Life in the Country

Feedback needed!

2010-03-15T23:45:00.003-05:00

Lauren went to the ENT today and we found out her tonsils are HUGE and very unhealthy. She is having surgery March 31st. I have been a mother for almost 14 years now and I have never been through this and I am worried. I need to hear from some readers (if I have any left) about staying calm when your baby goes in for surgery. I am worried of course about her being put under BUT I fear more about how she will recover. She doesn't do well being sick. And I mean it will take her DAYS to eat if she throws up. She has been close to being put in the hospital with just a little bug. We go back next Wed. the 23rd to talk about everything so I need feedback from you!! Thanks!

Long overdue!

2010-02-07T22:42:00.005-06:00

I ended up working everyday last week... Praise God!! :)

Hubby's been working a lot too... Praise God!! :)

The kids are healthy... Praise God!! :)

I couldn't have asked for a better hubby or kids... Thank you God!! :)

I don't Praise God nearly enough so I thought tonight was a great time to do so! He truly is an Awesome God!

God is awesome!!

2010-02-01T21:28:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to update on a few things.

1st I got called to work for a few days this week and maybe the rest of the week! :)

2nd Hubby's job is getting better! :)

Now we just pray they stay that way! But I needed to come here and PRAISE God!! I'm so glad he's my Savior!! Thanks for praying!!

It's been a while

2010-01-30T15:21:00.002-06:00

I can't seem to get into the mind to post! Sorry about that!

Things are not so good around here right now and I hate to be a downer. My hubby works for the railroad and he's having a hard time keeping a job. Ok not a job... he's an engineer and he drives trains to different areas and right now he getting bumped off boards left and right. It seems that he gets a few days work and then gets bumped again and then has to find another place to work. A lot of the boards offer a guarantee but if you don't work it the whole half then you don't get that... railroaders get use to that guarantee and then when they can't keep it money gets low. Not a good thing when the bills don't stop coming in. It has been like this for a good 5 months now so you can imagine that some bills get pushed back and you think next month will be better and then it's not! I know it could be much worse and I should be thankful he has a job so I haven't said anything to to many people b/c I know there are people that are worse off than us!

The stress of all of this has made my migraines so much worse and stomach is always in knots! Thank goodness I have been subbing a lot this year or things could be MUCH worse! The only thing is this last month the phone hasn't been ringing much for me either.

So sorry for throwing this all out here but I'm hoping it helps relieve some stress! Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts that we both will get called to work more and that we can get caught up and get back to normal!

Happy New Year's Eve!!

2009-12-31T14:54:00.002-06:00

First off the boy I posted about the other night made it home that night!! :)

Ok now I just wanted to wish the few readers I have a Very Blessed, Safe and Happy New Years!! May 2010 bring much joy to your lifes!! :)

We are going to some friends house tonight with the kids for a laid back time!

I think I might have really messed up tonight

2009-12-29T01:26:00.003-06:00

You see a 17 year old boy has been living with my mom and (step) dad for about a year now so he can go to the school here. Things have been going on over there and they asked him to leave. I didn't find out about this till tonight when I called my mom and she was telling me what had happened in the last few days. While I was on the phone with her Lauren said she thought someone was here. I got up and looked out and it was him. He has never just showed up over here without my mom or dad so I asked my mom why she thought he would be here and she didn't have a clue. I got off the phone with her and opened the door. He came stumbling up and asked if he could use the bathroom b/c he had a massive nose bleed. I told him of course and walked him to the bathroom and got him a washcloth. He was cleaning his face up and I asked him where he was going... he said to the movies. I asked if he was by himself and he said yes. I asked him if he was Ok and he said no, no not really. He said he was feeling sick and needed to go before he gave us anything. I walked him to his truck and looked it over to make sure he hadn't had a wreak and was covering it up. The truck looked Ok. I then told him to be careful and let him drive away. The mother in me says I should have stopped him. I should have stalled him some how to make sure he really wasn't hurt. The longer I have sit and thought about him tonight the harder I want to kick my ass for not stopping him!

I keep thinking about his home life.. not at my moms. His parents are divorced. From what I've seen they are both just fine with him being my mom and dads problem. If he's not under their roofs he's good. He's been such a good kid until just recently and tonight it hit me like a ton of bricks that he might know I had the same life growing up and maybe just maybe he stopped here tonight looking for help. And now all I can do is pray he's OK and that I get another chance! Please tell me it won't be to late?!

3rd one

2009-12-15T23:15:00.003-06:00

I have been sitting here reading my old blog and I can't believe I am coming up on my 3rd Christmas without my Mamaw. Some days it feels like she's been gone way longer than that and still some days it feels like yesterday. This time of the year is really hard b/c it was our favorite holiday. We both LOVED Christmas so much! I haven't been able to bring down her singing Santa from the attic or play the snowman she loved so much. The snowman sits on my bar year round but hearing "Rocking around the Christmas Tree" is too much! It really sucks b/c the kids love that Santa and snowman!! Maybe next year Santa can come down to visit again.

Maybe it would be easier if my family was still close. I remember every Christmas morning I would wake up and see what Santa brought me and open my gifts. After I was done my grandparents would start cooking for everybody to come over and eat. I would play with all my stuff waiting for my cousins, aunts, and uncles to get there. I miss those days. We don't get together anymore... haven't since Mamaw went into the nursing home. My kids don't know what a "big" family is like. Their were 9 grandkids there every Christmas morning when I was little. They only really know 2 of their cousins... when they have 14 more. :( I don't understand how a family that was once so close can just drift apart and be OK with it. I now know she was the glue that held us all together and since she's gone we fell apart. Why does being an adult have to be so hard?

In shock

2009-11-28T10:04:00.003-06:00

My best friend from High School and her little sister whom I became good friends with when our daughters were born lost their dad last night. He was only 50 something and wasn't sick. I am just so shocked. Please keep them and their families in your prayers!

I can still remember the shock I felt when my Didie (my grandpa that raised me) died. I was only 20 at the time. It just seemed unreal when the phone rang that Sept. morning. Still does!!

15 years ago

2009-11-25T09:41:00.003-06:00

I was getting ready for the day. My wedding day. A day that didn't go as planned but that hasn't mattered. We were both very young but we both knew what we wanted and have fought hard to be a family. I am more in love with him today than I could have guessed back then. I am so thankful for my hubby and kids!

On another note I would like to ask that the few readers I have go and look at The Darya Project and help out if you can. http://the30dayjourneyforhope.blogspot.com/ Thank you so much!!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

Gloomy Monday

2009-11-16T15:18:00.003-06:00

The weather outside is just yucky. I guess I shouldn't complain to much b/c we have had some beautiful weather lately. I just wish it would have held off till the kids go back to school tomorrow. Out here in the country they get the Monday off after deer season opens. You know in case you didn't get "the deer" Saturday or Sunday. Not that Hunter got to hunt. He is grounded from hunting over his report card.

I am looking forward to this 4 day school week. For the first time I will get to sub for Lauren. So Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I will be in the 3rd grade with my baby girl. :) Please pray she doesn't w h i n e while I am in there!

Friday night is the concert with my girls! :D I can't wait. It's also payday for the school.

I am hoping to get my shopping finished while running around like a crazy person Black Friday! Now I just have to figure out what to get my dad, fil, son and gmil! I do have more to buy for but I know what I am getting them.

Well I'm going to catch up on some of my shows I have dvr'd. Later!!

2009-11-13T21:08:00.003-06:00

Yes once again I have gone and dropped off the face of the earth. Sorry for that. I just can't think of much to say.

I have been working alot. I am using most of that money for Christmas. I have a big dent in that already but I'm finding it super hard to figure what to get my 13 year old son. Any ideas?

Halloween weekend we (the kids, my younger sil and I) went to my older sil's house. We went up Friday night and then the sil's and I took Lauren and Abby (niece) trick or treating and sil's hubby took Hunter and Cody (nephew) to some haunted houses. Once we all got back to the house we loaded up and drove home.

Last Friday my mil, younger sil and I went to my older sil's house for a girls sleepover. Sat. morning we got up early and drove to Branson for the day. We hit the outlet malls and the Branson Landing (very cool) and then drove back to sil's house and stayed another night. I had a blast but not sure if I will go to Branson at this time of the year again... CROWDED is all I will say!!

Tomorrow my mil and younger sil are going to drive up to Little Rock and hit a few stores. Sil is wanting to eat at Olive Garden.. yummy!! :)

I am wanting to make a trip to Monroe before Christmas but I am thinking I will wait till after Black Friday. Yes I plan to be out like a crazy person that morning lol!

Next Friday night I will be with 2 of my besties at The Zac Brown Band concert! We weren't going to go but I WON tickets so Mary bought another ticket so we could all go. :) I am so looking forward to going... we have a ton of fun together!!

Well I need to run and check out a few things and then get the kids toward to bed. I will try not to be gone so long this time.

MIA

2009-10-03T22:44:00.003-05:00

Sorry I went missing again.

I have been subbing since the 2nd week of school on and off. I got asked to sub for 1st grade Sept. 4th and maybe the 7th. Well that turned into a full time position. I had to call in this past Thursday b/c I came down with the flu. :( I was going to be in there till at least this coming Monday.

Subbing for 1st grade was fun but not easy. We have a little boy with DS this year. He is the sweetest little guy. His face would light up when he walked into the class room. He likes to take his shoes off every chance he gets and 90% of the time if I could he wanted me to tie them when they needed to be put back on. He melted my heart! :)

Like I said the sub had to call in this week. We (the school) are passing the flu around I finally caught it... lucky me! Not even an hour after I got home from the dr. Lauren started feeling bad. We are both on Tamiflu and I will be done tomorrow. I have felt more normal today than I have in days. Lauren hasn't had a fever in over 24 hours but she is still weak. I am hoping she feels more like herself tomorrow. I have been opening the windows hoping to air out the house. Today I washed the sheets and bedding.

Tomorrow looks like more rain! Yeah just what we need lol. A few weeks ago I thought we would have to start building an Ark. Oh well what can I do about it?!

One more thing... Go HOGS Go!!! :D

Taylor Swift

2009-10-01T13:46:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday Jenny and I took our daughters to see Taylor Swift. It was the first concert for both girls and they had the time of their lives. Here are some pictures of the night!

Last minute trip

2009-08-17T10:26:00.004-05:00

We decided to take the kids on a last minute trip to the beach before school starts... this Wed.! We went to Biloxi Beach and we had a blast. The hubby didn't go this time... his choice! My mom, dad, Hunter, Lauren and I made the 6 and half hour trip and we loved it. We left Friday morning and come home last night.

I'm still here

2009-08-10T23:04:00.004-05:00

Don't fall out b/c I am posting. I know I don't do it very often and I can't promise that I will do it more.

The kids only have 9 more days before school starts back and I am very sad. I am not ready for them to go back. It seems as the summer has flown by again. It has rained a LOT this year so we haven't gotten a lot of swimming in. Now the pool is closed during the week which bites.

Since my mom got fired we have been spending more time together. We have been going shopping together... she NEVER liked to shop or do anything when she was working. It's funny in a way but she has learned things about me she didn't know. Like today we were in Wal-Mart and I picked up some bean dip and she says.. you like bean dip too?! I am glad we have gotten closer over the last few months.

I might have a full time job when school starts back. I put in for a job in the High School for a teacher's aide. I was told I would know something by this coming Wed., only a week before school starts back. I have decided if it's meant to be then I will get it if not then I will still be a sub.

Lauren decided to do PeeWee cheerleading this year and cheer camp started tonight. She really enjoyed it and I know she will be a great cheerleader. She loves dancing and jumping around.

Hunter decided to do fall baseball. I can't wait to see him play again. It's been too long since I have watched him play. He wants to try out in the 9th grade for the school team so he's going to play as much as he can till tryouts.

I was thinking the other day about the kids and how fast they are growing up. In 5 years Hunter will be a senior and Lauren starts 7th grade that year! I wish we could go back to him just turning 5 and her being 3 months old. My how time flies!!

Zoo Pictures

2009-07-26T01:49:00.004-05:00

Hunter and Lauren

Lauren, Hunter and me

Hunter and Lauren with the birds

Hunter and Lauren with the Ape

a little bit of everything

2009-07-24T01:35:00.006-05:00

The kids and I went to Little Rock Wed. to shop for school clothes, shoes and a backpack. Hunter got a few pairs of jeans and some shirts to go with them. Both of them got a pair of shoes. Lauren found her a backpack. She had already found a lunch box BUT the backpack she got has a matching one that hooks to the backpack so I think I am going to order her one as a surprise.

We also went to the Little Rock Zoo while we were running around. I have pictures but blogger and/or my computer is acting out so I will have to post them tomorrow!

Tomorrow we are heading to the pool. It's been almost a month since our last visit. Hunter had his wreak and was scared to swim with the road rash and then Lauren got an ear infection so now that they are both healed we are going.

Sat. is the annual golf tournament for my 2 cousins that passed away. I would LOVE to go but it's over 5 hours away now and it's not looking like we won't be making it. :( It got moved last year so we didn't make it then either.

Well it's after 1:30 am and the kids are going to be ready to go to the pool as soon as it opens so I need to run. Night!

I need an ear

2009-07-20T22:22:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I am not sure what to think. This afternoon we were sitting over at my mil and fil's house (they live next door) and talking. My 24 y/o sil come over at she got off of work for dinner. We had ordered pizza's so mil, Lauren and I went to pick them up. After we left my sil starts bashing me to my husband, fil and Hunter! She was saying that I am lazy, that I sleep half the day and then go swimming everyday instead of taking Hunter to mow their grandmother's yard. Of course my husband took up for me and told her he would be sure to let me know how she felt about me. But my question is.. does the whole family feel this way, just a few or only her? Hubby and I have been together for over 15 years and I really would like to know the answer to that!

Different stuff

2009-07-20T00:14:00.003-05:00

I just noticed that I hadn't updated about Hunter's report card... HE PASSED!! He's going to the 8th grade! I can't possibly be old enough to have an 8th grader. Right?! He's not ready for school to start back tho. Lauren asked me Friday how much longer she had till school started back. I take it she's ready to go back lol. We just have to get 2 boxes of tissues and 2 more packages of notebook paper and a new backpack and she's good to go.

I figured out what was up with her not wanting to stay the night... I think. She had told me her ear was hurting a few days before the sleepover but hadn't really complained that much till she came home. That Friday I took her to the doctor and sure enough she had a nasty ear infection. The same ear infection that she is still complaining with. Back to the doctor with her.

We haven't been doing much swimming b/c of her ear and Hunter's road rash. He's good now we have to wait on her.

Speaking of that we got a call from the insurance company. They went and had the vehicle fixed with only 1 estimate and now say we owe $3700.00! Holy crap... can they really do that? That was the first we talked to anybody. Please tell me someone out there as something good to say?!

I am trying to decide if I want to work at a different school this year or not. I really want to be at the kids school but the other school has a full time aide job open. It's a paycheck every month but it's not with my kids. If I knew I would work as much as I did at the end of the year last year it wouldn't even matter about the other job. I am wondering if I stay will I still be at the top of the sub list or will I only be at the top when the top one is busy? I hate to take another step back at the kids school like I did the year before. But I also hate to pass on a steady paycheck to find out I'm back at the bottom again! I HATE having to make choices like these!!! Somebody help me!

OK I am off to try and sleep. Last night was a restless night so I am tried but not sleepy!

Only my child

2009-07-09T23:27:00.003-05:00

Lauren has been wanting to sleep over with someone all summer so yesterday she went down to a friends house and stayed the night. When I got there to get her today the mom told me that at 1 am she asked to come home. The mom asked if she would stay if she laid with them and Lauren said yes. So the mom figures she will lay there for a few minutes and go back to her bed. Boy was she in for a laugh... she said just when she thought Lauren was asleep she felt her touch her arm to make sure she was still there. So the poor mom had to sleep with 2 girls last night.

Anyway they have a in ground pool so the mom and I floated around while the girls swam for an hour and then I told Lauren it was time to leave. Do you know what that child of mine then asks... if she could spend the night again?!? Needless to say she came home and has been asleep since her head hit the pillow at 8:30. Kids!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T11:00:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to say have a safe and fun 4th!

Also yesterday was my grandfather's bday. So Happy Birthday Didie! Love and Miss you!!

You just never know

2009-07-02T22:55:00.003-05:00

Today had to be one of the worst days of my life as a mother. Lauren had gone to stay the night with my mom so this morning I stayed in bed when Hunter got up. He got dressed and told me he was going to ride his 4 wheeler. I told him to take his cell phone and please be careful. We said our I Love yous and he walked out the door. The phone rang at 10:40 and I all I hear is "your son has been hit by a car"... "he's ok". I couldn't get to him any faster. All the time my mind was racing with all the "what if's". Once I got there and got my eyes on him I lost it. The police were asking him if he was OK and some other stuff and all I could do was cry! He told me he was OK and he looked OK but all I could think was OMG what if! After I calmed down. I was told he was coming out of the woods and couldn't stop in time. He thought quick enough to jump off the 4 wheeler before the car hit it... THANK YOU GOD for watching over him. The 4 wheeler hit the front of the car and then turned and hit the back passenger door before landing in the ditch. He ended up with some major road rash but other wise is OK. I am SO very thankful that today is almost over now!

I can't believe June is almost over

2009-06-28T22:29:00.004-05:00

Where did this month go? I want summer to s l o w down. I am enjoying the time off. The kids are enjoying the time off.

We are trying to find a new Church. The one we have been going to is a great Church but there are no kids. I want my kids to remember VBS like I do. I always looked forward to that week every summer. Of course there is more to it than VBS. We are just looking for something that has more to offer the kids. Today we visited one I think might work. We will visit again and see where it leads.

Being the mother to a full blown teenager has been fun lol. He has days that I just want to lock him in his room and throw away the key. Most days are good tho. I will just be happy when he gets full lol his stomach is never ending. Tonight we grilled steaks. We had baked potatoes and brown beans with them. He then ate a bowl of chicken and dumplings and a piece of cake. If he's awake he's eating something. We are now looking each other in the eyes. He's LOVING that one but I just keep reminding him no matter how big he is I will always be his mother who is older and wiser lol!!

Lauren can't get enough of the pool. I think she's really a fish. The other day we went to the pool and she came swimming up to me and said she had find a $5 bill in the deep end and couldn't get it. I went out with her and got it for her. She is forever finding money in the pool. She then eats lots of ice cream with her found treasures.

I am off to watch a movie. Everyone is on bed so I get the tv to myself. :)

13 years ago...

2009-06-20T12:59:00.003-05:00

today I was laying in a hospital bed waiting to meet the baby I had been carrying for the past 9 months. It was not an easy labor but the end results where worth it all. My baby boy was born at 12:59 pm (11:59 pm where we live now lol) and he has kept me on my toes ever since. I can't believe it's been 13 years. I am not ready for the teenage years... the dating, the smart(er) mouth, the hormones or the 8th grade. Oh my... my baby's not a baby anymore! When did that happen?

Happy 13th Birthday Hunter, I love you!!!

A few words

2009-06-19T23:58:00.003-05:00

I just read this http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/rare_prenatal_testing_case_rai.html on another blog. Now I am going to tell a story about "normal" babies.

Here's my story. I was born to teenage parents who weren't ready to be parents. There was nothing wrong with me but the "new" wore off and I was passed around but mainly living with my mom and her parents. Once I turned 3 the passing game got old so I went to leave with my dad's parents. Never once did I feel unloved or unwanted by them just my real parents. I am sure at 50 something they wouldn't have chosen to restart with a 3 year old but they didn't blink and I was giving a stable home for the first time in 3 years. I can remember starting school and the other kids asking why my mom was never at the parties or programs and all I could say was she didn't want me. As a child I often wondered if I did something wrong or something was wrong with me for my parents not to want me but as an adult I see that it was all in God's plan. Now as a mother I don't see how one gives birth to a baby and years later change their mind. I too was young when my son was born but I NEVER thought about not wanting him. Yes he was a "surprise" but you know what he was one of the best surprises I have ever had. Anyway today I do have a relationship with my mom but it's not the normal mother/daughter one many of my friends have with their mother's. Our relationship is sometimes rocky but I truely believe I was raised by the best people. I often feel orphaned b/c both of my grand"parents" are gone but I am thankful they were there for me when I needed them the most.

2 years today

2009-06-10T21:57:00.005-05:00

It really doesn't seem like it's been 2 years. Some days it still feels so fresh and raw. I pass by her every time I go to town but it's still hard to stop and visit. I do more things that she did and I stop and think I can't believe I just did that... never in a million years did I ever think I would "turn in" to her. I can see it more and more tho... but the older get the prouder I am to be like her. I just hope I am half the mother she was to me.

I love and miss you everyday Mamaw! Thank you for everything you ever did for me!!

Just a quick note

2009-06-07T10:23:00.003-05:00

Yesterday afternoon was closing ceremonies for our baseball teams. Nate had signed up to play before his accident. He walked across the field to get his trophy. She said she was holding back the tears as he walked across that field. It's just awesome! Thank You God for answering all those prayers for Nate!!

Update on Nate

2009-06-04T21:49:00.002-05:00

I found out that Nate is coming home tomorrow!!!! He is walking and running. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts for this beautiful miracle! I can't wait to see him out of that hospital. GOD IS AWESOME!!!! We love you Nate!! :D

100th post

2009-06-02T14:43:00.004-05:00

I have been dreading writing this 100th post b/c nothing is really happening around here but here it goes.

Lauren and Hunter are both out of school and fighting like cats and dogs most of the time. I am grateful for them having their own bedrooms. I did see on another blog something I really need to try... she is making her kids hug for five minutes when they fight. That would kill mine.

The pool opened but the kids don't know that yet. The water is still so cold. I know they won't care and I don't plan to swim but I hate to start going so early b/c then they get tried of going. Come August the pools the only place to be here in Arkansas and even then it feels like your swimming in a warm bathtub.

We had talked about taking a vacation this summer but hubby doesn't have any vacation time left and since he's working as a conductor and not an engineer the moneys not as good. We decided to wait till next spring and try to do something big. We are going to do somethings close by throughout the summer. My sil, her kids, my kids and I are going to Wild River Country one day this month. We are aiming for the week of Hunter's birthday.

We are waiting for report cards... they aren't going to be mailed till the 5th. Hunter goofed off the 1st semester and worked his butt off the last nine weeks so we don't know if he made it out of 7th or not. He made 2 100's on his semester tests so we know he can do it... it's his want to that bites!

Lauren was on the Honor Roll all year. Hunter says it's easier in the 2nd grade but even back then he didn't give it his all. I hope that she will always love school b/c it sure makes things better. Hunter HATES it and it makes the school year hellish!

Jenny got a picture of Nate standing up outside the hospital last week. How awesome is that! What a wonderful God!!

I also can't believe it's been 2 years almost since this...http://brandyb.wordpress.com/2007/06/11/shes-gone/

Well I am going to run outside and play with the kids. See you later.

It's OVER..

2009-05-28T17:43:00.003-05:00

I didn't think this day would get here but it finally did. Summer break is here... thank you Lord! Lauren's last day was the 20th but Hunter had to take 3 semester tests so he didn't get done till yesterday.

Today Lauren and I went to Benton to sell some clothes at Simon Says... love that store! If you leave close to there you really need to check them out. After we were done there we hit Old Navy. 50% off anything already on sale!! Man I love Old Navy. After that we went to Park Plaza and hit some stores there. Met up with a friend and her girls and shopped and then ate lunch. While the older girls were finishing eating we took the little ones to the candy store. OMG can you believe I paid $11 for M&M's!!! Never ever again will we go to that candy store!

Well I must run and feed the dogs. They are all barking letting me know it's dinner time lol. :)

Nate

2009-05-19T16:07:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the 2nd and 3rd graders got to go to Chuck E Cheese's for their AR award trip. Mary, Jenny and I rode together and after we were done at Chuck E Cheese's we decided to take the kids by Arkansas Children's Hospital to see Nate. We had heard he was doing so well and when we walked in... he said hello to each of the kids and called them by their names. He still has a long road to travel to be back to his old self but he is doing awesome! We didn't get to stay long because he had to go to therapy but I am glad the kids got to see him in person. His mom said they are talking like he will be there about 4 more weeks. God is AWESOME!! I got this picture of them together... a few others stopped by to visit too. Keep praying for our little fighter Nate!

A night to remember

2009-05-17T21:39:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was one of the best days I have ever had. 2 very good friends (Mary and Jenny) and I went to see Kenny Chesney in concert. We decided to leave around 11 am so we could hit the mall and eat before it started at 7:30. Mary's brother and wife went too and got a hotel room so around 5:00 we went to get ready. After we got dressed we were going to eat but as we drove by Alltel we decided we should go ahead and park so we did. Jenny is the best and made us shirts with KSSN (an awesome radio station giving away back stage passes and upgrades) on them. So we parked and found the KSSN truck and started looking for their people. When we found them they commented on our shirts and then gave us meet and greets for Miranda Lambert!!!! Holy cow we were on cloud nine! After we were done we waited around the meet and greet to see if we could get back to see Kenny. We couldn't get back to see him BUT we did get passes to the Sandbar which is next to the stage! We each got to touch his hand! After the concert was over we rolled through Burger King and came home. Here are some pictures of our night out... enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T09:46:00.001-05:00

I hope each of you have a wonderful relaxing day. :)

Update on Nate

2009-05-09T22:58:00.002-05:00

Nate, Has moved outta ICU, into his own room. And Today he Gave a Thumbs up and Smiled! GOD IS WONDERFUL!!! Nate is such a TROOPER!!!! Keep Fighting Nate!!!..And he no long has tubes and stuff....just a Feeding tube! :) :) :)

They were getting ready to move Nate to the rehab floor. He is going to have speech, occupational, and physical therapy twice a day..He will be back before we know it. Keep going Nate......We Love You

I finally joined facebook so I could find out more on Nate. I pulled this info off there. Keep praying for this sweetie pie.

I may have..

2009-05-06T23:53:00.006-05:00

lost my mind. If you have been reading older posts you know we have a dachshund named Lady Bug. She had puppies back in March. We have decided to keep the only girl that lived. So now we have 5 beagles and 2 dachshunds. Yes I am crazy... I know! I just couldn't sell her and Vince fell for her too and of course the kids wanted to keep all of them. Now we need names. We have Blue, Red, Grady, John, Henry and Lady Bug so what do y'all think? She's black and tan and she will be small. Please help us out. Lauren says Princess and Hunter says Honey (we had a black and tan named that when he was a baby) and I haven't a clue. I counting on y'all, please don't make me cry! :)

Update on Nate

2009-05-05T12:08:00.003-05:00

I talked to someone last night that had talked to Nate's dad. The dad told her they were watching his brain injuries but they were going to start lessening the sedation to see how he handled it. They are focusing on his brain right now and will fix his pelvis later. Sorry for the break in updates but I haven't heard anything.

Please pray for his brain injuries, his doctors, the family, friends and for Brandon the truck driver.

Update on Nate

2009-05-02T09:07:00.003-05:00

They found out Nate's pelvis is broken. He's been such a little fighter. He's still sedated and his vitals are still great. The swelling in his head hasn't gotten any worse. Let's keep those prayers going for this little guy and for Brandon.

The grandmother's funeral is this morning so keep the family in your thoughts.

Sorry I didn't update after school yesterday but I didn't hear anything till late last night. Unless something majorly changes I probably won't know anything until Monday. I do work again so I will run to the Elem. and check on him. Thank you all for helping through prayer. God is amazing.

Update on Nate

2009-04-30T17:39:00.002-05:00

When I asked about Nate this morning I was told he was the same. So just keep praying for his brain and abdominal injuries.

This was in our weekly newspaper. http://www.clevelandcountyherald.com/news3.htm

Renee is does suck that a seat beat could do so much damage. They are there to protect us. They were hit very hard tho.

I would also like for us to pray for the truck driver Brandon. He was only 33 years old and he will relive this forever. He was so upset over the wreak that he just kept repeating "I tried to stop but I couldn't".

Update on Nate

2009-04-29T18:15:00.004-05:00

This morning I walked Lauren to her class so I could sit in when they came to talk to the kids about Nate. The counselor came in and told them what happened and asked if they had any questions. Some did but most just listened. I have been asking about Nate all day and finally after school got an update on him.

They have him sedated b/c he had a rough night. He has a blood clot in his brain that they are hoping they can fix with meds. His abdomen has major damage from the seat belt. He has been stable and his vitals have been good this afternoon. I will update again after school tomorrow unless something changes.

Please keep praying for this beautiful little guy. I am very grateful to each and every one of you as I am sure the family is!

PLEASE READ THIS..

2009-04-28T20:13:00.004-05:00

and help this family out. A little boy (Nate) in the 2nd grade here at Woodlawn was in a bad car accident this afternoon. His grandmother was killed and he is in serious condition. He has been taking to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Please pray for him and his family.

I had him in art today. He was so proud of the Mother's Day card he had made his mom. My daughter was in the same Kindergarten class with Nate. His step sister is in the same class Lauren's in now.

The grandmother and Nate were on their way to the school to pick up his step sister and his older brother from after school tutoring. They pulled out in front of a log truck and the grandmother died instantly. Nate has been gone a few times. Please keep this family and the community in your thoughts and pass this along if you wouldn't mind. Thank You!

Falling so far behind

2009-04-22T21:56:00.003-05:00

I don't know how any of you girls do it. I am so far behind with the housework it isn't even funny anymore. I have been working everyday the last 2 weeks and I am PRAYING for a break next week. Yeah the money will be super nice come payday but I am so TRIED and cranky. Now I know how Lauren (baby girl) feels when she's oh so whiny. I will try to remember that when she gets that way.

Then Vince (hubby) says he's thinking about laying off tomorrow night. Hello I have been busting my butt and taking EVERY call from the school so we can go somewhere this summer! Then he says "you wanna switch?" Will do buddy boy. I will ride the choo choo train to Dexter and then get a free hotel room and sit back, relax, catch up on missed sleep, and eat out while you go to the school and work then come home and keep up with house stuff and kids homework, baths, and feed them all before Lauren's 8 o'clock bedtime. Tell me where to sign on the dotted line. Oh and hurry before the bags under my eyes get bigger and darker.

I wanna know why I can't just say "oh it will be there tomorrow and go to bed at night"? I can't do it I have tried but I lay there thinking about what needs to be done and had I done it I would stop thinking about it already. Like right now my eyeballs are on FIRE but here I sit reading and writing waiting for the clothes to finish drying. It's just CRAZY!!! My body quit hours ago but not my pretty little head. One of you can stick me with a pin because I'm done! ;)

26 more days till summer!!

2009-04-19T21:49:00.004-05:00

This weekend has been a little busy for us. Friday after school the kids and I left for Conway. My nephew's birthday party was Sat. and we always go the night before and stay. Friday night we took the kids roller skating. I did leave my sil with the kids for a hour so I could run to Kohl's and look for a shirt to wear to the Kenny concert. I found a shirt and a pair of black Sketchers on sale for $18.00. After I got back to the skating rink I let my sil and 4 year old niece go home. My baby girl LOVES to skate so I decided to stay and let her do that. Around 10 my nephew fell so I decided that was a great time to head out. Once we got to the house I needed to go to Wal-Mart so her and I left the kids with her hubby and we headed to Wally's. We got what we needed and went back to her house and finally the kids, her and I went to bed around 2 am. Sat. morning we got up, ate donuts, got ready for the party and waited for everyone to get there. After it was over the kids and I headed back home. We pulled into our driveway at 7:00. Of course I am to anal so I had to unpack, wash clothes, run the vacuum, clean the bathroom and get the kids in bed before I could sit down and relax. I got into bed around 11:30 last night. We all slept in this morning.

This afternoon the kids, hubby and I went over to my mom's house for a fish fry. My uncle and his youngest daughter came in from Kansas for a few days. So my other uncle, his wife and kids, my aunt, her hubby and kids, my Mamaw B and us were all together and we had a great time visiting and eating. My aunt took some pictures of my family so I am going to post one. We weren't really dressed for pictures but oh well. Enjoy!

Hi Ho Hi Ho

2009-04-15T22:14:00.004-05:00

it's off to work I go. I have worked everyday this week and will finish the week off working too. They have me floating around the High School in the mornings while they are doing the 7th and 8th grade Benchmark tests. In the afternoons I have been a few different teachers who have had dr. appointments or gone home "sick" (sick of the Benchmark test). I am working Tuesday next week too.

A little funny... Monday morning I had the 8th graders out in the gym (they started Benchmark Tuesday) and the Principal comes in to talk to them. He finishes with his talk and I got up and walked over to him to ask him something. He looks at me and says "Oh Mrs. Brandy I thought you were one of them"! Come on I know I look young BUT really 8th grade?!

The puppies had their first "real" meal tonight. They of course ate like 3 little pigs.

Only 28 more days of school!!!!!!!!! Yes I am more than ready for SUMMER vacation. I am ready for the pool to open and us hang out there most days. I am ready to not have an alarm clock waking me up Monday through Friday. I am ready to hung out with my kids and have no worries of homework, tests and grades!

Also one month from tomorrow I am going to see Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum with 2 of my bff's. This will be our first concert together and I am so looking forward to it. This will also be the 3rd time I have seen Kenny.

I need to run and catch the weather and get into the bed before 1 am like I did last night. Thanks to Jenny! :P

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T21:27:00.007-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We did. We went to Church. Came home ate lunch at the in laws and then came home and rested. My mom and (step) dad come over around 5:30 and brought the kids their stuff. Baby girl got Marley and Me in her basket and her and I watched it after her bath. We both were crying at the end... great movie!! The boy got Bedtime Stories, we are going to watch in tomorrow (maybe). Here's the best picture I got of them this morning. Sat. hubby and son went fishing. Can you tell? We normally do a family picture after Church but when we came out of Church it was POURING so I looked and felt like a drowned dog so we didn't get one. :(

Benchmark testing starts tomorrow. I am not a big fan of this test but who am I?! Say a little pray that the kids aren't too stressed out over them.

The puppies are now 3 weeks old. They are starting to walk. I got woke up this morning around 5 am... they are getting playful and thought that was a great time to start. :) Till next time.

3

2009-04-07T23:19:00.004-05:00

My Baby Bug died last night. She was the smallest puppy I was bottle feeding. She just wasn't very strong and could no longer fight. I had nicknamed her Baby Bug b/c she was Lady Bug's smallest.

We now have 1 big girl and 2 huge boys left. They crack me up when they are eating. You can hear them smacking from across the room. They will also nurse will laying on their backs. They are just too cute.

ER

2009-04-03T22:29:00.004-05:00

Did you guys catch ER last night? I still can't believe that show has been on for 15 years and now it's gone.

Some parts of the show were harder on me than I thought would be. That little old couple... when he said "I'm not ready yet" I cried like a baby. I SO know that feeling. I still feel that way some days. I miss her so much. I hurt when I think about my kids not knowing her better. I hurt because I had so much I wanted to say. I wouldn't want her back the way she was in the end... but if I could have her back like she was before 2004 I would trade anything for her. I miss her face, her humor and her love. I miss her calling me 50 times a day... never did I think I would miss that. I still hurt because I wasn't there the night she died. I hurt because she was alone. I didn't truly know the Lord back then and I don't know if she did. I am VERY grateful she led me to the Lord and I pray she knew him too so one day we will see each other again. I pray that she is at peace and with my Didee. I need to find peace for myself over not being there that night...

A shout out

2009-04-02T22:10:00.003-05:00

for my friend Jenny... she passed the Real Estate test today!! Way to go girl!

After work tonight Jenny, another friend Mary and I went out to celebrate. We had a great time. We ate and talked for 3 hours. We also decided to make this a once a month outing... of course that's not counting our lunch dates. ;)

The kids are out of school tomorrow. Baby girl went over to my moms to stay the night. Mamaw was glad to see her. It lifted her spirits some. Please keep praying for her. Now I am off to watch DVR and then bed. Oh before I forget the littlest puppy has put on some weight. :)

Wow I am speechless

2009-03-31T23:54:00.000-05:00

http://www.rationalmind.net/2009/03/28/on-down-syndrome-and-other-self-inflicted-tragedies/

9:45 and the phone rings

2009-03-31T21:45:00.004-05:00

My heart just dropped out of my chest. The phone rang and I see on the caller ID it's my mom's number. She doesn't call this late. I answer the phone and it's my (step) dad and he asks what I'm doing? Nothing, what's up? Your momma needs to tell you something! OK! She gets on the phone and says... I was FIRED today!!!! What??? She starts crying and telling me what happened. She says they waited till 5:00 pm to fire her and the reason they gave her was she was late last Thursday morning?!? WTH? Oh here's the kicker... her job was posted in the newspaper Sunday and someone came in today to interview?!

She has been with this company for 21 years. I am still in shock and I can't begin to imagine what she's feeling right now. Please pray for her. I know God has plans but I'm not sure she does.

Now I remember why I don't do....

2009-03-30T21:21:00.005-05:00

Facebook. After reading this post at Chicky Chicky Baby http://chickychickybaby.blogspot.com/2009/03/let-sleeping-dogs-lie-but-if-you-insist.html it hit me. I have a ex that should NEVER try to get it touch EVER!!! He was close to a felon way back in the day. And yes I was young and stupid and stayed with him even after it. Not that I would every want to redo my life b/c I think I am the person I am b/c of my past but if I could block out those 3 years it would be like laying on a beach with nothing else to do every again! I really thought 7th grade was awesome till we broke up during 9th grade and then my eyes opened to a new world... one were I was free to be me. I am SO very thankful cell phones weren't the thing back then. :)

Love this one!!

2009-03-30T20:58:00.004-05:00

You Are Flip Flops

You are laid back and very friendly.
Cheery and sunny in disposition, you usually have something to smile about.

Style is important to you, as long as you can stay casual.
It takes a lot to get you to dress up!

You are a loyal and true person, though you can be a bit of a flake.
You tend to "play hooky" and blow off responsibilities a lot more than most people.

You should live: By the beach

You should work: At a casual up and coming company

www.blogthings.com/whatkindofshoeareyouquiz/

4

2009-03-28T21:53:00.003-05:00

These are the puppies we are left with. Early Wed. morning the 2 that looked so much like Lady passed away. The little boy dead first, I was trying to warm him and feed him and I thought for a minute that he might be OK. He died a few minutes later tho. The little girl died after I had gone to bed for the night. Since Lady wasn't with the boy she has been looking for him. I feel so very bad for her.

The little brown one at the top of the picture is still very small compared to the other 3 so I have been feeding her every 4 or so hours by bottle. I pulled her out yesterday and helped her nurse with Lady and I guess she finally "got" it b/c last night I caught her nursing along with the others. I am still feeding her to help Lady out but you can look at her now and see she's growing. I don't want to lose another puppy.

Going to the dogs...

2009-03-23T18:27:00.008-05:00

I hope you don't mind more pictures of our newest family members. I don't figure you will tho. ;)

Here's piggy #1

Piggy #1

Piggy #2

Piggy #3

Piggy #4

Ladybug is doing a wonderful job with her 6 pack, but I thought once a day feeding them some mother's milk wouldn't hurt anybody. This was day 1 of bottle feeding and as you can see they ate like little piggies. Piggy #1 is the runt and she ate the longest. I will be back later with more pictures I'm sure. :)

Drum roll please....

2009-03-22T17:17:00.003-05:00

this morning around 3:45 Ladybug became a momma. Just after 10:00 am she was finished and is now a mom to 3 girls and 3 boys. How funny that was so even. Oh and 2 look like her, 2 look like the daddy and 2 are black and tan. Of course they are so stinking cute! Here's the best picture I could get while she was eating.

What time is it?

2009-03-20T16:47:00.003-05:00

No it's not summer time... tho I do wish it was!! It's SPRING BREAK!!!!!!! :D Time for a week of sleeping in. No homework! Staying in our pj's till noon if we want to. Sleeping in! Fishing trips! Kids going camping with the grandparents! No homework!! Oh we are expecting puppies any day now too. So let the fun begin.

Wordless Wednesday Any day now

2009-03-18T21:11:00.001-05:00

Oh my!

2009-03-12T16:32:00.004-05:00

My baby girl is now 8 years old!

This doesn't seem right. Where have the last 8 years gone? I really shouldn't be surprised because she was in such a hurry to get here back then. She tried to make her entrance into the world at 30 weeks but we put a stop to that after a week in and out of the hospital. After 6 weeks on brethine, 2 steroid shots and lite duty (whatever that means when you have a 4 year old too) she was given the OK to come. Which she did and then she wouldn't wait for the dr. to get there so the nurse delivered her. Every since it's been go go go. I've heard when can I do this and how old do I have to be before that? Why can't she just slow down and be little while she can? You are one of our blessings and I'm so very thankful for you everyday. I love you baby girl. Happy 8th Birthday!!

2009-03-11T08:25:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday - Pampering!

2009-03-04T18:45:00.004-06:00

Another late call...

2009-02-23T21:12:00.002-06:00

I waited till 7 am to get the kids up this morning. I got them fed and dressed and drove them to school. I thought to myself ahhh silence at last. Wrong thought because the phone rang 8:22 am and the caller ID said the schools name. Crap! They wanted to know if I could come in this morning... yes I will be there as soon as I can is what come out of my mouth. So I jumped in the shower and got ready. Can you believe I was signing my form at 8:55 am!? I am good like that lol. Which is why I get the late calls. ;)

So glad it's the weekend.

2009-02-21T01:19:00.005-06:00

Thursday started off bad. Around 2 am my baby girl woke me saying she didn't feel very good. Minutes later we were in the bathroom and she was throwing up. After I got everything cleaned up I got her a place on the floor fixed and the trash can beside her. I decided to do a suppository because she has a habit of going down fast when she gets a bug. She didn't throw up anymore and went back to sleep around 3 am.

At 4:58 am the phone rings!!! Not good for the phone to ring at that hour. I looked at the caller ID and see it's my stepdad. I answer and he tells me he feels bad. Then he says I don't think I am going to make it. WHAT?! I asked what he meant by that and he says he thinks he's dying!! I asked him where he was and he told me he was crossing the county line... ok that's like 2 mins from my house... come here. I jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes, call my in laws, and start brushing my teeth. The phone rings again and he says "I've crashed"!!! Ok I am on my way. I jumped in my van and start down the highway. I find a car on the side of the road and pull over. A man is down in the ditch with him and they are standing outside of the truck. I got out and ran to see what happened. The man hadn't seen what happened just seen the tail lights from the highway and stopped to see if the person was OK. He had already called 911 by the time I got there. The man helped me get him to my van and we looked up to another car stopping... a nurse! Thank you Lord for both the man and the nurse. The nurse come to my van to see how she could help. Turns out he had a very bad reaction to something and by this point his throat was swelling up and I believe he was going into shock. The nurse told me she had some benadryl so I ran to her car and grabbed it and she give him some. During all of this I had finally gotten ahold of my mom and we were waiting for her so we could get him to the ER. She pulled up within a few mins of me calling and we left for the ER. They run some tests and couldn't figure out what did it but they said it was most diffidently a reaction. So after watching him and running meds they left him go him a few hours later. The real kicker is Wed. around 6 pm he and I talked and he told me he had gotten in something and he was breaking out in hives and itching like crazy. I told him to go get some benadryl and he told me he would. Well the 2 places he went didn't have any so he just went back to the lake to finish his night of running yo yo's. I didn't know he hadn't gotten the benadryl till after the nurse stopped!!!!

After all of that I had to get to Little Rock for my doctor appointment at the Headache Clinic. I couldn't believe my blood pressure wasn't high but it was normal. It was a fasting appointment so they could redue my blood work. Back in August my cholesterol was high so she wanted to see if it was still high. Plus my Vitamin D was super low the last two times.

My mil had gotten the boy off to school for me and my fil kept the girl. Once my mom and stepdad were released they stopped and picked up baby girl. Now that things were getting back to normal (whatever that is) I decided to go ahead and do the birthday shopping I had planned to do while in Little Rock. I got her some really cute clothes, a few toys and a game for the Wii. Mostly from my mom, stepdad and the in laws. I finally headed home and my mom and stepdad brought the kids home... they had picked up the boy from school. When they walked in the door and I looked at baby girl I knew she didn't feel good. I check her temp and it was 103, so I got Motrin in her fast and set her up on the couch. Her temp was 103 again this morning but since that she hasn't had any. So even though we have a bug running it's course I am thankful it's the weekend and I pray I never have to live this past Thursday ever again!

A few more details... for my new readers (if I have any) my stepdad is more of a dad to me than my "real" dad has ever tried to be but for my readers from my old blog I say stepdad because I have posted things about the "real" dad that I wouldn't want people to confuse my stepdad with. Anyway my stepdad is OK. He blacked out after calling me and crossed the highway and hit a HUGE Pine tree head on. He came to and called me back. His truck was totaled but it's just a truck. The only thing that matters is he was OK. I bought him a huge bottle of benadryl and I told him to please have some with him at all times from now on just in case.

meme's

2009-02-18T18:31:00.005-06:00

Husband Tag

1. Where did you meet? In High School

2. How long did you date before you got married? 9 months 24 days

3. How long have you been married? Will be 15 years in Nov.

4. What does he do that surprises you? nothing comes to mind

5. What is your favorite feature of his? eyes

6. What is your favorite quality of his? sense of humor!

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Honey

8. What is his favorite color? red

9. What is his favorite food? steak

10. What is his favorite sport? whatever the kids are playing

11. When and where was your first kiss? Feb. 1 1994... in my car when I dropped him off after our first date... hey it was on the cheek.

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? When we sit and watch movies together at home.

13. Do you have any children? Yes, one boy and one girl!

14. Does he have a hidden talent? no

15. How old is he? 33

16. Who said I love you first? I did!

17. What’s his favorite type of music? He really likes a mix of everything.

18. What do you admire most about him? His love for his family.

19. Do you think he will read this? no

HUSBAND MEME

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: What is on the screen? John Wayne, Clint Eastwood or James Bond

2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch

3. What is one food he doesn’t like? sushi

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? beer

5. Where did he go to high school? Pine Bluff High School

6. What size shoe does he wear? 10 1/2

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? fishing/hunting gear

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? cheeseburger

9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? steak

10. What is his favorite cereal? doesn't eat cereal

11. What would he never wear? Pink.

12. What is his favorite sports team? the kids :)

13. Who is his best friend? Mark and John

14. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? Nag him about money

15. How many states has he lived in? three

16. What is his heritage? American

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind is it? I would have his mom make him her caret cake

18. Did he play sports in high school? nope

19. What could he spend hours doing? fishing and or hunting

Late call...

2009-02-17T23:49:00.004-06:00

7 am is when the phone rang this morning asking if I could work today. Of course I jumped up and turned on the shower. After I got out I ran and woke up the boy and got him in the shower. Went back to start my makeup when I hear the shower in my bathroom running?! Hubby thought it would be a great time for him to get his shower also. You know since he wasn't really doing anything today... angry is what I became. The girl uses our bathroom first thing because her brothers in theirs. Nope not this morning cause daddy's in there being thoughtful and all. I got their pancakes ready and went to finish getting myself together in the steamy bathroom!! Fun time putting on makeup in a steamy hot bathroom! NOT!! Needless to say we were almost late this morning cause the hubby's always thinking of others.

After school the girl was complaining her head hurt. We got home and it only got worse. She finally threw up and about 15 minutes later she felt great. Lovely, she's going to have migraines too. The boy had his first migraine in the 2nd grade also. Gotta love that DNA they share with me. I do thank God that medicine has come a long way so we don't have to suffer like my great grandmother did.

I have been ebaying some and then last night while Im'ing with a friend I came across Etsy!! I got the girl a dress and I can only hope it's as cute in person as it was on there. She wants a Jonas Brothers party so I ordered a guitar cake pan off ebay... I am doing one chocolate and another yellow/white. I am also getting ready to order the invites... they look like concert tickets! How cool is that!?!

One last thing, I never did tell about Brad Paisley. HE WAS AWESOME!!!!!!! I will see him again when he comes back!! I heard Keith Urban and maybe Sugarland where coming... yep I will be there too!! :D

Another Long weekend :)

2009-02-16T22:04:00.004-06:00

Hi, it's been a while. I can't believe we are more than halfway through February already. Where has the month gone? It's getting to close to my baby's 8th birthday. Wow 8 years old!! That is so hard to believe! Also there's about 3 months left of the school year... which seems to have flown by too (most days anyway).

We had a nice long weekend and I am sad to see it end. I started a new workout program today. I am sick of looking at myself when I get dressed everyday. But I'm the only one that can do anything about it so I did. I am aiming for 3 days a week to begin... the gym is in town 20 mins from my house. Once the weather warms up my mil and I will start walking again the other days. I would like to lose about 15 pounds and tone up. Swimsuits will be out way to soon.

I am looking forward to the summer. Last summer was such a bummer. Now that I have my migraine's under control more than not I am excited about spending the summer with the kids at the pool everyday if they want. By 2010 I want to have enough money saved to take a trip back to Virginia Beach and show the kids where we lived, walk on the boardwalk with them and show them were the boy was born. It doesn't seem like that was 12 years ago that we moved back home to Arkansas to be close to the grands and great grands. Never a move I regret either. Not that it wasn't great living in Virginia, it was just to far away from the family... and much harder when you have the first grandchild on both sides. Anyway I have rambled enough for tonight.

Been a while

2009-01-30T23:42:00.005-06:00

I'm still around. It's been hard to post anything without feeling like crap doing it. I feel like I should feel very blessed and most days I do. But sometimes you just feel like every things against you. Lately I have been there. The boy has been having some problems and I felt like I was failing him. I think I am over that feeling.. I think. It sucks when you kids are hurting, failing, sick and it feels like the only thing you can do is NOTHING!!

I have been keeping up with little Harper and Brayden. They are both improving so much and I am so happy for their parents. I was glad to have come across their blogs and have enjoyed following them. But then I came across another blog... The Maxey family has been through so much and now are facing so much more. It's just NOT fair for any parent to know what losing a child is like. CANCER TRULY SUCKS!!!!

When I read about parents losing a child I have to remember my aunt lost 2 within 2 years of each other. How do you go through that? How do you go on?

I also have a family that is heavy in my heart right now. The guy is waiting for a kidney. The other day they thought they had one but it was damaged by the time it got to the hospital. I would love to just be able to make everyone well but that isn't possible...

I'm in LOVE!!

2009-01-25T22:28:00.004-06:00

Yesterday hubby and I decided to break down and buy a new vacuum cleaner. Our old new has been crapping out for a while now but we will in denial. Recently we rented a carpet cleaner and were grossed out by the nasty crap we pulled out of the carpet. Mind you we built this house back in 2004 so they shouldn't be THAT bad yet. So anyway we had talked about getting something new with some of our income tax money. So I researched vacuums and decided the Dyson was what I wanted. O M G I am so in love with this machine. I don't know how I have lived without this beautiful machine this long. Anybody thinking about a Dyson and wondering if it's worth the money... it SO is you won't be disappointed!!

More Prayers

2009-01-19T22:13:00.004-06:00

A former student where I sub was killed Sat. evening while riding 4 wheelers with friends. She was only 18 years old. So young. Please keep her family,friends and the school in your thoughts tomorrow as she is laid to rest.

Prayers needed

2009-01-18T22:49:00.001-06:00

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ and http://www.jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/Both of these families have babies that need you. Please keep Harper and Brayden in your thoughts and prayers. Leave them stories if you have one or just let them know you are thinking of them.

Song titles

2009-01-15T18:00:00.001-06:00

If I could write a letter to me. I would start by saying all because two people fell in love I can write this. Hubby was wrapped around her finger from our first date and has been waiting on a woman ever since. Back when we were dating we danced alot and it seemed like the world was ours. We sang a whiskey lullaby when we drank alcohol and thought we'd start a band. He likes to get a little mud on the tires but when I get where I'm going I'll have to search for ticks. Do you like to search for those... me neither. It's the little moments like that I'm glad I'm not a celebrity and that I'm so much cooler online. Tomorrow night as I sit and watch Brad Paisley with my step dad who I thank God for because he's always been more than half the dad he didn't have to be. I will be new again and feel like she's everything because he's still a guy Brad that is! ;)

I hope you like this because if not I'm gonna miss her. Those are all songs by Brad. I am SO excited! I have been waiting for years to see him and in about 26 hours the wait will be over! I will let you know how it goes. Till then...

ramblings

2009-01-14T22:30:00.001-06:00

I have been working alot in the past 2 weeks. One would think after a almost 3 week break the teachers would be coming to work. I guess I won't complain to much. I am happy they have been calling me the day before because I have gotten lazy and have not been getting up and ready in case the phone rings. This will bite me in the butt soon.

I am getting very excited about Friday night. In case you forgot... it's the night I get to see BRAD PAISLEY!!! Then Monday we are getting our taxes done. :D No better way to spend a long weekend.

Poor dog...

2009-01-14T22:10:00.002-06:00

This post over at http://babybloomr.com/ reminded me of this picture I took of Lady. She now sports a onesie while wearing her diaper tho. I will have to get a picture of that and post it.

Damnit...

2009-01-08T23:56:00.004-06:00

why do I sit here night after night and stay up so late reading. I didn't go to bed till after 2:00 am last night/this morning and wouldn't you know I got a call to work at 7:30 am. Thank goodness I had time to run the kids to school and run back home and get dressed. You think I would have learned something by this but no here it is almost midnight and I again am working tomorrow. Maybe one day soon I will get it. I wouldn't hold my breath tho. ;)

My ladybug has started her 2nd heat. This time I am going to let her have a litter and then she will get spayed (maybe). I can't wait for her to have some cute little babies.

Out with the old and in with the new...

2009-01-01T18:52:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it's 2009 already! The kids, Lady and I went to visit with my sil and her family for the last few days. We all were up last night and got to watch the ball drop together. We (sil and I) played way to much Wii. We are both VERY sore from 2 days and nights of bowling and tennis lol. I have either pulled something or have major heartburn going on... I am thinking it's something pulled as I am getting other aches.

I am thinking this was the Christmas for the Wii for my family and a few other families we know. We have been having a blast Wii'ing here at the house. Our mii's were fun to make and are so cute. The girl had to have eye makeup on her mii. They are both saving their money for Wii games. I am happy with the bowling myself lol. The girl wants Sing it so I am sure that will be fun too. The boy is thinking wrestling for his game. Well the dryer stopped. Later!

This is so true!! :)

2008-12-28T00:00:00.003-06:00

You Feel Nurturing Toward Your Family

You get along with everyone in your family, and you tend to play the peacemaker. You can see issues from all sides.

You feel like your family is prone to too many arguments and instability. You never feel like things can be completely peaceful.

When times get difficult, you are able to be the adult in your family. You are able to keep your family together.

You have trouble keeping up with your family member's birthdays and anniversaries. You are often late with your gifts.

www.blogthings.com/howdoyoureallyfeelaboutyourfamilyquiz/

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T23:20:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. I hope Santa is extra nice to each one of you this year too.

From my family to yours.

Thought I would share a few more...

2008-12-17T15:58:00.003-06:00

This was me thinking it would be so easy to take a picture of the kids with Blue and Lady. It was like having the kids pictures done back when they were both still little! Enjoy!

Our Traditions..

2008-12-17T15:31:00.004-06:00

Sandra over at http://familycorner.blogspot.com/2008/12/from-rain-to-sun-shine.html asked that we share our Christmas traditions so here's ours.

Our tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving. Most of the time I already have some gifts bought and wrapped to put under there.

Our Christmas going starts this Sat. at the in-laws. We will have dinner and visit then open gifts. This started a few years ago before we did do it Christmas day and with sil living 2 hours away it was hard on her kids. So we do it the Sat. before Christmas now.

Then Sunday the kids, mil, sil, her kids and I will go to church. After church the kids and I will go to my Mamaw's house for our Christmas with my mom's side. Not really sure why she changed it this year.. we normally do it Christmas Eve afternoon. Also Sunday night the church is doing the candle light service... again not sure why this was moved from Christmas Eve night.

Up until my Mamaw that raised me went into a nursing home, we did Christmas with dad's side of the family Dec. 23rd. But that stopped in 2004. Hard to believe this will be her 2nd Christmas gone.

Christmas Eve night the kids, hubby and I go to my mom's for dinner, visiting and opening gifts. We stay till time to get the kids home and ready for bed. Santa comes that night with all his gifts unwrapped and put together... he's good that way. ;)

Christmas morning around 6:00 am the kids could and wake us up. We get up and they show us what Santa brought. Then we open gifts from under the tree. Once we are done we find something to eat and the kids play with their things the rest of the day. At some point both sets of grandparents stop and see what the kids got. It's so nice not to have to go anywhere Christmas Day.

Care to share yours? I would love to read them all.

Gotta love the weather...

2008-12-16T09:06:00.002-06:00

the 2nd grade had a field trip to the Imax today. Had being the key word here. North Arkansas got hit with freezing rain and Central Arkansas got much of the same. Seeing that the trip was in Central Arkansas the trip was canceled until farther notice. The girl was not pleased by this news. I am glad they didn't try to take a bus on the overpasses. I am thinking of picking her up a bit early and taking her to lunch.

I have a few

2008-12-07T18:55:00.005-06:00

so I thought I would tell you all about the big shopping day. As soon as I dropped the kids off at school we headed out. I had a few stops in Little Rock I needed to make so we went to Academy for the things I needed in there. I also needed to run into the mall for an ornament with all of our names on it. (Dd was very upset when she was putting the tree together b/c we had an ornament with hubby, me and the boy on it dated 1996. She wanted to know why she wasn't on there. So now we have one with all 4 of us with 2008 on it.) After those stops we went on to Conway. We met up with my sil there and started our shop til you drop day. We hit Kohl's, Shoe Carnival, T J Maxx, Belk's, Target, Payless and then we decided to take a break and eat lunch. After eating at The Market Place we went back to shopping. We started at Best Buy, Home Depot, Kirkland's, Old Navy and ended the day at Hallmark. The best thing was after I got home and went to Cabalas.com to get 2 things for hubby I was D O N E!!!!! :)

Since the kids stayed at my mom's for the night I got everything wrapped and under the tree. Saturday morning the girl had a Christmas party at Church so I went and got her and took her to that. Today the kids, my mil and I got up and went to Church and then drove to Conway for my niece's 4th birthday party.

As soon as we left my sil's house the girl said she didn't feel so good. About 30 minutes later she was throwing up. She has been doing so every 30 minutes or so since. Looks like she will get a few days off from school... she has a dentist appointment Tuesday for some cavities and 2 teeth are going to be pulled. Fun days are ahead of me. ;) I need to run and check on her again. Till then.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-06T19:47:00.001-06:00

Ok here's the kids picture I promised. Enjoy!!

Big day tomorrow.

2008-12-04T17:22:00.003-06:00

It's the yearly shopping trip with the girl in laws. I will be done tomorrow or else. ;)

I am getting ready to take pictures of the kids for our cards and when I do I will post one here. :) Till then...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T14:58:00.002-06:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful blessed day.

14 years and going...

2008-11-25T00:01:00.004-06:00

is how long the hubby and I have been married. Hubby was in the Army and his sister, her husband and I drove to Georgia to pick him up for the Thanksgiving holiday and our wedding. We got home the morning of Thanksgiving and spent the day between his family and mine. The next day we got married at 7:00 pm and hubby was on a plane around 4:00 pm the next day back to Georgia.

Also one year ago hubby and I were baptized. Neither a day we will ever forget. I feel very blessed to have a loving man that supports his family 100%.

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-20T23:36:00.001-06:00

Today was my hubby's 33rd birthday! I hope you had a good one! I love you!! :)

Try this

2008-11-20T23:07:00.003-06:00

My FIRSTS

So I stole this from http://www.myspecialks.com/, but it looked fun!

1. Who was your FIRST prom date? My hubby was my one and only prom date.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love? Not unless hell froze over!

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink? A beer and I HATED it... still can't drink beer!

4. What was your FIRST job? Babysitting!

5. What was your FIRST car? a 4 door sunbird

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today? my friend Susan

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning? the kids

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher? Ms. Libby... she was my kindergarten teacher too!

9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane? I was in the 5th grade and I flew to Dallas for a Dance convention

10. Who was your FIRST best friend and are you still friends with them? Blake was and no we no longer talk.... I do talk to his mom when I see her.

11. What was your FIRST sport played? softball

12. Where was your FIRST sleep over? in 1st grade

13. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today? hubby

14. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time? my aunt's friends.. I handed out rice bags.

15. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning? took a shower

16. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to? in the 7th grade I went to Michael Bolton

17. FIRST tattoo or piercing?My ears when I was 4.

18. FIRST foreign country you went to? none

19. What was your FIRST run in with the law? when I got pulled over for no tags the first night I had my car.

20. When was your FIRST detention? 9th grade

21. What was the FIRST state you lived in? Arkansas

22. Who was the FIRST person to break your heart? Jason in the 6th grade

23. Who was your FIRST roommate? hubby

24. Where did you go on your FIRST limo ride? my papaws funeral in the 4th grade

Wanna try? Consider yourself tagged!Link back to me and leave a comment here when you post so I can be nosey... Please?!

Is it Thanksgiving break yet?

2008-11-18T23:28:00.003-06:00

Is it just me or what? I am so ready for a school break. Not just because I have been working there alot either. I am ready for a few days with the kids without worrying about homework, tests, going to bed early and everything else that comes with school nights. I just want to hang out and do nothing. I am ready to drag the tree down and watch the kids hang the ornaments on it. Hubby went and bought Wal-mart out of lights last year so he will be busy putting those on the house. I am even thinking about braving Black Friday this year.

Right now all I am braving is my pain. I did a boo boo and forgot to take my preventative meds for my migraines twice and I am still paying dearly for it. I think I finally got the headache gone, now I just have to work the tightness out of my neck and shoulders. It just amazes me how 2 days of no meds has turned my world upside down again. I am going on day 6 and my neck isn't showing any improvement. :(

I am working the next 5 days before our break. 4 of those being 2nd grade. I will let you know how it goes.

Reba Rocks!!!

2008-11-16T01:23:00.006-06:00

Tonight was the Reba and Kelly Clarkson concert. My bff Susan and I had a great time. It was our first concert together and I see many more to come.

Oh and how come I am just finding Reba's show that is no longer on TV? I caught it on the other night. So funny! I am now DVRing it every time it comes on. I LOVE me some Barbara Jean! Do you know she's even funnier in person?! Yes, she was the opening for Ms. Reba and Ms. Kelly.

I also found out tonight that tickets for Brad Paisley go on sale this coming Sat.! :)

What to do...

2008-11-11T22:36:00.003-06:00

with my son is the question?! Today the boy got his 5th d-hall of the year. 5th d-hall gets said boy in school suspension!! I am at my wits end and don't know what else to do with him right now. 4 week reports come out Thursday and things aren't looking good there either! Anybody out there have any thing we can try?? Please I beg... help!!!

Working

2008-11-08T11:34:00.002-06:00

I have been subbing alot lately. I have been enjoying it too. My lunches is now filled with a group of women. The extra money right here at Christmas is super nice too. Next week will be my first time in the Elem. school since I went back to working this year. I am looking forward to it... I will be in 1st grade and then in 2nd grade. They are still so sweet at this age. :)

I am going to do something I have never done before...

2008-11-02T21:23:00.003-06:00

I am going to post a picture of my only trick or treater. My son thinks he's to old to dress up for Halloween anymore. I will see here this goes and maybe post more pictures in the future.

So here is Dorothy and her little dog too.

Go there and sign up!

2008-10-30T00:52:00.003-05:00

I couldn't not post this... I am such a shoe slut! :)

http://islandlife808.com/shopping/these-boots-are-made-for-walking/

http://www.crocs.com/you/

Why?

2008-10-27T01:04:00.003-05:00

I can't for the life of me understand how a person can attack someone so badly and then leave them to die. How can you break almost every bone in ones face and it be called a robbery. Isn't that to personal for a robbery?

Anne Pressly was a beautiful woman. No I didn't "know" her personal but when you see someone on the tv screen almost everyday you might as while "know" them. Her smile brightened my day. You couldn't watch her and be in a bad mood. She was contagious... in a good way. I will truly miss her when I turn on the news.

I am sad, angry, confused, numb and praying to God the person that is responsible for this will be caught. Another beautiful life gone far to soon.

In loving memory

Anne Pressly

1982 - 2008

OMG!!!!

2008-10-25T22:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1008/564436.html

Here's new info about Anne.

2008-10-24T15:48:00.000-05:00

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6103284

Very Scary!

2008-10-21T19:06:00.000-05:00

http://cfc.katv.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=25518

I made it through!

2008-10-20T00:48:00.003-05:00

I did as I promised and was good for my party. Matter of fact I was the last one standing. I even cleaned my floors, the kitchen and did laundry before I went to bed. I had a really great time and I never hugged the toilet. :)

I sure would like to know how many readers I have. I would love to feel extra special today. I wonder how many people I can get to post a comment... come on don't make me cry on my birthday Internet!

I'm a Marilyn!

2008-10-18T13:29:00.003-05:00

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

* Be direct and clear

* Listen to me carefully

* Don't judge me for my anxiety

* Work things through with me

* Reassure me that everything is OK between us

* Laugh and make jokes with me

* Gently push me toward new experiences

* Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

* being committed and faithful to family and friends

* being responsible and hardworking

* being compassionate toward others

* having intellect and wit

* being a nonconformist

* confronting danger bravely

* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

* are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence

* worry more than most that their children will get hurt

* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Party Tomorrow Night!!!

2008-10-17T23:28:00.003-05:00

I am going to try and have another birthday party for myself this year. I will be on my best behavior and not let it turn into last years... http://brandyb.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/update-from-the-light-weight/ I promise not to do shots this year. Now that I am in my 30's I know better. ;) I am going to last all night this year!

Adult tutoring

2008-10-14T13:17:00.003-05:00

Monday night the boys math teacher offered parent tutoring for us smart 7th grade parents. I went and I really think I am more confused than before I went lol. She would show an example and I would think OK, but then she would show another and I was like oh no wait how did that happen?! The only thing I did understand was when she said "they can do the work which ever way is easiest for them"... really, cool now when I do know how to do something I can do it my way and see if old school is easier for him to understand math. I know old school math... sometimes. ;) We are meeting again next Monday.

I can't believe it!

2008-10-09T23:19:00.004-05:00

Do I have any CSI fans out there? OMG!! That's all that comes to mind on the season premiere.

I worked Jr. and Sr. High School today. I was 2 different teachers today. The one in the morning went OK but one class got loud and just as I was yelling for them to get quiet the teacher walked in. You should have seen their faces when they seen him. After lunch I went to my next room. The first class I had in there got SUPER loud and the teacher next door opened the door and ripped them a new one. You could have heard a pin drop both times. My last class was most of the same students from the first loud bunch. I threaten lives if they got loud on me again. They must believe me b/c they were quiet as mice.

Tomorrow I am working again. I pray she left them enough work. I will only have Sr. High tomorrow... yeah me!

Life in the Country

Feedback needed!

Long overdue!

God is awesome!!

It's been a while

Happy New Year's Eve!!

I think I might have really messed up tonight

3rd one

In shock

15 years ago

Gloomy Monday

MIA

Taylor Swift

Last minute trip

I'm still here

Zoo Pictures

a little bit of everything

I need an ear

Different stuff

Only my child

Happy 4th of July!

You just never know

I can't believe June is almost over

13 years ago...

A few words

2 years today

Just a quick note

Update on Nate

100th post

It's OVER..

Nate

A night to remember

Happy Mother's Day!

Update on Nate

I may have..

Update on Nate

Update on Nate

Update on Nate

Update on Nate

PLEASE READ THIS..

Falling so far behind

26 more days till summer!!

Hi Ho Hi Ho

Easter Sunday

3

ER

A shout out

Wow I am speechless

9:45 and the phone rings

Now I remember why I don't do....

Love this one!!

4

Going to the dogs...

Drum roll please....

What time is it?

Wordless Wednesday *Any day now*

Oh my!

Wordless Wednesday - Pampering!

Another late call...

So glad it's the weekend.

meme's

Late call...

Another Long weekend :)

Been a while

I'm in LOVE!!

More Prayers

Prayers needed

Song titles

ramblings

Poor dog...

Damnit...

Out with the old and in with the new...

This is so true!! :)

Merry Christmas

Thought I would share a few more...

Our Traditions..

Gotta love the weather...

I have a few

Christmas 2008

Big day tomorrow.

Wordless Wednesday Any day now