Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Merry Christmas-kinda

Yeah..so..epic fail on the Christmas card. I can't even say we tried and it didn't work out. I do have a few shots of us from Christmas Eve, but because my husband and Taylor need a hair cut, I have been forbidden to post them. Here's a few random shots from over the holiday season. We hope you had a wonderful holiday!




Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Why So Hard?

Our family is going through a process that takes a lot of patience, and is filled with uncertainty. It's hard. It's stressful. We did have a great holiday, but of course it's always lingering in the back of our minds. Obviously, I'm not ready to go public. (nothing to do with pregnancy).

My husband passed a comment that I was rather surprised to hear out of all people, his mouth.

"Why does everything have to be so hard?"

Really? Everything? Lets see....

We met in Dec. 2007. We easily fell in love. He loves my kids. They love him. I love his son. He loves me. The kids love each other. One year later, we got engaged. 4 months later we were surrounded by all of the people we love, on a beautiful day at an outside ceremony, and by the grace of God pulled off a beautiful $15,000 wedding that we paid for ourselves without having to go in to major debt. We've never been in that financial position again. God had His hands on our wedding, and He blessed us. 2 months. Yes. 2 months after marriage we became pregnant with Miss BellaMay. Healthy pregnancy, healthy baby. Some couples wait months...even years to have children. By our 11th month of marriage, we had a beautiful baby girl.

If that doesn't define "easy", I don't know what does. We have been so blessed and our lives coming together has been a precious, smooth blessing.

So yeah, we had the miscarriage disaster. We're going through some stressful things right now. But we got where we are pretty easily, and life isn't always going to be easy. I said the same things to him, and he was ashamed that those words even left his lips. The best way to stay is positive, and thankful. The rest will fall in to place just when it is supposed to.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Watch

We all people watch. But do you ever really pay attention to what's going on around you? I went to the store the other day by myself (extremely rare), and in my 10 minutes on line, I saw some pretty interesting things.

I saw what appeared to be a boyfriend hanging over a very irritated girlfriends cashier area where he was mumbling something in her ear, and she just kept repeating...."I don't care, I don't care, I don't care." Customers or no customers, this is what was going on. He wasn't giving up, and she wasn't giving in. I don't know what he did, but he was in trouble for sure. I felt bad for her that he showed up at her job. I felt bad for him that she was so unforgiving.

I saw a middle aged couple paying for their items, and I saw the husband say something to the wife as he stood there, and waited to pay. Then I saw the wife walk over to the bagging area and start to put the bags in the cart. As the husband continued to just stand there, waiting to pay. This made me angry. How rude. Who tells their wife to go load up the cart while you just stand there. Does he feel he's entitled because he's the one that works? Does he always treat her this way? Does this make her feel bad, or is this how their marriage works?

The cashier that was on my register talked and talked and talked to the lady in front of me. They were both older than me. Maybe 5-10 years. She was talking about some type of invention thing that she was thinking of. The woman thought it was a good idea. She really went in to detail, and they spoke until she walked off. Then I came up....and nothing but a Hello. No conversation. No talk of her invention (which I can't for the life of me remember at the moment.) Not one word except Hello, and Have a nice day. Wow. Is it me? Do I look mean? Uneasy to talk to? Snobby? I was almost insulted that she didn't talk to me. Freaky, I know.

I'm better off going to the store with my kids so I can't even think straight, never mind over analyze everything around me.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Identity Theft

I feel...lost. My identity was defined by pregnancy for so long, that now that I am no longer pregnant, and went through all that I did, I feel like I no longer know who I am. I know I am a mother, and I know I am a wife, but I am struggling getting back to "life before pregnancy". 16 months of pregnancy-recovery-pregnancy.....you can actually forget who you were prior to it all. Don't get me wrong, my life is amazing. Marriage is more amazing than I had ever imagined. Being a mother has always been the highlight of my life. What I'm talking about is me. Who am I? Who was I prior to getting pregnant with Bella? I was a brand new wife. I was going back to teaching for the first time in several years after deciding to leave "Corporate America". I went from being a mother of 2, to a mother of 3. I had big things going on. I forget what it is like not to be constantly exhausted. I forgot what it is like to not have to watch over my body. I forgot what it is like to be able to enjoy a glass of wine with friends. I'm not sure who I am now. I'm bigger than I used to be. Not too excited about that. I've put pregnancy on the shelf for now, yet it's like an owl that no matter where I am in the room, it's stares me down constantly. It's always there...lurking....I have a baby now, which I haven't had one of those in 5 years! She's the most beautiful little love and I couldn't imagine our family without her. Is our family complete? Will I ever lose this weight? Am I being the wife and mother that God has called me to be? I was a decent writer pre-Bella. What happened to that? I have all of these un-answered questions in my head. All I can do is pray about them, and hope I head in the right direction. But right now, I just feel...lost.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

21 days

21 days
504 hours
30,240 minutes

Losing a baby is sad enough, taking 21 days to lose a baby is..well...devestating.

A doctors appointment with no warning....no heartbeat.

A week of loss at home.

2 procedures. 1 surgery with anesthetics and meds, one with nothing at all.

2 hospital visits, 1 lasting 2 days.

2 days of fevers.

1 infection.

1 baby that we will not get to meet, know if it was a boy or girl, hold in our arms...until we meet in heaven.

1 God that was with us the entire time, and knows what is best for our family. 1 God that we never second guess.

1 husband who has been remarkable for 21 days who I love even more each day.

1 Mommy that for the first time in 17 months isn't either pregnant, recovering from pregnancy, or sick.

1 couple who's not sure if they will try again.

1 couple that is ready to close this chapter and move on to the next.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Lost

We have lost our baby. 13 week check up-no heartbeat. No signs, no clues, a complete surprise. We trust the Lord, and the decisions that He makes for our family. We rest in His decisions. Sad? Yes. Disappointed? Of course. My husband and I are closer and stronger than ever, and we will carry our family through this with God by our side. If we are meant to have another baby, it will happen. We have 4 amazing children to be thankful for. We are so blessed.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Surgery


Well, another busy week. I want to get here, I think about getting here, but to no avail. I have about 9 minutes to spare, so here it goes.


About 6 months ago, Amber went to her Dad and asked him why one of her eyes is higher than the other. Something I guess we never noticed. Or if we did, we just thought that God made her that way. She never said anything until now, as she is starting to care more about her appearance. Alex asked me to bring her to the pediatrician. I did. The side of her face that her cheek bone is lower, her nose also pulls a little to that side as well. He thought it was significant enough (he has also looked at her a million times) to send her to the ENT. I took her there, and we got x-rays. You can clearly see the higher cheek bone, and the curve in her nose. Also in the x-rays, you can see that she has a mass in her nose-sinus disease. He wants to treat it with a nasal steroid spray. Ok, fine. Then he referred us to a plastic surgeon. I was done there. Call it denial. My daughter is beautiful the way she is, and as long as both sides of her face keep growing, which they are, I wanted nothing to do with a plastic surgeon. Quite honestly, I would have never brought her. Alex knew this, so he took her. I didn't even go. Still-denial. The plastic surgeon said the sinus disease could grow, and cause sleep apnea, and other issues. The curve in her nose constricts her airways, which is why she always sleeps with her mouth open. He wants to straighten her nose this summer. This will open up her airways, and hopefully halt the sinus disease. He said her cheek bone is completely cosmetic, and a decision she could make on her own as an adult. fffeeeewwww.....He also said straightening her teeth will also play a big part in her healing. SO...braces, and surgery on her nose. all at 12 years old. Talk about a lot to take in. My baby girl is getting so big. That day of surgery will be one of the most scary days of my life.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Anybody Home?

I'm still alive. I have been very, very busy. Getting the two kids ready to start the school year, getting a new class room set up, and planning curriculum for a 5 day class has been challenging.
A lot of other big things are going on in this house as well. I'm not going to go on and on in this post, just going to give a sneak peak into future posts.

Amber. Oh Amber. In a few words, for medical reasons, Amber needs a nose job. Probably next summer. Scared. To. Death. So is she. We try not to talk about it too much. More details to come.

After 2 failed eye tests, Alex needed glasses. So here he is. Just when you thought he couldn't get any cuter.

Bella-WOW. She has her 6 month check up on Tuesday, so I will let you in on all of her new "firsts" then. Here is a sneak peak at her Halloween costume. You have to see it on. So adorable!


These have been helping me through some rough mornings, and afternoons. Yes. Read it again. You did read it right. I just want to say THANK YOU to the handful of people that simply hugged me and said congratulations! without of the 'smart guy' remarks. We are a happily married couple and God continues to bless us in many, many, ways.

So, I am hoping to get back on track with my blog. Lots going on, just need to find the time!

Monday, September 6, 2010

A Teenager's Prayer

My brother in-law gave this to Amber on a plaque. I loved it, and wanted to share.

Each day brings new beginnings
Decisions I must make
I am the only one to chose
The road that I will take

I can choose to take the road of life
That leads to great success
Or travel down the darkened road
That leads to great distress

Please open up my eyes, dear Lord
That I might clearly see
Help me stand for what is right
Bring out the best in me

Help me, Lord, to just say "no"
When temptation comes my way
That I might keep my body clean
And fit for life each day

When my teenage years are over
I know that I will see
That life is lived its very best
With You walking next to me

Monday, August 30, 2010

A Twisted Mind

A twisted mind. We all have one about....something. Whether it be about money, or food, or guilty pleasures. Mine is 'alone time'. I want something I never have, and then when I have it, I feel guilty about it. Some examples:

I'm a working mother, so I will take all 3 of my kids to the grocery store when my husband is home, just because I feel like I should be with them because I work. The end result? I leave with nothing that I actually went for because I can't even think straight. (this happened just today)

I left Bella home from my dance class tonight because she was sleeping. I got to get in the car all by myself, and just go. I felt so guilty when I got to the dance studio and my mother was sitting there waiting for Bella. :(

I let my 12 year old sleep with me on the nights that my husband works because she loves to, and I know she won't want to sleep with me much longer. The end result? I end up falling off the bed, or getting slapped in the face/head etc. because she sleeps like a lunatic.

I get dressed in the morning with my 2 big kids in the bathroom with me because they just want to hang out with me. The end result? Sometimes I have mascara on one eye. Maybe only one earring. You never know.

I actually complain that I have no time to myself, and the when I do, I say to myself.....I should have...could have.....I mean, really? I know this is a twisted mind. My sister always tells me I'm a nut with this stuff. She's right.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

First Day of 7th Grade

Yep. 7th grade. Where did the years go? I feel like I was just getting her ready for preschool, and now she is asking me if she can wear make-up. (No.)

Amber got up at 5:30 on her own and got in the shower, blew out her hair, straightened it, and was ready with an hour to spare. If you know my daughter I hope you are laughing your butt off right now. Amber can't get up in the morning. She usually showers at night for that reason. Amber never dries her hair. Amber rarely wears her hair down. She tends to rock the 'housewife' hair. She usually likes to wear sweatpants for comfort. When I got up at 6:15 and she was bright eyed with a towel on her head, I thought I was going to pass out. She was too cute.

She wanted this bag so bad. I can't/won't/ would never spend $55 plus tax on a book bag. Thank you Dad.
She got this lunch box at the beach. I love it, and so does she. I was proud of her for getting it, because all of the girls at her school carry Vera Bradley lunch boxes. She branched out on her own. Go girl!

I can promise you by no later than next Wednesday the girl sitting there will have her hair in a bun, and a puss on her face. I will have my camera handy too.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Feelin' it

The summer is coming to an end, and I can't figure out how any of us are going to be able to get up and out! We have really become some lazy daisy's around here. We have vacationed, we've been doing friendship trays all summer, sleeping late, and watching Bella grow like a weed!! Overall, we have had an amazing summer. We couldn't have asked for more.

This year, I have taken on a new position as a 5 day 3 year old teacher. I am so excited! New age, new curriculum, new classroom....and I am getting to do what I love ever more, which is work with children. I know it's my calling, it's what I am meant to do, and I hope to do it with excellence. Now, as a middle school teacher I would get fired in 2 days for man handling someone else's kid, but preschool is perfect for me. I am so excited for this new season to begin.

Feelin' it-Bella. Leaving Bella. Overall, it is a better fit for our family. I will be home at night much, much more. Job #2 will be very sporadic. I will be home by 1:30 everyday. Bella will not have to go to daycare. She will be with her daddy, and sometimes with my mother. You can't beat that. I just don't want to miss anything! I've been spoiled by being home with her all summer, and so so thankful for it. She has gotten so big and she changes almost everyday. The following year she will come to school with me a few days a week, so if I can make it through this year, I'll be alright! Look at her! Isn't she just awesome!


Thursday, August 12, 2010

Do you believe in signs? 7-11

How do you feel about 'signs'? Do you feel that some things are just too coincidental to be 'just by chance'? Here's my sign, you decide.

A HUGE part of who my father was was that he owned a 7-11 food store. We owned this store for 12 out of the 18 years that I spent with my father. It's not so much that he owned it, but more of how he got there. With no college education, my father had several different jobs in his younger years. I think he may have even had a coffee truck? My sister will help me with that, she knows more than I do. She actually blogged about something similar here. A bartender I believe....whatever it took to keep provision for his family. He has a true story of working your way up from the bottom. He worked for the Southland Corporation (7-11) training franchisees, which was an office job, and he also worked as a clerk in a local 7-11 store. I remember that was when he taught me how to tie a tie, and he used to let me shave next to him with a razor with a cap on it. He started to travel with this position, and after a short while, he couldn't bare to leave his wife and 4 kids alone to travel quite frequently. He was quitting the job all together, to find something that better suited his family. They didn't want to let him go. So much so, that the store that we owned was about to close, and they decided to practically give him the store (for $4000.00) in hopes that he would be able to bring it back to life. He did just that. And then some. It turned to be one of the top performing stores for many years.

The sign? Just when you're not sure if your loved ones are still with you....you have a baby girl, and she weighs 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Coincidence? You decide. I know what I think.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Alex and the Summer

I realized I haven't blogged about Alex in a while. He has been having a great, busy summer. He started out his summer with 4 weeks of summer camp. Then he had 12 private swim lessons with Miss Morgan, and he is now swimming on his own! In the mix, we went to Myrtle Beach for a week on a family vacation/dance nationals. He just got back from a four day weekend in NY. He is about to walk out the door with Robert to go for a swim while I mop the floor. He is having a great time. He's getting so big, and I am so excited for him to go to preschool 5 days this year! Here are a few pics from the past few days. Last night we fell asleep on the couch together watching Home Alone. That has never happened before. Our night usually gets cut short when he can't be still. But last night, he did great. I woke up to Robert picking up Alex, and putting him in his bed.

He's a great big brother to Bella. He really loves her. He's such a vibrant little boy!







Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Sweet Escape

Robert and I went to Charleston this weekend. We spent our honeymoon there, and we just love it! It was our first adult getaway since we had Bella. We left Friday morning, and came home around 7pm on Sunday. It was a perfect long weekend, but not too long to be away from the baby. My big kids were in NY. Friday, we had a nice lunch on Sullivan's Island, went to the beach for a little while, and retreated back to the room for 13 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It was amazing. This house suffers from severe sleep deprivation. We were out eating breakfast at the farmers market in Charleston by 8am. We treated ourselves to Starbucks every morning! Then we headed over to Folly beach, and other than to sleep, we never left there for the next 2 days. We LOVE that beach! We are already planning a family trip to Folly beach for next summer!

Robert and I are pretty simple people, and we had the best time and laughed to tears over and over again on this little getaway. I love being married!





Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Slow Down Baby Girl

Sitting in the tub. Sitting in the high chair. Sitting in the shopping cart. All at 4 1/2 months. It's going too fast.

Slow down Bella. Mommy isn't ready for all of this.






Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Love it(s)-Diaper Bags

Bag #1. I registered for this bag, and it was a gift from my friends at school. WOW. Let me just say that you could go away for 5 solid days with an infant and just this bag, and have everything you need-yet it's not grossly huge. It's like a clown car that stuff just keep coming out and coming out, and your like...is this ever going to end? So many compartments and space, and it's durable (I brought it to the beach, and it's still in perfect condition).It's made by JJ Cole and it's lovely. I give it 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone and everyone that is having or has a baby. You definitely need a bag like this, especially with an infant. It's a dream come true.

This bag was given to me from 2 of my girlfriends. This bag is a show stopper. It's a one of a kind, original design. Everybody asks me where I got this bag. My friend Katie knows of this store in Hickory, that she and my friend Rachel got to pick out each and every piece of fabric, and decide exactly where on the bag it was going to go. I mean down to the straps. The changing pad that is in it as well. I knew she has done this before, so when she asked me what I needed for Bella, with no shame, I replied: "A diaper bag". I wanted one. They are pricey-I would say over $100. But I LOVE IT. It has plenty of space, and it's beautiful-however I would not bring this bag to the beach. I kinda hate to set it on the floor, but I do sometimes. It's special to me, and I think they did an amazing job on it. The picture does it no justice. Next time you see me, check it out. You'll love it too. It's made by Ella Blu. At least that's what it says on the bag.

Happy Tears

Last night was Amber's awards banquet for dance. It was at a park, and the kids had sooooo much fun. Apparently, so did Robert because his legs are sore from a few killer games of kickball!



Anyway, if you were dancing for 2 years or more, you received an award for how many years you have been dancing. Amber received her 9th year award!! She started at 2. I wish I had a picture to post. So, so beautiful. There were also a few specialty awards. These awards had the dance studio 'mascot' on them, and they were personalized with the children's names. It is a great way to honor the kids in special areas. I had no idea that Amber was getting one! It went something like this.....



" This dancer joined in with a group of girls that have been dancing together for 5 years. There were lots of tears, and struggles, and progress, and determination. She has come so far in this year, and I am so, so proud of her! And this dancer is.......Amber Delemo!"



She got the 'Most Improved' award. Naturally, I did what any mother would do. I cried. I did my best to have a quick recovery and told myself I was being crazy. Until I looked over at her father, and his eyes were welled up too. Such a proud, proud moment. I was in the car with her every Tuesday night when she broke down in tears saying she can't do it. I encouraged her. I told her I believed in her. I told her to believe in herself. I pushed her to persevere, and not to quit. Miss Charyl let her know that she believed in her. She told her to wipe her tears, and go get help from the other dancers. She gave her some tough love. She made sure that she knew that by the first competition, she would be dancing with these girls. And she did. And she has had her strongest, most productive year of dance that she has ever had in her life.



We are so proud of our Shining Star!!! I can't even post a picture of the award because her very proud father took it. When she called papa and told him, he asked her to bring the award to NY with her next weekend so he could see it. We are so happy that Amber finally found a school and an amazing teacher that will push her to be the very best that she can be.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summer Ideas Part II-Goo

This stuff is great for so many reasons. Water and cornstarch. That's it. Slowly add the water, and stir. Don't over pour. This stuff is so cool. It's wet, but it's dry, it's hard, but it's soft. It's liquid, but it's solid. It looks like a terrible mess, but it's not. If your kids drip it through the house, just let it dry, and vacuum, or sweep. It's like dust. If the kids stood away and let their hands dry, it would turn into chalk. Most importantly, the kids LOVE it!!!! Even the big kids! It's hard to explain, you just have to try it!





I walked past Amber's room, and this is what I found.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Miss "Ness"

That's one of Bella's nicknames. Quite honestly, my kids were calling her Miss fatness, and I told them they are not allowed to call her fat, so she is otherwise known as Miss "Ness". Anyway, she had her 4 month check-up today. She's doing great! Her stats: 25 inches long-80%, 95% head circumference, and when he went to chart her weight....well.....she put the chart to shame. Bella weighs 16lbs 12 ounces. Which makes me giggle because Amber weighed 20 lbs at 1 year old! She's rolling over from back to belly, and belly to back, she's razzing, squealing and laughing, smiling and cooing, holding her head up great and she's right where she needs to be. She got 2 shots today, and did awesome. She is very sleepy tonight, as you can see. We are so in love with her and so blessed to have her!! Happy 4 months baby girl!












Thursday, July 22, 2010

Vacation




Last week, we went to the beach. Amber had Nationals with the dance studio, and we made it into a family vacation. We had a great time. Bella was awesome. She made it through dance, the beach, and the pool with little to no issues. She can hang with the best of them. Robert spent hours in the ocean with Taylor. My sister and her family were there, and a family that we grew up with. We did breakfast together, dinners together, we had so much fun that when it was over, I cried. It took me two days to perk back up. Big Al (Amber and Alex's grandfather) was there, and we spent a day with him on the beach too. It's hard to say goodbye to people you love. My only regret is that I didn't take more pictures. I am going to have to get some from my Mom and sister. Here are just a few pics of what was for me a slice of heaven.
















Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What's in a Name?

Have you ever really thought about the fact that you are in control of giving someone the name that will be with them for the rest of their life? That's a pretty big responsibility. I grew up in the north, and I am raising my kids in the south. Let me tell you-what a difference. I went to school with Tommy, Ralphie, Jason, Jimmy, Michael, Kristine, Michelle, Tricia, Giovanna, Nicole.......my friends children's names are Julianna, Angelina, Kara, Morgan, Ryan, Anthony, Christian...you get the picture.

Working at the preschool, I have heard the most unique names in my life. A lot of little girls have maiden names as their middle names here. Wilson, Fletcher, Slate, etc. I know a lot of little girls that have 2 first names. Mary Morgan, Sarah Emily, Selby Kate...etc. Lots of bold biblical names. A few other names that could get a boy beat up one day. It makes me hope that my kids grow up to love their names, and are proud to say them out loud. Here's a small explanation of each:

Taylor Storm-I obviously didn't name him, but I know for a fact he thinks he has the greatest middle name ever. However, he does have his moments when he wishes he was named after Robert.

Amber Michelle-First name-no meaning other than the fact that it took 9 months for us to agree on a name. Michelle is after Alex's Uncle Mike.

Alexander John-This was non negotiable. Something Alex has wanted since the day he was old enough to even think about having kids. To have a son, and for him to be the third. Luckily, I really like the name-so that was no problem.

BellaMay Rose-BellaMay-Robert's grandmother's name was MayBelle, so we flipped it. Rose is my mother's name.

I am the only one of 4 kids who doesn't have a family name. It used to bother me, but it's really not a big deal. Hopefully Amber will feel the same.

Big responsibility-naming someone. Hey-at least I did better than Apple, or Knoxx.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Their Own Time to Shine

As I walk around with my kids in tow, I can't tell you how often people are shocked by their age range. Most women want to have their babies, and be done with it. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. My mother had 4 kids in 5 years. God bless her. I am just not built for all of that chaos. I would be in a room with rubber walls by now. I think most women are secretly thinking when they see me....Is she nuts? A 12 year old and a new born? I think people even thought that when there was 7 1/2 years between Alex and Amber. I know, I know, I will have a child in my house for a loooong time coming. I'm fine with that. I'm not looking for the age of 18 when I can push them out the door. I hope they all stay with me until they get married. As long as they get married by a reasonable age, that is. I love the gaps between my kids. They all have their own individual time to be the star of the show.

Amber was an only child for 7 1/2 years. We did so many things together. By the time she was 2, She had been to every show on ice, Disney World, The circus, Gymboree, Kinder music, dance class-you name it-we did it. We went to preschool together. She attended, I worked there. She got sooooo much one on one time with me. It was completely over done. Hey-I was 24 and a new mother. No, I did not make the same choices for my son. This was all way too excessive, and to this day she is pretty high maintenance when it comes to keeping busy and entertained. But I wouldn't change our life together. I only wish she remembered even half of it.

Alex-His time to shine has been while Amber is at school. Much more low key-he is a different child. He can't keep still for a half hour T.V. show-never mind a circus, or on line at Disney. So we share our special time together differently. We race matchbox cars down the hallway. We play Guess Who? We go on lunch dates. We go to the park. We swim. We play spy, and karate. We make playdough. We too go to preschool together, and come home together (at the same school! He had Amber's 3's teachers this year!) We go on bike rides. We race to the car, and he tells me: "Mom, only boys win races, not girls!!" He may not remember all of the details, but he will remember how much time we spent together-Mother and son.

Bella-Bella is my "li'l Mama". Right now we snuggle in the evenings, and in the early mornings. But if your following the pattern here, As I am dropping my son off for his first day of kindergarten (not this year, next year), I will hug and kiss my big boy, drop my big girl off at her last year of middle school, and my baby and I will head off to preschool-together-at the same school, and it will be her "Own Time to Shine".

To each is own, and there is no right or wrong way, but the way I was given my children was especially tailored for me, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Love it-The series

I did a summer series, without planning it. So I decided to do a "Love it" series. Here's post #1.

A summer purse. This one is made by Coach. I don't know if you can consider it a wrislet, because it's bigger than your average wristlet, but it's a perfect, perfect summer bag. The truth is, it's my 12 year old daughter's, but I have kidnapped it. It was her Easter gift from her grandfather. It looks so cute with just about anything. In this what appears to be an itty bitty bag, is a small wallet (more like a credit card holder), my camera in the case, my phone, 2 lip glosses, personal items, a pen, and some mints. What else could you possibly need? It fits in your diaper bag, and easily pulls out when you are kid free. I "Love it!"

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Speak Truth

We were leaving the house the other day to go to my brothers for a BBQ. It was the 4th, actually. There was a car stuck, blocking the exit at the gate. She directed us to the other gate. Apparently, their car was stuck. I knew this, because I had come home about a half hour before, and they were sitting there. I did wonder why no one had pushed the car out of the way, but then it left my mind until we passed it again. I kept driving. My husband said...maybe we should stop. I've worked on cars, I can probably help them. I blew it off. Well, I tried to. I justified my selfishness by saying "They've been there a while. I'm sure they have a plan. They are probably waiting for someone." I kept driving. He said it again..."I might be able to help them. We should just stop and see." I ignored his request, pulled out of our neighborhood, and I headed down the road. My husband said..."That was very ungodly".

Ouch.

I tried to turn it into a light hearted moment, and laugh it off. He stood firm. He said it again. "That was VERY ungodly". Completely rebuked. He did not crack so much as a grin either. I was clearly disappointing my husband, and he was making sure I knew I was disappointing God.

I am sure you can guess what happened next. I turned the car around to go see if he could help. He sat their quietly, while I did what I should have done in the first place.

I am so glad I have a husband that will speak truth into my life, even if it's not what I want to hear. I hope he is always so bold. I hope I can be the same way when I come face to face with a circumstance where I need to speak truth into someones life.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Summer Ideas for Children-Sensory Table

Once school is over, I think we all wonder what we are going to do all summer with our children. Alex went to 4 weeks of summer camp, Amber is at dance practice hard core getting ready for Nationals in Myrtle Beach. Alex also started swim lessons today. Tomorrow we start delivering Friendship Trays for the summer. It sounds like a lot, but I couldn't tell you how many times I hear "What are we doing today?"

I made my own sensory table for Alex. Being a preschool teacher, you learn so many great ideas to keep your kids busy and stimulated. Believe it or not, Amber enjoys it too. You can buy one, but they are a lot of money, and if you have a rubber maid and 2 chairs, and some beach toys, your good to go. I had water in ours since spring, but today I switched it over to rice. Yes, it's a little messy, but you can't leave all of the mess for the preschool teachers. :)

You can also do sand, shaving cream, and anything else you can think of that feels good between little fingers. Your children will LOVE it. If you can set it up somewhere covered, it's great for rainy days too. Or set it in the grass, and then there's no mess!!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Legacy

I knew this man. He was married with 4 children. 3 girls, and one boy. When he was a child, his life was...well...of poor quality. He never harped on it, but he decided that his family that he raised would be different. Better. This man was amazing. He lived life to the fullest. He never complained, and he never boasted. He treated his wife like a princess, whether she treated him like a prince, or not. He taught his children how to swim, ride bikes, drive cars, and set a great example of what a husband and father should be. He wasn't perfect, but he did his very best. He brought life to everyone around him. He put friends up in hotels during hurricane Gloria. He paid people's mortgage if need be. He raised his kids to have a great work ethic, good hearts, and an amazing sense of family. All this while, he was building his legacy. Big breakfasts, lots of swimming, horse riding, and annual trips to the families favorite place. Constant weekend company, extended vans on 'field trips' with his kids and their friends. This was a man that devoted his life to smiling, and making sure it was contagious. Everyone was happier when they were around him. He just had that way. This man also smoked cigarettes. He spent his 48th birthday in the hospital, being told he was terminally ill, and he would be leaving his princess, and his children alone. 7 months later, he died. The day before his wifes birthday. They took everything he taught them, and held on to it so tight. They all relocated, but stayed together. The family lives on just the way he built his legacy, just the way he would have wanted it to be. His name was Daniel E. Corbett.

Are you building your legacy? Do you know and realize that life can be taken from you at any given moment if it is your time? Are you making the very best of your life, and contributing to the world and all of the people in your life that God has blessed you with? Are you living a life with purpose? Will you be leaving a legacy? It's never too late to build your legacy. If you wake up each morning with the attitude that you are on a mission to build your name and leave a legacy, you will be unstoppable.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Props

I got flowers today from Robert. When I asked what they were for, he said "Because I love you."

Recently he said to me, "I love you. I hope I tell you that enough, because I really do love you, and your a great wife. "

Don't get me wrong, if he's watching T.V. or playing a game, he goes deaf just like a lot of other men, but he does do nice things for me too.

On Mother's Day, I opened up a gift bag with perfume, and cream, and shower gel. I thought it was a great gift. And then I looked more closely at the bottle.....


Do you see the name of the perfume? Bella. How stinkin' cute is that. That in itself was the best "first Mother's Day" with Bella gift I could have ever gotten. And the bonus? It smells great. Not to mention it's made by MaryKay, so he had to do some research, and order it.

How can you honor your spouse or significant other today? A card? flowers? A hand delivered Starbucks? Breakfast in bed? Remember to always show thanks and appreciation in your everyday hectic life. You'll be glad you did, and will probably regret it if you don't. It keeps life alive and kickin'.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Summer Fruit

Summer fruits. Gotta love 'em. I love almost all fruit. I feel no love for apricots, but otherwise, it's all good. My kids are pretty good too. Amber always wants fresh fruit in her lunch. 'Please give me juicy snacks Mom'. I always have a heaping bowl of fresh fruit at my house. I don't make desserts with it, we just eat it as it is.



Hey, I bet you don't have a country husband that pulled out a half of a small watermelon, and just ate it with a spoon like a bowl of ice cream. I love him, but he definitely does surprise me sometimes. Behavior like that would warrant a smack in the back of the head at my house.


This would have to be my ultimate favorite use of summer fruits. To me, that just looks so delicious. My favorite summer fruit is definitely- the peach. Hands down. Yours?