am so sleepy. I am ready for a good nights sleep. I am so tired that I am having writers block. So, I guess I will get ready for bed and write more tomorrow.

Talk to you later!
Shanny

We're not in Kansas anymore....

Well, today has been very interesting! I guess it took me and Mom about 5 hours to get to D.C. today. It was a fun trip. We got to laugh and talk about girl stuff. :o) We didn't get lost, so that was great! We got a little turned around when we first got here. Our hotel "The Donovan House" is on 14th Street and for the life of us, we could not get to 14th Street!! We passed by 13th street and then went in an underground tunnel and when we came out we were at 15th street! I was beginning to wonder if 14th Street even existed, until finally after going through half the letters in the alphabet streets, we came to L street then somehow got to 14th! WOOHOO! We were laughing and saying that it was going to be like Spongebob...."12..hours...later" hehehehe..You Spongebob fans know what I'm talkin' about don't ya!

Well, when we FINALLY made it to our hotel....well, let me just say this isn't your average Holiday Inn Express. haha! I feel like we skipped about 20 years into the future..It's hard to explain so I'll just show you. Take a look at our room!

The "Star Trek" Chair

The "Goldfish Bowl" lamp

The Journey to the shower

My Mommy :o) Behind her is the bathroom where the journey to the shower is!

The Snacks (don't touch that Snickers bar..It's $3.00!)

The view of the road from our room. Looks a little different than Stuart, huh?

Well, that's where we're staying! It's different, but pretty cool! Mom was looking on the internet and actually found a "Medieval Times" up in Baltimore, MD, which is only about 25 miles from our hotel. So, we are thinking about going going tomorrow if Mom gets our of her meeting in time. That would be so cool! I loooooove Medieval Times!! It's so fun. If you've never been there, check it out. It's awesome and definitely worth every penny!

Well, it's getting pretty late now, so I guess I will read some Harry Potter and get some shut eye. I finally got finished reading The Twilight Series. It was pretty good. I am going to miss reading about Edward though...And Jacob!! Yes, I loved him too!!

Well, talk to you tomorrow!!

Shanny

I'm gonna miss my boys!

Well, I'm going to leave tomorrow on a trip to Washington D.C. with my Mom, and...I am going to miss these boys!! I will be gone from Saturday until late Wednesday and that is the longest I have ever been without both of them!



When Aidan was born, because he was 6 weeks early, he had to stay in the NICU for 17 days, and Cameron had school. While I was in Roanoke with Aidan, Cameron was in Patrick County! All week long I had to go without seeing him, then one of our parents would bring him up on the weekend. It was really hard!! I really missed him! It was during Christmas time, and I remember he made this little Santa out of paper and gave it to me. When he left I cried and cried!!



But, these are different circumstances, I know. First, I know when I'm coming home this time, and second, I'm not up there because of something bad, I'll be up there to spend some "girl time" with my Mom. So, that is good. :o)



I actually asked Cameron if he wanted to go, and he said he wants to stay home so he can see his cousins and jump in the pool when Daddy gets it all set up. And Aidan is really small, plus he hasn't been feeling the best. Well, he's been feeling good, but he's had diarrhea, and while it's gettng some better, he's not like he was beforehand, so I thought it would be best to let him stay with Jason in case he needs to go back to the doctor. Hopefully he won't!! The doctor said she thinks he just has a little virus of some sort. If it doesn't get better within a week (which would be this coming Monday) to bring him back. He is getting a little better. He's not going as much and it's more solid. LOL...Aren't you enjoying hearing about my sons bowel movements?!!





So, anyway...I will miss them, but Mom and I are going to have a blast! We are going to sit by the pool, go see D.C. at nighttime when it's all lit up and pretty, and all sorts of fun stuff like that.

Well, I guess I will get back to work for now. I have a lot to do. I want to get good and caught up before I go on vacation. Neecey will have to cover for me and I don't want her literally "covered" in work!



I don't know if I'll get to blog until I come back from vacation. I may get to some in D.C. cause Mom will have her laptop. But, after Wednesday you won't hear from me until next Monday! I hope you all have a good week. I'm going to try to get Mom to start her a blog on here. It's really neat getting your thoughts out. I think it's a great way to keep up with each other. Especially when we don't always have time to visit and catch up and stuff. I can just come on here and say "Hmmm... I wonder what so and so was doing last Friday?" and type it in on their blog and see!

Pretty cool.



Well, talk to you later!!!!



Shanny

Day 2 of Bloghood

Hi! Well, here I am. Day 2 of bloghood! Nothing much has happened today, but I have an exciting week planned. I am on VACATION next week!!! Wooooo hooooo!!!!!

My Mom and I are going to Washington D.C. on Saturday and coming back Wednesday. I will have some pictures up when I get back,...IF I can figure out how to do it. I know my sweet brother Dan will help me...won't you Dan? *puppy eyes*

When I get back from vacation, I plan to reeeelax and enjoy the remainder of my time at home with my babies and my husband. Jason is going to set up a pool while I am gone, so that will be great to jump into when I get home.

Ahhhh, just the thoughts of vacation are making me not want to work now! But....I guess I better!

I will write more soon! Nothing too much to say right now, I am just working and...okay...mostly playing...but...I will have more to say soon. I just wanted to get on here b/c I am excited about the blogging..hehehe

Bye for Now!!

My First Blog!

Hi Everyone! My name is Shannon and...as you can tell...this is my first blog!

I decided to start my blog after following another one for a long time. You can read all about my inspiration (Ms. Kayleigh Anne Freeman) at her blog here: http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/. Ms. Kayleigh has touched a lot of hearts. You can read about "Kayleigh's Story" and learn what a wonderful sweet baby she was (and what an angel she is!). Just be prepared... once you read about her, she will be a part of your heart forever.

Well....while I've got you here, let me tell you a little about me and my family. I am the mother of two very sweet and precious boys. My first boy is Cameron. He is 7 years old and my happiness. The other is Aidan. Aidan is almost 7 months old and my little angel. Aidan was born 6 weeks early, but you wouldn't know it now! He is a little chunk!

I also have a wonderful husband, Jason. He is my support, my heart, my best friend. He keeps me sane and is always there for me.

You will learn more and more about The Steele Family as time goes on...but I want to thank God. He has blessed me with my family along with many many other blessings, and I'm sure many more that I will be able to share.

Okay...well, I guess that's it for my first blog! Any input is welcome on how to add pictures and stuff like that. I need an HTML for Dummies book!

Talk to you soon!!