A few lessons from 2011

 This year has been full of ups and downs, highs, and lows. While it hasn't been my most memorable year, and may end up being the hardest year for me yet, I definitely have learned many things that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.
1) People come into our lives for different reasons- whether they will stay there or not, it doesn't necessarily matter because you will always learn something, cherish a memory or 5, and be made a better person because of it.
2)Family is truly the most important thing.
3)Even the most beautiful days can feel cold and rainy, but the most cold and rainy day could also feel like the most sunny.
4)Life is full of surprises.
5)Sometimes you have to take a minute for yourself or you will completely fall apart.
6)It is okay to ask for help. (Ok, so I am still having trouble with this, but I am learning and getting better)
7)Everything happens for a reason.
8)God won't place anything on us that we can't handle, even if we do feel like pulling our hair out!
9)Always take a minute to laugh at yourself...
10)Kids really do say the craziest things
11)Every day is full of surprises
12) Potty training is not easy...
13)You learn who your true friends are at the slightest drop of drama, trouble, rumors, etc...And you are typically better off 
14)Life, no matter what, is how YOU make it...not what people portray it to be...Not what they show you, or what they tell you.
15)It's okay to fall down, as long as you get back up again

Are there really only 11 days til Christmas?!!!

I looked at my calendar this morning, and immediately my heart started to pound....11 days until Christmas? Seriously? And let me say, it is not because I am not done with my shopping...Which, honestly, I have not finished for everyone on my list. It is because it seems like 2 weeks ago we were in January! I know they always say that as you get older, time goes by quicker. But I never dreamed it would be THIS quick!
I have been kind of slacking in writing posts for my blog. Between work, school, and a 2 1/2 year old, my life has been chaotic to say the least. But, after much thought, I have decided to take the spring semester off so that I can, hopefully, regain some of my sanity. I'm not sure how much is actually left! Business finance, I admit, kicked my tail. I have never been much of a numbers person, but I learned a lot about my strengths, weaknesses, and abilities this semester. 
As for T, our little man is growing like a weed! Potty training has been a serious struggle...He was doing so great until it wasn't a "new" thing anymore. Granted he will go potty, but still not that regularly. I am hoping that this weekend we can just have a nice, chill weekend at the house and let him just be in a pull up and see how it goes...If you have any suggestions for stubborn boys, please let me know!!!!

  My little man: Nov 25, 2011

 The following pictures were taken by Lindsey Smith with Lindsey Nicole Photography,  Cleveland Tennessee (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsey-Nichole-Photography/129619863739732)

Hannah Cate

It's been a little while since I have written anything on here...Sometimes real life gets in the way and I just don't have time, or get too caught up in everything. But I have something special to share with you, and I hope that you will pass this along to anyone you know. 

Some friends of ours have decided to adopt. We are so happy for them, and know that they will be the perfect parents for this precious little girl. I love their story, and wanted to share with  you her blog so that you can see what inspired them, and also know their story. Check out her blog at http://pureoffaith.blogspot.com

I promise you will be touched. 

They are trying to raise money to bring little Hannah Cate home, and this is where I would love to see you guys help out. On her blog, she tells you that she has designed a shirt and is selling it. Instructions on how to get one are on the bottom of her latest blog. If you feel touched, and I hope that you do, please take a minute to read the blog. And in the top right hand corner, there is a donate tab. Even if you decide you don't want to get a shirt, I know that they would love to share their story with you. I hope you take a few minutes out of your day.

Thank you :) I hope you have a blessed day and wonderful weekend. 

A quick update

Just a quick update on Tucker....When I got home yesterday afternoon, I couldn't find him in any of his normal, favorite places. I yelled and yelled, but he never came. I began to worry, because he usually comes when he hears me yelling. But, he did show up around dinner time last night, and seemed more like his happy self. And, his you know what was looking in better condition, too. He even put his front paws on my hips like he usually does. He was probably a little spoiled last night- getting a half rack of ribs, ham, pizza, and anything else I could think of to give him. And this morning, everything is completely back to normal. So, it looks like my Tucker was just off roaming around, hooking up with his girlfriend. I guess I can't be too protective of him...he is 35 in dog years!

 

My little buddy Tucker

I am loving this weather! The high is 75, the low is 40...I think I could be happy with fall-like weather year round. We have been spending a lot of time outdoors lately, and I couldn't be happier. T has been playing lots of baseball, and I have to say, he may be a double threat! The kid can hit the ball pretty far for a 2 year old, and can throw it even further. But, I may be slightly partial. 

Last week was my fall break from school...Not that it was a great experience or anything. I still had class on Tuesday, just not Thursday. And we are already back in session. BOOO!!! I am ready for finance to be done with..I just hope I do okay in it.

Last night we had a pretty dramatic experience. Around 11:20pm, I am laying in bed about to turn the light off and try to get some sleep, when I hear Matt yell. I got up and asked what was wrong, and he said that he thought Tucker, our outside dog, got hit by a car. Now, Tucker is my dog that has decided to chase loud cars- whether it be that they make a lot of noise or just have their music up so loud you can hear it as they drive by. Otherwise, he stays in the yard or wonders around, never going too far. I start hitting panic mode, although trying to stay as calm as I can. We grab a flashlight and hit the door. We see some blood on the road, and as I venture down the long driveway across the street, Matt takes to the field. We are yelling for him, looking everywhere. After about 10 minutes, and still no sign of Tucker, we stop and listen. We hear a noise that he normally makes, and I run back towards the house. When I reach the end of the driveway, I see what looks to be Tuck in our yard. I run over and check to make sure he is okay. The only injury we could find was on his boy parts. After calling the emergency vet and explaining what Matt heard/saw, and the blood on the road, the vet tech thinks that it may just be a breeding wound. I am still a little concerned, but he is walking, eating, and drinking, and he let me feel of his whole body and didn't act like anything hurt. So, I am hoping and praying that is all and that in a few days or so, I will have my happy Australian shepherd/blue healer mix back.

      T and I made a visit to our local apple orchard Saturday. He loved it, and his apple cider slushie!

                                  Playing with our pumpkins . And, that is Tucker in the background.

A week in the life

This past week was a very stressful one, to say the least. I had a retake of a test that I am still not sure I understand, the class to go along with it, and it seems we are on a search for the mystical money tree. What does that mean exactly? That my hubby needs a job! And, the icing on the cake? My transmission no longer working in my car. Yay, new car! Boo...another bill. But, I have decided that the glass is half full and not half empty (especially if you wanna throw in some adult beverage in there with it).

I am not sure if anyone out there really reads my blogs, but if you do, and you have some terrific blog/site you use for recipes and highly recommend, please let me know. It seems I am stuck in a cooking rut, and the hubby is, go figure, starting to complain. Hey, at least he's not eating what are child is pretty much EVERY night---but it's because it's what he wants--Chicken nuggets and veggies and some form of apple.


And the two that I do look at are The Coupon Kitchen and Get off your butt and bake...Both I would highly recommend, and one of which, I am proud to call my friend (Allison at the Coupon Kitchen).

My little best friend

I have had a sick baby AND a sick husband this past week. And let me tell you, neither have been fun! I have been feeling pretty overwhelmed lately with everything going on, and let's just say: I am thankful for MANY things, but I am definitely thankful for the weekend! 
My little best friend has been sick since Monday, with a roller coaster high fever. Not really any other symptoms, unless you could irritability, which is uncharacteristic of him. I really don't like when he is sick, as I am sure that most other parents would agree. But he has been very lovey, and I do like that.

I love when he crawls into my lap and just wants to be loved on, and/or love on me. I am definitely glowing in the fact that he is all about Mommy, and I am dreading for the day when that changes. I love our talks, I love making him laugh, and I love that I am the one he wants to tuck him in at night. I love that he loves books, and wants to look at the stars. I love that he loves bubbles and playing outside. I love the fact that he is my mini me, but is definitely all boy. I love the look in his eyes when he tells me about his friends, and his day. I love the fact that he loves going to his school, and that he really loves his teachers. I love that he is so loving, and is always the first one there when I need a hug or a kiss.

I know that these things will change, especially as he gets older. But I find comfort in them, and I hope that some aspect of them always remains. 

 

Welcome to October..wait, is it REALLY October already?! Wow! This year has really flown by. I am not sure if I like how fast it's going.

Well, another week has flown by. It's hard to believe that it is September, and nearly halfway through it. I can't say that I am really ready for fall and winter, but I am ready for some cooler weather, where I don't feel like I have to strip my child down before I let him play outside. Nothing big or exciting happened this weekend, which I am very thankful for. We had a peaceful night in on Friday night, and spent the weekend together as our happy little family. The only thing that I wish I could redo is having to take T to the dr Saturday night. We went to PM Pediatrics, which is where a friend of ours works. We arrived at 7:45pm, and get this: did not see the doctor until after 10pm! I can't tell you how many times we almost got up and left. It was ridiculous. When we got there, there were 7 families/kids in front of us. And it took 3 hours before we were called back. The only reason we stayed is because we were afraid it was his ears, and after putting tubes in not even a month ago...I was bound and determined to find out why my child had a fever of 103! Come to find out, he tested positive for strep. But, the doctor informed us that it didn't look like it had been going on too long (but the fact that he was eating, drinking, and playing like normal had already told me that!). So, after stopping and getting his prescription filled, we made it home a little after 11:30pm...
At least the Vols won! :) 
Sunday was a much needed lazy day. We took our time, remembered where we were when the towers were hit and when we found out. It is hard to believe that it's been 10 years. But I can say this- I am glad to live in a nation where neighbors can turn to one another and speak about what the remember on that tragic day. I am proud to live in a nation where we, as Americans, turned a threat into unity. I am proud to call the United States of America my home. 

 

Labor Day

Well, it's Labor Day, and it is POURING down rain. I don't think anyone is going to complain, though. I can't remember the last time we had a really good, hard rain. Thank goodness for tropical depression Lee (former hurricane Lee) for bringing it to us. I am thinking it is supposed to stick with us at least through tomorrow, which is even better. They are saying that the storm is moving slower than they originally thought, so there is a possibility that it may even be here longer. So, today I am thankful for umbrellas, rain coats, and rain boots (even though I'm not wearing mine!). 

                                 Rain at Neyland Stadium that caused a 1 hour and 40 min game delay! But Vol fans were still singing Rocky Top at the top of their lungs in the pouring rain---It was awesome!!!

We had a great weekend. Friday, Matt thought he was going to be working late, and I ended up going home early from work (daycare was closed for in service, and we had a babysitter issue) so we played, and he had a late nap. By the time he woke up, I had thrown out about a bag and a half of clutter and we were going to go to the indoor jump place since we thought daddy was going to be working late. Turned out, he wasn't. So, we had a family night in. We watched Tangled, which T loved (and it really is a cute movie- and it is not Toy Story!!). Saturday was the opening game for Tennessee, and I made a trip to Knoxville with my family to watch them play against Montana. And let me tell you, winning 42-16 definitely made it worth not getting home until nearly 12:30am! I know, that used to be an early night for me, but definitely not anymore!! LOL. Sunday was a pretty fun filled day. I had family in from out of town in, so we put in a little time at the river spending some wonderful, quality time with them. It's always fun to see and visit with them! Then, we headed over to a friend's cabin on the Conasauga River, where we took T for a very short canoe ride, and watched the little baby turtles and fish swim and play after the sun went down. We even saw a few bats flying around! 

It's been a little while since I've written, and let's just sum it up to say that things have been more than crazy! After getting done with summer classes, I had a month off. We went on a kid free vacation, decided we needed a vacation from our vacation, worked a TON, and T got tubes in his ears. Needless to say, things have been slightly...insane. School has started again, and this semester I am taking finance. I can't say that I think I'm going to enjoy it, though. I have to say that, at 28, I am more than ready to get my second degree and be DONE with  college. 
T is doing good. We have had a few minor bumps in the road after the tubes surgery, but nothing that we can't handle, and definitely nothing that has slowed him down, thank goodness! He is my little man, and I feel so blessed to have him, as I know that Matt does, too. I love when he runs up to me, gives my knees a big hug and says, " love you, best fwiend", and then runs off to play some more. His kind heart and spirit are going to do great things for this world. I just wish that nothing will stand in the way of his love for everything, or his innocence. His love for animals is what warms my heart. Granted, both Matt and I are big time animal lovers- and with 3 dogs, a cat, a ferret, and a salt water fish tank, I guess you could say we have acquired a small petting zoo! But, T will sit and play with Lily (the ferret) and she will just sit in his lap and let him pet her. And Cali, my nearly 16 year old cat, loves him, too. If she's not licking his toes, he's rubbing her head. 
We are working on potty training, and it is going fairly well. We have our good days and our not so good days. He likes to get stickers, so that is his reward. He doesn't want candy, so that doesn't work to get him to use it. I am open to any and all suggestions!! I know it takes him, but it is truly frustrating! But I know that we will get there!

My best friend

So, I have finally finished summer session 3...Thank goodness! I was majorly getting burnt out, and don't think I  could have handled another test, quiz, paper, or chapter reading. I am ready to relax, spend time with my little family, and have a little fun for the next month before I start back to school. Not that the normal school year is ANYTHING compared to summer school. 

A few nights ago while tucking Tristan into bed, he looked at me, gave me one of his huge bear hugs and said, "Mommy, you my best fwiend". I try not to get too sentimental on the kid, but in this particular moment, I really did start to tear up! As I tucked him in with his blanky, I looked down and said, "I love you" like I do every night in my silly voice that always makes him smile and not cry when I leave the room. And he responded the best way he could have, "Mommy, I love you best fwiend!" 

I walked back into the living room with tears in my eyes. These are the moments I want to remember for the rest of my life.

Summer school is almost over, I am now a year older. And I am so glad it is the weekend!

I know. It's a long title for a blog. But, since I haven't written in 8 days, I figured it was time to catch everyone up to speed. Summer school ends next week! Woo hoo! I have an ENTIRE month off before I start right back. And, I honestly have no idea what I am going to do with myself for 3 weeks. Yes, 3. Not 4. I know that one of those weeks will be spent RELAXING in Florida and the Bahamas. And needless to say, that has been my inspiration ALL summer. Little pink umbrellas in my sweet tea..lounging pool side...just me, the hubby, and my beloved Kindle. Yes, we are taking the plunge and going on a T free vacation. And no, I don't know what I will do without my little man for 7 whole days. The thought alone makes me want to cry!

I turned a year younger yesterday. And am thankful that no one went to the extreme, and it was just a normal day. I even had an exam in my class (and after which, the class sang to me, but hey, what happens on deaf ears stays that way, right?)
And we finished the night off with a front yard game of "soccer", which was really just kick the ball to T and hear him giggle. I have to say, it wasn't anything super special, but it is moments like that that I won't forget. :)

Very frustrating

Today has been a very frustrating day, at it's barely 10:30am! I have my first test in business management, and I am definitely not prepared for it, or don't feel like I am. My car completely died when I pulled into the office to run an errand....I am just hoping and praying nothing else bad happens today that I am unprepared for. I am trying to stay positive, but on days like this, it is very trying!

I am sitting in my classroom, but class has ended. I started to get up, but looked out the window, and it's pouring down rain. And being the southern girl that I am, I am made of sugar and might melt if I get wet, so I thought I would take this opportunity and write. 

Life is still the same..Work, school, homework, housework...basically I have decided that if it involves the word" work", it is definitely in my life. But, we have to add some fun in there, too, right? This past Monday was the 4th of July and we spent it the best way we knew how- with water nearby. The river, the pool, the water hose, sprinklers..Little man had a blast! And so did mommy, because for the first time in a long time, I had no work AND no class! 

In this pic, he was watching our cousin and her friend tube. He was laughing and pointing at them pretty much the whole time they were on it. And, waving at the others boats as we rode by!

2 sessions down, 1 to go--with a little bit of life mixed in

My third summer session starts today..2 down, 1 to go. And I managed to do pretty well in both micro and macroeconomics. My teacher made it as interesting as possible, but it was still pretty much the same things repeated daily. Here's to hoping this principles of business management will be a lot more...entertaining. This week has been pretty slow. With finals and presentations, we didn't..Okay I didn't, have a lot of time for much else. We are still looking at houses, and although we think we may have found one, we have decided to keep looking just in case. It's a great location to pretty much anywhere that we'd need to go...which means, NO more driving 20 minutes to get to school, work, daycare...or even to my parent's house! (Even though it will still take some time to get there). T is still into everything Woody, but is now incorporating Buzz into the movies, too. If he thinks we don't hear him after the twentieth time he says "Mommy Woody", he will say "Mommy, Buzz?" I am fairly certain that we can recite the lines of all three movies and give you a complete plot summary with our eyes closed. I am loving that he is beginning to use more words, and thankful that, for the most part, he does not scream to get our attention. For example, this morning while putting him into his carseat, he looked up at me and said plain as day, "Mommy that tickles". He makes me laugh, though, because we are working on "yes ma'am and no sir", and everyone is a "sir".
I am looking forward to this weekend. I am just hoping it's a nice, quiet weekend ,and that we get some water time in. Some of my family will be in town, but I'm not sure what the plan is yet..But these are the best kinds of weekend...And I will continue to cherish every second I get to spend with my family :)


                     Happy 4th of July!!

A final, presentation, and paper..

Don't get me wrong. I knew what I was going to have to do when I registered for my summer classes...all three of them. But what I hate is that everything is due the last week of classes. We have our final tomorrow, our presentations on Wednesday and Thursday, and we have a paper to turn in when we do our presentations. I have to keep reminding myself that when this class is done, I only have one more, and then about a week later I am going on a much needed "just the 2 of us" vacation with my hubby. Ever have a day/week/month where you feel like your Dori from Finding Nemo, and find yourself singing "Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.." over and over again? Because, yes, I am there!

 

Just a mini vacation...

T and I made it safely to Florida on Thursday and are enjoying our time at the beach with the girls of my family. We had an adventure at the airport Thursday, arriving 3 hours after our original time. You can imagine how much fun this was for a mommy of a 2 year old! But, I have to give the little man credit because he was pretty good, especially for only taking a 10 minute nap right before we boarded the plane! We have been playing at the pool, playing in the sand, and just enjoying our time in the sun. We have even managed to get a few pictures in what I call "not approved outfits from daddy" (ie JohnJohns, pink shirts, etc) 

 

 These are just 2 of my favorite pictures that we took. I love that smile!

A "love you" kind of weekend

We have been battling with a sinus infection for a little over a week now. He is on Zyrtec nightly, but with the bad air qualities we have had lately, it isn't working like it usually does. Over the weekend, he began pulling at his ears, and has continued to do this, so we are going to his pediatrician tomorrow. I hate it when he's sick, but the good thing is that he is still his happy little self. At least they aren't causing too much pain. 

As I have said before, he doesn't say "I love you" or any variation that often. If you say, "Do you love mommy/daddy?", you just get the "Noooo" as he buries his head into his shoulder. But this weekend was different. I could tuck him into his bed for naptime or nighttime, and would instantly get, "love you!". Saturday night when I put him to bed, he looked up at me with those big beautiful blue eyes and said, "Mommy, love you. Love me?"  It was probably one of the sweetest moments I have gotten to share with him. Especially lately now that the Terrible Twos are highly in affect!  

 Asleep in the car after leaving GiGi's and GranDan's house

             T's Father's Day gift to Daddy :) So sweet!

Isn't this the life...

Little man cracked us up last night. As I have mentioned before, he is literally OBSESSED with Toy Story. I decided last night to not put him in his high chair for dinner, and let him sit on his couch to eat his chicken nuggets and apple sauce...He may be little, but he can eat- he had 6 chicken nuggets and 2 containers of apple sauce! His little belly cracked me up- it was still pouching out after his bath!! Happy tummy=happy T, and of course, happy mommy!

I love uneventful weekends :)

So, this weekend went by without anything major to talk about. And I have to admit, it's a nice change! It was great to be able to do the things we wanted and needed to do, without having to worry about being somewhere at a certain time. Saturday, our hunt for a house continued, and believe it or not, we actually agreed on two! This hasn't happened before, so we were pretty excited about it! And, we narrowed it down and decided which one we like better. It's an older home in the historic district of our town, with a lot of things that we were looking for. The only downfall for me is that it is not in my first choice school zone for when T goes to school, but that can be worked on! It will be nice when we do move, to be closer to town and my grandparents, and of course, work. (Hello saving on gas money!)

Sunday came, and our plan to go visit my great aunt didn't work out. T ended up getting sick, and to be on the safe side we decided to stay home and just let him rest. After watching Toy Story 1-3 about 6 times each, he went to sleep for the night and the hubby and I got to watch something other than a cartoon. You'd think that he would get sick of watching them over and over again, but as soon as one would go off, I'd hear "Mommy. Woody" as he handed me the remote control. And to top it off, this morning I hear over the monitor, "Mommy? Mommy? Woody peas". I think it is the only time the child is still! 

                                                      Lounging

                                                   Favorite seat in the house 

Luckily, he is feeling better today. No more laying around in mommy's lap, or not letting me out of his site. I am very thankful for this, because I honestly hate when he is sick.

Wedding dress shopping, house hunting, and an eventful Sunday night

Saturday morning bright and early, I met a friend and some of her family to go to Knoxville to go dress shopping for her upcoming wedding. We had a very fun day, but I was absolutely exhausted afterward! T stayed at my parents house, and from what I can tell, had a big time! He got to play outside, eat popsicles (a treat since he doesn't get a lot of sugar), and play in and around the river. 

 Sunday was a pretty good day. We have been house hunting for a while now, not necessarily looking for anything in particular, but also knowing that we will be leaving where we are in the near future. We found a few places that we like, and are very hopeful. I think that I may have even convinced my country boy that living in the city is not a bad thing! LOL. Sunday night, however, was not so much fun. I am not going to go into detail, or even tell what happened. All that I am going to say is this: "A tree is known by it's fruits". And, with this being said, I am very thankful for my family, and for the family I was given. They have taught me many things. I have always known that I have been extremely lucky and fortunate to have the kind of people that I do in my life, but I am even more grateful the older I get.

No one says growing up is easy, but I always thought grown up was 25!

As a kid, I always thought that when you turned 25, you had it all figured out. You had your life planned out. You were out of school. You may or may not be married. You may even have kids. But you had life by the horns and were in control. I always knew that when I turned 25, I would be on my chosen career path, with nothing stopping me from getting where I just knew I was going---to the top. Well, apparently there were some miscalculations in my plan, and, well, a few things I didn't know when I was 10. Pretty much the only thing I knew at 25 was that at my next birthday, I was counting backwards!

I graduated college when I was 22 with a BA in theater arts and a minor in communications. I had always said that I wanted to be a sideline reporter/journalist for ESPN. And I was bound and determined for the first two years after graduating. I took jobs in radio and tried as much as I could to land anything for a tv station, but I don't think that is what was intended for this southern belle. The more I thought about it, and the more I got discouraged, I knew I needed to go back to school and get my business degree. My parents had always tried to get me to do that in college, but being the defiant child I was, I never listened. I knew best, right? Well, I married at 24, had a child at 25, and found myself in a room full of 18 years olds at 26. It's humorous to get a peek at "being" this age again, and seeing the same ambition and determination I had the first time around. Granted, it's still there, and maybe even stronger, but this time I know I'm where I'm meant to be. On the first day of class, I always have to smile because it always surprises my teacher to find out that I am not 21 or younger, than I am in fact married, and that we have a child. And it always brings a good laugh for the class, too. Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself....

Looking back, I do have to laugh. Thinking that I would have all the answers and my life all together at 25 was a long shot. I learn something new about myself on a daily basis, and I don't think there is anything I would change about it. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said,  "I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday". Everything happens for a reason, and I think that in order for us to get to where we need to be, we have to take the roads that lead us there, and also try to not burn the bridges. Granted, we may not be able to go back, but the people that we meet along the way, we do meet for a reason. Sometimes they are there for the long haul, and sometimes only a short time. Sometimes you may lose touch and be brought back together again. But it is important to not forget those who helped you along the way. It's also important to follow your heart, and never be too proud to ask for help. Stop and pray at least once a day, and make sure you have a relationship with God. I try to not bring religion up too much, but I do believe that a good and healthy relationship with God will lead you down the right path. You are the only one who can make changes to yourself. Don't wait around for others to do it. As one of my teachers said about marriage: 'Men marry never wanting the woman to change, but they do. Women marry  wanting to be able to change some things about their man, but they never will'. The only person who can change you is you.  People can help bring something to your attention, but they can't change it for you. 

And when it comes to friends, keep those whom you cherish around you. Fake friends will be true to your face, but not to your back. Once again, Eleanor Roosevelt said it best (she was a VERY smart woman, and her husband was one of our best Presidents...talk about a power couple!) "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart". You will always know who your true friends are. These are the ones that you can count on through thick and thin. They will be there no matter what. No matter the distance between you, you will still keep in touch. If something happens, you know you can pick up the phone and they will answer and be there, and you will do the same for them. These are the kinds of friends that are rare, and if you have a few of them,  you are lucky. And I am lucky.

Since I have quoted her twice already, I am going to end with a few more quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt :

"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." 

"You can never really live anyone else's life, not even your child's. The influence you exert is through your own life, and what you've become yourself."  

"We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down."

"I have never felt that anything really mattered but knowing that you stood for the things in which you believed and had done the very best you could." 

 "One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility" 

"Small Minds Discuss People,

Average Minds Discuss Events,

Great Minds Discuss Ideas."  

See, I told you she was brilliant. :)

With more tornadoes hitting the South lately, and more bad storms on the way, I have found myself lost in thought about what is happening to the world around us. The most recent city hit, Joplin Missouri, is in desperate need of our help and prayers. I am asking you from the bottom of my heart, if you are willing and able, please help them. We may not all be able to spare a lot, but we can all spare something. If you will go to your nearest Post Office and get a flat rate priority shipping box, in whichever size you would like, and fill it with whatever you can- toiletries, crayons and coloring books, clothes, necessities, etc...something. 

Send it to:

Mt. Hope Church of Christ

C/O Elder Andy Wilson

2830 Mt. Hope Rd

Webb City, MO 64870

I have heard from another blogger that they are ready and willing to take the supplies to those who need them in Joplin. If you would like more information or some numbers to call for the local Red Cross, check out her site-- http://www.adventuresofacouponista.com/2011/05/helping-those-in-need-tornado-victims.html

With the recent storms hitting the south, earthquakes all around the world, tsunamis, and all the other natural disasters that we have been seeing and hearing about, it has been making me think. I don't want to go into deep details, but I am seriously starting to believe that we need to take a step back, forget about the "me me me" mentality that we seem to have, and put first things first. Maybe God, or whatever higher power you believe in (for me, it is God) is trying to tell us something. Maybe we should start helping our neighbors/friends more and worry about ourselves less, start spending more time with family and friends than we do at the office, or not worry so much about keeping up with the Jones's and what everyone else thinks. I believe that it is time to stand up and make an impact and not just sit around and wait for someone else to do it.

HOW did we accumulate so many TOYS?!!

I am at my wits end. For the next two and a half months, my schedule is this- get up, get ready, take T to daycare, go to work, go to class from 10:15-12:30, go back to work, pick up T, run any needed errands, go home, fix dinner, clean/laundry/etc, and yes, homework. Ok, so really, this schedule hasn't changed too drastically in 2 years since I started back to work and school after having T, but in summer, it's just more stressful. Having class five days a week for two and a half hours each day for a month...yeah, it gets old QUICK. 

The day wouldn't be half as bad if our house weren't so cluttered...with TOYS! I go through them monthly, or I at least try to, but I really think they multiply on their own. I am constantly walking behind my child picking up whatever he leaves in his path. But, I do have to give him credit, he does pick up his own toys pretty well and help when I ask him to. We recently bought one of the kid's toy organizers with bins from Target, and that has helped with some of the clutter in his room. But, it's the living room that is driving me nuts! We have a corner for his toys, and I think it gets bigger by the week. We have a huge storage container that is full, and some of his bigger toys there, but it still doesn't make me feel more organized. I am constantly looking for ideas on how to store his stuff where he can still get to it and maybe even be able to put it up himself (like he can in his room), but nothing seems to help with my "clutter anxiety". I know it's just one of those things, but I can't wait til we move somewhere that has more room AND storage!!! 

Feeling cluttered is not something that I like, especially when I'm home and have so much going on. But, even with the clutter and busy schedule, I know I wouldn't change any of it for the world (ok, so maybe the clutter!). I know I will look back on these times with Tristan and miss him being little. Heck, I already do! He's not a baby anyone, but is instead a toddler! He is more independent and free spirited than any child I know. He has such a great personality and is so loving. I hope he'll stay that way. 

Tristan's 2nd birthday party and other weekend adventures

Ok, I admit it. I am one of those moms who tells their child that they can do anything they want to, as long as they try their best. Even at two. And that's just what happened this weekend, in a small way, at T's birthday party. He climbed up an inflatable slide, very similar to the one below, without any help from anyone- another child or adult (adults aren't allowed on the equipment at the place we had his party). 

He climbed up a few of the plank like "stairs" and turned around and looked at his daddy and I, and we both said, "Keep going! You can do it!" Now, I admit, I was a little surprised those words came out of my mouth. I think if it had been anything else other than an inflatable, I wouldn't have! But, he made it safely to the top, turned around and gave us a HUGE smile, and then slid down the slide head first! I really am beginning to wonder if this 2 year old will ever meet an obstacle he won't try to tackle!

 It was the first time we had taken him to the party site, and he had a ball! I can't wait to take him back and let him play there again. We wanted his first experience there to be at his party, and I don't think it could have turned out any better. 

    The birthday cake that GiGi (my mom) made! It turned out great!

                    I think he liked the icing better than the cupcake!

        Our little family on his party day! I can't believe how fast he's growing up!

His birthday present from us was a swingset. He loves being outside and playing so much, but is definitely outgrowing his baby swing. With 21 stitches in his hand, I doubt my hubby will be able to put it together himself like he was hoping. I think he is going to have to call some of his friends for help! According to the Toys-r-Us website, it's taken people 16+ hours to put it together. I have a feeling I might not want to be around while he's putting it together ;) I'm sure there will be another blog on the adventures of that, though!

But other than Tristan, homework, and house cleaning, we have been doing a lot of house hunting lately. We haven't found anything really yet, but I would like to be closer into the city. I'm hoping that by this time next year, we will be settling (or better yet- settled!) into a new (to us) home. I love where we are, but have done a lot of thinking and factoring (not to mention persuading), and after the recent events of the tornadoes we had in our area that hit way too close to home for comfort, we have decided that it's what is best. Now, we just have to figure out where....

Is he REALLY two?!

Well, it officially happened. T turned 2 on Monday. I don't know where the time has gone, or why it has gone so quickly, but I don't like it. It really doesn't seem like it was 2 years ago that we were just bringing home this tiny little baby who already had me wrapped around his tiny little finger. Weighing in at a whooping 6lbs 7oz, he really was tiny. But healthy, and that is all I was concerned with. Little did I know then that it was possible to love someone more each and every day. 

The day started off like any other...."Moooooommy!! Mooommmmmmmmy!" as he began to wake up. "Do you want you pippy (sippy)?" "No." "Do you want your blankie?" "No."  You get the picture. My sweet snuggily baby has now turned into a no saying, wiggle worm!! "T, are you excited to go to school to see your friends?" "No," he said, as he ran to the front door, practically trying to turn the knob when he got there. It is days like this that I have to stop and remind myself that this word that I now HATE is a word that he has heard his whole life and is associating it with, well, everything! 

I just don't see how it's time for T to be 2 already!! And it makes me sad to see him growing up so fast! He is no longer a baby- but instead has transitioned into the toddler phase. He is getting so big and independent, and I am so happy for that, but as a mom, are you ever truly ready for that (until they are close to 18!)? I now know why everyone always told me that they were going to put a brick on my head and not let me grow up (and please, no one make any short jokes- I'm sure I've made them myself or heard them plenty of times!), and would love to do the same. I know he has to grow up, but does it have to happen so fast? I literally feel like I blinked and 2 years went by.  

                          These are his first school pictures. I also used them as his Easter pictures, too.

“Destruction, hence, like creation, is one of Nature's mandates.”- Marquis De Sade

These past 9 days seem like a blur- something out of a bad dream. It's hard to begin the healing process when you see the devastation all around you. I hate driving home now. There isn't one way to get to our house that you don't see damage done by the tornado. And it still amazes me that we were as blessed and lucky as we were and that nothing, except for a few tree limbs and a trash can blowing from one side of the porch to the other, happened.

Here is a link to see how much devastation our community received from the storms. This shows the times, the class of tornado, how many deaths, and how many were injured. There are even radar pictures broken down into time frames. I found this on the News Channel 9 blog, which is our local ABC affiliate. 

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mrx/?n=april272011outbreak

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mrx/?n=tor_outbreak_map

http://www.norman.noaa.gov/2011/04/nssl-product-captures-april-27-tornado-outbreak-storm-rotation-tracks/

 I have been desperately trying to help our community in any way that I can. It truly hurts my heart to think that there are so many people who lost everything, while the rest of us sit in our homes with a roof over our head. If you're reading this, and you have something to spare, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter and see about doing something. Anything, and I mean anything, would be greatly appreciated. Even if you want to donate blood. That is something that will always be needed. 

We are working on getting "back to normal", whatever that means anymore. It is going to take some time to heal, and it is definitely going to take some time to work on everything. But, we are fortunate to live in a community that helps it's neighbors no matter how much or what the cost. 

They don't call us the Volunteer State for nothing :)

Shifting through the rubble--The aftermath of 4-27-11

It's simply amazing how much a town can pull together. But, it's sad that a disaster has to cause it. Last Wednesday's storm ripped through our small town like it was nothing. It left behind almost 300 families without a home, more than a handful of people dead, and no telling how many people hurt. I don't have pictures to share, and I don't want to be one of the ones taking pictures. I, for one, don't want to take a picture of something that is so devastating to someone else. The road to our home has so many houses damaged, or just gone. We have friends and family who were affected by the storms. It's hard to imagine that in just one day, so many tornadoes came through. 

We were somehow blessed enough for it to have missed us, but only by just a mile- if that. The first time I drove down our road, I just cried. What can  you do? Where do you start? How can you make someone whose life has been forever changed, who has lost everything they own, feel just a little bit better? I don't know the answers to these questions. The only thing I know to say is this: If you're going to drive out to look, drive out planning to help. Don't drive 5 miles per hour down the road, pointing, taking pictures, or video taping something. The people who are affected by this storm don't need to see that. They need to see us coming together and helping one another. Remember that even the smallest thing helps. Sometimes, even just a hug is all someone needs from a perfect stranger. As a sign on our road now reads in someone's front yard, "Put the camera down and pick up a chainsaw."

I don't think I could have said it better myself.

Disaster strikes

Last night is definitely a night I would like to push out of my mind for the rest of my life. I don't want to remember a single detail, or see another storm track system move through our area. I think from now on, my love for rain will be over. Living in East Tennessee, you think you are safe from a lot of the dangerous stuff. You don't think that scary stuff can ever happen, but it can. 

We had a deadly tornado sweep through. But as if one wasn't bad, the South set a record yesterday- 160 tornadoes. It's strange to think that everyone you love could be hurt, or worse. And it's not something I want to think about often. It's a very surreal feeling. Not knowing is the worst. Not knowing if you have a home to return to, a place to comfort your child, or if your pets are okay. All I can say is that we are one of the lucky ones. The tornado missed us by just maybe a half mile to a mile. But the majority of our road is destroyed. People in our area need help. And if you would like to help, here is how you can:

Donate $10 to disaster relief efforts in TN , GA & AL Text "GIVE" to 80888.

Easter Weekend

This past weekend was Easter, and I could not have asked for a better one. It was filled with family and actually, relaxing at the same time. Tristan is catching one to hunting Easter eggs, even though I think he'd much rather throw them! We had a blast watching him hunt the eggs, and an even better time watching him throw (well, actually pitch) them after he found them! 

It's hard to believe that he's almost 2. Time has flown by, and I honestly feel like if this is how fast it is going to go by, I don't want to blink. I love that he is still Mommy's little man, and wants me to kiss every scrape and cut, but I know that will soon change. I know that he won't be leaving the girls that surround him (no joke!) at school to run to me when I pick him up in the afternoons. But I will deal with that emotional heartbreak when it comes. For now, I am perfectly content being T's mommy, and best friend. :)

                                     Taking time to smell the flowers at GiGi's

                                     Happy Easter! Yummy! This cookie is good!

"These are the best days of my life..."

Ok, so I changed the words to the John Cougar Mellencamp's song just a little, but it still holds true. As I was driving around yesterday, this song came on and it made me think how much things have changed in the five years (YIKES!!) since I have graduated from UTK. It's funny how much things change from when you are younger and the things that you want that seem so important then just aren't anymore. You realize what your priorities are, and they don't always involve going out or hanging out. Sometimes they just involve your spouse, your kids, and your dogs. 

I always thought that there were certain times in my life that I would look back on and relish in the memories. And don't get me wrong, those times were great and I wouldn't replace them for anything. But I think John got it wrong. At least for me, high school was not an iconic period of my life. It was more of a bridge that helped me along the way (and held a few awkward phases, too!). College was a transitional period, where I found out who I was and just what I was made of, but once again, definitely not a chapter I necessarily would like to return to anytime soon. As for right now, I am happy. These are truly the best times of my life.

Never grow up

I am going to admit my love for Taylor Swift to the world right here, and right now. My husband disagrees very much with this passion, but as I tell him whenever she comes on, he can get over it. This is probably one of my favorite songs on her newest album, for many reasons, but simply because of how sweet it is. Here are just a few of the lyrics: 

Your little hands wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light 

To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple 

I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
No, no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up

I look at T and want him to always have the innocence that he has now. I want him to always want to know how things work, and see the world as one big playground. I want him to always want to have a sense of adventure, a sense of wonder. I want him to know that thinking outside the box is okay, and that not everyone has to be just alike. In a world of keeping up the everyone else, I want him never to forget who he is, and how special he is. I want him to keep the smile and laughter that he has now, and know that no one can bring him down if he doesn't let him- that as long as he sets his mind to something, he can achieve it.

Don't you ever grow up
(Never grow up)
Just never grow up

Thankfully....me

 "A true friend is one who thinks you’re a good egg even though you’re slightly cracked."

And thank goodness for those friends who have helped crack my shell along the way! If there is one thing I have learned in my 27, almost 28 years (as it gets so graciously pointed out almost every time our accounting class meets), it's that no one, that's right, no one is perfect. Well, there is 1 person, but it's not you and it's not me- it's God. I don't try to be perfect- I have enough on me as it is! And believe me when I say that I don't need that stress. I am just thankful for the people that I have in my life who accept and love me for who I am and for who I am trying to be- a good wife, a good mom, a good daughter, and a hard worker at everything that I try to do- whether it's work, school, etc. I've come to realize that there are some things that are just more important than walking right behind my child, picking up every single toy as he drops it. Good grief- if I did that, I'd never get anything done!

As you grow up and get older, you learn a LOT about who you are and who your friends are. You have disagreements that may cause you not to speak to them. And you may lose touch after a while. But, I don't think that means that they don't know how much  you care about them, or that they don't remember the good times you shared. People come into our lives for a reason, and I believe that they may leave it for a reason, too. Whether it be that you've outgrown one another, or that you just had to move on for whatever reason. But they were in your life for a particular purpose. Maybe to help you learn something about yourself, or to demonstrate a particular skill, or maybe to help lead you in the right direction. People change, and we are forced to move on from that point in our lives. I just hope that those who I have grown distant to know that I am and always will be here when and if they ever need me. 

"Do what you will, always walk where you like, your steps, do as you please I'll back you up."
-Dave Matthews Band

A weekend in the life of us...

We had some beautiful weather this weekend, and our family definitely took advantage of it! Between the park and playtime outside at our house, we were outside the biggest part of the weekend.

 Saturday morning, even in his PJ's, T was ready to go outside. We let the dogs out, and he thought it was playtime! When we had to come inside, he kept running to the door, saying, "Mommy, outsiide!" When we did go outside, the kid ran wild! I really think if we put up a tent in the backyard he would be completely happy!!

 He loves playing- anything- as long as we can do it outside. He finds it so interesting learning about water and what lives in it. He likes to take sticks and throw them into the pond. This however, creates a problem. The dogs seem to think that he is playing with them, and that the sticks are for them, and try to take them from him. So, we constantly hear, " (Insert Tucker, Dash (for Cash), or Les (for Hercules) here) No, no! Mine!" I'm just happy that he loves them as much as we do!

 T loves his T-Ball set! He also has another ball and glove that's not pictured that he loves because he can catch the ball in the glove (it's velcro and sticks) and he absolutely thinks it's the coolest thing! He won't even let Daddy or I play...It's all his! So, I think we may have a little baseball boy in the family. My Granddaddy P is smiling down on him. Now, if only he'd help him learn to hit and throw a curve ball all the way from Heaven!

"Amen"

When I went to drop of something at the daycare today around lunch, I had to sneak in because T's class was just leaving their classroom to go eat. And if he sees me, it isn't good- he thinks he gets to go home, and I have to leave him crying (and it breaks my heart...), so I have to hide behind walls, tiptoe around, etc..

But today when I was there, I got told a cute little story on my child that has made my day. It wasn't the usual, "Tristan fell today and hurt his ___", so that's always a good sign. :)

Apparently, his teacher had asked him to lead the prayer today a little before lunch, and he said "Amen". Now, remember, T is only 23 months. He is saying new words every day, and we are always working with him to say more, but this is the first time he has said this. And, it really makes me smile. It's right up there with the first time he told me, "I wuv ue Mommy". 

God's Cake

I got this e-mail this morning, and I don't think it could have come at a better time. Sometimes God sends us signs that let us know that He is watching over us, and hears us.

God's Cake

 Sometimes we wonder,

'What did I do to deserve this?' or

'Why did God have to do this to me?'

Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything

Is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend

Broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and

Asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the

Daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.

'Yuck' says her daughter.

'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'

'Would you like some flour then?

Or maybe baking soda?'

'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies:

'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.

But when they are put together in the

Right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why

He would let us go through such bad and difficult

Times. But God knows that when He puts these things

All in His order, they always work for good! We just

Have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all

Make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you.

He sends you flowers every spring and

A sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.

He can live anywhere in the universe,

And He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are

Here we might as well dance!

                                                              

                                                                                   

Live Simply,

Love Generously

Care Deeply,

Leave the rest to GOD