Egyptian Project

Dylan had a big project to make for school. They were studying Egypt and he had to pick a project to make that took at least 2 hours. Parents weren't supposed to do it for them and I took that quite literally. He decided to make a sarcophagus. We found a box that worked perfectly. I made some play dough and he did the rest. He spent 3 afternoons working on it. He came up with the picture to copy and wrote in hieroglyphics on the sides. They showcased their work on Friday for parents to come see it all. There were some really fun things there. I personally think his was the best. He did great!!

A funny reminder

I climbed into my car last week to find this note taped to the steering wheel. I don't know where I got him from but he is super funny. He thinks he is so grown up and at times like this I tend to agree.

Notice the "Remember who you are. Make good choices." Do you think I say that often enough to him?! Not so sure myself :)

A day in the life of me

The reason she does it all.
The dark hours of morning.
Yup, the clock.
the shoes.
The dishes that never go away.
Another pile of laundry.
a room in desperate need of attention.

Once upon a time in a land far away there lived a girl/lady/mom. Her days began in the dark hours of morning. She would wake up at 5:45 a.m. (yes I know how early that is). She would brush her teeth, throw on some exercise clothes & shoes, grab a hat and the ipod and mentally prepare herself for the day by doing her favorite thing.... RUNNING! Yes, to some that is insane and she is well aware of her insanity, especially when the afternoon arrives and she is dragging a bit. But alas, she does it anyway. She and her 2 running buddies brave the elements to run. It's a time to breath, chat and start the day with one goal accomplished by 7 am. Then the rest of her day begins. Depending on the day, she gets herself somewhat cleaned up while getting her 2 favorite boys awake. She sends them off to school, after reminders to be good and make good choices. The next few hours are spent with her 2 little friends - Natalie and Riley. They run around, play with toys, and giggle while she attempts to clean up the breakfast mess along with the leftover dinner mess from the night before. A batch of laundry is always on the agenda along with random room pick ups. With a sigh in her heart she sends the two little ones off to school and does 1 of 2 things - either relax for a brief moment or run around getting errands taken care of and things done that are much easier to do alone, usually the later. A trip to Jake's for a beverage is a must for her. She knows and has been reminded that a beverage makes her a much happier person. The hours go by quickly and the little ones come home with smiles on their faces and stories to tell. They have snacks and run around giggling until the other big kids get home to tell their tales. After homework, reading, dinner, and the never ending other activities the day is all but gone. The kids are tucked into bed with a kiss and a hug and she is left to chat with her sweetheart and maybe even read a chapter in an endless list of must read books. Her life is full and good. She is always busy and always wondering where the days go. She looks at her "peeps", as she calls them, and tries to remember things that they say or things that they do so she will never forget. She loves her family, her house.... and her alarm clock - as it goes off again at 5:45 am to start another day. And they all lived happily ever after. The End!

It's heaven to be 7!!!!

"Hurry Mom!!!!"

Super cute smile!

spy picture
a wild bunch of boys
decked out with his spy gear.
All of the essentials.
blowing out the candles.
The cake - had to be a spy face. It was pretty sad but I tried.
me & my buddy.

It was a week of partying!! Braxton turned 7 on Friday and let me just say that his actual birthday was the 3rd day of celebrating his birthday. It was a crazy fun week for him. It all started with his birthday party with his friends on Tuesday. He had to invite all of his BOY friends - no girls allowed. Except Nati of course. So we had twelve 7 year olds here. Jason was out of town for work so I enlisted Dylan and his friend Wyatt to help me out for the big to do. He wanted a Spy Party. I found little spy kits at the dollar store and made black fabric bags to put all of the spy stuff in. I also found badges to put their picture in once they got here. We played spy games and had pizza and cookies. He had a blast and got some really fun things. He loves his football - who knew?! Then Wednesday night we had grandparents over for cake and ice cream. He got more spy stuff. He has a lie detector test so don't try to pull one over on him! Then on Friday we let him do pretty much whatever he wanted. We went to McDonald's for dinner and stayed up watching whatever he wanted. We sure do love him and are so happy he is ours. He makes me laugh everyday and will still (much to my surprise and complete and utter joy) hold my hand. He gives me hugs all the time just for random things. He is so smart and so much fun to be around. Happy Birthday to my buddy!!!

Forever Friends

I have a great life. I had the best family to grow up with. I have the best family now. The time between being a grown up and not a little girl was spent with these girls. I hope they are alright with me posting these pictures :) This was our senior year in High School. We had so much fun and I cherish the memories I have of those years. We shared stories of first kisses, first dances, first time driving, first everything. We were together every weekend, in between boys and other extra curricular activities. We were always there for each other - good or bad - we were there. We cried together over bad grades, bad boys, bad teachers, tickets, car accidents. You name it - we uplifted each other day after day. I wouldn't be the person I am today without these friends. We have all moved on in life. Went to school, got married, moved away, started families and careers. We get together when we can, usually a Christmas party for those in town for the holidays. I love these ladies so much!! Last week our friendship was strengthened and we all came together again to uplift each other. One of these wonderful friends lost her daughter. We all cried together over facebook, email, and finally together in person. I won't go into detail out of respect for her but I just need to say that I am in awe of this friend. Her courage, faith and hope left me feeling grateful for all that I have. I know she will be alright. There will most certainly be times of heartache but she is stronger than she thinks. Thank you for your example dear friend. I love that after all these years we are all still friends, still there for each other, no matter what. Love you girls!!

Never Forget

It's October again. I know I am a little passionate about it but I can't help it. It doesn't take a long time so please do your self checks. I know it doesn't catch them all but at least it's making an effort. I do it often and I even had a mammogram this year. Let's all be Survivors! Here's to 1 year Cancer Free!!! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't know what I would do without my mom. I know many have fought valiantly and some have lost the battle. To them I say - You are hero's. We love you. We miss you. We are learning more each day and we are hoping for a cure. We will keep moving forward but we will never forget you!!

Surprise!

Each day at around 3:35 I await the news of how Braxton did at school. He has been so good since the week of the fight, which turned out to be the Star Student week. I shouldn't worry anymore but my anxious side takes over and I can't help but worry. So yesterday at approximately 3:38 I hear the door open, foot steps, backpacks drop, quiet talking and in walks Dylan. He says "Braxton has something to tell you." I take a deep breath and Braxton comes in - grinning as big as he can to show his missing tooth. Oh my, that kid is so great. He "worked on it all day til I finally pulled it out." The teacher gave him a little envelope to put it in and he got to pick out a sticker and a pencil. I can't tell you how much I love this little guy. He makes my day everyday, with a few little blunders now and then, but all in all he is my angel - with one less tooth!

Peaches, peaches and more peaches

Don't they just look so yummy!!
Lynette, Grandma and Mom.
Jars, jars and more jars.
Part of my love of the Fall season are the smells and the yummy food that accompany those smells. The leaves are changing, the weather is just perfect and Grandma Beth is canning her peaches. She does this every year. The last few years my Aunt Lynette has flown here from Georgia to help her get it all done. This year my mom took a day off to go and visit and do a little canning on the side. It was a fun week. We went to lunch a couple of times but my favorite is the canning. I didn't do much - actually I didn't do anything but....eat the peelings. I LOVE to eat the peach peelings. It's my favorite! They all think I'm a little off but I can't help myself. It reminds me of the good old days when all of us kids would spend the days with Grandma while she canned. Grandpa would take us for a ride in the back of the truck to what was then called Harts to get a drink. We thought we were so lucky. We were! I love the memories I have of Grandma & Grandpa's house and love that my kids are getting to enjoy the same thing.