All in a Day's Work

See me?  I'm the person who rarely updates her blog anymore.  After reading this post, you'll hopefully understand why.  Here's a rundown of my day...

I was up by 5am (slept in a bit too much); showered and groomed myself; awoke sweet 3 year old Case; brushed his teeth, took him to potty, dressed him, medicated him, juiced him, and sent him to daycare with my hubby; made breakfast for eight year old Kennedy (hubby has to get her up because they are both cave people in the morn); got her snack/water bottle ready; fixed my lunch; fixed her hair and shooed her out of the house; arrived to school to look over things left by yesterday's sub (death in the family sent me on an 8 hour roundtrip visit to Knoxville in a day's time); began preparing lesson plans for next week; answered numerous mermaid/fairy related questions posed to me by Kennedy (love her heart); noticed students were arriving around 7:30 and had to direct them with their projects; hosted a teacher from another school whom I fear will never want to teach 1st grade after seeing how eventful our days are (even though it was a lower key test day); taught 1st graders the wonders of Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel (even Googled pictures of steam shovels and furnaces); administered tests; praised students; reminded students of proper classroom behavior; led small group instruction; answered more questions; enjoyed indoor recess due to rain (sarcasm should be noted here); pinched nerve in shoulder; led 20 ravenous children to the lunchroom for chow time; taught students about patriotism and US landmarks (even watched a Brain Pop video or two); took students to PE so I could Xerox a heap of stuff, answer e-mail, and look for just 1 thing I could check off of my to do list--no such luck); picked students up; administered a math test; glued 4 songs in Poetry Notebooks and practiced listening to them; let students sign t-shirts (while we were packing up); assured students that I love them and yes, I am excited about Green Fling tomorrow too; chatted with a few other teachers; checked mail and responded to more e-mail; listened to Kennedy and friends bounce a ball in the classroom (headache that I had since 11:45 got worse); prepared classroom for tomorrow; packed to leave; took Kennedy to gymnastics (after stopping at Zaxby's for sweet tea--not sure why that always makes my headaches feel better); called both of my parents; sent a few texts; helped rearrange teacher appreciation week for Kennedy's class (her teacher unexpectedly lost her mother in law; her family could use your prayers); ran to Publix during gymnastics; chatted with a friend at the end of gymnastics; picked Kennedy up and went to Wal-Mart; scored Kennedy a Monster High nightgown while there (which she promptly told me to wash for tomorrow night's sleepover); came home and folded a load of laundry after greeting hubby and Case (who got mud on his shoes, but he was outside with hubby, so I got out of cleaning up that mess); made dinner; checked facebook; put laundry in dryer and started another load of laundry; thought about crying over tonight's workload, but decided to instead thank the good Lord for laundry to fold for my babies and for the headache that had gotten better because I really do only get about 1 a month and some of my friends have them constantly; e-mailed some important documents; responded to school e-mail; watched trailer for the new Spider-Man movie; bathed children; prepared a few important items related to school; talked to hubby about eye doctor appointments and The Avengers movie; took Case to bed (Kennedy already fell asleep) and sang his 3 customary songs and said prayers with him; worked on important school items again while listening to some gospel music; finished and e-mailed documents (woo hoo!); washed dishes while watching Dr. Phil; checked a blog I follow; noticed she was doing a linky tomorrow and decided I would link up.  It's only been 4 months since my last post, afterall, and now you know why!

The Happy List

I'm going to pretend like it hasn't been 5 months since my last post.  Just go with it...

Each night I lay Case down to bed, and we have a little routine.  He helps me sing 'On Top of Spaghetti' and 'He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.'  Of course we have to put real life people's names in both of those songs.  Then we say prayers and sing 2 rousing rounds of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.'  I've been trying to get Case to help me with his prayers.  I've been asking him for a few weeks what he is thankful for--to which I get no response.  So I then began asking him if he was thankful for this and that and he would respond yes to most things.  Well, it finally hit me the other night to ask him what makes him happy.  In his mind Case was thinking, "This lady finally speaks my language!"  He has no problem telling me what makes him happy.  Last night it was water, wind, gaga, and Mommy.  Tonight it was hugs (melt my heart), Ms. LarVette (his sweet teacher), and gaga.  I don't think he knows Lady Gaga, so if have any other ideas on that one please let me know.  For some reason gaga has always been his nonsense word???

Case's sweet little happy list made me feel bad for not being as simple minded.  I have so much to be thankful for, but sometimes I just mess up (like I did earlier this evening) and get ill because I feel stressed.  Here we are with all of our needs and most of our wants met, and I get upset because the dishes aren't the way I want them or because I have to spread the bed for the third time that day.  At least I was smart enough to hush up and go to my closet for a little chill prayer time.  As I prayed with Case tonight I thanked the Lord for watching over my family each day and returning us all home safely together.  Home--there's no Earthly place I'd rather be.

Lost & Never Found Again!

So, I recently lost 70 lbs in 4 months and a certain friend named Leilani wanted to see before and after pics, so here they are. I wish I had worn a different outfit for the pictures---something a little more form fitting, but I didn't realize that at the time. I think you can still see a big difference though. =) I feel so much better, and I plan to keep this weight off forever!!! Please let me know if you see it sneaking back on! Blessings to you all.

And feel free to laugh at my 'extra chubby' pictures. It won't hurt my feelings.

Really Long Catch-Up Edition

Wow! I had good intentions, but this blog is just not my top priority. I don’t know how some moms post daily. It drives me crazy having to wait for the pictures to upload. Plus, I can only load 5 pictures at a time, so after the first 5 load, I have to choose more and wait on those. I am going to try to catch us up to date in this post.

Spring began very beautifully. See these two gorgeous children as evidence? We went to church, played outside, flew kites, and enjoyed Easter egg hunting (but this is not a picture from Easter).

Then April 27^th came along and changed our beautiful spring. Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave or under a rock, you know what I am talking about. Over 300 tornadoes swept through AL in one day, demolishing entire towns, wiping out electricity for days, and killing hundreds. It was a sad day and continues to be a sad memory. I am thankful that our community was passed by, but so many were not as fortunate as we were. We reported t o school late, just to be dismissed early. Kennedy and I had to race to Huntsville to pick Case up form daycare, just as the sirens began going off. We made it home safely. Matt called to say they had asked him to stay overnight at work to help with emergencies. The power had just gone off, and I thought it would soon be back on, so I told him I loved him, put both kids in bed with me, and went to sleep. Cell phones were not working well at all, and I had no radio to listen to. Matt arrived home the next morning to fill me in on the devastation that I had not even realized had occurred. Then he told me the shocker: power could be out for up to 7 days! We spent that day mostly outside, eating whatever we had in the fridge before it went bad. Generators sold before we could get one. Boredom set in, as evidenced by the photo of Case jumping over Mickey Mouse.

My sister came over on Friday, and she and I conjured up a plan to head to the beach. Matt agreed, if I could keep the cost reasonable. Thankfully, my dad got us a room in his hotel family at a nice rate.

We enjoyed a couple of days at the beach, but I think two full days was enough for all of us. That sand just gets in too many places. Case was so cute though. I would take him out in the water, and when a wave came he would say, “Oh! It’s a big one! Don’t get Case!” Kennedy loved the boogie board—so glad Lark brought it along! I am sure that as the kids get older, the beach will become relaxing once again, instead of work.

The school year ended. Can you say best class ever?!?!?!?!?! I am missing those students and their parents so much!

Matt and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a little trip to Nashville. Lark kept the kids and bought them many things while we were away. It was my first night away from Case since his birth. It was a fun trip! It’s always a treat to have alone time with my Hub!

Right after our getaway, I began to potty train Case. He was trained with numbers 1 & 2 within 3 weeks! SUCCESS! Yes, he soiled the floor in the indoor mall play area one day, but I eventually forgave him.

In June, Kennedy’s Girl Scout troop took a trip to Alpharetta, GA, to the American Girl store. We stayed at the Marriott there. The hotel offers an American Girl package, which includes a girl check-in area, a doll bed to keep, cookies and milk, breakfast, and a free dessert. Kennedy and her friends held a fashion show that night, and we moms had the best time laughing! My niece Paige went also, and she was honored to be the judge of the fashion show. The next day we went to the mall for some AG shopping. Kennedy walked away with 2 new dolls: one for earning all As during the school year and one for her upcoming birthday. Each Girl Scout received a $60 gift card for selling cookies, so she also bought a few outfits. Plus, I secretly bought a few more outfits for her birthday. We ate lunch at the AG café and had so much fun! We will definitely do it again!

We have learned that Case likes to clean! Kennedy used to also, so I figure it’s only temporary, and I better work him while I can! Case has such a funny personality. He likes to do things his way, and he is not afraid to yell if someone upsets him! He is as good as gold at home, but when he’s out in public, I mostly stay embarrassed! Case loves superheroes, cars, and trains. We are planning his birthday party, so we have begun singing Happy Birthday to him in hopes that he will not melt down when a group of people sing to him at his party and at church. Now every morning, he tells me it’s his birthday. Not yet, sweetheart!

Kennedy turned 8 on the Fourth of July! I can hardly believe it myself! She invited her friend Emily over. We enjoyed cake and ice cream and then went to eat at PF Chang’s for the second year in a row! They rode the carousel, and Case pitched a fit about something that prompted up to leave before the fireworks began. We got home and sat in our drive way, watching the fireworks all around us.

Kennedy is just a precious girl, who has a conscience unlike anyone I know. She tells on herself for everything she may or may not have done wrong. At first I tried to get her to stop. Then I realized if I let this continue, the teenage years may be a little easier. So I just listen and try to make her feel better about whatever she may or may not have done. Kennedy has a heart for God, and truly loves God and Jesus first and foremost. I pray she always has that love and that she works here on Earth to please our Father in Heaven. She will enter 3^rd grade this year, which I just crazy! When she was a newborn, I taught 3^rd grade and told my students funny little stories about her. I never thought the day would come so quickly that she herself is a 3^rd grader! I love that girl with all of my heart. Her smile has lifted me out of so many sad moments! I pray we are always best friends!

Summer has been joyful. It hasn’t been too hot. We have enjoyed relaxing at home, playing outside, going swimming, and eating frozen yogurt on Fridays. And, since April 1^st, I have lost 67 lbs! I have about 2.5 lbs to go! If I’m ever brave enough, I may just post before and after pictures on this blog.

We also went to the lake with friends a few weeks ago, and Case did not enjoy his first inner tube ride. Bummer! I was having fun. He just wanted to swim in the lake. Kennedy had a blast on the tube, in the lake, and on the jet ski! She is adventurous!

They were both exhausted after a day at the lake, and Matt and I were able to capture this gem of a picture when we arrived home. Can you say blackmail?!?!?!

Love & Blessing to All!!!!!

Dec. 2010-Jan. 2011

I know it's been a while. Let's just say a few things have been going on, and I will share a few pictures to catch us up to now.

In December I took Kennedy to Disney's Princesses on Ice, and it was TOTALLY worth the money (especially since I found a coupon)! Case would have loved it too, but I wasn't sure until we got there and saw Mickey & Minnie. We will all have to go to the next Disney event at the VBC!

Kennedy's Brownie Troop went caroling at a retirement home. The residents were so sweet and appreciative of the girls. I am very happy that Kennedy is active in an organization that actually helps others!

We awoke on Christmas morning to the most beautiful white Christmas any of us have ever seen. After we opened presents, we played outside a bit and got dinner ready. For a reason I can't really discuss right now, this was a really hard Christmas, but we tried to keep it about Jesus and our children. I am so thankful that even when the days are dark and sad, we have God's promise that He will be with us through all of life's trials and beyond!

A few weeks after Christmas we got about 8 inches of snow, and I thought I would go crazy in this house, unable to leave my driveway! Case didn't like the snow because his feet kept getting buried in it, and Kennedy was tired of it after a few days. The snow is beautiful, and I actually hope for a little more this winter, but I am glad we do not have it all winter long!

These are a few of my favorite children. L-R: Madison (my niece's friend), Paige holding Case, Kennedy, RT (standing), and Korey. I pray that God's blessings will fill all of their lives abundantly.

Matt was very excited that Auburn won a National Championship, even though we had lots of snow here in Alabama and life as we know it was shut down for five incredibly lllllloooooonnnnnggggg days! Because of the icy roads, Matt couldn't make it to the big 'Duck Hunt' that his friend was hosting, so he and two of our neighbors, Mike and Dana, had a celebratory fire at Dana's pit in our mountainside. He even brought me back a s'more!

Season's Greetings

This is such a magical time of year. But, it's also very overwhelming (especially since over the last month I have added the task of moving to a brand new school). Instead of being overwhelmed, I just want to enjoy the happiness of Christmas and of the promise that was given to us with the birth of Jesus. I want to remember that without His birth, my family would be without hope. I want to remember that God blessed me with a loving husband and the two sweetest and cutest kids ever, and I never want to take Him or them for granted!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from our home to yours!

Halloween 2010

Okay, so I am a few weeks late, but Kennedy and Case had the cutest Halloween outfits this year, and I wanted to share a few pictures of Halloween Day!

We went to Tate Farm, where Case discovered the JOY of the corn crib!!!! I wasn't sure we would ever get him out. And Kennedy went down the huge slide a dozen times. It was a beautiful, warm day!

When we got home we sprayed both kids' hair (never again will they both wear costumes that require sprayed hair), and transformed them into a page right out of history. They were the ever cute Pebbles & Bam Bam!!! Kennedy decided LAST Halloween that they would go as Pebbles & Bam Bam this year, and she never faltered on that decision. I love for them to coordinate, so I was thrilled. One of my friends made their costumes, and she did a great job! The only problem is that apparently some parents don't show their children good cartoons, like The Flintstones, therefore many children kept asking and wondering who they were dressed as. So sad.... Anyways, they had a blast, and we didn't even have to put Case's undershirt on until around 6:15. By that time I was tired of people telling me that he may get cold. Don't worry, folks, I do this everyday (I wanted to say). By far Kennedy's favorite part of the night was spontaneously meeting up with some of her classmates. Case's favorite part was seeing, talking about, and touching all of the hydrants!

They Follow Me

This is the reason I rarely Blog! They follow me everywhere, and I absolutely love it (most of the time)!!! This picture was from last Tuesday when school let out early due to an approaching storm. I was making cookies, and they both had to sit in front of the sink to watch tv and to be in the same room as me. I am so blessed to have children who adore me! I'm sure I take their love for granted at times, but I really do try to enjoy every moment. I was looking at my tall seven year old as she was walking through the house today, and I remembered that when we moved into this house, she was just a tall three year old. I don't want to miss a day or wish any time away. I just want to relish every moment of their childhood because I realize it passes all too quickly! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!!!!!

A Once in a Lifetime Friend

It was a cool, crisp fall day. I was 8 years old, and a bit frightened. I walked into my new 2^nd grade classroom, having transferred across Atlanta in November-ish, and didn’t know anyone. My sister was a few halls down in this strange E shaped school, but my brothers were now at a completely different school. A lot had changed in our lives, and now a new school. I had left all of my friends behind and was so nervous. My teacher’s name was Mrs. Robb, and let’s just say that she’s not the type of teacher I ever want to be.

That whole year of my life (and the next) was hard. But there were a few rays of sunshine that came shining through. One of those rays was my friend Leilani. Leilani and I became friends soon after I transferred to E Rivers. We never had play dates or sleepovers, but we were inseparable at school. She helped me to feel accepted and valued.

E Rivers--2nd Grade

Leilani is sitting on the front row in the pink and white skirt. I am the top of the triangle.

When I started 3^rd grade, I was elated to see Leilani sitting in my classroom. We had Mrs. Wells, one of my all time favorite teachers. It was a much better year. Leilani and I still played together and also made other friends that I still remember.

Then, at the end of 3^rd grade, my parents decided that another move was best for our family. I was sad to leave my friends and Mrs. Wells. I made sure to get all of their addresses, hoping to stay in touch.

We moved from Atlanta to Florida to Tennessee and finally settled in Alabama (all of this within two months). We finally had a semi-permanent address (we lived in Huntsville and moved a few months later to New Hope, a small town outside of Huntsville), so I began writing to four people from E Rivers: Leilani, Mrs. Wells, Robin, and Arianna. I heard back only once from Arianna (I never really thought she liked me.). Robin and I wrote for a few years. Mrs. Wells and I wrote for many years and now send Christmas cards. But Leilani was different. We wrote and wrote and wrote. She was artsy and cultured. I was outgoing and sporty. We wrote to each other about people the other person didn’t even know. We wrote about school and our families. Later we wrote about boys of course. We made fun of each other’s lives a little bit. She was an exchange student in Spain (was I jealous!) while I was playing three sports and serving as president of just about every club at school. We continued to write….for years and years without ever seeing each other……

Then, it was our senior year of high school. We began writing about which colleges we were considering. We sent each other graduation invitations. Then, after 9 years, we saw each other! I had just graduated and Matt and I had gotten engaged. My mom and dad and I went to Atlanta to surprise Leilani at her high school graduation. It was so magnificent, and I wish we could have spent the whole day together (and I wish I could find the pictures), but we were together long enough for me to ask her to be a bridesmaid in Matt’s and my wedding, which was still two years away. She accepted, and we began college in separate states, but Leilani and I continued to write. We even began to e-mail (gasp!). That was a new concept to us, and we actually wrote more than we e-mailed.

As my wedding approached, I again mentioned to Leilani that I wanted her to be a bridesmaid, and she was still on board, though she was in the midst of changing schools. She came to New Hope for the first time to get fitted for her gown, and actually stayed for a day or so. Matt liked her instantly. Leilani came again for our wedding, and I was so proud that she could be a part of that special day.

This was the day my bridesmaids were fitted for their dresses. Leilani is on the right.

We wrote a little less, but still wrote. Leilani went to Spain again (lucky girl), and Matt and I made plans for a family. Leilani even sent a gift for Kennedy.

We have not seen each other since my wedding, over nine years ago, but we have kept up with each other through letters, cards, our blogs, and Facebook.

Leilani did the unthinkable last December: she got married! She had a small, sweet wedding ceremony. Tomorrow night she and her husband Shawn will celebrate their loving union with a reception. They live in North Carolina, and unfortunately, I can not be there, no matter how badly I wish I could be. But I am sending them my love and prayers for a wonderful marriage, and I know that in time we will see each other again. I look forward to that day so much! Leilani is a once in a lifetime friend, and even though I was frightened to walk into that new school back in 1988, I would do it all again for her friendship. I love you, Leilani, and I wish you all the happiness that life holds!

The picture below shows many of the letters Leilani has sent to me over the past twenty years. I was SO jealous of the cute address labels with the sheep on them! You can't see all of the letters because they are stuck together, but she often decorated the envelopes. Kennedy was in here earlier admiring them!

Fall Break 2010

This is a beautiful time of year! I love the colors of fall and the crisp air, especially in the Smokies! For fall break we took a mini vacation to the Smokies. Matt and I have not been there in years (and never together), so we were so very excited to have a getaway with our family and my sister’s family.

There is SO MUCH to do in the Smokies. We didn’t get to do everything that we wanted to do, but our days were packed. We’re looking forward to going back so that we can go to the Titanic Museum.

Thanks to Stephanie’s recommendation, we stayed at the beautiful, scenic Appleview River Walk condos. Our view was breathtaking and the condo was amazing. The nearby Applewood Restaurant was so good that we ate there twice (dinner and breakfast).

On our first day there we went to The Pancake Pantry for breakfast and Wonderworks (aka The Upside Down House). It’s a kid’s hands-on museum, with plenty for adults to do also. Kennedy climbed the rock wall numerous times, and Case enjoyed touching just about everything there.

We went to Dollywood, which was a lot of fun. Kennedy is a coaster junkie. I’m glad she doesn’t have my weak stomach! Case enjoyed the coal burning choo choo train. He said, “Ride choo choo train,” so many times that day! And, we discovered that suckers are a miracle worker with him. Case doesn’t really like to eat them, but he LOVES to hold them! Please, never try to take a sucker from him! Seriously, he held one for about two hours that day.

(Notice the brand of the tractor.)

After Dollywood, we had fun just walking the strip, eating at yummy restaurants (no matter how bad the service), and taking funny pictures.

My sister, Lark, her husband Michael, and her daughter Paige watched Kennedy and Case so that Matt and I could do the Sky Lift in Gatlinburg by ourselves. It was so fun to go with them. They were very helpful with the kids, and they kept us laughing! I am so proud of my big sister, and I love that we have become such good friends in the last four or five years!

We girls went shopping our last full day in the Smokies. We went to the huge Christmas store and the huge outdoor (outlet?) mall. I could have spent all day there, but by the time we got there, we only had a few hours to shop.

Our last morning, Matt and I took Paige with us for breakfast (Kennedy was sleeping and Case didn’t want to miss Mickey Mouse). Then we all loaded up to leave. We drove to the Smoky Mountain National Park. Lark and her family did a little more shopping, and we actually met up again on the road.

Thanks to traffic and some closed roads, the drive home was LLLLLLOOONNNGGGG! But, we finally got home, and I have enjoyed being home this past week with the kids. Kennedy had a blast, and we made some special family memories!