The Gray Family

Please keep the Gray family in your prayers today, December 16th, as they lay their daughter to rest.

"I gotta keep on movin'..."

In the words of Matthew Wilder:

"Ain't nothin' gonna to break my stride
Nobody's gonna slow me down, oh-no
I got to keep on movin'
Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
I'm running and I won't touch ground
Oh-no, I got to keep on movin'"

This will be my motivational theme song until I am released and able to run again! I am starting to feel like an old woman. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), bursitis and a strained patellar tendon...OH MY! Really? You have got to be kidding me? Well, I guess I should be thankful that it's not surgical. Physical therapy, rest and anti-inflammatory meds should clear it up. Pray for a speedy recovery.

The Couponator!

The "Couponator"!

One lucky winner will receive the Couponator; a fun, easy to use binder to help you with your coupon organizing needs. You'll receive the Binder (which is 2 sided and zips up), 10 - 9 insert holders and 10 page protectors along with a pair of scissors and a calculator. Oh, and how about $200 worth of coupons to go along with it??

Want to enter? Go to www.chickswithcents.com for details!!!!

Trunk-or-Treat

Fun with Pumpkins

Lockdown: Day #4

What happens when YOU feel perfectly fine but your brother's illness causes you to stay cooped up? Not sure, but I think it must involve a purple sparkly fairy outfit from Halloween past, red tights, a black turtleneck, pink floral shoulder bag, red glittery Dorothy slippers and a headband with a huge blue flower and rhinestones!!!!

Grrrrr...

I am beginning to get a little testy, people! I have not been able to run in almost 3 weeks. Life has been totally insane. My week normally goes a little like this: Monday - work, faculty meeting, soccer practice; Tuesday - work, math team, soccer game; Wednesday - work, cook dinner, church; Thursday - work, soccer game; Friday - work, buy groceries, hang out with family. IT'S CRAZY! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO TO GET READY FOR THE HALF-MARATHON THAT IS ONLY FIVE WEEKS AWAY????

The New Plan

I had to devise a new fitness plan. My schedule STINKS! I have no time to workout or run, and neither does Nick. So here's my new plan...I am going to run on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I will do weight training on our Bowflex on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays and Sundays will be my recovery/off days. Nick is going to plan to do the exact opposite of me...when I run, he does weights...and when I do weights, he runs. This way, we will always have someone to watch the kiddos. I don't know what times I will be running, but the more the merrier in my opinion. If you want to, come on!

I have put back on 5.8 of the pounds I lost. GRRRRR! Largely in part to my obsession with sweet tea. As of this week, I am banning sweet tea from my diet until I can learn to control myself. One diet soda a day, and then ONLY WATER! Hopefully this will help.

Side note: Andrew has to get his flu shot today. Hope he does well. Y'all keep your fingers crossed!

No, I haven't vanished...

Sorry I have not blogged lately. Life has been totally insane. Back at work, doing Kids' Market stuff every night, kids, etc. You know how it is. Will try to post more interesting information soon.

Life

Life has been crazy lately, but enjoyable. Last week was a whirlwind. I had workshops and worked at the school everyday, and then VBS was every night half the week. I missed my babies all week, but such is life. I should just be thankful that I have a job and am healthy enough to work, I guess. And I should also mention that IF I have to work, I have the best bosses and work family in the world, so I can't complain there. (I am hoping that being positive will help the transition some.)

On another note, Kim and I went running yesterday morning and set our own Personal Record...6.5 miles!!! That's the farthest I have ever run at one time in my whole entire life. When I ran the half marathon, I did not have time to adequately prepare, so I ran 6, walked one and ran the last 6 to the finish line. So 6.5 set a record for me. Woohoo! It felt really good (even though my knees felt like they were about to fall off!) I cannot fathom the day when we will be running 10 or more. INSANE!

15 Month Check-Up

Took Andrew to the doctor today. He was 31.5 inches tall and 23 pounds, 12 ounces. Believe it or not, at almost 24 pounds, he is STILL considered "below average" for weight. Do they want him to be a Sumo wrestler or something? He looks just fine in my opinion, and the doctor said he was healthy as a horse and doing great! YAY!

Just breathe...

This is what I keep telling myself when I think about going back to work. I don't know if some of you have heard, but apparently I am a phoenix...I have to keep reinventing myself! I started out teaching special education, then moved to language arts, and this year I am moving into a mathematics position. Teachers have to be ever so flexible, I tell you. Anyway, I have to work three days next week (workshops and registration). I also have to get working on lesson plans for the first month of school and getting my NEW classroom organized...yes, I had to change rooms, too. Please say a prayer for me and let me know if you have any suggestions. I am teaching 6th and 7th grade, so let me know if you think of any cute older kid math ideas!

Gettin' Crabby

Retro Run

Kim and I are running the Trak Shak Retro Run 5K tonight. FUN! Just wait until you see the outfits we have planned; you are supposed to gear up in your favorite 60's, 70's and 80's clothes. Will post pics soon. Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers.

Leaving for TN

Leaving for TN in the morning. Keep us in your prayers that we will have a safe journey there and back. Love you all and see you Wednesday!

Back in the saddle...

Kim and I went to Gold's in Pelham this morning and did RPM. My first time in 18 months and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE! I was pouring sweat before the third song. I actually kissed my bike when the workout was done. How I have missed it! (There must be something seriously wrong with me if I miss working out, right????)

4 on the 4th!

WOOHOO! Kim and I ran 4 miles straight this morning. I am sore, but so happy! Glad to be back.

Sand Spazzing!

Found out the hard way today that running on the beach is not for wimps. It looks all cool when other people do it, but is so NOT cool when you are trying to accomplish it yourself. First of all, I must describe my beach to you. It's not like what you see on TV. You go from the boardwalk to the fluffy white stuff, the stuff you sink in. From that, there is ZERO slope down to the surf. It's a mini-cliff. It literally just falls down about a foot from the soft sand to the surf. So one must either run in the "quicksand" or in the water. I tried both and neither was quite successful. I'm sure I looked like a frog having seizures to the poor innocent bystanders who had to witness my excursion.

Regardless, I did 0.5 warmup then managed to run 1.0 at an 11 minute pace. My knees were killing me, so I walked 0.5 up to the road by the bay. I have never in all my life been so happy to see asphalt!!!!! From there, I ran another 1.0 at an 11 minute pace, then 0.5 cool down. All in all, I ran 2.0 and walked 1.5. Not too shabby considering I was a newbie at sand stomping.

I also must add a note about the wildlife. When I run with Kim, we usually encounter all manners of wildlife. Just comes with living in the Southeast. Usually we run into (or jump over) turtles, baby birds, dogs and rabbits. Running today, I encountered the following: 27 dead frogs, 2 dead lizards, 1 dead crab, 1 live crab, 2 live rabbits, 1 wood rat, a family of field mice, 2 gator ponds and many seagulls and sandpipers. Yes, you read correctly...27 dead frogs! And those were just the ones I had to jump over! Counting the wildlife kept my mind off the pain. Whatever it takes to get the job done!!!!

The Wharf & LuLu's

Beach Bum

Our baby boy is LOVING the sand, sun and water. He has only tried to eat sand once and quickly realized it was not as tasty as he'd hoped. And can I just say that the time playing is making for really long naps!! Will post more pics soon.

This & That

Did interval/sprints today. I think it about killed us, but we prevailed. Leaving for the beach in the morning. Love everyone. Keep us in your prayers. Hope to blog pics while we are away. Hugs!!!

Tuesday: Hill Training

Kim, Lori and I met at 7:00 tonight to go run. Tuesdays are hill training days, my LEAST favorite of the week because it always kicks my tail. But we hung in there for a total of 5 miles. I had a blast, as usual. And I was so super proud of Lori. It was her first time out with us and she kept up like a trooper! She did way better than I did the first time I hit the pavement with Kim.

I love y'all! Good friends make everything better! Even swallowing bugs and waiting for Freddy or Jason to jump out of the bushes and attack you. :)

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there. You are loved and prayed for!

We bought Nick his very own digital camera and cooked a dinner for him...all his favorites...pork tenderloin, potatoes, veggies and yellow cake with chocolate frosting. We love you, Daddy!

All smiles

It's official. I'm out for summer! I have spent the past week playing with my babies, exercising and cleaning house. Kim and I ran THREE MILES STRAIGHT today. We did a total of 5.5. I am so blessed that I have a few weeks off to really enjoy my family and try to get back into shape.

Can't wait until next Friday, 06/26. We are leaving for the beach and won't be back until 07/03. Keep us in your prayers.

We are the champions...

Kim dragged my tail out of the house this morning to go run. I was ill and feeling pitiful. We had no power and I was just cranky...but I jumped on the bandwagon anyhow. We ran in the pouring-down-rain, thunder and lightning...BUT WE RAN OVER 2 MILES STRAIGHT (you can do a lot when you are afraid of getting struck by lightning!) Woohoo! I know it might not have been the smartest thing, but boy did we have fun!!!

Picture this: Kim and I running in the rain, water dripping down our noses, mascara all over our faces, pants that were once capris stretched at the bottoms down to our ankles because of heavy water. It was so worth it. I felt so empowered. If you can run 2.5 and walk 2.5 in the rain for a total of 5 miles, beginning at 7:45 A.M. nonetheless, you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to! I love you, Kim, for not letting me give up and stay home feeling sorry for myself.

Oh, and we saw a cute little turtle in the middle of the road/track. Hope it was safe in all the weather, especially after Kim poked its eye out trying to see if it was a snapping turtle and would bite a pine needle. HAHAHA! Hope you all got a laugh out of that one.

My Beautiful Babies

Pictures

Tyler Sanford took Andrew's one-year pictures last weekend. I don't have all of them yet, but he posted this one on Flickr. Isn't he TOO cute? And Tyler is amazing. I recommend him to anyone. He had all the patience in the world with a teething, hungry, cranky baby boy! To see more of Tyler's AMAZING work, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/tssphotography

M.I.A.

Sorry I have been missing lately. Haven't had much time to post. I am in the middle of a 9-day workshop with the Greater Birmingham Math Partnership. I absolutely adore it (yes, I know I'm a nerd!) but it's a lot of work and a long drive.

Last weekend we planted our garden and started tearing up the old day lily bed. If anyone wants some day lilies, let me know. We have 50+ bulbs to give away. In our garden we planted tomatoes, squash, zucchini, eggplant, cucumber and bell pepper. I can't wait to go into my back yard and pick something for dinner!!! :)

Hope everyone is doing well. I will try to keep in touch over the next few weeks.

Memorial Day

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Andrew, 13 months

My big boy is 13 months old today! (Will post pics soon.) Just wanted to give you a developmental update on the little rascal since he won't "perform" in public. ("What do you think I am, Mom, a circus monkey???")

Andrew can say:
Mama
Daddy
Sissy
Gigi (my mom)
Anna - "Nanna"
hey
bye
duck - "guck"
car - "cah"
truck - "tuck"
fish - "shish"
dog - "gog"
Dixie (our dog) - "Di-tee"
quack - "cack"
woof - "foof"

Andrew can also:
*roll a ball back and forth with a partner
*kick a ball (Yes, he chases the soccer ball all over the place and keeps up with it. Terri & Paul would be proud!)
*wave
*walk and run
*climb anything that will be still, including the dog
*blow kisses
*give REAL kiss (and make the "mmmmm-WAH" sound)
*give hugs with extra pats on the back for good measure
*fold hands in prayer

He has zero interest in television but LOVES anything musical.

This is a whole new experience for us because Peyton didn't really ever do the baby talk things. Most of her words sounded exactly like they were supposed to be pronounced. Regardless, he's getting up there in what he can say but absolutely, positively refuses to do it on command. Gotta say, he gets that stubborn streak from DADDY! Peyton had a long attention span and loved to watch Baby Einstein DVDs, but Andrew is constantly moving, moving, moving. All of those who say boys and girls are different creatures are certainly CORRECT. I guess it just makes us well-rounded parents.

Ladies' Night!

Last night, Kim and I took Autumn and Anna out for their SURPRISE graduation gift. We got them makeovers at Bare Escentuals and bought them some of their favorites from the collection. We had a really good time. You should have seen us...Kim was the "guinea pig". She let them do her makeup and ended up looking like a total hot mama/vixen. We were supposed to follow the steps they did with Kim, but it turned out that they ended up just doing all of it for us anyway. Autumn was in hog heaven, dazzled by the colors and very adventurous. Anna was overwhelmed (she's not a big makeup wearer) but was open and such a good sport about trying something new. They looked beautiful when it was all said and done! Anna with her "classic" beauty and Autumn with her spunky teal eyeliner. I went way out of my comfort zone and let them try colors on me which I would not normally use...and ended up LOVING it once I toned it down a little. After makeovers, we went to Panera Bread and had dinner. Dee-lish!

We are so blessed to have such wonderful girls to work with. I am so proud of their accomplishments and happy that I have gotten to know both of them. Kim - I am so happy you are my bestest bud. Wouldn't have wanted to share it with anyone else! Anna & Autumn - I am so proud of you. Congratulations and happy graduation! We will always be here for you, no matter where life's journey takes you.

Coldplay

A couple of months ago, I won free tickets from Magic 96.5 to see Coldplay at the Verizon Wireless Music Center (AKA "Oak Mountain"). Nick and I both love them, so we were excited about our view from the nosebleeds. While we were 75.2 miles away from the stage, it was still awesome. This band rocks! They are one of the few I have seen that sounds JUST LIKE their album, but LIVE. Chris Martin's vocals were stellar; they even performed two mini-sets amongst the crowd: one on a small stage in the lower section, and one on the sidewalk between the upper and lower sections. The show started with Howling Bells at 7:30, then Pete Yorn at about 8:15. Coldplay came on around 9:00 and played for TWO HOURS! Yep, that's right. We didn't leave until 11:30. Best free concert I've ever been to, and one of the top five of ALL the concerts I've been to...and I've seen a lot!

Mission Accomplished!

On April 21, 2008 my mission began. Assignment: Nurse baby boy for a full year, with never a drop of formula passing his lips unless medically necessary. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! As of last night, I nursed my sweet angel for the last time. It was sad, and tears were shed, but it was time. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to share the experience and form that bond with him. Thank you to all my sisters who supported me through the adventure, you know who you are! And to all of you out there who are currently nursing or planning to nurse, enjoy it because it is one of the most precious, memorable experiences you will ever have with your child. No one can do it for you and no one can take it away. I thank God for giving us Mothers the ability to experience such joy.

That said, I have received my next mission: Operation Lose the Baby Weight! As you all know, each time I tried to cut calories while nursing, my milk supply would CRASH, even at the slightest dip in calories. So I gave up and put weight loss on the back burner, devoting myself to the experience of nursing since I knew it wouldn't be forever. I am back on LIVESTRONG, a health and wellness website that allows you to track your lifestyle (calories, exercise, etc) for FREE while making connections with others who share your same fitness goals. I also started taking my Advocare vitamins again, which keep me healthy and provide all my essential vitamins for the day. In order to lose 2 pounds per week, I have cut back to about 1500 calories a day. I hope to begin exercising on a daily basis as soon as school is out. Say a prayer for me and join me on the road to better health and fitness. The more, the merrier (and healthier!)

Good deal on Kraft salad dressing

There is a coupon in Sunday's paper for $1.50 off any Kraft dressing. I was able to get it for 8 CENTS at Wal-Mart this weekend (they had a "rollback" on Kraft dressings.) WOOHOO!

Preschool days are over

As of today, Peyton has graduated from preschool and been promoted to Kindergarten. She had her goodbye party today at Froggy's Family Fun Center, a local party place that is full of giant inflatables for kids to jump in. She had a good time but was so sad to say goodbye to her friends, many of which she will probably never see again because they are zoned for different schools. I am so thankful for the wonderful teachers she has learned from. They have taken good care of her, taught her more than she needs to know to be ready for "real" school, and been patient as saints. We are so blessed to have DFBK and are sad that her days there are over, but excited about the upcoming year!

Mother's Day Card from Peyton

Similar to Christy's post, Peyton's class did a card for Mother's Day. Here's hers (her responses are in italics):

My mom's the greatest. She can't be beat.
Sushi is her favorite food to eat.
She weighs 65 pounds and is 10 feet tall,
She helps me up if I should fall.
Lemon-orange is the color that she likes best.
She would go to her bedroom for a rest.
My mom is only 4 years old.
She wraps me in my comfy green blanket if I get cold.
Washing dishes & cleaning the kitchen are her favorite things to do,
Or seeing tigers at the zoo.
When I do my work it makes her glad.
But when I disobey it makes her mad.
I love it when my mom tucks me in the bed.
Love, Peyton

Strawberry Arrangement

Sadly enough, I did not take a picture of my arrangements before they were eaten, but I can describe them for you. They are similar to Edible Arrangements. You take any vase or container and fill it with floral foam. Then, using either floral picks or wooden skewers, you make an arrangegment of fruit. I use pineapple cut with cookie cutters, strawberries, Granny Smith apples, and melon cut into wedges or spheres (using a melon baller). Start with a shape in mind and just get after it. I go stem by stem, shaping the "arrangement" as I go. The ones I did this weekend were in miniature hurricane vases and the strawberries were shaped into a ball on the top. It's usually better if you choose one of two options: 1) Use the same sized fruit throughout the arrangement or 2) use bigger fruit at the bottom and get smaller toward the top. These choices really just depend on the shape you are seeking with your arrangement. Next time I do one, I will remember to take pictures. Try it out! They make great, inexpensive gifts and are healthier than the chocolates that are oh-so-dear to our hearts.

P.S. If you still need the chocolate fix, try dipping strawberries or Granny Smith apple wedges in dark chocolate and use them in the arrangement. Dee-lish!

Eventful weekend

Well, it was quite a weekend. Friday night while Nick was gone to the mens' retreat, Anna and I went to the Galleria to do some shopping. Got home and started making mini-loaves for the Sunshine Girls' project, only to receive a phone call from my dear husband telling me he has injured his ankle and is on his way home. I was supposed to go to Laura's and hang out, but didn't get to. Nick, if you want me to stay home just ask. You don't have to disable yourself!! :)

Saturday morning, I sent Peyton with Laura, Charlie and Hailey to go do the SG project while I took Nick to the hospital for x-rays. The ankle is not broken, but maybe a torn ligament. MRI scheduled for Tuesday. I get back only to find out that my darling daughter has misbehaved with Laura...frustrating, but okay in the end. I begged Laura's forgiveness for having to deal with my heathen child. The rest of Saturday was a total blur. I made the cake for Sunday's lunch, made strawberry arrangements for our mothers, and chased after the kids. Didn't get much sleep that night.

Sunday was Mother's Day. Got up and cooked breakfast for the family. Peyton and Andrew pretty much cried all morning for one reason or another. Peyton made me a hilarious card and Nick got me a gift card to J.Jill to get some new clothes. My mom and grandmother came over after church and I cooked them lunch in honor of Mother's Day. After that, I crashed. Took a 2-hour nap and then back to church with the kids. Went to buy groceries, both kids in tow, after church. Went home, ate dinner, then went to Nick's mom's to deliver her gifts. Came home, did laundry, made lunches, crashed again. You don't stop being a mom on Mother's Day!!! :)

1 down, 3 to go...

Well, it's been a week since I took Andrew's lunch-time feeding away. He has done fine with it, but it has made him even more dependent upon his 4PM nursing. As soon as I get home, he is crying and climbing all over me to nurse. I don't know if it's because he gets cow's milk at lunch now or what, because it's not like he has been nursing at lunch anyway (except on the weekends.) Now it's time for me to take away another feeding. Originally, I had planned to take the 4PM feeding now, but I don't know. Any thoughts from my blogging buddies? I have to keep the morning right now for personal relief, but which should I take away next, 4PM or bedtime? HELP!

Kindergarten Registration - UPDATE

Well, she did GREAT at registration. She took her immunization and registration forms to Mrs. Pam all by herself (she is great friends with Mrs. Pam...To Peyton, anyone who buys her fancy shoes and an alarm clock is okay in her book!) Then she went back by herself to do her assessment. She did a great job on all components of the test: counting to 20, recognizing numbers to 10, recognizing all letters and their sounds, saying her ABCs, matching pictures to their beginning sounds, colors, shapes, and matching rhyming words. I was so proud of her.

Let me tell you something, though, I feel for all the parents out there who have more than one kid in school. The supply list is pretty hefty: 2-24 ct. crayons, 24 pencils, 1 pair Fiskars scissors, 2 bottles of Elmer's glue, notebook, journal, 2 jumbo coloring books, 1 pack of disposable drinking cups, gallon easy-zip bags, quart easy-zip bags, ream of copy paper, Germ-X, and other stuff I can't remember... plus there's a $55 classroom fee (class shirt, scrapbook, workbooks, etc.) and there are "extra" items on top of the supply list that the teachers requested (Lysol, Clorox wipes, and black dry erase markers.)

I can sympathize, though, because I am a teacher myself. Rumor has it that we might not get any State funding next year for supplies, so all classroom provisions will have to come from parents. God help us all if that happens, because only about an eighth of my students actually BRING the supplies I request. We will all have to say a prayer that it doesn't go that far next year.

Kindergarten Registration

1:05 P.M. - Can you believe my baby girl registers for kindergarten this afternoon? Say a little prayer that she does well on her test. Will give an update later.

Around the world (or our piece of it!)

It has been crazy busy lately, AS USUAL! But I guess I should just be glad we are all healthy enough to run around like we do. As promised, here are the zoo pictures from Peyton's field trip.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This past Friday night, the fam went out to dinner and to do a little shopping. We ate at Sumo, which you know is one of my favorites. It's nowhere near the first time the kids have been, but it's the first time Andrew has noticed chopsticks and attempted to do something with them. Here are the results of his adventure...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Weaning & weeping

As of today, I am beginning the weaning process (sniffle!) My heart overflows with the joy of knowing that Andrew and I have been able to share this bond for a little over a year now. But at the same time, my heart breaks because I feel like I am leaving the last tiny piece of his baby-hood behind. I have been offering him cow's milk from a sippy cup for about a week now. The first few days, he wanted nothing to do with it. But over the past three days, he has grown to LOVE it. Last night he would go get his cup and bring it to me and point at it like he was trying to tell me to fill it up. I would put a little milk in it and he would chug it down and just grin! So I guess he's ready.

Starting today, for the first time since school started, I will NOT be pumping at school...so he will get cow's milk from a sippy for lunch. For the next few days, I will continue to pump before I leave for work and let him nurse when I get home and then again before bed. Every 4-6 days, I will drop a feeding. I know I will drop the 4:00 feeding next, but I don't know what to do after that. I don't know what will be worse...not nursing when he first wakes up or not nursing right before bed. Those are his favorites.

Please pray for me that I will deal with this emotional time gracefully. Right now all I want to do is cry and give into my belief that after I stop nursing he won't need me anymore (though I am quite aware that it's foolish nonsense!) While I am ready for a little more "me" time, this bond cannot be replaced and this is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Keep me in your prayers.

Andrew's surgery

I quickly wanted to let the blogging world know that Andrew's surgery went well today. We had to get him u pat 5:00 to go to the hospital. I was worried he would be really cranky, but he was fine. He ran all over the outpatient surgery wing and flirted with the nurses. We walked him to the O.R. door at 6:45 and the doctor came out at 6:58 to tell us that everything went well. He was back in my arms by 7:15 and squalling his head off! He couldn't hold his eyes open. Poor thing looked so dizzy. He nursed and then they let us go. He slept all the way home. When we first got home, he wanted down to walk but couldn't...he looked drunk, staggering around the living room with a goofy grin on his face. About 10 minutes later, he was fine and our normal little Andrew, running all over the place and chatting 90-to-nothing. We have to put drops in his ears 3 times a day for 3 days and they told us that they burn horribly. He screams his head off when we have to do it. I hate to see him in pain like that. It makes me want to cry with him.

Thank you for all of your prayers. We aren't supposed to get him out in public until tomorrow, so we won't be at church tonight. Say a prayer that he sleeps well! You know how they can get when their schedules get out of whack!

Addictions

After reading my buddies' blogs, I will also list some of my addictions. Some are healthy, some not so much. I guess it could be worse.

Reading - I am almost ALWAYS reading a book. If I go more than a few weeks without reading for pleasure, I start to feel my brain cells trickle out of my ears. When you have a 4-year-old, 1-year-old, and 120 6th-8th graders for company all day long, you have to find some sort of adult-level knowledge. Reading is that for me!

Diet Soda - I will drink almost any variety. But Diet Mt Dew, Diet Pepsi, and Diet Dr. Pepper are my faves.

Blogger - I check it numerous times a day. When you don't get to see your friends (outside of church), you have to keep up with them somehow!

Photography - I take pictures of EVERYTHING! It's a wonder I don't have a picture of the kids' first bowel movements. I rarely ever print out all of my pictures, but it's nice to have the digital version at least.

Health, Physical Fitness, & Nutrition - I know you can't tell by looking at me right now, but I am totally addicted. I get in these phases where all I think about is calories in, calories out, and what is going to make me healthiest and able to run further. Weird, I know, but maybe I will live longer because of it.

DVR - I record everything on TV and then watch it back when I am doing chores or trying to fall asleep. Some of the timers on my DVR: The Biggest Loser, CSI: Miami, The Bachelor, American Idol, America's Next Top Model (don't make fun of me!), Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice. The rest of the timers are all of Nick's fishing shows.

Food Network - If I am not watching a show I have on DVR, I have the Food Network on. It is the background to my life. I love that channel!

Electronic Communication - e-mail, cell-phone...feel lost without them both

There are probably more I can think of, so look check back later. I will probably be adding on.

John 13: 34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

How is the world to know that we belong to Him if we defeat our own progress with evil words and unkind deeds? We should support each other, not tear each other down. Romans 12: 9-11 says, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." I will admit that I, just as everyone, has failed at this at some point in my Christian walk. However, we should all work diligently to fulfill this command.

I am reminded of the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. Each time I hear it, I am reminded to do the best I can at showing the love I have for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Angry words! O let them never,
From the tongue unbridled slip,
May the heart’s best impulse ever,
Check them ere they soil the lip.

Love is much too pure and holy,
Friendship is too sacred far,
For a moment’s reckless folly,
Thus to desolate and mar.

Angry words are lightly spoken,
Bitterest thoughts are rashly stirred,
Brightest links of life are broken,
By a single angry word.

Love one another thus saith the Savior,
Children obey the Father’s blest command,
Love each other, love each other,
’Tis the Father’s blest command.

Upcoming WINGS Events

Just a reminder, the sleepover is Friday night at Kim's house after the jr. and sr. high devotional. Please let us know if you cannot attend. If you know you can't spend the night, come for as long as you can! Hopefully the t-shirts will be ready and we can give them out that night.

Also, Friday, May 22nd we are planning an end-of-the year party for the girls. All WINGS mentors and mentees are invited. If you read this blog, please post a comment and vote for your preference between bowling and roller skating. We will need to make reservations in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for all you do!

Happy First Birthday, Baby Boy!

I cannot believe that my little man is one today. This time a year ago, we were just able to get him out of the warmer and hold him. I had nursed him for the first time, and his tiny body was nestled deep in my arms. I was gazing at his ten tiny fingers, in amazement of God's power and love that He would bless us with such an amazing gift. Though I knew what it meant to love a child, I had no idea just what Andrew would add to our lives. People tried to explain it, but my relationship with Peyton is exactly the same but completely different from what I have with Andrew.

Baby boy, my little monkey, you have added so much to my world! You make each day a little brighter and we share such a special bond as Mother and Son. Every time you smile, laugh, cry, try something new, or just look into my eyes, I am reminded of the awesome responsibility Daddy and I have in raising you. I pray that you will grow to be a good, Godly, Christian man and that one day you are blessed with children of your own so that you will know this love. My cup runneth over. I love you and I am blessed to be your Mommy. I will always be here for you. Happy first birthday...and, God willing, many more to come!

P.S. Scroll to the bottom of my blog and you can see Andrew's birthday ticker!

What a weekend!

We had a very busy weekend! Friday night was Prom Alternative. We had so much fun. Thanks to Laura, Crystal and Erin for creating such a beautiful night. I wish I could have helped more. It was so much fun.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Saturday was Andrew's FIRST birthday party. Can you believe it's here? He will officially be ONE tomorrow. Time has flown, but I am glad to have had the past year with him. (More sap to come tomorrow, I'm sure.)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Saturday after the party, Anna, Kim, Hailey, Blake, Ronnie and Chance came over to watch Alabama's A-Day game. After that, we took advantage of Chance and put him to work. He helped Nick put Andrew's birthday wagon together, and then we all went out for a bite to eat.

Sunday was church and the VBS meeting. I am excited to teach cradle roll this year and be assisted by my dear Anna...I need all the help I can get. I hope everyone will get involved and make it a great VBS!

So, so, so much to do...

This week is going to be crazy! Church tonight, math team tomorrow afternoon, prom alternative Friday night AND...drumroll...Andrew's first birthday party on Saturday. I am a little bummed because I wish we could invite everyone we've ever met, kind of like we did for Peyton's 1st birthday, but it just isn't feasible. We don't have the money or space to hold that many people. We are keeping it to a minimum, with mainly immediate family involved. And while I usually have a Chick-fil-a tray, Subway tray, and all the extras for parties, I am making my own deli tray with meat, veggies, and bread...then just chips, dip, and cake (which I will be attempting to decorate myself; this should be intereting.) I feel like Andrew is being ripped off, but we just don't have the extra money right now to go hog wild. Besides, he doesn't even know what's going on. And at Peyton's party we were almost miserable. There were so many people and presents that she was on overload and so were we. So this year will just be a few people over for sandwiches and hopefully a more relaxed time. To all of my bestest buds, especially my church peeps, I know you will understand. Maybe we can all get together and go to the park one day to celebrate the lives of all of our children!!! I love you all. Wish me luck on the cake.

Easter Fun

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Spaghetti & Bunny Cake

We let Andrew have spaghetti and feed it to himself for the first time on Tuesday. Here are the results (click on the pictures, especially the last one, to get up close and personal with the spaghetti mess):

"I think I might be able to grab this stuff if I try really hard..."









"GOT IT! Now what do I do with it?"

"Hey, this stuff might be tasty."









"GASP! Where have they been hiding this stuff??????"












Most of you don't know that I have a secret hobby of decorating cakes for family members and special occasions. I learned how to do this from my Mom. I watched her stay up til the wee hours of the morning on countless nights to make cakes for me to take to school parties. On Wednesday, I made a bunny cake for Peyton to take to her Easter party on Thursday. (Thanks, Christy, for the frosting recipe. It's great.) Here's the finished product. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this technique, the cake is decorated with literally hundreds of delicious frosting stars:

This & That

WINGS members: No, we have not completely disintegrated. :) Things have been crazy with all the L2L stuff, so I wanted to wait until after Nashville to organize anymore functions. Kim wants to have a get together soon and I am planning an end-of-school bash for all our girls. Keep on the lookout for announcements to follow!

On to other things...

I have been keeping busy lately with family and work stuff. This past weekend I took my math team to a tournament at Berry-Simmons Middle School. We had a good time. It's always good for the kids to get out there and compete with the big dogs; good preparation for high school and college. Sunday night I finally talked Nick into watching Twilight with me and he loved it. I kept going on and on about how he needs to read the books. He's not a big reader, but he confessed yesterday that he does want to read the books. Who'd have thunk it? Peyton's soccer games keep getting canceled due to rain/freezing temps/wind. She's supposed to play Thursday. We will keep our fingers crossed.

Other than that, I've just been busy with everyday stuff. I get to make my friendship bread in a couple of days. Can't wait to smell it cooking! I am baking a bunny cake tomorrow night for Peyton to take to school for their Easter party on Thursday. Will post pictures soon.

Crazy days

Things are getting crazy around here these days. Peyton is back in soccer, which occupies 1 to 3 nights a week depending on the schedule. It's SAT-10 and ARMT time at school (YAY!...full of sarcasm) so the schedule at school and the kids are crazy, too. We are trying to get ready for all the things to come in the next three weeks...soccer games, field trips, math tournaments, Andrew's surgery, Andrew's first birthday, Nick working and going out of town. Forgive me, please, if you don't hear from me for a while. Good Lord willing, I will be around after it's all said and done.

Most recent news

Well, we went to the ENT yesterday. Turns out Andrew has otitis media with effusion. This means that while he does not always have an ear infection, he always has fluid in his ear. He does not have any permanent hearing loss, but the audiologist said his hearing is low at some frequencies right now because of the fluid. He is having tubes inserted in April, which will cause his hearing to go right back up to normal. I am not happy about it, but it would be a thousand times worse if he had permanent hearing loss or speech delays because of the fluid. The ENT said it was a simple procedure, takes about 5 minutes on each ear. They don't even do oral sedation anymore. Just nitrous oxide like you get at the dentist is enough to knock out a little one. No IV, nothing like that. They also said he will be free to swim, bathe, be under water, etc. We are supposed to go on about business as usual. Keep the little man in your prayers that he will do fine with everything.

First day back

Yesterday was a long day. I had gotten so used to being off work for the week...I did not want to go back. I left two crying babies yesterday morning, which did not make me feel good at all. The kids at school were a little wild, as expected. But the afternoon was great. Peyton had her first dental work done (repair of a chipped tooth and filling of a shallow cavity.) She did GREAT! She handled the nitrous oxide well and told the dentist lots of stories. Apparently the NO2 made her chattier than normal, if you can imagine that! Then yesterday evening, the whole family went to the track. I strolled Andrew and walked a little over a mile while Peyton and Nick played on the playground. A great ending to the day.

Spring Break Fun

We have been VERY busy this week. Saturday we went to a birthday party for one of Peyton's classmates at Inspired Equestrian on Empire Road. She had a blast. Then we went to Chad's 30th birthday party and hung out with friends. Sunday was church and all the usual running around.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Monday was Peyton's first trip to the dentist. She has two shallow cavities that they will fix in the next two weeks. She was a perfect patient. No tears, only smiles. I had prepared her by telling her that no grown-ups were allowed in the dentist's room, only kids. They wanted to call me back to review her medical history and she got sad and said, "No, I have to go by myself. I'm a big girl!" So they let her go back and then came back for me. Below is her pic with her new toothbrush!


Tuesday Mom, Peyton, Andrew and I went to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. We had a blast. The kids behaved perfectly, which was wonderful. We also got to see the "Under the Sea" 3D IMAX movie. Peyton was hilarious trying to grab the fish as they swam at her.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Last, but certainly not least, on Wednesday I went with Kim, Autumn and Anna to Sips 'n Strokes on 280 to try our hands at painting angels. Despite our panic attacks over getting it right, I think our work turned out beautifully. It has been a great week so far.