Lovin' This Krazy Beautful Life!

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2011-07-14T11:36:00.001-04:00

photo.jpg, a photo by clgaines05 on Flickr.

9 weeks down, 1 to go!

2009-08-13T22:17:00.008-04:00

The last time I blogged was just a few weeks after Larry left and I really didn't know how I was going to make it through it. However, the time really has flown by quickly...it does seem like forever since I have seen him but in less than 1 week I will be in his arms.

Everyone who knows that he left always asks how he is doing or if they don't know they want to know why in the world he isn't with me...I usually smile and say "he turned 40 years old and decided to join the Army Reserves." Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive to me, the kids and Larry! It means alot to know you all care.

In the beginning of all this I was not for it. I was defiantly in shock, hurt, scared and a little mad. Why would he want to leave us? I thought wow, almost 4 years together and he already wants to leave us...but now I understand, it had nothing to do with us at all. There was something pulling him there, he needed to find himself and do something for himself to have the since of pride that he had succeeded in something...I fully understand since I feel the same myself at times that I have not accomplished anything important in my life except for being a mom (and sometimes I dont feel too accomplished in that one!) Through this I have realized too that he loves us very deeply...there has not been a day go by that he has not written me a letter and he makes sure I know how he feels about me, the kids and our family in everyone of them.

Im really in awe of how great he is doing in boot camp. He has been a squad leader, a platoon guide and now a squad leader again. He shot expert in the shooting drills and will earn special recognition at his graduation for that. He also has excelled in the physical training side also, running 2 miles in 13 min & 18 sec. He has had a Sargent Major (or whatever they are called) come up to him and shake his hand and tell him how much he admired him for joining at his age and doing so well. I know this has been alot harder than he thought it would be, but he hasn't let it get him down...no injuries and sometimes out lasting the younger men. The letter I got today (from last Saturday) said he was going on his last training 5 day camp in the woods and when they were done he would be a "Soldier". I can only imaging the sense of pride he is feeling for accomplishing this feat...I know Im about to burst with pride already, just wait til I see him! It will be impossible to fight back the tears of joy and pride for him!

He will have 6 more weeks after graduation in Texas for AIT, which will be training him for his specialty. By the first or second week of October he should be home with us!

Keep us all in your prayers as we travel up to Kentucky next Wednesday to see him and that we all have safe travel home. Im flying for my first time ever and a little terrified but I would run through a burning building, fly around the world and swim through alligators to see my husband so Im gonna make it!

Here is a picture of my Soldier! I will blog again when we return with pics from our trip!

This Is Harder Than I Thought!

2009-06-26T23:18:00.004-04:00

I guess you can never really prepare yourself for things that come your way...In a way I feel so guilty for missing my husband so much. I keep thinking to myself, we are still married, he is still alive and we will be together again in 14 more weeks...but this is hard...I cant even imagine if anything happened to him.

Its been 2 weeks and at first it was ok...yes I missed him and jumped every time the phone rang but it was just like he was just gone for a few days and nothing more...plus I was extremely busy with pictures, baseball practice and tournaments, and Rhonda & I took the kids to Cocoa for a few days to use our timeshare...then after the tournament and the kids went to their dads for a week...I have been here all by myself this week! Still very busy but very lonely...I miss him more now and have cried more in the last 2 days than I did in the beginning...I know it will get easier as time goes on but Im not enjoying this at all.

I learned along time ago not to take anyone for granted from personal experiences so I never took Larry for granted or so I thought...until now he is gone and I have to do everything here by myself. Mowing and weed eating 2 yards (we help our neighbor with her yard), taking out the garbage, fixing things that need to be fixed, feeding all 16 of our animals and going to bed by yourself and it all of a sudden feels different and I cant get comfortable...needless to say I haven't slept much...but I'm sure I will finally just give out and will pass out (not literally).

I have talked to him twice for 2 minutes each... he sounds good and has wondered himself what he has gotten himself into, but he is falling into place real well. He has been training since January here at home so when he took his PT test he ran the mile in 7.39 minutes and maxed out on all the sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups! I am so proud of him and I cant wait to see him in August march across that field on his graduation day to have accomplished something he wanted very badly. He has written almost everyday so I do look forward to checking my mail (no not email it comes good old snail mail!) and I finally got his mailing address yesterday so today I sent out all the letters I have been writing him for the past 2 weeks.

I also miss our talks...we talked about everything...he truly is my best friend. I think it would be easier if I could at least talk to him about my day and how the kids are or how he is doing, but instead I have to wait for a 2 minute phone call when they tell him he can call. I have alot going on here and some decisions to make in the next few months. I really wish I could talk to him about them to have his opinion. I have written them in the letters but its not the same.

The mind is a very powerful thing and sometimes it can get the best of you, makes you think about what could happen. I have alot of fears of when he comes home if he will be the same Larry and will he still love us like he did...I know, I know that is just crazy talk...but sometimes things just happen and you cant control them...I know first hand on that one and I cant even imagine my life without him...

I guess Im just venting or feeling sorry for myself, tomorrow is a new day and hopefully I will be over it or at least not crying about it...Please keep our family in your prayers...

Time For An Update

2009-05-24T20:47:00.003-04:00

For starters I can not believe that time flies as fast as it does...June is quickly approaching and I feel like Christmas just got over and its almost time to do it again. However, I am so happy for summer, it is my favorite time of the year, Minus all the rain we have been having this week!

School is almost over thank goodness...this has been a very rough few months for me and the kids getting used to a new school. Lets just say they have not adjusted they way I thought they would. Im hoping for a more productive and smooth time for the upcoming school year. However I have been giving lots of thought to home schooling them... We will see how that works itself out.

The regular baseball season is over, but Allstars practice starts this week. So back to the ball field we go for another month. I don't mind, I do love to watch Brant play ball. Cheyenne is almost done with her dance lessons for this year and her recital is coming up soon! Im looking forward to seeing what she has learned this year.

We found out last week Larry is leaving June 10th for basic training for 10 weeks in Kentucky. The kids and I will be able to go see him graduate in August and then he will be off to Texas for another 6 weeks. I'm not happy that he is leaving, but I'm trying my best to stay strong and support his decision. I know why he is doing this and I admire him for being 40 years old and wanting to join the military...I just wish he didn't have to leave us for 4 months. He is my very best friend, the one I talk to several times a day during the day and we do almost everything together. We have only spent 3 nights apart and that was because he had surgery and he had to stay at the hospital. So this is going to be a huge adjustment for me to not have him here with me, but I know that as fast as time flies he will be home with us in no time...right?!!

While he is gone I plan to keep myself busy with my photography, which is going great so far. I have been having shoots almost every weekend, plus I did my first wedding last night! Talk about stressed out...but it was fun other than the torrential down pour that made them have the ceremony indoors. It will be a little while before I have the wedding pics on my photography website due to the extensive amount I took and editing...not to mention I have to spend lots of time now with my hubby! I also have a to-d0 list a mile long that I would like to get accomplished over the summer and I have lots of friends and family who will gladly let me sleep on their couch when I'm feeling lonely while the kids are gone to their dads. I actually looking forward to a sleep over at Rhonda's we haven't done that since we were in high school!

For now please keep our family in your prayers: that we will survive without him and that he will come safely home to us in October! I'm putting all my faith and trust in the Lord with this one that he will see us through!

Oh I almost forgot...I have a new niece Miss Layla Jo Hairston was born on May 21st and I was able to be in the delivery room to see her arrive! That was the most amazing thing to watch that little miracle come into the world...Im so happy Amy let me stay in the room during the birth! She is so beautiful and tiny...makes me wish I could have another one. Ill post pics soon, we will be doing her newborn shoot sometime in the next week!

Baseball Season Is Winding Down

2009-04-24T14:41:00.004-04:00

Only a couple more weeks and our baseball season will be over (well, unless he gets picked for Allstars!) It has been a great year, we have lost and won an even amount of games so if we stay on track where we are we may be 2nd or 3rd this year. Which is awesome since we have mostly 13 year old and the rest of the teams have more 14 & 15 year old. All of the kids have played so hard and did an awesome job.

My brother Jeremy has joined the coaching staff...LOL. Since he was a pitcher in college he has taken over being the pitching coach. They have all done a wonderful job coaching and Larry has taken the head coach position and ran with it!

Being the head coaches wife means more work for me. I usually keep score every game and when we are home team I keep score along with Mrs. Tammy...we make a good pair! We have also been taking pictures of the kids as they play and taken team photos for them. I have lots of pics and if I get the permission of the kids I will post some of their individual pics.

For now here are some of my favorite pics! Hopefully after baseball season I will have time to blog more often!

Short & Sweet (Kinda)

2009-03-20T21:37:00.006-04:00

Since it has been a while since I posted a blog. I thought I would give a quick update. I really would like to blog more often but it seems to be hard for me to do these days.

Chey is finally better. We figured out the problem and have it all flushed out so to speak! We got through the FCAT week and she has went to school 2 weeks straight without missing a day! She still cries most mornings but we are working through it. I guess I spoke too soon about her doing so well with the changing schools thing...

Brant is in full swing at baseball. I will have to post some pics soon of that. The team is coming together and they all play so well together. He got sick again this week, with the flu this time. He is better today and went back to school. Lets see we have been to the doctors office a total of 7 times in the last month between Chey & Brant.

We got 2 little Lion head Rabbits. They are so cute and fuzzy (will post pics another time of those adorable little baby bunnies). Larry & Brant planted our first ever garden (I need to take pics of that). The kids got lots of ribbons from the Southeastern Youth Fair with all their 4-h projects and 4 of them are for photography, where do that get that interest from?

I managed to get a full week at the Court House in last week, but this week I subbed at the Elementary School 3 times so I only made it there twice this week. My supervisor at the Court House is ok with me subbing since that is the agreement we made when I started working there. It gives me a good oppurtunity to see which career I would like to pursue. However I really think that I want to be a Professional Photographer when I grow up!

I subbed once for PE and I loved that. I hope they call me more to fill that spot! It has been a very eye opening experience for me to sub, but I really like it. Still been busy with my photography. Im taking lots of pics at the ball field for a special project for our team. Also, I have been asked to do a Mother Daughter Banquet in May to take pictures for everyone. Im really looking forward to that!

Larry's job is OK and hopefully the layoffs have stopped for a while. In the meantime while all this is going on he has decided to go into the Army Reserves. We are waiting for his blood work to come back to make sure he can go. If everything comes back fine he may be leaving in May for 4 months. He has to go through basic training and AIT. Then he will come back home and go once a month and 2 weeks out of the year.

I will be honest and say I was not for this in the beginning. Who wants their spouse to leave them for 4 months??? But the more we have talked and prayed I think it may be for the best for our future. He has dreams and I want him to follow them. He supports every dream I have, no matter how far fetched it may be sometimes or how short lived it is. Ill update more on this subject when I know more about what is going on.

That is about it for now...I'm off to lay in my cozy bed for some much needed R&R and catch up on my Days of Our Lives DVR!!! Have a great weekend everyone!

Taking A Minute To Blog

2009-02-16T14:35:00.003-05:00

Busy can not even come close to how our life has been lately. Sometimes I think I should just forgo sleeping just to get things done. It seems lately we always have somewhere to go or something to do. Our days, nights and weekends have suddenly become over flowing with commitments. However with that said I don't think we would trade it for the world except to maybe have just one day to do nothing. So here is just a little update on us!

Cheyenne has still been sick, she went to school 2 days in 2 weeks. After the bronchitis she got gastritis in her stomach which caused her stomach to hurt and she couldnt eat or barely drink. We went to the doctor 4 times in the 2 weeks. She went to school today but she says her stomach still hurts. Hopefully she will be completely over it soon.

Brant came down with strep throat last Wednesday, so Thursday I took them both to the doctor. She has made a killing off my kids in the last 2 weeks! I had to enlist some help from my mom and sister Mandi to help watch them so I wouldn't have to take off all those days at work since I have only been there 3 weeks.

Work is getting easier to understand and the days go by quickly. I still have a to-do list at home a mile long but I have managed to keep the laundry done and cook dinner, maybe nothing else is getting done but when I get the kids well, all this mountain of back homework done, my taxes and getting the kids projects ready for the Southeaster Youth Fair. I will have time to clean this house!

Larry's job is still touchy and he is nearing a decision on his little adventure he wants to take. It will affect us all but I feel a little better that it will be for the best for us. I have decided to stand behind him because he stands behind any adventure I want to take on!

Speaking of adventure...My photography seems to be coming along great! I'm so excited and happy that everyone I have done pictures for love them and have referred me to their friends and family! I got a new camera 2 weeks ago...Its a Sony A350 DSLR, it takes great pics. I'm still learning the settings and doing lots of practicing but the ones Ive taken so far have been great! I have a wedding to do in April and maybe another one after that! If you know of anyone wanting photos taken please send them my way or direct them to my photography blog to check out my work. I will try to update with my latest pics soon!

One more thing, if anyone is interested in antiques! We will be having a Yard Sale at my Step grandfathers house on February 28th. There is so much stuff there and some of it is really old! So if your into antiques or just yard sales come look around, we have found lots of treasures in the attic including furniture, mirrors, old books, pictures, lighters, lamps, radios...we pretty much have anything you could want! Email me if you want directions.

Well I gotta run to tackle another to-do before I get the kids off the bus!

My 50th Post!

2009-02-04T14:45:00.002-05:00

This is my 50th post since I have been blogging! I would like to blog more but it seems life has become pretty busy! So there really is no theme for this one just a little update and since I havent been able to participate in Not Me! Mondays I do have a few things to confess!

First, work is going ok, there is alot to learn and ALOT of handwritting! I have not hand writtin anything other than a check or note to school since they came out with the computer! So I have writers cramp, but thats ok!

I have had to miss the last 2 days, Chey has been sick. I took her to urgent care Sunday and they thought she had a ear infection and congestion. However, by Monday night she was feeling much worse and coughing horribly. So Tuesday I took her to the pediatrician. She ended up having either bronchitis or walking pnemonia. So now she is on the z-pack and cough medicine, she seems to be feeling better today and hopefully can go back to school tomorrow.

I have also been busy taking pictures. I have had a shoot the last 3 weekends in a row! I have a few more scheduled and hopefully will be booking more soon!

Everything else is a little crazy and there is a HUGE change coming for my family in the next few months. I cant say at this time other than it involves my husbands job. They have been having more layoffs at his company and he works in fear everyday that it could be his last. He has things in the works for something in which Im not happy about but know I have to stand behind him. Just please pray for us that he wont be laid off and also that if what he wants to do is God's will then it will all fall into place!

So for the things that I have not done the past few weeks!

*Started running the washer, added detergent...forgot the clothes! TWICE TODAY!
*Ate the remaining brownies from our baseball meeting dinner before anyone else could.
*Spend 8 hours on the computer editing pictures over the weekend.
*Splurge on another prop even though I promised I would wait a little bit to buy more.
*Get addicted to Facebook along with Myspace and blogging! So that is where all my time went.
*Put off working on my taxes to do other things...I will be working on that next I promise ;)!

Hope you all have a great week!
PS Check out the pics I took over the weekend on my photography blog!

Tu-Tu Cute!

2009-01-31T20:32:00.004-05:00

These are the promised pics of the tu-tu's I made. They were so easy to make! This is my cousins little girl Cali, she is 8 months old. We had fun doing her pictures since she is older and can sit alone and crawl. I will be putting more from my session with her on my Blessings Captured blog too, but I just had to share these tu-tu's!

My Last Day as a Full Time SAHM

2009-01-23T16:26:00.003-05:00

As I was cleaning up this morning I realized this is my last morning of just taking the kids to school/bus and coming home to start my day. This coming Monday I start my job at the court house and although its only part time and I will still have my afternoons, I feel like my whole world is being turned upside down.

This has not been one of my better weeks. It started Monday and maybe in my subconscious I knew this was my last week of freedom. As crazy as it may seem I just have not been able to shake a feeling of depression. I think I did a good job of hiding it or at least I hope I did. But today has just got me in a choke hold so to speak. Makes me want to crawl back into bed with the covers over my head and not come out.

I used to do it all. I had a full time job, took care of the house, the kids, the animals, the family and everything else that seemed to come my way and took it all in stride. So why am I now feeling like I cant do any of it anymore? I'm sure (or at least I hope)I will be OK once I get settled into a routine. Its just the getting there I'm so scared of. The transition from working to not working was alot easier than this is.

I also took my Substitute Teaching training this week and will be able to sub by next month sometime. My mom is the teacher for the class and I think she did a great job teaching it. At least this way I can try out the teaching world to see if I'm cut out for that or not.

By the way I did make 2 Tu-Tu's. They turned out really cute and I'm waiting for a baby to model them for me so I can take some pictures!

Baseball Season Is Upon Us!

2009-01-21T17:00:00.006-05:00

For our family after Christmas we know that baseball season is going to be our #1 priority from the end of January until sometime in the summer (depending on Allstars). In the beginning it is a least one night a week and every Saturday. Then it progresses into at least 2 nights a week and some Saturdays. Even though after about 2 months we are ready to drop from exhaustion we love it.

Brant has been playing in Belleview since T-ball, so we have been there for 8 years. Over that time especially the last 3 or 4 we have become pretty close to some of the families and they have since become our "Baseball Family". The kids know each other well and have a good time playing together. They may not always get on the same team and may have to play against each other but they still are all really good friends. Then by the end of the year they are usually together to play Allstars.

This year Larry has decided to be a head coach. He's nervous but confident with Scott as his assistant and with the support of our friends and "baseball family", this will be a good year. It will be a big change for our boys, they will be leaving the smaller fields for the big 13-15 year old field and playing against bigger boys. I know it will be tough for them until they get used to the size and distance of bases, but with this group of boys I know they will have it together in no time.

Once the season starts I will post pics of our team!

Just one more thing I need to add speaking of Baseball. My brother has played baseball for as long as I can remember. In high school he received a scholarship to play at LSCC, where he played for a few years and then got another scholarship for Georgia Southwestern where he played for 2 years. His senior year he had to have a surgery on his elbow due to an injury from being a pitcher. He didn't get to finish playing that year, but stayed to support his team.

Since then every year they have an alumni game at LSCC that he plays in. This past Saturday was this years game. He pitched 3 innings and did a great job! We are all so proud of him! Best of all though was Savannah and Katie watching him through the fence yelling "Go Dad!".

Here is a few pics from the game. I hope to have some really good ones from the sports photographer that was there, he said he would give me a CD with all the pics. He also took some with my camera for me! He was really nice and talked to me a little about photography.

Let's Play Ball!!!!

Look What I Made

2009-01-16T14:28:00.003-05:00

OK so keep in mind I put these on a preemie cabbage patch doll so they look huge! Its the only thing I could find in Chey's closet...Anyway, I have seen pictures with these types of head bands on little girls and babies and they are so darn cute. I wanted to get some to use for props, however, they were a little out of my price range so I thought maybe I can make them...

I found the headbands on clearance and the flowers I found at the Dollar Tree. They are not the best flowers and I will be looking for different ones with different colors but for my first ones I think they are cute! I cant wait to try them out on a little one soon!

I'm also going to be attempting to make a tu-tu. If it turns out ok, Ill post pics. Maybe I can get really good at making them by Halloween and can make some for costumes! We will See!!!

What's Been Going on Around Here!

2009-01-13T15:13:00.008-05:00

There has been so much going on lately I have not had time to blog or really do anything. I have tried to stay up on reading others blogs and comment when I can but to sit and write my own I just haven't taken the time. So here is a little bit of what has been going on around here!

First we had a good New Year and celebrated by seeing family we haven't seen in 2 years, plus some we don't get to see very often. Although it was so bittersweet being at the church I went to when I was a little girl living with my Mema. After crying the first few minutes of being there (the memories where very strong that day) it was nice to see everyone.

Two days later however we lost my step-grandfather to a very sudden massive heart-attack. For those of you who read my blog from the beginning, he had the old house that Jill, Curtis & Joey (Jeanne's husband) helped us clean up a few months back. Luckily and sadly my mom was on the porch with him when it happened. Larry & Pop where there too working on his rental trailer. They were unable to save him as the doctor told mom he was probably gone as soon as he fell. We had to watch her closely too as her blood pressure shot up and she had a terrible headache and couldn't sleep, but after a few days she seemed to calm and her blood pressure has settled back down some. My Nana is taking it pretty well, she has a touch of Alzheimer's and it seems to have made it not hit so hard, although at the funeral she was full aware of what was happening and I felt so sad for her. It was very nice though and I feel like my mom did an awesome job taking care of everything despite what she went through. We plan as a family to keep working on the rental trailer to finish it as he asked Pop just that morning that "no matter what to finish the trailer". I have heard all my life that some people can sense when their time is near. We all know that the next few months will be busy trying to sort things out, make repairs and decisions on the future of the property.

On the brighter side, I got a job!!! It is part-time (which is what I have been looking for) at the Sumter County Court House. Im not sure what I will be doing just yet other than I start on Jaunary 26th. God truly works in wonderful ways, he has answered my biggest prayer with this. I not only will have a job, I can be with my kids in the afternoons and I can still pursue my photography!!! That was my biggest fear that I may have to give it up with a full time job and my other household chores. But I get to have the best of all worlds and still sneak in a little volunteering at the schools too!

The kids made their transition from Marion County Schools to Sumter this week also. Chey started at Wildwood Elementary yesterday and Brant started at Wildwood Middle today. They both seem to like it and are eager to go back. They also rode the bus for the first time other than field trips and I think that is the highlight for them...lol other than Brant gets to sit wherever he wants at lunch. I dont think we did in Middle School did we??? Here is a pic of them dressed in their uniforms, they both looked so cute!

We also got another bit of news that lets me know there are Angels out there and God really does take care of our needs. Baseball season is coming and signups are this month. I have been waiting to sign Brant up to get the 90.00 registation fee. Being just after Christmas the extra money is hard to come by, but I was going to have it by this coming Saturday. Anyways, I got a phone call last Saturday saying that someone (who wants to remain anonomys) came in and wanted to sponser Brant to play baseball this year. He or she said that they watched him play last year and think he is a great kid and good little baseball player. So they payed his registration fee for him, so all I have to do is go up and sign him up! That touched my heart in so many ways, not just that someone paid for him, but that someone thinks that highly of my son and I have done the right things with him to make him the great kid he is!

I hope all is well with everyone in Blog world and here is a little something I found today, enjoy!

Do not forget to entertain stangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. -Hebrews 13:2

Our Trip to Destin

2008-12-31T16:48:00.008-05:00

Let me start out by saying that even if its warm in Florida the weekend after Christmas the water is still cold!!! But not to this little guy, our nephew Blake who is 7 and from Wisconsin, loves to swim in the water no matter how cold it is, they left snow to come down here for a week of fun in the sun. To them it feels like summertime!

This is Mark, Lisa and Blake. We only get to see them at Christmas and this time it had to be a quick visit. We drove up there on Saturday, then had to leave to come home Sunday around noon. It took 6 hours to get there and then 7 hours to get back. Traffic was a little hectic!

But it was worth the travel time to get to visit with them. Maybe next year we can go to Wisconsin...We will see!!

Aw! Brother & Sister Love!

Below is a few pics that I took of the kids on the rocks, the beach was beautiful. I just wish it wasn't so foggy. The sun never came out enough during the time we were there so most of the pictures are dark or foggy looking. We have hopes of going back there sometime during the summer when its warmer so we can see all the pretty colors of the water and stay longer to enjoy it!

Hope you all have a Safe and Happy New Year!

What's In That Big Box?

2008-12-26T10:57:00.007-05:00

It was left with only a tag that said From: SANTA

Another Box to unwrap...

I snapped that picture in the right moment to have her say "It's a Wii!"

Surprise was the theme for this Christmas...we really didn't think we would be able to get them a Wii but when we sold the boat I found a very gently used one online we bought it and ever since, I have toyed with the idea of selling it because money was so tight and if I sold it we could afford to buy more gifts they wanted instead of just this one thing and a few smaller things. The last time I told my mom "I think Im gonna sell the Wii, Brant wants a skateboard and Chey wants a bike and a camera" She told me "NO don't sell it, let me help and get them one of the other gifts they asked for this year." So she did...

Brant got a skateboard freshly built from the Van's Skate park in Orlando and Chey got a beautiful purple "big girl" bike from Mimi this year (Thanks Mom for all you did, you made their year) plus they got really great gifts from everyone in our family...Between all the opening presents, eating and visiting everyone here in our big family had a wonderful Christmas!!!

And as a added bonus the Big Boys (meaning Larry, Bubba & Jeremy) got to play the Wii and entertain the rest of us all day! Here is Larry & Mandi's Bubba boxing while Pop watches.

I will have to tell you it is addicting, Larry and I stayed up until 11:00 last night playing Mario Kart and Pool!!! If I come up MIA in the blogging world you know where I am (playing the wii)!!!

We are leaving in the morning for Destin to see Larry's sister Lisa. They are flying in from Wisconsin tonight and we have not seen them since last Christmas. Im excited to go, I have never been there and I heard it is beautiful! Hopefully I will have some great pics to share when we get back on Sunday!

Not Me! Monday

2008-12-22T12:55:00.008-05:00

I'm going to apologize now, this one is a little long. There is quit a bit to confess this week with pictures (which by the way cannot be used as evidence...nope!)

*This one I should have confessed last week...we did not adopt another dog and he is not completely attached to my son!

*I did not make my kids put on the Santa hat to take a picture of them!

Me niece does not remind me of Cindy Lou Who from "The Grinch"
I do not have a great husband who cooks us the best breakfast sandwiches on the weekends and I don't drive him nuts with my camera!
My sister is not going to kill me when she finds out I posted this pic on the Internet!!! Love you Mandi!!!
*We did not spend 6 hours last night baking Christmas goodies!!! This is a tradition Mandi & I started several years ago and we look forward to every year until the last hour of baking then we cant wait for it to be over!!! That is not some sort of batter or white chocolate on my shirt either!Its a family affair...everyone helps in some way...even Pop, well he supervised!

*We did not eat all those delicious sweets and the dips Mom & Mandi made instead of eating a regular supper last night, that would make me a crazy mom for letting my kids eat junk instead of real food.

*I am not looking forward to Christmas morning to surprise my kids with something I didn't think we would be able to afford, but we have been very blessed by God, he works in great ways and we have a great family that has helped tremendously!

Check out Mckmama's blog to see other Not Me! Monday posts!

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday~Firsts

2008-12-17T20:51:00.007-05:00

This is my niece Katie during and after her first dance recital last Saturday. It was her first one and they were all so cute!!! The whole recital was awesome and all the kids did great in their performances! I cant wait to see the one in spring.

I had my first newborn shoots today! I did 2 this morning. One of them was for my cousins', Tabitha & Bruce, newest edition Little Miss Taylor 3 weeks old! Here is a sneak peek.

I will be adding more on my Blessing Captured Blog by this weekend when I'm done editing them.

Not Me! Monday

2008-12-15T10:42:00.005-05:00

Wow the weeks are flying and Christmas is next week!!! I cant believe it! I missed last weeks Not Me! Monday so I wanted to do one today! For all of you that have some Not Me's you would like to confess or just read other Not Me's click on over Mckmama's blog and check it out!

*I did not have a total reality check (and cry alot) yesterday while at the church Christmas program because again this year I have forgotten (well not totally forgotten) the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

*I have not been so stressed over presents; what to buy, where is the extra money going to come from, is the present that I do buy not good enough. But sitting there yesterday and watching it all made me realize that all the worry is not going to help the matter only magnify it. All I need to do is enjoy this season because it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and thats all that matters!

What I want to know is how it all got so commercialized into making us feel we have to do more and more every year?

*We have not eaten fried pork chops twice this week, oh, and fried deer too!!! I forgot how wonderful fried food taste!

*I did not also make those Chocolate Mug Cakes three times last week either. Nope you cant prove it...the evidence is gone!

Can you say strict diet after January 1st!!! LOL

*I am not looking forward to this coming Sunday because we are going to do our Christmas baking...need I say more to that. And I will get to see that precious baby girl Lola!

*Larry & I have not started watching all the rerun episodes of Extreme Home Makeover and cried like babies over everyone of them (shhh don't tell him I told you he cried too).

*I'm not incredibly nervous about making the decision to take the kids out of Marion County Schools and put them into Wildwood after Christmas break or that I may be substituting by February...this is a big change for us, but I know it will work out!

*I do not without a doubt love taking pictures. I have finally found something that I have a passion for!

Yay Me!!!

2008-12-13T20:25:00.004-05:00

Normally I would not "toot" my own horn at making such a small accomplishment...however I am so proud of myself for this one! I have been wanting to learn html and to write code to be able to do all sorts of neat things on the web and everything I tried usually left me extremely frustrated. The biggest thing I wanted to do was learn how to make a "button" which is a image that when you click on it you will be rerouted to another website and how to link to my email address.
Well thanks to one of the photography groups on Cafemom.com, someone posted a website that shows you how to do html easy!!! It took me several tries but I finally got what I wanted!!! Look to the left of this blog and see my Blessings Captured Photography button and my "click here to email me" link? I did that!!!!

Now I just need to figure out how to have the little box below it with the code just In case anyone else wants to put the button on their page and help my advertise my photography!!! I will be working on that next! Yay Me!!!

I would like to share with you a recipe we learned this week at 4-H. It is super easy and fun for the kids! Mrs. Tammy's son Isaac did a demonstration on this Tuesday. If you love chocolate you have to try this! Thanks Tammy & Isaac!!!!

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

4 tablespoons self rising flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
splash of vanilla
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.
Add egg & mix thoroughly.
Pour in milk & oil and mix again, make sure there is no dry ingredients on the sides of mug.
Add chocolate chips and vanilla, then mix again.
Put mug into the microwave for 3 minutes...it will rise over the top of mug but will not run over (great fun for the kids to watch!)
Allow to cool a few minutes, then take out and tip onto a plate...top with your favorite
topping, IE. frosting, whip cream, chocolate syrup!!!
Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday~New Baby

2008-12-10T19:37:00.004-05:00

The first couple I took the maternity photos for had their baby girl on Monday!
Miss Lola Vaughn Farmer! Isnt she adorable?! Mom, Dad and baby are doing well, I cant wait to take her newborn pics.
However, while we were visiting the hospital she heard me say "Im going to snap a few pictures with my camera", she pouted up and looked like she was going to cry and covered her face with her little hands...LOL. She is a sweetie!!!

Thanksgiving Weekend in GA

2008-12-03T11:07:00.009-05:00

We went to Americus, Georgia for our Thanksgiving weekend, which ironicly is in Sumter County Georgia! My Brother went to college at Georgia Southwestern University to play baseball and while up there he met his wife Kiley. After finishing college they moved here to Florida and were married 3 years ago. So we have been up there several times throughout the years.

Last year my Mom and Pop bought a camper and decided to take it up to Andersonville, GA which is near the hunting lease Jeremy has and we all spent the weekend up there. We had a nice time, the weather was good, we had Thanksgiving dinner at Kiley's parents house and spent most of our time picking up pecans and visiting Plains (the home of Jimmy Carter) and Andersonville Civil War POW museum and cemetery.

So this year we went back for hunting, hopes of more pecans and taking some photos while there . Everyone else left a few days before us but we got there just in time for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. During the middle of the night it started raining and it didn't stop it followed us home on Sunday. The guys still went hunting a little but didn't see anything...They mainly just got wet. I did not get to do the photo shoot I was supposed to do either, but hopefully we can get together down here to get them done. Cheyenne, Mom and I spent most of our time in the camper or at Mrs. Julie's (Kiley's Mom's). We did venture into town one day and did a little shopping, but mostly we watched TV or read.

I bought the book "The Shack" after a recommendation from Lori...I finished it Monday night. It is a great book and very insightful. It will make you stop and think about your life and how you live it. If you haven't read it you should...its truly life altering.

It did stop raining for a couple of hours on Saturday so we ventured down into the little town of Andersonville. If you blink you literally will miss it. They have an old settlement down behind the little antique stores. We walked around and I took some nice shots of the old houses and the railroad tracks. The leaves have turned fall colors and we enjoyed looking at the different beautiful shades of brown, gold, yellow, purple and orange. One of the ladies from an antique store said "Don't worry about all the buzzards it's their mating season..." so needless to say there were buzzards flying around all over there too, roosting on the water tower...

We went over into the POW camp and rode around and took pictures. I can't count now how many times we have been there, but every time we go it just makes you think about all those men who were held captive in that camp during the Civil War. It really is a beautiful place but knowing what went on there and then going into the cemetery where they all were buried it is very sobering (that is how mom describes it).

There were no pecans either... last year we picked up a large box full, this year there was not one on the ground or in the trees. But even though it rained, the men didn't shoot a deer, there was no pecans and the drive home was horrendous. It was still a good holiday weekend spent with family and that is all that matters!

Here are some of the pics I took, it was pretty for a blink of an eye!

Not Me! Monday-A Day Late

2008-12-02T13:37:00.006-05:00

I know Im a day late, but I have some Not Me's I need to let out!!!

*I did not buy a frozen bake yourself pumpkin pie last week only to at first not cook it long enough, then put it back in the oven to burn and get thrown away!

*I did not buy a new pre-baked pumpkin pie the next day at Walmart.

*Cheyenne & I did not eat that entire pie within 2 days with cool whip!

*I did not over indulge on all the Thanksgiving food over the weekend.

*My little love seat in the living room does not look like this...its my craft couch...LOL

*I did not let my kids skip Tuesday & Wednesday last week of school because they weren't doing anything anyway...plus I had alot to do...shhhh!

*My mom did not have this brilliant idea a few weeks ago for us girls to try on Mandi's pageant/bridesmaids gown and go outside barefoot to take pictures...

*I did not decide to let Cheyenne put all the ornaments on the tree this year...she did a good job don't you think?

*I do not get major shopping anxiety every time I go into a store because Christmas is 23 days away and Im not sure how we are going to pull it off this year...I just have to have faith!

****I do not secretly wish that I hadn't gotten irreversibly "fixed" so I could not have more children...

Ok, I feel better...

Thursday Thankfuls

2008-11-27T08:23:00.003-05:00

Even though life here seems to be as crazy as ever and the time flies to quickly, I have so much to be thankful for. On a day to day basis I don't stop to think about it, but today is the day to reflect on those things that you are truly grateful for in your life.

1. I am so thankful that after 10 years of not going to church and not living my life through Jesus, that we have decided to start attending church and teaching our children the right way to live. We have a long way to go but we are definitely on the right track.

2. I am thankful for my husband for being ever so patient with me in the last few weeks, while I study photography and teach myself photo editing. Ive been up many late nights while he watches TV alone until he falls asleep. He keeps encouraging me and believes in all that I do.

3. I am so thankful for my children they are my heart. I really don't know what I would do without them.

4. I am thankful for all my family and I have alot!

5. I am thankful for every ones health and that my Nana is here another year to celebrate with us. Because Thanksgiving week 4 years ago she had surgery to remove colon cancer and we didn't know if she would make it...She is doing great!!!

6. I am thankful that even though I don't have a paying job...that the Lord has blessed us to keep paying our bills, putting food on our table, a roof over our heads and a full tank of gas. The rest will come in time. (Its not forever just for now,the part about not having a paying job)

7. I am so thankful for my friends. Each and everyone is special to me in some way and I love them all, even if I don't get to spend as much time with them as I would like.

Well I think I have went on enough, I am thankful for alot more, but I would be here all day and I have to get packed to go to GA this afternoon. We will be spending the rest of our holiday weekend there with my Mom, Pop, Jeremy, Kiley, Katie, Savannah, Mandi, Bubba and Kiley's mom Mrs. Julie. The guys will be hunting in the woods and us girls might be hunting for sales and pecans! Oh and I have a photography shoot scheduled for up there also!

BTW I started a new blog with my photography pics, I will keep this one as personal and the other to post pics on. Check it often as I will be updating it with all my latest shots.
http://www.blessingscaptured.blogspot.com/, the link is on the left also under Blessings Captured Photography.

If you want to join in or check out other Thursday Thankfuls go visit Jennykates spot she always has something wonderful to say! http://jennykate77.blogspot.com/2008/11/thursday-thankfuls_27.html

It Finally Got Me & New Photos

2008-11-19T13:37:00.009-05:00

The same virus bug that has been circulating around finally got me yesterday...Right in the middle of a very busy week for me...I'm feeling better today, just a little weak and tired. I just have to put everything in perspective and hopefully I will get it all done...

I have 3 photo shoots to edit and a yard sale to get ready for. Not to mention trying to decide if we are in fact going to GA for Thanksgiving and we have had another issue on our minds & hearts but at this time I cant really say anything about but maybe later when the time is right. So needless to say we have been terribly busy and I really did not have time to get sick!

I'm so excited, I have had 4 photo shoots in the last week and I have 2 more coming up in the next week. 2 shoots are edited and I'm working on the rest. I'm going to be starting either a new blog page for just my photos or a regular photo page...but when its up and running I will put a link on this page so everyone can visit it too. If you or anyone you know is looking for someone to take photos give them my page link or email me directly skishy25@aol.com I will do any type of photos maternity, family, children, babies, engagement, wedding or events.

Here are a few from this past week, I will have more soon! Hopefully the quality comes out ok, I compressed them for quick upload...let me know if they look distorted.

This is my cousin's baby Cali-

This is Amanda & James taken at Venetian Gardens in Leesburg. We will be taking indoors pics soon.

Not Me! Monday

2008-11-10T10:55:00.004-05:00

Since everyone missed my Not Me Monday last week, I knew I had to do one this week...but its going to be quick and short this week...I have to be at the school in 45 minutes!!!

*I did not forget to put sugar in the tea and make Larry his bottles for his lunch...only for him to wake me up to say " I think you forgot to add sugar to my tea"...

*I do not have a wonderful Mom & Sister who writes me the most beautiful notes to me in my birthday cards, that I cant read until I'm alone because they make me cry.

*I also don't have a great family who I love and adore so much!

*I did not go from this hair style....

to this hair style in 3 hours (BTW that's my best friend Rhonda of almost 20 years!)
*I did not sing karaoke with my friends for the first time in my life "Ice Ice Baby" at that!!!

Hope you all enjoyed my very short Not Me Monday!!! See Ya next week!

If you want to join in click below to go to Mckmama and see all the other Not Me's!

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/NotMeMonday.jpg"/>

What a Busy Week!

2008-11-07T16:19:00.007-05:00

Well as you all can see I didn't post much this week. Things have been CRAZY!!! The kids were sick, which they are now better Thanks for all your prayers! The only other one in the family sick was little Katie she had bronchitis again, but the rest of us are fine so far (finding a piece of wood to knock on).

I know you all missed my Not Me Monday post and I will try to do it next week. I started volunteering/mentoring at Cheyenne's school on Monday's & Wednesdays, this week and Ive been trying to get back into the routine. I love going there. The 2 little ones I mentor are so sweet and I enjoy spending time with them. I had them both last year too. One of them may be moving and he told me "I don't want to move now, you are my mentor again"...Hopefully he wont be moving anytime soon. They have the mentoring program for children who need an extra ear to read too or just chat and be a friend. We talk about their week, their Friends, family, problems what have you...sometimes when I'm having a bad day when I go there it makes me realize how lucky I am for what I do have. I try to make them see the positive in everything in their lives.

I also started volunteering with a wonderful 1st grade teacher. I enjoy helping her and the kids are great...I can see a great friendship growing between me and Mrs. Ryder. She is a alot of fun to work with.

On Thursday I went to Ocali Cracker Days with Cheyenne's class for a field trip. What an experience that was!!! It was really neat, they had an old Florida Cracker village set up with a blacksmith making tools, a corn grinder making corn meals and grits (yummy), a lady making butter(that butter was better than the store bought stuff), Civil War reenactments, ladies spinning cotton, cracker houses and a church/school. Oh and the ever popular face painting!!!The kids had a blast. Plus I found alot of great places to take pictures!! I will be going back there for some practice!!!

Check out these pics of the fun!

And Today is my birthday! I am 33!!! Wow times flies when your having fun...
Anyway I spent the morning getting my highlights touched up and I cut my hair off...I like it but Im not sure my husband will... Maybe I should do a My Husband Rocks Friday just in case to smooth it over...LOL. He loves long hair and so do I, but after 3 years Im tired of it and I wanted something new...not sure if it will stay like this, I may let it grow back out, but what the heck its only hair! Thank goodness that is one thing that will grow back in no time!!!

We have a whole birthday weekend planned since my brothers bday was Thursday, Mine is today, Jordan's is tomorrow and my niece Lexi's is Sunday! So I will be doing lots of celebrating ! Im sure I will have new pics soon and you can see my new hair do!

The Things We Do For Kids!

2008-11-04T16:11:00.009-05:00

Of course this past weekend was all about kids. Halloween, a baby Shower, a costume/birthday party and sickness!

Friday night we started out getting ready for the Fall Festival at the church. I was busy as usual multi-tasking, ironing a sequin thing to Chey's costume, baking cookies, checking my email, answering the phone, feeding the animals... so I had another baking dilemma, I burnt the second batch of cookies! So instead of having a plate of brownies and a plate of cookies for the cake walk, there was just one plate with a little of both on it! I was told later by Larry, I should not multi-task and cook at the same time...LOL.

The Fall Festival was fun for the kids, they got lots of candy, played on the inflatable slides and did the cake walk 1000 times until they both won something... My niece Katie was so funny she kept running up the slide bouncing on her butt at the top and it would almost throw her to the bottom, cat ears flying off, then she would get up, put them back on and run to the top to do it all over. Here are a few pics from Friday night.

Then on Saturday morning I went over to my BF Rhonda's house to help her get ready for her daughter's Costume/Birthday party. We made caramel apples and ghost cookies. Since the party was kinda my idea, I volunteered to help out and Jordan said she wanted the adults to dress up too...

In between all the fun of the party we went to Sloan's baby shower, which was so nice. They had it decorated the cutest and she got so much, I dont think she will have to shop for that baby until she's 20...

Back to the party...we rushed home to get ready. Cheyenne was going to be an 80's girl, Brant, Mask from Tap Out, Larry a giant Roach and me the Cowardly Lion from Wizard of Oz. Now first I have to say that Larry really didnt want to be a roach and I didnt want to be the lion. We borrowed the costumes so we didnt have to spend the money on buying them...so we took what we could get...If I had my way I would have been Goldie Locks or Little Red Riding Hood and Larry something cool and manly...all for the love of kids...we wore this...

Me The Lion, Rhonda was the Cow, Beth a Cat & Susie an Angel

Mason was The plumber, Rob was Batman and Larry the Roach!

I just have to tell you guys soemthing ...My husband is such a good sport, he really did not want to be that roach and when he got out of the truck at the party, he got the tentacles stuck in the truck door! I thought I was going to wet myself laughing so hard!

Needless to say the men had the costumes off within 45 minutes, the kids all had theirs off a little over an hour later and the only ones left dressed up were us four ADULT women!!!! What fun it was though, the kids had a blast and so did we!

They had a sleepover for the girls so Cheyenne stayed there and Chase came home with Brant, but at 5:30 a.m. Rhonda called and said Chey was sick, she had thrown up...so I had went to pick her up, I got her home and she slept until 1:30 p.m. the new time (2:30 the old time). She didn't feel well when she got up so she laid around the rest of the day. We went to mom's and ate dinner then back home and back to bed for her.

She went to school yesterday and felt a little better until today...I got a call from Brant's school at 9:45 to come pick him up, then at 11:45 I got a call from Chey's school...They are both home now...poor Brant is very sick throwing up and Chey has been laying in bed...oh I hope they feel better tomorrow and no one else here gets it! Keep us in your prayers!

Thursday Thankfuls

2008-10-30T19:29:00.005-04:00

My new found friend Jennykate has came up with Thursday Thankfuls and I just had to join her since this is such a great idea to count your blessings and not your tragedies!

Although I have had a not so pleasant day, I still have alot to be thankful for...

*Im thankful we have the freedom to worship God and go to the church of our choice.

*Im thankful that we have such an awesome God that baby Stellan was born yesterday without any heart defect, he is totally healthy and absolutely adorable. Go see for yourself Stellan&Mckmama!

*Im thankful for my children without them I would not be what I am today...Crazy, but in a good way!

*Im thankful for my husband of course he is the best!

*Im thankful for my family they are awesome and Im thankful we are all healthy, happy and full of life!

*Im thankful tomorrow is Halloween and I get to raid the kids candy bag!!!

What are you thankful for?

Wordless Wednesday~Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-29T17:33:00.006-04:00

We finally got to the pumpkin patch this past weekend. I had a great time watching my nieces run around and crawl all over them. I got in some practice photography too.

Savannah is 1 and Katie is 3! Look how cute they were dressed!

Not Me! Monday

2008-10-27T17:43:00.005-04:00

I missed last Monday so I have a little catching up to do! Actually I cant think of any from the week before, but that could be the old age creeping up on me, since I will be 33 in 11 days!

Here is another edition of Not Me! Monday brought to us by MckMama (you may click the link at the bottom of the page to join in) Also please remember her and her family this week in your prayers as she will be having a new arrival which is planned for this Wednesday. If you dont know her blog already you should stop by her blog and check it out http://www.mycharmingkids.net/. Believe me you will be addicted and must check it often!

*I WAS NOT lazy last week and didn't feel like running to Walmart to get worms for our Bass...(yes we have a bass for a pet in which we have to feed worms) so I DID NOT go out into the yard and chase & catch crickets to feed him! One most certainly did not jump down my shirt and scare the you know what out of me. I just hope none of my neighbors saw me out there with the dog (who in turn was also Not trying to catch crickets too!)

*My daughter DID NOT scream my name from the porta potty at the park only to open the door before I got to her with her pants around her ankles ready to jump out of there! She was not screaming to "GET IT OUT!"
(here's the mental picture for you, I look around the corner to see a lizard sitting right beside the potty seat!) She said she didn't see it when she went in, but it showed no interest in leaving but she did! I had to stand in the door way so she could pull up her pants!

*I DID NOT work on learning photo editing all week last week instead of getting my regular house chores done. (The important chores did: everyone ate, slept and bathed)

*I DID NOT almost have a mental breakdown over not being able to edit a shadow off of a picture. I still cant but I am still learning!

* I DID NOT threaten to wreck my car just to get out of the high car payment but only if I knew I wouldn't get hurt and of course no one else would be in the car.
(I DID NOT get a lecture from my mom for that one! It was just a thought, but not like I would really do it!)

*My husbands dog Chance (since he is in trouble he is Larry's) DID NOT chew up my hibiscus plant, my rose bush, dig up around my gardenia, drag a dead squire onto the porch and get into Larry's fishing tackle and tear all the worms to shreds...No not that sweet little lovable baby puppy!!!! Look at this face and tell me he could do that!
*Oh I almost forgot, I DID NOT almost eat a bag of candy corn and those little pumpkins Hannah loves so much! They are NOT addicting!

Do you have any Not Me! Monday moments to share? Leave me a comment of click below to visit Mckmama!

My Husband Rocks Friday-Reason #2

2008-10-24T11:45:00.004-04:00

Friday already? Where did this week go? Oh, I know where it went...I will be posting that on Monday in my Not Me! Monday Post so you will have to wait until then! But for now another reason why My Husband Rocks!

First of all, I always told everyone "When I get married again, I want someone who can fix things, a real handy man!". Well I got one! There is absolutely nothing my husband can not fix or build. I bought one of those tiny little 5.00 personal shaver things and when I put the battery in it didn't work. I was going to throw it away...nope, he took it apart and fixed it and I have had it almost 3 years!

It's really not about that he can "fix" so much though, its more that he is willing to do anything for anyone even if he has never done it before! I can not count how many nights, weekends or days off he has given to others to help them when needed. Some have been a "side job" to make money but for the most part it is all out of the goodness of his heart. From taking care of our neighbors yard, electrical wiring a whole building, fixing a car, building a dog room for my mom (which turned out awesome!) actually the list is too long, but you get the picture he can do it all...

He feels guilty sometimes because there are things here at home that need to be done and he is stretched so thin helping others that he cant get to ours, but I know in time ours will get handled too. I have never seen someone so talented and willing. He is truly a selfless man. He doesn't always get rewarded with money, but he has told me he knows he will be rewarded in Heaven and that is all that matters. Just knowing that he helped someone and that they appreciate it is all he needs.
There are not enough words to tell you how proud I am he is my husband and I appreciate all he does!
This is my 2nd reason my husband rocks, I have lots more so check back next week! If you would like to see more My Husband Rocks Friday or want to join in the fun click the collage above or the link below!
http://honestandlasting.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-husband-rocks-thoughtful.html

Slideshow of pics

2008-10-21T16:14:00.003-04:00

Here is the slideshow of my favorites from Sunday!

Yesterday I took the pictures to Walgreens to print. So when I returned to pick them up the lady behind the counter asked me if I had a card. I said "No, Why?" She told me that the girl who helped me first wanted me to take some pics for her! How awesome is that? I remembered I had an Avon card in my purse with my info on it so I gave her one of those. So lets see if she calls!!!

I have alot of ideas running around in my head. But first thing first, I need a catchy name and to make some business cards! So I hope you enjoy the slideshow...Im going to be enhancing some of them before they are completely ready. But over all Im very pleased with the outcome!

My First Photo Shoot

2008-10-20T13:10:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I had the privilege to take maternity pictures for my honorary sister, Sloan. My sister Mandi and Sloan have been best friends forever. Her and Toby are a big part of our family and we all love them. I was so excited (and nervous) when she asked me to take her photos. They are the cutest couple and I enjoyed helping make the memories of her pregnancy!

This is my first "official" photo shoot, though. I have played around with my camera and I took our family photos last year. I have often thought it would be lots of fun to take pictures for a living and I really enjoy it! This is a path of new discovery for me and I'm excited to see where it leads me. I'm hoping to have a few more scheduled shoots in the near future, I want to do babies, kids, maternity and families! I may try one of those "trash the dress" sessions too, they look like alot of fun!

So here are just a few of the pics from yesterday and I will be making a slide show by the end of the week to post! I hope you all enjoy them! Feel free to comment, good or bad! I need constructive criticism, its good for learning!

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

2008-10-17T14:26:00.008-04:00

I came across this blog today My Husband Rocks Friday and thought this is such an awesome idea and I have to participate in it.

The Reason My Husband Rocks is because every time I talk to him on the phone, before we hang up he tells me he loves me and says "Bye Beautiful"...if there is nothing else in my day going right when I here him say that it makes my heart skip a beat... He literally has told me this since the first time we talked on the phone. I think a time or two we may have been cut off and he called back just to tell me that...

Gosh I could go on and on, I have so many reasons why he rocks but I will only tell this one
today! I will have more next Friday. If you want to join in click the links above!

Hurry to enter Jennykate's Giveaway!

2008-10-15T21:13:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is the last day to enter Jennykates 25th post giveaway! The winner will receive a surprise gift and Im sure it will be awesome! She is a very crafty lady and oh so very sweet for giving me a blog award! Hurry on over to her blog to enter before time runs out! Click the link to visit her JennyKate

Almost~Wordless Wednesday~

2008-10-15T11:42:00.005-04:00

Who ever knew me to be wordless??? I just wanted to share these pics. My dear friend Mrs. Tammy bought me this hibiscus. The first picture was taken the first time it bloomed in May and the second was taken last week!

Look at the difference in color!!!! They are not enhanced this is truly how the color has deepened over the summer!

These are my favorite flowers and Mrs. Tammy thank you so much, I love my hibiscus!

Not Me! Monday- Week 3

2008-10-13T13:12:00.006-04:00

It's Monday already?! Here's another installment of Not Me! Monday hosted by McMama! Click the link below or the button above to visit her blog and join in!

MyCharmingkids

Here are My Not Me's!

* I DID NOT go off on a tangent about something that bothers me this morning to my son, when I really shouldn't have. He is the innocent one in the situation.

* I DID NOT forget my husbands work uniform pants in the dryer, only to turn them on again to dewrinkle and forget them again! They ARE NOT still wrinkled!

* I DID NOT spend almost a whole day playing on my photo editing program and not do housework!

*I DID NOT have a great time Saturday night out having dinner and going dancing to celebrate my 3rd Anniversary with my husband, sister and her boyfriend and we DID NOT stay out until after 1:30 am! That is most certainly NOT the reason I was completely lazy all day yesterday and did nothing but lay on the couch watching movies with my husband!

* I DID NOT make Rice Crispy treats last week and eat most of them myself!

Well that's all I got this time! Do you have any Not Me's you want to confess?

It's Not Forever, Just For Now!

2008-10-10T12:01:00.004-04:00

I have a friend that always used to tell anyone who was complaining about anything "It's Not Forever, Just For Now" . How right she is. I have to tell myself that one all the time and the kids too... Its one way to look at a situation you maybe in, it may seem like forever especially if its bad, but eventually it will fade away (usually) I know this is not the case in everything.

I tell my kids that when they dont want to do homework or go somewhere they dont like...If they will just grin and bare it for a little while it will soon be over! Im having to learn this myself with the financial situation we are in as a family and the whole USA! I know this strain can not last forever, it will get better eventually. Right now things look pretty dim for Americas, our economy and our government. I sometimes wonder if we will ever see the light at the end of the tunnel, but know in the back of my mind there will be but it may be a long time from now. I know more than ever we have to turn our eyes toward God and keep faith he will watch over us all and the good will come out of all this bad.

As it doesn't look like Im going to find a job anytime soon (I know I sound like a broken record "Its Not Forever Just For Now!"). Im going to have to be pretty creative for Christmas this year. We are going to give handmade crafts and for the kids be more selective in what we buy instead of buying the whole store. Its gonna be a shock this year for them, not that I have always been able to give them every expensive thing on their list but for the most part they got what they wanted plus some! However, Im excited that maybe this year they will actually understand what Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus and feeling the joy of making & giving to others and not getting, getting, getting (all that extra stuff usually ends up in a yard sale anyway!) I think they will enjoy it more when they have a gift to give that they made themselves or at least I hope they do! They will get a few things they want, a few they need and a heart full of Love!

So last night I implemented something I had been thinking about doing...NO TV/COMPUTER/VIDEO GAMES NIGHT! You would have thought I told them I was gonna shot them when I mentioned it... but it was actually pleasant, we completed a few "to-dos" like o like their Christmas list, some 4-H paperwork for the fair, extra reading for AR points!!! Since it was rainy they were a little bored at first but during a few minute break we went for a quick bike ride/walk and ended up getting rained on before we got home...hehe... Brant sliced the potatoes for supper and then after dinner we sat down together to work on our No Sew Blankets we are making for Christmas and 4-H! Wow that was fun! It also gave me a chance to go through some of my craft supplies that Ive had forever, I found some cross stitching pieces that I havent finished so I may start working on them again...what the heck I need just one more thing to add to my to do list...LOL...Over all, the night went by pretty good without any total breakdowns. I will say Larry did watch a little news after Chey went to bed (but that's OK) then we all went to bed earlier than normal! Wow I may have to do that twice a week!

We are taking my nieces Katie & Savannah to find a pumpkin patch tomorrow (or at least I hope we find one) I cant wait to take pictures of them! If you haven't seen my gorgeous nieces wait til I post those pics! I will share next week!

One more little thing, I ask that you guys will remember us in prayer for Larry's job. With everything happening to the economy most companies are having cut backs and lay offs. We are hoping it will not effect us, but have been told no one is safe from a layoff...so with that said we are a little scared but keeping the Faith that God will watch over and keep us and if it happens we will deal with it keeping our eyes on him!

Hope you all have a wonderful Weekend!

Our 3rd Anniversary

2008-10-08T08:29:00.018-04:00

Today is our 3rd Wedding Anniversary...Hard to believe that is has been 3 years already and then in the same breath it feel like its been a lifetime! To us our relationship has been like a fairy tale...no not always as perfect...but really amazing. I have been thinking about this post for a few days and how I wanted present it. There are so many things I want to write but it would take all day to read what I have in my heart to say. So I'm gonna give a brief overview of my thoughts and I have included a slide show of my favorite wedding pictures (That was hard in itself to narrow down).

Sometimes I'm still in awe over how we started out! Both of us broken and bruised from our past. I myself was in a relationship at the time that had been bad for a long time...My mom kept telling me that by 30 I better have my life straight or she was going to intervene...Moms you gotta love their persistence! So there I sat at 29 & a half watching my life go by virtually out of my control...then in the blink of an eye it all changed...

We knew each other already, he worked with my dad, he had became a part of the family at their house. We saw each other on holidays and cookouts, but only talked a few times. He says he had a crush on me the whole time, I guess I was blind, I can say there was a time that we were there and he was on the phone with a girl and I felt jealous! I went home thinking to myself "Why are you jealous, you don't even know him!" Then the time he walked in and time stood still for both of us, we sat and stared at each other for what felt like an eternity but was really only seconds (thankfully no one else noticed). About 3 weeks later we ended up going to the same place, me with friends,him with my Dad & Step Mom and that's when it clicked! We ended up moving in together after 1 month, got engaged after 2 months and were married in 6 months. I married him 29 days before my 30Th birthday!

Our wedding was on Daytona Beach, thanks to all my family and friends. It was truly a group effort. Everyone pitched in to help along in some way, my mom worked endlessly on the flowers, decorations, planning and plotting;) My dad made the lovely chocolate starfish on my cake (which I had decided to forget when they kept breaking, but he found a way to make them for me!)My sister in law Kiley married us, my friend Mina took all my pictures. I would be here all day listing everyone that helped us through it,but if you were one of them know how much we truly appreciated everything and we love you all for it! I have to say it was a family affair one of which was the most enjoyable times of my life, I had my Mom's family & My Dad's family all working together as One! We all stayed at the Americano Beach Resort and made it a weekend complete with a Rainbow in the sky after our first kiss as husband & wife! They also surprised me at the reception and Brant sang "God Bless the Broken Road" to us...needless to say I cried the whole time! We are such a Karaoke family, pretty much everyone sang that night!!!

I cant really express to you all how lucky I feel when I think about the last 3 years, what it took to get me here and where we will be going. Larry has truly been a gift from God for me, my children and my family. I don't know where we would be without him. Looking back I wouldn't change anything, since I had to go through all of that to find him. Despite the small struggles we go through as a blended family, its all been worth it to me. He makes me laugh, he opens my doors, he holds my hand, loves to see my tears of joy & compassion, loves my kids and family as they are all blood to him and has a heart bigger than he is. My only regret now looking back is that we decided we wouldn't have a child together (for various reasons) now we wish we would have waited to make that decision, our feelings are quite different now more than 2 years ago...but we enjoy the ones we have and love them dearly (just secretly I think it would have been awesome to share that experience with him) So here is to my husband, the man I thought would surely never come because I was not worthy of such love. But God showed me differently and I will thank him everyday for what a blessing Larry has been to all of us!

Not Me! Monday- Week 2

2008-10-06T13:17:00.004-04:00

Well this is my 2nd week doing Not Me! Monday, I really enjoyed writing it last week and thought I would continue joining MckMama www.mycharmingkids.net/2008/10/nothing.html, and all the other Mommies out there with Not Me's!

*I most certainly did not buy more scrap booking stickers just because there were "On sale", I have not scrap booked in over 2 years, but I keep saying every weekend..."Im gonna get out my scrapbook stuff and work on it...hasn't happened yet, but I can't resist all those cute stickers!!

*I did not go to Starbucks to get a Grande Mocha Frapaccino this morning after grocery shopping because I felt I deserved it after fighting that crowd in Walmart, plus I hadn't had my morning coffee yet!

*I was not completely lazy all day Saturday playing on the computer and spend 3 hours at my best Friend Rhonda's house instead of scrap booking!

*I did not let my kitty Tabby play in the toilet because I think its funny when she plays in the water...Larry doesn't like it she wets the seat...LOL...

*I did not have another conversation with the kids AGAIN, about being nice to each other...what is it with siblings?

*I did not go to Office Depot last week, after not washing my hair before hand with it all pulled back in a pony tail, While looking at computers and the man decided to show me the new technology of computers which have built in web cams and proceeded to show me how it works...So my not so beautiful face & hair was plastered on the big computer screen in the store!!!!

Well that's all I can think of today! Hope you all enjoyed it! If you have some Not Me! Moments I encourage you to join in the fun with MckMama & all her friends!

Just A Little Walk

2008-10-04T16:35:00.004-04:00

It's amazing how just a walk can do wonders for your mind, soul and body. I try to walk a few times a week for several reasons not only for exercise...however I do feel better after I walk physically.

The past few weeks I have only walked once or twice a week and boy do I feel it! We have had sickness in the house, then followed by too much stuff to do or just feeling lazy...So I need to get back on my routine... Funny how you can start a routine, any routine including something with the kids, eating healthier, exercising, going to bed earlier, getting the kids up earlier, and then something comes along and disrupts the whole house! Then your back to square one again, saying to yourself you need to get back in the routine you started! I have never quite figured out how to make a routine a habit...they don't last long enough to turn into a habit, not with kids...

Anyway back to walking...I usually take Chance our puppy. He loves it when I come out with the leash he sits patiently waiting for me to latch it on his collar. I just recently started listening to Cheyenne's Hannah Montana MP3 player, which has a mixture of her favorite songs, but sometimes I like to walk in silence... I use the time to pray or think out a problem we are facing...If I'm stressed that little 15 minutes can make all the difference in the way the rest of my day will go...I come back feeling recharged and ready to go again. It reminds me of that song "Just A Little Talk With Jesus"...so true...its a great time to look at nature and see everything God has made for us and truly thank him for his blessings, rather it be the sun shinning down on you or the breeze that seems to wrap you up like a big hug, it all just feels so good!

Yesterday I put some songs by Chris Tomlin on her MP3 player and listened to it while I walked, it had to be the best walk Ive had in a long time...I really listened to the words and concentrated on how it made me feel like I was walking closer to God than I have in a lot of years, I have always prayed and believed, just not always been as close as I should have been.

We are trying so hard to "Keep the Faith", we tell each other daily to Have Faith, the Lord will take care of us. Sometimes its hard to see it through all the bad news about our failing economy & government. With so many people facing unemployment and foreclosures, we feel there is no relief in sight...however there is...we must all "Keep the Faith" that the Lord will see us all through this hard time! So take a few minutes and take a little walk with Jesus and tell him about all your troubles! He will listen and you will feel better I promise!

He Needs A What?

2008-09-30T14:39:00.002-04:00

I have to take Brant for a Bone Age today. I never thought I would have to take him for one, they are not bad, just an x-ray of the hand. I am used to Cheyenne getting them regularly because she has been having them since she was 2, but she is growing so fast they do them to keep track of how rapidly her bones are aging. For example the last one she had, her bone age said she was almost 10.5 but she actually was only 7.5...which means her body (and hormones) are growing faster than they should.

However Brant is short, he is smaller than most 13 years olds, he looks about 11. So the other day when I took him for his checkup, she informed me she felt he was developing too fast...WHAT???? I didn't take her seriously at first, I kinda laughed and said well he is 13...and she said "more advanced than most". So now she wants him to have a bone age to see if his bones are growing right with his age... I'm not really worried, because he is very healthy and it may only mean that he may end up shorter than most men... I don't know how it works other than if they start producing hormones too early it will make them shorter than they are supposed to be...they tell me that Cheyenne (even though she is the tallest 3rd grader I have ever seen) could end up short??? Confusing I know. Cheyenne takes shots to keep her from developing any further right now...but I'm just so shocked that Brant is also doing the same thing and with totally different characteristics. I'm actually interested in knowing now if it is something in my genes that causes this. We will have to wait to find out...I'll update when I get the results!
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Need a little comedy break?
Kids say the funniest things sometimes and I wish I had a recorder or notebook at all times to write them down, because I cant remember them all...One day I will have to do a post on the ones I do remember...
Anyway this morning we went to the gas station and I asked Brant to pump the gas, I told him I would get out and get it started but I wanted him to pump it...I just had on a pair of my walking gym shorts and a tank top with the little bra top built in (not much support in those)...so when he gets done I get out and help him close the cap and jump back in the car, when I did I looked up and some man waved at me...I said "Oh that's great, he probably saw my outfit", Brant asked me "What would you do if a man asked you for your phone number?" I showed him my hand with my wedding ring and before I could say anything he said "Tell him 1-800-I HAVE A HUSBAND!"
Out of the mouths of babes!!! Have a great day!

Not Me Monday

2008-09-29T13:00:00.005-04:00

I have been reading a blog that a found through a friends blog and totally fell in love with it. I know some of you follow it already and if you dont you should. She is an amazing woman and I cant wait to see what she writes or takes pictures of next. She has dedicated Mondays as "Not Me!" Mondays and its a time to confess all your little shortcomings... Check it out and join in the fun! I am! http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
*I absolutely have not been thinking about what I was going to post for Not Me! Monday this whole past week!

*I am not addicted to blogging at all, even though I may or may not check my blog several times a day.

*I do not write down little notes to remind myself of what I want to blog about next or think to myself as something is happening "How can I blog about this?" No way not me!

*I have not spent the last few hours reading other Not Me! blogs, watching the clock tick down until I now have only 45 minutes left before I have to leave to pick up the kids. I must say they were all very amusing, I couldnt help myself!

*I did not have a chocolate dipped ice cream cone, fries and a diet coke for supper a few weeks ago! That would be setting a bad example for my kids...

*I did not stop mid-post to take a shower because now Im gonna be late...NOT ME, Im Never Late!

Hope you all enjoyed Not Me! Monday, check out MckMama's blog and all the other Mommies with Not Me's!

I Have Come To Realize...

2008-09-26T14:14:00.002-04:00

I have come to realize the following things about me:I

I think I have developed Adult A.D.D., I can't focus on one task at all, I start one thing and then end up doing something else...I may or may not finish the previous task.
I can not read while there is noise going on around me, however I can carry on a full conversation while phones ring, kids cry and the dog barks all without missing a word.
Also pertaining to the above, I have been known to zone out into my own little world while in midst of a conversation...
I am always searching for a new way to make money from home...no luck yet...but I must continue my search...
I have a list of things I want to do or to learn how to do, but never take the time to just do it... (also see the first one on the list...I have started many things, just haven't completed them)
I am late for everything...(actually anyone who knows me already realized that)
Simple living is my motto...I'm not a "from scratch" meal preparer...stuff from the box works just fine for me.
Home Interior in my house consists of almost every wall being covered with pictures of my kids & family. I probably should own stock in picture frames...
Cleaning house is my least favorite thing in the world to do, therefore if I can find anything better to do, I will do that first then cleaning comes in last... My Mema once told me "A House is a Showcase but a Home is lived in." I live in a Home!
I am currently trying to read 3 books...when I get tired of one, I read another one...
Putting on makeup and always fixing my hair is not a must anymore...As long as I'm clean and look decent who cares...(don't get me wrong I still can get all pretty...but if I'm taking the kids to school or simply running to the store...forget it...life's too short)
I am always adding or rearranging things on my blog or any of my websites...so be prepared, it may not look the same from one day to the next...

Ok, Im done for now...that was fun. I may have to do that again on other topics... I encourage you to do it too, its very liberating!

I think I just came up with a new name for my blog...Simply Living...What do you think?

Simply Christy

One Proud Mama

2008-09-23T21:46:00.008-04:00

On Friday, We had a sleepover for Brant's Birthday. Our first one ever...

There were 3 boys from his baseball team, 1 best friend from school and my best friends son Chase who spent the night... Of course Cheyenne was here and Jordan stayed to keep the boys straight for a little while. They had lots of fun playing football, running an obstacle course (which included putting on a dress and running around the house)riding bikes, skateboarding jumping on the trampoline, roasting marshmallows and did I forget to mention playing XBOX 360 all night long!!!

What is a sleepover without staying up all night? I remember those all night sleepovers when I was young. They were good though, Larry only had to get up once at 4:30 a.m. and tell them to quiet down and which they did. They may have slept for an hour around 6 they said... but I was up at 7:30 waiting for Jordan to come back. They were up and ready to go some more, they played again all morning and we took them to the Oxford park for a little while! They all had such a blast! He had a great 13th birthday!

Below is a pic of Larry & Brant playing football and Chance (our puppy) wanting in too!

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Now this is why I don't bake! I asked Brant what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday, he said yellow with chocolate icing. I'm thinking no problem, I can do that... yeah right!!!

I baked the cake no problem, so I go to turn it over into a cookie sheet to put icing on it and when it landed on that pan it looked like an earthquake hit it, there were cracks through the whole thing... So I decide to "cover it up" with icing...wrong answer...I didn't let it cool, so it just melted into all the cracks...I thought "Those boys will never eat this cake!"...here is a pic of it!

Thankfully,a very dear friend of mine, Mrs. Tammy, came to drop off her son. I showed her the cake for a good laugh... She saved the day! She told me to put the cake in the freezer and let if completely cool, then spread cool whip on top, shave a Hershey bar over it and drizzle Hershey's chocolate over that! It was awesome! Much better than just plain cake. She is such a lifesaver, I don't know what I would do without all her great advice!!! Needless to say, the boys still didn't eat it, they only wanted ice cream, but that's OK because the adults liked it! Here's the after pic!

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Today I got to shop all day! How great is that!?! We don't really have extra to spend, but it was really nice to go and hang out with Janet at Hobby Lobby, looking at all the things I would love to decorate my house with... Fall is definitely creeping into my thoughts! We had great conversation and I enjoyed not finishing cleaning my floors to spend the morning with her. We will have to do that again soon!

Then this afternoon, Brant & I went back to Ocala to the mall for him to spend his birthday money. Cheyenne had dance tonight and went to her dad's, so he and I took our time and enjoyed being together...

He surprised me (and made me cry tears of joy)...while we were in Inland Ocean I pointed out a car sticker of a sun that I thought was pretty...so we paid and walked back out into the mall, he asked me for some of his money and said he had forgotten something, he went back in the store and came out beaming and handed me a little bag... he had bought me that sticker and said "Thanks mom for bringing me shopping today"...my heart melted and I teared up...that boy knows how to make a mama proud!!!

Help When Help Is Needed

2008-09-18T12:18:00.016-04:00

Yes 2 posts in 1 day! I have been working on this one for a few days...I'm still not sure I'm happy with it and may edit later, but I wanted to get it out there!

Sometimes the smallest, tiniest offerings of kindness in your eyes are the biggest most wonderful gifts in others. I'm not talking about big expensive gifts or even anything of monetary value. I mean the acts that come from your heart that mean more than anything bought.

Over the years, I have been on the giving and the receiving end of these gifts. It seems to run in a circle for me. I will give and then I receive... wait isn't that in the bible?... give and you will receive. Of course, that is how God helps everyone in this world, by placing it upon someones heart to give when another is in a time of need and to allow them to receive in their time of need.
Not too long ago, there was a family at Larry's work where the family lost their home to a fire, I sent out an email to everyone on my list and asked for help of donations of any kind. The response was overwhelming so much in fact (not all from my friends but from anyone who heard and wanted to give), they had to stop taking donations. They had no room to store it all until they got a new home. But how awesome is that, I even had people I barley knew bringing items by my house to give to them. I know that happened again recently with a friend of a friend of mine. Everyone just gave so much they really couldn't take anything else. God is Good!

I can also think back at a time in my life that I didn't have much money, I was a single mom at the time and it was Brant's 3rd Christmas...I feared he wasn't gonna have a Christmas that year. But someone gave me a check for $100.00 and I have never forgotten that. They knew I needed help and they gave it to me. Now I try to give at Christmas when I can, even if its a toy for Toys for Tots. I was so thankful for that great gift and it left such an impression on my heart.

More recently we were touched by others wanting to give us help. My grandparents house has been pretty much abandoned for the past year. My Nana had cancer 5 years ago and never really regained her strength and then last summer she got deathly ill and we almost lost her. She now is in a nursing home in Bushnell, which has proved to be such a blessing, they take good care of her medically and she is happy. My step-grandfather had to go live with his daughter because of his failing health also. So the house has pretty much sat, Mom did the best she could maintaining it, having the yard mowed and she has cleaned the dust out of the house I don't know how many times. But it has become very overwhelming.

Anyway back to my story, my friend Jill knew we were going to be working in my Nana's yard this past Saturday so she talked with her cousin Joey (Jeanne's husband) who had told her he wanted to start helping families in their yards...little did he know when he said yes to helping us, it was 2.5 acres that should have been mowed for hay! I cant tell you what a blessing it was for Jill, Curtis and Joey to come and lend their time on a hot Saturday morning (after working their regular jobs all week) to help us work in the yard. They mowed, weed eated (not sure if thats a word), picked up limbs, raked and pretty much anything they saw that needed cleaning up...It helped us so much!!! It looked like a jungle down there, but after all their help and the rest of the family spending time there last Thursday and Saturday its looking much better! They were truly gifts from God!

Last year I was a volunteer and mentor at the kids school and will be again this year. It is such a great feeling to know you are helping out in anyway you can. I'm also thinking of volunteering at the animal shelter...I might as well do something useful while I don't have a job right? No, I really do love helping and feel it is an important part of being a person and a christian. Sometimes its hard for me to except help (must be pride) but I do need it at times, just as everyone does in their life... As long as you keep giving when you are needed, others will give unto you when you are in need!

Here are 2 before and 2 after pics of my grandparents house so far!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

2008-09-18T12:18:00.013-04:00

Today is Brant's 13th birthday! I just can't believe that I am the mom of a teenager... although he has been reminding me all week that it is coming... Of course like every other birthday of theirs, I reminisce over the day they were born, the joys and the trials...then I think of how lucky and blessed I am to have both of them.

I have good kids despite the fact they both have been through alot in their little lives, they are emerging victoriously in so many ways! Growing, changing, learning and exploring everyday... I so miss those early days of their lives when they were so dependant on me in every way. Now they almost do everything for themselves, ok not everything... I still do alot for them, but if I werent here they would survive without me for a few hours.

I usually cry every year on their birthdays, even if its a few little tears...I think they expect it... Brant asked me this morning, "are you crying yet?", they know if mom is crying she is happy or proud...tears in my family does not mean only sadness, it simply means our hearts are about to burst with joy and pride, so it has no where to go but out in tears (Right Mom????) I got it from my mom, poor Mandi & Jeremy so many times saw both of us cry over them while they were doing things like singing, pageants, pitching or whatever event we were watching them do...

I've already cried tears of joy and pride over so many things from my kids and I dont think I ever will stop...they know how much I love them when they see me cry with a smile on my face!!!

Little does Brant know I have cried a few times today when thinking about him over the years, but I may have to save just a few for later so he can see I still cry every year on his birthday...

They are the light of my life and joy in my heart!!!

I made 2 collages for their birthdays so Im putting them both on here... Cheyennes birthday was last month and I didnt blog about it because it was still so new to me...so this is for both of them!!!

Baby Steps Into Growing Up

2008-09-17T10:45:00.005-04:00

My 8 year old daughter Cheyenne, is very shy, and everyone says I named her perfectly. We actually call her Chey as a nickname. She has always been one to take so long to warm up to everyone and everything. We once took her to a water park in Daytona and she was scared to leave my side the for the first hour, then when she finally did and started enjoying herself it was time to go. I can't say a lot about it because I am also a little shy, maybe not as much as I used to be but sometimes when we are around a lot of people around me I get nervous and I defiantly can not speak in front of a crowd!

The first few years of school was no picnic either, most mornings she cried and threw up before school. It was awful, that is one of the reasons I quit my job and last year in 2nd grade was better for her, no throwing up and she only cried a few times... Now this year is a whole different story, she gets up in the morning, gets ready and actually has a smile on her face. I have seen her blossom so much in the past few months, its like she is trying to leave the baby behind and come into being an adolescent or more importantly a tween...oh my, I'm not sure I'm ready for that one. She already acts like she is 16 sometimes, thanks to Hannah Montana!

She is also afraid to spend the night anywhere, the only places she would stay are at her dad's or her dad's mother's house. But this summer she did stay with my Mom once, for the first time in a really long time. She said it was great and asked not long ago when she can stay with her again. We are working on that feat but she is doing alot better. Im not sure I will get her into children's church anytime soon either, but you never know she may surprise me.

I am especially proud of her right now though, I saw her overcome a fear of speaking in front of people last night. We joined 4-H and they asked her to be the secretary, the whole time Im saying "she's not gonna do that", but all the parents assured me they would help her along, so we agreed. So last night was her first time and she had to read the minutes, she was scared to death and I could see the fear on her face. She wouldnt even participate in the activities before she was so nervous, but when it came time for her, one of the leaders stood beside her and helped her with the words she had trouble with and she read the whole thing aloud!!!! She did AWESOME... I was so proud, then she actually wanted to stand up in front of all of them and recite the 4-H pledge, she couldnt remember it this time, but we will study hard for next time.
She even asked if we could do a presentation in one of the upcoming meetings! WOW is all I have to say, is that my little Chey who is scared of her own shadow sometimes??? Yes it is!!! We are also going to enter the Southeastern Youth Fair in Marion County where she may have to speak to judges, we will cross that bridge when we get there but for now we will take these baby steps into growing up!

Tidbits From Our Weekend

2008-09-15T17:12:00.005-04:00

How come the weekends fly so quickly? This one went by very quickly or maybe I'm just tired and I needed more rest. Saturday morning came early for us, at 6:30 a.m. Brant's step mom called, he was running a fever and complaining of a sore throat. So she brought him home. At that time I felt like maybe it was a virus... I looked in his throat it didn't show signs of white spots on his tonsils and his temp was only like 99.9, so I decided that we would wait it out for a little bit.

A man came to look at the boat and he bought it! Although we were happy since that alleviated one of our monthly bills, we were also sad to see it go...But I promised my honey that we will have another boat in a few years and this time it will be the best tricked out Bass Boat of them all...he informed me it will be a Triton!!!

We then went to my Nana's to work in the yard and do some more cleaning...(I have another post in mind about that subject, that is on my "to write" list). Poor Brant was still feeling bad but he went along and slept on the couch. After being there for about 5 hours and dusting almost everything in that house, while the men cut down shrubs and trees, we came home.

By then Brant's fever was a little higher and he was feeling worse. My sister brought me more Tylenol and we kept alternating it. Still the whole time I'm thinking its a virus... That night he woke me up burning up and could barely swallow, so I went into sleep with him for a while (I know he is almost 13, but he is still my baby)and he was just miserable. Around 8 and he was still not feeling any better and his heart was racing, I knew it was more than a virus by then.

There is a new Urgent Care on 466 going toward Target called Paramount Urgent Care. I have been told by a few friends that is was good and boy was it! We were in and out of there in less than an hour. He had strep throat. They ended up giving him 2 shots to speed up the healing. The rest of the day he and I laid around the house, I felt wiped out too, while Larry smoked some ribs on the smoker, what a great man he is. And by the end of the night last night he was feeling better and even ate supper. I kept him home today and maybe tomorrow depending on the white bumps on his tonsils, but so much better than Sunday morning!!!!

I felt horrible about not taking him sooner though, they always tell me its a virus and there is nothing they can do. So this time I was gonna be smart and just save the money...I know I'm not the only one who has ever done that, but it sure makes you feel awful knowing if you would have taken them the day before they wouldn't have gotten so sick.

We didn't get to make it to church and also missed Avery getting baptised. I felt guilty because of my recent revelations and promises to God, but I know he understood and we are planning to go this coming Sunday. I'm just so thankful Brant is feeling better and I have my fingers crossed Cheyenne doesn't come down with it!

Oh and BTW, if you want to rent a cute movie get Baby Mama...it wasn't as funny as I would have thought from the previews. But all in all a really cute movie and it made me laugh!

I Can Feel The Winds of Change Coming!

2008-09-12T13:43:00.004-04:00

Not only is summer coming to a close (which makes me sad) because I so love summer time, Fall is defiantly in the air. I can feel it in the mornings when I take the kids to school and late evenings too! It almost makes me want to put out my Fall Decorations, but I'm gonna wait a little longer for that, gonna hang onto summer as long as I can.

It's not only the seasons that I feel are changing, the past week has been on heck of a whirlwind for me. I have had so many emotions. I started this week, feeling like I have hit the lowest of low in my life. I had no direction in which to turn. I honestly felt numb for lack of better terms... Recently we decided that we really needed to find a church and change our lives and the kids for the good... Although I knew all this time we needed too, we just didn't make it top priority ( I know shame on us). So we went to church on Sunday and It was nice. I liked everything about it, Larry & Cheyenne did too. But the strangest thing happened to me when it was over, I felt this total lack of control and I was running scared, not sure what in the world I was feeling, what I was going to do. I had no explanation but "I don't Know". Maybe it was Satan knowing that I was fixing to turn my life back to God and he was putting all of these thoughts in my head. Long story short, I spent the next 2 days, dazed & confused, running basically on auto pilot and then when confronted by Larry, I lost it... I cried until I looked like a I had a bad allergic reaction, I prayed, I talked to a great friend for hours, I went to the cemetery and prayed some more. I finally felt comforted by the words I had read in a devotional bible and my prayers... I decided that whatever is going on I need to "let go and let God". I realized that I had lost all Faith in the Lord and what he can do in not only my life but all of our lives. We all as a family need this not just me. So the rest of the week, I have spent trying to rebuild my faith and trust in the Lord, feeling more confident and blessed for what I do have and not being upset for what I don't. Most importantly trusting that he will reveal to us in his own time his will for our lives.

We also have some other things in the works that I need to leave for a later time until I know for sure, but we are going to take a "Leap of Faith" in the words of Jill (a great friend of mine) and see where it takes us.

One more little thing that came from all this and it took Jill to point it out to me. I also had apprehensions of going to church in a place where people knew me, knew my past and that I have not lived as I should. Which goes way beyond church, I generally didn't want to "run into" anyone who knew me or knew about me that could pass judgment about me, my family or my life... I know it sounds crazy to feel that way, but I did, I have nothing to be ashamed of really, maybe I haven't made all the right choices, Ive been divorced, I have 2 children with 2 different fathers and now I'm remarried to someone who is also divorced... but she told me "I don't see any of that in you, I just wish you could see what others see in you and who you are to others". She let me know that most people don't think of us as we think of ourselves and it made me realize I was passing judgement on myself before anyone else had the chance to think anything about me, good or bad. So I'm also working toward being me and loving me for who I am no matter what others may or not think... Having a low self-esteem is such a big thing to overcome, but I'm working on it!!!!

So there are lots of things changing around here and I will keep you informed as they all take place! I'm really looking forward to these changes in our life, I am confident they are all for the better!!!

Overwhelmed With Thoughts!

2008-09-05T12:46:00.005-04:00

The past few days I have had so many things going on in my head. Actually, who am I kidding, I always have alot of thoughts going on in my head! So I thought I would get some of them out in writing so maybe I can make more sense of them. Keep in mind these are my opinions and I do not want to offend anyone on how I feel about certain things.

First, Its wonderful that McCain picked a woman to run for VP with him! I actually thought of voting for Clinton, if she were to make it as the Democrat contender. However, I never cared for Bill Clinton and I am not really into politics and most of it is a joke... But I do feel a woman could do a good job as a President or a VP for many reasons. As to people slamming her for having 5 children, one of which is pregnant at 17 year old and unmarried...WHO CARES!!!! That does not mean that she cant do a good job...no matter how good your morals are and how your raise your children, they will still make mistakes and live there own lives, you cant be with them every second of everyday! I would think less of her if she turned her back on her daughter in her time of need.

Second, little Caylee Anthony and her so called mother Casey... all I want to know is why they keep letting her out of jail... if they keep on with her she will do the same thing Melinda Duckett did and commit suicide, because of the "stress" and no one will ever know the real truth about what happened or where the little one is! She doesnt deserve to be out of jail and they need to find a way to make her talk, I dont feel sorry for her or her parents at this point, I feel there is something just not right with the whole situation... She shows no remorse, no guilt, no emotion what so ever that her daughter is missing... If it were me and I was innocent (BTW the thought of killing my children has never entered my mind, even when they are driving me nuts) I would be beside myself with grief, crying, praying and begging for anyone to help me find my lost child... Casey has never showed any type of emotion in anyway. And don't think for one minute if my Mother or Pop thought I or anyone else hurt one of my children that they wouldnt turn me in... I have already been told they love us kids but if someone hurt their grandchildren, it would be on! Ive been told that a time or two in my life from both of them!

I have several "little projects" I want to do around the house, like clean out my office, organize my scrapbooking things, paint the kitchen, clean out the kids rooms (again)... It is all very overwhelming for me though... I have all good intention, then when I set my mind too it I walk into the room or place Im going to work on the "little project" and I dont know where to start!!!
I look around and think to myself where did all this stuff come from and where am I going to put it. Larry and I are such packrats (me a little more than him) but we both are! My house is not overrun with things, I do not have paths through clutter, but it is just still not the way I would like it to look. I want it to be more organized, neat and clean looking... all I see when I look around is STUFF!!!!! I think to myself I want it all gone, but I just dont know where to begin cleaning it out or where to put it...

One more thing then Im done for now, I promise... I can not for the life of me figure out why some people act and treat people the way they do! Im gonna leave it at that for now, its too long and complicated, but I just want to scream GROW UP!!!!!

Ok, I feel a little better now, maybe I can tackle one of my little projects this weekend! I will let you know!

Parenting is Tough Stuff!

2008-09-02T14:08:00.004-04:00

Yesterday Cheyenne and I went to the grocery store and I realized how much I have spoiled my children... which I have been noticing more lately as the money is getting tighter. They dont understand when we say we really dont have the extra money right now. She looked at me yesterday and said "we can never afford anything". Which broke my heart because not too long ago when we did have 2 incomes, we could afford alot more stuff. I call it stuff because most of it was not necessities but wants... Now we have to focus only on necessities and only wants every now and then.

I began to wonder have I done the wrong thing by always giving in to them for thier every little want? As most parents today we want to give our children what we didnt have or make their childhood easier than ours were. But in doing that I feel I have hurt them in some way of not understanding what it means to be said no too. I am the worlds worst at giving in, ask my husband or any of my family... I love them so dearly and just want them to be happy so I say yes or a no can be broken down fairly easily with me...

Most of my reasoning is because I feel sorry for them, they dont have a "normal" childhood with their parents together. They live with me during the week and see their dads every other weekend... I feel bad for what they go through emotionally, since I too lived that way, I know it is hard to live between 2 families and even as an adult now it is hard to juggle the two. So I always of course want to be the good mom so they dont one day say the dreaded words "I want to live with my dad"... I hope it never comes to that, but I have the teenage years coming soon!!!

I know I wont always be the best and here lately I feel more and more like a failure than a good rolemodel to them. In the process of trying to be "the best" mom I can be, I know I have made some bad decisions in the parenting department... So now the question how do I fix this, how do I make them understand that a No is No and I'm not being mean?

Larry & I tell them stories all the time about when we were growing up...you know the ones like we heard from our parents about walking 10 miles in a snow storm...LOL... mostly about that when we went to the store we didnt get everything we asked for and usually we knew better than to ask. That a trip to the mall or a restuarant was maybe once or twice a month not a week! They look at us like we are crazy usually, as Im sure I did at their age too.

With all the technology, the peer pressure, the television shows and advertisements of the kids who have everything how am I supposed to help them understand that just because Hannah Montana has it or your best friend has every video game system made that we really dont need it, we have more than enough, at least in my opinion we do. Being a parent is tough and boy have I grown more respect for mine over the years for all that we did have even when we thought there was never enough!

Will I Ever Find A Job?

2008-08-27T12:42:00.008-04:00

**UPDATE** I passed my test!!!! I am so pleased that its over and done with!!! Now the fun begins looking for employment where ever I can find it!

With the economy falling the way that it is, I'm not really surprised by how hard it is to find a job. Especially trying to find one that fits into my family schedule. Honestly, I have looked for the past year but only in schools. So now I'm thinking I have to broaden my search.

I quit working in May 2007, after much deliberation and discussion with my husband over losing my income. Before then most of my mornings were horrible, Cheyenne hated school, she cried and/or threw up most days. I had a constant pull at my heart that I needed to be with them more than just 3 hours in the evening time and every other weekend (they go to their dads on the other weekends). I was also having to take Chey to Shands quit often to try and figure out why she was growing at such a rapid rate. That will have to be a whole other post!

So I quit to become a Stay At Home Mom, or like I recently was called a Domestic Engineer, thinking I would have some sort of job by August of 2007. That didn't happen. I did however take over my mom's Avon business, which allowed me to make a little extra money and stay home. I did great in the beginning, made unit leader and all kinds of bonuses... however that quickly went down with the economy too, no one wants to buy as much as they did and with gas prices you have to deliver the products to your customers, which became more costly than anything. So I still sell, but only to close friends and family mostly.

So here I sit, over a year later, with still no job. I have had some interviews in some schools, which is where I want to be, however, they have all "hired within". I'm in the process of getting my substitute certificate and tomorrow I go for my ParaPro Test. Which I'm really nervous but excited about, because it may give me more of a chance at a school job.

I really cant go back to a full time position anywhere working 8 to 5. The schools aftercare prices are outrageous and the wages in the area are very low. I would really be working for gas and aftercare, plus the fact that I would not be with my kids again.

I have prayed hard over this for sometime and my mom has too. I even had a stranger, which turned out to be a preacher, come to my yard sale with his wife looking for items for the local women & children's shelter for gifts for Christmas. I ended up donating a box of new Avon items, dresses and kids clothes. When he turned to leave he said "I will say a special prayer for you". I said "Pray that I find a job please". He turned around grabbed my hand and prayed for me right there in the middle of my yard sale with all the people around. Which I thought was awesome and made my cry.

That was over a month ago, but I'm trying not to get discouraged. I know that God works in his own time, not mine. I told my close friend Rhonda yesterday that I still had no luck but I know I have to be patient. It took God almost 7 years to send me Larry, when I prayed everyday for him to send me a great man. He finally did, when he was ready... lets just hope it doesn't take 7 years for me to find a job...haha

Somehow we are making it without anything being past due so far. But we have had to cut a lot of extras out of our budget, since my husband's company also mandated "NO OVERTIME", which is what we were really living off of for the extras. We are having to sell my husband bass boat which he loves dearly, but we cant take it out on the lake anyway. So when and if we ever get stable again and can take on another payment, I promise to get him the best bass boat ever!!!!

For now I will keep praying that the right job comes along, that is right in every aspect for our family! Keep your fingers crossed I pass my test!!!!

What a Weekend!

2008-08-25T12:59:00.003-04:00

I actually have so much going on in my head today. I really dont know where to start. I suppose first I will have to tell everyone about my mom.

Saturday was "supposed" to be her surprise 50th birthday party. The one I wrote about a few weeks ago. Well, let just say all last week the planning of this party was getting a little nerve racking. First, for the life of my I could not get the slideshow I prepared to burn to a disk that the DVD player would read, so I spent all week working on that, scared I would not have it done in time.

Second, Hurricane/Trop. Storm Fay hit Florida for 4 days! So that led us to Thursday night when we found out Pop (Bubba, my stepfather) was going to have to work all day and night Saturday and couldnt take mom out to "distract" her until we got ready for the party. Not to mention my brother Jeremy was not going to be there either. They both work for the power companies. Then I had a few other guest back out for other reasons... So it was looking like not much of a party. So we decided to go along with the party but would have to tell her to leave her own home for a few hours.

Then came Saturday morning when she called me to come pick up my neice Katie, because her back was hurting so bad she couldnt move and Mandi was going to take her to the hospital!!!
There goes that plan!! When we got there, she couldnt move and we were not going to be able to get her to the hospital by ourselves, so we had to call an ambulance! Before they came we told her that today was not a good day for this since she was scheduled to have a Surprise Birthday Party at 4:00! I think she was in so much pain she didnt care at that point. So we decided to cancel the big party and chose to just have dinner with just us kids & grandkids when she got home.

While Mandi & Pop had her at the hospital for hours, I got the cake, Charles & Larry cooked the chicken and Kiley went to sonny's to get the sides. Unfortantly, Jeremy was still working and couldnt make it home in time.

She made it home for the hospital at around 4:00 with a torn back muscle. So we all ate and kept her awake long enough for her to blow out the candles on her cake, open her gifts and watch the slideshow. She cried as I knew she would and I did too, just knowing how it touched her that we made it for her.

Today is her actual birthday! She is feeling better Im happy to say, she went to work, where they all made a big deal over her and wheeled her around in a wheel chair and was having a lunch for her. She said she is going home after to rest her back, but Im glad she went into work this morning to see how much her co-workers care for her. Just as I hope she could see on Saturday how much she means to all of us, that we love and admire her with everything in us!

After all She is Simply Amazing At Any Age!!!! Love you Mom!

Cutting some of the Apron Strings

2008-08-22T16:50:00.001-04:00

I had yet another "cutting the apron stings" experience this past week. Brant my oldest started Middle School on Monday (Since Marion Cty has been closed the rest of the week, I will have to do this again next Monday). During his orientation, I walked him around to all of his classes and showed him which way to go to find his way. That school is alot bigger than the one I went to with alot more kids!

During the day I met his PE teacher who told me that Mon-Wed they will have a 6 period schedule then on Thurs & Fri they will have a block schedule...Me getting paranoid I asked if they would remind the kids of this and she told me yes and reassured me that they will help the kids until they all knew the routine. I apologized for "being a mom" and she said "Well we all have to start cutting the apron strings a little at a time each time they go on into new schools and as they go through life."

On Monday we took Cheyenne to school, she starts an hour & a half earlier than him. She was a little nervous but I wasnt so worried about her, she is in the same school and in 3rd grade so she know the ropes so to speak.

Anyway, we had a little time together, we went to Walmart and got a few things and then we were on our way to the school. He looked at me and kinda took a deep breath. I knew he was nervous because he barely ate breakfast and I was naseous all morning too, wishing I hadnt eaten breakfast. I asked him "Do you have the note card with all of your classes in your pocket?" He shook his head yes and then I said, "Are you sure you dont want me to walk you to your first class?" Without hesitation he said "Mom Im going into 6th grade you dont need to walk me."

So we drove on and as we pulled up to the drive he got out and took his stuff, turned and looked with a little bit of a nervous look and just said "Bye Mom". While Im telling him I love him and waving...

I drove away and made it out of the parking lot when the tears came. I waited all day, wondering how it went. Did he find all his classes? Did he see anyone he knew? When I picked him up he said he had a good day and really liked it. Which was a great relief but a little gut wrenching knowing he doesnt need me as much as he did...

So I cut a little of my apron strings for now waiting until the time Cheyenne goes to 6th and He goes to 9th... Thank goodness that's 3 years from now! They will always be my babies in my mind even when they are 50!!!!

Planning Moms 50th Birthday Party

2008-08-02T21:04:00.001-04:00

In a few weeks, my mom is turning 50 and we have decided to give her a surprise party. After the shock of walking in to all the people in her home I know she will be thrilled about it. My sister and I have decided make a slideshow from pictures of her whole 50 years. Thats a lot of pictures, especially having 3 kids and 4 grandkids!
Anyway today as I was working on the slideshow and looking through all the pictures and picking out songs (oh how that brought back memories of my childhood) I realized how quickly life goes by. I can hardly believe sometimes I am 32 and that I have a 13 year old. So I can only imagine how she feels having a 32, 26 and 25 year old.
Mom still looks like she is about 35, everyone thinks we are sisters. Which in turn I dont mind because she is beautiful, so that is a major compliment to me also. Im really proud of the women she is and I hope one day I can do half the things she has for others.
I also made some phone calls tonight to some lost relatives hoping they can make the party too. Unfortantly one turned out not to be my uncle and it was the number of a complete stranger, but luckily he was understanding and didnt mind the wrong number call. So Im on the search for my mom's half brother. I hope we find him in time!
Planning surprise parties are tough! Hopefully we will be able to pull it off without her ever knowing it! We will see!!!!

Everyone else is doing it!

2008-07-30T15:54:00.001-04:00

Just to let everyone now I'm very new to blog writing and I promise it will get better.

I decided to write a blog/journal because there is so much running around in my head that I need to get it out. It's like I walk around in a fog of thoughts which usually consume my everyday life as a mother and wife. Half the time my husband asks "where are you?". I usually say "it's nothing", but usually its something. It can be something very trivial, stupid or something really important that wont leave my head.

So with that said, I have decided to write it down. The good, the bad and the ugly. Why not everyone else seems to be blogging now days. I might as well too! Hopefully this will be a way to get it all out and make sense of what is going on and be able to think a little clearer. Im going to call it "my therapy".

I look forward to making entries and hopefully be a little entertaining or helpful to others.