Owens Beach Vacation 2015

I absolutely love the beach. On those bitter cold days of winter the beach is what I dream about. However, not any beach will do. No, no... You can have the beaches of the Atlantic.  Only the sandy white beaches of the gulf, mostly Panama City Beach beaches will do. I love the memories that are attached to that beach. Memories of my own childhood, my honeymoon, and bringing my own children to the beach for their first time. Yes sir, I could move there tomorrow. So when our famy made the 7 plus hour trip there it did not fail our expectations. This trip we went with Kent's parents. His brother and grandparents also came down for a few days as well. We rented a pontoon one day, played at several arcades (Fun Land was our top priority), played putt-putt, laid on the beach, played in the ocean (though technically it's the gulf), and enjoyed much family time. It was great. And it all ended way too soon. Now we have two weeks of summer left before school starts. Why does the summer have to fly by so quickly???!!!

What a busy summer!

The kids were finally done with school the first week in June.

 Side note:  I do not believe I will ever get used to my kids being in school in June.  Growing up I was always out of school before memorial day.  It just seems wrong to still be in school during June.  But I digress...

I had to take my final Spanish class during the Summer I semester (June).  Zoey was taking a gifted and talented art program (also in June) and Jon Kent had a basketball camp in Auburn one of those weeks.  Also, Zoey made All-Stars for her softball league so we had that going on as well.  Nathan just went along for the ride, though he did get a few days of alone time with the grands and great grands to be spoiled rotten.

After school was out for me and Zoey's program was done we headed to Alabama for a family reunion and to enjoy some down time.  Kent had to work so he stayed in South Carolina.  It was a nice visit and I was so happy to be officially out of school and not worry about keeping up with school assignments.  While we were there I was able to celebrate my daddy's birthday with him.

When we returned home I washed clothes and literally repacked for a trip to DC with Kent and the kids.  It was a great trip, but far from relaxing.  I had the kids by myself during the day, so we explored the city and visited museums, monuments and memorials, and the zoo.  We were all pretty exhausted by the time we got home.  Speaking of which, we are home and finally relaxing and being lazy like summer should be.  But not for long.  We have another trip coming up.. to the beach!  We are go excited about this one!  Panama City Beach is probably my favorite place in the world.  We are going down there with Kent's family.  Hoping it will be a tad more relaxing than the DC trip.

So as you can tell, our summer has been slammed packed.  Only a little over 3 weeks until school starts back!  Dread that, but until then we are soaking summer up.

Let's Reintroduce Ourselves...

It's time to play some serious catch up!  Oh my, has it really been a year since I last updated my blog???  Apparently so.  So here is a really quick review of our last year.

We took a cruise.  A wonderful, magical Disney cruise.  I would do it all over again every week if we could afford it.  Vacations as a momma of three are rarely totally relaxing.  There is always a meal to prepare, or a mess to clean up.  However, on the cruise I didn't have to lift a finger.  We spent 5 wonderful days sailing the seas, dodging a tropical storm, watching Broadway style plays, eating gourmet food, eating ice cream at all times of the day and night, watching a firework show, singing and dancing, and reconnecting as a family.  It was wonderful and sadly too short lived.  We cannot wait to go back!

Over last summer I took 5 college courses.  Stressful would be an understatement, but I did it in the hopes of getting my teaching degree faster.  I came out of it with all A's and B's.  Also, since I am talking about college... I am into my 5 semester back at school.  Holding on to a 3.8 GPA and I am one semester away from starting the teaching program.  Woohoo!  It's getting closer!

The kids have all grown in leaps and bounds.  Jon Kent is now 10, Zoey 9, and Nathan is 7.  Zoey is currently taller than Jon Kent, which she makes sure to remind him of frequently.  He is slowly gaining on her though.

Jon Kent has really blossomed over the last year.  Losing more of his baby boyish looks and starting to look more like a big kid.  He finished the school year with all A's and is really developing as a basketball player.  He is going to an Auburn (War Eagle!) basketball camp this summer.

Zoey is finding her "thing".  Over the last year or so she has been trying to find her extra curricular activity.  We have tried dance (negative), cheerleading (maybe), gymnastics (maybe, but less and less interest), and softball (score!).  Zoey has really fallen in love with softball, which makes this softball mom happy.  She made All-Stars this season and is really enjoying it.  Zoey also auditioned for an art program and was selected to go to a program for a month this summer for visual arts.  She is so excited.

Nathan is enjoying doing anything his brother does.  Although he is my social, wild child.  He played flag football last fall and basketball in the winter.  He did well in both.  He did very well in first grade this year.  He is reading on a high 2nd grade level, and already learning his time tables.  He is one smart little boy.  I cannot believe he will be in second grade this fall.

Kent and I celebrated 13 years of marriage this past spring.  We have lived so much life in those 13 years and I can honestly say I am so thankful to have him by my side through it all.  Over the last year or so we have had to twist and change to fit in my college classes and the regular day to day activities of our family.  It's been a hard adjustment at times, but it has really brought us closer.  We have had to talk more, share more, give more, and change.  Kent has really been a great helper and encouraging through it all.  I cannot not say enough good things about that man of mine.  Just that he is perfect for me.

Since the beginning of this year I have really set out to get the old Emily back.  Since my momma passed away 5 years ago I have felt lost on so many levels.  My world was rocked and honestly I dealt with it the best I could, but it shook me to my core.  My thoughts were always that I would use her death to change how I lived.  Her life was short, so I wanted to do more living while I had the chance.  My going back to school was a result of that.  I got out of my comfort zone, stretched myself, and tried new things.  Since the beginning of this year my confidence has risen and I have started pushing myself to not be afraid to be proud (not prideful) of my accomplishments.  I know my momma would have been my biggest cheerleader.  I have started running again and getting my exercise routines back.  I have lost about 25 pounds and I am so thankful for this newness of life that I have found through my grief.


Well, I believe that brings up all back up-to-date.  Mostly.  I seriously hope to keep this up.  I started this blog in hopes that one day my kids could come back and read about their lives, my thoughts, and just see through my eyes.  This was always for them.  Time to get back to that.

Until next time...

School is OUT!!

 The O'villers have finished another year of school! 

Jon Kent is heading to fourth grade!  He finished his 3rd grade year with all A's, no tardies, perfect attendence, and above average MAP scores. 

Zoey is heading to third grade.  She finished her 2nd grade year with all A's, no tardies, above average MAP scores, and the highest MAP reading score in her class.

Nathan is heading to first grade!  He finished his year in kindergarten with all M's (meeting standard), no tardies, perfect attendance, music award, and knowing all his lightning words.

I am so proud of all their hard work this year.  They pulled through the year after dealing with many new changes with me starting work and going back to school myself.  They were champs and showed us they could handle things with grace.

Easter

We had a quiet family Easter.  We let the kids do their baskets on Saturday, which is our tradition.  The kids enjoyed their baskets and the weekend as a whole.  It's great to see the kids gathering a better understanding each year as to why we celebrate Easter.  We have a set of Resurrection eggs that we pull out each year.  They always enjoy that, plus they have gotten to where they can tell me the whole story.  Very awesome!  So thankful that they are growing up knowing what Jesus did for them!

Emily

Happy Birthday, Nathan

Nathan,

Six years have come and gone and you have blessed me so much. You are so full of personality! You constantly I have be laughing and shaking my head all at the same time. I am so thankful to be your momma and I am so glad you are my baby boy! Happy Birthday! Here is to many more birthdays for you!

Love, 

Momma

New Chapter

This year has brought one big change for me. I have reentered college. I am going back to get a degree in Elementary Educaution. So far, after a month in, I am realizing I am not as young as I used to be. The studying, remembering what I studied, just isn't coming as easily as it used to. Add in to that juggling a family and other activities.. It can be overwhelming some days.. a lot of days. But my goal is set and I am striving to make it.  Hopefully in another 2-3 years it will be accomplished. 

She is sorry...

Nova wasn't able to clinch the cheeks long enough... I will say at least it wasn't on any carpets!

Sonic the Hedgehog

Not the cartoon.. but a real one!!  Zoey, the animal lover that she is, was offered a free hedgehog.  After some sweet puppy eyes to her daddy, she was the proud owner of Sonic Fluffdaddy O'ville.  She loves him, and he loves... well... tolerates her.

Auburn, thank you for losing.

Yes, I just thanked the teaming that I was born to cheer for, for losing the National Championship. I could just be extremely sleep deprived (it is 3am and I have been awake for almost 22 hours), but I think there is more to my craziness than just lack of sleep. 

You see, I am a momma to three. My oldest just turned 9 and has finally gotten into football. Before this season he probably just thought he had a set of weirdo parents who clapped and yelled at the TV. But this year, this year he gets it. The bug that is college football has bitten him. He loves it and he especially loves all thing AUBURN. Now, because he has just figured out his love of the big orange and blue he was saved of the heartache that was our 2012 season. He didn't have to experience the loss, after loss, after loss, after.. I digress. He was fortunate enough to enjoy our "season of destiny". The LSU loss stung, but he was just getting into the season. It wasn't until the Texas A&M game that y'all hooked him (and woke the rest of college football up and made them take notice-- War Eagle!). After that it was win after win. He thought y'all were unstoppable. Then Geogia happened and I saw the first glimpses of his fantasy crumbling. But y'all pulled it out. Then again with Alabama. What an emotional roller coaster of a game! Again, I saw my son's competitive side over dominate his sense of good sportsmanship. Then the unthinkable happened. Ohio State lost and Auburn was heading for a national title after getting another SEC championship. My boy was on cloud 9. So for the next month he studied up on all things Auburn and quizzed me on all things Auburn football (which sadly I failed at.. I mean really, am I really supposed to know who they played in 1950 and if the QB was left handed or right handed?). For a full month, day in and day out, he talked about every game, every play.

Finally, the day arrived. Auburn vs Florida State. He was a ball of nerves, but it seemed we had the game locked up before the half. Then the unthinkable happened and we let the game slide through our fingers. No last minute "miracle", just the sting of a shoulda, coulda, woulda been loss. And boy did it sting. My boy was crushed. Crushed. Dreams of TP'ing our tree out front dashed. The reality of having to go to school the next day and face his friends replaced his dreams of walking in school a victor. Tears were shed, sobs were had... But then, a teachable moment. A chance to learn some humility. A chance to build a little character. It. Is. Just. A. Game. A game that I would have liked for us to win (I had dreams of TP'ing the tree out front, too), but why not learn and grow from a loss? So that's what we did. We hugged him while he cried, but told him also that it's part of life. You win and you lose. You fail sometimes, but you keep your head held high and try again. It's how you take a defeat that shows what kind of player you really are. And when you can take the good AND the bad is when you know you are a pretty great player. I want my son to be one of those players. Not just in a game, but in life. We'll get there, prayerfully, soon. 

So thank you for allowing a loss to be a lesson learned. I know it's not a crystal football, but I think it's value is worth so much more. 

War Eagle!

Happy 8th, Birthday!!

Zoey bug turned 8 today.  It seems with each year that passes that the time just goes a little quicker.  Has it really been 8 years since we were blessed with a sweet, chubby little 6 pound, 13 ounce girl?  Has it really been 8 years since Zoey added the glitz and glitter to our family? I know it's so cliche to say those things, but really the older I get it seems the quicker my kids grow up.  I wish they could stay little forever.  If that were the case I would have frozen them all in their 3s or 4s.  But alas, Zoey is healthy, growing, and thriving in life and I can't say that I am not thankful for it.  8 years ago we were blessed with a little girl who has kept us on our toes and made sure we danced along the way.  I love you, Zoey Taylor.  I am beyond thankful to call you mine.  Hugs and kisses and kisses and hugs.

Love,

Momma

Nathan's first Auburn game

Back in October we took Jon Kent and Nathan to an Auburn football game.  Zoey declined as she isn't a huge football fan, yet.  I say yet because I wasn't either at her age.  We are holding out hope that one day she will come over to the whoop and hollering side.  Until then, she was spoiled by her Poohba and Granny and PawPaw while the rest of us went to the plains and enjoyed watching Auburn play.  This was Jon Kent's 2nd game and Nathan's fist.  We had a good time of watching the traditional "Tiger Walk" before the game and then watching Auburn put a beating on East Carolina.  But the highlight was getting to go onto the field after the game and taking pictures and watching the boys play some football.  It was hard not to let my mind wonder to maybe a day in the not too distant future of one or both of the boys playing for Auburn in their college days.  I can day dream, right?  And who knows, they just might.

Happy 9th, Birthday!!

Nine years have come and gone. I could get all cheesy and say how I can't believe he is already 9 (which I can't). Or I could say how time flies and it needs to slow down (it does). However, I will just say how proud I am of my now 9 year old who is growing, learning, and becoming a wonderful young man. Love him!!

First Day of School in Random Sentences

All O'villers successfully made it to school today. I forgot how early 5:30am was. I made a nice breakfast for the kids which they hardly ate. They all had butterflies. Getting 3 fed, clothed, hair done, shoes tied, supplies in hand, and lunches made took a lot longer than I figured. Jon Kent being my nervous nelly was, well.. nervous. But I think he will do great. Zoey was her social, confident self. Nathan was giddy to just be at school.Patiently   waiting for 2:30 so I can hear all about their first day. 

Legoland!

This past Sunday (Kent's 32nd birthday) we headed to Alabama to spend some time with family. On the way we wanted to make a pit stop for the kids. The boys are allllll into Legos and even Zoey likes to grab a box full and creative something so we decided to take them to the Lego Land Discovery Center in Atlanta. They had a great time. The place wasn't so big so it wasn't overwhelming and thankfully not crowded. We were able to take our time, do every activity, enjoy the rides, and not wait long in any line. The kids were completely happy and enjoyed every minute. Success!

Happy July 4th

Family reunion, grilling, watching the rain fall, watching fireworks. Full day of thankfulness and appreciate for all who have and continue to keep our nation free. 

Flying above the trees

My daddy's birthday was last week. He had mentioned a few months back that he thought it would be fun to go zip lining. At first I thought he was joking, but after mentioning it again I figured what a cool gift it would be. So I set it all up and we went on July 2nd. What a time it was. In my "younger" days I was fearless. I guess with age came responsibility and the fact that I know it's not just me anymore. I have to think of my kids and husband. So yeah, I was shaking in my harness... My daddy though seemed fearless and happy. It was a truly great day. Lots of laughs and memories. Very thankful to have gotten the chance to spend the day in the tree tops with my daddy!

School is OUT!!

Wow.  I now have a kindergartner, a second grader, and a third grader.  Augusta 2013, I for the first time in over 8 and a half years will have no children in my house from 7:30am-2:30pm.  Wow.  One thing is for sure, I won't be sitting around eating bonbons every day (I have possible "alternative" plans that may or may not come my way).  I am excited to see what this new chapter holds.  Until then.. SCHOOL IS OUT and it's time for SUMMER FUN!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Nathan!!

I guess with the arrival of Nathan's 5th birthday I have been overwhelmed that what was left of Nathan's "babiness" is now quickly fading.  He isn't baby talking hardly at all.  His sentences are coherent (mostly) and complete.  He knows his letters, their sounds, his numbers, how to write some sentences, and can even read a few words.  These past 5 years have happened so fast.  To think that so much has happened in his short fives years.  Moving, growing, losing a grandmother, starting school, more growing.. so much.  How it's been 5 years in what feels like mere months I don't know, but boy am I trying to squeeze every moment out of it I can while I still have him little.  Because I know how quickly they grow.

Happy 5th Birthday to my last baby boy.  The boy who still loves to cuddle with his mommy and give sloppy kisses.  Thank you for completing our family and filling my heart to the point of bursting.

Love,

Momma