My Little Corner

I'd love to help you plan your Disney vacation!!!

2011-06-14T18:17:00.002-06:00

Can I just say....I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

2011-01-20T02:51:00.004-06:00

Ok....I officially have the best job in the world!!

My primary "job" is most certainly caring for my family and my home. I am so grateful that I have been able to be a stay-at-home mom for my girls. It's definitely the hardest, yet most rewarding, "job" I've ever had!! And, truly, I never thought I'd find any work I enjoyed and appreciated more.

Well...I think this might just try to prove me wrong!!

Last year I made official something I had been doing for quite some time.....I became an Authorized Disney Travel Planner. Now, for this Disney-loving, organizing and planning fool....it doesn't get much better!! And when you get to "go to work" here:

I mean....how can you not be happy!!??!!

So, this weekend my new friends at Classic Travel Connection, B, and I get to board the brand new Disney Dream for a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas, with stops at Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Um....I'm just a little excited :)

So, check back as I will have plenty of goodness to report from my fun, little adventure

Let's get started again with a giveaway

2010-10-22T12:04:00.003-06:00

No excuses. No promises. Let's just jump in and try again.

So, let's start with a fun giveaway!

My sweet friend, B, always has something fun going on.

So, go on....check out her blog...you'll love it!

Then, check out this great giveaway and try to win something yummy for your kitchen :)

And another fun bloggy award :)

2010-03-23T08:19:00.000-06:00

So, my friend, Lisa, gave me a beautiful blogger award. How fun!!!

And here are the rules:

You must thank the person who gave you the award.
Pass this award along to 13 of your favorite bloggers.
Contact the bloggers you've chosen to let them know they've won.
State 7 things about yourself.

Here are 13 bloggers I think are amazing:

B....my dear friend whose blog is full of inspiration, fun, and craftiness
Gretchen pure scrapbooking goodness
Brandi My friend...who is a mom of FOUR!!!....has just begun her own photography business
Ginger....my dear friend who shares her family adventures plus some fun recipes
Kim....my friend's blog about her sweet family
Stacey....my friend who loves to share her opinions on life in general....plus some great crafty goodness
Nicole....this sweet friend has a family blog detailing their exciting life with their 3 precious kids
Chantelle....my friend who had great ideas on her blog on how to save money plus I love to read about her adventures with her 3 handsome boys
http://www.nieniedialogues.com/ Pure inspiration
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ Sometimes I just need a good laugh!!!
Ashley....this girl is up to some great, great things!!!
Joey....I think I found someone who updates his blog less than I do, but maybe this will encourage him to get back at it.....always some good deep thinking going on here....
My Happy Place....gotta get my Disney fix :)

Okay....so 7 things about me:

I'm a stay-at-home mom to the 2 most precious girls on Earth :)
I love to scrapbook but never make time to do it.
I am cold ALL THE TIME!!!
I think Dark Chocolate Raisinets were created solely for me.
I HATE to mop a floor!!!
Finding hidden Mickeys makes me happy.
I'd rather spend time with my husband and kids than do anything else in the world :)

Needing a little sunshine.....

2010-03-23T07:46:00.000-06:00

Okay....I'm just a slacker....period.

Since I've last updated, which was 4 whole months ago.....I've received some blog goodness from my friends. I'll use these to get my poor, neglected blog updated again. And, enjoy, cuz this is probably all you'll get for at least another 4 months :)

So.....my sweet friend, B, sent me a Sunshine Award!!!! Just what I need for these gloomy, dreary, cold days around here!

So, I'm supposed to share this fun little award with some friends.

Here are the rules:

Put the Sunshine Award logo on your blog.

Pass the award along to 6 fellow bloggers.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they've received the award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link the person from whom you received this award.

So, here's a little sunshine for:

1. Ginger

2. Tabitha

3. Amanda

4. Teri

5. Dixie

6. Ashley

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T11:50:00.001-06:00

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Right this very minute I am so thankful that my mother-in-law offered to have Thanksgiving dinner at her house this year. I have actually been able to spend all morning with my girls, watching every minute of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, playing games, making crafts, making Christmas lists and shopping, just being together. I have NEVER been able to do this because I'm always cooking and cleaning to get the house ready for our family. I got most of my cooking done yesterday (with some extra little helpers), so we are all in our pjs this morning just hanging out. The only thing missing is Jason, who had to work today. But he'll join us at him mom's this afternoon! And then to rest up tonight for the big shopping day tomorrow :) Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!!!

I'm still here.....

2009-11-24T16:09:00.000-06:00

I haven't forgotten my cleaning task. I've actually been working on it....very hard!! But I've just been busy doing SO MANY other things too that I've not had time to post about it.

The next big job I tackled was the girls' bathroom. I mean, how can 2 little girls make such a mess!!?? There was toothpaste EVERYWHERE!!!! Ponytail holders and hair bows piled up and thrown on the floor. Dirty clothes in complete disarray. Shower curtain needed to be replaced...and the poor shower rod! The cabinets and drawers....oh, my!!!! So, here are some before and after pictures side by side. And the girls have been warned that it better be kept clean :)

Clean Clean Clean

2009-11-13T17:47:00.000-06:00

So, in an effort to create a bit of order in my chaotic world, I've decided to get my house clean....I mean, really clean....and in order......one room at a time. Little did I know, that my dear friend, B, and some of her friends have begun a cleaning blog-along challenge. The idea is to set aside time each day to tackle a room or de-cluttering project, take pics before and after and post them to your blog....that way everyone can follow along....I like it for the accountability! Feel free to join along if you'd like.

Anyway, I started with my laundry room. I didn't take any before pics because I started before the blog-along, and I just didn't think about taking before pics. But I promise it looks like a different room. I was so excited to get that room cleaned up and in order. The laundry room in between our garage and kitchen, and we go through it every time we leave or enter the house. It gets FILTHY and oh-so cluttered!!!! I love having it nice and neat and clean!

Then, I started tackling the girls' bathroom, which is really just embarrassing. I couldn't finish it because I need them to work on a lot of it too. We shall finish that this weekend, and then I'll post pics.

But, alas, I have completed my master bedroom, and I have the pics to prove it!!!!!

Our bedroom just catches so much stuff: piles of laundry, piles of mail, newspapers and magazines, clutter that we remove from the main part of the house when company comes over b/c we can just close the bedroom door and pretend it's no longer part of the house. So, here we go:

See the piles of laundry in my floor......just waiting to return to its rightful home.....

Oh, my......the ladybugs......they are EVERYWHERE!!!!!

My bed is ALWAYS unmade! I just never take the time to make it. And the nightstand....there are magazines I read at night sometimes, some of the girls' jewelry and hair stuff.....always a mess!

Ah....the poor dresser.....always catches everything!! Let's see.....discs where I've been trying to copy pictures, the girl's hair stuff and jewelry, a foam chair Jason brought home from work (???), piles of mail I need to go through, old pictures in frames that have been knocked over, and dust......lots and lots of dust!!!!

Speaking of dust.....this is a full-length floor mirror we have in our room. Look at all that dust.....SHAMEFUL!!!!

This is our TV armoire.....we don't have a TV in there. I am a "no TV in the bedroom" person. Those boxes.....empty! There are things in those drawers I haven't seen in years!! And the dust, oh, the dust!!!!!!!!

And so began the cleaning.....and when I clean.....I CLEAN!!!! I went through all drawers and cabinets. I took the ficus tree outside and hosed it down. I re-organized my jewelry, cleaned under the bed, scrubbed the baseboards, everything!!!! And this is how it all turned out:

Neatly made-up bed, with clean sheets, including clean mattress pad! Those candles above the bed.....dusted inside every one of them. Nightstand cleaned off (I know that is an ugly alarm clock, but I've had that thing since I was in high school, and it still works like a dream....I just can't get rid of it!!!) I also realize there is a teddy bear on my nightstand.....long story, but that is Bono, and he has a permanent home on my nightstand or else Anna will be devastated!

See......completely clean under the bed :)))

The dresser.....all nice and neat and dust-free!!

Mirror without dust, floor without laundry. And inside that basket I found 2 Littlest Pet Shop animals and a flashlight. My friend, Lara, said they must have gone camping!!! You never know what you might find with Emma in the house!!

HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!

3 months already.......

2009-11-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

I know I'm a lousy blogger, but, wow, 3 months since my last update.....that's pretty pathetic!!!

I'll blame it on being crazy busy.....

Let's see, what's happened in these 3 months???

Jonas Brothers concert
Floodgate concerts
puppy-sitting Izzy for Jordan & Kristen
Emma cheerleading nearly every Saturday, plus Monday night practices
Dance two nights each week
Jury Duty
Alabama games with the fam
Swine flu
2 beach trips with good friends
lots and lots of birthdays
field trips
Halloween....with numerous parties and activities....too much Halloween, for sure!!!!
house cleaning
Christmas shopping
coffee with friends
weekday lunch dates with Jason
And the list goes on.......

It's just one of those times when life seems to be spiraling out of control, when some order amidst the chaos is so welcome and needed. But for now, I will just enjoy the crazy ride and cherish each and every moment I have with my family and friends......

We Survived!!!

2009-08-13T20:22:00.000-06:00

Well.....we all made it through the first day of school! Emma said, "It was the best first day ever!" Anna said she absolutely loved 3rd grade!!! They couldn't wait to tell me every detail of their day!!! I know they won't always be so willing to share those things with me, so I cherish those moments!!!! And it helps make it a little better for me knowing they're happy and loving school!

And since the first day of school this year just happened to be my birthday....my dear friend, B, invited me for coffee.....not just to celebrate my bday but because she knows how miserable it is for us moms to sit at home in the quiet house on the first day of school. Thanks, B, for a great start to a great day! It made my birthday happier and helped the long first day of school pass by

even quicker for me!

Back to School Already????

2009-08-11T13:00:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's already time for school to start!!! Where did the summer go?!?!

These are pics of the girls with their new teachers for this year. Emma will be in 1st grade with Mrs. Julie Grogan. Anna will be in 3rd grade with Mrs. Dawn Childs. Both girls really enjoyed meeting their teachers and already love them! They are very excited about school starting, which is a welcome change for Anna....she is always so nervous about starting a new school year. But she can't wait this year!!!

However, I am not one of the moms who enjoy school starting. I hate it, in fact. I truly miss my girls when they are at school every day. I enjoy my "Susie" time, but the quietness of the house just gets to me after a while. And just knowing that each year, a bit of their innocence is lost and the reality of life begins to set in more and more. But it really doesn't matter how I feel...it's going to happen year after year.

So, tomorrow I send them off......hand them over to another person that I pray will care for them as I would.....pray that they will truly enjoy the experiences school provides....trust that they will learn not just facts but also life lessons that will serve them as they grow.....allow them to nurture relationships that might even last a lifetime.....and wait on them to get home every day and share with me about their joys, their fears, their accomplishments, their failures......and enjoy that they still want to share those things with me.....because I know way too soon those moments will be all to fleeting.

My Emma....she just cracks me up!!!

2009-08-10T14:46:00.000-06:00

You just never know what you're going to get with Emma! She is so full of life, so witty, so much fun!!!! We went to eat dinner last night for our family night. (We have family night every Sunday night....it's the only night of the week Jason is always home b/c even if he works, he's home by 6:30. So, we have family night, and we take turns being the "Star of the Week"....whoever is the star gets to choose the activities for family night.) While we were at dinner, Emma quickly proved she was in rare form....even rarer than usual! Here is one of the conversations we had:

Emma: When I turn 30 I'm gonna have a million dollars.
Me: Oh, really! And how are you going to get a million dollars?
Emma: I'm gonna get it from the 60-year-old woman (and then points to me). And the 60-year-old man (and points to Jason).
Me: And what are we supposed to do when you take all our money? (as if we would even have anywhere close to a million dollars!!!!)
Emma: You guys can go sit in your poor, little wheelchairs and roll around and play BINGO all the time!

Hilarious!!!!!! Where does she come up with this stuff??!!

a few thoughts

2009-08-09T16:06:00.000-06:00

Honestly, there are so many things on my mind right now, and I'm having a bit of difficulty even having coherent thoughts much less trying to put them into writing. So, I'm not going to try to write cleverly or impressively....just from the heart. Here is what's on my mind and my heart at the present time:

Sometimes people do things that are incomprehensible and completely senseless. Sometimes people are downright hurtful, deceiving, and ruthless. Sometimes the people you want to care the most care the least. Sometimes wonderful people suffer while wicked people thrive. Sometimes there are just no answers. And for a person, like myself, who needs an answer for everything, that's a hard pill to swallow.

The following are some thoughts that keep coming to mind as I contemplate these things. I realize they are quite random, but it's just the way my strange little mind works......

The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it. ~Helen Keller
I read this in Reader's Digest not long ago, and it keeps coming to mind as I ponder the best way for me to handle certain situations: "When in doubt, do the positive.....the active thing, not the passive. You won't make the right choice 100 percent of the time, but.... remember, the things people regret in life are almost always the things they don't do, not the things they do."
I've heard many variations of this quote: "People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges." I am so very thankful for the amazing friends and supportive family I have in my life. There are so many times where I easily could have burned a bridge and written off someone who wronged me or hurt me. But I'd be a very lonely girl, indeed! I'm glad I took the opportunities I had to make things right when I could because I would have missed some wonderful blessings and memories if I had not. At the same time, I'm glad God gave me the ability to discern that some relationships were not healthy and needed to end. That's a hard lesson to learn as an adult, but I'm finding it even harder to teach my children. And I'm saddened by the fact that they even have to deal with such issues at such a young age.
Romans 12: 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
There is a prayer I found long ago. I love what it says, and I truly aspire to be this kind of person. I have it on my refrigerator, and I read it nearly every day: "Through me let there be kind words, a warm smile, a caring heart. Through me let there be a willingness to listen and a readiness to understand. Through me let there be dependability, steadfastness, trust, and loyalty. Through me let there be compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and love. Through me let there be every quality I find, Oh Lord, in Thee."

My Anna told me the other night while we were saying prayers, "Life is difficult and hard to believe sometimes." That sweet girl is just wise beyond her years. And what's sad to me is that she has no clue how difficult life can be yet. But I pray that I will be able to teach both my girls how to properly deal with the difficulty they will inevitably experience. And I also hope that one day I'll figure it out too so that they can follow my example......

Take a little time today to pray for this family

2009-07-08T12:15:00.000-06:00

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

You know how some stories you hear just really tug at your heart.......you can't get them out of your mind, you ache for the families involved? For me, this is one of those stories. So, take a minute and read their story and please join with me in prayer for them.

Please help a friend

2009-03-22T14:37:00.000-06:00

So, my friend, B, is doing an amazing thing. She is participating in a 60-mile walk to aid in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention. She needs a lot of support to pull this off. You can read more about it here. Consider helping any way you can.

Thanks!!!!!!!

Lessons Learned from the Traveling Carnival

2009-03-22T11:12:00.000-06:00

So, this week has been our Spring Break. And Spring Break in Trussville means the traveling carnival is in town. I will not candy coat this: I HATE TRAVELING CARNIVALS!!!!!!!!!!! I have so many reasons why, the first of which is that they are just so very unsafe and downright scary. But my girls think the carnival is just the grandest adventure. And I do remember loving it when I was little (I'm so sorry, Mom, for all the times I made you take me to these God-forsaken "adventures." So, every year, while hoping and praying they don't notice it or don't hear about it, I end up sucking it up and taking my precious children to the hellhole of the traveling carnival. I thought I'd share some of my observations and lessons learned from my 2 (yes, 2.....another story for another day) excursions to the Trussville Spring Fling:

Carnies scare me. Ok....I don't typically make blanket generalizations about whole groups of people, but, really, these people just plain scare me! And it must be a prerequisite that you be a chain smoker to be a carnie. Why does every last one of them have to light up right in my child's face??? UGH!!!
They must only use the rustiest nails, screws, and bolts to put these rides together. I cannot allow myself to think about the dangers of these things too long because it'll just make me crazy. But have you ever been to www.rideaccidents.com. Scary stuff!!!
Carnival rides...especially rickety ones that could fall apart any instant...are not good for an injured back. Yes, I know better, but I'm there, and I'm not about to tell fearless Emma that Mommy can't ride the Sizzler because her back is hurting. But, man, it hurt!
I'm pretty certain my 8-year-old is having PMS. Long story short: we surprised the girls with a trip to the carnival. They mentioned wanting to go (because even though I had hoped they wouldn't know about it, some friends had already mentioned it to them), so we decided to surprise them after a long, hard afternoon at the dentist. We pull up and park, and Anna immediately starts crying, "I don't want to go here. I mean, I do want to but just not now, not tonight. I don't want to let you down (um, no worries there, cupcake), but I just can't do it. But I wanna go, just not now, well, maybe, no, I just can't. *insert dramatic wail here* I just don't know what to do!" Oh, my!!!!!! Poor Jason, 3 girls PMSing at once in the same house. He's gonna need some friends in a few years!
I don't want my children to become teenagers. As we stood in line I watched the people walking around, standing, riding. There was a rather large amount of teenagers....young teenagers! Now, I get it....cutesy little rides where you can snuggle up to that hot, young thing you have a crush on. But I'm just not ready for it....not at all!!!! I did laugh, I must admit, when we walked by the kiddie carousel.....I mean it was tiny and clearly intended for use by much younger children. There was a group of teenagers, many boys, tall, heavy boys, belting out as loud as possible and also dancing to the Macarena, all while riding the kiddie carousel. They weren't hurting anybody, and there are so many things they could be out doing that are much less innocent. But, I'm just not ready for that stage!
I'm too old for this!!! The second ride I rode with Emma was a ride called the Black Widow. It's a little 2-seater ride where we face each other and spin our little vehicle while the entire ride spins around. Let me say that I LOVE amusement park rides....the faster, the higher, the crazier, the better....I love them!!!! I have NEVER gotten sick on any of them! We rode this thing, and Emma wants to spin as fast as possible. Great, I love it! Of course, I'm thinking: we're gonna spin this thing right off its little rickety axis, but ok, let's spin!!!! Before we were even off the thing, I was nearly vomiting. I was so sick and miserable. Of course, everything she wanted to ride the rest of the night was a spinning ride! I was so thankful to finally get home and get in bed.....I was so sick!!!!!
I'm thankful for fun times with my kids. As much as I loathe that place, my girls had such fun (even Anna, when she finally decided she wanted to go). We laughed and had fun......with no worries. Ok, I had a few worries :), but they didn't. And that makes it all worth it!!!!

just a little fun for the day

2009-01-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

B has tagged me again! I can only answer each question with one word. Here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? car
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? quiet
5. Your father? different
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? tornado
8. Your dream/goal? contentment
9. The room you're in? living
10. Your hobby? scrapping
11. Your fear? death
12. Where do you want to be in six years? improved
13. Where were you last night? dance
14. What you're not? singer
15. One of your wish list items? Seattle
16. Where you grew up? home
17. The last thing you did? Idol
18. What are you wearing? loungewear
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? barking
21. Your computer? slow
22. Your mood? unmotivated
23. Missing someone? definitely
24. Your car? red
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your Summer? fast
28. Love someone? unconditionally
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed? tonight
31. Last time you cried? unsure

So, now I'll tag Dixie and Crystal.

Ok....no more promises....

2009-01-14T21:12:00.000-06:00

I just can't keep up with blogging.....I have good intentions, but I just don't have enough time. But I do the best I can.....that's all I can do!

So much has happened since I last blogged: a trip to Chicago, 2 Disney trips, 2 birthdays (well, really more when you count other family and friends' bdays), a crazy bday sleepover with 15 5-8 year-olds, Thanksgiving, Christmas, running a half-marathon, and much, much more. I'll blog about it all when I get to it.....but not now.

Right now I'm playing catch-up since the last couple of months have been non-stop craziness. And trying to get a little rest in the midst of it all.......HA!

Just because you CAN vote doesn't mean you SHOULD vote

2008-11-03T12:37:00.000-06:00

Okay....I'm going to have to agree with my dad here.....I think everyone should be required to pass a test before they are able to vote. I think we should be able to prove that we know some basic things about how our country is governed. I think we should show that we understand who these people are that we are about to elect to govern our country......what they believe in and stand for, what decisions they intend to make, how will the decisions he/she makes affect our families and our future generations. Over and over again, I have heard people claiming they are voting for one candidate or the other because: someone told them to, because they "like his policies" but can't name one thing that man intends to do as President, "we need change" (What does that even mean???), the color of their skin, he just "looks" presidential, he's such a great speaker, they've always voted Democrat/Republican......and the list goes on.

I know that I'm not the most intelligent person on Earth. I have much to learn about many things, including our government, our history, and politics in general. However, I've paid very close attention to all sides of this election for more than a year now. I've done my research and feel that I'm as informed as I can be. I am ready to go to my polling place tomorrow, knowing that I am not just exercising my right to vote but that I'm doing my part to elect the man who I believe will be the best leader for this country. And I believe that not because someone told me I should vote for John McCain or that someone told me I should not vote for Barack Obama. I believe that not because I "like" John McCain and I don't "like" Barack Obama.....truth be known, I don't like either of them! I believe that because I've taken the time to listen to these men.....not just what other people say about them, I've read and studied and learned where these men have been and where they want us to believe they're going, especially as it relates to our country. I've looked at their stances on various issues as they relate to the future of America, as well as the future of my family, my children, and their children. And I've made my decision that I will vote for John McCain. If you'd like to know all my "why's" I'll be glad to share them with you.....

I do not take my responsibility and my right to vote lightly, and I'd like to think no one else in this great country of ours would either. Please be an informed voter....do your research and vote your convictions!

the correct link would help

2008-10-09T17:06:00.001-06:00

For some reason, my link in the previous post isn't working....

The correct link is: www.riteaid.com/vote

THANKS!!!

Go Vote

2008-10-09T16:56:00.000-06:00

Yes.....most definitely, vote for President on Nov. 4!!!! One of these days, when I finally get my thoughts together, I may blog about my many thoughts regarding this presidential election. But not today.....

Today, I'd like to ask you to go here and vote for your favorite pharmacist. Now, since I know that your favorite pharmacist is my dear, sweet hubby, you won't have any trouble choosing who to vote for!!!!

Seriously, October is American Pharmacists Month, and this is a great way to honor Jason's hard work. And you could win some Rite Aid gift cards too!

So, thanks for your vote!

Well, hello, again

2008-09-23T10:37:00.001-06:00

I know.....i just can't keep up with this thing. Really....it's just that my life is just boring, and there's not much for me to blog about. But, I do love my life.....simple and boring as it may be!

So, what's been happening since my last update???

The girls have settled into the school routine. Emma is loving school! She thinks she's the star of the class and pretty much owns the school. She's discovered that she can dance in the halls because the rules only state that there is no "running" in the halls. She told her teacher that she got a spanking before school one day and that it was okay because "it's funny when Mommy gets mad." She was drawing a tiger in class for a project they were doing involving tiger research, and she asked her teacher if it would be okay if she put accessories on her tiger. Her teacher told her she could draw a tiger with accessories at home!!! And she got her first love note:

And my sweet Anna.....2nd grade is proving to be traumatic for her...just lots of changes! More tests, more pressure, kids are starting to get more mean....and she just cares so deeply about all of it! It's so sad for her. But she will learn to deal with it....I just hope she'll let me help her through it. And then this week I finally had to fess up about Santa. She's asked questions for the last 3 years, so I knew it was coming, but I was still hoping it wouldn't come so soon. But the kids at school have been telling her about it. The difference this time is that she said they were making her feel like a baby because she still believed. I had to tell her!! I just hate that kids have to grow up so fast. I'm just not ready for it!!!!!

Let's see.....I ran my first 10K.....that's 6.2 miles, thank you very much! And I did it in a bit over an hour....so much better than I expected. Now, I was struggling, but I did it. And I'm proud. The 1/2 marathon training is coming along. I've had to tweak my training plan a bit....I was just getting bored with what I was doing. But this seems better, and I think I'm on the right track....we shall see. Here's a pic from the 10K:

Now, let me say this.....this is after the race is over, and I obviously look much more winded than my two runner friends. But these gals are real runners!!!! Gretchen has already completed a marathon....at Disney World, no less, and B is doing just awesome....she ran 13.1 miles today!!! That's a half-marathon!!! Way to go, B! Anyway, I'm quite proud because I kept up with them for the first 4 miles or so. However, this will be the last picture I get made next to them for quite a while because I look like A) a fat cow and B) I'm going to drop dead any second. So, when I lose more weight and get a few miles under my belt, I might think about getting another "running" picture made....but not until then.....yuck!!!!

Um.....we went to Hewitt-Trussville's football game a couple of weeks ago.....we thought the girls would enjoy it. And Jason is always up for some football! So, we're going to have a great family night, support what's going on in the community, enjoy some football, enjoy the nice fall weather....we hadn't been there 15 minutes, the game hadn't even started yet.....each of the girls found one of their friends, and Jason and I were left alone in the stands:

But it ended up being a fun night anyway.....Trussville won, Pell City had a boy on their color guard.....which gave Jason all the entertainment he needed for the night, and we went by Sonic for a treat on the way home......man, I love those Powerade Slushes!!!!

And......I have found myself so very interested in this presidential election. I've always been annoyed by all the election stuff.....still am, really.....but this year I'm keeping up with it all with great interest: the strategies, the issues, the personalities.....I find myself so wrapped up in all the stories, all the blogs and reports.....Who knew!?!?

Okay....that's enough for now.....more to come.....eventually......

Perspective

2008-08-18T09:36:00.000-06:00

I've been struggling with the girls going back to school and having both of them gone. Both of them are doing great, by the way....loving their teachers, enjoying their classes, making new friends (Emma had a new best friend before lunch on the first day!). But, anyway, I'm here moping and feeling sorry for myself, and this morning I read this. This mom is supposed to be sending three girls to school this morning, but she only has two to send off now. I cannot even imagine what she's dealing with and the pain and emptiness of it all.

Please take a moment to pray for Mary Beth Chapman today.

Good Days and Bad Days

2008-08-14T08:30:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week I celebrated my birthday.....number 33! It was a good day. A great day, actually. It was day spent with family, phone calls and messages from friends and out-of-town family, special gifts, yummy treats. And although I joke about being old, I really love where I am in my life. I love no longer feeling the need to be something I'm not just to make other people happy. I feel completely comfortable with who I am. I enjoy gaining the wisdom that comes with age and experience. Life is good. Really, really good.

And then there's today. It's a bad day. This morning, I took both my girls to school and gave them to strangers to guard them and guide them for the next 7 hours......and for 7 hours nearly every day for the next 9 months. This is Anna's 3rd "first day of school," and I still can't stand it! And my baby is in kindergarten! I just can't believe it's already time for this! I know they'll be fine. I know it's the way it needs to be....that it's right and natural and it's time. But I still hate it! I miss them when they're not here. I hate not being able to give them a little hug and encouragement when they're scared in that HUGE school and around all those new people. I want to be there to give them a new way to look at something when they just can't figure it out. I want to see them when they make new friends, have an "a-ha" moment, have to stand up for themselves, read a new book. And I realize that I cannot be the only person who has influence over them....I don't want to be. They need school.....teachers, leaders, friends. I just don't have to like it, and today, I don't.

The great thing is that they were both excited. This is first time Anna has not been scared or nervous. And she told me this morning she was excited and ready. Emma had been nervous about it, but this morning she was so ready and happy about it all. They walked in so big and brave and excited about their new adventures. Emma was thrilled she would get to buy chocolate milk at lunch, and she was even happy about taking a nap on her new nap mat. Anna was already begging me not to take so many pictures. I told her that she was too young for that to start bothering her! So, although I'm wallowing in my misery right now, I know that they're having a blast and for them....it's a great day!

I've been tagged

2008-08-04T11:05:00.000-06:00

So, B has tagged me, which apparently means that I am to post 6 random facts about myself. Hmm......let's see what I can come up with.

1. I can't sleep unless I have socks on my feet.

2. I placed 39th in the Alabama state spelling bee when I was in 7th grade. The word I spelled incorrectly: flambeau.

3. I would really love to go skydiving.....I know, I'm nuts!

4. I've been to the top of the Washington Monument, to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and through Niagara Falls.

5. I'm legally blind without my glasses or contacts.

6. My blood type is A+.

Are those random enough???

Ok, so now I have to tag someone else. How about Kim and Dixie......

Can someone explain to me

2008-07-26T10:46:00.000-06:00

why the great majority of kids' shows and movies have either an absent or dead parent, most often the mom?

It really drives me nuts. And I get that the stories need some level of emotional connection with the audience. And what better way to elicit emotions than to kill the mom?!? And as big of a fan I am of Disney, they're the worst! Hannah Montana....dead mom, Bambi....dead mom, nearly every princess movie....dead mom (with a wicked stepmother thrown in for good measure). It's just one of those things that drives me crazy.

Well, Emma and I went to see Sound of Music Thursday night at Leeds Arts Council. One of Emma's friends played Gretl, and she invited their preschool class to come see her. She did an excellent job, by the way. It was a great production, and if you happen to be in Leeds this weekend you should go check it out. I was quite impressed.

Anyway, guess who's dead in Sound of Music? Yep, dear ol' mom! Emma paid very close attention to the entire show....all 3 hours of it! She couldn't believe that 2 people kissed even though they were only pretending to be in love but not really in love. That must have really bothered her.....she kept talking about it and talking about it. What she did not mention, however, was dead mommy....until the middle of the night when she was having a nightmare. Actually, all she told me when she got in my bed was that she had a nightmare that we were at Disney World and I accidentally broke something and I got put in jail. The next day she was talking about it again. That's when she started telling me about how she is afraid I'm going to die and leave her all alone. As a quick side note.....Emma thinks it's fun to make up dreams and tell people about them. You never know if she's really had a specific dream she's talking about or not. So, after she had time to think about this particular dream she said that I was in jail forever, that Jason died, and then Anna died and she was left all alone. Regardless of what she actually dreamed, she obviously developed a fear of me/us dying. So, she was crying her little eyes out telling me how afraid she is that I'm going to die.

So, at this point I'm holding back my tears so as not to upset her, and I just listen to her talk. She asks what will happen if Jason and I both die. Here's a good synopsis of the conversation from this point:

Emma: "If you and Daddy both die who will be my parent?"
Me: "I'm not sure, maybe Granny or Nana."
Emma: "Ok. (long pause) Well, what if Granny or Nana die?"
Me: "I don't know, maybe Jordan and Kristen."
Emma: her face lit up like I had just told her the Jonas Brothers were right there in the living room..."Really?? Jordan and Kristen? Well, I would get to live in an apartment. It would be really tiny. But it is fancy. And I'd have a snow cone machine. Okay. Great.....Jordan and Kristen."

You truly never know what you're gonna get with Emma!

At least it wasn't in Alabama this time....

2008-07-26T10:45:00.001-06:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,391522,00.html

I just love stories like this. People just crack me up!

My favorite part of this story is: "She said he was intoxicated." No, really???? I never would have guessed!

My life is just crazy, but I do love it!!!

2008-07-20T20:09:00.000-06:00

Wow...it's been nuts around here lately! This weekend we had an unexpected visit from some of Jason's Canadian relatives. Although we had about 15 minutes' notice that they were coming to our house, they were super nice folks and we enjoyed meeting them. Luckily, that evening my aunt and uncle from Indiana were staying the night with us, so we were getting the house ready for them. So, it was fairly clean and in order. But, wow, it was still a little overwhelming. One set of family members left just before the other ones came in. Then, my aunt and uncle left this morning, and we had dinner with Jason's family tonight. Throw in Emma still rocking out to Hannah Montana at 11 pm last night, the cat licking me in the face at 3 am, not being able to run or otherwise exercise in several days.....and you have one very tired (and pretty irritable) Susie on your hands. I'm sure I'll be fine after a good night's sleep. I hope, anyway....

Of course, life isn't too hard after all. Last week, we had an unexpected and very fun trip to Orlando. Brittney called me and asked if there was any way I could go with her to Orlando, and less than 24 hours later we were on our way! Just B and Chapman and the girls and me.....such fun! You can read her blog about it. It's great to have a friend to share my Disney obsession with! We had a blast, even though the girls and I did miss Jason being there with us. But what's greater still is that we (just Jason, me, and the girls) are headed back to Disney in a week. Yep....we're nuts! That DisneyVacationClub is the best investment ever!

Allright....I have lots more I could post, but I'm just too tired. Maybe I can get my thoughts together after a little rest.....

a few pics from our trip

2008-06-10T15:12:00.001-06:00

Back from Disney

2008-06-09T20:19:00.000-06:00

So tired

Dizzy, sick, still feel like I'm sailing in the ocean

Had great fun but so glad to be home

Pics to come ASAP

Gotta go get some sleep.....

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate shopping for swimsuits....

2008-05-29T09:48:00.000-06:00

It's really close to the top of the list of Things Susie Hates to Do and Wishes She Never Had to Do Them Again!!! It doesn't matter how much weight I lose or how toned my muscles get, I still look disgusting in a swimsuit....all styles, all colors. However, I desperately needed a new one, and I waited til the last possible minute before our trip to go buy one. After poor Jason waited an eternity for me to volunteer to look like a beached whale over and over again, I finally settled on the least atrocious of the bunch. And then, as only my sweet, precious 5-year-old can, I was so subtly reminded of my less-than-stellar appearance. The girls were watching Cheetah Girls 2 on the way home, and Emma told me that I look like Raven Simone. Knowing I shouldn't ask but doing it anway, I asked why. Here's her response: "Well, Mommy, Raven's tummy is kinda fat like yours but yours is way more wrinkly than hers." Thanks, Em!!!

At least I'm leaving for Disney in about 42 hours. And I'll enjoy every minute of it, my fat, wrinkly tummy and all!!!

Profound Sadness

2008-05-23T06:20:00.000-06:00

While I can't say that I've never experienced tragedy or sadness in my life, I can definitely say that I've never felt the sadness and emptiness that these folks are experiencing right now. Please keep these families in your prayers:

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/

http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

It's been a while!

2008-05-18T15:11:00.000-06:00

Just been too busy! Let's see if I can catch you up since my last post.....

April began some serious craziness.....I left town for a weekend for a scrapbooking getaway and everything fell apart. Usually, these trips are great fun and quite refreshing for me. This one was really hard for me, and I had so much guilt being away.....especially since Emma developed pneumonia while I was gone. But Jason most definitely rose to the occasion....He was "Super Dad" and then some...he went on a field trip with Anna and doctored Emma through the drama of being sick. I was so proud of him!

Anyway...the rest of April was jam-packed....trips to the doctor for all of us....I ended up with bronchitis. A girls' night out with our neighbors to see High School Musical on Ice. A trip to see the new kangaroos at the zoo. And Jason began working at a new store. And then came May....

First was Jordan and Kristen's wedding....it was absolutely beautiful! The weather was so awful that morning, but it turned into the most perfect afternoon. Kristen was a gorgeous bride. Anna and Emma made beautiful flower girls, and they did so well. We were so worried Emma would try to steal the show, but she behaved quite nicely. They were 2 of 4 flower girls....Kristen's little cousins were the other 2, and my girls have found 2 new best friends....they all got along so well and had the best time together. Jason was the best man, and he looked quite handsome, if I can brag a bit. He was so very proud to stand by his brother. It was really a great day. Here are a handful of pics:

So, the next weekend was the girls' dance recital....the rehearsal for which we literally drove in the middle of a tornado to get to. The recital is always nuts for me....changing the girls into 4 different costumes for 4 different dances, which I must hurry out to the audience to watch before going back to the hot, crowded dressing room. A dressing room full of makeup, curling irons, hair spray, and the like for girls as young as 3. Craziness!!! I guess I'm a lousy dance mom...I don't even own a curling iron.....gasp!!!! Anyway....the girls did GREAT on their dances. Emma hams it up and loves being on that stage. Anna wasn't near as nervous this year, and I think she really enjoyed herself a lot more. Emma got a trophy this year for it being her 3rd year of dance. She was all about that!

After the recital, us and our parents went to eat. Joey was in town, and he met us for dinner too. We went to Outback and what was supposed to be a 35 min. wait turned into an hour and a half! We finally left and went across the parking lot to Chick-Fil-A. It was Mother's Day weekend, and they were giving all moms free dinner....whatever we wanted off the menu, plus a carnation, a coupon for a free sandwich another day, and the coveted picture with the cow. After being treated so horribly at Outback, it was so nice to be treated so respectfully and kindly at Chick-Fil-A......I LOVE Chick-Fil-A!!! It was good to catch up with Joey too!

Next day was Mother's Day....Jason and girls were just so sweet to me. Anna made me the sweetest book at school. Emma made me something out of clay....a paper weight, maybe....very cute. And she did this fill in the blank thing where she said I am as beautiful as a pink butterfly and as tall as a camel. And of all the things in the world she wishes I could have: a fish for the cat to eat!!! Love her! Jason cleaned the house for me. They took me to Carrabba's (Mmmm!)...It was a really good day!

Then....a field trip with Emma's class to DeSoto Caverns. I had never been there before, and it was really fun. Emma wanted to go back the next day! I helped coordinate a Webkinz "event" for Anna's class, which turned out so very cute but was, oh, so much work! Check out the Wheel of Wow cookie cake I made for the class.....because I have nothing else to do!!!

This past Friday night was Emma's K5 Graduation. It was such a good graduation program! If I ever get my videos uploaded I'll post some it. It just completely validated my choice to drive nearly 80 miles a day to Leeds every day since we've moved to Trussville to send my girls through this preschool program....it's the best around.

Yesterday we went to Alabama Adventure because Anna got a free ticket for something she did at school. I so very much did not want to go, but despite Emma getting hurt (which is typical!), we had a very fun day. Anna got brave all of sudden and decided to ride an actual "thrill" ride, and she loved it. We ended up riding it 4 times!

Emma had to be back at Valley View this morning for their graduate recognition. Her class sang one of their songs. The rest of the day we've been cleaning this disaster of a house....we obviously have not been home to clean it up!!!

We have one more week of school left. Thank God! It has been a great year....I could not have asked for better teachers for my girls. But I'm exhausted! We're leaving for Disney in less than 2 weeks, and I cannot wait! I will enjoy every minute of our much-deserved vacation!

Whew....I'm tired reliving my last few weeks....and if you're still hanging with me, I'm sure you're tired of it too. I'll stop for now....and try not to let 6 weeks go by without posting!

Fun Day.....not so fun night!!

2008-04-05T20:58:00.000-06:00

The girls and I were able to run this morning for a great cause: www.caseyscause.org. I ran the 5K (finished in just under 30 min....which is still slow but really great for me!!!), and then the girls and I did the 1 mile fun run. This was the first time the girls have run like that, and they loved it. I think Anna could have kept going 5 more miles! And Emma, who had to be in the "very front," went as fast as her little legs could take her. They were so proud of their ribbons! We had several friends there running too. And Jason, even though he had to work today, he came out, in full-on work garb and in the rain, to support me before he had to go in to work. It was a good morning.

Ah...but tonight....I'm struggling. My Anna is at a sleepover to celebrate a classmate's birthday. I don't like it. I don't like it one bit!!! I like her to be here with me. I like her to want to be here with me. I realize it's just the beginning. Her need for me is changing. My role as her mom is changing. And I'm just not ready! This past week she just decided, out of the blue, after 7 years of having to have someone with her to go to sleep....whether in her bed, my bed, on the couch, even in the floor...."Mommy, I'm ready to go to sleep in my own bed. It's time!" No prompting, no discussion of the matter before that.....just "I'm a big girl now, I don't need you to help me go to sleep." And she climbed into her top bunk, listened to her bedtime story, said our prayers together, and then laid down on her own pillow....with tears in her own eyes....and went right to sleep. And I walked out of her room, with tears in my eyes, remembering all those long, miserable nights where Jason and I couldn't sleep because she refused to sleep anywhere but right between us, on top of the covers, and grinding her teeth....and how we would whine and complain about it only to remind ourselves that there would be a day where we would wish she were back!!

I know the growing up is inevitable. And I most certainly want my children to be independent, self-sufficient, confident children and young ladies. I realize that I can't control their every thought and action. I know I can't keep them under my wings forever. But I'm just not completely prepared nor ready for them to start spreading their own wings.....even in these small, fairly insignificant ways. But, to this mom, these events are so very significant....and so very difficult.

As Promised.....Photos

2008-03-23T20:18:00.001-06:00

Greetings from Music City!!

2008-03-21T13:59:00.000-06:00

This week has been Anna's Spring Break. We kicked around at home at the beginning of the week and did some fun stuff around town: the little fair in Trussville (you know the traveling ones that come into town and they have assembled in about 28 minutes....but we survived!!), the park, playdates with friends, visits with Granny and Nana.....lots of fun had by all!

We decided to make a little getaway trip to Nashville this weekend. We stopped at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on the way up, ate at the Aquarium Restaurant last night and got to pet some stingrays, shopped at the ginormous mall, and went to the zoo this morning. We even found gas at $2.99/gallon today and filled up....so sad when that's a bargain!!!

It's so nice to get away from all the craziness of home....even for just a couple of days. And how exciting it is for us to go places without strollers and have the girls do so much more on their own. They even slept in the same bed together last night in our hotel.....they always separate when we're on a trip.....one with me, one with Jason. Finally....we may be able to take vacations and relax and enjoy our time rather than work non-stop. I'm typing a blog entry on vacation....that speaks volumes!

Anyway....just sharing our fun with all 2 of you who actually read my blog!

And, as a side note.....Anna has lost 3 teeth this week. Yes, 3! Both of her top front teeth and another on the bottom. The poor tooth fairy is going broke coming to our house! But I just can't get enough of how cute she is......my little snaggle tooth!!!

Pictures to come shortly.....my computer isn't wanting to cooperate with my pics!

One life down, 8 more to go

2008-03-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

So, our sweet little kitty cat (I cannot even say that without thinking about Wedding Crashers...haha), Sissy, has been with us a year now. Last Friday was her day to get her one-year checkup and vaccines. I had a busy morning, as usual, and Jason happened to be off and headed out for errands. He graciously offered to take Sissy by the vet for me. After much turmoil for him to just get her in the car, they were off to the vet. All was fine until......

We got a call around noon from the vet. He proceeds to tell me that Sissy has had a severe allergic reaction to one of the vaccines (which she's had all of them before with no trouble!!!). She's gone into shock, her blood pressure has bottomed out, they've given her benadryl, steroids, antibiotics....they even had a nurse out getting plasma for her because she was bleeding internally. He told me they were doing everything possible, but Sissy didn't seem to be improving and was in grave danger of dying.

What????? My kids didn't even know she had gone to the vet. The first thing they do when they come home everyday is go downstairs to see Sissy. How am I supposed to tell them their favorite pet, one of their very favorite possessions of all....is dead? Jason and I were just sick. We talked later and discovered that right after that phone call, although we were not together, we both said just about the same exact prayer, which went something like: Lord, I've never prayed for an animal before, but please if at all possible please do not let this cat die. Those little girls don't deserve to have to deal with that. So, we spent the rest of the afternoon calling the vet for updates.....and as the day wore on, Sissy slowly began showing signs of improvement. The vet had originally thought that she would have to spend the night in an emergency clinic if she made it at all. But at about 5:00 he called and said we could come pick her up as long as we watched her very closely all night.

It's taken a couple of days, but it looks like Sissy is back to normal. We did explain to the girls that she was very sick but never told them how bad it was. They've loved on her and taken such good care of her.

I have never ever been an animal person.....still don't think I am. But I have taken up with this cat.....all of us have. And thinking that we might lose her like that was quite devastating, really. I guess I'm mellowing out in my old age.

Some humor amidst the madness

2008-02-26T09:59:00.000-06:00

Wow....what a crazy couple of weeks! I know, I know....my life is always crazy. But these last couple of weeks have just been a whirlwind! Lots of things going on that have made me stop and really reevaluate what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. I haven't come up with too many conclusions except that I am sure my life does not have as much meaning as I would like for it to have! I'm working on that.

But amidst the craziness of it all, I have to stop and laugh at life....because life, and people in general, just crack me up sometimes.

So, my mom had surgery last week (arthroscopic knee surgery....she's doing great!)....it was just one-day surgery. While I was in her room waiting on her to wake up enough to go home I had to take a little trip down the hall to the girls' room. Well, it was actually a unisex/family restroom....which reminds me of another story for another day! But, I digress. Anyway, so I notice above the toilet a sign that says: WEIGHT LIMIT: 1000 POUNDS. Immediately, many questions start going through my head like If I weigh 1000 pounds could I even fit into this tiny hole they call a restroom? If I weigh 1000 pounds, who's the poor sap that's gonna tell me I can't sit on that toilet! If I weigh 1000 pounds and I actually sit on the toilet, what's going to happen? Am I and the potty going to fall through the floor because the act of sitting down on it is somehow different from just walking in there or just standing beside it? So, then I start thinking that surely the powers-that-be don't really believe there will be an issue with a 1000-pound person using the facilities, so why even have such a ridiculous sign posted.....Is someone going to put heavy machinery on the toilet? Is more than one person going to be using the toilet at the same time? With that thought, I decided my mind did not even go any further with this. I just laughed at the things people come up with and waste their time and money doing (because somebody came up with that idea, somebody had to pay to have the sign made, somebody was paid good money for the time it took to hang the sign....and the many other signs like it b/c I'm sure there were many other toilets in that hospital with similar signs posted above them).

Funny stuff indeed!

3 weeks later.....

2008-02-02T16:06:00.000-06:00

and I'm finally blogging about our Disney trip last month. It's not that I've even been that busy....I have....but it's more that I just haven't been able to get my thoughts together lately. My mind is just in too many places these days!

Anyway.....our trip was just wonderful! I love Disney World any way we do it......winter, summer, crowded, not crowded....we find ways to enjoy it regardless of the circumstances. And we absolutely love taking our kids and experiencing that joy and magic than can only be seen through the eyes of a child. However, we get so giddy if we have the chance to go by ourselves....just grown-ups....no stopping at every bathroom we come to, no making sure we get plenty of sleep, no standing in line for Dumbo, no eating at only the places that serve chicken fingers. Of course, we missed the girls, but the break from reality sure was nice.....and even better that we got to spend that break at our favorite place!!!

And the fact that we got to go with our favorite friends and fellow Disney fanatics, B and Scott, just made it that much more fun. We had a blast together, and I can't wait to do it again!

So.....the 5K....how amazing that was! It was really the most fun....the anticipation of it all, Mickey cheering us on at the start line, running through Animal Kingdom while the sun was coming up......it was just magical, really. I didn't know how well I'd do running. I trained well and felt prepared, but I just wasn't sure. I did great, though. I ran the whole thing without stopping....I actually didn't feel like I worked hard at all. We did run at a slow pace b/c there were just so many people.....and because we stopped and took just a few pictures along the way. But still.....I felt like I could run 3 more miles. And our medal.....oh, my, how adorable! Worth it all right there! But running and doing so well, and then watching all the runners Sunday cross the finish line after running a full marathon....yes 26.2 miles!....just inspired me tremendously. Enough inspiration, in fact, that I (and dear, sweet hubby) are going to run the half-marathon at Disney World next year. I know, I'm nuts.....because I'm just not a runner. But I can so do that....and running down Main Street and through the castle. Come on, how much fun will that be! UGH....I can't wait!!!! Now, crazy Scott....he's already registered to do what they call the "Goofy Challenge".....the half-marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday. We'll be there to cheer him on for sure!

As for the rest of our Disney adventures, it was just such fun.....all day to spend at Magic Kingdom any way we pleased. It was so very nice. And then the next day we split between Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. The weather was perfect, the crowds were low....it was great. I got to ride Space Mountain and Expedition Everest all in the same trip. We got to stay in the park and watch Wishes......my girls have always been afraid of fireworks, so we never get to stay and watch them. We just got to sit and watch people....which I never tire of at all because people just crack me up! B and I even got to see a very special Goofy!! We just loved every minute of it.

Life is just so good!

Please pray...

2008-01-20T10:40:00.000-06:00

for the Burgess family.

www.rickandbubba.com

How absolutely tragic and heartbreaking!

Coming Soon: Disney Trip Recap

2008-01-18T19:54:00.000-06:00

Our trip was SOOOOO much fun! And I can't wait to share all about it.....but I'm just overloaded right now. I'll get to it soon.....as soon as I can anyway. Until then....here's B's recap.

And a picture:

What a wonderful Christmas!!

2007-12-28T14:26:00.000-06:00

We truly had an amazing Christmas this year! We spent good, quality time with our families. Everybody was in a good mood and nice to each other. The girls just had an awesome time.....and really did enjoy giving this year....probably still not as much as receiving, but, hey...it's a start!!! We're still snacking on fudge, brittle (I made some peanut butter chip brittle this year.....and it's our new fave!), and my very favorite, white chocolate covered Ritz crackers with peanut butter in the middle. Love those so much!!!! We've been trying out all the new toys. I must admit, I'm growing a little weary of the new High School Musical DVD game, but otherwise, it's been lots of fun!

Check out the slide show of some pictures from our Christmas festivities.

Christmas 2007

2007-12-28T14:25:00.001-06:00

7.....Really!!!.....I can't believe it!

2007-12-24T07:05:00.000-06:00

My sweet little Anna....7 years old! Wow! Where does the time go? People have always told me "Enjoy every minute with them. Time goes by so quickly." How true!!!

While there are days I just want to stop time and keep her little, I am so very proud of the young lady she is on her way to becoming. She is the most kind-hearted and thoughtful child I've ever known. She's responsible. She's honest. She's not only smart, she's wise. She has learned to stand up for herself when necessary.....thanks mostly to Emma. And she loves to let loose and have fun. She's becoming quite "girly"....got her ears pierced this year, is learning to accessorize, and begs to go shopping. Just look how adorable she looks in this picture! That was her on the day of her bday party. She picked the whole outfit out herself and was so excited to wear it....especially the hat and purse. I could just eat her up!

Anyway.....December has been just crazy, and I'll post about all the happenings when I get a chance. But I just have this on my mind at the moment. Now, on to bake some more Christmas cookies....yum!

High Stress

2007-11-13T08:23:00.000-06:00

I have always been able to handle stress well. And I think I am doing that now. BUT I'm tired, and I'm really ready for things to settle down and get back to normal. Is that possible???

Let's see:

Jason's contemplating another job change. He's agonizing over this decision....we've been praying for clarity and guidance. Just when we think we have it, something changes.
However, I am so thankful for a husband who is a good provider for his family. And I'm thankful that no matter what decision he makes he has an awesome job.

The girls have been sick. 5 days in a row home from school (sick, weekend, Veteran's Day) makes for one tired Mommy!
However, I am thankful that my girls are very healthy and rarely ever sick. And when they are it's really not a big deal. I am also thankful that they got along very well and had a good time together....because, honestly, it could have been VERY bad! And, while there were times I wanted to beat my head against a wall, I did enjoy doing some things I don't get to do too often with them any more: card games, reading books for hours on end, staying in our pjs all day. Really....it's not all bad!

I'm still feeling lousy. I had some lab work done a few days ago and found out my current estrogen level is that of a normal male. How do you like that!!! Not to mention that my pulse rate and blood pressure are about the same as someone on their death bed.
However, I am thankful that I know there is nothing seriously wrong with me and that I have good insurance and good doctors who will help me get to the bottom of it.

Holidays are approaching. I LOVE this time of year. Really, I do. But I'm surrounded by such dysfunction, and there's nothing like a good batch of holiday gatherings to bring out the best in our family! Since Jason's Papa died we've had Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner here at our house. Jason's aunt has decided this year that she doesn't want to cook or come to our house. She wants to have Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrel. Jason says absolutely no way is he eating a corn muffin at Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving dinner when he can sit in his home with his family and eat real food. I have lots of thoughts about this whole situation....thoughts I don't have time to get into right now. But all I can say is that I'm all for spending Thanksgiving with Mickey Mouse this year.....a trip to Disney, anyone???
However, I am thankful for my dysfunctional family....my VERY dysfunctional family!

Okay, enough for now. Gotta go run, work at Anna's school, buy groceries (We're out of apple juice, for the love!!!), etc., etc.

It's all good!

I know, I know.....

2007-11-02T20:31:00.000-06:00

I'm a lousy blogger!! It's just been so crazy around here....just no time for blogging.

Here are the highlights of what's been going on:

fall breaks for both girls at separate times.....makes for tired mommy!!!
managed to survive Halloween and all that this time of year brings (parties, fall festivals, pumpkin patches.....all requiring costumes)....when did Halloween become such a big deal....I do not remember this as a child!
field trips, field trips, and more field trips
Anna's newly-pierced ear is infected.
My house looks like a tornado came right through the middle of it.
I've been feeling just awful....my crazy body is working against me....mitral valve acting up, hormones completely out of whack. Now, the doctor thinks my thyroid is not functioning correctly....definitely don't have time for this!
doing really well with my running
managed to squeeze in a little Christmas Village time this morning

Nothing exciting....just craziness, as usual. Maybe things will settle down soon....just in time for the holidays.......

It's been a day.....

2007-10-16T13:48:00.000-06:00

Okay....I'm not having a good day.....a good week, really. I'm irritable, tired, frustrated, and hormonal. I've had little time to myself, there's been entirely too much girl drama around here, I'm out of my routine, my mom told me I'm on my way to being just like her, I've had car trouble, and I've even had some jerk chase me down in his truck all the way to my house to tell me my driving has endangered his family and that he was "turning me in." (I passed him in my neighborhood where he was obeying the 23.....yes, 23.....mph speed limit because I had a crying child in the back who was about to either pee, poop, or vomit....or maybe all three....in my van.)

I hate whining!!!!

So, I'm not going to complain (much!)....instead I'm going to list some things I'm grateful for to help get me out of this mood:

my husband, whom I adore and who adores me
Emma, who can always make me laugh, even when I want to beat her
Anna, who has the sweetest heart in all the world
my friends, who add such joy to my life
ziploc bags.....how did we ever live without them!
shaving 2 minutes off my mile since I've started running consistently
Tastefully Simple Oh My Chai....I think I'll go fix me some right now
chocolate
Carrabba's......I must be hungry!
excellent teachers for my children
pay at the pump....one of the greatest modern conveniences ever!!!
scrapbooking
God, Who is faithful and just, regardless of the circumstances of my crazy life

Okay....that helps.....but I still refuse to be like my mom, and I'm still pissed off at Barney Fife!

Just can't get enough.....

2007-10-08T16:27:00.000-06:00

So, Anna came home from school today.....actually she had not even stepped in the van completely before she was telling me, "Mommy, I wrote a poem for you. I want you to see it right now!" She was so proud. But car lines don't care about sappy Mommy moments, so I had to keep moving. As soon as I could get to a place to pull the van off the road, I stopped, and she handed me this:

Here's what it says, in case you can't see it clearly:

to: Mommy from: Anna

Mommy you make me glow in the light of the sun. Evry day I look at you my day has just begun. I love (I think there's supposed to be a "you" here.) so once agin you make me glow. Oh mommy. I hope you like this poume.

How sweet is that! So sincere, so pure and innocent.....that's my Anna. I just can't get enough of that!

Just had to share my little nugget of joy for the day!

Goals

2007-09-15T12:56:00.000-06:00

Most people who've known me for any length of time know that I am the classic over-achiever. I just can't help it...it's in my blood. I don't even set out to be that way, it just kinda happens. I just can't commit to a task and not give 110%....it's just the way I am. But, honestly, most things I've achieved in my life have not necessarily been things I've set out to achieve.

For instance, when I went to college, it wasn't like I went in with a plan....I kinda thought I knew what I might want to do, but I didn't have a specific goal. Jason knew he was going to be a pharmacist, immediately began taking the appropriate classes, and never looked back. But not me......I did not have a career plan or really even a desire to have a "career." I just went to college because that was what I supposed to do. It was the right thing and what was expected of me. Now, I did great in college....made excellent grades, was in lots of honor societies, even finished a semester early. I got my college degree. I completed the task I committed to, but I didn't really achieve a goal.

Then, there are things I have set out to achieve but, while I'm proud of the progress, the process of attaining the goal will take a very long time. Like parenting. I knew I wanted to be a mother, and while becoming a mother took much longer than I expected, it was relatively easy to become a mother. But being a great mom and raising happy, healthy, secure, well-behaved, well-adjusted children is a goal I work every day to achieve and a process that will not be completed for quite some time (especially the well-behaved part in Emma's case!)

So, what does all this rambling have to do with anything? Well, this week I found myself achieving one goal and setting a new one. Both are personal, selfish, and fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But they mean something to me! About a year and a half ago, I set out to be more healthy. I've always been unhappy with my weight. But I wanted more than to just lose weight....I wanted to be in shape, healthy, and feel better about myself. So, I began working out 5 days a week. I kept eating a well-balanced diet...I don't believe in "diets" in which you don't eat the way you intend to eat the rest of your life. And I started seeing results in a matter of weeks. I had more energy, looked a little less "thick", and generally felt better. I have never focused much on my weight...it's really just a number....but it is a number that has always been too high for my personal preference. My goal, after beginning to feel more healthy, was to weigh what my driver's license says I weigh. Well, now I do. I know that is not the most important or earth-shattering achievement, but it meant something to see that I had a goal, worked hard to achieve it, and finally attained it.

Well, then, somehow I set a brand new goal this week too. I didn't intend, but it happened, and now I'm quite excited about it. It's quite common knowledge that I'm an obsessed Disney freak. And so is Jason. We love going to Disney World, and have serious withdrawals when we can't go in a reasonable amount of time.....like every 3 or 4 months....I know, it's sad, but so true! Anyway, our dear friends Brittney and Scott are going in January during the Disney Marathon weekend. They've asked us to tag along, and while I feel guilty crashing their fun-time trip, Jason and I just have to go. We can't wait any longer. So, we're going! Just adults......so very excited!!!! Okay, well, Scott and B have become runners. They love running and run races every chance they get, which is the main purpose of this Disney trip....to run the 5K that weekend in Disney World. Well, after talking with B, I decided I might just try to run the 5K too. But getting Jason to agree to run too....now that was going to take some work! But not ever to be one to back away from a competition, Jason agreed. And so we're in! What am I thinking....really! I am in good shape, but I am so not a runner! But I'm going to do it! I don't see myself becoming a runner by any means. But I'm going to run the 3.1 miles through Animal Kingdom, get my medal and my t-shirt, and most importantly, allow myself to be proud of me.....for doing something completely out of my box, and just because I want to do it. And I'm really excited about it!

I'm gonna try this...

2007-09-08T15:30:00.000-06:00

I keep seeing my friends' blogs, and I'm just itching to join the fun. Not that anybody will really read this, and even if they do, will they really care about anything I have to say. But I want to do this, to capture my thoughts every once in a while, to feel connected to people who inspire me, to do something new and different.....because I obviously don't have enough to keep me busy......whatever!

So, here goes.....