Adventures in O'ville

Happy New Years (late) and Upward!

2012-01-25T13:15:00.000-05:00

2012 is already flying by. And as you can tell from my lack of updating, keeping current on my blogging was obviously not one of my resolutions. So far our new year is starting off well. The O'villers are keeping busy. Jon Kent and Nathan are playing basketball with our church's Upward program. They are loving it. Jon Kent moved up to an older boy league. He is doing well with it. He is the youngest player in his league and has scored several times. He is also really good at stealing the ball. As for Nathan, this is his first year playing and he is having the best time. He does get bored with it after half time. Especially since he is the youngest player out there and all the older kids keep the ball from him. But he is giving it his all and has attempted several shots. He's a ball hog though.. gotta work on that. Zoey is doing cheerleading for Upward. This is her 2nd year doing that. She really enjoys it and has really gotten better since last year. Sometimes I have to ask her how a cheer goes... getting old is hard on the mind. Zoey is also doing dance, still. We have through May. I'm not sure we will do it again. We'll see once this year is over. She enjoys it, but there is so much more she wants to do and there is only so much time in a day. Again, we'll see. Jon Kent and Zoey both just started karate. This place isn't your normal karate place. They do several mixed martial arts. The kids have just started and already have really taken to it. It makes our lives busy with all of this stuff going on, but it's keeping the kids active and that has been great. As for Kent and myself.. we are doing our normal stuff. We both joined a gym. I have really loved it. They have child care so in the mornings after I drop the older two off at school Nate and I go to the gym and he gets to play with new kids and I get an hour or so to myself and work some stress (and fat) off. It's a win-win.

And with that, you are up to date on the O'villers. :)

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T15:30:00.003-05:00

We had a overall good Christmas. We took things slow, didn't over plan our days and just enjoyed not being pulled in all directions. The kids had different "fun" things to do, via Jeffery our elf. We decorated cookies, made cookies, went to Monkey Joe's, made rice krispie treats, colored, read books, played at the park, played with new toys, played with old toys, played the wii, the kinect.. just a lot of playing and hopefully memory making. We did our "new tradition" of family presents. It went over very well. The kids enjoyed it and I found them talking to each other about their excitement over what the next present would be. I know it's something we will do again. Hopefully, memories were made and in the end that it wasn't about the toys or the different parties or activities that we did. Hopefully it will be about the time spent as a family. Having memories to look back on and hold on to for the rest of their lives.

Christmas in Dixie

2011-12-21T23:51:00.000-05:00

We just did our "3rd Annual Whirlwind Christmas Trip to Alabama". I am still tired from it all. We had 3 different family gatherings. The kids were spoiled rotten and Kent and I were, too. I greatly appreciated all the gifts I was given and loved seeing the smiling faces when people opened their gifts from us. That really is the best part. Seeing the look on someone's face when they open their gift.

While "home" I got to spend some solo time with my daddy and help him with a few things. It was nice to be able to do that. The older I get the more I cherish those times. I know life can slip away so unexpectedly and it's what you make of it while you have it. It's always hard going home though. I know my momma won't be there and we drive right past the cemetery on the way in to town. The heartbreak is always there, even though this is the 2nd Christmas without her. It doesn't get easier.. you just adjust. I guess I said all that to say that no matter the material gifts you may get.. it's the gift of time that should be most treasured.

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-13T12:54:00.001-05:00

I'm always curious to hear of other people's traditions they partake in during Christmas. There are so many wonderful ones and it's so neat to see how other families celebrate the season.

Growing up we always had a tradition of the Christmas mouse. I have no idea how this got started or if it was handed down from a previous generation. About a week or two before Christmas we would find a gift in our stockings. It was usually a cardboard candy cane that held about $10 dollars of quarters in it. And that candy came was green and white (the colors of the bank my momma worked at) and had the name of the bank they came from (again my momma's bank). You would think we would have put that together a lot sooner... That tradition went on until I married and moved out...although now that I think about it I believe it did visit once or twice more after I was married. Another tradition that happened in my house was on Christmas Eve after my brother and I were tucked away in bed, my parents would exchange gifts to each other. The older I got the more I wanted to sit in and watch. I finally got to do that I believe the last two Christmases I was at home. We also did the cookies and milk for Santa but we also left out marshmallows for the reindeer.

Now that I am married and a parent I have tried to carry some traditions on as I've grown my family. We do the Christmas mouse and my kids always enjoy checking their stockings to see if it's came yet. It's usually just a small toy, but they loved it just the same. Kent and I exchange gifts on Christmas Eve just like my parents did. And yes, marshmallows are still left for the reindeer.

Some new traditions we have made our own over the years are cutting out pictures to make a list for Santa (for those who can't read and write yet), baking a gingerbread man, baking and decorating cookies that the kids leave out for Santa, Jeffery the Elf (he is always up to something!), on Christmas Eve after lunch we exchange gifts from each other (the kids buy each other a gift from the Santa shop at school and Nathan gets two gifts from the Dollar Tree to give to Jon Kent and Zoey), Christmas Eve we go to church and have a sweet and wonderful time with our church family, Kent reads about the birth of Jesus and why we truly celebrate Christmas and then he reads the Night Before Christmas, right before sending the kids to bed we make sure to check to see where Santa is at and then hurry the kids off to bed. The last two Christmases we have spent quietly together. Since we are in South Carolina and all our family is in Alabama we aren't rushed from here to there. We enjoy each other, enjoy our new gifts, sit down and eat a feast of a meal together and just enjoy the ease of the day. I am always so reflective and thankful for my many blessings.

A new tradition we are starting this year is gifts of family time. This year, 3 nights before Christmas Eve we will open a present. Inside will be a family activity to do together. One night the gift will have glow-in-the-dark necklaces, sticks, etc. and we will play hide-and-go seek in the dark. Another night the gift will be a night of family fun on the XBOX playing the Kinect. And a third night the gift will be silly string and the kids will be able to have a silly string fight. I am the most excited about this new tradition. The gifts the kids get will be played with and enjoyed but eventually forgotten.. but this.. family time and making memories that will be held on to forever.

This is the second Christmas I am having to spend without my momma. And I feel like last Christmas we were just going through the motions, trying to get through the day to say that we survived. I enjoyed my time with family, but I was still so raw after the unexpected loss of my momma. So this year, I want to give the gift of memories so that may kids can remember the traditions and take comfort in them when I am gone. Prayerfully that won't happen until they are well in their years, but whenever it happens I want them to have the memories to hold on to. I know it's the gift that keeps on giving from my parents.

Happy 6th Birthday, Zoey!

2011-12-02T07:07:00.002-05:00

When Jon Kent was almost 5 months old, I found out I was pregnant again. It was April Fool's Day 2005. And what a surprise it was! Zoey's due date was November 30, 2005. 15 days after her brother was to celebrate his 1st birthday. But in true girl fashion.. she was late. She wasn't quite ready to make her beauty known. So for two more days we waited. When finally she was born on December 2, 2005 at 7:07am. Weighing 6 pounds, 13oz and 21 inches long. She was perfect. 10 fingers, 10 toes and a sprinkling of brown hair. Our family was complete (so we thought).

In 6 years Zoey has been the spice of glitter in this family. She is a girly girl who likes to build mud castles. She likes to have her hair fixed and her clothes to be pink. She likes to wear lipgloss on her lips and dirt on her knees. She's outgoing, caring, kind, friend to everyone, talkative, curious, loving, sweet and just Zoey. If you have ever met Zoey you will always remember her. She just has that sort of effect on people. How it has already been 6 years I will never know. But I am thankful for all 6 years that I have had to spend with Zoey and I pray that she has 106 more to come.

Happy Birthday my sweet and beautiful little girl. I am so proud to call you my daughter and thankful to have you as my sweet and only little girl. I love you!

Happy 7th Birthday, Jon Kent!

2011-11-15T09:20:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how we got here, but somewhere along the way someone hit the fast forward button.

Seven years ago today, at 5:05pm, Jonathan Kent Owens, Jr. was born. He weighed a tiny 5 pounds, 8ozs and was 19.5 inches long. He was our miracle baby. Our baby that healed our hearts after losing two babies before. He was tiny, perfect and ours. I will never forget rubbing my lips across his blonde peach fuzz hair and thinking how blessed I was to be holding this precious baby.

Over the last 7 years there have been many more times that I have held Jon Kent, watched him run, watched him learn, watched him be an amazing big brother and again thought to myself how blessed I am to have him as my baby.

Jon Kent, thank you for being my first baby. For teaching me unconditional love. For making me a mommy. I hope that your 7th birthday was all that you dreamed it would be and I pray that you have 107 more birthdays to come! I love you!!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:02:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween from my monsters to yours!

Our Disney Vacation Part 4: Wednesday Evening, Thursday and Friday

2011-09-29T08:20:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Evening:
So after not getting a really good start at the Magic Kingdom we wanted to go back after naps and see if we could do better. Thankfully, it was pretty smooth sailing.

That evening since there was going to be the fireworks over the castle, things started clearing out around 7pm. So we were able to do a lot of stuff during this time. The kids rode the carousel. Or really we all did. Apparently, the older you get the less those things are fun. I was very dizzy. So, since I wasn't dizzy enough we went to the Mad Tea Party Tea Cups. If your kids are little, don't show them how to turn the tea cup. Talk about wanting to throw up. Anyway, after that my stomach was in awesome shape (not) so we decided to go eat supper and use one of our quick meals. We went to Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe'. It was pretty good and you get a lot for your money (if you aren't on the dining plan.. have I not talked enough about that yet?). We then rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We all rode that, even Nathan. He was scared the whole time and Jon Kent wasn't thrilled with it either. But it was a simple enough "roller coaster". There weren't any drops to it, just a lot of dips and jerks. It was pretty rough and I had to really hold on to Nathan. Some of the other things we did were Buzz Light Year Space Ranger (very good, but not as good as the one at Hollywood Studios), Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor (this was really funny and we all had a good time. Plus, it gave us a break and a chance to sit indoors.), Stitches' Great Escape (Jon Kent LOVED this one because he thought he was "leveling up" throughout the "ride". But it scared Zoey and Nathan senseless. It was loud, dark, the seats literally hold you down. And it's scary to not know what is happening right in front of you. I don't recommend this ride. I personally hope to never have to sit through it again.) and lastly we ended the night watching the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular (it was really good. And so neat to see the castle lit up and all the fireworks.).

*My Tip: Bring your own glow sticks. You can buy a wide variety at a Dollar Tree. And it was save you a lot of money. It was crazy what they were asking for at the parks. Also, bring your own snack. We brought our own and saved all our snack credits for drinks or fruit cups. If you aren't on the dining plan, bring your own snack is the way to go. Otherwise it would cost you about $15 for two drinks and fruit cup. Insane.

Thursday
We spent all day Thursday at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. We went thinking we would be there 4 or 5 hours but ended up staying from opening until closing. We just had that much fun. The favorite of the day would have to be swimming with the sharks. That was right up Kent's alley and Zoey loved it as well. Jon Kent got to the water and then said, "He got to thinking about it and thought he didn't really want to do it." I did it once with Zoey and it really was a good time. The water was very cold (like 68 degrees or less). So that immediately took my breath away but it was very cool swimming with all the fish. The kids rode all the rides that they could. There was a few they couldn't because they weren't tall enough, but otherwise they really were brave at trying new things. It was a really fun day!

Thursday Evening
We went back to Epcot but it was mainly because we put Nathan in "taller shoes" so he could ride some of the rides that he was just a hair too short to ride on when he had on his sandals. So he got to ride the Test Track and Soarin'. He was not at all thrilled with the Test Track ride as you will be able to see in the picture. He did however LOVE the Soarin' ride. He wanted to ride it over and over again. I wouldn't mind riding it again myself.. I can still smell the orange trees and the beach.

Friday
We hit up The Magic Kingdom just one more time to ride a few rides that we weren't able to get to. The main ride being Splash Mountain. Zoey and Kent were the only ones to ride this one. The boys didn't want to ride. They aren't my adventurous ones, that is for sure.We also did the Haunted Mansion. The kids at first were scared, but once they saw that it was more funny than scary they like it. After that we started looking around for the princesses and found Snow White tucked away in her garden. Zoey was thrilled. Then we asked around and found out that all the princesses were at the Town Square Theater. Zoey was so excited to meet all the princesses. Even Nathan was a prince charming to a few. Jon Kent.. eh, girls are gross to him. We were able to get a picture with all the princesses.. and bonus, it was inside. Whew! We then walked around, had some funnel cakes and on the way out caught the parade. It was sad to see the week end. But we packed a lot of memories into that one week and I really look forward to going back to Disney one day when all the kids are a bit older. We did have one last thing to do before our day was through and our vacation was over and that was to eat at Boma Flavors of Africa. I wasn't looking forward to it because I am not one to like different cultures' foods. But it was really good and if we ever go back to Disney it will be a place that we return to. It really was that yummy!

And with that our time was at Disney was over. It was a great week and I imagine it will be something we do again and again and will even look forward to doing with our grandchildren.

Our Disney Vacation Part 3: Monday evening, Tuesday and Wednesday morning

2011-09-27T21:30:00.001-04:00

Monday Evening
After naps and some snacks we headed back out and to Epcot. I was told that Epcot was one of those quick places that you wouldn't need a lot of time at. For our family that wasn't quite true. We did a lot there and at night it seemed the crowds weren't as big. We went to eat at the Coral Reef. It's a nice sit down restaurant that has a wall to wall aquarium. It was nice to eat and watch the fish go by. Our waiter could have been a lot friendlier though. He seemed like he didn't really want to be there and was very slow. The food was good though. After dinner we went to a character spot and met the whole Mickey gang. We had to stand in line, but it wasn't too long. We got to get photos with all the characters and since we had our photo pass we got some really great family shots. Some of the rides we rode were "Soarin' (although the first time we went Nate didn't get to ride because we had on his sandals and they didn't make him tall enough), Test Track (Zoey rode this 3 times, Jon Kent rode it 2 times and Nathan even rode it once). We also hit up some Disney stores while there. Although they had the same things at every park. Since it was late we didn't get to do a whole lot on our first trip to Epcot, but we did catch the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. That was very cool, but VERY loud. The kids enjoyed it though.

Tuesday
Tuesday morning we had reservations for breakfast at the Hollywood and Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios.. It's a little character breakfast with the likes of Oso, Handy Manny and the Little Einsteins. It's called "Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine". If you are on the dining plan (which again, I do recommend) it costs one table top meal. Which isn't bad when you see all you get (all you can eat). The food was really good, the characters were great (it takes about an hour for them all to come to your table) and the service was decent. Our waiter was nice, but when we didn't leave the "recommended 18% gratuity" he left a "reminder note" in our check that at least 18% is recommended. Yes.. so like $25 for an hour of work and all he did was bring us our drinks.. riiight. Not happening.) Other than that it was really fun. The kids are encourage to get up and sing and dance. It was a really nice time. And if you get there before the park opens you get the opportunity to take some nice family shots without people walking into your picture.

After breakfast we went to find some things to do. There wasn't a lot that we had on our list for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Although there is tons to do. But we were all still pretty tired from our previous day. So we did what we knew everyone would enjoyed. We found a great spot where you can take your picture with Woody and Buzz from Toy Story. We did have to wait in a long line, but it was worth it and along the way there are scenes set up that you can take your own pictures. Plus, if you get a fastpass for the Toy Story Mania ride (which we did) we waited for the photo op and then when we got through we just headed across the street and past the long lines to the ride. And I would like to go on record as saying that was one of the best rides. The kids loved going through it and actually being able to play. We all tried to have the highest score. I will refrain from telling y'all who did win.. might hurt some feelings. ;) But that ride is highly recommended. While we were there Zoey got her face painted like a princess kitty. You can do that just about at any of the parks, so it's not just limited to Hollywood Studios. Zoey loved it and it was worth it to see her happy. We also hit up the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" playground area. The kids enjoyed that and it was something different to do. After that break we decided to get out of the heat for a bit and went in to see "Disney Junior- Live on Stage". If you have a child who loves to watch Disney they will love this show. It is geared more toward the preschool age, but even Jon Kent and Zoey enjoyed watching the show. And again, it was inside so it was cool which was awesome. The Florida heat ain't no joke! After the show we went to eat at a quick service place. I believe it was called ABC Commissary. It had a good range of fast food type stuff, but was really good. After eating we headed home. Like I said there was a lot more we could have done but we were all so tired a nap was in order! It made for a better rest of the day!

Tuesday evening we went to the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. It was very entertaining. It's an option on the dining plan and cost 2 table top meals. But that does include your food, entertainment and tip. It was about 2 hours long. They serve you good southern type food and you get to watch a western comedy type show. The kids loved and laughed a lot. I would highly recommend it. When we got back to the hotel we let the kids swim in the pool for a bit. And at the hotel we stayed at they played a movie every night. That night they were playing Toy Story. They kids enjoyed that and used up what energy they had left before bed.

Wednesday

Finally, what we all had been waiting for.. The Magic Kingdom. Today was the day we were going to conquer the home of Cinderella and all her princess friends. But first, it was breakfast with Chef Mickey. The food was good, the service was good and the kids loved seeing all the characters dressed up in their chef hats and aprons. It was a really good time. After our bellies were full we got on the monorail and headed for the Magic Kingdom. All things were going good, until Nathan had a major meltdown that last over an hour. It was not pretty and I have NEVER seen him act like that before. I think he was just tired and the sun was getting to him. So Kent took Jon Kent and Zoey on to ride Aladdin's Carpets while I got Nathan calmed down. They rode those and I snuggled with Nate and got us both water and cooled down. After they other 3 got back we went for a ride on the Jungle Cruise. It was a nice boat ride and a chance to cool off. We then took a ride through "it's a small world". If that ride was about as half as long it would have been fine. But it was just too long and the kids were ready to get out about half way through. I could have seriously taken a nap. Next up was, Peter's Pan Flight. The kids enjoyed it and we got through it very quickly. Also, before we left for lunch and naps, we went to see Mickey's PhilharMagic. It was a cute show that has some surprises along the way (like squirts of water in your face, a gusy of wind, etc.). It was really fun and the kids loved it. We took the boat back to parking and headed in for lunch and naps.

Our Disney Vacation Part 2: Sunday and Monday

2011-09-22T12:37:00.000-04:00

Our home away from home

We got to our resort (All Star Music Resort) around 1:30pm or so. Our room was ready and since I already "checked in online" we got our welcome folder and were on our way to our room to unpack!

The name of our section of the hotel

My tip: Do the online check-in. It is very quick and easy and really does save time. Also, if you can, get there before the actual "check-in" time. Especially during the "low season" they usually have your room ready. Kent went by the lobby to return a luggage cart and he said the line was out the door. When we arrived an hour or so earlier we only had to wait a minute or two. Also, we packed a lot of our own groceries for our trip. We got a Dining Plan (which I highly recommend) but it didn't cover all 3 meals for all the days we were there (although there is a Dinging Plan that will). So we brought our own snacks and breakfast foods, stuff for lunch, drinks, etc. If you buy these things there it will cost you twice as much.

Sunday
Our first day at Disney we used to check out Downtown Disney. We didn't want to use up one of our 5 day tickets on just half a day so we took transportation to Downtown Disney. (Sidenote: Disney has bus transportation to all it's parks, resorts, Downtown Disney and various other places that are on Disney property. However, if you don't like waiting.. take your own car.) While at Downtown Disney we visited the Lego Store and the World of Disney store. We also ate a Earl of Sandwich (it was good, but I probably wouldn't go back). Zoey also got a hair wrap while we were there. Apparently a "must" for her whenever we go on vacation as this is probably her 4th time doing it. :) We then headed back to our room for some much needed rest.

Taken at a Christmas Shop in Downtown Disney

My tip: If you aren't in a rush, take the bus. If you aren't one for waiting take your car (if you have one). We did the bus thing for a few days but later found it to be a waste of time. When your kids are tired and cranky.. standing in line is the last thing you want to do. Plus, we had to wait over 30 minutes at the Magic Kingdom for a ride and that was while other resorts got two or three buses to them while we were still waiting for our one bus. Also, do not go to Downtown Disney on a Friday night. I will probably repeat this..

Monday
Our first day in the parks! Since Animal Kingdom had early magic hours (hours when the park is open early or late for resort guests only) we decided to go there. We were told to go straight to the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride. It takes you on an expedition of sorts through African savannas. You see all sorts of animals all along the way. And they are pretty close. We had giraffes running right along with us. Next up, was Expedition Everest. It's a roller coaster that only Kent and Zoey conquered. It was Zoey's first time ever on a roller coaster. She got off not too happy. Kent said it even caught him off guard. Nathan was too short to ride and Jon Kent was too.. cautious to ride. So while Zoey and Kent went I pulled out the disposable cameras and let Nate and Jon Kent take pictures. I can't wait to have them developed. There is no telling what pictures will come from them. Once Kent got his stomach back we headed for more adventures at The Boneyard. It a playground built around dinosaur fossils. The kids loved it and it gave Kent and I time to look over the map and rest a bit. Next, we went to DINOSAUR. That was a mistake. It completely scared the kids. I wasn't thrilled myself. And it was LOUD. You get in this car like thing and you are blasted into the past to hopefully bring back with you a dinosaur. All three kids had their hands over their ears and their eyes shut most of the way. From that point on before we got on any ride, Nate asked if there would be dinosaurs on it. So, to chill out for a bit we went to TriceraTop Spin. Thankfully this was a friendlier ride for the kids. Also, while in Animal Kingdom we went to Affection Section (petting zoo), rode the Wildlife Express Train (takes you to the area of Rafiki's Planet Watch from Africa) and saw It's Tough to be a Bug (very cool 3D show with lots of "surprises").

On the safari

Ready to see It's Tough to be a Bug!

The Tree of Life

My tip: There were a few rides and shows that we didn't get to see. But we were all tired and ready for a nap. I recommend nap time to those with kids. Or really adults, too. You don't realize how much walking you do and how tired you can get while on "vacation" at Disney. I went in to this trip knowing we wouldn't get to everything we wanted to and told myself that it would be fine. I wanted to make the most of this trip and wanted to get out as much as possible. But if you have cranky kids who are over tired then that's not fun for anyone. So sometimes you just have to let go of "the plan" and rest. Also, get a photopass card. You pay nothing for the card and you can hand it to dozens of Disney photogs at all the parks. They are usually in areas that offer great backdrops for the photo. Then you just register the card and you can buy and share any picture you want. We have several family pictures that turned out really well.

...to be continued

Our Disney Vacation Part 1: Planning

2011-09-20T13:40:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure how many parts this will have. It may only have one, to which I will change the blog title and you'll never know. :) I am mainly doing this for my own future reference and for my children's future reference when they tell me I am mean and never do anything for them... :)

I did my travel plans and booking through Small World Vacations. They were awesome. I worked with a lady by the name of Daisy and she was great. Small World Vacations does not charge you a fee. They book directly with Disney and earn commission that way. They also look for any discounts that may come up before your final payment and will notify you of a better deal. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone.

As far as the time of year we went, I think we went during a pretty good time. The only place that was crowded was the Magic Kingdom. And like I told Kent, the Magic Kingdom is probably always crowded or at least more crowded than the other parks at any given time of the year. The weather was still hot but not unbearable. It was nice to be able to take a day off from the major parks and hit up one of Disney water parks which we wouldn't have been able to do if we went later in the year.

I did a lot of research on the internet and found two sites to be the most help. Those two sites being MouseSavers.com and Allears.net. They had tons of inside info on what to do, what not do to, packing lists, discounts, etc. I also was a daily visitor to Disney.com once I set up our reservations. They have a cute little countdown that lets you know how many days until your vacation and they will keep track of all your reservations to various shows and restaurants. Also, Disney will send you a free planning DVD that gives you a look at all the parks.

I also asked a lot of people who had gone for their advice. What worked for them, what didn't, what would they have done differently, etc. I got some of my best tips from friends who had gone before. Plus, it's easier to learn someone else lessons than having to learn the hard way on your own. :)

And lastly, if all else fails... Google.

We went to Disney

2011-09-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

It only took 8 months to plan, but we finally got out Disney vacation under our belts. OK, so it wasn't like I planned the WHOLE 8 months, but a lot of time and research and planning went into it. I would like to think we all had a great time. It was a trip that I will always remember and I hope my kids will do the same. I will be back soon to give a full post for it. Until then...

Weekend at the beach

2011-08-22T21:51:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we headed to the beach with Kent's grandparents (the kids' great grandparents). We decided to check out a beach that is semi close to us (semi being 3 hours away instead of 5 hours). We went to Hilton Head Island. It would be the first time the kids have actually been in a "real" ocean versus the Gulf of Mexico. We all had a good time. Spent a full day at the beach and then went out to eat a one of the local seafood places. After supper we went out for some putt-putt golf. It was Nathan's first time. All in all it was a good weekend. The kids had fun and we all came home with some new memories. However, HHI is nothing like Panama City Beach. Nothing could compare to those white sandy beaches.. well maybe Hawaii.. or the Bahamas..

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

"Just me and you kid." is what I told Nathan once we returned home from taking Jon Kent and Zoey to their first day of school. This is the first time that Nathan will have just me to himself for an extended amount of time through the year. I am looking forward to it. Looking forward to teaching and playing and napping (for him and cleaning for me). The start of school is bittersweet. I miss my older babies while they are gone, but I am loving having Nathan all to myself. And he has really soaked it up today.

As for Jon Kent and Zoey and their start up of school: They both did very well. No tears.. from them or me. They were both really excited. Zoey had trouble going to sleep last night because she was just "too excited". Jon Kent tried to play it all off cool, but he was excited about his first day. I am sure that will disappear once the homework starts rolling in. But for today he was excited. I can't wait to hear about their day. It's hard to believe that Zoey is in kindergarten and Jon Kent is in first grade. I can still see both of them.. still in diapers.. playing inside one of their closets with all the books and toys. Sweet memories.

Surgery and the little red shovel

2011-08-03T12:26:00.000-04:00

Zoey and Nathan had surgery Monday. It was a simple umbilical hernia repair. Simple being the keyword. And for the most part it went like we thought it would. Well, except the 2 hour over appointment time wait. The sleepy juice not making either child sleepy and let's not forget the little red shovel. More on that later...

We were told to get there at 10am. I figured we would have to wait a bit over our "start time" but 2 hours.. yeah, I wasn't thrilled. No explanations, no "sorry we're just running behind", nothing. Just sitting in a small box of a room which at least had a TV in it. Zoey was going to be first so they came in, got her vitals and such and then we waited some more. Finally the "sleepy juice" was given and we thought the ball would be rolling now. Or not. More waiting. Zoey goes from calm to silly and then finally sleepy.. only to go back to silly. She was every where and I was worried that it would wear off before they got her back there. Finally at 12:35pm they took her back. Now on to Nathan... we waited for a bit and then they came in and got his forms filled out. Told us in a few minutes they would be back to give him his sleepy juice. Few minutes pass and nothing. Finally they come in, give it to him and he goes calm. He is almost asleep when out of no where he bucks up and starts getting mad at me because I'm not laying just the right way with him in the bed. After attempting to move every way possible he finally starts pushing on me calling me a "bossy head". {Kent's bursts into laughter which makes me laugh and makes Nathan madder.} So he has this little red shovel that came with a toy he got to pick out in the lobby and starts smacking me with it. {Nathan is a strong willed child. I will give him that. And he stands his ground and doesn't back down, but when it comes to me he has never hit me or shoved me. And I can always "scold" him and he will return back to the way he should be acting.} This was completely out of his nature. So the nurse and anesthesiologist come in about the time he is repeatedly calling me a bossy head despite my telling him not to and giving him the "mommy face". The nurse and doctor said, "Yeah, most of the time it makes them sleepy, but sometimes.. rarely it... well.. doesn't." YA THINK? So they wheeled him away at 1:35pm and said he went right to sleep once they put the mask on him.

They both came out of recovery find. Tired, but fine. We got home around 3:30pm. And so far their recovery has been pretty good. I am having to keep them from doing more than they should and trying not to let boredom set in, although I am pretty sure it already has.

We go back in a little over two weeks to get the bandages taken off and stitches removed. And speaking of 2 weeks.. the kids will be back in school by then as well. Summer is quickly coming to an end. Makes me very sad.

30 Looks Good on You

2011-08-01T21:53:00.000-04:00

Kent turned 30 last week. I am now married to a 30 year old. Something seems odd about that. Not really in a bad way odd, but sounds unfamiliar I guess. We have been together since he was 16 years old and now all these years later here we are and it just seems surreal in a way. Or maybe I am just odd myself.. either way.. Kent is a 30 something now and I in all my youth am still a 20 something. Don't think I haven't rubbed that in...

This past weekend we invited family and some close friends to come celebrate Kent's 30 years. We had about 20 some odd people packed into the house. Kids running around crazy, adults chatting, food being consumed, cake being gobbled down. It was a good time.

Here's to 30 more years plus 30 more!

Doggy Paddle

2011-07-25T17:29:00.000-04:00

Our little pool broke sometime yesterday. So sad. We were having such a great time with it. The seam starting tearing around the middle-bottom on one of the sides. Not even duck tape could save it. *sigh* We did have one last fun swim. Or rather the kids did. We let them get in and threw Nova into the mix. They all had a good time. At first Nova was pretty reluctant to get in, but Kent picked her up and threw her in anyway. She just stood there, frozen in the water for a few minutes. But the kids' splashing did her in. She had to chase them around. To even started jumping at one point and all the kids screamed and squealed with excitement. It was a great night. I hope that memory stays with them for the rest of their lives.

Just a little over a month

2011-07-04T21:10:00.000-04:00

Just a little over a month and school will be starting back up. Why does winter drag on and on, but summer flies by?

I guess it's because we are so busy, but still it seems unfair.

I have really enjoyed having the kids home all day. There are days I long for a break or a nap, but I know these days are fleeting and when they are older I will wish for it all back again.

We have been keeping busy and filling our days with fun stuff to do.

We have been swimming just about everyday. Only skipping a day here or there because of the weather. We have been ran out of the pool twice now for an afternoon thunderstorm.

Our church had VBS about two weeks ago. The kids had a blast and learned so much. Jon Kent was asking a lot of questions about God and heaven and salvation. It was really exciting and I pray daily for those seeds to grow. The kids were all sad when VBS ended. Thankfully we had more plans to keep them from being sad for too long.

The kids and I went to Alabama last week for a visit. We all had a good time. I got some "alone time" while the kids stayed at the great grandparents' house and my daddy got to have the best company ever.. me! :) While there Jon Kent, Zoey and myself met up with my best friend and her oldest daughter at a water park. We spent the whole day splashing and sliding and getting water up our noses. Good times! Zoey also lost her first tooth while we were there (6.29.11). Which is funny because Jon Kent also lost his first tooth while we were in Alabama over a year ago. The kids also got to wade in a creek, get spoiled rotten with too many toys and games and we all got to be loved on by family.

I was ready to come home though. I missed my hubby and my bed. Kent took Friday off and cleaned up the house and had it all nice and neat for us when we got home. I was very relieved to know that all I had to do was unpack. To which I did so quickly. That evening we took the kids to the movies to see "Cars 2". Even though they saw it in Alabama. They were still up for seeing it again. Plus, I think Kent really wanted to see it. ;)

Our 4th of July weekend went well. We went to see the fireworks over the river..with about 100 plus people all around us. But the kids enjoyed it and that's all that matters. Next year, Lord willing, we will find a different spot. We also stayed in the pool most of the weekend. Getting in every afternoon and staying until we were wrinkled up on our fingers and toes. Tonight Kent grilled steaks that were delish! We ended the night with blizzards from DQ. It was a very nice weekend that didn't go back too quickly. Tomorrow it's back to reality and grown up life. Kent goes back to work and I go back to being a full time SAHM again. Which I think is still pretty awesome.

Here's to the rest of summer!

Waterguns, basketball camp and swimming.. OH MY!

2011-06-09T16:44:00.000-04:00

We are into a first full week of summer break and we have been keeping busy. Jon Kent has been doing a basketball camp in the mornings and then in the afternoons we have been swimming.

My daddy has been here with us this week and he has helped us a few projects. First and most importantly being putting up our pool. It's just like the one we had last year. We had to put a fence around it though to keep Nova out while we were out there. It looks really good. HUGE thanks to my daddy for the help and the purchasing of the pool.

We have also invested in a set of waterguns. We have already had a family fight in which the kids, hands down, won. I hate being shot in the face with cold water. So I give up fairly easily. Nova has had her fair share of water squirted in the face. But she on the other hand..err paw??.. doesn't seem to care. She likes chasing it.

Summer is off to a great start!

Busy and fun summer ahead!

2011-06-03T13:34:00.001-04:00

It's finally summertime. I have been waiting all year for this. I love summer! I love having my kids with me and us finding fun things to get into or finding new things to learn about.

I had decided well before school let out that we were going to keep busy this summer. I wanted my kids to enjoy their time away from school and to make memories in the process. So far we have a lot of things planned. Jon Kent has basketball camp next week, my daddy is coming for a visit, we have VBS the last full week in June, we have two trips planned to two different water parks, a weekend beach getaway, possibly dance classes for Zoey and a trip to Six Flags. Also, somewhere in there, the kids are going for a few days to Alabama without me. All that added with just regular days of going to parks, having plans with friends and such and it makes for a busy summer. And I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.

I hope to fill this blog in the coming weeks with pictures from our adventures and trips. So stay tuned!

School makes 'em grow!

2011-06-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

Something about going to school makes my babies grow. And I DON'T LIKE IT!

On to 1st grade!

2011-05-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

Jon Kent is now a graduate of kindergarten. My first baby is moving on to 1st grade. How it is even possible that this child is old enough for this? Isn't he supposed to still be that 5lbs, 8oz little baby I brought home from the hospital.. like.. YESTERDAY? How did this happen so quickly? Wow. Just wow.

Last night Jon Kent and his class of about 100 got their certificates of completion. Jon Kent also got an owl award for knowing all his lightening words and a music award. I was especially proud of the music award because, as my husband likes me to put it, I am a true band nerd.

The whole night Jon Kent was beaming from ear to ear. I was able to hold back my tears, which surprised me. I was just so happy for him. He was happy and that is all I could ask for.

Still though, I can't believe he is through with kindergarten. Next he'll be going to middle school and then high school and before I know it I'll be sending him off to college. Now.. on THAT day there WILL BE TEARS!

I love you bubba! I am a proud momma because of you!!!

My baby girl is WHAT?

2011-05-25T17:51:00.002-04:00

She is off to kindergarten. Huh? Did I just really write that? Really? Kindergarten... hmmm... not preschool. But kindergarten. Yes, Emily.. it's happening.. your babies are growing up.. and quickly!

How I just want to hit the pause button. Freeze Zoey in time, just as she is now. Freeze her right now while she still thinks I hung the moon. Freeze time while she still wants to give me hugs and kisses and still doesn't pronounce a lot of words the way they were intended.

Today Zoey and her preschool class did their end of the year program and "graduated" from preschool. She was all smiles. I was too.. for the most part. A few tears were shed but only because I was just bursting with pride at how well my little girl has done during her first year of school. And just a little, tiny bit of sad that she is quickly growing up.

Happy Graduating Preschool Day my baby girl! I am so very proud of you and all you are doing! You are off to a great start!

They are "too cool for preschool"!

"H is for happy hearts- filled with love and cheer."

"Z is for zest- Let's give ourselves a great big cheer!"

Telling everyone what she learned to do in preschool.

Getting an award.

Zoey and Miss Eskierka

Zoey and Mrs. Pitts

Just in case...

2011-05-20T23:10:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, the world will end. Or at the very least the rapture will take place. So they say. I am a Christian. I do believe in the rapture. But the way my Bible reads (and when I say my Bible I mean all Bibles that were God breathed) "no one knows the day or the time... Only God the Father knows. Not even the Son of God knows when the rapture will take place."(Matt. 24-36 & 37; 42-44) So in my common sense of thinking, if God doesn't tell His own Son.. what in the world makes me think He would tell an earthly man?? What really concerns me in all this is the fact that those who already so strongly disagree with the Bible and say that it's inaccurate are going to feel they now get to say, "I told you so". And sadly many will be lead astray because of this. But I know that nothing happens without God already knowing it. He knew before time began that this day would come. This didn't take Him by surprise. I am praying that because of this, people are at least curious at to what the Bible does say and will read it. Because God's Word never returns void.

If Jesus doesn't return tomorrow, then praise God. This world has a little longer to come to a personal relationship with Him. If He does come tomorrow, praise God.. I'm going home! I get to start my eternity with my Lord and Savior and I get to see my momma and two babies!! Amen and Amen!

Happy 28 to me-self!

2011-05-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Friday, May 13, 1983, this world was graced with a beautiful 8lb, 10oz little girl.. who would remain nameless for the next 24 hours. Not by choice.. had to be rushed to another hospital because I was producing too much insulin. What can I say, I was born an over achiever (ha, not really).

Now, 28 years later.. it's Friday, May 13.. and this time I am not 8lbs, 10z and I do have a name. Although it has changed slightly. And by choice, I was where I wanted to be. With my family. Eating out, laughing, spending time together and getting a new bike. It was a wonderful way to spend my 28th birthday.

Oh, by the end of the night there was some cleaning up of poop.. which ironically was happening 28 years ago as well, but I am fairly sure I was on the receiving end of that smelly birthday experience.

Has it really been that long?

2011-05-03T12:34:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I have not updated. We have been busy. Very busy. Nap time is usually my blog/facebook time but lately I've been using it to exercise or clean or even catch up on couponing or what have you. So let's see.. what have we been up to...

Nathan is playing tee ball. That is winding down soon though (w00t!). It has been a... trying season to say the least. Next year we will probably play at our city rec instead of the one we are at now. But they didn't offer tee ball to 2 year olds, so.. Nathan likes it though, so that's all that matters. I, however, am not digging being team mom. My husband volunteered for me... I bet he doesn't do that again.... ;)

Jon Kent is playing soccer. Which means at least one night a week our family is split up. Kent and Nate going to tee ball and the rest of us to soccer. It's OK. They all enjoy it and are building character or something... Jon Kent has really enjoyed soccer though. His team hasn't lost a game yet. He's made some friends and has almost scored a few times. He is one of the youngest on the team, so I think he is doing pretty well for his age. His season will be ending in the next couple of weeks.

Zoey isn't doing anything right now. We are waiting for summer dance camps to start. We are going to put her in a week or two long camp and see if she likes it before shelling out money for a full year. She is really excited about it and can't wait.

In other news, our we having problems with one of our neighbors. It's been blown up and I can't catch the lady to try and talk to her. I don't want to go knock on her door because I don't want to seem like I am confronting her. But I do want to talk to her. Apologize for the dog barking (that's how this started.. Nova barking kept her visiting mother awake one night.. then the neighbor lady comes and beats on our window at midnight.. scare the fool out of me until I saw her walking off) but to also let her know that beating on my window will not be tolerated again. Anyway, it will work out one way or another. We have Nova inside now at night, but I don't know what we will do when we go out of town.

I'll end this boring update with a few pictures.. I am off to do more Disney planning!

Nathan's 3rd birthday party

We made a butterfly for a project in Zoey's class

Easter Weekend

Makings of a butterfly

2011-04-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

Jon Kent and Zoey have both been learning about butterflies. Each of their classes got several caterpillars and they have watched them grow and make chrysalis and finally turn into butterflies. They both got to let theirs goes today at school. They have really enjoyed watching it all happened and telling us every day what was going on with their butterflies.

In Zoey's class the teacher asked for us to make butterflies with our children using whatever we wanted. Colors, scarp pieces of paper, etc. So, while I was trying to go to sleep one night I was thinking about how we would do Zoey's butterfly. I wanted her to be able to do the decorating and making it her own, but also wanted it to be something that didn't look like anyone else's and be something that she could be proud of. So I brainstormed and came up with the following idea. It's very easy to do and doesn't take long at all.

Cut out two identical butterfly shapes out of wax paper.

Get some crayons that you don't mind cutting up.

Take some scissors and shave the crayon.

Find a beautiful little girl to sprinkle the butterfly with the crayon shavings.

Get two dishtowels or any towels and place the butterfly (with both pieces of wax paper sandwiching the crayon shavings) underneath.

Get an iron (background mess is optional) and iron the top dishtowel making sure to iron the whole butterfly underneath.

Tada!!!

She was proud!

So was I!!

A week of YUCK.

2011-04-11T12:56:00.000-04:00

Last week was Spring Break around here. The kids and I packed up and went to Alabama for some R&R and some major spoiling. My daddy and I went shopping (yes.. I was spoiled, too) for the whole day. He was kind enough to buy Zoey most of her spring/summer clothes that she was in need of. We had a good day just talking, shopping, eating and laughing. While I was with my daddy the kids were fishing, playing at the park and getting to do a little shopping of their own (toy shopping that is). My daddy and I got a lot of time to talk about things and sit out on his front porch and just enjoy the weather. I tried to help him pick out paint colors, new furniture and new layout for his living room. I am not sure how much help I was though. I got to have lunch one day with my life long best friend. It was good to catch up with her. Nathan got to have a small "family" party while we were in town. We just went out to eat a local steak house and had cupcakes. He was thrilled though and loved the spotlight. He got a open a few presents the main one being a new bike from my daddy. Now Nathan has his very own bicycle. He was pretty happy. Sadly.. that's where all the happiness ends....

Wednesday morning (the day we had planned to come home) I get a call from Kent's grandmother telling me that Nathan was throwing up and had been for most of the night. She said that he just fell asleep and would call me when he woke up. So I get all my stuff packed up and loaded and tell my daddy good-bye. I head over to get the kids and get their stuff loaded. We day our good-byes and off we go. I am hoping and praying that we would be able to make it home with little puking. We get about 20 miles into Georgia and Nathan pukes. I pull the car over and do as much damage control as I can. I get us back on the road and we go for a little way and run into a traffic jam of some sort. So I go off course and trying to go around it by taking some back roads. About the time I am finding us back to the interstate Nate throws up again. And Zoey and Jon Kent declare they are hungry. (How they could be hungry and witnessing their brother's vomit is still beyond me). So I find a McDonld's and drive thru. I get them some Happy Meals and tell them to hurry up and eat while I find us back to the interstate.. Nate throws up. Clean him up.. get to a gas station to throw away some trash and wait for the older two to finish eating. I get back on the road and we are finally on the interstate again.. Start heading home and mud flap (I think) goes flying in the road in front of me and I can't surve to miss it because I have cars on either side of me so I run over it. Get on down the road a little bit and my tire pressure light goes off. I take the next exit and get to a gas station. Thankfully I was in a good area when all this happened. I call Kent, crying (I had about all I could take by this point) and he tells me to call AAA. I do. They call in a wrecker place to change my tire (no, I don't know how to change a tire..) I tell Kent that their is a Midas right up the road (all the wrecker service would do is change my tire to my spare and send me on my way). So Kent tells me to air up the tire and head that way. So I do.. praying the whole way that we just make it. Thankfully.. we do. Get there, tell the guys what's up and they immediately get my car lifted and check my tire. Totally loss. A nail or something went in the wall and out and ripped an unpatchable hole in my tire. Great. They say it will cost $125 to change it. Lovely. The guy then tells me they don't have any Good Year tires and wanted to make sure it was OK to sure another one. I told him I didn't care what kind of tire he put on there as long as it got me back to South Carolina. He laughed. I didn't. So while we were there Nate had to potty. It wasn't pretty. We'll leave it at that. The guys get my tire fixed and we are on our way. Nate tried to nap.. but woke up about every 15 minutes crying or throwing up. By the time we got home (6 hours.. when it should have taken us 4) we were all done. Nate recovered well though. By Friday he was just about back to normal. Sadly around 4:30 Saturday morning Zoey wakes me up throwing up in her bed. It was just awesome. She is still a little weak. but her fever is gone and she hadn't thrown up since Saturday.

I am hoping we are done with that mess. It has been a full week of yuck. I am hoping to get some cleaning and disinfecting done tomorrow.

PS: If you find any typos.. please send them to: Iamtootiredtocare@needmoresleep.com Thanks!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Nathan!

2011-04-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

12:50pm on April 7, 2008, I welcomed my last baby into the world. Nathan Tyler was born weighing 8 pound and 3 ounces. He had light brown hair and blue eyes. He completed the O'ville family.

In three years Nathan has added so much to our family. He is a fighter and a lover. He loves to get dirty and play hard. He looks up to his big brother and loves to annoy his big sister. Nathan is stubborn and sweet. Just when you think you have him figured out he goes and changes things up.

I am so thankful that God blessed us with him three years ago.

PS: I have no idea why the picture is sideways... just turn your head and take a gander at my now 3 year old. :)

Waiting on His promises

2011-03-30T12:57:00.000-04:00

During my quiet time I am studying the different women of the Bible. I got a book of devotionals and such from a sweet lady at my church right after I graduated high school. I've started and stopped this book several times. I always come back to it, because it's fascinating to study these women and to see what role they had. It's also refreshing to be able to relate to them somehow and to learn from them.

Right now I am currently reading about Sarah (Abraham's wife- Gen 17). For most people they know Sarah as the woman who didn't have a child until she was 90 years old. Many women who have fertility issues can relate to her and take hope from her experience.

As you start reading in Genesis 17 you will read about a woman who heard from God Himself that she was going to have a child. And she laughed. She thought it was absurd that she would have a child well past her child bearing years. Instead of waiting for God to give her a child she took matters into her own hands. She had one of her maid servants sleep with her husband and become pregnant. Her maid servant (Hagar) had a son named Ishmael. Sarah was never happy about the results of her husband having a child with her maid servant. And there was always a conflict between Issac (the child that Sarah and Abraham would have) and Ishmael. A conflict that still carries on to this very day.

Sarah was promised a child, but instead of waiting on God's timing she took matters into her own hands. Because of her taking control of the situation we have and will continue to have conflict in the middle east and beyond between these two groups. How much different would the world be today had Sarah quietly waited on God to fulfill His promise?

This got me thinking.. Am I the same way? Do I do things out of God's timing? Yes.. I do. Far too often. What possible harmful choices am I making for myself? My family?

Sometimes we as Christians think that if we just quietly sit back and let God do things at His pace that we are being lazy or less than worthy. But the Bible tells us to be patient and quietly wait on God (Psalms 27:14, 130:5; Isaiah 30:18; Micah 7:7)

When we push past God we are only going to make a mess of things. But if we would just sit quietly, listening to God, we will get to receive His perfect promises.

Zoo trip

2011-03-26T17:11:00.000-04:00

Jon Kent's kindergarten class went to the zoo this past Thursday. It was the perfect day for a trip to the zoo. Not hot, not cold. The sun was shining and all the kids were excited. We had the whole day to walk and look and explore. I was in charge of 3 kids (one of course being Jon Kent). So I just took them and we followed the path. We got to see every animal they wanted to see and then some. We also had a blast feeding a few along the way. It was a really good day. Jon Kent told me it was his "most favoritest day EVER!"

Something New is Happening!

2011-03-24T21:24:00.001-04:00

Not too long ago I prayed that God would just give me something to be a part of and to see my work impact others. To have something to call my own and give Him the glory for. So, a few weeks ago a friend from my childhood just posted something on Facebook asking if anyone blogged. Thinking she just wanted some advice about how to start a blog or what have you I told her I did and have been for over 8 years now. She asked if I would like to have some details about a website she was starting up. I told her sure. And as it all started to come together I was asked to be a regular blogger. I will be writing about wife and mommy stuff. It's a conservative website geared to not debate or drag anyone through the mud. It's there to encourage and challenge young conservative women who seem to be over looked. It's still in it's very early stages, but I wanted to let everyone know so that you could follow along if you'd like. We also have a Facebook page as well, so if you would like you can "like" that as well. The website is www.proudcuda.com. And the Facebook page is the same. Just search it out. Let us know what you think!

Weekend with my brother and family

2011-03-21T14:15:00.000-04:00

My brother, sister-in-law and two nephews were in town this weekend. We had a good time. They got in late Friday night after my kids had already gone to bed. Jon Wesley (my oldest nephew) went straight to bed. I think the ride from Alabama wore him out. I finally got to hold Aarron again. I hadn't held him since the day he was born. He was so sweet and just chilled out with his Auntie Em. We didn't get in the bed until well after midnight. Saturday we went to a local park that has walking trails and bike trails and ponds. The ponds have turtles and little alligators in them. The kids had a good time running all around and finding the turtles. This time we finally got to see an alligator. We actually saw three. It was pretty neat and the kids got a kick out of it. After running around there, we headed over to Chick-fil-a for some lunch and more playing for the kids. By the time we got home, Nathan was asking for a nap. So while he took a nap everyone else played outside or in the playroom. Once Nathan got up from his nap we took the kids to the local neighborhood park. They played for a good bit and one of Zoey's friends from school was there. After playing for a while we headed back to the house to grill out for supper. The kids all went down fairly easily for bed. No surprise there. The adults got to chat and watch some basketball. We also turned on the XBOX kinect and my brother cut a rug with the dance game. It was seriously, SERIOUSLY the funniest thing ever. I laughed so hard. I slept good that night. Sunday we went to church. Everyone got to meet my brother and all said he looked just like my daddy. And that I couldn't not claim him as my brother because we did favor a lot. Still not sure how to take that.. ;o) We relaxed and napped in the afternoon time while the kids were all napping. Then we ordered pizza and just hung around. After the kids went to bed we had some seriously funny times. I haven't laughed that hard and much in a long time. My brother was on a roll, that is for sure. This morning they all left around 9am or so. They are already back home. We had a good time and I am glad they got to finally come for a visit. I am counting down the days until I get to go "home" for spring break and see them all again.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T12:08:00.000-04:00

I'm Scott-Irish (at least this is what I am told) so that basically makes me a mutt. BUT since I do have some sort of Irish blood in my veins, I always enjoy St. Patrick's Day. I used to go all out with buying a St. Patty's shirt, making sure I had on green from head to toe, pinching people,etc. But now I buy shirts for my kids, make sure THEY are wearing green and I don't do much pinching since my only victims would be my kids and well.. I am the one who put the green on them so they wouldn't get pinched... HOWEVER I did pinch Kent this morning because he wasn't wearing anything green. He said his underwear was green but that was a lie. So he got punched for lying to me. Playful punch.. don't need any hate mail....

Do enjoy the pictures.. as I took a whole 3 minutes total taking them.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

No kisses required... you can go find another Irish for that.

Oh my goodness, this cracks me up.

He is just too funny.

Oh hold on.. gotta act cool.

My poser.

So happy!

Can't leave out Nate!

Sweet and beautiful.

Hey, Nate.. look at the camera!

There is my wild third child!

N-I-N-E

2011-03-16T14:00:00.004-04:00

Nine years ago today, I became one with the man of my dreams. It was a rainy day that by the time the ceremony started had turned to sunshine. I didn't just commit my life to Kent that day, but I continue to commit it to him every day. I love him more today than I did that day and with each year that passes I pray that our love only grows stronger.

Thank you, Kent, for choosing me to stand by your side. To raise a family with and to spend every last second of our lives together. I love you. And while it may be selfish.. nine years isn't enough for me. So here's to 90 more years.. and then some!

Happy Anniversary!

Have a little sunshine.. Why, I don't mind if I do!

2011-03-14T22:49:00.000-04:00

Spring.. just around the corner. Temps in the 70s. Days full of sunshine.

Ahh, yes, how I love it.

After the winter we had, spring is a welcomed long lost friend. Oh and add daylight savings time to the mix.. just wonderful (minus the taking Jon Kent to school in the dark thing...). Today, after picking the older two up from school, we headed to a local park. Just so happened that some of their friends from AWANAs were there. They had a blast running and playing. After we got home and did homework and ate supper we went back outside for a couple of front yard soccer games and then we took the dog for a walk around the neighborhood. By the time they had a bedtime snack and their baths they were all ready for bed. Usually we have to keep telling them to go to sleep.. But not tonight. Within minutes they were all asleep.

Ah, yes, how I love it!

Clear!

2011-03-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

I went for a bilateral breast ultrasound yesterday. Everything came back clear. The doctor who reviewed my scans said that he saw nothing that looked tumorous. He told me to keep an eye on the lump (that is still there) and if it starts to grow to let my doctor know. But otherwise everything looked fine.

I am very thankful for all the prayers that were lifted up on my behalf. I was really overwhelmed with how many people called, sent cards, stopped and asked me how I was doing, emailed, messaged me, etc. It's really amazing and hard to really describe how wonderful it is to know that so many people cared.

Once it was all said and done I had a headache. Odd, right? I guess from all the stress and anticipation that went into that day. It just built up. Thankfully a good nights sleep cured that.

I feel relieved but a little guilty at the same time. I know that not everyone gets the same good news. My heart goes out to those who don't come out of an ultrasound so well. I feel undeserving of God's goodness. And I know that no matter how many times I thank Him, it's just never enough.

But thankful I am nonetheless. God is great and greatly to be praised!!

In the here and now

2011-03-03T13:35:00.001-05:00

I'm 6 days away from going back to my GYN doctor to have my "lady bumps" reexamined. I'm not thrilled about it. But it is what it is. In all honesty, I haven't been overly nervous about the visit-until a few days ago. I guess the closer it gets, the more I think about it and worry over it. I know I shouldn't worry. I am called to hand it over to God. But it's hard. It's strange, really. I have a very real peace about the whole thing. I guess because I know that whatever the outcome may be, that it was always apart of God's plan. Which is easy to say at this moment in time. I pray that I can say that again if things don't go "my way".

Kent and my anniversary is coming up- 13 days from now. We will be married for 9 years. Crazy to think that almost a whole decade has come and gone. I still feel like we should be married only a year or two at this point. But so much of life has already past us by. Granted, we have lived a lot of life in those years- 3 kids, 3 different houses, 6 different cars, 2 different churches, a major job promotion, a major move of hometowns, vacations, holidays, balls games, etc..etc..etc. A lot of life lived indeed.

I'm in a rut. A writing rut, a creativity rut, a want to do more with my life rut. I feel the need to do more and I am not really sure what more is. That last sentence probably didn't make a whole lot of sense. Ah, that's OK. This whole post is so random that I am not expecting many (any?) people to even get this far. I don't know what it will take to get out of this rut. But I sure do wish the answer would reveal itself soon. Make my life a whole lot easier.

Random.. describes this post. Describes my current life.

House Makeover: Kitchen and Dining room

2011-02-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

One year

2011-02-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

One full year.

One lap around the sun.

365 days of not having my momma here.
One full year.

365 days of my momma being at the feet of Jesus.

It's hard to be upset for a long period of time when I think of it like that. How perfect she is now. How she no longer has to cry, suffer, take shots. How she is always happy and smiling. How her body is made whole. She is now whole. What she is experiencing, I am promised.

So, yes, it still hurts. I still cry. My heart still aches. I still want to pick up the phone to call her. I still constantly think of her and feel the empty spot in my life. I still get a sick feeling in my gut if the phone rings and it's an "odd" time to have someone calling. I think of her every time it snows. I still relive day after day the last phone call we had together. I still dream of her and in those dreams I still know she won't be there when I wake up.

The bad side of her death is only here on earth. The good side of her death is in heaven. While I will have to endure the bad side for only a season, the good side is coming!

Sad but thankful

2011-02-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

Wishing she was here.
Thankful to know where she is.
Longing to see her soon.
Thankful for the life she lead.
Seeing it as an example to live by.
Thankful for the memories.
Wishing there were more.
Thankful for the good-bye.
Wishing it could have been put off.

Thankful that because HE lives I can face tomorrow.

More Upward pictures

2011-02-18T18:47:00.002-05:00

House Makeover: Boys' Room

2011-02-17T20:20:00.000-05:00

A year ago.

2011-02-15T12:42:00.001-05:00

A year ago you were here.
We went shopping.
We bought Zoey not one, but two Easter dresses.
We looked for the boys some outfits but found none.
We bought some people at church gifts for their up coming birthdays.
We looked and picked out cards for you to send to your many friends through the year.
I had an urge to take you to a few more places, but knew you and daddy needed to get back home.
I thought I could save them for the next time you were in town.
You walked out my front door where we exchanged hugs and I love you's.
It would be the last time I would ever get to hug you.
It would be the last time I got to hear I love you.
A year ago you were still here.

I will praise You in this storm.

2011-02-09T21:47:00.001-05:00

Six days from today will be February 15th. That time last year was the last time I saw my momma alive. Two weeks from today will be the day that my heart will always ache from. The day that one phone called changed who I am. It's almost been a whole year. It seems unreal that a whole year has come and gone and that she missed it all. In the same thought, sometimes it feels like it's been years. And sometimes it feels like only days. It's still so surreal at times. Still hurts. Still makes me question things. But there is still peace. How I am ever thankful for that peace.

---------------------------------

Monday evening Kent and I were laying in bed watching some TV before going to sleep and I had my left arm pulled back and had some slight discomfort around my left breast and chest bone. So I felt around and found a lump. I thought it might have been caused from the under wire of my bra and figured I would recheck it in the morning and see what it felt like then. So the morning came and went (I got busy) and later that evening I felt of it again and it was still there. I decided that I would call the doctor's office first thing in the morning (today). So that's what I did. They were very compassionate about the whole thing and were able to squeeze me in. The doctor did her examination and felt the lump that I had found and then found another one in the same breast. She said that more than likely they are just cysts and will resolve themselves. She wants me to go through a whole menstrual cycle to see if it changes any with my cycle. So if the lumps aren't resolved then I have an appointment to go back March 9th for another examine and possible ultra sound.

It's nerve racking to a point. But I am not letting my mind go too far down that road. I know that God already knows and is already there. I am in His hands and as a child of His He will take care of me.

Storms. I want to be able to say that I praised Him through it all.

House makeover continues...

2011-02-04T10:53:00.000-05:00

I am sorry this is taking so long to get posted. But really.. with 3 kids, some in school, some not.. Crazy schedules of basketball and cheerleading, sicknesses and just trying to find time to relax as a family.. it's a wonder I ever got anything painted to begin with. So far we have Zoey's room done, guest bathroom done (minus getting some things on the wall... still...), the living room, computer area and hallways done. Computer area still needs some stuff hung up (trying to find some cute frames for the kids' pictures). Let to do is the boys' room, kitchen and master suite. I believe the kitchen color is decided on. Jon Kent keeps changing his color (so I guess that means mom gets to choose.. ;) ) and I am fairly sure I know the color of the master. I will be glad once it's all done. Anyway, without further delay... pictures of the living room!

Winter- Ramblings of a bored SAHM who is sick of SICK!

2011-02-03T11:56:00.000-05:00

I am beginning to hate winter. And this time, I don't think hate is a strong enough word. Despise? Would like to choke slam it.... Although, I am not exactly sure how I would go about choke slamming winter.

I digress...

Let's see.. since Saturday evening at least one of my kids have been sick. As the days progressed all of them came down with a fever. Jon Kent had strep throat and Zoey and Nathan had/have fevers. Nathan's went up to 104.4 last night. After giving him some Motrin and rechecking his temp later it was down too 100.6. I had to laugh though, because had Nathan been my first, we probably would have been at the ER within minutes. Today, Jon Kent went back to school for the first time all week. He was less than thrilled. He had gotten used to lounging all day, doing crafts with me and coloring, reading and playing video games. I am all for lounging here and there (heck, most days I don't get out of my Pj's until lunch) but day after day after day... no thanks. I need sunshine and fresh air! Zoey got to go to school 1.5 days this week. Not looking good for her to go back tomorrow. We'll see what her temp is after her nap. Really would like for her to be able to go to school tomorrow. If only to get out of the house herself.

In the midst of all this, we have family coming in to town tomorrow. They know of the sickness and have been warned. Plans were semi on hold for their arrivals, but I think we will all be better by tomorrow evening and if nothing else, the extra set of hands (sanitized hands!) will be welcomed from this too tired to honestly give a rat's patooty about anything but getting some rest. Rest that will have to come AFTER I am done cleaning and disinfecting the house. Yay! Not.

I must admit though, it's nice to be able to move around for more than a few minutes without someone needing something or me. I have though, enjoyed the snuggles and cuddles. Just wish they didn't have to be sick to let me hold them for any amount of time.

Where was I going with this post? Hmm, not really sure...

Oh...

SUMMER!!!!!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU???????????????????????

100th Day of School

2011-01-31T13:41:00.000-05:00

Today was the 100th of school at Jon Kent and Zoey's school. Sadly, Jon Kent has strep and wasn't able to make it. That boy seems to be a magnet for strep. Wash hands, sanitizer, etc.. doesn't matter. He always gets it. He was a bit bummed by the fact that he would miss all the fun activities that were planned for the day, but his teacher promised to save him some of the fun for tomorrow.

Zoey's class was to dress up as if they were 100 years old. So that's what we did. I had a blast dressing her up and she thought it was the funniest thing. I had her saying, "Get out of my way you young whippersnapper." It was hilarious. I giggled the whole time I was taking her pictures. She was just too cute.

National Champions!

2011-01-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

We are big Auburn fans around here. I was wearing orange and blue long before I can remember. I remember going to my first Auburn game. I remember walking the field getting autographs from all the football players and cheerleaders at the time. I married an Auburn fan and brought my first born child home from the hospital in head to toe Auburn. I bleed orange and blue. It's the way I was raised and the way I am raising my own. While I have never attended Auburn (not that you have to, to be a fan) my grandfather did. My momma was probably the biggest Auburn fan I knew.. probably the biggest one anyone knew. And this year, for the first time since 1957 they won a National Championship. 10 months and 18 days after my momma passed away. My momma would have loved it. LOVED it I tell you. Bittersweet. Bittersweet. Kent and I enjoyed sharing that moment together. He jumping all around and me taking quick pictures on my cellphone to document the celebration. Then we went and rolled our tree in the front yard. It's a tradition of Auburn's (Toomer's Corner). It was a great, wonderful, bittersweet night.

And release...

2011-01-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

I used to exercise... a lot. Even after having Zoey. Two kids under the age of 2 and I was in the gym 3+ days a week. Steadily running mile after mile. I did exercise videos, made up my own stuff, etc. I remember standing in some weird position that the newest lady on the TV had put me in and thinking, "Is she ever going to say release?"

For the past almost year, I have been saying the same thing. "God, are you ever going to say release?" Release from this heavy burden that I have been carrying. Release from guilt and regret. Release from feeling that my world is upside down. Release from not being able to focus because my mind always wonders back to the last time I talked to her. Release from feeling like the odd man out of my own marriage (no direct fault to my husband) because he still has his mom (that sounds incredibly selfish and probably is, but it's just the truth of my feelings). Release from worrying if I am going to lose my daddy next. Release from worrying that I am going to be next and then my children will have to carry this sometimes unbearable burden. Just release me already!

A few nights ago I was laying in my bed, unable to sleep, and I just started praying. Talking with God like He was laying on the pillow beside me. Asking Him questions, telling Him my heart, asking for forgiveness... I believe I fell asleep while praying. That next morning I woke up to a release. A peaceful release.

Not to say that my world was just totally turned back to the way it was. Or that my heart still didn't ache or long for things to be the way they used to be. But the burden was lifted.

My pastor preached Sunday morning on Matthew 7:7-11. Most people know the first verse, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." You hear that first verse a lot when seeing certain "preachers" on TV. But it's not something instant, like they would have you to believe. Sometimes you have to ask, and ask, and ask. Sometimes you have to seek, and seek, and seek. Knock, and knock, and knock. And even then God doesn't have to answer the way we think He should. Or at all.

When I was in that weird position while exercising, just waiting for the lady to say release, I was growing stronger. My body was being put to the test and while it hurt and I didn't like it, I was stronger in the end than when I first started. I was released. But then she would say a new position and back at it I went.

Same goes for me now. I am in a weird position. A hard position. And will continue to be. It hurts, I don't like it and I just want to be released. But at the very same time I am stronger, more able, more connected to God. I long for the day of a perfect, forever release. But until then, back to my weird position. Growing stronger in my walk with Him everyday.

Snowy Winter

2011-01-25T13:52:00.001-05:00

Two snow "storms" just two weeks or so apart. Since this is my blog and I can be totally honest in my own blog because the only person around here I am trying to impress is me.. and since I am rarely politically correct, etc. etc. etc. I can just be frank. I hate snow. OK, so maybe hate is a bit strong. I like to look at snow and I like the warm cozy feeling that comes when there is snow on the ground, a fire in the fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate (or Starbucks) in hand. But getting out in the snow... Yeah.. no thanks. It might be different if there were some hills close by to sled on. But it's just flat around the house. That is something I do miss about Alabama. We had a lot of hills to sled down when it snowed. AND it takes me a good 30 minutes to get the kids and myself dressed only to be outside for 10-20 minutes before the kids start telling me they are cold. BUT one good thing has come from all the snow that we have gotten.. my dressing time has improved. It used to be longer than 30 minutes. Oh and another thing.. I have learned proper layering so that I can usually get an extra 10 minutes out of the kids before they do start hollering about being cold. I seriously just need to invest in snowsuits, but if I did.. it would probably be the mildest winter on record... (hmmm... that might not be so bad..). ANYWAY, I said all that to say this.. enjoy the pictures!

God is in the moment.. every moment

2011-01-19T21:49:00.002-05:00

It's nearing the one year mark.

A whole year without my momma. I guess because February is coming up soon, my momma has been on my heart and mind a lot. I have played and replayed that day over and over in my head. Usually many times in one day.

Until you lose someone, there is just no way to explain the hurt. And to lose someone so suddenly.. there just aren't words to describe how my heart feels most days.

The day my momma passed away was a normal day to me. The whole day leading up to it went just like it always did. But hindsight and knowing what I believe in, I know that I had extra heavenly presence with me that day. That Jesus, while He is always with me, probably held me tighter or carried me more that day than normal. He knew what was in my future, because He was already there.

When I talked to my momma that afternoon, she sounded so peaceful. And it's hard to explain how you can hear in someone's voice peace. But before we had barely hung up the phone I remember thinking how happy and peaceful she sounded.. for no reason at all. Again, knowing what I believe, Jesus was standing right there beside her.. waiting for her to get off the phone with me so He could take her home.

When my daddy called to tell me my momma had passed away Jesus was there. He held me through my husband's arms, through my kids arms, while I was standing in my closet crumpled on the floor holding the clothes I knew I would be wearing at my momma's funeral. He was there in all those moments.

God was with me in the prayers of those who prayed for me that evening and who have continued to pray for my family and me as we've gone through this almost year.

The one moment that sticks out the most to me is something I haven't shared with anyone( well, Kent will read this before it's published). I've kept it very close to my heart. We were traveling the 4+ hours it takes to get from here to Alabama and I was crying off and on the whole way. At one point while crying uncontrollably I remember mumbling to God to just let me feel His presence. To let me know that He was by my side. To let me know He was there. And while I believe God doesn't just out right talk to people all the time (I know He has and probably still does in some cases) I heard Him say, "I AM". I know no one else heard it. And I'm not sure it was audible. It's rather hard to explain. It was almost like I could feel the words coming in my ear (right ear to be exact). I know it sounds weird or odd to some. But when I heard those words, just a flood of peace fell over me. I knew then and there that God was very present and would get me through. During my hardest days or even moments, I let my mind go back to that moment and let it remind me that God is still with me. He didn't leave and He won't leave.

God is in every moment. Past, present and future. There isn't a moment that surprises Him or catches Him off guard. He knew before time became how February 23, 2010, would unfold. He knows how everyday will unfold. Take peace in the fact that the great 'I AM' is always present.

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Blogging priority..

2011-01-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

Seems as though my blog has been left out in the cold. Yes, that pun was intended. It's winter. Not a lot goes on in winter. Which stinks. Not to mention it's cold. And apparently the fact that I live in the south doesn't save me from having to deal with snow and ice.. and seriously cold temps. Over the last week my small corner of the world has been dealing with snow and ice. And thankfully it rained last night and washed all or at least most of it away. I don't like snow. I wasn't born a penguin or a northerner so my body doesn't do well in colder temps. I function so much better once the temps get into the 70's.

There have been on goings in the O'ville household despite the cold. We are still painting. I promise to get pictures up soon. I am still waiting on a few things to arrive so that I can hang them up and trying to find pictures that have since been lost. Those pictures being Jon Kent and Zoey's baby photo books and for whatever reason they are missing. MAJOR HEART ATTACK here. But hopefully those will be found soon. There have been several rooms painted since Zoey's. The main guest bathroom, living room, dining room (which we use for our computer area (we aren't formal enough for an actual dining room) and the hallway. My daddy was here this past weekend and helped get the huge living areas painted. HUGE thanks to him. Next up with be Jon Kent and Nathan's room (probably). Unless I get a wild hair and paint the kitchen or master bedroom first. We are ordering the boys bunk beds and switching their room and the current playroom. So lots going on around here even though it's been so cold. I do have some snow pictures from last week that I need to post.. but those will have to wait. I'm not motivated enough to load/edit/collage them right now. Maybe later.

Speaking of later... we are going to Disney World this summer. The kids will miss a week of school, which I am a bit antsy about, but heck it's a family trip and they are still young enough that catching up on what they miss shouldn't be too hard. I hope. And I hope they have sweet, understanding teachers. If not.. well.. I'll let Kent talk with them. :) We are really excited and the kids are too. Kent let it slip that we were going so I get to hear about it until September. Lovely. But it does add to the excitement.

Well, that's about it for catching you up on our news. I know it was thrilling and probably all 5 of you who regularly read were probably on the edges of your seats just waiting for my return to blogger world. Wha.. you weren't.. oh well.. don't let me know that. It's might bruise my enormous ego.

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading- 2011

2011-01-08T21:52:00.000-05:00

Upward has started. Today was our first game. Jon Kent playing basketball and Zoey cheering. That both did so well. Jon Kent scored 10 points and had 8 steals. Zoey cheered her heart out and was into the whole experience. They both had a great day. I am Zoey's cheerleading coach and I must say.. it was so much fun watching the girls cheering and see all the hard work paying off. Enjoy the pictures!

Let it begin!

2011-01-03T20:57:00.001-05:00

In 2011 my house is getting a face lift. FINALLY! We started in Zoey's room. And here are the results:

Before:

After:

Currently under "construction": The main guest bathroom. It's already painted. Just need to get everything put in it's place and stuff hung on the walls.

PS: Click on the pictures to see them in full.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! May this year be better than last.

Seriously.. please let it be better than last.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We started painting today. In Zoey's room. I've had her room dreamed up in my head for years now. Started getting her room in Alabama the way I wanted it and then we moved. And now.. getting it back all girly again. Lovin' it. Still have a few touch ups to do in there and putting stuff on her walls. But otherwise, it's coming along nicely. It's purple. She loves it, I love it.. Good stuff.

I am thinking the next thing to get painted will be Zoey's bathroom (main guest bathroom). I already have it decorated the way it will be in the end. Just need the paint on the walls.. and maybe a few things to bring it all together.

The room I am having a roadblock with is the boys' room. We are actually moving them downstairs and into bunk beds. Jon Kent wants a green room.. like the actual name of the color is "grass stain" green. It is BRIGHT! And I don't think it will look good. So we will see about that and maybe I can talk him out of it.

As for the rest of the house.. I am stuck on it as well. I will just have to take it one step at a time and see what comes my way. But I am just excited to be painting. REALLY EXCITED!

Already can start crossing off one of my New Year's resolutions. Yay!

BIG THANKS to my hunky hubby for being a trooper and helping me today!

**Pictures to come later!**

Good-bye 2010

2010-12-31T10:11:00.002-05:00

::::Deep breath out::::

Seriously, I just took a deep breath out. It's just been a year. I can say that I am gladly saying farewell to 2010. It has sucked. There, I said it.. sucked, sucked, sucked. SUCKED!

Granted.. not all of it sucked.

We had a wonderful summer. It was a healing summer. There aren't words to really describe how much that summer healed my heart. How the time spent with my kids is what pulled me through. My kids are what got me through my darkest hours. They kept me busy. Swimming, playing, exploring, laughing. They just kept me going. If I would have ever just stopped for too long it would have done me in. Thankfully, my kids don't stop for any long length of time.

I spent time at the beach with my family. My daddy, brother, sister-in-law, nephew and my family all went to Panama City Beach together. It was a trying time. Not in a bad way necessarily. It was just trying because we all knew that, that place was my momma's favorite place to go. She lived to go to the beach every summer. So to not have her there was hard. Really hard. But it was a first that we knew we had to get through and I am glad I had all them there to go through it with.

Kent and I had a wonderful trip to Washington, DC. We spent a week of it being just us and exploring a new city together. It was my second time to go and his first. We enjoyed every minute of it. And since my momma was a VERY, VERY, VERY patriotic person I somehow felt closer to her. Knowing that she spent her honeymoon in that city and was with me the first time I explored that city. I tried to stand in some of the same spots that I knew she once stood in. It was another healing time.

Jon Kent started school this year. As did Zoey. That was a day I looked to for years. Not because I was ready to get them out of the house and off my hands, but it just meant a new milestone was met and new adventures were happening. When I found out my momma died, her missing Jon Kent's first day of school was the first thing to pop in my mind.

Kent and I got to go watch Auburn play South Carolina in September. It was a great day spent with old and new friends. We got to watch Auburn play a great game. It was truly one of the best games I have ever been to. We had an absolute wonderful time.

So, looking back, I know it all wasn't bad. That there were many good times and memories made. But unless you've lost someone close then you might not understand what I am about to say. So, I'll try to explain. Over the past 10 months many good things have happened, but even though they were good there was always an underlining sense of sadness that my momma wasn't a part of it. That a piece of the puzzle was missing. That's been the part that has sucked the most. That through it all, she still wasn't a part of it.

In 2011 I know things will still be hard. I know that as long as I am here, without her, that life isn't going to be like it would be if she were here. That there will probably always been that underlining sense of sadness in a lot of things. But the more that time goes on, I hope the more I can adapt to it. Let it become my norm and learn from it.

I have several "resolutions" for 2011, most of them are your normal goals. *Be healthier, spend more time with family, read more, learn more, save more, get more organized.* Those types of things. Some maybe not so normal ones are; *to finally get my house painted and decorated like I want (I have yet to hang anything on my walls and we have been here well over a year) and take the kids to Disney World. I want to make memories that my kids can hold on to as they grow. Kind of like the memories that I hold on to when I miss my momma the most.

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful 2010. And that everyone will have a wonderful, healthy and happy 2011.

Happy New Year!

Snowy Day after Christmas

2010-12-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

I almost, almost got my first white Christmas. And if we still lived in Alabama, I would have. But I still think we got the better end of the deal by moving. Just putting that out there.

So, we actually got measurable snow, in the south, the day after Christmas. The kids enjoyed it and I am thankful that it was only here two days. I wasn't meant to live day after day with snow. God knew exactly what He was doing when He put me in the south.

Now that Christmas is over and we have had a little snow to play in, I am ready for spring.. summer even!

Christmas Eve and Christmas- 2010

2010-12-30T16:10:00.020-05:00

I have to say that this Christmas went well. I was pretty anxious about it. I'm coming to learn that you just never know what your emotions will be when you know that someone you love will no longer be a part of the celebrations. I've also found that the days leading up to it are usually the hardest, but once the day is here it's not so bad. But usually, for me, the days following are pretty tough. I don't know if that is what it is like for anyone else, that's just been my own experience.

Christmas Eve was probably my favorite out of the two days. The kids played so well together. I had a lot of cooking to do, so they would help when asked and would leave me alone when I needed. Kent was home so he and the kids played off and on all day. The kids helped me make a gingerbread man. They then decorated it. They also helped bake cookies for Santa and decorated those as well. After we had lunch, we all sat around the tree and opened gifts from each other. Jon Kent and Zoey had both gone to the "Santa Shop" at their school and purchased a gift for us and Nathan. So I got some gifts to them from us and Nathan as well. We had a good time letting each of the kids open the gifts. The rest of the day was spent with me cooking and getting ready for our Christmas lunch for the next day.

Christmas Eve night we went to church for our Christmas Eve service. I just love going. Such a sense of family and love. Which is good when we are so far from family. After we got back from church the kids changed into their PJs and we checked to see where Santa was. They all got excited to see that he was getting closer. Then Kent read about the birth of Jesus and the book "The Night Before Christmas". They set out cookies and milk for Santa, treats for the reindeer and letters to Santa. Then off to bed they went. Surprisingly in record time they were all asleep.

Christmas morning came and Jon Kent was the first one up. Running into my room letting me know that "Santa had came, Santa had came". He was so excited. I told him to go and wake up his sister and she soon was bolting out of her room with excitement. It took us awhile to get Nathan up and going, but once he got out of his morning fog he was ready to go as well. This year was a bit different. Usually Santa leaves all the presents in neat little stacks on various spots in the leaving room. This year he put them all under the tree. We let Nathan open all his first and surprisingly Jon Kent and Zoey waited patiently and were happy to watch Nathan unwrap all his gifts. They seemed just as excited to see what he got as he was. I loved watching each of them opening their gifts, watching their eyes light up and doing fist pumps in the air when they received something they really wanted. After all the gifts were opened they all went to check if Santa had filled their stockings. He had. Santa sure is a great guy, huh. He even left Nova a little toy. Once all the gifts were opened and the paper was cleaned up, it was time for me to start cooking lunch. By the time it was all done we had so much food. We ate 4 meals off of it. So it was worth it. By the time night rolled around there were toys everywhere and happy kids playing with their toys. We even got some snow starting around midnight. It was mostly mixed with rain until the following morning when it all turned into snow.

It was a good Christmas for us. My heart ached through much of it, but I had prepared myself for that. So it wasn't so unbearable. I am thankful to have that 1st Christmas out of the way now. That I know I can get through it. That while it hurts and I wish things were different, I know that God provided for me what I needed to get through. Even when I don't and still don't know exactly what I need.

So that was our Christmas 2010. Let the New Year be a happy and healthy one!

Meet Aarron Thomas

2010-12-29T14:35:00.001-05:00

Welcoming Aarron Thomas to the family!

Born on December 22, 2010.

Weighing 6 pounds and 12 ounces.

He came about 2.5 weeks early. But I was pretty excited about his early arrival because it meant I got to hold him while he was still a newbie. Otherwise, it would have been early spring or even summer before I got to hold him. I'm one proud auntie!

Christmas in Alabama- 2010

2010-12-28T13:30:00.006-05:00

Christmas in Alabama
December 17-22, 2010

We had a wonderful trip to Alabama over the Christmas holiday. We got to spend time with all our family. Although each of the kids was sick or got sick while there, we pulled through it and still were able to fit in everything we wanted. It was also a hard time for me. Seeing as this was my first Christmas without my momma. There were a lot of differences. Even in the small things. It was all noticed. Daddy and I went to her grave to put some solar lights on a tree that was on her grave. It was heart wrenching to know that was the only way we could "include" her. My heart still aches everyday.

While we were in town, my daddy and I got to spend a lot of time together. I am a daddy's girl. Have been since I was born, probably. And to be able to spend any amount of time with him is always a good thing in my book. I love to stay up late and just watch HGTV and talk. We took a late night trip to Wal-Mart, got his shopping done and just all around had a good time together.

While the trip was great, going back home to South Carolina was good too. If it weren't for the 4 hours from here to there, I would go back home everyday.

Snow!

2010-12-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

From our family to yours.

Merry, Merry Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T21:46:00.002-05:00

At least it wasn't Santa's lap

2010-12-13T22:58:00.001-05:00

Nathan,

Oh my dear, dear Nathan. You my son are one of a kind. And I don't say that clichely.. (yeah, your momma just made that word up). You are just your very own person. There is no one even remotely like you.. well.. besides your daddy when he was your age. But let's not split hairs here.

Tonight was a prime example.

It probably started while we were in line to see Santa. It took forever to get to see him because it was also "bring your pet night". Which was cool. It gave you and your siblings something to look at. You wanted me to "hold chew". While holding you, you kept grabbing "yourself" and I asked what you were doing. "Just holdin' my 'googi' (that's what we call your little penis.. as do you and your siblings and the last few generations on your Gramsie's side of the family.. digressing...). We finally get up to the front and your picture was taken. You smiled wonderfully. We get the pictures and go to play at the indoor playground inside the mall. You were running around having a great time. Your daddy called you over to tie your shoe. So you climbed in his lap. While he was tying your shoe you grabbed yourself again and said you had to go potty....

And not two seconds later you say.....

Wait for it... wait for it..

"Oh well!" (in a long drawn out southern drawl)

Your daddy gets this confused yet shocked look on his face.. turns to me and says...

*side note here: I am laughing uncontrollably while typing this.*

"Did he just pee on me???.... Yes.. he just did."

And you did.

I held it together all through the mall. Kept my mean mommy face on and told you that you really knew better than to wet your pants. I kept it together while getting you and your brother and sister buckled into your seats.

But when I looked at your daddy as we were driving off to head home (no change of clothes were found) I couldn't hold it together anymore.

I laughed and laughed.

You daddy found no humor in the situation. Even questioning why I was laughing.

I will probably laugh about that for a good long while. The priceless expressions on your face and your daddy's will keep me smiling for quite some time.

Thank you for the laughs!

Love,

Momma

'tis the season..

2010-12-12T14:23:00.003-05:00

To be busy. And apparently that means too busy to keep up with the blog. It's been good though. We had the kids' birthday party last weekend. Had Kent's family in town that same weekend. This weekend my daddy was in town. He actually just left. I love having family in town. It's a nice and cozy feeling. Kent and I got to go out this past Friday night while my daddy watched the kids for us. We went to our Sunday school's couples Christmas party. It was a good time. We did dirty Santa or whatever you call it with Christmas ornaments. Afterward we went to Starbucks for a late night treat.

Also, last week started the Upward basketball/cheerleading season for our church. We were all busy with that last week. I am hoping this week will be better since we will know more of what to expect. I am coach K-2 grade cheerleading. So far they seem like a great group of girls. They were really eager to learn and paid really good attention. I am hoping for a good season.

As for this week, whew. A lot going on. Tomorrow I am helping get together a meal for a family in our church who just welcomed their 2nd boy to the family. We are also going to go visit Santa. Tuesday Kent and Jon Kent have basketball practice. Church is Wednesday. Thursday Zoey and I have cheer practice and then Friday we leave for Alabama for a few days of visiting with family before Christmas.

So as you can see.. very busy. Good busy though.

Happy 5th Birthday, Zoey

2010-12-02T07:07:00.003-05:00

How is it that 5 years have come and gone so quickly? How can it possibly be true that you are 5 today. I can still see you so tiny and perfect. I can still remember the exact feelings I had when I saw you. It was pure joy. And over the past 5 years you have added so much spice to my life. You are the perfect "middle" child. Sandwiched right between your brothers to keep them both straight. And girl you do keep them straight. Five years.. wow. I am just so very thankful for every minute of it. Thankful for your health, your development, your generosity and love. I hope you have an absolute amazing 5th birthday! I love you, baby girl!!

I'm pretty sure you have to pay for that...

2010-11-30T22:48:00.002-05:00

I took Zoey and Nathan to Kroger with me yesterday after we dropped Jon Kent off at school and did a few chores around the house.

HUGE mistake.

First of all, if I EVER want to stay on a budget while grocery shopping, the kids never allow it. Then I get distracted and it just all goes down hill from there.

I know this.. and yet I continue to take them to the grocery store with me. Talk about being hard headed.

Well, yesterday's trip was a lot of the same "I NEED this.. I really need that.." etc. Except for one small, tiny really, difference.

Zoey (or sticky fingers as her daddy and I call her now.. but obviously when she isn't around) tried to pocket a Christmas tree shaped Reese's peanut buttercup.

Yeeeeeeah...

So it went a little something like this:

Earlier in the trip she asked if she could get a Reese's peanut buttercup for her teacher. Because "all the other kids give her teacher candy". I said no that we weren't here for "presents" and that I am sure her teacher doesn't really want all that candy. She pouted up and moped for a bit, but seemed to recover and all was well.

Fast forward to the check-out line.

I am putting all the groceries on the conveyor belt and trying to keep my eyes on Nathan so that he doesn't bolt off or knock something over. Out of the corner of my eye I see Zoey and she has her back turned to me and is looking off in the distance. I, for a split second, found that odd but just figured she was being nosy and people watching. (Should have went with my motherly gut and asked her to turn around....)

So I get everything rung up and the cashier asks me if I am going "to get her (pointing at Zoey) that candy". I look at the conveyor belt thinking Zoey threw some candy up there without me noticing (don't see anything) and then look over at Zoey still all hunched over with her back turned to me. I knew immediately what she had done. So of course I did what any mother would do.. I called her out by her full first, middle and last name. "Zoey Taylor O____ turn around!" She does and then pulls out a Christmas tree shaped Reese's peanut buttercup. "What in the world are you doing? Give me that!" To which I grabbed it and put it back on the shelf. I then very embarrassingly finish paying for my groceries (see Zoey.. we PAY for what we get!!!) and start out, only to be turned back around by the bag boy telling me I forgot to my debit card.

Nice.

I get to the car and spank Zoey (yes, spanked her.. if you don't like it.. get over it and quit reading my blog!) We get home. I sit her in a chair and reexplain to her what she did and how it was wrong. Then had her retell me what she did and why it was wrong. Then I reminded her that where her daddy works is full of people who at one point or another stole something and where were they now??? Jail. And asked if she wanted to end up like that?

Yeah, I played that card.

She was sent to her room to think about it some more until it was time to go to school.

I don't foresee it happening again.. but then again I didn't foresee it happening at all.

Ahh, yes.. motherhood.

Bloopers

2010-11-29T19:46:00.000-05:00

Or random shots...

While we were home in Alabama we had a family shoot. I took a few of the shots of the kids, but for the most part it was my daddy's handy work.

We got some good shots, but because patience ran short.. so did our shoot. Oh well.. better some than none I do suppose.

Oh Zoey and her faces...

2010-11-28T21:47:00.002-05:00

Busy, busy, busy

2010-11-27T20:55:00.003-05:00

What a last few days it has been.

We went home to Alabama for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my daddy's this time and we had a great visit.

I love staying up late and talking with my daddy. We watched "House Hunters" and just talked. How I love to just sit and talk.

I got my hair cut. I got it cut short, short, short a little over a year ago. I don't look good with short hair. So... I have been letting it grow. Since I don't have anyone around here to cut my hair I always wait to go home to have it trimmed or cut. I decided to go for more of a cut this time instead of just a trim. I LOVE IT!

Thanksgiving day we got up and got dressed and went out and took some family pictures at various places. I got some really good shots. I would show you them but I am using some for our Christmas card. So you will have to wait... I may do a "bloopers" entry at some point though. Never can tell with me...

For Thanksgiving lunch we went to eat with Kent's extended family. When we arrived we were all just standing around waiting for lunch to start when all of a sudden Nathan starts screaming and crying. He was holding his arm like he was hurt. I looked at him and thought I saw where a bee had stung him. There were several flying around. He cries himself to sleep in my arms. But every time I moved he cried. He woke up after about 20 minutes and was still crying and wouldn't move his arm. So off to the ER we go (I might add here that we had to go the ER about a week and a half ago because Nathan tried to eat a glass ornament and I thought he had swallowed some.. thankfully all the xrays came back fine and he was no worse for wear). We get there and the nurse moves his arm around and he is screaming and crying. A few minutes later the doctor comes in, gives him the once over and nothing. Nathan didn't cry, he moved his arm.. all was well. Doctor couldn't find a thing wrong and figured that Nathan must have dislocated and relocated his elbow. It was the craziest thing. All I can say is prayer works. I serve an awesome God.

After that whole ordeal the kids played in some leaves and had a blast.

We then came back to my daddy's house where I started cooking Thanksgiving supper. I had help, but it was the first time I had ever taken on a lot of the responsibility. It was scary. My daddy helped me a lot and he also ordered the turkey and ham so I didn't have to worry about messing those up. But at the end I was told it was all good. So that was great to hear.

Later that evening my daddy, Kent and myself all went Black Friday shopping. We had a good time. We found a few things and didn't get back home until about 6am.

Yesterday was the "Iron Bowl" (for those who aren't familiar it is when Auburn and Alabama play their annual rivalry football game). It was a close game, but Auburn pulled through with the win. And we are still on track for a chance at a national championship.

It was a great weekend, but I am glad to be back home. We have so many things coming up for us. School activities, Zoey's birthday, Jon Kent and Zoey's birthday party, more Auburn football and all of normal life craziness thrown in the mix.

Thanksgiving Week of Thankfuls- Friday

2010-11-26T05:45:00.000-05:00

Final day...

Today, Lording willing (yes, I did these a head of time..), I will be spending the day with my husband and daddy.. Black Friday shopping. It's our first time to do it all together. This time last year I was doing the Black Friday thing with my momma. We had the absolute best time. And I long to be doing it with her again. My heart aches for her to be back in my life. But I am thankful for the memories that I now hold so very dear. And thankful for the memories that I get to make with Kent and my daddy. It's not about the shopping or getting the best deal. It's about doing something different with people you love. It's about standing in line, freezing to death but getting to talk. I am thankful for the memories.. past, present and future.

Thanksgiving Week of Thankfuls- Thursday

2010-11-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for the approximate 9500 days I got to have my momma in my life. I am thankful for what she thought me. Who she raised me to be and how she raised me. I am thankful that from her life I have changed mine. I see things differently. And while it is very hard to "count it all joy" I am still very much thankful for the lessons I am learning even through her death. Thankful for the Thanksgiving last year I got to spend with her and all the wonderful memories we made that weekend. It's during my hardest days that I go back to those memories and smile. I still ache for her, always will but I thankful to know exactly where she is and that she is far happier, joyfuller, than I could have ever hoped for her to be.

Thanksgiving Week of Thankfuls- Wednesday

2010-11-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for my kids. Each one had brought so much to my life. With each child, there are new things learned. There's just something about being a mother and being someone else's complete world. There is such a love that comes from a child that is so pure and unconditional.

Jon Kent is such a thoughtful child. He is quick to want to help someone. He will let me know when Nathan had fallen down while outside playing. Or he will save up his turtle bucks at school (good behavior incentive) and buy his sister something. He is smart and had a great thirst to learn more. He is tenderhearted. Which reminds me often to be more gentle and to sometimes take a step back and remember what it was like to be a child.

Zoey is a free spirit. She is extremely social and doesn't meet a stranger. She wants everyone to be here friend, but doesn't mind steering clear of someone who she doesn't mesh with. Zoey is also very creative. Always drawing something or want to do a craft. She also loves to accessorize. She is just a hoot. She keeps me laughing most days. Zoey is pretty laid back. She might be upset for a bit, but usually bounces back to her cheery self fairly quickly. Zoey is also very caring of others and their feelings. If she thinks you are sad or upset, she makes it a point to try and cheer you up or at the very least she wants to know what is wrong. I look at Zoey and sometimes realize to not take life too seriously. To enjoy the moment.

Nathan is a smart and very adventurous little boy. He is two but thinks he is at least the same age if not older as his older brother. He loves to get dirty and play hard. There isn't a sport that he hasn't fallen in love with. He adores his older brother. Nathan is stubborn and that usually gets him in trouble, but it also helps him to not give up. If he is going to do something, he is going to do it well. He is learning like crazy right now. Nathan is my little cuddle bug. He loves to give me hugs and twist my hair around his fingers. Most days I can't believe how grown he is getting. How much he can do (and get in to!). He keeps me on my toes and never is there a dull moment when he is around.

God has richly blessed with me with three healthy babies. I am one very thankful momma.

Thanksgiving Week of Thankfuls- Tuesday

2010-11-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for my husband. Man, am I thankful for him. He is my other half. He is my soul mate. No doubt in my mind that when God created Kent, He also had me in mind. He knew that I would need Kent for my joys in life and also my trials. Kent is my best friend. He is the first one I want to share things with and the last one I want to see at night before sleep takes over. He is just my all. He has had my heart since I was in the 5th grade. And he will forever have it. I am thankful that he is the daddy to my babies. That he was the first one to hold each of their tiny hands. Kent is such a selfless provider. Never complaining about having to work and be the only bread winner in the family. He wouldn't have any other way and I am thankful for that. It makes it a lot easier to stay home when I know he is supporting me. Kent, you mean the world to me and I know I don't thank you enough. You are truly a blessing that I am grateful for.

Pardon the Week of Thankful interruption..

2010-11-22T23:35:00.004-05:00

My week of thankfuls will carry on as usual BUT first...

Brought to you by Shutterfly...

I love Shutterfly. Like really, I do. I love to be able to be creative without all the work. They make it so easy to just pick a design and add your pictures and 'poof' instant greatness.

In the past I have used Shutterfly to make Valentine's card, birthday cards and even Halloween cards. I use them mostly for Christmas cards or just for printing out pictures. I love to go to the mailbox and see the Shutterfly envelope waiting inside. It's like opening a present on Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas.. There are so many gift giving ideas over at Shutterfly. You can make calendars, personalized mugs and Christmas invitations. Of course there are holiday cards to choose from and Christmas photo cards. So many designs to choose from that I am sure there is the perfect card just waiting to be made.

I already have 3 Christmas presents in the works just by using Shutterfly. And no doubt it will be were my cards will be coming from this year. And if I just so happen to procrastinate (which can really happen when you have a husband, 3 kids and a dog to take care of) then I can just get Shutterfly to mail my cards directly to my recipients. No licking envelopes!!

So really, what isn't there to love about Shutterfly??? Go! Go there now and check them out and make your Christmas card!! Seriously! Go now!!

Thanksgiving Week of Thankfuls- Monday

2010-11-22T11:35:00.001-05:00

Today and everyday I am thankful for my salvation. Thankful that God cared enough for me that He gave His one and only Son to die in my place. Thankful that although I mess up, I stumble, I whine, complain.. sin. He is faithful and just to forgive me. That while I don't know all the answers to all the questions.. He does.

I am thankful for my church. Thankful that I have brothers and sisters in Christ to stand by me and sometimes for me when I can't. Thankful for the love and support that they have shared with me over the last 9 months. I am thankful that I have a place to grow and learn more about God and to strengthen my spiritual walk.

I am blessed.

Happy 6th Birthday, Jon Kent

2010-11-15T06:45:00.002-05:00

Say what? 6? Oh yes.. 6 years ago today I gave birth to a tiny 5lb, 8 oz little boy. Who had the softest blond peach fuzz hair in the world. That day my heart was born.

Jon Kent, you have made me who I am today, a momma. I love you and will not quit until I breathe my last and even then I will love you through all your memories. You are 6 today and quickly growing into a big boy. I hope your day is just the way you've wanted and dreamed. You deserve only the best. I love you my first baby boy.. always have and always will.

Love,

Momma

Mommies have bad days, too.

2010-11-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was little and probably misbehaving more than usual that my parents would be grumpy the whole day. I would lay in bed and think about it and wonder why they were so grouchy. In my young mind they had it made. Got to do whatever they wanted, got to tell me what to do all the time AND they got to stay up late!

Fast forward 20 some odd years...

Today was not a good day. Not one bit. My fuse was short and my patience were none. My head hurt, my brain hurt and my feelings were all over the place.

It sucked. Big time.

I did more fussing at the kids than I am willing to admit to.

It was just one of those days.

So, at the end of it. After the kids were all tucked away in bed I took some deep breaths.. swallowed my pride and went and talked to each of the kids. I told them that I loved them and would never, ever stop. That I was sorry I was such a grouch and that I was having a bad day. I asked them to forgive me and they all did (well.. Nathan just hugged and kissed me, so I think that means he still loves me, too). Hugs and snuggles were exchanged and hopefully a lesson was learned by all.

That mommies have bad days, too. And when they do.. they still love their babies and should never let their babies go to bed thinking otherwise.

That grass may not really be greener.. it may just be Astroturf.

2010-11-07T22:48:00.002-05:00

I hate comparing. I hate when people compare my oldest son to my youngest son.. or vise versa. I hate when people sit around and talk about how much money they make, or how big their house is. I hate when I talk to people and in my own head I am thinking, "Yep.. I have done that.. Yep, done that too. Yeah.. I did that put I added this or that.. -or- Dang, why can't I do that. Why haven't I thought of that. Why am I not as put together as that...etc. etc. etc. etc.

I HATE IT!

Something else I hate. Feeling like less of a person because I am a stay-at-home mom. But not just any stay-at-home mom. But one who doesn't have some "side job" that I can do to bring in a little extra money. I have racked my brain over and over trying to think of just something I could do to feel like I contribute to the household income. And there are plenty of options. But none of which leave me with the amount of time I want to still be able to spend time with my kids and to get all the other household stuff taken care of.

I hate when I say that my job is being a wife and mother. Because while it's not a job.. but it is a job. If that makes any sense. I love my kids. I love, love, love my husband. They are my life. They aren't jobs. The house, on the other hand, is my job. And I take it seriously.. to an extent. I figure, God gave me this I am going to take care of it. To be a good steward of what He has given me. So it is my job.

I have seen people in my circle and extended circle of friends do both paths of motherhood.. or even womanhood. They work and have kids. Or they just work and have no kids. Or they stay at home. And every single one of them longs to be the other.

Why is that? Why do we always look to the other side. Why are we always seeing if maybe there is something better. We always feel like we are missing out on something.

I do it. And I hate it when I do. My current struggle is contentment. I long to just be content. Happy with what I have been given. To look around and know that the best is right in front of me. Healthy kids, healthy husband. Kent has a good job that he loves. There is food on the table. Clothes on our backs. We have cars that get us where we need to go. We have friends, family, church family that love and support us. What isn't to be content about?

It boils down to me. I am just not content with me. I feel I can be better, do better... And in a sense that is OK. To not become idle or slack. To want to grow and learn and better myself. To grow in my walk with God. I don't want to be content to just be. But I do want to be content with what God has given me.

It's a struggle.. but one that I am hoping is making me stronger.. wiser.

It's still hard

2010-11-05T22:33:00.001-04:00

I knew my life would never be the same. The moment I heard my momma passed away I watched my perfect bubble pop. I mean, seriously, it was like slow motion. I can still see the look on Kent's face when I handed him the phone. I can still see the kids running to their daddy asking why momma was screaming and crying. I knew then that my life wouldn't be the same.

But I didn't know then how different it would be. How it seems everything circles back to my momma. I can't tell you how many times I think about her in a day. And I still think of something and want to call her.

The other night I was getting Zoey ready for bed. She was talking to me about cheerleading and how excited she was. She says the word cheerlearder like this: cheeraleadah. The second she said it, I said it back to her and I could hear my momma's voice in my head saying it, too. She would aways say that Zoey was her "cheeraleahah". Tears welled up in my eyes and I did my best to hold my tone steady as I finished talking to Zoey and getting her dressed. My momma would be loving this. She would be so proud to finally watch her baby girl cheer. It's something she talked about last year when Jon Kent started basketball and we knew Zoey would be cheering this year.

It's the small things it life. It really is. Doesn't matter what house you live in, what car you drive, what you do for a living. It's the small and simple things that mean the most in the end. Make the most of the small stuff.

Let the laughs begin!

2010-11-03T22:10:00.002-04:00

Upward is starting at our church. Registrations were this week.. tomorrow night being the last night to register.

Jon Kent will be playing basketball. Of course. That boy loves, loves, loves his basketball. He has been asking when it will start back up ever since baseball ended in the Spring. He is beyond excited.

Zoey will be doing cheerleading. I am excited for her. And she is really excited. She has a friend who will also be on her squad, so I am sure they will have a blast.

Nathan will be.. well.. he'll be mad that he can't play basketball. Yeah... Maybe we can make him a mascot or something. :)

Kent will be a coach. Probably for one of the older boy teams.

I will be coaching cheerleading. I. Can't. Believe. I. Am. Doing. This. Seriously. I never cheered.. not one day in my life. I did auxiliary in high school with some dance. But not cheering. I was going to try out for cheerleading once and my daddy talked me out of it. So yeah.. It should be interesting. The cheers are mostly simple though. No tumbling or stunts are allowed. So that's good. And all the cheers are modest type cheers. No shaky of the booty, etc.

I am looking forward to it. It allows me to have a ministry to be a part of. To teach girls more about the Gospel. I am really excited about that.

Our first practice will be in December. And our first game will be in January. Can't wait!

Put your hands in the air...

2010-11-01T02:34:00.000-04:00

Who is happy that the "30 Days of Emily" thing is over???

Me!

Don't get me wrong.. I love talking about myself.

OK, not really.

It was trying to say the least. Even though I did most of the posts ahead of time.. I always scared myself thinking that I forgot to post.

So.. yeah.. it's over. w00t!

Now back to my posting here and there.. as life permits and time allows.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T08:52:00.000-04:00

Day 30: One last moment

2010-10-30T13:22:00.001-04:00

Our newest family member. Her name is Nova. She is currently 12 weeks old. Full blooded German Shepherd. The kids (well.. except Nathan) love her. Nathan is still warming up to her. She is settling in well. She is a real sweetheart and I know that as she grows and the kids grow that they will each love each other more than we ever thought possible.

And there you have it.. 30 days of me!

Day 29: Your aspirations

2010-10-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

I just want to be used. To live this life and once I am done know that I have used all that I was given.

It's really that simple.

Day 28: Something that you miss

2010-10-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

I miss childhood. The simplicity of it. Innocence.

I never worried over things as a child. Never thought about life and death. I just played, lived..

No bills. No responsibilities.

I didn't have to worry about caring for anyone.

I miss being a child, because as an adult I know what's out there in the world. That there are bad people and bad things do happen. People get sick, people die.

Childhood..

Day 27: Your Favorite Place

2010-10-27T11:56:00.000-04:00

The beach. Plain and simple.

I used to look forward to going when I was little. My parents would wake me up in the wee hours of the morning and we would set off for the beach. When the sun started to rise we would stop for breakfast. I can still feel the butterflies I would get when we would start getting closer to the beach. I couldn't wait to get there and see the ocean.

I went to the beach on my honeymoon. Although, since it was March, it was still pretty cold. Kent and I still had a wonderful time and many memories were made.

I can still see the look on Jon Kent's face when he was finally old enough to know what going to the beach meant. He sprang out of bed that morning and was ready to go. When we finally got close enough so he could see the water, his eyes got huge and the biggest smile you could imagine came across his face. It was the perfect start to a great vacation.

The beach.. my favorite place.

Day 26: Your Fears

2010-10-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

As a Christian I have been taught to cast all my cares upon God. To leave all my worries with Him.

As a human who has a fleshly nature.. I have fears.

I fear cancer. Any and all types. My fear doesn't discriminate. I know people, have had friends, read numerous blogs.. all with people who have cancer, have had cancer or who have died from cancer. I do not want to go through it myself and I certainly don't want any of my children or my husband to have to go through it.

It's something that is so unknown. Everyday it seems a new rare cancer is discovered. Seemingly healthy people die in a few months from the horrible disease. It doesn't care if you are young, old, rich, poor, black, white or purple.

I try not to let my mind stay in that fear or else I would let it consume me. Let it take away the life I am being allowed to have.. while I have it.

Day 25: A first

2010-10-25T02:46:00.001-04:00

I don't know how to drive a stick shift. This is mainly my fault because I don't want to tear up some one's car in order to teach myself how.

However, Kent wanted to teach me how to drive one. He said I needed to know just in case I was stuck somewhere and the only way out was a manual car.

So we got in his daddy's truck.. And for those who know anything about Kent's daddy's truck you already know where this is heading...

Kent's daddy's truck would have to be the hardest stick shift in the world to learn on. It's a pain the buttocks to just change the gears. And even when you do it just perfectly.. you will still get whiplash.

Did I mention we were at the cemetery? Yes.. my momma had front row seats to this whole comedy of a driving lesson. It was the day after we buried her. We went back to make sure she was still there... I kid, I kid. We went back to make sure everything was finished and done properly.

ANYWAY, so I get in the driver's seat and start going. Tried to shift the gears and the car went dead. The next time I was able to get the car going and shift the gears. Then it was time to go to 2nd gear. All the while trying to go around a corner. I started freaking out.. Kent is rolling in the passenger's seat. I saw nothing funny about the situation. AND there were people roaming in the cemetery who were probably wondering why I was starting to drive in the grass.

Yeah..

I still don't know how to drive a stick.

Day 24: Something that makes you cry

2010-10-24T10:33:00.000-04:00

Knowing that we will never get to carry the tradition of Thanksgiving at my house.

Day 23: Something that makes you feel better

2010-10-23T10:25:00.002-04:00

Today is 8 months. So I could use a lot of something to make me feel better.

Kent. I can be so wound up about something and can talk to him and it just seems better.

My kids laughing. That real genuine laugh. Where when they are done they let out a sigh.

Running. I can have had a stressful day and to be able to just get out in the fresh air for an hour.. it does wonders for me.

Chocolate. Hmmm, good.

Reading my Bible. I try to do it first thing in the morning. Because when I do.. it sets me in the right direction for the rest of the day.. if I allow it.

Day 22: Something that upsets you

2010-10-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

I can be upset easily. Put it's ususally over petty stuff.

What really upsets me and makes me sad and hurt and angry and frustrated is knowing that my momma will never see what my children grow up to be. That all this living that they are doing.. that I am doing.. she doesn't get to be a part of. I know there is a bigger picture here. But I am still human and I still very much miss my momma. I miss her the most when it comes to my kids. I grieve the hardest for them.

Day 21: Another Moment

2010-10-21T10:18:00.000-04:00

This was taken the weekend of Thanksgiving. What a weekend that was. It's what I hold on to when I miss her. We made great memories that weekend.

Day 20: This Month

2010-10-20T10:09:00.000-04:00

October...

The month before the madness of birthdays and holidays. The calm before the storm.. although it's a "happy storm".

So far this month we have just done our usual. School, homework, playing around, church.. We have done a lot of yard work. A lot. I believe we are done.. for now. We are fixing to welcome a dog into the family. That should be fun.. or not. I'm not what you would call an animal person. I figure I am doing good keeping up with 3 kids and a husband. And now to throw a dog into the mix. We'll see. He or she might become my buddy. We are going this weekend to look at a few puppies.

Speaking of this weekend.. The kids are going to Alabama Thursday for some much needed spoiling from the family. They will be gone until Monday. So that means Kent and I get a whole weekend alone. We are both looking forward to it. Although, I already feel somewhat guilty about being away from my babies. But I know they will be well taken care of and they are looking forward to it. They were thrilled to know that Kent and I wouldn't be coming along. Which means they know they will get spoiled rotten without parental intervention. So really, it's a win/win for everyone.

Now.. on to Halloween!

Day 19: Something You Regret

2010-10-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

There are things in my life that I regret. But can live with. Learn from. Move on from.

One thing that will always hang heavy in my heart was not telling my momma that I loved her the last time we talked.

What hurts the most is right after we said bye and I was pulling the phone away from my ear to hang it up is I had a urging in my heart to tell her that I loved her. And I thought to myself, I'll tell her next time.

Never was a next time.

Regret, regret, regret.

Most days I can deal with it. Because I know she knew I loved her. I take peace in the fact that our last conversation was a pleasant one. Full of excitement about us going home for a few days. It was a good conversation.

It just didn't end the way it should have.

If I could have that moment back I would take it.. and change it. I would tell her I loved her more than she would ever know and more than I ever knew I did.

Day 18: Your Favorite Birthday

2010-10-18T12:20:00.000-04:00

I've had several great birthdays. In fact, all my birthdays are great because it means I was blessed with another year.

My birthday when I was around 6 or 7 was nice. Got to swim with friends and ride horses.

My 13th birthday was memorable because Kent was supposed to come, but ended up not coming. I called him a jerk and loser that day. My friends were great though. They lifted my spirits and we ended the day with a water balloon fight.

My 22nd birthday was nice. I believe it fell on Mother's Day that year. Or it was at least during the same weekend. Kent went all out. We had a date day that Saturday. Went shopping, out to eat, etc. It was nice. Jon Kent was like 6 months old at the time and I was 2 months pregnant with Zoey. I still think of that weekend just about every year when my birthday rolls around.

But my all time favorite birthday would have to be my 15th birthday. I went that afternoon to get my driver's permit. I passed, so on the way home my daddy let me drive. I believe he only had to take hold of the steering wheel once that day. When I got home my momma was in the kitchen cooking and getting ready for my party. The whole house smelled good. Soon, all my friends and my new boyfriend (Kent) would be there. Once everyone got there we had a blast talking, playing badminton and just hanging out. It was late when everyone finally went home. It was so simple and I guess that's why I remember it so well and fondly.

Day 17: Your Favorite Memory

2010-10-17T12:49:00.000-04:00

No doubt it was June 9th, 2001. The day Kent proposed to me. I was shocked and surprised and happy.

Kent and my daddy had been working on a video of Kent reciting a poem that he had written to me before hand. I knew nothing of it.

On the day Kent proposed he was supposed to come over for pizza and to watch a movie. I had just gotten dressed in some lounge shorts and a tank top. My hair was still wet and curly wild. I walked out of my room and my daddy asks, "You're wearing that?" Which I thought was odd because we were just hanging out at the house and why was my daddy suddenly interested in my apparel? I just brushed it off and waited on Kent.

Kent gets to my house and he has on some slacks and a polo shirt. What is up with that? Again, call me naive but I still thought nothing of it.

Kent pops the movie in and the previews start. I get up to check on some new kittens that my cat had had a few days before. Kent kept telling me to come sit down. I told him I would in a minute. Kent kept telling me to come on and sit down. Annoyed, I did so.

About that time the screen pops up where it says, "And now for your featured presentation". Then the movie starts out with brown shoes and Kent's voice. The camera slowly goes up Kent's body all the while he is reading this poem to me. The poem was about how love isn't a feeling, but it's a commitment that you make to someone for the rest of your life. At the end the camera stops on Kent's face and he says, "And now Emily, I make that commitment to you." I look over at Kent who was sitting on the couch and he was now on one knee with the ring asking me to marry him. He said, "Will you marry me?" I then asked if he was joking. He said no and repeated the question. I, of course, said yes and the rest is O'ville history.

Day 16: Your First Kiss

2010-10-16T09:09:00.000-04:00

I was four years old and it was with a neighbor boy up the road. Yes, 4. So I really don't count that as my first because it was innocent child's play. We were mocking what we saw on TV.

My first "real" kiss was with Kent. How it seems my stories all come back to him.

I was 15 years old. It was June 1998. A group of us were all standing around in my high school parking lot. I forget why we were even there. Maybe a band practice or something. No clue. Anyway, we were all saying our good-byes. I was fixing to leave and Kent and I were standing there holding hands and were both trying to find the right way to go about this first kiss thing. Finally, I just swiftly leaned in, kissed him and told him good-bye. I walked away and then turned back around to him and smiled. Like.. did that just really happen?

I still tease him sometimes that I actually made the first move. ;)

Day 15: Your Dreams

2010-10-15T12:32:00.001-04:00

I am going to take this as what I would like my world to be like. And no so much about what I dream at night. Although, my dreams at night could be interesting to tell. But I'll save that for another time.

When I think about my life.. what it's been.. where I want it to be.. It always comes back to just wanting to be content. Be happy with what I have. I want to see the green grass on my side of the fence and not look at the other side's grass at all. You know. Just be happy.

I want my kids to always be healthy. I want them to each live long and healthy lives. And to also be content with what their life has come to be. I want them to try hard and make the most of what they have. I want them to make lifelong friends, accept Jesus at their Savior, go to college, find spouses and have healthy children of their own. And I want to be around to see all that.

I want to be useful in my life. For someone to miss me when I'm gone because I made their life better.

I want to be that friend that immediately pops into someone mind when they are in need. Because they know I will be there to help them, to listen.

My dreams are simple in my mind. I think they are very much attainable, if I give myself half a chance to achieve them.