Welcome to Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)

Super-Duper Shutterfly Deal!!!

2010-11-22T21:01:00.010-06:00

Once a year I take my 3 children to have their picture made together. It is difficult on everyone since none of them have any attention span. We have a wonderful photographer though, and she helps us through it. I essentially include this picture of them in all of our Christmas cards I send out.

Writing all 5 of our names, along with a small holiday sentiment in each card ends up being a daunting task. This year I thought I might try something new. I am going to get on the 'holiday photo card' bandwagon! Not only will it be cheaper than buying cards and wallet sized pictures, I can choose individual photos of my kiddos and I won't have to write our names a bajillion times!!! WooHoo!!

I have browsed around on the web to try and find simple, elegant cards that I love. I came across this promotion from Shutterfly where bloggers get 50 Free Holiday cards just for writing up a blog post. You read that right...I said Fah-Reeee!!! Who doesn't love free stuff??

Here are just a few of the holiday cards that I LOVE...

I've always wanted a beachy Christmas!! Cute!!

Black & Red? So elegant-my Fav!!

Lovin the light blue!! I'm going for a card with
3 pictures in it too!!

How playful is this?? And with the B&W!!! eek!!

The chocolate with the cutesie flowers-LOVE!!

I could go on and on but I'm gonna stop. Go on over to Shutterfly and check out their amazing Christmas photo cards for yourself!! They have some super deals going on at the moment too!!

Shutterfly also has the cutest pewter ornaments for your tree!!

And don't even get me started on the photo desk calendars!! Any Grandparents dream!!

Their photo albums are the perfect thing to commemorate any special day in your life. I'm thinking they would be great for baptisms and blessings, birthdays and holidays, and especially weddings!!

So don't forget to head on over and sign up for

Shutterfly's 50 Free Holiday Cards Promotion!!

Happy Birthday Lo!!

2010-11-18T09:09:00.003-06:00

Aggghhhh!! I've GOT to do better at this blogging thing. One post a year isn't gonna cut it. Of course since I don't really have any followers, no one is missing anything right?? Oh well, on with the show!!

Today is my BABY BOY'S birthday!! Six years ago today I was in labor with my second child, Logan. After he was born we had a love/hate relationship for a while, but things have smoothed out and he has my heart now. He is most definitely a 'mama's boy' and would do anything for me. I am proud that he chose me to be his mom.

Happy Birthday Logan!!

Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?

2009-09-24T15:35:00.002-05:00

Ok, well I have no idea where she is!

I have been AWOL from bloggerland for a while now though. I noticed a trend that people were blogging less and less and I seemed to follow suit. I am going to try to do better though. The thought of sitting at the computer long enough to type out a post was daunting to me!! Sorting through my emails is tough enough (I am horrible to reply to emails too).

I am going to challenge myself to not only blog regularly, but to also try and catch up on some of the highlights of 2009 that I have failed to share with you.

Let's see how I do...

I have a question...

2008-12-15T18:55:00.002-06:00

I have a question that I need answered. I went Christmas shopping with Amanda the other day. We were discussing Santa on the way to Murfreesboro. She asked me if my presents that I got from Santa were ever wrapped...No, why?? I ask her. She says hers weren't either and then proceeds to tell me that her husband's were and everyone else that she had asked were wrapped also.

So my question is...

Were the presents that you received from Santa wrapped??

I was feeling religious...

2008-12-14T07:34:00.002-06:00

I got this in an email last night. I think I have read it before, but I got such a good chuckle I thought I'd share...

There are 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:
1. He called everyone brother
2. He liked Gospel
3. He didn't get a fair trial

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:
1. He went into His Father's business
2. He lived at home until he was 33
3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure He was God

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:
1. He talked with His hands
2. He had wine with His meals
3. He used olive oil

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:
1. He never cut His hair
2. He walked around barefoot all the time
3. He started a new religion

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:
1. He was at peace with nature
2. He ate a lot of fish
3. He talked about the Great Spirit

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:
1. He never got married.
2. He was always telling stories.
3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all - that Jesus was a woman:
1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it
3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do.

If I Could Take It Back...

2008-11-22T07:34:00.003-06:00

Some of you may think this is stupid. Some of you may wonder why I don't have something more important to waste my time typing about. Some of you might think I'm being vain...I really don't care. I am upset, its my blog, and I can type what I want!!

I wanted to get my hair highlighted yesterday. When I decide it needs to be done, I want it done right then. My hairstylist that I love and trust completely couldn't get me in until next week. Next week the kids are out of school. I would not have been able to go. It would have been the next week before I could get in. I just couldn't have that. I decided to use my backup stylist. She has highlighted my hair before and she almost always gets me in the same day. How bad could it be??

I straightened my hair yesterday morning, so that is how it was when I got there. She asked me if I wanted her to trim my hair. She said that my top layer had grown out and it was making my hair look heavy. I agreed with her. I said that she could put the layer back in as long as she didn't cut my bangs and I told her I didn't want to lose my length. She said that she could do the layer, or something else, that I think she called 'stacked'. She was explaining it to me, and I wasn't really getting it, but I asked if I would lose my length. She said that I wouldn't. She told me to think about it while she highlighted me.

Fast forward to trim time. I asked her what she was going to do and she said she was gonna stack it. Then she proceeded to cut all of my hair off. What could I say?? It's all gone now. The back of my hair is like 2 inches long when it is straight. Do you know how long that makes it when it is curly?? Yeah, like an inch!! There is nothing sexy about short hair on me. I have been growing my hair out for a really long time. I had it just how I liked it. It looked good curly. It looked good straight. It made me feel good, beautiful, and sexy. That's all gone.

I have tears rolling down my face as I type this. I have cried all morning. I got up early and jumped right in the shower to see what it was going to look like curly. It looks worse than I expected. It looks like a mop. I wish that someone understood me on this. I know it will grow back. My hair is my best feature though. I am really thinking about not leaving the house until it grows back. I had somewhere to go tonight, and I think I'm just going to cancel because I can't handle it.

Be careful about who you let come at you with scissors...

Birthday Wishes!!

2008-11-18T12:20:00.003-06:00

4 years ago today, I was in labor. Logan Isaac was born at 10:35 am on Nov. 18th, 2004. It seems like Logan has always been here with us. I hardly remember the time before he was. He has changed so much in 4 years. He is such a handsome little boy. His favorite thing in this world is to be tickled. :) I am blessed that my children take such interest in the simple things in life.

I was going to post pictures from his birthday party that we had for him Sunday, as well as pics from Kaylee's 2nd birthday party. For some reason, I can't get the computer to read the memory card. I will keep working on it though!

This is a pic from this summer (since I am having technical difficulties lol)

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY LOGAN!!!

No Joke...

2008-11-14T13:35:00.006-06:00

Logan has speech therapy every Friday morning in Cookeville. Trad took him today and decided to take Abby also. I received these 2 pics that he took during speech...

This one spells 'cake'...duh...

But...That message was obviously not enough...So there was another one...

PDQ...Pretty Darn Quick!!

Now, I know what you are thinking...Not bad for an almost 4-year-old...The only thing is...

Logan didn't spell them...

It was Abby!!!

She is obviously a 16 month old genius!!!

A trivia question...

2008-11-06T21:01:00.002-06:00

A Trivia Question: How long is the beast allowed to have authority in Revelations?

Guess the Answer?

Revelations 13:5 tells us it is 42 months. [This is almost a four year term to a Presidency.]

According to The Book of Revelations the anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal...the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything.

Yep...We are screwed!!

I am who??

2008-10-08T20:15:00.002-05:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Well I'm not sure how that happened. I don't really see that I am like Bella at all!! Evidently someone thinks I am though. I can only think of one perk that would come with being Bella. HaHaHa!!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2008-10-07T16:14:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family history - Roots

October is...

2008-10-06T15:21:00.005-05:00

I can't believe that I have let 6 days pass in this month before I said this...

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!!!

Please do your part. Cancer is such a hideous disease. It doesn't discriminate. It won't pass you by because you are prettier or thinner or richer. Please don't think it won't happen to you, because it could.

Those of you who know me know that my mom had breast cancer. She caught it early because she did a self-check every month. She was lucky. She beat breast cancer.

For more information you can follow these links...

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website

Susan G. Komen

American Cancer Society

Please girls...Check your boobs!!!

Spread the Love

2008-10-01T22:03:00.003-05:00

I received another award!! This one is so great. My very special friend, Joy Tubb has had a wonderful idea with this award. I will explain the rules later though. For now, I want to express my appreciation to Joy for thinking of me!! She is a wonderful person and she makes excellent cakes to boot!!

Here is what Joy wants to happen: She wants to see how many people can get this award by Wednesday, October 8th. Each person nominated, in turn nominates 3 more people. Then you are to go to Joy's website and leave her a comment telling her how you felt when you found out someone was thinking of you today. So simple!! I hope we can keep this going for Joy!!

Ok I am nominating...

April-My SIL. Even though she completely gets on my nerves sometimes :) she is the closest thing to a sister that I will ever have, no matter what. She is very loving, and will drop anything if she knows I need help. I can't count the times that she has helped me out over the years. I am very thankful that she is in my life.

Rosanne-I cannot say enough good things about Rosanne. She is the most loving person that I have ever met. She befriended me immediately when I began coming to church and made me very comfortable there. She has always been there whenever I needed anything at all and has never asked for anything in return.

Rachel (and Lucy if she had a blog!!)-These girls are the greatest thing since sliced bread!! I don't know what I would do without them. They are so sweet and very mature for their ages. They love my children, which makes me love them even more!! I cannot wait to see what life holds in store for them. They are smart and beautiful and I know they will do well in life.

2008-09-28T08:41:00.005-05:00

For those of you who missed it, I am a quote freak!! I am not exaggerating one bit either. It's kinda sad. I can't read a book, watch a movie, or even watch Oprah without thinking to myself, 'What a great quote' and then proceeding to scramble for my 'quote journal'. (I told you it was sad!!)

I was looking through my quotes yesterday, re-reading some of them, knowing exactly where the ones that I want to read are, when I read this one...

All the best love stories have one thing in common.

You have to go against all odds to get there.

It's the fight that makes it all worth it.

I saw this quote online a while back. I have yet to figure out who penned it. I love it though. It automatically makes me think of Romeo and Juliet, Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy, Catherine and Heathcliff, Lancelot and Guinevere, and of course, more modernly, Edward and Bella.

I just think this quote is beautiful though and so true.

We all appreciate the things that we work for, not those that are handed to us...

2008-09-26T19:36:00.003-05:00

I got an award! Wonders never cease!! HaHa I am so surprised that Tabitha thought of me. I would have been the last person that I thought of!!

Tabitha is a wonderful, beautiful young woman! I am proud that I have the opportunity to know her. She is wonderful with children, mine included!! She is also very talented, check out her blog for her pictures. I am sad that she is going to be moving away again. Thank you so much Tab for thinking of me!!

Now...who am I gonna nominate??

Rosanne and Cynthia (even though they have both been nominated already). There is no way I could do this post without mentioning them. These two women I look up to immensely. They love my children unconditionally. They have helped and influenced me in ways they will never know. In my mind they are just wonderful!! I secretely wish I could be half the mothers that they are. I feel very blessed that I can call them my friends.

Joy Tubb of Simply Joy Catering. She is a wonderful woman also. She is very active with her church, loves to help people, and is always in a good mood it seems!! I am greatful that she has been placed in my life.

Tabetha Sullens. I have only known Tab about a year now I guess. Even so, I can tell what a wonderful friend and mother she is!! She is also very talented and crafty (check out her blog). I never expected a friendship to form when I met her.

Amanda. What can I say about her?? I have known her for over 14 years. I am proud to call her one of my best friends. She knows things about me that no one else knows. I can tell her anything. She loves my children and I love hers. Even though we aren't related, we are family.

These are the rules:

1. The recipient must link back the the awards creator

2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.

3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.

4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.

5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.

7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)

Must love one another

Must make mistakes

Must learn from others

Must be a positive contributor to blog world

Must love life

Must love kids

Conflict

2008-09-26T19:12:00.004-05:00

I know I am probably going off the deep-end here. I have been reading these books, Twilight and New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. You know...everyone is in love with Edward Cullen. Yeah well that includes me! Ha! Me in love with a 17 year old vampire...who would have thought?? [I'm getting off subject though.]

These books, being about vampires and such, have really made me start thinking about the good/evil conflict that goes on around us. Really in everything we do. Edward is supposedly evil since he is a vampire, but chooses to do good. I think everyone is in that same situation...no not the whole vampire-thing! Don't we all have choices to make every day that determines whether we are good or not?? And I am talking about tiny, miniscule things also, smiling at a stranger, holding open a door for someone, etc etc.

I consider myself a good person, but what if I'm not?? Obviously, I'm not gonna kill anyone, or kidnap a baby, or burn down a house...but what about the little things?? Do I ignore them too much??

I am grateful that this series has given me something besides butterflies in my stomach!! I am definitely working on the little things now. I always want to strive to be a better person, but sometimes I think I get stagnant and don't progress in that area. But then again, don't we all??

Hell Explained by a Chemistry Student

2008-09-18T19:37:00.002-05:00

I hope no one gets offended by this but I thought it was hilarious!! It was sent to me by a girl that I used to babysit when I was a teenager. She is a student at UT and I am so proud of her! (But that's beside the point!!)

HELL EXPLAINED BY A CHEMISTRY STUDENT
The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington Chemistry midterm. The answer by one student was so 'profound' that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.
As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially.

Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities: 1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the Rate at which souls enter Hell, and then the Temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose. 2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls
And is therefore, extinct......leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+.

We will never forget...

2008-09-11T08:58:00.002-05:00

With all that has been going on, I had totally forgotten today's date! I turned on the tv to see what was on the news this morning, and was suddenly reminded. I felt like I needed to post something as a reminder.

I was actually in bed when I heard the world trade center had been hit. I was working 2nd shift at Walmart and didn't go to bed until late the night before. When I heard it on the radio, I thought the guys on the radio were telling a story or joke or something...then the reality hit. I had classes at Motlow, which was why the alarm/radio was going off in the first place. I went on to school, where we proceeded to do nothing but watch the tv in my first class. The teacher in my second class finally sent us home. We didnt have a tv at home at the time, so I spent the rest of the day at my in-laws house watching the horror unfold.

I will never forget the sickening feeling that I felt that day, the sadness that I felt for those who were in the buildings and also for their families and loved ones. I also felt much pride for those who gave their lives for others, and continue to do so. Many heroes were created that day.

I just want to say thank you to all the emergency personel that risked their lives, those that chose to sacrifice themselves in the Pennsylvania field, those that volunteered their time to search for survivors, and especially the many troops that are serving overseas, as well as those that have come home already.

To be the mother...

2008-09-05T19:44:00.002-05:00

I found this on Paula Wanamaker's blog a while back. I have been saving it for the right time, I guess. Well today is that day. It is a beautiful piece. I'm not sure who wrote it, I evidently didn't copy that part. It brought me to tears, and does each time I read it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.
This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of disabled children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children, or special needs children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint, Cecilia."
"Rudledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint...give her Gerald. He's used to profanity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," says God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it.
I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles, "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a "spoken" word.' She will never consider a "step" ordinary. When her child says, "Momma" for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.
I will permit her to see clearly the things I see....ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, pen poised in midair.
God smiles. " A mirror will suffice.":)

Abby's 1st Birthday Party

2008-06-28T06:19:00.004-05:00

Abby eating her birthday dinner. Green beans that Grandma brought!!

Abby opening her gift from Aunt April (who now has a blog)

She got a silver bracelet with her name on it.

Abby with her 1st Barbie, from Uncle Jason

Abby with a whole bunch of swimming stuff from Grandma and Grandpa.

(I think they want her to come swimming at their house!!)

More pics of Abby eating cake.

She never did get really messy. She is too girly for all that!!

Abby even let Grandpa hold her.

(She isn't too sure about the male species.)

This is her big cake. I love it!! Joy Tubb outdid herself on this one!!

Guess who had a birthday!!

2008-06-21T22:22:00.002-05:00

Today my sweet little baby girl turned ONE.

Happy 1st Birthday Abigail GraceAnne!!

Father's Day Preview

2008-06-12T16:21:00.003-05:00

This is a little preview of the craft the kids and I did for Father's day. I bought a plain white shirt and Braden, Logan and Abby helped me decorate it!! Braden's handprints are blue, Logan's are green, and Abby's are yellow. I wrote, "Best dad, hands down" on it.

I was worried that it wouldn't turn out well. The boys do not enjoy having their hands messy. Abby has never really had her hands messy, at least not like this. After a practice run on paper we were ready. I did them in order of age, and they all did great!! I was so proud!! As far as I am concerned, it turned out perfect!!

I think Trad is going to be really surprised on Sunday. I have read articles saying that articles of clothing saying "best dad" and things such as that are on the bad gifts list, but I disagree!! I think any dad would be proud to wear his children's handprints. I know Trad is proud of the kids, and he will be proud of this too!!

Ladybug, ladybug...

2008-06-10T08:47:00.005-05:00

This is a sample of Abby's birthday invitations. I wanted to do a ladybug party, but with softer colors. I decided to go with pink and yellow, because I like it!!

I made these using 2 big ovals in coordinating colors. The head is a smaller oval, and so are the spots. I cut the large pink oval in half, placed it over the yellow oval, and put the smaller pink oval (head) underneath. I secured it together with a pink brad.

This is the invitation opened up. I think it turned out so cute!! I don't know if you can see, but it says, "Our little lady is turning One!" Isn't that so clever?? (It wasn't my idea. I saw it on some ready-made invitations.)
I just wanted to share my sudden burst of creativity. I can't believe my baby is going to be One in a couple weeks!! I will post party pictures later.

Pasghetti anyone??

2008-06-04T21:51:00.004-05:00

How long does it take one little girl to get this messy?? Evidently not very long. I gave Trad the chore of giving Abby her lunch while I went to pick up Braden from summer camp. I was gone less than 15 minutes and came back to this...

She is just too cute!! It was so sweet to see her like that. She loves spaghetti, but then she really loves everything!! Trad even gave her a bath afterward.

Favorite Things Swap!!

2008-06-03T11:52:00.004-05:00

Kelly is hosting a swap on her blog. Click here to check it out!! You have until Friday, June 6th to sign up. Like it says, we will be swapping our favorite things!! Sounds fun!!

The cold, hard truth...

2008-05-30T22:05:00.002-05:00

[I LOVE this comic strip!! I read it on Yahoo comics. The artist mimics her life in the strip. I mainly read it because one of her children is autistic, and sometimes she adds that into her comic. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who gets stares and glares!]

Braden's Party

2008-05-26T19:16:00.004-05:00

On Friday Braden had his 5th birthday party. It is the first party he has had that wasn't just family members. I decided to throw it at the Jungle Jym. We invited a few close friends and family. I was really worried about the weather since it was outside, but everything went smoothly. Braden did really well with everyone being there. We were afraid he would have a meltdown since it was a new situation. We kept it really casual and I think everyone had a great time!!Braden's cake. Joy Tubb made it. She is the sweetest!!

This is a picture of us singing "Happy Birthday" to Braden. He didn't blow out his candle. Maybe next year!! This is one of Braden' gifts. The toothbrush plays music. It plays for 2 minutes, which is how long you are supposed to brush. I guess I don't brush my teeth that long, cause it seemed like it played forever!!

This is Logan and Lucy on the playground. He wasn't too happy having his picture taken.

Braden playing with a wheel on the playground.

My MIL, Joy, Abby and Trad.

Melinda and Chris (who just graduated high school-we are so proud of him!)

Kaylee digging into the cake.

It just started to rain right as we got everything packed up. He is hiding from the rain.

School's out??

2008-05-19T19:44:00.004-05:00

Does your child's room look like this??

How about this??

THIS??

This is Braden's classroom. His NEW classroom. Seems that the school system decided that it couldn't wait the FOUR days until school was out to move their classroom!! They gave the teacher today to move her whole classroom-with her kids there. There was subs to help, but the children had to stay outside on the playground, with no academic instruction at all.

When I picked Braden up today I received a note saying that today was their last day of school. Now, officially they can't make us keep Braden home, but if he goes to school, this is his classroom. There will be no instruction from the teachers because they will be busy trying to get the room ready for next year. I mean, it's only 2 and a half months away (she says sarcastically). Now, don't get me wrong, I do not blame this on Braden's teachers at all. They are doing their best, considering the other teachers at the school pretty much pushed them out of their room. They put all of their things in the hall for them to deal with. I am very disappointed with the school right now.

I am writing a letter to the principal, the director and special ed, and the school board. This is unacceptable. My child has every right to be educated as many days as all the "typical" students in the school. I am beginning to see that the world sees people with special needs as not special but a burden on society.

On that note, I saw on Channel 2 News today that somewhere (not in TN) there is a Catholic church that has put a restraining order on a 13 year old boy because he is AUTISTIC!!! Isn't that something??!! I personally don't believe that anyone has the right to tell anyone that they can or cannot attend church somewhere. I am so appalled and disgusted.

Pizza Party

2008-05-19T10:28:00.003-05:00

On Friday, Trad and I took pizza and cupcakes to Braden's class. There are only 10 children in the class, and only 8 of them were there. They are all boys and they are so sweet!! This pic of the boys getting ready for cupcakes.

This is them waiting on their pizza.

Braden and his cheese pizza.

(He LOVES cheese pizza. It's one of his 4 basic food groups.)

I was suprised when Braden chose this cupcake over a chocolate one. He pretty much only eats the icing anyway.

Braden did so well during the party. He was much better than last year when we brought cupcakes. He is making such great strides both at school and at home. I am excited to see how much more he develops over this summer.

Happy 5th Birthday Braden!!

2008-05-16T22:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Braden!!

I can't believe I have been your Mommy for 5 years!!

I love you so much!!

Three more weeks...

2008-05-15T19:10:00.004-05:00

Five years ago today I was at home. I had the day off from my job at the car lot. I stayed pretty tired, but loved working at my job. I busied myself that day by cleaning and organizing. I wasn't in a terrible hurry though. The next day, which was a Friday, I would be 37 weeks pregnant. That meant I had three weeks left of carrying my first baby. Or so I thought.

Trad was working 2nd shift at WalMart. He got home a little after ten. There was an eclipse, or partial eclipse or something going on with the moon. I can't remember exactly what. We went outside on the back deck and watched it then we headed to bed. I had traded days with Manda and I had to work the next day.

I woke up about 1 am with some pain. It wasn't terribly bad, but I went ahead and got out of bed so I wouldn't disturb Trad. It came and went, but wasn't regular. I was sure it was Braxton Hicks contractions. After all, I still had 3 weeks left. Nothing I did eased the discomfort I was feeling.

I finally woke Trad up around 3am. He called MTMC around 4am and spoke to a nurse in labor and delivery. She told him that as long as the contractions weren't regular I wasn't in labor. Her advice was for me to get a shower and try to relax. By this time I was in quite a bit more pain and didn't have the faintest want for a shower. I told him he probably should start packing a bag. I hadn't got it packed yet because I still had 3 weeks left.

We left our house a little before 6am. On a normal day, it was an hour drive to Murfreesboro from where we lived. I was steadily in more pain as time was passing, but my contractions were still not regular and I was sure that we were going to make the trip for nothing.

My water broke in Centertown. I was in much more pain after that. That is probably around the time that I made it clear that Trad was going to have to drive as fast as he possibly could. I am not sure how many times he told me not to push, or how many times I did push. Not pushing was a whole lot harder than pushing at this point.

We made it to the hospital in about 45 minutes. He dropped me off at the front door, which we were told would be open at 6am, then he went to park. It was not open and I had to walk all the way around to the emergency room entrance. I had one contraction halfway there. I got some stares for it, but I really didn't care. He found a wheelchair outside the ER and wheeled me in. The ladies at the desk called up to labor and delivery to let them know I was there. I had another contraction while I was sitting there. No one was coming to get me. When I had my second contraction sitting there about 2 minutes later, the nurse grabbed my wheelchair and started running with me.

It was at this point that I had gotten scared. I thought to myself, something is very wrong or she wouldn't be running with me. The thought had never crossed my mind that I was in actual labor. Even after my water had broke, it didn't register with me. After all, I still had 3 freakin weeks left!!

She got me up to labor and delivery where everyone was just standing around talking. They got me in a room and about 10 nurses were in there with me. They couldn't find my chart where I had pre-registered, so they had to ask me a gazillion questions. Some of them were ripping off my clothes. They got me on a bed and a dr appeared. Amazingly enough, my dr was in the hospital and was on his way up. I heard one ask about an i.v. and another one say there was no time. The dr I didn't know that was just the stand-in was holding back my baby's head while my dr was getting his gear on. He pretty much just sat down and caught him. All this happened in the space of 10 minutes.

I gave birth to my first son, Braden Trad, on May 16, 2003 at 7:04 am. He weighed 6 lb 15 oz and was 19 inches long. He was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. Now, 5 years later, we have been through so much with him-3 operations, and autism diagnosis, school, speech and ot and countless doctor's visits. He is a very special child and I am a very lucky mother to have him as my son.

The Zoo Crew

2008-05-12T21:12:00.007-05:00

Today I went on a field trip with Braden and his class to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. He got to ride the bus [which he LOVES!!] and a bunch of us moms drove behind. Unfortunately, the bus is why he had his first meltdown of the day. He did not want to get off!!

His second meltdown happened not too long after, when everyone decided to go into the building where the snakes are. They didn't allow strollers in, and he wasn't calm enough to get him out yet. He was upset that everyone left him! I was beginning to think that I made a horrible mistake by bringing him.

After that meltdown, we got moving a little faster, and started seeing the animals. He calmed down, for the most part, and seemed to have fun. I was very proud of him and how he acted. Everyone got really tired and fell asleep on the way home.

Here are some pics of the trip [not in the right order] I LOVE giraffes!! This little guy was pretty close to the fence, so we got a good look at him.

The elephants were really beautiful.

This is Braden and his teacher Ms. Jamie.

Braden and Thomas having a drink.

Lunch time!!

Some kind of monkey-like creature. :)

The class made their shirts. Braden's is his handprint-turned-elephant.

He is so stinkin' cute!!

I'm not sure what this face is.

Braden and Jordan going for a ride.

We had a great time. [I am just glad that I finally had something to blog about!!]

Recap

2008-05-05T19:42:00.004-05:00

Where oh where have I been??? Time has really gotten away with me, so I am going to post a recap of the last little bit just to get ya'll up to speed...

I have been sick. I mean SICK!! I don't think I have ever felt so bad for so long. I had a stomach virus off and on for 2 weeks!! I think I am finally, completely over it though. {hallelujah!!}
We planted a garden on Friday. It's the first one that we have ever done. {As adults, on our own.} It's not a huge garden, but it's a start!!
The kids got a new super-cool swing set. I have had it on layaway forever! It has 2 slides, 2 swings, a rock wall, and a sand box underneath. They are so excited about it and I am excited that they are. :-)
Abby is crawling around everywhere. She is getting more adventurous every day. She also said a new word. "Goo-bah". Which I think is goodbye, but Trad is convinced that she is saying goober. Men!!
Braden has his IEP for kindergarten tomorrow. He is not going to be mainstreamed like we had hoped. I guess we will try for 1st grade.
Braden's 5th birthday is coming up on the 16th. Graduation is also on that day, so we are going to celebrate his birthday on the 23rd. He is going to have his first ever birthday party at the jungle jym. I am nervous about it, but I'm sure it will go fine!!

That's pretty much it for now. I am going to try and get back into the swing of things soon!!

Oh me, oh my!

2008-04-24T21:38:00.004-05:00

Do you remember these guys??

Now they look like this.

I am a long-time Warrant fan. I still have the first album they ever put out, on tape!! I have one of their later albums in my cd player in the kitchen right now.

I recently went to South Carolina to see Def Leppard, Styx, and REO Speedwagon with my friend Tracey. We were talking on the drive up there about bands, and who we would like to see in concert. I mentioned that I would like to see Warrant perform, with Jani Lane.

Tracey called me this afternoon with some news she heard. Warrant is playing at the Wildhorse Saloon in May!! And guess who will be singing lead?? You got it, Jani Lane.

Guess who got online and bought tickets right then??

Redneck birthday

2008-04-23T20:45:00.003-05:00

Hello, is this the Sheriff's Office?

"Yes, What can I do for you?"

"I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Virgil Smith...He's hidin' marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hidin' it there."

"Thank you very much for the call, sir."

The next day, the Sheriff's Deputies descend on Virgil's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Virgil and leave.

Shortly, the phone rings at Virgil's house.

"Hey Virgil! This here's Floyd...Did the Sheriff come?"

"Yeah!"

"Did they chop your firewood?"

"Yep!"

"Happy Birthday, buddy!"

Rednecks know how to git-r-done!!

Ape for Bananas

2008-04-19T10:49:00.003-05:00

We have been eating an unusually large amount of bananas in our house lately. Logan and Abby usually share a banana at least once a day. Abby gets both ends and Logan gets the middle. Why?? It's simple. Logan won't eat the ends and Abby could care less.

So here are a few pictures I took this morning of Abby eating her banana.

She is learning so much so quickly! For instance, she knows that bananas are slippery once they get slobbered on. She has also taught me a good beauty tip-Out of hair gel?? Run your banana-covered hands through your hair. Your style would last for days!!

Little girls are great!!

I've been bad!!

2008-04-14T18:54:00.004-05:00

This weekend hasn't been the best weekend I've ever had. Logan got sick Friday night. Braden got sick Saturday night. Abby is sick today. I am tired!! Sick kids can do that to ya!! Since I have had a rough time, I decided to do something really bad.

I made this cake for FHE. Actually if you want to get technical, it's more like family home afternoon!! :) It's the first time I have made it and it is wonderful. Just make sure you have milk to drink with it!!

Buttermilk Brownie Cake

for the cake:

2 cups sugar

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. baking soda

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

~Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a 15x10 in baking pan.

~Combine sugar, flour, and cocoa in a bowl. Mix well.

~Combine 1 cup water with oil and butter in a med saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add to the flour mixture and mix well. Add buttermilk, baking soda, eggs and vanilla. Beat well by hand and pour into the pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out almost clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

for the frosting:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/3 cup buttermilk

1-1 lb. box powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

~Combine butter, cocoa, and buttermilk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla with a mixer at low speed. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

I got this recipe out of our local newspaper on Sunday. There is an insert in there that usually has good recipes. Don't let the title fool you, it says 'brownie' but its not. I wasn't actually sure what to expect, a brownie or a cake. It seems more like a cake to me. On the recipe it also says, "serves 48". YEAH RIGHT!! Maybe 4 to 8!! Ha.

This is the first recipe I have posted. I may post more, I may not. I certainly don't want to compete with the likes of Cynthia, or the Pioneer Woman [even though I don't personally like her new site.] But, I hope that if you try it you will like it!!

I got a happy!!

2008-04-11T20:40:00.002-05:00

I was so surprised this morning. I was loading the kids up into both cars because on Fridays I go one way with Logan and Trad goes the other with Braden. I had Logan in the car and came out to put Abby in the car. Who was in my driveway but my sweet friend Tabetha. She had brought me a happy for no reason at all!! I have the bestest friends!!

April is...

2008-04-09T20:31:00.003-05:00

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Chevrolet is partnering with Autism Speaks to help raise money for autism.

All you have to do is click HERE and watch a short clip.

That's it! It just takes a minute of your time!

[Or 30 minutes if you watch it 30 times. (Like Me.)]

Chevrolet then donates money to Autism Speaks.

You Make My Day!!

2008-04-08T21:23:00.002-05:00

My sweet little friend, Rachel, has given me an award!! ME!!! Wow, this is great. Before I accept it I have a couple things I have to do first.

Acknowledge the post of the award giver, that would be ME! because I am all about attention.Write a post with links to five blogs that make your day. Display the “You Make My Day Award” logo. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs or emailing them the news.

Here are the 5 that make my day...

Spread the love!!

Taking the Plunge

2008-04-07T21:05:00.004-05:00

Braden loving the penguins

"Petting" the penguins

Looking at the stingrays

There's some big fish in there!!

Logan making friends with the turtle

Logan and Daddy

What's down there??

Normally, as a family, we don't go very many places together. It's not that we don't want to. It is just difficult to deviate from Braden and Logan's schedules. They thrive on their schedules. It is comforting for them to know what is next in their daily routines. When we go somewhere "special" they tend to be upset, so in order to keep them "happy" we just stay home.

I am trying to get out of this "they are just as happy to stay home" frame of mind. I want my children to experience lots of things. I feel that I am being selfish by keeping them cooped up because I don't want to deal with the social aspect of going somewhere. I worry too much about what people think of me and especially my children. The boys meltdown in new surroundings and in places where there is "sensory overload". To the "normal" person, these meltdowns just seem like tantrums. To a parent of an autistic child, they are not. This is my problem. People don't stare much when a 2 year old throws a tantrum, but if a 5 or 3 1/2 year old does, that is a different story. This is my demon. I worry too much about what others think.

Well, I put all of this aside Saturday. We decided we were going to take the boys to the aquarium in Chattanooga. We left Abby with a friend, and set out for the unknown. I decided that I was going to completely ignore everyone else and just focus on my 2 sweet little boys. If someone said something to me about their behavior, I was going to quietly explain that they were autistic and then trudge on. It didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, there were some looks, but I didn't care.

Braden and Logan loved the aquarium. [It's a good thing too. We got the family pass!] We went in the new building first. One of the first things we saw were the penguins. They were so awesome!! This was Bradens favorite exhibit. Unfortunately, he didn't want to proceed on. That was meltdown number 1. Logan was scared to be by the glass for most of the time, but some reassurance from Mommy helped him really like the fish in the end. They both liked the places where you could pet the fish. Neither one of them actually petted one, but they played in the water.

We ended up staying about two hours. That is like an eternity with two auties!! I was very proud of them and how well they handled their new environment. I think that this is just the beginning of a wonderful summer of new experiences for my boys. I am also proud of myself. I am not ashamed of my children and I should not care what others think. It was a wonderful day.

World Autism Awareness Day

2008-04-02T17:01:00.003-05:00

Today is the first ever World Autism Awareness Day!!

April is also Autism Awareness Month.

Autism affects 1 in 150 children.

It is more common in boys, more severe in girls.

No two autistic children are alike.

This year more children will be diagnosed with autism than AIDS, diabetes and cancer. COMBINED!!!

There is no cure.

If you think you don't know anyone with autism you are probably mistaken.

For more information about autism you can go:

Here

Divas in training

2008-03-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Abby and her cousin Kaylee. They are about 7 months apart in age, although you can't tell it from where I'm sitting!!

You say this will make our skin soft??

Already fighting over the cell phone!!

I can't believe you just said that!!

What are you lookin' at??

Jump Around

2008-03-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures of Braden and his buddy Shawn. They are really having a good time on the trampoline, as you can see. They jumped forever it seemed like. They didn't get tired, but I had to go in and take a nap from just watching them! [No, not really!]

This is how you do it.

They are getting some air on those jumps!!

Evidently jumping is really funny.

Crash landing.

And they all fall down!!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

2008-03-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, so maybe it isn't Peter. But I'm pretty sure they are related!! These are pictures of the kids when they got their Easter baskets [or this year they were more buckets!] This looks familiar. Braden got Reeses pieces for Christmas too. Just like Christmas, he had them ate pretty quickly!!

Logan can't decide what to play with first!

Abby and her "baby bucket"

She got ONE sucker in her bucket. This is her first one ever!! She did pretty good with it.

Easter Morning

2008-03-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

You will have to forgive me. There are just more pictures of Abby right now. I'm not saying I'm right by taking more of her, but I do. She is just new to me still, a novelty, if you will. She is doing so many cute and new things. And the boys, well, are boys. They don't do that much cute stuff anymore. If they do, I usually miss it with the camera because it's a one time deal with those two. I love my boys, and if I can catch a snapshot of them I do, but for now you are just gonna see more of the Abster.

Getting ready for church. [AKA. Abby in her slip]

Now we are all dressed [except for the hairbow]

Closeup of the Abster

Wait! What's this?? LOGAN!! He wasn't too excited about letting me take his pic, but he let me anyway [he is good like that]

I know what you are wondering...[**Doesn't she have THREE kids??**] Oh, yes! I certainly do. Let me let you in on a little secret with Braden though. You have to get Braden dressed RIGHT before you leave the house. He doesn't stand for all the hubbledy bubbledy that comes with articles of clothes. Oh no!! This boy likes it down to the skivvies, and he will not have it any other way!! And let me tell you, he can rip some clothes off in a hurry. I don't know how many times I have gotten him dressed and came back 10 seconds later, just to have him sitting in front of the tv with nothing but the bare necessities on!! I have gotten wise to him though. [finally] That's why he gets dressed the very last.

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-24T20:52:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures of the egg hunt we had on Good Friday. The weather was really nice and the kiddies seemed to have a great time!!

I Found one!!!

Shawn checkin out his eggs.

Kaylee figuring out what to do.

Logan isn't really all that into it.

Braden had a "helper" [LOL]

Even little Abby is in on the action!

Too many eggs...can't take it!!

Now, there's a story here...

Braden decided that he was going to carefully place his bucket on the trampoline. He left it there and went to hunt eggs. Each time he found an egg he would run all the way back to his bucket, placed on the trampoline, and place it there. Then he would go hunt for another one. We tried to get him to do it differently, but in Braden's world, that just made more sense!!

SNOW TIME!!

2008-03-17T20:02:00.003-05:00

Friday night, March 7th it snowed. It actually snowed enough that we were able to take the boys outside. I laid Abby down for a nap and me and the 3 boys went out to play!! Daddy pulling Braden on my old sled. :)

Logan got on board too.

Logan looking awful excited!!

They are getting the hang of the sled!!

Braden running down the hill.

This was the first time that either of the boys have been outside to play in the snow. It hasn't snowed enough to bother before, except when Braden was too little to enjoy it. They didn't actually play with the snow, they just kinda played like they normally would have, except for the sled. The sled was mine and my brother's when we were little. I have been waiting a long time for my kids to use it!! We all four had a good time!!

Giveaway!!

2008-03-10T09:36:00.002-05:00

One of the sweetest girls I know is having a giveaway. This will be her first one! Head on over to Rachel's blog to enter!!

Hmmmmm...

2008-03-09T11:44:00.008-05:00

It's the strangest thing. You see these pictures here??

Well they mysteriously appeared on my camera.

I don't remember taking them.

Yet here they are.

They weren't there the last time I looked at my camera.

I just can't imagine how they got on here.

I guess it's just one of those unsolved mysteries!!

March Meme

2008-03-09T07:44:00.003-05:00

Danielle has tagged me for a meme!! I haven't done this one before, so it should be fun!!

Here are the meme rules:

1. Write your own six word memoir

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.

4. Tag five more blogs with links

5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Here is my six word memoir...

My children have made me whole.

Ok. Now I am tagging...

1. Amanda

2. Rachel

3. Cynthia

4. Shannon

5. Rennie

And the award goes to....

2008-03-07T23:03:00.004-06:00

Tonight I drew the name for my big giveaway!! Instead of writing out everyones name, I used corresponding numbers which was much easier to do. [And I figured it out all by myself!!!]

The number that was drawn, by my fabulous husband, was number seven. If you count it out, you will see the winner is....

Alice Wills Gold!!!!

I want to thank everyone who came over and left me comments!! This has been fun and I will be doing another in the future!!

My first GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-07T20:15:00.001-06:00

This is a sticky post. Arrow down for more posts.

I had a great idea tonight when I was in the shower. Now, I don't do my best thinking in there, but I am kinda proud of this one!!

I got my hair cut today. Not just trimmed, chopped off!! I was growing it for locks of love, but I found out since I had highlights in my hair they couldn't use it. Oh well, I tried!!

Well, I started thinking about how I feel when I get my hair done. It makes me feel beautiful. The biggest thing that makes me feel beautiful is actually a little thing. I love to get my eyebrows waxed. It just makes my day. The other thing that makes me feel beautiful, is getting a pedicure. Not just any pedicure, but a spa pedicure!! There is a difference, trust me. If you ever try one, you won't go back. Anyways, back to the farm...

I am going to give away a nice little goodie basket full of Mary Kay products. I haven't decided exactly what I am going to put in it, but it will be nothing to scoff at!!

Now for the fun part!! Here is what I want you to do...

Leave me a comment and tell me what makes you feel beautiful.

Post a link on your blog about my giveaway.

That's it!!!

You have until next Friday, March 7th!!

Look-alike Meter

2008-03-05T21:06:00.002-06:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

Look-alike Meter

2008-03-05T20:59:00.002-06:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Look-alike Meter

2008-03-05T20:45:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Fun Monday

2008-02-24T21:11:00.005-06:00

Mariposa is this week's hostess. Here is was she has asked us to do...

Next week's Fun Monday is easy, I'll only be asking TWO things -

(1) Please share to us how the NAME of your BLOG was made? I can't wait to hear interesting funny stories!

(2) Please share to us (in words or photo, though a combination of both will be a bonus!) your favorite/ most common dish!

First...the name of my blog...

It's pretty simple. Mi Vida Loca is spanish for My Crazy Life. With 3 small children, 2 of the autistic, you never know what the day is going to hold. Sometimes I just have to laugh at things that aren't really that funny just to keep from going crazy!!

Second...the favorite dish at our house is my homemade lasagna.

The problem with it being homemade is I don't really have a recipe, at least not for the sauce. It is my MIL's "recipe" which she really doesn't have either. Am I making any sense?? You see, I never really put the same ingredients in it twice. Every time it's different. Sure I always start with tomato sauce, then I add some Italian spices, oregano, garlic, onion powder. I never use the same amounts though. Sometimes I add butter, sometimes not. Sometimes chili powder, sometimes not. I could go on and on. Back to the lasagna...

I use three different kinds of cheese, mozzerella, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and cream cheese. Yes, cream cheese. It sounds kinda nasty, but it's really good. You should try it. When you are putting the lasagna together just throw some dollops in here and there. When you bite into one of the hunks of cream cheese it is just heaven!!

I made lasagna last week. Actually, the day before I found out the subject of this week. This is a picture of leftovers, so it isn't great. It looks much yummier when it is fresh out of the oven!!

1. Tracey

2. Yummy

3. ellen b

4. Cynthia

5. Rachel

6. Jenni

7. Gabriel

8. mamalang

9. Our Happy Happenings

10. Jan

11. Alison

12. Nekked Lizard Man

13. janet

14. Linda

15. Lisa

16. carrie

17. Ivana

18. Sayre

19. Michelle

20. Heather

21. Irish Coffehouse

22. SwampAngel65
23. My4kids

24. min

25. rotten correspondent

26. abby

27. Kaytabug

28. Aoj & The Lurchers

29. Hootin' Anni

30. BS

31. chrisb

32. Celeste

33. Tien

34. Maria

35. Sauntering Soul

36. mem

37. Jientje/Heaveninbelgium

38. lisa's chaos

39. Karina

40. Peter

41. Sandy

42. Gattina

43. IamwhoIam

44. Monica
45. nikki

46. Swampy

47. Willowtree

48. David

49. Ann

50. Joy T.

51. jill

52. Robinella

53. Pamela

54. Lana G!

55. faye

56. Robin (PENSIEVE) :) LOVE IT

57. Arkansas Songbird

58. ari_1965

59. Tiggerlane

60. Amanda

61. Junebug

62. Kim

63. Jo Beaufoix

Time for the TOOTH FAIRY!!!

2008-02-23T22:10:00.002-06:00

Today my sweet little boy made one more step toward becoming a BIG BOY.

Braden lost his FIRST TOOTH today!!!!

It is so strange to look at him and see that gap in his teeth!!!

I am so proud of him!!

What finger are YOU??

2008-02-20T20:59:00.001-06:00

I saw this fun little quiz on a couple other people's blogs and I thought I would see what finger I am and well...

You Are a Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything.

You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word.

Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world.

You get along well with: The Pinky

Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

FREE STUFF!!

2008-02-20T20:42:00.003-06:00

My friend Joy over at Simply Joy Catering is having a GIVEAWAY!! Head over there and tell her how you met your signifigant other and you will be entered to win a tray of her oh so deeelicious TRUFFLES!!! That's right people, CHOCOLATE!! and even better, FREE CHOCOLATE!! Who doesn't love that??

Hurry, you only have until Friday, Feb. 22nd to enter!!

I'm baaaaaack...

2008-02-20T19:18:00.004-06:00

Well, I guess I have been a bad blogger lately. Honestly, there has not been much going on right now. [At least nothing to write about!]

We had a couple of snow days. More like "NO" snow days!! I'm still not really sure why they were out of school!! Days out of school are always difficult for the boys. They were already out of school on Friday and Monday for a break. They had snow days for Wednesday and Thursday. By the time they went back Tuesday, they were way off their schedule.

Logan had a bad day. He was whining when I left him at 7:45. When I got to the school to pick him up and opened the door to the school, I heard him crying. They said he was that way all day.

Braden had trouble going in to school, but he seemed to have an okay day. They said he actually fell asleep during school!! As soon as I brought him home I put him to bed for a nap. I had to wake him up at 4:00 to go out of town. He seemed to feel better today though.

Since they went to school yesterday, of course it SNOWED!! Don't het me wrong, it didn't stick or anything, but it did look like a snowglobe for a while. It was really beautiful, with big slow-falling flakes. I took Abby outside to see the snow. She had never really seen snow before. It was either dark, or she was asleep, or it wasn't enough to bother with before. She seemed to be amazed by the snow. I caught a flake and put it on her nose. She is so great with everything! She was doing all right until the snow started hitting her in the face. She was ready to go back inside then.

Welcome to corporate America...

2008-02-10T13:30:00.002-06:00

Since this blog is on the internet I try not to overly voice my opinions. But, today, I am MAD.

We live in a small town. I mean a VERY small town. Wal Mart is pretty much the only store we have to get certain things. We don't have any stores to compete with Wal Mart, other than grocery stores.

Our local Wal Mart is scheduled for a remodel this year. I am slowly hearing of the things that this store is taking away from us, the customers, in this small community.

First, I learned from the department manager of toys, that toys will be reduced by 100 feet. That is roughly both sides of one aisle and almost another side of an aisle. That is ALOT of toys. Now, I don't buy alot of toys other than for Christmas or perhaps a random birthday, but some people do. I mentioned we live in a small town, we don't have a Target to buy toys from. No Toys R Us. The small K Mart we had closed years ago. Nothing except Wal Mart, other than a generic dollar store or two.

Next, I learned from Cynthia, that our fabrics department is closing!! What in the world are they thinking?? What are all the sweet little 120 year old ladies going to do that quilt and sew?? We don't have a Hancock's or a Hobby Lobby to run over to so we can get a yard of fabric.

Lastly, Trad informed me that they are also eliminating the live fish department. Now, if it was managed right, the pet dept would be a valuable tool. (I managed it for a while. Did I mention that I worked for this horrible place??) We have one small pet store in town that doesn't have a great selection. We don't have a PetSmart, or Pet Co. or any other store that even remotely carries fish.

Now, I have been wondering what this "FAMILY ORIENTED" company is going to add or expand on to fill in the gaps of all the things that they have just taken away from our community.

The rumor among the associates is, Beer!!! Well, there is obviously no where in town to buy that right?? If only that was true. What a sad day and time we live in!!

I continue to grow more and more disappointed in this company. I have wondered how many times poor Sam Walton has rolled over in his grave. This is not the company that he strived for. I would gladly pay a little more for things at another store just to not give Wal Mart my business. We did boycott Wal Mart for almost a year not that long ago because of another decision that they made. Let me tell you, that is not easy, especially with Trad working there. I felt much better about shopping elsewhere though.

I wish that this town had more options so we could let this retailer know that we do not support their decisions on certain things. I understand that other companies aren't all rosy and sweet either. Every one of them are sure to have their drawbacks. Unfortunately, this is the only retailer that we can deal with in this county we live in.

What do you think?? Am I wrong to feel the way I do??

Fun Monday

2008-02-03T21:15:00.000-06:00

Tiggerlane is our host for this week. This is our assignment...

Have you heard of The Bucket List? Well, that's what I want from you! Make a list of things you want to do before you die. It must be at least five items - and you can make it as long as you desire. Photos are optional. And let's hear about some of the wackiest, most bizarre to-do's on your Bucket List!

I am excited about this post. I actually have a list that Trad and I made a few years ago. I am going to post that plus and my own little half list for just myself.

These are in no particular order. We have actually marked off a few of them already.

Go on a cruise. (This is mostly my idea, Trad has no desire to do this.)
Build our own home together. (This may not happen since we are living in the house I grew up in. We did remodel the house and may add on one day.)
See the US (especially the South & National Parks)
Visit the continents (travel Europe, see the pyramids, great barrier reef, Japan, etc.)
Visit the Olympics
Visit the Sacred Grove
Visit Salt Lake City (This we accomplished in 2001)
See Washington DC (We have both been, just not together.)
New Orleans at Mardi Gras
Own our own business
Go ice skating
See a pro basketball game (We accomplished this also. We went to Atlanta to see the Hawks play the Raptors. We got mugged.)
Learn sign language (We are working on this. Both of our sons are autistic and are non-verbal. We made this list before we had children, it's kinda funny that we wanted to learn, now we NEED to learn.)
Take a photography course
Fly to Hawaii (I said FLY. I will get the nerve one day.)
Take dancing lessons. (Again, Trad has no desire to do this!)
Learn about local history.
Help others (especially during the holidays.)
Vacation at Disney World, Sea World, Epcot, etc (We would have already gone if the boys didn't have problems with crowds or change.)
Visit NYC at Christmas/New Years.

This is my list...

I want to finish college sometime in my lifetime. I am not that far from a degree, but with the kids it is hard to take time for myself.
I want to breed and train service dogs.
I would like to write a book.
Help with fundraising for AUTISM.
Learn to sing.
Give money each year to The Smile Train.

I am sure there is more, but I can't think of anything else right now. I am still excited that the GIANTS won the superbowl!!

Here is a list of the players for this week.

1. Swampy

2. Arkansas Songbird

3. Susan at A Slice of Life

4. Deb's Valentine Patch

5. Lil Mouse

6. Kitten

7. Mamalang

8. Straight Up and Slightly Dirty

9. La Vie en Rose

10. From the Planet of Janet

11. Kila, momto3cubs

12. AOJ & The Lurchers

13. Pete, at Holtie's House

14. Ragracers

15. Raising3Saints

16. Summit Musings

17. Three Dog Blog

18. Carrie and the Koehmstedts

19. Myanderings

20. Nikki

21. Eclectic Blog

22. Lady K

23. Ms Cellania

24. Beckie, at Give it a Try

25. Tales of a Southern Doll

26. The Rotten Correspondent

27. Sauntering Soul

28. Robin at Pensieve

29. Lisa's Chaos

30. Karmyn R, at Dreaming What Ifs

31. Jenn, at Simply Not So Simple

32. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

33. Sallad Says...

34. Rob

35. Alix at DC Days

36. Lisa, The Food Snob

37. -Ann, For the Long Run

38. Candid Karina

39. Fianna

40. Sayre Smiles

41. Junebug

42. Robocop

43. Bermudabluez

44. Pamela

45. Jettie

46. Gattina

47. Ooh, A Shiny Pen, who has volunteered to host next week!

48. Ped Crossing

49. Andre Veloux

50. Welcome to Mi Vida Loca

51. RDH Mom

52. Mama Speak

53. Retrohipster

54. ari_1965

55. Nekked Lizards

56. Return of the White Robin

57. The Prytz Family

58. Hootin' Anni's

59. Karisma

60. Cynthia

61. Swampangel65

62. Robin, My Two Blessings

63. Patience-please

64. Ellen B.

65. Nancypants

66. Lana G.

67. Joy T.

68. Sirdar

All you need is a goat...

2008-01-31T15:20:00.000-06:00

We have been told that to clean out our fence row all we need is a.) a leash b.) a collar and c.) a goat. Evidently this goat will do all the work and get the fence row nice and clean (and get you arrested). Since we don't have a goat, or money for bail, we decided to go another route.

This fence has been up since before I was born, which isn't a terribly long time, but long enough to get shabby. And not in a chic way. Upkeep on it kinda went under when my dad moved out. It hasn't been cleaned out in well over 10 years.

We have been talking about cleaning it out, but it is WAY down on the to-do list. Trad's friend, Matthew said that he would help him get it cleaned out. Matthew owns his own lawncare business and he has a Mexican that works with him. His name is Francisco, but evidently everyone calls him Fran. [I understand that Mexican is not PC, but he really is from Mexico, so I think I am ok there.] Fran is awesome! He is a very hard worker and things happen very quickly when comes over to help. He might even be better than a goat, who knows??

I wish I had took some before pictures, but I didn't think about it. This is only phase 1. There will be more pictures up as they go around the fence more. You can see the other side of the field, and how grown up that fence row is. That is what this side looked like also. This is a pic of the fence closest to the house. There was an old rusty metal building on that slab of concrete. Trad is going to pour more concrete around there and make himself a basketball court. They started around where the building was. It had alot of brush and small trees growing there.This is the same angle, just a little further up the fence row.

This is the barn that is overgrown with trees and brush. We have to figure out whether we need to tear it down or try to save it. One end is falling in, but the other seems to be sturdy.

This is Matt, Fran, and Trad

This is Matthew catching me taking pictures of them. Oops. You can see from the size of the brush pile how much they have cleaned out. There is another pile of brush in the other field that is bigger than this one.

They got a ton of work done in just 5 hours. I am very impressed at the speed of which things are shaping up out there. There is still a whole lot of fence to be cleared, and then the fence will probably have to be replaced altogether. On the up side, looks like we will be having one heck of a weenie roast!

Randomness...

2008-01-30T16:56:00.000-06:00

1. If your doctor told you TODAY that you were pregnant, what would you say? I would be excited about it, but Trad would probably have a few questions for me.

2. When was the last time you flew in a plane? I have never been on a plane. It's not the flying as much as the falling.

3. What did the last text message you sent say? Do you or do you not want me to lose weight?

4. What features do you find most attractive in the opposite sex? Height and smile if you are talking physically.

5. What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future? I would like to lose some weight.

6. Shoe size? 8 to a 9 depending on the brand. Having children has not been nice to my feet.

7. Been to Mexico? No. I have never been out of the country. But I would like to. Anywhere you can drive to!

8. When is the last time you had a massage? I have had one since Abby was born, so a few months.

9. What was the last TV show you watched? I am not sure. I was going to watch One Tree Hill last night but the power was out.

10. What are your plans for the weekend? I don't have plans for the weekend. I would like to go with Trad to his basketball game on Friday night, but I would need a babysitter.

11. If your significant other asked you to marry them TODAY what would you say? I would say NO.

12. What is in the back seat of your car right now? In the middle seats there is a car seat base and a booster seat. In the very back seat there is a booster seat and a Doc Hudson car.

13. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Most likely I was feeding Abby.

14. If you could marry any celebrity today who would it be? I wouldn't. First of all, I don't want anything to do with FAME. Secondly, I don't think Trad would be too happy bout that.

15. Have you ever been to a strip club? UMMM...Let me think...NO. I have never understood why a woman would go to a strip club in the first place, unless she worked there.

16. What is the best ice cream flavor? Well, that depends. If you are talking about store bought, I like Blue Bell homemade vanilla. I also like mint chocolate chip and cookie dough. If you are talking Baskin Robbins it is peanut butter and chocolate. If you are talking Marble Slab creamery it is sweet cream. (I like me some Ice Cream!!)

17. What is the last sporting event you watched? Trad and I watched UT play in the Outback Bowl on New Year's.

18. Ever go camping? No, but I wouldn't be against it.

19. Last phone call? Manda called me this evening to tell me that she is going to the hospital Sunday night and having Carlee Jo on MONDAY!!

20. Are you allergic to anything? Not a thing.

21. What is one thing you have learned about life recently? I have learned that there is a very short time that babies are actually teeny-tiny-cuddly-need-mommy-for-everything babies.

22. What do you do at work? I cook, clean, pick up toys, do laundry, change diapers, entertain, referee, chauffeur, etc. And that is a slow day.

23. What is your mom's name? Baa-Baa-Baa--Baa-Baa-Ba-Barbara Anne

24. Ever cried for no reason? Oh, I am sure. Just not lately.

25. Can you do the Crank Dat dance? I am not sure what that is, but I like to dance. Show me once and I can probably do it.

26. What is your favorite color to wear? I have noticed that I have alot of teal in my closet. My personal favorite is brown though.

27. What is the longest plane ride you have ever been on? It's short, very short.

28. What is the longest road trip you have ever taken? Trad and I went to Utah with his parents in June of 2001. We were gone 2 weeks exactly. [That is another post altogether.]

29. What are your turn-offs? In men, the ones that think they know everything and no one else knows anything, and also the one's that think they are God's gift.

30. What was your last alcoholic beverage? Well, I don't drink, but occasionally I think a bottle of anything might help.

31. What are you craving right now? Nothing really, but I wouldn't turn down anything yummy.

Tag Time!!

2008-01-28T20:17:00.000-06:00

I have been tagged!! Again!! Oh well, its all in fun right?? RIGHT????

Here are the rules...

Link to the person that tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

I can't go to bed with my feet dirty. I am especially bad in the summer. I can go all day barefoot, outside and everything. They can get yucky people!! Anyways, I am OC about it. Trad thinks I am crazy. I bring a washcloth to bed and wash them after I get in. [[I hope I don't lose friends over this]]
I have decided to grow my hair for Locks of Love. I have beautiful curly hair and why shouldn't I share it with a sick child?? [[Don't get me wrong, I am modest!! The ONLY thing about me I will say that about is my HAIR!!]] I will blog about this at a later time. My hair is almost long enough. I am going to take one of my blogging buddies with me to take pictures [[If she has time and agrees to go. It's not like she has anything to do. She only has SIX kids.]] I will probably buy lunch though. :)
I wish I could sing. I mean I don't want a record deal or anything, but I would like to be able to sing without clearing a room!! I LOVE to sing, I just can't. Not a lick!!
I think my favorite food in this world is macaroni and cheese!! I just love it. I could eat it every day. When I was pregnant with Logan I craved macaroni and cheese. My favorite was from Morrison Market. [[It burned down though. So I can't get it anymore.]] It is so fattening though, wait...maybe THAT is my problem.
My favorite song of all time is "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard. It is just sounds so southern, and fun. Great song!!
I love musicals. My favorite one is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I could watch it every day. I hardly ever get to though.

Ok, now comes the good part! Who am I gonna tag??

Ok. I guess this is a list of the people who are gonna hate me for the next 24 hours. HeHeHe...

Fun Monday

2008-01-21T08:07:00.000-06:00

Today is the 1st anniversary of Fun Monday. Now, obiviously I haven't been participating for a year, but congrats to those who have! This seems to be a wonderful way to make friends with people. If you aren't participating, you should!

Now, Vickie is our host this week. This is what are assignment is...

For those of you who did NOT post a picture of your view from your front door, then your assignment is to post a view from your front door. To do this you stand in your doorway looking outside and take a picture. That simple. We (I) want to see what you see when you look out your front door.

I have to say, this is going to be a pretty boring post for me. There is actually not much scenery from my front door...Here we go...

This is the view looking straight out the front door. You see the road that runs by our house. This road has become more and more travelled as there have been more houses and subdivisions added. I remember when there wasn't much activity on the road at all. On the other side of the road there is a big tree stump. This used to be a huge old oak tree. There were actually 2 of them at one time. I hate it when a tree has to be cut down. Behind the stump, you can't really tell, but there is railroad tracks. When I was little, trains came through many times a day. Now we hardly ever see one, a couple times a week at most. Behind the tracks is a lumber mill. This was owned by former Tennessee state senator, Jerry Cooper.

This is the view from our front door looking to the left. This is Wayne's Body Shop. He has only been there for the past few years. This was where the other huge oak tree was standing.

This is the view looking to the right. Directly behind where that light pole is there used to be a house. You may be able to tell the remnants of a driveway to the left of the little dogwood trees. Our neighbor was Mr. Jess. I don't remember what his last name was. They tore that house down after he died. I don't remember how long ago that was, but it has been a while. In the very right-hand corner of the picture you can see a building. This is a meeting hall for the church that sits beside our house. They bought all the land that you see in these pictures after Mr. Jess died. We actually had our wedding reception there. It isn't the prettiest building, but a great location!

Rub a dub dub...

2008-01-19T21:17:00.000-06:00

Today was Abby's first real-life, big girl, sitting up by herself bath in the sink!!

I thought that she would like it more than she actually did. Actually, I don't think she really liked it much at all. She has always loved the water, but she has never been "alone" in it before either. All-in-all, she did okay though.

She is getting too big too fast for me. You never really realize what little time that babies are actually little until you have one, or three, or six. I have mixed emotions of sad and happy because I know that she is my last baby. I am sad because she is my last baby. On the other hand, I am happy because I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and one day I won't have to deal with teething, or baby food, or diapers.

"Where did all these bubbles come from??"

"Lets see how they taste!!"

"She went and got my hair wet!!"

"I'm all clean now."

And the winner is...

2008-01-18T21:27:00.000-06:00

Abby started talking today. Her first word was...

Da-Da.

You know that made one of us smile. Actually, both of us are smiling. She will be 7 months old on the 21st. I was getting worried that she wasn't saying any words yet. With 2 autistic children, you pick up on things quicker. We won't know if she is on the spectrum until she is 3. We are hoping that she is "normal". She is definitely doing things that Braden and Logan never did. We can tell that she is very different from them. Hopefully all is well.

Baby in RED...

2008-01-16T21:41:00.000-06:00

I just figured out how to switch the colors on my camera. I thought this was a great picture of Abby. I think my favorite is the Vivid Red and of course I like the black and white.

Which one do you like??

Original

Vivid

Black & White

Vivid Red

Sepia

Neutral

Fun Monday

2008-01-13T17:34:00.000-06:00

Ann is this week's Fun Monday hostess. This week our topic is on websites. Here is what Ann wants to know...

Now, the reason you're here: the topic for Fun Monday on 14 January. I want to hear about a web site and not just about any old web site. I want to hear about a web site that's changed your life. A web site that you can't live without. A web site whose inventor you'd like to see win a McArthur Genius Grant.Maybe you want to sing the praises of a dating web site for helping you meet your spouse. Maybe the only thing getting you through the dark days of winter is an Internet comic. No story is too big, no story is too small - I want to hear it all on Monday.

I have a few websites that I use as daily "therapy." The most helpful to me is actually a comic strip called "Clear Blue Water" by Karen Montague-Reyes. This is a clip that I took from http://www.gocomics.com/ that describes it...

The phrase "clear blue water," explains author Karen Montague-Reyes, comes from the world of politics. It describes the ideological divide between two political parties. In the Torres house, clear blue water is the gulf of personal experience that Eve and Manny cross each day to make their lives work. Male and female, liberal and conservative, biracial and Hispanic, they approach everyday life from opposite shores and find common ground in their devotion to each other and their determination to raise their children well.

My friend, Cynthia, introduced me to this comic. Now some days I don't relate to her well at all. I am not overly in to politics and at some times, such as now with the election coming up, she aims her comic that way. Sometimes I don't get much out of it at all.

The days I do make up for the other days. You see, the author's son is autistic. Many days her comic is geared towards something he did or said or something the family has went through. With both of my sons being autistic, it is very comforting to actually see in black and white that I am not the only mother going through these particular trials. And, believe me, sometimes it really feels like I am!

The author has really made me feel less lonely. I check her comic strip every morning when I get up. I have really connected with this comic. I love reading it and seeing what is in store for the Torres family next. It has helped me up when I was down, helped me to see humor in things I sometimes wouldn't. I am very grateful that I have this little bit of "help" in my life. I am grateful to the author for putting her family and her story out there for people to read about.

If you are looking for a hilarious, side-splitting comic strip, this wouldn't be for you. Although, if you know someone who is autistic or who has a relative that is, it is worth checking out. If you would like to read "Clear Blue Water" click HERE.

A baby shower for Amanda [&Carlee Jo]

2008-01-12T20:04:00.000-06:00

Today I gave my best friend, Amanda, a baby shower. She is having a baby girl in February. This will be her first child. Like me and Trad did, Amanda and Shawn have been trying to have a baby for a while now. We are all so delighted that it has finally happened.

The first thing we did was EAT!! This is Amanda getting some yummy fruit and chocolate.

This is my chocolate fountain that I got for Christmas. My sweet husband thought of it all by himself! He did a good job!!

They are going to name her Carlee Jo. This will be in memory of Amanda's dad. His name was Joe Carl. I think this is very special and I hope that Carlee will be grateful of her name.

This is the cake!! Joy Tubb made it and it was wonderful!! She did an excellent job. Not only was it pretty, it tasted good too!! She made some oh-so-delicious mints also!! [[Mosey on over to her blog and drool over all the goodies she can make by clicking HERE.]]

Here is Amanda cutting the cake. Amanda's sister-in-law, Bridget is in the background holding my beautiful little butterball!!
After we ate, we played some games, of which there was nothing to take pictures of. Everyone seemed to like them though. I shook things up a little and did some games that I have never done before. Variety is the spice of life!!

Now on to the presents!!!

These are some blankets that Nannie [Amanda's mom, Sandra] got for Carlee. The white one will be used to bring her home.

Money is always good!!

This was from Cynthia. It is a shopping cart seat cover. How do you expect the baby to get all those germs if you cover up the cart??

This is a very special gift. This afaghan was made by Shawn's mom, Brinda, before she passed away. It has been put up waiting on a grandchild.

Every girl needs SHOES!!!

This is my diaper cake. For some reason it looks lopsided in this picture. It was my first attempt at making one. I am very happy with the way it turned out!! The bow on top is a hairbow. It has Carlee's name on it. [[I am ALL about the personalized things!!]]

There was even time to play with Abby!!

All in all, I think the shower turned out nice. There wasn't so many people there that it was crowded. The food was good, the games were fun, and Amanda got some nice things for Carlee. With some of the money she got, she stopped at Wal-Mart and got her carseat and a wipe warmer. She is now ready for Carlee to come.

If only her house was finished...

Peas?? or Carrots??

2008-01-07T20:14:00.000-06:00

GREEN BEANS!!!!

Today was Abby's first try at baby food. She did AWESOME!! I wasn't sure what to expect. She is much older than the boys were when they first had baby food. I confess that I didn't really want to feed her anything! I LOVE nursing her so much!!

I didn't get to nurse Braden because of his cleft palate. I nursed Logan only about 4 months. He stayed so hungry I think we should have started him on baby food from day 1!! I am really enjoying Abby though. I know that she is going to be my last baby and I want to keep her little!! (Is that so wrong??)

She has been eating some things. We have given her bread, crackers, mashed potatoes, and broccoli and corn out of casseroles at Christmas. She has had some biter biscuits also. Her daddy also gave her some banana bread too. She loves to eat. She is so interested in food. She loves to watch us eat. We can just see the anticipation that she has, waiting for us to give her some.

Sometimes she even licks her sweet little lips!!

A BIG Day!!

2008-01-07T19:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Logan's first day of Primary!! I can't believe it! It doesn't seem like he is old enough yet.

Here is a full shot of Logan. Even though it looks like it,

his pants are NOT that wrinkled!!!

Here is Braden and Logan at church.

They both have a really hard time sitting still for any amount of time. I see that they are getting better every week though. My dream is to one day be able to sit through all of sacrament meeting in the CHAPEL!! (I have BIG plans!!)

Logan seemed to do well his first day of Primary. When I was on my way to get him after church I stopped off in the library to get a book. I heard him screaming down the hall and had to go get him. Rachel and Lyndsey said he did good until the end, I'm guessing he got upset when the other kids started leaving.

I am proud of Logan and all that he has accomplished. He is doing SO well at preschool. He is listening well and following simple directions almost always. I have very high hopes for him.

Happy 1st Birthday Aiden

2008-01-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

Aiden 2 months old

This post is for my nephew Aiden. Today is his first birthday. I'm not sure if you would call it "happy" though. Aiden was born January 4, 2007. He was almost 2 months early. He had to stay in the hospital almost a month. He was healthy otherwise though. It was very apparent that he was a fighter (he gets it from his Granny). My brother and his mom broke up before he was born. Aiden lives more than 2 hours away from us.

We got a call this summer that Aiden was in the hospital. They said his brain was swelling and he might not make it. He was on life support, but they were taking him off and if we wanted to see him we should come to the hospital. Abby was just a few weeks old, but Trad and I went. Trad didn't want to go in the room so he stayed with Abby. I went and for as long as I live, I will never forget that sight. Aiden was laying there, hooked up to so many machines, with tubes coming out of him everywhere. I thought I was going to be sick. I mean sicker than I have ever been. I watched my mom breathe her last breath, but that didn't even come close to this. There was just something about that poor little baby lying there so helpless, on the brink of death.

I didn't stay in there when they actually took him off the respirator. I couldn't. I needed to feed Abby and I just NEEDED to hold my baby. We stayed for hours just waiting for the bad news, but it never came. Yes indeed, Aiden was a fighter.

It turns out that Aiden has shaken baby syndrome. His mom's new boyfriend finally confessed 2 months after the incident. It has yet to be decided if it was an accident. The doctor's don't seem to think it is because of all the damage. I don't either, but that's another story.

Aiden suffered extensive brain damage. I have been told that he is 95% brain dead. His retinas are detached so he is blind. He can hear. He has a feeding tube. He doesn't move, he just lays there. He has been in the hospital more than not. Every time I ask about him, he is in the hospital again. He just got out of the hospital yesterday. He had surgery to wrap his esophogus so he wouldn't throw up so much.

He is alive though. I won't deny that from the time of the accident when I prayed for him, I wouldn't pray for him to live, only for what was best. Evidently, this is best, at least for now. I am shocked that Aiden has lived this long. I didn't expect him to. I am waiting for THAT call though.

Latest picture I have of Aiden

Oh yes, Aiden is a fighter! Happy 1st Birthday!! I love you so much!!

Christmas with the Praters

2008-01-04T13:30:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I'm a little late with this post. I was doing good and then everyone got sick. It wears me out when people are sick, then I get sick and well, you get the picture. These are some pictures of the Prater family Christmas. We had Christmas at our house this year. There is a little more room than at Trad's parents house. Everyone seemed to have a really nice time. That makes all the time I put into dinner worth it. The way I planned Christmas this year we didn't even have to leave the house. Now that's what I'm talking about!!

WARNING: There are a TON of pictures on this post. If you don't want the long story, turn back now!!

Nikki, Kevin, Uncle Jason, and Logan

Braden & Kaylee "dancing"

Kevin & Logan

Grandma & Abby sharing a "look"

Abby & Grandpa lookin at a book

Braden got a set of train tracks from Grandma & Grandpa

Choo-Choo (Braden's favorite word)

I married Sillyness & now I'm stuck

Nikki as Peter Pan (just kidding)

Abby & Kaylee in a staring contest

Kyle holding Braden

Abby & Aunt Minna

Abby & Aunt April

Abby & Mommy

Uncle Jason holding Logan (My favorite picture)

Ryan, Nikki, and Kevin

Trad & his mom (I love this picture)

Fun Monday

2007-12-31T16:45:00.000-06:00

Peter over at http://holtieshouse.blogspot.com is this week's host. Here are our instructions...

I want you to tell us your favorite joke and/or show usyour favorite cartoon, don’t worry if there is someduplication that just means more than one personfound it funny.So come on and regale us with your best joke and/orcartoon, remember its New Years Eve and we feellike a good laugh, before 2008 comes along and does its thing on us.

We had a "going away" party yesterday for a lady at our Little Rock claim office. One of the supervisors called a Wal-Mart and ordered the cake. He told them to write: "Best Wishes Suzanne" and underneath that "We will miss you". As the picture shows, it didn't quite turn out right. It was too funny not to keep it.

I chose this because I worked at Wal-Mart for years. My poor husband still works there. I'll say one thing for them, they sure can hire some talented people!! LOL!!!

Christmas Morning

2007-12-30T21:16:00.001-06:00

Our morning began around 7:30 when we heard Logan coming down the hall towards our room. He laid with us for a few minutes before we heard Braden. We went ahead and got up and took the boys into the dining room where the tree was. Santa had came.

Braden got a Thomas the train comforter. Logan got a Diego chair. Abigail got a diaper bag with her name on it. We gave the boys their stockings to open. They were working on them when Abby woke up. This is the first year that Braden has had any interest in opening presents. Logan tore the paper long enough to get a piece he could play with then he was satisfied. Abby ripped the paper better than I thought she would.

All in all, I am proud of us this year. We didn't go overboard with the kids presents. We really didn't spend alot on them at all. We got each of them a few things that we knew they would like and a few things that they needed and that was it. Our boys are great. They would be happy with just one new toy. We are so blessed to have 3 wonderful children. That is the best Christmas gift of all. Abby waving to daddy

GO VOLS!! (This is daddy's boggin.)

Logan and his dino jammies from Abby

Braden opening his choo-choo

Abby and her glo worm. (Each of the kids received one on their first Christmas. Mama got Braden his.)

Abby and her chewie

Abby with her stocking

Braden playing with his stocking toys.

(See that box of Reece's Pieces-it didn't last long!)

Logan kinda opening one of his presents.

Abby watching Braden open a present.

Logan in his Diego chair under his Diego blanket.

Twas the night before Christmas...

2007-12-29T07:56:00.001-06:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Christmas Eve Traditions

2007-12-27T21:28:00.000-06:00

Abby opening her Christmas jammies

Abby getting ready for bed (& santa)

Braden in his Christmas pjs

Logan in his pjs

When my brother and I were little we always got to open one present on Christmas eve. It was always pajamas. We got pajamas EVERY year. They were always red or green. I now know that it was so we would be cute in our Christmas morning pictures. :) My mom wanted to continue the tradition with my kids. She bought Braden his first pair of Christmas pjs. The next year she bought Braden's and then Logan's first pair also.

I am continuing this tradition. Last year I had a terrible time finding Christmas pjs. This year I started looking EARLY!! I was able to find pjs for both the boys and Abby. I think they are all so cute!!!

Christmas Eve Dinner

2007-12-27T18:18:00.000-06:00

My side of the family has always done our "thing" on Christmas eve. Mama started this tradition and I am not about to end it. This year I cooked for Jamie, my brother, Jamie, his girlfriend (confusing? YES), and my dad. We ate turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. Then we opened our gifts. This is really the first year that Braden has been interested in opening presents. Logan ripped the paper long enough to get a strip of it then he was done. (He is very interested in paper right now.) Surprisingly, to me, Abby opened her gifts also, though not as fast as Braden. :) Braden and Logan both got a John Deere pedal tractor from Pa. They are really going to enjoy those this summer! We all had a very good time visiting with each other. This was, of course, Abby's first Christmas and she was a very big hit!

Abigail in her santa hat

Abby & her Uncle Jamie

Abby eating some mashed taters

Braden obviously happy with his new movie

Logan opening his present from Pa

Abby opening presents with mommy

Abby with the "other" Jamie

Logan opening presents with daddy

Abby and Braden with Pa

Logan and Pa

I have been TAGGED!!

2007-12-19T20:04:00.000-06:00

Cynthia over at http://halefamilysite.blogspot.com/ tagged me. (Thanks alot!)

Here are the rules:

The tag rules are: 1) Link to the person who tagged you. 2) Post the rules on your blog. 3) Share 7 facts about yourself. 4) Tag 7 random people and include links to their blogs. 5) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I absolutely positively cannot stand for my face to be wet. It drives me crazy!!

I have a problem with textures. I will not eat onions, celery, peppers, radishes, etc because of their texture.

I have had my mouth wired together for 9 weeks. (It was only supposed to be 3, but I'm not that lucky.)

I can't sing a lick. I would give anything to be able to. I LOVE to sing, I just can't.

I would like to breed and train dogs for the disabled.

I love cars. Old cars mostly. I would like to restore and old Chevrolet Bel Aire.

My favorite class in college was Geology. I really enjoyed everything about the class.

I am tagging:

Tabetha

Alison

Natalie

Shannon

Ashley

(I'll get back with you.)

Fun Monday

2007-12-16T19:58:00.001-06:00

This week's host is Kitten. You can check her blog out at...kittens-homeschool.blogspot.com.

Today for Fun Monday I thought it would be neat to hear about the story behind your home and the road you live on. It doesn't have to be historical, maybe just something that stands out to you. It would be nice to have pictures to go with your little story. I also would like to know who has the oldest house. Whoever has the oldest house will get a little Christmas treat from little ole me.

The house that I live in has alot of history. Fortunately, for me, it's all my history. My Mom had this house built in 1971. She was the first single woman in this county to recieve a FMHA loan. To receive this loan, she had to have one acre of land. This is the exact amount that her dad, my Pa, deeded to her. She had it built, with trouble from the contractors, because she was a single woman.

The house is brick, it had 2 bedrooms and 2 baths originally. She had the drive paved and a small back deck. It also has a basement. There were bricks left over after the house was built. The contractor stole them. There is actually a front porch on a house on Pike Hill Road that is my mom's. :)

This is the house that I lived in from the time I was born in 1979, until I moved out in 1997. I grew up in this house. It was the only home that I ever knew. Most people can't say that, they move at least once during their childhood. I had a very strong emotional attachment to this house.

When my brother was born in 1984, my parents decided that we needed to add on to the house. They added another HUGE bedroom and another bath. I got their room and my brother kept the room that we had shared. Other than that, the house had never been remodeled or updated, except for carpet. It had black paneling throughout the kitchen, den, and hallway. The guest bathroom was black and red. It had a black and red toilet and a red bathtub. It just screamed 70's!! My mom wasn't "into" decorating or redecorating so it stayed the same. At least until she died in 2005.

I never wanted to live in this house. I actually didn't like the house when I was growing up. I don't like change, so I would have had a difficult time moving. This house is far from my dream house, yet I felt like I needed to move back home. I couldn't imagine selling it. I couldn't imagine someone else living in MY home. I discussed it with Trad and he felt the same way. We immediately started remodeling.

We primered and painted EVERY surface that could be painted. We painted the ceilings, sanded, primered and painted the paneling, painted every room, all the wood trim we painted white. We updated with new white interior doors. We got rid of the red bathtub and everything that went with it. We put hardwood floors down. We replaced all the light fixtures in the house except one. The light in the foyer I kept. It is an old harness for a wagon or plow. The only thing I did was update the globes.

We have twice as much room as we had in our little house in town. Each of the boys had their own room. At least until Abby was born. We moved the boys into my old room when I was a teenager. I got to bring my little girl home from the hospital, to the house and room that was mine when I was born. I find so much comfort in that. I think that is so unusual, especially in today's world.

I am happy that I am able to live in this house that my mother built. I am content here even though it isn't my "dream home." I am proud of my home and all the memories that I have here. Maybe one day one of my children will live here with their family also.

Pete & RePete...

2007-12-12T22:16:00.000-06:00

Do you see the resemblance??

This is a picture of Abby and my dad. Everyone calls him Pete, even though that isn't his name. (That must be a southern thing, one of my aunts, my mom and myself were all called something else. Or maybe it's just our family!!) This picture was too cute to not share!

My dad works hard. He always has. When I was little he worked full time at Carrier and he and my mom had a chimney sweep business also. He still works for Carrier, just out of town now. He also runs a farm. I know that this is hard work and I don't see how he does it.

He lives just down the road from us but we hardly ever see him. He is too busy to stop and I know if we go down there alot it only takes away from the time he has to get his work done. He loves it when the kids come down there though. Logan is in his element down there. He LOVES being outside. He just runs and runs. He doesn't seem to mind all the animals either. He just ignores them like he does his sister!

Everyone loves a blanket!!!

2007-12-09T12:33:00.000-06:00

Hmmm...Let's see what I am doing here.
I saw this fleece fabric at Hobby Lobby and I had to have it. The puzzle piece pattern is the symbol for autism awareness. I though it was appropriate. I am making 2 tie blankets, one for Braden and one for a very special family we know. Hopefully they won't meander over here and see it! I though I would share exactly how I make them in case someone else wants to make one too!! It is relatively inexpensive and easy to do. I bought this fabric for 5.99 and 7.99 a yard.

For an kid/adult blanket you need 1 1/2 yards of fabric in 2 different coordinating patterns. (For a baby blanket use 1 yard of fabric.)

Place the fabric on top of each other with the right sides facing out. Trim the fabric so that it is roughly the same size. You then need to decide how long you want your fringe to be. I think mine is around 3 inches. The most important part of the blanket is making sure you cut a "square" out at each corner. (Shown above.)

After you cut the square on each corner you need to go around the entire fabric cutting your fringe. It doesn't have to be perfect. You can make the fringe as wide/narrow as you like. The wider, the less cuts and ties you have to make. (brilliant!!) Although, I think the narrow ties better. It's your choice. To keep up with the length of the fringe, (that does need to be about the same) I made a mark on my scissors to use as a guide. Start at one corner and go all the way around the fabrics (they are still on top of each other) so that you are cutting both pieces of fabric at once.
Once you get done cutting the fringe, it is time for the tying. Start at one corner and take a piece of fringe from both fabrics, one on top of the other, and tie a knot.

A single knot, not a double. Tie the fringe tight the first time around so you don't have to go back over it.

You will want to make sure that you tie each knot the same way. You want the fringe from the top pattern to be on the bottom side, and vice versa. (see above pic.) It doesn't have to be this way, but I think it looks much better like this.

This is how the fringe will look as you are tying it. Just go all the way around the fabric tying the knots in the same way.

This is what your finished product will look like!! It only takes an hour or so to do.

After you finish roll it up and use a scrap piece of fabric to tie it with.

I had so much fun making this!! I love that it is no sew!!

Ready for giving!!!!!!!!!!!

Should've been a Cowboy!!

2007-12-09T10:19:00.001-06:00

Let me be the first to tell you that this scene is really weird. My boys do not like ANYTHING on their heads. We don't do caps, toboggans, party hats, ear muffs, hoods, nothing. We no longer even attempt it because it causes such meltdowns. Logan has been wearing this cowboy hat VOLUNTARILY. He puts it on himself and wears it around. Strange, very very strange.

This hat has some history to it. It was my brother, Jamie's hat when he was around Logan's age. He used to walk around with it on and cowboy boots. No matter what he had on, he wore this hat and cowboy boots. Even with shorts. He was so cute! He had this plastic guitar that he would play too. We actually have him on tape doing this. His favorite song to sing was "Honky tonk man" by Dwight Yokam. What memories!!

Why do my boys always have dirty faces?? The more I wash them, the dirtier they get!!

This picture just screams "redneck." I think its the teeth!

He's really getting excited that I'm taking so many pictures of him.

Now he looks like a country singer. They all have their cowboy hats so far down on their heads you wonder if they have faces!

I think he is done with the photo shoot. No more Mom!!

Now We're Cookin'

2007-12-09T09:34:00.000-06:00

Isn't she so sweet?! This spoon is a little bit big for her just yet, but it kept her entertained while I got the dishes washed!

I can't believe that she is almost 6 months old already!! She is getting so big, so fast. It seems like she has always been a part of the family.

Trad says that if I had had a girl first that we probably wouldn't have had any more children! LoL!!

Sweet Love...

2007-12-07T19:59:00.000-06:00

Braden just loves Abby. He is so gentle with her, even the first time he saw her. He would put his face up to hers so she could kiss him. He would leave it there until we made a "muah" sound and he thought she kissed him! He doesn't share anything with anyone, but her. As I stated in a previous blog, he has tried to share his sundrop and a chocolate cupcake with her. And anyone that knows Braden knows he loves his chocolate! I am so glad that he is such a good brother.

Braden gabbin' with Abby

He loves sittin' by sister.

This one is my favorite!! It is my desktop background.

God's Boxes

2007-12-06T20:24:00.000-06:00

This was sent to me in an email by my good friend, Rennie. I don't know the author, but I thought I should pass it on...

I have in my hands two boxes, Which God gave me to hold.

He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box, And all your joys in the gold."

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,

Both my joys and sorrows I stored,

But though the gold became heavier each day,

The black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black,

I wanted to find out why,

And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole,

Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused,

"I wonder where my sorrows could be!"

He smiled a gentle smile and said,

"My child, they're all here with me.."

I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,

Why the gold and the black with the hole?

"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,

The black is for you to let go."

The good, the bad and the ugly...

2007-12-03T21:39:00.000-06:00

Today started out bad...I took Logan to school, no problems. Then I made the short trek from the high school to the elementary school to take Braden. I had bought snacks for his class at Sam's so they were in big boxes. I pinned him between me and the car so I could pick them up. (He is a runner...you can't let him go or he gets away from you.) Well, he got away from me. He ALMOST got ran over by a van! I screamed at him to stop and the woman heard me and stopped. She just looked at me like I was horrible. (And so did everyone else.) I cried all the way home.

I AM NOT GOING TO WIN MOTHER OF THE YEAR LIKE THIS!!!

On a lighter note...

We had to take all 3 kids to town in Trad's car. It is a little suv. Very little. Braden was in the middle. He tends to cry when Trad gets out of the car. To distract him I gave him a sundrop bottle. (It only had one drink in it.) He loves to drink out of bottles so it worked. Trad drove them home while I drove the other car. When I got home he told me Braden "shared" with Abby. When he went to get Abby out of the car she had the sundrop bottle trying to get something out of it. She is only 5 months old!!!

He also shared his cupcake with her!!!!

Ain't he sweet????

Happy 18th Birthday Chris!!!

2007-12-02T19:51:00.000-06:00

Today is my nephew's 18th birthday. Since his birthday is so close to Christmas he asked for a combination present this year. He asked the family for a laptop. Chris has plans to attend ITT after graduating high school.

We are all so very proud of Chris and his accomplishments. As a family we have high hopes for him. It seems like only yesterday he was a cute little boy. Now he has grown into an adult.

Best wishes for a Happy Birthday Christopher!!! We love you so much!!

A room with a view...

2007-11-28T15:32:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official. Logan has moved into his new room. The move has been coming for some time now. We moved him out of his room when Abby was born. Since then, he has shared a room with Braden. That was a terrible idea on our part. We didn't have any other choice.

Or so we thought...

We decided to move Logan into the utility room. I know what you are thinking...Aren't most utility rooms the size of a closet?? Not ours. When the house was originally built it was intended to be a bedroom. Since then it has been everything but. When I was little it was our dining room. When we were older it became the office/computer room. Then when mama got sick we moved the washer and dryer upstairs and it became the utility room.

After about 3 months of Logan barely sleeping at all we decided to give this a try. That paired with his crib literally about to fall apart. A few weeks ago both boys figured out how to climb in and out of the crib. They have basically been using it as a trampoline ever since.

Why is Logan still in a crib you ask?? We tried to move him out of it a few months ago. We bought both boys a twin bed. Braden made the transition from a toddler bed to the twin bed just fine. Logan was not ready and after a week of no sleep we gave in and put the crib back up.

Since Braden figured out how to get in the crib Logan has been crying alot at night. We have decided that he is scared that Braden would get in there with him, and he has a few times.

We moved everything out of the utility room besides the washer and dryer and the freezer. They should be going downstairs once it warms up in the spring. I moved all the food out of the pantry and turned it into a closet. We moved Braden's old toddler bed upstairs. Monday night was the first night Logan stayed in his new room.

He slept all night!!

He took a nap in his room on Tuesday and last night it happened again.

He slept all night!!

I am so proud of him and so excited that he is moving on from that "baby" stage into the "big boy" stage. I am also proud that I can stop pulling out my hair!

The only down side to Logan being moved out is...

Braden has woke up both nights!!!

I can't win for losing!!!!!

Don't laugh at me...

2007-11-27T20:27:00.000-06:00

This one is a 2-fer. I am going to have to tell a background story to get to the story I want to tell.

I have a birth defect. Those of you who know me personally know that. You can't miss it. It isn't something that I especially like to talk about, but I don't mind anyone asking questions. It isn't something that I could ever hide if I wanted to. It won't go away and there is nothing that I can do about that. God made me this way for a reason and I have accepted that. If you want more information on it you can go to...http://www.smiletrain.org/

Because of this birth defect I have not had the easiest life. I addition to the many many operations that I have had to endure, I have also had to deal with constant teasing and being made fun of. Third grade was the most difficult for me. There was a girl in my class who was a lawyers child, so she pretty much got away with whatever. This girl made fun of me every day. I would come home crying every day asking my mama why I had to be like this. I can't imagine the heartbreak that my mother went through in hearing this. She even wrote a letter to the editor that year pleading for it to stop. Alot of parents called her, wanting to make sure that it wasn't their child doing the damage. Of course, the parents of the girl that was doing it didn't call. My teacher was no help that year. In order to deal with the girl, she sent ME to counseling classes! To this day I still despise that lady.

It wasn't just 3rd grade though, it was every grade. At least until I got into high school it was. Around 7th or 8th grade I learned to take up for myself. The damage was done already though. I think that because of this I matured much faster than those my age. I have always felt more comfortable with people older than me. It has for the most part shaped who I am today.

Because of this I have NEVER and would NEVER make fun of someone. If you see someone in public and they are acting strange or their kids are acting strange or seem to be misbehaving don't judge. You never know what someone else is going through.

My mama told me a story when I was little. She said that when she was in grade school and was at recess one day there was a little girl who wanted to play with her and her friends. She said that she was mean to the little girl and didn't let her play with them. She said that that night the little girl died. She said that she never got to tell her she was sorry or anything. She always regretted that. That story has also made a big impact on my life.

Next story...

Because of all of this that has happened over my life, I am very protective of my children. They are autistic and do not know and understand alot of things. They do things that aren't normal to others even though it is to them. No one really knows what goes on in their heads.

You would think that being around your family would be the one place where you could be yourself without the worry of being judged. I have found out first hand that this is not true. I had a horrible Thanksgiving thanks to one family member. Maybe I jump too fast at someone saying something about my child. This family member wasn't an adult, but not a small child either. I think she was old enough to not act the way she did towards my child.

Yes, he was doing something that would have been inappropriate for a normal child. He is AUTISTIC. He does quirky things, crazy things, silly things, and yes, gross things. I have just learned to accept it.

I am not sure what to do about this. Do people not choose to teach their children about making fun of others?? I don't know if I should just let it go or try and do something about it??

I am heartbroken over this. I love my family, but I love my children more. I will never let anyone hurt my children if I can help it.

But it's FREE!!

2007-11-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

For years and years I worked at Wal-Mart. I ALWAYS had to work the day after Thanksgiving. That meant of course that I never got to shop the sales. I guess I didn't really want to, but not having the option to was torture.

When I finally quit I decided that I would go in Wal-Mart during the blitz (Wal-Mart lingo for the after-Thanksgiving deals) just because I could. Well, I was hooked. Now I am not one of these crazy people that would stand in line for hours just to get a toy or electronics. I do, however, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the beginning of the Christmas season.

That's right...I said I ENJOY going shopping on black Friday.

(I am getting way off the original subject here!)

Ok...So I get up at 3 am this morning so I can get a shower and be at JC Penney by 4 am, when they opened. As I am standing in line I hear a few people talking about why they are also there, standing in line at 4 am. It isn't the great sales, it is the free snow globe you get. You read it correctly, we fools were standing in line for a freakin' snow globe! (And I do this every year.) How funny are we as humans to go to such great lengths just to get something free?!!

Now I didn't buy anything at JC Penney and I am not sure about the other people either. I had to hurry because my next stop was Wal-Mart, where nothing is free, but the prices are good. I would not have otherwise went to Penney's. I am sure that if they stop the snow globes that they will lose business.

People just like free things and will do crazy things to get them!

Shop til you drop!!

2007-11-22T17:47:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I took two of my favorite girls shopping. Lucy and Rachel are our babysitters. Our boys love them more than us! When they come over we can never tell who has a better time, the girls or the boys!

We are completely blessed to have them in our lives. I don't know what we would do sometimes without them! They are so responsible and well-behaved for their age. I have to give their parents credit for that! I was having a conversation with Trad about going shopping with them. I told him that I didn't think that I would ever volunteer to take two 13-year-olds shopping. They are the exception though. We would adopt them if their parents would let us!

Back to the trip...

Rachel & Abby posin' with the reindeer bush @ the Avenue

I had mentioned to them that the new shopping center was open in Murfreesboro. They said that they would like to go and I told them that I would take them. It turned out to be Friday after they got out of school. They wanted to buy some Christmas presents and look around. I think we had the most fun in the Children's Place. We all love that store. We went to the cookie store where they both got a cookie. Then we went on to the chocolate factory, where I got a raspberry truffle. :) We ran into some friends of theirs at Barnes and Noble. They had a great time showing Abby off. I didn't have to hold her the entire night. From there we went on to Old Navy, the mall, and finally Target. We all found some gifts, so I guess we were successful.

Lucy & Abby with the giant ornaments @ the Avenue

I had a really good time. I was really sick with a sinus infection. I actually still have it. I didn't want to disappoint them by postponing the trip though. It was good for me to get out. It took my mind off my pain for a while. Hopefully we will be able to go shopping again soon!

Thankfulness...

2007-11-21T20:06:00.000-06:00

I feel like we get wrapped up in the holidays every year. The cooking and cleaning and shopping tends to take away from the actual day itself. I just want to take the time to reflect on the things that I am thankful for...

big hugs when I pick up my boys from school
the time I get to spend with Trad when he gets home at night
forgiveness
memories of my mother
my very good friends who I feel I can go to for anything
seeing my daughter developing normally
the plan of salvation
old movies and musicals
butterscotch
modern medicine
a wonderful country to live in
good books
digital cameras
the rain
milkshakes
waterfalls
a handwritten cookbook of my mama's
trips to Gatlinburg
contacts
wildflowers
rice krispie treats
comfortable shoes
time with my family

I could go on and on. These things make me happy. I am happy with my life right now. I could always use some improvement though! Things are difficult sometimes and it isn't always fun, but I wouldn't trade my life with anyone else's. I am very thankful this year. My family is complete and I am most thankful for that.

New Beginnings...

2007-11-19T18:10:00.001-06:00

With yesterday being Logan's 3rd birthday, today was his 1st day of PRESCHOOL!!
Logan getting ready to leave the house for school. He wears his John Deere shirts alot. He had his backpack on for like 2 milliseconds but I wasn't fast enough with the camera! He has his pop tarts in hand.
This is Logan and Abby in the car. We are at school and getting Logan out.
Here Logan is out of the car and walking up to the school. Note he still has a pop tart.
This is Logan exploring his surroundings. He seemed to do ok. He didn't even notice when we left, which is what Braden did also. He still has his pop tart.

When I picked him up, his teacher, Mrs Jill, said that he had a really good day. He ate cookies for snack. He jumped on the trampoline, which he won't do at home. He made a cornucopia during art time. He was playing with dinosaurs when I came to pick him up. They said he had been playing with them for a while.

He just might get one for Christmas. Trad really liked dinosaurs when he was little. He was happy to hear that Logan was playing with them also.

I didn't cry when I dropped Logan off this morning. I cried with Braden. I have seen the improvement that it has made in Braden and how much he loves it. I think that it will be really good for Logan also and he seems to be happy there too. At least it is a change of scenery for him. I know he will do good in preschool. My baby boy is in school now.

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-19T16:57:00.000-06:00

We had Thanksgiving early at our house. We ate yesterday because Trad has to work all day on Thanksgiving. We combined it with Logan's birthday.

I made the usual food. We had turkey and dressing, ham, mashed potatoes, potato salad, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, corn casserole, broccoli casserole, watergate salad, peas, green beans, gravy, strawberry salad and rolls.

Most people come for the broccoli and corn casseroles. I make the broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes and peas for my brother, Jamie. I usually only get to cook for him once or twice a year, so I always make them. Mike, April's husband comes for the corn casserole. This year I added the strawberry salad to the menu. My Aunt Sue always makes it for Christmas and I always love it. I decided to get the recipe and try it out for myself. It was easy to make and everyone loved it too. If there is one thing that I have brought to the family it is the love of casseroles.

Nikki & Kyle

All the nephews and Nikki are growing up so fast. They are all taller than I am besides Nikki. I remember when they were all so little. Chris will be 18 in just a few weeks. He was only 7 when I came into the picture. Nikki was only 2. I have watched them grow up over the years but it seems like it happened all at once. I blinked and all 5 of them aren't little kids anymore. I guess it will be the same way with Kaylee and my kids.

My brother Jamie (I think he looks like a writer in those clothes and hairstyle.)

My brother is one of the biggest sources of stress in my life. Mostly because I let him be though. I feel like I have to be his sister and his mother since Mama died. I am getting better about letting him make his own choices and mistakes without saying anything. I want him to have the best life he can have. He has settled down somewhat. He has a steady job and just got a promotion. He seems to like it and that makes me really happy.

Grandpa & Abigail

Trad's dad sure does love all the girls in the family. He preferred his daughters over his sons. He now prefers his granddaughters over his grandsons. He is particularly sweet when he talks to Abby. She just smiles back at him. I hope that he is around long enough for her to remember him when she gets older.

The other Jamie & Abby

This is the other Jamie. To make things confusing, she is Jamie's girlfriend. So either way you go you have Jamie. She really loves Abby. (I think she loves all kids). She has some nieces and nephews that are little too. Abby took to her pretty well. I think that she has been a good thing for Jamie. I hope that continues.

I am thankful for all of my family this year. I think I am especially thankful because I know our little family is complete. Abby is the last of the family. This is the first Thanksgiving with the complete "P" family. I think that yesterday was a wonderful day and I am glad that I was able to celebrate it with my family.

Happy 3rd Birthday Logan!!

2007-11-19T16:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Logan's 3rd birthday. He was born November 18, 2004. He seems to be our most difficult child. He is also the sweetest when he wants to be. He is so loving. If you hold your arms out you will almost always get a big hug from Logan. He has the most beautiful blue eyes and blond hair. He is very handsome. Logan loves to play outside. Right now I think he would live outside if he could. Lately he has been playing with toys more, which is a change.

He got a movie from Daddy, Mama, Braden and Abby. Uncle Jamie also got him a movie (though I think Logan liked the bag it was in better). Aunt April and family got him a Thomas flashlight. When everyone sung Happy Birthday to him he was so excited. He didn't understand why he was in the spotlight. I think he really liked it.

I am so glad that Logan is my son. He is a great joy to me and the rest of the family. I think he had a really good birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BISCUIT!!!

The million dollar question...

2007-11-18T20:18:00.000-06:00

Here I am in the middle of cooking Thanksgiving dinner and something occurs to me...

I am making a ridiculously large amount of deviled eggs. I am using all of my nice pampered chef utensils to make everything look nice. I am cutting the eggs in half...placing them on the deviled egg dish...there is an odd number of spaces on the dish!

If you half an egg you get TWO pieces...

Two is an EVEN number (last time I checked)

So why in the world would there be an ODD number of spaces???

I HAVE to know the answer to this or I will lose sleep!!!

The only thing that I can figure out is that a MAN designed this dish. One that has never made deviled eggs...