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 

Sad

I have been debating whether or not I should write today because I am so sad. I just feel like every time I turn around, there is more bad/sad news. Whether it's someone being put into the hospital, someone being rushed to the hospital, or someone passing away, I can't help but ask "Why?" Some cases I understand it's a matter of time. Sometimes it may be too soon, but in most cases, these people have had a chance to live their lives the way they want, have a sense of adventure, see their kids smile and hear them laugh. Heck, even drive a car. Well, last night, I found out some news that has had my heart hurting ever since. 

One of the little girls who T goes to daycare with, who has been there since it opened, and has always been there smiling and laughing when I pick him up and take him most mornings, was rushed to the hospital. I didn't know until recently that she has had heart problems her whole, young life. And this has left me asking, "Why her? Why this beautiful, shining, energetic little girl, who lights up any room she goes into?" It just doesn't seem fair! I can't imagine what her parents are going through right now, or what her younger brother (who is younger than T) wonders is happening to his big sister. I just wish I knew what I could do to help. 

I told T last night that his friend from school was very sick and need him to pray for her. He looked up and me with those big blue eyes of his and just gave me a big hug. When I tucked him in, I just said, "Remember your friend tonight, sweet pea." When he woke up this morning, I asked him if he prayed for her, and he looked at me, and grinned really big and said, "Yes, Mommy", and gave me a hug and a kiss. 

I wish for this little girl to have a long and happy life. I wish that she gets better very soon and never has any more problems. I wish this for all kids. 

The sweetest thing

So, I work and go to school..I have been working on a group presentation for the last few weeks for my accounting class. Luckily our presentation was today, so we don't have to meet anymore. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my group...I really did. But I also kept thinking when we met on nights and weekends that this was time I could be spending with my family, and my little man...But that's not what I'm writing about. Last night, I got home about 8 o'clock, which is Tristan's typical bedtime during the week. But, I had asked Matt to not put him to bed yet if he knew I was on my way because I wanted to see him for a few minutes and, of course, do the usual routine of tucking him in. When I walked in the door, I got the BEST surprise. My little man was sitting in the floor, and his face lit up. He smiled really big, and yelled, "Momma!" as he ran to me and jumped into my arms. Once I was holding him, he reached over and gave me a HUGE hug and a big kiss. I looked at my husband and said, "Now this is the kind of greeting I expect when I get home!"  

Sometimes in life, it is definitely the little things that make everything worthwhile. Sometimes I just need to remind myself that all stressful things will end, and that it could be a lot worse. After all, look at what I get to come home to. What more could I want? 

Here it goes

    So, who am I? I am a 27 year old. I answer to mommy, honey (ok, all those "sweet", enduring terms), daughter, sister, or just Lindsey. I work full time for our family business, and I am back in school getting my business degree (this will make degree number 2). My first time around in college, I was a theatre major with a communications minor. And I missed writing- big time. So, I decided the simple answer was to start a blog. 

     I can't say what I expect out of this...maybe a clear head (?)...but I want to say thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you like it. 

     This picture is of our son. His name is Tristan, and I can almost assure you that there will be many stories about him. He is a little stinker, but honestly, he is truly a great kid. As you can tell from this picture, there is NEVER a dull moment with him!

 This is my husband and I. And, once again, I am sure there will be some stories, hopefully all good (riiight....) about us, too. 

   This is my first blogging experience, and I better end it here. I have a presentation in my accounting class tomorrow...and plenty of work to do, too.